'From the tip of RAK down to Abu Dhabi': a call for the whole of the UAE to clap at 8pm on Thursday night


Selina Denman
  • English
  • Arabic

Abu Dhabi resident Louisa Bishop, 42, is hoping that people across the UAE will come together at 8pm tonight “to applaud the incredible work of everyone putting their own safety on the line on a daily basis to keep this country safe”.

Residents in areas such as Dubai Marina, Bur Dubai, JLT and Reem Island first took to their balconies on Saturday, March 21, to show gratitude for essential workers, from those in hospitals to the delivery drivers making sure people receive essential items.

And while this has become a regular occurrence in some communities across the UAE, there has yet to be a countrywide chorus of claps showing recognition of those who continue to toil as the rest of us have retreated to the safety of our homes, says Bishop.

Residents cheering from their balcony on Wednesday, March 25 in Al Mankhool. Pawan Singh / Bur Dubai
Residents cheering from their balcony on Wednesday, March 25 in Al Mankhool. Pawan Singh / Bur Dubai

"I realised that there were many communities here doing claps on a nightly basis but that we had not united as a nation to applaud together.

"I feel it is important in these unprecedented times to show our appreciation and thanks as a nation. From the tip of Ras Al Khaimah down to Abu Dhabi, let us give everyone a thankful applause and unite as one.

"I know it brings joy and hope to many and it is so inspiring to watch communities and the country come together as one while maintaining social distance," Bishop told The National.

The British national, who lives on Saadiyat Island, has been spreading the word on social media, using the hashtag #uaeunitedasoneapplause. "These are unknown times for all of us and for most of us living here this is our adopted country," she says.

“The UAE has acted swiftly, and thanks to its continued effort we are all a little bit safer. So, this Thursday let us stand together as a nation to celebrate this and thank them for all their hard work and continued effort in this fight."

From London to Beirut and New York to New Delhi, people across the world have been uniting to show their gratitude for the efforts of frontline workers.

On Sunday, April 5, lights were switched off across India as people lit candles and lamps for nine minutes, as part of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "9pm for 9 minutes" initiative, asking the nation for a show of solidarity and resolve in fighting against the coronavirus.

Bollywood actors Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, along with their daughter Aaradhya, clap from atop a residential building to thank essential service providers during a one-day curfew imposed in Mumbai. AFP
Bollywood actors Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, along with their daughter Aaradhya, clap from atop a residential building to thank essential service providers during a one-day curfew imposed in Mumbai. AFP

People from all walks of life were spotted taking part in the collective countrywide gesture – from businessmen (including Mukhesh Ambani, known as the richest man in the country), to film and sports personalities and rickshaw drivers.

In the UK, thousands of people have shown their appreciation of NHS workers by clapping and sending messages out via social media, including members of the royal family.

Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton posted a video of their children clapping on Twitter, with a note saying: "To all the doctors, nurses, carers, GPs, pharmacists, volunteers and other NHS staff working tirelessly to help those affected by Covid-19: thank you."

While you're here
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MATCH INFO

Chelsea 0

Liverpool 2 (Mane 50', 54')

Red card: Andreas Christensen (Chelsea)

Man of the match: Sadio Mane (Liverpool)

Match info

Uefa Champions League Group C

Liverpool v Napoli, midnight

Need to know

When: October 17 until November 10

Cost: Entry is free but some events require prior registration

Where: Various locations including National Theatre (Abu Dhabi), Abu Dhabi Cultural Center, Zayed University Promenade, Beach Rotana (Abu Dhabi), Vox Cinemas at Yas Mall, Sharjah Youth Center

What: The Korea Festival will feature art exhibitions, a B-boy dance show, a mini K-pop concert, traditional dance and music performances, food tastings, a beauty seminar, and more.

For more information: www.koreafestivaluae.com

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Jetour T1 specs

Engine: 2-litre turbocharged

Power: 254hp

Torque: 390Nm

Price: From Dh126,000

Available: Now

How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

Most match wins on clay

Guillermo Vilas - 659

Manuel Orantes - 501

Thomas Muster - 422

Rafael Nadal - 399 *

Jose Higueras - 378

Eddie Dibbs - 370

Ilie Nastase - 338

Carlos Moya - 337

Ivan Lendl - 329

Andres Gomez - 322

if you go

The flights

Flydubai flies to Podgorica or nearby Tivat via Sarajevo from Dh2,155 return including taxes. Turkish Airlines flies from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Podgorica via Istanbul; alternatively, fly with Flydubai from Dubai to Belgrade and take a short flight with Montenegro Air to Podgorica. Etihad flies from Abu Dhabi to Podgorica via Belgrade. Flights cost from about Dh3,000 return including taxes. There are buses from Podgorica to Plav. 

The tour

While you can apply for a permit for the route yourself, it’s best to travel with an agency that will arrange it for you. These include Zbulo in Albania (www.zbulo.org) or Zalaz in Montenegro (www.zalaz.me).

 

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Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin

Director: Shawn Levy

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Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products

Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries

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The biog

Marital status: Separated with two young daughters

Education: Master's degree from American Univeristy of Cairo

Favourite book: That Is How They Defeat Despair by Salwa Aladian

Favourite Motto: Their happiness is your happiness

Goal: For Nefsy to become his legacy long after he is gon

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Director: Milan Jhaveri
Producer: Emmay Entertainment and T-Series
Cast: John Abraham, Manoj Bajpayee
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VEZEETA PROFILE

Date started: 2012

Founder: Amir Barsoum

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: HealthTech / MedTech

Size: 300 employees

Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)

Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC

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What: 11th edition of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship

When: December 27-29, 2018

Confirmed: men: Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Kevin Anderson, Dominic Thiem, Hyeon Chung, Karen Khachanov; women: Venus Williams

Tickets: www.ticketmaster.ae, Virgin megastores or call 800 86 823

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting

2. Prayer

3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat 

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Engine: 51.5kW electric motor

Range: 400km

Power: 134bhp

Torque: 175Nm

Price: From Dh98,800

Available: Now

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THE SPECS

      

 

Engine: 1.5-litre

 

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

 

Power: 110 horsepower 

 

Torque: 147Nm 

 

Price: From Dh59,700 

 

On sale: now  

 
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Key facilities
  • 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