Earlier this month, President Sheikh Mohamed shared his thoughtful message of hope and inspiration with all the people of the UAE, nationals and residents alike. As the UAE embarks on the next 50 years of evolution of the country’s achievements as a global leader, the challenges will be met with compassion and innovation at every level consolidating the legacy of the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, that the UAE is Bilad Al Khayr, the "Land of Blessings" based upon the values of respect, enlightenment and co-existence.
Sheikh Mohamed’s vision builds on the outstanding foundations established by Sheikh Zayed and the late president Sheikh Khalifa through their unlimited confidence in the people of the UAE. This belief in the capabilities and skills of the people will inspire future generations to contribute to the nation’s continuous progress and remarkable accomplishments.
Focusing on the development of our youth is key in this regard and will inspire them to embrace a knowledge-based economy, drive digital transformation and use modern technologies and AI. In other words, Sheikh Mohamed is leading us towards a paradigm shift, highlighting the notion that our greatest resources are not only on the ground, or even in factories and banks, but rather within us. Our minds, especially those of our youth who are the beneficiaries of the ambitious drive in education and empowerment our leadership has undertaken, play a vital role in propelling the nation’s exceptional growth. These essential skills gained by our youth will enhance private and public sectors across all industries as they work together towards a better future.
Since its inception, the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (Admaf) has recognised that the path to our nation’s future lies in the potential of our youth – a potential that must be nurtured and cultivated. Admaf serves as a gateway to knowledge, investing in the youth of the nation and empowering them to realise their dreams and ambitions. In partnership with academic institutions, and through numerous programmes that develop creative skills and free thinking, Admaf drives innovation, supports artistic growth and rewards excellence to foster the development of the UAE’s culture and creative industries.
The skills of young people will inspire future generations to contribute to the nation’s continuous progress
Another key element of the wise vision set out by Sheikh Mohamed, and one that is aligned with Admaf’s own vision, is that co-existence and peace empower us to project these important human values beyond our borders. A vital part of this encompasses cultural dialogue between the UAE and the world. This was affirmed by Sheikh Mohamed in the establishment of real global humanitarian discourse, resulting in Abu Dhabi’s Document on Human Fraternity signed during Pope Francis’s historic visit and the Abraham Accords, emphasising the UAE’s policy to always support peace, stability and harmony among all.
Again, this vision is key to the UAE’s regional and global leadership as it establishes that culture can be viewed as the continuation of diplomacy through creative means. Both tell the world – each through their own tools – what values we stand for, who we are and how we see the world. Admaf affirmed this vision throughout its history and has led efforts to share our story with the world. By partnering with more than 35 prominent cultural organisations abroad on co-commissions and co-productions, Admaf’s flagship Abu Dhabi Festival advocates for cultural diplomacy, fostering mutual understanding between nations and expanding Abu Dhabi’s contributions on the global stage which in turn strengthens both the city and the nation’s presence in the international creative scene.
Music is a very powerful tool that helps spread the message of peace, tolerance and co-existence. Understood by all, it transcends borders to bring people together in shared experiences. As part of our mission to build bridges to connect people from across the globe, Admaf seeks to commission and produce works that highlight the beauty of cultural diversity, such as the upcoming Abrahamic Symphony: Unity of Three, which commemorates the grand opening of the Abrahamic Family House – yet another of our nation’s magnificent achievements in advocating for peaceful co-existence among humanity. The first interfaith symphony in the history of music, Admaf’s ambitious commission brings together gifted Emirati composer Ihab Darwish in collaboration with Emmy-winning composer John Debney and Academy Award-winning composer David Shire as well as musicians and vocal ensembles from Christian, Jewish and Muslim backgrounds to celebrate the UAE’s belief in peace, love and tolerance among different faiths, nationalities and cultures.
Now more than ever, empowered by Sheikh Mohamed’s words and vision, we pledge to double our efforts with determination to continue to support our culture and the creative innovation of all who love the UAE. We are honoured to be part of this story, proud of our leaders and of our beautiful country as we follow our President’s vision into the future.
Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo is founder of the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation and artistic director of the Abu Dhabi Festival
Three ways to boost your credit score
Marwan Lutfi says the core fundamentals that drive better payment behaviour and can improve your credit score are:
1. Make sure you make your payments on time;
2. Limit the number of products you borrow on: the more loans and credit cards you have, the more it will affect your credit score;
3. Don't max out all your debts: how much you maximise those credit facilities will have an impact. If you have five credit cards and utilise 90 per cent of that credit, it will negatively affect your score.
Set-jetting on the Emerald Isle
Other shows filmed in Ireland include: Vikings (County Wicklow), The Fall (Belfast), Line of Duty (Belfast), Penny Dreadful (Dublin), Ripper Street (Dublin), Krypton (Belfast)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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
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.
Jewel of the Expo 2020
252 projectors installed on Al Wasl dome
13.6km of steel used in the structure that makes it equal in length to 16 Burj Khalifas
550 tonnes of moulded steel were raised last year to cap the dome
724,000 cubic metres is the space it encloses
Stands taller than the leaning tower of Pisa
Steel trellis dome is one of the largest single structures on site
The size of 16 tennis courts and weighs as much as 500 elephants
Al Wasl means connection in Arabic
World’s largest 360-degree projection surface
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
'I Want You Back'
Director:Jason Orley
Stars:Jenny Slate, Charlie Day
Rating:4/5
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.
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
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
