Your daily guide to community and cultural activities across the Emirates for February 9, 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.
Want to see your event listed here? Email us with the details and contact information at listings@thenational.ae
Al Ain
Food festival
Enjoy international delicacies from 25 top food trucks from the UAE, the UK, the US and Singapore at the Love Food Festival in Al Ain. Authentic street-food vendors will offer a wide variety of treats – shrimp’po boys, chicken pad thai tacos, chilli crab bun, fennel fries, truffle pizza, camel burgers and funnel cakes. Activities include live music, a children’s zone and a Bedouin tent.
Daily until Saturday, 5pm to 11pm on Thursday; 2pm to 11pm on Friday and Saturday, from Dh45 at the door, Cricket Club, Al Al Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club, Al Ain, www.facebook.com/lovefoodfest
Dubai
Art exhibition
Submersion Series by photographer James Harvey opens today at Showcase Gallery. In the exhibition, Harvey shares images of the different physical, mental and emotional reactions that take place when man meets water. Pictured: Ascend
Opens today, 7pm, then runs daily until March 9, 10am to 6pm, Saturdays to Thursdays (closed on Fridays), Showcase Gallery, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai, 04 379 0940, www.showcaseuae.com
Al Ain
Cultural festival
My Heritage, My Responsibility aims to uphold the UAE’s heritage by passing it on to future generations. The programme, organised and presented by the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, features talks, films, workshops, activities and demonstrations that highlight traditional medicine, cuisine and other Emirati lifestyle elements.
Today and tomorrow, 5pm, Al Ain Palace Museum, Al Ain, www.visitalain.com
Abu Dhabi
Art exhibition
Attend the opening of Grace: A Retrospective of Dance Portraiture and Performance 1986 to 2004. Joanne Savio, an arts professor at NYU Abu Dhabi, presents an exhibition of works taken during a 20-year period that focuses on dance as inspiration, and features some of the most celebrated dancers and choreographers in the field. Pictured: Pina Bausch, Italy, 1994
Opens today, 5.30am to 7.30am, then runs daily until February 25, 3pm to 10pm, Saturdays to Thursdays (closed on Fridays), Project Space, NYU Abu Dhabi Art Gallery, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 02 628 8000, www.nyuad-artgallery.org
Abu Dhabi
Theatre
Get tickets for a performance of Steel Hammer. This music-theatre collaboration between composer Julia Wolfe, Bang on a Can All-Stars and the Siti Company is based on the American folklore legend of John Henry, a steel driver, who is said to have raced against a steam-powered hammer during the construction of a railroad tunnel. The performance is an exploration of human versus machine and the cost of hard labour to the body and soul.
Today, 2pm, free with registration, Red Theater, NYU Abu Dhabi Arts Center, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, register at www.nyuad-artscenter.org
Abu Dhabi
Fitness event
Start your morning with a free yoga workout at Yas Mall, as part of the Fitness for All initiative. Take part in a group class that suits the whole family and all-ability levels, which will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day. Classes run weekly on Thursdays.
Today, 9am, Town Centre, Yas Mall, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, www.yasmall.ae
Dubai
Concert
Get tickets now to see the return of Abba Revival the Tribute, who will perform at the In the Park events at Pyramids at Wafi. The British musicians present a meticulously prepared show, replicating the hits of the Swedish band, whose songs include Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen and Take a Chance on Me. The event includes a picnic meal for two of smoked salmon, vegetable salad, bread, cheese and more.
Tomorrow, doors open at 7pm, concert at 8pm, Dh225 per person with a picnic basket per couple, Rooftop Gardens, Pyramids at Wafi, Sheikh Rashid Road, Dubai, 04 324 4100, www.pyramidsrestaurantsatwafi.com
Dubai
Concert
Get tickets now for Gospel on the Grass. The London Community Gospel Choir will perform at this gala concert as part of ChoirFest Middle East. Enjoy an evening of popular hits, from the 1960s to the present, performed by one of the top gospel choirs in Europe, who have performed with Madonna, Sting, Paul McCartney, Tina Turner and other artists.
