Dates

These are my favourite kinds of dates so far.  

The small black ones are called ajwa, grown in Saudi.  A girl from the Royal Dates shop spoke highly of their health benefits, such as relief from high blood pressure, diabetes and even bruises.  The owner of a spice shop in the Souk inside WTC also said that they are medicinal.  However, they are very specific about the dosage: one has to consume the ajwa dates in odd numbers in order to reap the benefit.

The big brown ones are called medjool or madjool, originated in Morocco. I was told that they are the most popular kind here in Abu Dhabi and understandably so because they are really delicious.

Stuffed the dates with chopped pistachios and have them with a cup of coffee infused with saffron and cardamon, I guess that might be close to a Emirati style afternoon "tea"?