UAE-Canada ties strong and excellent: Abdullah bin Zayed Ottawa - Foreign Minister H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan has expressed pleasure over UAE's "strong and excellent" relations with Canada Addressing a joint press conference with his Canadian counterpart John Baird in Ottawa yesterday, Sheikh Abdullah said the UAE is a main hub for trade in the region. He thanked the Canadian Minister for his keen efforts to further strengthen his country's relations with the UAE which, he said, has investments in Canada totalling around US$10 billion. "Having more trade between the UAE and Canada, and using the UAE as a hub, is beneficial for both countries," he added. Sheikh Abdullah said the UAE has a "transparent" nuclear programme which could be adopted by any other country in the region. For his part, Baird said Canada and the United Arab Emirates enjoy "warming" relations. Baird said that the two ministers had discussed "a wide range of issues, including our concern about the humanitarian situation in Syria and regional peace and security." "We also discussed the launch of negotiations on a nuclear cooperation agreement between our two countries," he added." Also discussed during the meeting, Baird said, were means of expanding ties between the two countries, something which he said was "vital to expanding business and trade ties." "To that end, I am pleased to announce we are pursuing the creation of a Canada - UAE business council. This is a welcome step forward in boosting exchanges of all types and a sure-fire sign that our bilateral relations are getting even stronger," the Canadian minister concluded. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
Mohammed bin Zayed receives Trucial Oman Scouts veterans Gen. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces received yesterday at Al Bahr Palace a delegation of the Trucial Oman Scouts (TOSs) veterans, currently on a visit to the UAE on invitation by the GHQ of the UAE Armed Forces. Sheikh Mohammed welcomed the delegation members. The veterans shared their memories and experiences of the pre-federation days. The TOSs veterans said they were pleased to visit the UAE and meet with the senior officials. They also expressed the hope to meet with their friends and former colleagues. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
Lubna hails World Women Day Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of Foreign Trade has stressed the importance of finding effective leaders who are not born but made. Addressing a gathering held here yesterday at Rotana Beach Hotel to mark World Women Day, she underlined that the leadership requires continuous learning, work and serious commitment. "Our words and actions involve a lot of value and importance, therefore, we should be responsible for our relations with others whom we serve." Sheikha Lubna said that there are many challenges in this changing world characterised with intense competition and various challenges that require double efforts and vigilance to make a future, indicating that "our future is outcome of what we make today with our own hands, in addition to our heritage legacy." She talked about her early education until she completed her post-graduate studies and worked in many leading positions in the country. Sheikha Lubna emphasised the importance of support provided by the country to Emiratis to obtain knowledge and acquire different skills. "Components of success and excellence do not come accidentally, but through hard work and diligence". The UAE minister called on community members to get more knowledge each in his/her field, indicating that "learning is an inseparable part of specialists and leaders development as they need continuous learning to extrapolate and have the ability to assess situations and make critical decisions, which often have a great impact in guiding destinies of society towards progress and prosperity." The event was organised by UAE Businesswomen Council in Abu Dhabi in conjunction with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and a number of business councils in the UAE. Emirates News Agency, WAM
UAE condemns assassination of Saudi diplomat in Bangladesh The United Arab Emirates has expressed strong denunciation of the heinous and brutal crime of murdering Saudi diplomat Khalaf Mohammed Ali in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka. In a statement made yesterday, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash renewed UAE's firm stand in condemning such terrorist crimes. He reiterated UAE's solidarity with the brothers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia against these deplorable acts. He also offered condolences to the family of the deceased and to the government of Saudi Arabia. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
Abu Dhabi Air Expo inaugurated at Al Bateen Airport The Abu Dhabi Air Expo, the region's first general aviation exhibition to be held at Al Bateen Executive Airport, on Tuesday was inaugurated by H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor and Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council. The event is organised by Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) at its dedicated business aviation airport from 6th to 8th March, 2012. Sheikh Hazza toured the venue of the event which includes nearly 70,000 square meters of exhibition space, showcasing over 70 aircraft and bringing together nearly 100 distributors offering the latest in general aviation technology and innovation products and services. The show will be a platform for the major players in this developing sector to gather and share their latest innovations with a continuously growing audience. Key exhibitors at show include Etihad Airways, Royal Jet, Mubadala Aerospace, UAE Armed Forces and Rotana Jet. Khalifa Al Mazrouei, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Airports Company, who welcomed Sheikh Hazza, said the exhibition reflects the significant growth of air traffic at Al Bateen Executive Airport and the economic boom of the emirate of Abu Dhabi. It is bringing together more than 600 industry leaders." Bringing together the major players in general aviation, Abu Dhabi Air Expo will enable a demanding clientele to discover a wide and representative range of the industry's latest developments and innovations in a remarkable and convenient location. Sheikh Hazza was accompanied by Chairman of The Tourism Development '&' Investment Company (TDIC) and member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Director General of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, ministers, senior officials. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
Abu Dhabi plans to build stealth ships A new joint venture shipyard in Abu Dhabi will construct stealth vessels and in the future plans to build upgraded marine engines in collaboration with Italy’s Fincantieri, which builds naval and merchant ships. Etihad Ship Building (ESB), in a joint venture deal with Abu Dhabi’s Al Fattan Ship Industries, weapons suppliers Melara Middle East of Dubai and Italy’s Fincantieri, will construct, refit and carry out maintenance of stealth vessels for the UAE Navy and regional navies. Initially, the joint venture shipyard will install the Rolled Airframe Missile, or RAM, defence systems on one naval vessel, which is currently under construction in Italy by Fincantieri — world’s leading ship builder. Two more ships, which are being built by Italian ship builder, will be delivered in the next two years. Fincantieri, which has joint ventures with five nations, won a contract from the UAE Navy to build an 88-metre long 1,650 tonnes corvette for anti-submarine and anti aircraft operations. The Italian firm won an order for the construction of 55-metre long two stealth vessels, Falaj-2 with delivery this year. This contract provides an option for the UAE Navy for the construction of two more units. “The two vessels are under construction in Italy, will be delivered with the end of this and early 2013,” said Achille Fulfaro, the general manager of Etihad Ship Building, at a presentation on Tuesday. Fulfaro said, the shipyard, which is located in Taweelah, is set to become the main logistical hub in the area for the Italian ship builder. Ahmed Ali Abdulwahab Al Marzouqi, general manager of Al Fattan Ship Industry, said the new company is anticipating a contract by the end of the year to build four more vessels for the UAE Navy at the shipyard. Asked about any order he is expecting outside the UAE, Al Marzouqi said, “talks are underway for the construction of total 10 vessels,” for two regional countries, which he did not name. Currently, Al Fattan Ship Building is doing refitting and maintenance of four Class patrol boats for the Iraqi Navy, which was built by Fincantieri. Guiseppe Bono Fincantieri, chief executive officer said his company, which is investing heavily in this yard in terms of transfer of technology and know-how, and wants to reach out to customers in the region. On future plans, Al Marzouqi said the joint venture ship builder will also develop a range of engines for installing on naval vessels. “We would be lucky if we are able to develop the engine in the next five to six years,” he told Khaleej Times. Made in Abu Dhabi marine engines would further Abu Dhabi’s vision to develop a knowledge-base economy by 2030, he said. – Khaleej Times
UAE automobile market may grow up to 10% Mattar Al Tayer, chairman and executive director of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Dubai, inaugurated the specialist industry event, Commercial Vehicles Middle East, on Tuesday. Running for three days at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, the exhibition is being staged in tandem with the Commercial Vehicles Conference, creating a dual platform with a double focus on fleet operational efficiency as well as cost savings. A panel of industry experts from leading transport organisations will address key issues over the first two days of the conference ahead of a feature seminar on the final day outlining the new RTA heavy vehicle trailer inspection and registration process being rolled out in 2012. One of the highlights on the opening day is a presentation from Jörg Spanke, Shell Business Team Manager of Retail & Automotive Fuels, who will outline to delegates Shell’s Smarter Mobility Solutions and its newly formulated Shell Diesel Extra. The new fuel, which made the Guinness World Records in 2008 for its part in the longest non-stop commercial truck drive in Italy, was launched in the UAE in July 2011, and allows fleet managers to save fuel by up to three per cent over the lifetime of their vehicles, while also reducing CO2 emissions by 55 tonnes per truck every year. Many exhibitors are using the exhibition floor as an important platform to launch their latest products and services in the Middle East, as they look to impress thousands of visiting transport, fleet and logistics decision makers from across the region. Arabian Automobiles, the sole distributor in the UAE for Nissan, Infiniti and Renault will introduce to the Middle East the 4.8 litre Nissan Patrol Pick-Up. Boasting 280hp from a V6 engine, the latest model is recognised as the best in its class for power and acceleration. After achieving 17 per cent sales growth in the UAE for 2011, the flagship company of the AW Rostamani Group is expecting a bumper year in 2012, in which they expect the overall automobile market in the UAE to grow between eight and ten per cent. Ghassan Nasser, General Manager for Sales at Arabian Automobiles said: “Commercial Vehicles Middle East is the only event of its kind in the region that provides us with an important stage to showcase our new commercial vehicle line-up to potential fleet customers, as well as enhance our relationship with key government organisations and public transport authorities.”- Khaleej Times
du announces full year 2011 results Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company PJSC (du) yesterday announced its financial results for the full year and the fourth quarter of 2011, reflecting continued growth and further customer additions. The company also announced that it is proposing its first dividend payment to shareholders. Highlights for the full year 2011: Revenues of Dh8.9 billion achieved; a 25.2% increase versus 2010 (Dh7.1 billion). EBITDA increased 44.6% to Dh2.9 billion versus 2010 (Dh2.0 billion). Net profit before royalty grew by 47.8% year on year to Dh1.8 billion versus 2010 (Dh1.2 billion). Net profit after royalty stood at Dh1.1 billion up from Dh1.0 billion in 2010, reflecting the increased royalty payable to the UAE Federal Government for the year ended 31 December 2011 comprising of 15% of net profit and 5% of total company revenues. This resulted in a royalty payment of Dh715 million, compared to Dh184 million for 2010, equating to 15% of net profit. Pro Forma earnings per share increased 60% from Dh0.15 to Dh0.24 Free Cash Flow reached Dh1.4 billion up from Dh36 million in 2010. Proposed dividend payment of Dh0.15 per share. Highlights for the fourth quarter: Total revenues for the fourth quarter reached Dh2.4 billion, a 17.9% increase compared to Q4 10 (Dh2.0 billion) and an 8.0% increase compared to Q3 11 (Dh2.2 billion). 278,100 net active1 mobile customers added during the fourth quarter, bringing total mobile customer base to 5.2 million. Sustained momentum in post-paid active mobile customer additions with 19,300 added in Q4 bringing the total to 362,800, up 39.6% vs. Q4 10 (260,000) and representing 6.96% of the total mobile customer base. Post-paid customers represented 42.1% of growth in mobile revenues for the quarter. 340 basis point increase in data contribution to mobile revenues, increasing from 9.2% in Q4 2010 to 12.6% in Q4 2011. EBITDA2 grew 25.7% versus Q4 10 (Dh675.0 million) to Dh848.3 million and grew 11.8% compared to Q3 11 (Dh758.7 million). Net profit before royalty increased by 15.4% year on year to Dh497.4 million in Q4 2011 versus Dh430.9 million in Q4 10, representing a 1.8% increase over the previous quarter of Dh488.7 million. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
Dubai’s legal system gives foreign investors confidence and supports emirate’s competitive business environment, said senior officials on Tuesday. Dr. Ahmed bin Hazeem, Director General, Dubai Courts, said Dubai’s legal system not only contributes to providing stability necessary for the development of trade but also helps in attracting global investors to the emirate’s safe business environment. He was speaking at a CEO roundtable on the current trends in the Emirate’s legal system organised by Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The roundtable was organised in light of the Dubai Government’s allowing businesses to use the English language Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts for resolving local and international business disputes. In his welcome address, Hisham Al Shirawi, 2nd Vice-Chairman, Dubai Chamber, said that the landmark decision by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, reflects the emirate’s efforts in providing a world-class and diverse legal environment to all its investors and business people alike. “This new decree opens the jurisdiction for commercial cases to be heard at the DIFC Courts. The introduction of the common law system which follows the English language is welcomed by the international business community who can expect clarity and transparency,” said Al Shirawi. He added, “The availability of this community-focused approach to an efficient and fair justice system will go a long way in restoring confidence in the investors while also making Dubai an attractive and viable business destination for global businesses,” he said. Al Shirawi further stressed that as a regional and global business hub, Dubai has been offering world-class facilities supported by a business-friendly environment and a well-equipped legal system to its multicultural business community. This decision further reflects Dubai’s commitment to supporting investors and businesses both domestically and from around the world, he added. On his part, Dr. Michael Hwang, Chief Justice of Dubai International Financial Centre Courts, said that the expansion of the DIFC Courts’ jurisdiction is a real boost for the business community as this ruling allows us to work hand in hand with Dubai Courts to support the Emirate’s competitive business environment. Dr. Hwang also added that the Courts can now offer a wider choice of options to avail world-class judicial system and judiciary to internal as well as external parties including local, regional and global businesses. Nassib G. Ziadé, Director, Dubai International Arbitration Centre, informed that the roundtable is a timely event taking place at Dubai Chamber which is at the heart of businesses in the Emirate and hosts the Dubai International Arbitration Centre. All providers of dispute-resolution mechanisms in Dubai complement each other and offer a wide selection of services to the business community while promoting Dubai as a business hub for the whole region and beyond, he said. – Emirates 24|7
Reem Al Junaibi and Maitha Al Kaabi, students from the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology and members of the International Antarctica Expedition 2012 team, write about their experience. Day 1: Reaching Ushuaia Reaching Ushuaia was a challenge by itself. The flight was very long but worth it. We stayed one night in Buenos Aires and travelled the next morning to Ushuaia. The first glance of the city I had was from the plane. As the clouds cleared, we saw the mountains topped with snow right next to the ocean. Our journey from the Arabian desert has taken us to the southern-most city in the world. Day 2: Hike up the glacier We started the day after a healthy breakfast and got ready to hike up the mountain to witness the melting glacier. We were divided into groups and we had to work our way through the mountain as a team. We were guided by the '2041' team leaders every few kilometres. We hiked about 5km and reached the highest point of the climb which was about half the height of the mountain side. This activity was designed for us to work as a team because we were tied together in ropes. I was in the front leading the team and we had to make sure we all walked at the same pace. This was challenging because of the height of the mountain. This activity is a kind of a metaphor for the real world. We can look at sustainability as the top of the mountain and ourselves as different companies or nations. We all need to reach the top but we are tied together. The only way we could reach the top was by collaboration and looking out for each other. Polar explorer Sir Robert Swan was waiting for us near the top and motivated us to push further to reach the top. Me and Maitha successfully reached the top and it felt amazing and disappointing at the same time. It was disappointing because we witnessed how the glacier has melted and it literally became nothing but a little snow. During our hike, we had interesting discussions about the Masdar Initiative and the one shared comment we got from everyone was how amazing and ambitious the UAE is to build a low-carbon city. We felt proud to be a part of the overall Masdar initiative and everyone in the team was inspired by this vision. Day 3: Leaving Ushuaia We started the day by having a meeting and a very inspirational speech by Sir Robert Swan. We discussed several issues related to sustainability in groups. I found it very interesting how everyone had a totally different opinion. Although we all gathered in Ushuaia to reach the same destination, we all have different experiences, expectations, and predictions of the future. Some people emphasised the importance of education while others focused on innovation and others on population. We were asked to find the major issues the world is currently facing and what we need to focus on to achieve sustainability. There was no single answer. This helped me to understand why negotiations and global policies are very difficult to implement. Our 78 members could not come up with a single answer or several at least. Imagine if it were negotiating on certain policies that would affect millions. After checking out and sending as many emails as I can from the hotel lobby (the ship had limited connection) I called my family and friends to say goodbye and then went downtown to the meeting point with Maitha and prepared to enter our new home, the Sea Spirit. I expected bunkers and very small rooms with narrow hallways. It turned out to be the opposite. The ship was like a five-star hotel. It has a reception, gym, library, and a very nice dining room.
