The Source Magazine UAE Issue 214 by TheSourceOnlineME

Issue 214| 16 August

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Al Ain Zoo re-opens Staycation offers & new experiences What will “Back to School” look like for parents and children

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EDITOR IN CHIEF Mohammed Al Neyadi MANAGING DIRECTOR Wendy Peach CONTRIBUTORS

Aakanksha Tangri Debbie Nicol Andrew Thomas

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CONTENTS FEATURES 10. What Schools Will Look Like in the Age of COVID-19 14. How to deal with stress as a parent and turn it into a posi tive 16. Is leadership YOUR business? 18. Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi celebrates the first criti cally endangered Addax born in the wild in Chad 22. Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi announce winners of the Architecture Competitions for Abu Dhabi Projects

32. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi wel comes adults at kids’ price until September 30 34. Yas Island launches summer ‘Stay and Play’ packages prom ising fun like nowhere else 36. Private hotel floor + private cinema = the ultimate movie staycation at Rove hotels 38. Abu Dhabi Culinary Season’s Chef’s Table returns with month-long limited edition ‘Travel Through Food’ menus 41. Al Ain Zoo re-open Al Ain safari and giraffes feeding experience

28. Deliveroo has just launched in Al-Ain!

42. Al Ain Zoo Celebrates World Lion Day

29. A day pass at the palace

44. Al Ain Zoo Protects the White Bengal Tiger in Cooperation with Strategic Partnership

30. Art Meets Science: Louvre Abu Dhabi Joins J. Paul Getty Museum in Investigating Ancient Panel Paintings

46. Kids Pages

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schools may place a weighing station at the entrance for this purpose, making the experience of coming to school feel like entering a terminal of an airport!

What Schools Will Look Like in the Age of COVID-19

Pupils will be seated at a designated desk which is distanced 1.5 metres away from anyone else. Younger children will be kept in ‘Bubbles’ where no more than 10 pupils will work in isolation with a member of staff and no one else.

In normal times, a typical school day requires propinquity with students sharing finger paints in class; snacks at break times; and the odd lending of books or pens during class time.

Many classrooms will seem empty as schools remove clutter and furniture to accommodate desk space, and walls will be bereft of pupil’s decorative work that customarily adorns the walls.

On August 30th, nothing will be typical. School leaders cancelled their summer this year and have been wading through the complexities of the logistics to get children back to learning.

Students may be given resources, but books and paperwork will possibly be reduced so there will be no or little exchange of paper or books between pupil and teacher and vice versa. Schools will come up with different ways for homework to be exchanged for marking, possibly using previously used distant learning platforms.

Schools have now published and decided what model they can operate, but regardless of which option they are offering, one thing will be missing: propinquity. So, what will the school day look like for those students that attend school, regardless of full or part time hours?

Primary students will work at their designated desks, and possibly even have their lunch at this station to eliminate the movement across the school further. Regular hand washing/sanitising will be scheduled, and break times will be staggered to avoid further cross-contamination. Break times will see pupils distanced from friends, and the shouts and cries of children chasing balls will be a distant memory.

The first difference will be noted as soon as they cross the threshold of the school gate, when students will be screened with thermal-cameras, and there will be signs and markings on the walls and floors reminding pupils to keep their distance. In some schools, a ‘pathway’ will have been created for pupils to follow to ensure the footfall flows around the school with minimal crossover with others.

Schools will adopt many different strategies to ensure that the health and safety is first and foremost for the children, and students will notice cleaners even more so than ever, where the smell of cleaning will become the norm. With all pupils from the age of 6 years old, and all teachers and support staff wearing masks at all times, schools will certainly look like alien places.

An additional guideline has been added by ADEK for schools to check and educate pupils about the weight of their school bags, and how they carry them too, & so some The Source

access, and these should be taken as seriously back at home as all the other lessons they have taken in the day, as children have been restricted from playing in the parks or swimming in the pools.

Parents will not be allowed to cross the threshold, and parent-teacher consultations will more likely than not take place over a video call. But what does this all mean for the students? Well, class sizes will inevitably be reduced allowing the teacher more time with each student. With children back in school, there is much I can write about the benefits for their well-being as well as the development of their social skills, albeit with social distancing rules applied. Basic skills such as handwriting have been neglected for nearly 6 months as pupils set about their work on computers, and children have craved to just have a teacher physically in the room to help them. Mums & Dads have done a good job, but there’s nothing like a teacher to explain that ‘complicated’ bit that always pops up!

Children, parents and teachers will be naturally nervous and anxious, and the 30th August will certainly feel like the first day of school for us all as pupils learn new rules; new processes and new procedures, all of which will have to be organic, with changes and tweaks made regularly to make things more efficient; to keep up to date with current thinking; and to ensure the learning of the child remains at the centre of everything we do. Andrew Thomas B.Ed (Hons) M.Phil NPQH Principal Al Ain English Speaking School Al Ain English Speaking School will be open every day, all day, in Full for ALL students on 30th August.

Although Physical Education has been put on hold until further notice, there will still be lessons available online for the students to

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HOW TO DEAL WITH STRESS AS A PARENT AND TURN IT INTO A POSITIVE Words by Aakanksha Tangri, Founder of Re:Set

Being a parent is often said to be the toughest job in the world with immense highs and lows. It’s one role where a person tends to put their responsibilities as a parent before their own needs. In the daily chaos and the running around, it is easy to let your own self-care take a backseat as you navigate school pick-ups and drop offs, play dates, college decisions and, of course, the constant negotiations with your child. Here are some ways to cope with the stressful moments that come your way as a parent and focus on the positives. It takes a village It truly does, and there’s nothing wrong in asking for help. Whether that’s helping your child with an assignment, getting a friend or older sibling to take them to an extracurricular activity, or organizing play dates. This time can allow you to catch up on your to-do list or give you some time to put your feet up. It’s very easy to fall into the parent guilt trap, but learning to ask for help will not only support you, but also show your child that teamwork makes the dream work. Learn from mistakes and forgive yourself We’re often our own harshest critic, and selfdoubt can feel amplified when you’re a parent. It’s easy to beat yourself up over a parenting decision or for packing a last-minute school lunch or even snapping at your child. However, it is important to remember that you’re only human and you are allowed to make mistakes. Mistakes allow us the opportunity to learn and grow. Forgiving yourself isn’t easy, but it’s a step that will help you be kinder to yourself and show your The Source

