The festival opened to select visitors only on Thursday. It will be open for women and children younger than 12 on Friday, then to the general public on Saturday. Sammy Dallal / The National
The festival opened to select visitors only on Thursday. It will be open for women and children younger than 12 on Friday, then to the general public on Saturday. Sammy Dallal / The National

Qasr Al Hosn throws open its gates



ABU DHABI // Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, led an impressive, exuberant parade into the walls of Qasr Al Hosn on Thursday to officially launch the festival honouring the birthplace of the capital.

Thousands had trooped into the historic fort for the start of the 10-day festival as dozens of traditional Yola dancers performed against the setting sun.

Sheikh Mohammed, also Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, had led the parade from Al Manhal Palace.

The march symbolised the Baniyas tribe’s journey from Liwa to Abu Dhabi where they built the historic fort in the 1700s. Part of the fort will open to visitors for the first time in years during the festival.

Butti Al Muhairi, spokesman for the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA) team that organised the event, said they were honoured to have Sheikh Mohammed visit the festival.

“Everyone’s happy. Everyone enjoyed it. Everyone remembered old times,” said Mr Al Muhairi.

The festival opened to select visitors only on Thursday. It will be open for women and children younger than 12 on Friday, then to the general public on Saturday.

The main attraction is the Cavalia at Qasr Al Hosn show, which has been adapted for the festival. Tickets start from Dh250 for adults and Dh150 for children. Near the Marine section of the festival’s four main areas was a manmade pond, with old-fashioned boats docked and volunteers making nets and reminiscing on its shores.

One of them was Salem Al Suri, 56, who said he had learnt to make nets over the past 40 years, taught by his father and grandfathers in Ras Al Khaimah.

Nearby, another volunteer told of how he used to free-dive as deep to 35 metres to search for pearls, telling his story while tying together a fishing net using his feet.

He said he could hold his breath for as long as four minutes on a single dive.

Another booth set up by the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi demonstrated old pearling techniques and tools, such as nose plugs made from turtle and goat bone, and leather finger gloves to protect the hands while searching through rocks.

A specialist taught new techniques for pearl aquaculture, showing visitors how to insert a nucleus inside an oyster to stimulate the growth of a pearl.

University students, called “festival ambassadors”, were present to explain the process to visitors and were stationed throughout the festival grounds.

Across the walkway, five eagles perched where Al Ain Zoo had set up the area for its bird show.

Faisal Al Hammadi, supervisor of bird training at the zoo, said he brought four different breeds – two steppe eagles, a short-toed eagle, a white-tailed sea eagle and a golden eagle, which he said is the most powerful type in the UAE.

“These birds are our stars at the zoo,” Mr Al Hammadi said.

The zoo also brought five falcons in a show to celebrate the birds’ role in Emirati culture and the desert tradition. Their trainers will also educate visitors about the wildlife conservation.

The tradition came to the Arabian Gulf from Mongolia in the sixth century, said Mr Al Hammadi, who has worked with birds for 15 years. Eagles, not falcons, were originally used.

“But the Arabic countries took it to hunt for food and to have fun,” he said.

Mr Al Hammadi said falconry not only provided food, but also taught respect for animals and humans.

“In the past, these are very important for food and to teach young people how they can be patient and deal with animals,” he said, adding that it took time to teach a bird how to hunt.

“This will teach young people how they can be patient and wait to get what he want. This is the most important lesson from falconry.”

Walking through the other areas of the festival grounds – Oasis, Desert, and Abu Dhabi Island and the Fort – people sold handcrafts such as bags, perfume and incense.

The scents wafted through the air as traditional music and sounds of a bustling market played through speakers. Other stalls sold novelty items such as old radios and records or jars of locally made honey.

In the Cultural Foundation next to Qasr Al Hosn, a gahwa has been set up to represent a contemporary take on classic coffee. Workshops have been set up in the book centre, staffed by university volunteers and organised by TCA.