March 4, 7.30pm, from Dh250, Els Club, Dubai Sports City, 04 347 7793, www.choirfestme.com
Dubai
Comedy show
Have some fun with the gang from The Laughter Factory. This month’s line-up includes self-deprecating Canadian Peter White, calm and charming British-Nigerian Funmbi Omotayo, and high-octane Aussie Damian Clark (pictured).
Today and tomorrow, 9pm, Dh140, ages 21+, Mövenpick, JBR, Dubai, 04 355 1862, www.platinumlist.net
Dubai
Performance
Attend the opening of Aladdin. Creativiva Worldwide bring their production of the family musical to Dubai with exciting choreography, witty dialogue, circus acts and comedic scenes, in the story of a young boy from the streets who finds a magic lamp, releases a genie and is granted three wishes.
Opens tonight then runs until February 19, 4pm and 7pm on February 9, 15, 16; 11am, 3pm and 7pm on February 10, 11, 17 and 18; 7pm on February 12 and 13; 1pm and 7pm on February 18; 7pm on February 19 (no show on February 14), from Dh180, Madinat Theatre, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, www.madinattheatre.com
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
Meydan card
6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 (PA) Group 1 US$65,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
7.05pm: Conditions (TB) $100,000 (Turf) 1,400m
7.40pm: UAE 2000 Guineas Trial (TB) $100,000 (D) 1,600m
8.15pm: Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 1,200m
8.50pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 (TB) Group 2 $350,000 (D) 1,600m
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) $175,000 (D) 1,900m
10pm: Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,600m
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
More on animal trafficking
Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
The five pillars of Islam
The studios taking part (so far)
- Punch
- Vogue Fitness
- Sweat
- Bodytree Studio
- The Hot House
- The Room
- Inspire Sports (Ladies Only)
- Cryo
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Intercontinental Cup
Namibia v UAE Saturday Sep 16-Tuesday Sep 19
Table 1 Ireland, 89 points; 2 Afghanistan, 81; 3 Netherlands, 52; 4 Papua New Guinea, 40; 5 Hong Kong, 39; 6 Scotland, 37; 7 UAE, 27; 8 Namibia, 27
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
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In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
The National Archives, Abu Dhabi
Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en
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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Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
The alternatives
• Founded in 2014, Telr is a payment aggregator and gateway with an office in Silicon Oasis. It’s e-commerce entry plan costs Dh349 monthly (plus VAT). QR codes direct customers to an online payment page and merchants can generate payments through messaging apps.
• Business Bay’s Pallapay claims 40,000-plus active merchants who can invoice customers and receive payment by card. Fees range from 1.99 per cent plus Dh1 per transaction depending on payment method and location, such as online or via UAE mobile.
• Tap started in May 2013 in Kuwait, allowing Middle East businesses to bill, accept, receive and make payments online “easier, faster and smoother” via goSell and goCollect. It supports more than 10,000 merchants. Monthly fees range from US$65-100, plus card charges of 2.75-3.75 per cent and Dh1.2 per sale.
• 2checkout’s “all-in-one payment gateway and merchant account” accepts payments in 200-plus markets for 2.4-3.9 per cent, plus a Dh1.2-Dh1.8 currency conversion charge. The US provider processes online shop and mobile transactions and has 17,000-plus active digital commerce users.
• PayPal is probably the best-known online goods payment method - usually used for eBay purchases - but can be used to receive funds, providing everyone’s signed up. Costs from 2.9 per cent plus Dh1.2 per transaction.
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
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Results
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,200m, Winner: ES Rubban, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Ibrahim Aseel (trainer)
5.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh85,000 (T) 1,200m, Winner: Al Mobher, Sczcepan Mazur, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
6pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m, Winner: Jabalini, Tadhg O’Shea, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
6.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 2,200m, Winner: AF Abahe, Tadgh O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
7pm: Handicap (PA) Dh85,000 (T) 1,600m, Winner: AF Makerah, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
7.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m, Winner: Law Of Peace, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar