There’s nothing like a cool treat to beat the Dubai heat, and this summer, visitors flying into Dubai International Airport (DXB) are in for a delightful surprise, thanks to a collaboration between Brand Dubai and Dubai Airports.

As part of the #DubaiDestinations campaign, colourful ice cream trucks have rolled into DXB’s arrivals area, dishing out frosty delights to jet-lagged passengers, all for free.

Who’s behind the scoop?
It’s none other than KUHP, a quirky, homegrown brand under the ‘Proudly from Dubai’ umbrella. Think premium swirls, chilled drinks, and major “Instagram it before you eat it” vibes.

“We want every arrival to feel the Dubai difference from the moment they land,” say organisers.

From the sweet aroma wafting through the terminal to the flash of the bright trucks, this isn’t your average airport snack stop; it’s a whole summer mood. The idea? Make every traveller’s first taste of Dubai as memorable as the city.

Cool campaign, cooler cause
Beyond just beating the heat, the move also spotlights Dubai’s creative spirit and shines a light on local businesses. It’s a clever way to turn the arrivals hall into an experience, and a pretty sweet start to any UAE adventure.

So next time you land in DXB, keep your eyes peeled near Terminal 3 arrivals. A free ice cream might be the first thing you taste in Dubai,  and not the last.

One of Abu Dhabi’s long-standing Pakistani restaurants, Pak Ravi, has been ordered to shut down by the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), sparking disappointment among foodies. The closure was part of a broader crackdown that saw a total of five restaurants and one supermarket shut this week for violating food safety regulations.

In a post shared on Instagram, ADAFSA revealed that the closures were the result of routine inspections aimed at ensuring public health and safety. The authority reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for violations that endanger residents’ well-being.

Along with Pak Ravi, the establishments ordered to close include Lahore Garden Grill Restaurant and Cafeteria, Karak Future Cafeteria, Salty Desi Darbar Restaurant, Al Maqamcorner Restaurant, and Rich and Fresh Supermarket.

The specific violations committed by these businesses were not detailed, but ADAFSA said the actions were taken in accordance with Law No. (2) of 2008 concerning food safety in the emirate and its executive regulations. This law empowers authorities to take administrative action, including suspension and closure, against outlets that fail to meet hygiene and safety standards.

Just a day earlier, another restaurant, Rupashi Bangla Restaurant, located on Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street, was also shut down after inspectors found it to be in serious breach of food safety laws. Officials said the Bengali eatery posed a direct threat to public health, and it has since been served an administrative closure order.

Food safety officials in the capital conduct regular inspections of restaurants, supermarkets, and other food establishments across the emirate. The goal, they say, is to ensure that businesses adhere to strict hygiene practices and protect consumer health.

Residents are encouraged to report any suspected violations or unsafe practices by contacting the Abu Dhabi Government Contact Centre at 800 555.

Exciting news for households, restaurants, and eateries across the UAE. Onions, a vital ingredient in countless dishes, are set to become more affordable. Thanks to India’s decision to abolish export duties on onions — its most significant export — this essential kitchen staple will soon be more accessible, making it easier for everyone to enjoy their favourite dishes at a lower cost.

The announcement, made yesterday (March 25 )by India’s Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, is expected to bring down onion prices across the GCC, including in the UAE, as well as in Bangladesh, Nepal, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka.

For months, high export duties — peaking at 40% before being reduced to 20% — had kept onion prices inflated. But with this duty now completely removed, experts predict a significant drop in onion prices, making them more affordable for shoppers across the region.

India, known as the world’s onion powerhouse, is the primary supplier to the Gulf states, where the vegetable is a must-have ingredient in countless dishes. Other major exporters include Pakistan, China, and Egypt, but Indian onions have long dominated the market due to their quality and availability.

Good News for Farmers Too!

While UAE consumers will benefit from lower prices, Indian farmers are also celebrating. The removal of export duties will allow them to sell onions at higher prices globally, boosting their income.

This move is part of India’s broader strategy to ease export restrictions on staple food items, which were previously imposed to control domestic inflation. The Indian government is now progressively revising these policies to support both farmers and international trade.

With onion prices expected to drop in UAE supermarkets in the coming weeks, shoppers can look forward to bigger savings on their grocery bills.

(Source: Wam)