They're the traditional method for breaking fasts over Ramadan, they're exported from the Middle East all over the world and they're sold in fancy packs to tourists in the Gulf's airports. But what else do you know of the humble date? In time for this week's Liwa Date Festival, we take an in-depth look.
World's biggest daters
According to figures from the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, Egypt was the world's largest date-producing country in 2011, churning out some 1.4 million metric tonnes of the fruit each year. Saudi Arabia was in second place, with 1.1 million and Iran third with 1 million. Although the UAE may have been fourth with 900,000, a quick glance at population levels shows that it's far and away the biggest producer per capita. In fact, in 2009, the UAE was recognised by Guinness World Records for growing the largest number of date palm trees in the world, 42 million.
Date back in time
The date palm, from which the date is borne, has a sizeable presence in the history annals. It is believed to have originated in Iraq and grown as early as 4000BC. It's also in the world record books, with a 2,000-year-old Judaean date palm seed becoming the oldest mature seed to grow into a viable plant in 2005. It was recovered from excavations at Herod the Great's palace in Israel. Attempts to regrow Herod's prize-winning geraniums have so far failed.
West Coast customs
Although the Arab world rules the roost when it comes to date production, dates are also grown in California, having been first introduced by the Spanish in the 18th century. To celebrate the harvest in Coachella Valley, where about 250,000 date palms are planted, the National Date Festival has been held in Indio since 1947.
Coincidentally, while Phoenix dactylifera (that's the Latin name for date palm) is the main draw at this event, Phoenix (the French indie-electro band) are popular headliners at Coachella's other famous festival.
Sugar rush
If we were to tell you that up to 80 per cent of dates' flesh is made up of sugar, you might be, like, "Wow! I'm better off eating a packet of Haribo!" But hold on there. Dates might contain high amounts of natural sugars, but they are a low-glycemic index food and won't significantly raise blood sugar levels. Go on, put the sweets down.
Fruit and (lots of) fibre
As you're no doubt aware, fibre helps to lower cholesterol and fight and prevent obesity, heart disease and colorectal cancer. But did you know that just one pitted date contains 1.6 grams of fibre, or 6 per cent of your recommended daily intake? So eat 17 of those little guys and you're pretty much done for the day, fibre-wise. You might, however, want to stop there to avoid any digestive or flatulence issues.
Your low-fat friend
If you're all about skinny lattes and skinny jeans, you might want your dates skinny, too. One hundred grams of dates contains only a fraction of a gram of saturated fats and they contain absolutely no cholesterol at all. (Dates stuffed with chocolate - well, that's another thing.)
The Earth's multi-vitamin
When it comes to vitamins and minerals, the little date is something of a heavyweight, ranking high in vitamin A, vitamin B, folic acid, potassium, natural sodium, iron, magnesium, manganese and zinc. Although you only need a small amount of such elements in your body, it's dangerous to be depleted in any one, so snacking on dates can help you build up stores. Consider it a handy, tastier daily multi-vitamin.
Liwa's record date plate
In 2008, a submission by the organisers of the Liwa Date Festival for the world's largest dish piled high with dates fell foul of Guinness red tape because the plate was made of stainless steel rather than porcelain, crystal or clay. Thankfully, the world record bureaucrats finally made an 11th-hour U-turn and made a new category for the entry, meaning that the 12 metre by 2 metre platter became the world's largest stainless steel plate. Phew.
The Liwa Date Festival is held from tomorrow to next Thursday. Visit www.liwadatesfestival.ae
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Types of bank fraud
1) Phishing
Fraudsters send an unsolicited email that appears to be from a financial institution or online retailer. The hoax email requests that you provide sensitive information, often by clicking on to a link leading to a fake website.
2) Smishing
The SMS equivalent of phishing. Fraudsters falsify the telephone number through “text spoofing,” so that it appears to be a genuine text from the bank.
3) Vishing
The telephone equivalent of phishing and smishing. Fraudsters may pose as bank staff, police or government officials. They may persuade the consumer to transfer money or divulge personal information.
4) SIM swap
Fraudsters duplicate the SIM of your mobile number without your knowledge or authorisation, allowing them to conduct financial transactions with your bank.
