Your daily guide to community and cultural activities across the Emirates for February 5, 2017, including performances, festivals, art exhibitions, film screenings, health and fitness events, talks, classes, workshops and family fun.
Want to see your event listed here? Email us with the details and contact information at listings@thenational.ae
Abu Dhabi
Fitness class
Register now for the new Spin Tribe classes at Bodytree Studio, which combine high-intensity strength training and core conditioning with 30 minutes of cycling and 30 minutes of Pilates mat or Reformer. The Real Ryder bikes have a moving frame, allowing you to burn 20 per cent more calories than on a stationary bike, and are low impact on joints. The classes are open to those who have completed the Pre-Reformer course and also require experience in Pilates mat.
Starts today, 10.15am on Sundays for ladies only; 7pm on Tuesdays for mixed; 8.45am on Wednesdays for ladies only; 9am on Fridays for mixed, from Dh120 per class, Bodytree Studio, Abu Dhabi, register at 02 443 4888, www.bodytreestudio.com
Dubai
Sports event
2017 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships tickets are now on sale. The men’s and women’s events feature some of the world’s top stars, including Angelique Kerber, Agnieszka Radwanska, Thomas Berdych (pictured), Andy Murray and Roger Federer, competing for championship titles.
February 19 to March 4, various timings, from Dh2,250 for the women's week; Dh2,500 for the men's week for Prime B seats, Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, Al Garhoud, Dubai, www.timeouttickets.com
Abu Dhabi
Art exhibition
See Hundred Best Arabic Posters at Warehouse421. The exhibition celebrates the diversity of visual cultures by choosing the best posters from across the Arab world, spreading knowledge about graphic design in the region.
Daily until Thursday, 10am-8pm Tuesdays to Sundays (closed Mondays), Warehouse421, Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi, www.warehouse421.ae
Abu Dhabi
Family fun
Book your spot to participate in the second edition of the Annual Kite Festival, which is now on a new date at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara. Take part in kite building and flying, with great prizes for the most unique creations. Enjoy music, beach activities, a complimentary sausage sizzle and soft drinks.
February 17, noon to 5pm, from Dh150 for adults; from Dh100 for children; complimentary for hotel guests, Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Resorts, Al Ruwais, Abu Dhabi, register at kitefest.sirbaniyas@anantara.com
Abu Dhabi
Music festival
Get tickets now for the Barzakh Festival. Enjoy a two-day outdoor event featuring diverse cultural performances. Enjoy the sounds of North and West Africa on the first night, and on the second, a Ukrainian art-folk quartet, Cambodian psych-pop and Indian bhangra funk. Pictured: Aziz Sahmaoui, who will perform on February 16 with the University of Gnawa.
February 16, 7.30pm; February 17, 6pm; free with registration, East Plaza, The Arts Center, NYU Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, register at www.nyuad-artscenter.org
Dubai
Dance workshop
Register to take part in a workshop with the Heddy Maalem dancers and learn the stomp, chest-pop and arm-swing moves of the Krump style. Explore the dancer in you in the centre of a circle, where everyone is supported and encouraged to let go.
Tonight, 7.30pm-9.30pm, Dh100, ages 18+, auditorium, Alliance Francaise Dubai, Oud Metha, 04 335 8712, register at mediatheque.gestion@afdubai.org
Dubai
Ballet
Get tickets to attend a screening of the Bolshoi Ballet's production of Swan Lake at Novo Cinemas on Friday. The classic tells the story of a princess named Odette who is magically turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer's curse. The show was recorded live in Moscow to celebrate the 90th birthday of the Bolshoi's master and curator, Yuri Grigorovich.
Friday, 3.30pm, Dh35, Ibn Battuta Mall; Festival City Mall, Dubai, www.novocinemas.com
Dubai
Family fun
Visit Global Village for the launch of the three-week Kids Fest festival. The programme of activities, games and entertainment features costumed characters including Angry Birds and Chhota Bheem, face-painting, balloon modellers, shows from Shaabiyat al Cartoon and Globo (pictured) and the dance show City Jam, plus much more.
