Seeing is believing: Mohamed bin Rashid tells Chinese paper

            During a meeting with a Chinese media delegation from Beijing Youth Newspaper, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, has emphasised on the importance of UAE-Chinese relations. H.H. stressed on the need to strengthen cooperation between the two countries not only in the field of trade, but also in other fields like science, technology, and clean and renewable energy. H.H. has also touched on the pillars of his vision and his definition of success. Finally, H.H explained his view of the youth and their role in his institutions, as well as the role of women in development.

            Beijing Youth Newspaper is part of Beijing Youth Media Group, which owns 11 newspapers, 5 magazines, and is considered to be the bestseller in the Chinese capital.

            Below is the full transcript of the report Full Report from Beijing Youth Newspaper conducted by By Wang Liwen:

            His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ruler of Dubai. H.H has been renowned as one of the most influential people in the world by Time magazine.

            Dubai: a global destination: The UAE was founded in 1971. Currently, it has a population of 8.2 million. Its capital is the emirate of Abu Dhabi; the emirate of Dubai is the second largest city in the UAE. At present, with its high-tech infrastructure, Dubai is a global trade, economic, tourism, and logistics hub. The Ruler of Dubai encourages foreign companies to invest and do business there. Consequently, Dubai's GDP has doubled every three years in the past ten years.

            Meanwhile, Dubai is the seventh largest port in the world. Its free trade zone offers incentives and tax concessions to multinational corporations. It is also a world class year-round tourism destination and convention and exhibition centre. Industries of all sorts including technology, resources and logistics hold conventions and exhibitions there. Fifty percent of Fortune 500 companies have offices in Dubai.

            At present, China is Dubai's second largest trade partner. Nearly 3,000 Chinese companies are registered there, and more than 180,000 Chinese citizens live there. Emirates Airlines is one of the world's 20 large airline companies, and it ranks third in profitability. Every day it flies to and from Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. Dubai International Airport ranks fourth in the world in terms of international passenger traffic. According to statistics compiled by Dubai, it is projected that by 2015 trade between Dubai and China will total US$100 billion per year.

            What can you see when you go to Dubai? The seven-star Burg Al Arab "Sailboat" Hotel? The Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest commercial and residential building? The Dubai Mall, with its 1,200 stores covering an area of five football fields? You'll see them all. They have all become world famous through word of mouth. Many people first become acquainted with Dubai from its seven-star hotel.

            I want you to know that if you are lucky you can meet Sheikh Mohammed on the street, and you can say hello, shake his hand, and have your picture taken with him just like the people of Dubai can. The probability of this happening is much greater than winning the lottery because he enjoys mingling with the people. You could meet him at the mall, a popular restaurant or a concert hall. He enjoys shopping dining and listening to music just like you and I do, and he never has a large entourage of people with him.

            His personal assistant told me that he doesn't need bodyguards because the people of Dubai are all willing to fill that role. Many ordinary citizens know all too well how difficult life was for their fathers' and grandfathers' generations when they lived in tents without running water or electricity, and they have witnessed the enormous miraculous changes their country has undergone. They say, "Forty years ago we were just a small country with scant resources and nothing but our dreams." But now with all the changes that have taken place, they are willing to believe that they can achieve the dream of becoming a strong country in ten years like their ruler says they will.

            Another person I met described the Sheikh thus: "He trusts his government employees, but he never relies solely on their written or oral reports. He walks very fast, and no one dares to lag behind."

In order to improve the quality of service, he has a third party from the secretarial pool to carry out oversight work. Sometimes, you can see him with a stopwatch at the airport recording how long it takes for visitors to clear Customs and Immigration. He believes that raising work efficiency is always a good thing, and he wants visitors to feel they are getting fast and high-quality service when they enter the country. He says that if visitors expect it to take an hour to clear customs and immigration, we should get them through in 30 minutes. That's good-quality service, but not best-quality service. If you don't keep improving your service to your customers, for example by cutting the time down to 20 minutes, you aren't providing best service. Sometimes he files complaints in the guise of an ordinary citizen just to see how fast and well they are dealt with.

            Sheikh Mohammed graduated from Mons Officer Cadet School in England, and was appointed Defence Minister of the UAE in 1971, and he said he wanted to make sure that Dubai earns its title of the safest city in the world.

            He worked with interior decorators on the decor for the great hall of the airport, and has had a hand in the design of many public spaces. He was a principle designer of the opulent Bab Al Shams Hotel. He says the pursuit of beauty is in the DNA of the Arab people.

            He has travelled all over the world, and every time he sees something beautiful he hopes that one day Dubai can have one just like it. He was delighted to learn that when French officials go to Dubai, they always buy French perfume to take home because it's cheaper there due to Dubai being a duty free port. He says Dubai has the capability of becoming a major market for merchandise it doesn't manufacture itself.

            He hopes that Dubai will be a world-class trade, tourism and service city in the 21st century, and he is building the necessary infrastructure and creating an ideal environment to make that happen.

            Sheikh Mohammed is a poet who has published several volumes of poetry, and also an accomplished horseman who has won the European Championship. He says that writing poetry enables him to look at the things around him from a new perspective, and that the source of inspiration lies in beauty, accomplishments and dreams. He believes that his poetry draws him closer to other people.

            During my interview, he told me he was preparing for an endurance horse race.

            He has a powerful desire to make his country rich and strong, and he wrote the book My Vision: Challenges in the Race for Excellence, in which he summed up his vision about leadership and life in simple yet moving language. This book led a former teacher of his in England to write to him, "I've written 12 books, but none of them achieved the fame yours did." Sheikh Mohammed wrote back, "Your books are theoretical, mine is practical."

            Interviewing Sheikh Mohammed was a very enjoyable experience, and I could get a glimpse of his thinking from his answers to my questions.

            Q: China is also a fast-developing country. What do you foresee for economic cooperation between our countries in the future?

            A: That is an excellent question. I hope your readers in China come to Dubai and see it for themselves. What you hear is an illusion; what you see is real.

            In fact contact between Chinese and Arabs began in the 7th century. I myself have visited China on a couple of occasions, and I enjoyed seeing your cities and your culture first hand. China's remarkable growth is a success story that we have observed with great interest. Dubai is like the ancient Chinese capital of Chang'an, a global cosmopolitan city, where people from 200 countries live and work together.

            Dubai was a hub on the Silk Road then. More recently Dubai has made it more convenient for industry to spread to Central Asia, North Africa and the Commonwealth of Independent States. Two thirds of the world's population can fly to Dubai in eight hours or less. In the past 20 or 30 years, investors from all over the world have flocked to Dubai.

            Our two countries both have shining histories and cultures, and our peoples have a relationship of friendship and equality. I hope that our countries have even greater cooperation in the future, not only in trade, but also in science and technology and in renewable and clean energy.

            In the future we will consider sending students from the UAE to China to study.

            These issues were discussed during Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to UAE in January 2012 to participate in the World Future Energy Summit.

            Q: When did your thinking come together?

            A: About ten years ago. When I was in Europe and the United States, I saw racetracks and subways, and I wondered when Dubai could have all that.

            Q: Your Highness, what is the secret of your success?

            A: There are no secrets to the success we have achieved. I will summarise three key points: First is the vision. You have to have a vision that would benefit the people and help them achieve their dreams, and you must believe in your ability to achieve the vision.

            Second is the team. You need to choose a dedicated team that believes in the vision and has the positive energy and outlook to accomplish it.

            Third, keep building. Do not stop from building on the vision. It is an inspiration for all around you, and is your catalyst to work towards your goals diligently every morning, doing and achieving something new that benefits your people.

            Q: You once said that no one remembers dreamers and they only remember people who turn their dreams into reality. Do you think you have turned your dreams into reality?

            A: Some people daydream all day and when they go to sleep they continue to dream. This is just dreaming and they have no way to turn their dreams into reality. The way we turn our dreams into reality is: when other people talk about working, we actually work; when other people are making their plans, we carry out our plans; and when other people are having doubts, we move boldly ahead.

            There is a saying in Europe, "Let the lion lead the sheep." My thinking is: If I am a lion and I am leading, I should be leading lions. I encourage talented young people to love their work. They shouldn't be punished for their mistakes. Making mistakes is the best way to learn to do something.

            What do the young people of the UAE need most? Success! I feel proud of everyone who works together with me to achieve our goals.

            Q: In your book My Vision you make a special point to discuss the different influences positive and negative energy have on people. If someone says, if you have an influential position, power and financial resources, it's easy to have positive energy, how do you respond?

            A: In fact no one can be totally happy. There are a lot of countries and people with ample financial resources, but that doesn't mean they can maintain positive energy. On the contrary, many people stop progressing because they are already well off. A leader needs to have positive energy. With positive energy comes optimism, and with optimism, anything becomes possible. However, people who constantly face challenges can face them bravely and overcome them because they accumulate the ability to do so day by day. It is very important to maintain a cheerful disposition day after day, month after month, year after year. When people see someone succeed, they often say that person was lucky. In my mind, luck favours people who are prepared. If there is always a hesitant voice in your heart saying, "It's not possible" then it's really impossible for you. But me, I always encourage people to try again, and maybe try to do it differently. Conquering "the impossible" means refusing to give up hope. You have to think, "Somewhere there is a way to find a solution. Let's work together to find it."

            Q: Concerning your ideas on developing the country, what is the source of your thinking other than learning from your father?

            A: I am the son of Arab tribesmen. The sons of Arab tribesmen get their knowledge, wisdom and vision mainly from family members and not from schools. Aside from my university education, most of what I learned from Sheikh Zayed, the late president of the UAE, and my late father Sheikh Rashid. I studied their administrative experience, and learned a great deal from them. Also, I learned a lot from occasional small mistakes.

            Q: What kind of mistakes?

            A: For example, several years ago we were planning to build a golf course on the coast, but we put it off in the face of objections. When we finally got around to building it, we had lost a lot of valuable time. That's why we often say "the clock ticks life away." We don't have time to hesitate. That is the cause of giving up something in the middle.

            Q: Your Highness, why do women play such an important role in UAE society?

            A: I am very proud of the strong role that women play in our society. They have complete equality. Today, 70 per cent of all our university graduates are women. More than 65 per cent of all jobs in our government are held by women. Thirty per cent of them hold managerial positions. More than 80 per cent of staff in my own office are women. We do not just talk about the important role women should have in our society; we deliver. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

Sheikha Lubna meets US trade official

            Washington, D.C. - Minister of Foreign Trade Shaikha Lubna Al Qasimi met with the United States Trade Representative (USTR) Ron Kirk in Washington and discussed with him continued cooperation in the avenues of trade and investment.

            The minister, who met with the US official during her visit to the US, was accompanied by UAE Ambassador in Washington Yussuf Mana Al Otaiba and the UAE Commercial Attaché Saud Al Nowais.

            They held talks on economic cooperation between the two countries and jointly emphasised the importance of promoting the private sector in both countries to benefit from the existing investment opportunities.

            Shaikha Lubna asserted UAE’s keenness to bolster bilateral relations between UAE and US, especially in the sectors of trade and investment.

            She emphasised the importance of giving adequate market share and support to the SMEs as part of the strategy of the UAE’s federal government.

            The US official urged to benefit from the strength of relations between the two countries to create new opportunities for economic cooperation which could be translated into projects that would contribute to economic development on both sides.

            He alluded to the fact that there are several US firms who wish to enter the market in the region through the UAE gate as the country enjoys advanced infrastructure and competitive facilities.

            The value of non-oil bilateral trade between UAE and US stood at US$12 billion in 2010.  Over 232 firms and 566 trade agencies of US origin operate in the UAE, where a total of 12324 US trade marks have been registered. – Khaleej Times

UAE Minister of Economy discusses key economic issues at Davos

            Davos - Sultan Al Mansoori, UAE Minister of Economy, said the Arab Spring, which began one year ago, presents challenges to the economies across the region, but also opportunities.

            Speaking to the Media at the World Economic Forum in Davos, he added that the UAE, as a stable, secure state, will see some immediate short-term benefits as investment flows to safe havens, but in the longer term, all economies in the Middle East will benefit.

            "The Arab Spring presents an opportunity for all governments to address pressing economic issues, including unemployment, corruption and stifling regulations that have held back growth. As an example of a successful Middle Eastern economy, the UAE is open to offer these new regimes in Egypt and North Africa any advice and support they may need to manage what will be a challenging, but ultimately necessary and rewarding, transition," he added.

            He expected the UAE economy to grow by 4 per cent considering this will be a perfect result within the current conditions at regional and global levels, particularly in light of the euro and the U.S. crisis, adding that the national economy is integrated into the regional and global economies, and not in isolation from the challenges that may arise at all levels," but we must be optimistic and look forward to growth and overcome various challenges, especially as the UAE has a diversified economy and at the same time supported by oil resources."

            The Minister reiterated the strategic importance of the topics to be discussed by the Summit on the Global Agenda, which will be held in Dubai in 2012, especially as the world is full of financial, political, and climate change challenges, pointing out the importance of drafting a way forward agenda for the region economic agenda that will focus more on the countries of the Arab spring and the necessary involvement of the Gulf countries and the Europe countries to take a lead in this.

            Al Mansoori met on the sidelines of the forum high level officials where he discussed key economic issues that are of interest to the UAE, and explore new cooperation opportunities with countries that are considered strategic for the UAE. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

Strata welcomes next generation of aircraft technicians

            62 Emirati nationals are positioned to commence their careers at Strata Manufacturing, having graduated today from an intensive 10 month course to qualify them as composite aircraft technicians, Mubadala Aerospace said in an emailed press release.

            The course is designed to provide the students with the core competencies needed to become composite aircraft technicians and forms part of a longer 22 month program of study that includes on the job training at Strata, Mubadala Aerospace's advanced composite aerostructures plant in Al Ain.

            Of the 62 students graduating, 60 are women and two are men; "evidence" Homaid Al Shemmari, Executive Director of Mubadala Aerospace says, "of the growing interest - and belief - in the aerospace industry in Al Ain and the emirate of Abu Dhabi".

            Mr Al Shemmari continued: "Strata lies at the heart of what will be one of the largest and most important aerospace hubs in the world. The young people graduating today are the aerospace industry leaders of tomorrow and I am very proud of what they have achieved and look forward to their future successes in the aerospace industry".

            Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Ross Bradley, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Strata said: "These young people have worked extremely hard to be here today and their efforts are to be congratulated. They [the graduates] are the future of the aerospace industry in Abu Dhabi; one of the most exciting, rewarding and fastest growing industries in the UAE.

            In line with its commitment to Economic Vision 2030, the Emirate of Abu Dhabi Executive Council has committed to fund further training and development programs at Strata aimed at supporting Strata's 50% UAE nationals target.

            Strata is a leading employer of UAE nationals in Al Ain. Currently, 33% of the work force are UAE nationals, with the company looking to increase this proportion to 50% by 2015. The Executive Council's support of Strata will help as it strives to meet its nationalisation targets.

            Al Shemmari and Mr Bradley are both panellists at the forthcoming Global Aerospace Summit in Abu Dhabi which is being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the United Arab Emirates.

            The Global Aerospace Summit incorporates high-level discussions on Future Aviation, Future Aerospace and Future Space. These interactive panel-led discussions are only open to a select group of Chairmen, CEOs and industry leaders, and demonstrates Abu Dhabi's growing commitment and interest in the Aerospace industry.

            Unlike other aviation and aerospace events, the summit has been developed with education and career development being a central proposition. A strategically-focused careers program for the summit has been created and will be attended by the region's top-100 students from leading universities and colleges. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

Exploring Antarctica, Masdar Institute students aim to become ambassadors for education, environment and sustainability

            It will be an expedition with a difference - one that offers an opportunity to learn leadership and sustainable solutions, with the icy isolation of Antarctica as the backdrop.

            Two students from Masdar Institute of Science and Technology will not only explore the Antarctic Peninsula, but experience Leadership on the Edge, Sir Robert Swan's personal leadership and sustainability program, during their journey as part the International Antarctic Expedition (IAE) 2012 team.

            Reem Al Junaibi and Maitha Al Kaabi recently joined Sir Robert Swan at the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) 2012 in Abu Dhabi in their pledge to support initiatives that will maintain the continent's current status even after the Antarctica Treaty expires in the year 2041. The inclusion of the two students was announced at the YFEL stand after Sir Robert's address, which urged the youth to help save Antarctica that holds 70% of the entire world's fresh water.

            The Leadership on the Edge' program challenges those individuals who are compelled to make a difference by deepening their awareness of themselves in relation to the world. In doing so, they adopt new ways of seeing, thinking and interacting that result in sustainable solutions. The IAE 2012 expedition aims to create ambassadors for education, the environment and sustainability across the globe.

            Dr Lamya Fawwaz, Executive Director of Public Affairs, Masdar Institute, said: "The students chosen to be part of the International Antarctic Expedition team will be fortunate to experience the real life benefits of sustainability and renewable energy. Their research at Masdar Institute will benefit them and help contribute to the objectives of this exploration trip. We are confident their experience on the icy continent will encourage them to be more active campaigners of measures to curb global warming and environmental degradation. We are thankful to the UAE's wise leadership for supporting us in all our sustainable initiatives."

            The two students were selected out of seven applicants, based on a 400-word essay that explained their reasons for joining the expedition and its relevance to the student's ongoing research activities at Masdar Institute. Excellent physical health was another pre-requisite for the selection. A graduate student of Engineering Systems Management, Reem's research focuses on the effect of having mixed sources of energy, specifically renewable, with its intermittent behavior on the electric grid, while Maitha is conducting her research in the preparation of materials for application in water treatment processes. Maitha is a graduate student and research assistant at Masdar Institute's Water and Environmental Engineering, Green Composites and Bio-fuels Lab.

            Al Junaibi will be applying the planning and forecasting tools she learned from Masdar Institute in Antarctica to help improve the reliability of renewable energy. She feels the different operational methods that are used in large cities can be applied at a micro-scale, and if properly managed, renewable energy can become a reliable source of energy.

            Reem Al Junaibi said: "This trip to Antarctica is a great opportunity for me to gauge the advantages of sustainability and renewable energy and judge for myself how clean technologies can be tapped. I believe it will greatly benefit me academically. Currently, I am learning how variable renewable energy could be depending on the weather conditions, and how such reliability issues could be solved. In Antarctica, the most essential issue is reliability of the electricity provided by renewable energy and that is what I am looking at.

            "I aim to further my understanding in climate change, to be able to analyse the issues of renewable energy in such an extremely cold environment, share my knowledge and inspire people when I return. I am looking forward to the journey to Antarctica and I thank Masdar Institute for selecting me to be part of this great voyage." Maitha Al Kaabi said: "I feel privileged to be included in the International Antarctica Expedition (IAE) 2012 team and I am grateful to Masdar Institute for giving me an opportunity to be part of this international group. This expedition to Antarctica would allow me to see the process of temperature induced salt precipitation, a key principle in my research, in a natural environment. Masdar Institute has provided me with the expertise in water treatment and desalination. I will share this knowledge with my partners during the Antarctica trip and look forward to benefiting from their knowledge as well." Guest experts with IAE 2012 team on the environment, climate change, sustainable development, and outdoor leadership will host presentations, debates, and lessons in the dynamic classroom of the Antarctica, giving team members a broad, practical base to start the process of change.

            During their 16-day journey, Reem Al Junaibi and Maitha Al Kaabi will participate in the 2041 Education Base (E-Base) Goes Live' mission by utilising the knowledge they gained at Masdar Institute. The E-Base, powered solely by renewable energy, is intended to educate young people on the importance of preserving Antarctica, to promote the use of renewable energy, and to raise the awareness of global warming.

            The 2041's mission is to inform, engage and inspire the next generation of leaders to take responsibility, to be sustainable, and to know that now is the time for action in policy development, business generation and future technologies.

            The journey is scheduled to commence on 27 February from Argentina's Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Tucked into the Beagle Channel and surrounded by peaks and glaciers, Ushuaia is the ideal place for the students to begin the voyage and learn the need for sustainability and preservation of nature.

            The IAE 2012 team members will stay two nights in a hotel high up on the mountain above the city of Ushuaia, where team leaders will check the clothing and equipment required for the Antarctic journey. The Leadership on the Edge' program begins on Day-2 with a meet and greet session and team introductions. A hike up the Martial Glacier on the mountain behind the town is scheduled for Day 3 and team work will be reviewed upon return from the trek.

            On Day 4, the team will go on board the Sea Spirit, and a safety briefing on the deck of the ship is scheduled after dinner. On Day 5-6, the team will cross Cape Horn, the most southerly point of the Americas that was circumnavigated by Sir Francis Drake in 1580. The Drake Passage will also be the time for a selection of multimedia lectures about Antarctica's wildlife, geology, history and geography. The expedition team members will also receive International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) guidelines for approaching wildlife, while discussions will begin on the importance of renewable energy and its vital role in the preservation of Antarctica. Day-6 will see the team nearing the tip of the Peninsula, with the ocean taking on a whole new perspective, surrounded by the surreal presence of floating ice sculptures.

            Day 7-12 will begin with landing on the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. The team will cruise along spectacular ice shelves or following whales feeding near the surface. The distinct advantage of being on a small vessel will offer everyone an opportunity to experience these special close encounters with the environment. During the six days, the team will schedule visits, weather permitting, to several islands including the dome-shaped Cuverville Island that is home to approximately 40,000-strong large Gentoo rookeries (penguins).

            Neko Harbor with its calving glaciers and statuesque icebergs will be one of the locations for a visit and a strong reminder of the goal of respecting and protecting the beautiful continent for future generations. Another possible location will be the Paradise Harbor, which offers breath-taking mountain reflections into clear, unspoiled waters and is surrounded by glaciers that dramatically calve into the sea. The team will also get an opportunity to sail through the extremely steep-sided Lemaire Channel with near vertical peaks on either side.

            An overnight camping expedition on the Antarctic ice, subject to weather conditions, will enable team members to experience the Antarctic night.

            Day 13 will see the IAE 2012 team reach King George Island, the largest of the South Shetland Islands of the Peninsula. It is also the location of the 2041 E-Base. They will enter the Drake Passage towards the end of the day. Day 14-15 will see the Sea Spirit sail back towards Argentina, with an on-board program wrap-up. They will disembark on Day 16 at Ushuaia in Argentina.

            When Reem Al Junaibi and Maitha Al Kaabi will return home to the UAE, they will have learned how renewable energy sources work under extreme weather conditions in Antarctica, understood the process of temperature-induced salt precipitation and shared knowledge with the expedition team members, engendering international cooperation in order to solve global environmental issues.

            Established in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Masdar Institute integrates theory and practice to incubate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, working to develop the critical thinkers and leaders of tomorrow. With its world-class faculty and top-tier students, the Institute is committed to finding solutions to the challenges of clean energy and climate change. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

UAE participates: PUOIC agrees not to include 'Muslim Minority of Israel' in the "Council"

            Palembang, Indonesia - UAE's Federal National Council (FNC) participated in the 14th meeting of the Council of the Parliamentary Union of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation held in Palembang on Friday.

            FNC Members Rashad Bukhash and Sultan Al Shamisi, Secretary General Dr. Mohammed Salem Al Mazroui and Asst. Secretary General Abdul Rahman Al Shamisi represented UAE in the Council's meeting.

            The Council approved a Palestinian proposal backed by Syria that demanded no to include the block described as the 'Muslim Minority in Israel' in the Council, as they are a segment of the larger Palestinian nation.

            The Council also approved the membership applications from Maldives and Moro Liberation Front.

            The Council also discussed with great interest a proposal submitted by UAE to update its budget system through the adoption of a programme-based budgeting. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

UAE takes part in the Muslim Female Parliamentarians Conference

            Palembang, Indonesia - UAE's Federal National Council (FNC) participated on Friday in the Muslim Female Parliamentarians Conference held in Palembang as part of the meetings of the Parliamentary Union of the member states in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

            FNC Member Dr Sheikha Ali Al Owais represented UAE in the conference which was also attended by female members of parliament in Muslim majority countries.

            The agenda of the one-day conference contained discussion of ways for enhancing the role of women in the process of development in order to strengthen democracy in the member states .

            Another item on the agenda pertained to the role of Islamic organisations and civil society institutions in upholding the rights guaranteed by Islam for women.

            The discussion of ways for harnessing women's abilities to solve problems and conflicts in several parts of the world, and the role of parliamentarians in alleviating the sufferings of women and children in Palestine were also among the items on the agenda.

            The speakers alluded to the importance of these items which were discussed in the inaugural round of the conference held last year in Syria with the participation of 17 countries.

            Through an intervention, the UAE proposed that instead of discussing six various areas pertaining to the role of Muslim women parliamentarians, the conference should focus on one major item in this conference. The FNC Member said that the role of Islamic organisations and civil society institutions in highlighting the rights of women as established by Islam is an important area to begin with.

            Portraying an example, the FNC Member also shed light on the major achievements of the UAE in supporting women's role in various fields including political and parliamentary roles.

            The Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC) is composed of parliaments of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Members states.

            FNC Speaker Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr and the delegation accompanying him had arrived in Palembang earlier on Thursday to participate in the parliamentary union of the OIC member states.

            The inter-parliamentary union congress will last until the end of February.

            In a statement made shortly after the arrival, Al Murr called for more cooperation and coordination among parliaments in Muslim countries to protect people from the adverse affects of regional and global changes.

            Around 500 participants from 51 Muslim majority countries participate in the meeting. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

Turkish President's visit to UAE will open new economic cooperation avenues between two countries

            The state visit of Turkish President Abdullah Gul to the UAE will usher in new horizons for joint cooperation between the UAE and Turkey in the economic, trade and investment areas, thanks to distinguished ties between the leadership and peoples of the two countries.

