Tourism authorities in Abu Dhabi are going old school this holiday season with the introduction of a free postcard service that harks back to tradition.
Remembering a time when penning a postcard was a staple of many people’s festive seasons, the Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi is encouraging visitors and residents to revive what was a holiday staple in the early 20th century.
Back then, postcards were a massive phenomenon. Pre-dating the "wish you were here" style holiday postcards, Christmas postcards were bought and written in their billions, and sent to family to share season's greetings.
It's that spirit of well-wishing that Abu Dhabi tourism hopes to capture after launching the latest campaign on the UAE’s 51st National Day.
To celebrate Christmas and the New Year, DCT Abu Dhabi has revealed a series of limited-edition Experience Abu Dhabi postcards depicting some of the emirate’s most-visited attractions and landscapes.
As part of the campaign, free international postage is available for the cards.
The initiative is designed to encourage residents and tourists to reach out to loved ones around the world over the holiday period to share season's greetings alongside visuals of some of the experiences that Abu Dhabi has to offer.
Special Experience Abu Dhabi postboxes have been set up where visitors can collect and post their cards free of charge, even for international delivery.
These can be found at popular tourist destinations including Louvre Abu Dhabi, Yas Bay waterfront, Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Hudayriyat Island, the Cultural Foundation and Al Qana.
In Al Ain, postcards can be dropped off at boxes installed at Qasr Al Muwaiji and Al Ain Oasis.
More post boxes are also being installed at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and on Abu Dhabi Corniche as part of the Mother of the National Festival.
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The rules on fostering in the UAE
A foster couple or family must:
- be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE
- not be younger than 25 years old
- not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
- be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
- have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
- undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
- A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
Scores in brief:
- New Medical Centre 129-5 in 17 overs bt Zayed Cricket Academy 125-6 in 20 overs.
- William Hare Abu Dhabi Gymkhana 188-8 in 20 overs bt One Stop Tourism 184-8 in 20 overs
- Alubond Tigers 138-7 in 20 overs bt United Bank Limited 132-7 in 20 overs
- Multiplex 142-6 in 17 overs bt Xconcepts Automobili 140 all out in 20 overs
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What is blockchain?
Blockchain is a form of distributed ledger technology, a digital system in which data is recorded across multiple places at the same time. Unlike traditional databases, DLTs have no central administrator or centralised data storage. They are transparent because the data is visible and, because they are automatically replicated and impossible to be tampered with, they are secure.
The main difference between blockchain and other forms of DLT is the way data is stored as ‘blocks’ – new transactions are added to the existing ‘chain’ of past transactions, hence the name ‘blockchain’. It is impossible to delete or modify information on the chain due to the replication of blocks across various locations.
Blockchain is mostly associated with cryptocurrency Bitcoin. Due to the inability to tamper with transactions, advocates say this makes the currency more secure and safer than traditional systems. It is maintained by a network of people referred to as ‘miners’, who receive rewards for solving complex mathematical equations that enable transactions to go through.
However, one of the major problems that has come to light has been the presence of illicit material buried in the Bitcoin blockchain, linking it to the dark web.
Other blockchain platforms can offer things like smart contracts, which are automatically implemented when specific conditions from all interested parties are reached, cutting the time involved and the risk of mistakes. Another use could be storing medical records, as patients can be confident their information cannot be changed. The technology can also be used in supply chains, voting and has the potential to used for storing property records.
The bio
Favourite book: Kane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer
Favourite quote: “The world makes way for the man who knows where he is going.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson, American essayist
Favourite Authors: Arab poet Abu At-Tayyib Al-Mutanabbi
Favourite Emirati food: Luqaimat, a deep-fried dough soaked in date syrup
Hobbies: Reading and drawing
Best Foreign Language Film nominees
Capernaum (Lebanon)
Cold War (Poland)
Never Look Away (Germany)
Roma (Mexico)
Shoplifters (Japan)
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