However, our resources were finite. For example, we have limited water, food, and essential items. We will pass the Drake Passage and it is hard to predict how the weather will be. It is like travelling to the unknown. So we have to consume every luxury we have with utmost care. This is similar to what the world is facing. We have finite resources and we are all on a ship travelling to the unknown. Day 4: Drake Passage This day was one of the most difficult. Many got seasick. We were surrounded by the ocean and could not see land around us. I could see the curve of earth's crust just by standing on the ship's deck. There was nothing blocking my sight. The waves were rough and I was shocked because the crew said; "The Drake is very good". We were warned by the organisers that the Drake Passage is the most aggressive passage any ship can go through. They say that to reach Antarctica, you have to pay the "Drake tax". We were lucky enough that the Drake was not as aggressive as it usually is. Another thing we had to do is to "Drake-proof" all our belongings by making sure everything was secured and placed inside drawers to avoid any accidents. During the day we had several lectures about wildlife in Antarctica. We learned about albatross and also had a chance to see some gliding by the ship. What interested me the most is that the albatross can travel up to 25,000 kilometres in six months, and, depending on the species they can live more than 60 years. These very large sea birds do not flap their wings very often to fly. Instead, they save their energy by not flapping their wings and only spread them to use the wind to fly. – The National Abu Dhabi Municipality opens 5 new residential parks in Abu Dhabi The Municipality of Abu Dhabi City (ADM) has opened five new residential parks at various districts of the capital city as part of the District Parks project launched in 2010 spanning various parts of Abu Dhabi neighbourhood. The new parks have been designed and landscaped in a creative manner combining simplicity and the use of local natural elements to make them safe and distinctive avenues for recreation and entertainment in keeping with the Municipality's vision. The cost of constructing the new five parks amounted to 21 million dirham. The first park is located at Al Bateen West 16 at the intersection of Al Falah - Sultan bin Zayed Streets and covers an area of 4570 square meters. The second park is located at Al Zaab West 1/17 at the intersection of Khalifa bin Shakhbout - Al Falah Streets and spans an area of 3630 square meters. The third park is situated at Al Rawdah West 14/1 near the Women Health Medical Centre in the residential district stretching between Al Karama Street, Street 26 and Hazaa bin Zayed '&' Delma Streets covering a total area of 1750 square meters. The fourth park is situated at Al Karama West 24/1 and offers multiple facilities including children playground, shaded sitting areas and places for practicing social activities in an area of about 3010 square meters. The fifth park is located at Al Mushriff West 46/1 near the Women Association building in an area housing several residential villas, spanning a total area of 25613 square meters. Engineer Rashid Abdullah Al Falasi, Director of Parks '&' Recreational Facilities, said that Residential Districts Parks were among the leading projects undertaken by the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City and reflected its social responsibility to expand the greens and offer recreational avenues for families, districts and the entire metropolitan community including visitors. "It is our objective to broaden the scope of recreational spots in order to offer a healthy environment to maintain the community's welfare and ecological balance through setting up safe mini parks for families and kids and fitting them with recreational facilities for the use of all community members", he added. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
A breathtaking display of readings, dance, music and poetry marked the opening of the fourth annual Emirates Airline Festival of Literature 2012 at the Al Mamzar Theatre, Dubai Cultural and Scientific Association, on Tuesday. More than 120 authors are participating in the five days of celebration of literature which includes an array of literary activities including author interactions, workshops for adults and children and cultural events. Talking about the festival's theme of ‘Identity', Isobel Abulhoul, festival director, said: "The big questions about personal identity — "Who Am I?" Who are You? … Where do I fit? are the ones which, as thinking humans, we all strive to answer. For many writers, the answers are what compels them to write and this, in itself, makes the case for basing the theme of the Literary Festival on this concept. "In Dubai we are characterised by its ability to be home to every nationality under the sun. We can be ourselves and yet find a new self which belongs to Dubai. We are Indian, or Emirati or British or French or Kenyan or Japanese. But we also become someone else — a part of Dubai. We adopt new words from several different languages and learn about new foods, social customs and habits. We open our minds to new ways of looking at life," she said. She said a core vision of the festival is to help improve literacy rates in the region through various student competitions and education days and giving people a chance to meet inspirational writers. ‘Very positive' One of the Arab world's best loved poets, Mourid Barghouti read an excerpt from Midnight. "It is quite interesting to see an enthusiastic group of men and women who are interested in literature. Another positive thing is that it is multicultural and we are seeing writers from across the world. Restriction is damaging to culture, if we confine [it] we would probably jump into sweeping generalisations. This kind of openness to different cultures is very positive," the author told Gulf News at the festival. Charles Dickens was honoured with a reading from Great Expectations in Arabic by Emirati actor Ebrahim Ustadi. He was joined by top selling British author, David Nicholls, who has recently completed a new screen version of the English classic on the occasion of the 200th birthday of the great novelist and social commentator. Vibrant performances The guests were greeted on arrival by Youla dancers and a vibrant performance began with flag carrying scouts paying tribute to the 30 home countries of this year's participating authors. More than 500 local performers and school children captivated the audience which included Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and Saeed Al Nabouda, Acting Director General, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, senior government officials, diplomats, representatives from major business and educational institutions and others. The boys and girls who performed were dressed in the native costumes of the countries they represented. The opening ceremony was brought to a rousing close with the first public performance of this year's festival anthem; Al Bab Al Maftouh (The Open Door).The anthem was composed by Yousuf Khan with the assistance of Salem Belyouha. Opening night
The opening night kicked off with pure entertainment courtesy of one of the greatest broadcasters of all time, Terry Wogan, and a celebration of music and poetry from four international poets Imtiaz Dharker, John Agard, Yang Lian, and Daljit Nagra. The Irish Dance Group's performance served as a welcome to Wogan, who was born in Limerick, Ireland. Known for his wit and good humour, Wogan has been the most listened-to broadcaster in Europe raking eight million listeners across the continent. In conversation with Bernard Creed, Wogan took the festival goers to a trip down memory lane, through the highlights of his five-decade TV and radio career. And as expected, Wogan cracked jokes, mostly Irish jokes, in between the conversation and never failed to make the audience laugh. "It's been an honour to stand up here to make an idiot of myself," he joked. Poetry The love of language was also highlighted through poetry by four acclaimed poets Imtiaz Dharker, John Agard, Yang Lian, and Daljit Nagra. – Gulf News
Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing skipper Ian Walker insists there is plenty still to play for despite Azzam lying in fifth on Leg 4 of the Volvo Ocean Race, 233 nautical miles behind leaders Groupama. France’s Groupama extended their lead after rounding New Caledonia on Tuesday, although light winds are expected to see the gap narrow on the final run to Auckland. Just over 1,000 miles remain before Saturday’s expected finish and despite dropping from third to fifth in a matter of days, Walker is calling for one last effort from his team. “After sailing so well and pushing hard to get into third we now find ourselves in fifth, but hopefully with a shot still at Camper,’’ Walker said. “We have just made a nice gain back at them and so maybe we still have a chance to convert our easterly position into gains. “Everyone is feeling a bit more upbeat now because we have our fraction zero up and are going reasonably fast towards Auckland for the first time in days.” Groupama was almost 100 nautical miles ahead of second-placed PUMA Ocean Racing, which was following the same path southward as the leader, with overall race leaders Telefonica a further 60 nautical miles back but further to the west. Bowman Brad Marsh said: “Our aim right now is to keep a buffer on the guys behind us and hopefully if things go wrong we have enough to hold them back. If the weather system changes, like with the system that is sort of threatening to develop behind us, then it’s easy to get all the boats scattered across the ocean. That creates a chance for someone like Telefónica or PUMA or Camper to make a rather large gain with a new weather system coming in from behind us. That’s the risk we have at the moment.” While Telefonica, which won the first three legs, was making good speed at around 15.5 knots, PUMA pitman Ryan Godfrey believed the Spanish yacht had a more difficult task to reach New Zealand. “I wouldn’t trade places with Telefonica, even the way they’ve been going,” he said. “It’s a long way uphill for the guys to the west. I’d rather be where we are and taking the high and slow road.” Telefonica, the Spanish-New Zealand entry Camper and last-placed Team Sanya originally intended to pass to the west of New Caledonia but volatile weather forced them to change their plans and head for the island’s east. That gave a boost to the other three yachts in the race, which were always on the easterly path. Groupama and PUMA exploited the advantage. Despite the setback, Camper skipper Chris Nicholson had not given up hope of leading the field into his native New Zealand, saying an approaching low-wind zone meant it could still be anybody’s race. “There’s opportunities here, I think, for every team at the moment, and that ranges between a first or a last in this leg,” he said. “Certainly nothing can be taken for granted at the moment.” – Sport 360°
With Ahmed Al Musharrekh and Khalid Yousuf recording two of the three best cards of the day, hosts UAE opened up a sizeable 17-shot lead at the end of Day 2 of the 16th GCC Golf Championship at the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. Ahmed followed up his opening round 70 with an even-par round of 71, while Khalid shot a one-over par 72 as the UAE tallied a second-round team score of 221 for a total of 447. Sohail Al Marzouqi contributed a 78 as the third-best score of the team. Bahrain, who were tied for the lead with the UAE overnight, slipped badly and added 238 to be second at 464. That kept them just four shots ahead of the fourth-placed Qatar team, who put up a much improved performance to add 228 to their overnight 240. Qatar were greatly helped by the day’s best card of one-under par 70 by Ghanim Al Kuwari, while Abdulrahman Al Bishi (77) and Saleh Al Kaabi (81) also contributed. Al Musharrekh also consolidated his lead in the individual championship. With rounds of 70 and 71, he is a good seven shots ahead of Khalid (76-72). Bahrain’s Nasser Yacoub Saleh is tied third on a gross 150 (70-80) with Al Kuwari (80-70). Al Musharrekh said: “We are in a good position to press home the advantage, but nothing can be taken for granted as we still have to play one more round. It was nice to see Khalid and, especially, Sohail turning in a super performance today.” Meanwhile, the UAE junior team, comprising Abdullah Darwish Al Qubaisi, Ahmed Skaik and Faisal Al Marzouqi, failed to defend their crown. Champions last year, the UAE finished third with a two-round score of 362, which was 32 shots behind winners Saudi Arabia. – Sport 360° The Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) will officially launch Abu Dhabi Air Expo tomorrow at Al Bateen Executive Airport. The expo running from 6th until 8th March, will be open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, to visitors and exhibitors to witness exhilarating performances by the UAE's Al Fursan Aerobatic team, the Emirates Sky Diving team and daring aerobatic displays by the famous Captain Zoltan Veres, the recipient of five Guinness world records. The Air display today will be at 1:00 pm, on Wednesday at 3:00 pm and Thursday at 3:00 pm. In addition to the public daily performances, the Abu Dhabi Air Expo will cover key developments and innovations relating to non-commercial aircraft, jets, helicopters, equipment, manufacturers, services, pilot training schools, accessories, avionics, insurance and financing. The three day event is expected to draw over 3,000 visitors, plus major aviation players from across the GCC, Levant, North Africa, and as far afield as Asia and South Africa. The expo will include nearly 70,000 m2 of exhibition space, showcasing over 70 aircraft and will bring together nearly 100 distributors showcasing their products and services. The organisers believe that Abu Dhabi Air Expo will provide a platform for the major industry players to share their latest innovations. Key exhibitors at show include: Etihad Airways; Royal Jet; Mubadala Aerospace; UAE Armed Forces and Rotana Jet. As part of the show's programme, a number of industry related conferences have been scheduled around topics including general aviation, flight training and safety, helicopters, aviation fuels and engines, youth involvement, aircraft asset management, financing and insurance. The conferences will be held at the Gulf Centre of Aviation Studies (GCAS), which is located near the exhibition venue at Al Bateen Executive Airport. A number of esteemed speakers are confirmed to present these conferences, including: Jacques Callies, Aviation et Pilote Magazine; Bruce Landsberg, AOPA Safety Foundation, President, Flight Safety International; Dr. Heinrich Bulthoff, Max Plank Institute of Technology; and Dr. Daniel Lutolf, Managing Director, SAC Swiss Aviation Consultants GmbH. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
Sharjah/ Ras Al Khaimah - Rough seas left four ships stranded in UAE waters while an empty oil tanker was forced aground by high waves and heavy winds Sunday. The UAE coast guard had a field day as they struggled to rescue the crew members from the vessels, with inclement weather hampering their efforts. Waves were reported to be as high as eight metres around the shore, which forced the oil tanker aground near Sharjah’s Hamriyah port. The 40 metre Dredger II, which was coming from Ajman, hit the breakwater of Hamriyah port, following which the waves pushed it on top of the breakwater, an official said. Two Asian crew members of the ship survived the incident and were rescued by the coast guard. They are reported to be in good condition and are awaiting outpasses to return home. “If the tanker falls from the breakwater it will go down on top of another oil tanker, Lady Moon, which sank on January 24 in similar weather conditions,’’ an official at Khalid Port told Gulf News Sunday. “Lady Moon, Hamd II and Dredger II posed a real threat to the outer seawall off Al Hamriya Port,’’ the official said. Another ship was stranded off the shore of Nujoom Island in Sharjah between Al Hamriyah port and Umm Al Qaiwain. Eight crew members — seven Indian and one Iranian — were rescued by the coast guard teams after they jumped into the sea believing that the ship would sink, the official said. The sailors received minor injuries and are receiving treatment at Khalifa hospital in Ajman. Another ship, after struggling to sail through the rough seas, dropped anchor several hundred metres off Hamriyah port. The crew of the ship is seeking help to reach the port, but rough sea conditions have so far hampered the rescue operations. ‘’Before evening we have to get the oil tanker out off the sea because the waves will be more than 10 feet high at night,’’ the official said. At around 2 pm on Sunday the wave on the shore was a high as 5-6 feet, and in the deep sea it was 8-10 feet. In the evening it will be more than 10 feet high, the official added. ‘’It was tough and difficult day for the Coast Guard and the control room at Himrayah port, but thank God, there were no human loses,’’ the official said Two more ships also drifted off the shore in Ras Al Khaimah, one off Ghaleila area and the other at Khor Khuweir. The authorities were successfully able to the two ships back and took them to Saqr port in Ras Al Khaimah. No human injuries were reported. – Gulf News
