Al Dhaid in Sharjah has planned numerous National Day activities to showcase the emirate's heritage. Photo: supplied
Al Dhaid in Sharjah has planned numerous National Day activities to showcase the emirate's heritage. Photo: supplied
Al Dhaid in Sharjah has planned numerous National Day activities to showcase the emirate's heritage. Photo: supplied
Al Dhaid in Sharjah has planned numerous National Day activities to showcase the emirate's heritage. Photo: supplied

Sharjah's National Day 2022 celebrations will showcase strong sense of culture


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Much like its neighbouring emirates, Sharjah has curated an eventful weekend to celebrate National Day — from cultural activities to musical performances.

The celebrations, which kicked off last Thursday, are scattered across the emirate and feature sequential events in various localities. The UAE's identity, history, culture and folklore are highlighted in the line-up.

Here's a rundown of the emirate's National Day calendar.

Sharjah Museums

For National Day, entry to all Sharjah Museums' buildings is free — Sharjah Maritime Museum, Sharjah Fort and Hisn Khor Fakkan.

Fortifying national identity is at the core of the museums' events on Friday. Guests can enjoy cultural performances, as well as other activities that will highlight traditional food, games and henna drawing. There will also be cultural competitions held across the various sites.

A maritime parade, which will pay tribute to Sharjah's marine heritage, is one notable highlight.

Friday, December 2; timings vary; more information available at sharjahmuseums.ae

Al Madam

On Tuesday, Sharjah will be staging a full day of events — starting at the municipality headquarters in the morning, with police band music and military band performances, as well as an art exhibition on the history of the Emirates' union. Al Madam residents can also take part in a signing of the allegiance charter, which will symbolise their pledge to the UAE.

In the evening, Al Madam Public Park will be transformed into a cultural oasis for families, who can enjoy poetry performances and a Yowlak competition, as well as other activities for children. Popular Emirati dishes will also be available.

Tuesday, November 29; 4pm-10pm; Al Madam Public Park

Al Dhaid

From Tuesday to Friday, a host of activities will take place in Al Dhaid, starting with a march towards the Al Dhaid Fort. The following days will feature traditional dance performances, folk shows, patriotic chants and ballads, competitions, prizes and art workshops. On Friday, celebrations will wrap up with a children's painting studio and a special ceremony to honour participants, volunteers and sponsors of the events.

Tuesday, November 29, 8am-11am; November 30 to December 2, 4pm-10pm; Al Dhaid

Al Hamriyah

Al Hamriyah is organising a full roster of National Day activities on Thursday. Photo: supplied
Al Hamriyah is organising a full roster of National Day activities on Thursday. Photo: supplied

The Heritage Village on the banks of Hamriyah Creek will host National Day celebrations on Thursday. The event will showcase "the stories of the fathers and the dreams of children of Al Hamriyah".

The day will kick off with the national anthem as well as a recitation of verses from the Quran. The Al Qaala School will perform a song, followed by other musical performances by traditional bands. Various corners of the market-style venue will be filled with tents and spots showcasing cultural activities, as well as home-made goods and traditional dishes for sale.

There will be a dedicated play area for children.

Thursday, December 1; 4pm-10pm; The Heritage Village

Khor Fakkan Amphitheatre

The venue will host local artists Eida Al Menhali and Diana Haddad for a National Day concert on Saturday. Emirati singer Al Menhali, who headlined Mother of the National Festival in 2018 in Abu Dhabi, is known for his hit single Motasoa. Aside from singing, he also performs spoken poetry.

Billed as one of the most prominent Arabic pop artists since the mid-1990s, Haddad comes from Lebanon, but holds Emirati citizenship. Her top songs include Ammanih, Law Yesaloni and Ya Bashar.

Proceeds of the concert will be donated to the Big Heart Foundation.

Saturday, December 3; from 8:30pm; tickets from Dh150; Khor Fakkan Amphitheatre; sharjah.platinumlist.net

