Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak has been awarded the French Legion of Honour.
The chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi received the award in a private ceremony at Louvre Abu Dhabi. The medal was presented by Rachida Dati, France’s Minister of Culture, on behalf of French President Emmanuel Macron.
“By awarding you this honour, which was established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron would like to express France’s deep recognition for the remarkable role you have played and that you continue to play, in the cultural relations between France, the emirate Abu Dhabi and the UAE,” Dati said at the ceremony.
For his part, Al Mubarak said that “everything that I have done and everything I will do is in service of my country”. He also touched on the values imparted by the UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan saying his “teachings instilled in us values that include wisdom, respect, determination and loyalty".
Al Mubarak noted that the cultural ties between the UAE and France have led to the development of projects such as Louvre Abu Dhabi, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and Alliance Francaise Abu Dhabi. The MuseuPro training programme for museum professionals and archaeological research, as well as initiatives including the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Theatre in the Palace of Fontainebleau, were also representative of the cross-cultural links.
The Legion of Honour, considered the most distinguished merit in France, has been bestowed on several UAE officials and symbolises the close relations between the two countries. Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State, was awarded the merit earlier this year. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, received the award last year.
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
The specs: 2017 Lotus Evora Sport 410
Price, base / as tested Dh395,000 / Dh420,000
Engine 3.5L V6
Transmission Six-speed manual
Power 410hp @ 7,000rpm
Torque 420Nm @ 3,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined 9.7L / 100km
Red Sparrow
Dir: Francis Lawrence
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Joel Egerton, Charlotte Rampling, Jeremy Irons
Three stars
How being social media savvy can improve your well being
Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.
As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.
Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.
Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.
Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.
However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.
“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.
People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.
MATCH INFO
Syria v Australia
2018 World Cup qualifying: Asia fourth round play-off first leg
Venue: Hang Jebat Stadium (Malacca, Malayisa)
Kick-off: Thursday, 4.30pm (UAE)
Watch: beIN Sports HD
* Second leg in Australia scheduled for October 10
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
The Limehouse Golem
Director: Juan Carlos Medina
Cast: Olivia Cooke, Bill Nighy, Douglas Booth
Three stars