Ottawa - Foreign Minister H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan who is currently on an official visit to Canada, met here yesterday with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper in presence of Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs John Baird. The Canadian Prime Minister welcomed Sheikh Abdullah and discussed with him ways to enhance ties between the two friendly countries. Sheikh Abdullah also held talks with his John Baird at the Canadian Foreign Ministry in presence of UAE Economy Minister Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri. They discussed during the meeting bilateral ties and means to further them. Relations between the two countries are already witnessing huge progress with the UAE becoming one of Canada's key trade partners. The Canadian Foreign Minister hosted a luncheon in honour of Sheikh Abdullah, Saeed Al Mansouri and the accompanying delegation which was attended by Canadian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Morris Rosenberg, Assistant Foreign Affairs Minister for Middle East Affairs Gordon Venner, UAE Ambassador to Canada Mohammed Abdullah Mutlaq Al Ghafli, Canadian Ambassador to the UAE Ken Lewis and representatives of Canadian business sectors. Sheikh Abdullah's visit to Canada comes within the framework of exchange of visits by officials in the two countries. Economy Minister Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri is currently heading a UAE commercial delegation on a visit to Canada which covers a number of cities there. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
Kuwait - Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC) said yesterday at the 18th session of Arab Parliamentary Union conference here yesterday that the conference is convened amid deep unprecedented changes being experienced by the Arab world. He added that the changes would have far reaching historic impact on the Arab region and world at large. The most important lesson learnt from the crisis, he continued, was investment on Arab human resources, whether human development, or economic or political, being genuine guarantors for stability and prosperity. He admitted that the Arab Parliamentary Union has been lagging behind the crisis given its slowness in interaction with the developments in the Arab arena. "The parliamentarians could represent a bridge between people and governments. When we meet under the umbrella of Union, we have to express our common vision and formulate a position for future to prevent others imposing their own terms on us." Al Murr slammed the repressive Israeli policies towards Palestinian prisons, including the parliamentarians, as well as aggression on the Holy Islamic and Christian sites, closure of the Palestinian TVs and setting up of the new colonies in West Bank. He called on the conferees to issue a separate statement on the judaisation of Jerusalem and Al Aqsa Mosque, adding that the statement would be submitted to the Chairman of the Arab Parliamentary Union, who in turn will refer it to UNESCO. Al Murr deplored the killings in Syria, calling for cessation of violence and heeding the resolutions of the Arab League to settle the crisis. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Korea National Oil Corporation (KNOC) and GS Energy, have signed yesterday a joint venture agreement to develop three undeveloped oil fields in the Abu Dhabi Emirate. The agreement which was signed on the basis of sharing participation in ADNOC's concession provides for the joint operation and investment of the undeveloped oil fields. The agreement was signed by Abdulla Nasser Al Suwaidi, ADNOC Director General and for the Korean side by Young-won Kang President and CEO, Korea National Oil Corporation and Dong-soo Hur, Chairman and CEO, GS Caltex Corporation here at ADNOC Head Office. The ceremony was attended by Jauan Salem Al Dhaheri, Supreme Petroleum Council (SPC) Secretary General, Sukwoo Hong S. Korean Minster of Knowledge Economy and Seungjun Kwak Director General, Presidential Council for Future and Vision and Taekyun Kwon Ambassador of the Republic of S. Korea to UAE. According to the agreement ADNOC will retain a 60% participation in the project and the Korean consortium will have 40% participation (KNOC 34%, GS Energy 6%) The agreement involves development of three undeveloped oilfields secured based on the Head of Terms signed between the two parties in March, 2011. The fields contain two onshore fields and one offshore oilfield which are expected to start production within several years. The agreement which will be valid for 30 years provides for exploration, development and production activities for the oilfields with economic oil quantity initially in place. It is to be noted that the Government of Abu Dhabi and the Republic of South Korea have signed on March 2011 a wide range Memorandum of Understanding of joint cooperation on oil and gas sector and future growth engines. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, yesterday announced it has filed a provisional patent application with the US Patents and Trademarks Office for a new lithium ion battery technology, marking a milestone in developing advanced materials for the renewable energy sector. This is the first lithium battery-related patent application filed by Masdar Institute, although the research-driven institution has already filed eight other patent applications on technologies developed by faculty and students over the past year. The filing of a patent application is the first step before the technology begins the commercialisation process. A team of scientists and researchers led by Dr Raed Hashaikeh, Associate Professor - Materials Science and Engineering, Masdar Institute, has successfully developed the first operational 2032-coin cell type lithium battery using the new patented technology. The team included Materials Science and Engineering students Yarjan Abdul Samad, Ali Asghar, and post-doctoral fellow Dr. Boor Lalia. The technology is currently termed solid polymer electrolyte containing networked cellulose/PEG/LiClO4. The 2032-coin cell type lithium battery is a small cell of 20mm diameter and 3mm in thickness, used for testing purposes at laboratories. Dr Fred Moavenzadeh, President of Masdar Institute, said: "We have crossed another key milestone in driving innovation. The patent filing for the new solid polymer electrolyte has once again demonstrated Masdar Institute's inherent strength as a research-driven institution. Our efforts towards reaching new frontiers in technology will continue and we thank the country's leadership for their support that has kept us in the forefront of research and innovation." The electrolyte material that researchers at Masdar Institute have developed can be used to make batteries of varying sizes for different applications. It also has an enhanced room temperature ionic conductivity and enhanced mechanical stability which enables it to be used at a wide temperature range. This can be achieved without adding any flammable organic solvents that are typically used with lithium ion batteries. In addition, the conventional solid polymer electrolytes have poor mechanical properties at elevated temperatures, compared to the electrolyte developed at Masdar Institute. Dr Raed Hashaikeh said: "With our recent 2032-coin cell prototype, we have passed the proof of concept stage. However, further optimisation, as well as research and development are still needed prior to commercialising this technology. At Masdar Institute, we are focused on developing new technologies, while commercialisation of these technologies depends on many other external factors. "The new technology may not have any direct relation with the Mitsubishi EVs that are being piloted at Masdar Institute. However, EVs in general that use Li-ion batteries - especially in extreme weather conditions and desert regions including the UAE - and can therefore benefit from the functional and mechanical stability of the newly developed electrolyte at elevated temperatures." Karen Hersey, Director, Technology Transfer Office (TTO), Masdar Institute, said: "At any time within 12 months of filing the provisional application, Masdar Institute can convert it into a full utility application in the USPTO and, if we choose, file it in the European system as well. This puts the application into a full examination process. If the invention is found to be novel and passes other tests required for patentability, it will be issued as a Masdar Institute-owned patent in 24-36 months. While the application is pending, Masdar Institute will look for commercial partners to develop useful applications for this new technology." Dr Hashaikeh received his Ph.D. in Materials Engineering from McGill University. Before joining Masdar Institute, he spent two years at FP Innovations-Paprican division, Canada, as Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Industrial Research and Development Fellow. In 2008-2009, he was a visiting scholar at MIT. Established as an on-going 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 through education and research. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
The volume of non oil foreign trade for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in terms of value stood at Dh139.4 billion in 2011, up by 27.7 percent, compared with Dh109.2 billion for the same period in 2010, according to the statistical report issued by the Section of Statistics at the Directorate of Customs in Abu Dhabi. Non oil Abu Dhabi exports during the last year touched Dh11.5 billion, dropping by one per cent, compared to Dh11.6 billion in corresponding period in 2010. The report also shows that the volume of imports surged to Dh116.4 billion in 2011 compared to Dh86.6 billion in 2010, up by 34.4 per cent. Meanwhile, the volume of re-exportation trade had reached Dh116.6 billion up by 5.3 per cent, compared to Dh11billion registered in 2010. Saeed Ahmed Al Mohairi, Director General of the Directorate of Customs in Abu Dhabi said the growth of volume of non oil trade in 2011, "is an evidence of sound government economic policy", citing the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 is on track towards diversification of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi Economy. He added that the most imports came from U. S. with total of Dh13.4 billion, followed by Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Japan, Germany, Italy, France, the UK, China and Australia respectively at total of Dh81.5 billion. Meanwhile, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Brasil, Oman, Qatar, India, China, Egypt, Kuwait, Iran were top regarding non oil exports at Dh9.8 billion. In the area of re-exportation, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, India, Jordan, Iraq, Oman, Turkmenistan and Lebanon topped respectively at total of Dh9.8 billion. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
The UAE's Central Bank announced yesterday that total bank deposits in the country increased by 1.5 percent during the month of December 2011 to close at Dh1,069.7 billion. Meanwhile, total bank loans and advances (net of provisions and interest in suspense) decreased by 0.3 percent to reach Dh1,071.0 billion and total bank assets decreased by 0.6 percent to reach Dh1,662.1 billion, at the end of December 2011. Money supply M0 (currency in circulation + currency at banks) decreased by 2.1 percent. from Dh53.2 billion at the end of November 2011 to Dh52.1 billion at the end of December of the same year. Money supply aggregate M1 (currency in circulation plus monetary deposits, i.e., current accounts and call accounts at banks) decreased by 0.2 percent, from Dh264.6 billion at the end of November to Dh264.1 billion at the end of December of 2011. Money supply aggregate M2 which comprises of M1 and quasi-monetary deposits (resident time and savings deposits in Dirhams, commercial prepayments in Dirhams and resident deposits in foreign currencies), increased by 0.5 percent, from Dh822.1 billion at the end of November to Dh825.8 billion at the end of December 2011. Money supply aggregate, M3 (M2 plus government deposits at bank operating in the UAE as well as at the Central Bank) decreased by 0.8 percent, from Dh1,009.8 billion at the end of November to Dh1,001.4 billion at the end of December 2011. During the year 2011, intermediary monetary aggregate M2 increased by 5.0 percent, while bank loans and advances increased by 3.8 percent and bank deposits by 1.9 percent - Emirates News Agency, WAM
First Gulf Bank (FGB) was recognised by prestigious publication Forbes Middle East as the third best performing entity in the UAE in 2011. In its efforts to highlight the country's leading organisations, Forbes Middle East included FGB in its "Top 50 Companies in the UAE 2011" list, following the bank's exceptional results and outstanding dividend propositions. Commenting on the recognition that the bank received, Andre' Sayegh, CEO of FGB said: "We are pleased to have been recognised for our outstanding financial performance during the previous year and to be categorised as one of the leading entities in the UAE. The "Top 50 companies in the UAE 2011" list reflects the leaders in the nation's markets, and our strong business fundamentals and commitment to shareholder have allowed us to maintain our solid standing." "Our latest financial results of Dh3,707 million for the year 2011 reflect our sound principles and the growth that FGB has witnessed amongst its different operations and divisions. The Forbes Middle East list is one of the many notable honours and awards we have received this year," Sayegh added. FGB was recognised among the top-performing organisations in the country during an exclusive event held in Dubai. The ceremony featured top executives and leaders from prominent entities in the country, and celebrated the achievements of the UAE's major companies and their important role in supporting the nation's economy. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
Four UAE nationals who recently graduated from a Dubai Airports' sponsored programme are enroute to joining an elite group of Emirati air traffic controllers in the private sector. Hussain Awadh, Saeed Al Haj, Mohamed Al Meqbali, and Salahudin Al Balooshi were recruited in late 2010 as trainees through the Dubai Air Navigation Services (DANS) National Development Programme in Air Traffic Control, which is funded by Dubai Airports and administered by Dubai International's ATC service provider Serco. Currently undergoing on-the-job training at the control tower of Dubai's second airport Dubai World Central, the quartet will be fully licensed professional controllers by June paving the way for their full time employment with Serco. Congratulating the graduates on the successful completion of their year-long training, which also included the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) foundation training course, Samya Ketait, VP Learning and Development at Dubai Airports, said that the National Development Programme in Air Traffic Control is in line with Dubai Airports' commitment to providing UAE nationals opportunities for career development through training and recruitment. "What makes the programme unique is that it has been successful in opening doors of opportunity for aspiring youngsters in the private sector. The Emirati graduates are starting out on a rewarding career path and doing so in the competitive environment will definitely bring out the best in them," she said. While the four graduates take up their trainee positions at DWC, Dubai Airports together with DANS and Serco are reaching out to UAE nationals aged 20 and above to become part of this year's programme. Following a stringent selection process, four new recruits will be selected to complete the ICAO course before starting work at Dubai's airports, following in the footsteps of the first quartet. This is the second training and development initiative Dubai Airport has been involved in this year for UAE Nationals, with the launch last month of the Masar graduate programme. All Emiratis aged 20 or over are eligible to apply for the programme and the application process is open online on until March 31. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