Fatima Ghazal, workshop officer at the TCA education department, described the different workshops available, among them perfume, incense and doll-making. In another area, volunteers will educate people about traditional dress.

At one station, visitors can make jewellery from burqas and burqas from jewellery.

“It’s really difficult to make a burqa,” Ms Ghazal said.

People can sign up to participate in the workshops for free at the festival information booths.

Volunteers are also teaching visitors about traditional Julfar pottery made in the UAE since the 11th century. The last piece was made in 1950 and shares its name with an early name for RAK.

The festival runs until March 1 and is open from 4pm to 11pm.

Lectures about Qasr Al Hosn will be given, including one called Qasr Al Hosn: The Oldest Political Symbol, on Saturday from 7pm to 8pm.

Tours of the fort are available on a first-come, first-serve basis to small groups in both Arabic and English, from 4.15pm to 10.30pm.

Other events at the festival include documentary screenings and performances of poetry and music.

This year is the second annual instalment of the festival.

If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.

When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.

How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
The specs

Engine: Direct injection 4-cylinder 1.4-litre
Power: 150hp
Torque: 250Nm
Price: From Dh139,000
On sale: Now

THE SPECS

Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine 

Power: 420kW

Torque: 780Nm

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Price: From Dh1,350,000

On sale: Available for preorder now

How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-final, second leg
Real Madrid (2) v Bayern Munich (1)

Where: Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
When: 10.45pm, Tuesday
Watch Live: beIN Sports HD

In-demand jobs and monthly salaries
  • Technology expert in robotics and automation: Dh20,000 to Dh40,000 
  • Energy engineer: Dh25,000 to Dh30,000 
  • Production engineer: Dh30,000 to Dh40,000 
  • Data-driven supply chain management professional: Dh30,000 to Dh50,000 
  • HR leader: Dh40,000 to Dh60,000 
  • Engineering leader: Dh30,000 to Dh55,000 
  • Project manager: Dh55,000 to Dh65,000 
  • Senior reservoir engineer: Dh40,000 to Dh55,000 
  • Senior drilling engineer: Dh38,000 to Dh46,000 
  • Senior process engineer: Dh28,000 to Dh38,000 
  • Senior maintenance engineer: Dh22,000 to Dh34,000 
  • Field engineer: Dh6,500 to Dh7,500
  • Field supervisor: Dh9,000 to Dh12,000
  • Field operator: Dh5,000 to Dh7,000
How to avoid crypto fraud
  • Use unique usernames and passwords while enabling multi-factor authentication.
  • Use an offline private key, a physical device that requires manual activation, whenever you access your wallet.
  • Avoid suspicious social media ads promoting fraudulent schemes.
  • Only invest in crypto projects that you fully understand.
  • Critically assess whether a project’s promises or returns seem too good to be true.
  • Only use reputable platforms that have a track record of strong regulatory compliance.
  • Store funds in hardware wallets as opposed to online exchanges.
The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Twin-turbocharged%204-litre%20V8%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E542bhp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E770Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EEight-speed%20automatic%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh1%2C450%2C000%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Top 10 most polluted cities
  1. Bhiwadi, India
  2. Ghaziabad, India
  3. Hotan, China
  4. Delhi, India
  5. Jaunpur, India
  6. Faisalabad, Pakistan
  7. Noida, India
  8. Bahawalpur, Pakistan
  9. Peshawar, Pakistan
  10. Bagpat, India
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
 
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
Paatal Lok season two

Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy 

Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong

Rating: 4.5/5

Other workplace saving schemes
  • The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
  • Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
  • National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
  • In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
  • Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
The specs
Engine: Long-range single or dual motor with 200kW or 400kW battery
Power: 268bhp / 536bhp
Torque: 343Nm / 686Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Max touring range: 620km / 590km
Price: From Dh250,000 (estimated)
On sale: Later this year
The Sand Castle

