Noura Al Kaabi, the UAE's Minister of Culture and Youth. Courtesy UAE Ministry of Culture & Knowledge Development
Noura Al Kaabi, the UAE's Minister of Culture and Youth. Courtesy UAE Ministry of Culture & Knowledge Development
Noura Al Kaabi, the UAE's Minister of Culture and Youth. Courtesy UAE Ministry of Culture & Knowledge Development
Noura Al Kaabi, the UAE's Minister of Culture and Youth. Courtesy UAE Ministry of Culture & Knowledge Development

The World Conference on Creative Economy is coming to Dubai Expo


Saeed Saeed
  • English
  • Arabic

Dubai Expo will host the World Conference on Creative Economy (WCCE) in December, announced the UAE's Minister of Culture and Youth, Noura Al Kaabi, at the Culture Summit Abu Dhabi.

Held online until Wednesday, and organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Culture Summit Abu Dhabi brings together global experts in the fields of design, heritage, media, public policy, technology and business for a series of speeches, panel discussions, case studies, artist talks and performances.

Al Kaabi said the WCCE is a result of a partnership with Indonesia, which hosted the inaugural event in Bali in 2018.

“The core objective behind all the measures is to set up the foundations to aggregate, measure and nurture the sector in the UAE, and to ensure the provision of a required framework and policies for a thriving cultural sector,” she said.

Al Kaabi also revealed the UAE government was in the final stages of unveiling a 10-year strategy to enhance the economic contributions made by the country's creative and cultural industries (CCI).

“The strategy, which prizes eight objectives, and almost 40 initiatives will be launched later this year,” she said.

“It will set the national economy policy for CCI. It would become our reference roadmap to make the creative sector among the top economic sectors in the region.”

What is the World Conference on Creative Economy?

The event gathers government and private sectors, think tanks and thought leaders for discussions and networking sessions on developing and addressing challenges to global creative and cultural industries.

Taking part in the event in 2018 was Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Emmy Award-winning US filmmaker Lisa Russell, Danish designer Troels Seidenfaden and representatives from the China Film Group Corporation.

Discussion over three days included keynote addresses on creating a more inclusive sector and the future of online gaming, as well as panel sessions on media diversity and the future of creative education.

Culture Summit Abu Dhabi concludes on Wednesday, with panel sessions on musical minds and innovation as well as separate concerts by Moroccan singer Oum and Tunisia’s Ghalia Benali.

Culture Summit Abu Dhabi runs until Wednesday. Attendance is free and open to the public. Registration is live on the website.

Expo 2020 Dubai: life-size model of Michelangelo’s David to wow visitors at Italian pavilion

