A lone roadside tree in Al Ain has been hailed as an unlikely wildlife wonder, as residents and birds alike flock to the thriving nature spot.
The bare branches of the sidr tree – near a traffic light in Al Maqam – have become an ideal nesting place for two colourful species of birds for many years, long since dispelling any thoughts that this may be a flying visit.
Western cattle egrets and African sacred ibises can be seen roosting in the tree all year long, bringing joy to nature lovers.
The tree has become the talk of the neighbourhood as theories abound over why its popularity endures, with Environment Agency Abu Dhabi also weighing in on the debate.
The agency says the location of tree, at the corner of 135th Street and Al Reem Street, may have had an influence on the birds' nesting decision. Others say a nearby portrait of UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan might have something to do with it as well.
“Since childhood, we used to witness peculiar bird species present in Al Maqam area, particularly around Qasr Al Maqam,” said Al Ain resident Omar Al Blooshi.
“This didn't strike us as odd; we were accustomed to observing numerous migratory birds lining the street.
“This holds great significance for me, especially in observing the birds. Initially, these birds disappeared but returned after the second migration. Gradually, we realised these birds had become partially settled in the region.
“The image of Sheikh Zayed displayed there adds a beautiful touch of peace to the area, along with these exquisite birds that have graced us for a decade.”
The two bird species have similar feeding habits, which may have contributed to both congregating in the same tree.
There are also a number of farms in the area, offering food and water supplies to the birds whenever they feel the need to swoop in.
The tree of Zayed
Others feel the influence of the UAE's Founding Father is at work.
“Throughout my time at university and later as a teacher, I compiled numerous accounts, all sharing a common thread: Sheikh Zayed personally fed the birds,” said Fatima Al Kaabi, another Al Ain resident.
“He would place seeds in his palm, extend his arm and the birds would gather around him in a group, enjoying their meal before returning to the trees.
“There were also constant water ponds in the area. Some believed that he scattered seeds to attract the birds. All these stories were deeply connected with Sheikh Zayed.
“Many years ago, when I was a university student around 1982, I became captivated by the birds inhabiting a particular tree.
“During Sheikh Zayed's time, the trees, especially around the entrance of Qasr Al Maqam, were revered and protected.
“Sheikh Zayed strictly prohibited harming old trees or uprooting them. In my twenties during my university days, the tree came to be known as 'the tree of Zayed', and the birds were affectionately called 'the birds of Zayed'.”
The western cattle egret, recognisable by its prominent white plumage, is a common winter migratory bird.
The African sacred ibis, with its distinctive curved, elongated bill, is an introduced species that has become self-sustaining in the UAE after establishing breeding populations.
The Environment Agency said the hum of traffic could have helped bring the birds to the neighbourhood.
“The traffic signal lights and traffic activity could attract insects such as grasshoppers, locusts, beetles and crickets – favoured source of food for both the species, creating a frequent source of food for both these birds and for their offspring,” the agency said in a statement.
“EAD is actively monitoring the population trends of these two species across different habitats in Abu Dhabi. EAD actively protects and conserves species and their habitats through legislation and devoted efforts of their rangers.”
"The relationship between the two species, which share nests and take turns incubating and raising their young, highlights how adaptable these species are to environmental changes.
“It also emphasises the significance of preserving green spaces and providing suitable habitats for urban wildlife.”
Race 3
Produced: Salman Khan Films and Tips Films
Director: Remo D’Souza
Cast: Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez, Bobby Deol, Daisy Shah, Saqib Salem
Rating: 2.5 stars
Getting%20there%20
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Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.
August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.
September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.
November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.
November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.
November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties
December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.
December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.
APPLE IPAD MINI (A17 PRO)
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Chip: Apple A17 Pro, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
Storage: 128/256/512GB
Main camera: 12MP wide, f/1.8, digital zoom up to 5x, Smart HDR 4
Front camera: 12MP ultra-wide, f/2.4, Smart HDR 4, full-HD @ 25/30/60fps
Biometrics: Touch ID, Face ID
Colours: Blue, purple, space grey, starlight
In the box: iPad mini, USB-C cable, 20W USB-C power adapter
Price: From Dh2,099
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
The specs: 2018 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Price, base / as tested Dh99,000 / Dh132,000
Engine 3.6L V6
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Power 275hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque 350Nm @ 3,700rpm
Fuel economy combined 12.2L / 100km
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
MATCH INFO
AC Milan v Inter, Sunday, 6pm (UAE), match live on BeIN Sports
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The years Ramadan fell in May
What can you do?
Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses
Seek professional advice from a legal expert
You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor
You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline
In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support
THE BIO
Favourite book: ‘Purpose Driven Life’ by Rick Warren
Favourite travel destination: Switzerland
Hobbies: Travelling and following motivational speeches and speakers
Favourite place in UAE: Dubai Museum
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
Recent winners
2002 Giselle Khoury (Colombia)
2004 Nathalie Nasralla (France)
2005 Catherine Abboud (Oceania)
2007 Grace Bijjani (Mexico)
2008 Carina El-Keddissi (Brazil)
2009 Sara Mansour (Brazil)
2010 Daniella Rahme (Australia)
2011 Maria Farah (Canada)
2012 Cynthia Moukarzel (Kuwait)
2013 Layla Yarak (Australia)
2014 Lia Saad (UAE)
2015 Cynthia Farah (Australia)
2016 Yosmely Massaad (Venezuela)
2017 Dima Safi (Ivory Coast)
2018 Rachel Younan (Australia)
Formula%204%20Italian%20Championship%202023%20calendar
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Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The specs
Common to all models unless otherwise stated
Engine: 4-cylinder 2-litre T-GDi
0-100kph: 5.3 seconds (Elantra); 5.5 seconds (Kona); 6.1 seconds (Veloster)
Power: 276hp
Torque: 392Nm
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual/ 8-Speed Dual Clutch FWD
Price: TBC
THREE
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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
PROFILE OF HALAN
Started: November 2017
Founders: Mounir Nakhla, Ahmed Mohsen and Mohamed Aboulnaga
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: transport and logistics
Size: 150 employees
Investment: approximately $8 million
Investors include: Singapore’s Battery Road Digital Holdings, Egypt’s Algebra Ventures, Uber co-founder and former CTO Oscar Salazar
Mina Cup winners
Under 12 – Minerva Academy
Under 14 – Unam Pumas
Under 16 – Fursan Hispania
Under 18 – Madenat
WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?
1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge
4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20M3%20MACBOOK%20AIR%20(13%22)
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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The Word for Woman is Wilderness
Abi Andrews, Serpent’s Tail
