Events during the Eid and National Day holidays

Nov 27 to Dec 3: Fireworks

Firework displays on Dubai Creek, daily at 8pm.

Nov 27 to Dec 19: Peter Pan on Ice

A musical theatrical adaptation of J.M Barrie's Peter Pan promising a "spectacular entertainment show that caters to children and families," with the storyline unfolding through breathtaking acrobatics. At Arabian Centre. For ticket information, call 600545555.

Nov 27 and Dec 2: Al Dan Wedding Zafa Al Bedewiyeh

A traditional Emirati henna wedding custom performed by 15 elderly women and men. Centrestage, Deira City Centre from 6pm until 10pm.

Nov 27: Yeh Rishtey

A Hindi play, at the Jumeirah Ballroom, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dubai. Tickets priced at Dh350, Dh250, Dh125 and Dh75. Show starts at 9pm. For further details, call 04-3373724.

Nov 26 - 29: Utsavam 09

International Koodiyattam and Kathakali Festival at the GEMS Wellington International School (http://www.wellingtoninternationalschool.com/). Entry Free.

Nov 30 to Dec 7: Mamma Mia on Ice

A spectacular musical extravaganza based on the stage show and movie Mamma Mia at the Central Hall, Airport Expo. For ticket information, call 600545555.

Dec 1, 3 and 4: Family workshops

Family workshops at Centrestage, Deira City Centre, will include professionals who will teach shoppers how to make various traditional Emirati handicrafts such as a "teli" - a decoration used on traditional women's outfits - fishing nets and baskets and ropes. 6pm - 9pm

Celebs race into town

Spotting a celebrity in the UAE has never been much of a challenge. But as the glitz and glamour which goes hand-in-hand with Formula One descends on the country, so too are the stars. Not spotting an A-lister this weekend could be the real challenge.

Apart from the drivers, few promises are being made but the events are renowned for drawing an A-list crowd and Abu Dhabi is sure to be no exception — especially as the event is not only the inaugural race for the capital, but also the final race of the F1 season.

The glitterati from Hollywood and Bollywood, as well as the music and sports worlds have all been invited with promises of first class hospitality from the minute they land. How could they possibly resist?

Special guests

Jet-setting all over the globe to attend the world's most luxurious parties, Formula One draws an A-list crowd. Of course there are exceptions, but it's often the same faces which pop up grabbing the off-track headlines.

Determined to impress, the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority has personally invited some of the biggest names in celeb circles.

Just a few names on the list include George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Daniel Craig, Zac Efron, Gerard Butler, Bill Clinton and Bill Gates, along with many more.

He lost his championship crown to Jenson Button this year, but Lewis Hamilton is still the driver most are desperate to catch a glimpse of. Probably helped by the fact the hot Brit is dating Pussycat Doll lead singer Nicole Scherzinger — spotting this pair scores you double.

Spotted leaving for Bahrain from London's Heathrow, the pair — who just last month were rumoured to be "on the rocks" — looked happy holding hands in Singapore last month.

F1 socialite Tamara Ecclestone and her sister Petra are practically part of the furniture throughout most of the series. Dabbling in television presenting from the track and even known to don a crash helmet, the girls — daughters of F1 supremo Bernie — are expected to make an appearance this weekend.

Celebrity sounds

We've heard all the names, but it doesn't make it any less exciting. Beyoncé should touch down in the UAE today with Jamiroquai, Kings of Leon and Aerosmith hot her heels.

Certain to soak up the F1 racing action, don't be surprised if the stars hit the hotel beaches and malls for a spot of retail therapy.

Timbaland is also in town, along with legends Soul II Soul and The Wailers, if it's the old classics which get you going.

And don't underestimate the strong Arabian following for local and regional boys Beat Antenna, Hussain Al Jasmi, Ragheb Alama, Danny Neville and Abri — just a few of the artists playing Beats on the Beach which runs daily over the next four days.

Not just in Abu Dhabi

With the F1 on the outskirts of the city, it's not just the capital that will host the big names. Roberto Cavalli is flying in to Dubai for his Halloween extravaganza and organisers say the fashion designer has not spared any expense — especially when it comes to the guest list.

The city's clubs and lounges are sure to be hosting a number of celebrities, many who have chosen to stay in Dubai and travel to the big race on the day.

The parties

The likes of George Clooney, Brad Pitt, the entire Beckham troop, as well as music stars Beyoncé, Jay Kay and the boys from the Kings of Leon have all been invited to VIP gatherings both on and off the track. tabloid! has the low down on the parties to be seen at.

• What: The Amber Lounge
• Where: The Hilton Abu Dhabi
• When: Saturday and Sunday.
• Entertainment: Internationally renowned DJ Jack.E is flying in from St Tropez.

