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After scanning the QR code, readers are taken to a page that presents them with several selected options under the category, with a focus on places off the beaten track
Kashta is Emirati and means “outing”. It is also the name of a unique adventure book, the brainchild of an Emirati woman passionate about exploring the UAE.
Aisha Al Fahim, 25, a resident of Abu Dhabi, said her book “Kashta” is about creating memories while exploring the UAE and is aimed at locals and expatriates people and tourists. This book is printed on recycled paper, unlike traditional guides. It’s divided into categories and has a scratch-off section that displays a QR code.
After scanning the QR code, readers are taken to a regularly updated page and given them several options to choose from under the category, with a focus on places off the beaten track. “The idea came during Covid, when there were restrictions, we couldn’t go to Dubai, so people had to figure out what we had in Abu Dhabi,” she said.
There are several categories in Kashta such as Cultural Attractions, Sports, Master Classes, Nature Tours and Experiences, and within all of them, there are some hidden gems. “In searching for these places, I [conducted] Extensive research and talking to many people,” she said, adding that some pages featured a palm tree, suggesting it was a cool-weather outdoor activity.
Although the concept includes digital features such as QR codes, it also pays homage to the nostalgic era of travel journals. The pages have boxes for readers to “post” their photos, in the pre-social media sense of the word, and a place for them to write down their memories.
“Some people have Polaroids, while others choose to print them. Yes, you can swipe on your phone, but it won’t be as rewarding as actually looking at your photos. Think old photo albums; we hope this book Has a tangible element of memory,” she said.
Once people start using the book, no one book is ever the same as another, she said. “Everyone will have a story to tell. You will see the city through the eyes of the user. We have the same book, but in the end we will write our own story,” she said, adding that she can’t wait to see Buyer’s Complete Book.
Born and raised in Abu Dhabi, Aisha studied social studies and public policy at NYU Abu Dhabi, where she currently works as a research fellow. She explained that she really cares about the UAE and she wants to show people a side of the country that may not be known.
“People pay thousands of dirhams to travel abroad, and [spend money] Explore hotels in cities around the world.You live in a house, you are in a country, you [haven’t explored], so why not see what the city has to offer? she asked.
The Abu Dhabi edition is just the first in a series of books Aisha wants to create. A Dubai version should also follow by early 2023. She is putting all her research skills into expanding “Kashta”, possibly including different emirates, and maybe even an Arabic version.
“There might be a guide that covers the whole of the UAE, like a road trip guide. I also think the concept could be adapted for other countries in the GCC. It started as a small project, but I can see it growing,” She said, adding that the response to her book encouraged her to expand.
Aisha said the book was important to her because when she was a student, she had to show some international students around the city before realizing she was a tourist in her own country. “That’s when I realized that tourists go to different places than Emiratis go,” she said.
Through this book, Aisha hopes that Emiratis will also be able to explore and discover their own country. “Most of us like to go to a restaurant, a coffee shop, or a shopping mall. What memories are you creating? What memories do you have? How cool is sushi?” she asked, adding that she hoped “Kashta” would help To create memories for people and help spread happiness.
The book is currently available for purchase through Kashta’s Instagram page for Dh150.
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