Healthy Emirati Cuisine and Family Fun at City Centre Mirdif this Weekend

Chef Khulood Emirati dishes

The UAE’s most widely-renowned female chef, Khulood Atiq, has just returned from Expo Milan 2015 to showcase how to prepare the best-loved Emirati dishes in a lighter and healthier format.  As part of The Heartburn Public Awareness Campaign, jointly organized by the Emirates Digestive Diseases Group (EDDG) and the Health Promotion Students Committee (HPSC), at the College Of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Chef Khulood will be serving her version of Emirati dessert ‘sago’ made without oil and naturally sweetened.  Visitors to City Centre Mirdif can also consult with Chef Khulood on other favorite family-friendly recipes prepared with fewer calories.

“Given the rising levels of obesity in the Emirates, it can be a major challenge for families in the UAE to make healthy food choices that satisfy everyone’s palate,” said Chef Khulood, the Arabian and Emirati cuisine specialist for Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC).  “From traditional Emirati desserts through to snacks and special dishes for Ramadan, visitors to City Centre Mirdif this weekend can learn more about family food choices that suit their taste buds as well as their waistlines.”
Tobacco-Free Dubai

Complementing the family wellness theme, Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Dubai Municipality (DM) are hosting a ‘Tobacco-Free Dubai’ event at City Centre Mirdif from 28-30 May for both smokers and non-smokers to enjoy free health screening, lung testing and counselling about healthy lifestyle choices.

Hag Al Laila

The family’s youngest members also have something they can look forward to ­ the celebration of Hag Al Laila, a tradition in the UAE, during which children wear national dress to collect sweet treats ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.  On Monday, 1 June, families visiting City Centre Mirdif as well as City Centre Deira can enjoy Hag Al Laila festivities.