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Mid East Info
3 days ago
- Politics
- Mid East Info
The Year of Tolerance and Qasr Al Watan - Middle East Business News and Information
Former president of the United Arab Emirates, H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, declared 2019 to be the Year of Tolerance in the UAE . The UAE government champions coexistence among different faiths and nations, and by declaring 2019 as the year of tolerance , the country highlighted its openness to other cultures. In February of that year, His Holiness Pope Francis visited the country upon the invitation of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. This marked a significant milestone in the relationship between the Muslim and Catholic churches. A month later, in March, the Palace of the Nation, Qasr Al Watan, started welcoming visitors . Qasr Al Watan was completed and has commenced its official function as the presidential working palace in 2017, but it was closed to the public until the Year of Tolerance, 2019. To further honor the UAE's declared commitment to maintaining harmonious interfaith relations, Qasr Al Watan created a special exhibit. Specifically, the House of Knowledge displayed these three holy books together : The Holy Quran The Holy Bible The Book of David's Psalms About Qasr Al Watan Qasr Al Watan is a grandiose all-white palace set by the Arabian Gulf at the western edge of Abu Dhabi Island. It was constructed primarily to serve as the presidential complex, but it has since evolved into an awe-inspiring tribute to the UAE culture . It's true that Qasr Al Watan is an architectural masterpiece. The pristine white façade that gleams in the sunlight, the domes shot with delicate gold patterns, the book-matched marble walls and floors, and the glimmering crystal chandeliers—they are all irresistibly lovely. However, Qasr Al Watan is, first and foremost, a center for learning. Notable Qasr Al Watan Zones Qasr Al Watan's publicly accessible areas are divided into several zones. The zones include the following: 1. The Great Hall The Great Hall is the heart of Qasr Al Watan. Spanning 100 square meters (1,076 square feet), it is the palace's largest and most elaborate hall , and its vastness and opulence are what will greet you when you first go through the palace's gigantic doors. The Great Hall will immediately immerse you in its grandeur. Every piece of marble and gilding is flawless, and all surfaces, columns, arches, floors, and ceilings are adorned with intricate Arabic and Islamic patterns . They're extraordinary but never overwhelming, as they all seamlessly blend into a harmonious design. Look for the mirrored cubes stationed in the four corners of the Hall. Go inside and look at the patterns on the walls, floors, and ceilings with fresh eyes. The cubes act as a filter and provide unique perspectives on the Hall's motifs. While at the Great Hall, proceed to the center and look up. The central dome is a masterpiece. It has a diameter of 37 meters (121 feet) and soars 60 meters (197 feet) from the ground. 2. The Spirit of Collaboration Step into the Spirit of Collaboration, where influential political and administrative leaders gather to dictate UAE and regional policy. This circular chamber serves as the official meeting place for the UAE's Federal Supreme Council, as well as summits of the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council. The hall's most striking feature is the domed ceiling , adorned with gold-leaf designs and a massive 350,000-crystal chandelier. 3. Qasr Al Watan Library Qasr Al Watan Library is one of the most impressive public libraries in Abu Dhabi, so make sure to visit it during your tour of Qasr Al Watan. At the entryway, a pair of towering bookshelves will greet you. They extend multiple stories to frame the vast, 12-wing hall. Qasr Al Watan Library has more than 50,000 Arabic and English books in print; it has more in digital editions. There is a dedicated room for the library's rare books; there are approximately 2,000 volumes in this collection. The library is managed by the Department of Culture and Tourism . If you have a DCT Abu Dhabi library card, you can even borrow books to take home. 4. The House of Knowledge The House of Knowledge houses permanent exhibits of artifacts that represent the Arab world's rich intellectual heritage. It holds a compendium of the Arabs' major contributions to global knowledge and scholarship. Displayed are works by renowned Arab scholars, ancient medical texts, astronomical instruments, and beautifully preserved Arabic calligraphy and cartography. Note: By the way, outside the House of Knowledge is a golden, spherical Arabic calligraphy sculpture created by Mattar Bin Lahej. It's his artistic interpretation of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan's words, particularly the one about wealth not being money or oil but people. Journey Into the Palace Qasr Al Watan is a palace complex that houses the offices of the UAE president. In 2019, it started welcoming visitors to coincide with the Year of Tolerance in the UAE. It's a beautiful and majestic place, certainly, but its greatest value lies in the valuable insight it provides into Arab artistry, craftsmanship, and scholarship.
