The streets are awash in bright lights and banners in red, white, green and black, as the UAE prepares to celebrate the 44th anniversary of unification. And no celebration is complete without music. We’ve rounded up eight songs commemorating National Day and celebrating what the UAE means to Emiratis and expats.
Ya Khalifatna (Our Khalifa)
Released in 2012 by twofour54 to commemorate the 41st National Day, Ya Khalifatna is a remix that combines elements from two songs: the 1996 UAE song Zanaha Zayed and the 2011 National Day song Amrak Al Sami, both of which were written by Emirati poet Arif Al Khaja. Al Khaja combined the lyrics to create Ya Khalifitna and singer Fayez Al Saeed composed the music.
• Favourite lyrics: "Zanaha Zayed wa zayenha wa zaad", meaning the late Sheikh Zayed beautified the UAE and made it flourish and more.
Ya Alamna (Our Flag)
Originally a poem by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, Ya Alamna was set to music by Khaled Naser and sung as a duet by Hussain Al Jassmi and Emirati-Yemeni singer Balqees. The song was released last year, a week before National Day, as part of the album Torathana Qudwatona.
• Favourite lyrics: "O our flag, wave high in the sky, you are raised by those who have created the union."
Operette Yowm Al Izz (An Opera for the Day of Blessings)
The lyrics are from a poem by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, set to music by Fayez Al Saeed. But it’s the performance of the song, by some of the UAE’s most beloved singers, that makes it a favourite. Superstar Ahlam, Hussain Al Jassmi, Al Saeed himself, Balqees, Aida Al Menhali, Hamad Al Ameri and more feature on this star-studded collaboration, with the landmarks of the UAE appearing prominently in the video.
• Favourite lyrics: "And fans of poetry will stand in appreciation by its end. It revolves around the love of this homeland and those who live on its lands."
Rooh El Ittihad (The Spirit of the Union)
Released last week, the song is a mixture of Arabic and Malayalam. It was written, composed and sung by Iqubal Madakkara from India, who hopes it will be a favourite during National Day celebrations.
It is yet to become popular, but we’re predicting big things for the moving song.
• Favourite lyrics: "Here is a country without any discrimination and with wisdom, the Emirates is galloping."
Narzif Laha (We Dance For Her)
Last year, telecommunication services provider du released a song and music video to mark the 43rd National Day. The song celebrated the UAE’s international community by bringing together people of many nationalities and filmed them dancing the country’s traditional razfa dance with Emiratis.
Written by poet and television personality Saoud Al Kaabi, composed by Khalid Nasser and sung by Faisal Al Jassim, Narzif Laha was filmed at locations across the UAE and featured many of the country's landmarks. It also features Emiratis in the United States and United Kingdom dancing in front of the Hollywood sign and Buckingham Palace.
Several UAE-based celebrities were also shown dancing in the video, including Arabic-speaking Korean comedian Wonho Chung and City of Life actor Saoud Al Kaabi.
• Favourite lyrics: "This is the UAE, the Emirates of love and union, as it is so precious to us, we are all at her service, we are at her service, to express our love for our UAE, we dance for her."
Emirati
It would be impossible not to include this song by the UAE’s best-loved and most popular male singer, Hussain Al Jassmi – even though it was released way back in 2009.
This is not his only song dedicated to his country – also check out 2008's Emarat Al Wujood, produced by du and featuring lyrics by Ali Al Fadli and music by Walid Al Shami.
• Favourite lyrics: "I am Emirati and my head is held high, I am Emirati and my name is said with pride."
Bahjat Al Ard (Joy of the Land)
Also released last year for National Day, Bahjat Al Ard is an ode to the UAE's founders and the country's achievements. The song was the brainchild of the Government Communication Department at the National Media Council and was written by Mohammed Hassan Al Hammadi, from the NMC office in Al Ain.
• Favourite lyrics: "May God bless the soul of our nation's founder, Zayed."
Emirati Salam
Rising star Ali Al Hashmi – or Allawi for short – is a 14-year-old student at Al Yasmina School in Abu Dhabi. He has been singing for two years, since an Etisalat Ramadan commercial in 2013 thrust him into the spotlight.
With lyrics by Anwar Al Mashiri and music by celebrated singer Fayez Al Saeed, Emarati Salam remains a popular number.
• Favourite lyrics: "O country, you are great, may God keep you and continue blessing you, you are the sultan of all, our pride."
artslife@thenational.ae
ITU Abu Dhabi World Triathlon
Multitasking pays off for money goals
Tackling money goals one at a time cost financial literacy expert Barbara O'Neill at least $1 million.
That's how much Ms O'Neill, a distinguished professor at Rutgers University in the US, figures she lost by starting saving for retirement only after she had created an emergency fund, bought a car with cash and purchased a home.
