If you've lived in the UAE long enough, you're bound to come across what many regard as its "unofficial National Dish": the humble Chips Oman sandwich. Created by placing cheese, a sausage and crushed pieces of Chips Oman within a Kerala-style parotta, this classic dish can be found in cafeterias across the country.
While Chips Oman is from the Sultanate of Oman, there's no doubt that restaurants in the UAE have given these delectable chilli-flavoured crisps their own spicy twist.
From blended drinks to sushi, here's a look at some of the best – and quirkiest – dishes featuring Chips Oman that you can find across Abu Dhabi and Dubai. How many have you tried?
Chips Oman sandwiches (nakanak) from Abdulla Omar Cafeteria
Located at an Eppco petrol station by the Dubai-Al Ain highway, this quaint eatery may not look like much, but it's a favourite among students and passers-by, and serves a variety of Chips Oman dishes for every taste . From cheese potato Oman Chips (Dh4) to hotdog omelette Oman Chips (Dh5), there are a variety of filling options, all stuffed within a piping-hot, fluffy parotta. Pair it with a karak tea and you have yourself an ideal evening meal.
Open daily, 24 hours; prices starting at Dh3 onwards; Eppco Station, Dubai-Al Ain highway, Dubai Silicon Oasis; 055 314 8773
Doughnuts from Donuts Time
Even though Donuts Time is more famous for its sweet creations – from Kinder chocolate to Lotus – but these mini chips and cheese doughnuts pack quite the flavourful punch, too. The doughnuts are made fresh and served hot, and the fact they're oozing with cheese only helps make them even more delicious.
Open daily; Dh16 for four pieces; several locations across Abu Dhabi and Dubai; www.donutstime.ae
The Francisco parotta from Rashid Ali Hassan Cafeteria
Ask Abu Dhabi residents about their go-to place for a Chips Oman sandwich and they'll probably list this venue. The food is served quickly, tastes delicious, and the service is as friendly as it can get. A delicious Francisco parotta – with chunks of chicken in a hot parotta – will only set you back Dh6.
Open daily; Dh6; Al Khaleej Street, Abu Dhabi; 02 445 5020
Chips Oman popcorn from Reel Cinemas
The cinema chain, found in locations like The Dubai Mall and Dubai Marina Mall, launched its Chips Oman popcorn this month. The movie-time snack combines spicy, crunchy pieces of Chips Oman with the salty, buttery goodness of popcorn – a treat we never knew we needed.
Open daily; Dh27; several branches across Dubai; www.reelcinemas.ae
Cheesy Chips Oman Maki Rolls from Moshi
Founded in 2015 by two Dubai-born residents, Moshi is a momo and sushi joint where one can expect a lot of Middle East-inspired fusion dishes. Both traditional sushi lovers and non-sushi eaters should try their cheesy Chips Oman maki rolls, studded with crushed chips. The dish gives sushi an unusual spin, and there's also a chicken version available.
Open daily; Dh32; Al Barsha, Oud Metha, Business Bay; 800 66744; www.moshi.ae
Chips Oman sandwich from Logma
This Emirati restaurant is known for giving Khaleeji cuisine a modern spin and has several branches across Dubai, with another in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia opening soon. Those who want a more upscale version of the Chips Oman sandwich, can try this wrap from this joint, as it comes with cream cheese, hot sauce and the crisps.
Open daily; Dh32; Boxpark, Al Wasl; The Dubai Mall; City Centre Mirdif; www.logma.ae
The nakanak fareej from Burger28
The home-grown burger brand first launched in Abu Dhabi before expanding to Dubai, and it truly loves its Chips Oman. You can find the crisps in a number of dishes, from the arbab mozzarella sticks (with hot sauce and Chips Oman) to a variety of its burgers. But their bestseller is the nakanak fareej or hot dog fareej, intriguingly served within a Chips Oman packet. It's a good one for the 'Gram – and the taste buds.
Open daily; Dh15 for the nakanak fareej; located in MBZ City and Al Mushrif in Abu Dhabi, and Nad Al Hamar in Dubai; www.burger28.com
The Laban Chips Oman from Tent Jumeirah Restaurant
Located on the beach, this restaurant boasts a variety of local dishes with a side of water views. And it also serves a laban and Chips Oman-blended drink that is savoury, with just a hint of spice. It's perfect to quench your thirst and satiate that Chips Oman craving at the same time.
Open daily; 24 hours; Dh12; Umm Suqeim; www.tentjumeirahresturant.com
Chips Oman Regag from Al Labeeb Grocery
Within this quaint grocery store, a vendor makes fresh traditional Emirati regag. This spot is a favourite among students and widely considered a hidden gem. There are several fillings to choose from and a crepe with all the works – cheese, Chips Oman and egg – makes for a surprisingly filling snack.
Open daily; 5pm to 2am; Dh6 for the regag with Chips Oman, cheese and egg; Jumeirah 3; 04 395 6455
Chabab and regag from HumYum
HumYum restaurant is located in several locations across the UAE, and serves classic Emirati food. On the menu are numerous dishes that incorporate Chips Oman, such as the Chips Oman chabab – a sweet Emirati pancake – with cheese. Also on the menu is regag with Chips Oman.
