DUBAI: Hanadi AlGarni is a 27-year-old researcher and innovator in biotechnology. She lived in Birmingham, England, for 18 months while she completed her MSc degree in Molecular Biotechnology at the city’s School of Biosciences.
What’s the best thing about Birmingham?
It’s a big city — the second-biggest in the UK — but it feels cozy. And the city center is small, which gives you the chance to familiarize yourself with places.
What’s the worst thing about Birmingham?
The roads. They’re a mess. It's a random city.
Ghankol Shariff Masjid in the Small Heath area of Birmingham. (Getty Images)
How would you describe the general vibe of Birmingham?
As I said, it's a big city, but it's not hectic like London. There’s a lot of culture. You see a lot of different people living there, and you can easily find stores and shops from different cultures.
Is the city expensive?
The UK in general is a bit expensive, but it really depends on your lifestyle. It's not that expensive compared to London. You can enjoy life there within a budget.
Would you say it’s a good place to travel to with kids?
It is safe for kids. Birmingham is very family-friendly, but I think it's better suited for teenagers because there are a lot of activities and night life.
The Library of Birmingham. (Getty Images)
How easy is it to get around?
One of the best things about Birmingham is the public transport — they have a great network. You can get everywhere using the tram or the bus. I used to use the train from my place to the university. You don’t need to hire a car in the UK; you can easily find public transport.
What’s the best time of year to visit?
Actually, I had the best time when the Christmas Market was there in December. It’s a German-style Christmas market, so it was something different and there were lots of activities and lots of people. It was really enjoyable.
Would you describe the city as ethnically diverse?
Yes, it’s one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the UK. More than 40 percent of the population comes from minority ethnic backgrounds. You can find Asians, Africans, Arabs… a lot of different ethnicities.
Is it convenient for Muslims?
Yes. There are a lot of mosques, even in the city center. And you’ll find a lot of halal and Arab-speaking shops, restaurants and cafés everywhere. So, yeah, that’s what’s special about Birmingham — there are a lot of Muslims there and a lot of Arab students.
Levain and Cherry in Birmingham - the 'best croissants in the UK' according to Hanadi AlGarni. (Instagram)
What would you do on your ideal weekend in Birmingham?
Every weekend there’s something to do. Also, because Birmingham is central, you can easily go to Manchester or London, or any other city in England.
Which famous tourist attraction would you recommend people visit?
The Library of Birmingham, for sure. It has a unique design. It has, like, a green area on the top floor and you can see the whole city from there.
Where else would you recommend?
There’s a bakery I found randomly called Levain and Cherry. It’s quite a long way from the city center (it’s in King’s Heath), but you get the best croissant you’ll ever eat in the UK there. I highly recommend it. The second place is Warwick Castle — definitely not to be missed. It’s about 15 minutes away by train. Also, the West Midlands Safari Park is amazing; it feels like you’re in Africa. You can also stay at the lodge there, but it's a bit expensive.
What’s the best hotel in Birmingham?
I think it’s The Hyatt Regency. Even the location is amazing — it’s nearby everything.
Which neighborhoods would you recommend people look for accommodation in?
I’d totally recommend the city center, the Jewellery Quarter and Brindley Place.
Where did you go when you were feeling homesick or nostalgic for ?
I never felt homesick. There were a lot of Arabs and Saudi people around me. But if I had, then there’s a road called Coventry Road, where, during Ramadan, they had all the Ramadan atmosphere. All the halal shops are there. And they even sell abayas. It really feels like you’re in an Arab country. Even if you’re looking for really specific products made in Saudi, or made in Palestine, say, you can find them.
