SHARJAH // The presence of thousands of children and their parents for the Sharjah chapter of the Abu Dhabi Science Festival exceeded all expectations over the weekend.
The festival, now in its fourth year, has expanded to a new emirate in Sharjah, as well as Al Ain Zoo, for the first time in the hope of attracting more young people to the wonders of science.
According to one workshop manager, Al Majaz waterfront in Sharjah has welcomed more than 2,000 children since the festival opened last week.
“A lot of them returned more than once to play here,” said Polly, who oversaw the Automata workshop.
More than 150 students from the men’s and women’s higher colleges of technology in the emirate have been recruited as science communicators to work onsite to deliver the festival’s content.
Activities include workshops, shows, and an interactive exhibition as well as games and activities that include making slime, building a rocket and creating perfume.
Wafa, an Emirati mother of three, said: “I graduated with an IT degree, and always had a knack for science. It’s absolutely amazing to have my kids here exploring and inventing stuff.
“They use their iPads at home all the time, they play sports, but this festival had them very excited: making kites and creating their own perfumes.
“This is my second visit to the festival, and I will try to come again before the weekend.”
A highlight of the past weekend for many visitors was the sight of more than 1,000 kites made by children being flown over the waterfront.
“They helped a two-year-old girl make her own kite. You should have seen the smile on her face when the kite went up in the air,” said Jamela, a supervisor of the High Flyers workshop.
However, the big crowds at Al Majaz were not to everyone’s liking.
Julia, mother of a five-year-old, decided to visit the festival another time because it was too crowded at the weekend and her child did not have enough time to play and explore the whole festival.
Much of the content at this year’s festival has been developed by UAE-based organisations and companies, such as the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi and Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation. The festival runs until Saturday. For more details, visit www.abudhabisciencefestival.ae or call 80073.
tzriqat@thenational.ae
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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.
Company%20Profile
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Ticket prices
- Golden circle - Dh995
- Floor Standing - Dh495
- Lower Bowl Platinum - Dh95
- Lower Bowl premium - Dh795
- Lower Bowl Plus - Dh695
- Lower Bowl Standard- Dh595
- Upper Bowl Premium - Dh395
- Upper Bowl standard - Dh295
Dr Amal Khalid Alias revealed a recent case of a woman with daughters, who specifically wanted a boy.
A semen analysis of the father showed abnormal sperm so the couple required IVF.
Out of 21 eggs collected, six were unused leaving 15 suitable for IVF.
A specific procedure was used, called intracytoplasmic sperm injection where a single sperm cell is inserted into the egg.
On day three of the process, 14 embryos were biopsied for gender selection.
The next day, a pre-implantation genetic report revealed four normal male embryos, three female and seven abnormal samples.
Day five of the treatment saw two male embryos transferred to the patient.
The woman recorded a positive pregnancy test two weeks later.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Farasan Boat: 128km Away from Anchorage
Director: Mowaffaq Alobaid
Stars: Abdulaziz Almadhi, Mohammed Al Akkasi, Ali Al Suhaibani
Rating: 4/5
The specs
Engine: 2-litre or 3-litre 4Motion all-wheel-drive Power: 250Nm (2-litre); 340 (3-litre) Torque: 450Nm Transmission: 8-speed automatic Starting price: From Dh212,000 On sale: Now
Points to remember
- Debate the issue, don't attack the person
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- Express passion for the issue but be aware of when you're losing control or when there's anger. If there is, pause and take some time out.
- Listen actively without interrupting
- Avoid assumptions, seek understanding, ask questions
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The Comeback: Elvis And The Story Of The 68 Special
Simon Goddard
Omnibus Press
if you go
The flights
Etihad and Emirates fly direct to Kolkata from Dh1,504 and Dh1,450 return including taxes, respectively. The flight takes four hours 30 minutes outbound and 5 hours 30 minute returning.
The trains
Numerous trains link Kolkata and Murshidabad but the daily early morning Hazarduari Express (3’ 52”) is the fastest and most convenient; this service also stops in Plassey. The return train departs Murshidabad late afternoon. Though just about feasible as a day trip, staying overnight is recommended.
The hotels
Mursidabad’s hotels are less than modest but Berhampore, 11km south, offers more accommodation and facilities (and the Hazarduari Express also pauses here). Try Hotel The Fame, with an array of rooms from doubles at Rs1,596/Dh90 to a ‘grand presidential suite’ at Rs7,854/Dh443.