Amsterdam, Paris and Barcelona were the first European cities I travelled through by myself in my mid-20s.
In my first outing on my own after moving to the UAE from the US, it felt very much like a stereotypical travel adventure and one that left me with fond memories.
It was also a catalyst for me to persevere with solo travel in the decade since.
This week, it was announced that the EU would be changing its entry rules, introducing the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (or Etias) to travellers from 58 countries including the US, UK and UAE, set to start in 2024.
Although it’s not a change in visa-process (travel to Europe is still visa-free for Americans), it is a bit of a surprise because it requires more paperwork, more planning and a fee of €7 ($7.80). No official start date has yet been announced.
Some seem to be upset by the news but I think it's a good reminder that there is more to to see in the world, and more places to travel to, than just Europe.
While it remains to be seen how much this may affect tourism, if there’s one thing I’ve learnt it's that sometimes its better to go off the beaten path.
It feels easy to romanticise walking the streets of Paris with the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop or eating pizza and pasta in Rome.
And while there is nothing wrong with either of those things, there is still a lot more worth discovering elsewhere.
Europe feels like it is becoming oversaturated because of an influx of tourists, so why go where everyone else goes?
In the past few years, some of my favourite places that I have visited have been in East Asia.
I know I am not gatekeeping as the region has become more popular for travel in the past few years but it still doesn't seem to get enough attention (or recognition), especially from western travellers.
Tokyo wowed me as a modern metropolis, blending skyscrapers with ancient temples and a culture of unparalleled politeness
Evelyn Lau
Vibrant Hong Kong holds a special place in my heart, not only because it's my mother's birthplace but also because it has a mesmerising fusion of cultures, where East meets West.
From bustling night markets to breathtaking views from Victoria Peak and delicious dim sum and yummy egg tarts, there are a treasure trove of experiences on offer.
Tokyo wowed me as a modern metropolis, blending skyscrapers with ancient temples and a culture of unparalleled politeness.
One of the favourite memories is going to the Japanese cinema to watch Avengers: Infinity War and being impressed with how the entire audience stayed quiet until the very end, further cementing their courteous reputation.
Seoul has won me over as a city of contrasts, where traditional hanok villages coexist with bustling shopping districts and neon-lit entertainment areas.
It feels like a place that has come into its own thanks to the popularity of Korean drama shows and K-pop. It's a city of hidden gems, where winding alleys and hidden cafes offer delightful surprises at every turn.
And those are just some of the more popular cities to visit in Asia.
I can understand the appeal of wanting to go to Europe because when I moved abroad, it was the first place I thought of visiting. But these days, there should be more open-mindedness about travelling.
But it isn’t just Asia on my radar. Africa often feels like another overlooked destination, especially for Americans.
I took a solo trip to Zanzibar in 2016 and had an amazing experience. The island has some of the clearest blue water I've ever seen and the people are so kind and simply joyful to be around.
My next holiday is a family trip to Tanzania with the hopes of witnessing the Great Migration as well as exploring the country’s national parks and beaches. It's always been my mum's dream of going on a safari and there is no better place.
And we cannot forget destinations in the Middle East. I've lived in the UAE for almost a decade and I've seen the tremendous strides the region has made to become more tourist-friendly.
There is a unique blend of tradition and modernity, with plenty of entertainment and activities. Whether it's luxury shopping, Michelin-starred dinning, or indoor skiing, there is something for everyone.
Within the GCC, I've also been to Muscat, which is only a few hours drive from Abu Dhabi. I've explored historic forts, palaces and mosques that are a testament to Oman's rich cultural heritage.
I also got to experience first-hand the kindness and warmth of Omanis, which is one of their trademarks.
I've also been to Riyadh for a work trip. Although it wasn't very long, I was pleasantly surprised when visiting in 2020. Boulevard Riyadh City felt unlike anything that I had been around and certainly unlike the Saudi Arabia often depicted in the media. It was hip and lively and felt very welcoming to tourists, with brands such as Randy's Donuts from Los Angeles even hosting a pop-up.
As Europe begins to consider whether it wants to implement new entry rules, I think this is also a good time for travellers – especially fellow Americans – to be reminded there are other places to go on holiday.
If you go
The flights Etihad (www.etihad.com) and Spice Jet (www.spicejet.com) fly direct from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Pune respectively from Dh1,000 return including taxes. Pune airport is 90 minutes away by road.
The hotels A stay at Atmantan Wellness Resort (www.atmantan.com) costs from Rs24,000 (Dh1,235) per night, including taxes, consultations, meals and a treatment package.
