The Largest wooden Arabic dhow in the world was verified by Guinness World Records today in Dubai. The ship is called ‘Obaid’ in reference to Obaid Jumaa bin Majid Al Falasi, an Emirati shipbuilder who began an apprenticeship at the age of nine in the mid-1940s.
The majestic dhow measures 91.47 meters long and 20.41 meters wide. It is the length and almost half the width of a standard American football field. Hypothetically speaking, balancing this huge structure on either its bow or stern vertically would make this dhow stand almost as tall as the Big Ben in London.
Key information
The dhow measures 91.47 meters long and 20.41 meters wide.
It stands at a height of 11.229 meters, and it weighs 2500 tonnes.
It has an estimated load capacity of up to 6,000 tonnes.
There might be around 1,700 tonnes of wood, and 800 tonnes of steel in it. The wood was brought from Africa, and it is mainly a jungle wood, as only nearly half of what you buy is usable.
It has two 1850 horsepower engines.
It will transport cargo from the UAE to Yemen, Somalia, Sudan, Egypt, Kenya, Pakistan, India, and maybe Iraq.
The art of dhow building in Dubai
Building a big handmade boat in a country with no forests is a challenge, but crafting the world’s largest dhow is a challenge on a higher level. Decades on from the heyday of the Creek’s trading boats, a family-run yard still produces traditional hand-built vessels – and most importantly has just been recognized with the Guinness World Records title of the Largest wooden Arabic dhow.
The work started years ago, with no actual engineering vision or blueprints but was massively developed and scaled up. Local craftsmen say they own the experience, describing it as the ‘art of dhow building’.
According to Majid Obaid Al Falasi, aged 52, it is not for prestige that drove him to build the largest dhow, but for his late father, Obaid Jumaa bin Majid Al Falasi.
“Our forefathers were divers. Our ancestors worked in the sea. My own father perused this craftmanship for almost all his life. This is a gratitude to my father, and my country which always aims for the forefront positions”
Majid Obaid Al Falasi
“We tried to get the longest pieces of log available. We are born as dhow builders, and can build dhows using other material, but wood keeps its identity. This achievement is just the inevitable continuation for building dhows in the world,” he added.
A modern adaptation is adding steal to the wooden structure. The majestic dhow is larger and stronger than a traditional one and will be able to carry four times more cargo in and out from Dubai’s docks.
Known as the earliest people to celebrate Christmas every year, Filipinos are in for a treat. The world’s largest indoor theme park, IMG World of Adventures, has an exclusive offer for the Filipino community in the UAE.
Thanks for the love, IMG!
All-day access with ride-all-you-can privilege is available for just AED75 (or general admission with a meal at AED110).
On November 27, the whole of Dubai will transform into a city-wide running track for all ages, abilities, and fitness levels; giving everyone exciting new reasons to join the flagship fitness movement launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.
Everyone from the young, the elders, families and people of determination are invited to join and celebrate their new personal best with the Dubai Run – be it the first, fastest or farthest stretch.
Select from many iconic running tracks across the city. Or simply run in your neighborhood, at your pace, on your terms.
Can casual and first-time runners join?
Definitely. Dubai Fitness Challenge is launching six 28-day training programs starting October 30th to help first-time and routine runners prepare for the run. The training has been specially curated by some of the region’s leading professional coaches and athletes.
Coaches include Manal Rostom, Tania Lolla Kaddoura, Abdullah bin Hajjar, Luke Mathews, Lee Ryan, and Luke Gaffney.
The training programs will be available on the Dubai Run website and will provide expert support and mentoring to get you in better shape to run Dubai. The programs feature a variety of step-by-step fitness guides for all levels – regardless of whether you’re looking to kick-start your running journey with a 2km course, master a 5km run, or take on a 10km challenge.
Dubai Fitness Challenge has become one of the most anticipated events on the city’s calendar. It is a true testament to Dubai’s ever-growing dedication to physical and mental well-being; pioneering innovative, unique, and diverse fitness programs to inspire a community that is happy and healthy, and among the most physically active in the world. Dubai Run 2020 marks another milestone in achieving this ambition, calling upon all citizens, residents, and visitors to unite in spirit and boost their collective physical activity.
His Excellency Saeed Hareb, General Secretary of Dubai Sports Council
Dubai Run has partnered with Dubai Cares to support students whose lives have been disrupted by this year’s challenges. While the event remains free, participants are encouraged to support “Education Uninterrupted.” a nationwide fundraising campaign that tackles the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the education of children and youth in the UAE.
