A major music festival making its Dubai debut and family-friendly affairs showcasing local culture are among the highlights of the UAE's schedule this week.
Not to mention, Valentine's Day and the array of deals and offers to celebrate the day of romance on Tuesday.
Here, The National rounds up seven things to do over the next seven days, from February 13 to 19.
Monday
The Kazakh State Symphony Orchestra is performing at the Coca-Cola Arena as part of the 2023 InClassica International Music Festival. It marks their second performance at the Dubai venue.
The orchestra will be led by Italian conductor Massimiliano Caldi, opening the night with the famous Overture from Mozart's 1786 opera Le Nozze di Figaro, which is one of the most frequently performed works in his repertoire.
Latvian cellist Kristina Blaumane will join the ensemble later in the evening.
8pm; tickets start at Dh75; City Walk; coca-cola-arena.com
Tuesday
On Yas Island, Emirati TikTok sensation Not So Human is hitting the stage at the Living Room by W Abu Dhabi for an intimate concert on Valentine's Day featuring some of his most popular social media covers.
Guests can expect songs such as Bruises by Lewis Capaldi, Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen, Fly Me to the Moon by Frank Sinatra and Feeling Good by Michael Buble.
The singer rose to fame in 2019, when his cover of the Bruno Mars hit Talking to the Moon went viral. Now he is known for his emotional vocals and his ability to play several instruments.
Doors open at 6:30pm; from Dh280; W Abu Dhabi Yas Island; 02 656 0000
Wednesday
The Xposure International Photography Festival ends on Wednesday.
Works of emerging and established photographers are on display at the Expo Centre Sharjah, spanning a variety of topics from big cats to supercars and social issues to fashion trends, as well as man-made and natural wonders.
There are 68 solo and group exhibitions to explore. The main theme this year is climate change and its impact.
Visitor registration is required. More information is available at xposure.ae
Thursday
Japanese-Peruvian venue SushiSamba has launched its first afternoon tea experience called Sky Tea, the name of which is inspired by its location on level 51 of The St Regis Dubai, The Palm.
Guests can expect a selection of sweet and savoury bites, such as lobster mollete, smoked salmon with seasonal truffle, yuzu raspberry cake and cherry tart.
Diners also get the chance to receive a gift box, which includes perfumes, candles and diffusers.
Every Tuesday to Saturday; 4:30pm-6:30pm; Dh345 per person, Dh395 with a glass of champagne; Palm Jumeirah; reservations@sushisambadubai.com
Friday
The Maritime Heritage Festival in Abu Dhabi kicks off on Friday, taking place at Al Bahar on the Corniche.
Now in its second year, the festival promises to immerse visitors in traditional coastal life, “recreating a historic shoreline trading community”.
It will run until February 26, and there will be several family-friendly activities throughout the event, including arts and crafts stations, cultural performances, as well as gastronomic experiences featuring traditional cuisine.
February 17 to 26; Tickets cost Dh30 for adults, Dh15 for children; Al Bahar, Abu Dhabi Corniche; Abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net
Saturday
For two days, the Dubai Design District is transforming into festival grounds as the outdoor carnival elrow XXL brings its massive production in the UAE for the first time.
The festival is particularly known for its colourful El Triangulo de las Rowmudas stage, adorned with over-the-top decorations and bright visuals, while dancers in stunning costumes dance around the venue.
It has been staged in more than 80 cities across the globe, including London, Barcelona, Ibiza and New York.
The Dubai line-up includes American DJ Armand van Helden, British actor Idris Elba, British DJ Sam Devine and Australian DJ Sonny Fodera.
Doors open at 2pm, and the festival ends at 2:30am; from Dh450; dubai.platinumlist.net
Sunday
Al Ain's Daz Festival is coming to a close on Sunday.
The nature-inspired event, formerly known as Dar Al Zain Festival, celebrates the great outdoors and the season of blooms at Al Jahili Park.
Several experiences and installations are on site, including the Pyramid Sphere, which features repeated geometric shapes that expand to form pyramids. There is also the Dazzle Haus, where visitors can explore five Earth-themed rooms.
Food is also in focus at the festival. London cafe Saint Aymes has a pop-up, as well as Nap Pizzeria, Let’s Popcorn and popular milk tea brand Tiger Sugar. There are also carnival rides and other children's activities.
4pm-midnight; from Dh25; Al Ain; dazfestival.ae
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Power: 154bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option
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On sale: Now
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Chris Whiteoak, a photographer at The National, spent months taking some of Jacqui Allan's props around the UAE, positioning them perfectly in front of some of the country's most recognisable landmarks. He placed a pirate on Kite Beach, in front of the Burj Al Arab, the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland at the Burj Khalifa, and brought one of Allan's snails (Freddie, which represents her grandfather) to the Dubai Frame. In Abu Dhabi, a dinosaur went to Al Ain's Jebel Hafeet. And a flamingo was taken all the way to the Hatta Mountains. This special project suitably brings to life the quirky nature of Allan's prop shop (and Allan herself!).