Abu Dhabi-based private jet operator Royal Jet announced a 226 per cent surge in net profit in 2011. The airline said that 40 per cent of flights were booked by government officials, 30 to 35 per cent for medical assistance and 20 per cent by businessmen, with trips made to a total of 136 countries. Fahad Wali, Vice-President of Commercial at Royal Jet, said that partnerships elsewhere in the region helped to boost the company's margins. "In early 2010 we had a partnership with Saudi Arabia and another with India at the end of 2010. Early 2011, we had a partnership with Oman and most recently in early 2012 we had a partnership with Jordan," Wali said. Shane O'Hare, President and CEO, told reporters that recent events such as the global financial crisis and the Arab Spring have actually led to a spike in travel via private jets in the region as more senior government officials were travelling for meetings and summits. Today, the private jet business in the Middle East is led by Saudi Arabia, followed by the UAE. "There are 119 registered private jets in the UAE," Wali said. It's an industry that is growing at a rate of 13 per cent year-on-year, he added. O'Hare said that the "record" results were due to organisational changes made in the company last year. "As we examined every aspect of our operations and made changes where we felt improvement was possible, we were able to align more closely our commercial, operational and corporate activities to become more agile in line with market needs," he said. – Gulf News
25 sq. m. of greenery per person planned The Abu Dhabi Municipality plans to have 25 square metres of green area per person by 2015, a senior municipality official told Khaleej Times. On the sidelines of launching the ‘32nd Plantation Week’ at Khalifa Park here on Sunday, Rashid Al Falasi, Director of Parks, Garden and Recreational Section of the municipality, said the climate in the UAE is very sultry, having minimal water resources and scant precipitation. “So we need to nurture more plantations and focus on more local and indigenous species as well,” he said. “We have a target of achieving 20-25 square metres of green area per capita in the UAE. Planting trees and developing greenery in the surroundings have been a continuous task of the government for the past 32 years. “We are very close to achieving this target and we might get it by 2014-2015.” The Plantation Week launch started with a documentary film about agriculture and the need to care for it and expand the green cover throughout the UAE. Ashbal Al Quds School Girls School presented a play titled ‘How to Protect Our Planet’ through which the students highlighted the importance of adhering to proper attitudes towards conserving the greenery in parks and public gardens. Khalifa Mohammed Al Mazrooie, General Manager of the municipality, inaugurated the week with the theme ‘Together, We Plant the UAE’ by planting a palm tree sapling at Khalifa Park under the auspices of Majid Ali Al Mansouri, Chairman of the Department of Municipal Affairs. Al Mazrouie said, “It is a theme the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City is keen to embrace and promote in a drive destined to achieve high agricultural achievements and expand the greenery and landscaping, which is reflected in the remarkable increase in the number of fruitful trees, forest trees, saplings and flowers. This has given us an impetus to head for more successful agricultural accomplishments.” Saeed Fadil Al Mazrooie, CEO of Emirates Aluminium Company (EMAL), the Diamond Sponsor of the Plantation Week, stressed the importance of continuing support accorded to the greenery drive across the UAE, which is a result of the pioneering vision of the UAE founder the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. – Khaleej Times
The humans gathered to release about 85 houbara bustards into the early morning skies were much more excited about the prospect than the birds. The houbara sat quietly in their cages, not knowing that their life-long captivity was about to end. On Sunday evening, the bustards were caught and placed in the large plastic cages. Before daybreak yesterday, they were loaded on to pickup trucks and left the National Avian Research Centre (Narc) in Sweihan, near Al Ain. They had been born at the centre through artificial insemination and raised until they were nine months old. As the sun was about to rise yesterday, the cages were lined up in a row at the birds’ new home, the location of which has been kept secret as the houbara was once hunted to near extinction. The early hour was chosen to help them settle, said Mark Lawrence, the project coordinator at Narc. “It gives them the whole day to start establishing themselves in their new home,” Mr Lawrence said. Their release, an initiative by the International Fund for Houbara Conservation in Abu Dhabi, is an attempt to restore wild populations. More than 1,000 birds have been released into the wild already this season. Between 2003 and last year, the number had reached 3,188. The ecologist Pierrick Rautureau started proceedings yesterday, opening the first box, taking out the birds one at a time and placing them gently on the ground. “If they start trying to fly while still in the crate they can break their wings or legs,” Mr Rautureau explained. Several men followed his example, including Mr Lawrence and Ahmed Al Mansouri, the head of rangers at the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, the Government body that manages protected areas. The birds walked away slowly but steadily, exploring the desert terrain by constantly turning their heads from side to side. After a few minutes, one houbara decided to try flying, and several followed. “We spend a lot of time with the birds in the cages. It is always nice to see them in their natural habitat,” said Mr Lawrence as he watched them soar off. But most of the birds preferred to survey the area on foot. Within minutes they disappeared from view, their sandy-coloured plumage providing the perfect desert camouflage. Even though the birds were now in the wild, they would continue to be under the watchful eyes of the scientists. “The job starts from here to know how they establish and how they survive so we can improve our [release] technique in future,” Mr Lawrence said. Every bird released by the programme had two rings, each bearing its unique identification number. Thirty-five of the houbara were also fitted with satellite or radio transmitters, giving the team information about their movements. The houbara bustard is a migratory bird but some populations stay at one location all year. The released birds are expected to stay in the UAE. Once they find their bearings in the protected area, some may venture outside of it, which could place them at risk from poachers and hunters. Mr Al Mansouri said that while hunting was a very important tradition, some forms of the sport harmed the environment. “In the past, people were hunting to eat; they were using falcons and did not kill houbara in big numbers,” he said. In more recent years, hunters started using cars and shotguns, and killed the birds for sport. But awareness about the importance of protecting the houbara bustard has increased, Mr Al Mansouri said. – The National
The Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation has announced a new initiative to honour UAE intellectuals by publishing a series of books about their lives and works. The initiative, entitled Icons from our Nation, was announced on the foundation's 25th anniversary by Abdul Hamid Ahmad, Secretary-General of the Foundation and Editor-in-Chief of Gulf News, in a press conference on Monday. "We want to celebrate the lives and works of our intellectuals who affected our lives and left a print that must be documented for our future generations," Ahmad said. The series of books will feature not only Emirati writers and poets, but also artists. "It will include both dead and living icons from the UAE, and many Emirati and Arab researchers and writers are taking part in writing these books," he added. Speaking about the history of the foundation, Ahmad said the Al Owais Cultural Award was the brainchild of two intellectuals, the late poet Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais and Abdul Ghaffar Hussain. ‘Sound and growing' The award was conducted under the UAE Writers Union until 1992, when it became necessary to make it independent to protect it from any changes in the Union that might affect it. "The award started with US$50,000 (Dh183,600) for every winner in each of its categories and was later increased to US$120,000, and the award money comes from the investment of the foundation's capital, which is sound and growing," Ahmad said. The winners of the award will be honoured in a ceremony on March 14, and singer Karima Al Saqali will hold a concert the following day. "The Emirates Post will also launch a special stamp to celebrate the foundation's 25th anniversary," Ahmad said. The first batch of these books was launched and signed by their authors after the press conference. It included: Creative Image in the Poetry of Sultan Al Owais by Abdul Gaffar Hussain; Ghanem Ghubash: We rejoice and Change the World by Shawqi Rafei; Hamad Bu Shahab, the UAE's Poetry Document by Moayyad Al Shaibani; Ibn Duraid Al Azadi: Studies and Research in two parts by multiple writers; Ibn Duraid's Poetry Book and Analysis of Ibn Duraid's Poetry. – Gulf News
Emirates Center for Strategic Studies issues annual book The Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) yesterday issued its annual book monitoring and defining its scientific activities during last year in addition to the activities from March 1994 to the end of 2011. His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and President of the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research, in his remarks on the preface to the book stressed that all countries have to respond and deal with the challenges of rapid developments taking place in various fields. He highlighted that the United Arab Emirates has struggled to take appropriate means to keep up with requirements of the era, including the establishment of a scientific research minaret in the form of ECSSR which has proven over the years to be one of the state's most active and effective entities in monitoring the world's events and its follow-up. He also hailed ECSSR's hard work and tireless efforts in following up the local, regional and international developments, analysing and studying them on a scientific and systematic basis helping in making the right decision inspired in this by the guidance of the Foundering Father Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the everlasting support of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. - Emirates News Agency, WAM H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Western Region, and Chairman of Red Crescent Authority (RCA), paid yesterday gratitude to Emiratis and resident good-doers for supporting a nation-wide RCA-sponsored fund-raising campaign to relieve Syrians displaced to Jordan and Lebanon by the unfortunate events in their country. Sheikh Hamdan said the charity drive had delivered its aspired goals for rallying support for the affected Syrians, showing solidarity with them and drawing attention to their humanitarian situation. At a meeting with RCA aid workers who returned home from Jordan after delivering UAE humanitarian assistance to displaced Syrians, Sheikh Hamdan thanked the volunteers for their relentless efforts to alleviate suffering of the displaced Syrians in Jordan and Lebanon and improving their living conditions. ''The RCA's humanitarian initiatives towards the displaced Syrians in Jordan and Lebanon will continue unabated until the exceptional circumstances that drove them out of their homeland were cleared,'' Sheikh Hamdan affirmed after he was briefed on the overall humanitarian situation of displaced Syrians in Jordan. Sheikh Hamdan wished success to the third RCA group of aid workers who departed to the Jordanian capital, Amman, two days ago to complete the humanitarian mission. The RCA has intensified its efforts to carry out the first phase of its relief programme which covered distribution of food ration, heating and sanitary wares in nine sites in Amman and on Jordanian-Syrian borders. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
Two barges ran aground at Al Hamriya Port in Sharjah yesterday due to bad weather conditions. No losses were reported in both incidents. One of the barges is for marine survey, while the other is for cargo. Captain Moutesim Dafallah Nadher of Al Hamriya Port said in a statement issued by the Sharjah Media Centre yesterday that the first barge, called Al Hafar 2, is allocated for marine survey ran aground between Ajman and Al Hamriya Port, adding that the two sailors aboard the vessel were rescued and no losses were suffered in the incident. He added that the second barge, called Surya Sorka, is a cargo barge, adding that a sailor aboard was also rescued by Sharjah Police. He noted that the barge, which is now berthed at the main Al Hamriya Port, was not loaded with cargo when the incident occurred. Nadher said the two barges ran aground because of bad weather. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
Media is voice of the people says Sheikh Mohammed Media acts like the mirror of the world, an eyewitness to events in the world and is the voice of people, especially those who have no spokesman, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said on Sunday. Sheikh Mohammed made these remarks during a meeting with Emmanuel Hoog, CEO of Agence France-Presse (AFP), at the Dubai Government Media Office. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; was also present on the occasion. While highlighting the constructive and objective role of media, Sheikh Mohammed asserted that the UAE not only opened its arms to various media vehicles but also allowed enough room for freedom of movement and work without any restrictions. Sheikh Mohammed reiterated his belief in dialogue as an important tool so that those involved could reach informed decisions on all levels. Sheikh Mohammed and Emmanuel Hoog discussed matters relating to a range of regional and international political, economic, and media issues and shared their views on ways of energising the role of media in economic development and building bridges of communication between different cultures of the world and its peoples. The AFP CEO said he was impressed with Sheikh Mohammed’s ideas, his media vision and his appreciation of the media establishments in relaying the picture and word to the viewers without bias or misdirecting public opinion. He said the UAE is ranked among the most advanced country. Hoog also recognised the highly-advanced infrastructure the UAE has to offer for international media. He added that Dubai Media City offers one of the best-in-class infrastructural, communications and services platform and it is a facility which enables various media to operate according to the highest international standards. – Khaleej Times with inputs from WAM
