Abu Dhabi – being awarded the ‘Bike City’ label – is a new global recognition added to the UAE’s sporting achievements in various fields…reports Asian Lite News
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has said that the capital, Abu Dhabi – being awarded the ‘Bike City’ label – is a new global recognition added to the UAE’s sporting achievements in various fields.
While expressing his happiness with this achievement, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed stated, “Our top priorities are to promote sport and wellness, ensuring society can safely and conveniently lead a healthier lifestyle.”
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed congratulated those responsible for this achievement and all fans of cycling in the country, which, he said, contributes to strengthening the stature of the UAE in this sport and other various sports.
Also present were H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation; H.H. Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Member of Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office; Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development and Member of the Executive Council; along with Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.
Abu Dhabi is the 20th city that came among the most prominent global destinations in cycling that won this prestigious world title. The Union Cycliste Internationale granting this title to Abu Dhabi is an affirmation of its long-term commitment to the Union’s strategy in providing opportunities to practice this sport for all and also in appreciation to the emirate’s role in this field.
The competition aimed to encourage creativity and offer hope and inspiration for children in lockdown during the spring of 2020, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic…reports Asian Lite News
Harini Ponna, aged 10, has been crowned Middle East Regional winner in the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Young Designer competition.
RRMC x Harini Ponna
“We are delighted to announce that Harini is the winner for the Middle East in the Rolls-Royce Young Designer Competition. She showed remarkable imagination through her design. We congratulate Harini on her amazing achievement, and every Young Designer who entered the competition for their inventiveness, hard work and creativity.”
CESAR HABIB, REGIONAL DIRECTOR MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA, ROLLS ROYCE MOTOR CARS:“We are very proud to present this prize to Harini, who shows artistic promise at such a young age. Her work showed creativity and innovation, and captured the spirit of the competition.”
Remy Hussein, Customer Relationship Manager, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Abu Dhabi
Launched in April 2020, the competition was devised to provide a creative outlet for children aged 16 and under confined by Covid-19 lockdown restrictions. An instant success, it attracted more than 5,000 entries from over 80 countries.
Harini’s winning design was inspired by fan seashell. Her visionary motor car is able to transform itself to travel across land and sea. According to her parents, she completed her design at the first attempt, taking 10 days to bring her unique vision to life.
Accompanied by her parents, Harini was chauffeur-driven in a Rolls-Royce Ghost to Abu Dhabi Motors, the authorised dealer for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. There, César Habib handed over a hand-signed certificate by Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, as an appreciation of her achievement.
The ‘City of Music’ designation will reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as the home of a resilient and growing music ecosystem…reports Asian Lite News
Abu Dhabi has been officially designated as a ‘City of Music’ by the UNESCO Creative City Network.
The designation was announced on 8th November by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s Creative City Network, an initiative launched in 2004 to promote cooperation among cities which recognise creativity as a major factor in their sustainable urban development plans.
Abu Dhabi Named ‘City of Music’ by UNESCO
Abu Dhabi has long prioritised culture and creativity as essential drivers of social development and economic diversification, constantly fostering meaningful forms of expression and identity that embody and shape people-centered, sustainable development. Music is one of the culture and creative industries domains which has seen significant levels of support. The UAE capital has always been at the crossroads of the Arab world, Asia, Africa, and Europe, and this legacy of openness and cultural exchange supports the vision to grow a music sector fostering inclusion and identity across communities and generations.
The ‘City of Music’ designation will reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as the home of a resilient and growing music ecosystem that is built on innovation, collaboration, and shared governance. The emirate now sits alongside cities such as Liverpool in the UK, Auckland in New Zealand, Sevilla in Spain and Chennai in India as focal points for music creativity as drivers of sustainable development plans.
Abu Dhabi Named ‘City of Music’ by UNESCO
Abu Dhabi has a rich heritage in traditional music and performance, and a thriving contemporary music scene. Today, the emirate is home to some 200 nationalities, each with their own culture and diverse forms of musical expression. Abu Dhabi’s five-year cultural strategy, implemented by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), aims to draw more attention to this musical diversity, to utilise music in public spaces to enhance liveability and sense of place, as well as to find ways of leveraging music as a tool for connecting older and younger generations.