child that there’s no shame in stumbling. Mindful moments It can be tough to find a few moments of silence as a parent, however, it is important one prioritizes self-care. Only when you are feeling rested and your mental well-being is supported can you be a better parent. Taking an hour out for therapy can help you talk through the tough moments and offer you a safe space. You can also practice breathing and meditation in your car as you wait in line to pick your child up. Taking time to Re:Set can include meeting your friends or treating yourself to your favourite meal. Taking care of your mental health will normalize conversations around the topic and also demonstrate to your child that they can seek help and come to you when they are going through mental health challenges. Involve your child Regardless of their age, there is always something you can do together. If they’re older, they can help you in the kitchen or with vacuuming, the younger ones can assist with folding clothes or even picking up their toys. It will not only inculcate responsibility in them, but they will pick up essential life skills. Getting them to help out will also ease your chore list. Doing certain activities together like cooking will also allow you both an opportunity to bond and turn it into an activity away from the stressors. For more information, please visit resetfest.com or follow up on Instagram: @resetfest and Twitter: @ReSet_Everyday.

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wanting to get out of bed and falling into the depths of depression. While understanding that when a company met economic hardship there really was no other option, she also believed fervently that everyone deserved hope in their life. She intended to reconnect these people to hope even though she had absolutely no idea how to achieve that. So, she simply took a step, just one step, by picking up her phone and sending an SOS message out to anyone in her phone list. She asked everyone to consider what they may be able to offer that might gift these people hope. She then put down the phone and walked away. Within minutes the messages starting flowing in from consultants, coaches, and trainers, offering free-of-charge motivational talks, webinars, techniques. Rania then set up a timetable and infrastructure from which these people could serve.

Is leadership YOUR business? Research of Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner indicates that everyone can be a leader. It’s not about whether you were born or made, but rather leadership is about ‘what you do with what you have’. Let’s dig further into those words: ‘it’s what you do with what you have’. Whether you have an abundance or lack of resources, both can be used or applied. Let’s drill down into the word ‘resources’, as that often is interpreted as purchasable items. Could resources also be ‘ideas’, those little nudges I call life force that pop into your mind when you least expect them? What do you do with those – jump into action (make that call, read that book, speak to that person) to use those ideas or let them fade away and become forgotten? Could resources also be your personality or behavioral preferences. What do you do with those – use them to their fullest allowing them to bring results for your desired outcomes? Could resource also be the dreams that will offer more hope that the reality you currently face? What do you do with those – see them as something to wait for, or opportunities to take steps towards creating their existence?

Was Rania a leader – you bet! She’s an ordinary person who has made a difference to thousands of people, by taking one step into the unknown because it was just unacceptable any other way. Leadership is indeed everyone’s business, offering them to take that first step or not. That’s where choice comes in. What are you choosing right now regarding the struggle, pain or adversity you are facing? Ask yourself: Am I prepared to accept that this adverse situation right now? This question should facilitate some type of emotional response; ‘listen’ for that. Is there something I could be doing right now to change this situation? The question did not suggest you know what to do, or the required action. Does taking no action feel right for me? The question does not judge you, as you remain at choice here.

Let’s take a practical example where success has come from taking the first step, any step into an unknown because you believe in a change, yet have no idea how to make it happen.

Taking that first step will indeed feel like you are walking in the dark, with little to no knowledge of where the first step will lead nor where the second step will follow. And therein lies the magic; we humans do not need to know, but rather need to trust that the steps

Rania desperately watched on as her company colleagues were handed redundancies in waves of 100’s. It was unacceptable to her to see the damage this caused, seeing people no longer The Source

will find their own way. Leaders trust themselves first, and it’s only then that they can be trusting of others. Leaders recognize that great things are only achieved with and through others. If leadership is truly everyone’s business, and everyone was transacting trust each day, what a different world we would be creating, full of creation, happiness and acceptance.

message here? Leadership is indeed the business of everyone, from a small child who brings a parent back to them, to a family store who forged through economic hardship through to a council representative who brought the community back together. None of them had titles yet each of them had a strong desire for change, as their current circumstance was unacceptable. They then took a step into the unknown and by doing so, influenced others to jump into their story with assistance.

Needing to know, needing to be right, needing to be the first are all counter-productive to wanting to serve. When COVID is affecting the community, are you wanting to contribute in the best way you can, when someone loses their job, are you wanting to help that person with their future, when a process is inefficient, are you wanting to make improvements, when a manager’s style is counter-productive to innovation, are you wishing to quietly highlight the impact, when growth and learning is not an option, are you wanting to find new ways to obtain development opportunity, when a country’s traditional practice seems outdated, are you wanting to help to bring that practice into the modern way of life, and the list goes on. Leaders are ordinary people who achieve extraordinary results because they are driven by a desire to change and afterall everyone can feel frustration at times. Yet do you feel a desire to drive a change moreso that keep the frustration alive and nourished?

Nothing in the leadership research cited above hints that leaders should be perfect. Leaders are not saints. They are human beings full of flaws and failings, and make mistakes too. Yet the key is their intention for greater hope and a better world, be that in a household, in the community, in the organization or in the country. They are real people like you and me doing something with whatever it is they have. Does that present any opportunity for you? Debbie Nicol, MD of Dubai-based ‘business en motion’ moves businesses and leaders ahead through change. Specializing in leadership and change, Debbie is a Certified Master Facilitator of The Leadership Challenge leadership methodology, facilitating leadership to be everyone’s business.

