Your daily guide to community and cultural activities across the Emirates for May 28, 2017, including performances, festivals, art exhibitions, film screenings, health and fitness events, talks, classes, workshops and family fun. Ellen Fortini rounds up 10 things to do today in the UAE.
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Abu Dhabi
Ramadan festivities
Visit Bawabat Al Sharq to take part in family friendly Ramadan festivities that uphold the Year of Giving and promote Emirati culture. Souq Al Omniyat, which is organised by and supports the Make-A-Wish Foundation, features 50 vendors selling clothing, perfumes and accessories. There will be henna, calligraphy, a falcon show and children’s arts and crafts where they can make lanterns and more.
Open daily during Ramadan, 10am to 2pm and 8pm to 1am, Saturdays to Wednesdays; 10am to 2pm and 8pm to 2am, Thursdays and Fridays; the souq and Ramadan activities begin at sunset, Bawabat Al Sharq Mall, Bani Yas, Abu Dhabi, www.bawabatalsharqmall.ae
Dubai
Performance
Get tickets to see the Grammy Award-winning Chamber Orchestra of Europe perform at Dubai Opera in two gala evenings featuring works by Mozart, including Magic Flute Overture, Violin Concerto No 3 and Symphony No 4, as well as Beethoven's Coriolan Overture, Violin Concerto and Symphony No 5. The orchestra will be led by conductor Robin Ticciati with Christian Tetzlaff (pictured) on violin.
November 2 to 3, from Dh250, Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, www.dubaiopera.com
Abu Dhabi
Kids’ camp
Sign up your children, ages 5 to 11, for the Ramadan Kids’ Camp at Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi, where there is plenty to keep them busy, including swimming pool games, indoor activities, arts and crafts, movies, a talent show and games.
Starts today and runs until Thursday; then June 4 to June 8, 2pm to 6pm, from Dh160 per day, Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi, Al Zahiya, Abu Dhabi, register at 02 697 9302 or bodylines.beach@rotana.com
Abu Dhabi
Fitness offer
Vogue Fitness has extended its hours during Ramadan to accommodate early-morning and after-iftar training with additional classes. Plus, women who join Yas Ladies, can take part in the introduction class for free. Membership packages are available for CrossFit and personal training.
Open 5.30am to 1am, Vogue Fitness, Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 02 583 2380, www.vfuae.com
Nationwide
New movie
In the film Berlin Syndrome, Clare (Teresa Palmer), an Australian photojournalist, is on holiday in Berlin, where she meets Andi (Max Riemelt) and begins a passionate romance. When she wakes up, however, she discovers that Andi has left and has locked her in his apartment, where he intends to keep her forever. Thriller, also starring Lucie Aron, Cem Tuncay and Matthias Habich.
Screening at cinemas across the UAE (18+)
Abu Dhabi
Fitness offer
St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort offers a variety of fitness options and water-sport activities throughout the summer. Enjoy the state-of-the-art indoor facilities, including a 3,500-square-metre gym, squash and tennis courts, plus group classes such as HIIT, Zumba and yoga, personal training and a 25-metre lap pool. Swimming lessons are available, as well as tennis classes and activities, including paddle-boarding, kayaking and boogie-boarding. Members can enjoy access to the three outdoor pools and the 9-kilometre private beach.
From 8.30am to 11am and 6pm to 8pm for group classes; Dh65 per group class for members; Dh85 per group class for non-members, packages available at various prices for swimming, tennis, watersports, St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 02 498 8777, athleticclub.saadiyat@stregis.com
Abu Dhabi, Dubai & Sharjah
Ramadan menu
Jones the Grocer combines local flavours and regional traditions in its Ramadan menu, which includes pumpkin and corn fritters, a zataar-grilled halloumi wrap, a barramundi burger with moutabal and pomegranate (pictured) and Moroccan meatballs with crispy kale and sesame bread.