UAE National Day deals and discounts - in pictures

  • Moundox in Dubai is creating a UAE flag mosaic from complimentary cream and berry cakes
    Moundox in Dubai is creating a UAE flag mosaic from complimentary cream and berry cakes
  • Sante Ria has a buy one, get one free deal on main courses and house drinks
    Sante Ria has a buy one, get one free deal on main courses and house drinks
  • Majlis Al Sultan in Dubai will serve a limited-time lamb shoulder with spiced rice or freekeh
    Majlis Al Sultan in Dubai will serve a limited-time lamb shoulder with spiced rice or freekeh
  • Indian restaurant Bombay Borough in Dubai is offering gourmet desserts for Dh51
    Indian restaurant Bombay Borough in Dubai is offering gourmet desserts for Dh51
  • Chinese restaurant Golden Dragon in Dubai has an all-you-can-eat offer for Dh51
    Chinese restaurant Golden Dragon in Dubai has an all-you-can-eat offer for Dh51
  • Cafe Society in Dubai is offering 50 per cent off
    Cafe Society in Dubai is offering 50 per cent off
  • Wingstop has a 51 per cent discount on online orders above Dh40 across the UAE
    Wingstop has a 51 per cent discount on online orders above Dh40 across the UAE
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah has a combo brunch and stay deal for one night on December 3
    DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah has a combo brunch and stay deal for one night on December 3
  • Park Hyatt Dubai is offering discounted suites for stays between December 1 and 20
    Park Hyatt Dubai is offering discounted suites for stays between December 1 and 20
  • Enjoy a discounted overnight stay at JA The Resort in Dubai
    Enjoy a discounted overnight stay at JA The Resort in Dubai
  • The Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra has been playing the UAE national anthem once a week this month as part of National Day celebrations at Dubai's Mall of the Emirates
    The Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra has been playing the UAE national anthem once a week this month as part of National Day celebrations at Dubai's Mall of the Emirates
  • Al Khawaneej Walk in Dubai will put on a cultural parade on December 2
    Al Khawaneej Walk in Dubai will put on a cultural parade on December 2
  • Modest fashion brand Kayfi is offering up to 50 per cent discount on select items
    Modest fashion brand Kayfi is offering up to 50 per cent discount on select items
  • Online shop Project Byouty is offering up to 30 per cent off on select beauty products
    Online shop Project Byouty is offering up to 30 per cent off on select beauty products
  • French fashion brand Lacoste has a sale valid during National Day
    French fashion brand Lacoste has a sale valid during National Day
  • Build structures in the colours of the UAE flag at Legoland Dubai
    Build structures in the colours of the UAE flag at Legoland Dubai
  • Saudi singer Dalia Mubarak is performing at Al Wasl Plaza in Dubai on December 2
    Saudi singer Dalia Mubarak is performing at Al Wasl Plaza in Dubai on December 2
  • Post Malone is performing at Etihad Park on December 3
    Post Malone is performing at Etihad Park on December 3
  • Chilean DJ Carlos Campos is performing at Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi on December 2
    Chilean DJ Carlos Campos is performing at Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi on December 2
Election pledges on migration

CDU: "Now is the time to control the German borders and enforce strict border rejections" 

SPD: "Border closures and blanket rejections at internal borders contradict the spirit of a common area of freedom" 

TEACHERS' PAY - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Pay varies significantly depending on the school, its rating and the curriculum. Here's a rough guide as of January 2021:

- top end schools tend to pay Dh16,000-17,000 a month - plus a monthly housing allowance of up to Dh6,000. These tend to be British curriculum schools rated 'outstanding' or 'very good', followed by American schools

- average salary across curriculums and skill levels is about Dh10,000, recruiters say

- it is becoming more common for schools to provide accommodation, sometimes in an apartment block with other teachers, rather than hand teachers a cash housing allowance

- some strong performing schools have cut back on salaries since the pandemic began, sometimes offering Dh16,000 including the housing allowance, which reflects the slump in rental costs, and sheer demand for jobs

- maths and science teachers are most in demand and some schools will pay up to Dh3,000 more than other teachers in recognition of their technical skills

- at the other end of the market, teachers in some Indian schools, where fees are lower and competition among applicants is intense, can be paid as low as Dh3,000 per month

- in Indian schools, it has also become common for teachers to share residential accommodation, living in a block with colleagues

The specs

Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cyl turbo

Power: 194hp at 5,600rpm

Torque: 275Nm from 2,000-4,000rpm

Transmission: 6-speed auto

Price: from Dh155,000

On sale: now

The President's Cake

Director: Hasan Hadi

Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem 

Rating: 4/5

Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites

The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.

It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.

“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.

The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

Pupils in Abu Dhabi are learning the importance of being active, eating well and leading a healthy lifestyle now and throughout adulthood, thanks to a newly launched programme 'Healthy Lifestyle'.

As part of the Healthy Lifestyle programme, specially trained coaches from City Football Schools, along with Healthpoint physicians have visited schools throughout Abu Dhabi to give fun and interactive lessons on working out regularly, making the right food choices, getting enough sleep and staying hydrated, just like their favourite footballers.

Organised by Manchester City FC and Healthpoint, Manchester City FC’s regional healthcare partner and part of Mubadala’s healthcare network, the ‘Healthy Lifestyle’ programme will visit 15 schools, meeting around 1,000 youngsters over the next five months.

Designed to give pupils all the information they need to improve their diet and fitness habits at home, at school and as they grow up, coaches from City Football Schools will work alongside teachers to lead the youngsters through a series of fun, creative and educational classes as well as activities, including playing football and other games.

Dr Mai Ahmed Al Jaber, head of public health at Healthpoint, said: “The programme has different aspects - diet, exercise, sleep and mental well-being. By having a focus on each of those and delivering information in a way that children can absorb easily it can help to address childhood obesity."

How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

The distance learning plan

Spring break will be from March 8 - 19

Public school pupils will undergo distance learning from March 22 - April 2. School hours will be 8.30am to 1.30pm

Staff will be trained in distance learning programmes from March 15 - 19

Teaching hours will be 8am to 2pm during distance learning

Pupils will return to school for normal lessons from April 5

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESmartCrowd%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2018%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESiddiq%20Farid%20and%20Musfique%20Ahmed%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%20%2F%20PropTech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInitial%20investment%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%24650%2C000%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2035%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeries%20A%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EVarious%20institutional%20investors%20and%20notable%20angel%20investors%20(500%20MENA%2C%20Shurooq%2C%20Mada%2C%20Seedstar%2C%20Tricap)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Mia Man’s tips for fermentation

- Start with a simple recipe such as yogurt or sauerkraut

- Keep your hands and kitchen tools clean. Sanitize knives, cutting boards, tongs and storage jars with boiling water before you start.