If not, what’s holding you back? Great leaders all broke through the barriers and made things happen. Some initially had fear, some faced a lack of expertise, some had bad memories of previous tough discipline. Yet, their passion for change was stronger than the obstacle itself. Are you seeing a

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Environment Agency Abu Dhabi celebrates the first critically endangered Addax born in the wild in Chad The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) announced that the first wild-born Addax calf (Addax nasomaculatus) was born recently in Chad. Within two days of the birth of the first calf another calf was born. Both the newborn calves belong to a group of 15 Addax initially translocated from Abu Dhabi in November 2019 and released into the wild in Chad in January as part of EAD efforts to protect biodiversity locally and internationally. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of EAD said: “This achievement confirms to me the insightful vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in preserving wildlife. Thanks to his wisdom and foresight, many species’ reintroduction programmes have been implemented in the UAE, and following his inspirational approach, EAD has set up a species re-introduction programme by establishing a “World Herd” at the Delaika Wildlife Conservation Centre. His Highness added: “We take great pride in our many achievements in conservation, both locally and internationally. Our breeding and reintroduction programmes have helped to bring the Arabian Oryx (Oryx leucoryx) back from the brink of extinction, and our proven success stories include translocations of Arabian Oryx to Jordan and Oman. In ad-

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dition, our ‘World Herd’ of Scimitar-horned Oryx (Oryx dammah), a species once extinct in the wild, is thriving once again in the desert regions of Chad. This re-introduction programme, which is being implemented in partnership with the Government of Chad is consider one of the world’s largest and most ambitious mammal reintroduction programmes.” H.E. Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, commented: “These births are truly a reason to celebrate as the Addax is one of the rarest mammals on earth and on the verge of extinction in the wild.” “According to an estimate, there are fewer than 100 Addax left in the wild in fragmented populations across their former range, and not much is known about them. Hence this newborn calf is a major milestone and gives renewed hope to a species that desperately needs immediate conservation action to protect the remaining populations in the wild,” added H.E. Dr. Shaikha Al Dhaheri. The Addax is an arid-land antelope that is very well adapted to living in the harsh deserts of the Sahara and they rarely need to drink water to survive. Unfortunately, the Addax’s impressive spiraling horns, meat and hide have been attractive to humans and their population has plummeted over the last century due to the prevalence of poaching which has been exacerbated by ubiquitous four-wheel drive vehicles and pressures from oil extraction activities. These first Addax to be reintroduced to their native habitat in Chad’s Ouadi Rimé-Ouadi Achim Game Reserve are acting as a pilot group and are providing the project team with information about their movements, behavior and ecological requirements as they adapt to their new free-roaming life.

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The Addax are constantly monitored by satellite tracking collars and monitored daily by the local field team who observe their behavior, diet, health, reproduction, survival, habitat use and interactions. All the information that is gathered will help to better understand the species and inform decisions on future reintroduction, conservation and monitoring strategies. The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi translocated another group of 25 Addax along with another 25 Scimitar-horned Oryx at the beginning of March which are in the acclimation pens at the base camp in the reserve. They will be released into the wild after the rains arrive and the environmental conditions are optimal. This Addax reintroduction is part of a renewed partnership agreement with the Government of Chad to continue conserving and reintroducing endangered species to Chad. The major focus of this partnership for the last few years has been

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to reintroduce the extinct-in-the-wild, Scimitar-horned Oryx, and the reintroduced wild population in Chad has now reached 288 animals; there have been 33 calves born so far this year. Both the Scimitar-horned Oryx and Addax are thriving in their new surroundings, thanks to the continuous support of a number of leading global partners, which have shared their valuable expertise in wildlife monitoring, genetic testing and animal husbandry techniques with EAD. Partnerships with Ministry of Environment, Government of Chad, the Sahara Conservation Fund (SCF), the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) and the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, Marwell Wildlife, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, European Union and Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Institute have been key to the success of this ambitious program.

Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi announce winners of the Architecture Competitions for the Abu Dhabi Flamingo Visitor Center in Al Wathba

Reserve and Mega Dunes Ecolodges

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The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) in collaboration with Bee Breeders, the Architecture Competition Organisers, have announced the winners for two main competitions that were launched at the end of last year. The competitions included the design of two major projects: the Abu Dhabi Flamingo Visitor Center in the Al Wathba Wetlands Reserve and the Mega Dunes Ecolodge in the Arabian Oryx Protected Area. The top three winners of the Abu Dhabi Flamingo Visitor Center include: Petr Janda, Anna Podroužková and Kateřina Tšponová from the Czech Republic in first place with a project called To See and Not Be Seen. In second place were Wenqi Huang and Yi Yan from the United States with their project called Incubator. Laurent Herbiet and Giordana Rojas from Mexico with a project called The Dune came in third place. The top three winners of the Mega Dunes Ecolodge competition were: Giuseppe Ricupero, Egidio Cutillo, Stefania Schirò and Enrico Capanni from Italy in first place with a project called Heritage Machine. In second place were Natalia Wrzask and Rolando Rodriguez-Leal from Mexico with a project entitled The Rub’ Al Khali OCULUS. While in third place, the authors were: Ahmad Nouraldeen, Luca Fraccalvieri, Jana Semaan and Lama Barhoumi from Lebanon with their project - Desert Lens. For the Abu Dhabi Flamingo Visitor Center competition, participants were tasked with creating designs for a new visitor centre for the wetland reserve that is in keeping with Al Wathba’s unique environment. The architectural designs for the Abu Dhabi Flamingo Visitor Center involved creating a structure that has the potential to become an iconic landmark among the architecture of Abu Dhabi. In terms of facilities, participants were tasked with developing the information centre, training centre, a small café, utility areas, a car park and a terrace. Additionally, a small display area for different animal species that live within the wetlands reserve was required, especially the Flamingos that the reserve is renowned for. The competition specified that designers could either place all facilities under one roof, or in a series of separate structures. Furthermore, the entire centre had The Source

to be accessible for People of Determination. Participants needed to conceive creative solutions for the construction and operation of the centre with these limitations. Most importantly, the jury were looking for projects that include construction solutions that do not disrupt the sensitive natural environment of the reserve. Winners were selected on the premise that their designs were cost-effective, environmentally responsible and energy-efficient for remote areas with limited road access. This is in addition to the presence of minimal or non-mechanical excavation; that the centre could be operational in all seasons by being resistant to the elements of heat, cold, wind and sand, with natural cooling and ventilation. Moreover, operation of the centre should be low maintenance in terms of both effort and costs. For the Mega Dune Ecolodge architecture competition, participants were encouraged to create sustainable designs for visitor lodges that can be replicated throughout the areas of the Sheikh Zayed Protected Areas Network. Each lodge was required to accommodate guests and provide a degree of comfort in which to view the striking natural landscape, observe the Arabian Oryx up close, and enjoy the desert panoramic views The winners were recognised for designing a sustainable housing unit that is capable of resisting the protected area’s harsh desert environment and for providing a blueprint of each lodge to accommodate two people, a sustainable air cooling system, a small outdoor terrace – all serviced by a power generation unit. Regarding the competitions, Ahmed Al Hashemi, Acting Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector said: “The participation in both these architectural competitions was exceptional. We received 237 design entries for the Flamingo Visitor Centre and 117 designs for the Mega Dunes Ecolodges. Due to the presence of so