            The visit of Turkish President to the UAE is the first of its kind for the Turkish President in 15 years. He will be accompanied by a delegation of 100 businesspersons. The UAE- Turkish Business Forum will be held in Dubai on Jan. 31.

            Turkey takes part annually in about 120 exhibitions held in the UAE. About 9, 000 Turkish citizens reside and work in the UAE, especially in the sectors of construction, tourism and transport.

            In 2011 Turkey received 35, 579 Emirati tourists, up by 16, 7 per cent compared to the previous year.

            There are 500 Turkish Companies actively operating in the UAE market, notably, the Turkish construction companies. Meanwhile, more Turkish companies are looking forward to more new projects in the UAE.

            The competent authorities in both countries described the relations between the two countries as cordial and based on mutual respect the two countries had pledged to increase the volume of trade exchange to US$10billion in 2010.

            The total volume of Turkish investments in the UAE stood at about US$6billion, mostly in the construction sector. Meanwhile, the UAE investments in Turkey are US$3billion.  - Emirates News Agency, WAM

Ministry of Economy launches wide campaign to control markets

            The Ministry of Economy has launched series of measures and actions to control markets in the UAE, in coordination with the local departments through a common action plan, especially there are more than 400 inspectors from the concerned authorities in the UAE that cooperate with the Ministry of Economy to strengthen control on the markets.

            On this occasion, Mohammed Ahmed Bin Abdul Aziz Al Shehhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy, said that the ministry is keen to coordinate with the relevant local departments and regulatory authorities to stop attempts in selling faked goods and raise prices.

            He praised the commitment of these parties to execute joint work plan developed by the Ministry to intensify inspection tours on the markets on a daily basis, in order to promote stability and prevent attempts to raise prices and harmful practices such as commercial fraud, infringement of intellectual property rights.

            Al Shehhi said the call centre launched by the ministry receives consumer complaints since 7:30 am to 10:30 PM on the number 600522225 with a range of 60 to 70 complaints daily, which contributed to increase the number of inspection tours and thus penalties for offenders, where penalties issued by the Ministry increased from 1698 in 2010 to 2038 in 2011 and the number of inspection tours increased from 24183 in 2010 to 24,835 in 2011.

            Al Shehhi said that the ministry will not tolerate any attempts to manipulate prices or sale of counterfeit goods, pointing out that the majority of consumers are the main partners of the ministry in controlling markets.

            Al Shehhi pointed out that the ministry is in the process of training of most of its staff in all the emirates to exercise their powers with regard to judicial officers in order to enhance performance oversight on the market along with the efforts of the local departments concerned. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

UAE is ideally positioned to capitalise on next generation smart power applications: Energy expert

            Integrating renewable energy generation into UAE power grids is more achievable and realistic than in other countries in Europe, an industry expert has said.

            Bruce Smith, Business Advisor for the Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA), said that the abundance of renewable energy sources, particularly solar, in the UAE compared to unpredictable sources in Europe, means the country is ideally positioned to capitalise on next generation smart power applications.

            "Addressing the question of whether integrating the UAE's renewable energy generation capacity into the network presents a significant technical challenge, the short answer is no," said Smith, as Dubai gears up to host Middle East Electricity, taking place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from 7 to 9 February, 2012.

            "The target of 7% of Abu Dhabi's generation capacity by 2020 and 5% of Dubai's by 2030 from renewable sources is relatively low from a global perspective and does not present a real problem for integration into the network. By way of comparison, the European Union has a 2020 target of 20% of all energy consumption from renewable sources, necessitating a capacity far above this level in order to meet overall consumption.

            Smith said that challenges exist in European nations where there are higher proportions of renewable energy in the overall energy mix and less reliable sources of solar and wind based renewable energy generation - an issue the UAE doesn't have to contend with.

            "Solar power is likely to form the bulk of the proposed capacity of renewable energy in the UAE, and radiation levels are more dependable and predictable during the peak demand period of the summer months than European wind and solar power resources," he added.

            Middle East Electricity 2012 is the world's leading energy event that focuses on power, lighting, renewable, nuclear and water sectors. With the planet focusing on alternative energy as the future in global energy, renewables have become a key sector of growth within the exhibition.

            At this year's edition, almost 10% of the exhibitors will be showcasing new and renewable energy products and services, including solar, wind, geothermal and nuclear energy.
            Anita Mathews, exhibition director for Middle East Electricity said: "According to a recent report by Bloomberg New Energy Finance, renewables are expected to contribute to almost 15.7% of the world's energy by 2030 and global spending is projected to hit US$7 trillion.

            "Middle East and Africa are looking at an increase of 10 - 18% annually between 2010 and 2020 on installed renewable capacity. This is a very huge investment in the sector validating the various countries' commitment towards renewable energy initiatives." Middle East Electricity will feature more than 1000 exhibitors looking to capitalise on the region's booming energy sector.  - Emirates News Agency, WAM

Dubai Women's Development Society to launch world's first female eco-charter

            Dubai Women's Development Society (DWDS) will launch on 4th February the world first-ever women environmental charter of honour to mark the UAE's 15th Environment Day being held this year under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan under the theme ''Desert Pulses with Life''.

            Sheikha Amina bint Humaid Al Tayer, Chairperson of DWDS, said the charter, which was raised to the Mother of the Nation, H.H. Sheikha Fatima bin Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union and of the Family Development Foundation, is the first of its kind in the world to underpin the leading and strategic role women can play in spreading the environmental culture in our beloved Emirates.

            ''The submission of the charter to the Mother of the Nation is an exceptional event confirming her status as a reference of women movement and as a torchbearer humanitarian work in the UAE,''.

            She indicated that the charter aims to boost a long-term national initiative to build green economy in the UAE under the slogan: "A green economy for sustainable development launched by Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

            Sheikh Mohammed said: "Our goal from this national initiative is clear, that is to build an economy that protects the environment as well as an environment that supports the growth of the economy. We in the UAE, within the vision 2021, are striving to build a diversified economy based on knowledge and innovation, through which we can provide excellent employment opportunities to our citizens. Through this, we can protect our natural and environmental resources, and strengthen our competitive position in global markets, especially in the areas of renewable energy products and technologies on the green economy".

            She asserted that the charter demonstrates the women's commitment to environmental concern and issues. Over the times, she noted, women had left remarkable achievements in conservation and protection of the environment. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

Al Ain Zoo becomes hub of conservation efforts

            Development projects, climate change and human encroachment into animal habitats are trampling on several species and putting them at risk of extinction. Protection of wildlife may be on the backburner during an economic downturn, but Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort, or simply the Al Ain Zoo, hopes some talking points will put the spotlight back on endangered animals across the world.

         Last week, the zoo hosted the third annual workshop of the International Union for Conservation and Nature’s (IUCN) Species Survival Commission Task Force which will present its revised guidelines later this year at a conference in South Korea.

         “The focus of this meeting was climate change, pollution and its impact on habitats, and funding for wildlife projects,’’ said Dr Arshad Toosy, acting chief of Life Science and Conservation Development at the zoo. He said it was the ideal platform for international experts to share ideas, discuss current issues and develop solutions to climate change and urbanisation which affect wildlife.

         Speaking on the new conservation guidelines which will be released in September to 6,000 delegates this year, Dr Mark Stanley Price, Al Ain Zoo Conservation Fellow and Senior Research Fellow at the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, University of Oxford, said: “The main driver for updating the guidelines is the increasing realisation that the world’s wildlife faces significant problems through loss and breaking up of habitats, unsustainable overuse and pollution and emerging diseases. There is very little of the earth’s surface that is not affected by human activities, and very often the effects and changes are harmful to wildlife.’’

         The zoo has a global imprint and backs the Ishaqbini Community Conservancy in Kenya in association with the Northern Rangelands Trust to conserve the Hirola antelope, which is battling for survival. Some estimates put the number at a mere 600. The Sahara Conservation Fund which supports Saharan carnivore conservation, Ostrich conservation and Antelope reintroduction programmes is associated with the zoo.

         It has an exclusive 20-year agreement with the San Diego Zoo in the US. The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) are also partners.

         ‘‘We’re also involved with species conservation efforts in Yemen and Morocco,’’ said Dr Toosy.

         Leading experts like Dr Axel Moehrenschlager, Head of the Centre for Conservation Research at Calgary Zoological Society in Canada; Dr Peter Hollingsworth, Head of Genetics and Conservation at the Royal Botanical Garden of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom; and Dr Piero Genovesi, Chair of the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Invasive Species Specialist Group and Senior Conservation Officer of the Institute for Environmental Protection and Research in Italy participated in the workshop.

         In the UAE, the zoo’s Arabian Oryx and Houbara bustard breeding programmes have met with remarkable success. The Arabian Leopard is another leap in in-house breeding. ‘‘We are taking our expertise based on our experience in desert wildlife conservation to other emirates like Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah,’’ Dr Toosy said.

         As for new exhibits at the zoo, he said four Eland antelopes are being displayed at the African enclosure. – Khaleej Times

Largest silk carpet in the world on sale in Dubai

            The largest silk carpet in the world is on show at the Carpet Oasis in Dubai this year.

It costs one million dollars and is the most expensive carpet at the exhibition.

            "Every now and then, the most expensive carpet is sold, so that title passes on to the carpet next in line," says Khalid Ahmed Al Muadhin, member of the organising committee of the show.

            As part of the Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai Customs Authority annually organises Carpet Oasis, an exhibition where carpet dealers and buyers from all over the world come together to share their interest in the handmade wear. "Only handmade carpets are exhibited," says Khalid.

            This year held at the Dubai Airport Expo next to Deira, about a 170.000 carpets are displayed over an area of 12000 m2. Compared to 40 carpet dealers last year, this year there are 70 carpet sellers presenting their silk, woolen or covered with jewellery handmade carpets.

            Bijan A. Saadi has been there since the beginning. "I came to buy, when I visited the Carpet Oasis in 1996," says the Iranian carpet dealer from Shiraz, "but since then I have been here almost every year displaying my own carpets."

            Selling carpets was destiny for Bijan. "My father was in the carpet selling business, and I learned from him. I tried to study a subject, but could not imagine myself having a salary-based job. I decided I want to follow my fathers' footsteps and sell carpets."

            Originally located in Japan, the exhibition is an opportunity for the Iranian carpet dealer, as business is not going as well as it used to, explains Bijan. "Due to the tsunami of last year, people reserve their money for primary needs."

            But at the Oasis things are going well. "There are carpets I couldn't sell in Japan, and I sold them here."

            Although Iran is known for its carpet production, dealers come from all over Asia. "We have people from Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and China. But Iran is known to produce the best qualitative carpets," says Khalid and many sellers deal in carpets coming from Iran, regardless their nationality.

            "Customers have their own preferences," explains Khalid. "Europeans often opt for the dark-coloured carpets from Afghanistan, whereas Arab customers prefer the silk carpets from Iran."

            Besides individual customers, many carpet dealers visit the exhibition to purchase new ware and carpets are even sold among the exhibitors from the stands themselves.

            "Since January 5, when the Carpet Oasis started, we have sold 3000 carpets, valuing 10 million dirham all together. Compared to the same period last year, that is a 25 per cent increase," Khalid adds.

            With the carpet sale, the Oasis makes a considerable contribution to the Dubai Shopping Festival.

            "The prices that are paid for a carpet are quite high, you see. The cheapest carpet would be around 400 dirham."

            At the stand of Bijan, the most expensive carpet costs a rough Dh400,000 . "It is a piece of silk, decorated with 1000 pieces of jewellery." – Emirates 24|7

Tiger Woods keeps chipping away on the road to recovery

            Eighteen holes from redemption. Or another step towards it, at least.

For a man whose life is so intrinsically linked to numbers, those next 18 holes could be fraught with significance for Tiger Woods.

            It is 26 months since the last win of substance for the world No 25. This tournament in the UAE capital being the biggest test he could have had, with all of the world's top four players, and six of the top 10, present at the National Course for the Abu Dhabi Championship.

            The fact he does not rank in either of those lists is a reminder of how far he has fallen over the past two years. But he is clawing his way back up.

            "There's a ton of guys with a chance to win," Woods said of his prospects of lifting the Falcon Trophy, after his third-round 66.

            "The field is very bunched. I can't go out there and shoot even par and expect to win. I've got to go out there and get it."

            At his peak, Woods was able to play badly and still win. After the 2006 Dubai Desert Classic, he complained about a "two-way miss" he was suffering with his swing.

            He still won, though. "That was not a fun way to win a golf tournament," he said back then.

            Now he is thankful for small mercies. With his swing remodelled for a fourth time, he can shape the ball in both directions again. He can alter the trajectory. Putts are dropping. It might not be consistent excellence like it was before, but just plain old consistent will do for now.

            "It's fun when I'm able to control the golf ball like I did," he said. "I would like to be a little better than I am now. This is a step in the right direction."

            There has been something uplifting about having Woods in Abu Dhabi for the first time this week.

            The crowds have come out. The sun has started to burn through the wintry chill. Everyone is happy to be here.

            For the first time in three-and-a-half rounds, Woods will be split from his perky young pretender as golf's biggest star, Rory McIlroy.

            Woods said it had been "a treat" to play with the Northern Irishman. McIlroy, for his part, has seemed to have had a ball in the company of one of his boyhood idols and said of their parting: "No one will be following me anymore."

            Woods will go off in the final group at 11.45am with Peter Hanson and Robert Rock, with whom he shares the lead at 11-under par.

            Coincidentally, Rock had spoken to his more famous counterpart for the first time yesterday, when they passed the time of day before their respective rounds. It was a moment which was savoured by the Englishman but will certainly be surpassed in terms of gravity when the world No 117 tees off alongside one of the most recognisable figures in sport today.

            "He's won 14 majors, he's the best guy I have ever seen play golf," Rock said after signing for a 66. "I'll get the chance to watch a little more closely tomorrow.

            "It's an opportunity not to be missed. I just want to experience it. How many chances I'll get to do that, it's not clear."

            Hanson, a 34-year-old Swede, starts two shots behind his playing partners but remained understandably enthused by his 64, which was the best of the third round.

            "It was one of those days: eight birdies, no bogeys, beautiful blue sky in Abu Dhabi," Hanson said. "It was one of those days when you have the best job in the world." – The National

Snow covers Jess Mountain in RAK

            The Peak of Jess Mountain in Ras Al Khaimah has been covered with snow amid drop of the temperature below zero Celsius. A team from the Department of the Air Wing at the General Headquarters of Ras Al Khaimah Police, led by Major Saeed Rashid Al Yamahi, Head of the Department, toured the top of the highest mountain in the UAE.

            Al Yamahi said, "the team went to the summit of Mount Jess, 1, 900 meters high above the sea, and lies 25 kilometres from the city of Ras Al Khaimah, where the team found a thick layer of frost covering vast areas of the mountain. During the tour the members of the team were almost frozen from the cold weather because of the low temperature." He added that the frost is caused by the cold northern winds laden with rainy clouds, indicating that the light to moderate rains had lashed many areas of Ras Al Khaimah, causing drop in temperature and forming of the frost on the peak of mountain.

            Al Yamahi warned tourists and mountain-goers to exercise caution, while in the mountainous highlands, especially during variable weather conditions.  - Emirates News Agency, WAM

Paper bags that changed an Abu Dhabi neighbourhood

            When he first went to distribute paper bags made of Gulf News pages to grocers in his locality early in 2010, Abdul Mugeeth was a little bit hesitant whether they would understand its importance.

            But when grocers and customers saw him accompanied by Gulf News photographer, they realised he was doing something very important and started asking questions about paper bags, Abdul Mugeeth, an Indian, told Gulf News on Wednesday, recollecting his anti-plastic campaign.

He and his mother Andaleep Mannan said the support from Gulf News to his campaign began with the presence of its photographer in the outset and subsequent news reports.

            Abdul Mugeeth was one of the 10 recipients of Abu Dhabi Awards, for their contributions to conserve environment. The awards were presented by General Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Ill effects

            "We were hesitant about distributing paper bags because most of the people, including grocers, were not aware of the ill-effects of plastic bags. Even if grocers accept the paper bags as an alternative, there are many uneducated workers in our area [Al Mina] who may reject them," they said.

            But when people saw Gulf News photographer, Abdul Mugeeth was well-received and people were willing to hear the ill-effects of plastic bags, Mannan said.

            The news story and photograph of Abdul Mugeeth distributing plastic bags appeared in the daily and subsequent follow-up stories about his classes on how to make paper bags made him popular in the community, they said.

            It all started when Abdul Mugeeth's school asked him to collect plastic bags for recycling. "He asked me what are the problems with plastic bags. When I explained what I know, he said, then he would ask the grocer to stop putting his chocolates in plastic bags," Mannan explained.

            "But the question what else the grocer would use to pack chocolates led him to think about alternatives," she said. Abdul Mugeeth picked up Gulf News classified pages and started trying to make bags out of them. "I encouraged him and he started making nice paper bags," Mannan said.

            The campaign helped him attend several national and international events on environmental conservation. As Gulf News reported on September 21, 2011, he was invited to attend the Tunza International Children and Youth Conference on Environment, organised by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in collaboration with the Government of Indonesia, from September 27-October 1, 2011.

            "We are grateful to Gulf News not only for the support to Abdul Mugeeth but also for its efforts to highlight the cause of environmental conservation," Mannan said. – Gulf News

Abu Dhabi Police fulfil dream of child to become officer for one day

            A dream of Emirati child Abdullah Ali Saeed Al Ghaferi, to become a police officer, has become true when Abu Dhabi Police helped him to exercise his duty in the rank of Captain for one day.

            Sultan Al Ghaferi, a football player with Baniyas Club and a brother of Abdullah Al Ghaferi, said his brother, 12, is in the seventh grade and suffers from Thalassemia.

            The young Captain had an opportunity to tour the premises of Abu Dhabi Police's General Headquarters. He also had a tour with the traffic patrol on the Abu Dhabi streets, where he booked one of the drivers for the traffic violation.  The visit had an impact on the child who had been dreaming to become a police officer.

            Col. Faisal Al Shuaibi , Director of the Department of Strategy and Performance Development at the General Secretariat of Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, met in his office Emirati child Abdullah Al Ghaferi, wearing police uniform with the rank of Captain in the presence of his brother Sultan Al Ghaferi.

            About the experience, Abdullah expressed his pleasure about the quick response of Abu Dhabi Police to his wish, thanking them about their support for humanitarian initiatives.

            Thalassemia is a group of inherited autosomal recessive blood disorders that originated in the Mediterranean region. In thalassemia the genetic defect, which could be either mutation or deletion, results in reduced rate of synthesis or no synthesis of one of the globin chains that make up haemoglobin. This can cause the formation of abnormal haemoglobin molecules, thus causing anaemia, the characteristic presenting symptom of the thalassemias.  - Emirates News Agency, WAM

Thousands are following the nation's top tweeps

            The Ruler of Dubai and the Foreign Minister are among six people from the UAE who appear on a new list of the 100 most influential Arabs on Twitter.

            Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid is 30th on the list. The Prime Minister and Vice President has tweeted as HHShkMohd since June 2009, and on the date the list was compiled he had 638,921 followers. He recently posted photos of himself donating blood.

            Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, is 16th. He uses the handle ABZayed to tweet in Arabic and had gathered 85,919 followers since signing up to Twitter just three months before the list was compiled.

            Sultan Al Qassemi, the columnist and commentator on Arab affairs who tweets as SultanAlQassemi, had 93,797 followers. He is ranked 22nd.

            The other UAE-based Twitter users - or "tweeps" - on the list are the MBC sports presenter and newspaper columnist Mustafa Agha (Mustafa_Agha, 78,124, 25th), the Abu Dhabi Sports TV commentator Faris Awad (farisf9, 187,810, 28th), and the sports broadcaster Khaled Al Shenaif (k_alshenaif, 96,268, 49th).

            The list was compiled by Khaled El Ahmad, a social media instructor from Jordan, and has just been published on Wamda, a website for entrepreneurs.

            Mr El Ahmad rejected the idea of simply basing the rankings on the number of followers each user had. Instead he used scores produced by the Klout website, which takes into account 35 variables to rate a person’s online influence. The list is based on data collected on January 21.

            The FNC member and keen Twitter user Noura Al Kaabi welcomed the embracing of the micro-blogging site by leaders such as Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikh Abdullah.

            “It’s definitely a good thing, as we all know Twitter is an important way to connect with people,” she said. “It’s really important to feel that you are connected to the leadership. Twitter is like a personal connection: we know the news, we know their views on what’s happening and it’s just an important communication tool.

            “Having them included in the list of most influential people is of course normal because you will have more followers who will like to know what’s going on and the views of the leadership.”

            She said she would like to see every minister and member of the FNC on Twitter. “It’s crucial. Ministers can start interacting with people and at the end of the day it’s a social responsibility.”

            The top six spots in the list are all occupied by Saudi Arabians, with the Muslim scholar Salman Alodah at No 1. He has 647,690 followers and runs his own website, Islam Today.

            A surprise entry is the US president, Barack Obama, who made it to the list because of a parody account, ArabicObama. The account, which has no links to the US administration, took 18th spot with 151,387 followers.

            The other 99 listed are all from the Arab world. Saudi Arabia, with 38 per cent of the top tweeps, has the largest share, followed by Egypt with 30 per cent and Kuwait with 13 per cent. The UAE is fourth.

            Media is the most common profession among those listed, accounting for 32 per cent of the total, followed by politics at 16 per cent, religion at 10 per cent and royalty at 5 per cent. Men outnumbered women by 86 per cent to 14.

            The list has inevitably received a lot of attention on Twitter. EssJay_Bee summed up that those listed were “typically male, media workers from Saudi Arabia & Egypt”, while Mo Elzubeir of Dubai dismissed the findings as “meaningless”.

            Shireen Abdelhadi tweeted: “Interesting the gender breakdown of Twitter usage is 86% male ‘n only 14% women! Now we knw wat they r doing at their jobs.” – The National

UAE iPhone app 'Kalimat' shortlisted for global award

            Every year app-fans all over the world select a number of games to be nominated for the title of ‘Best app ever’. This year, one of its winners may well likely be created in the UAE.

            Kalimat is a word game. “Something like scrabble, but with some new features,” explains Fares Fayad, the Lebanese app designer based in the UAE. “You just need to form words as quickly as possible, because there is a 3-minutes time limit.”

            Fares cannot deny being an Apple fan. Ever since the product was on the market, he committed himself to it and thus became an expert user. Especially gaming led to whole new level when the iPhone came on the market. “I just get hooked into it more with the iPhone.” A couple of years later his name was connected to one of the most popular word games played on the iPhone.
            The app is nominated for Best Board Game and Best Word Game and in just about one day users all over the world will bring out their votes.

            “I wanted to turn my expertise and ambition for these products into a business, so I started designing apps,” says Fares explaining how the Kalimat game became a product linked to his name. But, he admits, his wife has a share in it. “She found something missing in the conventional word games; it was then that I came up with the idea of a timer, taking away chances of using help.”

            Driven by his ambition, Fares soon got to meet people willing to look into his ideas. AppsArabia, a mobile app fund set up by Abu Dhabi's twofour54 media hub to encourage the local mobile app-market responded enthusiastically by offering the funds needed to develop the game and published the iPhone application in February last year.

            “It was their first publication of a mobile app. They conditioned it be a game that could be used on the local market. So I decided it should be developed in both English and Arabic.” But believe it or not, the game is played in English more than it is in Arabic in the UAE, adds Fares.

Quality is most important, if you ask Fares and he credits the developer that decided to make Fares’ ideas reality. “Pyranha Bite was the right choice of developer, because of the quality the company emphasises.
            There are many companies in the region that compromise quality. The design is not always perfected, and the games crash a lot. Then they are on the market for low prices, and this is a pity.”

Although most app-users are still based in the US, the mobile apps-market is a rising market in the region for both users and developers and if this market continues to grow, a full-time living could be managed by the craft. “Right now it is a business that I share with contributors like AppsArabia, but in the future I am planning to publish new apps independently. I would not mind having this as a full-time job.”

            Fares says to enjoy playing the game himself and is honoured to be nominated. Depending on the time of announcement, which will be done in San Francisco on the 26th of January, he might even stay awake for it.  But in the end does not mind so much if the app does not get awarded. “Its name now stands next to that of famous games such as scrabble and is played by 20.000 to 25.000 users locally. That in itself is an honour.” – Emirates 24|7

TDIC announces opening dates of Saadiyat Cultural District Museums

            Tourism Development '&' Investment Company (TDIC) today announced the opening dates for the museums of the Saadiyat Cultural District: Louvre Abu Dhabi in 2015, Zayed National Museum in 2016 and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi in 2017.

            The company confirmed that these institutions are strategic components of the Abu Dhabi Government's vision for the Emirate and this timeline has been finalised in close coordination with its partners and advisors, Agence France Museums, The British Museum, and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation. The statement comes in reference to yesterday's announcement by the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, which stated that "the museums of the Saadiyat Cultural District will help to establish Abu Dhabi as one the world's leading tourism and cultural destinations, and will encourage communication between different cultures."

            Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of TDIC commented on the significance of the announcement saying: "Saadiyat Cultural District will create a cultural destination that will repeatedly attract visitors from the world of arts and culture. The museums will facilitate the development of cultural leaders and experts through education and employment, creating fulfilling career opportunities for UAE Nationals. In turn this will integrate culture and arts into the daily life of the community, assisting to value, sustain and preserve the cultural heritage." Substantial work has already been completed on the museums. Detailed architectural designs have now been finalised, as well as all foundation and piling work. Growing teams with regional expertise that will operate each institution are undergoing comprehensive training, and the acquisition of the vast and diverse art and artefact collections for each is well underway.

