See the exhibition Happy Lucky where the artist Robert Hammond explores contemporary allegories through modern interfaces and with reflective works that mirror modern iconography. From 10am to 7pm, Art Sawa, Gate Village Building 8, Podium Level, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai, 04 386 2366, www.artsawa.com
Visit the exhibition Crossings: Archeology of the Spirit, in which the Egyptian artist Medhat Shafik presents works made up of natural materials such as cotton paper, pigmented fabrics and discarded pieces of wood. From 10am to 7pm, The Mojo Gallery, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai, 04 347 7388, www.themojogallery.com
Sign up for hands-on silver-jewellery making classes with the silversmith and instructor Don Sankey. Classes begin on April 20 at Al Bateen School in Abu Dhabi. Plus, monthly weekend workshops will be held at The Club, which are also open to non-members. For more information, visit www.dssilversmith.com
Take part in the 2014 Chakra Yoga Challenge with Let's Go Yoga. A new chakra will be explored each week through meditations, visualisations, breathing and more. On Sundays, from April 13 to June 15, from 7pm to 8pm, Dh650 for the 10-class Chakra Flow Yoga package, Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara, Abu Dhabi, www.letsgoyogame.com, 050 349 2336
Enjoy an evening with the British DJ Russ Winstanley, who returns to Dubai with his northern soul rarities from the 1960s and 1970s, some of which he has spun for more than 35 years. From 9pm to 2am, Dh75, tickets available at the door, George & Dragon Pub, Ambassador Hotel, Al Falah Street, Bur Dubai, 04 393 9444
* Compiled by Ellen Fortini
listings@thenational.ae
New process leads to panic among jobseekers
As a UAE-based travel agent who processes tourist visas from the Philippines, Jennifer Pacia Gado is fielding a lot of calls from concerned travellers just now. And they are all asking the same question.
“My clients are mostly Filipinos, and they [all want to know] about good conduct certificates,” says the 34-year-old Filipina, who has lived in the UAE for five years.
Ms Gado contacted the Philippines Embassy to get more information on the certificate so she can share it with her clients. She says many are worried about the process and associated costs – which could be as high as Dh500 to obtain and attest a good conduct certificate from the Philippines for jobseekers already living in the UAE.
“They are worried about this because when they arrive here without the NBI [National Bureau of Investigation] clearance, it is a hassle because it takes time,” she says.
“They need to go first to the embassy to apply for the application of the NBI clearance. After that they have go to the police station [in the UAE] for the fingerprints. And then they will apply for the special power of attorney so that someone can finish the process in the Philippines. So it is a long process and more expensive if you are doing it from here.”
The rules on fostering in the UAE
A foster couple or family must:
- be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE
- not be younger than 25 years old
- not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
- be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
- have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
- undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
- A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe
Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010
Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille
Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm
Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year
Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”
Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners
TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013
The specs
Engine: 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6
Power: 540hp at 6,500rpm
Torque: 600Nm at 2,500rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Kerb weight: 1580kg
Price: From Dh750k
On sale: via special order
A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
The Specs
Price, base Dh379,000
Engine 2.9-litre, twin-turbo V6
Gearbox eight-speed automatic
Power 503bhp
Torque 443Nm
On sale now
57%20Seconds
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Ms Yang's top tips for parents new to the UAE
- Join parent networks
- Look beyond school fees
- Keep an open mind