Daily until February 25, 4pm to midnight, Saturdays to Wednesdays; 4pm-1am Thursdays and Fridays, Global Village, Dubai, www.globalvillage.com
Dubai
Charity run
Plan to attend the Dubai Terry Fox Run. The 5km event celebrates one of Canada’s most revered athletes and raises money for cancer research in the UAE. The run is open to all ages, abilities and modes of participation, including walkers, runners, roller-bladers and wheelchair users. No minimum entrance fee, donations are welcome.
February 17, 8am registration, 8.45am warm-up, 9am start, Festival Bay, Dubai Festival City, Dubai, www.facebook.com/dubaiterryfoxrun
Dubai
Fitness fun
Register to take part in the Zurich Corporate Touch 6s rugby tournament. Make a day of it with colleagues and friends and enjoy a day of energetic, high-intensity sport in a fun and social environment. Children can participate in the free kids’ tournament, plus there will be entertainment and food trucks offering fun for the whole family.
February 24, from 9am, free entry, Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club, Arabian Ranches, Dubai, register teams of 14 at www.zurichcorporatetouch6s.com
MATCH INFO
English Premiership semi-finals
Saracens 57
Wasps 33
Exeter Chiefs 36
Newcastle Falcons 5
Key features of new policy
Pupils to learn coding and other vocational skills from Grade 6
Exams to test critical thinking and application of knowledge
A new National Assessment Centre, PARAKH (Performance, Assessment, Review and Analysis for Holistic Development) will form the standard for schools
Schools to implement online system to encouraging transparency and accountability
THE SPECS
Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine
Power: 420kW
Torque: 780Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh1,350,000
On sale: Available for preorder now
UAE - India ties
The UAE is India’s third-largest trade partner after the US and China
Annual bilateral trade between India and the UAE has crossed US$ 60 billion
The UAE is the fourth-largest exporter of crude oil for India
Indians comprise the largest community with 3.3 million residents in the UAE
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi first visited the UAE in August 2015
His visit on August 23-24 will be the third in four years
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, visited India in February 2016
Sheikh Mohamed was the chief guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations in January 2017
Modi will visit Bahrain on August 24-25
SPECS
Mini John Cooper Works Clubman and Mini John Cooper Works Countryman
Engine: two-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Transmission: nine-speed automatic
Power: 306hp
Torque: 450Nm
Price: JCW Clubman, Dh220,500; JCW Countryman, Dh225,500
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
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Pearls on a Branch: Oral Tales
Najlaa Khoury, Archipelago Books
Europe’s rearming plan
- Suspend strict budget rules to allow member countries to step up defence spending
- Create new "instrument" providing €150 billion of loans to member countries for defence investment
- Use the existing EU budget to direct more funds towards defence-related investment
- Engage the bloc's European Investment Bank to drop limits on lending to defence firms
- Create a savings and investments union to help companies access capital
If you go
The flights
Etihad and Emirates fly direct from the UAE to Chicago from Dh5,215 return including taxes.
The hotels
Recommended hotels include the Intercontinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, located in an iconic skyscraper complete with a 1929 Olympic-size swimming pool from US$299 (Dh1,100) per night including taxes, and the Omni Chicago Hotel, an excellent value downtown address with elegant art deco furnishings and an excellent in-house restaurant. Rooms from US$239 (Dh877) per night including taxes.
