Social media posts represent the good, the bad and the ugly. But every now and then, a post will represent the truly absurd. Al Jazeera Arabic pushed out a tweet saying that a photograph of a Buddhist sculpture in Abu Dhabi has led to "commentators saying there is a return of idol worship to the Arabian Peninsula". The Qatar-owned news organisation was insinuating that the sculpture was against the teachings of Islam, and invited comments about the statue. It did not, however, bother to explain what is behind it.
As The National reported, the statue, which sits on the side of the Abu Dhabi-Dubai highway is not a religious monument. It is, in fact, a reproduction of a 1,000-year-old artefact currently on display at Louvre Abu Dhabi. It is part of an initiative by the museum to bring the best of the world's cultures to the UAE and to raise awareness of historic artefacts. It also seeks to liven up people's commute, and is joined by nine others along the E11 route. Starting on Sunday, drivers will be able to hear a 30-second story on the radio about each artefact as they cruise along the road.
Some on Twitter sought to dispel these ridiculous rumours and bring much needed clarity. However, even in the face of the facts, some remain unconvinced. Misinformation must not be allowed to turn a cultural initiative into a tool for baseless fear-mongering. From Iraq and Lebanon, to Egypt and the Gulf, a wide array of communities have traditionally coexisted peacefully. The UAE is home to Muslim, Christian, Hindu and Buddhist residents, among others, and has actively promoted inclusivity with initiatives such as the 2019 Year of Tolerance. It was also the first Gulf nation to welcome the head of the Catholic Church, when Pope Francis visited Abu Dhabi in February. Such divisive rhetoric is an unwarranted threat at a time when the world is tackling extremism and xenophobia. We all have a responsibility to call it out both online and in our daily lives.
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
A State of Passion
Directors: Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi
Stars: Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah
Rating: 4/5
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
Voy!%20Voy!%20Voy!
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RESULTS
6.30pm: Handicap (rated 100 ) US$175,000 1,200m
Winner: Baccarat, William Buick (jockey), Charlie Appleby (trainer)
7.05pm: Handicap (78-94) $60,000 1,800m
Winner: Baroot, Christophe Soumillon, Mike de Kock
7.40pm: Firebreak Stakes Group 3 $200,000 1,600m
Winner: Heavy Metal, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer
8.15pm: Handicap (95-108) $125,000 1,200m
Winner: Yalta, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer
8.50pm: Balanchine Group 2 $200,000 1,800m
Winner: Promising Run, Pat Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor
9.25pm: Handicap (95-105) $125,000 1,800m
Winner: Blair House, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby
10pm: Handicap (95-105) $125,000 1,400m
Winner: Oh This Is Us, Tom Marquand, Richard Hannon
COMPANY PROFILE
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
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The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
