An amateur photographer has captured images of a new stingray-shaped lake in Dubai’s Al Qudra.
South African Dan Newton is a regular visitor to the area, he tells The National. “I am there a few times a week. It’s a beautiful city we have, but my passion for the desert and wildlife always steers me out there."
He came across this new lake a few months ago, while it was still being created, but only recently managed to capture photographs of the finished result. “Following a period of self-isolation due to close contact and the knowledge that drone activity was likely to be stopped temporarily in the region, I decided that my first journey out of the house would be to the desert. I wanted to take this image while I was there to see what the shape finally was,” he says.
Take a look through the photo gallery above to see more of Dan Newton's work.
The lake is distinctly stingray shaped, with the water forming the contours of the creature’s body and the road leading up to it mimicking a sinuous stinger. Two small land masses within the water act as eyes.
Newton says the surrounding area is still undergoing development but should eventually be as attractive to day-trippers and birdwatchers as the other man-made lakes in the area, which include Love Lake, Expo 2020 Dubai Lake and Crescent Moon Lake.
Newton captured the images using a DJI Mavic 2 Pro drone, which he generally uses for scouting areas of interest for his photography. “Of course, it is registered, and I am licensed to use it within the permitted fly areas,” he says.
Newton has called Dubai home for the past five years and has spent that time avidly capturing the UAE’s many attributes. He says people may be surprised to discover how much the country offers in terms of inspiration. “The UAE has so many amazing opportunities for photography inspiration, everything from amazing architecture, cityscapes with amazing views, the desert, mountains, wildlife, so many sporting events and a diverse culture and people. Just stay within the laws and get the right permissions and your opportunities are endless.”
He first became interested in photography during his previous job. “In my previous employment, I was fortunate enough to do a lot of international travel on offshore construction vessels, exploring some beautiful places and cultures. This triggered my first serious camera purchase and gradually over time, I have developed a passion for wildlife and landscape photography,” he explains.
Enter competitions and do workshops, connect with others that can mentor and guide you; this is a great way to make new friends
Dan Newton,
amateur photographer
Photography is currently a hobby and Newton has no plans to change that for the moment, despite now selling his prints online and being recognised in a number of photography awards this year, including placing second in the Amateur Photographer of the Year 2021 awards, receiving a few honourable mentions in the Monochrome Photography Awards 2021 and receiving silver in the Tokyo International Foto Awards.
The secret to taking a great photograph? “Practice," he says. "Find something else you're passionate about and document that in photos. It really enhances your enjoyment. For me, that's wildlife and conservation, which goes very well with photography.
“Enter competitions and do workshops, connect with others that can mentor and guide you; this is a great way to make new friends. You will get great feedback on your work, so be open-minded that even negative feedback is not criticism, but an opportunity to improve. Forget about the likes on social media occasionally and enter a judged competition. Peer review and feedback will elevate your work.”
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Tips on buying property during a pandemic
Islay Robinson, group chief executive of mortgage broker Enness Global, offers his advice on buying property in today's market.
While many have been quick to call a market collapse, this simply isn’t what we’re seeing on the ground. Many pockets of the global property market, including London and the UAE, continue to be compelling locations to invest in real estate.
While an air of uncertainty remains, the outlook is far better than anyone could have predicted. However, it is still important to consider the wider threat posed by Covid-19 when buying bricks and mortar.
Anything with outside space, gardens and private entrances is a must and these property features will see your investment keep its value should the pandemic drag on. In contrast, flats and particularly high-rise developments are falling in popularity and investors should avoid them at all costs.
Attractive investment property can be hard to find amid strong demand and heightened buyer activity. When you do find one, be prepared to move hard and fast to secure it. If you have your finances in order, this shouldn’t be an issue.
Lenders continue to lend and rates remain at an all-time low, so utilise this. There is no point in tying up cash when you can keep this liquidity to maximise other opportunities.
Keep your head and, as always when investing, take the long-term view. External factors such as coronavirus or Brexit will present challenges in the short-term, but the long-term outlook remains strong.
Finally, keep an eye on your currency. Whenever currency fluctuations favour foreign buyers, you can bet that demand will increase, as they act to secure what is essentially a discounted property.
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
Dates for the diary
To mark Bodytree’s 10th anniversary, the coming season will be filled with celebratory activities:
- September 21 Anyone interested in becoming a certified yoga instructor can sign up for a 250-hour course in Yoga Teacher Training with Jacquelene Sadek. It begins on September 21 and will take place over the course of six weekends.
- October 18 to 21 International yoga instructor, Yogi Nora, will be visiting Bodytree and offering classes.
- October 26 to November 4 International pilates instructor Courtney Miller will be on hand at the studio, offering classes.
- November 9 Bodytree is hosting a party to celebrate turning 10, and everyone is invited. Expect a day full of free classes on the grounds of the studio.
- December 11 Yogeswari, an advanced certified Jivamukti teacher, will be visiting the studio.
- February 2, 2018 Bodytree will host its 4th annual yoga market.
Anghami
Started: December 2011
Co-founders: Elie Habib, Eddy Maroun
Based: Beirut and Dubai
Sector: Entertainment
Size: 85 employees
Stage: Series C
Investors: MEVP, du, Mobily, MBC, Samena Capital
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Karwaan
Producer: Ronnie Screwvala
Director: Akarsh Khurana
Starring: Irrfan Khan, Dulquer Salmaan, Mithila Palkar
Rating: 4/5
The specs: 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 300 Cabriolet
Price, base / as tested: Dh275,250 / Dh328,465
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder
Power: 245hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 370Nm @ 1,300rpm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 7.0L / 100km
MATCH INFO
First Test at Barbados
West Indies won by 381 runs
Second Test at Antigua
West Indies won by 10 wickets
Third Test at St Lucia
February 9-13
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