When sectarian violence such as the crises in Manipur in India erupts, the message from Dubai by a smattering of global celebrities is unanimously that of spreading the peace across religious and party lines or rather ignoring them.
India’s pioneering pop singer Usha Uthup, world famous artist Sacha Jaffri and Ahmed Al Falasi, the Hope-maker of the UAE and the country’s go-to man on matters pertaining to charity and relief, spoke to Headline.ae on the sidelines of the Mother Teresa International Awards which were held for the first time outside India in felicitating those who have served the society, especially the minority and weaker sections.
A glittering function saw achievers get recognised for their efforts at the Conrad hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road in the UAE emirate on Saturday. Addressing the media, the local patron of the awards ceremony and businessman-cum-cricket enthusiast, Shyam Bhatia, and Uthup both recalled their association with Mother Teresa and the common message that she left with them. “If you have to help in giving back to the society, give me your time, not money.”
Jaffri, who counts Nelson Mandela, Mohandas K Gandhi and Mother Teresa among his idols, drew a painting spontaneously within 20-odd minutes to highlight the spirit of giving and “sending positive energy to the society we live in.”
To answer a question on what would be the reaction to a crises that is unfolding among minority and weaker sections of the society in various parts of the world, including the north-eastern state of Manipur in India, Uthup said: “Firstly, it is all about politics and religion and nobody should care when it comes to these two factors. But it all boils down back to long ago from what Gandhi stood for – the message of peace. It should be everyone’s interest to find a peaceful solution rather than indulge in whataboutery and what not.”
Al Falasi is famously known for running from pillar to post and burning the midnight oil to set up a kidney dialysis centre in Kenya with his own personal financial resources. He travelled overnight to Japan from Kenya, stopped over in South Africa enroute on his return and arranged ahead for a kidney dialysis machine and the accompanying RO water plant to be ordered and delivered in less than a week’s time.
“When we go to an area where help is needed, we don’t look at who is doing it, who is the cause for it? We don’t look at the religion, nor do we ask,” Al Falasi said. “Our focus and priority is to help those displaced, needy or those affected and make sure food supplies, ration and shelter are provided for. What religion they come from, what is the reason the crises has unfolded … we don’t care for those details.”
Uthup, wearing her fashionable and still trending Kanjeevaram saree fashioned shoes, then added a cliché but pertinent line. “Ultimately, everyone on a deathbed or fighting for his life will need blood to save his life. And that comes only in one colour – red – and it does not differentiate.”
Journalist for 25 years with leading publications in India and UAE such as The National, Mumbai Mirror, DNA, Indian Express and former Sports Editor of eIndia.com. Now managing editor of Headline.ae, part of MEMc (https://www.memc.co)
Season 29 of Global Village will kick off on October 16, 2024, the outdoor destination announced. The season will run until May 11, 2025. The popular destination remains closed during the summer months. This year, Global Village is expanding its offerings, featuring more cultural representations, never-before-seen entertainment, and exciting infrastructure upgrades.
Visitors to the family-friendly destination can experience a diverse range of performances, shopping, and dining experiences from cultures around the world.
Opening more than 25 years ago, the destination set a new record of over 10 million visitors in its 28th season, the longest season to date, hosting 27 pavilions representing over 90 cultures from around the globe, as well as 3,500 shopping outlets and 250 dining options.
The destination is expecting millions of visitors from around the globe to gather for the park’s attractions during the upcoming season.
Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s acclaimed Ferrari-themed park, has once again redefined entertainment by launching the world’s first Ferrari-themed Esports Arena. This state-of-the-art venue is set to become the go-to destination for racing enthusiasts, Formula 1 aficionados, and thrill-seekers alike.
The newly unveiled Ferrari World Esports Arena features an impressive lineup of 20 Gran Turismo simulators, thoughtfully designed to cater to a broad audience. Fourteen simulators are dedicated to adult racers, while six are specifically designed for younger guests, creating a family-friendly atmosphere that welcomes visitors of all ages.
The arena also includes three specialised F1 simulators, offering participants the exhilarating experience of sitting in the driver’s seat of a Ferrari race car and racing on legendary F1 Grand Prix circuits, including the Yas Marina Circuit. Open daily from 10am to 6pm, the Ferrari World Esports Arena offers access to the Gran Turismo simulators as part of the theme park ticket until the end of the year. The exclusive F1 simulators are available for an additional fee, starting from Dh60 per race.
A new beach, only for women, has been announced in Sharjah under the orders of the emirate’s ruler Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi. The 500-meter beach is located in the Lulu’iya area of Khorfakkan and will offer complete privacy for women. The beach will also have other amenities like a cafe, a medical clinic, and a prayer room.
Other than this beach, Sharjah has the Sharjah Ladies Club beach and in 2023, Sheikh Dr Sultan announced the development of women’s only beaches in Kalba and at Al Hamariya Beach. In May this year, the Crown Prince of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed launched the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033, which includes designating new beaches for only women.
In further orders, the Sharjah Ruler directed the construction of a pedestrian bridge linking Al Bardi 6 and Al Batha areas in Khorfakkan city.
Speaking on the Sharjah’s Direct Line radio programme, Yousef Khamis Al Othmani, Chairman of RTA Sharjah said that the new bridge will help the movement of residents between the two areas.
He also said the RTA will implement modifications to the internal roads in the Hayawa area.
