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Time Out Dubai
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
9 weird Dubai world records you probably didn't know about
Did you know Dubai has the tallest building in the world? Of course you did. But we bet there are some weird Dubai world titles you definitely don't know about. The city loves a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records, and we've dug out some of the strangest achievements so you can use them as a fun fact, or in your next pub quiz. Here are the 9 of Dubai's weird and wonderful world records Tallest crisp packet structure On Thursday June 6 2024, Lay's managed to make the tallest crisp packet structure – now surely that counts as a weird Dubai world record. Creating the shape of a crisp packet, the sculpture stood at over four metres tall and made history in the Carrefour store at Ibn Battuta Mall. Unfortunately, you can't see it if you visit the store today, but think of it as you browse the aisles doing your weekly shop. Largest flower arrangement/structure (Credit: Dubai Miracle Garden) Even the humble flowerbed is seen as a plot from which to grow a world record in Dubai. Miracle Gardens is teaming with green-thumbed gurus, and their funky floral efforts have landed them in the record books since 2016. Hailed for pruning the largest flower arrangement/structure known to man, their petal-version of an Airbus A380 measures 72.95m by 78.34m, and towers 21.98m above the dropped jaws of guests. Largest shawarma-tasting (Credit: Flayva) A recent, yet tasty, entry on this list as Flayva food hall at Al Ghurair Centre hosted the world's largest shawarma-tasting event on Thursday October 10 2024. A total of 312 participants munched on more than 900 shawarmas by Allo Beirut. Every participant needed to take at least one bite of three varieties of shawarma – chicken, spicy chicken and chicken avocado in case you were curious – for the record to be valid. Largest fortune cookie Dubai world records: Dragon Mart is home to the world's largest fortune cookie (Credit: Dragon Mart) Unveiled as part of the 20th anniversary celebrations for Dragon Mart, the fortune cookie weighs a total of 2.286 kilograms and stands at 30cm tall and 58 cm in length. But your eyes don't deceive you, pictured above is a huge larger-than-life sculpture version of the record-breaking fortune cookie which stands at four metres tall and six metres wide which sits next to the real cookie. Largest synchronised car dance Achieved on March 5 2022, 265 cars helped break the record in Dubai to bag a record for Sony Playstation. To mark the launch of the Gran Turismo 7 game, vehicles from 4x4s to supercars all got into formation. Cool right? Longest line of pies Credit: Adobe Anyone hungry? One of the tastiest Dubai world records, some 2,209 perfect pies were lined up on January 4 2021, filed by USA Pears, Emirates Culinary Guild and Jumeirah Creekside Hotel to form a lip-smackin' record. Longest wheelie (distance) on a quad bike (ATV) Sheikh Zayed Road in the modern day Credit: Canva 60 clicks is a fair old distance to cover. But ever thought about it while doing a wheelie on a quad bike? Us neither. But that didn't deter the intrepid Abdulla Al Hattawi, who managed to steer his ATV 60km while pulling a wheelie along Sheikh Zayed Road on January 2018, winning him one of the coolest Dubai world records. Al Hattawi then bagged another record in June 2022 when he travelled the greatest distance performing a quad bike (ATV) wheelie whilst balancing a person on shoulders. Longest underwater live radio broadcast (unsupported) Did video really kill the radio star? Or did it just send them under the sea? Atlantis The Palm holds the unusual record of hosting the longest underwater live radio broadcast at its Atlantis Ambassador Lagoon aquarium on May 13 2017. Radio presenter Stu Tolan was the man to take the plunge, staying submerged three metres down in an 11m litre tank for five hours, 25 minutes and 25 seconds. Turn it up! Fastest police car in service Credit: Supplied Dubai Police's Bugatti Veyron supercar set one of the craziest world records as the fastest police car in the world in April 2016. Blazing down Sheikh Zayed Road at 400kmph is now possible for the Dubai Police force, if the traffic doesn't stop them first. Dubai Police reclaimed the record from the Italian police force, which previously held the record of fastest fleet car with the Lamborghini Gallardo, capable of zipping around at speeds of up to 370kmph. The Bugatti Veyron topped that by 37kmph, coming it at a total top speed of 407kmph. Most people to parachute from a balloon simultaneously (Credit: Guinness World Records) Skydivers can be spotted all day, every da,y plummeting to earth above The Palm. But rarely do you see more than a handful falling in tandem. Which is why the world record of 25 thrill seekers simultaneously descending from a balloon makes for quite the spectacle. An adrenaline-fuelled day and a record to take home, this record was made all the way back on February 10 2013 at Skydive Dubai. Looking for things to do in Dubai? 112 amazing things to do in Dubai in 2025 Everything to tick off your Dubai bucket list The best Saturday brunches in Dubai to try this weekend (whatever your budget) You need to try these brunches at least once Here's how to eat at 12 expensive Dubai restaurants for less Yes, even at the Burj Al Arab
Arabian Post
06-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Dubai's Counterfeit Markets Face Mounting Pressure Amid Crackdowns
