How sailors from Norway made waves in the UAE


Alexandra Chaves
  • English
  • Arabic

They came by sea. In the early 1970s, large numbers of Norwegian merchant ships sailed into Dubai's ports, with seafarers frequently transiting through the emirate. Seeing this sharp rise in traffic and trade, a man named Leif Frivold from the Norwegian Seamen's Church in Norway sought to establish a more permanent base for the seamen as they journeyed through the Middle East.  

Together with Tor Sandgren, a Swede who served as general manager of Gulf Agency Company, they approached Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed, the Ruler of Dubai at the time, with the idea. Through the Dubai Municipality, Sheikh Rashid donated a plot of land for a community centre to be built in Oud Metha.

How it all started

In October 1976, the Norwegian Seaman's Mission – which would later become the Norwegian Seamen's Centre – was inaugurated with Sheikh Rashid in attendance. This is the starting point of the documentary exhibition +40 Years of Culture, which features images, videos and other archival material that bring to light this little-known piece of history between the UAE and Norway.

Archival photographs on display at the exhibition in Oslo, which took place in November 2018. Courtesy of the Norwegian Seamen's Centre
Archival photographs on display at the exhibition in Oslo, which took place in November 2018. Courtesy of the Norwegian Seamen's Centre

Organised by the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Office of Public and Cultural Diplomacy (OPCD), the exhibition opened in Oslo's Mesh (the Nordic Creator's Community in the Norwegian capital) last November and eventually travelled to Abu Dhabi, where it is on display inside the ministry. The Norwegian Seamen's Centre is the axis of the show, and most of its material has been drawn from the centre's archives. A series of photographs chronicles the centre's construction, which was aided by private companies in Norway that provided pre-fabricated wood and paint. Volunteers from the church, with the help of local labourers, built these traditional Norwegian houses that have maintained their structure ever since.

"We call ourselves 'a home away from home'," says Lena Nielsen Geving, the centre's general manager. "We believe that having a place where you can maintain your own traditions is good for all people and, in return, we see that this helps expats to settle in Dubai and enjoy their stay here."

Telling the story of a community's history

The photographs are testament to this, capturing a moment in time when this small community began to grow in the UAE. In these images, we see the slew of social and cultural activities that kept seafarers, staff at the centre and other Norwegian citizens busy, such as excursions to Hatta and the desert, Christmas and Easter celebrations, and gatherings for Norwegian national day. Decades later, the centre still runs these activities, with the participation of the broader Scandinavian community. Geving notes that as of 2017, about 1,200 Norwegians reside in the UAE.

"Forty years ago, we mainly served seafarers, as 80 per cent of Norwegian tank fleet traffic frequented the Gulf," says Geving. "These days, people work for Scandinavian and international companies, and they live in the country. We therefore serve more families than in the old days. But the mission and the activities are very much the same."

Perhaps what is most impressive about +40 Years of Culture is the Norwegians' meticulous record-keeping, with scans of the Dubai Municipality's site plans from 1974, a collection of guest books and an album of the centre's most high-profile visitors over the decades all part of their archive. Taking these elements, the OPCD was able to visualise the historical beginnings of ties between the UAE and Norway.

Research for the exhibition began last year, with cultural public programmers Farah Sabobeh and Jonatas Barros leading the project. Apart from their desire to highlight these cultural links, Sabobeh also notes how the office wanted to tackle preconceptions of the UAE in Norway.

The exhibition serves as a kind of reminder of a history that may not feature prominently in the media. "We really wanted to shed light on the kind of relationship we have had between the UAE and Norway that goes beyond trade and economy," she explains. "We wanted to talk about the cultural relationships and the one-to-one relations."

Building lives and families

A section of the exhibition is dedicated to the stories of Norwegians who have become long-term residents of the UAE, primarily because of marital or familial ties. These video portraits offer a more personal view of these diplomatic bonds. "The story started at the centre, but once we dug deeper, we came across many Emirati-Norwegians and it was more interesting for us to speak to them and learn from them about their experiences and how they perceive what it means to be Norwegian and Emirati," Sabobeh says.

Dr Sofie Skogen has lived in the UAE for 30 years, practicing as a licensed homeopathic physician in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Dr Sofie Skogen has lived in the UAE for 30 years, practicing as a licensed homeopathic physician in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

One such individual is Dr Sofie Skogen. A homeopath in Norway, Skogen arrived in the UAE in the late 1980s and paved the way for homeopathic practice to be recognised in the country. "They hadn't had any homeopathic physicians in the country before, so I set out to implement the homeopathic system of medicine into the healthcare system of UAE," she says. "I worked on that for 10 years. Then in 2000, I became the first licensed homeopathic physician in the UAE. Now I estimate there about 100 of us."

