We cannot protect what we do not know.
As a child, many of my favourite moments involved the sea and animals. From swimming at the beach, going out on the boat, being amazed by the abundant animals and the diverse marine life in our oceans, or simply listening to our elders’ experiences of pearl diving – we grew up with love, respect and awe for the sea and its bounty.
Conservation, in those days and for our fathers and forefathers, was not a distinct concept – it was integral to life. Our elders knew instinctively to care for the sea and its abundance because its health affected our health. They understood the diversity of the sea, its seasons and currents, understood the life cycle and uniqueness of each of its creatures, and practised sustainability long before the term came into use. That knowledge became the foundation of our lifelong attitudes towards the sea, and fuelled Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s long-standing marine conservation and environmental protection work.
Three quarters of our planet are covered by ocean, which provide food, energy and water. They provide a home for millions of animal species – hundreds of thousands of which have yet to be identified – and absorbs about a quarter of the world’s annual carbon dioxide emissions, thereby mitigating climate change and alleviating its affects.
We might not be able to see all the life below the water’s surface, but preserving our oceans is one of the most significant environmental challenges we face today. So much so, that number 14 of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals is focused on conserving and suitably using the oceans, seas and marine resources.
Aligned with Today for Tomorrow – the UAE Year of Sustainability’s theme – I’m very proud to say that we recently opened the SeaWorld Research and Rescue centre on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, the first dedicated marine research, rescue, rehabilitation and return facility in the region.
This is a cornerstone in the emirate’s journey of education and conservation, and will inspire the next generation of marine scientists to learn more about Abu Dhabi’s long-term vision for protecting our marine wildlife and their habitats. Together with SeaWorld, we will be pushing the limits of science and conservation to become the foremost knowledge hub for marine scientists, not only in the UAE, but also in the wider region.
The centre will conduct a range of programmes, serving as an integrated and advanced marine science knowledge hub and an important contributor to marine conservation in the UAE and the wider region. Its efforts will aim to improve the public’s knowledge of and commitment to the conservation of the region’s marine wildlife, habitats and ecosystems, using the experience and knowledge gained from SeaWorld’s almost 60 years of marine research.
We want to tap into every child’s natural curiosity and affinity for animals of all shapes and sizes
Complementing these efforts, the next-generation marine life theme park SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi will open its doors on May 23. The park will also play a key role in promoting environmental awareness and protecting marine life in Abu Dhabi, the UAE and the region telling a captivating story that uncovers the interconnectivity between life on Earth and our oceans. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will deliver fun, engaging and immersive family friendly experiences through eight uniquely themed realms, featuring exciting rides, up-close animal encounters and inspiring programmes.
The park is designed to accelerate understanding, respect and awe for the marine world among our young people and our peers by showing them what is there in the sea, helping them to understand its uniqueness and importance, and cultivating a desire to care for it.
We want to tap into every child’s natural curiosity and affinity for animals of all shapes and sizes and use these to encourage the values of conservation from a young age. We want to inspire visitors of all ages and nations with the fragile beauty of the world’s seas and oceans as well as their interconnectedness with our well-being because we will be motivated to protect something only when we know how important and unique it is.
We have a long-standing commitment to contribute to our nation’s economic diversification and growth, and with SeaWorld Abu Dhabi we will be creating thousands of jobs in different fields, providing opportunities for UAE citizens to become marine scientists and experts, as well as adding an unprecedented marine-life park to our country and region. The tremendous economic impact of attractions like SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is well documented worldwide.
With the opening being less than a month away, we are well on our way to achieving all these things.
Even though decades have passed since I was a young boy chasing hermit crabs and swimming in the shallows, I still get that same sense of excitement seeing the world-class SeaWorld Abu Dhabi complex take shape around us. As our oceans continue to support the global population’s economic, social and environmental needs, these conservation efforts provide an opportunity to chart a sustainable recovery path for decades to come in harmony with the natural environment.
All of us at Miral, myself included, are blessed to be involved with this transformative, impactful endeavour that combines entertainment and education into an unforgettable experience that has the power to shape minds, lives and our world.
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
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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)
Display: 21cm Liquid Retina Display, 2266 x 1488, 326ppi, 500 nits
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
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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The specs
Engine: four-litre V6 and 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo
Transmission: six-speed and 10-speed
Power: 271 and 409 horsepower
Torque: 385 and 650Nm
Price: from Dh229,900 to Dh355,000
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THE SPECS
Cadillac XT6 2020 Premium Luxury
Engine: 3.6L V-6
Transmission: nine-speed automatic
Power: 310hp
Torque: 367Nm
Price: Dh280,000
Who is Mohammed Al Halbousi?
The new speaker of Iraq’s parliament Mohammed Al Halbousi is the youngest person ever to serve in the role.
The 37-year-old was born in Al Garmah in Anbar and studied civil engineering in Baghdad before going into business. His development company Al Hadeed undertook reconstruction contracts rebuilding parts of Fallujah’s infrastructure.
He entered parliament in 2014 and served as a member of the human rights and finance committees until 2017. In August last year he was appointed governor of Anbar, a role in which he has struggled to secure funding to provide services in the war-damaged province and to secure the withdrawal of Shia militias. He relinquished the post when he was sworn in as a member of parliament on September 3.
He is a member of the Al Hal Sunni-based political party and the Sunni-led Coalition of Iraqi Forces, which is Iraq’s largest Sunni alliance with 37 seats from the May 12 election.
He maintains good relations with former Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki’s State of Law Coaliton, Hadi Al Amiri’s Badr Organisation and Iranian officials.
