Neha Iyengar collects her award for being one of the winners of the Treasures of the UAE competition, an annual calendar competition for school children organised by Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (Courtesy: SMCCU)
Neha Iyengar collects her award for being one of the winners of the Treasures of the UAE competition, an annual calendar competition for school children organised by Sheikh Mohammed Centre for CulturaShow more

Treasures of the UAE from the eyes of a child



The National Day celebrations were in full swing this week and what better way to mark the occasion than announce the winners of this year’s Treasures of the UAE calendar competition?

The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding’s (SMCCU) annual art competition encourages school children from all over the UAE to paint or draw famous historical sites and landmarks to be printed in two calendars – one in Arabic and one in English.

The 24 winners were announced on Tuesday at the SMCCU Heritage House in the Al Fahidi Historic District of Dubai amid National Day celebrations.

The winning artworks will be displayed in an exhibition at the centre, which is open to the public until Sunday January 4th.

Nasif Kayed, the managing director of the SMCCU said: “The UAE’s historic monuments and landscapes stand here to remind us of our roots, traditions and the UAE’s great history. This initiative strives to uncover a new interpretation of these historical landmarks from the next generation residing in the UAE, encouraging creativity combined with historic knowledge.”

We love this initiative because it brings the community together and gives children the incentive to be creative in a field that they might not otherwise choose. Also, the team at the SMCCU constantly strive build bridges between the different strands of our community and those who visit, which is highly commendable and deserves to be recognised.

* All submitted artwork may be viewed in an exclusive online gallery published on the SMCCU website

Dust and sand storms compared

Sand storm

  • Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
  • Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
  • Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
  • Travel distance: Limited 
  • Source: Open desert areas with strong winds

Dust storm

  • Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
  • Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
  • Duration: Can linger for days
  • Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
  • Source: Can be carried from distant regions
The specs: Lamborghini Aventador SVJ

Price, base: Dh1,731,672

Engine: 6.5-litre V12

Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic

Power: 770hp @ 8,500rpm

Torque: 720Nm @ 6,750rpm

Fuel economy: 19.6L / 100km

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 

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While you're here
RESULTS
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Countries offering golden visas

UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.

Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.

Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.

Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.

Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence. 

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.

Company%20profile
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