Tag Archives: lifestyle
Throwing light on history of Islam: The Clusters of Light
Throwing light on history of Islam: The Clusters of Light Staff Reporter / 27 February 2014 The Clusters of Light show to kick off celebration on Sharjah winning Islamic Culture Capital title Celebrating the selection of Sharjah as the Islamic Culture Capital of the Arab region 2014, the emirate is all set to host the world’s greatest oratorio about the story of Islam called ‘The Clusters of Light’. The show will be performed from March 26 to April 5 at the Dh120-million Open Majaz Island Theatre, marking the inauguration of the festivities on winning the title. Shaikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Executive Committee Chairman for the Sharjah Capital of Islamic Culture 2014 celebrations, said that five epical performances will dramatise the journey back to the times of darkness, struggle and challenges that led Muslim believers to the beginnings of Islam and tell the story of its great early accomplishments. “It will be a gift from Sharjah to the entire world that celebrates Islam and its history,” Shaikh Sultan said. “We are confident that the audience will witness a show so spectacular that it will remain in their memories forever.” He said that this ground-breaking performance is the culmination of the vision of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to celebrate human values of Islam. ‘The Clusters of Light’ is a monumental artistic theatrical display through which the Emirate of Sharjah seeks to provide a true picture of Islam, and its human values that promote peace and love,” he added Shaikh Sultan bin Ahmed announcing the programme. Termed as the largest theatrical and musical production ever to be made, the oratorio includes the use of a choir, soloists, an ensemble, various distinguishable characters, and arias. It was written by Saudi poet Dr Abdul Rahman Al Ashmawi, and composed by Bahraini artiste Khalid Al Sheikh. More than 200 performers from around the world will participate in this musical composition led by four Arab stars, Hussien Al Jasmi, Lotfi Bouchnak, Ali El Hajjar, and Mohammed Assaf. The oratorio will include a narration of the biography of Prophet Muhammad, Peace Be Upon Him, from his birth until his demise. A short film about the display’s production, which will include filming tours in several Arab and foreign countries, will also be shown. The Sharjah Capital of Islamic Culture 2014 celebrations include more than 24 heritage, tourism, cultural, and construction projects, as well as more than 100 activities throughout the Emirate over the year. The Open Majaz Island Theatre, the first of its kind in the region, is the official venue for the celebrations. It is a semi-circular theatre, reminiscent of ancient Roman designs, covering an area of over 7,200 square metres. It can accommodate up to 4,500. A Dh13-million bridge between the man-made island and Khalid Lagoon Street serves as an easy access for visitors to the Open Majaz Island Theatre. lily@khaleejtimes.com For more news from Khaleej Times, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/khaleejtimes , and on Twitter at @khaleejtimes Continue reading
UAE, Japan sign MoU on nuclear energy
UAE, Japan sign MoU on nuclear energy (Wam) / 27 February 2014 The deal was signed by Shaikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Foreign Minister, and Fumio Kishida, Japan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. Shaikh Abdullah bin Zayed shakes hands with Fumio Kishida as General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed and Shinzo Abe applaud during a signing ceremony at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Tokyo on Wednesday. — AP General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Japan’s Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, on Wednesday witnessed the signing ceremony of a number of agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). The two sides signed the schedules on amending the Air Services Agreement between the UAE and Japan. The deal was signed by Shaikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Foreign Minister, and Fumio Kishida, Japan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. The two foreign ministers also signed a MoU on the development of joint cooperation committee work between the UAE’s Ministry of Development and International Cooperation and Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It aims to boost joint cooperation and understanding over the implementation of international development initiatives and international aid in areas of interest and concern. The UAE Energy Minister, Suhail bin Mohammed Faraj Faris Al Mazrouei, and Japan’s Minister owf Economy, Trade and Industry, Toshimitsu Motegi, signed a MoU on the peaceful use of nuclear energy in the UAE. Abdullah Saeed Al Darmeki, CEO of Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, and Hiroshi Takada, Chairman and CEO of Small and Medium Enterprise and Regional Innovation in Japan, signed an agreement on extension and amendment of the MoU between them. General Mohammed meets Japanese Emperor General Shaikh Mohammed also met Emperor Akihito of Japan at Tokyo Imperial Palace during his official two-day visit. During the meeting, General Shaikh Mohammed conveyed the greetings of the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to the Japanese Emperor, wishing him good health and happiness and continued progress and prosperity for the friendly people of Japan. The Emperor of Japan welcomed the visit of General Shaikh Mohammed and his accompanying delegation, commending the cooperation between the two countries in many areas and the “strong historical ties of friendship” between the two countries that are “continuously developing and growing”. General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan listens to Emperor Akihito during a luncheon at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Wednesday. — AP Emperor Akihito asked General Shaikh Mohammed to convey his greetings to Shaikh Khalifa, wishing the UAE government and people further progress, prosperity and development. He lauded the care given by Shaikh Khalifa in developing cooperation and boosting the march of friendly relations between the two countries to new heights of understanding and cooperation. ‘ Emirati students abroad are UAE ambassadors’ General Shaikh Mohammed received 52 UAE scholarship students currently studying in a number of Japanese universities at his residence in Tokyo. He was briefed on the academic disciplines of students and their living conditions in Japan. He urged them to achieve academic success in their endeavours to contribute to the process of building the UAE. He stressed that Emirati students abroad are ambassadors for their country and should reflect the positive image of the UAE. The country, he said, looks towards its sons abroad to contribute with their expertise in the march of progress and prosperity. “The UAE, its leadership and people are hoping for much from you; you are a wealth for the nation’s homeland and its future and you are the best successful investment. Through you we can send a message abroad that we have ambitious national cadres,” he said. For their part, the Emirati students expressed their pleasure and pride in meeting General Shaikh Mohamed and pledged to him that they will honour the expectations of the country’s leadership. They promised to get the highest academic degrees, enabling them to participate in the march of progress of the nation. They also expressed their appreciation for everything that is being provided for them in terms of services and support. For more news from Khaleej Times, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/khaleejtimes , and on Twitter at @khaleejtimes Continue reading
Pilot, co-pilot die in Emirati military plane crash
Pilot, co-pilot die in Emirati military plane crash (Wam) / 27 February 2014 The accident occurred during a routine training mission; competent authorities are examining the crash scene. The General Command of the UAE Armed Forces today announced that two of its air-crew had died in the crash of a military training aircraft related to the UAE Air Force and Air Defence. The accident occurred during a routine training mission and resulted in the death of the pilot and co-pilot. Competent authorities are examining the crash scene to determine the causes behind it. For more news from Khaleej Times, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/khaleejtimes , and on Twitter at @khaleejtimes Continue reading
