The much-anticipated Zayed National Museum is due to open by the end of this year. Photo: Foster+Partners
The much-anticipated Zayed National Museum is due to open by the end of this year. Photo: Foster+Partners
The much-anticipated Zayed National Museum is due to open by the end of this year. Photo: Foster+Partners
The much-anticipated Zayed National Museum is due to open by the end of this year. Photo: Foster+Partners

Emirati cultural champions among winners of Dh1m Zayed National Museum Research Fund


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Four Emirati researchers have been named among eight recipients of an annual Dh1 million fund aimed at deepening understanding of the UAE's rich history and culture.

The group of winners in the second Zayed National Museum Research Fund, announced on Thursday, comprises leading university academics, lecturers and professors drawn from the Emirates, Italy, India and the US.

They have been chosen for crucial funding support by an expert panel which assessed the projects of 79 applicants from around the world.

They will share the Dh1 million grant pool in order to further work exploring the UAE's past and present, including a comprehensive encyclopaedia of the country's native trees and a study of its modern architecture and contemporary landmarks.

“Zayed National Museum’s Research Fund exemplifies Sheikh Zayed’s commitment to learning about our past and fostering knowledge of the region’s history and culture,” said Mohammed Al Mubarak, chairman of the Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism.

“The research fund not only supports researchers but also contributes to preserving the rich tangible and intangible heritage of the United Arab Emirates.

“Through these diverse research projects, the research fund spans a variety of topics which will shed new light on the deep history and culture of the United Arab Emirates and broader region.”

Landmark museum takes shape – in pictures

Peter Magee, director of Zayed National Museum, said the awarded highlighted how the flagship museum – which is due to open at the end of this year as part of the Saadiyat Cultural District – will seek to be at the heart of efforts to champion national culture.

“This research fund is one of the many ways Zayed National Museum is supporting research into the culture and heritage of the UAE and the wider region,” he said.

“Following the success of last year’s inaugural round of funding, we’re proud to announce the new cohort of researchers. We were very impressed with the applications which represent a wide range of specialisms – from archaeology and architecture to Sheikh Zayed’s lasting legacy.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of the recipients, and I look forward to hearing about the outcomes of their research.”

How winners will promote UAE's rich history

Dr Fatema Al Mazroui, head of the Historical Archives Department at Abu Dhabi's National Library and Archives, is delving into the origins of the capital's education system for a project called History of Formal Education in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi: A Reading of Qasr Al Hosn Documents (1957–1966).

Fatema Al Shehhi and Hessa Al Shehhi, of the Department of Antiquities and Museums, are joining forces to investigate how the nation's love of pottery developed. Their work is called Reconstructing the History, Technology, and Uses of Pottery through the Study of Pottery Shards from Ras Al Khaimah Archaeological Sites.

Marwan Al Falasi is writing the Encyclopaedia of Native Trees in the UAE: Perennial and Annual Trees, Compilation, Collection, Analysis and Commentary. The book will feature illustrations and details of the rich array of trees native to the Emirates.

Dr Khaled Alawadi will continue work on a project celebrating modern day architectural wonders which dominate the country's skyline in a project called Transnational Heritage: Putting UAE's Modern Architecture and Contemporary Landmarks on the Map.

Michele Degli Esposti, from Italy, is an associate professor at the Institute for Mediterranean and Oriental Cultures, Polish Academy of Sciences.

He received funding for the Abraq Research Project: Life and Death in South-East Arabia in the Second Millennium BC.

Dr Akshyeta Suryanarayan, from India, is a Gerald Averay Wainwright postdoctoral fellow at the McDonald institute for archaeological research at the University of Cambridge.

She was recognised for her work, Understanding Long-Term Vessel Use in South-Eastern Arabia Through Organic Residue Analysis.

Prof Yasser Elsheshtawy, from the US, is an adjunct professor at Columbia University's Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation.

His research project is Zayed's Gift to the People: A Typo-Morphological Study of the UAE National House.

Dr William Zimmerle, also from the US, is a senior lecturer in arts and humanities and an affiliated faculty member of the Arab Crossroads Studies Programme and History Programme at New York University Abu Dhabi.

His research is The Rock Art of Southern and Eastern Arabia; A Virtual Study Centre for the Digital Preservation of Petroglyphs in the UAE.

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.

