Princes Charles and Princess Diana, wearing an outfit designed by Catherine Walker that became a fashion sensation, in Dubai in 1989. Getty Images
Princes Charles and Princess Diana, wearing an outfit designed by Catherine Walker that became a fashion sensation, in Dubai in 1989. Getty Images
Princes Charles and Princess Diana, wearing an outfit designed by Catherine Walker that became a fashion sensation, in Dubai in 1989. Getty Images
Princes Charles and Princess Diana, wearing an outfit designed by Catherine Walker that became a fashion sensation, in Dubai in 1989. Getty Images

Prince Charles in the UAE: a history of Prince William's father in the Emirates


  • English
  • Arabic

Prince William, who has finally made his first official trip to the UAE this week, was only seven years old when his parents Prince Charles and Princess Diana visited the country for the first time in 1989.

Live updates: follow the latest news on Prince William's visit to the UAE

The six-day trip, which also included a visit to Kuwait, was intended as a boost to British trade, and Charles and Diana were given the ultimate Emirati hospitality in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Princess Diana, who was 25 at the time, also made news for her fashion choices during the visit, including the high-waisted blue skirt and white jacket with contrasting blue lapels by designer Catherine Walker that she wore as she stepped off the plane in Dubai. The look, which was paired with a turban hat, immediately became a fashion sensation.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, then Minister of Defence, with Princess Diana during a reception at the British Consulate in Dubai in 1989. Getty Images
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, then Minister of Defence, with Princess Diana during a reception at the British Consulate in Dubai in 1989. Getty Images

Charles and Diana also met Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father, at his private majlis in Al Ain where, speaking through his translator, he revealed his plans for Sir Bani Yas Island as a wildlife reserve. The couple were also treated to a camel race and a picnic at Ghabat Raqnah Oasis.

The royals also attended an official reception at the British Embassy in Abu Dhabi. In Dubai, they met Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, then Minister of Defence, at another British Embassy reception.

Watch a video of Prince Charles and Diana's UAE visit in 1989 below:

In 1999, Prince Charles returned to the UAE, this time on a solo trip. His seven-day tour of the Gulf also included visits to Oman and Saudi Arabia.

In Dubai, Charles attended the Dubai Airshow, and toured the annual aviation exhibition, which included some 30 British exhibitors. The royal so hopped into the cockpit of a prototype Eurofighter tycoon, made by a British-led consortium.

Prince Charles at the Dubai Airshow in 1999. AFP
Prince Charles at the Dubai Airshow in 1999. AFP

Charles again returned to the UAE in 2014, and was received in the capital by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

Prince Charles’s visit, which was supported by the British government, also involved a trip to Manama where he met the Crown Prince of Bahrain, Sheikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, before holding talks with King Hamad. The British royal also visited Saudi Arabia and Qatar that week.

“The visit of the Prince of Wales symbolises the long-standing friendship between our royal families and demonstrates partnership at the very highest level," Dominic Jermey, then British ambassador to the UAE, said. “These personal ties act as a bedrock in the UK-UAE relationship and allow us to collaborate with confidence on the many issues our people are passionate about, not least critical issues in the region and around the world.”

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, receiving Prince Charles in the UAE capital in 2014. WAM
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, receiving Prince Charles in the UAE capital in 2014. WAM

Charles returned to Abu Dhabi in 2015, for a flying visit, and again met Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. The trip also included stops in Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Prince Charles' last visit to the UAE was in 2016, this time accompanied by Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, whom he married in 2005. The three-day visit in November was part of a regional tour that started in Oman and ended in Bahrain.

Upon their arrival in Abu Dhabi, the royal couple were taken on a tour of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, where they were accompanied by Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, then Minister of State for Tolerance.

After a brief tour of the mosque, Charles and Camilla viewed a photography exhibition and other works presented by a cultural guide. The royal couple then visited the mosque’s main hall to learn about the building’s architecture, design and carpet.