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
Scores:
Day 4
England 290 & 346
Sri Lanka 336 & 226-7 (target 301)
Sri Lanka require another 75 runs with three wickets remaining
The specs: 2019 Lincoln MKC
Price, base / as tested: Dh169,995 / Dh192,045
Engine: Turbocharged, 2.0-litre, in-line four-cylinder
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Power: 253hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 389Nm @ 2,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 10.7L / 100km
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)
Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Company%20profile
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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The years Ramadan fell in May
LAST-16 EUROPA LEAGUE FIXTURES
Wednesday (Kick-offs UAE)
FC Copenhagen (0) v Istanbul Basaksehir (1) 8.55pm
Shakhtar Donetsk (2) v Wolfsburg (1) 8.55pm
Inter Milan v Getafe (one leg only) 11pm
Manchester United (5) v LASK (0) 11pm
Thursday
Bayer Leverkusen (3) v Rangers (1) 8.55pm
Sevilla v Roma (one leg only) 8.55pm
FC Basel (3) v Eintracht Frankfurt (0) 11pm
Wolves (1) Olympiakos (1) 11pm
DRIVERS' CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
1. Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) 171 points
2. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP) 151
3. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes-GP) 136
4. Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull Racing) 107
5. Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) 83
6. Sergio Perez (Force India) 50
7. Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) 45
8. Esteban Ocon (Force India) 39
9. Carlos Sainz (Torro Rosso) 29
10. Felipe Massa (Williams) 22
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Fixtures
Tuesday - 5.15pm: Team Lebanon v Alger Corsaires; 8.30pm: Abu Dhabi Storms v Pharaohs
Wednesday - 5.15pm: Pharaohs v Carthage Eagles; 8.30pm: Alger Corsaires v Abu Dhabi Storms
Thursday - 4.30pm: Team Lebanon v Pharaohs; 7.30pm: Abu Dhabi Storms v Carthage Eagles
Friday - 4.30pm: Pharaohs v Alger Corsaires; 7.30pm: Carthage Eagles v Team Lebanon
Saturday - 4.30pm: Carthage Eagles v Alger Corsaires; 7.30pm: Abu Dhabi Storms v Team Lebanon
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
How to help
Call the hotline on 0502955999 or send "thenational" to the following numbers:
2289 - Dh10
2252 - Dh50
6025 - Dh20
6027 - Dh100
6026 - Dh200
If you go
The flights
There are direct flights from Dubai to Sofia with FlyDubai (www.flydubai.com) and Wizz Air (www.wizzair.com), from Dh1,164 and Dh822 return including taxes, respectively.
The trip
Plovdiv is 150km from Sofia, with an hourly bus service taking around 2 hours and costing $16 (Dh58). The Rhodopes can be reached from Sofia in between 2-4hours.
The trip was organised by Bulguides (www.bulguides.com), which organises guided trips throughout Bulgaria. Guiding, accommodation, food and transfers from Plovdiv to the mountains and back costs around 170 USD for a four-day, three-night trip.
Ticket prices
- Golden circle - Dh995
- Floor Standing - Dh495
- Lower Bowl Platinum - Dh95
- Lower Bowl premium - Dh795
- Lower Bowl Plus - Dh695
- Lower Bowl Standard- Dh595
- Upper Bowl Premium - Dh395
- Upper Bowl standard - Dh295
RESULTS
6.30pm Handicap (TB) US$65,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
Winner Golden Goal, Pat Dobbs (jockey), Doug Watson (trainer)
7.05pm Dubai Racing Club Classic Listed Handicap (TB) $88,000 (Turf) 2,410m
Winner: Walton Street, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
7.40pm Dubai Stakes Group 3 (TB) $130,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner Switzerland, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar
8.15pm Singspiel Stakes Group 3 (TB) $163,000 (T) 1,800m
Winner Lord Giltters, Adrie de Vries, David O’Meara
8.50pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 (TB) $228,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner Military Law, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi.
9.25pm Al Fahidi Fort Group 2 (TB) $163,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner Land Of Legends, Frankie Dettori, Saeed bin Suroor
10pm Dubai Dash Listed Handicap (TB) $88,000 (T) 1,000m
Winner Equilateral, Frankie Dettori, Charles Hills.
Top%2010%20most%20competitive%20economies
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Scoreline
Arsenal 3
Aubameyang (28'), Welbeck (38', 81')
Red cards: El Neny (90' 3)
Southampton 2
Long (17'), Austin (73')
Red cards: Stephens (90' 2)