5) Identity theft
Someone illegally obtains your confidential information, through various ways, such as theft of your wallet, bank and utility bill statements, computer intrusion and social networks.
6) Prize scams
Fraudsters claiming to be authorised representatives from well-known organisations (such as Etisalat, du, Dubai Shopping Festival, Expo2020, Lulu Hypermarket etc) contact victims to tell them they have won a cash prize and request them to share confidential banking details to transfer the prize money.
If you go
The flights
Etihad (etihad.com) flies from Abu Dhabi to Luang Prabang via Bangkok, with a return flight from Chiang Rai via Bangkok for about Dh3,000, including taxes. Emirates and Thai Airways cover the same route, also via Bangkok in both directions, from about Dh2,700.
The cruise
The Gypsy by Mekong Kingdoms has two cruising options: a three-night, four-day trip upstream cruise or a two-night, three-day downstream journey, from US$5,940 (Dh21,814), including meals, selected drinks, excursions and transfers.
The hotels
Accommodation is available in Luang Prabang at the Avani, from $290 (Dh1,065) per night, and at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort from $1,080 (Dh3,967) per night, including meals, an activity and transfers.
Cherry
Directed by: Joe and Anthony Russo
Starring: Tom Holland, Ciara Bravo
1/5
Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
SUZUME
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SUE%20GRAY'S%20FINDINGS
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Five personal finance podcasts from The National
To help you get started, tune into these Pocketful of Dirham episodes
·
Balance is essential to happiness, health and wealth
·
What is a portfolio stress test?
·
What are NFTs and why are auction houses interested?
·
How gamers are getting rich by earning cryptocurrencies
·
Should you buy or rent a home in the UAE?
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Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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
TOP%2010%20MOST%20POLLUTED%20CITIES
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Essentials
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes.
Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes.
In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes.
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.
A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
Mina Cup winners
Under 12 – Minerva Academy
Under 14 – Unam Pumas
Under 16 – Fursan Hispania
Under 18 – Madenat
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
GIANT REVIEW
Starring: Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan
Director: Athale
Rating: 4/5
Company%20profile
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SERIE A FIXTURES
Saturday Spezia v Lazio (6pm), Juventus v Torino (9pm), Inter Milan v Bologna (7.45pm)
Sunday Verona v Cagliari (3.30pm), Parma v Benevento, AS Roma v Sassuolo, Udinese v Atalanta (all 6pm), Crotone v Napoli (9pm), Sampdoria v AC Milan (11.45pm)
Monday Fiorentina v Genoa (11.45pm)
Pros%20and%20cons%20of%20BNPL
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LILO & STITCH
Starring: Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Maia Kealoha, Chris Sanders
Director: Dean Fleischer Camp
Rating: 4.5/5
War
Director: Siddharth Anand
Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Tiger Shroff, Ashutosh Rana, Vaani Kapoor
Rating: Two out of five stars
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ALRAWABI%20SCHOOL%20FOR%20GIRLS
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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THE BIG MATCH
Arsenal v Manchester City,
Sunday, Emirates Stadium, 6.30pm
MATCH INFO
Watford 2 (Sarr 50', Deeney 54' pen)
Manchester United 0
Our legal consultants
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Liverpool’s fixtures until end of 2019
Saturday, November 30, Brighton (h)
Wednesday, December 4, Everton (h)
Saturday, December 7, Bournemouth (a)
Tuesday, December 10, Salzburg (a) CL
Saturday, December 14, Watford (h)
Tuesday, December 17, Aston Villa (a) League Cup
Wednesday, December 18, Club World Cup in Qatar
Saturday, December 21, Club World Cup in Qatar
Thursday, December 26, Leicester (a)
Sunday, December 29, Wolves (h)
The President's Cake
Director: Hasan Hadi
Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem
Rating: 4/5
Company%20profile
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The biog
From: Upper Egypt
Age: 78
Family: a daughter in Egypt; a son in Dubai and his wife, Nabila
Favourite Abu Dhabi activity: walking near to Emirates Palace
Favourite building in Abu Dhabi: Emirates Palace