Who: The drivers are the only people guaranteed, however this is the party the stars may flock to.
Don't be surprised: Just a handful of celebs who are renowned for attending Amber Lounge parties include Bono, Kevin Spacey, footballer Rio Ferdnand, Heidi Klum, Naomi Campbell, Wesley Snipes, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Richie, Elizabeth Hurley, Eva Herzigova and Rod Stewart.
Details: First held in Monaco in 2003, the Amber Lounge is a true favourite among drivers and celebs alike. An exclusive Grand Prix VIP nightlife event, this lavish beach-front party will be no different. Amber Lounge parties have become synonymous with the glamour and excitement of the Grand Prix and have built a reputation as the party venue of choice for the Formula One fraternity. Event founder Sonia Irvine, who is the sister of ex-Ferrari F1 driver Eddie Irvine, said: "The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is certain to set new standards for Formula One and it's a great honour to be part of the first ever race at this exciting new venue".

Signature white sofas and opulent furnishings are being shipped from the UK for the event and a sumptuous Moroccan-style "chill out" terrace has taken two weeks to construct.

Set you back: Prices start from Dh3,500 for individual passes. Tables, seating 8, are priced Dh23,000, Dh55,000 and Dh80,000 for VIP packages.

For more information, e-mail abudhabi@amber-lounge.com

What: Grand Prix Ball
Where: Abu Dhabi Golf Club
When: Saturday
Who: Indian tennis superstar Vijay Amritraj, platinum-selling North London singer/songwriter, Lemar, up-coming fashion-icon Kimberly Stewart (Scottish rock legend Rod Stewart's daughter), British racing duo Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton, Alicia Keys and Jamiroquai frontman, Jay Kay.
Highlight: Sir Richard Branson will auction a once-in-a-lifetime trip which includes first class tickets from anywhere in the world to California for the Virgin Galactic Spaceship launch in Palo Alto.
Entertainment: The Gypsy Kings
Don't be surprised: Keira Knightly, Will Smith, Kelly Brook and Lily Cole are all ambassadors for fresh2o — the charity the ball is in aid of. Many have been known to "pop in" and show their support for a cause they support.
Details: Billed as the event hosting the "who's who" of race week, this ball is laying claim to one of the best celeb auctions of the year. As well as the Virgin package, get your chequebook ready to snap up a private round of golf with five-time Major winner, Sir Nick Faldo, a private meet-and-greet with Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, which includes a tour of the Old Trafford training grounds, match day hospitality and a signed shirt from the entire 2009-10 squad, a $150,000 (Dh551,000) Platinum Vision home theatre system, identical to the one owned by the Beckhams, as well as a host of other major unique items from the world of sport, music, film and art.
Set you back: A table for 10, priced Dh25,000, can be booked by calling 04-3810549. Smaller bookings will be considered.

What: Abu Dhabi Chequered Flag Ball
Where: InterContinental Hotel, Abu Dhabi
When: Tonight
Entertainment: Platinum selling artist Lucie Silvas and award-winning UK band Lord Large featuring Andrea Britton.
Who: Slightly more low-key but nonetheless exclusive, this event will be hosted by F1 legends David Coulthard and Martin Brundle.
Highlight: Christopher Road, the official watch partner, designed a limited edition watch exclusively for the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Guests are in with a chance to win one of only 25 diamond-studded watches in a raffle draw.
Set you back: Even if you fancied this one, it's too late — tickets are sold out.

What: Jenson's private party
Where: An island... somewhere...
When: Sunday
Who: Jenson, of course, and 250 of his closest friends and family, not forgetting his winning F1 championship team.
Entertainment: Café del Mar will provide the best Ibiza grooves until the small hours.
Set you back: If you can get into this one, then you should really consider applying for the Secret Service.

Michael Jackson Fans

Early fans say Michael Jackson delivers on This Is It, the movie featuring the late King of Pop's hits and signature moves.

Michael Jackson's This Is It has debuted to enthusiastic applause from fans attending the premiere of the film chronicling the concerts that might have been.

This Is It played like a concert at Tuesday evening's Los Angeles premiere, the celebrity audience applauding after each number. The film shows Jackson confidently keeping pace with dancers half his age, doing his moonwalk and other signature moves on such hits as Thriller, Billie Jean and Beat It.

Director and longtime Jackson collaborator Kenny Ortega introduced the film to the Nokia Theatre audience, calling it the "last sacred documentation of our leader and our friend".

Showings of This Is It began simultaneously in 99 territories around the world, including the UAE, on Tuesday and yesterday.

Blockbuster perseverance pays off

Abu Dhabi: One of the most enthusiastic participants of the Gulf News Blockbusters, who first entered the contest back in 1992, won the heats for the adult singles category on Monday.

Abdul Rab Bin Da'ar, an Emirati fan of the contest, emerged the winner after a high-paced match with his opponent. 

