10 things to do today: Take part in Ramadan festivities at Bawabat Al Sharq, try the Jones the Grocer Ramadan menu, and more


  • English
  • Arabic

Your daily guide to community and cultural activities across the Emirates for May 28, 2017, including performances, festivals, art exhibitions, film screenings, health and fitness events, talks, classes, workshops and family fun. Ellen Fortini rounds up 10 things to do today in the UAE.

Want to see your event listed here? Email us with the details and contact information at listings@thenational.ae

Abu Dhabi

Ramadan festivities

Visit Bawabat Al Sharq to take part in family friendly Ramadan festivities that uphold the Year of Giving and promote Emirati culture. Souq Al Omniyat, which is organised by and supports the Make-A-Wish Foundation, features 50 vendors selling clothing, perfumes and accessories. There will be henna, calligraphy, a falcon show and children’s arts and crafts where they can make lanterns and more.

Open daily during Ramadan, 10am to 2pm and 8pm to 1am, Saturdays to Wednesdays; 10am to 2pm and 8pm to 2am, Thursdays and Fridays; the souq and Ramadan activities begin at sunset, Bawabat Al Sharq Mall, Bani Yas, Abu Dhabi, www.bawabatalsharqmall.ae

Dubai

Performance

Get tickets to see the Grammy Award-winning Chamber Orchestra of Europe perform at Dubai Opera in two gala evenings featuring works by Mozart, including Magic Flute Overture, Violin Concerto No 3 and Symphony No 4, as well as Beethoven's Coriolan Overture, Violin Concerto and Symphony No 5. The orchestra will be led by conductor Robin Ticciati with Christian Tetzlaff (pictured) on violin.

November 2 to 3, from Dh250, Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, www.dubaiopera.com

Abu Dhabi

Kids’ camp

Sign up your children, ages 5 to 11, for the Ramadan Kids’ Camp at Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi, where there is plenty to keep them busy, including swimming pool games, indoor activities, arts and crafts, movies, a talent show and games.

Starts today and runs until Thursday; then June 4 to June 8, 2pm to 6pm, from Dh160 per day, Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi, Al Zahiya, Abu Dhabi, register at 02 697 9302 or bodylines.beach@rotana.com

Abu Dhabi

Fitness offer

Vogue Fitness has extended its hours during Ramadan to accommodate early-morning and after-iftar training with additional classes. Plus, women who join Yas Ladies, can take part in the introduction class for free. Membership packages are available for CrossFit and personal training.

Open 5.30am to 1am, Vogue Fitness, Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 02 583 2380, www.vfuae.com

Nationwide

New movie

In the film Berlin Syndrome, Clare (Teresa Palmer), an Australian photojournalist, is on holiday in Berlin, where she meets Andi (Max Riemelt) and begins a passionate romance. When she wakes up, however, she discovers that Andi has left and has locked her in his apartment, where he intends to keep her forever. Thriller, also starring Lucie Aron, Cem Tuncay and Matthias Habich.

Screening at cinemas across the UAE (18+)

Abu Dhabi

Fitness offer

St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort offers a variety of fitness options and water-sport activities throughout the summer. Enjoy the state-of-the-art indoor facilities, including a 3,500-square-metre gym, squash and tennis courts, plus group classes such as HIIT, Zumba and yoga, personal training and a 25-metre lap pool. Swimming lessons are available, as well as tennis classes and activities, including paddle-boarding, kayaking and boogie-boarding. Members can enjoy access to the three outdoor pools and the 9-kilometre private beach.

From 8.30am to 11am and 6pm to 8pm for group classes; Dh65 per group class for members; Dh85 per group class for non-members, packages available at various prices for swimming, tennis, watersports, St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 02 498 8777, athleticclub.saadiyat@stregis.com

Abu Dhabi, Dubai & Sharjah

Ramadan menu

Jones the Grocer combines local flavours and regional traditions in its Ramadan menu, which includes pumpkin and corn fritters, a zataar-grilled halloumi wrap, a barramundi burger with moutabal and pomegranate (pictured) and Moroccan meatballs with crispy kale and sesame bread.