  • View of the Italy pavilion at EXPO 2020 site in Dubai on April 27,2021. (Pawan Singh/The National) Story by Ramola
    View of the Italy pavilion at EXPO 2020 site in Dubai on April 27,2021. (Pawan Singh/The National) Story by Ramola
  • Laser precision captures microscopic details of Michelangelo's David statue as part of digitisation before printing a life-size replica that will be the centre piece of the Italian pavilion at Expo Dubai. Courtesy: Massimo Sestini for Italy Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai
    Laser precision captures microscopic details of Michelangelo's David statue as part of digitisation before printing a life-size replica that will be the centre piece of the Italian pavilion at Expo Dubai. Courtesy: Massimo Sestini for Italy Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai
  • A digital reproduction of the famous 16th century statue of David by Italian Renaissance artist Michelangelo. Courtesy: Italy Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai
    A digital reproduction of the famous 16th century statue of David by Italian Renaissance artist Michelangelo. Courtesy: Italy Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai
  • High-tech cameras and laser scanners capture details of the Michelangelo's David at the Accademia Gallery Museum in Florence. Courtesy: Italy Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai
    High-tech cameras and laser scanners capture details of the Michelangelo's David at the Accademia Gallery Museum in Florence. Courtesy: Italy Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Italy's expo commissioner Paolo Glisenti at the Dubai South Expo site where construction work is in full scale for the Italian Pavilion. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Italy's expo commissioner Paolo Glisenti at the Dubai South Expo site where construction work is in full scale for the Italian Pavilion. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Construction work at full scale on the Italian Pavilion at the Expo site in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Construction work at full scale on the Italian Pavilion at the Expo site in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • The Italian pavilion looks set to wow the crowds at Expo 2020 Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
    The Italian pavilion looks set to wow the crowds at Expo 2020 Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • The Italian pavilion is taking shape ahead of the October opening of the first expo event in the Middle East. Antonie Robertson / The National
    The Italian pavilion is taking shape ahead of the October opening of the first expo event in the Middle East. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • A digital reproduction of the famous 16th century statue of David by Italian Renaissance artist Michelangelo. Courtesy Italy Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai
    A digital reproduction of the famous 16th century statue of David by Italian Renaissance artist Michelangelo. Courtesy Italy Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai
  • High-tech cameras and laser scanners capture details of the Michelangelo's David before it is reproduced in physical form as the centrepiece of the Italian pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Courtesy: Italy Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai
    High-tech cameras and laser scanners capture details of the Michelangelo's David before it is reproduced in physical form as the centrepiece of the Italian pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Courtesy: Italy Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Equipment used in space technology captures microscopic details of Michelangelo's David statue as part of a digitisation process before building a life-size replica that will be transported to the Italian pavilion at Expo Dubai. Courtesy Italy Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai
    Equipment used in space technology captures microscopic details of Michelangelo's David statue as part of a digitisation process before building a life-size replica that will be transported to the Italian pavilion at Expo Dubai. Courtesy Italy Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Rendering of Italian pavilion at Expo 2020. Courtesy: Italy Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai
    Rendering of Italian pavilion at Expo 2020. Courtesy: Italy Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Three boat hulls that resemble a large wave will form the roof of the Italian pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Courtesy: Italy Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai
    Three boat hulls that resemble a large wave will form the roof of the Italian pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Courtesy: Italy Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai
  • An artist's impression of the dazzling Italian pavilion. Courtesy: Italy Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai
    An artist's impression of the dazzling Italian pavilion. Courtesy: Italy Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai
  • The Italian pavilion is set to bring a unique sense of style to Expo 2020 Dubai. Courtesy: Italy Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai
    The Italian pavilion is set to bring a unique sense of style to Expo 2020 Dubai. Courtesy: Italy Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Creativity will roam free at Italy's expo offering. Courtesy: Italy Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai
    Creativity will roam free at Italy's expo offering. Courtesy: Italy Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Italian officials have used the extra time afforded to them by expo's delay to perfect their safety precautions. Courtesy: Italy Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai
    Italian officials have used the extra time afforded to them by expo's delay to perfect their safety precautions. Courtesy: Italy Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai
  • A rendering of the Italian pavilion at Expo 2020. Courtesy: Italy Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai
    A rendering of the Italian pavilion at Expo 2020. Courtesy: Italy Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai
Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites

The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.

It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.

“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.

The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

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MATCH INFO

Real Madrid 2

Vinicius Junior (71') Mariano (90 2')

Barcelona 0

Teams

Punjabi Legends Owners: Inzamam-ul-Haq and Intizar-ul-Haq; Key player: Misbah-ul-Haq

Pakhtoons Owners: Habib Khan and Tajuddin Khan; Key player: Shahid Afridi

Maratha Arabians Owners: Sohail Khan, Ali Tumbi, Parvez Khan; Key player: Virender Sehwag

Bangla Tigers Owners: Shirajuddin Alam, Yasin Choudhary, Neelesh Bhatnager, Anis and Rizwan Sajan; Key player: TBC

Colombo Lions Owners: Sri Lanka Cricket; Key player: TBC

Kerala Kings Owners: Hussain Adam Ali and Shafi Ul Mulk; Key player: Eoin Morgan

Venue Sharjah Cricket Stadium

Format 10 overs per side, matches last for 90 minutes

Timeline October 25: Around 120 players to be entered into a draft, to be held in Dubai; December 21: Matches start; December 24: Finals

Race results:

1. Thani Al Qemzi (UAE) Team Abu Dhabi: 46.44 min

2. Peter Morin (FRA) CTIC F1 Shenzhen China Team: 0.91sec

3. Sami Selio (FIN) Mad-Croc Baba Racing Team: 31.43sec

Tank warfare

Lt Gen Erik Petersen, deputy chief of programs, US Army, has argued it took a “three decade holiday” on modernising tanks. 

“There clearly remains a significant armoured heavy ground manoeuvre threat in this world and maintaining a world class armoured force is absolutely vital,” the general said in London last week.