"I feel elated. I have tried so many times, but this is the first time I've won. Usually I get knocked out during the heats," Bin Da'ar said.

"It is much easier to be in the audience and to come up with the answer. But being on the dais is a totally different feel as the match was neck and neck," he noted.

Bin Da'ar has always had a thirst for knowledge, and the subjects he is most passionate about include geography, history and English literature, in addition to natural science and British and American history. 


"I grew up reading and learning and I'm addicted to it," he had said earlier, noting that he had a British educational background in Tanzania, which initially sparked his interest in achieving vast knowledge about different subjects.

The second winner from the same category was Dr Veena Shinoy, who works at the NMC hospital. "Last year, I was able to win the heats just like now, but I lost at the quarterfinals. This year I hope to make it to the top," she said.

Naheed Patel, promotions manager at Gulf News, said: "It was a tough call. There were 16 contestants. The last game was especially tricky and very exciting. For the very last question, there was just one block left on the board for the contestants to claim. The winner could have been any one of them and everybody in the room was fired up."

The heats will continue in Dubai from tomorrow, and the winners of the heats will play against each other in the finals to be held after Eid Al Fitr.

The audience cheers for the contestants of the Gulf News Blockbusters competition.

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Scholar stresses importance of achieving Islamic unity

Shaikh Mohammad during the Ramadan Lectures held at Al Bateen Palace. Shaikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, FNC Speaker, along with other dignitaries also attended the lecture.

Abu Dhabi: General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, attended the first lecture on Cursing and Excommunication at his Ramadan majlis.

The lecture was delivered by Islamic Shiite scholar Al Syed Ali Al Ameen on Monday evening.

Also in attendance was Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; Shaikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's representative in the Western Region; and other Shaikhs and senior officials. 

The lecturer emphasised the importance of rapport and linkage between the different sects in Islam and the dangers of division and distance between groups. 


He also emphasised the importance of being aware of religious scholars and theologists. He also said the divisions were encouraged by the enemies of this nation to weaken it and take its mind away from the important issues, thus, weakening it and making it a backward nation.

Al Ameen also said that many of the Prophet Mohammad's (PBUH) sayings emphasised the unity aspect between Muslims, to the effect that all Muslims are as one man, and that Muslims are brothers that do not betray or lie to each other.

Visual treat for UAE residents as falling meteors to light up morning sky

Al Ain: The early morning sky above the emirates will be lit with the light of hundreds of falling meteors on Wednesday.

The event, generated by the annual passing of a comet, has been attracting many stargazers and astronomers as Dubai Astronomy Group (DAG) has arranged an open to all facility to enjoy the nature’s firework near Dubai.

Around 10 meteors will be falling in a minute, said the DAG, noting that this would be the debris, made of dirt and ice, of the Swift-Tuttle comet. The celestial event had begun on July 17 and it will continue until August 24, however, the group said the climax will be on Wednesday.

Hasan Ahmad Al Hariri, president of the DAG, said in a web announcement that the spectacle that appears to emanate from the constellation in the northern sky called Parshawyyat — Arabic for bearer of Ghoul’s head — or Perseus named after the Greek hero Perseus.

He said August is usually the month of meteors, with rocky debris from a wandering comet filling the sky with shooting stars these nights. One of the best displays of shooting stars is reaching its peak in the next couple of days.

The DAG will set up a desert camp and anybody willing to watch it from the depths of the desert is welcome to join the Perseid meteor shower observation trip that will take place 60km outside Dubai, early on August 12 morning.

The trip is open to anybody interested in the showers, the group said in its web announcement. The location for the gathering is outside the Emirates Cooperative Society at Al Twar in Dubai at 8:30pm.

According to media reports, this year is expected to produce an above average number of shooting stars that could offer a rewarding experience to sky-watchers around the globe. The bright streaks and occasional blazing fireballs of the meteors should reach their peak well before dawn Wednesday and after sunset that night, the reports said.

But Tuesday night should offer a better view as the waning moon doesn't rise until 11pm and the sky will be darkest before the moonlight interferes, the San Fransisco Chronicle quoted astronomy professor Andrew Fraknoi as saying.

The Perseid meteors are the debris from Comet Swift-Tuttle, which flies from deep space into the inner solar system every 130 years on its long, looping orbit around the sun, where it remains for several years. And each year in August, while the comet is flying inside our solar system, the solar wind and the sun's heat scatter the comet's tail of dust, ice and rocks widely across the sky.

Then, as the debris particles hit the Earth's upper atmosphere, shock waves from their impact cause them to flare into brightness and they show as long streaks of light – and sometimes as brilliant fireballs. Archaeologists have found Chinese records of the Perseids from an unknown scribe writing in 36AD, and the comet itself was discovered in 1862 by astronomers Lewis Swift and Horace Tuttle.

