Dubai's Burj Khalifa lit up in honour of the 94th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II. The National
Dubai's Burj Khalifa lit up in honour of the 94th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II. The National
Dubai's Burj Khalifa lit up in honour of the 94th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II. The National
Dubai's Burj Khalifa lit up in honour of the 94th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II. The National

Government

Dubai's Burj Khalifa transformed into giant Union Jack for the queen's birthday

The world's tallest building was lit up in red, white and blue to honour the British monarch

The National

April 22, 2020

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Dubai delivered the world's biggest birthday message to Britain's Queen Elizabeth II as Burj Khalifa was lit up in the colours of the Union Jack.

The world's tallest building was turned red, white and blue to commemorate the monarch turning 94.

It was a show of pomp on ceremony on what has been an unusually quiet occasion for the head of Britain's royal family following the coronavirus pandemic.

There was to no gun salutes in her honour and the bells of Westminster Abbey did not ring out.

But the UAE ensured the big day was never going to go unnoticed.

April 21 marks the queen's actual date of birth. However, her birthday is officially also celebrated each June.

The unpredictable British weather prompted this tradition in 1748.

King George II, who was born in November, decided to hold a celebratory birthday celebration in June because of concerns it would rain on his parade.

The Duke and Duchess of York with their baby daughter in 1926 after her christening in the private chapel at Buckingham Palace, where she received the names Elizabeth Alexandra Mary. Getty Images
The Duke and Duchess of York with their baby daughter in 1926 after her christening in the private chapel at Buckingham Palace, where she received the names Elizabeth Alexandra Mary. Getty Images
Queen consort Elizabeth holds Princess Margaret's hand as Princess Elizabeth follows, as they attend the wedding of Jean Elphinstone and John Lycett Will in July 1936. Getty Images
Queen consort Elizabeth holds Princess Margaret's hand as Princess Elizabeth follows, as they attend the wedding of Jean Elphinstone and John Lycett Will in July 1936. Getty Images
Commemorative stamps featuring Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret Rose are released to mark King George VI's Coronation on May 12, 1937. Getty Images
Commemorative stamps featuring Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret Rose are released to mark King George VI's Coronation on May 12, 1937. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II, as Princess Elizabeth, and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, at their November 20, 1947, wedding. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II, as Princess Elizabeth, and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, at their November 20, 1947, wedding. Getty Images
Princess Elizabeth greeting Winston Churchill at London's Guildhall on March 23, 1950. Getty Images
Princess Elizabeth greeting Winston Churchill at London's Guildhall on March 23, 1950. Getty Images
The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II took place on June 2, 1953 at Westminster Abbey, London. Getty Images
The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II took place on June 2, 1953 at Westminster Abbey, London. Getty Images
HM Queen Elizabeth II with her maids of honour in the Green Drawing Room, Buckingham Palace, at her coronation on June 2, 1953. In selecting six maids, instead of pages, to bear her velvet train throughout the coronation ceremony, the Queen followed the precedent of Queen Victoria. Getty Images
HM Queen Elizabeth II with her maids of honour in the Green Drawing Room, Buckingham Palace, at her coronation on June 2, 1953. In selecting six maids, instead of pages, to bear her velvet train throughout the coronation ceremony, the Queen followed the precedent of Queen Victoria. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II at the Waldorf Astoria in 1957, during her first official state visit to the United States. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II at the Waldorf Astoria in 1957, during her first official state visit to the United States. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II on board the 'Royal Yacht Britannia' in New York, 1976. Shutterstock
Queen Elizabeth II on board the 'Royal Yacht Britannia' in New York, 1976. Shutterstock
Queen Elizabeth II greets well-wishers in north London during celebrations of her Silver Jubilee, 1977. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II greets well-wishers in north London during celebrations of her Silver Jubilee, 1977. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II meets with Sheikh Zayed, the UAE's Founding Father, during a state visit to the Emirates more than 40 years ago in February 1979. Courtesy Al Ittihad
Queen Elizabeth II meets with Sheikh Zayed, the UAE's Founding Father, during a state visit to the Emirates more than 40 years ago in February 1979. Courtesy Al Ittihad
Queen Elizabeth II appoints Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, as part of her tour of the Gulf States on February 25, 1979. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II appoints Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, as part of her tour of the Gulf States on February 25, 1979. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II sits beside Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum on the sheikh's new dhow, as they are taken on a sightseeing tour of Dubai, on February 26, 1979. AP
Queen Elizabeth II sits beside Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum on the sheikh's new dhow, as they are taken on a sightseeing tour of Dubai, on February 26, 1979. AP