Part three: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

The Details

Article 15
Produced by: Carnival Cinemas, Zee Studios
Directed by: Anubhav Sinha
Starring: Ayushmann Khurrana, Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa, Sayani Gupta, Zeeshan Ayyub
Our rating: 4/5 

The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

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 three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

pakistan Test squad

Azhar Ali (capt), Shan Masood, Abid Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Fawad Alam, Haris Sohail, Imran Khan, Kashif Bhatti, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Abbas, Yasir Shah, Usman Shinwari

Naga
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WOMAN AND CHILD

Director: Saeed Roustaee

Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi

Rating: 4/5

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

UAE SQUAD

UAE team
1. Chris Jones-Griffiths 2. Gio Fourie 3. Craig Nutt 4. Daniel Perry 5. Isaac Porter 6. Matt Mills 7. Hamish Anderson 8. Jaen Botes 9. Barry Dwyer 10. Luke Stevenson (captain) 11. Sean Carey 12. Andrew Powell 13. Saki Naisau 14. Thinus Steyn 15. Matt Richards

Replacements
16. Lukas Waddington 17. Murray Reason 18. Ahmed Moosa 19. Stephen Ferguson 20. Sean Stevens 21. Ed Armitage 22. Kini Natuna 23. Majid Al Balooshi

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESmartCrowd%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2018%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESiddiq%20Farid%20and%20Musfique%20Ahmed%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%20%2F%20PropTech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInitial%20investment%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%24650%2C000%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2035%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeries%20A%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EVarious%20institutional%20investors%20and%20notable%20angel%20investors%20(500%20MENA%2C%20Shurooq%2C%20Mada%2C%20Seedstar%2C%20Tricap)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
School counsellors on mental well-being

Schools counsellors in Abu Dhabi have put a number of provisions in place to help support pupils returning to the classroom next week.

Many children will resume in-person lessons for the first time in 10 months and parents previously raised concerns about the long-term effects of distance learning.

Schools leaders and counsellors said extra support will be offered to anyone that needs it. Additionally, heads of years will be on hand to offer advice or coping mechanisms to ease any concerns.

“Anxiety this time round has really spiralled, more so than from the first lockdown at the beginning of the pandemic,” said Priya Mitchell, counsellor at The British School Al Khubairat in Abu Dhabi.

“Some have got used to being at home don’t want to go back, while others are desperate to get back.

“We have seen an increase in depressive symptoms, especially with older pupils, and self-harm is starting younger.

“It is worrying and has taught us how important it is that we prioritise mental well-being.”

Ms Mitchell said she was liaising more with heads of year so they can support and offer advice to pupils if the demand is there.

The school will also carry out mental well-being checks so they can pick up on any behavioural patterns and put interventions in place to help pupils.

At Raha International School, the well-being team has provided parents with assessment surveys to see how they can support students at home to transition back to school.

“They have created a Well-being Resource Bank that parents have access to on information on various domains of mental health for students and families,” a team member said.

“Our pastoral team have been working with students to help ease the transition and reduce anxiety that [pupils] may experience after some have been nearly a year off campus.

"Special secondary tutorial classes have also focused on preparing students for their return; going over new guidelines, expectations and daily schedules.”

6.30pm Meydan Classic Trial US$100,000 (Turf) 1,400m

Winner Bella Fever, Dane O’Neill (jockey), Mike de Kock (trainer).

7.05pm Handicap $135,000 (T) 1,400m

Winner Woven, Harry Bentley, David Simcock.

7.40pm UAE 2000 Guineas Group Three $250,000 (Dirt) 1,600m

Winner Fore Left, William Buick, Doug O’Neill.

8.15pm Dubai Sprint Listed Handicap $175,000 (T) 1,200m

Winner Rusumaat, Dane O’Neill, Musabah Al Muhairi.

8.50pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-2 Group Two $450,000 (D) 1,900m

Winner Benbatl, Christophe Soumillon, Saeed bin Suroor.

9.25pm Handicap $135,000 (T) 1,800m

Winner Art Du Val, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.

10pm Handicap $135,000 (T) 1,400m

Winner Beyond Reason, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.

The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

THURSDAY'S FIXTURES

4pm Maratha Arabians v Northern Warriors

6.15pm Deccan Gladiators v Pune Devils

8.30pm Delhi Bulls v Bangla Tigers

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting

2. Prayer

3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat 

SPECS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201.5-litre%204-cylinder%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20101hp%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20135Nm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20Six-speed%20auto%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh79%2C900%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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.

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

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

 

The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ELuv%20Ranjan%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ERanbir%20Kapoor%2C%20Shraddha%20Kapoor%2C%20Anubhav%20Singh%20Bassi%20and%20Dimple%20Kapadia%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Updated: April 03, 2025, 11:59 AM`