ABU DHABI // Flamingos are breeding in Abu Dhabi's Al Wathba Wetland Reserve for the first time in almost a decade.
Video:Tracking Flamingos in Abu Dhabi
The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi captured and tracked its 15th Flamingo as part of ongoing conservation efforts earlier this year.
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Established in 1998, the protected area is home to almost 1,600 Greater Flamingos.
In routine monitoring of the reserve, scientists at the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (Ead) recorded the presence of 90 chicks.
More are expected to hatch in the coming days, the agency said yesterday.
The Greater Flamingo is the largest of all flamingo species, standing up to 150cm tall.
It has a long, slender neck and plumage that goes from white to pinkish in colour. The pink colour of the plumage comes from substances in their food.
In contrast to their brightly coloured parents, the chicks are usually grey.
Because of its broad distribution, the Greater Flamingo is not considered threatened globally. Its numbers in the UAE are also considered healthy, although many of its wetland habitats are under threat from development.
"The breeding by flamingos in this reserve is further evidence that protecting such areas is crucial in the preservation of our biodiversity," said Razan Al Mubarak, the secretary general of Ead.
Flamingos are known to breed in Shahama and in Bul Sayeef, a protected area. Both are in Abu Dhabi but the colonies also depend on wetlands in Dubai, Ras al Khaimah and Umm al Qaiwain to survive. Flamingos travel the length of the coastline in search of food.
Ead reported last week that four of the country's most important wetlands are under threat from development: Bul Sayeef in Abu Dhabi; Ras al Khor in Dubai; Khor al Beidah in Umm al Qaiwain; and Khor al Khawair in Ras al Khaimah. They are all important feeding grounds for the Greater Flamingo and many other species of waterbirds.
vtodorova@thenational.ae
Explainer: Tanween Design Programme
Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.
The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.
It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.
The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.
Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
Fixtures
Wednesday
4.15pm: Japan v Spain (Group A)
5.30pm: UAE v Italy (Group A)
6.45pm: Russia v Mexico (Group B)
8pm: Iran v Egypt (Group B)
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
South Africa's T20 squad
Duminy (c), Behardien, Dala, De Villiers, Hendricks, Jonker, Klaasen (wkt), Miller, Morris, Paterson, Phangiso, Phehlukwayo, Shamsi, Smuts.
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Result
6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-3 – Group 1 (PA) $65,000 (Dirt) 2,000m; Winner: Brraq, Ryan Curatolo (jockey), Jean-Claude Pecout (trainer)
7.05pm: Handicap (TB) $65,000 (Turf) 1,800m; Winner: Bright Melody, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby
7.40pm: Meydan Classic – Listed (TB) $88,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Naval Crown, Mickael Barzalona, Charlie Appleby
8.15pm: Nad Al Sheba Trophy – Group 3 (TB) $195,000 (T) 2,810m; Winner: Volcanic Sky, Frankie Dettori, Saeed bin Suroor
8.50pm: Dubai Millennium Stakes – Group 3 (TB) $130,000 (T) 2,000m; Winner: Star Safari, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
9.25pm: Meydan Challenge – Listed Handicap (TB) $88,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: Zainhom, Dane O’Neill, Musabah Al Muhairi
A timeline of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language
- 2018: Formal work begins
- November 2021: First 17 volumes launched
- November 2022: Additional 19 volumes released
- October 2023: Another 31 volumes released
- November 2024: All 127 volumes completed