• A volunteer walks across the stage during restoration work at Al Rasheed theatre, in Baghdad, Iraq. World Theatre Day is celebrated every year on 27 March. EPA
    A volunteer walks across the stage during restoration work at Al Rasheed theatre, in Baghdad, Iraq. World Theatre Day is celebrated every year on 27 March. EPA
  • A view of the damaged sign of the nine-storey Baghdad Cinema Studios building, home to Al Rasheed theatre, which is currently undergoing renovations. EPA
    A view of the damaged sign of the nine-storey Baghdad Cinema Studios building, home to Al Rasheed theatre, which is currently undergoing renovations. EPA
  • A volunteer at work on renovating the Al Rasheed theatre. The venue was hit by allied forces airstrikes in 2003, during the Second Gulf War. EPA
    A volunteer at work on renovating the Al Rasheed theatre. The venue was hit by allied forces airstrikes in 2003, during the Second Gulf War. EPA
  • The building was also severely damaged by looting, ransacking and arson, rendering it unusable. EPA
    The building was also severely damaged by looting, ransacking and arson, rendering it unusable. EPA
  • Opened in 1981, the theatre was a centre of cultural life in Baghdad, hosting Arab and international shows. EPA
    Opened in 1981, the theatre was a centre of cultural life in Baghdad, hosting Arab and international shows. EPA
  • A volunteer works on installing seats at Al Rasheed theatre in Baghdad.
    A volunteer works on installing seats at Al Rasheed theatre in Baghdad.
  • A view of seating installed at Al Rasheed theatre. The venue has a 700-seat capacity. EPA
    A view of seating installed at Al Rasheed theatre. The venue has a 700-seat capacity. EPA
  • A volunteer stands among drums set up at Al Rasheed theatre. The Iraqi National Symphony Orchestra has placed instruments there in the hope of playing at the venue again soon EPA
    A volunteer stands among drums set up at Al Rasheed theatre. The Iraqi National Symphony Orchestra has placed instruments there in the hope of playing at the venue again soon EPA
  • A double bass player takes centre stage at Al Rasheed theatre in Baghdad. Serous efforts towards reconstructing and restoring the theatre began in 2020. EPA
    A double bass player takes centre stage at Al Rasheed theatre in Baghdad. Serous efforts towards reconstructing and restoring the theatre began in 2020. EPA
  • Al Rasheed theatre shares its Baghdad neighbourhood with a church and a mosque. Reconstruction work is due to also cover the building's cinema studios. EPA
    Al Rasheed theatre shares its Baghdad neighbourhood with a church and a mosque. Reconstruction work is due to also cover the building's cinema studios. EPA

MENA

Iraq's Al Rasheed restoration on World Theatre Day - in pictures

The venue in Baghdad is being restored nearly two decades after it was almost completely destroyed

The National

March 27, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

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The specs

Engine: 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6

Power: 380hp at 5,800rpm

Torque: 530Nm at 1,300-4,500rpm

Transmission: Eight-speed auto

Price: From Dh299,000 ($81,415)

On sale: Now

Fixtures (6pm UAE unless stated)

Saturday Bournemouth v Leicester City, Chelsea v Manchester City (8.30pm), Huddersfield v Tottenham Hotspur (3.30pm), Manchester United v Crystal Palace, Stoke City v Southampton, West Bromwich Albion v Watford, West Ham United v Swansea City

Sunday Arsenal v Brighton (3pm), Everton v Burnley (5.15pm), Newcastle United v Liverpool (6.30pm)

From Zero

Artist: Linkin Park

Label: Warner Records

Number of tracks: 11

Rating: 4/5

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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

 

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