many distinguished proposed projects, it was a challenge for the jury to select the final winners. The winning designs were all eco-friendly and aligned with the sustainability needs stipulated by EAD, as part of our vision of establishing green buildings in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.” Al Hashimi indicated: “EAD will work with the participants who have the winning designs to finalize the project designs and prepare them for any future executive work.” Established in 1998, the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve is a nature reserve consisting of both natural and man-made bodies of water located 40 km southeast of central Abu Dhabi. Covering a total of 5 square km, the wetlands are comprised of wetlands, sabkhas (salt flats), fossilized sands and dunes, and are densely packed with animal and plant life. The most spectacular of which is the flamingo population, who flock to the reserve in their thousands to enjoy the warmth during the winter months, with some remaining all year round. The Arabian Oryx Protected Area is home to the largest population of Arabian Oryx in the world. Spanning over 5,900 square kilometers, it is located in the southern region of the UAE, bordering Saudi Arabia and Oman. The majority of the Arabian Oryx Protected Area consists of sand sheets and dunes, with some mega dunes and gravel plains with dwarf shrub vegetation located throughout the area.

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Discover 4 surprising beauty and health benefits of saffron

Saffron is considered one of the most precious spices in the world. It is expensive due to being an extremely labor-intensive crop, each flower has three tiny, threadlike stigmas in the center. These must be removed by hand and carefully toasted to dry and more than 75,000 crocus saffron flowers must be grown, cared for, hand-harvested and processed in order to make one pound of saffron. That being said and apart from being used as a food colouring agent, saffron is well-known for its phenomenal health and beauty benefits and for this reason, it has been incorporated in the Middle Eastern culture over the years. Today, this magical spice still holds a high value as both a spice and alternative home remedy to various health conditions, making it worth the high price tag. Known for its high quality and affordable beauty products, FC Beauty also specialises in manufacturing high grade 100% pure Persian saffron. The Nagin saffron is one of FC Beauty’s best-selling types of saffron and it’s beautifully packaged and reasonably priced compared to other brands in the market. Here are a few of the health and beauty benefits you might not know about saffron: 1-Fights against major health problems. Saffron has many different chemical components. Some of these may help to reduce blood pressure and provide protection against heart disease. It is also high in antioxidants, which help neutralise harmful free damage linked to fatal diseases such as cancer. Not to mention that it can also help treat other health concerns such as asthma, insomnia, depression and intestinal gas. Thus, it’s highly recommended to incorporate saffron in your diet to help boost your immunity system against major health issues. 2- Boosts memory: Saffron contains two chemicals, crocin and crocetin, which researchers believe may help learning and memory function. Thus, it is believed that saffron can help improve your brain function when consumed regularly and prevent brain related diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The Source

3- Can help treat alopecia: Saffron has been proven to be a natural remedy for several hair concerns such as baldness and alopecia. It is advised to apply saffron paste to the affected area for a few months to encourage hair growth and eliminate alopecia. Also, consuming saffron tea on a regular basis can help reduce hair loss and improve its texture over time. 4- Fights against acne: With its amazing anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities, saffron is an ideal ingredient for treating acne and breakouts. It holds medicinal properties which can help in clearing up acne prone skin. The ideal way to use saffron strands for acne is by soaking them in clean water to form a paste and then use on breakouts to clear them. **FC Beauty Nagin saffron is reasonably priced at AED 44 (1.5 grams) and AED 69 (3 grams). FC Beauty saffron isavailable for purchase from Jawaherat.com

Song ‘The Way Home’ Filmed At Dubai Opera Featuring International Artists And Future Rising Stars Shot on the city’s most iconic stage - Dubai Opera - the music video for ‘The Way Home’ is produced by Sisters Grimm, written by Grammy nominated Composer Ella Spira and features vocals from DB Gad, Arqam Al Abri, Madyan Hamsa and Layla Kardan. Releasing the 7th September, the new song is sung in Arabic and English and the music video tells the story of perseverance and strength against adversity. It is a story about an individual pouring their heart and passion into something they love, the ups and downs of committing to your idea and the feeling you get from accomplishing your goal. Sisters Grimm brings people together and makes them feel connected and we want audiences to have a sense of ‘home’ and belonging at their shows. The video narrative for ‘The Way Home’ shows a glimpse of the behind the scenes and journey of the collective disciplines that make up the Sisters Grimm shows, including a theatrical and entertaining insight into the work of both the artists and the producers, starting from rehearsals at the studios through to the final show-stopping performance. This culturally compelling song is an introduction to Sisters Grimm’s quest to seek out rising stars in the Middle East who will receive unparalleled tuition and insight from the founders Ella and Pietra and the opportunity to feature in future productions and practice with the top international talent.

