It has been a long time since the rain fell in some Emirates in the UAE. That is why worshippers will conduct a special prayer to call on Allah to bless the country with rain and mercy on November 12. 

UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan ordered that Salaat Al Istisqaa be offered across the country last week.

Here are the timings of prayer across the Emirates: 

•  Abu Dhabi: 12 noon
• Dubai: 11.56am
• Sharjah: 11.55am
• Ajman: 11.54am
• Umm Al Quwain: 11.54am
•  Ras Al Khaimah: 11.53am
• Fujairah: 11.51am
• Khor Fakkan: 11.51am
• Al Ain: 11.54am
• Al Dhafra: 12.02pm

As part of Dubai Airshow 2021, the general public, families and children will be able to watch the daily flying displays from Skyview Grandstand.

Pre-registration for the general public is limited, authorities advised the public. 

“We are looking forward to welcoming members of the general public to watch and enjoy the spectacular flying display at the Airshow. The Skyview Grandstand guarantees a perfect view from right beside the runway and for aviation photographers – the perfect picture,” said Timothy Hawes, managing director at Tarsus Middle East.

From November 14 to 18, it will be open from 1pm to 5.30pm. The general public will only have access to the Skyview area of the airshow, not the main exhibition hall.

Image credit: Airports world company

The honest man who found the cash within the Naif Police Station limits was Mohammed Kafeel Addin Abdulghani.  The Dubai Police praised the expat after returning AED349,00 and 500 Saudi riyals. 

“Dubai Police realizes that the cooperation of all segments of society is vital and actively contributes to the force’s efforts in protecting the society and ensuring their happiness,” Brig Dr Tariq Mohammed Noor Tahlak, director of Naif Police Station said.

Abdulghani was recognized and awarded a certificate of appreciation during a special ceremony attended by Colonel Oman Ashour, deputy director of Naif Police Station. 

Image credit: Khaleej Times

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates:  DMCC – the world’s flagship Free Zone and Government of Dubai Authority on commodities trade and enterprise – has announced that the construction of its iconic Uptown Tower is proceeding at pace, the 340m high tower currently standing at 260m with 68 floors completed.

The 340m tall Uptown Tower features 188 luxury hotel rooms and suites, exclusive restaurants, extensive conference facilities, Grade A offices and 229 uniquely designed branded residences. Additionally, it will sit at the heart of the Uptown Dubai District – which is a 24-hour neighborhood brimming with world-class dining, unique high-end retail outlets, a central entertainment plaza and some of the most renowned hotels and leading businesses from around the world.

Significant progress has been made throughout 2021, with over 12 million man-hours completed without lost time due to injury in the construction of the first supertall tower in the Uptown Dubai District. Façade work has reached level 45, with an overall total of 8,500 panels to be installed once completed. Additionally, mechanical, electrical and plumbing works are in progress, while empower chilled water have been connected and DEWA transformers have been installed.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DMCC, said: “We are proud to be the driving force behind Uptown Dubai, which is set to become one of the most exceptional urban districts in the Emirate. As the already iconic Uptown Tower inches closer towards completion, its status as the first super-tall tower in the district will only be matched by its value as a destination for businesses and residents who will benefit from its premium commercial, residential and leisure facilities.”

Guided by a smart and sustainable construction strategy, Uptown Tower is set to be a LEED Gold certified building and will be home to a state-of-the-art DMCC Headquarters. Designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, this architecture marvel replicates the brilliance of diamonds through its faceted glass façade that illuminates the interior spaces with natural light while filtering out harsh glare.

Paul Ashton, Executive Director – Property, DMCC, added: “As we continue to develop new premium business hubs, retail experiences as well as residential and lifestyle destinations within the free zone, our focus remains on catering to the evolving needs of our members, residents and visitors. 

“The Uptown Dubai district is set to become one of the most dynamic and sought-after mixed-use communities in the emirate, setting the benchmark for urban destinations worldwide. With the commencement of office space preleasing, Uptown Tower is seeing strong interest from prospective businesses looking to grow their operations in the region as well as from individuals wanting to take advantage of its unique location and wide range of unparalleled onsite amenities.”

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Expo 2020 Dubai has recorded 2,942,388 visits since its opening on October 1. The visitor numbers included over 100,000 schoolchildren, with Expo set to further stimulate young minds during the forthcoming Knowledge and Learning Week from 12th-18th December.

In the past week, Expo 2020 Dubai marked the UAE Flag Day, which saw His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, raising the national flag; Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Honour Day (OIC); and the Expo 2020 National Days of Antigua and Barbuda, Indonesia, Colombia, and the Netherlands, which included a visit from Dutch royalty King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima.

Countless star acts have added their names to the awe-inspiring roll call of performers to date at Expo 2020 – among the big-name guests gracing Expo stages was Riverdance, the world-famous Irish dance sensation. The group’s shows at Expo will run throughout November.