“We are developing next generation capabilities to compete with and deter adversaries to prevent opportunism or miscalculation, and, if necessary, defeat any foe decisively.”

Top 5 concerns globally:

1. Unemployment

2. Spread of infectious diseases

3. Fiscal crises

4. Cyber attacks

5. Profound social instability

Top 5 concerns in the Mena region

1. Energy price shock

2. Fiscal crises

3. Spread of infectious diseases

4. Unmanageable inflation

5. Cyber attacks

Source: World Economic Foundation

UAE jiu-jitsu squad

Men: Hamad Nawad and Khalid Al Balushi (56kg), Omar Al Fadhli and Saeed Al Mazroui (62kg), Taleb Al Kirbi and Humaid Al Kaabi (69kg), Mohammed Al Qubaisi and Saud Al Hammadi (70kg), Khalfan Belhol and Mohammad Haitham Radhi (85kg), Faisal Al Ketbi and Zayed Al Kaabi (94kg)

Women: Wadima Al Yafei and Mahra Al Hanaei (49kg), Bashayer Al Matrooshi and Hessa Al Shamsi (62kg)

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Company profile

Name: Fruitful Day

Founders: Marie-Christine Luijckx, Lyla Dalal AlRawi, Lindsey Fournie

Based: Dubai, UAE

Founded: 2015

Number of employees: 30

Sector: F&B

Funding so far: Dh3 million

Future funding plans: None at present

Future markets: Saudi Arabia, potentially Kuwait and other GCC countries

ESSENTIALS

The flights

Emirates flies direct from Dubai to Rio de Janeiro from Dh7,000 return including taxes. Avianca fliles from Rio to Cusco via Lima from $399 (Dhxx) return including taxes. 

The trip

From US$1,830 per deluxe cabin, twin share, for the one-night Spirit of the Water itinerary and US$4,630 per deluxe cabin for the Peruvian Highlands itinerary, inclusive of meals, and beverages. Surcharges apply for some excursions.

The Meg
Director: Jon Turteltaub
Starring:   
Two stars

Our legal consultant

Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

Our legal consultant

Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

The Breadwinner

Director: Nora Twomey

Starring: Saara Chaudry,  Soma Chhaya,  Laara Sadiq 

Three stars

The Birkin bag is made by Hermès. 
It is named after actress and singer Jane Birkin
Noone from Hermès will go on record to say how much a new Birkin costs, how long one would have to wait to get one, and how many bags are actually made each year.

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Milestones on the road to union

1970

October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar. 

December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.

1971

March 1:  Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.

July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.

July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.

August 6:  The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.

August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.

September 3: Qatar becomes independent.

November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.

November 29:  At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.

November 30: Despite  a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa. 

November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties

December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.

December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.

How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Ms Yang's top tips for parents new to the UAE
  1. Join parent networks
  2. Look beyond school fees
  3. Keep an open mind

First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus 

UPI facts

More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets

Tenet

Director: Christopher Nolan

Stars: John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki, Dimple Kapadia, Michael Caine, Kenneth Branagh 

Rating: 5/5

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%3Cp%3E%0DDeveloper%3A%20Ubisoft%20Bordeaux%0D%3Cbr%3EPublisher%3A%20Ubisoft%0D%3Cbr%3EConsoles%3A%20PlayStation%204%26amp%3B5%2C%20PC%20and%20Xbox%20Series%20S%26amp%3BX%0D%3Cbr%3ERating%3A%203.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The bio

Date of Birth: April 25, 1993
Place of Birth: Dubai, UAE
Marital Status: Single
School: Al Sufouh in Jumeirah, Dubai
University: Emirates Airline National Cadet Programme and Hamdan University
Job Title: Pilot, First Officer
Number of hours flying in a Boeing 777: 1,200
Number of flights: Approximately 300
Hobbies: Exercising
Nicest destination: Milan, New Zealand, Seattle for shopping
Least nice destination: Kabul, but someone has to do it. It’s not scary but at least you can tick the box that you’ve been
Favourite place to visit: Dubai, there’s no place like home