For more details long onto www.dubaiastronomy.com

Attractive offers on food items during Ramadan

Dubai: Shoppers can look forward to good deals in the run-up to Ramadan as hypermarkets are offering special prices on essential food items.

Special areas have been set up for the sales and promotions. Some like Geant in Ibn Battuta have erected colourful tents as most hypermarkets have got into the festive mood.

The global downturn will definitely not affect sales, some managers of hypermarkets said.

"I can confirm that prices will be stable [during Ramadan] and many items will be discounted between 30 and 40 per cent," said Shawqi Khalil Darwish, purchase manager at Union Cooperative.

He said shoppers usually rush to purchase food items, expecting a shortage during the holy month.

"There is no need to panic. We have enough food for all of GCC [Gulf Cooperation Council]," he said.

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Lulu Hypermarkets are offering a special Ramadan kit of 22 essential (non-perishable) items such as rice, oil, juices, dry fruits, sugar and tea for Dh180. It will also hold a date festival across its chain of hypermarkets offering about 16 varieties of locally-grown dates along with 50 varieties from other countries.

"The idea is to support local farmers," said Nanda Kumar, marketing manager of Emke Group, which manages Lulu hypermarkets. Other hypermarkets like Giant and Carrefour have printed pull-outs detailing the special prices for not only food but electronic items and school bags as well.

"The beginning of Ramadan coincides with the end of [summer] vacations and the start of school [terms]," said Kumar, noting that hypermarkets will be very busy as people stock up.

Ramadan is also about charity, said Darwish, noting that Union Cooperative will donate 2 per cent of its sales to charity.

Water taxi service to launch at creek next year

ubai: At least 17 locations where passengers can hail a water taxi for fast travel on Dubai Creek and the new developments along the coast of the emirate have been finalised.

"We have finalised the locations to build the water taxi ranks at 17 points where passengers can go and ride the taxi," said Dr Khalid Al Zahid, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the RTA's Marine Agency.

He said that the water taxi service will be launched in Dubai in the first quarter of next year to provide an alternative mode of transport to alleviate traffic congestion.

At least ten water taxis at a cost of Dh30 million will be operational on Dubai Creek as part of a plan by the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority's Marine Agency to develop a comprehensive water public transport system in the emirate.

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"Residents and tourists will be able to book the water taxis over the phone just like the normal taxis and will have to wait for it at the agreed boarding station," Al Zahid added.

The Marine Agency is spending more than Dh1.2 billion on water transport projects. Apart from the existing abra service, it has already launched a water bus service at the Dubai Creek.

The water taxi will have 11 seats including two for people with special needs. It will have a dual-base catamaran low wash, a smooth ceiling and a central air-conditioning system.

It has seats similar to business class seats on aeroplanes with a remote-controlled LCD monitor fitted on the back of each seat, and a table for food.

"It is a VIP service and will mostly cater to tourist and visitors to major businesses and hotels," he said.

The water taxi measures about 11 metres in length, and four metres in width. It weighs nine tonnes and runs at a speed of up to 35 knots per hour.

He said that the Marine Agency has already started an air-conditioned water bus service at the Dubai Creek.

"We will start the first phase of Dubai Ferry service in 2011 within the Dubai Creek and then it will be linked to the coastal areas and will have stations at Jumeirah Beach Park and the Palm Jumeirah," he added.

He said that the ferry service will be extended to all the coastal and offshore developments gradually to cope with the demands of the new developments.

Each ferry will have capacity to carry 100 passengers and will initially cover six kilometres of Dubai Creek, linking stations such as Deira City Centre, Baniyas Station and the Gold Souq on Deira side and Al Ghubaiba on the Bur Dubai side of the creek.

"Air-conditioned boats travelling up and down the creek for 18 hours a day on new water routes will link up with Dubai Metro and public buses will definitely provide easy transport facilities and help reduce traffic jams," Al Zahid commented.

Mapping dive sites in Gulf

The largest pearl collection in the Middle East is stored at the National Bank of Dubai (NBD) headquarters in Dubai.
The process of pearl diving... Pearl diving was a meticulous process using lead weights to drag divers to the seabed and ropes to heave them out of the water.
The process of pearl diving... Pearl diving was a meticulous process using lead weights to drag divers to the seabed and ropes to heave them out of the water.
The process of pearl diving... Pearl diving was a meticulous process using lead weights to drag divers to the seabed and ropes to heave them out of the water.
The process of pearl diving. Pearl diving was a meticulous process using lead weights to drag divers to the seabed and ropes to heave them out of the water.

Dubai: The Arabian Gulf is the largest natural pearl diving area in the world, according to Captain Mohammad Khalifa Bin Thalith from Dubai Ports at Jebel Ali Ports, who spent 4 years putting together a map of pearl dive sites.