Al Etihad
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Celebrate Eid Al-Adha at local museums and experience culture, history and giveaways
6 June 2025 01:15 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Local museums are opening their doors to the public for free over the long historical and cultural sites will be hosting events where you can celebrate Eid Al-Adha with the are invited to come and experience the rich heritage of the UAE, as well as a variety of fascinating arts and Eid gifts also await following are mandatory stops on any Abu Dhabi museum tour: Al Hosn Site Celebrate Eid Al-Adha at Al Hosn with a lively three-day event, featuring joyful moments for children, Eidiya surprises, and fun-filled giveaways. Dates: June 6–8First day of Eid: 4pm to 8pm Second Day of Eid Onwards: 9am to 8pmEntry: Free House of ArtisansJoin House of Artisans for Fwalat Al Eid, an Emirati tradition during Eid, symbolising hospitality and honouring guests. This custom, passed down through generations, features an array of traditional snacks, reflecting the values of hospitality in Emirati culture and adornment. Date: June 7–8First day of Eid: 4pm to 8pmSecond Day of Eid Onwards: 9am to 8pmEntry: Free Manarat Al SaadiyaJoin the Eid Al-Adha celebrations at Manarat Al Saadiyat under the theme of palm trees. Bring the family and enjoy a vibrant day filled with art workshops and creative activities designed for all ages. While there, you might as well check out the following exhibitions: Abu Dhabi Masterpieces Collection"Layered Medium: We are in Open Circuits" exhibitionMawhibaty Student Showcase ExhibitionZayed University ShowcaseEach offers a unique perspective on artistic expression and local June 6–8Time: 10am to 8pmEntry: Free Al Ain Cultural SitesExplore Al Ain's cultural sites and discover the stories buried in their walls - stories that echo a living heritage. As part of the celebrations, visitors will have the opportunity to receive thoughtfully designed gifts, each inspired by the spirit and essence of its location. Al Jahili Fort At Al Jahili Fort, a beautifully crafted pin bearing the falcon emblem - symbolising pride and strength - awaits June 6–7 First day of Eid: 4pm to 7pmSecond day of Eid onwards: 9am to 7pmBait Mohammed bin KhalifaAt Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa, a delicate art piece portrays Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa alongside his sons, capturing the values of family and June 6–7First day of Eid: 4pm to 7pmSecond day of Eid onwards: 9am to 8pmQasr Al MuwaijiAt Qasr Al Muwaiji, the elegance of tradition comes alive in a design inspired by the "bisht pattern" worn by the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan - an honourable tribute to his presence and June 6–7First day of Eid: 4pm to 7pmSecond day of Eid onwards: 9am to 7pmAl Ain OasisIn Al Ain Oasis, gifts reflect the generosity of the land with fresh nagal dates, celebrating the bounty of the June 6–7First day of Eid: 4pm to 7pmSecond day of Eid onwards: 9am to 5.30pmAl Qattara Arts CentreThis centre offers a poetic touch with a sticker adorned with a verse from the poetry of Sheikh Zayed, expressing identity and emotion through June 6–7First day of Eid: 4pm to 7pmSecond day of Eid onwards: 9am to 8pmDelma MuseumVisit Delma Museum and enjoy special Eid Al-Adha giveaways distributed for the June 6–7 First Day of Eid: 9am to 12pm Second Day of Eid Onwards: Daily 10am to 6pm | Friday 2pm to 6pm
Sharjah 24
30-03-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
RAK Ruler performs Eid Al-Fitr prayer
Joining them were several sheikhs, senior officials, federal and local department heads, citizens, and members of the Arab and Islamic communities. Eid Sermon The sermon highlighted the spiritual joy of Eid, the values of compassion and unity, and the importance of gratitude and community. The imam prayed for continued blessings upon the UAE, its leadership, and people, and mercy for the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the founding leaders.
