Czech tennis player, and Wimbledon Champion, Petra Kvitova spent an afternoon in the Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) in the Al Fahidi district in Bur Dubai to learn about UAE culture and heritage.
Wimbledon Champion Petra Kvitova got a crash course on the richness of UAE traditions and even sampled authentic Arabic dishes within an hour. She sat cross-legged on the red cushions and took in the ancient architecture of the traditional Wind Tower House, she was first familiar with the famous Arabian hospitality and served Arabic coffee (Qawah) and some dates. Her every move was documented by a crew wielding giant cameras and smart-phones.
Kvitova impressed with Arabic taste and culture as she uttered that she liked the dates, they’re very sweet. but the Arabic coffee was different and it might take time for it to grow on her. She was glad she tried it. She also added that in Czech Republic too, they have many historical buildings but that was so different. She was very happy to be there. Kvitova further told tabloid that she waited for her shot to be set up, but what got her taste-buds tingling were the typical Emirati dishes in the form of Chicken and Fish Machboos, which is a combination of spicy rice and seafood or meat.
On meeting with Nasif Kayed, the managing director of SMCCU, who was tasked with de-mystifying UAE food and culture, Kvitova told that Arabic dishes were spicy, but she didn’t mean it’s fiery, but just that it’s so flavorful. She loved the fish, but the best was saved for last. The Saffron-Flavored Fritters Lgeimat served with a generous helping of date syrup, was a hit. Kayed advised her to imagine a doughnut and think of its middle portion. That’s lgeimat for her; she didn’t need any prodding to taste them.
With a laugh, Kvitova replied that those were very good … she was so glad to be there. She had there for a vacation before and found the weather beautiful. She also remembered wearing a blue traditional robe for one of the Players’ parties and it has a lot of fun. She was happy to have an opportunity like that day, but she hope she would remember all what she had learnt.
From Gulf News
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