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and Prince Charles at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in 2016. WAM
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and Prince Charles at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in 2016. WAM

A quick walk around the courtyard to learn more about the distinctive floral design as the call to prayer echoed around the grand setting was followed by a reception to meet guests from different faiths and nationalities.

During the tour, the royals also visited the Bu Tinah archipelago, a sanctuary for endangered species such as the dugong and hawksbill turtle, and a UN-recognised heritage site located about 150 kilometers from Abu Dhabi. They also attended a celebration at Jahili Fort in Al Ain and a Youth Circle event in Masdar City.

The Duchess of Cornwall made time to visit the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, where she was informed about the importance of falconry in Arab culture and watched staff operate on one of the birds.

That same day, she met a group of prominent UAE women at a Women’s Empowerment Lunch, where she was greeted by Noura Al Kaabi, then Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs.

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, at Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital with Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister for Climate Change and Environment, and Dr Margit Muller. Photo: Sharina Lootah / Crown Prince’s Court – Abu Dhabi
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, at Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital with Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister for Climate Change and Environment, and Dr Margit Muller. Photo: Sharina Lootah / Crown Prince’s Court – Abu Dhabi

The duchess met senior government officials, business leaders and Armed Forces officers during the event.

“We were delighted to have had the opportunity to demonstrate to the duchess the way in which UAE women are engaged not only in the building of those ties, but also how Emirati women are engaged in the UAE’s development in all fields,” Al Kaabi said.

In a day with a full appointment book, Camilla also unveiled a plaque to formally inaugurate a branch of the Imperial College London Diabetes Centre in Zayed Sports City.

Prince Charles visited the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi where he was given a guided tour of the facility before meeting students.

In Dubai, the couple visited the logistics hub Dubai International Humanitarian City on the final day of their state visit to the UAE.

The prince met aid workers and viewed innovative projects delivering emergency support to where it is needed most. In a speech, he said the UAE was well placed to become the world’s foremost humanitarian logistical power.

“The UAE is second to none in its generosity. This is one facet of Sheikh Zayed’s remarkable legacy."

In the afternoon, Prince Charles met Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, at Zabeel Palace. They discussed the promotion of cultural, tourism and sports ties between their two countries.