            TDIC explained that due to the immense magnitude of the Saadiyat Cultural District, careful planning has been undertaken to ensure the sustainability of the institutions. These opening dates give each museum sufficient time to establish its own identity on the local and international cultural stage. This includes holistic consideration of the many facets of the museum development such as construction, museography, training, building a permanent collection, and outreach through public programmes and education.

            Designed by Pritzker Architecture Prize winner Jean Nouvel, Louvre Abu Dhabi is set to be the first Universal museum in the Arab World, and will showcase art from different civilisations and cultures. It will display paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, manuscripts and objects of historical, cultural and sociological significance from the ancient to the contemporary. The most distinctive feature of Louvre Abu Dhabi is its 180-metre diameter dome, with intricate perforations, designed to resemble rays of sunlight passing through date palm fronds and diffusing light below. Acquisitions for the permanent collection of the Louvre Abu Dhabi have already been announced. More pieces of art are currently being revealed in a public programme, Louvre Abu Dhabi: Talking Art Series in the form of a series of nine monthly lectures at Manarat Al Saadiyat, the art and exhibition centre already opened in the Saadiyat Cultural District.

            An institution conceived as a place for discussion, learning, and inspiration, Zayed National Museum will tell the story of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's life, while exploring the history and culture of the UAE. Pritzker Architecture Prize winner Lord Norman Foster designed the museum and its distinctive towers are reminiscent of the wing tips of the falcon, a powerful symbol of the cultural heritage of the UAE. Zayed National Museum will have seven permanent gallery displays as well as a temporary exhibition programme and library. TDIC is currently completing a series of research trips with the British Museum involving meetings across the nation's seven Emirates with UAE experts and institutions. The visits have revealed a wealth of information and artefacts stretching back as far as 2000 BCE that will support the compilation of other relevant resources for the museum including documents, film, images, sound and archival material.

            Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is a transnational platform for contemporary art that will present the most important artistic achievements of our time.  - Emirates News Agency, WAM

Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Bridge win celebrated

            Washington - The International Road Federation (IRF) held a ceremony here Tuesday to present representatives of the Municipality of Abu Dhabi with the Global Road Achievement Award (GRAA) in the Design Category which was won by Sheikh Zayed Bridge in Abu Dhabi.

            The bridge which was constructed by the Municipality of Abu Dhabi has become a grandeur landmark for the UAE's capital city is named after the late founding father of the UAE Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan.

            GRAA is accorded by the UN-recognized the International Roads Federation.

            In attendance at the lunch banquet at Mayflower Hotel in Washington were Engineer Abdullah Al Shamsi, acting executive director of Roads, Municipal Infrastructure and Assets Sector at the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City, and Obaid Omar Al-Shamsi, Plenipotentiary and Deputy Head of the UAE Mission in Washington.

            The ceremony also honoured the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan.

            The UAE delegation to Washington dedicated the award to the country's top leadership, namely President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

            The 2011 Global Road Achievement Awards program is a worldwide contest held to identify and honour excellence, innovation, and exceptional achievements in 12 key categories in the transport and infrastructure industry.

            The bridge was inaugurated by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan in November 2010. Named after the country's principal architect Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the 842 meter long bridge is said to be the most intricate bridge ever constructed. Its curved design arches evoke undulating sand dunes of the desert.

            The bridge which was designed by renowned Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid features - besides its striking architecture - a dynamic lighting design that is based on subtle colours that flow across the bridge's spine, symbolizing the connecting nature of the bridge and the energy that the capital city Abu Dhabi radiates.

            The bridge is the third traffic route connecting the mainland to the island of Abu Dhabi and the new main gateway over the Maqta channel.  - Emirates News Agency, WAM

Etihad Airways operates first biofuel powered delivery flight

            Etihad Airways' flight from Seattle to Abu Dhabi - the delivery flight of the airline's newest Boeing 777-300ER that arrived on January 24 - was the first in the Gulf to be operated using sustainable biofuel.

            The 14 hour delivery flight of the airline's newest and most efficient long haul aircraft was operated using a combination of traditional jet fuel and plant-based jet fuel, which is fully certified for use as commercial jet fuel.

            Sustainability is a key aspect of the biofuel production process. Etihad Airways, as a member of the global Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group, has committed to a stringent set of sustainability principles when looking at opportunities for biofuel development and use. This includes ensuring that feedstock is non-competitive with food sources and does not jeopardise drinking water supplies.

            As part of this commitment and in helping to drive the development of potential feedstock in Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways is also one of the founding members of the Masdar Institute's Sustainable Bioenergy Research Consortium (SBRC) in Abu Dhabi. This innovative five-year program, backed by over USD 2 million of financial and other support from the airline, supports research into the use of salt water tolerant plants as the basis for alternative aviation fuels.

            With new regulations now being imposed on aviation carbon emissions, the commercial viability of biofuel is gaining even more importance. Starting this year, the EU emissions trading scheme (ETS) will require all airlines to pay for emissions and this is likely to lead to other such schemes around the world. Biofuel is considered carbon neutral as the plant biomass takes in carbon as it grows and releases it again during the combustion process, and this means that the use of biofuel as part of the EU ETS would be considered exempt. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

Seychelles government and Etihad Airways team up in new strategic partnership in Air Seychelles Ltd.

            The Government of Seychelles and Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding wherein Etihad will invest to acquire a 40 per cent stake in Air Seychelles Ltd as part of a strategic partnership alliance initiative between Air Seychelles and Etihad Airways.

            The deal was announced today by Joel Morgan, Seychelles Minister of Home Affairs, Environment, Transport and Energy and James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways.

            Etihad Airways' investment of US$20 million will be matched by an equal capital injection from the Government of Seychelles. In addition, Etihad Airways will also provide a shareholder's loan of US$25 million to meet working capital requirements and support network development.

            The integration of the networks will give Air Seychelles greater opportunity to tap into key tourism feeder markets across Europe - such as Germany, France, Italy and the UK - where Etihad Airways' presence is strong and growing.  Asia, and more specifically China, is increasingly important to the Seychelles national economy. Apart from the Seychelles strategic geographic significance as a stepping stone between China and Africa, the island nation is also an important trading partner for Chinese business and an increasingly popular leisure destination for significant numbers of Chinese travellers.

            The agreement, which is the first of its kind in Africa, makes for provision for a five-year management contract for Etihad Airways which will see the implementation of strategic measures to encourage Air Seychelles' long-term commercial growth.

            Importantly, the partnership will offer unprecedented career development opportunities and access to Etihad Airways state-of-the-art training academy and facilities in Abu Dhabi for Seychellois aviation professionals.

            Etihad Airways has achieved a high level of success in encouraging and facilitating the professional growth and increased presence of nationals in the organisation following the implementation of its localisation program, and will support a similar knowledge and skill transfer for Seychellois within Air Seychelles.

            Another important element of the agreement gives Air Seychelles office presence in Etihad Airways offices across the Etihad Airways network. This means vastly improved marketing possibilities for the country and its national carrier.

            Finally, the new partnership will further drive consolidation of key functions, resulting in significant cost savings and process optimisation.

            Also under the partnership: - Etihad Airways will seek to increase frequency of flights between Abu Dhabi and Mahe from four per week to daily, as well as providing new services to the islands; - Etihad Airways will work in conjunction with Air Seychelles to develop a renewed fleet and network growth plan for the island-based carrier; - The airlines will sign a comprehensive codeshare agreement to include Etihad Airways-marketed flights across Air Seychelles' network and Air Seychelles-marketed flights to Abu Dhabi and Etihad Airways destinations across Europe, the Middle East, the GCC, Asia and Australia.

            - Etihad Guest and Seychelles Bonus, the airlines' frequent flyer programs, will be integrated to include mileage earning and redemption on each other's flights.

            This agreement is Etihad Airways' second equity investment, following its December 2011 announcement that it would increase its stake in Airberlin to 29.21 per cent, making it the single biggest shareholder in Europe's sixth largest airline. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

12.4 million passengers welcomed at Abu Dhabi Int'l Airport during 2011

            Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) published today the 2011 performance report for Abu Dhabi International Airport, which reflects a significant growth of 13.9% in passenger traffic compared with 2010.

            Throughout the year, the airport greeted 12.4 million passengers, marking a record number for the Capital's gateway Cargo traffic was also on the rise recording 481,500 tonnes, an increase of 10% in comparison to 2010, ADAC said in an emailed press release.

            The double-digit increase of passenger, aircraft and cargo figures are part of a remarkable growth that the airport is experiencing. ADAC's ongoing investment in improving the airport facilities and its comprehensive airline marketing strategy have attracted new airlines and encouraged existing airlines to expand their services to Abu Dhabi. 2011 witnessed the joining of leading airline companies to its network such as Cathay Pacific, Virgin Australia, and Czech Airlines, which increased the airport's reach to new destinations hence expanding further its connectivity.

            The airport enjoyed the addition of 8 new destinations via new and existing airline partnerships, to include Hong Kong, Prague, Seychelles, Male, Dusseldorf, Bangalore, Chengdu and Aleppo to its network. Moreover, the scheduled charter market saw considerable growth, especially with the launch of the MSC cruises out of Abu Dhabi and the new hotel offers in the city.

            "The continuous increase of Abu Dhabi International Airport's passenger traffic shows a true reflection of the growth that the Emirate is witnessing in trade, industry and tourism, and illustrates the significant investment and vision by ADAC in creating a world class airport. In December, we welcomed over 1,147 million passengers, recording 17.8% uplift in total passenger traffic. This made December the busiest month of the year for Abu Dhabi international Airport and the sixth consecutive month where we recorded more than a million passengers," James E. Bennett, Chief Executive Officer of ADAC commented.

            "ADAC is striving to become one of the top airport operators in the world by carrying out more improvements and developments at the airport. The completion of Terminal 1 this year was a great success, as it aimed at delivering the best services to travellers in speed, efficiency, comfort and satisfaction," Bennett added.

            Etihad Airways, the UAE's award winning national airline, continues to play a key role in the growth of Abu Dhabi International Airport. As a result of Etihad's new aircraft and new destinations served during 2011, scheduled passenger aircraft movement grew by 6.2%, totalling 90,281 movements, with Etihad recording 61.4% of the total aircraft traffic.

            The top 10 routes from Abu Dhabi International Airports during 2011 were: London Heathrow; Doha; Bangkok; Manila, Jeddah; Sydney; Cairo; Frankfurt; Bahrain and Paris Charles de Gaulle. These destinations collectively generated 32.9 % of the airport total passengers traffic. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

PUIC to consider UAE-proposed draft declaration to face challenges

Indonesia - The executive commission of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC or PUOICM) on Wednesday gave the green light to set up a technical committee to consider a proposal by the UAE to draft a declaration by the Union in the face of challenges to the stability and development in OIC countries.

            The decision was made during the current meetings of PUIC in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta.

            The draft declaration which was proposed by the UAE's Federal National Council features a five-year plan (2012-2017) to advance efforts by the collective efforts to counter challenges facing the member states of OIC. It also emphasizes commitment of the members to Islam's intrinsic values of freedom and justice as well as to the UN Charter and principles of the international law as the indispensible foundation for peace, stability and development of peoples of Muslim countries.

            "Our stability, security and the growth of our people relies on effective cooperation, solidarity and building concord on major threats and challenges," the draft declaration says.

            It also calls for Islamic organizations to build realistic action plans to face the challenges.

            PUIC includes the parliaments of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) member states.

            Parliamentary speakers from 33 countries are participating in the PUIC conference which will run to 31 January. Nine PUIC member states will set up the technical committee to consider the draft declaration: Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Syria, Iran, Senegal, Cameron, Turkey, Indonesia and the UAE. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

Dubai Financial Market jumps 2.35 per cent on bullish prospects for emerging markets

            The Dubai Financial Market (DFM) General Index edged 2.35 per cent higher to 1,396 points Wednesday amid high trading volumes.  Emaar Properties soared 6.70 per cent to hit Dhs2.72, while shares of the DFM, the only Arab market which is publicly listed, were propelled by 8.46 per cent, closing at Dhs0.795. Trading turnover and market breadth improved significantly at the DFM since the start of the year.  According to Gary Dugan, Chief Investment Officer Private Banking at bank Emirates NBD (up 21.5 per cent at Dhs2.85), "emerging economies will grow in 2012, despite global uncertainties." - Emirates News Agency, WAM

Dubai Holding Commercial Operations Group Confirms Repayment of US$500m bond

            Dubai Holding Commercial Operations Group (DHCOG) confirmed today the repayment, on February 1, of a US $500 million bond and three scheduled coupon payments on its Medium Term Notes.

            Ahmad Bin Byat, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Holding said: "Dubai Holding Commercial Operations will repay the US dollar bond, and make the coupon payments, from its internal cash flow. Today's announcements reaffirm DHCOGDHCOG's proven track record of meeting its financial obligations in full when they are due." "DHCOG's operating liquidity remains good. It has robust hotel management, telecom, free zone and property businesses that contribute a healthy cash flow." Details on the Medium Term Notes are: The $500 million Floating Rate Medium Term Note ($3million LIBOR + 0.375% p.a. floating rate) due on the 1st February, 2012. The total coupon payment of $1,027,900 is for the period 1st November, 2011 to 1st February, 2012.

            The EURO 750 million Fixed Rate Medium Term Note (4.750% p.a.) due on the 1st February, 2012. The total coupon payment of EURO 35. 625million is for the period 1st February, 2011 to 1st February, 2012.

            The GBP 500 million Fixed Rate Medium Term Note (6.000% p.a.) due on the 1st February, 2012. The total coupon payment of GBP 30million is for the period 1st February, 2011 to 1st February, 2012.  - Emirates News Agency, WAM

UAE helps Dutch smash drug gang

            UAE's cooperation in an investigation which led to the arrest of one of the biggest drug gangs in Europe has been praised by the Dutch diplomatic mission.

            Dubai Police's Anti-Narcotics Department cooperation by providing crucial information in arresting five men and a woman in a sting operation dubbed ‘Fotino'.

            A letter of thanks was received from the Assistant Defence Attaché at the Dutch Consulate, praising the information provided by the department. – Gulf News

Fire leaves 125 families homeless

            A huge fire gutted a residential building in Sharjah, opposite Al Taawun Mall, in the wee hours of Wednesday. The blaze started at 2.15am and left about 125 families homeless. However, no one was injured or dead.

            The facade of the building was burnt from top to bottom. The police cordoned off the area.

            The fire had started on the first floor and spread till the 23rd floor.

            The blaze was completely doused at around 5am by fire-fighters from Sharjah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Umm Al Qaiwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman, said Major Gen Humaid Mohammed Al Hudaidi, director general of the Sharjah Police, who visited the scene to guide the fire fighting process. “No death or injury has been reported so far,” he said.

            “We are now co-ordinating efforts to ensure that all the families who lost their homes get immediate help like accommodation and food,” he added.

            According to Col Sultan Abdullah Al Khayal, director of Sharjah Police Public Relations and Moral Guidance Department, 14 cars parked near the building were burnt down.

            “The cause of the fire is not known yet, though the forensic laboratory of the Sharjah Police is of the view that it might have been due to some human error,” he said.

            “A group of experts from the forensics department and CID are on the scene. They would start identifying the causes of the blaze once the place is declared safe by the fire-fighters.”

            A number of charitable organisations were already on the scene to extend support to the homeless families.

            The Sharjah Charity and Red Crescent were leading the relief operations and had built a small tent where they were receiving the victims, said Abdullah Bin Khadim, director general of Sharjah Charity.

            “The Sharjah Charity would be accommodating up to 50 families in hotels and another 50 families would be accommodated by the Sharjah Club at their premises. The remaining 25 families would be taken care of by other charities,” he said.

            Despite huge losses, the families were happy that they survived the tragedy. However, they were disheartened that they lost their belongings. 

            The families and children who were evacuated by the fire-fighters stood near the building and watched the inferno engulfing their homes. – The Gulf Today

President orders settlement of loans of 6830 citizens worth over Dh2 billions

            President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has ordered settlement of defaulting personal loans of 6, 830 citizens, worth about Dhs2 billion.

            The presidential gesture would settle all the personal loans of citizens, whose debts are less than one million dirham, be they in detention pending trial or convicted, or settling their debts through instalment schedules set by the courts.

            Those in prisons will be released and have their loans settled in accordance with the specific settlement mechanisms, including deduction of 25 per cent from their monthly salaries, with an undertaking from a beneficiary not to borrow again until his loan is settled.

            Sheikh Khalifa's gesture follows the recommendation submitted to him by the Supreme Committee of the Debts Settlement Fund for Citizens with limited income, chaired by Ahmed Jumaa Al Zaabi, Deputy Minister for Presidential Affairs.

            The Dh10billion fund was set up upon the decree issued by the UAE President to put an end to the phenomenon of personal loans, which poses a burden on the citizens with low income. Earlier H. H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, has issued the decision to set up the higher committee to implement the directives by the UAE President.  - Emirates News Agency, WAM

Ghobash: Cooperation key to improve contractual cycle management

            Minister of Labour of the UAE Saqr Ghobash said the interest of labour-sending countries and labour-receiving countries in promoting cooperation among them is increasing to maximize the benefits of the movement of contractual labour in the region.

            In opening remarks Tuesday at a meeting of senior officials at labour ministries of 21 Asian countries ahead of the Ministerial Consultations on Overseas Employment and Contractual Labour for Countries of Origin and Destination in Asia (Abu Dhabi Dialogue) today in Dubai, Ghobash added that the first such ministerial meeting in Abu Dhabi reiterated, in the declaration, that regional cooperation is the key to improve the management of the contractual cycle and achieve the common goals of both labour-sending and labour-receiving countries.

            Twenty two top labour officials gathered in Dubai today to examine the technical report on managing of entire cycle of temporary contractual work, identify best practices in that respect and recommend a collaborative framework between the labour-sending countries and labour-receiving countries which will be submitted to the upcoming ministerial meeting in Philippines next April for approval.

            Organised by the UAE Ministry of Labour, the meeting discussed issues related to the four stages of cycle of temporary contractual work beginning from recruiting, preparing and contracting workers in the 11 Asian labour-sending countries (countries of origin: Afghanistan; Bangladesh; China; India; Indonesia; Nepal; Pakistan; Philippines; Sri Lanka; Thailand; and Vietnam) through work and residence in the eight labour-receiving countries (countries of destination: Bahrain; Kuwait; Malaysia; Oman; Qatar; Saudi Arabia; Singapore; United Arab Emirates; and Yemen) and ending up with the return and finally reintegration of workers in their countries of origin. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

Zayed University students launch charity campaign to collect donations for labours

            In the context of support humanitarian work and the enhancement of the community's engagement, Zayed University students (Dubai) as part of the "Happy Hearts" Club activities launched a humanitarian campaign called "let's spread some warmth" considering the current winter spell at most parts of the emirates.

            During the opening ceremony Dr. Sulaiman Al Jassim, Vice President of Zayed University said, "The one-week campaign is one of many charitable/volunteer/humanitarian work that our students hold during various natural disasters that hit different parts of the world, to help victims and people in need around the world." Al Jassim added, " This initiatives plays a vital role in creating a cultural awareness to charitable work and community engagement which the University calls for and is keen to accomplish through its teaching strategies" Mariam Al Madani, A Zayed University Student, said "myself and three of my colleagues from "Happy Hearts" club at the university decided to organize a charity campaign to provide workers who do labour work on the streets with winter cloths to keep them warm in this cold weather. The Idea of this campaign came through Hamad Al Shamsi who posted the idea of this campaign through Social Media websites which aims to get as many people as possible to spread the spirit of unity and love to the community." - Emirates News Agency, WAM

Dubai Marathon kicks off next Friday

            As over 15,000 runners take to the streets of the emirate for the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon on Friday (January 27), hundreds of government officials will work to ensure a safe and secure route will lead them to the finish line.

            Held under the patronage of Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon is staged under the aegis of the Dubai Sports Council and enjoys the support of a number of hard working government bodies.

            In a news conference, Ahmed Al-Kamali, member of the organizing committee of the event and Chairman of the UAE Athletic Federation, expressed thanks for Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for supporting the world's richest marathon which he said "became among the region's biggest and most important sports event." This week, last minute preparations are currently underway with policemen and women from Dubai Police's Protection and Security, CID and Traffic departments working hand in hand to keep the city centre moving smoothly alongside the biggest mass participation sporting event in the Middle East, he said.

            Joining them are representatives of Dubai Ambulance Service, the RTA, Dubai Municipality and Dubai Health Authority who will work with the event's organizing team with special emphasis on the marathon itself which will take the athletes from the start at The Pavilion, Downtown Dubai to the south of Jumeirah Beach Road and back.

            The Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon is supported by The Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Holding, "Official Outfitter" adidas, Emaar, Dubai Eye 103.8 FM, Sport 360, TNT, Fitness First, Plan B and by government departments Dubai Police, RTA, Dubai Municipality DHA and the Dubai Ambulance Services.

            The cream of world distance running has gathered in the UAE hoping for victory in the 2012 Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon on Friday (January 27).

            Last year's men's champion David Barmasai returns to defend his crown against thirteen men who have all run quicker than the 2011 winner's personal best at the classic 42.195km distance.

            Among them is Martin Lel, the flying Kenyan who is back in top form after a spell on the sidelines through injury. The 33 year-old - last year's runner-up in the London Marathon - has five marathon major titles to his name thanks to a record-equalling hat-trick of victories in London (2005, 2007 and 2008) and a brace in New York (2003 and 2007).

            With a personal best of 2:05:15, Lel has the credentials to win on his debut in the world's richest marathon this week but he won't have it all his own way in a race that offers both the men and women's champion a cheque for $250,000 and is held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai and staged under the aegis of the Dubai Sports Council.

            A dozen other men have bettered Barmasai's 2011 mark of 2:07:18, including Ethiopian's Bazu Worku (2:05:25), former World Youth Champion Markos Geneti (2:06:35) and 2009 Boston Marathon champion Deriba Merga (2:06:38).

            Not to be outdone, great rivals Kenya also have title ambitions in the shape of Lel, Gilbert Yegon (2:06:18) and Elijah Keitany (2:06:41). - Emirates News Agency, WAM

Woods has the drive for Abu Dhabi

            Tiger Woods is all set to make his Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship debut on Thursday in what he believes is his cleanest bill of physical and mental health in well over a decade.

            Having won his first tournament in 107 weeks in December last year, having seemingly recovered from a spate of injuries and the prolonged fallout from the 2009 troubles in his personal life, Woods — a winner of 14 majors — is now upbeat before the start of his 2012 season, the supposed year of his much anticipated return to form.

            Speaking at a pre-event interview in the capital, Woods said: "It's been quite a few years since I've been physically fit. So I'm looking forward to getting out there playing and giving it a full season, which I haven't done in a while. It's probably been eight, 10, 12 years [since full fitness]. I had surgeries in 2002, 2008 and a couple of other ones in there, too.

            "The game plan is still the same. Every event I play in I try to win. That's what's going to hold me back obviously if I don't play well, and there's also going to be plenty of other guys in the field that are going to have a chance.

            "There's a number of factors, and that's what makes golf so interesting — that it's very difficult to win golf tournaments. And to do it consistently over a long period of time, it's not easy.

            "I was able to get fit enough to prepare towards the end of last year. I demonstrated to myself what I can do with implementing what [coach] Sean [Foley] wants me to do on the golf swing, if I'm physically fit [enough] to do it.

Continuing to build

            "I played really well in my last three events, so I'm really looking forward to this year and continuing and building on what we have done towards the end of last year.

            "To play and put myself in contention and almost win the Australian Open, and then play even better at The Presidents Cup, that led into what I did at the World Challenge. It was just a building process. I had to get healthy first and, once I did, things started snowballing the correct way.

            "I think it's just about getting W's [wins] along the way. That's what I'm trying to do, trying to get better each and every year and trying to get wins — just every part of my life, just try to get better. Unfortunately I only had one win last year and I would like to get more than that this year. I'm really looking forward to that.

            "I know how to get it done. I've been there before and it shouldn't feel any different. You just go out there and you play, and you continue building and you focus on what you're trying to do to win the tournament.

            "I think it's where a lot of my past successes allowed me to be able to do that. I've won at all levels, from junior to amateur and professional golf, so I think it's a lot of experience that certainly helps." – Gulf News

Mohammed bin Zayed bestows Abu Dhabi Award 2011 on 10 remarkable individuals

            His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has reaffirmed that the Abu Dhabi Awards reflected the continued commitment of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to preserving the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who believed that every person is inherently selfless and capable to care for others and their community.

            "In honouring these truly remarkable individuals, we honour the original values and noble principles of the UAE society. Such values and principles are still deeply rooted in the minds of many of our citizens and those deserve our thanks and appreciation for the benefit they brought to our society", he added.

            This statement came during the sixth Abu Dhabi Awards ceremony held on Tuesday evening at Emirates Palace, where ten remarkable individuals were honoured for their contributions to Abu Dhabi.

            Sheikh Mohammed thanked the recipients and commended their dedication and contributions to Abu Dhabi, expressing his delight at witnessing each season of the Abu Dhabi Awards unfold with truly remarkable individuals being honoured for their distinguished social and philanthropic service in various fields.

            At the Abu Dhabi Awards Ceremony, recipients and their families were joined by a number of VIPs and Government officials as well as previous recipients of the Awards.

            This year's recipients reflect contributions made across a range of initiatives, and recognise the diverse endeavours that are making an immeasurable and positive impact on the community: From promoting health awareness, conserving the environment and supporting education; to a life of dedicated service, preserving culture and heritage, documenting history and laying the foundations for Sharia law.

            This year's beneficiaries capture the diversity of the community, and include the youngest ever and oldest ever recipients of the Awards.

            Present were Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr, Speaker of Federal National Council, Sheikh Surur bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, H. H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Adviser, H. H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Public Works, other Sheikhs, ministers, dignitaries, ambassadors and relatives of the honoured.