The original map, which dates back 69 years and represents some of the most popular dive sites, was used to recreate a more legible record of places sought out by pearl divers.

"Some locations are 500 miles away. It was a great mission to go there. The best pearl sites are oil fields now so access is limited. There are eight areas, about 30 per cent which we can't get to," said Thalith.

"Pearl diving went on until 1950. It was very popular and competitive. Some sailors would swallow the big or precious pearls to hide them, but generally the divers had to have trust in the men on the ship," he said. Once the pearls were collected the oyster shells were thrown back into the sea.

Dive sites could have up to 1,200 ships on them at one time depending on the season.

The yield of pearls collected was then divided between the men aboard, with the captain, diver and the Al Saib - the man who pulled the diver back to the surface - receiving a major part of the harvest.

"Pearls had a great economic importance because people here only had palm trees and the sea. Money was made either by fishing or pearl diving.

"The price fluctuated a lot and it is difficult to say how much a pearl was worth back then, it was in Indian rupee too," said Thalith. Apparently the best year for pearls on record though was 1912, he said.

Fifth Liwa Date Festival kicks of

This year the popular festival has a number of new features, such as a traditional market and children's tent.

Abu Dhabi: With total prize money of about Dh3 million, the fifth Liwa date festival will kick of in Al Gharbia (formerly the Western Region) on Friday morning, organisers have said.

The festival is being organised by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) under the patronage of Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, and aims to preserve the heritage of Abu Dhabi.

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"Palm and ratab [dates] represent a fundamental pillar of our local history, embody the community of the UAE and the continuation of the major process initiated by the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who founded the country's agricultural renaissance," said Mohammad Khalaf Al Mazroui, Chairman of the supreme committee of the festival and director-general of ADACH, in a press conference held on Wednesday at the Cultural Foundation.

"One of the primary goals and objectives of the festival is to preserve the national culture of palm and ratab dates via the encouragement of farmers to achieve a greater quality of ratab dates, in order to access more opportunities for excellence and competitiveness at local and global levels," he said.

This year the festival presents a number of new events, such as a traditional market and children's tent.

"All festival visitors will be able to taste the different types of ratab dates, as the authority seeks to promote the culture of ratab dates and date palms to different generations in the country," he added.

The area of the festival in Mezera'a, the centre of Liwa, has also been expanded this year.

"The estimated total area of the festival tents are approximately 43,000 square metres, and the hospitality tent takes up almost 1,100 square metres, while the area for the children's tent is about 1,000 square meters of the area of the festival," said Obaid Khalfan Al Mazroui, director of the festival.

"We opened the ratab market to sell farmers' products directly to visitors, to encourage our citizens and farmers, making way for greater participation, as well as providing a space that can embrace a wide array of events, which includes for the first time in the history of the festival a variety of activities like a ratab competition, a traditional market, poetry evenings, traditional games and competitions on palms and agriculture, and a children's tent, electronic games and a children's theatre," he said.

Also, 11 government departments concerned with the cultivation of date palms and a number of specialist educational institutions and companies, which offer an exhibition of all that is new in the world of dates and give attention to the cultivation of palm dates will be taking part, reaching up to 60 companies, with the participation of producing families, which oversee the 140 shops in the market.

Fact file

The date competition this year is open to all farmers in the UAE and is divided into five categories - the five famous date types in the Western Region: Khallas, Al Dabbas, Bou Maan, Al Fardh, Al Nukhba in addition to the best heritage display.

In each category 15 winners are chosen by a committee. Winners in the first three positions are given four-wheel-drive cars and the rest of the winners will be given cash prizes of about Dh3 million.

Transportation to the festival is available from Abu Dhabi to Liwa, special buses are available at Marina Mall and Abu Dhabi Mall every day from 8am.

Study hints at clove role in cancer cure

Al Ain: UAE scientists have found a new mechanism to extract anti-cancer agents from the clove plant, and say the finding could lead to the development of new drugs in the fight against the deadly disease. The agent found in the clove extract is capable of killing cancer cells in the human body. The plant extract has also shown many other therapeutic qualities during a study conducted by a five-member team of researchers at the UAE University (UAEU). The team yesterday presented its findings at the 10th Annual Research Conference of UAEU. "Here we report for the first time the proliferation-inhibiting and apoptosis-inducing [causing programmed cell death] effects of the effective compounds in the clove on several cancerous cell lines," they said

Expatriates from Kerala celebrate Vishu festival

Dubai: Many families of Indian expats from the southern state of Kerala on Tuesday celebrated Vishu - the astronomical new year's day - with traditional gaiety.

"I received a lot of Kaineetom [gifts] from my family members," said six-year old Vineet Nair, referring to the practice of elders presenting small sums of money to young members of the family.

Although he was born in the UAE, Vineet's parents have made sure that all traditional cultural festivals in India are celebrated by the family.