“From traditional sung poetry performances and ancient instruments to our modern music scene, Abu Dhabi has a unique musical legacy. We celebrate our past while remaining open to new sources and genres of musical expression, fusing the traditional and the contemporary to bridge cultures and generations. By highlighting and nurturing the incredible depth of music diversity and talent in the emirate today, we are ensuring that music remains a fundamental element in the cultural life of the Abu Dhabi community,” said Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi.
“Abu Dhabi is a culturally diverse, globally minded city, a place where policies and cultural initiatives ensure that creativity and culture drive sustainable urban development. We are thrilled to have our efforts recognised by the UNESCO Creative City Network, and hope that Abu Dhabi’s status as a ‘City of Music’ will serve to further contribute to a superior quality of life in the emirate.”
Torchbearers of the Abu Dhabi music scene include Bait Al Oud, a homegrown academy which plays an essential role in documenting and promoting Arab music heritage, and Abu Dhabi Classics, the annual concert series paying tribute to classical music. Alongside the important music programmes of the Cultural Foundation are those of Abu Dhabi’s many cultural organisations such as the longstanding Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF), which among its many activities supports aspiring talents and musicians and hosts a renowned yearly music festival, a mainstay of the emirate’s cultural calendar.
Abu Dhabi Named ‘City of Music’ by UNESCO
Berklee Abu Dhabi, the Middle East’s preeminent institute of contemporary music and performing arts, and New York University Abu Dhabi’s Arts Center and Music Programme, have both been leveraging the accelerating popularity of local and regional music – the fastest growing segment of the global music industry – through the production and commissioning of new talent.
With the UNESCO Creative City Network designation, Abu Dhabi joins the nearly 250 cities around the globe which currently work together towards a common objective: placing creativity and the culture and creative industries at the heart of their development plans and cooperating actively with key players from the music industry across the world.
The designation as a UNESCO City of Music will allow Abu Dhabi to continue its cultural mission of expanding the music sector as part of the commitment to grow the culture and creative industries, which is a cultural and economic priority for Abu Dhabi. This includes contributing to job creation and economic diversification, supporting the development of the local music scene and recording industry, and increasing music contribution to the film, television, and gaming sectors.
The UAE capital continues to strengthen its position on the global tourism map…reports Asian Lite News
Abu Dhabi has been awarded four prestigious accolades at the 28th annual World Travel Awards in recognition of the emirate’s efforts to establish itself as a leading global tourist destination.
Considered to be the highest awards in the field of tourism, the accolades reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the international travel and tourism industry, with travel industry professionals, media, and consumers casting votes for what they consider the best in the travel industry globally.
Through the efforts of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) along with strategic partnerships with a number of entities, the UAE capital continues to strengthen its position on the global tourism map.
With the appetite for travel to Abu Dhabi stronger than ever, the diversity of the tourism proposition in the emirate contributed to it securing awards for ‘Middle East’s Leading Business Travel Destination 2021’, ‘Middle East’s Leading Marketing Campaign 2021’, ‘Middle East’s Leading Sports Tourism Destination 2021’ and ‘Middle East’s Leading Wedding Destination 2021’.
The ‘Middle East’s Leading Business Travel Destination 2021’ recognises Abu Dhabi for playing host to a vast range of world-class, global business events, providing guests with the opportunity to network with notable personalities from all over the world.
The second award, ‘Middle East’s Leading Marketing Campaign 2021’ is a result of the engaging and impressive ‘It’s Always Summer in Abu Dhabi’ campaign that offered a series of thrilling activities and unmissable events to keep residents and visitors entertained.
The third award, ‘Middle East’s Leading Sports Tourism Destination 2021’ is a prestigious accolade secured due to it being a premium destination and celebrates Abu Dhabi’s hosting of the world’s top sporting events, including the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the Mubadala World Tennis Championship and UFC Fight Island events amongst others.
The fourth award, ‘Middle East’s Leading Wedding Destination 2021’ recognises Abu Dhabi’s beautiful locations and unparalleled hospitality, making it the top choice for individuals ‘tying the knot’.
Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, Executive Director of Tourism and Marketing at DCT Abu Dhabi, said, “Abu Dhabi is home to the most important international events and with its vast array of offerings, has focussed on enriching the visitor’s experience even during the height of the pandemic. Under the strong leadership and guidance of DCT Abu Dhabi, the emirate continues to enhance its tourism offerings and consolidate its position on the global tourism map.”
The city also saw spectacular fireworks displays in the backdrop of the world’s largest and tallest observation wheel, Ain Dubai, which was inaugurated last month, and also at other iconic spots including Burj Khalifa…reports Asian Lite News
Dubai led the annual Diwali celebrations in UAE along with the Indian communities with colourful events to mark the Festival of Lights.
The city came alive with a series of spectacular displays at the iconic Burj Khalifa accompanied by Dubai fountain show; a tailor-made show at Expo 2020’s Al Wasl Plaza and Diwali-focussed performances as well as shows at Global Village, the Khaleej Times reported.
Dubai
The city also saw spectacular fireworks displays in the backdrop of the world’s largest observation wheel, Ain Dubai, and also at Dubai Festival City.
Supermarkets, restaurants and residential communities glittered with lamps and festive lights to mark the occasion.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, shared Diwali greetings on Friday.
Sheikh Mohamed greeted all those celebrating Diwali in the UAE and across the world.
In a tweet on his official handle, Sheikh Mohamed said: “Our nation congratulates all those celebrating Diwali, the festival of lights, both in the UAE and across the world. We wish them continued peace, prosperity and good health.”
Meanwhile, Expo 2020 Dubai also offered a colourful bouquet of more than a dozen events for visitors in the run up to and on Diwali.
Al Wasl Plaza at Expo 2020 Dubai mesmerised viewers with special Diwali-inspired projections inside its large 360-degree projection surface on Thursday, the Diwali night. Parallel performances by several bands and musical troupes at the Jubilee Stage and the Millennium Amphitheatre made the occasion memorable.
Several of the events were available for global viewing through Expo 2020 Dubai platforms and will be picked up by television and digital media worldwide through the courtesy of Expo Media Services. Diwali, India’s biggest festival, is celebrated nationwide and among the Indian diaspora in the Gulf and elsewhere.
The celebrations kicked off two nights prior, on 2nd November, at Expo 2020 Dubai’s Millennium Amphitheatre with a performance by “Rooh”, a Dubai-based band. Rooh fuses music across three languages – Arabic, English and Hindi. The band has won numerous awards, including the Best Asian Band by Masala Awards.
There were also live events and performances at multiple venues to mark Dhanteras, considered auspicious in Indian communities, when they decorate and illuminate their houses in colourful lights. Indian cuisine is a highlight of Dhantera observances, which symbolise love, happiness and creation of wealth. Such events will continue on the eve of Diwali.
The Diwali celebrations will conclude at the Millennium Amphitheatre on the night of 5th November.
Meanwhile, the India Pavilion is welcoming the visitors with a grand entrance arch designed with floral patterns. On both sides of the arch the Pavilion has larger-than-life diyas (oil lamps traditionally made of clay) with a backdrop inspired by Mandala art. Diyas symbolically destroy darkness and ignorance and usher in hope and knowledge.
Along the walls of the pavilion, a large lotus tree with hanging Akash kandils (light lanterns) will illuminate the surroundings. The lotus tree with rangoli patterns will be a beautiful photo-opportunity for visitors.
The pavilion said it will also have a delightful hamper of larger-than-life firecrackers, including the familiar chakris, ladis and ‘rockets’. Visitors could pose in front of these giant crackers and click pictures.
The events organised by India Pavilion will also be held at the Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre (DMA) at the Expo 2020 Dubai until November 5.
Menilbekov affirmed that the UAE is a strategic, development and economic depth for Kazakhstan…reports Asian Lite News
Madiyar Menilbekov, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the UAE, expressed his country’s pride in awarding the ‘Nazarbayev Prize for a Nuclear-Weapon-Free World and Global Security’ to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
The Kazakh Ambassador congratulated Sheikh Mohamed on receiving the award and said, “His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed presented a new model in the field of peace and global security and combatting nuclear proliferation, and went on to prove his mettle as an exceptional global leader worthy of recognition for his contributions to ensuring peace, regional stability and sustainable economic development.”
Menilbekov affirmed that the UAE is a strategic, development and economic depth for Kazakhstan, and that the two countries present a distinctive and effective model capable of leading the world towards achieving peace and a brighter tomorrow for future generations.
