New year to bring a host of events and opportunities
Year of Zayed will focus on tolerance and co-existence with events promoting those ideals
This will be a special year for the UAE, as 2018 marks 100 years since the birth of the Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed.
The Year of Zayed will focus on tolerance and co-existence, vitally important aspects of national identity, with themed events, awards and initiatives to promote those ideals.
More familiar traditions will take place this month, with the month-long Dubai Shopping Festival when outlets are full of bargains and special offers.
Economists will pay particular attention this year to see how shopping trends are affected by the 5 per cent VAT introduced on many goods and services from today.
The fourth day of the New Year marks another national milestone, the anniversary of the Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s accession to Ruler of Dubai.
All eyes will be on the latest developments in green energy from January 13, and the start of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week hosted by Masdar. This year will also see the 10th Zayed Future Energy Prize awarded.
Sport is never far from the calendar, with the world’s best competing for the HSBC Abu Dhabi World Golf Championships from January 18.
The next stage of the “Arab swing” is the Omega Dubai Desert Classic starting on January 25, with Masters champion Sergio Garcia will be trying to retain his title from January 25.
February is Innovation Month, with hundreds of national events planned to encourage government and private sectors to unite in new ideas for a sustainable future.
The Chinese New Year will be celebrated at Ferrari World and Yas Mall from February 16, while highlights in March include the Special Olympics Mena Regional Games, a prelude to the Special Olympics.
Poland is guest of honour at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair from April 25, and Sheikh Zayed’s 100th birthday celebrations are on May 6.
This year will also include the 11th Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where motor sport fans will be hoping for a more exciting finish than last year when Lewis Hamilton cruised to his fourth Formula One drivers’ title.