- Mold is bad: the colour pink is a sign of mold. If yogurt turns pink as it ferments, you need to discard it and start again. For kraut, if you remove the top leaves and see any sign of mold, you should discard the batch.

- Always use clean, closed, airtight lids and containers such as mason jars when fermenting yogurt and kraut. Keep the lid closed to prevent insects and contaminants from getting in.

 

The specs

Engine: 1.5-litre turbo

Power: 181hp

Torque: 230Nm

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Starting price: Dh79,000

On sale: Now

WOMAN AND CHILD

Director: Saeed Roustaee

Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi

Rating: 4/5

The specs

Engine: 3.8-litre, twin-turbo V8

Transmission: seven-speed automatic

Power: 592bhp

Torque: 620Nm

Price: Dh980,000

On sale: now

History's medical milestones

1799 - First small pox vaccine administered

1846 - First public demonstration of anaesthesia in surgery

1861 - Louis Pasteur published his germ theory which proved that bacteria caused diseases

1895 - Discovery of x-rays

1923 - Heart valve surgery performed successfully for first time

1928 - Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin

1953 - Structure of DNA discovered

1952 - First organ transplant - a kidney - takes place 

1954 - Clinical trials of birth control pill

1979 - MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, scanned used to diagnose illness and injury.

1998 - The first adult live-donor liver transplant is carried out

What is graphene?

Graphene is extracted from graphite and is made up of pure carbon.

It is 200 times more resistant than steel and five times lighter than aluminum.

It conducts electricity better than any other material at room temperature.

It is thought that graphene could boost the useful life of batteries by 10 per cent.

Graphene can also detect cancer cells in the early stages of the disease.

The material was first discovered when Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov were 'playing' with graphite at the University of Manchester in 2004.

Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EHakbah%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2018%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENaif%20AbuSaida%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESaudi%20Arabia%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E22%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInitial%20investment%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%24200%2C000%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Epre-Series%20A%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EGlobal%20Ventures%20and%20Aditum%20Investment%20Management%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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

The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo

The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
​​​​​​​Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km

Racecard

6.30pm: Mazrat Al Ruwayah Group Two (PA) US$55,000 (Dirt) 1,600m

7.05pm: Meydan Trophy (TB) $100,000 (Turf) 1,900m

7.40pm: Handicap (TB) $135,000 (D) 1,200m

8.15pm: Balanchine Group Two (TB) $250,000 (T) 1,800m

8.50pm: Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,000m

9.25pm: Firebreak Stakes Group Three (TB) $200,000 (D) 1,600m

10pm: Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 2,410m

The National selections: 6.30pm: RM Lam Tara, 7.05pm: Al Mukhtar Star, 7.40pm: Bochart, 8.15pm: Magic Lily, 8.50pm: Roulston Scar, 9.25pm: Quip, 10pm: Jalmoud

Shooting Ghosts: A U.S. Marine, a Combat Photographer, and Their Journey Back from War by Thomas J. Brennan and Finbarr O’Reilly

Dolittle

Director: Stephen Gaghan

Stars: Robert Downey Jr, Michael Sheen

One-and-a-half out of five stars

Rebel%20Moon%20-%20Part%20One%3A%20A%20Child%20of%20Fire
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EZack%20Snyder%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESofia%20Boutella%2C%20Djimon%20Hounsou%2C%20Ed%20Skrein%2C%20Michiel%20Huisman%2C%20Charlie%20Hunnam%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Champions League Last 16

Red Bull Salzburg (AUT) v Bayern Munich (GER) 

Sporting Lisbon (POR) v Manchester City (ENG) 

Benfica (POR) v Ajax (NED) 

Chelsea (ENG) v Lille (FRA) 

Atletico Madrid (ESP) v Manchester United (ENG) 

Villarreal (ESP) v Juventus (ITA) 

Inter Milan (ITA) v Liverpool (ENG) 

Paris Saint-Germain v Real Madrid (ESP)  

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.

BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES

Friday (UAE kick-off times)

Borussia Dortmund v Paderborn (11.30pm)

Saturday 

Bayer Leverkusen v SC Freiburg (6.30pm)

Werder Bremen v Schalke (6.30pm)

Union Berlin v Borussia Monchengladbach (6.30pm)

Eintracht Frankfurt v Wolfsburg (6.30pm)

Fortuna Dusseldof v  Bayern Munich (6.30pm)

RB Leipzig v Cologne (9.30pm)

Sunday

Augsburg v Hertha Berlin (6.30pm)

Hoffenheim v Mainz (9pm)

 

 

 

 

 

Groom and Two Brides

Director: Elie Semaan

Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla

Rating: 3/5

Updated: November 28, 2022, 12:03 PM