Dubai Fitness Challenge is committed to creating a safe environment for one and all to be physically active. Public health and safety will remain paramount throughout the program, with individuals advised to ensure all runs strictly follow preventative regulations as issued by the Dubai government, including social distancing.
Get your free t-shirt
(Updated 12 November 2020) Simply login here and choose your size. You can also order shirts for your little ones.
Dubai t-shirts are free of charge. You only need to pay a delivery fee of AED10. Deliveries are only available to Dubai locations. Unfortunately, other emirates and international shipping will not be available.
There is also n option for runners to donate a minimum of AED10
How would you like vegetable lumpia, pancit and crispy chicken on your movie night? (Wait there’s no rice?) Well, you might want to try an experience soon as Roxy Cinemas at The Beach and City Walk launch Kabayan Mondays.
The Kabayan Night aims to target Filipinos in the city and give them a boutique experience with selected movie choices and a platter of familiar Filipino flavors – just don’t expect a vinegar dip to come with your lumpia okay (if you get what I’m trying to say).
Movie ticket + food platter cost as follows:
Silver Front Row at The Beach for AED 49
Silver Back Row at The Beach for AED 70
Gold at City Walk for AED 70
If I may suggest to Roxy Cinemas, why not add Sago’t Gulaman in the mix?
Please note that this offer is valid for online bookings only. You may do so here. As of writing, there are 3 movies to choose from to avail of this offer – Honest Thief, Four Kids and It, and Relic.
Over 400 runners took part in either the half marathon (21km), 10km, or the 5km races in Mai Dubai City Half Marathon – the first mass running event since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The event held at Dubai International Financial Centre featured a range of innovative measures from contactless temperature checking, no-touch sanitizer stations, and touchless water distribution and staggered start times to ensure the safety of all participants
The race route started and finished in front of the iconic Gate Building and looped around the picturesque Dubai International Financial Centre, providing runners with breathtaking views of the city’s well-known architectural marvels such as The Museum of the Future.
Promoseven Sports Marketing worked closely with partners and Government authorities including the Dubai Sports Council and the Supreme Committee on months of planning to ensure that the first mass running event this season met all the strict safety measures.
And the public can look forward for more events from hereon…
“It has been a challenging event for all of us but the overwhelming response generated by the second edition of this much-loved event for runners is sure to motivate us to come up with more outdoor community events that promote fitness and an active lifestyle.”
Alexander Van ‘T Riet, CEO Mai Dubai
The marathon was a success in many ways and the participation it witnessed is a reflection of the rising awareness on the importance of physical activity while giving high regard to the safety of runners, staff, and contractors.
Here’s what some participants say about the event:
It’s very hard, in the beginning, to understand that the whole idea is not to beat the other runners. Eventually, you learn that the competition is against the little voice inside you that wants you to quit.
The use of electronic scooters is undeniably on the rise in Dubai. Many residents opt to ride these light and more convenient mode than the typical public commute.
These areas have been selected according to specific criteria, such as population density, private developments, availability of public transport services, integrated infrastructure, and high traffic safety records.
Five operators, Careem, Lime, Tier, Arnab and Skurrt, will be part of the trial run.
How to use Lime electric scooter rental in Dubai?
Here’s a high-level overview of how to use one of the app-based service providers.
These e-scooters, when implemented fully, are not only friendly for the environment but also good news for the majority of motorists as it will somehow help reduce congestion on the roads.
Who says you can’t mix business with pleasure? Dubai certainly doesn’t say so.
The city just launched a new program that enables a unique overseas remote work setup. Professionals can live in Dubai while working online to fulfill their job roles back in their home country.
It’s not a secret that Dubai is one of only a few cities in the world that has really strong digital infrastructure and robust connectivity, on top of having a safe and high-quality lifestyle with global networking opportunities, and zero income tax for individuals.
With the global culture shifting to remote work setup, many of us don’t need to be in a physical office. And here comes Dubai giving you a LITERAL remote work setup like no other.
And, did I say Dubai does not levy income tax on individuals.
How much is the program fee?
The virtual working program is valid for 1 year.
It costs USD287 or AED1,050 plus the cost of medical insurance with valid UAE coverage and processing fee per person.
You get access to all required services, including telecom and internet, utilities, and schooling options.
How to apply for a remote work setup?
Applicants need to have the following:
Passport with a minimum of 6 months validity
Valid health insurance with UAE coverage
Proof of Employment from current employer with a one-year contract validity, with a minimum of USD5,000 monthly salary
Payslip from last month
3 preceding months’ bank statements
If you are a business owner, proof of ownership for one year or more is required, with an average monthly income of USD5,000 per month and 3 preceding months’ bank statements
Please note that payment of the processing fee doesn’t guarantee approval of the application.
