From ancient documents to a virtual reality trip to Mars, the National Archives wing at Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival takes visitors on a journey through the past and future.
Antique collectibles and memorabilia, virtual experiences and games are intended to pique the interest of young people in our rich history.
University students work as guides “to create a future generation of history,” said Farhan Al Marzooqi, director of community outreach at the National Archives.
The exhibition has been divided into sections, detailing the rich history of each decade.
We tried to create suspense that leads to a passion for learning
It begins with the 1620s and displays documents such as treaties with the British troops. A painting of the Fortress of Bidiya in Fujairah, which was captured by the Portuguese in 1623 is an influential painting of all time.
It was painted by Portuguese troops after they invaded the fortress in 1623. The exact date is not known.
An important letter written by Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab Al Falahi in the early 1800s is also on display.
The then ruler of Abu Dhabi wanted to move from his palace to a temporary one in Dubai, while his home was renovated.
But his children refused to move with him, so he left them in Abu Dhabi and stayed with the ruler of Sharjah, said the exhibition’s guide.
In the letter, he wrote that he travelled to stay with the ruler of Sharjah to avoid arguments. His children are believed to have followed him there eventually.
Military medals and the first one dirham note are also on display. The dirham was introduced in 1973 and the first coin was minted in the 1980s.
Cash notes called the “external rupees” or “Gulf rupees” printed in India were used in the UAE before the dirham.
The Gulf rupee notes had the same design as the Indian currency but were a different colour.
The visitors are finally taken to a section that exhibits the country’s modern-age achievements.
Using VR goggles, the visitors are given a virtual tour of a rocket about to launch, “to replicate the experience of Hazza Al Mansouri”.
Once virtually in space, they can see the Earth and the galaxy. The experience concludes with a trip to Mars, illustrating the Hope probe’s mission.
“We tried to create suspense that leads to a passion for learning,” Mr Al Marzooqi said.
The wing also has a games section, that includes activities for children and the Al Maseera board game.
“It is similar to Monopoly. The players have money and a dice and they can buy property,” Mr Al Marzooqi said.
“But in order to move forward, each player has to answer a question from the playing cards first.”
The game simulates the events and life of the UAE’s Founding Father Sheikh Zayed.
“All answers can be found in the National Archives’ publications. This is to encourage young people to read,” Mr Al Marzooqi said.
The board game will be available in bookstores and on app stores in about a month.
Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival is a cultural event held every year in Al Wathba, a 40 minute drive from downtown Abu Dhabi. It celebrates the UAE’s culture, traditions and heritage.
The festival will run until February 20.
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
The specs: 2017 Maserati Quattroporte
Price, base / as tested Dh389,000 / Dh559,000
Engine 3.0L twin-turbo V8
Transmission Eight-speed automatic
Power 530hp @ 6,800rpm
Torque 650Nm @ 2,000 rpm
Fuel economy, combined 10.7L / 100km
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
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On sale: Now
The Settlers
Director: Louis Theroux
Starring: Daniella Weiss, Ari Abramowitz
Rating: 5/5
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE squad
Esha Oza (captain), Al Maseera Jahangir, Emily Thomas, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Katie Thompson, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Michelle Botha, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wicketkeeper) Udeni Kuruppuarachchige, Vaishnave Mahesh.
UAE tour of Zimbabwe
All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – First ODI
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
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Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
Overall head-to-head
Federer 6-1 Cilic
Head-to-head at Wimbledon
Federer 1-0 Cilic
Grand Slams titles
Federer 18-1 Cilic
Best Wimbledon performance
Federer: Winner (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012)
Cilic: Final (2017*)
If you go:
The flights: Etihad, Emirates, British Airways and Virgin all fly from the UAE to London from Dh2,700 return, including taxes
The tours: The Tour for Muggles usually runs several times a day, lasts about two-and-a-half hours and costs £14 (Dh67)
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is on now at the Palace Theatre. Tickets need booking significantly in advance
Entrance to the Harry Potter exhibition at the House of MinaLima is free
The hotel: The grand, 1909-built Strand Palace Hotel is in a handy location near the Theatre District and several of the key Harry Potter filming and inspiration sites. The family rooms are spacious, with sofa beds that can accommodate children, and wooden shutters that keep out the light at night. Rooms cost from £170 (Dh808).
The Uefa Awards winners
Uefa Men's Player of the Year: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Uefa Women's Player of the Year: Lucy Bronze (Lyon)
Best players of the 2018/19 Uefa Champions League
Goalkeeper: Alisson (Liverpool)
Defender: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Midfielder: Frenkie de Jong (Ajax)
Forward: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
Uefa President's Award: Eric Cantona
Day 3, Dubai Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Lahiru Gamage, the Sri Lanka pace bowler, has had to play a lot of cricket to earn a shot at the top level. The 29-year-old debutant first played a first-class game 11 years ago. His first Test wicket was one to savour, bowling Pakistan opener Shan Masood through the gate. It set the rot in motion for Pakistan’s batting.
Stat of the day – 73 Haris Sohail took 73 balls to hit a boundary. Which is a peculiar quirk, given the aggressive intent he showed from the off. Pakistan’s batsmen were implored to attack Rangana Herath after their implosion against his left-arm spin in Abu Dhabi. Haris did his best to oblige, smacking the second ball he faced for a huge straight six.
The verdict One year ago, when Pakistan played their first day-night Test at this ground, they held a 222-run lead over West Indies on first innings. The away side still pushed their hosts relatively close on the final night. With the opposite almost exactly the case this time around, Pakistan still have to hope they can salvage a win from somewhere.
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
EA Sports FC 26
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
THREE
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The specs: 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Price, base / as tested Dh150,900 / Dh173,600
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