Dubai is gradually reopening its public spaces after they closed to visitors in March amid the coronavirus pandemic.
With that, the emirate's parks are welcoming guests again – and that includes the extra-special Quranic Park in Al Khawaneej, which reopened on Monday, May 18.
The world's first Quran-inspired park first opened in April last year, and closed temporarily to the public in March 2020 because of health and safety concerns surrounding Covid-19.
Now, as we see out the final days of Ramadan and gear up to celebrate Eid Al Fitr, we're able to once again visit the more than 60 hectares of green space dedicated to the teachings of the holy book.
This comes as part of a three-part plan by Dubai Municipality to reopen all of the city's parks by Monday, May 25.
What is the Quranic Park?
The park is divided into small gardens with various themes, including Islamic, desert and Andalusian. The Glass House and Miracle Cave will also be reopening.
The Glass House boasts 29 plants and trees that are mentioned in the Quran and the Sunnah. This includes bananas, olives, tamarind and oud. Plaques for each plant give visitors information on each breed.
The man-made Miracle Cave comes complete with faux stalactites and uses technology to educate people about the seven miracles revealed in the holy text.
In August 2019, Time magazine listed the park as one of the World's Greatest Places.
"The park's aim, per the city's municipal government, is to bridge cultures and promote tolerance by offering visitors exposure to Islam in a family-friendly space," Hillary Leung wrote for Time.
As the park reopens, there are still strict rules in place to ensure visitors adhere to social distancing protocols. For example, groups of people should not exceed more than five, and everyone should wear a face mask covering their nose and mouth.
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What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
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Expo details
Expo 2020 Dubai will be the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia
The world fair will run for six months from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021.
It is expected to attract 25 million visits
Some 70 per cent visitors are projected to come from outside the UAE, the largest proportion of international visitors in the 167-year history of World Expos.
More than 30,000 volunteers are required for Expo 2020
The site covers a total of 4.38 sqkm, including a 2 sqkm gated area
It is located adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai South
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Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
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