On 28th October, 2021, Nursultan Nazarbayev, the First President of Kazakhstan, Head of the government’s Security Council, presented Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed with the prize, which is given in recognition of the efforts made by global leaders who contribute to strengthening regional and international peace, settling conflicts, limiting the spread of nuclear weapons, consolidating mutual trust between peoples and states and counterextremism.
Speaking of his country’s efforts to advance nuclear disarmament efforts, Menilbekov said, “Today, Kazakhstan represents a clear example of how any country can achieve economic prosperity and national security without nuclear weapons, and its contributions to the nuclear disarmament programme demonstrates its commitment to global security goals. This secured Kazakhstan’s position as a decisive, active and reliable member of the international community. Khazakstan’s transition, in the 1990s, from a country with one of the world’s largest nuclear arsenals to a nuclear-weapon-free country shows a conscious will to serve the interests of humanity.”
A key aim of the initiative was to understand how organised crime attempts to move illicit assets, such as the flows of cash and gold…reports Asian Lite News
The UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security recently partnered with the United Kingdom’s National Economic Crime Centre (NECC) to run an exercise designed to combat the smuggling of significant volumes of cash and gold from UK airports.
A key aim of the initiative was to understand how organised crime attempts to move illicit assets, such as the flows of cash and gold.
UAE, UK to conduct exercise to toughen border controls
Over the course of seven days, Dubai and Abu Dhabi-bound flights from the UK were subject to increased security to check if criminal groups were attempting to smuggle significant volumes of cash and gold from the UK.
An important objective was to fill intelligence gaps and build a better understanding of the level of risk, which will be used to inform future policy proposals.
Huda Humaid Belhoul, Director of the Customs Development Department at the Authority, said, “Combating the smuggling of gold and cash by travellers is at the forefront of the main strategic objectives of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security and the customs sector in the UAE as part of their efforts and plans to counter money laundering and terrorist financing using illegal trade. Working with our international partners helps us to pinpoint shared areas of risk, such as the criminal abuse of scheduled flights to smuggle cash, gold, and high-value items such as watches and jewellery. At the FCA we remain focused on continuing to evolve and improve our approach to mitigate the ever-changing nature of financial crime, which means a collective commitment to sharing information and deepening our cross-border capabilities.”
Matthew Long, Director of the National Economic Crime Centre at the NCA, added, “This operation helped combat the issue of illegal cash and gold being smuggled out of the UK, and we are grateful to the UAE Federal Authority for their involvement. We will continue to prioritise the mutual sharing of knowledge and intelligence relating to money laundering with our UAE partners and remain resolute in our fight against illicit finance and money laundering.”
Simon York, Director and Chief Investigation Officer at the Fraud Investigation Service, HM Revenue and Customs, said, “We have a long history of working together with the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security on shared threats, and our partnership is vital to our collective role in combating organised crime and closing in on money launderers. As a key operational and strategic partner, the Authority’s support and expertise is crucial to developing a broader partnership between the UK and the UAE to tackle illicit finance.”
In an industry-first, EY20 was the first commercial flight to explore contrail-avoidance…reports Asian Lite News
Last week, Etihad Airways operated its most sustainable flight ever, leveraging the learnings and efficiencies developed over the last two years of its comprehensive sustainability programme to reduce carbon emissions (CO2) by 72% in absolute terms compared to the equivalent flight operated in 2019.
The London Heathrow to Abu Dhabi flight is part of the Etihad Greenliner Programme – a two-year partnership between Etihad and Boeing using Etihad’s Boeing 787 fleet as a test bed for sustainability improvements in partnership with organisations across the industry. It required huge collaboration across the aviation ecosystem to deliver a sustainable in-flight product, coordination with airspace management for optimised flight routing, new technology flight deck tools, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), contrail reduction and airport handling processes.
Etihad Cargo expands pharma sector to Africa
In an industry-first, EY20 was the first commercial flight to explore contrail-avoidance. Working with UK-based SATAVIA, the team identified potential areas of ice super-saturated regions in the atmosphere where harmful contrails are likely to form, and the flight route was adjusted to avoid these areas. Based on the original and adjusted flight plan, the strategy avoided the production of approximately 64 tonnes of CO2e, with a fuel penalty of only 100kg, or 0.48 tonnes CO2.