"The best thing about Vishu is the Kaineetom which I receive after I see the 'Vishukani' at 5am and seek the blessings of my parents and elder sister by touching their feet," said Vineet counting the money he had received as gift.

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Vishukani is an arrangement of an oil lamp, mirror, fruits and vegetables, rice, betel leaves and nut and fresh linen seeing which first thing in the morning on the Vishu day is believed to be auspicious for the rest of the year. The arrangement, which is a throwback of an agrarian past, is traditionally embellished with the yellow flowers of "konna" tree (Cassia fistula).

Vishu is celebrated in the south Indian state of Kerala on the first day of the Malayalam month of Medam (coinciding with Taurus on the zodiac).

"Back home the 'Vishukkani' is also taken to the cattle-shed so that it is also seen by the cattle. This year we did not get to buy the special yellow flowers, but yet we went ahead and collected all that is required," said Lisa Mathew. "I make sure I bring up my children with the same cultural background as mine. Some festivals are universal," she added.

"I called my parents back home in Kerala and wished them a fantastic year ahead. Can you believe me I asked my parents for 'Kaineetom', aid Kavita Menon, who works in a television station. "Back home my mom must have cooked a feast. Here I packed sandwiches for lunch," Menon said.

Arrangement: Symbols of prosperity

- Vishu is a festival celebrated by Malayalees.
- It is celebrated on the first day of Malayalam month of Medam.
- Vishukkani includes articles considered auspicious like raw rice, fresh linen, ripe yellow cucumber, betel leaves, arecanut, metal mirror, the yellow flowers of 'konna' (Cassia fistula), and coins, in a metal vessel called 'uruli'.
- Nilavilakku is an oil metal lamp with open flames.
- Yellow 'Konna' flower is the flower of Cassia fistula.
- Kaineettam is the gift given to children by elders.

Coldplay tickets go on sale February 15

Abu Dhabi: Tickets for Coldplay's hugely anticipated concert at Abu Dhabi's Emirates Palace on March 28 will go on sale on Sunday, February 15, it was announced on Tuesday.

The band will be making their debut performance in the Middle East as the final stop on the world tour for their critically acclaimed fourth album, Viva La Vida.

The four-piece British group performed at the Grammys on Sunday, where they picked up three of the coveted awards, including the gong for Song of the Year for the single Viva la Vida.

Tickets for the concert, organised by Live Nation and Flash, are priced from Dh295 to Dh895 and go on sale on Sunday from www.ticketingboxoffice.com and www.boxofficeme, while a limited number will be available at Virgin Megastores across the UAE.

Wi-Fi will soon be available on inter-city buses

Dubai: Wireless internet access (Wi-Fi) will soon be available to passengers travelling on luxury coaches servicing the Dubai-Abu Dhabi route, a senior official said on Tuesday.

Engineer Eisa Al Dossary, Chief Executive Officer of the Public Transport Agency at the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority, told that the 10 luxury coaches recently launched on the Dubai-Abu Dhabi route have been fitted with the necessary equipment and all that remains is for the service to be turned on.

He said passengers on the buses would also soon be able to buy soft drinks and snacks on the inter-city route.

Al Dossary said a total of 55 luxury coaches would be introduced on the inter-city route in phases at a cost of Dh128 million.

Remote-controlled planes take Al Ain aerobatic show to new heights

Al Ain: Dazzling displays by remote-controlled planes got the Al Ain Aerobatic Show 2009 off to a flying start as their larger counterparts banked and rolled to the amazement of thousands of spectators here on Wednesday.

The Italian maestros of the Yakitalia and Pioneer display teams wowed crowds with their performances and Will Curtis went solo in his bright-red Rizon-sponsored Sukhoi 26.

Pilots from the showpiece Aero GP race series – the Formula 1 of Air Racing - took to the skies to put the finishing touches to their displays, before the high-octane competition kicks off on Friday.

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At the ground, Hollywood stunt driver, Mark Hager, and his precision-perfect team of experts proved that four wheels are as good as two propellers as they performed the thrilling Hager’s Raiders police chase spectacular. And in another regional ‘first’, the British Swift Glider Display Team harnessed the power of gravity to perform breath-taking, engine-free stunts in the air.

Al Ain Aerobatic Show is being organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority with the support of UAE Air Force and a host of other sponsors and support organisation from January 29 to January 31.

Daily tickets for the show have been priced at Dh40 per adult and Dh25 for children between three and 10 years of age. Children under three can enter free.

Daredevils leave spectators in awe as air show gets off to a flying start

Al Ain: Daredevil stunt pilots from around the word yesterday held thousands of spectators spellbound with dazzling performances at the opening day of the sixth edition of Al Ain International Aerobatics Show in the Oasis City.

