ABU DHABI// While the city may not have had the huge parties and fireworks displays of Dubai, there was still plenty of revelry to mark New Year's Eve.
One popular venue was the Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri Hotel, which hosted the Back to the '80s night to mark the occasion.
The hotel invited people to don their most outlandish 1980s outfits. Only a few dressed up in the spirit of the decade, but the dress standard in general was a pretty smart turnout.
"People like to dress up in evening gowns, but I guarantee you they will be dancing like it's the 1980s," said Patrice Cornee, the executive assistant manager for food and beverage for the hotel.
As guests arrived to the sounds of classic tunes by the likes of Whitney Houston and the Pointer Sisters, they were also greeted by hotel employee Kedy DeFelix in an incredibly tasteless 1980s outfit.
By researching the style of the decade on YouTube, he turned up wearing a large dark-haired wig, oversized guitar-shaped sunglasses and a suede vest.
He was one of several hotel employees who dressed up to celebrate the decade though Mr DeFelix, 26, said many people had mistakenly thought he was dressed as Elvis Presley.
"Everyone likes my hair," he said.
About 650 people were expected to attend the party, held in the Shangri-La's Sofra bld, Hoi An and Shang Palace venues, Mr Cornee said.
As well as a live covers band, they were also entertained by fireworks at midnight – albeit much smaller than the world's largest display in Dubai.
One of the guests was Egyptian Yasser Zaki and his Tunisian wife, Yousra Hosni, a supervisor at a family health clinic.
He said that their wish for 2014 was to have a child, though they differed on which gender – he wanted a baby girl, she hoped for a boy.
Mr Zaki, a legal translator, said he'd also like more money so that he can relax and "not have to do anything".
"My plan for the New Year is no plan," he said. "I want to be a millionaire."
Mr DeFelix said he hoped for good health, more blessings to come "and to be successful".
Elsewhere, many Abu Dhabi residents had their plans cancelled when Red Line Media and Marketing entertainment company suddenly announced to hotels that a line-up of concert events at several venues would not take place.
The InterContinental in turn announced that it would host a free party for ticket holders who had had their plans cancelled.
A popular Arab musician had been scheduled to perform at each hotel before the company notified the hotels via email that the event was cancelled. The company did not respond to inquiries.
lcarroll@thenational.ae
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Disability on screen
Empire — neuromuscular disease myasthenia gravis; bipolar disorder; post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Rosewood and Transparent — heart issues
24: Legacy — PTSD;
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Taken and This Is Us — cancer
Trial & Error — cognitive disorder prosopagnosia (facial blindness and dyslexia)
Grey’s Anatomy — prosthetic leg
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Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
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School counsellors on mental well-being
Schools counsellors in Abu Dhabi have put a number of provisions in place to help support pupils returning to the classroom next week.
Many children will resume in-person lessons for the first time in 10 months and parents previously raised concerns about the long-term effects of distance learning.
Schools leaders and counsellors said extra support will be offered to anyone that needs it. Additionally, heads of years will be on hand to offer advice or coping mechanisms to ease any concerns.
“Anxiety this time round has really spiralled, more so than from the first lockdown at the beginning of the pandemic,” said Priya Mitchell, counsellor at The British School Al Khubairat in Abu Dhabi.
“Some have got used to being at home don’t want to go back, while others are desperate to get back.
“We have seen an increase in depressive symptoms, especially with older pupils, and self-harm is starting younger.
“It is worrying and has taught us how important it is that we prioritise mental well-being.”
Ms Mitchell said she was liaising more with heads of year so they can support and offer advice to pupils if the demand is there.
The school will also carry out mental well-being checks so they can pick up on any behavioural patterns and put interventions in place to help pupils.
At Raha International School, the well-being team has provided parents with assessment surveys to see how they can support students at home to transition back to school.
“They have created a Well-being Resource Bank that parents have access to on information on various domains of mental health for students and families,” a team member said.
“Our pastoral team have been working with students to help ease the transition and reduce anxiety that [pupils] may experience after some have been nearly a year off campus.
"Special secondary tutorial classes have also focused on preparing students for their return; going over new guidelines, expectations and daily schedules.”
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Crops that could be introduced to the UAE
1: Quinoa
2. Bathua
3. Amaranth
4. Pearl and finger millet
5. Sorghum
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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