To apply to be considered for the Sisters Grimm rising star search please contact auditions@sisters-grimm.co.uk

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Participants from 46 different countries to line up for DXB Snow Run at Ski Dubai When the DXB Snow Run takes place at Ski Dubai in the Mall of the Emirates this Friday morning, a total of 46 nations will be represented at the start line with a big number of the participants being Emiratis and tourists. Open to men and women aged 18-62 years, the 3km DXB Snow Run is a part of the ‘DXB Snow Week’ and is being organised by Dubai Sports Council in cooperation with Ski Dubai. The Run will take place on August 14, with the first group starting the race at 6.30am and the final group at 8.30am. On August 15, day two of DXB Snow Week, participants will have the opportunity to take part in ski and snowboard competitions. Billed as the “Return to Safe Sport” competition, the ski and snowboard event is open to all competent racers, freestyle skiers and snowboarders, and competitions will take place in four disciplines Slalom Skiing, Giant Slalom, Slopestyle and Big Air. The competition will be adjudicated by a panel of freestyle judges and competitors will get the chance to win medals as well as a host of prizes. The DXB Snow Week will be one of the first The Source

snow sports competition in the world to be held with social distancing measures in place. Ski Dubai is exceeding recommended health and safety guidelines for the event and has implemented an all-encompassing sanitisation and physical distancing plan to ensure that guests can enjoy a comfortable experience with added peace of mind. Dubai Sports Council have also released a number of videos on their social media channels, educating and informing DXB Snow Run participants about the arrangements in place at the Mall of the Emirates for race day and the gear they should be wearing for the Run, which will be held in temperatures below -4C. The winter and snow sports sector is the third segment to be opened for competition by Dubai Sports Council following weeks of closure due to COVID-19 pandemic. The marine sports sector was the first to open for competition in Dubai with Dubai Offshore Sailing Club’s Summer Series taking place on June 19. The following weekend, Dubai International Marine Club organised a “Dubai Watersports Summer Week” in cooperation with Dubai Sports Council, and six different competitions were part of the event. Last month, Dubai Sports Council opened the doors for beach sports with the “Beach Sports Week” at Kite Beach, which witnessed competition in five different tournaments involving four sports - FootVolley, Beach Volleyball, Beach Tennis and AirBadminton. The Council has used these events to honour heroes who were at the frontline of Dubai’s fight against COVID-19, by presenting commemorative medals that celebrates their efforts to the winners and participants. The medals pay homage to the selfless service of Dubai Police and Dubai Civil Defence through the COVID-19 crisis, alongside the staff of Dubai Health Authority, and the First Responders of Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services. Together, they were at the forefront of Dubai’s fight to contain the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic, alongside volunteers from different segments of Dubai’s diverse community. 27

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Deliveroo has just launched in Al-Ain! has a thriving community with a lot of demand and many of our current partners have a strong existing presence in the city. We look forward to working with our current and new restaurant partners to expand their businesses.”

On the 12th of August, Deliveroo will launch in Al-Ain which will mark its expansion into the fourth city in the UAE. To celebrate its Al-Ain launch, Deliveroo is offering free delivery to all customers across the city from a selection of nearly 100 restaurants. Al-Ain marks Deliveroo’s fourth launch in the UAE and fifth in the MENA region overall after the highly successful launch of the platform in Kuwait in early 2019 and Abu Dhabi late 2016.

2020 also marks 5 years since Deliveroo entered the region. Restaurants launching on Deliveroo in Al-Ain include Starbucks, Shake Shack, PF Changs, Pizza Express, Chili’s, Nandos, Jones The Grocer, VOX Cinemas, Biryani Pot, Arabica, and Brooklyn Creamery amongst others.

Europe’s fastest-growing startup, Deliveroo currently works with 80,000 restaurants and 60,000 riders around the world, bringing breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between straight to customers’ doors, desks or sun lounger.

Areas for delivery include Zakhir ,Falaj Hazzaa, Al Mas’oudi, Al Nayfa, Al Sarouj, Ain Al Fayda, Al Jimi, Al Dhahir, Ghonima, Al Rawdah Al Sharqiyah, Manasir, Jabel Hafeet, Al Markhaniyyah, Asharij, Al Bateen, Al Salamat, Mezyad, Um Ghafah, Khatm Al Shikla, Al Maqam, Ni’mah, Al Mutaw’ah, Al Khaldiya.

Anis Harb, GM, Deliveroo GCC said, “The UAE has proven to be a very exciting market for Deliveroo, with a diverse range of partners and customers across markets. Al-Ain

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A DAY PASS AT THE PALACE

Relax and unwind at your favourite spot along our pristine, 1.3km private beach and let the spirit of the Arabian Sea and five-star Palace service refresh you. The Beach Club opens from 7:00am until Sunset. When: Sunday to Thursday AED 295* per adult, including AED 100 F&B credit. AED 150* per child, including AED 50 F&B credit. For more information or reservations, please call +971 (0) 2 690 7311 or email beachclub@emiratespalace.ae

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Art Meets Science: Louvre Abu Dhabi Joins J. Paul Getty Museum in Investigating Ancient Panel Paintings Louvre Abu Dhabi announced its participation in a global research project with the J. Paul Getty Museum and 47 other institutions to investigate Romano-Egyptian funerary portraits, considered to be some of the most spectacular artworks from the ancient world. Launched in 2013 by the Getty Museum’s Department of Antiquities Conservation, the APPEAR (Ancient Panel Paintings: Examination, Analysis and Research) project aims to analyse and share the secrets of these f u n e ra r y portraits, found in the collections of several major international museums. The objective of APPEAR is to expand the knowledge and critical understanding of the methods and materials used to create these paintings. Louvre Abu Dhabi joined the APPEAR project in 2019 to analyse the artwork Funerary Portrait of a Man with a Cup (225–50 CE), a prime example of a Romano-Egyptian funerary portrait in the museum’s collection. Created as portraits of the deceased, these artefacts meld artistic methods and styles of the Greco-Roman period with the 2,000-year old Egyptian funerary tradition.

Noujaim, Scientific, Curatorial and Collections Management Director at Louvre Abu Dhabi. “It is an exciting and inspiring opportunity for the UAE to be a part of this global initiative of exchanging discoveries on some of the world’s most renowned antique artefacts. As one of many research and conservation projects we are working on, APPEAR speaks to the museum’s larger mission to be a platform for experimentation, and to offer significant academic insights into the artworks that have defined humanity.” APPEAR follows several scientific processes. At Louvre Abu Dhabi for instance an X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer has been used to detect and identify most of the chemical elements that lie on the painting’s surface. This data is then analysed to discover new information on funerary portraits, including how they were made, where they originated and who might have created them. The findings also shed light on the journey of the Funerary Portrait of a Man with a Cup throughout time by revealing sections that may have been painted over or restored as the artwork was handed down.