Is Dubai safe from COVID-19?
Dubai always has stringent measures and guidelines in place across the city to ensure everyone’s protected at the highest level from COVID-19.
And with regards to tourism, thanks to safety and hygiene protocols, it has reopened its borders to tourism. That includes open access to hotels, restaurants, theme parks, beaches, and shopping malls.
The emirate was awarded a ‘Safe Travels’ stamp from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) recently. This recognizes the authority’s work to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Where is it best to work remotely in Dubai?
The city, widely regarded as a leading entrepreneurial hub, boasts a wealth of top co-working spaces, offering flexible packages ranging from hour-long meeting rooms through to weekly, monthly, or even quarterly bookings.
To get more information about the program, you may send a message through this form.
World Art Dubai, the region’s most accessible and affordable art fair, is the emirate’s first international event of the season with a range of compelling new features starting today, October 8 until October 10 at Dubai World Trade Centre.
The 6th edition of the art fair will feature more than 2,000 curated artworks by a globe-trotting collection of 120-plus solo artists and galleries from more than 20 countries – cementing its status as an established platform for emerging and established talent from all corners of the world.
As part of the community fair’s ethos to showcase all mediums of art, World Art Dubai will debut several new features this year, including a digital art display, Urban Art DXB and a dedicated zone for sculptures.
“World Art Dubai remains an extremely innovative show that embraces every corner of the art world. We are leading the region’s charge for the restart of events and have curated a show that embraces the latest trends while celebrating art traditions,
Art Lab is a dedicated digital art stand that will feature work by leading global contemporary artists, including Andreas Nicolas Fischer, who investigates the effects of technology and automation on society and contemporary art; Matthew Biederman, who creates work where light, space, and sound reflect on perception; and Ali Phi, the computer artist, and creative technologist.
Arte Experience
The new feature is led in partnership with Arte Experience, who source and create experiences that provide an engaging bond between art and the viewer.
Sedition, a digital gallery housing some of the world’s leading contemporary artists; and
Samsung – The Frame. Visitors can buy digital arts and enquire about ‘The Frame’ – a TV that blends into any environment and transforms into a piece of art when switched off.
Guests can enjoy a free download of Terry Paxton’s Cloud Sculptures over the Atacama Desert. They can also get an exclusive 23 percent discount with Samsung for a limited duration only at World Art Dubai.
Urban Art DXB
World Art Dubai will house Urban Art DXB, a street art celebration featuring some of the world’s most incredible artists. Top galleries and artists include:
Casa de Maquinas, the collective of bikers, artists, and skaters with firm roots in motorcycling, hot rods, and street culture
Local artist Dina Saadi, who will demonstrate live graffiti.
Vandalist Art, the incredible street artists from London who won ‘Best Gallery’ at last year’s show
Idriss B, the sculptor who went viral in 2020 when his renowned golden gorilla and lion pieces were suspended by helicopter over Dubai Marina, is also debuting at the show.
International Artists
Flying in from around the world, international must-see artists include:
Julia Smolenkova (Russia) an award-winning contemporary artist
Manasse Rampino(Italy) a popular pop artist
Farah Malhas(Lebanon), an artist rebuilding her collection after it was destroyed in the recent Beirut explosion
Leonardo Prieto(Mexico), an emerging artist who champions gender equality.
International galleries include:
Nero Art Hub(India), a fine art gallery
Shinn Fine Art(US), which focuses on mixing and creating an exciting and dynamic display of color, texture, and style
The Arts Hub (Egypt), a multi-platform art space
“Dubai is a city that looks firmly into the future while respecting tradition, and I believe Dubai’s art world mirrors this juxtaposition,” said Manasse Rampino. “You can sense a longing to create everywhere in the city. Art is ubiquitous; there is art on the streets, in shopping malls, hotel lobbies, and in private houses. It’s an incredible melting pot of different cultures with an international flavor.”
Creativity Unmasked
To acknowledge the impact COVID-19 has had on the art industry, World Art Dubai has a dedicated space featuring artworks inspired by the pandemic, where original pieces reflect the experiences and emotions of participating artists.
The region’s most affordable art show will also see the return of Art For Every Wall – an area dedicated to affordable pieces under AED 3,000.
Dubai by Julia Smolenkova
Local artists
Key UAE-based artists exhibiting include Amrita Sethi, whose voice note art is set to wow audiences; Foad Hamzeh, a calligraffiti artist; and Maryam Al Azem, a 19-year old painter. Regional galleries include Reem Gallery, the newly founded art gallery and workshop hub; Art Plus Gallery, offering a wide portfolio of art from local and international artists; and Noon Art Gallery, a hub for emerging female artists.
“World Art Dubai makes art more accessible to everyone – it is a fabulous platform,” said Amrita Sethi.
“Buying art can be a very scary process; not knowing what to buy or much to spend. People want beautiful and unique homes in an affordable budget, especially given the current economic climate, and this event provides that avenue.”
Amrita Sethi
Free Your Mind
World Art Dubai is urging UAE residents to take a creative escape with its ‘Free Your Mind’ theme. It encourages artists and visitors to connect and stimulate creativity.
Health safety measures
All entry points are equipped with thermal scanning and smart cameras that use heat mapping technology for capacity management, ensuring social distancing protocols are followed.
The venue is regularly sanitized, while key onsite safety offerings at DWTC, including trained emergency medical teams and services, are available onsite. DWTC has effectively executed a seamless contactless registration process that is being used at World Art Dubai, and hand sanitizers are available throughout the venue, with all visitors required to wear masks.
Get ready to laugh out loud. There may be over 200 nationalities living in Dubai, but they all speak the same language – the language of laughter.
Dubai Comedy Festival is happening on October 21 to 24 bringing a healthy dose of comic relief. The festival will take place in multiple hotspots across the city.
The festival is set to unleash a jam-packed line-up of some of the world’s funniest people. Fans of all things funny can look forward to 4 days of hilarious stand-up sets, and unforgettable variety shows.
This also serves as a platform for local and regional comedians to showcase their talent in a global stage.
The return of Dubai Comedy Festival is set to cement Dubai’s status as a regional and international hub for entertainment. It also strengthens further its worldwide reputation as a home to outstanding talents.
The 2020 Lineup
The line-up for this year’s edition will be announced very soon. Please check the website for updates, and also for tickets. You can also follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
The first 5,000 customers to arrive at The Pointe will receive a free LED wristband.
If you think you’ve seen it all already, well, think again. The Pointe, one of Dubai’s premier lifestyle and dining destination, is launching the world’s largest fountain. ‘The Palm Fountain’, Palm Jumeirah’s latest waterfront attraction, will attempt to break a Guinness World Records™ title on Thursday, 22 October during its inaugural launch event, and the public is invited to witness the celebration.
Key world record-breaking information about the fountain
Spread over 14,000 sqft of seawater
The fountain’s super shooter will stand tall at 105 meters
Come alive with over 3,000 LED lights.
The only multicolored fountain in Dubai
Fountain show details
The Palm Fountain will have 20 bespoke shows with five different shows running daily.
The first show starts at 7 in the evening.
The last show is at 12 midnight.
The fountain will dance in popular music from Khaleeji, pop, classic, and international genres.
Each show will last for 3 minutes and will be performed every 30 minutes.
The ‘high’ fountain show is a celebration of Dubai’s resilience, resurgence, and ambition to aim for the sky. At the launch, visitors are invited to enjoy a day of festivities, with all-day events and competitions from restaurants. By 4pm, an array of live entertainment including multiple DJ sets, dance shows, performers, and magical fireworks will unfold.
“The Palm Fountain is yet another incredible addition to Dubai’s list of world-famous landmarks. It is sure to be a big draw among residents and visitors alike. Its launch further cements the city’s status as a must-visit destination where guests from around the world can experience the best sights and sounds as well as unrivaled retail and tourist spaces.
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment
The Guinness World Records body said that this is a great addition to Dubai’s long list of attractions that make this city iconic. GWR also confirmed that it is already in the process of verifying the Largest fountain and they are looking forward to declaring this world-class landmark “Officially Amazing™” very soon.
The launching details
By 8pm on 22 October, guests can enjoy the breathtaking views of The Palm Fountain show from 30 different restaurants at The Pointe. The day-long event is open to the public upon registration, and the first 5,000 customers who arrive will receive a free LED wristband.
The public is encouraged to RSVP for the launch event and join in The Palm Fountain’s Guinness World Records™ attempt via platinumlist.net. For guaranteed restaurant seating, the public is highly advised to book a table at any of the restaurants at The Pointe. Free shuttle buses will be available to take visitors from Nakheel Mall to The Pointe every 30 minutes.
The Palm Fountain Inaugural Launch Event will take place on 22 October
Time: 4pm until midnight.
Where: East and West promenade of The Pointe.
Tickets to attend are FREE to the public upon registration via platinumlist.net
For more updates on new offers, events, and activities on The Pointe, please follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