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Try out the test yourself
Q1 Suppose you had $100 in a savings account and the interest rate was 2 per cent per year. After five years, how much do you think you would have in the account if you left the money to grow?
a) More than $102
b) Exactly $102
c) Less than $102
d) Do not know
e) Refuse to answer
Q2 Imagine that the interest rate on your savings account was 1 per cent per year and inflation was 2 per cent per year. After one year, how much would you be able to buy with the money in this account?
a) More than today
b) Exactly the same as today
c) Less than today
d) Do not know
e) Refuse to answer
Q4 Do you think that the following statement is true or false? “Buying a single company stock usually provides a safer return than a stock mutual fund.”
a) True
b) False
d) Do not know
e) Refuse to answer
The “Big Three” financial literacy questions were created by Professors Annamaria Lusardi of the George Washington School of Business and Olivia Mitchell, of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Answers: Q1 More than $102 (compound interest). Q2 Less than today (inflation). Q3 False (diversification).
SERIE A FIXTURES
Friday Sassuolo v Benevento (Kick-off 11.45pm)
Saturday Crotone v Spezia (6pm), Torino v Udinese (9pm), Lazio v Verona (11.45pm)
Sunday Cagliari v Inter Milan (3.30pm), Atalanta v Fiorentina (6pm), Napoli v Sampdoria (6pm), Bologna v Roma (6pm), Genoa v Juventus (9pm), AC Milan v Parma (11.45pm)
Dhadak
Director: Shashank Khaitan
Starring: Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khattar, Ashutosh Rana
Stars: 3
England World Cup squad
Eoin Morgan (capt), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler (wkt), Tom Curran, Liam Dawson, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, James Vince, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood
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Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
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The BIO
Favourite piece of music: Verdi’s Requiem. It’s awe-inspiring.
Biggest inspiration: My father, as I grew up in a house where music was constantly played on a wind-up gramophone. I had amazing music teachers in primary and secondary school who inspired me to take my music further. They encouraged me to take up music as a profession and I follow in their footsteps, encouraging others to do the same.
Favourite book: Ian McEwan’s Atonement – the ending alone knocked me for six.
Favourite holiday destination: Italy - music and opera is so much part of the life there. I love it.
At Everton Appearances: 77; Goals: 17
At Manchester United Appearances: 559; Goals: 253
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BULKWHIZ PROFILE
Date started: February 2017
Founders: Amira Rashad (CEO), Yusuf Saber (CTO), Mahmoud Sayedahmed (adviser), Reda Bouraoui (adviser)
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: E-commerce
Size: 50 employees
Funding: approximately $6m
Investors: Beco Capital, Enabling Future and Wain in the UAE; China's MSA Capital; 500 Startups; Faith Capital and Savour Ventures in Kuwait
Results
2.30pm: Park Avenue – Conditions (PA) Dh80,000 (Dirt) 2,000m; Winner: Rb Seqondtonone, Abdul Aziz Al Balushi (jockey), Helal Al Alawi (trainer)
3.05pm: Al Furjan – Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (Turf) 1,200m; Winner: Bosphorus, Dane O’Neill, Bhupat Seemar
3.40pm: Mina – Rated Condition (TB) Dh105,000 (D) 1,600m; Winner: Royal Mews, Tadhg O’Shea, Bhupat Seemar
4.15pm: Aliyah – Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (T) 1,900m; Winner: Ursa Minor, Ray Dawson, Ahmad bin Harmash
4.50pm: Riviera Beach – Rated Conditions (TB) Dh95,000 (D) 2,200m; Winner: Woodditton, Saif Al Balushi, Ahmad bin Harmash
5.25pm: Riviera – Handicap (TB) Dh2,000 (T) 2,000m; Winner: Al Madhar, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi
6pm: Creek Views – Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: Al Salt, Dane O’Neill, Erwan Charpy
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Rating: 1 out of 4
Running time: 81 minutes
Director: David Blue Garcia
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Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
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MATCH STATS
Wolves 0
Aston Villa 1 (El Ghazi 90 4' pen)
Red cards: Joao Moutinho (Wolves); Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa)
Man of the match: Emi Martinez (Aston Villa)
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1. Fasting
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Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy
Director: Shahad Ameen
Rating: 3/5
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RESULT
Wolves 1 (Traore 67')
Tottenham 2 (Moura 8', Vertonghen 90 1')
Man of the Match: Adama Traore (Wolves)
Abu Dhabi card
5pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 2,400m
5.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh 70,000 2,200m
6pm: Abu Dhabi Fillies Classic Prestige (PA) Dh110,000 1,400m
6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Colts Classic Prestige (PA) Dh110,000 1,400m
7pm: Handicap (PA) Dh85,000 1,600m
7.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,600m
The National selections:
5pm: Valcartier
5.30pm: AF Taraha
6pm: Dhafra
6.30pm: Maqam
7pm: AF Mekhbat
7.30pm: Ezz Al Rawasi
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Starring: Josh Hartnett, Saleka Shyamalan, Ariel Donaghue
Director: M Night Shyamalan
Rating: 3/5
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
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TECH%20SPECS%3A%20APPLE%20WATCH%20SE%20(second%20generation)
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SQUADS
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Afghanistan (from): Rashid Khan (capt), Ihsanullah Janat, Javid Ahmadi, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Asghar Afghan, Ikram Alikhil, Mohammad Nabi, Qais Ahmad, Sayed Ahmad Shirzad, Yamin Ahmadzai, Zahir Khan Pakteen, Afsar Zazai, Shapoor Zadran
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Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