RESULTS
1.45pm: Handicap (TB) Dh80,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
Winners: Hyde Park, Royston Ffrench (jockey), Salem bin Ghadayer (trainer)
2.15pm: Conditions (TB) Dh100,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner: Shamikh, Ryan Curatolo, Nicholas Bachalard
2.45pm: Conditions (TB) Dh100,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Hurry Up, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer.
3.15pm: Shadwell Jebel Ali Mile Group 3 (TB) Dh575,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Blown by Wind, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer
3.45pm: Handicap (TB) Dh72,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Mazagran, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.
4.15pm: Handicap (TB) Dh64,000 (D) 1,950m
Winner: Obeyaan, Adrie de Vries, Mujeeb Rehman
4.45pm: Handicap (TB) Dh84,000 (D) 1,000m
Winner: Shanaghai City, Fabrice Veron, Rashed Bouresly.
How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
Tamkeen's offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
- Option 2: 50% across three years
- Option 3: 30% across five years
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
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A new relationship with the old country
Treaty of Friendship between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates
The United kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates; Considering that the United Arab Emirates has assumed full responsibility as a sovereign and independent State; Determined that the long-standing and traditional relations of close friendship and cooperation between their peoples shall continue; Desiring to give expression to this intention in the form of a Treaty Friendship; Have agreed as follows:
ARTICLE 1 The relations between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates shall be governed by a spirit of close friendship. In recognition of this, the Contracting Parties, conscious of their common interest in the peace and stability of the region, shall: (a) consult together on matters of mutual concern in time of need; (b) settle all their disputes by peaceful means in conformity with the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations.
ARTICLE 2 The Contracting Parties shall encourage education, scientific and cultural cooperation between the two States in accordance with arrangements to be agreed. Such arrangements shall cover among other things: (a) the promotion of mutual understanding of their respective cultures, civilisations and languages, the promotion of contacts among professional bodies, universities and cultural institutions; (c) the encouragement of technical, scientific and cultural exchanges.
ARTICLE 3 The Contracting Parties shall maintain the close relationship already existing between them in the field of trade and commerce. Representatives of the Contracting Parties shall meet from time to time to consider means by which such relations can be further developed and strengthened, including the possibility of concluding treaties or agreements on matters of mutual concern.
ARTICLE 4 This Treaty shall enter into force on today’s date and shall remain in force for a period of ten years. Unless twelve months before the expiry of the said period of ten years either Contracting Party shall have given notice to the other of its intention to terminate the Treaty, this Treaty shall remain in force thereafter until the expiry of twelve months from the date on which notice of such intention is given.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned have signed this Treaty.
DONE in duplicate at Dubai the second day of December 1971AD, corresponding to the fifteenth day of Shawwal 1391H, in the English and Arabic languages, both texts being equally authoritative.
Signed
Geoffrey Arthur Sheikh Zayed
In-demand jobs and monthly salaries
- Technology expert in robotics and automation: Dh20,000 to Dh40,000
- Energy engineer: Dh25,000 to Dh30,000
- Production engineer: Dh30,000 to Dh40,000
- Data-driven supply chain management professional: Dh30,000 to Dh50,000
- HR leader: Dh40,000 to Dh60,000
- Engineering leader: Dh30,000 to Dh55,000
- Project manager: Dh55,000 to Dh65,000
- Senior reservoir engineer: Dh40,000 to Dh55,000
- Senior drilling engineer: Dh38,000 to Dh46,000
- Senior process engineer: Dh28,000 to Dh38,000
- Senior maintenance engineer: Dh22,000 to Dh34,000
- Field engineer: Dh6,500 to Dh7,500
- Field supervisor: Dh9,000 to Dh12,000
- Field operator: Dh5,000 to Dh7,000
Moral education needed in a 'rapidly changing world'
Moral education lessons for young people is needed in a rapidly changing world, the head of the programme said.
Alanood Al Kaabi, head of programmes at the Education Affairs Office of the Crown Price Court - Abu Dhabi, said: "The Crown Price Court is fully behind this initiative and have already seen the curriculum succeed in empowering young people and providing them with the necessary tools to succeed in building the future of the nation at all levels.
"Moral education touches on every aspect and subject that children engage in.
"It is not just limited to science or maths but it is involved in all subjects and it is helping children to adapt to integral moral practises.
"The moral education programme has been designed to develop children holistically in a world being rapidly transformed by technology and globalisation."
Super%20Mario%20Bros%20Wonder
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