UMM AL QAIWAIN, 22nd March, 2023 (WAM) — H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu'alla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Qaiwain, has ordered the release of a number of prisoners from the punitive and corrective institutions in the Emirate, on the occasion of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Sheikh Saud expressed his sincere wishes to see the released prisoners take the opportunity to start a new life and become productive members of society.

This step comes as part of Sheikh Saud’s efforts to allow pardoned inmates to start a new life and bring about joy to their families.

ABU DHABI, 22nd March, 2023 (WAM) — The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), has launched the complete “Oyoon Al She’er Al Arabi” Arabic poetry series for World Poetry Day on 21st March.

The initiative aims to revive Arab poetic heritage by publishing a collection of 100 books compiled from original sources by a group of researchers specialising in Arabic poetry.

The series includes anthologies of Arabic poetry from the pre-Islamic era to the 18th century, with insightful introductions and explanations catering to a wide range of readers.

Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, said, “The release of the full ‘Oyoon Al She’er Al Arabi’ Arabic poetry collection is a cause for celebration, as we honour this essential component of our Arabic culture and language. Guided by the UAE’s vision for safeguarding and nurturing culture, we have developed a rich and unique reference for scholars and all those who love this authentic art form.

“A labour of love by the renowned poets, authors, and researchers created this valuable literary work, this initiative reflects the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre’s mission to promote Arab cultural and linguistic heritage and make it accessible to wider audiences.”

Saeed Hamdan Al Tunaiji, Executive Director of the ALC, said that one key objective of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre is to make significant contributions to the preservation of Arab heritage, where poetry features as a prominent element.

“The ‘Oyoon Al She’er Al Arabi’ Arabic poetry series is an important achievement in this area, providing an integrated database that tracks the history of Arabic poetry. We are grateful to the 21 authors, researchers, and critics specialising in traditional Arabic literature, coming from countries across the Arab world, whose considerable talent and effort has resulted in this milestone collection,” he added.

The Centre launched the series’ first 25 books in 2021, while the second and third instalments of 25 books each were released in 2022. This release for World Poetry Day 2023 sees the complete collection of 100 books available for the very first time.

ABU DHABI, 22nd March, 2023 (WAM) — Umm Al Emarat Park welcomes the Holy Month of Ramadan with a variety of activities for families and friends to enjoy. Visitors will be able to enjoy Ramadan Nights at the Park which will begin with the daily cannon fire at the Maghrib call to prayer, signalling the end of the fast.

For an even more special Iftar, visitors can take pleasure in Picnic at the Park, in collaboration with “Green For Life”. To add to the Ramadan ambience, the Park will also be adorned with beautiful decorations throughout the month.

Visitors will enjoy on the first weekend of Ramadan, wellness and fitness activities that the Park will be hosting in collaboration with Peak Fitness, such as joining trainers on the green jogging track and starting their weekend with a refreshing run.

The remaining weekends of the holy month will bring many fun family-friendly activities such as face-painting, art workshops, traditional Ramadan ambience with oud players, tanoura dancers, traditional Emirati food and coffee for the entire family to enjoy. Additionally, there will be a range of Ramadan products and sweets available for purchase.

Art enthusiasts can also indulge in art exhibitions taking place at the Park throughout Ramadan, alongside musical performances and other cultural activities.

Visitors can also participate in weekly quiz competitions on the Park’s Instagram channel and a lucky winner per week will win a Fitness Loyalty Card worth AED499.

The iconic Cinema in the Park is also taking place with fun, family-friendly movies every Friday and Saturday at 7 pm and 9 pm in the Children's Garden. Kids can also get creative at the origami, balloon twisting, and color bug stations.

Rasha Kablawi, Head of Umm Al Emarat Park’s Corporate Affairs and Communication Department, commented, “As a destination that connects communities, we are excited to launch a diverse range of exciting activities during the holy month that brings people together in a warm and welcoming space to connect with one another, nature, and themselves in a relaxing environment that will allow them to create cherished memories and lasting moments.”

Umm Al Emarat Park is the largest green space in the centre of Abu Dhabi bringing people together in a family-friendly environment.