Echoes of the Crescent is taking place until March 30 at The Dubai Balloon. Photo: The Dubai Balloon
Echoes of the Crescent is taking place until March 30 at The Dubai Balloon. Photo: The Dubai Balloon
Echoes of the Crescent is taking place until March 30 at The Dubai Balloon. Photo: The Dubai Balloon
Echoes of the Crescent is taking place until March 30 at The Dubai Balloon. Photo: The Dubai Balloon

Weekly UAE museum and gallery guide: Art at The Dubai Balloon and a play inspired by Thousand and One Nights


Razmig Bedirian
  • English
  • Arabic

This week’s events and exhibitions are inspired by the holy month, thematically reflecting on the traditions and spirit of Ramadan.

From an exhibition in Sharjah dedicated to the history of calligraphy to a curated programme at Alserkal Avenue that includes workshops, music and a theatrical interpretation of The Thousand and One Nights, there is much to admire. Here is what to look out for this weekend.

The Eternal Letters at Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation

The Eternal Letters is running until May 25. Photo: Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation
The Eternal Letters is running until May 25. Photo: Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation

Eternal Letters: Qur’an Manuscripts from the Abdul Rahman Al Owais Collection is an exhibition that focuses on the history and religious significance of Arabic calligraphy. The exhibition presents 81 Quranic manuscripts that have never been shown to the public before. The manuscripts come from across the Islamic world and exhibit the breadth of calligraphic styles that emerged from China, Turkey, Iran, and the Mediterranean, among other places. The works cover more than a millennia of Islamic history and are part of the private collection of Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, the UAE Minister of Health and Prevention.

The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation is also holding a Ramadan-themed programme between Thursday and Sunday. Ramadan Lamma includes workshops on drawing lanterns with acrylic, illuminating letters with gold leaf as well as making prayer beads.

Until May 25; Saturday to Thursday; 9am to 2pm, 9pm to 11pm; Sharjah

Echoes of the Crescent at The Dubai Balloon

Echoes of the Crescent is an art exhibition in an unconventional but beautiful setting. Taking place until March 30 at The Dubai Balloon, the exhibition features works by three artists living in the UAE: Haneen Al Rifai, Maria Munteanu and Sana Maarrawi.

The installations and paintings that are exhibited reflect on motifs of Arabic traditions, from calligraphy, falconry and chivalry to the hospitality that the culture is renowned for. The exhibition is accessible through the purchase of a ticket to The Dubai Balloon, which starts at Dh175 for adults and Dh75 for children.

Until March 30; Monday to Sunday; 6-11am, 6pm to 12pm; Dubai

Thousand and One Nights at The Junction

Thousand and One Nights comes as part of a Ramadan programme at Alserkal Avenue entitled Interrupting Patterns. Photo: The Junction
Thousand and One Nights comes as part of a Ramadan programme at Alserkal Avenue entitled Interrupting Patterns. Photo: The Junction

Thousand and One Nights is one of history’s most influential literary works, having inspired everyone from Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Naguib Mahfouz to Waciny Laredj. The timeless tales told by Scheherazade to the ruler Shahryar are well known not only in the Middle East, but around the world. Its stories have inspired films, television shows as well as songs.

A play based on the story will now being shown at Dubai’s The Junction. The production is an original script written and directed by Rasika Agashe, an Indian actress known for films and series including Pet Puraan and Three of Us. Tickets are set at Dh120 per person.

The play comes as part of a Ramadan programme at Alserkal Avenue entitled Interrupting Patterns. The programme takes place over two weekends, on Saturday and Sunday, then again on March 15 and 16. It includes storytelling events for children as well as workshops in tatreez and comic book illustration.

Saturday and Sunday, 8.30pm, The Junction, Dubai

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: Audi e-tron

Price, base: From Dh325,000 (estimate)

Engine: Twin electric motors and 95kWh battery pack

Transmission: Single-speed auto

Power: 408hp

Torque: 664Nm

Range: 400 kilometres

While you're here
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Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

Top investing tips for UAE residents in 2021

Build an emergency fund: Make sure you have enough cash to cover six months of expenses as a buffer against unexpected problems before you begin investing, advises Steve Cronin, the founder of DeadSimpleSaving.com.

Think long-term: When you invest, you need to have a long-term mindset, so don’t worry about momentary ups and downs in the stock market.

Invest worldwide: Diversify your investments globally, ideally by way of a global stock index fund.

Is your money tied up: Avoid anything where you cannot get your money back in full within a month at any time without any penalty.

Skip past the promises: “If an investment product is offering more than 10 per cent return per year, it is either extremely risky or a scam,” Mr Cronin says.

Choose plans with low fees: Make sure that any funds you buy do not charge more than 1 per cent in fees, Mr Cronin says. “If you invest by yourself, you can easily stay below this figure.” Managed funds and commissionable investments often come with higher fees.

Be sceptical about recommendations: If someone suggests an investment to you, ask if they stand to gain, advises Mr Cronin. “If they are receiving commission, they are unlikely to recommend an investment that’s best for you.”

Get financially independent: Mr Cronin advises UAE residents to pursue financial independence. Start with a Google search and improve your knowledge via expat investing websites or Facebook groups such as SimplyFI. 

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The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

Haircare resolutions 2021

From Beirut and Amman to London and now Dubai, hairstylist George Massoud has seen the same mistakes made by customers all over the world. In the chair or at-home hair care, here are the resolutions he wishes his customers would make for the year ahead.

1. 'I will seek consultation from professionals'

You may know what you want, but are you sure it’s going to suit you? Haircare professionals can tell you what will work best with your skin tone, hair texture and lifestyle.

2. 'I will tell my hairdresser when I’m not happy'

Massoud says it’s better to offer constructive criticism to work on in the future. Your hairdresser will learn, and you may discover how to communicate exactly what you want more effectively the next time.

3. ‘I will treat my hair better out of the chair’

Damage control is a big part of most hairstylists’ work right now, but it can be avoided. Steer clear of over-colouring at home, try and pursue one hair brand at a time and never, ever use a straightener on still drying hair, pleads Massoud.

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Ashes 2019 schedule

August 1-5: First Test, Edgbaston

August 14-18: Second Test, Lord's

August 22-26: Third Test, Headingley

September 4-8: Fourth Test, Old Trafford

September 12-16: Fifth Test, Oval

UK's plans to cut net migration

Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.

Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.

But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.

Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.

Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.

The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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The specs

Engine: four-litre V6 and 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo

Transmission: six-speed and 10-speed

Power: 271 and 409 horsepower

Torque: 385 and 650Nm

Price: from Dh229,900 to Dh355,000

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Updated: March 06, 2025, 3:06 AM