This year's Abu Dhabi Awards was conferred on:

            Aqeeda Ali Al Muhairi – UAE. Born around 1920 in Al Ain, Aqeeda Ali Al Muhairi was independent from a young age due to the passing of his parents. As a young man, he tried his hand at a number of jobs such as pearl diving and agriculture, before deciding on the profession of traditional medicine, at the age of 20.

            In the past, without the option of hospitals and general healthcare, even the simplest diseases were capable of destroying people's lives. At that time, the need for traditional folk medicine was of paramount importance.

            Learning the art of traditional medicine from his grandmother, he has since dedicated the last 70 years to healing people from across the community. Significantly, he always offered his services for free, only accepting donations from those who could afford to do so.

            Over the years, Aqeeda formed an intimate knowledge of treatments for more than 50 different diseases, and he has cared for thousands patients in that time.

            Aqeeda is also considered to have a wide knowledge of the sciences, culture and society. In particular, he is well recognised for his foremost knowledge of the familial and tribal roots of the Emirates and the geography of the land of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Dubai.

            Entrusted by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Aqeeda also did a great deal to support the discovery and maintenance of the local Falajs, providing a reliable source of water for communities and for irrigation in Al Ain.

            Today, at the age of 91, he continues to treat people, sharing his experience with researchers and doctors of mainstream modern medicine, including his own grandson, Essa, who has been able to bring this grandfather's experience to bear in the treatment of his own patients.

            Dr. Jamal Ali Sanad Al Suwaidi – UAE.  Born in 1959, Dr. Al Suwaidi lived a normal childhood alongside his peers, failing to recognise what fate had in store for him. Little did he know that he would come to be highly regarded in the UAE's cultural and academic communities.

            Dr. Al Suwaidi studied for his PhD in political science at the University of Wisconsin in the USA, returning to Abu Dhabi in 1991. As a professor of political science at UAE University, his work led him to develop an interest in the early studies of the political and economic development of the UAE.

            He has since made significant contributions to the enrichment of cultural and academic life at both local and regional levels. Additionally, through his articles and writings he has sought to address many of the issues challenging the local and Arab world.

            With his contribution to the establishment of the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) in 1994, Dr. Al Suwaidi supported Abu Dhabi's presence at regional and global levels, developing the UAE's international relationships.

            Under his guidance and management, the ECSSR has contributed to the development of Abu Dhabi as a centre for political and economic research. As well, Dr. Al Suwaidi has contributed to the promotion of a culture of research and academic study in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

            Throughout his life, Dr. Al Suwaidi has made an invaluable contribution to building partnerships. He holds a number of notable board-level positions with institutions including the Emirates Institute of Diplomacy and Zayed University. He is a member of the advisory board of the Faculty of Policy and International Affairs at the University of Maine, USA, as well as a member of the UAE Platform of Friendship, and the Swiss-Arab House, amongst others. In particular, he has played an instrumental role in the strengthening of bilateral relations between the UAE and France, receiving the French Order of Merit of The First Degree in recognition of his efforts and excellence.

            Alain Saint-Hilaire – Canada. Born in Paris, Alain's long-standing relationship with Abu Dhabi began in 1969 on his first visit to the United Arab Emirates. Throughout the decades, Alain has played an important role in capturing and documenting the visual history of the Emirate through his collection of photography and film.

            And generously, Alain bequeathed the gift of more than 2,000 still images; half of which were of Abu Dhabi, to a number of entities in the UAE. Alain also donated his video footage, which captured many significant moments and exchanges of an Emirate in a nascent stage of development.

            Throughout the decades, Alain's loyalty to and love for the UAE is seen through the people and scenes that his lenses have captured throughout his lifelong career - essentially Alain's work has documented this country's history.

            Returning to Abu Dhabi on an almost annual basis throughout the 1970's and 1980's, he spent much of each year capturing the development of the Emirate on film before sharing his work - through lectures and film screenings - across the world.

            Over the years, Alain produced two films about the UAE entitled United Emirates Gulf and Masterpieces of Arab Kingdoms respectively. He is currently working on a film depicting the UAE's development over the last 50 years, highlighting the difference between past and present.

            Alain's time in the Emirates has also inspired him to write a number of books about his experiences that have been translated into numerous languages and are available in libraries across the world. Alain also chose to follow a mission of spreading his love for the country, touring the world giving lectures and screening his films and photography. He aims to inform and educate people about the countries he has visited, including the UAE.

            This historically important collection of photography and film captures the progress of the Emirate over more than 40 years.

            Dr. Maha Taysir Barakat - UAE. Dr. Maha Barakat grew up in Abu Dhabi. She completed her education in the UK, receiving a PhD from Cambridge University in 1994 specialising in endocrinology and diabetes.

            Dr. Maha is a doctor known to care not only for the health of her patients, but for the well-being of the community. Dr. Maha treats countless people outside of her regular practice, and continues to tackle the broader public health challenges that affect Abu Dhabi and the UAE.

            She continues to dedicate her time to initiating educational campaigns to raise awareness of diabetes and the need for a healthy lifestyle, sharing the message of improved dietary habits and regular exercise.

            Amongst the notable campaigns Dr. Maha has been involved with are the 2007 Diabetes-Knowledge-Action' initiative, the 2010,  Eat Healthy' campaign in cooperation with the Sheikha Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation, and the Walk Together marathon.

            Recognising that the UAE has the world's second largest incidence of diabetes, Dr. Maha soon realised the need for a systemic treatment centre for those suffering from this disease. She led the quest to establish the Imperial College London Diabetes Centre in Abu Dhabi in 2006 - a state-of-the-art facility specialising in diabetes treatment, research, training and public health - the first of its kind in the UAE.

            Dr. Maha also continues to lead the implementation of new treatment management programs to improve the lives of patients, including those most in need.

            Supporting the development and expertise of the Centre, Dr. Maha shares her advice and guidance. She has also written a number of articles about diabetes in the UAE. She was awarded the British OBE for her services to medical research shared between the UK and the UAE. In addition to her work at the Centre, Dr. Maha represents the Advisory Council for the Middle East and North Africa in the International Federation of Diabetes, and is a representative member on the board of the Health Authority Abu Dhabi.

            Abdul Muqeet Abdul Mannan - India. At just ten years old, Abdul Muqeet has demonstrated his commitment to saving the environment in Abu Dhabi and beyond.

            Inspired by the 2010 campaign "UAE Free of Plastic Bags", Abdul Muqeet, a student at the Abu Dhabi Indian School, applied his own initiative and imagination to create 100 per cent recycled carry bags using discarded newspapers. He then set out to distribute these bags throughout the Abu Dhabi community, replacing plastic bags that take hundreds of years to biodegrade.

            What began as a daily hobby has become a much larger community campaign. During the first year, Abdul Muqeet created and donated more than 4,000 paper bags in Abu Dhabi. Since then, he has also led workshops at schools, companies and government entities, demonstrating how to create paper bags using old newspapers. He has also partnered with grocery stores in his local area to distribute the bags. His school along with a number of companies in Abu Dhabi adopted his idea by exchanging their plastic bags for paper bags.

            In 2011, Abdul Muqeet was selected to attend the United Nation's Tunza conference in Indonesia where he was able to demonstrate his commitment for a cleaner environment through his paper bag initiative. He has also represented the UAE at a number of conferences in, and outside, the UAE.

            Abdulmuqeet participated in a number of campaigns, for example the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle campaign organised by the Centre for Waste Management - Abu Dhabi across Abu Dhabi and the Western Region.

            Supported throughout by his mother and father, older brother and sister, this young boy is an inspiring example to all. Through his early awareness and love for the land in which he lives, he has turned a simple idea into an opportunity for the entire community.

            Sultan Rashed Al Dhaheri- UAE. Born in Al Ain in 1932, Sultan has dedicated his life to doing good deeds and helping those less fortunate.

            Through his continuous commitment and drive to support youngsters through education, Sultan believes that his charitable work is an important part of giving back to the country where he was born, raised and educated.

            Sultan has devoted his life to giving to, and supporting education in the Emirate and beyond. Many people remain unaware of his various initiatives to support the education of young people. Each year, he provides financial support to numerous students, funding their tuition for school and university.

            Amongst his many achievements, including supporting orphans and the construction of Mosques, Sultan oversaw the establishment of a professorship for Islamic Finance at Zayed University in Abu Dhabi. He also donated one million US dollars towards the Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL) program, which is an outreach program organised by Masdar Institute, to support young leaders to acquire special workplace skills, leadership qualities and professional training.

            His contribution to supporting education opportunities also extend beyond the UAE. In particular, he has supported the construction of the Azhari Institute in Mokattam and Wadi Natrun in Egypt. Each location has a capacity for up to 1,200 students. Sultan also provides support for the education of hundreds of students in India, and is involved in education initiatives in Africa, Jordan and Syria.

            Salem Rashed Al Mohanadi - UAE. Salem is an example of humanitarian goodwill and serves as a role model to many. Privately, and without recognition, Salem continually looks for ways to help the needy across the community - whether this assistance is delivered in the form of financial support, his time or other resources. Most importantly, the recipient of Salem's benevolence is treated with respect and dignity.

            Opening the doors of his Majlis, he assists those struggling to meet their financial obligations, often eliminating their debts completely.

            In a busy life, Salem makes regular hospital visits to the sick and needy and supports charities across the UAE and internationally.

            Completing his education in the USA in late 1970's, Salem returned to Abu Dhabi where he works in Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. His work focuses on developing and preparing Emirati leaders of the future through work and scholarships. His own happiness lies in the ability to put smiles on the faces of those who come to him.

            Dr. Taisser Atrak - USA. Dr. Taisser completed his education and trained as a doctor in the USA. Moving to Abu Dhabi three years ago, he is currently the director of the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at Al Mafraq Hospital.

            As a paediatrician, Dr. Atrak is well-known across Abu Dhabi for his concern for the continued safety and wellbeing of all children, not just those who he sees in his medical practice.

            He developed an awareness campaign on the safety of children in traffic, at home and at school, which has operated since 2008. This program provides participants with training for basic first aid (PedFACTS), CPR for families and the fundamentals of child car safety.

            Dr. Taisser continues to volunteer his time and personally fund the training of caregivers of children such as parents, teachers, nannies and bus drivers on child safety - including first aid. A number of families have benefitted from Dr. Taisser's campaigns and workshops, which helped them in saving their children's lives at unexpected incidents which needed quick aid response.

            His workshops and lectures are free to attend, and many parents, school teachers, nannies and school bus drivers have benefited from his advice and training. In particular, he has provided first aid and safety training for more than 100 nannies and maids in Abu Dhabi, giving the necessary books and study materials free of charge to all participants.

            Dr. Atrak also worked on the introduction of a range of programs and health initiatives on child safety in 2008, which includes the head cooling system for newborns and the Early Hearing Detection '&' Intervention.

            Dr. Taisser works tirelessly to spread awareness of systems for the safety and protection of thousands of children across the Emirate.

            Al Sayed Abdulla Al Sayed Mohamed Al Sayed Al Hashimi - UAE. Al Sayed Abdulla Al Sayed Al Hashemi, also known as Al Sayed Al Oud, (or the Senior Sayed), is a remarkable example of a man who committed his life to working with dedication, honesty and modesty.

            In his role as an advisor to the Rulers of the Emirate, Al Sayed Abdulla has witnessed the various stages of Abu Dhabi's development since the discovery of oil, firstly for the late Sheikh Shakhboot bin Sultan Al Nahyan and later for the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

            Upon the late Sheikh Zayed's succession, Al Sayed Abdulla worked as a personal advisor to the Ruler. Appointed Director of Sheikh Zayed's Private Department, he oversaw the financial and administrative operations of the late Sheikh Zayed's palaces, farms, personnel, procurement and employee salaries, as well as supervising a number of construction and development projects funded by Sheikh Zayed including Hajj and Umrah.

            Throughout his lifetime of loyal and dedicated service, Alsayed Abdulla worked silently with honesty, sincerity, determination, commitment and initiative.

            Al Sayed Abdulla was educated and raised in a family of religious scholars, with his father Al Sayed Mohamed Al Sayed Al Hashimi being a judge and religious scholar.

            The late Al Sheikh Ahmed bin Abdul Aziz bin Hamad Al Mubarak - UAE. The late Sheikh Ahmed was born into a family of religious and judicial scholars. He went on to play an important role in the formation of Abu Dhabi's judicial system. Taught by his father, a well-known judicial scholar and confident of Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, known as Zayed The First, Sheikh Ahmed was well known as a judge in the region.

            Combining teaching with a career in the judiciary, in 1969 he was appointed by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as Chairman of the Shari'a Judicial Department in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

            As Chairman, he played a crucial role in the establishment of the Shari'a court system in the Emirate, in addition to overseeing the construction of the court complex. Following the establishment of the UAE Union, Sheikh Ahmed was appointed Shari'a advisor to the State, contributing to the development of Islamic and Shari'a sciences in the country.

            Through his sermons and television broadcasts, his education, and his writings in many books on Islamic and the judicial sciences, Sheikh Ahmed played a critical role in raising awareness and culture.

            Representing the UAE internationally on many occasions, notably at conferences on the dialogue between religions, he was a member of a number of global organisations and significant research linked to Islamic civilisation. His work continued up until his death in 1988. He has left behind a positive legacy that presents a balanced picture of the true spirit of Islam: Peace and Tolerance.- Emirates News Agency, WAM

UAE presidency of World Radiocommunication Conference 2012 is yet another feather in its cap

            Geneva - The United Arab Emirates, represented by Tarek Al Awadhi, Head of the Spectrum and International Affairs Section at the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRI), was selected as a chair of the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-12) which opened in Geneva on Monday. This is the first time the UAE has chaired the conference since joining in 1972.

            Al Awadhi of the United Arab Emirates was appointed Chairman of the World Radiocommunication Conference along with six Vice Chairmen: Mr D. Anstrom (United States), Mr E. Fournier (France), Mr A. Nalbandian (Armenia), Mr M. Ouhadj (Algeria), Mr H. Al-Shankiti (Saudi Arabia) and Mr A.R. Jamieson (New Zealand).

            The conference is aimed at reviewing and revising the Radio Regulations, the international treaty governing the use of radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits.

            The UAE delegation to the conference is headed by TRA's Director General Mohammed Nasser Al Ghanim.

            UAE Permanent Representative to the UN Headquarters in Geneva Obaid Salem Al Za'abi praised the selection of the UAE as a chair to the WRC-12, thanks to the keen efforts of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, and His Highness Gen. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

            Mohammed Nasser Al Ghanim, Director General of TRA, said the selection of Al Awadhi as chair of the WRC-12 was yet another feather on the cap of the TRA.

            ''Al Awadhi is one of the Emirati young calibre experts who represent the UAE in many ITU conferences. He is well known to many countries," he added.

            For his part, Al Awadhi said he was excited at chairing the WRC-12. ''The UAE has made another achievements that added to its record of success," he indicated.

            He dedicated the remarkable achievement to the leaders and people of UAE.

            He said the WRC-12 would examine delicate topics that would deliver social and economic benefits to countries and users of radio communication services Francois Rancy, Director of ITU's Radiocommunication Bureau, said, "The decisions taken by the ITU Membership during WRC-12 will play a vital role in contributing towards improved access and development of ICT wireless infrastructure, in particular in meeting the challenges of mobile broadband and ensuring that ICTs work for the benefit of all the world's people. The objective is to enable the introduction of the latest technological developments, while protecting investments and favouring economies of scale." The work of this international treaty-making Conference will be conducted over four weeks until 17 February to address the changes required to the regulation of orbit/spectrum resources in the interest of the users of these scarce resources, with global implications for policy-makers, regulators, the industry as well as end-users.

            Over 3000 participants, representing more than 150 out of the ITU's 193 Member States are expected to attend the four-week conference, making it one of the most significant ITU events. About 100 Observers from among ITU's 700 private sector members along with international organisations will also attend the 2012 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-12).

            Fuelled by rapid technological developments in information and communication technologies (ICT) along with increasing convergence of radiocommunication services in today's communication devices, there is an urgent need to ensure the best efficiencies in the use of spectrum, a finite resource. WRC-12 will examine the technical, regulatory and operational aspects to address frequency allocation and frequency sharing to ensure high quality of radiocommunication services for maritime and aeronautical transport as well as for scientific purposes related to the environment, meteorology and climatology, disaster prediction, mitigation and relief.

            The management of satellite orbital slots and associated spectrum resources will be a key area of focus for WRC-12.The Conference goal will be to ensure that the modifications made to the international procedures for the coordination and registration of satellite systems provide for equitable and efficient use of these resources.

            WRC-12 will also advance the introduction of mobile broadband and other advanced technologies such as the development of Ultra High Definition Television (UHDTV), promote the use of the digital dividend resulting from the switch over to digital TV, as well as consider the potential for radiocommunications to act as a catalyst to reduce the impact of human activity on the environment. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

International Humanitarian City in Dubai strengthens its global position

            The UAE and Dubai take seriously their moral obligation to be at the heart of humanitarian assistance, said HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, Wife of Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

            Princess Haya was appointed as the Chairperson of the International Humanitarian City (IHC) as per a decree issued earlier yesterday by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

            Dubai's role and strategic position has been strengthened further as a direct result of Decree No.33 issued by Sheikh Mohammed appointing a new Board of Directors for the International Humanitarian City (IHC).

            Princess Haya thanked the previous board members, praising them for their direction and contribution towards IHC's growth in recent years.  "We look forward to the new Board's contributions to doing this work even more effectively in the future", said the Princess.

            Ibrahim Bumilha, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Humanitarian '&' Charity Establishment, has been named as the board's Vice-Chairman. Newly appointed members of the board include Abdalla Ahmed Al Habbai, CEO of the Engineer's Office, Abdulla Abdul Rahman Al Shaibani, Secretary General of the Executive Council, Major General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director of General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs - Dubai, Ambassador Abdul Rahman Ahmed Al Shamlan, Director of MOFA Office in Dubai, Hilal Saeed Al Marri, CEO of the Dubai World Trade Centre, Hesham Abdulla Al Qassim, Deputy Chairman of Dubai Real Estate Corporation and CEO of Wasl, and Saeed Mohammed Hareb, Executive Director of Clubs and Marines in Nakheel Properties.

            The mission of the IHC has been to supply leading humanitarian actors with world-class logistics infrastructure, value-added services and administrative support, especially in areas of conflict like Darfur and natural disasters like the massive drought now afflicting the Horn of Africa.

            Fifty percent of world emergencies happen in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region, but IHC's outreach extends its aid efforts as far away as Haiti. It has proven enormously popular with aid agencies because it facilitates efficient movement of goods and personnel in crises and is now undergoing a major expansion.

            Currently, with over 25,000 square metres in storage space, in comparison to the 10,000 square metres UN Logistics Base in Brindisi and the 1,600 square metres UN Logistics Base in Panama, the IHC is already the world's largest UN operated hub for the provision of emergency assistance.

            "Dubai is the world's premiere city for logistics and transport and the IHC gives us the chance to put those strengths to work to save lives and give hope to millions in desperate need", stressed Princess Haya.

            IHC was first established in 2007 in Dubai as part of the United Nation's international system of depots designed to speed aid to cope with humanitarian crises all over the globe. This system, the UN Humanitarian Relief Depots (UNHRD), consists of warehouses and offices in Panama, Italy, Ghana, Malaysia and Dubai.

            A US$10 million contribution by HH Sheikh Mohammed and other Dubai benefactors in 2004 helped expand the UNHRD to cover the globe. Eight UN agencies and nearly 50 NGOs and commercial agencies with up to 200 staff are accommodated in the IHC complex today. The operation of the IHC is budgeted at around US$6 million annually. "We are honoured to host UN and private agencies as well as NGOs whose missions are to deliver humanitarian aid in major crises", said Princess Haya.

            In addition to its role in logistics, in recent years the IHC was involved in emergency evacuations of UN staff from Yemen, Cairo, and earlier from Islamabad and Kabul after the bombing of UN offices. Dubai has regularly hosted displaced UN staff, offered temporary offices, and facilitated emergency medical care for injured aid workers.

            The new Board will work to address a number of important issues. There has been a pressing need to further expand the IHC after pleas for added warehouse space from the United Nations and NGOs. Civil war, droughts and floods, and other crises in the Horn of Africa, Yemen, Afghanistan, Haiti and Pakistan have put a severe strain on UN and NGO operational capacities.

            UNHCR, for example, is seeking to expand its capacity at the IHC site to maintain supplies for up to 500,000 refugees at a time. The World Food Programme, the IHC's largest user, also plans to build up its handling of both food aid shipments out of Dubai. The largest NGO presences at the IHC facilities will be the Red Crescent, Red Cross and CARE. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

Sharjah Ruler increases social aid by 45 per cent

            H. H. Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council member and ruler of Sharjah, has ordered the increment of the social assistance granted by the Department of Social Services to all entitled categories in the Emirate of Sharjah, by 45 percent worth Dhs50. 4 million. The amount will be paid to the beneficiaries with effect from the month of January.

            He stressed through the 'direct line' programme over the radio and TV, that he follows up the social conditions of all categories, citing the pension category deprived in the past from the social aid.

            With the donation from Sheikh Sultan, the annual social assistant granted by the Department of Social Services touches Dhs126.4 million. The amount is paid to 8, 092 beneficiary families.  - Emirates News Agency, WAM

UAE history and heritage showcased at Abu Dhabi International Airport

            Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) has launched a UAE Gallery at Abu Dhabi International Airport, delivering towards the Abu Dhabi government's initiative to promote local art and culture.

            The new gallery will introduce UAE culture and heritage to all passengers using the airport for arrival, departure or transit through displays by various local cultural and art institutions.

            This new initiative is part of Abu Dhabi International Airport's programme to continuously enhance the passenger travel experience and enrich their time spent at the Capital's airport.

            The gallery's first installation will be commissioned from the Sheikh Zayed Centre for Studies and Research and will showcase ornaments, artefacts and other symbolic belongings of the Late President of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan, Father of the Nation.

            Speaking about this new initiative from Abu Dhabi International Airport, Mohammed Al Katheeri, VP quality assurance '&' EHS at ADAC, said: "It has always been one of ADAC's objectives to promote Abu Dhabi as a unique destination that is rich with history and heritage. The initiation of the UAE Gallery at the Capital's gateway will showcase the country's heritage and legacy to the international audience visiting the airport. ADAC hopes that passengers will enjoy this refreshing addition to the travel experience at Abu Dhabi International Airport".

            The UAE Gallery is now open to visitors in Terminals 1 and 3 as well as in the Arrivals area, and will remain open throughout 2012, with a new display every four months. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

Video of Emirates pilot's derring-do goes viral

            Footage of an Emirates airline pilot who made landing a Boeing in a storm look like a breeze has gone viral.

            The clip was shot at Düsseldorf in Germany by Martin Bogdan, who uploaded it to his Cargospotter YouTube channel on January 5. Since then it has been viewed more than 1.7 million times.

            An Emirates Boeing 777-300 is the first of a number of passenger aircraft featured on the video, which lasts for nearly ten minutes. The plane is seen head-on, descending towards the runway at an angle as the pilot compensates for the wind buffeting the aircraft from the side.

            Just before the wheels touch the tarmac the pilot straightens up and makes a faultless landing. The plane then swings round to reveal the Emirates name on the side and the UAE's colours on its tail fin.

            The second plane to land in the video is an Air Berlin plane, Etihad's new European aviation partner. Karim Hijazi, the managing director of Dubai-based safety consultancy Air Synapsis and a former military pilot, said approaching the runway at an angle was the key to landing safely in such circumstances.

            "During the approach you have to maintain the trajectory on the centre line of the runway, so to balance the crosswinds you need to fly with the nose turned into the wind," he added.

"This is why from the ground the aircraft seems to be flying sideways. When you make contact with the runway you need to align the nose with the runway because if you land laterally the impact could damage the undercarriage." The video also can be seen at www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMvLuUJFHYk. – The National

Dubai International registers record 51 million passengers in 2011

            Dubai International has scooped another record year for passenger traffic with the airport's 2011 passenger numbers reaching an historic 50.98 million, which is up by 8 per cent over the 47.2 million passengers who passed through the facility in 2010.

            According to the annual traffic report issued yesterday by Dubai Airports, December passenger numbers reached to 4.69 million, an increase of 10.2 per cent compared to 4.26 million recorded during the same month in 2010. Aircraft movements totalled 29,519 in December, an increase of 7.7 per cent from the 27,398 registered during the same period last year and 326,317 for the full year up 6.2% per cent versus 2010.

            Average passenger numbers per passenger aircraft movement remained flat at 184 compared to 185 during 2010 as the airport continues to benefit from the efficiencies offered by the large number of wide-body jets that operate into it. During 2011, 28 new passenger destinations were added while 17 were discontinued boosting overall passenger destinations served by Dubai International to 215 compared to 204 just one year ago.

            The strongest markets served in terms of total passenger numbers included India, UK, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Qatar, Germany and USA. The most significant percentage traffic growth during the year was seen on routes linking Dubai to Eastern Europe (+81 per cent), Russia '&' CIS (+30.5 per cent) AGGC (+26.5 per cent) and North America (+16.1 per cent).

            Air freight traffic rebounded slightly in December to 189,593 tonnes, reflecting a modest increase of 0.8% per cent compared to the 188,103 tonnes handled during the same period last year. Full 2011 cargo volumes totalled 2.19 million tonnes down 1.5% per cent from the 2.22 tonnes recorded in 2010. Cargo traffic was impacted by economic uncertainty in Europe and USA which eroded consumer confidence and led to a drop in exports, notably from Asia.