Manar Al Mustafa gingerly placed a sapling in the soil, her face beaming with excitement. "I normally go the field behind our house in Bani Yas and water the trees there. But today was the first time I have planted a tree myself, and it has been a wholly enjoyable experience," the 10-year-old pupil of Al Noor School told Gulf News. Manar was one of dozens of children attending a slew of activities in the capital organised as part of the 32nd Plantation Week, which focuses on raising awareness about plant conservation and sustainability efforts. The week of activities, which will run in the capital's Khalifa Park until Thursday, is being organised by the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City. In addition to models of farms that depict irrigation methods and farming processes, visitors can also see the largest natural UAE flag, which has been made of plants and flowers spread over 250 square metres. A model of a traditional market and the benefits of organic produce will also be discussed. "The municipality is keen to increase the expanse of greenery in the capital. We hope that this edition of the Plantation Week will encourage communities to participate in the planting of trees, and instil a culture of environmental preservation," said Khalifa Mohammad Al Mazroui, general manager at the municipality. Agricultural experts, including Hussain Galib, a greenhouse and marketing coordinator at UAE University, are also spreading awareness about better farming practices during Plantation Week. "We want to tell farmers to plant date palms at least six to eight metres apart, as this amount of space will allow them to detect any signs of the red palm weevils early on and protect the trees from being infested," Ghalib told Gulf News. – Gulf News
The Zayed Future Energy Prize announced that it will open submissions for the 2013 edition of the awards on March 5th. The Prize will invite entries from companies, individuals, organisations and high schools prior to the deadline to submit - July 16, 2012, for a chance to win part of the US$4 million prize fund. The scope of the Prize has also been broadened to include five distinct categories: Large Corporations, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Lifetime Achievement, and the newly instituted Global High School Prize. Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Director General of the Zayed Future Energy Prize, explained: "Under the wise and visionary leadership of the UAE - The Zayed Future Energy Prize has always been an agile, dynamic and engaging prize that readily adapts to the changing landscape of renewable energy and sustainability. The Zayed Future Energy Prize aims to inspire global energy innovators who create solutions that meet the energy challenges of our time. As such, we have been diligent in ensuring that with every year, the Zayed Future Energy Prize evolves to meet the current requirements." "We decided to open submissions earlier this year in order to guarantee equal opportunity for countries on the opposite side of the equator. It was important for us, from inception, that the prize benefits a global audience." The decision to reformat the Prize was taken at a workshop hosted on the sidelines of the World Future Energy Summit on January 18 that engaged past winners and finalists, committee members as well as jury panellists and other relevant stakeholders. The session drew upon their perspectives to enhance the impact of the Prize and sustain its relevance to emerging industry trends. "It was very important for us to engage with our stakeholders who have been generous with their time and efforts towards ensuring that the Zayed Future Energy Prize is fast becoming the pre-eminent platform for innovators from around the world." He added: "Nurturing and developing young minds at an early age and encouraging them to innovate lies at the core of the heart of our wise leadership." The decision, during the workshop to segregate the award categories for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) was seen as a crucial step to widen the Prize's appeal to a larger pool of applicants in the future. The workshop additionally examined the format of the Global High School Prize and split the total prize fund of US$500,000 for this category into five parts. According to this decision, winning schools in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Oceania and Europe will be awarded up to US$100,000 each. High schools from around the world will be requested to submit a business case for how they plan on utilising the prize for the purpose of raising awareness on the importance of sustainability and improving the school's environmental footprint. The Global High School Prize is also a UAE commitment to the UN Secretary General's Year of Sustainable Energy for All, which was launched from Abu Dhabi on January 16th on the opening day of WFES. High schools are asked to submit projects based on one or more of the three pillars of the UN Sustainable Energy for All Initiative that includes Energy Access, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. The growth of the Prize's knowledge-base, known as the Innovators Hub, comprising top-performing candidates from the past editions of the Prize was also highlighted during the workshop. For the 2012 edition, the prize attracted a record 425 applications from 71 countries and was held on January 17 2012. The Prize recognised Schneider Electric in the Large Corporations category, whilst the prize total of US$3.5 million was awarded to Professor Ashok Gadgil in the prestigious Lifetime Achievement category (US$500,000) and the Carbon Development Project (US$1.5 million) as the winner in the SME '&' NGO category. The first runner-up for the SME/NGO category, Orb Energy was awarded US$1 million, while the second runner-up, the Environmental Defence Fund was awarded US$500,000. The Zayed Future Energy Prize celebrates achievements that reflect innovation, impact, long-term vision and leadership in the fields of renewable energy and sustainability. The Prize is awarded annually to companies, individuals, organisations and recently high schools that have made significant contributions to the future of energy and sustainability around the world. The winners of the Prize are chosen according to a stringent four-stage selection process. The first stage involves an independent research and analysis firm conducting all necessary due diligence of each candidate's application. During the second stage, a Review Committee evaluates each candidate and shortlists entries in each award category using a scoring matrix based on the Prize's four criteria. In the third stage, a Selection Committee comprising leading experts in the field of renewable energy and sustainability evaluates the shortlisted entries. Submissions that have scored the highest make it to the fourth and final round, where an elite jury comprised of various heads of state, leading academics, energy experts and world renowned personalities with a keen interest in sustainability, reviews and selects the winners and runners up in each award category. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
Seattle - Emirates airline's top executive has defended the imposition of an extra surcharge on passengers in the face of rising oil prices. Sheikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates airline and Group, said that the fuel surcharge — which could run as high as Dh600 on the price of business class tickets — was a necessity at a time when oil prices were hovering over US$120 (Dh440) per barrel. "We tried not to do it [but] you cannot really afford to go out of business," Sheikh Ahmad said. On Emirates' plans this year, he said that increases in the frequencies of popular routes were on the cards. "You will see the frequency increasing in some flights from once to twice or even more daily, while there will be new points in South and North America, Europe and China while in Australia there is a big chance of introducing a new destination," Sheikh Ahmad said. Sheikh Ahmad also said that competition from other Gulf carriers was not a major concern for Emirates. "At the end of the day, we look at the numbers to see whether our seat [numbers] dropped and the answer is no," he said. – Gulf News
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is continuing its efforts to raise and upgrade the power capacity of its infrastructure to keep pace with the growth of demand for its services, and to meet its aspirations to optimise these services to achieve efficiency, reliability and availability. As part of its ongoing efforts, DEWA is upgrading its 132kV power transmission grid with the opening of a 132/11kV main substation with a 150 MVA (Megavolt Per Ampere) capacity at the Factories Area in Industrial Area 4 in February 2012. The substation cost Dh120 million and the laying of 132kV ground cables was valued at Dh130m: these have secured the ever-increasing demand for electricity. "These efforts aim to consolidate Dubai's leading position in the region and enhance its role as a global hub for economy and finance. Also, DEWA seeks to enhance the efficiency of power transmission grids and strengthen its infrastructure; so that all vital projects can make use of these various services," said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer Managing Director and CEO of DEWA. "The project, which costs up to Dh250m, aims to promote DEWA's capacity of power transmission grids to the Factories Area at Jebel Ali. The 132kV ground cables have been extended by 6km to connect it with the 132/11kV main substation. The 132KV ground cables have been extended by 14km to connect the 400/132kV main transformation substation to enhance efficiency and reliability and ensure uninterrupted supply to all customers at all times," he added. "These substations adopt the most cutting-edge digital technologies for substations, to improve their efficiency and reliability and serve Dubai's ambitious urban and economic plans. There are also another 30 132kV substations under construction. DEWA is developing its grid and its existing substations by increasing the capacity of these substations and adopting available world state-of-the-art technologies," he concluded. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
DFM hits 15-month high Dubai stocks, almost on a consistent upswing since the middle of February, on Sunday rallied to their highest level in 15 months as investors became more optimistic about an imminent recovery on the back of positive global signals. The DFM General Index advanced 3.1 per cent to 1,754.20, the highest since November 2010, at the 2pm close on Sunday. The measure rallied 21 per cent in February, the biggest gain among benchmarks worldwide. Arabtec Holding, the UAE’s biggest construction company, rose for the eighth time on Sunday by two per cent to Dh3.57, bringing its rally this year to 125 per cent, Dubai Financial Market surged 14 per cent to Dh1.19, the highest since August 4. Aldar Properties led Abu Dhabi’s bourse to a seven-month high on Sunday. Shares in Aldar surged 6.8 per cent to their highest close since August after Moody’s raised its outlook on the developer to positive. The ADX General Index increased 0.7 per cent, rising for an eleventh day in the longest stretch of gains since May 2007. Dubai’s shares have rallied 30 per cent so far this year after company earnings and dividends boosted investor confidence. Dubai’s rally has been consistent apart from a one-day dip on February 27 when the index retreated the most in more than two months on investor speculation that the month’s rally was overdone. Dubai volumes also have surged this year, reaching 789 million shares on Sunday, the highest since December 2009 and compared with the 12-month daily average of 127 million shares. Last week, Dubai shares jumped to a 10-month high as company earnings and dividends boosted investor confidence and after a Greek bailout and U.S. jobs data lifted global markets last week. Analysts attribute the resilience to a combination of positive global trends including improving US economic data flow, indications from the US Federal Reserve that interest rates would remain near zero until late 2014, and signs that European sovereign debt pressures might be easing. An analyst pointed out that February was an exceptional month for the UAE markets, as the equities recorded significant growth and higher volumes. Brent prices also increased 12 per cent in February and helped the local bourses to sustain the bull-run. Last month, the Dubai Financial Market rose almost 21 per cent and volumes increased four times from 800 million shares in November to 6.44 billion shares. Complementing the positive global signals are upbeat projections on Dubai’s growth. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Economic Sector Committee, said on February 15 that Dubai’s economy is on track to expand as much as five per cent this year after growing more than three per cent in 2011. Dubai’s Department of Economic Development sees growth of around 4.1 per cent for 2012. Another factor contributing to Dubai’s upswing is its thriving tourism sector as its safe haven status continued to lure holidaymakers amid the geopolitical turmoil of the Arab Spring. – Khaleej Times
Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Investment Company Atic is fully acquiring Globalfoundries, a semiconductor chip maker, as it seeks to grow business from an expanding market of smartphones and mobile gadgets. The deal, which was announced this morning, means Atic is acquiring the remaining equity stake of nearly 9 per cent in Globalfoundries. That stake was previously controlled by Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), a semiconductor company headquartered in the US. Acquiring the remaining stake in Globalfoundries is “much more than symbolic”, said Ibrahim Ajami, the chief executive of Atic. “It enables Globalfoundries to continue to execute on its strategy, which is serving world-class customers, serving leading semiconductor companies in the world and offering them leading-edge technology,” he said. Some of this gadgetry includes tiny chips, the production of which is being increased to feed a growing demand for smartphones. These technologies are designed to support more graphics and features while consuming less power and providing longer battery life. Further investing in Globalfoundries gives Atic a deeper foothold in what the company sees as a high-value sector. Atic is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mubadala Development, a strategic investment company is owned by the Abu Dhabi Government. Prior to the deal, AMD was considered a strategic partner and customer of Globalfoundries. “Now, in transition, AMD continues to be a strategic partner and important customer – but no longer a shareholder in Globalfoundries,” Mr Ajami said. In a statement, AMD announced that it had amended its wafer supply agreement with Globalfoundries, where it both agreed to transfer its remaining ownership interest to Globalfoundries and negotiated a wafer price mechanism for this year. AMD also stated that Globalfoundries had waived an exclusivity agreement for AMD to manufacture certain products. As a result, AMD said it had agreed to pay a cash payment of US$425 million. Overall, AMD said it expects to record a one-time charge of US$703 million in the first quarter this year, consisting of both the US$425 million cash payment and a non-cash charge. "The amended wafer supply agreement demonstrates that AMD and Globalfoundries remain committed as long-term strategic business partners," said Rory Read, chief executive of AMD, in a statement. "We made significant progress last year to strengthen our relationship, and we're pleased with Globalfoundries' recent performance in meeting our delivery requirements across our product line." In a separate statement, Globalfoundries' chief executive said, "today marks the start of a new era for Globalfoundries as it becomes a truly independent foundry." Plans to start building a factory in Abu Dhabi this year were previously delayed, and there is still no specific start-up date for the facility. “We’re focused on getting it right, and getting all the pieces in place,” Mr Ajami said. “We will do an evaluation on a timing perspective. “You have internal forces, customer demand and a lot of the external macroeconomic competitive dynamics – and it’s changing all the time.” Atic is also planning to launch a new semiconductor research centre in the UAE during the first quarter of next year. However, creating a local, robust research and development environment will take “years”, Mr Ajami said. “We have to build it one brick at a time.” – The National
Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) has announced that its contract revenue jumped by more than Dh200 million (US$54.4m) last year to Dh1.3 billion but said its profit had slipped. The company, which yesterday posted its preliminary results for last year, reported that net profit before currency fluctuations had dropped to Dh56.4m from Dh86.3m in 2010. Earnings per share were 19.4 fils compared with 41.9 fils in 2010. "The reduction compared to 2010 was expected," the company said in a statement to the Abu Dhabi bourse. "ADSB won a new contract for vessels' upgrades, but no other major new contract." ADSB is working on the remaining Baynunah-class corvettes for the UAE Navy. A total of six of the 72-metre warships have been ordered, and ADSB is understood to be hoping for orders from foreign navies. The company is 40 per cent owned by Mubadala Development, a strategic investment company owned by the Abu Dhabi Government, 10 per cent by the Abu Dhabi Government itself and 50 per cent by national shareholders. – The National
While the festival is hosting some of the biggest and experienced names in the industry, it will also shine a spotlight on some of the UAE's emerging talents, none of whom are as young as Dubai Abulhoul. The 16-year-old will launch her debut novel Galagolia: The Hidden Divination as part of the festival. Planned as a series, the fantasy novel follows a 10-year-old girl from Deira who, after her mother's death, discovers a portal to an unseen universe. Abulhoul explains her fantasy world does have a distinct Emirati flavour. "I use a lot of animals that we have in Emirati culture like the falcons and horses, as well as local names," she says. "I want to give the story an Emirati feel without being too much in someone's face." Our interview is held after a school day. Abulhoul says her afternoons have developed a familiar routine. Ever since she was 11 years old, she would dedicate her time after studies to penning her creative thoughts. She says Galagolia began as a series of plot points she jotted down for a film. Indeed, she reached her initial dream by turning the story into a two-minute animation film, which she entered into the Gulf Film Festival. Thrilled by the reception, which included a special recognition award, Abulhoul immediately began fashioning her notes as a novel. "I realised that I could write more," she says. "Before, I would just write it as a set of ideas and then I wrote it properly with chapters. I was surprised at how it all came out." While the literal style of Galagolia changed throughout the years to reflect her intellectual growth, Abulhoul says most of the characters and plot lines didn't stray from what she had first imagined as an 11-year-old. Her welcoming message behind her story also didn't change with the years. "I wanted people to know how I am living," she says. "I want people to know that there is so much more to us than just skyscrapers, and more than what the media tries to display." Dubai Abulhoul will launch Galagolia as part of the festival session The Unveiling of Galagolia - Let the Fantasy Begin, this Thursday at 7.30pm in the InterContinental, Dubai Festival City. – The National
Place any object on light-sensitive, photographic paper and leave it out in the sun for a few hours. The effect is that of a ghostly imprint left on the paper, halfway between a silhouette-like outline and a subtly translucent form. Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan has exploited this medium to create ethereal evocations of the abaya, and she exhibits the results this week at The Ara Gallery in Downtown Dubai. The technique, called the photogram, was one of the first forms of photography and was popularised in the 1840s by the British inventor William Fox Talbot. Sheikha Fatima has used it to create flame-like forms and highly detailed, weave-like patterns on photographic paper. Working in the darkroom, the artist placed the abaya on the paper, allowing the intricate folds of the material to be captured in the process. She then augmented and manipulated the images digitally before placing crystals and jewellery on them to create a three-dimensional effect and a sense of perspective within each work. The artists Pablo Picasso and Man Ray worked with this primitive photography in the early half of the 20th century and saw its potential as an art form in itself. Essentially, it is akin to painting with light, and the clean abstracted effect of the process has an aesthetic of its own. In a statement about her inspiration for the works, Sheikha Fatima noted that the abaya and national dress found in the region are emblems of a core sense of identity in an increasingly globalised world. The current exhibition follows a private showing of these works in Abu Dhabi in February and is the first public exhibition of Sheikha Fatima's work after her studies in Visual Communication at the American University of Dubai. She is already a recognised patron of the arts and a collector. The Ara Gallery focuses on Arab artists and, in particular, Emirati talent, having previously exhibited a number of painters and photographers from across the UAE. – The National
Dr. Tayeb Kamali, Vice Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) and Noura Al Kaabi, twofour54's CEO Designate, yesterday officially opened a new media lab at Abu Dhabi Men's College. The new lab has been designed to provide media and foundation students with a new dedicated creative space on campus, where they can go to hone the key skills required to succeed in the UAE's burgeoning media industry. It will also be used to offer a regular programme of specialised media workshops, industry related seminars and leading industry guests, who will be invited to impart their expertise to the students and drive understanding of the viable and stimulating careers that are available in the region's media sector. The official opening of the twofour54 media lab was celebrated with an address from Dr. Kamali and Al Kaabi to a packed room of media students, who were using the lab for its inaugural creative session. The introduction of the new lab marks the first stage of twofour54 and HCT's wider collaboration initiative to support and promote education and the media industry; the collaboration was formalised with the signing of a MoU in December 2011. The media lab is an ideal space where media students can meet to discuss their ideas, and develop their skills. The lab will supported by industry themed seminars and workshops, as well as on-the-job training through internship opportunities for HCT students within twofour54 and its partners, based at its Khalifa Park campus in Abu Dhabi. twofour54's mission is to establish Abu Dhabi as a regional media hub. An initiative of the Abu Dhabi government, twofour54 offers world-class media skills training and talent development, supporting creative entrepreneurship and providing enabling production, post production and broadcast facilities from its integrated campus. - Emirates News Agency, WAM Mohammed bin Rashid's YouTube channel attracts more viewers The YouTube channel of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has drawn 2,121 users and 201,633 viewers up to yesterday after it was launched two weeks ago. The social network platform is attracting increasing interest locally and internationally day after day. The channel underlines Sheikh Mohammad's "growing interest in adapting modern technologies to consolidate direct interaction with society", and he is also one of the most keen world leaders in making use of modern technologies for direct interaction between leaders and their people. The channel features Sheikh Mohammed's official and personal news, activities and initiatives, as well as other exclusive videos. Thousands of audience log to view video footage of Sheikh Mohammad's daily visits and tours as well as other political, economic, social and sports activities. The channel underlines His Highness' keenness to enhance bridges of communication between a leader and his people and the audience who follow his news and various initiatives across the world. The initiative, a first-of-its-kind for a head of government in the Arab World, emphasises Sheikh Mohammed's belief that direct communication is an important requirement for leaders and decision makers. The Channel will broadcast updated video clips of His Highness' news and main events, providing the audience with an interactive environment of communication. Visitors to His Highness' YouTube Channel will be able to send videos they have filmed of him at various events or locations to be uploaded on the channel. Valid video clips can be emailed to [email protected], to be then uploaded and ascribed to their owners. The Channel sheds light on Sheikh Mohammed's vision, achievements and initiatives and highlights the accomplishments of the United Arab Emirates at national and international levels. Visitors can browse through clips, most of which have not been seen before. The videos include interviews, field visits and inspection tours as well as important speeches and statements delivered by His Highness to local and international media. Visitors can also learn about Sheikh Mohammed's local and international sports' victories and participations. Moreover, they will be able to acquaint themselves with the poetic and social characteristics of Sheikh Mohammed's personality through the featured clips. Sheikh Mohammed's YouTube Channel will also allow for live broadcasts of national celebrations and official events in Dubai and the UAE. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
The international search and examining authorities of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) approved until now seven world patents out of the 12 inventions by Emirati woman, Mrs. Eida Butti Almuhairbi- financial account team leader -ZADCO CO in Abu Dhabi, in cooperation with her partner the Jordanian UAE resident Eng. Wasfi Amin Alshdaifat, out of which three are applied for at 2010, and four are applied for at 2011. The approved patents include a design for a semi-pneumatic tire (Intire) integrated inside it an annular ring, supported by a web of elements of various geometric shapes, loaded from one side on the tire inner surface of the tire and from another side on a small ring of air, that is deflated to ease the removal of the rubber tire from the wheel rim, and to be inflated to install the tire the inventors assured that this tire is safe for driving at relatively high speeds and for longer distances after getting puncture. The inventors in a statement to the Emirates News Agency explained that through a mutual partnership of ideas and a review of the international inventions they invented also a double-ring support for run-flat tire, wherein it is integrated inside the conventional tire to ease driving on it without air for a long distance and a reasonable speed after getting puncture.. in addition to inventing a multi-chamber can with compact multi-actuator used to unite separate cans or bottles of same use into one (internally divided), with one compact actuator of various nozzles considered as the first one of this type invented in the world. Further, they indicated that they have invented a retractable earpiece for transportation means audio device to be used specially in planes, to provide each passenger freely with a comfort audio zone to hear what he wishes to, wherein the earpiece will be integrated inside the tip of the passenger seat armrest, so that the host will not distribute or gather the headsets as it is conventionally done, in addition to inventing a built-in self storing retractable vehicle cover to protect the vehicle and its internal parts from the sun rays, dust and rain. They explained that the cover will lower the number of times of washing the vehicle and hence will decrease the water consumption, besides protecting important expensive parts in the vehicle from the solar heat, such as paint, leather, upholstery, sensible electronic devices, rubbers. They added that they have invented accordion pleated retractable vehicle cover, in addition to inventing a portable retractable vehicle cover that can be installed on and removed from the vehicle easily, they said: they have prepared many prototypes for a power assisted accordion pleated retractable vehicle cover for daily use, to be installed within a minute and removed within two minutes either manually or mechanically or electrically, where they filed an application for it with the WIPO that published it in its website, the invention already got a preliminary successful search results as per the Austrian patent office. The inventors also applied for another four patents, which is published also on the "WIPO" website in preparation to be examined theoretically and technically by the international search authority, these included three models of electric washing machine with either multi-rotatable basins, multi-removable basins, or multi-fixed basins, where its operation is controlled by one electronic control unit. They pointed that the washing machine includes multi-basins instead of one, while their side walls surfaces are made wavy to help in reversing the direction of the washed fabrics automatically, that helps in excluding the need for the electric motor rotation reversing mechanism, which is normally used in order to reverse the direction of the spinning water-soup solution, the multi-basins will help in washing the coloured cloths in one, the toilets in another one, and the white cloths inside a third basin, a cleaner powder central compartment is installed in-between the basins. They added: the invented washing machines with their multi-basins are run by one motor, served by one central water feed pipe installed inside it an assembly of electromagnetic valves, to distribute the water to the basins, in order to complete the washing process in the three basins at once within the same period via a non-preceded saving in time, water, and energy consumption. They talked about their 12th invention, saying: they invented a motorised sweeper disc iron (Disiron), wherein a motor moves a disc iron around the fabric to be ironed, which is fixed smoothly around a compressible and storable ironing cylinder, the motor moves the iron disc vertically up and down pressing on the ironed fabric to achieve the ironing process at once within a short period and with higher degree of safety. They stressed that the cultural, scientific and technological environment which the leadership of the UAE established its pillars on the emirates have formed their thinking inspiration, and motivated their scientific creativity to participate in the development and to put solution for some local technological problems. About their inventions they said: the experience, hoppy, ambition, determination, design, and the creativity ethics are gathered to create an independent self-funded team, for whom the World Intellectual Property Organisation has published 12 inventions, which according to the list of top UAE inventors on the WIPO website, shows that we are number one, in another way, the first body in the country which has the highest number of published world inventions, which means we are also the body with the highest contribution in raising our country world innovation index in regard of world inventions side. The inventors pointed out, that according to the WIPO data analysis, UAE is considered as the best in regard of the amount of world patents in the Arabic world, while in top of the world independent inventors, Eida Almuhairbi is the best independent world inventor as a female in the category of independent world female inventors. They assured that as the international search and examining authorities of the WIPO in recent years did not approve more than one invention out of five mostly applied by great factories, universities.. getting approval for their 1st seven applications to be considered as world patents, formed an incentive and self-confidence to apply for extra five inventions, which are under examination now. They expects that the next three years will provide them with integration and consolidation