To commemorate and reflect upon this year’s celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the UAE, I have written this letter to my young son. Between the time of my writing it and the time of publication, my daughter, Rowdha, was born. I also dedicate this letter to her brother to her, in the hope that its emphasis is doubled, as is my commitment to take part in achieving its aims. Inshallah, my next letter will be dedicated to her. Blessings for her and all babies born in the special year of the jubilee.
To my dearest son Abdulla,
Today I write with a full heart at the intersection of our nation's past and present. In the year of our Golden Jubilee, we stand full of wisdom from our Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed, and the thousands of other early dreamers, with arms wide open to a future we have yet to create.
I am writing to you because we are imagining this future now, contemplating what the world will look like for you. My generation is working every day to make a better world for you to grow in, contribute to and, ultimately, inherit.
As I write this letter in 2021, you, Abdulla, are two years old. When you first read it, you may be 22 and entering the world as a working young adult. Perhaps you’ll read it again 30 years after that, with the wisdom of a 52-year-old, and you’ll be able to tell your mother if she got it right. The proof of our efforts will be in the pudding, as they say.
More from Shamma Sohail Al Mazrui
But now, as a two-year-old, you are pure potential – a precious beating heart, part of my own heartbeat as your mother but also part of a chorus of others in the nation that is the UAE.
I think every day about what the world and our nation will be like for you when you grow up, and who you will be in them. It is the focus of my life, and the object of my sacrifice.
This focus, and the power of learning to sacrifice, is your gift to me. Foregoing immediate comfort in exchange for the future is our greatest task and also our greatest opportunity. In a beautiful, but complex world, my generation must make every necessary sacrifice for the next 50 years to ensure that you and your generation will benefit. There are many problems to be solved, and we can solve them if we have the will.
This is why this year, the year of our Golden Jubilee, is of quintessential importance. It is the intersection of a wholehearted reflection of the values and vision of our founding fathers as well as the boldest of questions: What will the UAE be like in 50 years' time? And what will we do to make our ideal picture of it a reality?
This is not merely an intellectual question on planning, innovation and design. The jubilee ushers in deep rivers of emotion for our nation because it strikes at the very core of our foundation: the idea of family.
A lot of happiness in life comes from spending time with the people you care about. In fact, that is the number one predictor of life satisfaction. Simply put, happiness is the value of our connection to other people, and our family is who we spend the most time with as young people.
Family matters deeply to this nation. It is the nucleus that nurtures us to contribute and play a role in the nation as a whole, and the hidden force that shapes our lifelong behaviour.
The behaviours that you and your peers will adopt every moment of every day of your life will shape our world. And our world is in need of shaping by those with the highest degree of integrity, humanity and love.
Abdulla, as I write this we are facing a global pandemic that has brought the world to its knees and is expected to change it in some ways forever. We are rising to the challenge, as humans do. But challenges loom, too. They include climate change, fading trust in governments around the world, the difficulty of managing sustainable energy, broader threats to peaceful co-existence and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence and other technologies, among other things.
We are a dimensionless nation, in which everything is possible. And you are our legacy
You might think to yourself: when will I be ready to contribute? I assure you, the right answer is at every age. You are ready now. Everything you do to build your capabilities, your mind, your heart and your vision and then use those gifts for service for this nation is part of the dreaming, the work and the building.
Your limits in contributing are and will always be defined by the agreements you have made with yourself about what is possible. You live in a nation that does not believe in the word impossible; challenge and change any notions you have that include the word impossible, and you will dissolve all of your limits.
Marry your boundlessness with a dimensionless nation to manifest awe and wonder. We are that nation, in which everything is possible. And you are our legacy.
So let me pass along guidance built throughout the ages and through the lens of your tomorrow.
First, grow from your roots. They are watered by our founding mothers and fathers, your ancestors, your family and the light and gifts planted by God within you. Remember your Emirati values of love, faith, family, diversity, tolerance, compassion, boundless vision and hard work as anchors that withstand the test of time.
Second, obstacles in life are inevitable – see every one of them as an opportunity. Dedicate yourself to helping others overcome theirs, too.
Third, we are individuals but we are not separate from one another. Embrace diversity, practise radical tolerance and work to see everyone around you as connected in some way to your life – and yours to theirs. That is the essence of the human family that we must all work to support through the next 50 years.