Director: Matty Brown

Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea

Rating: 2.5/5

ARSENAL IN 1977

Feb 05 Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland

Feb 12 Manchester City 1-0 Arsenal

Feb 15 Middlesbrough 3-0 Arsenal

Feb 19 Arsenal 2-3 West Ham

Feb 26 Middlesbrough 4-1 Arsenal (FA Cup)

Mar 01 Everton 2-1 Arsenal

Mar 05  Arsenal 1-4 ipswich

March 08 Arsenal 1-2 West Brom

Mar 12 QPR 2-1 Arsenal

Mar 23 Stoke 1-1 Arsenal

Apr 02  Arsenal 3-0 Leicester

Hydrogen: Market potential

Hydrogen has an estimated $11 trillion market potential, according to Bank of America Securities and is expected to generate $2.5tn in direct revenues and $11tn of indirect infrastructure by 2050 as its production increases six-fold.

"We believe we are reaching the point of harnessing the element that comprises 90 per cent of the universe, effectively and economically,” the bank said in a recent report.

Falling costs of renewable energy and electrolysers used in green hydrogen production is one of the main catalysts for the increasingly bullish sentiment over the element.

The cost of electrolysers used in green hydrogen production has halved over the last five years and will fall to 60 to 90 per cent by the end of the decade, acceding to Haim Israel, equity strategist at Merrill Lynch. A global focus on decarbonisation and sustainability is also a big driver in its development.

The alternatives

• Founded in 2014, Telr is a payment aggregator and gateway with an office in Silicon Oasis. It’s e-commerce entry plan costs Dh349 monthly (plus VAT). QR codes direct customers to an online payment page and merchants can generate payments through messaging apps.

• Business Bay’s Pallapay claims 40,000-plus active merchants who can invoice customers and receive payment by card. Fees range from 1.99 per cent plus Dh1 per transaction depending on payment method and location, such as online or via UAE mobile.

• Tap started in May 2013 in Kuwait, allowing Middle East businesses to bill, accept, receive and make payments online “easier, faster and smoother” via goSell and goCollect. It supports more than 10,000 merchants. Monthly fees range from US$65-100, plus card charges of 2.75-3.75 per cent and Dh1.2 per sale.

2checkout’s “all-in-one payment gateway and merchant account” accepts payments in 200-plus markets for 2.4-3.9 per cent, plus a Dh1.2-Dh1.8 currency conversion charge. The US provider processes online shop and mobile transactions and has 17,000-plus active digital commerce users.

• PayPal is probably the best-known online goods payment method - usually used for eBay purchases -  but can be used to receive funds, providing everyone’s signed up. Costs from 2.9 per cent plus Dh1.2 per transaction.

Company profile

Name: Tratok Portal

Founded: 2017

Based: UAE

Sector: Travel & tourism

Size: 36 employees

Funding: Privately funded

Temple numbers

Expected completion: 2022

Height: 24 meters

Ground floor banquet hall: 370 square metres to accommodate about 750 people

Ground floor multipurpose hall: 92 square metres for up to 200 people

First floor main Prayer Hall: 465 square metres to hold 1,500 people at a time

First floor terrace areas: 2,30 square metres  

Temple will be spread over 6,900 square metres

Structure includes two basements, ground and first floor 

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League quarter-final (first-leg score):

Juventus (1) v Ajax (1), Tuesday, 11pm UAE

Match will be shown on BeIN Sports

ENGLAND TEAM

England (15-1)
George Furbank; Jonny May, Manu Tuilagi, Owen Farrell (capt), Elliot Daly; George Ford, Ben Youngs; Tom Curry, Sam Underhill, Courtney Lawes; Charlie Ewels, Maro Itoje; Kyle Sinckler, Jamie George, Joe Marler
Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ellis Genge, Will Stuart, George Kruis, Lewis Ludlam, Willi Heinz, Ollie Devoto, Jonathan Joseph

pakistan Test squad

Azhar Ali (capt), Shan Masood, Abid Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Fawad Alam, Haris Sohail, Imran Khan, Kashif Bhatti, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Abbas, Yasir Shah, Usman Shinwari