"I tell students that eventually, 30 years later, I hit the million-dollar mark, but I could've had $2 million," Ms O'Neill says.
Too often, financial experts say, people want to attack their money goals one at a time: "As soon as I pay off my credit card debt, then I'll start saving for a home," or, "As soon as I pay off my student loan debt, then I'll start saving for retirement"."
People do not realise how costly the words "as soon as" can be. Paying off debt is a worthy goal, but it should not come at the expense of other goals, particularly saving for retirement. The sooner money is contributed, the longer it can benefit from compounded returns. Compounded returns are when your investment gains earn their own gains, which can dramatically increase your balances over time.
"By putting off saving for the future, you are really inhibiting yourself from benefiting from that wonderful magic," says Kimberly Zimmerman Rand , an accredited financial counsellor and principal at Dragonfly Financial Solutions in Boston. "If you can start saving today ... you are going to have a lot more five years from now than if you decide to pay off debt for three years and start saving in year four."
The%20specs
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Quick%20facts
%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3EStorstockholms%20Lokaltrafik%20(SL)%20offers%20free%20guided%20tours%20of%20art%20in%20the%20metro%20and%20at%20the%20stations%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EThe%20tours%20are%20free%20of%20charge%3B%20all%20you%20need%20is%20a%20valid%20SL%20ticket%2C%20for%20which%20a%20single%20journey%20(valid%20for%2075%20minutes)%20costs%2039%20Swedish%20krone%20(%243.75)%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ETravel%20cards%20for%20unlimited%20journeys%20are%20priced%20at%20165%20Swedish%20krone%20for%2024%20hours%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EAvoid%20rush%20hour%20%E2%80%93%20between%209.30%20am%20and%204.30%20pm%20%E2%80%93%20to%20explore%20the%20artwork%20at%20leisure%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
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
THE BIO
Bio Box
Role Model: Sheikh Zayed, God bless his soul
Favorite book: Zayed Biography of the leader
Favorite quote: To be or not to be, that is the question, from William Shakespeare's Hamlet
Favorite food: seafood
Favorite place to travel: Lebanon
Favorite movie: Braveheart
Vidaamuyarchi
Director: Magizh Thirumeni
Stars: Ajith Kumar, Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Regina Cassandra
Rating: 4/5
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Jebel Ali card
1.45pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,400m
2.15pm: Handicap Dh90,000 1,400m
2.45pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,000m
3.15pm: Handicap Dh105,000 1,200m
3.45pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,600m
4.15pm: Handicap Dh105,000 1,600m
4.45pm: Handicap Dh80,000 1,800m
The National selections
1.45pm: Cosmic Glow
2.15pm: Karaginsky
2.45pm: Welcome Surprise
3.15pm: Taamol
3.45pm: Rayig
4.15pm: Chiefdom
4.45pm: California Jumbo
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.
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
German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
10 tips for entry-level job seekers
- Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
- Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
- Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
- Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
- Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
- Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
- Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
- Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
- Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.
Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz
Dubai works towards better air quality by 2021
Dubai is on a mission to record good air quality for 90 per cent of the year – up from 86 per cent annually today – by 2021.
The municipality plans to have seven mobile air-monitoring stations by 2020 to capture more accurate data in hourly and daily trends of pollution.
These will be on the Palm Jumeirah, Al Qusais, Muhaisnah, Rashidiyah, Al Wasl, Al Quoz and Dubai Investment Park.
“It will allow real-time responding for emergency cases,” said Khaldoon Al Daraji, first environment safety officer at the municipality.
“We’re in a good position except for the cases that are out of our hands, such as sandstorms.
“Sandstorms are our main concern because the UAE is just a receiver.
“The hotspots are Iran, Saudi Arabia and southern Iraq, but we’re working hard with the region to reduce the cycle of sandstorm generation.”
Mr Al Daraji said monitoring as it stood covered 47 per cent of Dubai.
There are 12 fixed stations in the emirate, but Dubai also receives information from monitors belonging to other entities.
“There are 25 stations in total,” Mr Al Daraji said.
“We added new technology and equipment used for the first time for the detection of heavy metals.
“A hundred parameters can be detected but we want to expand it to make sure that the data captured can allow a baseline study in some areas to ensure they are well positioned.”
The biog
Prefers vegetables and fish to meat and would choose salad over pizza
Walks daily as part of regular exercise routine
France is her favourite country to visit
Has written books and manuals on women’s education, first aid and health for the family
Family: Husband, three sons and a daughter
Fathiya Nadhari's instructions to her children was to give back to the country
The children worked as young volunteers in social, education and health campaigns
Her motto is to never stop working for the country