Last, but not least, love big. Love life. Love those around you. Love challenging your boundaries and pursuing big ideas. Love dreaming. Love doing. Love them equally. Love what your life can mean to someone you’ve never met. Love how many lives make a better path for your own. And love because love is a person’s greatest capacity. Love because you can.
I pray every day that you expand in love, kindness, generosity, creativity and abundance in order to serve this great land, and that you inspire those around you to do the same.
I hope you have an iron will, and grit, resolve, determination and the tenacity to stay the course in pursuit of our highest ideals for this nation. Not to make us shine on the surface, but to make everyone here have the opportunity to achieve their greatest potential.
We don’t know what the future holds but what we do know is that we can start today to work diligently to build a better one for you. Out of Love. Out of Hope. Out of Responsibility.
Abdulla, to me you, like every beautiful child, are more than one pebble in a stream. But like one pebble, you move ever onward, and you can impact all who come into contact with your ripple. This is the power of one life. And if we invest well in our youth, this is the power of the UAE: to spurn millions of ripples that literally change the shape of a nation, and of a world.
This is the power of the jubilee year, to take us beyond ideas and into the motivations and essence of our everyday actions. This is the Emirati DNA. My hope is that it may also be the Emirati way of life. Every Emirati, every day, looking out for every child's future.
I feel immense excitement for this potential. I wish I could freeze and crystallise the pride I feel about our jubilee. If I had a voice that represents the level of joy that I feel, my throat could not carry it. That is why, while my words may be insufficient, they are laden with love. And may they be, I hope, positive motivation for you, your generation and my generation to boldly create the future we need. And to our leaders, to open every channel for our youth to succeed.
Beyond the ideas, the heart and soul of the jubilee matter.
With a heart full of love,
Your mother, Shamma
Shamma Sohail Al Mazrui is the UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs
Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
Dubai works towards better air quality by 2021
Dubai is on a mission to record good air quality for 90 per cent of the year – up from 86 per cent annually today – by 2021.
The municipality plans to have seven mobile air-monitoring stations by 2020 to capture more accurate data in hourly and daily trends of pollution.
These will be on the Palm Jumeirah, Al Qusais, Muhaisnah, Rashidiyah, Al Wasl, Al Quoz and Dubai Investment Park.
“It will allow real-time responding for emergency cases,” said Khaldoon Al Daraji, first environment safety officer at the municipality.
“We’re in a good position except for the cases that are out of our hands, such as sandstorms.
“Sandstorms are our main concern because the UAE is just a receiver.
“The hotspots are Iran, Saudi Arabia and southern Iraq, but we’re working hard with the region to reduce the cycle of sandstorm generation.”
Mr Al Daraji said monitoring as it stood covered 47 per cent of Dubai.
There are 12 fixed stations in the emirate, but Dubai also receives information from monitors belonging to other entities.
“There are 25 stations in total,” Mr Al Daraji said.
“We added new technology and equipment used for the first time for the detection of heavy metals.
“A hundred parameters can be detected but we want to expand it to make sure that the data captured can allow a baseline study in some areas to ensure they are well positioned.”