Open from 9am to 11am for take-away and 11am to 10.30pm for dine-in and take-away at Khalidiya and Al Raha, Abu Dhabi; open 9am to 11pm for dine-in and take-away at Al Muneera and Al Mamoura, Abu Dhabi; from 9am for take-away and from iftar for dine-in and take-away at Al Manara and Al Safa, Dubai; 24 hours at Dusit Thani Dubai; from 5pm to iftar for take-away and iftar to 3am for dine-in and take-away at Flag Island, Sharjah, www.facebook.com/JonestheGrocer
Dubai
Art exhibition
See the exhibition A Fast, Moving Sky. It features works curated by Dexter Wimberly that reflect the African diaspora. The four artists chosen to participate come from vastly different parts of the world, but are all connected through the theme. They present works that exemplify the complexity of the phenomenon, illustrating how ideas, aesthetics and people are constantly in a flux. Pictured: Crashing Drone II by Rushern Baker
Daily until July 25, 10am to 7pm, Saturdays to Thursdays (closed on Fridays), The Third Line, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai, 04 341 1367, www.thethirdline.com
Dubai
Iftar offer
Qasr Al Sultan has a special iftar and suhoor offer. It features an enchanting ambience that reflects the splendour of a sultan’s palace, and immerses guests in the warmth of Arabian hospitality. Enjoy iftar with hot and cold mezzes, roasted lamb ouzi and shawarma, along with a dessert counter and homemade ice cream. Arabic singers and oud players will entertain throughout iftar. Suhour features a set menu of Arabic snacks and wholesome soups. Plus, visit the traditional souq and shisha terrace while children will enjoy the games and play area.
From sunset to 9pm for iftar, Dh195; 10pm to 2am for suhour, Dh150, 50 per cent discount for children ages 6 to 12; free for children ages 5 and younger, Qasr Al Sultan, near Dubai Parks and Resorts, Dubai, www.qasralsultan.ae
Dubai
Family fun
Dubai Ice Rink and VRZoo have teamed up to bring a special offer for family fun that includes an ice-skating session and an immersive, virtual experience with animals. Have a skate around the cool Dubai Ice Rink, then delve into a 360-degree virtual world featuring live-action endangered species, including dugongs, African elephants and meercats on the VRZoo at Dubai Aquarium.
Available until Wednesday, Dh110, Dubai Ice Rink, ground floor, The Dubai Mall, 04 448 5111, www.dubaiicerink.com
The bio
Favourite book: Peter Rabbit. I used to read it to my three children and still read it myself. If I am feeling down it brings back good memories.
Best thing about your job: Getting to help people. My mum always told me never to pass up an opportunity to do a good deed.
Best part of life in the UAE: The weather. The constant sunshine is amazing and there is always something to do, you have so many options when it comes to how to spend your day.
Favourite holiday destination: Malaysia. I went there for my honeymoon and ended up volunteering to teach local children for a few hours each day. It is such a special place and I plan to retire there one day.
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
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Silent Hill f
Publisher: Konami
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Rating: 4.5/5
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The Matrix Resurrections
Director: Lana Wachowski
Stars: Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Jessica Henwick
Rating:****
Scoreline
Syria 1-1 Australia
Syria Al Somah 85'
Australia Kruse 40'
Monday's results
- UAE beat Bahrain by 51 runs
- Qatar beat Maldives by 44 runs
- Saudi Arabia beat Kuwait by seven wickets
The biog
Favourite book: Animal Farm by George Orwell
Favourite music: Classical
Hobbies: Reading and writing
Emergency
Director: Kangana Ranaut
Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry
Rating: 2/5
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
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Poland Statement
All people fleeing from Ukraine before the armed conflict are allowed to enter Poland. Our country shelters every person whose life is in danger - regardless of their nationality.
The dominant group of refugees in Poland are citizens of Ukraine, but among the people checked by the Border Guard are also citizens of the USA, Nigeria, India, Georgia and other countries.
All persons admitted to Poland are verified by the Border Guard. In relation to those who are in doubt, e.g. do not have documents, Border Guard officers apply appropriate checking procedures.
No person who has received refuge in Poland will be sent back to a country torn by war.
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
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
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
