3 Surprising Benefits of Playing the Piano

October 17, 2019 No comments Article

To some, playing the piano appears to be little more than a nice hobby (personally, I prefer nerf guns, but that’s me!) — something that can be done to pass the time. In reality, however, learning to play the piano is a valuable skill that can provide a wide range of benefits for your overall well-being. Here is a closer look at some of the lesser-known benefits that come from playing the piano.

1.        Improved Cognitive Function

There are several ways you can improve your cognitive brain function thanks to piano lessons in Montreal. Playing the piano has actually been found to help the brain add new neural connections. This can help improve a wide range of cognitive functions, including memory, speech and language, and attention span.

 

This has been directly observed in school students who practise the piano. Those who take piano lessons have been found to score higher on standardized tests and do better at retaining information than their peers. Playing the piano has even been found to improve performance in seemingly unrelated academic areas, such as math and science.

2.        Learn Time Management

You can learn a lot in piano lessons, but to become truly skilled, you must take the time to practise each day. This requires discipline as you make practising a part of your daily routine. Individuals who learn to play piano subsequently learn valuable time management skills that help them better prioritize their activities.

 

These skills can have a direct impact on performance at school and work, making it easier to manage one’s schedule appropriately so that everything gets the attention it deserves.

3.        Better Dexterity

Playing the piano may not seem like a workout, but it does help to improve your physical health. Piano practice strengthens your hand and arm muscles, while also helping you improve your finger dexterity and hand-eye coordination. This can help individuals of all ability levels improve their fine motor skills.

 

Interestingly, learning to play the piano could also be good for your heart. Studies suggest that music can help lower blood pressure, as well as reduce your heart rate and respiratory rate, lowering the risk for future cardiac health problems.

Parting Thoughts

Learning to play the piano well requires practice and discipline, but the results are well worth the effort. As you develop this talent and the additional skills and attributes that come along with it, you will have greater confidence in your daily life — not to mention a satisfying new skill that will bring enjoyment for many years to come.

Sheikh Saud Leads Recent Tourism Developments in Ras Al Khaimah

October 4, 2019 No comments Article

Ras Al Khaimah has a long tradition of being a center of hospitality, but it was not properly taken advantage of in terms of economic development until His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi resolved to polish this Emirate into a tourism jewel. As the state of the tourism industry stands in Ras Al Khaimah, this Arabian destination will have as many hotels and resorts as world-class spots such as Cannes and Ibiza by the year 2022. According to a market research study published in September 2019, the Destination Strategy formulated by RAK leadership, hoteliers can expect solid returns on investment thanks to various taxation and business incentives.

 

Before reviewing current and future developments within the RAK tourism sector, it helps to know that when Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama arrived here in 1498, he learned that this part of the world had been continuously settled for thousands of years, and this can be explained by the benign geography of the region. Bedouin tribes, warriors, seafarers, and traders used to arrive in the Julfar settlements to find an abundance of permanent oasis camps where they could relax and escape the harsh conditions of the desert; this resulted in a business opportunity for the Julfar people who eventually specialized in providing hospitality. RAK is a place where pristine beaches are not far from high mountains and agricultural areas; unlike other Emirates, this is a region blessed with numerous water sources, fertile land, and moderate weather.

 

Sheikh Saud has essentially revived and modernized the historical tradition of RAK as a tourism destination, and he has done so with clear intentions of boosting economic development for the welfare of residents.

 

The Ras Al Khaimah Waterfront

 

With nearly 6,000 hotel rooms currently under development along the RAK beaches, there future of the tourism industry in this Emirate looks rosy. The RAK coastline already attracts many visitors from nearby Dubai because temperatures are milder and the swimming spots are more inviting. Tourists from India and Europe are also discovering the beaches of RAK because managers of all-inclusive waterfront resorts have been very competitive. If you wish to spend a luxurious beachfront vacation over the next couple of years, consider booking rooms in the RAK waterfront; you will likely find deep discounts and more perks offered in comparison to Dubai.

 

Even More Zip Line Courses

 

RAK is already known as the home of Jebel Jais Flight, an adventurous attraction that proudly holds the record of being the longest zip line in the world. Jebel Jais offers a more exciting version of the zip line experience offered in places such as Costa Rica, where tourists fly across the thick canopies of rain forests. In RAK, you not only fly faster but also higher as the mountainous desert landscape rushes past. In 2019, Jebel Jais unveiled seven new zip lines that are part of more adventurous course spanning about five kilometers. In the near future, this attraction will include a ropes and obstacle course for tourists who crave adventure and adrenaline during their vacation.

 

The New Grove Village Shopping Mall

 

As September 2019 came to an end, residents of RAK City waited anxiously for the grand opening of Grove Village in the Corniche Alqawasim district. His Highness and local officials attended the ribbon cutting ceremony, and initial reviews by shoppers were very positive. While Grove Village is not as impressive as the extravagant shopping malls of Dubai, it is perfect for the more laid-back atmosphere of RAK. Prior to the opening of this mall, the shopping experience in RAK was luxurious yet a bit fragmented; Grove Village brings together numerous upscale shops at prices that are more reasonable than Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Aside from shopping, visitors can now enjoy gourmet restaurants, trendy cafes, live music, games for children, and more.

 

To sum things up, tourism in RAK is developing at an adequate pace. Established attractions such as the Bedouin Oasis Camp in the Wadi Khadeja are doing a great job of introducing visitors to the ancient tradition of Arabian hospitality, and hoteliers are building amenities such as golf courses, spa retreats, all-inclusive resorts for families, and eco-tourism lodges in the desert. The future of tourism for the jewel of the United Arab Emirates is certainly looking bright.