Expo’s Diwali celebrations featured a strong entertainment line-up, with the Hindu festival celebrated by acts such as India’s Salim and Sulaiman Merchant, and Bollywood playback singer Vipul Mehta. Late Nights @ Expo also hosted a series of music events to commemorate the festival of lights, including a special showcase from Indian rapper Badshah.

Visitors thronged a temporary circuit at Expo 2020 as the world’s best cyclists contested Giro d’Italia Criterium – the first-ever official sporting event to be staged at a World Expo. In a nail-biting finish, Slovakia’s Peter Sagan pipped Colombia’s Egan Bernal to first place.

Urban & Rural Development Week was launched on World Cities Day on 31st October and concluded on 6th November with the announcement that more than 120 of Expo 2020’s permanent buildings have been Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified. The week included a special Women’s World Majlis reimaging what cities and villages would look like had they been designed by women, and the launch of the Last Mile Delivery Roadmap, a blueprint for making informal settlements safe and sustainable.

The line-up of attractions at Expo 2020 shows no signs of slowing down: Nancy Ajram and Ragheb Alama will unite the world through the power of music, at Al Wasl Plaza and broadcast around the world, when they co-headline the second Infinite Nights show on 12th November. On the same day, K-pop concert KITE will welcome acts including Highlight and Punch.

Al Wasl will also play host to the Expo Young Stars programme until the 17th November, which will showcase talented young students from across the UAE.

On November 13, visitors will be treated to an appearance from one of the best athletes in history, Usain Bolt – an 11-time world champion, eight-time Olympic gold medalist and holder of multiple world records – who will lead a Family Run.

Expo visitors have even more reason to explore the site during the coming month, with the launch of the Explore Expo 2020 Dubai, Explore the World special raffle to win one million Emirates Skywards miles and a host of other prizes rewarding those who visit as many Country Pavilions as possible.

Bringing Expo 2020 Dubai to a global digital audience, the number of virtual visits has amounted to 14.8 million since 1st October. (WAM)

Never miss the opportunity to meet Trevor Noah, a famous comedian, and The Daily Show, host. He will be signing copies of his book, Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood. 

If you are a book lover, you will probably never forget to give time to visit Sharjah International Book Fair. The said event will be showcasing 15 million books. Taking part in the fair are Nobel Prize winners, Tv creators, and famous authors. 

The fair has an incredible 970 events. You’ll find shows, cultural events, performances, workshops, and seminars. Get books signed across genres, like poetry, fiction, history, literary criticism, translations, cookbooks, children’s literature, arts, legal research, and archaeology.

Aside from having a book fair, the event has more than 900 events: cultural performances, workshops, and seminars. Ready yourself for great reads in this fantastic event. 

See you on November 12 at Expo Centre Sharjah, Al Khan.

Image credit: The Siasat Daily

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — Units from the Royal Saudi Land Forces have arrived in the UAE to participate in the “One Destiny/1” exercise with the UAE Land Forces, which will be held for three weeks.

The exercise aims to strengthen joint defense and military cooperation and to exchange military expertise and knowledge between the two sides through the various stages of training.

The exercise also aims to achieve readiness and operational compatibility and integration as well as to consolidate the principles and foundations of coordination and joint action.

The “One Destiny” exercise is part of the joint training plans and programmes of the UAE Land Forces with the Royal Saudi Land Forces. (WAM)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates  — In the first-ever sporting event to take place at a World Expo, Peter Sagan, on Sunday, won the inaugural Giro d’Italia Criterium Dubai, triumphing in a two-up sprint against 2021 Giro champion Egan Bernal.

The duo went clear with just over a kilometre to go on the final lap of the 63km event, powering away from their breakaway companions Marc Hirschi (UAE-Team Emirates) and Geoffrey Bouchard (AG2R Citroën).

The Giro d’Italia Criterium Dubai consisted of a 30-lap exhibition race held on a 2.1-kilometre circuit, the course forming the shape of the Giro d’Italia’s ‘Amore Infinito’ symbol used to inspire the trophy of the Italian Grand Tour.

I think we had the best riders from this year’s Giro. This short criterium is a special thing.

“It’s nice for the fans. This criterium is special because this is the Expo in Dubai and all the world is here. I’m very happy with this win, a victory is much better than not. I just appreciated that I could be here. I have to say thanks to my teammates because they controlled the race for me and did a really good job.” (WAM)

The UAE has introduced a new type of residence visa for retired expats who wish to remain in the country after retirement.

The new type of visa was approved on Tuesday during the meeting presided over by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.

كما اعتمدنا اليوم شروط منح الإقامة للأجنبي المتقاعد. حيث يمكن للمتقاعدين إكمال إقامتهم معنا في دولة الإمارات . . نرحب بالجميع في بلدنا.. pic.twitter.com/wVbnqStoSc

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) November 9, 2021

“Today, we also approved the conditions for granting residency to a retired foreigner. Where retirees can complete their stay with us in the UAE. . We welcome everyone to our country, “he twitted.