and deepening of their experience in the field of inventions, testing, and marketing, until being capable of authorising a book that can be provided as a guide for the Arab youth to learn how to enter the world of inventions, production and marketing. Through the 'WIPO' website, the Emirates News agency representative has seen models of the published Arabic world inventions following specific criteria for analysis them, which will limit the capacity of the approved patent to have an Arabic identity, in regards of being approved, at least one of the owners or applicant bodies is Arabic or resident in an Arabic country, and the application in general is applied from an Arabic country, and at least one inventor is Arabic, or non-Arabic but resident in the Arabic country, it was found that Saudi Arabia has got 20 approved world patents for the year of 2011, UAE and Egypt each of them got 11 approved world patents, Syria got six, five other Arab countries got between 1-5, while the rest of Arab countries got nothing. The deep analysis of the WIPO data, furthermore showed that the UAE nationals have the highest ratio of getting approved world patents per million population either inside UAE, or at the level of the Arabic countries. The inventors prepared two schedules with the names of the best world inventors in the Arabic world, either Arabs, or non-Arab residents, whom their inventions carry the adjective of an Arabic invention, or Arabic partnership, while the second is showing the order of the best inventive bodies in the Arab world.. while it was found that the Emirati inventor Mrs. Eida and her Jordanian partner Eng. Wasfi are occupying the first place as the best world inventor team in the Arabic world for the years 2010 and 2011 with a total of 7 patents including 116 approved inventive claims, and they occupied the second place for the best world inventive body for the year of 2011 in the Arabic world, the Saudi Arabian oil company relatively in participation with ARAMCO (USA) and SIMENZ (USA) occupied the 1st place, and King Saud University occupied the third place. It should be noted that the Emirati woman Eida Butti Almuhairbi is professional in the manufacture of pottery, and an owner of a registered industrial model in UAE titled: "Burner with strainer under the burner".. and considered as the first female in the Gulf who became a professional golfer.. while her Jordanian partner the world independent inventor Eng. Wasfi Amin Alshdaifat is an author in cosmology thinking, having many books in the subject, and he is the developer and translator of the Arabic version of the famous educational program "StarWalk' sponsored by Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
Abdullah bin Zayed receives Secretary General of Bureau International des Expositions H. H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, Chairman of National Media Council has stressed that the UAE under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is witnessing huge development in all fields. He added that the country has become a hub for specialised exhibition industry in the light of more diversified economy, appropriate business environment and advanced infrastructure that have attracted investors and businesspersons worldwide. Sheikh Abdullah made the remarks, while receiving at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Vicente Gonzalez Loscertales, Bureau International des Expositions' (BIE) Secretary General in the presence of Reem Al Hashimi, State Minister, Director General of the Higher Committee for hosting World Expo Dubai 2020. Also present were Dimitri Kerkentzes, Chief of staff, BIE, and Laurence Toledo, Coordinator for World Expos. The UAE Foreign Minister said during the meeting that "we are keen on showing the real face of this part of the world, which is characterised with openness, tolerance and diversity. The UAE is well prepared to present the best offer to win the bid to host World Expo 2020." He added that "we are proud of the efforts being exerted to depict the open and creative nature of the UAE to the world", adding that this progress was attained over the last four decades. He expressed hope that the UAE would mark five decades of its foundation, while hosting World Expo 2020. Sheikh Abdullah said the hosting of Expo 2020 in the UAE in general and Dubai in particular will be unique as many multinational visitors will pour into the country, citing the strategic location of the UAE, state-of-the-art infrastructure, modern airports and seaports as other advantages. "We will be honoured to host visitors to see the openness and tolerance being enjoyed by the UAE," he added. Sheikh Abdullah said that the UAE is keen on developing the exhibition industry in the framework of liberalised economic policy adopted by the state. He noted that the Expos are not only commercial and economic gatherings, but also cultural platforms that bring peoples from different cultural backgrounds together to exchange knowledge and expertise. For his part, Loscertales said the UAE had managed to succeed since its participation at World Expos over the last four decades, adding that its participation proved that the country occupies an important position in the world expos map. He lauded the Dubai infrastructure, which qualifies the city to be one of the tough competitors to host Expo 2020. The UAE competes for hosting World Expo 2020 with Russia, Brasil, Turkey and Thailand. The winner will be announced in 2013. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
Masdar supports campaign to host Expo 2020 The Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) on Thursday visited Masdar, Abu Dhabi's multifaceted renewable energy company, during their first evaluation tour of the UAE, part of the country's official campaign to host the 2020 World Expo in Dubai. In November 2011, the United Arab Emirates presented its bid to the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) in Paris to host the World Expo in Dubai, between January 4 and June 30, 2020. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Chief Executive Officer, Masdar, conveyed his support to the efforts of the United Arab Emirates in hosting World Expo 2020; highlighting the Expo's focus on sustainable development. The delegation, who were present during the launch of the promotional campaign, included Reem Ebrahim Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State, Vicente Gonzalez Loscertales, BIE Secretary General, Dimitri Kerkentzes, Chief of staff, and Laurence Toledo, Coordinator for World Expos. The purpose of their visit to the UAE is to make a first evaluation of the competitive advantage the country can offer to qualify for hosting the World Expo - held once every five years. Dr Al Jaber praised the proposed theme for Dubai's bid - "Connecting Minds, Creating the Future" - which embodies the directives of H. H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister, Ruler of Dubai; in building bridges of friendship and cooperation with the international community in an attempt to build a bright future for the generations of tomorrow. Dr. Al Jaber underscored how the UAE enjoys a modern infrastructure, and extensive experience in hosting international events. He pointed out that the proposed date for hosting the World Expo in January will coincide with other high-level international events taking place in the capital - the World Future Energy Summit and Zayed Future Energy Prize. For January 2013, Abu Dhabi is preparing to host the International Water Summit, launched by His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. In 2012, the United Nation Secretary General, Ban ki-Moon launched the "International Year of Sustainable Energy for All" from Abu Dhabi on the opening day of WFES. Dr. Al Jaber said: "The objectives of the World Expo are aligned with the far reaching strategy and vision of the UAE leadership which includes strengthening collaboration, knowledge sharing, innovation, economic development, the strengthening of trade relations and a closer cooperation between developed and developing nations." "Through the UAE's successful bid to host the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) - we have acquired a great amount of knowledge and experience in mobilising international support and we stand ready to participate in supporting the efforts to host Expo 2020." He added: "Reciprocally, hosting this event is an excellent opportunity for the UAE to shed light on the growth and development across all sectors in the country - this includes the UAE efforts to diversify the economy, create a diverse mix of sustainable energy sources, and build a knowledge economy based on human capital while upholding our heritage." The visiting delegation was briefed about Masdar and its mandate of ensuring energy security and contributing to the country's sustainable development through the acceleration, development and deployment of renewable energy technologies and solutions. The delegation was also briefed on the latest developments of Masdar's local and international projects. They toured Masdar City and the 10MW solar field, the laboratories, and were shown a demonstration of the advanced research and experiments conducted at the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology. The UAE sits on a wealth of advantages that enhance the chances of hosting the Expo 2020. The country enjoys a unique strategic location between the east and the west, and its social fabric is so diverse and multicultural as it welcomes more than 200 nationalities on its soil to work and to contribute to the growth opportunities offered by the dynamic business environment in the country. In 1970, Abu Dhabi participated at the Osaka Expo in Japan. Following the establishment of the United Arab Emirates, the country participated in various future Expos, its most recent participation in Shanghai. The UAE pavilion in Shanghai went on to win many state awards. Should the UAE win the bid to host Expo 2020 - it will be the first time that this global event is held in the Middle East region and the second time it is hosted in a developing country. Dr Al Jaber noted that such a vote would send a strong signal and create an excellent opportunity to strengthen collaboration between the developed and developing world. The UAE has been a member of the BIE since 1997. The Expo provides a global platform to showcase the latest innovations and scientific developments and new inventions. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
The UAE is among the top countries in the world in terms of the use of sophisticated technology in ensuring the security of seaports and airports, a US official said. Patrick Parket, Commander of the US Coast Guards, praised the high performance of UAE sea and airport security services. He was speaking during a meeting between the Higher Committee for UAE Civil Seaports and Airports Security and a delegation of the US Coast Guards, in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. Both sides explored ways of joint cooperation in the area of maritime security and the security of airports. Sultan Yaqoub Al Za'abi, executive director of the UAE committee, informed the US naval delegation on the committee's achievements and role in the implementation of all security legislation and agreements. He said the committee was carrying out its mission in line with the directives of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Public Works, to ensure that seaports and airports implemented all international conventions and security legislations. "The committee is working within the framework of its legislative and supervisory role to ensure the compliance of UAE seaports and airports with all agreements and security legislations," Al Za'abi explained. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
Foundation stone for wind farm laid in Seychelles Seychelles President James Alix Michel and representatives of Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) and Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) laid here yesterday the foundation stone of the 6MW- wind farm granted by the UAE to Seychelles. The new wind plant will contributed 11 per cent of electricity to the main Seychelles' Island of Mahe. Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of (ADFD) said the plant comes in line with the commitment of ADFD to support the sustainable economic development in the developing countries. For his part, Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Chief Executive of Masdar said the project embodies the commitment of the wise UAE leadership to build the bridges of friendship and cooperation with the developing and developed countries as well. Seychelles' Minister for Home Affairs, Environment, Transport and Energy, Joel Morgan said "the setting up of the foundation stone comes in the wake of two years of cooperation between Masdar and Energy Corporation in Seychelles. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
If dugongs become extinct, the impact will not be limited merely to the fact that future generations will not get to see the marine mammal — their absence will almost surely have an impact on the availability of sea fish, the staple diet of millions of people across the world. Dugong deaths thus have a direct bearing on fish stocks and the livelihoods of millions of people and the world economy, too, experts told Gulf News recently in Abu Dhabi. Dugongs, often known as ‘sea cows', are large marine mammals that feed almost exclusively on seagrass. They are found in warm coastal and island waters of over 40 countries in the Indo-Pacific. An estimated 3,000 dugongs live in UAE waters, according to the Environment Agency—Abu Dhabi (EAD). Main threats The main threats to dugongs are habitat degradation or loss, vessel strikes and hunting or incidental capture. These shy creatures not only support fish breeding but act as an ‘indicator species' which indicates the overall situation in a marine environment, experts say. Dugongs are strict herbivores feeding almost exclusively on seagrass which serves as the nursery for juvenile fish and shrimps, as well as a habitat for a wide diversity of marine life. "In fact, dugongs actually improve the quality and quantity of seagrass beds through their grazing activities while eating the grass," said Dr Donna Kwan, programme officer for dugongs and officer-in-charge of the Abu Dhabi office of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS). Dugongs create a healthy breeding ground for fish and shrimps, she said. Asked if the end of dugongs would mean the end of fish stocks, Professor Helen Marsh, a technical adviser to the secretariat of UNEP/CMS office, said: "No. But it will affect the quantity [availability] of fish stock. The fish and shrimps won't be healthy without healthy seagrass beds." Dugongs are thus economically important as they support commercially fished species — a source of huge revenue to the world economy. About the dugongs as an ‘indicator species', two experts at the EAD said: "By observing the dugongs and turtles we can know the problems in an ecosystem as they indicate everything," said Thabit Al Abdul Salam, director of the Biodiversity Management Sector, and Himansu Das, scientist at the Biodiversity Management Marine Sector. Dugongs are also a part of the heritage of local communities in many countries, including the UAE, Abdul Salam said. Sri Lanka is one focus of current activities of the ‘Dugong MoU Secretariat' because there is a lack of data about local dugong populations, said Dr Donna Kwan, programme officer for dugongs and officer-in-charge of the Abu Dhabi office of the UNEP and CMS. The Gulf of Mannar between India and Sri Lanka is home to the largest remaining dugong population in South Asia. In Sri Lanka, the species is found from Colombo to Jaffna, particularly in the coastal waters of the Gulf of Mannar and in the Palk Bay region, where seagrass and mangrove forests abound. Although there is limited data, dugongs were reported to be both abundant and widely distributed along coastal waters of Sri Lanka up until the late 20th century. However over the past 30 years, dugong populations have declined dramatically and sightings are now rare in most areas of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is very concerned about the declining population of this species and pleased to be a part of the international programme, Sarath Wije Singhe, Sri Lanka's ambassador to the UAE, told Gulf News. Sri Lanka is one of the less polluted countries in the world and taking great care with its industrialisation plans with due consideration for environmental conservation needs, he said. UAE hub for international action From its base in the UAE, the office of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) in Abu Dhabi actively promotes action for the conservation of dugongs and their seagrass habitats worldwide, working across about 40 range states to address the main threats to dugongs. One more country recently joined this global programme. Sri Lanka became the 21st signatory state to "the UNEP/CMS Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the conservation and management of dugongs and their habitats throughout their range". The Secretariat to the ‘Dugong MoU' is funded and hosted by the Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi (EAD) on behalf of the Government of the UAE. The secretariat works to facilitate national-level and trans-boundary actions that will lead to the conservation of dugong populations and their habitats. The conservation measures include creation of protected areas, alternative livelihood trials for fishermen, or switching to less harmful fishing techniques. Current signatories to the UNEP/CMS Dugong MOU are: Australia, Bahrain, Comoros, Eritrea, France (including Mayotte and New Caledonia), India, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Myanmar, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Vanuatu, and Yemen. – Gulf News