Open from 9am to 11am for take-away and 11am to 10.30pm for dine-in and take-away at Khalidiya and Al Raha, Abu Dhabi; open 9am to 11pm for dine-in and take-away at Al Muneera and Al Mamoura, Abu Dhabi; from 9am for take-away and from iftar for dine-in and take-away at Al Manara and Al Safa, Dubai; 24 hours at Dusit Thani Dubai; from 5pm to iftar for take-away and iftar to 3am for dine-in and take-away at Flag Island, Sharjah, www.facebook.com/JonestheGrocer

Dubai

Art exhibition

See the exhibition A Fast, Moving Sky. It features works curated by Dexter Wimberly that reflect the African diaspora. The four artists chosen to participate come from vastly different parts of the world, but are all connected through the theme. They present works that exemplify the complexity of the phenomenon, illustrating how ideas, aesthetics and people are constantly in a flux. Pictured: Crashing Drone II by Rushern Baker

Daily until July 25, 10am to 7pm, Saturdays to Thursdays (closed on Fridays), The Third Line, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai, 04 341 1367, www.thethirdline.com

Dubai

Iftar offer

Qasr Al Sultan has a special iftar and suhoor offer. It features an enchanting ambience that reflects the splendour of a sultan’s palace, and immerses guests in the warmth of Arabian hospitality. Enjoy iftar with hot and cold mezzes, roasted lamb ouzi and shawarma, along with a dessert counter and homemade ice cream. Arabic singers and oud players will entertain throughout iftar. Suhour features a set menu of Arabic snacks and wholesome soups. Plus, visit the traditional souq and shisha terrace while children will enjoy the games and play area.

From sunset to 9pm for iftar, Dh195; 10pm to 2am for suhour, Dh150, 50 per cent discount for children ages 6 to 12; free for children ages 5 and younger, Qasr Al Sultan, near Dubai Parks and Resorts, Dubai, www.qasralsultan.ae

Dubai

Family fun

Dubai Ice Rink and VRZoo have teamed up to bring a special offer for family fun that includes an ice-skating session and an immersive, virtual experience with animals. Have a skate around the cool Dubai Ice Rink, then delve into a 360-degree virtual world featuring live-action endangered species, including dugongs, African elephants and meercats on the VRZoo at Dubai Aquarium.

Available until Wednesday, Dh110, Dubai Ice Rink, ground floor, The Dubai Mall, 04 448 5111, www.dubaiicerink.com

SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20M3%20MACBOOK%20AIR%20(13%22)
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EProcessor%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Apple%20M3%2C%208-core%20CPU%2C%20up%20to%2010-core%20CPU%2C%2016-core%20Neural%20Engine%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDisplay%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2013.6-inch%20Liquid%20Retina%2C%202560%20x%201664%2C%20224ppi%2C%20500%20nits%2C%20True%20Tone%2C%20wide%20colour%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMemory%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208%2F16%2F24GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStorage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20256%2F512GB%20%2F%201%2F2TB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EI%2FO%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Thunderbolt%203%2FUSB-4%20(2)%2C%203.5mm%20audio%2C%20Touch%20ID%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EConnectivity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Wi-Fi%206E%2C%20Bluetooth%205.3%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2052.6Wh%20lithium-polymer%2C%20up%20to%2018%20hours%2C%20MagSafe%20charging%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECamera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201080p%20FaceTime%20HD%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EVideo%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Support%20for%20Apple%20ProRes%2C%20HDR%20with%20Dolby%20Vision%2C%20HDR10%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAudio%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204-speaker%20system%2C%20wide%20stereo%2C%20support%20for%20Dolby%20Atmos%2C%20Spatial%20Audio%20and%20dynamic%20head%20tracking%20(with%20AirPods)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EColours%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Midnight%2C%20silver%2C%20space%20grey%2C%20starlight%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIn%20the%20box%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20MacBook%20Air%2C%2030W%2F35W%20dual-port%2F70w%20power%20adapter%2C%20USB-C-to-MagSafe%20cable%2C%202%20Apple%20stickers%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh4%2C599%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Key recommendations
  • Fewer criminals put behind bars and more to serve sentences in the community, with short sentences scrapped and many inmates released earlier.
  • Greater use of curfews and exclusion zones to deliver tougher supervision than ever on criminals.
  • Explore wider powers for judges to punish offenders by blocking them from attending football matches, banning them from driving or travelling abroad through an expansion of ‘ancillary orders’.
  • More Intensive Supervision Courts to tackle the root causes of crime such as alcohol and drug abuse – forcing repeat offenders to take part in tough treatment programmes or face prison.
THE CLOWN OF GAZA

Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah 

Starring: Alaa Meqdad

Rating: 4/5

Secret Pigeon Service: Operation Colomba, Resistance and the Struggle to Liberate Europe
Gordon Corera, Harper Collins

What the law says

Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.