“These are noteworthy savings,” said Mohammad Al Bulooki, Chief Operating Officer, Etihad Aviation Group. “When Etihad committed to achieve net zero, it was acknowledged that it was only possible if the airline worked collaboratively and positively with our industry partners. That is exactly what Etihad has done with the Sustainable Flight. Of equal importance, Etihad, Boeing and its partners – airports, ANSP, and suppliers – used the flight to learn where further improvements could be made.
Talking after the flight, Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said, “I want to pay particular tribute to our partners; Boeing, NATS, Eurocontrol, GE Aviation, Vitol, SATAVIA, deSter, Sola The Netherlands, ButterflyCup, Agthia, Jubail Island Mangroves and DNata Catering. This is only possible when we all work together, and we all commit to making whatever savings we can. Each of these partners played their own, significant role in the step we took today.”
The contributions covered three phases, planning, in-flight and post-flight. This included preparing the aircraft, engines and route planning systems to optimise take-off, en-route and landing flight paths and trajectories, minimising contrail formation, working with our guests to reduce their luggage and rewarding those that travelled light.
Etihad provided catering that was appropriately sourced and served on sustainable crockery and with light-weight cutlery. The crockery itself is part of a circular recycling process where they are returned to the manufacturer at the end of their serviceable life and ground down to its raw material and remade. Guests were also provided with environmentally friendly plant-based water bottles and limited-edition tote bags from upcycled aircraft materials. 80% of all single use plastics were eliminated.
Once the aircraft arrived at Abu Dhabi, it was serviced by Etihad’s new fleet of electric vehicles for ground logistics such as baggage unloading. Where electric vehicles were unable to be used, Etihad purchased bio-diesel to fuel equipment such as the airline’s passenger coach service between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, meaning all passengers, including those transiting to Dubai, were completely carbon neutral for the entirety of their journey.
The data gathered from the aircraft’s sensors was added to Etihad’s growing database on flight performance, and analysed using tools from Greenliner partner, GE Digital to improve understanding of flight performance and allow quick recognition of unsustainable activities.
“A fundamental part of the Greenliner programme is to explore the art of the possible. It is well known that SAFs are a credible alternative to current fossil fuels, however they are currently very expensive, and difficult to source and load onto the aircraft. EY20 was a dramatic example of those constraints wherein Etihad was unable to directly load the 38% SAF blend into the aircraft given inherent infrastructure constraints at Heathrow Airport. Instead, the SAF purchased by Etihad was loaded into the fuel hydrant system, which serves all airport users. While the EY20 did not in itself realise the full potential of the SAF, the potential benefit in CO2 reductions is real. Industry and governments must work together to address these issues through the funding of the research and development of SAFs and other parts of the planning and operating of flights. Etihad is looking forward to working on these issues,” Al Bulooki said.
Douglas added, “The entire emissions reduction we achieved on this flight was through the operational steps and efficiencies employed and did not rely on off-sets. Nonetheless, off-sets, if done rigorously, also play a part in our sustainable future. The UAE has a large stock of mangroves which present nature-based solutions. In addition to their ability to reduce pollution from water and the atmosphere, if maintained properly, mangrove forests have the potential to avoid the release of CO2 into the atmosphere. That is why each guest on board this Etihad flight will have a tree adopted for them in Abu Dhabi’s Jubail Island Mangroves plantations. Adoption involves the maintenance and reforestation of existing forests with carbon storage potential. This is an important initiative for greening the UAE.”
“EY 20 Sustainable Flight brought together a long list of small changes that had been developed over the past two years under the Greenliner Programme, which was designed to identify opportunities that are available today to reduce emissions, rather than waiting for future technologies. Our single greatest learning from the past two years has been that even when solutions are available, they are not easily deployed on a regular basis due to constraints throughout the entire aviation eco-system. What was demonstrated on EY20 was the art of the possible; the next step is to work on how these can be deployed sustainably,” said Al Bulooki.
“That is the challenge Etihad faces, and the challenge that Etihad accepts in collaboration with our partners. Etihad is determined to operate with sustainability as a core principle alongside safety and security, and is looking forward to many more of these small steps making a big difference.”