            "Recording 51 million passengers speaks volumes of the momentum building at one of the world's fastest growing international hubs," said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports. "In a year that was characterised by economic uncertainty, political instability and high oil prices passenger growth continued unabated driven by new routes and additional frequencies as airlines capitalised on Dubai's attractiveness as a business and tourism destination and efficiency as a transfer hub. That trend will continue in 2012 with our two largest airlines - Emirates and flydubai - are set to receive additional aircraft throughout the year." In order to accommodate the anticipated growth in 2012 and beyond, Dubai Airports will invest US$7.8 billion in airport expansion to boost the current capacity from 60 million passengers per year to 90 million passengers by 2018. The next significant step in those expansion plans will be the completion of Concourse 3, the world's largest dedicated A380 facility, scheduled for the end of 2012.

            "Aviation is big business in Dubai supporting 250,000 jobs and US$22 billion in economic activity or 28 per cent of GDP," added Griffiths. "By investing in the expansion of the airport infrastructure, those contributions are expected to grow to 372,900 jobs and US$45.4 billion in economic activity or 32 per cent of GDP by 2020 according to international research firm Oxford Economics. That is a remarkable return on investment."  - Emirates News Agency, WAM

Air Arabia carries 4.7 million passengers in 2011

            Air Arabia announced yesterday that it carried some 4.7 million passengers in 2011, a six per cent growth compared to the previous year.

            The airline's ambitious network expansion strategy was central to the significant growth in passenger numbers witnessed over the past year. In 2011, Air Arabia added six new routes to Moscow and Yekaterinburg in Russia, Kharkiv and Donetsk in Ukraine, and Gassim and Yanbu in KSA. In addition, the airline also launched non-stop services from its Alexandria hub to Milan in Italy, Riyadh and Dammam in KSA.

            "Air Arabia continues to witness significant year-on-year growth" said Adel Ali, Board Member and Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia. "2011 seen Air Arabia serving its 70th destination across the globe from its three operating hubs. Our long-term expansion strategy, underpinned by our proven business model, and customer driven value will continue to drive Air Arabia's growth in the years to come." In 2011, the carrier also took delivery of six new A320 aircraft from Airbus as part of an order for 44 aircraft placed in 2007. Once completed in 2016, the order will more than double the size of Air Arabia's fleet, in line with its aim to increase its total operating fleet to more than 50 aircraft.  - Emirates News Agency, WAM

Dubai Duty Free eyes Dh10b sales

            Duty Free expects to double its current annual sales to Dh10 billion by 2018 as it expands its retail space at Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central.

            The US$7.8 billion expansion plan will include adding 8,000 square metres of retail space at the new Concourse 3 which will be dedicated to the Emirates A380, scheduled to open by the end of this year.

            "The government also recently approved that a Concourse 4 will be built in 2016 at the existing airport. Dubai Duty Free and Dubai Airport Company will finance that at a spend of Dh28 billion. Around 60 to 65 per cent of that spend will be provided by Duty Free," said Colm McLoughlin, executive vice chairman of Dubai Duty Free.

            Last year traffic through Dubai International Airport was 51 million passengers, up 8 per cent from the previous year.

            According to McLoughlin, they are expecting 56 million this year. The new building will bring the capacity of the airport to over 95 million which is expected to be reached by 2020.

            Dubai World Central, currently being used by freight and executive jets, is expecting passenger traffic sometime this year.

            Dubai Duty Free also has a small shop set up in that location. In the future, the plan is to have 64,000 square metres of retail space. According to the government decree that will be operated by Dubai Duty Free.  "My own view is that traffic will be delayed a bit because of the decision to enlarge the existing airport," said McLoughlin.

            Sales figures posted by Dubai Duty Free last year made it the largest airport retailer in the world in terms of turnover.

            In 2011 Dubai Duty Free achieved sales of Dh5.31 billion, a 15.69 per cent increase over the previous year.

            Sales were led by perfumes which retained their position as the best selling category with an increase of 22 per cent year-on-year.  This year Dubai Duty Free is budgeting for an increase of 13.5 per cent in turnover which will bring the retail outlet to Dh6 billion in sales.

            "We have to sell 72 million pieces of merchandise in order to meet that target. We currently deliver between 5-600 pallets of merchandise to our Duty Free outlets daily which is a huge logistical difficulty.

            "Our store management is currently 70 per cent automated and we're increasing that to be 90 per cent automated at an investment cost of US$20 million," said McLoughlin.

            "Dubai Duty Free has doubled its business six times in the last 28 years. Two things we do well each year since the beginning of operations is we have increased our sales per passenger and we have increased our penetration," he added.

            While the Duty Free in other international airports sold to 18 to 20 per cent of departing passengers, Dubai Duty Free sells to just under 50 per cent. – Gulf News

TRA denies involvement in setting of retail prices

            Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has denied involvement in setting of the retail prices, deeming it the core work of authorised "Etisalat and du," and not within its jurisdiction. The TRA said in a statement that its role is limited to approval or rejection of price offers in accordance with the policy to approve the bid prices, indicating that it is a regulatory role rather than operational.

            Regarding the reports of some media agencies, the TRA confirmed that its regulatory role is to set policies, procedures and regulatory rules of the telecommunications sector in the UAE.  - Emirates News Agency, WAM

UAE investment in Pakistan at US$21 billion: UAE envoy

            Islamabad - Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Essa Abdullah Al Basha Al Nuaimi said close communication and coordination between government officials, businessmen and investors in UAE and Pakistan would pave the way for exploring more investment opportunities and propelling economic relations to the level of political and diplomatic bonds.

            Addressing a gathering of CEOs and representatives of UAE investment in Pakistan on Monday, Al Nuaimi said current bilateral trade between the two countries stand at US US$7.6 billion, while 27 companies are operating in various sectors including telecommunications and aviation. The volume of the business in joint venture is US US$21 billion.

            ''The UAE firmly believes in the principles of importance of strengthening economic coordination with Pakistan as the later presents suitable environment ready for investment. The fruit of this interest was holding the conference on promotion investment in Pakistan' in March 2010. The UAE Expo Magnificent 7' held in Karachi and it was honoured and inaugurated by Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani while the UAE delegation was led by Sheikha Luba Bint Khalid Al-Qasimi, the UAE Minister of Foreign Trade.

            The UAE diplomat indicated that the UAE investment cover all sectors such as aviation, navigation, banks, real estate and energy. In aviation sector, it extends its facilities to different cities in Pakistan to serve the passengers and for cargo. This also applies to the navigation sector. The banking sector actively contributes in developing Pakistani society while the real estate and energy sectors have effective role also.

            He described UAE-Pakistan relationship as model one, thanks to agreements and memoranda of understanding.'' We consider the meeting of the businessmen and officials of both countries would furnish common ground to discover more investment opportunities and to discuss investment related topics," the ambassador said.

            Al Nuaimi said the distinguished relationship and the contacts among the officials of the two countries and the diplomatic delegations here and in the UAE are fully ready to solve any issue which might be faced by the companies and investors.

            "One of my goals that I would be contributing during next stage to establish joint committee especially for businessmen of both the countries. The history of relationship among the businessmen is spread over decades due to religious, geographical, cultural connections and mutual interests in this excellent relationship," he added.

            Federal Minister for Commerce Makhdoom Amin Fahim has said that the trade and business ties of both the countries are ''satisfactory'' and the leadership of two countries is making sincere efforts to push economic development wheel ahead.  - Emirates News Agency, WAM

TDIC successfully completes al Bateen Beach project

            Tourism Development '&' Investment Company (TDIC), yesterday announced the successful completion of the Al Bateen Beach project, which consists of a beachside park that overlooks 800 metres of pristine coastline and a number of amenities for visitors, with an emphasis on family-friendly fun.

            Al Bateen Beach is located in the Al Bateen area, which is ten minutes from the Abu Dhabi Corniche, and is set to cater to the immediate local residential population, as well as visiting residents. The development has now been handed over to the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City (ADM), it will be officially opened in March.

            Al Bateen Beach features a beach that is open to the public, with the exception of the eastern portion, which is only accessible to families. It offers extensive lawn and picnic areas, sports courts featuring soccer and volleyball grounds, a play area for children, event space, kiosk, and food and beverage outlets. It also features the convenience of toilets, shower blocks and changing rooms; facilities for disabled visitors are also available.

            Ali Al Hammadi, Executive Director of Project Services at TDIC, commented: "We would like to thank ADM for giving us the chance to work on this exciting development, which sits on one of most special beachfront destinations in the capital. The completion of the Al Bateen Beach project marks another milestone for TDIC, as well as the development of Abu Dhabi into a destination of distinction for both those who live here and visit. The beachside park will primarily cater to those who reside nearby, and, as such, it has been developed to have a community feel to it and with families in mind. We anticipate that Al Bateen Beach is set to become a very popular destination and we are very pleased to have been involved in this project."  - Emirates News Agency, WAM

National Bank of Fujairah's net profit surges 64.4%

            National Bank of Fujairah reported Dh280.9 million net profit for 2011, up 64.4 per cent from Dh170.9 million in 2010.

            The bank attributed the profit growth to strong core business performance, effective asset and liability management and reduction in loan loss provisions.

            Loan loss provisions for the full year were Dh113.3 million compared to Dh205 million in 2010. Operating income grew by 14.1 per cent from Dh568 million in 2010 to Dh648.3 million in 2011.

            "The bank witnessed sustained improvement of operating performance. Backed by prudent policies and strong liquidity and capital positions, the bank was able to grow its operating profit to a record high of Dh394.3 million and loan book by 20.5 per cent, which is significantly greater than the industry average," said Eisa Saleh Al Gurg, Deputy Chairman.

            The bank reported a cost-to-income ratio of 39.4 per cent compared to 35.6 per cent in 2010.

Strong capital adequacy and advances-to-deposits ratios were maintained last year.

Capital adequacy

            While the overall capital adequacy was at 20.3 per cent at the end of the year, the bank had a tier-1 ratio of 12.8 per cent.

            The advances-to-deposits ratio was at 84.8 per cent, well ahead of Central Bank's minimum requirements.

            "Despite the prevailing market, the bank has managed to grow core earnings which, coupled with a sharper focus on balance sheet management and reduction in credit losses, helped produce one of the strongest sets of results in its operating history," Sheikh Saleh Bin Mohammad Al Sharqi, Chairman of the bank, said in a statement.

            In 2011 NBF's total assets grew 15.5 per cent to Dh14.9 billion from Dh12.9 billion at the end of 2010. The bank's total loans and advances were up 20.5 per cent to Dh10.5 billion last year from Dh8.7 billion in 2010.

            The bank reported a return on average assets of 2 per cent last year compared to 1.4 per cent in 2010 while its return on average equity was 14.4 per cent compared to 9.7 per cent in the previous year. – Gulf News

FEWA introduces mobile power generators

            The Federal Electricity and Water Authority (FEWA) has introduced into service for the first time, 1000KVA mobile power generators for use in emergency situations and during periods of long interruptions caused by maintenance.

            Technical Advisor FEWA Engineer Jasim Imran said that the generators are equipped with flexible cables that can be attached directly to distribution boxes without loss of time. This may be useful in times of emergency power cuts, interruption of the power supply due to maintenance works or changing of transformers.

            The introduction of the generators into service is part of the continuous effort of FEWA to improve services and ensure customer satisfaction, he added.

            The generators manufactured by a leading global firm in the industry are kept in containers mounted onto trailers, and will be mobilised into the needed sites. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

- Emirates News Agency, WAM

Sheikh Zayed Book Award shortlist in Literature and Children's Literature Categories announced

            Sheikh Zayed Book Award announced yesterday, its shortlist of book titles for two of its categories; "Children's Literature" and "Literature". 

            This announcement will be followed over the coming weeks with the rest of the award's nine categories of which the total prize money is seven million UAE dirhams.

            Six books have been short-listed under the two categories, selected by the Award's Scientific Committee against stringent criteria and rigorous review of the judges panel reports. The "Literature" titles included two novels; "The Tea of the Bride" by Maysaloon Hadi from Iraq (publishing by Dar Shorooq) and "Yahya" by Samiha Ali Khrais from Jordan (publishing by Dar Thaqafa), in addition to one study by Abderrahim Ouhabi from Morocco about "Arabic Reading" (publishing by Modern Book World publishing).

            Meanwhile, The books under "Children's Literature" [including adolescents books] included "Hanji Banji" by Ahmad Suleiman from Egypt (published by Al-Dar Al-Masriah al-Lubnaniah); "Da'wa al-Haywan dhid al Insan Ind Malik al-Jan" (Animals' Case Against Humans) by Huda al-Shawwa Qaddoumi from Kuwait (published by Dar al-Saqi); and "The Boy Who Saw the Colour of Air" by Abdo Wazen from Lebanon (published by Arab Scientific Publishers). - Emirates News Agency, WAM

Al Ain Zoo draws up awareness programmes

            Al Ain Zoo has announced plans to organise a ‘Walk for Wildlife' along with a host of other activities to mark the 15th National Environment Day next week.

            The events are aimed at raising awareness about UAE wildlife and the preservation of desert species in the country. The activities, called the Living Desert, will be organised on February 4, Muna Al Daheri, manager of the Education Centre at Al Ain Zoo, said yesterday.

            The zoo, she said, is a great place to celebrate environment day as it provides a unique platform for all ages to learn more about playing a role in preserving the wildlife of the UAE. "We encourage all visitors to participate in our activities and hope our zoo can be an inspiration for making a positive impact in our community and beyond," she added.

            The Walk for Wildlife will be a key event of the 15th National Environment Day. It will involve a two-kilometre walk around the zoo. Interested individuals have been asked to register their names via email at [email protected]. The deadline for registration is January 29.

            Other activities that will mark the occasion include a train tour of the zoo, planting of trees and shrubs throughout the park, and an exhibition of children's drawings and traditional handicrafts.

            Muna said the animal collection department of the zoo will join in a No Plastic Bags drive in the lead-up to Environment Day by providing staff with reusable jute bags, and participate in a cleaning the desert event. – Gulf News

Gourmet Abu Dhabi to cook up a storm

            Marrying culture and cuisine, Gourmet Abu Dhabi (GAD) is offering a bundle of activities just for gourmet people who love and appreciate succulent mouth-watering food.

            Sixteen-day extravagance of cuisine and vintages with star-studded culinary experts from around the world and celebrities who will serve up a culinary feast across 20 host venues: this is what the fourth edition of Gourmet Abu Dhabi is about.

            Eighteen master chefs representing 12 countries, 25 Michelin stars and over 50 activities are promised to cuisine fans. Gourmet Abu Dhabi is promising free-to-attend cooking master classes, where only three ladies per class get to learn the cooking art from the world's best . If you are seeking gourmet enjoyment in perfect grandeur don't miss master chef dinners, special theme dinners and château dinners. 

            This year, GAD is featuring new additions for 2012 with special themes of a "Scottish Dinner", a "Cheese Dinner" and a "Comedian Night". 

            Ennio Marchetto - the award-winning international comedian will bring a touch of humour to GAD.

            The Italian transformational artist will make his Abu Dhabi debut at a special theme event at the Crown Plaza Yas Island on February 9, when his brand of humour will be accompanied by exquisite culinary creations from Michelin star chef William Ledeuil.

            "It will be a night to remember in the company of two multi-award-winning professionals who have each revolutionised their particular arts," said Noura Al Dhaheri of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority. 

            Ennio Marchetto has revolutionised the art of origami into theatrical magic. Backed by an eclectic soundtrack, he uses his dynamic, physical comedy and ingenious costumes to magically morph into parodies of superstars and historic characters. 

            "My act will have cross-nationality appeal as my songs are in English but the act is mainly a visual spectacular where speech is not required," said Marchetto.

            While savouring the antics of Marchetto, guests at the special theme dinner will also relish the innovative cuisine of Chef William Ledeuil who focuses his creations on "colours, freshness and flavours." 

            If you are a cheese gourmet you will enjoy the special cheese dinner at the Beach Rotana hotel on February 21, hosted by Michelin star, food commentator on Swiss TV and representative of the Central European Culinary School, Chef Denis Martin, who will also conduct a free-to-attend culinary master class at the Armed Forces Officers Club (AFOC) on February 22. Martin will create the second course at the event's Awards Dinner at the Rocco Forte Hotel Abu Dhabi on February 23. 

            "The task set for me is to deliver a cheese evening with a distinctly modern twist, so I am creating a cheese fondue named ‘Vision 2012', and a menu of modern dishes using Swiss, Italian and French cheeses," said Martin. 

            Chef Juan Amador's, Michelin-star, will formally open Amador Restaurant and Cellar at the Park Rotana Hotel, on February 9, to become a focal part of the event. 

            "The restaurant will serve a combination of European and Arabian cuisine and mix of cultures, flavours and aromas - it will combine characteristics of my existing cuisine and what I learned about local tastes when I visited earlier in the year," said Amador. 

Chef Hal Yamashita will give a Master chef cooking class at AFOC from 11:30am to 1pm.

            "In fact, I intend to create all my Gourmet Abu Dhabi dishes with local produce; this will be the first time I have ever tried to do this - normally, wherever I go, I am forced to bring various ingredients with me," added Yamashita. 

            Gourmet Abu Dhabi Stars Awards - the ‘Oscars' of the local hospitality industry will be also returning to reward individuals and restaurants deemed to have most significantly contributed to the evolution of the domestic food and beverage scene. Winners in 10 categories will be unveiled during a glittering awards ceremony that closes the fourth edition of the annual festival. 

Bookings for the events can be made online at http://www.gourmetabudhabi.ae.   – Gulf News

Dubai Fashion begins tomorrow

            Dubai Fashion 2012 will be launched tomorrow by an exciting Fashion Flash Mob event at 6pm that will involve about 75 male and female models, who will abruptly break into song and dance while mingling with visitors at the Star Atrium of The Dubai Mall.

            Announcing Dubai Fashion for DSF 2012, Laila Suhail, CEO of Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment, said: “We have made elaborate plans to host a spectacular event highlighting the world of fashion. With all the world’s best brands available under one roof in Dubai, it is natural for us to showcase Dubai as a fashion hub that has become a magnet for renowned brands and designer labels on a par with that of London and ahead of other renowned fashion destinations like Milan, Paris and Hong Kong.  For Dubai Fashion 2012, we have put in place a programme that gives an opportunity for amateur and professional designers to showcase their creations.  Dubai Fashion 2012 will be a prestigious fashion event that will consolidate Dubai’s position in the international fashion league and further promote it as a fashion capital of the world.”

            She added: “The DEPE is pleased to be cooperating with two of our strategic partners for the year. Dubai Fashion is being held in The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping destination and the hub of haute couture in the region. The active participation of The Dubai Mall and Paris Gallery, a renowned home-grown brand that has pioneered beauty and cosmetics retailing in this region,  is ample testimony to the strong cooperation extended to the DEPE by the private sector.”

            Nasser Rafi, chief executive officer, Emaar Malls Group, said: “Building on our strategic partnership with the Dubai Events and Promotion Establishment, The Dubai Mall is honoured to support Dubai Fashion, regarded as one of the region’s definitive couture events. Dubai Fashion highlights the credentials of the city as the fashion capital of the region, complemented by an array of retail initiatives and promotions, across the mall. Apart from fashion shows, the mall will also host a range of entertainment events that will appeal to all visitors.”

            Mohammed A. R. Al Fahim, CEO of Paris Gallery Group, said, “We are thrilled to be part of Dubai Fashion, the latest creation of the DEPE, as they are renowned for executing world class events and we are excited about the possibilities of the alliance.”

            Al Fahim added, “Looking at what drives both our businesses, we can see that as the region’s leading luxury retail shopping destination Paris Gallery and Dubai Fashion share strong aspirations. Our partnership which commenced at the same time as the DSF (Dubai Shopping Festival) 2012 will carry forward onto all Dubai-based events. This milestone as DEPE’s strategic partner for 2012 is an important step to further strengthening Dubai’s position as an innovative fashion hub to global shoppers and tourists.”

The other highlights of Dubai Fashion 2012 include:

Biggest and Quickest  Fashion Makeover

The DSF is synonymous with the Guinness World Records and this year, it is no different. Aiming to set a new world record will be the  “Biggest and Quickest Fashion Makeover”.  This event will see 100 make-up artists transforming the appearances of more than 100 ladies in a record 10 minutes. This event will be held at The Dubai Mall’s Star Atrium at 7pm on February 3. Ladies wishing to participate in the event can register for it before the date of the event through the DSF’s official Facebook page www.facebook/dxbevents.

Longest Catwalk in 
the Middle East

Billed as the longest outdoor fashion show of its kind in the region, this street catwalk will feature 40 models plus 60 ladies who will register for the event strutting about along a 120-metre stretch on the promenade of The Dubai Mall from 4.30pm on February 3. If you are interested in participating, register through Facebook page www.facebook/dxbevents.

Dubai Fashion Shows

Amateur designers and models representing renowned brands from retailers will take to the catwalk in a series of fashion shows that will be held at the Star Atrium of The Dubai Mall at 6.30pm, 8pm and 9pm from tomorrow to February 2. The designers, who will showcase their collection of abayas, jalabeyas, wedding dresses, evening wear, and Indian wear, include Paris Gallery Givenchy and Chopard eye wear, Das Collection, Bebe, Tamara Al Gabbani, Anjali and Arjun Kapoor, Salma Khan, Ted Baker, Jameela, Ghada El Rewiny, Fatma Al Majid, Fatma Bin Fahad, and Mona Abdul Karim, to name a few.

Fashion Photography Exhibition

Four talented Emirati photographers will showcase a range of fashion photographs at this photo exhibition from tomorrow to February 4, which will be held during mall hours. Each photographer will display five of his best fashion photographs, highlighting the true art behind capturing a fashion photograph.

Lights, Camera, Fashion!

On each day of Dubai Fashion, a well-known, local photographer will snap pictures of models in a mock mall photo shoot. There will be a different theme everyday of the week, such as a cultural/international theme, the seven colours of the rainbow or a rotation of the seasons. Onlookers will feel as though they are part of the photo shoot process and also get an opportunity to what goes on behind the scenes, during a typical day at the studio, including lighting techniques, set direction and the use of backdrops. 

Holographic Fashion Show

Titled “Holo Cube”, this unique show will pave the way for visitor interaction, and make them feel the magic of Dubai Fashion. The “Holo Cube” will allow people to enter a specially installed cube-shaped structure to watch a holographic fashion show. Viewers will feel as though they are part of an actual event, as the fashion show will be projected onto the walls. The DSF visitors will have easy access to the event, and will be able to move about, and in and out, freely, as there will be an entrance on one side of the cube-shaped structure and an exit on the other. This show will be held at the The Dubai Mall from tomorrow to February 2.

World’s Highest Catwalk

An exclusive fashion show that will take place on February 4 at the highest altitude — At the Top, of Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building,  It will feature models showcasing some of the world’s top brands. It will be a double delight for the audience, who will have a close  view of the fashion gala in front of them as well as a breathtaking view of the city of Dubai from one of the world’s highest points. – Khaleej Times

UAE to chair World Radiocommunication Conference

            Geneva - The United Arab Emirates, represented by Tarek Al Awadhi, Head of the Spectrum '&' International Affairs Section at the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRI), was selected as a chair of the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-12) which opened in Geneva yesterday. This is the first time the UAE has chaired the conference since joining in 1972.

            The conference is aimed at reviewing and revising the Radio Regulations, the international treaty governing the use of radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits.

            The UAE delegation to the conference is headed by TRA's Director General Mohammed Nasser Al Ghanim.

            The work of this international treaty-making Conference will be conducted over four weeks until 17 February to address the changes required to the regulation of orbit/spectrum resources in the interest of the users of these scarce resources, with global implications for policy-makers, regulators, the industry as well as end-users.

            Over 3000 participants, representing more than 150 out of the ITU's 193 Member States are expected to attend the four-week conference, making it one of the most significant ITU events. About 100 Observers from among ITU's 700 private sector members along with international organisations will also attend the 2012 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-12).

            UAE Permanent Representative to the UN Headquarters in Geneva Obaid Salem Al Zaabi praised the selection of the UAE as a chair to the WRC-12, thanks to the keen efforts of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, and His Highness Gen. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

            Fuelled by rapid technological developments in information and communication technologies (ICT) along with increasing convergence of radiocommunication services in today's communication devices, there is an urgent need to ensure the best efficiencies in the use of spectrum, a finite resource. WRC-12 will examine the technical, regulatory and operational aspects to address frequency allocation and frequency sharing to ensure high quality of radiocommunication services for maritime and aeronautical transport as well as for scientific purposes related to the environment, meteorology and climatology, disaster prediction, mitigation and relief.

            The management of satellite orbital slots and associated spectrum resources will be a key area of focus for WRC-12.The Conference goal will be to ensure that the modifications made to the international procedures for the coordination and registration of satellite systems provide for equitable and efficient use of these resources.

            WRC-12 will also advance the introduction of mobile broadband and other advanced technologies such as the development of Ultra High Definition Television (UHDTV), promote the use of the digital dividend resulting from the switch over to digital TV, as well as consider the potential for radiocommunications to act as a catalyst to reduce the impact of human activity on the environment. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

Abu Dhabi to launch second satellite soon

            Abu Dhabi is preparing to launch its second satellite into orbit within a couple of months, according to a senior official of the Al Yah Satellite Communications Company, or Yahsat

Yahsat, which is fully-owned by Mubadala, in April last year sent its first satellite into space.

         “Yahsat is the region’s first hybrid military and commercial satellite firm, which spent US$1 billion to on its space programme, comprising two satellites which have civilian as well military usage. Manufactured by Eads Astrium and Thales Alenia, Y1A sent on April 22 last year offers secure services for the government and military institutions,” chief commercial officer Shawkat Ahmed said in a presentation.

         The second satellite, Y1B, will offer services to military and commercial consumers.

         The satellite will make available high-speed, cost-effective Internet using commercial Ka multi-spot beam technology, Ahmed said while speaking at Milsatcom Middle East in Abu Dhabi.

         Y1A offers 100 per cent coverage over the entire Middle East and Africa region, providing connectivity for point-to-point networks, multiple point networks, apart from services.

         Y1B will provide cost effective high-speed Internet services to consumers in the 25 countries of the Middle East, Africa and South West Asia.

         Dubai also has its own satellite in orbit.

         Meanwhile, the conference was told that the global government and military communications market is projected to be worth US$9 billion by 2018. The Middle East will be a key growth region for the commercial satellite industry.

         Gordon McMillan, director of government services at Inmarsat, said that the increasing adoption of commercial satellite communication systems by government and military users, coupled with exponential demand for greater bandwidth, presents excellent opportunities for commercial satellite providers.

         “As military budgets come under increasing pressure, the commercial satellite industry fulfils an increasingly greater proportion of the communications needs of government and military customers.” – Khaleej Times

Abu Dhabi beats 2011 target as hotel guests growth rises 17%

            Abu Dhabi has recorded its most successful year ever in terms of hotel guest arrivals with some 2,111,611 people staying in the emirate's hotels and hotel apartments - beating its 2011 stretch target of 2 million by 6.5% or over 100,000 guests.

            Annual growth was recorded across a number of key metrics including: guest nights, which were up 22% to 6.3 million; occupancy levels which rose 7% to 69%; revenue, which rose 3% to Dh4.375 billion (US$1.2 billion) and length of stay which expanded 5% to 2.97 nights. Room revenue increased by 2% to Dh2.3 billion (US$631 million), though the average room rate slipped by 14% to Dh490 (US$133), while food and beverage revenue increased by 6% to Dh1.605 billion (US$434.721 million).

            "This is a highly encouraging result in a year which has seen substantial additions to our hotel and resort inventory, including several five-star beach properties opening up Saadiyat Island to guests," said Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), which released the figures today. "There is a clear correlation between this increase, our opening of offices in Russia and the USA, our heightened focus on the Asian markets, a vibrant calendar of world-class events, increased air access with the arrival into Abu Dhabi of new carriers and the expansion of Etihad Airways' network and a substantial increase in cross-network marketing undertaken by the arrival of major new hospitality brands.

            "It leaves us well placed to build for 2012 for which we had initially target 2.3 million but, in conjunction with stakeholders, will now reassess to see if this too, can be stretched." December delivered a bumper return for Abu Dhabi with some 207,723 guests checking into the emirate's hotels - a 26% rise on December 2010 and the highest achieving month of the year.

            "We attribute the strong December performance to people taking their seasonal festivity breaks in the emirate and staying for the lead up to the New Year's celebrations," said HE Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, ADTA.

            Domestic tourism accounted for 39% of overall 2011 arrivals with the GCC, including the UAE making up 45% of hotel guests. Non-GCC Arab countries accounted for 11%, Asia 14% and Europe 18%.

            "Within the GCC, Saudi Arabia performed particularly well for us with guest numbers climbing by 58% to 60,991 making the Kingdom our sixth largest international source market," said Al Muhairi. "Kuwait has also demonstrated huge potential with numbers from the state increasing by 36% to 15,898, Qatar increasing by 11% to 22,898 and Oman growing by 10% to 25,088.

            "Asia's growth was particularly influenced by increased in arrivals from India, which rose by 30% to 108,170 guests and is now the emirate's second largest international source market, and China, which was up 15% to 16,795. We will continue to focus heavily on these emerging markets with a four-city travel trade road show in India next month culminating in our biggest pavilion yet at the SATTE travel trade fair in New Delhi and will equally benefit from Etihad's planned launch of a non-stop, daily service from Shanghai from March." Russia also performed well, with guest arrivals rising 44% on the year to 13,989.

            Europe's growth rate was primarily influenced by: the UK, which remains Abu Dhabi's biggest international source market accounting for 139,319 - an increase of 18%: Germany, from where arrivals rose 25% to 68,077; France, from where the market grew 15% to 42,682 and Italy, which saw a 13% growth to 31,769.

            "These results should be viewed as highly encouraging when viewed against a background of world economic uncertainties which are impacting many destinations," said Al Muhairi. "We begin 2012 buoyed by Abu Dhabi being named Golf Destination of the Year Middle East and Africa  by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators which we hope to further leverage through our newly-launched Golf In Abu Dhabi product. In addition, we have a string of major events lined up with the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship this month, Gourmet Abu Dhabi next month and the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon in March. February is also promising to be a stellar month with over 10,000 participants due in town for the World Ophthalmology Congress, the largest convention to be held in the UAE capital to date.

            "We are also now working ever more closely with stakeholders to spur creative packaging of our products, including our events and to realise the potential held out by the UNESCO Heritage site listing of attractions in Al Ain."  - Emirates News Agency, WAM

Sharjah impresses at Madrid show

            Sharjah wrapped up its first participation in Fitur Madrid, one of the most celebrated events of the international tourism industry, on a high note.  The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority had set up its stand celebrating the emirate’s unique identity and heritage at the exhibition. Sharjah’s stand attracted interest from thousands of visitors that included top dignitaries of the UAE and Spain. UAE Ambassador to Spain Dr Hessa Abdulla Al Otaiba graced the emirate’s stand. – Khaleej Times

UAE holds largest share of e-commerce sales in region

            Total e-commerce sales in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are estimated to be between US$3-US$3.5 billion (Dh11 billion). The UAE's annual sales which approached an estimated US$2 billion in 2010 made up approximately 55-60 per cent of GCC e-commerce sales during the period, according to Visa.

            "E-commerce is without doubt one of the crucial drivers for the world economy and increasingly, the regions. With such a significant increase in internet usage, it's no surprise that the internet is quickly becoming the cornerstone for business and communication, especially as the UAE is such an important financial hub," said Kamran Seddiqi, general manager for Visa Middle East.

            The UAE government is leading the way in e-commerce transactions in the country. The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority has created an effective e-commerce environment while the e-pay gateway allows customers to settle fees for e-government services online on a 24/7 basis in a secure environment. Those looking to pay traffic fines are also able to do so online.

"E-portal adoption with government entities has had a lot more activity online.

            "Dewa, for example has seen a 49 per cent year on year growth. As consumers become more comfortable with government transactions they may be more likely to use other e-commerce outlets," said Stephen Leeds, e-commerce business leader for Visa Middle East.

            However, while there is growth, online shopping is still in its early stages in the region due to a number of barriers such as lack of trust, perception of merchant's ability to fulfil orders and a cash-oriented society.

            "Online shopping is still in its infancy in the region, but all the signs are there that it will continue to grow, such as government commitment, retailer investment and — most importantly — a young population open to trying new technologies and innovations," said Leeds.

Survey

            According to a recent survey by Onecard, 56 per cent of respondents based in the Middle East said they were concerned about credit card fraud, 37 per cent cited the non-return policy if they didn't like the product, 20 per cent said they couldn't tell what the product was like online, 16 per cent said it did not give them the real buying experience and 9 per cent said they needed help from a sales person.

            "We're still faced with the same barriers here that we see around the world, with lack of trust and payment security regularly being cited as key concerns for people when choosing to shop online," said Leeds.

            Local entrepreneurs are leading the way in e-commerce businesses. Local success stories include Market VIP, Sukar, Cobone, GoNabit, Lowcostdubai and Mumzworld.

            Online retail business grew 14 per cent in 2011 to US$226.8 million compared to US$198.2 million in 2010 as the economic recession drove shoppers to surf the internet for bargains, according to the latest statistics by Euromonitor International.

            One recent local venture in online shopping is BonAvenue, a private shopping club which offers international brands at discounts of up to 90 per cent.

            "People in the UAE mostly shop on group-buying websites in search of bargains.

            "The trend to shop online for apparel and electronics is growing slowly although not yet developed for the reason that most people visit the mall on the weekend anyway and would rather touch the item/see it on display than shop online," Sana Toukan, research manager at Euromonitor International, told Gulf News.

            E-commerce in the region is growing two times faster than the global average with GCC sales in online business to consumer transactions expected to reach US$5 billion by the end of 2011.

The GCC e-commerce industry is predicted to continue growing at a rate of 30 to 35 per cent year on year to almost US$15 billion by 2015, according to Visa.

            Saudi Arabia holds the second largest share of the market, with an estimated US$520 million in sales, followed by Qatar at US$375 million and Kuwait US$280 million according to the inaugural joint report between Visa and Ineractive Media in Retail Group International. – Gulf News

Abu Dhabi Executive Council approves new development projects

            Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Chairman of Executive Council of Abu Dhabi His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan chaired yesterday the Executive Council meeting in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor and Vice Chairman of the Executive Council.

            The Executive Council approved a number of new development projects for the emirate, especially in the areas of social services, housing, health and education. This is in keeping with the Government s priorities in providing a dignified life and adequate housing for all citizens.

            The Council gave approval for construction, renovation and infrastructure projects in Liwa, Ghayathi, Al Hayer, Al-Shuaib, Bida Al Mutawaa, Mazyed, Um Ghafa, Nema, Al Salamat Umm Alashtan and Alybanh.

            Additional infrastructure projects will be implemented for a number of other residential districts in the north of Al Wathba, Al Falah, Mohamed bin Zayed, and Emirati neighbourhoods in metropolitan and other areas.

            The North Wathba project is one of the largest residential projects to have been approved to date. It covers an area of 4,178 hectares, and on completion it will provide 13,150 new residential plots. The Abu Dhabi government will during the course of 2012 provide a total of 7,608 residential villas for its citizens. This is in line with long term planning targets for providing appropriate levels of accommodation for all Abu Dhabi citizens.

            The budget for infrastructure works for Khalifa Port and the development of Khalifa Industrial Zone (KIZAD) was approved by the Executive Council. These investments reflect the growing importance of Khalifa Port to Abu Dhabi s economy. The first operations are expected to commence on 1st September 2012.

            The Executive Council also approved projects to develop new terminal facilities at Abu Dhabi International Airport. The new terminal building has an area of 700,000 square meters and will be able to handle 27 million passengers a year. It is planned to be open in the fourth quarter of 2016.

            There will be two new major road projects. The first is the Al Mafrag-Ghuwaifat road which connects the Emirate of Abu Dhabi with the neighbouring countries, and is considered to be one of the most important road development projects in the Emirate.

            The project includes the development and expansion of the current road by 246 km and the building of 15 new overhead interchanges. This will enhance traffic flow, ensure the security and safety of the road users and keep pace with economic growth. It should have a significant impact on the growth of the Abu Dhabi transport sector.

            The second major project is the extension of the existing Emirates Road from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.

            Provision has been made for the design of a metro and tram system to help reduce traffic congestion in the city of Abu Dhabi.

            The Executive Council also approved construction and maintenance of drainage systems in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western Region. These investments are aligned with the long term strategy of the Government to support infrastructure projects, and upgrading the level of services provided to its residents, investors and visitors, and has taken account of projected population growth, rates of urbanisation and growth in tourism.

            Fourteen new healthcare facilities and a world-class rehabilitation centre will be built. This continues the process of upgrading the level of healthcare to serve the community, and delivering better and more uniform health services to all areas of Abu Dhabi.

            One of the new facilities to be built is the Abu Dhabi Cleveland Clinic, which will provide world-class services in the specialist areas of Cardiac, Digestive, Gastrointestinal, Neurological and Ophthalmological medicine. It will also provide job opportunities for citizens to work in one of the best global centres as doctors, nurses and specialists, thereby giving them the opportunity to obtain a high degree of professional experience.

            Provision has been made for two new industrial zones in the Western Region. Al Rowais industrial zone will cover an area of 14 square kilometres and will focus on the chemical, petrochemical, plastic manufacturing, oil and gas, cement, building, and logistics industries.

            The Madinat Zayed industrial zone will focus on the oil and gas, food manufacturing and logistics industries and will cover an area of 2.5 square kilometres. Both of these industrial zones will provide employment for the people of that region.

            The development of an auto city which will be located adjacent to ICAD (Industrial City Abu Dhabi) was approved. It will act as a cluster development for all auto-related businesses and is intended to serve the future growth needs of the automobile sector in Abu Dhabi. The project will attract investment in automobile manufacturing and spare part logistics for facilities across the region and it is also anticipated that this will provide employment opportunities for UAE nationals.

            A number of projects that support the UAE s global role as an energy provider have been approved. The Shams solar power plant is scheduled to be operational by August 2012 and will contribute 100MW to the Abu Dhabi power grid. Approval has also been given for the construction of the Sir Baniyas wind farm. Both of these projects will help to support the Government s vision of having 7% of its energy needs supplied by renewable energy.

            Maintaining the high standards of safety and security.

            The Executive Council approved a number of projects by the Abu Dhabi Police to provide high-end security and training infrastructure facilities to ensure that the already high standards of safety and security are maintained and enhanced.

            The Executive Council approved projects proposed by Abu Dhabi Education Council for the establishment of 24 new schools, and the refurbishment of 10 existing schools.

            Accommodation projects for teachers have also been provided for to ensure that quality staff will be prepared to work in remote areas. These investments are in line with the government s stated plans to provide an international standard education system for all of its citizens.

            The establishment of six special needs rehabilitation centres across the Emirate s various regions was approved. These include autism centres in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

            The Executive Council also approved the training and development of nationals for professional roles at the STRATA project, a composite aero structures manufacturing facility, in line with plans to have UAE nationals representing 50% of the workforce by 2015. Budgets for training and development in ITEC have also been approved to achieve similar goals in the semiconductor industry.

            Budgets and opening dates were approved for the museum projects in the cultural district on Saadiyat Island. These include the Zayed National Museum, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and will rank Abu Dhabi as a world-class tourist destination.

            Two additional projects were approved for the redesigning and building of a new Al Ain National Museum and the design and development of the cultural Hili site. These two projects will significantly contribute to the historical material and cultural heritage of Abu Dhabi, raising awareness of Abu Dhabi s deep ancestral history, and adding value to UNESCO s international heritage collection. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

Abu Dhabi real estate deals hit Dh43b last year

            Nearly Dh43 billion worth of real estate transactions were made in the capital last year, Abu Dhabi Municipality announced yesterday in a statement. This included Dh3.7 billion worth of land sales as well as mortgage transactions of about Dh39 billion.

            The deals are a 5 per cent increase over the Dh41 billion in real estate transactions recorded by the municipality in 2010, Adel Hussain, media consultant at the municipality, told Gulf News.

            "There was increased investor confidence last year in the Abu Dhabi economy, which resulted in the high number of transactions. The municipality has also worked to simplify transaction processes," said Awaidah Al Qubaisi, acting executive director of municipal services.

            According to the statement, last year's largest mortgage contract was worth about Dh367 million. In addition, land sales were the highest in December at Dh917.2 million.

            This may have been a result of the completion and delivery of a number of residential units in the city, Giyas Gokkent, group chief economist at the National Bank of Abu Dhabi, said.

            "In effect, real estate transactions were almost the same as in 2010. The sense we get from tracking the sector is that there is downward pressure on prices due to the increase in the supply of housing. This may be why buyers are postponing purchases till the prices fall further," Gokkent said.

Downward pressure

            In 2012, this downward pressure on real estate prices is expected to persist, in Abu Dhabi as well as in the rest of the UAE.

            "A number of projects are nearing completion, so we should expect to see a fall of 10 to 20 per cent in rental prices in downtown Abu Dhabi," the economist said. He also said there was still a differential in real estate prices between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

"This means that we should be seeing more of an adjustment in Abu Dhabi real estate prices than in Dubai," he added. – Gulf News

Dubai to have 23,000 new homes this year

            Nearly 23,000 new housing units will enter Dubai’s market this year while around 18,000 are expected in Abu Dhabi to put further downward pressure on rents in the two emirates, a newspaper reported on Monday.

            At least 13,000 housing units were supplied in Dubai in 2011 while nearly 10,000 entered Abu Dhabi, the semi official daily Alittihad said.

            “We expect nearly 23,000 new units to enter Dubai’s market this year and 18,000 in Abu Dhabi,” the paper said, quoting Fadi Moussalli, regional manager for transactions at Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), a London-based global commercial property services firm with offices worldwide.

“I think 2012 will be a year of asset management in the UAE…we advise property owners to focus on good maintenance and quality management as this will allow them to increase in their profits and cut costs.”

            Moussalli said the office sector in Dubai, the region’s business hub, remains the most vulnerable field for price correction in 2012.

            “This is because nearly 1.1 million square metres of office area is expected to enter the market this year…the ratio of vacant area is now about 55%.”

He said the value of property assets in Dubai had plunged by nearly 55% over the past three years because of the global fiscal crisis.

            “I believe that key developers in Dubai have now become more interested in evaluating the real value of their property assets.”

            Moussalli did not elaborate on the impact of the new house supply but experts said this would further depress rents that had peaked before the 2008 global crisis. Rents and property prices have tumbled by at least 50 per cent in the UAE since the eruption of the crisis and analysts believe they will continue to fall in the coming months because of growing supply, global economic downturn and other factors.

            In Abu Dhabi, the shifting of hundreds of thousands of construction workers from the city to suburban areas allied with narrowing demand-supply balance to depress rents by more than 20 per cent in just one year. – Emirates 24|7

Dubai's GDP forecast to grow 4.1% in first quarter

            Dubai's GDP is expected to grow 4.1 per cent in the first quarter of this year, according to the Dubai Economic Outlook 2011 report released by the Dubai Economic Council yesterday.

            However, the report also suggested that GDP growth might decline as the year wears on. Abdul Razak Al Faris, chief economist and CEO of research at the Dubai Economic Council, said any such decline would be brought on by an economic slowdown in Dubai's trade partners such as the EU members, China, India and other GCC states.

            In anticipation of continued expansion in the global economy, real GDP is expected to grow through the first quarter of 2012.

            The lowest estimated growth rate — about 3.5 per cent — was attributed to the third quarter of 2011 followed by an increase of 5 per cent in the fourth quarter, he said.

            While Dubai recorded an inflation rate of zero in the fourth quarter of 2011, inflation is expected to rise to 1.5 per cent in the first quarter of 2012, according to the report.

            Al Faris observed that European sovereign funds and the consequences of the euro's decline and the dollar's gains as well as the stable cash flow in the local market were the main factors that would keep inflation at 1.5 per cent. – Gulf News

Inflation to be around 2% in 2012: Suweidi

            The United Arab Emirates’ central bank is not worried about inflation this year, predicting it could average around 2 per cent, its governor Sultan Nasser Al-Suweidi said on Monday.

            “There are no reasons to worry about inflation at this point in time because the sources of inflation are under control,” he told Reuters on the sidelines of an Islamic finance conference in the Omani capital.

            “As long as the real estate sector is under pressure, it (inflation) is not likely to go up, hovering around 2 per cent in 2012,” he said.

UAE market

            UAE’s markets extend gains as investors accumulate battered stocks on expectations for fourth-quarter earnings. Dubai’s index ends 0.5 per cent higher at 1,341 points, rising for a fourth session in five since last week’s near seven-and-half-year low.

            Telecoms operator du advances 0.3 per cent, Air Arabia climbs 1 per cent and contractor Arabtec rises 4.1 per cent. Abu Dhabi’s benchmark gains 0.5 per cent to 2,353 points.

            “We’re seeing money coming in and allocating into bluechips whether in Dubai or Abu Dhabi,” says Marwan Shurrab, vice-president and chief trader at Gulfmena Investments.

            “Banks in Abu Dhabi are in focus on expectations that Q4 numbers will be coming out by the end of the month. Investors are also looking forward to high-dividend yield stocks.”

            National Bank of Abu Dhabi gains 2.4 per cent, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank rises 0.7 per cent, while First Gulf Bank ends flat.

            Strong results are expected from NBAD and FGB, which should give an indication for the rest of the sector. In Qatar, the index slips 0.4 per cent to 8,409 points, its lowest close since Oct.20.

            Oman’s measure edges up 0.1 per cent to close at 5,598 points, with Renaissance Services the main support. Shares in the company climb 2.1 per cent.

            Saudi Arabia’s benchmark falls for a second day as bank stocks weigh, but traders are bullish on the medium-term prospects for the kingdom’s bourse.

             A two-month rally stalled after bellwether Saudi Basic Industries Corp (SABIC) posted below-forecast fourth-quarter earnings.

            Elsewhere, Dubai’s benchmark rises for a fourth session in five since last week’s near seven-and-half-year low. It is up 0.7 per cent to 1,343 points.

            Investors fish from the bottom, lifting contractor Arabtec 4.7 per cent, Air Arabia 1.7 per cent and Union Properties 2.6 per cent. Abu Dhabi also rises with the index up 0.5 per cent to 2,351 points. – Reuters

Emirates and Alaska Airlines launch Frequent Flier Partnership

            Emirates and Alaska Airlines, have announced the launch of a new frequent flier partnership that will offer travellers the opportunity to accrue Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles when they fly to any of Emirates' 118 destinations worldwide, including points across Africa, India and the Middle East.

            Emirates Skywards members can also accrue miles across the Alaska Airlines network in the United States (including Alaska and Hawaii), Canada and Mexico. 

            "As part of our commitment to Seattle, we are launching our service by partnering with Seattle's hometown airline to offer customers the convenience of a frequent flier partnership as well as one-stop check-in and through checked baggage, providing easier access to a vast range of points across the United States, Canada and Mexico" said Nigel Page, Emirates' Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations for the Americas." Emirates, the largest operator of Boeing 777 aircraft in the world, will operate a daily nonstop flight from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Dubai aboard an ultra-long range B777-300ER from March 1, 2012 . Seattle will become the airline's sixth U.S. gateway , joining New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston and from 2nd February, Dallas/Fort Worth.

            Under the new partnership, travellers connecting between any point on Emirates and Alaska Airlines' networks will be able to check in for their flights at either carrier's counter, receive their boarding passes and check their bags to their final destination.

            "Alaska Airlines is delighted to welcome Emirates as our newest Mileage Plan partner," said Caroline Boren, Alaska's managing director, loyalty marketing and customer advocacy. "Our customers will be able to earn and redeem miles on Emirates a carrier admired for its service and quality and with a route network that gives our members even more access to global destinations." Miles flown on Emirates will count toward qualification for Alaska's MVP elite level program.

            To celebrate the new partnership, both airlines are offering double miles on each others' flights starting March 1 through May 31, 2012. To earn Double Miles, members must register their Skywards number at skywards.com or Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan number at alaskaair.com* prior to their first qualifying flight. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

Thuraya signs Service Partner Agreement with Africell Holding

            To embolden its distribution network in Africa, Thuraya, the leading international mobile satellite operator has signed a service partner agreement with Africell Holding (a subsidiary of Lintel Holding).

            Through this partnership, Africell, one of Africa's most dynamic GSM operators, will be providing Thuraya's data and voice services in Gambia, Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

            Thuraya provides border-to-border seamless satellite coverage over Africa, which complements existing terrestrial operators such as Africell ensuring that consumers out of GSM reach can access reliable and cost-effective satellite communications.

            Furthermore, as the only satellite operator that offers satellite roaming capabilities for GSM consumers, Thuraya allows access for people on the move to enjoy the ubiquitous coverage of the Company's robust network by simply inserting their GSM SIM cards into any Thuraya handheld.

            "Africa offers significant business opportunities due to its size, geographical composition, population and economical potential. The new partnership with Africell is part of our strategy to enhance our distribution network and reach out to our vertical industry consumers wherever they choose to operate. We aim to empower people and businesses in Africa through modern, cutting-edge and reliable value satellite communications," said Thuraya's Chief Executive Officer, Samer Halawi.

            On this occasion, Ziad Dalloul, Chief Executive Officer of Lintel, said, "Offering Thuraya services will provide us with a competitive edge especially in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo which is the size of Western Europe where Thuraya services would allow our subscribers to stay in touch even in the most remote areas." Thuraya offers the world's smallest satellite broadband solution to support 384 Kbps streaming "Thuraya IP" and the only satellite handheld to offer full walk-and-talk capability "Thuraya XT". This is in addition to maritime, tracking, capacity leasing, and other specialised space-based solutions.

            Africell Holding operates three GSM operations; Africell Gambia, Africell Sierra Leone, and Africell RDC. The Gambia and Sierra Leone operations are leaders with around 60% market share in both markets; the DRC operation is set to be launched by Q2 2012. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

Dubai facility gets ready to host snow penguins

            Snow penguins now living permanently at Ski Dubai's 25-storey snow-covered wonderland don't usually give interviews to the media.

            But at month's end, Dubai's newest stars will meet the press in a media briefing before the mountain-themed ski hill opens its newest attraction, Snow Penguins at Ski Dubai, to the world sometime in February.

            To be housed year-round in the 22,500 square-metre facility chilled to a constant -1 degree C to -2C and covered with snow, the colony of penguins "will live in a specially created environment which mirrors the Antarctica", Ski Dubai said in a statement.

            The seafaring birds are part of what Ski Dubai said is a "multi-generation breeding programme at Sea World" and were born and bred in captivity.

            Organisers billed the environmental awareness project as "the world's first exciting attraction of its kind" and pledged that patrons young and old will be offered a rare chance to see penguins in their new environment. "Visitors will soon have a rare opportunity to interact with these remarkable birds in a one-of-a-kind intimate encounter and learn about their unique traits and habits. Mall of the Emirates visitors will also be able to enjoy viewing the snow penguin's natural antics during the grand presentation of the ‘March of the Penguins', starting in February 2012," the ski resort said. – Gulf News

Metro stations to have bicycle parking spaces

            Authorities will construct as many as 3,000 bicycle parking spaces for Dubai Metro users, by the first quarter of this year, it was announced yesterday.

            The move comes in a bid to avoid unruly parking of bicycles such as by tying them to trees, light poles or traffic signals, Maitha Bin Udai, CEO of Traffic and Roads Agency at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), said yesterday.

            "Such practices inflict damage to public property, block visibility for motorists and road users, and distort the general appearance of neighbourhoods, particularly in tourist areas," she said.

            Parking spaces for bicycles will be constructed near stations along both Red and Green Lines. The parking spaces have been designed in a way that makes them accessible and easy to use, according to the RTA. The decision is a step forward in enhancing integrated public transport systems in Dubai, she said.

            Maitha urged residents to use bicycles, particularly for short trips, as they help ease heavy usage of vehicles and thereby reduce environmental pollution.

            "The project comprises the construction of about 3,000 bike stands near the Metro stations. Phase 1 of the project was completed earlier, with 212 stands built at eight stations on the Red Line," she said.

            These include 96 parking spaces at Al Rashidiya Station, 16 at Khalid Bin Al Waleed Station, 32 at Jafliyah Station, 16 at Financial Centre, 32 at Mall of the Emirates Station, 16 at Ibn Battuta Station, and about four stands at Nakheel Station.

            "RTA has completed the construction of bases for about 1,200 new stands on the Red Line stations and has planned to complete them by the first quarter of this year." Maitha added. Phase 2 of the project, which involves construction of bases for about 1,100 parking spaces on Green Line stations, will begin later.

            In future, all Metro stations will be integrated with dedicated cycling tracks, said Nasser Abu Shehab, Director of Strategic Planning, at RTA's Strategy and Corporate Governance Sector.

            "The provision of cycle stands is a vital requirement that has to be addressed in an effort to eliminate haphazard parking of bicycles at unsuitable locations," he said.

The RTA has finalised studies for the construction of cycling tracks with an overall length of about 900km under five phases, scheduled for completion by 2020. The project's trial run has started in key spots such as the streets of Jumeirah and Al Mankhool. – Gulf News

Temperatures in UAE drop below freezing

            Temperatures down to freezing and waves up to 18 feet high have battered parts of the UAE for the past three days because of strong north-westerly winds.

            These winds were likely to continue to blow both today and tomorrow, forecasters said yesterday.

            Meteorologists recorded a low of -0.2 degrees C on the mountain range of Jebel Jais in Ras al Khaimah at 1.30am yesterday morning.

            "This is due to a strong north-westerly wind which has brought cold temperatures to the country and rain," said Majed Al Shekaili, head of the marine forecast section at the National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology.

            "This north-westerly wind will remain strong on Monday and on Tuesday morning."

He said that although temperatures had been close to freezing on Sunday morning, there had been no sleet or snow.

            "It could happen, if there is rain," he said. "But only if temperatures stay less than 2 degrees C. There's still a chance it could happen before Tuesday morning."

            He said that off the coast of Abu Dhabi, waves had reached as high as 10 feet.

            "It's not really safe to swim," he said. "It's better to stay out of the sea at this time."

            The Dubai Meteorological Office declined to comment, but a recorded forecast from the office said that onshore waves, which had reached as high as 14 to 18 feet, would moderate to 10 to 12 feet on Sunday afternoon.

            The recorded forecast said the skies would remain cloudy until Wednesday, but Thursday was expected to be "mostly sunny". – The National

Captain missing after storm sinks ship off Sharjah

            An Indian captain is missing and believed dead after his ship sank off Sharjah in the rough seas that battered the Northern Emirates over the weekend.

            Five members of the ship's crew, all Indian nationals, survived after swimming to a nearby breakwater, where rescue teams gathered them up.

            Yesterday, police boats and rescue teams were searching the area for the captain's body. Sources said the ship had not been carrying cargo and posed no threaten to the environment.

            The ship went down 500 metres offshore from the town of Hamriya on Sunday, in the same area where the Lady Moon supply vessel sank last week, also after being battered by high seas.

            "The ship is about 45 metres long and was sailing from one of the GCC countries," an official from Hamriya Port said.

            "The strong winds affected its movements and it made attempts to dock at Ajman but the winds cut the ropes and it moved, collided with waves and started sinking near where the Lady Moon sank."

            The rough weather also caused a tugboat to drift and run aground on the Ajman corniche at about 2pm on Sunday. Four of its crew were rescued by police teams.

            The weekend's rough weather was also blamed for three barges beaching in the Northern Emirates - one in Hamriya in Sharjah, one in Zorah, Ajman, and another in Umm al-Qaiwain's Ras area. The barge in Hamriya was carrying sea sand, while the other two were carrying heavy rocks.

            In February last year, the captains of two cargo ships - the Dolphin and Lady Rana - grounded their vessels on the Sharjah coast within days of one another after bad weather at sea caused technical defaults. – The National

Abdullah chairs UAE delegation to Arab League’s meeting

            Cairo - Foreign Minister H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan led the UAE delegation to the Arab League council's meeting held here yesterday to discuss a report on the observer mission in Syria.

            Qatari Prime Minister and Chairman of the current meeting of Arab Foreign ministers' council Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani told the meeting the worrying situation in Syria invites a review of the whole mission and its findings to determine continuity of its mission or seeking other options including dispatching Arab peace-keeping troops to Syria to halt violence and counter-violence. "The reality says that the bloodshed has not stopped and the killing machine is still running and violence is spread everywhere," he noted.

            "The Arab League has exerted tremendous efforts to convince Syria to change its policies which brought the country into this crisis," he said. Sheikh Hamad said the Arab initiative aimed at safeguarding unity and stability of Syria. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

Mohammed bin Rashid chairs Cabinet meeting

            His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said here today that the new governmental legislatives and laws submitted to the Council of Ministers should keep pace with the development of UAE community to boost the growth, preserve rights and establish confidence in the international legal, economic and social systems.

            The Vice President was speaking, while chairing the Cabinet meeting at the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi in the presence of H. H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and H. H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

            During the meeting, the Cabinet approved the federal draft law on the notary public. The move comes within the framework of the government's strategy to update its legislatives to match the growth and development requirements of the community regarding issuance of contracts and their authentication.

            The law aims at streamlining work of notary public and also includes creation of private notary public in accordance with the conditions there in the draft law.

            It also agreed to liberalise a number of trade agencies regarding the food stuff and major commodities in accordance with the memo submitted to it by the Ministry of Economy to curb unjustified soaring prices of some commodities, boost principle of competition in the UAE markets, combat all types of monopoly and exploitation. The list of food stuff items includes: all types of beverages, dairy products, livestock, fats and oils, eggs and others.

            The Cabinet gave green light to the Union Railway Company to borrow Dh4.7 billion from banks and international corporations to finance the project of construction of the Shah-Habshan-Ruwais Railway to further boost the land transport and the national economy.

            It also approved the complementary procedures for the endorsement of a number of agreements signed recently between the UAE and other countries, among others, the agreement between the UAE and Switzerland on avoiding of double taxation regarding income tax, the Arab Anti Corruption Agreement, the Arab Draft Law on Anti Transnational Border Organised Crime, the Arab Agreement on Transfer of Inmates of Penal and Correctional Institutions.

            The Council of Minister approved the Economic Cooperation Agreement between the UAE and Montenegro and the Agreement between the UAE and India on Cooperation and Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters.

            It also approved the budgets of National Media Council and the Federal Customs Authority for the fiscal year 2012.  - Emirates News Agency, WAM

UAE Cabinet resolution to liberalise essential commodities trade to contribute to market stability, says Al Mansoori

            The decision of the UAE Cabinet, chaired by Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to liberalise the trade of 12 essential commodities will contribute to market stability and further enhance customer rights, Eng. Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri, the UAE Minister of Economy said.

            Applauding the decision, he said "the 12 items that are being liberalised include livestock and dairy products, fats and oils, honey, eggs, fruit juices, salt, yeast, animal feed, detergents and hygiene products, among others." Al Mansouri said the move will further strengthen the competitiveness of the UAE economy by curbing monopoly practices and ensuring the timely supply of goods and services for consumers on a timely basis without any unjustified price rise.

            He added that dealing with the increase in price of essential commodities is a top priority for the Ministry. "We will work in co-operation with various retail outlets to launch initiatives that will help reduce prices. We have received suggestions for reducing prices of about 1,000 items this year." He added that an electronic system is leveraged to monitor price movements to ensure stability by monitoring the commodity market trends regionally and globally, apart from providing timely information on all related aspects to take timely and appropriate decisions. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

UAE for fruitful, progressive ties with Tunisia

            The UAE is looking forward to maintaining strong, fruitful and progressive relations with Tunisia, said Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

         Sheikh Abdullah made the remarks during a joint press conference with Tunisian Minister of Foreign Affairs Rafik Abdul Salam in Dubai on Thursday. Abdul Salam praised the deep-rooted relations between the two countries.

         “We are here to further boost the strong ties and to thank the UAE for the support it has been giving to Tunisia,” he added.

         The Tunisian minister said an invitation was extended to Sheikh Abdullah to visit Tunisia.

         He spoke about the phases of building a democratic nation in Tunisia following the revolution and noted that the current government is a three-party coalition.

         Asked about current developments in the region in relation to Iran, Sheikh Abdullah said the UAE is interested in regional stability.

         “We do not want anything that undermines regional stability,” he said, adding that efforts were being made by all parties to maintain that stability and that it is important to make positive statements. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

National Media Council introduces its objectives to Media Institutions

            The delegation of Government Communication at National Media Council has highlighted the efforts and services of NMC to clients, students, and its coordination role among different media institutions.

            During the introductory forum organised by Zayed University, the delegation focused on the Emiratisation programme of NMC that targets Emirati youth to rehabilitate and sensitise them to work with the media institutions, besides encouraging Emirati female students to present their projects and publish them through Emirates News Agency (WAM).  NMC distributed the booklets and brochures on the strategy and objectives of NMC. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

UAE women advance education and empowerment with Young Future Energy Leaders at WFES

            At the 2012 World Future Energy Summit, a group of young Emirati women showed how they are leading the way on energy and climate change in the UAE.

            Alice Marsden, an attorney at Latham '&' Watkins, moderated a panel discussion on clean energy and climate change. The four women panellists, who come from diverse education and career backgrounds, shared their experiences and perspectives with conference attendees at the Young Future Energy Leaders Theatre.

            The panel was organised by the Directorate of Energy and Climate (DECC) in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), in collaboration with Latham '&' Watkins' Women Enriching Business (WEB) initiative and the Masdar Institute's Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL) Program.  "WFES truly brought together leaders from around the world to discuss some very serious issues," said Mariam Al Mutawa from DECC, the organiser of the forum.

            "This panel was an obvious opportunity to highlight the work being done by women on future energy, clean energy and climate change issues in the UAE. We were able to create a dialogue between women working in these fields, and students, on how they can lead the way on these important issues, " said Al Mutawa.

            Maryam Al Balooshi from UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), who is breaking gender barriers in her work, discussed how she has transitioned from working as a chemical engineer into a more political role in the aviation sector.

            Mariam Al Mutawa from DECC discussed her experiences as a recent graduate of Zayed University and shared thoughts on how UAE universities could increase the number of women in clean energy careers.

            Reem Al Thawadi from Emirates Wildlife Society (EWS-WWF) discussed the importance of effective communications in advancing awareness and action on issues related to the future of energy and climate change. She also described how her diverse academic and professional background helped her career.

            Rouda Al Otaiba, also from DECC, rounded out the panel by sharing her experiences as a diplomat working in the task force to help bring the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) to the UAE. She also represents the UAE's interests in international multilateral negotiations related to climate and energy.

            The event was held as part of the UAE's 2012 engagement in the Clean Energy Education and Empowerment Women's Initiative, or C3E, under the Clean Energy Ministerial a collaboration among the 23 countries representing more than 80 percent of the world's global greenhouse gas emissions as well as investments in clean energy. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

UAE proves keen to keep an edge

            The UAE and South Korea have linked up in an effort to ensure the competitiveness of their national economies and maintain an edge over nearby rivals.

            The Emirates Competitiveness Council (ECC) has partnered its South Korean counterpart to boost productivity in the UAE economy. It has also signed research and development deals with universities in both countries intended to bolster strategic industries.

            The two countries are seeking to share expertise of economic management that has led to rapid growth during the past few decades, said Tae-Shin Kwon, the vice chairman of the Korean Presidential Council on National Competitiveness.

            "Korea should learn a lot from the UAE, not vice versa," he said.

            South Korea was seeking to learn from Dubai's experience in developing tourism, services, hospitality and "green growth" industries, Mr Kwon added.

            The UAE has developed a number of partnerships with South Korea, most notably selecting Korea Electric Power Corporation to design, build and help operate its civilian nuclear power plants. The two have also signed major deals in the oil and gas sector.

            The UAE is now seeking to partner universities in South Korea and elsewhere in the world to improve the quality of the research it generates, said Abdullah Lootah, the ECC's secretary general.

            "As a Government, I think we need to do more to facilitate the environment … for people with different thinking and great ideas," he said.

            The ECC, established in 2009, plans to promote competition among government agencies and cut through bureaucracy, resulting in increased trade and accelerated economic growth.

            In addition to increasing the quality and promptness of releases of official data and statistics, the organisation is considering the establishment of an agency focused on protecting intellectual property to develop the UAE's climate for research, Mr Lootah said.

            "It could be one way of telling the nation that we take research and development very seriously," he said. "I think we're getting there, slowly, but I think we can speed up the process."

            Among the most dynamic economies in Asia, South Korea has attempted to develop a so-called "knowledge economy" built around innovation in an attempt to ensure it remains competitive against cheap labour from fast-growing markets nearby such as China, Vietnam and Cambodia.

            The UAE has attempted to replicate a "knowledge economy", establishing large numbers of university satellite campuses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

            "We should make use of the 70-plus private universities in the country," Mr Lootah said. "Those entities are here not only to have a presence in the Middle East, but to add value to human capital."

            Developing a country's universities and research environment could lead to substantial gains in its competitiveness, Mr Kwon said. "It can be done by education and training, as we've seen in the successful story of Steve Jobs," he said.

            "He never invented any new things, but he was a genius at collecting them together with good marketing and design." – The National

UAE most diversified economy in Middle East

            The UAE was the most diversified economy in the Middle East, more than many of the developed countries, according to IMD World Competitiveness Centre Index.

            The index ranked the emirate as the 26th most diversified economy in the world, more diversified than Norway (29), Hong Kong (30), Australia (32), Spain (45), Portugal (47), New Zealand (48), Luxembourg (51), Greece (54) and Russia (58).

            IMD rated Canada just one notch above the UAE, ranking it 25th most diversified economy globally.

            Official figures have showed that Abu Dhabi and Dubai have been investing billions of dollars to diversify their economies in order to diminish reliance on oil and petrochemical sectors. Both the emirates are pumping money into trade, tourism, logistics, aviation, infrastructure and banking and finance. Other smaller emirates such as Ras al-Khaimah are also focused on manufacturing and tourism sectors to increase their revenues.

            A recent report by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Economic Development said that the emirate’s non-oil GDP achieved notable growth, including the manufacturing sector, which grew by nearly 11 per cent in2010.

            Qatar has been ranked by IMD as the second most diversified economy in the region followed by Jordan. None of the other regional countries could make into the list of top 60 most diversified countries.

            IMD rated the US as the most diversified economy worldwide in Diversification of the Economy Index followed by Germany, South Korea, Taiwan, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, India, Belgium and Japan.

            Household consumption expenditure IMD’s recently-released Household Consumption Expenditure Index showed UAE as the 30th largest country with expenditures totalling US$176.9 billion (Dh649.22 billion) in the year 2010.

            The index showed that the UAE had the highest household consumption expenditure in the Middle East region in 2010.

            IMD ranked UAE ahead of major countries such as Denmark (US$151.7bn), Hong Kong (US$139bn), Malaysia (US$114.3bn) and Singapore (US$84.5bn) among others.

            Globally, the US had the highest household consumption expenditure estimated at US$10,349 billion followed by Japan at US$3,126 billion; Germany at US$1,913.4 billion; China at US$1,773 billion; and UK at US$1,474.7 billion. – Emirates 24|7

UAE to pump US$98bn in oil sector

            The UAE is planning to pump nearly US$98 billion into hydrocarbon projects involving expansion of its crude output capacity and development of the gas industry, according to a regional bank report.

            The investments account for nearly 28 per cent of the total capital of around US$353 billion approved by the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for projects in the oil and gas sector, Kuwait-based Global Investment House (GIH) said in its latest investment report on the region.

            It said the UAE investments cover 116 major projects, including the giant

            Tacaamol – Al-Gharbia Chemicals Industrial City venture that is currently in planned phase, with an estimated budget of US$20 billion.

            Another major upcoming project is the ZADCO oilfield development and has an estimated budget of US$10 billion, it said.

            It gave no other details but the UAE has been locked in a massive expansion programme to tap its huge gas resources of more than six trillion cubic metres, the world’s fifth largest after Russia, Iran, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

            The projects also involve boosting the country’s crude production capacity to nearly three million barrels per day within two years and 3.5 million bpd by 2015. The UAE’s current capacity is estimated at 2.7 million bpd while its proven oil deposits are officially put at 98 billion barrels.

            Saudi Arabia accounts for more than 60 per cent of the GCC’s total hydrocarbon projects, with planned investment of around d US$215 billion covering 147 major ventures, GIH said.

            It said the projects are focused heavily on the upstream oil and gas segment, including the massive Yanbu Integrated Refinery and Petrochemicals Complex that is currently in the study phase at a cost of US$20 billion.

            Another major upcoming project is the Jizan Refinery Project that has an estimated budget of nearly US$7 billion.

            “In order to continue to benefit from previous high oil prices, GCC countries are concentrating on expanding their output,” GIH said.

            “As of today total value of planned projects in the regional hydrocarbon sector is estimated at US$353 billion…despite this optimistic scenario, project postponement and cancellation trend continues to plague the market.” – Emirates 24|7

RAKBANK posts strong results for 2011

            RAKBANK has announced a Dh1,203.5 million net profit for 2011, an increase of 20 per cent over 2010.

            Earnings were impacted as a result of the Central Bank's recently introduced guidelines on personal lending but the Bank swiftly refocused its business towards SME and other lending opportunities within the consumer banking segments.

            "RAKBANK's very satisfactory results at a time of continuing difficult market conditions are a testament to the Bank's consistent business strategy and robust performance" said Graham Honeybill, RAKBANK's CEO. "RAKBANK's profitability is the result of the bank's prudent policies and underwriting processes, and more importantly, the Bank's successful foundation in excellent customer service delivery, which has helped by retaining and expanding our customer base." As a result of the business opportunities identified, net interest income increased by 23.4 per cent over 2010 to Dh1, 984.5 million.

            Total advances as at 31st December 2011 increased by 12 per cent over the previous year to reach Dh18.4 billion whilst total assets jumped by 14.6 per cent to close at Dh24.5 billion.

            The growth in the asset book has been supported by a combination of increases in shareholders' equity and customer deposits with total deposits growing by 11.73 per cent to close at Dh18.3 billion compared with Dh16.4 billion in 2010. Commission was impacted by the new rules on retail lending but overall other income grew by 7.9 per cent to Dh652.9 million.

            During 2011 RAKBANK increased its Branch and ATM network and currently has 31 branches across the UAE with plans to open 3 more by the end of 2012. The Bank has 145 ATMs with a further 59 planned.

            Overall credit losses rose by 11.6 per cent in 2011 to Dh301 million primarily as a result of a more conservative profile adopted towards the end of the year and on a much larger asset base.

            The liquidity ratio for the year 2011 stood at 19 per cent at the year-end compared to 18.2 per cent at the end of 2010. The Bank's Tier 1 ratio as per Basel I at the end of the year was 17.2 per cent against a current minimum of 12 per cent of Tier 1 capital as set by the Central Bank.

            RAKBANK will continue to focus on the delivery of quality products for its retail and small business customers allied with a high level of customer service quality. "There are numerous good business opportunities in the market and RAKBANK is well positioned to take advantage of them during 2012," concluded Honeybill.

            The Directors have recommended a stock dividend of 10 per cent and a cash dividend of 25 per cent. The dividend recommended will result in over 71 per cent of the net profit being retained within the Bank's shareholders' equity thereby increasing capital and reserves to strengthen the Bank's overall position and provide support for future growth  - Emirates News Agency, WAM

UAE Islamic banks account for 30% of global Islamic banking industry

            Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), a top-tier Islamic financial services institution, highlighted the important role played by the Islamic banking sector in promoting economic and financial growth in the UAE. This was revealed in Abu Dhabi 2011 Report unveiled by Oxford Business Group in collaboration with ADIB.

            The report revealed that the UAE Islamic financial services sector represented 30% of the global Islamic banking industry in 2011 and due to the growing demand for Islamic financial services among different customer segments within the UAE. The report showed that Islamic banks have played a major role in financing UAE infrastructure projects, residential properties for UAE nationals and development of the human capital market through training of national talent.

            Commenting on the report, Tirad Mahmoud, CEO of Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, said, "UAE Islamic banks play an important role in the development of the global Islamic banking industry which is now valued at more than US$ 1 trillion. This growth in the Islamic banking industry is driven by the increased demand for Islamic services and products by a growing number of customers. Demand is growing due the industry's emphasis on ethical principles, its commitment to the principles of transparency and the application of the principle of mutual benefit in its operations and transactions."

            Tirad Mahmoud highlighted the effective role of Shari'a committees, which are independent from bank managements, in regulating and controlling banking operations. They ensure compliance with Shari'a principles and enforce the principles of transparency and mutual benefit in all banking transactions. He also praised the support that Islamic banks receive from the UAE Central Bank which helps develop the sector and has led it to achieve a global recognition.

            Islamic banking assets in MENA rose to US$ 416 billion in 2010. This represented a cumulative annual growth rate of 20% over five years, compared with less than 9% for conventional banks. "Although there are similarities in the nature of work of Islamic and conventional banks, there is a vast difference in their financial mechanisms and transactions. In Islamic banking for example, the rates of Murabaha are fixed and known to the client from the moment the contract is signed. Islamic Banks cannot increase that rate even in the event that the client is unable to meet monthly payments on time," added Tirad Mahmoud.

            The Abu Dhabi 2011 Report aims to provide a snapshot of the Islamic banking sector in the UAE, specifically in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. It is an increasingly important reference for the industry and contains a wide range of interviews with leaders of the Islamic banking sector. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

Official opening for National Reference Laboratory's regional hub in Abu Dhabi

            National Reference Laboratory (NRL), a business established by Mubadala Healthcare to deliver high-quality medical diagnostic testing services, held an official opening ceremony to celebrate its new 20,000 square foot laboratory facility in Mussaffah, Abu Dhabi.

            The establishment of this new laboratory follows the 2010 opening of NRL's inaugural facility in Dubai. It will serve as NRL's regional hub and has the capacity to expand to 60,000 square feet.

            The opening ceremony was attended by Mubadala Development Company Chief Financial Officer, Carlos Obeid; Executive Director of Mubadala Healthcare and Chairman of National Reference Laboratory, Suhail Mahmood Al Ansari; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of LabCorp, David King; and NRL General Manager, Kristian Marthinsen, in addition to representatives from the local healthcare industry.

            NRL was created in partnership with and is operated by Laboratory Corporation of America (LabCorp), one of the world's largest and most renowned clinical reference laboratory networks.

            Its goal is to help improve the breadth, coverage and efficiency of laboratory testing in the UAE. Together with the significant resources of the LabCorp network, NRL offers a comprehensive menu of more than 4,000 tests.

            As a result, NRL aims to offer healthcare providers in the region a one-stop solution for all of their clinical testing needs, creating an efficient and high-quality service that is closer to home, reducing both turnaround times and logistical costs compared with laboratories abroad.

            Medical diagnostic testing serves a critical back-end function in the healthcare value chain, with healthcare providers significantly benefiting from test results to make informed diagnostic and treatment decisions. It has been estimated that 70% of all medical decisions regarding diagnosis and treatment are based on lab results.

            To improve the current level of decision making, NRL is committed to raising quality standards in the industry by implementing international best practice procedures and quality control measures in each phase of service delivery.

            "In order to develop a comprehensive, world-class healthcare offering in the UAE, we must provide home-grown solutions on a par with the highest international standards, while at the same time developing a strong knowledge base of healthcare issues that are unique to the Gulf and MENA region. NRL is well positioned to support this important goal," said Suhail Mahmood Al Ansari, Executive Director of Mubadala Healthcare.

            "Our success to date and this latest milestone is testament to the strength of our partnership with LabCorp, which has brought world-class technology and expertise to the region, leading to better diagnostic support for clinicians, and ultimately a more cost-efficient service." The arrival of the Abu Dhabi lab marks an important expansion of NRL's business, improving in-house testing capabilities to better meet the growing demands of the regional healthcare industry. Through this world-class offering, NRL is able to provide healthcare practitioners with reliable and efficient diagnostic testing results, to help them make sound decisions for their patients.

            NRL has invested in state-of-the-art technology to manage quality of specimens and testing results, including temperature-controlled transportation vehicles and the most advanced laboratory testing equipment. The newly opened Abu Dhabi lab has an innovative and flexible design that can facilitate future expansion seamlessly.

            The new lab expands on the success of NRL's first facility, opened at the Nucleotide Complex of Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (Dubiotech). Through this first facility, NRL has established a strong presence in the local market with a growing list of clients from across the UAE.

            NRL's Dubai lab is ISO 15189 accredited and is currently undergoing accreditation with College of American Pathologists (CAP), which is viewed as the international gold standard, and is expected to become CAP accredited in Q1 2012. This will be followed by the same in Abu Dhabi before the end of the year.