Dubai's longstanding reputation as a haven for counterfeit luxury goods is under increasing scrutiny as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle the grey market. Popular shopping districts such as Karama Market, Dragon Mart, and Naif Souk have historically attracted bargain hunters seeking replicas of high-end brands at a fraction of the cost. However, a series of raids, fines, and public awareness campaigns have significantly curtailed the open sale of counterfeit items. Karama Market, once synonymous with high-quality knock-offs, has seen a marked decline in counterfeit trade. Shop owners report dwindling sales and increased caution among traders. 'There are days when I don't end up selling even a single item,' said a long-time vendor, highlighting the impact of heightened enforcement. The Department of Economic Development has conducted multiple operations in the area, seizing thousands of fake goods and imposing substantial fines. In some instances, counterfeit items are concealed in secret compartments or off-site apartments, indicating the lengths to which sellers go to evade detection. Dragon Mart, the expansive Chinese retail hub in International City, has also come under the spotlight. In a notable crackdown, DED inspectors fined 113 stores and confiscated over 2,500 counterfeit products, including imitations of brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel. The operation aimed not only to penalize offenders but also to educate vendors on intellectual property laws, with informational materials distributed in Mandarin to ensure comprehension. Naif Souk, located in Deira, offers a diverse range of goods, from traditional clothing to electronic accessories. While not as prominently associated with counterfeit luxury items as Karama or Dragon Mart, the market's affordability and variety make it a notable destination for budget-conscious shoppers. Vendors here often provide customizable options, such as tailored abayas and personalized phone cases, catering to a clientele seeking unique yet economical products. Meena Bazaar in Bur Dubai presents a blend of traditional and contemporary offerings. Known for its array of textiles, jewellery, and souvenirs, the market also features shops that discreetly sell imitation fashion items. The bustling alleys and vibrant storefronts create an atmosphere where tourists and locals alike can explore a mix of authentic and replica merchandise. Al Karama Street, distinct from the adjacent Karama Market, is lined with shops offering a variety of goods, including imitation products. The street's accessibility and range of items have made it a frequented spot for those seeking affordable alternatives to high-end brands. However, the increased vigilance by authorities has led to a more subdued presence of counterfeit items in the area. The concerted efforts by Dubai's authorities reflect a broader commitment to upholding intellectual property rights and maintaining the city's image as a legitimate commercial hub. With counterfeit trade estimated to cost the global economy billions annually, the clampdown serves both economic and reputational interests. Consumers are increasingly encouraged to verify the authenticity of products and report suspicious activities, contributing to a more transparent marketplace.
The National
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Best photos of April 29: Road blocks in Kashmir to ballet dancers in Sydney
Director: Hwang Dong-hyuk Stars: Lee Jung-jae, Wi Ha-joon and Lee Byung-hun Rating: 4.5/5 Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It's impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer. If you're driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman. By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE. Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at The process typically takes several days. Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won't be overtaken by sudden downpours. Azhar Ali (capt), Shan Masood, Abid Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Fawad Alam, Haris Sohail, Imran Khan, Kashif Bhatti, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Abbas, Yasir Shah, Usman Shinwari Innotech Profile Date started: 2013 Founder/CEO: Othman Al Mandhari Based: Muscat, Oman Sector: Additive manufacturing, 3D printing technologies Size: 15 full-time employees Stage: Seed stage and seeking Series A round of financing Investors: Oman Technology Fund from 2017 to 2019, exited through an agreement with a new investor to secure new funding that it under negotiation right now. %3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EYodawy%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Egypt%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EKarim%20Khashaba%2C%20Sherief%20El-Feky%20and%20Yasser%20AbdelGawad%3Cstrong%3E%3Cbr%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EHealthTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETotal%20funding%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2424.5%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAlgebra%20Ventures%2C%20Global%20Ventures%2C%20MEVP%20and%20Delivery%20Hero%20Ventures%2C%20among%20others%3Cstrong%3E%3Cbr%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20500%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A Director: Matty Brown Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea Rating: 2.5/5 The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000 Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000 Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000 Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000 Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent Engine: 51.5kW electric motor Range: 400km Power: 134bhp Torque: 175Nm Price: From Dh98,800 Available: Now %3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEdited%20by%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Idries%20Trevathan%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPages%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20240%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Hirmer%20Publishers%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EAvailable%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A 1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull 2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight 3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge 4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own 5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed 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 Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm Transmission: 8-speed auto Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km On sale: Now Price: From Dh149,900 Ram Buxani earned a salary of 125 rupees per month in 1959 Indian currency was then legal tender in the Trucial States. He received the wages plus food, accommodation, a haircut and cinema ticket twice a month and actuals for shaving and laundry expenses Buxani followed in his father's footsteps when he applied for a job overseas His father Jivat Ram worked in general merchandize store in Gibraltar and the Canary Islands in the early 1930s Buxani grew the UAE business over several sectors from retail to financial services but is attached to