Open daily; Dh11 onwards; branches across Abu Dhabi and Dubai; 04 388 3332
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The specs: 2018 Nissan Patrol Nismo
Price: base / as tested: Dh382,000
Engine: 5.6-litre V8
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 428hp @ 5,800rpm
Torque: 560Nm @ 3,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.7L / 100km
Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha
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Director: Neeraj Pandey
Rating: 2.5/5
The Land between Two Rivers: Writing in an Age of Refugees
Tom Sleigh, Graywolf Press
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
Types of fraud
Phishing: Fraudsters send an unsolicited email that appears to be from a financial institution or online retailer. The hoax email requests that you provide sensitive information, often by clicking on to a link leading to a fake website.
Smishing: The SMS equivalent of phishing. Fraudsters falsify the telephone number through “text spoofing,” so that it appears to be a genuine text from the bank.
Vishing: The telephone equivalent of phishing and smishing. Fraudsters may pose as bank staff, police or government officials. They may persuade the consumer to transfer money or divulge personal information.
SIM swap: Fraudsters duplicate the SIM of your mobile number without your knowledge or authorisation, allowing them to conduct financial transactions with your bank.
Identity theft: Someone illegally obtains your confidential information, through various ways, such as theft of your wallet, bank and utility bill statements, computer intrusion and social networks.
Prize scams: Fraudsters claiming to be authorised representatives from well-known organisations (such as Etisalat, du, Dubai Shopping Festival, Expo2020, Lulu Hypermarket etc) contact victims to tell them they have won a cash prize and request them to share confidential banking details to transfer the prize money.
* Nada El Sawy
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
The five types of long-term residential visas
Obed Suhail of ServiceMarket, an online home services marketplace, outlines the five types of long-term residential visas:
Investors:
A 10-year residency visa can be obtained by investors who invest Dh10 million, out of which 60 per cent should not be in real estate. It can be a public investment through a deposit or in a business. Those who invest Dh5 million or more in property are eligible for a five-year residency visa. The invested amount should be completely owned by the investors, not loaned, and retained for at least three years.
Entrepreneurs:
A five-year multiple entry visa is available to entrepreneurs with a previous project worth Dh0.5m or those with the approval of an accredited business incubator in the UAE.
Specialists
Expats with specialised talents, including doctors, specialists, scientists, inventors, and creative individuals working in the field of culture and art are eligible for a 10-year visa, given that they have a valid employment contract in one of these fields in the country.
Outstanding students:
A five-year visa will be granted to outstanding students who have a grade of 95 per cent or higher in a secondary school, or those who graduate with a GPA of 3.75 from a university.
Retirees:
Expats who are at least 55 years old can obtain a five-year retirement visa if they invest Dh2m in property, have savings of Dh1m or more, or have a monthly income of at least Dh20,000.
Abu Dhabi race card
5pm: Maiden (PA) | Dh80,000 | 1,600m
5.30pm: Maiden (PA) | Dh80,000 | 1,400m
6pm: Liwa Oasis (PA) Group 2 | Dh300,000 | 1,400m
6.30pm: Arabian Triple Crown Round-2 (PA) Group 3 | Dh300,000 | 2,200m
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup (PA) Handicap | Dh70,000 | 1,600m
7.30pm: Maiden (TB) | Dh80,000 | 2,200m
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
War 2
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana
Rating: 2/5
Conflict, drought, famine
Estimates of the number of deaths caused by the famine range from 400,000 to 1 million, according to a document prepared for the UK House of Lords in 2024.
It has been claimed that the policies of the Ethiopian government, which took control after deposing Emperor Haile Selassie in a military-led revolution in 1974, contributed to the scale of the famine.
Dr Miriam Bradley, senior lecturer in humanitarian studies at the University of Manchester, has argued that, by the early 1980s, “several government policies combined to cause, rather than prevent, a famine which lasted from 1983 to 1985. Mengistu’s government imposed Stalinist-model agricultural policies involving forced collectivisation and villagisation [relocation of communities into planned villages].
The West became aware of the catastrophe through a series of BBC News reports by journalist Michael Buerk in October 1984 describing a “biblical famine” and containing graphic images of thousands of people, including children, facing starvation.
Band Aid
Bob Geldof, singer with the Irish rock group The Boomtown Rats, formed Band Aid in response to the horrific images shown in the news broadcasts.
With Midge Ure of the band Ultravox, he wrote the hit charity single Do They Know it’s Christmas in December 1984, featuring a string of high-profile musicians.
Following the single’s success, the idea to stage a rock concert evolved.
Live Aid was a series of simultaneous concerts that took place at Wembley Stadium in London, John F Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, the US, and at various other venues across the world.
The combined event was broadcast to an estimated worldwide audience of 1.5 billion.
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
The specs
Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cyl turbo and dual electric motors
Power: 300hp at 6,000rpm
Torque: 520Nm at 1,500-3,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 8.0L/100km
Price: from Dh199,900
On sale: now
Analysis
Members of Syria's Alawite minority community face threat in their heartland after one of the deadliest days in country’s recent history. Read more
Electoral College Victory
Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate.
Popular Vote Tally
The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
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Read more about the coronavirus
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Leading all-time NBA scorers
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 38,387
Karl Malone 36,928
Kobe Bryant 33,643
Michael Jordan 32,292
LeBron James 31,425
Wilt Chamberlain 31,419
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