  • The UK's Prince Charles, now King Charles III, plays polo near Muscat, Oman, in 1986. Getty
    The UK's Prince Charles, now King Charles III, plays polo near Muscat, Oman, in 1986. Getty
  • Prince Charles and Princess Diana at a picnic near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 1986. Getty
    Prince Charles and Princess Diana at a picnic near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 1986. Getty
  • Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak with Prince Charles during a visit to the UAE in 1988. Photo: Al Ittihad
    Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak with Prince Charles during a visit to the UAE in 1988. Photo: Al Ittihad
  • Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales, attend a camel race in Al Ain in March 1989. Getty
    Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales, attend a camel race in Al Ain in March 1989. Getty
  • Prince Charles visits the Karnak Temple Complex during a visit to Egypt in 1995. Getty
    Prince Charles visits the Karnak Temple Complex during a visit to Egypt in 1995. Getty
  • Prince Charles tours the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca during a three-day official visit to Morocco in 1995. Reuters
    Prince Charles tours the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca during a three-day official visit to Morocco in 1995. Reuters
  • The British royal is served Arabic coffee during a visit to Bait Al Zubair in Muscat in 2003. Reuters
    The British royal is served Arabic coffee during a visit to Bait Al Zubair in Muscat in 2003. Reuters
  • Prince Charles with Maj Gen Andrew Stewart, right, at a British military base in Basra, Iraq, in 2004. Reuters
    Prince Charles with Maj Gen Andrew Stewart, right, at a British military base in Basra, Iraq, in 2004. Reuters
  • The UK royal is shown a map of Arg-e-Bam during a 2004 visit to the ruins in Bam, southern Iran. Reuters
    The UK royal is shown a map of Arg-e-Bam during a 2004 visit to the ruins in Bam, southern Iran. Reuters
  • Prince Charles in Petra, Jordan, in 2004. Getty
    Prince Charles in Petra, Jordan, in 2004. Getty
  • Charles, Prince of Wales at the time, visits the College of Islamic Art at Salt University in Amman, Jordan, in 2004. Getty
    Charles, Prince of Wales at the time, visits the College of Islamic Art at Salt University in Amman, Jordan, in 2004. Getty
  • Prince Charles wears a bisht during a 2007 visit to a traditional handicraft centre in Kuwait with Camilla, now Queen Consort. Reuters
    Prince Charles wears a bisht during a 2007 visit to a traditional handicraft centre in Kuwait with Camilla, now Queen Consort. Reuters
  • The royal visits Al Safwa farm in Doha in 2013. Reuters
    The royal visits Al Safwa farm in Doha in 2013. Reuters
  • Prince Charles with former Saudi tourism minister Prince Sultan bin Salman at Al Diriyah in 2014. Reuters
    Prince Charles with former Saudi tourism minister Prince Sultan bin Salman at Al Diriyah in 2014. Reuters
  • Prince Charles wears a traditional Saudi uniform to perform a sword dance, known as ardah, in Riyadh in 2014. Reuters
    Prince Charles wears a traditional Saudi uniform to perform a sword dance, known as ardah, in Riyadh in 2014. Reuters
  • Prince Charles visits Jordanian children and Syrian refugees at a sports ground in Zaatari, Jordan, in 2015. Getty
    Prince Charles visits Jordanian children and Syrian refugees at a sports ground in Zaatari, Jordan, in 2015. Getty
  • The royal is greeted by children during a walking tour in Muscat in 2016. Getty
    The royal is greeted by children during a walking tour in Muscat in 2016. Getty
  • Prince Charles during a visit to the Tubil Bay regeneration project in Bahrain, in 2016. Getty
    Prince Charles during a visit to the Tubil Bay regeneration project in Bahrain, in 2016. Getty
  • Prince Charles visits Manama Souq, Bahrain, in 2016. Getty
    Prince Charles visits Manama Souq, Bahrain, in 2016. Getty
  • Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, receives Prince Charles and Camilla in Abu Dhabi in 2016. Photo: Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court
    Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, receives Prince Charles and Camilla in Abu Dhabi in 2016. Photo: Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court
  • Sheikh Abdullah with Prince Charles and Camilla after a meeting at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in 2016. Photo: Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court
    Sheikh Abdullah with Prince Charles and Camilla after a meeting at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in 2016. Photo: Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court
  • President Sheikh Mohamed, who at the time was Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, receives Charles and Camilla, at Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain in 2016. Photo: Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court
    President Sheikh Mohamed, who at the time was Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, receives Charles and Camilla, at Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain in 2016. Photo: Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court
  • Prince Charles visits the site of Expo 2020 Dubai in 2016. Getty
    Prince Charles visits the site of Expo 2020 Dubai in 2016. Getty
  • Prince Charles visits Bu Tinah island on the second day of his tour of the UAE, in November 2016. Getty
    Prince Charles visits Bu Tinah island on the second day of his tour of the UAE, in November 2016. Getty
  • Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, with Prince Charles during his visit to the Regional Conservation Centre in Sharjah, in November 2016. Photo: Ab Dhabi Crown Prince Court
    Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, with Prince Charles during his visit to the Regional Conservation Centre in Sharjah, in November 2016. Photo: Ab Dhabi Crown Prince Court
  • Prince Charles lays a wreath during the Fifth World Holocaust Forum in Jerusalem in 2020. Reuters
    Prince Charles lays a wreath during the Fifth World Holocaust Forum in Jerusalem in 2020. Reuters
  • Prince Charles with Roman Krassovsky, right, Archimandrite of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia and chief of its Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem, during a visit in Russian Orthodox Church of Mary Magdalene in 2020. Reuters
    Prince Charles with Roman Krassovsky, right, Archimandrite of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia and chief of its Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem, during a visit in Russian Orthodox Church of Mary Magdalene in 2020. Reuters
  • Prince Charles and Camilla visit the Great Sphinx of Giza during a regional tour in 2021. Getty
    Prince Charles and Camilla visit the Great Sphinx of Giza during a regional tour in 2021. Getty
  • Prince Charles stands next to the mahmal, the palanquin used to transport the kiswah that covers the Kaaba in Makkah, during a visit to Alexandria, Egypt, in 2021. AFP
    Prince Charles stands next to the mahmal, the palanquin used to transport the kiswah that covers the Kaaba in Makkah, during a visit to Alexandria, Egypt, in 2021. AFP
'Cheb%20Khaled'
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EArtist%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EKhaled%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ELabel%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EBelieve%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Sun jukebox

