Get ready for some oud splendour, courtesy of a series of online concerts curated by a master of the instrument.
After wowing online audiences in April with a solo show, Iraqi oud artist and composer Naseer Shamma will return to screens with three distinctive performances.
Joined by students from his Bait Al Oud conservatories (locations include Abu Dhabi and Cairo), who will perform remotely from their homes, the Visits from Bait Al Oud series aims to celebrate the diversity of the instrument.
With each streaming from 8.30pm on the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) YouTube page, Shamma says the shows hope to be a soothing balm in this tumultuous period.
“In trying times such as these, it is important to continually foster a sense of community and togetherness, and to spread hope as much as we can,” he says.
“I’ve found that one of the best ways to deliver the message of hope is through music. The Visits from Bait Al Oud series has enabled my friends and I to safely be invited into homes around the world to share a message of hope and solidarity.
"We are excited to show the depth of classical music, offer unmissable vocal and instrumental experiences, and have viewers leave our concerts inspired to carry on this message of hope.”
Here is the breakdown of the three concerts.
Wednesday, May 13: The Story of the Oud
A great introduction to this rich instrument. If you think all ouds sound or are played the same, prepare to be blown away by the variety of styles on show here. The concert will also highlight the instruments taught in Bait Al Oud, including the violin, qanoon and cello.
Wednesday, June 3: Bait Al Oud and Abu Dhabi Classics: Universal Mozart
A cosmopolitan affair celebrating the life of composer Wolfgang Mozart. Shamma will lead an ensemble of Bait Al Oud graduates and guest musicians from Europe and Asia to perform Mozart compositions inspired by the Arab world.
Wednesday, June 17: Bait Al Oud’s Tribute to Classical Arabic Singing
Prepare to be taken back to the golden age of Arabic popular music as graduates from Bait Al Oud perform a selection of songs from legendary singers such as Egypt’s Um Kulthum and Lebanon’s Fairuz.
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Read more:
Oud master Naseer Shamma’s new book shows how music can be a tool for peace
Maya Diab promises to perform the region's 'first virtual live show'
The 11 best Arab independent musicians you should be listening to right now
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Teachers' pay - what you need to know
Pay varies significantly depending on the school, its rating and the curriculum. Here's a rough guide as of January 2021:
- top end schools tend to pay Dh16,000-17,000 a month - plus a monthly housing allowance of up to Dh6,000. These tend to be British curriculum schools rated 'outstanding' or 'very good', followed by American schools
- average salary across curriculums and skill levels is about Dh10,000, recruiters say
- it is becoming more common for schools to provide accommodation, sometimes in an apartment block with other teachers, rather than hand teachers a cash housing allowance
- some strong performing schools have cut back on salaries since the pandemic began, sometimes offering Dh16,000 including the housing allowance, which reflects the slump in rental costs, and sheer demand for jobs
- maths and science teachers are most in demand and some schools will pay up to Dh3,000 more than other teachers in recognition of their technical skills
- at the other end of the market, teachers in some Indian schools, where fees are lower and competition among applicants is intense, can be paid as low as Dh3,000 per month
- in Indian schools, it has also become common for teachers to share residential accommodation, living in a block with colleagues
Race 3
Produced: Salman Khan Films and Tips Films
Director: Remo D’Souza
Cast: Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez, Bobby Deol, Daisy Shah, Saqib Salem
Rating: 2.5 stars
Read more about the coronavirus
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.
FIXTURES
Monday, January 28
Iran v Japan, Hazza bin Zayed Stadium (6pm)
Tuesday, January 29
UAEv Qatar, Mohamed Bin Zayed Stadium (6pm)
Friday, February 1
Final, Zayed Sports City Stadium (6pm)
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Key products and UAE prices
iPhone XS
With a 5.8-inch screen, it will be an advance version of the iPhone X. It will be dual sim and comes with better battery life, a faster processor and better camera. A new gold colour will be available.
Price: Dh4,229
iPhone XS Max
It is expected to be a grander version of the iPhone X with a 6.5-inch screen; an inch bigger than the screen of the iPhone 8 Plus.
Price: Dh4,649
iPhone XR
A low-cost version of the iPhone X with a 6.1-inch screen, it is expected to attract mass attention. According to industry experts, it is likely to have aluminium edges instead of stainless steel.
Price: Dh3,179
Apple Watch Series 4
More comprehensive health device with edge-to-edge displays that are more than 30 per cent bigger than displays on current models.
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
The specs: 2018 Nissan Altima
Price, base / as tested: Dh78,000 / Dh97,650
Engine: 2.5-litre in-line four-cylinder
Power: 182hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 244Nm @ 4,000rpm
Transmission: Continuously variable tranmission
Fuel consumption, combined: 7.6L / 100km