the original textile business He talks in detail about natural fibres, the texture of cloth, mirrorwork and embroidery Buxani lives by a simple philosophy – do good to all Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham Rating: 3.5/5 Canada and Mexico are significant energy suppliers to the US, providing the majority of oil and natural gas imports The introduction of tariffs could hinder the US's clean energy initiatives by raising input costs for materials like nickel US domestic suppliers might benefit from higher prices, but overall oil consumption is expected to decrease due to elevated costs 4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah 5.10pm: Continous 5.45pm: Raging Torrent 6.20pm: West Acre 7pm: Flood Zone 7.40pm: Straight No Chaser 8.15pm: Romantic Warrior 8.50pm: Calandogan 9.30pm: Forever Young Dos Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion Always ask for the dress code if you don't know Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester Don'ts Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying %3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3.5-litre%20twin-turbo%20V6%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E456hp%20at%205%2C000rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E691Nm%20at%203%2C500rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E10-speed%20auto%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E14.6L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Efrom%20Dh349%2C545%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Enow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A The Disaster Artist Director: James Franco Starring: James Franco, Dave Franco, Seth Rogan Four stars GOLF'S RAHMBO - 5 wins in 22 months as pro - Three wins in past 10 starts - 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s - Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year) - 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth) Director: Magizh Thirumeni Stars: Ajith Kumar, Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Regina Cassandra Rating: 4/5 iPad Pro 11" - $799 (64GB) 12.9" - $999 (64GB) MacBook Air $1,199 Mac Mini $799 It is among the greatest health debates of our time; splashed across newspapers with contradicting headlines - is coffee good for you or not? Depending on what you read, it is either a cancer-causing, sleep-depriving, stomach ulcer-inducing black death or the secret to long life, cutting the chance of stroke, diabetes and cancer. The latest research - a study of 8,412 people across the UK who each underwent an MRI heart scan - is intended to put to bed (caffeine allowing) conflicting reports of the pros and cons of consumption. The study, funded by the British Heart Foundation, contradicted previous findings that it stiffens arteries, putting pressure on the heart and increasing the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke, leading to warnings to cut down. Numerous studies have recognised the benefits of coffee in cutting oral and esophageal cancer, the risk of a stroke and cirrhosis of the liver. The benefits are often linked to biologically active compounds including caffeine, flavonoids, lignans, and other polyphenols, which benefit the body. These and othetr coffee compounds regulate genes involved in DNA repair, have anti-inflammatory properties and are associated with lower risk of insulin resistance, which is linked to type-2 diabetes. But as doctors warn, too much of anything is inadvisable. The British Heart Foundation found the heaviest coffee drinkers in the study were most likely to be men who smoked and drank alcohol regularly. Excessive amounts of coffee also unsettle the stomach causing or contributing to stomach ulcers. It also stains the teeth over time, hampers absorption of minerals and vitamins like zinc and iron. It also raises blood pressure, which is largely problematic for people with existing conditions. So the heaviest drinkers of the black stuff - some in the study had up to 25 cups per day - may want to rein it in. Rory Reynolds Director: Brady Corbet Stars: Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, Joe Alwyn Rating: 3.5/5 Global events: Much of the UK's economic woes were blamed on 'increased global uncertainty', which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump's tariffs. Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30 Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise '£6.5bn per year' for the public purse Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances %3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPayal%20Kapadia%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Kani%20Kusruti%2C%20Divya%20Prabha%2C%20Chhaya%20Kadam%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A Updated: April 29, 2025, 9:44 AM
The National
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- The National
Best photos of April 23: Fire in Manila to the Auto Shanghai show
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201.8-litre%204-cyl%20turbo%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E190hp%20at%205%2C200rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20320Nm%20from%201%2C800-5%2C000rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeven-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%206.7L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh111%2C195%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes Premier League-standard football pitch 400m Olympic running track NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium 600-seat auditorium Spaces for historical and cultural exploration An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad Specialist robotics and science laboratories AR and VR-enabled learning centres Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills Family: He is the youngest of five brothers, of whom two are dentists. Celebrities he worked on: Fabio Canavaro, Lojain Omran, RedOne, Saber Al Rabai. Where he works: Liberty Dental Clinic English Premiership semi-finals Saracens 57 Wasps 33 Exeter Chiefs 36 Newcastle Falcons 5 The device has a screen reader or software that monitors what happens on the screen The screen reader sends the text to the speech synthesiser This converts to audio whatever it receives from screen reader, so the person can hear what is happening on the screen A VOISS computer costs between $200 and $250 depending on memory card capacity that ranges