Forty years ago, when this photograph was taken, Al Manhal Palace was the centre of power and influence in Abu Dhabi.
The palace was built for Sheikh Zayed and in the early 1970s replaced Qasr Al Hosn, which had been the official residence for over 150 years.
It was at Al Manhal that the Ruler now held his majlis. As this 1975 image shows, it was open to all, even a tribesman from the interior, clutching his ancient hunting rifle.
The palace and its substantial grounds now stand disused, with proposals to turn it into a cultural attraction yet to come to fruition.
Its historical significance was acknowledged two years ago, though, when the current generation of leaders walk from the palace grounds to Qasr Al Hosn to launch the annual festival that celebrates Abu Dhabi’s first royal residence.
* James Langton
Other acts on the Jazz Garden bill
Sharrie Williams
The American singer is hugely respected in blues circles due to her passionate vocals and songwriting. Born and raised in Michigan, Williams began recording and touring as a teenage gospel singer. Her career took off with the blues band The Wiseguys. Such was the acclaim of their live shows that they toured throughout Europe and in Africa. As a solo artist, Williams has also collaborated with the likes of the late Dizzy Gillespie, Van Morrison and Mavis Staples.
Lin Rountree
An accomplished smooth jazz artist who blends his chilled approach with R‘n’B. Trained at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, Rountree formed his own band in 2004. He has also recorded with the likes of Kem, Dwele and Conya Doss. He comes to Dubai on the back of his new single Pass The Groove, from his forthcoming 2018 album Stronger Still, which may follow his five previous solo albums in cracking the top 10 of the US jazz charts.
Anita Williams
Dubai-based singer Anita Williams will open the night with a set of covers and swing, jazz and blues standards that made her an in-demand singer across the emirate. The Irish singer has been performing in Dubai since 2008 at venues such as MusicHall and Voda Bar. Her Jazz Garden appearance is career highlight as she will use the event to perform the original song Big Blue Eyes, the single from her debut solo album, due for release soon.
RESULTS
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Avatar: Fire and Ash
Director: James Cameron
Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana
Rating: 4.5/5