Queen Elizabeth II and Sultan Qaboos at Muscat Palace in Oman during the British monarch’s three-week Gulf tour on February 28, 1979. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II and Sultan Qaboos at Muscat Palace in Oman during the British monarch’s three-week Gulf tour on February 28, 1979. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II waves from the balcony of Buckingham Palace with the Prince and Princess of Wales on their wedding day on July 29, 1981. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II waves from the balcony of Buckingham Palace with the Prince and Princess of Wales on their wedding day on July 29, 1981. Getty Images
Queen Noor of Jordan, Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II and King Hussein of Jordan at Amman Military Airport, for the British royals' state visit to Jordan, on March 26, 1984. Getty Images
Queen Noor of Jordan, Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II and King Hussein of Jordan at Amman Military Airport, for the British royals' state visit to Jordan, on March 26, 1984. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II at the the Windsor Horse Show in 1984. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II at the the Windsor Horse Show in 1984. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother arrive at Westminster Abbey in London to attend the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales on September 6, 1997. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother arrive at Westminster Abbey in London to attend the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales on September 6, 1997. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II stands alongside Prime Minister Tony Blair inside the Millennium Dome at Greenwich, London during the New Year's Eve celebrations on December 31, 1999. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II stands alongside Prime Minister Tony Blair inside the Millennium Dome at Greenwich, London during the New Year's Eve celebrations on December 31, 1999. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia (now King Salman bin Abdulaziz), before lunch at Buckingham Palace in London on June 28, 2000. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia (now King Salman bin Abdulaziz), before lunch at Buckingham Palace in London on June 28, 2000. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip ride in the Golden State Carriage at the head of a parade from Buckingham Palace to St Paul's Cathedral celebrating the Queen's Golden Jubilee on June 4, 2002. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip ride in the Golden State Carriage at the head of a parade from Buckingham Palace to St Paul's Cathedral celebrating the Queen's Golden Jubilee on June 4, 2002. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, chat while seated during a musical performance in the Abbey Gardens during her Golden Jubilee visit to Suffolk in July 2002. AFP
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, chat while seated during a musical performance in the Abbey Gardens during her Golden Jubilee visit to Suffolk in July 2002. AFP
Queen Elizabeth II with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, viewing a replica of Burj Khalifa during a state visit to the UAE on November 25, 2010. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, viewing a replica of Burj Khalifa during a state visit to the UAE on November 25, 2010. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II walks with Sultan Qaboos, after arriving from the UAE on November 25, 2010 in Muscat, Oman. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II walks with Sultan Qaboos, after arriving from the UAE on November 25, 2010 in Muscat, Oman. Getty Images
A performer in the role of Queen Elizabeth II parachutes out of a helicopter hovering above the stadium during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, 2012 in London, England. Getty Images
A performer in the role of Queen Elizabeth II parachutes out of a helicopter hovering above the stadium during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, 2012 in London, England. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II speaks during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, 2012 in London, England. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II speaks during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, 2012 in London, England. Getty Images
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II meets with President Sheikh Khalifa at Windsor Castle in April 2013. AFP
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II meets with President Sheikh Khalifa at Windsor Castle in April 2013. AFP
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip greet President Sheikh Khalifa at Windsor Castle in England on April 30, 2013. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip greet President Sheikh Khalifa at Windsor Castle in England on April 30, 2013. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II arrives to open a bandstand at Alexandra Gardens in Windsor, the day before her 90th birthday on April 20, 2016. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II arrives to open a bandstand at Alexandra Gardens in Windsor, the day before her 90th birthday on April 20, 2016. Getty Images
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Princess Eugenie, Princess Beatrice, Prince Charles, Lady Louise Windsor, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, Prince William, Princess Anne, Princess Royal, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and Prince Edward welcome Queen Elizabeth II at a star-studded concert to celebrate her 92nd birthday at the Royal Albert Hall on April 21, 2018 in London. Getty Images
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Princess Eugenie, Princess Beatrice, Prince Charles, Lady Louise Windsor, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, Prince William, Princess Anne, Princess Royal, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and Prince Edward welcome Queen Elizabeth II at a star-studded concert to celebrate her 92nd birthday at the Royal Albert Hall on April 21, 2018 in London. Getty Images
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Queen Elizabeth II at the Queen's Young Leaders Awards Ceremony at Buckingham Palace on June 26, 2018 in London. Getty Images