Rufus Thomas, Bear Cat (The Answer to Hound Dog) (1953)

This rip-off of Leiber/Stoller’s early rock stomper brought a lawsuit against Phillips and necessitated Presley’s premature sale to RCA.

Elvis Presley, Mystery Train (1955)

The B-side of Presley’s final single for Sun bops with a drummer-less groove.

Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two, Folsom Prison Blues (1955)

Originally recorded for Sun, Cash’s signature tune was performed for inmates of the titular prison 13 years later.

Carl Perkins, Blue Suede Shoes (1956)

Within a month of Sun’s February release Elvis had his version out on RCA.

Roy Orbison, Ooby Dooby (1956)

An essential piece of irreverent juvenilia from Orbison.

Jerry Lee Lewis, Great Balls of Fire (1957)

Lee’s trademark anthem is one of the era’s best-remembered – and best-selling – songs.

The British in India: Three Centuries of Ambition and Experience

by David Gilmour

Allen Lane

Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

Pad Man

Dir: R Balki

Starring: Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor, Radhika Apte

Three-and-a-half stars

Quick pearls of wisdom

Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”

Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.” 

Paatal Lok season two

Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy 

Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong

Rating: 4.5/5

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

At a glance - Zayed Sustainability Prize 2020

Launched: 2008

Categories: Health, energy, water, food, global high schools

Prize: Dh2.2 million (Dh360,000 for global high schools category)

Winners’ announcement: Monday, January 13

 

Impact in numbers

335 million people positively impacted by projects

430,000 jobs created

10 million people given access to clean and affordable drinking water

50 million homes powered by renewable energy

6.5 billion litres of water saved

26 million school children given solar lighting

TUESDAY'S ORDER OF PLAY

Centre Court

Starting at 2pm:

Elina Svitolina (UKR) [3] v Jennifer Brady (USA)

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) v Belinda Bencic (SUI [4]

Not before 7pm:

Sofia Kenin (USA) [5] v Elena Rybakina (KAZ)

Maria Sakkari (GRE) v Aryna Sabalenka (BLR) [7]

 

Court One

Starting at midday:

Karolina Muchova (CZE) v Katerina Siniakova (CZE)

Kristina Mladenovic (FRA) v Aliaksandra Sasnovich (BLR)

Veronika Kudermetova (RUS) v Dayana Yastermska (UKR)

Petra Martic (CRO) [8] v Su-Wei Hsieh (TPE)

Sorana Cirstea (ROU) v Anett Kontaveit (EST)

Skoda Superb Specs

Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol

Power: 190hp

Torque: 320Nm

Price: From Dh147,000

Available: Now

THE DETAILS

Deadpool 2

Dir: David Leitch

Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin, Justin Dennison, Zazie Beetz

Four stars

Day 1, Dubai Test: At a glance

Moment of the day Sadeera Samarawickrama set pulses racing with his strokeplay on his introduction to Test cricket. It reached a feverish peak when he stepped down the wicket and launched Yasir Shah, who many regard as the world’s leading spinner, back over his head for six. No matter that he was out soon after: it felt as though the future had arrived.

