ABU DHABI // When people see the domed wooden structure that has suddenly sprouted on the Corniche, many have the same reaction: what on earth is that thing?
Commissioned by the municipality and executed earlier this week by the Dubai-based Pierre Abboud Design company, the structure near the public beach comprises seven pillars of intersecting slabs of wood capped by a dome and surrounding a large, circular floor-painting of a map of the region.
The seven sides of the dome are meant to represent each of the seven emirates.
But speculation abounds as to the meaning and purpose of the structure, prompting many beachgoers to engage in a fun seaside guessing game yesterday.
"I come to these public areas of the Corniche with my family a lot and we notice how it is always changing and getting better, so it is not a surprise when there is a new thing like this dome," said Riad Abu Salameh, 33, a Jordanian working in an engineering company who has lived in the capital for five years.
"It looks like something that they are still working on, maybe? Right now you can't really tell what it is, but I don't think it's something that children can play on."
Bria Murphy, 20, and her friend, Claire McNamara, 24, are visiting the UAE from Ireland and happened across the new structure by chance.
"We have no idea what this is; there are no signs or placards or anything explaining what is it," said Ms Murphy.
"Maybe it's some sort of an art installation."
The structure holds greater appeal at nightfall when spotlights and projectors cleverly hidden between the slabs of wood light up and turn the dome into a multicoloured spectacle.
The words "Abu Dhabi 2010", in both English and Arabic, are also lit up atop the dome.
Rakesh Agrawali, 41, from India, said that he and his family were impressed by the "interesting structure".
"It is a very nice location for it here in the middle of this public area of the Corniche, and it catches your eye when you are driving past," said Mr Agrawali.
"We like it because it is one more distinctive thing to make the city stand out."
The municipality commissioned the dome as part of its efforts to develop the Corniche and beautify the city with increased tourist attractions, according to the statement released yesterday by WAM, the state news agency. Municipal authorities could not be reached for comment yesterday.
It is not yet clear whether the structure is complete.
@Email:hkhalaf@thenational.ae
The rules on fostering in the UAE
A foster couple or family must:
- be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE
- not be younger than 25 years old
- not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
- be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
- have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
- undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
- A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially
At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
Iftar programme at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
Established in 1998, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding was created with a vision to teach residents about the traditions and customs of the UAE. Its motto is ‘open doors, open minds’. All year-round, visitors can sign up for a traditional Emirati breakfast, lunch or dinner meal, as well as a range of walking tours, including ones to sites such as the Jumeirah Mosque or Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.
Every year during Ramadan, an iftar programme is rolled out. This allows guests to break their fast with the centre’s presenters, visit a nearby mosque and observe their guides while they pray. These events last for about two hours and are open to the public, or can be booked for a private event.
Until the end of Ramadan, the iftar events take place from 7pm until 9pm, from Saturday to Thursday. Advanced booking is required.
For more details, email openminds@cultures.ae or visit www.cultures.ae
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