List of alleged parties
May 15 2020: PM and Carrie attend 'work meeting' with at
least 17 staff members
May 20 2020: PM and Carrie attend 'bring your own booze'
party
Nov 27 2020: PM gives speech at leaving do for his staff
Dec 10 2020: Staff party held by then-education secretary
Gavin Williamson
Dec 13 2020: PM and Carrie throw a flat party
Dec 14 2020: London mayor candidate Shaun Bailey holds staff party at Conservative
Party headquarters
Dec 15 2020: PM takes part in a staff quiz
Dec 18 2020: Downing Street Christmas party
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Playing records of the top 10 in 2017
How many games the top 10 have undertaken in the 2017 ATP season
1. Rafael Nadal 58 (49-9)
2. Andy Murray 35 (25-10)
3. Roger Federer 38 (35-3)
4. Stan Wawrinka 37 (26-11)
5. Novak Djokovic 40 (32-8)
6. Alexander Zverev 60 (46-14)
7. Marin Cilic 43 (29-14)
8. Dominic Thiem 60 (41-19)
9. Grigor Dimitrov 48 (34-14)
10. Kei Nishikori 43 (30-13)
Huroob Ezterari
Director: Ahmed Moussa
Starring: Ahmed El Sakka, Amir Karara, Ghada Adel and Moustafa Mohammed
Three stars
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Company%20Profile
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Ukraine
Capital: Kiev
Population: 44.13 million
Armed conflict in Donbass
Russia-backed fighters control territory
SERIES INFO
Afghanistan v Zimbabwe, Abu Dhabi Sunshine Series
All matches at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Test series
1st Test: Zimbabwe beat Afghanistan by 10 wickets
2nd Test: Wednesday, 10 March – Sunday, 14 March
Play starts at 9.30am
T20 series
1st T20I: Wednesday, 17 March
2nd T20I: Friday, 19 March
3rd T20I: Saturday, 20 March
TV
Supporters in the UAE can watch the matches on the Rabbithole channel on YouTube
Read more about the coronavirus
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Without Remorse
Directed by: Stefano Sollima
Starring: Michael B Jordan
4/5
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
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
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
Marathon results
Men:
1. Titus Ekiru(KEN) 2:06:13
2. Alphonce Simbu(TAN) 2:07:50
3. Reuben Kipyego(KEN) 2:08:25
4. Abel Kirui(KEN) 2:08:46
5. Felix Kemutai(KEN) 2:10:48
Women:
1. Judith Korir(KEN) 2:22:30
2. Eunice Chumba(BHR) 2:26:01
3. Immaculate Chemutai(UGA) 2:28:30
4. Abebech Bekele(ETH) 2:29:43
5. Aleksandra Morozova(RUS) 2:33:01
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
The full list of 2020 Brit Award nominees (winners in bold):
British group
Coldplay
Foals
Bring me the Horizon
D-Block Europe
Bastille
British Female
Mabel
Freya Ridings
FKA Twigs
Charli xcx
Mahalia
British male
Harry Styles
Lewis Capaldi
Dave
Michael Kiwanuka
Stormzy
Best new artist
Aitch
Lewis Capaldi
Dave
Mabel
Sam Fender
Best song
Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber - I Don’t Care
Mabel - Don’t Call Me Up
Calvin Harrison and Rag’n’Bone Man - Giant
Dave - Location
Mark Ronson feat. Miley Cyrus - Nothing Breaks Like A Heart
AJ Tracey - Ladbroke Grove
Lewis Capaldi - Someone you Loved
Tom Walker - Just You and I
Sam Smith and Normani - Dancing with a Stranger
Stormzy - Vossi Bop
International female
Ariana Grande
Billie Eilish
Camila Cabello
Lana Del Rey
Lizzo
International male
Bruce Springsteen
Burna Boy
Tyler, The Creator
Dermot Kennedy
Post Malone
Best album
Stormzy - Heavy is the Head
Michael Kiwanuka - Kiwanuka
Lewis Capaldi - Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent
Dave - Psychodrama
Harry Styles - Fine Line
Rising star
Celeste
Joy Crookes
beabadoobee
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
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Essentials
The flights: You can fly from the UAE to Iceland with one stop in Europe with a variety of airlines. Return flights with Emirates from Dubai to Stockholm, then Icelandair to Reykjavik, cost from Dh4,153 return. The whole trip takes 11 hours. British Airways flies from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Reykjavik, via London, with return flights taking 12 hours and costing from Dh2,490 return, including taxes.
The activities: A half-day Silfra snorkelling trip costs 14,990 Icelandic kronur (Dh544) with Dive.is. Inside the Volcano also takes half a day and costs 42,000 kronur (Dh1,524). The Jokulsarlon small-boat cruise lasts about an hour and costs 9,800 kronur (Dh356). Into the Glacier costs 19,500 kronur (Dh708). It lasts three to four hours.
The tours: It’s often better to book a tailor-made trip through a specialist operator. UK-based Discover the World offers seven nights, self-driving, across the island from £892 (Dh4,505) per person. This includes three nights’ accommodation at Hotel Husafell near Into the Glacier, two nights at Hotel Ranga and two nights at the Icelandair Hotel Klaustur. It includes car rental, plus an iPad with itinerary and tourist information pre-loaded onto it, while activities can be booked as optional extras. More information inspiredbyiceland.com
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