The project is led by a team of researchers and scientists from Louvre Abu Dhabi with the support of NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD). Louvre Abu Dhabi is in the process of building its first labora“APPEAR is one of Louvre Abu Dha- tory of material analysis on artebi’s most significant collaborations to facts. For APPEAR, the museum’s date. Through this project, we seek scientists, Elsa Bourguignon and to encourage scholarly studies, as Pablo Londero, collaborated with well as contribute to international colleagues from NYUAD, Francacademic research,” said Dr. Souraya esco Arneodo, Professor of PhysThe Source

ics, and co-Director of the NYUAD Dhakira Center for Heritage Studies, Adriano di Giovanni, Research Scientist, and Rodrigo Torres Saavedra, Research Assistant. These scientists assisted with conducting the research and analysis for APPEAR using NYUAD’s portable XRF spectrometer. “NYU Abu Dhabi is a liberal arts college and a research institution, where we highly value interdisciplinarity. Our application of techniques common in atomic and molecular physics to answer questions in the cultural heritage domain is a perfect example of what we love to do,” said Arneodo. “The collaboration with Louvre Abu Dhabi on the APPEAR project is a wonderful opportunity and an example of how universities and museums can work together to answer questions and open opportunities for researchers and students.” Following the completion of the analysis of Funerary Portrait of a Man with a Cup, the results will be added to the APPEAR online database that is made available to other scientists and researchers. The first results of the findings will be published at the end of 2020. APPEAR Participating Institutions The APPEAR project participating institutions include Allard Pierson Museum; Amsterdam Antikensammlung, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin; Art Institute of Chicago; Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology, Oxford; British Museum, London; Brooklyn Museum of Art; Cantor Arts Center, Stanford, CA; Cleveland Mu-

seum of Art; Detroit Institute of Arts; The Fitzwilliam, Cambridge, UK; Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge, MA; The J. Paul Getty Museum/Getty Conservation Institute, Los Angeles; Johns Hopkins Archaeological Museum, Baltimore; Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, Ann Arbor, MI; Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna; Los Angeles County Museum of Art; Louvre Abu Dhabi; Manchester Museum, UK; The Menil Collection, Houston; The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; Michael C. Carlos Museum, Atlanta; Musée du Louvre, Paris; Museo Egizio, Turin; Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe Hamburg; Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest; The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; National Archaeological Museum, Athens, Greece; National Gallery London; National Museum in Warsaw; The National Museum of Denmark, Copenhagen; The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO; Nicholson Museum, Sydney University Museums; Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena; Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen; The Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago; The Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology, London; Phoebe A. Hearst Museum of Anthropology, Berkeley; Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, San Jose; Rhode Island School of Design Museum, Providence; San Antonio Museum of Art; Santa Barbara Museum of Art; The State Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, Moscow; University of Georgia (Lamar Dodd School of Art), Athens; University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Philadelphia; The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore and Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven, CT.

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Ferrari World Abu Dhabi welcomes adults at kids’ price until September 30 Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the World’s Leading Theme Park, has launched an exclusive offer for adults to unleash their inner child at the iconic theme park for an adults at kids’ price of AED230. Launching at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi for the very first time, the offer will be in place until September 30, 2020.

also enjoy the back-to-back thrills in style with the theme park’s Ferrari-themed push cars and even a Ferrari-branded retail line designed to enhance the guest experience. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi has implemented safety measures throughout the Park including mandatory online booking to ensure that the limited capacity of 30% is adhered to, thermal screening cameras, safe distance markers at all rides and outlets, modified ride capacity and modified dining and shopping experiences.

With Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’s new offer, families and friends of all ages can enjoy the theme park’s fun-filled rides, including the recently launched Family Zone’s rides and attractions. The state-ofthe-art Family Zone includes four family-friendly rides, Formula Rossa Junior, Speedway Race, Flying Wings and Turbo Tower; modelled after the thrilling, record-breaking attractions at the theme park.

The Park encourages guests to play their part in these safety measures by wearing facemasks at all times, sanitizing hands regularly and choosing contactless payment at all outlets. Guest services attendants will be stationed throughout the park to assist guests and answer any questions.

After experiencing unforgettable thrills, the family-friendly adventures continue with a Ferrari-inspired meal for both adults and younger guests as they dig into Mamma Rossella’s delicious fare including a variety of freshly prepared dishes as part of the authentic Italian dining experience in addition to a brand-new kids’ menu. Younger guests can

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For more information about Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’s offers and to purchase tickets, please visit: https://www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com/en/offers.

Celebrate National I Love My Feet Day (US) and buy those shoes! Did you know 17th August is National I Love My Feet Day? That’s right! This day serves as a great reminder to appreciate how valuable our feet are and gives us a great reason to pamper our feet. Taking care of our feet is important for preventing long-term problems, and that includes finding the right shoes. That said, comfortable footwear does not have to be boring. Max Fashion experts offer ideas for trendy footwear to keep your kicks in vibe with the rest of your outfit, from smart wear to fitness gear. So what are you waiting for? We have given you the perfect excuse to go and buy those new shoes! Textured slip-on sports shoes: Pick a classy pair of sports shoes for your collection of active footwear as it is designed to impress. The laceup style adds to the charm while the padded shoe lining promises relaxed fit, men’s start at AED60. Sandal heels: Easy to wear, this pair of lightweight and elegant heeled sandals come in both metallic gold and neutral beige. The smooth crisscross straps encase the foot in place for a comfortable fit. Pick up a pair for only AED29. Classic ballet pumps: Great for every day wear or for slipping in the handbag for when the high heels become too uncomfortable later in the evening. Build a collection in neutrals and black to ensure there’s a pair in the wardrobe to go with any outfit. Max Fashion has a range of ballet pump styles on offer at only AED29. Glamorous woven flats and mesh sliders: Grab a pair of woven open-toe flats in metallic bronze or gold to jazz up a day dress, or look for mesh sliders in gold or black to add some sparkle to a pool day. Available at Max for as little as AED29. To browse and shop a wide range of footwear, log on to www.maxfashion.com

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Yas Island launches summer ‘Stay and Play’ packages promising fun like nowhere else