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Queen Elizabeth II at the Queen's Young Leaders Awards Ceremony at Buckingham Palace on June 26, 2018 in London. Getty Images
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry watch a military fly-past at Buckingham Palace on July 10, 2018. AFP
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry watch a military fly-past at Buckingham Palace on July 10, 2018. AFP
Queen Rania of Jordan, Queen Elizabeth II and King Abdullah II of Jordan during a private audience at Buckingham Palace on January 1, 2019 in London, England. Getty Images
Queen Rania of Jordan, Queen Elizabeth II and King Abdullah II of Jordan during a private audience at Buckingham Palace on January 1, 2019 in London, England. Getty Images
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, are joined by her mother, Doria Ragland, as they show their new son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, to Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at Windsor Castle on May 8, 2019. Getty Images
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, are joined by her mother, Doria Ragland, as they show their new son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, to Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at Windsor Castle on May 8, 2019. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II speaks with Prince Harry as they leave after the wedding of Lady Gabriella Windsor to Thomas Kingston at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle on May 18, 2019. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II speaks with Prince Harry as they leave after the wedding of Lady Gabriella Windsor to Thomas Kingston at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle on May 18, 2019. Getty Images
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge shows Queen Elizabeth II and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, around the 'Back to Nature Garden' garden, that she designed along with Andree Davies and Adam White, during their visit to the 2019 RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London on May 20, 2019. AFP
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge shows Queen Elizabeth II and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, around the 'Back to Nature Garden' garden, that she designed along with Andree Davies and Adam White, during their visit to the 2019 RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London on May 20, 2019. AFP
President Donald Trump joins the Queen and members of the British royal family for a state banquet to mark his three-day visit to the UK on June 3, 2019. Getty Images
President Donald Trump joins the Queen and members of the British royal family for a state banquet to mark his three-day visit to the UK on June 3, 2019. Getty Images
Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth II, President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump and Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos applaud as they watch a fly past to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day in Portsmouth, England on June 5, 2019. Getty Images
Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth II, President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump and Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos applaud as they watch a fly past to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day in Portsmouth, England on June 5, 2019. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II presents Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, with the Diamond Jubilee trophy after Blue Point's victory at Royal Ascot on June 22, 2019. EPA
Queen Elizabeth II presents Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, with the Diamond Jubilee trophy after Blue Point's victory at Royal Ascot on June 22, 2019. EPA
Queen Elizabeth II receives the President of Iraq, Barham Salih, during a private audience at Buckingham Palace on June 27, 2019. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II receives the President of Iraq, Barham Salih, during a private audience at Buckingham Palace on June 27, 2019. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II formally invites Boris Johnson to become prime minister and form a new government on July 24, 2019. AFP
Queen Elizabeth II formally invites Boris Johnson to become prime minister and form a new government on July 24, 2019. AFP
Leaders of Nato alliance countries, and its secretary general, join Queen Elizabeth II and the Prince of Wales for a group picture to mark 70 years of the alliance on December 3, 2019. AFP
Leaders of Nato alliance countries, and its secretary general, join Queen Elizabeth II and the Prince of Wales for a group picture to mark 70 years of the alliance on December 3, 2019. AFP
Queen Elizabeth II talks with MI5 officers during her visit to the headquarters of MI5, Britain's domestic security agency, at Thames House in London on February 25, 2020. AFP
Queen Elizabeth II talks with MI5 officers during her visit to the headquarters of MI5, Britain's domestic security agency, at Thames House in London on February 25, 2020. AFP
Queen Elizabeth II leaves the annual Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey in London on March 9, 2020. Reuters
Queen Elizabeth II leaves the annual Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey in London on March 9, 2020. Reuters
Queen Elizabeth II during her address to the nation and the Commonwealth in relation to the coronavirus epidemic, recorded at Windsor Castle on April 5, 2020. Reuters
Queen Elizabeth II during her address to the nation and the Commonwealth in relation to the coronavirus epidemic, recorded at Windsor Castle on April 5, 2020. Reuters
A message from Queen Elizabeth II is displayed on a screen in Piccadilly Circus, as the spread of the coronavirus disease continues, London on April 19, 2020. Reuters
A message from Queen Elizabeth II is displayed on a screen in Piccadilly Circus, as the spread of the coronavirus disease continues, London on April 19, 2020. Reuters
Results