People poured in from all over the UAE, neighbouring GCC states, and other countries to watch the annual aerobatic fiesta. Pilots will use their modern and vintage jet and propeller machines daily to stage their skilful aerobatic manoeuvres in the four-day event.

With all the stands packed to capacity, many spectators were seen watching the show from the comfort of their cars parked along the road that winds its way through the high sand dunes leading to the airport.

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The show is being jointly organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and UAE Air Force and Air Defence. More than 100 aircraft from different countries are participating in the extravaganza.

The opening day included different shows by Saudi Arabian and Italian teams, UAE paratroopers team, and individual performances of pilots participating in the Aero GP - aviation's Formula 1 - that has been marking the 100th year anniversary of air racing.

An eight-member UAE sky diving team jumped from 10,000 feet along with pictures of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and High Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, along with a large UAE flag. All the paratroopers landed in front of the spectators with high precision.

Spectators were also entertained by comedy shows and thrilling acts such women dancing on the wings of planes, and flying of remote control aircraft.

Famous Hollywood stuntman Mark Hager also staged breathtaking and hilarious acts for the spectator's. Hager has five world records to his credit.

Hager's team, called Brotherhood of Destruction, comprises of two cars, one motorcycle, and a truck. All the vehicles have Los Angeles Police Department livery. The team staged a hot pursuit of the bike rider with dangerous manoeuvres.

Royal Saudi Hawks, a regular feature of the show, performed highly precise aerobatic displays on seven Hawk aircraft, living up to their highly acclaimed reputation.

The show will continue until January 31. The organisers have also arranged lots of attractions to entertain families. A vast area has been put aside for exhibitions for national and international organisations.

"I am happy to attend the show and proud of organisers who have staged a world class aerobatics event in the country," said Ebrahim Ahmad Al Za'abi, an Emirati. The show, he said, has been promoting air sport in the country as well as putting the city of Al Ain on the world tourism map.

Pradeep Kumar, an expatriate from Dubai, said the air show is excellent and a must see event.

He, however, complained about the ticket prices saying that they are too high and large families will not be able to afford it. "I would suggest that the organisers reduce the prices to an affordable level so that more people could enjoy the show," he said.

Asif Ali Bajwah, an expatriate from Al Ain, said he had taken a day off from work to attend the opening day of the air show.

"My children were insisting that we go for the show, and now they are enjoying themselves," he said, adding that this is the fourth consecutive year he has been coming for the show.

Shared cultures find life on the canvas

Dubai: Sixty-six art-works that symbolise a shared cultural milieu of India and the UAE went on display at the Dubai Ladies Club on Wednesday.

The exhibition called "Kaleidoscope" is about twenty-six Indian artists, including the famous Maqbool Fida Husain, who are participating together with 10 UAE artists including Dr Najat Makki, Mona Al Khaja, Wasel Safwan, Mousab Abdul Qadir Al Rais, Matar Bin Lahej among others.

This cultural initiative is being launched by the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and was organised with the support of senior Indian business establishments to showcase the best aspects of contemporary Indian cultural achievements.

This is the first time that both UAE nationals and Indian artists are sharing a platform to portray their personal and unique expressions in vibrant colours.

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At the exhibition, about 66 artworks will be displayed for sale of which 20 per cent of all the sale proceeds will be donated to the Dubai Autism Centre.

Indian Ambassador, Talmiz Ahmad said: "Today, amidst robust political and economic ties, there is a sense that, perhaps, the cultural engagement has got diluted.

"When I saw the artworks that are on display, what struck me was the similarity that I came across in two different artworks, one done by an Emirati artist and the other by an Indian artist, both strangers to each other.

"I see a strong sense of camaraderie and a sense of creativity and excitement. Through this exhibition we have achieved something wonderful which is what we are celebrating today."

Fatima Saleh Al Hashemi, 22, is from Abu Dhabi and her artwork - titled 'Identity' - was done in mixed medium.

Explaining her work she said: "My painting is talking of the Arabic and Islamic identity. I personally feel that we are gradually losing it. The calligraphy text in black and grey say 'Identity is the lungs of Society'."

Fatima strongly feels art is a medium that has the capacity to reach across borders.

Ayushi Sajnani is a Dubai-based Indian artist whose work titled 'The Reflection' was done in oil on wood.

She says the 20 years she has spent in the UAE are being reflected in her works.

"My origin is Indian but I have lived here for most part of my life and so one tends to grasp in a lot from this culture," she said.

Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF)

First Family Health Festival In DSF Unveiled - As part of its on-going activities, Dubai Shopping Festival will see the roll out of the first-of-its-kind health initiative, the Family Health Festival. Conceived by ExHealth and supported by Dubai Health Care City and Green Crescent Insurance Company, the month long activity aims to generate awareness among the residents about various health problems such as diabetes, blood pressure, obesity and many others.