Stat of the day - 5 The last time Sri Lanka played a Test in Dubai – they won here in 2013 – they had four players in their XI who were known as wicketkeepers. This time they have gone one better. Each of Dinesh Chandimal, Kaushal Silva, Samarawickrama, Kusal Mendis, and Niroshan Dickwella – the nominated gloveman here – can keep wicket.

The verdict Sri Lanka want to make history by becoming the first team to beat Pakistan in a full Test series in the UAE. They could not have made a better start, first by winning the toss, then by scoring freely on an easy-paced pitch. The fact Yasir Shah found some turn on Day 1, too, will have interested their own spin bowlers.

Jurassic%20Park
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESteven%20Spielberg%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Sam%20Neill%2C%20Jeff%20Goldblum%20and%20Richard%20Attenborough%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%205%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

Name: Peter Dicce

Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics

Favourite sport: soccer

Favourite team: Bayern Munich

Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer

Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates 

 

Directed: Smeep Kang
Produced: Soham Rockstar Entertainment; SKE Production
Cast: Rishi Kapoor, Jimmy Sheirgill, Sunny Singh, Omkar Kapoor, Rajesh Sharma
Rating: Two out of five stars 

COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EOlive%20Gaea%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202021%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECo-founders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Vivek%20Tripathi%2C%20Jessica%20Scopacasa%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ELicensed%20by%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%20World%20Trade%20Centre%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Climate-Tech%2C%20Sustainability%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%241.1%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ECornerstone%20Venture%20Partners%20and%20angel%20investors%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
SPEC SHEET

Display: 10.9" Liquid Retina IPS, 2360 x 1640, 264ppi, wide colour, True Tone, Apple Pencil support

Chip: Apple M1, 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine

Memory: 64/256GB storage; 8GB RAM

Main camera: 12MP wide, f/1.8, Smart HDR

Video: 4K @ 25/25/30/60fps, full HD @ 25/30/60fps, slo-mo @ 120/240fps

Front camera: 12MP ultra-wide, f/2.4, Smart HDR, Centre Stage; full HD @ 25/30/60fps

Audio: Stereo speakers

Biometrics: Touch ID

I/O: USB-C, smart connector (for folio/keyboard)

Battery: Up to 10 hours on Wi-Fi; up to 9 hours on cellular

Finish: Space grey, starlight, pink, purple, blue

Price: Wi-Fi – Dh2,499 (64GB) / Dh3,099 (256GB); cellular – Dh3,099 (64GB) / Dh3,699 (256GB)

The Sheikh Zayed Future Energy Prize

This year’s winners of the US$4 million Sheikh Zayed Future Energy Prize will be recognised and rewarded in Abu Dhabi on January 15 as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainable Week, which runs in the capital from January 13 to 20.

From solutions to life-changing technologies, the aim is to discover innovative breakthroughs to create a new and sustainable energy future.

Iftar programme at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding

Established in 1998, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding was created with a vision to teach residents about the traditions and customs of the UAE. Its motto is ‘open doors, open minds’. All year-round, visitors can sign up for a traditional Emirati breakfast, lunch or dinner meal, as well as a range of walking tours, including ones to sites such as the Jumeirah Mosque or Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.

Every year during Ramadan, an iftar programme is rolled out. This allows guests to break their fast with the centre’s presenters, visit a nearby mosque and observe their guides while they pray. These events last for about two hours and are open to the public, or can be booked for a private event.

Until the end of Ramadan, the iftar events take place from 7pm until 9pm, from Saturday to Thursday. Advanced booking is required.

For more details, email openminds@cultures.ae or visit www.cultures.ae

 

Updated: February 10, 2022, 11:04 AM