ABU DHABI // Dozens of local diplomats and residents have promised Nelson Mandela they will volunteer 67 minutes to community projects - one for each year he spent doing humanitarian work.
Video: Scenes from mural signing ahead of Mandela's 93rd birthday
A 67 metre mural was signed by well wishers, as Nelson Mandela is set to celebrate his 93rd birthday on July 18.
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Ambassadors from countries including Venezuela, Nepal, Ireland and Iran will write personal messages of admiration on a 20-metre canvas unveiled yesterday at Khalidiya Mall for Mr Mandela's 93rd birthday.
The tribute to the anti-apartheid activist who went on to become president will be on display until his birthday next Monday, when it will be sent to him in South Africa.
The campaign was launched by Nahtam Social Responsibility, an organisation that works to address the social needs of people in the UAE and poor people around the world.
The canvas also lists 67 suggestions for community work in the emirate. They include spending time with terminally ill people, donating sporting equipment or educational toys, and volunteering at an animal shelter.
"He was an inspiration not only to South Africa, but all over the world including the UAE, which has different cultures and people from different countries who could benefit from each other's support," said Kevin Oosthuizen, counsellor for the embassy of the Republic of South Africa.
Dr Elissar Sarrouh of the UN Development Programme called the event a perfect opportunity to spark long-term community engagement and volunteering.
"This is a great way to encourage everyone in the society to give back, and looking to the strong values of this man for inspiration," Dr Sarrouh said.
Mr Mandela became his country's first black head of state after serving 27 years in prison for his defiance against the racist apartheid system.
K Vinayaki, the vice principal of the Emirates Future International Academy, said Mr Mandela's life story had become a focal point for the school's community volunteering programme, which has already taken food to hundreds of labourers in Abu Dhabi.
Ms Vinayaki and some of the school's teachers took about 25 students to the event yesterday to write messages to the Nobel Peace Prize winner.
"The way that he bridged a gap and changed the lives of so many people is something that we want to teach to our students, to the youth of the UAE," she said.
econroy@thenational.ae
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This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
2024%20Dubai%20Marathon%20Results
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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
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In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe
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Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners
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Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
BRAZIL SQUAD
Alisson (Liverpool), Daniel Fuzato (Roma), Ederson (Man City); Alex Sandro (Juventus), Danilo (Juventus), Eder Militao (Real Madrid), Emerson (Real Betis), Felipe (Atletico Madrid), Marquinhos (PSG), Renan Lodi (Atletico Madrid), Thiago Silva (PSG); Arthur (Barcelona), Casemiro (Real Madrid), Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa), Fabinho (Liverpool), Lucas Paqueta (AC Milan), Philippe Coutinho (Bayern Munich); David Neres (Ajax), Gabriel Jesus (Man City), Richarlison (Everton), Roberto Firmino (Liverpool), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Willian (Chelsea).
Real Madrid 1
Ronaldo (87')
Athletic Bilbao 1
Williams (14')
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
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Indoor cricket in a nutshell
Indoor Cricket World Cup - Sep 16-20, Insportz, Dubai
16 Indoor cricket matches are 16 overs per side
8 There are eight players per team
9 There have been nine Indoor Cricket World Cups for men. Australia have won every one.
5 Five runs are deducted from the score when a wickets falls
4 Batsmen bat in pairs, facing four overs per partnership
Scoring In indoor cricket, runs are scored by way of both physical and bonus runs. Physical runs are scored by both batsmen completing a run from one crease to the other. Bonus runs are scored when the ball hits a net in different zones, but only when at least one physical run is score.
Zones
A Front net, behind the striker and wicketkeeper: 0 runs
B Side nets, between the striker and halfway down the pitch: 1 run
C Side nets between halfway and the bowlers end: 2 runs
D Back net: 4 runs on the bounce, 6 runs on the full
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Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz
Killing of Qassem Suleimani