Khaleej Times
12-03-2025
- Politics
- Khaleej Times
UAE among top 5 nations where women's representation is highest, says UN
The UAE has been ranked among the top 5 countries globally where women's representation is the highest in a lower or single house, higher than developed countries, according to the United Nations (UN). In the Federal National Council (FNC), women account for 50 per cent of seats, ranking the country 5th along with Andorra. Out of 40 Federal National Council (FNC) seats, 20 have been reserved for women. According to Women in Politics: 2025 by the UN, women's representation in the UAE is higher than Western and other GCC countries such as New Zealand (45.5 per cent), Sweden (45 per cent), UK (40.5 per cent), France (36.2 per cent), Germany (35.7 per cent), the US (28.7 per cent), Saudi Arabia (19.9 per cent), Turkiye (19.9 per cent), Japan (15.7 per cent) and India (13.8 per cent) among others. The study was released on the occasion of International Women's Day, which is marked on the 8th of March. 'Women are the essence of life, its story, and its soul. They are the nurturers of generations and the makers of heroes,' said Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on the occasion of International Women's Day. The women's role in FNC has increased over the years. In the first FNC elections in 2006, women occupied 22.2 per cent of the total seats. In 2018, the then-president Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued a directive whereby Emirati women must occupy 50 per cent of the FNC seats, 20 each for men and women. Meanwhile, women account for 20 per cent of ministerial positions in the Cabinet, positioning the country at 100th along with Greece and Timor-Leste, according to the UN. Globally, Rwanda (63.8 per cent), Cuba (55.7 per cent) Nicaragua (55 per cent) and Mexico (50.2 per cent) have the highest representation of women in unicameral parliaments or lower house of parliament up to January 1, 2025. The women have the lowest representation, zero per cent, in Oman, Yemen and Tuvalu. According to the UN, average women representation globally was 27.2 per cent in single or lower house and 27.4 per cent in upper house or senate. Regionally, the Americas have the highest representation of women at 35.4 per cent in both the houses, followed by Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, Pacific and Middle East and North Africa.
Zawya
07-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Emirates Development Bank Champions Innovation at Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival 2025
Sharjah, UAE – Emirates Development Bank (EDB) reaffirmed its commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation by actively participating in the 8th edition of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) 2025, held at the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park from February 1-2. Under the theme 'Where We Belong,' the festival brought together over 300 global speakers from 45 countries, providing a platform for entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem enablers to exchange ideas and drive meaningful change in the UAE's startup landscape. EDB's delegation engaged in high-level discussions on ecosystem building, the power of public-private collaboration, and the evolving needs of startups in the UAE. Beyond financing, EDB continues to play a vital role in mentorship, capacity-building, and strategic networking, ensuring that businesses across the nation have the resources they need to scale and succeed. H.E. Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi, CEO of EDB, emphasized the bank's pivotal role in empowering entrepreneurs: "SEF 2025 has once again highlighted the UAE's vibrant entrepreneurial spirit. At EDB, we go beyond financing—our mission is to equip businesses with the tools, knowledge, and partnerships they need to thrive. By integrating finance with strategic capacity-building initiatives, we are shaping an ecosystem where innovation drives sustainable economic growth, keeping the UAE at the forefront of global entrepreneurship.' EDB extends its appreciation to Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) for their ongoing efforts in strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem. As a key financial engine for the UAE's economic development, EDB remains committed to supporting high-potential entrepreneurs, fostering innovation, and driving economic diversification—ensuring the UAE continues to be a global hub for entrepreneurial excellence. About Emirates Development Bank: Emirates Development Bank [EDB], the UAE's development bank, is a key financial engine for the UAE's economic development and industrial advancement. EDB provides financial and non-financial support to businesses of all sizes from start-ups, SMEs to corporates driving economic competitiveness across five strategic priority sectors: advanced technology, food security, healthcare, renewables, and manufacturing. EDB was established under Federal Law by Decree No. 07 of 2011 issued by the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and became operational in June 2015.
