The first physical convention centred on Web3 and the metaverse is coming to Dubai.
Metacon, which takes place at Dubai World Trade Centre Arena on May 28 and 29, aims to educate and entertain guests on the current and new blockchain technologies that are taking the virtual world by storm.
Metacon is best described as a comic con for digital fanatics. The two-day programme has been curated by Emirati investment firm, Ghaf Capital, and will feature immersive experiences, talks and performances to showcase exactly what the Web3 and metaverse-based future holds for us all. It will also disprove that NFTs are much more than a bunch of cartoon apes jpegs.
The convention is split into four main areas: MetaStage, MetaConnect, MetaArena and MetaSpaces. Each offers a different experience, where guests will be able to get up close and personal with the fast-moving tech and ideas.
MetaStage
MetaStage is where innovators and educators of blockchain technologies will share their expert opinions with the audience. If you’ve ever been curious about exactly how it all works and what humankind’s future looks like with Web3 and the metaverse, then this is the place to be.
One of the keynote speakers is Jason Brink, a man who won the 2014 Bill and Melinda Gates Global Development Network Award for the “AidDollar”, which is a blockchain-based solution for providing foreign aid. He’s also the chief executive of Metacon’s main sponsor, Gala Games, so expect invaluable industry insight from the innovator.
The MetaStage will also host NFT artist Idriss B, who has created 3D polygon sculptures of Dubai, which will inspire the next wave of digital artists in the region to get started.
MetaArena
If you prefer your metaverse at a more breakneck speed, then the MetaArena is the place to be. This zone will be home to various blockchain gaming events, such as the first eSports invitational of its type in the region.
Played on a blockchain-based game called Axie Infinity, which sees fantasy creatures face off against each other in Pokemon-style battles, the world’s best players will duke it out for a cash prize pool of $50,000 (Dh184,000).
The MetaArena will also host demos of current games that are in development and give a sneak peek into what’s coming next. Blockchain gaming hasn’t hit the mainstream just yet, so it will be interesting to see what it has to offer both now and in the coming years.
MetaConnect
Metacon is also a place for Web3 and metaverse entrepreneurs to meet and share ideas. The Bapes Lounge is a dedicated space within the convention where people can connect and discover how various blockchain technologies can propel their businesses and reach more customers in far-flung corners of the planet.
MetaSpaces
The MetaSpaces area will feature the NFT Gallery for people to look around. The gallery is curated by Ethereal Collective, who will also be showing off some of their highly sought-after works. And it’s here that guests will be able to see one of the more exclusive elements of the event. The world’s first manga-inspired NFTs will be on display and will be available to purchase exclusively at Metacon.
The speed of which Web3 and metaverse technologies move is enough to make your head spin. But Metacon has the potential to bridge the knowledge gap for those that are still confused by crypto, NFTs, blockchain gaming and more, which is what Metacon co-founder, Abdelrahman Mohamed is hoping for too.
"With future tech making leaps and bounds, we realise that there’s a huge, under-served market of pop culture fans and enthusiasts of, including gamers, artists and entertainers, who are hungry to kickstart their blockchain learning and adoption but do not know where to begin,” says Abdelrahman.
“We also have everyone from beginners to seasoned experts that are looking to network and take their journey a step further; and we want Metacon to be that place where you can dive deep, learn and share experiences, and ultimately grow together as a community in such an exciting, fast-evolving and, dare I say, sometimes even perplexing industry."
What is dialysis?
Dialysis is a way of cleaning your blood when your kidneys fail and can no longer do the job.
It gets rid of your body's wastes, extra salt and water, and helps to control your blood pressure. The main cause of kidney failure is diabetes and hypertension.
There are two kinds of dialysis — haemodialysis and peritoneal.
In haemodialysis, blood is pumped out of your body to an artificial kidney machine that filter your blood and returns it to your body by tubes.