World record transfers

1. Kylian Mbappe - to Real Madrid in 2017/18 - €180 million (Dh770.4m - if a deal goes through)
2. Paul Pogba - to Manchester United in 2016/17 - €105m
3. Gareth Bale - to Real Madrid in 2013/14 - €101m
4. Cristiano Ronaldo - to Real Madrid in 2009/10 - €94m
5. Gonzalo Higuain - to Juventus in 2016/17 - €90m
6. Neymar - to Barcelona in 2013/14 - €88.2m
7. Romelu Lukaku - to Manchester United in 2017/18 - €84.7m
8. Luis Suarez - to Barcelona in 2014/15 - €81.72m
9. Angel di Maria - to Manchester United in 2014/15 - €75m
10. James Rodriguez - to Real Madrid in 2014/15 - €75m

Tottenham's 10 biggest transfers (according to transfermarkt.com):

1). Moussa Sissokho - Newcastle United - £30 million (Dh143m): Flop

2). Roberto Soldado - Valencia -  £25m: Flop

3). Erik Lamela - Roma -  £25m: Jury still out

4). Son Heung-min - Bayer Leverkusen -  £25m: Success

5). Darren Bent - Charlton Athletic -  £21m: Flop

6). Vincent Janssen - AZ Alkmaar -  £18m: Flop

7). David Bentley - Blackburn Rovers -  £18m: Flop

8). Luka Modric - Dynamo Zagreb -  £17m: Success

9). Paulinho - Corinthians -  £16m: Flop

10). Mousa Dembele - Fulham -  £16m: Success

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Company profile

Name: Tratok Portal

Founded: 2017

Based: UAE

Sector: Travel & tourism

Size: 36 employees

Funding: Privately funded

W.
Wael Kfoury
(Rotana)

The specs: 2018 Ducati SuperSport S

Price, base / as tested: Dh74,900 / Dh85,900

Engine: 937cc

Transmission: Six-speed gearbox

Power: 110hp @ 9,000rpm

Torque: 93Nm @ 6,500rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 5.9L / 100km

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The biog

Favourite films: Casablanca and Lawrence of Arabia

Favourite books: Start with Why by Simon Sinek and Good to be Great by Jim Collins

Favourite dish: Grilled fish

Inspiration: Sheikh Zayed's visionary leadership taught me to embrace new challenges.

Dubai Rugby Sevens

November 30, December 1-2
International Vets
Christina Noble Children’s Foundation fixtures

Thursday, November 30:

10.20am, Pitch 3, v 100 World Legends Project
1.20pm, Pitch 4, v Malta Marauders

Friday, December 1:

9am, Pitch 4, v SBA Pirates

TOURNAMENT INFO

Women’s World Twenty20 Qualifier

Jul 3- 14, in the Netherlands
The top two teams will qualify to play at the World T20 in the West Indies in November

UAE squad
Humaira Tasneem (captain), Chamani Seneviratne, Subha Srinivasan, Neha Sharma, Kavisha Kumari, Judit Cleetus, Chaya Mughal, Roopa Nagraj, Heena Hotchandani, Namita D’Souza, Ishani Senevirathne, Esha Oza, Nisha Ali, Udeni Kuruppuarachchi

Tips for newlyweds to better manage finances

All couples are unique and have to create a financial blueprint that is most suitable for their relationship, says Vijay Valecha, chief investment officer at Century Financial. He offers his top five tips for couples to better manage their finances.

Discuss your assets and debts: When married, it’s important to understand each other’s personal financial situation. It’s necessary to know upfront what each party brings to the table, as debts and assets affect spending habits and joint loan qualifications. Discussing all aspects of their finances as a couple prevents anyone from being blindsided later.

Decide on the financial/saving goals: Spouses should independently list their top goals and share their lists with one another to shape a joint plan. Writing down clear goals will help them determine how much to save each month, how much to put aside for short-term goals, and how they will reach their long-term financial goals.

Set a budget: A budget can keep the couple be mindful of their income and expenses. With a monthly budget, couples will know exactly how much they can spend in a category each month, how much they have to work with and what spending areas need to be evaluated.

Decide who manages what: When it comes to handling finances, it’s a good idea to decide who manages what. For example, one person might take on the day-to-day bills, while the other tackles long-term investments and retirement plans.

Money date nights: Talking about money should be a healthy, ongoing conversation and couples should not wait for something to go wrong. They should set time aside every month to talk about future financial decisions and see the progress they’ve made together towards accomplishing their goals.