####Ban Ki-moon Visits Abu Dhabi

U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon visited Abu Dhabi and was received by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed. Among humanitarian and developmental partnerships, their discussion included current regional developments and efforts to curb terrorism.

While in the UAE, Ban also delivered a talk to students and faculty at the Emirates Diplomatic Academy. He spoke of the challenges and opportunities of a career in diplomacy, engaging the audience in discussions about climate change and youth empowerment. The current Secretary General commended the UAE for its collaborative approach to global issues and contributions to the U.N.

####Science and Innovation Park Unveiled at UAE University

On Nov. 22, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, vice president of the UAE, launched the Science and Innovation Park at UAE University. The park, described as a research hub and incubator of student innovation, aims to attract creative minds and create innovative ideas in the fields of science and technology.

“Such inventions will have a positive impact on the development of our state and enable it to compete globally in fields of research, invention, education and knowledge,” said Sheikh Mohammed while touring the facility.

The park’s launch was planned to coincide with UAE Innovation Week, held across the country from Nov. 20 to Nov. 26. Other events celebrating innovation and technology included a Hackathon conducted by the Etihad Aviation Group and IBM, and wellbeing-focused projects announced by the Dubai Health Authority.

####Formula One Grand Prix 2016 in Abu Dhabi

The Formula One race weekend kicked off in Abu Dhabi on Nov. 25 with a series of practice races and an evening concert by The Chemical Brothers. The weekend, ending with a final race on Nov. 27, will feature events like Beats On The Beach and airshows in addition to the races. Beats On The Beach, a series of concerts hosted on the Corniche, featured a multitude of international artists, including Jamaican artist Sean Paul and Filipino artist Yeng Constantino.

On Nov. 24, a performance by the Red Arrows — also known as the Royal Air Force Acrobatic Team — lit up the skies over the Corniche with stunts and red jet streams. The British team performed as part of Yasalam 2016, a series of free events to accompany the Grand Prix.

The first practice race of the Abu Dhabi F1 competition ended with Lewis Hamilton in the lead. Hamilton has already won two of the seven previous editions of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.