Union Minister of State for External Affairs (MOS) V Muraleedharan on Wednesday visited the construction site of Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan (BAPS) temple in Abu Dhabi…reports Asian Litre News
The minister said that the temple will be the first Traditional Stone Hindu Mandir in the Middle East once it completes. He also thanked UAE Government for its consistent support.
Muraleedharan visits construction site of BAPS temple
“Visited the construction site of BAPS temple in Abu Dhabi. Once built, it will be the first Traditional Stone Hindu Mandir in the Middle East. Glad to learn about the environmental friendly green foundation utilizing fly ash. Thank UAE Government for the consistent support,” the Minister of States tweeted.
Muraleedharan was on to the Sixth Ministerial Consultations of Abu Dhabi Dialogue (ADD) which was held in Dubai from October 26 to 27. During the visit, Muraleedharan will have bilateral meetings. (ANI)
In its 18th edition under the slogan The Future Starts Now, Abu Dhabi Festival presents Uncle Naji, premiering in UAE and GCC cinemas on October 28…reports Asian Lite News
In its 18th edition under the slogan The Future Starts Now, Abu Dhabi Festival presents Uncle Naji, premiering in UAE and GCC cinemas on October 28. Co-produced by Abu Dhabi Festival, 3ks media production and producer and director Ahmad Zain Al Hashmi, the film is part of Abu Dhabi Festival’s strategy to support young filmmakers and promote the growth of cinema in the UAE.
Abu Dhabi Festival presents Uncle Naji
Written by Al Hashmi, Uncle Naji stars Ibrahim Al Meresi, social media influencer Mohammed Al-Kindi, Ahmed Seif, Omar Hassan, Ali Al Shehhi, Tariq Al Hosani, Ali Al Hajouri, Ayman Jbara, Nayef Al Shaer, Adel Homr, and a cast of young Emirati actors, along with the assistant director Mohammad Al Abadi.
H.E. HUDA EBRAHIM ALKHAMIS, FOUNDER, ABU DHABI MUSIC & ARTS FOUNDATION (ADMAF), ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, ABU DHABI: “We are proud to continue supporting talented film director Ahmed Zain Al Hashmi in his latest film project, Uncle Naji. This is a vital part of Abu Dhabi Festival’s ongoing efforts to advance Emirati screenwriters and filmmakers. In line with our nation’s vision to develop a thriving film industry, the Festival continues to serve as an active incubator for Emirati talent. Now in its 19th year, Abu Dhabi Festival’s support continues to grow for Emirati creatives who are laying the foundations of sustainable development in the UAE’s culture and creative industries. I would like to thank the filmmakers, actors and screenwriters for their wonderful work and all of our partners who joined us for the premiere to support Emirati cinema.”
The movie traces the life of Uncle Naji, who owns a restaurant and believes it to be haunted by jinn. A series of comedic events unfold in his pursuit to sell the undesired restaurant with the help and support of his Emirati friends. Uncle Naji becomes burdened with debts and forced to seek help from his grandfather, who brings inherited Yemeni artifacts to sell in the UAE. The grandfather helps Naji establish a food truck business, which after a short initial success, faces many hilarious challenges related to Naji’s friends.
Commenting on the movie, director Ahmad Zain AL Hashmi said: “Witnessing the success of Uncle Naji in UAE three years ago, we created this movie featuring an entirely new story while maintaining the lead character Uncle Naji, accompanied by former and new actors. Additionally, the movie is loaded with the usual unique mix of entertainment, comedy and many new songs.”
With great appreciation, AL Hashmi praised the Abu Dhabi Music & Art Foundation’s tireless support for young Emirati filmmakers, driven by its strong belief in the significance of filmmaking to the nation’s sustainable development and future generations. He also emphasised how, through Abu Dhabi Festival, talents are provided with opportunities to realise their creative potential in cinema.
“Uncle Naji” is sponsored by Ajman Media City Free Zone, and the Department of Tourism Development in Ajman.
The 18th edition of Abu Dhabi Festival is supported by its lead partner Mubadala Investment Company (Mubadala) and energy partner GS Energy.
The year-long programme for the 18th edition combines a unique hybrid programme of virtual and in-person performances, exhibitions and events by over 500 artists from more than 50 countries. The festival will provide audiences with 16 exciting world premieres, 12 festival productions, eight global co-productions and four exclusive commissions, with 1 global music tour.
