Scientist David Cannell thrilled onlookers with his explosive experiments yesterday.
Scientist David Cannell thrilled onlookers with his explosive experiments yesterday.
Scientist David Cannell thrilled onlookers with his explosive experiments yesterday.
Scientist David Cannell thrilled onlookers with his explosive experiments yesterday.

Explosive action at Abu Dhabi Science Festival


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ABU DHABI // Crowds of all nationalities and ages flocked to the Abu Dhabi Science Festival on the Corniche last night.

A big hit was Davide thanks to his explosive experiments.

"That is not a bad explosion, but I can do an even better one. I can do a volcano," he told the thrilled crowd. Davide, dressed as a mad scientist, had just poured some liquid nitrogen into a see-through container and attached a balloon at the end. As the gas expanded, the balloon burst. The volcano was produced using hot water, detergent and liquid nitrogen.

Among those watching were Bipin and Shavita Srivastava, whose 10-year-old son, Utkarsh, was in the front row. "He wanted to come since morning," said Mr Srivastava, 45, an employee at an oil company. "It is fantastic."

Running until October 20 at the Corniche and the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, the festival aims to get children interested in science through games and interactive displays. As far as Lara Khalil was concerned, the mission was accomplished. "It is full of information and fun," she said.

The same sentiment was felt by Hasan Ali Mubarak, a government employee, who was building an ultraviolet torch with his three sons.

"It is really good," said the eldest, Said, 12, while flashing his light to show it worked.

The lights also kept the attention of Oliver and Sharlotte Crawley, 10 and 9, while their brother Oliver, 6, was playing with a board game.

"Because it is so hands-on, they are really getting involved," said their mother, Dominique. "I find it fascinating how they are thinking and how they can work things out."

vtodorova@thenational.ae

Remaining Fixtures

Wednesday: West Indies v Scotland
Thursday: UAE v Zimbabwe
Friday: Afghanistan v Ireland
Sunday: Final

How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
It’ll be summer in the city as car show tries to move with the times

If 2008 was the year that rocked Detroit, 2019 will be when Motor City gives its annual car extravaganza a revamp that aims to move with the times.

A major change is that this week's North American International Auto Show will be the last to be held in January, after which the event will switch to June.

The new date, organisers said, will allow exhibitors to move vehicles and activities outside the Cobo Center's halls and into other city venues, unencumbered by cold January weather, exemplified this week by snow and ice.

In a market in which trends can easily be outpaced beyond one event, the need to do so was probably exacerbated by the decision of Germany's big three carmakers – BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi – to skip the auto show this year.

The show has long allowed car enthusiasts to sit behind the wheel of the latest models at the start of the calendar year but a more fluid car market in an online world has made sales less seasonal.

Similarly, everyday technology seems to be catching up on those whose job it is to get behind microphones and try and tempt the visiting public into making a purchase.

Although sparkly announcers clasp iPads and outline the technical gadgetry hidden beneath bonnets, people's obsession with their own smartphones often appeared to offer a more tempting distraction.

“It's maddening,” said one such worker at Nissan's stand.

The absence of some pizzazz, as well as top marques, was also noted by patrons.

“It looks like there are a few less cars this year,” one annual attendee said of this year's exhibitors.

“I can't help but think it's easier to stay at home than to brave the snow and come here.”

Naga
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Classification of skills

A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation. 

A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.

The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000. 

The White Lotus: Season three

Creator: Mike White

Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell

Rating: 4.5/5

How to wear a kandura

Dos

  • Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion 
  • Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
  • Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work 
  • Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester

Don’ts 

  • Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal 
  • Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying