The first Armenian Church opened in Abu-Dhabi at the end of last year. It has been designed according to Armenian traditions and architectural style. The 2,475-square-meter building has three main structures placed in a U-shape. The main church building stands on the right and next to it in the centre stands the archbishopric. On the left is a building partially constructed of glass and decorated with the Armenian alphabet. A statue of Mesrop Mashtots, the theologist and linguist who founded the Armenian alphabet, lies ahead. In 2005, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed donated land to build the Armenian Church. Then project authors started gathering donations from the Armenian community in the UAE and Kuwait. Construction of Church began in 2012.

A 5000 year- old underground city thought to be the largest in the world has been discovered in central Turkey. The subterranean settlement was discovered in the Nevsehir province of Turkey's Central Anatolia region, in the historical area of Cappadocia. Cappadocia is famous in archaeological circles for its large number of underground settlement. This area rich in history from the Hittite times before 1,700 B.C. and was once a part of the Roman Empire. The city, found in the province of Nevsehir, was discovered while developers were excavating for a new housing development in the area known in archeological circles for the amount of underground settlements. The project has since been cancelled. Despite the fact that nearly US$ 38.6 million have been spent on the housing development, the Turkey Housing Development Administration (TOKI) doesn't feel it is a loss. The underground city was found in the 45 hectares of the total 75 hectare area. Tunnel passages of 7 kilometers are also discussed. Project started in 2012. The underground city was discovered when the company began the destruction in line with the protocol. The first galleries were spotted in 2013. Escape galleries and churches were found in the underground city and the site has now been registered officially with the Turkey's Cultural and Natural Heritage Preservation Board, officials said. It is not the first underground city to be found in the Nevsehir area, but it is the most massive.

As anyone who's ever visited Italy knows, the ancient Romans were master engineers. Their roads, aqueducts, and temples are still holding up remarkably well despite coming under siege over the centuries by waves of sacking marauders, mobs of tourists, and the occasional earthquake. But it seems the Romans also knew a thing or two about making concrete. While world's 1960s concrete tower blocks and flyovers are crumbling, Roman monuments such as the Pantheon and the Coliseum are still standing. Now scientists have discovered the secret ingredient behind the longevity of Roman concrete - volcanic ash. The study by the University of California, in Berkeley, found Roman concrete showed no corrosion, with a smooth surface suggesting long-term stability. Manufacturing modern cement requires heating a mix of limestone and clay at 1,450C. But Roman architectural mortar uses 85 per cent volcanic ash, fresh water and lime, which is cast at a much lower temperature, significantly reducing its carbon footprint. Now the researchers want to take the Roman techniques and apply them to modern cements. Dr Marie Jackson said: 'If we can find ways to incorporate a substantial component of volcanic rock in the production of specialty concretes, we could greatly reduce the carbon emissions associated with their production. We could also improve their durability and mechanical resistance over time.'

Archaeologists unveiled a restored colossal statue of Amenhotep III that was toppled in an earthquake 3200 years ago at Egypt's famed temple city of Luxor. The statue showing him in a striding attitude was re-erected on the northern gate of the king's funerary temple on the west bank of the Nile. The temple is already famous for its existing 3400-year-old Memnon colossi -twin statues of Amenhotep III whose reign archaeologists say marked the political and cultural zenith of ancient Egyptian civilization. The 12.9-meter statue stands west of an existing effigy of the king, also depicting him walking, which was unveiled in March. The restored statue consists of 89 large pieces and numerous small fragments and reassembled since November, the monolith weighs 110 tons. The statue shows the king wearing the white crown of Upper Egypt, and each hand holding a papyrus roll inscribed with his name. His belt, holding a dagger with a falcon-head handle, is fastened with a rectangular clasp bearing the names of the king. Sources: www.theguardian.com; www.abc.net.au; www.globalpost.com

The Singapore "Changi Airport", which was named the world's best airport in 2014, started construction of new terminal. Known as "Project Jewel", the new terminal is going to recreate nature. Airport, relax and comfort are three words destined never to sit next to each other in the same sentence, but looking forward at the plans for this new terminal that could soon change. According to project authors in 2018 visitors can enjoy new little "paradise" in airport. The massive donut-like structure, constructed from steel-and-grass will be 10 stories, five above ground and five underground. Jewel Chandi's centerpiece will be Forest Valley, a five story garden with thousand of trees, ferns and shrubs. In the middle of the forest, will be the 40-meter-high Rain Vortex. On completion, it'll be the world's tallest indoor waterfall, according to the airport. At the night, the Rain Vortex will transform into a light and sound show. In the US$ 1.1 billion terminal will be 130-room-hotel, for visitors and passengers, retail areas, game-zone, restaurants and so on.