Around 20,000 archaeological artefacts have been documented by RAK Antiquities and Museums Department, as part of a three-year plan to. Reem Mohammed/The National
Around 20,000 archaeological artefacts have been documented by RAK Antiquities and Museums Department, as part of a three-year plan to. Reem Mohammed/The National

Ras Al Khaimah's ambitious archaeological project reminds us of the region's rich history



In a dynamic nation such as the UAE, hurtling towards the future as if there were no tomorrow, Ras al Khaimah’s ambitious project to restore and document tens of thousands of historical artefacts is a welcome reminder that there is far more to this country than its surface glories. By 2022, the emirate’s Antiquities and Museums Department aims to have examined, preserved and catalogued 90,000 archaeological objects, many of which were unearthed at ancient sites decades ago, and about which little is known.

In essence, the department has set itself the daunting task of piecing together a gargantuan historical jigsaw puzzle. By the time it is complete, a far more detailed picture of a past dating back millennia will have emerged. The initiative complements the work of other projects, such as the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive, which The National has been featuring in a series of articles highlighting moments in time captured by this invaluable online collection of historical documents and photographs.

Few nations are as forward-facing as the UAE, a country whose great cities have risen rapidly from the desert sands and which, in a generation, has become a global byword for progress and technological innovation. The UAE’s ambitions are no longer earthbound. In just two months the first Emirati astronaut will throw off the shackles of gravity. Next year – as Ras al Khaimah’s Antiquities and Museums Department continues its painstaking exploration of the past – the UAE will become the first Arab country to despatch a spacecraft to Mars.

But pride in those whose imagination and courage are helping to shape the UAE’s future must be balanced with gratitude for those devoted to rediscovering and preserving the past, for this is the foundation upon which the UAE has been built. A nation that understands and takes pride in its history can move forward with confidence, certain of the path it has followed and sure of the direction in which it must travel. Projects such as that unfolding in Ras al Khaimah ensure the UAE will never lose sight of the place from which it came.

How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

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About Proto21

Date started: May 2018
Founder: Pir Arkam
Based: Dubai
Sector: Additive manufacturing (aka, 3D printing)
Staff: 18
Funding: Invested, supported and partnered by Joseph Group

PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES

Saturday (UAE kick-off times)

Watford v Leicester City (3.30pm)

Brighton v Arsenal (6pm)

West Ham v Wolves (8.30pm)

Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (10.45pm)

Sunday

Newcastle United v Sheffield United (5pm)

Aston Villa v Chelsea (7.15pm)

Everton v Liverpool (10pm)

Monday

Manchester City v Burnley (11pm)

Final scores

18 under: Tyrrell Hatton (ENG)

- 14: Jason Scrivener (AUS)

-13: Rory McIlroy (NIR)

-12: Rafa Cabrera Bello (ESP)

-11: David Lipsky (USA), Marc Warren (SCO)

-10: Tommy Fleetwood (ENG), Chris Paisley (ENG), Matt Wallace (ENG), Fabrizio Zanotti (PAR)

What went into the film

25 visual effects (VFX) studios

2,150 VFX shots in a film with 2,500 shots

1,000 VFX artists

3,000 technicians

10 Concept artists, 25 3D designers

New sound technology, named 4D SRL

 

Profile of Tamatem

Date started: March 2013

Founder: Hussam Hammo

Based: Amman, Jordan

Employees: 55

Funding: $6m

Funders: Wamda Capital, Modern Electronics (part of Al Falaisah Group) and North Base Media

What can you do?

Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses

Seek professional advice from a legal expert

You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor

You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline

In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support

The Sand Castle

Director: Matty Brown

Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea

Rating: 2.5/5

THE BIO:

Favourite holiday destination: Thailand. I go every year and I’m obsessed with the fitness camps there.

Favourite book: Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. It’s an amazing story about barefoot running.

Favourite film: A League of their Own. I used to love watching it in my granny’s house when I was seven.

Personal motto: Believe it and you can achieve it.

Match info

Manchester United 1 (Van de Beek 80') Crystal Palace 3 (Townsend 7', Zaha pen 74' & 85')

Man of the match Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)

Financial considerations before buying a property

Buyers should try to pay as much in cash as possible for a property, limiting the mortgage value to as little as they can afford. This means they not only pay less in interest but their monthly costs are also reduced. Ideally, the monthly mortgage payment should not exceed 20 per cent of the purchaser’s total household income, says Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching.

“If it’s a rental property, plan for the property to have periods when it does not have a tenant. Ensure you have enough cash set aside to pay the mortgage and other costs during these periods, ideally at least six months,” she says. 

Also, shop around for the best mortgage interest rate. Understand the terms and conditions, especially what happens after any introductory periods, Ms Glynn adds.

Using a good mortgage broker is worth the investment to obtain the best rate available for a buyer’s needs and circumstances. A good mortgage broker will help the buyer understand the terms and conditions of the mortgage and make the purchasing process efficient and easier. 

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How it works

Booklava works on a subscription model. On signing up you receive a free book as part of a 30-day-trial period, after which you pay US$9.99 (Dh36.70) per month to gain access to a library of books and discounts of up to 30 per cent on selected titles. You can cancel your subscription at any time. For more details go to www.booklava.com

If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.

When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.

How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.