1. New Zealand Daniel Meech – Fine (name of horse), Richard Gardner – Calisto, Bruce Goodin - Backatorps Danny V, Samantha McIntosh – Check In. Team total First round: 200.22; Second round: 201.75 – Penalties 12 (jump-off 40.16 seconds) Prize €64,000

2. Ireland Cameron Hanley – Aiyetoro, David Simpson – Keoki, Paul Kennedy – Cartown Danger Mouse, Shane Breen – Laith. Team total 200.25/202.84 – P 12 (jump-off 51.79 – P17) Prize €40,000

3. Italy Luca Maria Moneta – Connery, Luca Coata – Crandessa, Simone Coata – Dardonge, Natale Chiaudani – Almero. Team total 130.82/198.-4 – P20. Prize €32,000

Meydan Racecourse racecard:

6.30pm: The Madjani Stakes Listed (PA) | Dh175,000 | 1,900m

7.05pm: Maiden for 2-year-old fillies (TB) | Dh165,000 | 1,400m

7.40pm: The Dubai Creek Mile Listed (TB) | Dh265,000 | 1,600m

8.15pm: Maiden for 2-year-old colts (TB) | Dh165,000 | 1,600m

8.50pm: The Entisar Listed (TB) | Dh265,000 | 2,000m

9.25pm: Handicap (TB) | Dh190,000 | 1,200m

10pm: Handicap (TB) | Dh190,000 | 1,600m.

COMPANY%20PROFILE
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The biog

Hobbies: Salsa dancing “It's in my blood” and listening to music in different languages

Favourite place to travel to: “Thailand, as it's gorgeous, food is delicious, their massages are to die for!”  

Favourite food: “I'm a vegetarian, so I can't get enough of salad.”

Favourite film:  “I love watching documentaries, and am fascinated by nature, animals, human anatomy. I love watching to learn!”

Best spot in the UAE: “I fell in love with Fujairah and anywhere outside the big cities, where I can get some peace and get a break from the busy lifestyle”

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Mohamed bin Zayed Majlis
While you're here
Pros%20and%20cons%20of%20BNPL
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPros%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3EEasy%20to%20use%20and%20require%20less%20rigorous%20credit%20checks%20than%20traditional%20credit%20options%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EOffers%20the%20ability%20to%20spread%20the%20cost%20of%20purchases%20over%20time%2C%20often%20interest-free%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EConvenient%20and%20can%20be%20integrated%20directly%20into%20the%20checkout%20process%2C%20useful%20for%20online%20shopping%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EHelps%20facilitate%20cash%20flow%20planning%20when%20used%20wisely%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECons%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3EThe%20ease%20of%20making%20purchases%20can%20lead%20to%20overspending%20and%20accumulation%20of%20debt%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EMissing%20payments%20can%20result%20in%20hefty%20fees%20and%2C%20in%20some%20cases%2C%20high%20interest%20rates%20after%20an%20initial%20interest-free%20period%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EFailure%20to%20make%20payments%20can%20impact%20credit%20score%20negatively%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ERefunds%20can%20be%20complicated%20and%20delayed%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cem%3ECourtesy%3A%20Carol%20Glynn%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
On Women's Day
On Women's Day
The view from The National
EA Sports FC 26

Publisher: EA Sports

Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S

Rating: 3/5

While you're here
While you're here
Key developments

All times UTC 4

Countdown to Zero exhibition will show how disease can be beaten

Countdown to Zero: Defeating Disease, an international multimedia exhibition created by the American Museum of National History in collaboration with The Carter Center, will open in Abu Dhabi a  month before Reaching the Last Mile.

Opening on October 15 and running until November 15, the free exhibition opens at The Galleria mall on Al Maryah Island, and has already been seen at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum in Atlanta, the American Museum of Natural History in New York, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

 

UAE