Emirati cultural personality Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo has become the first Arab individual to receive the Medal of Honour, the highest distinction awarded by the prestigious Spanish institution Reina Sofia School of Music.
Kanoo received the award from Queen Sofia of Spain in a ceremony in Madrid on Thursday.
The Medal of honour is presented to individuals and institutions in recognition of their work in supporting and developing music culture and education.
As founder of the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation and the artistic director of the Abu Dhabi Festival, Kanoo has been honoured for her expansive career and contributions to evolving the cultural landscape of the UAE and wider region.
She dedicated the award to Sheikha Fatima, the Mother of the Nation.
“Her unwavering support empowers women throughout the UAE,” she said.
“To be awarded the Medal of Honour is a testament to the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation’s commitment to investing in creative potential and advocating for cultural diplomacy both at home and abroad.”
Kanoo further explained the foundation’s goals and key mission in a recent interview with The National.
As the administering body of the Abu Dhabi Festival, she explained how using culture to build bridges between the UAE and the wider world is at the heart of the annual event’s programming.
“It is our contribution to cultural diplomacy,” she said.
"By partnering up with more than 35 of the greatest international institutions to create new works, commissions and productions, the festival opens doors for people both in Abu Dhabi and around the globe to discover the world’s greatest talents.”
Spain has been at the forefront of international outreach.
Last month, the festival collaborated with Barcelona’s Gran Teatre del Liceu and Flamenco star Maria Pages for the world premiere of dance production De Scheherazade a Yo, Carmen.
After receiving rave reviews from the Spanish press, the production is set to embark on a two-year world tour taking in Europe and South America.
The festival also signed a partnership with Teatro Real in Madrid to stage Giuseppe Verdi’s opera Aida in October.
Such cultural contributions, including bringing Spanish opera stars Jose Carreras and Placido Domingo to the UAE in 2007 and 2013 respectively, led to Kanoo being awarded The Commander of the Royal Order of Isabella the Catholic by the former King of Spain Juan Carlos in 2016.
“With Spain we share values of innovation, creation and respect,” Kanoo told The National.
“Spain and the Arab world share a cultural history that dates back to the 9th century from the time of Ziryab who revolutionised music by introducing the oud to Spain and Europe and who established the first conservatoire in the world, teaching its students harmony and composition.”
Scroll through the gallery below for images from 'De Scheherazade a Yo, Carmen'
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'Texas Chainsaw Massacre'
Rating: 1 out of 4
Running time: 81 minutes
Director: David Blue Garcia
Starring: Sarah Yarkin, Elsie Fisher, Mark Burnham
Business Insights
- As per the document, there are six filing options, including choosing to report on a realisation basis and transitional rules for pre-tax period gains or losses.
- SMEs with revenue below Dh3 million per annum can opt for transitional relief until 2026, treating them as having no taxable income.
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Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
Scoreline
Liverpool 3
Mane (7'), Salah (69'), Firmino (90')
Bournemouth 0
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: 2018 Maserati Levante S
Price, base / as tested: Dh409,000 / Dh467,000
Engine: 3.0-litre V6
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 430hp @ 5,750rpm
Torque: 580Nm @ 4,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 10.9L / 100km
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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Mane points for safe home colouring
- Natural and grey hair takes colour differently than chemically treated hair
- Taking hair from a dark to a light colour should involve a slow transition through warmer stages of colour
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- If you decide to be brave and go for it, seek professional advice and use a semi-permanent colour
'Nope'
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The specs
Engine: 5.0-litre supercharged V8
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Power: 575bhp
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Price: Dh554,000
On sale: now
Going grey? A stylist's advice
If you’re going to go grey, a great style, well-cared for hair (in a sleek, classy style, like a bob), and a young spirit and attitude go a long way, says Maria Dowling, founder of the Maria Dowling Salon in Dubai.
It’s easier to go grey from a lighter colour, so you may want to do that first. And this is the time to try a shorter style, she advises. Then a stylist can introduce highlights, start lightening up the roots, and let it fade out. Once it’s entirely grey, a purple shampoo will prevent yellowing.
“Get professional help – there’s no other way to go around it,” she says. “And don’t just let it grow out because that looks really bad. Put effort into it: properly condition, straighten, get regular trims, make sure it’s glossy.”
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