Dhabi, combined with a round of golf for two at Yas Links. There is also the option of adding a visit to the esteemed Qasr Al Hosn museum. Package: ‘Stay and Play’ theme park package Offer: One, Two or Three-night stay with hotels and access of up to three theme parks Pax: Based on two people sharing Price: Prices for a 1 Night Hotel stay with 1 Park Access start from AED 325.25 per person sharing in double/twin room and based on a 3 star Yas Island hotel*. Terms and conditions apply** Prices for 2 Nights Hotel stay with 2 Parks Access start from AED 650.50 per person sharing in double/twin room and based on a 3 star Yas Island hotel*. Terms and conditions apply** Prices for 3 Nights Hotel stay with 3 Parks Access start from AED 756.75 per person sharing in double/twin room and based on a 3 star Yas Island hotel*. Terms and conditions apply** Valid to: 30 December 2020 T&Cs: For cancellation requests made 24 hours before check-in, a full refund will be issued. For cancellation requests made in less than 24 hours before check-in, or in case of no show, 100% of the applicable rate will be charged. Additional penalties may apply as per the hotels policies and regulations. **for full terms and conditions visit www. yasisland.ae Booking: www.yasisland.ae

Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s premier leisure and entertainment destination, is offering a selection of summer staycation packages for UAE residents and visitors, promising fun like nowhere else, in all Yas Island hotels and a selection of Abu Dhabi hotels. Celebrating the full re-opening of the destination, which is home to record-breaking theme parks and attractions such as Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros™ World Abu Dhabi, and CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi, Yas Island is ecstatic to welcome back visitors #TogetheratYas. #TogetheratYas also marks the long-awaited return of shared physical experiences, albeit at a distance, demonstrated in the launch of a compelling video to highlight how Yas Island is proudly and responsibly open for fun. For big and little kids, the ‘Stay and Play’ packages combine one, two, three-night stays or more across 20 Abu Dhabi hotels with theme park tickets, including Centro Yas Island, W Hotel Abu Dhabi, Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi, and Khalidiya Palace Abu Dhabi. There are also optional add-ons to visit some of Abu Dhabi’s most exciting attractions including Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Hosn Abu Dhabi and Yas Marina Circuit. For golf lovers, the ‘Stay and Play’ packages include a one-night stay at eight Yas Island and Abu Dhabi hotels, including Rotana Yas Island and The Westin Abu The Source

Package: ‘Stay and Play’ golf package Offer: One night stay with hotels and access to one round of Golf at Yas Links Pax: Based on two people sharing Price: Prices for 1 Night Hotel stay with 34

access to one round of Golf start from AED 480.00 per person sharing in double/twin room and based on low season rates of hotels based in Abu Dhabi*. Terms and conditions apply** Valid to: 14th September 2021 T&Cs: For cancellation requests made 24 hours before check-in, a full refund will be issued. For cancellation requests made in less than 24 hours before check-in, or in case of no show, 100% of the applicable rate will be charged. Additional penalties may apply as per the hotels policies and regulations.

**for full terms and conditions visit www.yasisland.ae Booking: www.yasisland.ae

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PRIVATE HOTEL FLOOR + PRIVATE CINEMA = THE ULTIMATE MOVIE STAYCATION AT ROVE HOTELS

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Rove is going to make you an offer you can’t refuse: Stay the night with friends and watch the latest blockbusters from the comfort of your own private cinema, along with your own private hotel floor. This blockbuster offer features 10 Rover rooms with breakfast included, a private movie screening of your choice, popcorn and soft drinks, for just AED 2,999. A private cinema and your very own private floor? For #Reel? That’s exactly what Rove Hotels has in store for Rovers (guests) this August and September at Rove Downtown, with the Ultimate Movie Staycation offer – the perfect excuse for popcorn and chill. Round up the usual suspects for a stay at Rove Downtown and watch the latest blockbusters from the comfort of your own private cinema, The Reel Boutique. Your booking is inclusive of 10 Rover Rooms with breakfast included, a private movie screening from the Reel Cinema’s catalogue, popcorn, and soft drinks – all for just AED 2,999 inclusive of taxes and fees. This offer is valid for up to 20 Rovers, with additional rooms available at AED 195 per night. Furthermore, for an extra charge you can enjoy a selection of brews, grapes and cocktails from the comfort of your cinema seat. Here’s How it Works: Book your Ultimate Movie Staycation via: Email on: events@rovehotels.com Or Phone on +971 4 561 9099 Upon booking, a member of the Rove team will be in touch to confirm your movie choice and times. You’ll be able to choose from Reel Cinemas’ latest movie releases. Bookings will need to be made at least seven days in advance of your stay.

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Abu Dhabi Culinary Season’s Chef’s Table returns with month-long limited edition ‘Travel Through Food’ menus The mouth-watering and highly anticipated Chef’s Table dining events are back on the menu for the emirate’s food fans, as the Abu Dhabi Culinary Season offering returns to the UAE capital for a special, month-long themed campaign starting from August 1st, 2020. It will be the first of five similar activations launched by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) to be rolled out over the next 12 months. The upcoming Chef’s Table theme will be ‘Travel Through Food’, with the special, travel-themed events taking guests on a gastronomical journey through five sumptuous courses carefully curated by 11 of Abu Dhabi’s best chefs, each showcasing the cuisine of their restaurants and drawing on inspiration from across their lives and careers.

Participating restaurants for the first instalment of the Chef’s Table series includes Middle Eastern restaurant TEAN at Jumeirah Saadiyat Island Resort, L.A favourite BOA Steakhouse, set on the tranquil Eastern Mangroves Promenade, the jewels of Italian and French cuisine at Cipriani and Fouquet’s, Cantonese-inspired street food at Dai Pai Dong, Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Japanese flair at Aja Asian & Teppenyaki at Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, Peruvian cuisine at COYA Abu Dhabi, Asian flavours at Sontaya, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, modern Indian cuisine at Punjab Grill, sensational steaks at The Forge, Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal, and a European excursion at Market Kitchen in Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi.

During the month of August, various gastronomic ‘destinations’ will be represented, including India, Peru, Italy, Japan, the Middle East, France and other and European cuisines.

Part of a wider seasonal initiative to encourage UAE foodies to explore a world of diverse culinary experiences in the safe and secure surroundings of Abu Dhabi this summer, the Chef’s Table series is one of several activations which are set to transform the Abu Dhabi Culinary Season event into a year-round programme of F&B experiences.

One participating outlet will be Indian restaurant Punjab Grill, where Brand Executive Chef Sandeep Ail is excited by the ‘Travel Through Food’ theme.