from 32GB to 128GB The speech synthesisers VOISS develops are free Subsequent computer versions will include improvements such as wireless keyboards Arabic voice in affordable talking computer to be added next year to English, Portuguese, and Spanish synthesiser Partnerships planned during Expo 2020 Dubai to add more languages At least 2.2 billion people globally have a vision impairment or blindness More than 90 per cent live in developing countries The Long-term aim of VOISS to reach the technology to people in poor countries with workshops that teach them to build their own device The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000 Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000 Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000 Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000 Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham Rating: 3.5/5 Chris Greaves, the managing director of Hays Gulf Region, says those without a pay rise for an extended period must start asking questions – both of themselves and their employer. 'First, are they happy with that or do they want more?' he says. 'Job-seeking is a time-consuming, frustrating and long-winded affair so are they prepared to put themselves through that rigmarole? Before they consider that, they must ask their employer what is happening.' Most employees bring up pay rise queries at their annual performance appraisal and find out what the company has in store for them from a career perspective. Those with no formal appraisal system, Mr Greaves says, should ask HR or their line manager for an assessment. 'You want to find out how they value your contribution and where your job could go,' he says. 'You've got to be brave enough to ask some questions and if you don't like the answers then you have to develop a strategy or change jobs if you are prepared to go through the job-seeking process.' For those that do reach the salary negotiation with their current employer, Mr Greaves says there is no point in asking for less than 5 per cent. 'However, this can only really have any chance of success if you can identify where you add value to the business (preferably you can put a monetary value on it), or you can point to a sustained contribution above the call of duty or to other achievements you think your employer will value.' Creator: Mike White Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell Rating: 4.5/5 Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month. The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said. Dubai's real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate's total property transactions, according to the DLD. THE SPECS 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE Engine: 1.8 litre combined with 16-volt electric motors Transmission: Automatic with manual shifting mode Power: 121hp Torque: 142Nm Price: Dh95,900 %3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDeveloper%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2011%20Bit%20Studios%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Odd%20Meter%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EConsole%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20PlayStation%205%2C%20PC%20and%20Xbox%20series%20X%2FS%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A Global events: Much of the UK's economic woes were blamed on 'increased global uncertainty', which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump's tariffs. Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30 Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise '£6.5bn per year' for the public purse Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances The Transfiguration Director: Michael O'Shea Starring: Eric Ruffin, Chloe Levine Three stars Name: Xpanceo Started: 2018 Founders: Roman Axelrod, Valentyn Volkov Based: Dubai, UAE Industry: Smart contact lenses, augmented/virtual reality Funding: $40 million Investor: Opportunity Venture (Asia) Updated: April 23, 2025, 9:45 AM
Gulf Today
21-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
MBRL marks World Chinese Language Day
Marking World Chinese Language Day, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library (MBRL) hosted a vibrant cultural session celebrating the untold stories of the Chinese community in the UAE. The event centred around the book The Chinese History in Dubai and welcomed its co-authors, Mao Yiming and Li Huafei, who engaged the audience in a compelling discussion on the evolution of Chinese life in the emirate. The session, which saw wide participation and lively interaction from attendees, highlighted how Chinese migrants — beginning from humble origins — gradually established a thriving community in Dubai. Their enduring presence has become intricately woven into the city's commercial, cultural, and historical landscape. During the discussion, the authors guided the audience through a fascinating journey across time, beginning with the discovery of ancient celadon porcelain shards from the Song Dynasty (9th–12th century AD) at the Jumeirah archaeological site. The narrative then moved into the more recent past, covering the earliest Chinese telegrams sent from Dubai to China in the 1950s and 60s, the founding of the first Chinese restaurant in the UAE, and the arrival of traditional Chinese medicine practitioners. The book also explores the golden era of Chinese entrepreneurship in the 2000s, the emergence of cultural landmarks such as Dragon Mart, the boom in Chinese tourism, and the growing Chinese presence in areas like International City. It also reflects on the gradual shift from traditional trade practices to modern economic models. Enhancing the cultural ambience of the evening, the event featured a live performance of traditional Chinese music, immersing attendees in the rich sounds of East Asian heritage. In a thoughtful cultural gesture, guests received personalised bookmarks with their names elegantly rendered in Chinese calligraphy. The authors underlined the personal and historical significance of the project, stating: 'The history of the Chinese in Dubai may seem insignificant on a world map, but to those who have lived it, it is deeply meaningful. If no one had recorded it, it would have never existed.' They also expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the many 'old Dubai Chinese' whose stories and contributions were instrumental in bringing the book to life.