She draws parallels between Norwegian and Emirati family dynamics. "I come from the south-west coast of Norway, where family is a main focus, so we would have big gatherings for Christmas, like Emiratis have for Eid," she says. "Extended family was very much part of my tradition the way that it is here."

She fondly remembers her Emirati mother-in-law, who welcomed her into the family. “I am a Christian and she was a Muslim, but she celebrated Christmas with us and I celebrated Eid with them.”

One thing I would say which makes it stand out is the ­generosity – open houses, open arms, taking care of one another. That's how my mum grew up in her village, too. It's the same values.

Her daughter, Amalie Beljafla, is an artist and design consultant whose artwork tributes to Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father, were included in the exhibition's first iteration in Oslo. She describes her work as "surrealist" and it incorporates disparate elements of nature in kaleidoscopic colours. "I have the best of both worlds," says Beljafla, citing the influences on Norwegian and Emirati cultures on her approach to art. "In my artwork, I'm not afraid of expressing myself."

As an example, she cites a series of work on religious unity that includes elements from Islam, Christianity and Judaism, with anthropomorphised animals as her subjects.

Growing up in the UAE, Beljafla recalls being part of a tolerant household that accepted her mother's religion and background. Speaking of her Emirati side, she says: "We have a beautiful culture. One thing I would say which makes it stand out is the ­generosityopen houses, open arms, taking care of one another. That's how my mum grew up in her village, too. It's the same values."

Combining archive and personal narrative, the exhibition does more than highlight the UAE’s past diplomatic efforts. It reveals the character of a country that thrived on opening its doors to foreigners.

if you go

The flights

Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes. 

The hotels

Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes. 

When to visit

March-May and September-November

Visas

Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.

UK-EU trade at a glance

EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years

Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products

Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries

Smoother border management with use of e-gates

Cutting red tape on import and export of food

Tips to stay safe during hot weather
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
  • Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
  • Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
  • Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
  • Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
  • Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
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Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km

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The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

'Ashkal'
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How to come clean about financial infidelity
  • Be honest and transparent: It is always better to own up than be found out. Tell your partner everything they want to know. Show remorse. Inform them of the extent of the situation so they know what they are dealing with.
  • Work on yourself: Be honest with yourself and your partner and figure out why you did it. Don’t be ashamed to ask for professional help. 
  • Give it time: Like any breach of trust, it requires time to rebuild. So be consistent, communicate often and be patient with your partner and yourself.
  • Discuss your financial situation regularly: Ensure your spouse is involved in financial matters and decisions. Your ability to consistently follow through with what you say you are going to do when it comes to money can make all the difference in your partner’s willingness to trust you again.
  • Work on a plan to resolve the problem together: If there is a lot of debt, for example, create a budget and financial plan together and ensure your partner is fully informed, involved and supported. 

Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching

Nancy 9 (Hassa Beek)

Nancy Ajram

(In2Musica)

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

Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel

Power: 579hp

Torque: 859Nm

Transmission: Single-speed automatic

Price: From Dh825,900

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The specs

Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cyl turbo

Power: 217hp at 5,750rpm

Torque: 300Nm at 1,900rpm

Transmission: eight-speed auto

Price: from Dh130,000

On sale: now

How the bonus system works

The two riders are among several riders in the UAE to receive the top payment of £10,000 under the Thank You Fund of £16 million (Dh80m), which was announced in conjunction with Deliveroo's £8 billion (Dh40bn) stock market listing earlier this year.

The £10,000 (Dh50,000) payment is made to those riders who have completed the highest number of orders in each market.

There are also riders who will receive payments of £1,000 (Dh5,000) and £500 (Dh2,500).

All riders who have worked with Deliveroo for at least one year and completed 2,000 orders will receive £200 (Dh1,000), the company said when it announced the scheme.

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Sui Dhaaga: Made in India

Director: Sharat Katariya

Starring: Varun Dhawan, Anushka Sharma, Raghubir Yadav

3.5/5

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
ELIO

Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett

Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina

Rating: 4/5

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Lexus LX700h specs

Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor

Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh590,000

The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
Conflict, drought, famine

Estimates of the number of deaths caused by the famine range from 400,000 to 1 million, according to a document prepared for the UK House of Lords in 2024.
It has been claimed that the policies of the Ethiopian government, which took control after deposing Emperor Haile Selassie in a military-led revolution in 1974, contributed to the scale of the famine.
Dr Miriam Bradley, senior lecturer in humanitarian studies at the University of Manchester, has argued that, by the early 1980s, “several government policies combined to cause, rather than prevent, a famine which lasted from 1983 to 1985. Mengistu’s government imposed Stalinist-model agricultural policies involving forced collectivisation and villagisation [relocation of communities into planned villages].
The West became aware of the catastrophe through a series of BBC News reports by journalist Michael Buerk in October 1984 describing a “biblical famine” and containing graphic images of thousands of people, including children, facing starvation.