“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.

MATCH INFO

Europa League semi-final, second leg
Atletico Madrid (1) v Arsenal (1)

Where: Wanda Metropolitano
When: Thursday, May 3
Live: On BeIN Sports HD

The specs

Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors

Power: Combined output 920hp

Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic

Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km

On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025

Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000

Our legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants

Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3.0%20twin-turbo%20inline%20six-cylinder%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Eeight-speed%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E503hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E600Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Efrom%20Dh400%2C000%20(estimate)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Enow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Defence review at a glance

• Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 but given “turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster”

• Prioritise a shift towards working with AI and autonomous systems

• Invest in the resilience of military space systems.

• Number of active reserves should be increased by 20%

• More F-35 fighter jets required in the next decade

• New “hybrid Navy” with AUKUS submarines and autonomous vessels

The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

Teaching your child to save

Pre-school (three - five years)

You can’t yet talk about investing or borrowing, but introduce a “classic” money bank and start putting gifts and allowances away. When the child wants a specific toy, have them save for it and help them track their progress.

Early childhood (six - eight years)

Replace the money bank with three jars labelled ‘saving’, ‘spending’ and ‘sharing’. Have the child divide their allowance into the three jars each week and explain their choices in splitting their pocket money. A guide could be 25 per cent saving, 50 per cent spending, 25 per cent for charity and gift-giving.

Middle childhood (nine - 11 years)

Open a bank savings account and help your child establish a budget and set a savings goal. Introduce the notion of ‘paying yourself first’ by putting away savings as soon as your allowance is paid.

Young teens (12 - 14 years)

Change your child’s allowance from weekly to monthly and help them pinpoint long-range goals such as a trip, so they can start longer-term saving and find new ways to increase their saving.

Teenage (15 - 18 years)

Discuss mutual expectations about university costs and identify what they can help fund and set goals. Don’t pay for everything, so they can experience the pride of contributing.

Young adulthood (19 - 22 years)

Discuss post-graduation plans and future life goals, quantify expenses such as first apartment, work wardrobe, holidays and help them continue to save towards these goals.

* JP Morgan Private Bank 

Sole survivors
  • Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
  • George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
  • Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
  • Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
SCORES IN BRIEF

New Zealand 153 and 56 for 1 in 22.4 overs at close
Pakistan 227
(Babar 62, Asad 43, Boult 4-54, De Grandhomme 2-30, Patel 2-64)

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
 
Started: 2021
 
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
 
Based: Tunisia 
 
Sector: Water technology 
 
Number of staff: 22 
 
Investment raised: $4 million 
GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

Infiniti QX80 specs

Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6

Power: 450hp

Torque: 700Nm

Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000

Available: Now

Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Fasset%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2019%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Mohammad%20Raafi%20Hossain%2C%20Daniel%20Ahmed%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInitial%20investment%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%242.45%20million%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2086%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Pre-series%20B%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Investcorp%2C%20Liberty%20City%20Ventures%2C%20Fatima%20Gobi%20Ventures%2C%20Primal%20Capital%2C%20Wealthwell%20Ventures%2C%20FHS%20Capital%2C%20VN2%20Capital%2C%20local%20family%20offices%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Volvo ES90 Specs

Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)

Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp

Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm

On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region

Price: Exact regional pricing TBA

MATCH INFO

Chelsea 4 (Mount 18',Werner 44', Hudson-Odoi 49', Havertz 85')

Morecambe 0

Women’s World T20, Asia Qualifier

UAE results
Beat China by 16 runs
Lost to Thailand by 10 wickets
Beat Nepal by five runs
Beat Hong Kong by eight wickets
Beat Malaysia by 34 runs

Standings (P, W, l, NR, points)

1. Thailand 5 4 0 1 9
2. UAE 5 4 1 0 8
3. Nepal 5 2 1 2 6
4. Hong Kong 5 2 2 1 5
5. Malaysia 5 1 4 0 2
6. China 5 0 5 0 0

Final
Thailand v UAE, Monday, 7am