Dine With A Shaikh

An Ajman shaikh is opening the doors to his palace and inviting tourists to experience traditional UAE cuisine and culture.

Shaikh Abdul Aziz Bin Ali Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, a member of Ajman’s ruling family, will allow the public to tour his residence. Proceeds from the tour will be donated to unsponsored children and 1,300 single-parent families in the UAE.

The guests will walk around the palace and will be able to ask questions on Emirati heritage, politics and related matters and Shaikh Abdul Aziz will also share stories on local topics. A traditional dinner at the family table is also offered to guests. The project hopes to boost cross-cultural exchange between foreigners and Emiratis, according to the organisers, Sahary Gate.

"We wanted to host tourists in a local home but there was a last-minute cancellation," said Leila Arbouz, managing director of Sahary Gate. "I was introduced to Shaikh Abdul Aziz through an acquaintance who recommended the plan to help Al Ihsan Charity Centre, an aid group established by Ajman’s Ruler."

Shaikh Abdul Aziz is currently overseas and looks forward to the occasion, said Arbouz.

Al Ihsan charity

• The centre was founded in Ajman in 1998 to meet the needs of children without sponsors and women without spouses in the UAE.
• The beneficiaries are given a daily and monthly food ration, financial assistance, clothing, home necessities, school supplies and other donated items.
• For more information visit www.mycharity.ae .

More info

• DATES: Twice monthly on request between September 2007 and June 2008
• TIMING: 5pm-10.30pm
• COST: Dh950 per head based on a group of 25
• VISIT www.saharygate.com