Unjoannable's Blog

The Hope Voyage: A Lifetime Experience From the UAE to Oman—and beyond, toward Yemen By Joanna Vidal Breakfast at the camp It all started unexpectedly. Due to the nature of my work, I found myself in a meeting with my boss, who’s also my mentor, and an American man named Mike. At first, I assumed it was about our usual culture and heritage projects, since that’s what we normally work on. As the conversation unfolded, Mike started sharing stories about his own work. He had some idea about our projects too, though not in detail.  Later, I found out that Mike Metzger is a freelancer who has worked on various initiatives, including collaborations with government institutions in UAE. But what truly stood out was his deep passion for humanitarian work. Over coffee and casual conversation, he opened up about a vision close to his heart, a project called “The Hope Voyage.” It was more than just a desert expedition; it was a mission to raise awareness and funds for the people of Hadramout, ...

By Joanna Vidal A road with mountain views in Oman Exploring and discovering the cultures of other countries has always been one of my greatest interests. Let me give you a brief background about the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Sultanate of Oman. From what I’ve learned through conversations and online research, many years ago, the UAE was once a part of Oman. Due to certain circumstances, they eventually separated. Later on, the seven Emirates—Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah—united and formed a federation, officially becoming the United Arab Emirates in 1971. The UAE experienced an economic boom with the discovery of oil, followed by rapid growth in trade and tourism. One of the country’s most iconic landmarks, the Burj Khalifa, was built as a symbol of its success. It is globally recognized as the tallest building in the world. Today, the UAE is one of the fastest-growing economies—not only in Asia but across the globe. On the othe...

By Joanna Vidal A photo of me at the National Mall where the Festival was held. My Experience at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival: Representing UAE Heritage The Smithsonian Folklife Festival, established in 1967, is one of the largest cultural events in the world. It takes place annually on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and typically runs from June 22nd through the 4th of July, overlapping with U.S. Independence Day. After a two-year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival returned in 2022 with renewed energy—and I was honored to be part of it. That year’s theme was “UAE: Living Landscape | Living Memory,” with the United Arab Emirates as the featured country. The event highlighted the UAE’s rich history, heritage, culture, and traditions. It was sponsored by several governmental organizations, most notably the UAE Ministry of Culture and Youth, and supported by the UAE Embassy to the USA. As someone who has worked in the heritage field for nearly eight years at this...

Sharing My Experienced on  Emirati Arab Muslim Wedding By Joanna Vidal Hi, beautiful people! Welcome back to my blog — it’s me again, Joanna! In this post, I’m going to share my unforgettable experience attending an Arab Muslim wedding here in the UAE. I’ll also give you some helpful tips, especially if you’re ever invited to one. Curious about what it’s like? Keep reading! What to Expect at an Arab Muslim Wedding If you’ve been invited to an Arab Muslim wedding and you’re not sure what to expect, don’t worry — I’ve been there! This blog will give you a clear idea of what the experience is like, especially for non-Arab or non-Muslim guests. From what to wear to how to behave, a little knowledge goes a long way in helping you enjoy the moment and show proper respect. Although modern influences are present, many Arab weddings still carry strong traditional elements — and that’s what makes them so special. The Venue Experience (Ladies’ Side) In many Muslim weddings, especially in ...