Band Aid

Bob Geldof, singer with the Irish rock group The Boomtown Rats, formed Band Aid in response to the horrific images shown in the news broadcasts.
With Midge Ure of the band Ultravox, he wrote the hit charity single Do They Know it’s Christmas in December 1984, featuring a string of high-profile musicians.
Following the single’s success, the idea to stage a rock concert evolved.
Live Aid was a series of simultaneous concerts that took place at Wembley Stadium in London, John F Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, the US, and at various other venues across the world.
The combined event was broadcast to an estimated worldwide audience of 1.5 billion.

RESULT

Bournemouth 0 Southampton 3 (Djenepo (37', Redmond 45' 1, 59')

Man of the match Nathan Redmond (Southampton)

How much of your income do you need to save?

The more you save, the sooner you can retire. Tuan Phan, a board member of SimplyFI.com, says if you save just 5 per cent of your salary, you can expect to work for another 66 years before you are able to retire without too large a drop in income.

In other words, you will not save enough to retire comfortably. If you save 15 per cent, you can forward to another 43 working years. Up that to 40 per cent of your income, and your remaining working life drops to just 22 years. (see table)

Obviously, this is only a rough guide. How much you save will depend on variables, not least your salary and how much you already have in your pension pot. But it shows what you need to do to achieve financial independence.

 

Three-day coronation

Royal purification

The entire coronation ceremony extends over three days from May 4-6, but Saturday is the one to watch. At the time of 10:09am the royal purification ceremony begins. Wearing a white robe, the king will enter a pavilion at the Grand Palace, where he will be doused in sacred water from five rivers and four ponds in Thailand. In the distant past water was collected from specific rivers in India, reflecting the influential blend of Hindu and Buddhist cosmology on the coronation. Hindu Brahmins and the country's most senior Buddhist monks will be present. Coronation practices can be traced back thousands of years to ancient India.

The crown

Not long after royal purification rites, the king proceeds to the Baisal Daksin Throne Hall where he receives sacred water from eight directions. Symbolically that means he has received legitimacy from all directions of the kingdom. He ascends the Bhadrapitha Throne, where in regal robes he sits under a Nine-Tiered Umbrella of State. Brahmins will hand the monarch the royal regalia, including a wooden sceptre inlaid with gold, a precious stone-encrusted sword believed to have been found in a lake in northern Cambodia, slippers, and a whisk made from yak's hair.

The Great Crown of Victory is the centrepiece. Tiered, gold and weighing 7.3 kilograms, it has a diamond from India at the top. Vajiralongkorn will personally place the crown on his own head and then issues his first royal command.

The audience

On Saturday afternoon, the newly-crowned king is set to grant a "grand audience" to members of the royal family, the privy council, the cabinet and senior officials. Two hours later the king will visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the most sacred space in Thailand, which on normal days is thronged with tourists. He then symbolically moves into the Royal Residence.

The procession

The main element of Sunday's ceremonies, streets across Bangkok's historic heart have been blocked off in preparation for this moment. The king will sit on a royal palanquin carried by soldiers dressed in colourful traditional garb. A 21-gun salute will start the procession. Some 200,000 people are expected to line the seven-kilometre route around the city.

Meet the people

On the last day of the ceremony Rama X will appear on the balcony of Suddhaisavarya Prasad Hall in the Grand Palace at 4:30pm "to receive the good wishes of the people". An hour later, diplomats will be given an audience at the Grand Palace. This is the only time during the ceremony that representatives of foreign governments will greet the king.

Mobile phone packages comparison
How Filipinos in the UAE invest

A recent survey of 10,000 Filipino expatriates in the UAE found that 82 per cent have plans to invest, primarily in property. This is significantly higher than the 2014 poll showing only two out of 10 Filipinos planned to invest.

Fifty-five percent said they plan to invest in property, according to the poll conducted by the New Perspective Media Group, organiser of the Philippine Property and Investment Exhibition. Acquiring a franchised business or starting up a small business was preferred by 25 per cent and 15 per cent said they will invest in mutual funds. The rest said they are keen to invest in insurance (3 per cent) and gold (2 per cent).

Of the 5,500 respondents who preferred property as their primary investment, 54 per cent said they plan to make the purchase within the next year. Manila was the top location, preferred by 53 per cent.

Chef Nobu's advice for eating sushi

“One mistake people always make is adding extra wasabi. There is no need for this, because it should already be there between the rice and the fish.
“When eating nigiri, you must dip the fish – not the rice – in soy sauce, otherwise the rice will collapse. Also, don’t use too much soy sauce or it will make you thirsty. For sushi rolls, dip a little of the rice-covered roll lightly in soy sauce and eat in one bite.
“Chopsticks are acceptable, but really, I recommend using your fingers for sushi. Do use chopsticks for sashimi, though.
“The ginger should be eaten separately as a palette cleanser and used to clear the mouth when switching between different pieces of fish.”

What can victims do?

Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence

How to help

Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200