Green Crescent, a dedicated health insurance company has extended their support as a key sponsor.“We at the DSF Office always strive to diversify our events, and Dubai shopping Festival is such a dynamic event that it can be the platform for many creative initiatives. We truly feel that such an initiative will go a long way in creating much needed awareness among the UAE community at large about key health issues,” says Yousif Mubarak, COO of DSF Office.A series of free health check-ups, talks, well-crafted games interspersed with discounted vouchers amongst others, is proposed to be conducted at high footfall areas to acquaint the visitors about potential health risks. The roadmap will see participation from all the leading malls in addition to Global Village.

A panel of experts will conduct health check-ups while information booklets will be distributed about the ailments alongside talks by specialists drawn from leading medical service providers.“Changing lifestyles and current pressures lead to several health-related problems which lie dormant and are often detected too late. Public education is of prime importance. DSF undoubtedly provides a great leverage to disseminate vital information on health and wellbeing. We hope this initiative will go a long way in doing just that,” says Dr Ayesha Abdullah, Senior Vice President of DHCC. “One of the best ways to avoid serious illness and high health costs is to educate the public about prevention.

The activities connected with the Family Health Festival are the significant effort in this direction and we are happy to be associated with,” says Carl J. Sardegna, Chief Executive Officer of Green Crescent Insurance Company.Conceived by Ex Health, an outfit dedicated entity providing exceptional healthcare solutions, the Family Health Festival will help residents gain knowledge about early detective measures and offer useful details on risks, symptoms and prevention through an interactive medium.“Healthcare is central to the well being of a community.

A healthier population bears a direct impact on the overall vigor of any economy and hence it becomes urgent that we constantly roll initiatives which aim to disseminate information on related issues. A stitch in time, as they say saves nine and it is possible more applicable that ever before in wake of rising healthcare costs shifting lifestyles,” says Dr. Prem Jagyasi, MD and CEO, ExHealth. A dedicated website www.familyhealthfestival.com will provide further information and a schedule of the participating malls.

Dubai Sports Channel

Dubai Sports television channel, part of Dubai Media Incorporated (DMI), one of the pioneering media organizations and creative services group in the region, today announced it has cemented a deal with Bundesliga, Germany’s premier football league, and the Sportsman Media Group, the sports rights and marketing agency that owns all media rights to Bundesliga games (outside Germany), making the Dubai-based channel the official and exclusive broadcaster of all the German league matches in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.The deal was signed by Rashid Al Amiri General Manager of Dubai Sports channel, Thomas Kröhne, founder and CEO of the Sportsman Media Group, and Jörg Daubitzer, Chief Operating Officer of the DFL (German football league) Sports Enterprises.

The contract will enable Dubai Sports channel to broadcast all Bundesliga matches via its two free-to-air stations to more than 100 million households in 23 Arab and North-African countries. Details of the prestigious deal were announced at a joint press conference held at the Raffles Hotel in Dubai.

The 24-hour free-to-air Dubai Sports channel has won the rights for all Bundesliga games following an intense bidding process after a tough competition with several high-calibre global broadcasting corporations.Expressing his delight to continue the Dubai Sports channel’s association with the German football league games, Al Amiri said: “We are thrilled to win broadcasting rights for the Bundesliga matches, one of the most professional soccer leagues in the world that attracts millions of viewers globally. Our successful bid validates our status as the region’s widely popular sports channel that offers top-notch bouquet of programming and this has been acknowledged by the German football organisations.“Over the past few years, we have consistently brought German league matches to Dubai Sports viewers with additional spotlights such as ‘Kick Off’ which gives an overview of each game prior to the start and analyses of other games during the week. As a comprehensive sports channel, we are keen to further strengthen our programme offerings, especially in football, in the near future.”Dubai Sports channel has been broadcasting various German league matches, live and exclusive, over the past few years on its satellite channels 1 and 2.Thomas Kröhne, CEO Of Sportsman Group, said: “We are glad to sign the Bundesliga broadcasting rights contract with Dubai Sports channels for the key territory as our new and innovative partner.

We believe Dubai Sports channel will contribute a great deal to further enhance the value and appeal of Bundesliga, as it always has in the past."Jörg Daubitzer, Chief Operating Officer of DFL Sports Enterprises, said: “When you have a partner of the caliber and status of Dubai Sports channel, which has provided some of the best coverage for German football league in the last three years, it is imperative the relationship has to be sustained and renewed at every opportunity.“Although we had received overwhelming offers for broadcast rights from various Arab and Asian networks, our choice was undoubtedly Dubai Sports as the channel has already played a splendid role in providing excellent coverage of Bundesliga games on a weekly basis.”Dubai Sports channel offers its viewers an expansive range of premium programming schedule that includes live or exclusive coverage of most of the key regional and international sporting events.