            NRL works closely with clients to inform and educate healthcare providers on the latest advancements in the field of clinical diagnostic testing, including through its partnerships with close to 100 healthcare providers.

            The laboratory offers improved client service through automated and integrated communication interfaces that facilitate immediate transfer of information between the laboratory and healthcare provider.

            Combined with the world-class expertise of LabCorp, this client service approach positions NRL as a differentiated service provider in the diagnostic testing field - a best-practice facility that provides more results, of better quality, at a quicker pace.

            "LabCorp is proud to extend its best-in-class diagnostic testing expertise to the UAE, where there is great demand for more advanced infrastructure and capabilities in this field," said David King, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of LabCorp.

            "As a pioneer in genomic testing and the commercialisation of new diagnostic technologies, we remain committed to partnering with NRL and Mubadala Healthcare to raise the bar on diagnostic testing infrastructure and practices in the UAE and wider region."  - Emirates News Agency, WAM

Inspection campaign to ensure safety of toys

            The Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC) has launched an inspection campaign on toy stores to ensure the safety of children’s toys and their conformity with safety standards, particularly the GCC Conformity Marking. The initiative is part of a broader programme of consumer goods inspection that is being conducted in Abu Dhabi by the Quality and Conformity Council.

            The current campaign is focused on children’s toys in the under-three years category and is covering all shops in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi including Abu Dhabi City, Al Ain and the Western Region.

            So far, the campaign has inspected 4,616 products of which 35 per cent has been found to be non-compliant resulting in 53 formal warnings issued to retailers at the first stage of corrective action.

            Abdulla Hassan Al Muaini, Director of Consumer Safety in the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council, commented that the selection of this category of products for inspection and examination is in line with the high importance attached by the Council to the safety of children in the Emirate. “We are concerned with safety issues in all toy categories and our initial focus is to protect the most vulnerable age group in our multicultural society, that is children under three years of age who are exposed to many and varied types of toys coming from the different markets of the world.”

            Statistics issued by the Middle East Toy Fair showed that in 2009 the UAE was the seventh biggest toy import and re-export market in the world. According to the same source, the UAE market contains more than 18,000 toy dealers who trade goods from a wide variety of product manufacturers from around the world, with varying degrees of product quality.

            The regulations for toys include the necessity for the product to clearly display in Arabic and English the manufacture’s name or trademark as well as the country of origin, targeted age category and the product’s barcode, Al Muaini said. The packaging should also contain clear information on whether the game or toy needs to be used under the supervision or control of adults, he said.

Inspection will also cover aspects related to the culture of the UAE. A toy or its package should not contain pictures or shapes that affect the religious, moral and cultural constants or constitute an insult or offensive language to any section of the society.

            Breeches of the regulation, where products violate the safety standards of the Emirate and to pose a threat to children, will consequently be banned from being displayed and sold. In cases where the GCC Conformity Marking is not available, however, a warning will be forwarded to the store owner showing the violations that should be rectified.

            Since the campaign launch at the beginning of the year, 1,617 products identified as non-compliant have been withdrawn from the market and warnings issued to retailers; requiring them to take corrective measures and obtain the technical file of the product within seven days.

            He underlined the importance for consumers, especially parents, to be alert and check information attached to products in general and the toys for children under three years in particular. “It is necessary for consumers to deal with the stores known for their quality and good reputation,” he said. “It is recommended that consumers look for GCC Conformity Marking on these products, read the instructions and warnings and make sure the battery is in a place that is not accessible to children.     It is also necessary not to give children in their early years toys that contain small pieces that pose a choking hazard, and jeopardise their life.”

            Al Muaini said it is advisable for those who suspect any products that are dangerous for the children’s health and safety to file a complaint with Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council. He pledged to take all the necessary measures most urgently to prevent hazards and handle the situation in accordance with the regulations. Consumers can convey their relevant product related complaints to the Council through the Government’s call centre on toll free 800555, he said.

            He also stressed that retailers must ensure that manufacturers or importers have identified where controlled products meet the standards through use of the GCC conformity mark. – Khaleej Times

A record high for Dubai Chamber members' exports and re-exports in 2011

            Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry members' exports and re-exports in 2011 made a record for achieving the highest figures in its history of operations. It also proved that the trade sector is once again the frontrunner of Dubai's economic growth.

            The Annual Report 2011 released by Dubai Chamber yesterday indicates that the total value of its members' exports and re-exports last year was Dh246 billion which is 14.5% higher compared to the 2010 level reflecting the importance of trade in the economic growth of Dubai.

            Also, the 2011 figures are higher than the peak period of economic boom of 2008 which was Dh213 billion. Meanwhile, the monthly exports and re-exports of its members in May 2011 was the highest with Dh22.1 billion while the figures in February were the lowest with Dh17.6 billion.

            The annual data on number of certificates of origin (COs) issued totalling 698,067, showed an increase of 8.3% compared to 644,809 COs issued in 2010. Again the highest monthly COs issuance was in October 2011, which numbered 62,726 and the lowest was in February and totalled 50,612 COs.

            Hamad Buamim, Director General, Dubai Chamber, pointed out that despite the global uncertainty in light of the European debt crisis and a weak US economy and instability in the region, Dubai's economy is on track. "The annual report clearly demonstrates the resilience of Dubai's traders in turning the tide in their favour thanks to the lessons learnt from the global financial crisis as they used their experience and flexibility to global trading by switching between destinations and products. Dubai's business community also explored new markets and export destinations in Africa, Eastern Europe and Latin America thus achieving unprecedented export figures in Dubai Chamber's history of operations," he said.

            The Director General of Dubai Chamber lauded the excellent performance of the trade sector as he said that 2011 was a historically successful year for the trade sector which has established its position as key driver of the emirate's economic growth. The trade sector, along with tourism, logistics and financial services, once again played a major role in the overall health of Dubai's economy and directly supported the emirate's role in consolidating its status as a favourite global investment destination in the region and a gateway to the neighbouring GCC countries, he said.

            Buamim further stressed that the coming on board of 10,092 new members for Dubai Chamber last year, which took the total membership to over 128,000 with a percentage increase of 8.5%, also points towards the economic growth which Dubai has witnessed last year. It also reaffirms the trust of foreign investors in the sound economy of Dubai which has a strong backing from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

            He stated that despite the political unrest across the Middle East and North Africa region, Dubai continues to be a safe and stable place to do business. The city, backed by its astute government policies, world-class infrastructure and financial services as well as business-friendly laws, continues to offer a solid platform for international investors to do business here and work towards their own as well as the emirate's economic growth in the coming years.

            Summing up the achievements of the year, Buamim informed that on its part Dubai Chamber focused not just on the quantity of growth but also on the quality of growth by exploring new products and export markets, as well as business opportunities for trade and investment in Africa, East Asia and Latin America.

            Buamim also highlighted the enhanced role played by Dubai Chamber to support the development of business and to promote Dubai as an international business hub, while he also reaffirmed his organisation's commitment to provide assistance and facilities to the private sector by launching initiatives that will enhance the competitiveness of Dubai businesses in the global market.

            The successful hosting of international events like the 4th Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Investment Forum and the 3rd Dubai Hamburg Business Forum are good examples of supporting the development of business in the emirate while promoting Dubai as an increasingly attractive place for global trade, Buamim said.

            He also added that Dubai Chamber will focus on opening up new markets under the directives and recommendations of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed, as Dubai Chamber is all set to send trade missions to countries and cities like Ethiopia, China and the city of Surat, which is India's diamond hub.

            The Annual Report 2011 indicates that as part of its mission to represent, support and protect the interests of the business community, Dubai Chamber voiced the concerns of the private sector to the relevant Government authorities by suggesting changes in the visa rules and the companies and other related laws which Dubai Chamber has been studying and reviewing over the years.

            The challenges faced by the business community enticed Dubai Chamber to come up with new initiatives and to focus more sharply on its role as a business facilitator, adviser and mediator. As a business facilitator, Dubai Chamber continued to offer value-added services to its stakeholders by updating and strengthening its online services. The launch of the ATA Carnet in April was the most significant new service, as Dubai Chamber issued 39 ATA Carnets for goods and commodities worth Dh133 million while the country received 570 ATA Carnets for goods valued at Dh600 million in 2011.

            As part of its efforts to provide policy advocacy services to its members and in line with its objective to create a favourable business environment, a special Dubai Chamber committee worked through 2011 to review 26 federal and local draft laws and legislations covering local, Gulf and international conventions. The outcome of the comparative studies including the Companies Law 2011 was sent to the concerned government authorities.

            Some of the reviewed draft laws and regulations included organising the legal profession, organising the economic activities in Dubai, regulating partnership between the public and private sectors in the emirate, GCC Uniform Law/Rules pertaining to anti-commercial fraud and the first draft of the Convention on Cooperation in the Field of Maritime Transport between Arab Countries were also studied and reviewed.

            Dubai Chamber hosted 187 visiting trade delegations in 2011 comprising of over 1,093 businessman, government officials and senior trade leaders, registering an increase of 25.6% in the number of foreign delegates in comparison to 870 delegates received in 2010. Meanwhile, Dubai Chamber sent out outbound missions to 36 cities in 29 countries, and participated in 41 business events abroad and organised four quarterly business councils and business groups' roundtable discussions in addition to organising 156 business matching meetings in Dubai.

            Dubai Chamber received 878 mediation cases in 2011 and launched a new service to assist Dubai companies with the drafting of commercial contracts.

            On its part, the Dubai International Arbitration Centre received 440 cases in 2011 compared to the 431 cases of 2010 as the Centre also worked towards raising the awareness of the importance of arbitration and mediation in the settlement of commercial disputes regionally and globally.

            Dubai Chamber's highest profile event, the 4th Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Investment Forum, organised for the first time in the region under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed, was attended by over 2,000 delegates and explored business opportunities within the 19 countries that make up the COMESA region, particularly in trade, agriculture and infrastructure development sectors, and promoted Dubai's position as a strategic gateway into and out of these emerging markets.

            The Dubai Chamber-organised 3rd Dubai Hamburg Business Forum was yet another successful session as it brought together a high level delegation of business leaders from Hamburg to meet with their Dubai counterparts to discuss four key sectors of finance, maritime, logistics and green technologies. The event also served as an ideal platform for businesses from both the vibrant cities to strengthen their trade ties.

            The Chamber also launched its signature event, the third round of the Dubai Business Gala 2011 which paid tributes to Dubai's trading history and was attended by over 1,000 members of the diplomatic corps and the business community. The gala dinner was a cultural treat for the attendees and succeeded in enhancing the reputation of Dubai as a global business and finance destination.

            Dubai Chamber launched the sixth round of the prestigious Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Business Award organised under the patronage His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. The award this time has expanded its scope to include businesses in all sectors - type and size - to participate and stand to be recognised as organisations with exceptional performance strategies.

            Dubai Chamber's Centre for Responsible Business launched a new service called CSR Toolkits which provides support to companies wanting to adopt more corporate social responsibility and sustainability schemes. It also organised the Dubai Dialogue: Corporate Governance Conference and the second Sustainability Network CEO CSR Seminar thus maintaining its lead in advocating and exemplifying responsible business practices in Dubai.

            On its part, Dubai Chamber introduced a number of new services and initiatives to help businesses from a cross-section of economic sectors to achieve success. It introduced the Pulse medical insurance scheme, which provides a health insurance package to members at a reasonable cost, and also launched the Diplomatic Circle Dinner, the Dubai Chamber Ramadan Festival, and a range of social networking events including the Culinary Mixer, Bowling Challenge, Ambassador's Cup golfing event, and the Go Carting Challenge.

            With its focus on exploring new markets, Dubai Chamber organised the quarterly Country Focus Briefings putting the spotlight on Turkey, Brazil, Ethiopia, Australia and the Netherlands and also held its popular networking meetings with business groups and councils and the Talk Business at Breakfast initiative aimed at bridging the gap between the public and private sectors. This event brought the private sector face to face with top officials from RTA, Dubai Courts and Dubai Police.

            Three new business councils including the Bangladesh, Algerian and Belgian as well as three business groups, Dubai Shipping Agents Association, International Special Events Society and the Retail Business Group were set up by Dubai Chamber to help support their respective countries and sectors to expand the scope of their business activities. With these new entrants the strength of the business groups went up to 25 and the councils to 40.

            Keeping the business community updated on the market trends, Dubai Chamber also organised four quarterly economic seminars that offered insights and expertise to the business community to enhance their performance and competitiveness in the business world.

            For the second consecutive year Dubai Chamber received two Dubai Government Excellence Program (DGEP) awards for Best Customer Satisfaction and Best Staff Satisfaction in the DGEP's 14-year history. It also won the prestigious Big Project and BGreen Award for best 'Retrofit Project of the Year' and the Best CSR Initiative - Public Sector at the 8th IIRME CSR award. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

UAE property deals to surge

            A higher volume of property transactions are expected in the UAE this year amid increasing investor interest while rents in Dubai’s residential market are set to bottom out, Jones Lang LaSalle, or JLL, said on Sunday.

         The new growth in transactions will be driven by private investors and high net worth individuals rather than investment institutions, JLL, a leading real estate investment and advisory firm, said in a report it released yesterday.

         “We think we will see increased activity in this sector as more confidence returns to the residential sector, perhaps with the UAE continuing to be a beneficiary of the Arab Spring as a relative safe haven, and as more projects get completed and handed over,” said Alan Robertson, chief executive of JLL, Middle East and North Africa.

         He said 2011 was a difficult year for real estate investors with most sectors of the market moving in the favour of tenants, with lower prices and rentals. “While these trends appear likely to continue into 2012, the main trend for this year is likely to be an increasing polarisation within each sector of the market. As the performance of the best quality projects will improve, average prices are expected to decline further in 2012 within this increasingly two-tier market.”

            The UAE real estate sector will generally see more realism this year. “In 2012, affordability will be to housing what budget hotels will be to the hospitality market. Banks are also expected to continue their more selective approach towards lending criteria,” the report said. JLL predicts a significant shift towards mid-market developments both in the residential sector as well as in the hospitality sector. It also expects banks to become more selective on lending criteria and developers will look to consolidate more projects.  JLL forecasts 2012 will see a lot more cancellations as Rera and the Abu Dhabi government looks to reduce future supply.

         The advisory firm warned that a military conflict between Iran and Western powers would be detrimental to property prices in the UAE as the country would lose its safe haven status.

         A confrontation will affect “confidence in the UAE and the impact on real-estate prices would be certainly negative,” said Fadi Moussalli, regional director for Mena at JLL.

         A military conflict may not push prices down by the same amount witnessed in the aftermath of global credit crisis because prices had already been lowered by 60 per cent, said Moussalli. 

Robertson said the first noticeable impact of a regional conflict would be a drop in activity levels as people lose confidence.  JLL said as the flight to quality continues in 2012, there will be an emphasis on better quality projects across all sectors.

         The JLL report said rents would hit bottom in 2012 with lease levels showing signs of an uptick in 2013 despite the estimated 38,000 units due online in Dubai this year.

         “Due to the significant development pipeline, rents will continue to experience downward pressure. This will help decrease the rent premium that Abu Dhabi has maintained over Dubai to date,” the report said. 

         “Lower prices, more choice of higher quality product and its role as a regional safe haven will increase the attractiveness of the UAE market to both occupiers and investors in 2012,” the report said. – Khaleej Times

The UAE attracts 614,000 new mobile phone users

            UAE service providers attracted nearly 614,000 new mobile phone users through the first 11 months of 2011, boosting the total number of subscribers to 11.54 million at the end of November, and maintaining the country’s position as having of the highest GSM penetration ratios.

            Official data showed both Etisalat and Du, the two mobile phone operators in the second largest Arab economy, managed to boost their subscriber base in 2011 as they pushed ahead with expansion plans in mobile phones and other telecommunications services.

            The report by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) gave no breakdown but Du said last month it expects to surpass Etisalat in mobile phone user base this year.

            At 11.54 million, the UAE had a GSM penetration rate of around 144 per cent, or nearly 1.5 mobile phone for every person, one of the highest ratios in the world. The rate at the end of November was far below the 200-per cent ratio announced three years ago before the UAE massively revised up its population from just above five million to nearly eight million last year. – Emirates 24|7

Cold snap sweeps across country

            Residents are seeking shelter as the mercury dips below zero in a cold snap which is gripping the country.

            The cold front is sweeping across the UAE according to the national weather bureau. Meteorologists are advising people who have to go out at night to dress warmly to beat the desert freeze in some areas of the country.

            "Conditions are severely cold and likely to continue at least for the next two days," said a duty forecaster at the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS).

The mercury plunged, he said, to -0.2C in the Jebel Jais area of Ras Al Khaimah at around 1.30am yesterday. The temperature dropped to 4.4C at Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain.

Freezing rain

            Temperatures in all corners of the UAE are the lowest so far this year and the cold north-westerly winds have prompted people to stay indoors.

            Adel Hassan, an amateur meteorologist in Al Ain, also expects freezing rain in the Jebel Jais area today.  "It could possibly look like snowfall in the northern mountainous area so people living in the area have to take precautions."

            The NCMS said the low atmospheric pressure has pushed the cold front over the UAE and it will stay for at least the next two days. The development could result in partly cloudy to cloudy, windy, and cold to very cold conditions across the UAE.

            There is an increasing chance of showers in the UAE's coastal belt along the Arabian Sea, mainly in northern areas today. Winds will be fresh to strong but they could gust at times in certain areas.

            The sea is likely to be rough to very rough with around three-metre waves offshore.

            "Conditions are dangerous out at sea for small boats and fishing trawlers," said the duty forecaster at the NCMS, adding that people should stay away from the sea, given the dangerous shoreline conditions.

Temperatures at a glance

Al Ain City: Minimum 10C; maximum 27.5C. Abu Dhabi: Minimum 16C; maximum 26C. Dubai: Minimum 16C; maximum 26.2C.Sharjah: Minimum 17C; maximum 26.5C. – Gulf News

Marine biodiversity under threat

            Growing prosperity together with an increasing population in the Gulf states is exacting a heavy toll on coastal marine life in the Arabian Gulf, experts heard at a marine environmental conference this week.

            To limit further damage in the UAE, experts called for the expansion of protected marine areas along the UAE coastline.

            They also suggested a coordinated plan by all GCC countries to counter marine damage and streamline environmental stewardship into a unified approach to save remaining marine life areas.

            "Coral reefs protect the coastline from erosion and inundation and are a focus for recreational activities such as diving and fishing. Compounds derived from coral reef organisms have even been used in pharmaceutical products," said Thabit Al Abdul Salam, director of the biodiversity management sector at Environment Agency — Abu Dhabi, at the opening of the International Conference on Marine Life in the Arabian Gulf.

Climate change

            The conference was hosted by New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD)

            Economical prosperity, population growth, overfishing, and heavy commercial maritime shipping across the Arabian Gulf — 20 per cent of the world's oil passes through the Gulf daily — has contributed to a potentially irreversible decline in the health of fragile coral reefs.

            "Over 70 per cent of the 3,800 square kilometres of coral reef in the Gulf has been lost and only three per cent of reefs are considered to be relatively undamaged," Dr John Burt, assistant Professor of Biology at NYUAD told Gulf News.

            A report by the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health shows that "the unprecedented scale of economic growth in the region and the significant development along the coastlines of many Gulf countries is putting pressure on coastal ecosystems. This has contributed to considerable degradation of natural habitats, including mangroves, seagrass beds, coral reefs and marine life."

            "These ecosystems provide a variety of ecological services and act as nursery habitats for many of the commercially important fisheries species in the region," Dr Burt, a co-author, of the report said.

            "Coral reefs are the first ecosystem to have shown large scale impacts of climate change. The increase in the frequency and duration of positive sea surface temperature anomalies and associated bleaching and mass mortality has had a catastrophic effect on coral reefs around the world. Other threats to coral reefs include the damaging impacts of coastal development, eutrophication and over-exploitation. Given the synergistic effects of these stressors, the prognosis for the future is alarming and a critical global issue," Abdul Salam said.

            The coral reefs in Abu Dhabi have not escaped the impacts of climate change and coastal development.

            "Over the past decade there has been increasing pressure on these ecosystems as human populations grew in coastal urban areas around the Gulf. Our report focuses on a number of stressors affecting coastal ecosystems in the Gulf, including modification and loss of natural habitats through coastal development, discharge of industrial, agricultural/aquacultural, and domestic effluents and wastewater, as well as over-exploitation of marine resources through fisheries, along with natural stressors such as climate change and red tides due to harmful algal blooms. As a result of the cumulative effects of these multiple stressors there have been impacts to natural coastal ecosystems in the Gulf," Dr Burt added.

            The report was produced by a team of researchers including members of the NYU Abu Dhabi. They have been studying marine biology in the Gulf since 2007 and believe coastlines across the Arabian Peninsula are facing similar challenges to their marine environments.

            "Therefore in the last decade we have declared the largest Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the region, the Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve. Today, more than 13 per cent of our marine biome has a protected status and two thirds of the coral reefs of Abu Dhabi fall within our MPAs," Abdul Salam said.

            The impact of oil production, oil spills, heavy ship traffic, uncontrolled chemical dumping and construction projects in and around the Arabian Gulf cause water pollution and is likely to have an adverse effect on marine and other wildlife in this region.

The report proposes research-based, collaborative management plans, across all GCC nations need to be developed to protect the Gulf's marine ecosystems. It includes recommendations on improved waste management and pollution prevention.

            "There is a need to set up a Gulf-based transnational regulatory and enforcement framework backed by data and research. There needs to be a balance between meeting the needs of a developing economy and managing the impact on the marine environment," Dr Burt said. – Gulf News

Camel cheese coming soon to supermarket shelves

            A local company has proved the doubters wrong by producing the UAE's first commercial batch of camel milk cheese.

            Researchers had claimed it would be impossible to make because camel milk does not coagulate as easily as cow or sheep milk - a vital step in cheese making.

            But after three years of work, scientists at the Emirates Industry for Camel Milk and Products in Dubai, which sells its products under the Camelicious brand name, have solved the problem.

            By April three types of camel milk cheese will be available in UAE supermarkets.

            "It was difficult because the solid matter in the camel's milk is less than the cow's," said Mutasher Al Badry, the company's deputy general manager.

            The milk contains less than 10 per cent solids, which makes it hard to get a yield of cheese that is commercially viable.

            "In cow's milk, they have industrial and artificial items that we don't want to add because we want to reach a premium cheese," said Mr Al Badry.

            The low yield means the cheese will be expensive - although prices have yet to be announced - and will be sold only in select supermarkets such as Spinneys, Union Co-op and Abu Dhabi Co-op.

            About 1,000 litres a day of the farm's milk will be used to make the three types of cheese.

            "We will produce a very low quantity in the first year because we don't have enough milk and we have a lot of demand for it," Mr Al Badry said.

            One of the cheeses is ideal for salads, another for cooking and the third is a table cheese.

            The packaging and branding for all three is still being finalised.

            The "salad" cheese has a taste akin to feta, with a creamy texture, while the cooking cheese is similar to mozzarella, but with a softer interior.

            The ingredients are healthy - camel milk has 40 per cent less fat and cholesterol than cow milk, three times more vitamin C, more minerals and iron.

            "Camel milk has a lot of benefits," said Mr Al Badry. "It's very rich in vitamin C, calcium and has a lot of nutritional elements."

            A Mauritanian company has produced a Brie-like cheese from camel milk for the past 20 years but it is sold only in Nouakchott, the nation's capital.

            Camelicious said its cheese had received a royal seal of approval, having been taste-tested by chefs working for a UAE royal family.

            "They were really happy with it, they decided which taste and which type to go for," Mr Al Badry said. "We have a vision to export all our products but first we need to fulfil local market needs with milk and cheese."

            To that end, the farm is looking to buy more camels overseas, to increase its herd from 3,000 to about 6,000.

            It is also seeking breeds that produce more milk - up to 12 litres a day, rather than the current six or seven.

            For the time being, it is likely to export only camel milk powder, rather than fresh cheese, to avoid prohibitively high prices for international consumers. – The National

Green streetlights in Abu Dhabi save municipality Dh1 billion

            Plans to fit every street light and traffic signal with energy-efficient bulbs will save the municipality up to Dh1 billion over the next 20 years, officials estimate.

            Light-emitting diode (Led) lights cost about 40 per cent more than traditional high-pressure sodium bulbs, said Martin Valentine, a lighting expert at the municipality.

            But while sodium street lights last about two years, the Led types have a life of at least 12.5 years, Mr Valentine said.

            With about 620,000 street lights in Abu Dhabi, the municipality estimates between Dh500 million and Dh1bn will be saved, including the cost of changing the Led lights once.

            The municipality launched a public-lighting strategy about a year ago, including plans for Led lighting and dimming lights.

            The programme was moving "quite swiftly", Mr Valentine said, speaking at the World Future Energy Summit on Thursday.

            "The first sign of things to come is Salam Street," he said.

Revamped sections of the busy city road opened last year with Led street lights and traffic signals, between Khalifa and Al Falah streets.

            "All new projects use Led technology," Mr Valentine said.

            Elsewhere, street lights will be fitted with Leds when their bulbs are due to be replaced, he said.

            "Most of the existing lighting will be replaced anyway within the next five to six years."

Sodium bulbs are inefficient and cause more light pollution and glare than Leds, which are also more environmentally friendly to make and dispose of.

            "They have no inert gases, no filaments, no dangerous chemicals," Mr Valentine said. "A lot of [old] lamps have mercury, phosphorus."

            Several cities in the United States, Hungary and elsewhere have fitted some or all of their street lights with Leds.

            The next step is to dim certain street lights between midnight and dawn when traffic density is lower, Mr Valentine said.

            "It will be done on a case-by-case basis," he said, explaining a need to balance energy efficiency with public safety. – The National