In addition to Chef’s Table, Abu Dhabi Culinary Season will also feature an expansive roster of ‘Dine & Stay’ packages at top h o tels

“This Chef’s Table theme ‘Travel Through Food’ lends itself beautifully to the diversity of Indian cuisine, where 28 states boast their own cooking flourishes, making every bite an adventure for the hungry traveller,” said Ail, whose outlet is famed for traditional flavours fused with modern cooking techniques to deliver memorable dishes such as Bengali Coconut Prawns, spicy Malvani Duck Breast and Farmfresh Buratta Salad. “Whilst nothing can replace the cool breeze on the Cote d’Azur, Fouquet’s menu has been passionately curated to transport food connoisseurs right to the heart of the iconic destination,” said Balveer Balkissoon, Executive Chef of Louvre Abu Dhabi’s highly regarded restaurant. “I truly believe the secret ingredient behind every dish on the menu is my passion for cooking French cuisine.” The Source

across the emirate, from luxurious beach stays to modern city breaks and even desert retreats. There will also be discounted menus on offer, covering all budgets, which will be run in partnership with Zomato. There will also be Big Brekkie Adventures, which will highlight the vast array of international breakfasts available in the UAE capital. M e n us for the Chef’s Table s e ries will have both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options and will be priced at AED 350 for 5 courses. Other instalments in the series, which is being run in collab-

oration with Dining and Nightlife Middle East, will include September’s ‘An Emirati Twist’, which is expected to encourage locals, expats and tourists alike to connect with the rich history of the UAE. To find out more, please visit: https://www.adculinaryseason.ae.

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Al Ain Zoo re-open Al Ain safari and giraffes feeding experience Al Ain Zoo has re-opened many experiences in the Zoo, like the giraffes feeding experience and Al Ain Safari the largest man-made safari in the world, with a commitment to implement preventive measures to limit the spread of the emerging corona virus (Covid-19). The zoo offers many educational and entertainment experiences for all family members, one of the most enjoyable experience is the giraffes feeding, where the visitor can live an exciting moment while listening to the giraffes’ keepers stories about the zoo’s efforts in protecting wildlife.

open, the zoo recommends that visitors take advantage of the electronic ticket-booking option as a part of implementing the precautionary measures. Al Ain Zoo seeks to provide a variety of experiences for families and visitors of all ages, who wish to discover wildlife in the open air, the zoo hosts 4000 animals in an environment identical to their original habitats while adhering to intense safety measures to provide an opportunity for an integrated entertainment experience with distinguished educational value.

On the other hand, Al Ain Safari offers its visitors a thrilling exploration experience amid the African wildlife surrounded by diverse animals that roam the vast spaces freely and without restrictions. All safari vehicles are equipped with the highest safety standards and precautionary measures through plastic insulators and sterilization process between rides to ensure a beautiful and exciting experience. The zoo will operate on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, from 3 to 9 pm. Visitors can book their tickets and view the experiences available through the website and smart phone application of the Al Ain Zoo, and though two ticket windows will be

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Al Ain Zoo Celebrates World Lion Day Al Ain Zoo celebrates World Lion Day, which falls on August 10 of each year, to educate the public about the importance of lions and the threats they face in the wild. These threats have made the lion an endangered species with the risk of extinction, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

farms because this poses a risk to individuals and animals, as it requires special care and great effort to provide their basic requirements and well-being. All the African lions hosted by the zoo are registered in the European Studbook and Breeding Programs to ensure that the Al Ain Zoo contributes to the conservation of endangered species and supports global efforts in this context. This support is offered through animal exchange programs, strengthening their genetic assets and enhancing community awareness of their importance and programs. Conservation is carried out by specialized institutions around the world to save this species from extinction. Through its partnership with Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya, Al Ain Zoo is supporting important conservation and research activities for African lions, including diet analysis and radio tracking.

Today, Al Ain Zoo hosts twenty-five African lions. Most of them were bred in captivity, and some are animals that were kept as pets illegally and were confiscated from or unwanted by their owners. The zoo provides special daily care to them by providing adequate food, annual vaccination and comprehensive health care. Al Ain Zoo has provided environmental, behavioral, nutritional and social enrichment programs, which have had a positive impact on the sensory and cognitive environment of the lions. It has also developed exhibits of lions with international standards that mimic their natural environments and adhere to public safety standards, while providing the public with the opportunity to get to know lions and watch them live their normal daily lives.

The zoo includes a variety of wild animals that belong to various species and environments. Of the nearly 4000 animals and 204 species, 30% are endangered and many live in fragile environments that are exposed to many factors that threaten their survival and the continuation of their species. The programs for the reproduction, conservation and protection of nature for various species of animals are important and a key role of the modern zoo.

Through interactive public programs and Keeper talks, the Zoo focusses on spreading knowledge of these unique animals and the threats to their well-being in the confined natural environments in which they live. Threats such as persecution and habitat loss have led to a significant decrease in their numbers in the wild. The zoo also focuses on educating visitors and society about the need to not keep these animals as pets in homes and

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Al Ain Zoo Protects the White Bengal Tiger in Cooperation with Strategic Partnership The Al Ain Zoo participates in a number of global programs that aim to protect threatened species, including the Bengal tiger, which is endangered under the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s classification system. Currently, only about 3,800 of these tigers remain in the wild. The Al Ain Zoo received its first Bengal tiger in 1996 and began providing care, running protection programs, and acting as an ambassador for the tigers. The zoo currently has two white male tigers. As all white tigers have disappeared from the wild, many zoos worldwide are seeking to protect and conserve these tigers in captivity. To celebrate International Tiger Day on July 29, 2020, Al Ain Zoo is highlighting its global efforts to protect the white Bengal tiger through educating the community about the importance of these tigers and the threats they face, which have decreased their numbers in the wild to the point of extinction. The Al Ain Zoo participates with strategic partners and international organizations to implement breeding programs that seek to increase this species, improve their genetic origins, and support research and field conservation programs. In this context, the Al Ain Zoo has joined the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) and has since played an important and active role in the breeding process through breeding programs, genealogical records, information exchange, and research.

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The Source Magazine UAE Issue 214

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