In peritoneal dialysis, the inside lining of your own belly acts as a natural filter. Wastes are taken out by means of a cleansing fluid which is washed in and out of your belly in cycles.
It isn’t an option for everyone but if eligible, can be done at home by the patient or caregiver. This, as opposed to home haemodialysis, is covered by insurance in the UAE.
RESULT
Liverpool 4 Southampton 0
Jota (2', 32')
Thiago (37')
Van Dijk (52')
Man of the match: Diogo Jota (Liverpool)
Law%2041.9.4%20of%20men%E2%80%99s%20T20I%20playing%20conditions
%3Cp%3EThe%20fielding%20side%20shall%20be%20ready%20to%20start%20each%20over%20within%2060%20seconds%20of%20the%20previous%20over%20being%20completed.%0D%3Cbr%3EAn%20electronic%20clock%20will%20be%20displayed%20at%20the%20ground%20that%20counts%20down%20seconds%20from%2060%20to%20zero.%0D%3Cbr%3EThe%20clock%20is%20not%20required%20or%2C%20if%20already%20started%2C%20can%20be%20cancelled%20if%3A%0D%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%09A%20new%20batter%20comes%20to%20the%20wicket%20between%20overs.%0D%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%09An%20official%20drinks%20interval%20has%20been%20called.%0D%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%09The%20umpires%20have%20approved%20the%20on%20field%20treatment%20of%20an%20injury%20to%20a%20batter%20or%20fielder.%0D%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%09The%20time%20lost%20is%20for%20any%20circumstances%20beyond%20the%20control%20of%20the%20fielding%20side.%0D%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%09The%20third%20umpire%20starts%20the%20clock%20either%20when%20the%20ball%20has%20become%20dead%20at%20the%20end%20of%20the%20previous%20over%2C%20or%20a%20review%20has%20been%20completed.%0D%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%09The%20team%20gets%20two%20warnings%20if%20they%20are%20not%20ready%20to%20start%20overs%20after%20the%20clock%20reaches%20zero.%0D%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%09On%20the%20third%20and%20any%20subsequent%20occasion%20in%20an%20innings%2C%20the%20bowler%E2%80%99s%20end%20umpire%20awards%20five%20runs.%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Suggested picnic spots
Abu Dhabi
Umm Al Emarat Park
Yas Gateway Park
Delma Park
Al Bateen beach
Saadiyaat beach
The Corniche
Zayed Sports City
Dubai
Kite Beach
Zabeel Park
Al Nahda Pond Park
Mushrif Park
Safa Park
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Al Qudrah Lakes
WORLD CUP SEMI-FINALS
England v New Zealand
(Saturday, 12pm UAE)
Wales v South Africa
(Sunday, 12pm, UAE)
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
Stuck in a job without a pay rise? Here's what to do
Chris Greaves, the managing director of Hays Gulf Region, says those without a pay rise for an extended period must start asking questions – both of themselves and their employer.
“First, are they happy with that or do they want more?” he says. “Job-seeking is a time-consuming, frustrating and long-winded affair so are they prepared to put themselves through that rigmarole? Before they consider that, they must ask their employer what is happening.”
Most employees bring up pay rise queries at their annual performance appraisal and find out what the company has in store for them from a career perspective.
Those with no formal appraisal system, Mr Greaves says, should ask HR or their line manager for an assessment.
“You want to find out how they value your contribution and where your job could go,” he says. “You’ve got to be brave enough to ask some questions and if you don’t like the answers then you have to develop a strategy or change jobs if you are prepared to go through the job-seeking process.”
For those that do reach the salary negotiation with their current employer, Mr Greaves says there is no point in asking for less than 5 per cent.
“However, this can only really have any chance of success if you can identify where you add value to the business (preferably you can put a monetary value on it), or you can point to a sustained contribution above the call of duty or to other achievements you think your employer will value.”
Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.
August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.
September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.
November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.
November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.
November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties
December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.
December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.