A badly injured baby gazelle is recovering at a veterinary hospital after a resident found it in a precarious condition by the roadside in Dubai. The fawn, whom the vets nicknamed "Spud", was about a week old and weighed 1kg when she was found in late January with head injuries in Nad Al Sheba, near the Meydan Racecourse. "She had some bite marks," said Dr Giulio Russo, an Italian vet at Nad Al Sheba Veterinary Hospital. "The wounds suggest they were inflicted perhaps by a stray cat or a small predator. If a desert fox had found her before her rescue, we would have never seen her." "The guy who first found her saw her on the roadside in the morning. A few hours later, when he came back that same way, the gazelle was still there." Spud is now recovering. The gazelle was fed organic goat's milk and hay and has gained 3kg in the last five weeks. She currently stays in a pen outside the vet hospital. The graceful animal is common in the Arabian peninsula, known by their Arabic names ghazal or dhabi (and has given its name to the capital, Abu Dhabi (father of, or possession of, the gazelle). Dr Russo thinks there are between 60 and 100 wild gazelles in the Nad Al Sheba desert area. "The desert around this area still teems with wildlife, including gazelles and foxes," said Dr Russo. Gazelles hide in the bushes and oases and feed on grass and can grow horns up to 30cm long. They are preyed upon by desert foxes and caracals - but they can run exceptionally fast at speeds of up to 100km/h. "She was in real danger when the rescuer found her, and not in the desert or in the bushes, which is her natural habitat." Once weaned, in about a month's time, Spud will be taken back to the wild. Under a controlled release, Spud will be placed inside a special pen with hay and gazelle pellets in the desert at night. After other gazelles draw close to her and they graze together, she will be released back into the wild. If you come upon a baby gazelle If you find a baby gazelle, leave it in peace. Don't touch it, unless it's in trouble or risks being run over. Its mother will usually be nearby. If you touch it, the mother will not go back to the baby as they view your smell as that of a predator. - XPRESS
International teams are digging in the dust to gain an insight into Sharjah's past and unearth treasures from time gone by. Archaeological teams from the US, Belgium, Germany, Spain and Japan arrived last December and are expected to be in the emirate for another couple of months. "Each team is digging up on areas of their specific interests, in areas that cover the Palaeolithic Age, as well as the Bronze and Iron Age," said Dr Sabah Jasem, Director of Archaeological Excavations at Directorate of Antiquities in Sharjah. The Japanese team from Kanazawa University is currently focused on Islamic sites in Dibba Al Hosn. Its previous findings include pottery pieces, glass vessels and jewellery from Iran, China and Yemen. "With the collaboration of a local-based team that is working all year round, we have found skeletal remains, tombs and houses in Maleha, Madam and Faya," said Dr Jasem, pointing out that the recent findings date back from 3BC to AD 3. "Maleha is a very large site and even though we have been excavating there for 20 years now, we will continue to do so for many more years to come. "The most important discovery was a monument in Maleha dating back to 3000BC that was carved out of stone into a circular shape, known as Umm an-Nar." Such monuments are referred to by that name because the first of its kind was discovered in Abu Dhabi in the 1950s in an area called Umm an-Nar. The US team from Bryn Mawr College will work on the Muweilah site where past findings include a prehistoric Arabian settlement in the area of Tell Abraq, near Umm Al Qaiwain, which witnessed a 2,000 year settlement from 3BC to 1BC. Dr Jasem stressed the American team is focusing on clarifying the chronology and extent of a massive stone and mudbrick wall revealed last year. The wall, which was nearly four metres in width and preserved to several metres in height, appears to have been built sometime around 1000BC. "The key to understanding the history of the settlement, and more broadly the entire late second and early first millennium BC throughout the UAE, is the thorny issue of the domestication of the dromedary camel," he said. Large settlement Meanwhile, the Spanish team from Madrid University arrived in Sharjah recently at the site at Thuqueibah, which features a large settlement with houses, workshops and an underground water system that was built during the Iron Age. Germany's Tubingen Archaeological Project, which is run by the University of Tubingen, has collaborated with a local team to work at Jebel Faya where Palaeolithic tools and flint were found dating back 45,000 years. "This is the first discovery of its kind in the country that led us to believe that [the tools] were left by people who travelled from Africa at that time and who crossed into South East Arabia, while they were stationed here," Dr Jasem said. The site of Wadi Helou, which is also excavated by the German team, is another area of importance as findings dating from the Bronze Age suggest a mining industry where raw copper was extracted from the nearby mountains. A large ingot of copper weighing five kilograms is among the findings. – Gulf News
Nahyan bin Mubarak participates in march against child slavery Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, took part yesterday in a march against child slavery at the Abu Dhabi Corniche. Present were also Sheikh Mohammed bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, officials from the UAE Red Crescent Authority, members of the Indian Women Association and representatives of other organisations. The march is being organised as part of the activities of Small World events which will be launched on March 16 at Emirates Palace. The Small World march, was held under the supervision of Abu Dhabi Police and ran through a 1km route as a show of support for the annual charity event that raises funds for the children around the world. "The International Labour Organisation estimates that 250 million children worldwide are subjected to slavery, including forced labour and trafficking. We are compelled to dedicate this year's event for the eradication of child exploitation," said Salam Hamzeh Ghaith, who conceived the idea of holding a march. "Our aim is to actively participate as a community member in raising awareness about injustice against children of the world," she added. All proceeds generated from the march and the Small World events ticket sales and donations will go to organisations around the world actively working on the eradication of child exploitation. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
etisalat, a leading telecommunications company with operations in 17 markets across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, has won three of the sector's most prestigious international awards at Mobile World Congress, the global event held annually in Barcelona, Spain. etisalat received two GSMA Global Mobile Awards in the Best Mobile Health Innovation and Women Best Mobile Product' categories for its mobile health innovation - Etisalat Mobile Baby that is helping to combat maternal mortality in developing countries. etisalat also won the Best Mobile Money Innovation award for its Etisalat Commerce platform that is helping make financial services accessible to millions of people across the region. Accepting the awards, Essa Al Haddad, chief commercial officer at the Etisalat Group, said: "Etisalat is committed to harnessing the power of mobile connectivity through innovation to develop products that change people's lives for the better and help to accelerate social and economic development. In the case of Etisalat Mobile Baby it can also save lives. etisalat's Mobile Baby program delivers affordable primary healthcare solutions to even the most remote, rural regions of Africa. Mobile Baby is already delivering tangible results and is contributing to global efforts to achieve Millennium Development Goals which seek to reduce maternal mortality in childbirth and deliver universal access to reproductive health. Developed in partnership with Qualcomm, D-Tree International and Great Connection, Etisalat Mobile Baby is a complete mHealth ecosystem that brings together medical healthcare professionals, NGOs, pharmaceutical and insurance companies, and federal and state government to deliver affordable healthcare for all powered by mobile connectivity. In Tanzania where Etisalat first launched the service, there has been a substantial drop in baseline maternal mortality rates and a 30 percent increase in the in-medical facility delivery rate. During 2012 the Etisalat Mobile Baby service will be rolled out across its operations in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Ivory Coast, Benin, Togo, Niger, Central African Republic and Gabon. The etisalat Commerce initiative won the Best Mobile Money Innovation for the transformational way in which it uses new electronic commerce technologies to empower businesses and individuals in emerging markets. One example of this is Etisalat's Near Field Communication (NFC) solution which allows payments to be made using specially enabled-mobile devices. The Etisalat Commerce platform was developed in partnership with MasterCard Worldwide and Oberthur Technologies. Working with federal financial services authorities to meet local market regulatory requirements, the Etisalat Commerce platform can facilitate a wide range of financial transactions including salary payments, person to person domestic and international fund transfers, utility and merchant payments, on-line purchases, and bank transactions. Importantly, it provides a fast, safe and secure environment for the un-banked and under-banked communities. Michael O'Hara, chief marketing officer, GSMA said: "The 2012 Global Mobile Awards continue to showcase the greatest, most creative and innovative products and services driving the mobile ecosystem today and into the future. "With a record number of high calibre entries this year, it is a significant achievement for a company to be honoured with an award, but to win three is an outstanding achievement. The GSMA congratulates etisalat and commends all those taking part for raising the benchmark of contributions to mobile communications across the entire industry." - Emirates News Agency, WAM
etisalat named Most Powerful Company in UAE by Forbes Middle East etisalat yesterday received a prestigious award from Forbes Middle East for being the most powerful company in the UAE. The award was received by Ali Al Ahmed, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Etisalat UAE on behalf of Mohammad Omran, Etisalat chairman at a ceremony held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. The Forbes Middle East awards reward the efforts, achievements and positive contributions of UAE companies to the intellectual development of the UAE's economy and society. The award ceremony took place during the launch of the first issue of Forbes Middle East in English, and took place at the Atlantis Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. etisalat has maintained outstanding performance, with its total assets now valued at around US$20 billion and annual revenues of US$8.7 billion. It has also developed a strong business portfolio in 17 markets across the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Throughout its long history Etisalat has consistently added to its reputation with a series of achievements in both service offerings and technology innovations. Etisalat has been always a strong believer in making wise and prudent investments in networks and offering new services for its customers. etisalat continuously invests in network infrastructure in each of the markets in which it operates. Last year Abu Dhabi became the first capital city in the world to be fully connected with a state-of-the-art Fibre-To-The-Home (FTTH) network. Etisalat is also among the first telecommunications worldwide to roll out nationwide Long Term Evolution (LTE - 4G) networks in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
The UAE's two telecom operators — etisalat and du — Thursday announced progress in their planned deployment of high-speed fourth-generation (4G) long-term evolution (LTE) networks. etisalat, which earlier chose French Alcatel-Lucent to deploy the 4G network, has recently tested a new light Radio Metro Radio Outdoor (MRO) product making the lightning-fast data connection over the operator's commercial 4G LTE network. du Thursday said it has assigned US-based Cisco to the 4G network. etisalat lately invested Dh6 billion in the 4G roll out that has resulted in creating ‘thousands' of stations, and extends LTE services through the major cities to cover 80 per cent of the population. "In October, Alcatel-Lucent and etisalat signed an agreement to jointly develop the most sustainable and efficient way to meet this demand using the groundbreaking light Radio portfolio. This successful trial of the latest technology marks a major milestone in making that promise a reality," etisalat said. Although 4G handsets are yet to be made available to the end-users at a mass level, the technology readiness will help the UAE enhance its global ranking in e-commerce and e-readiness, analysts say. The latest release of Household Download Index has ranked the UAE at the top position in the GCC and ranked 41 and 33 globally for the download and upload speeds, respectively. The UAE positions itself as technology leaders by offering faster and cheaper per mbps internet, as compared to other competing nations in the GCC. The high adoption rate of cloud computing, fast and reliable internet are among the main contributors to internet subscriber growth and the effective cost per megabit per second rate," Vivek Malhotra, Principal Consultant, Information and Communication Technologies Practice, South Asia and Middle East, Frost & Sullivan, said. "The internet penetration was more than 75 per cent in 2011 which was among the highest rate in the region. With households' broadband penetration of nearly 56 per cent, the UAE is soon expected to be the leader and the first country in the world to have 100 per cent household broadband internet penetration through FTTH technology." Alcatel-Lucent showcased the capabilities of its new light Radio Metro Radio Outdoor (MRO) product. Stephen Carter, President for Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: "We are happy to have the opportunity to work with etisalat to leverage light Radio to address their business needs. The work completed as part of this successful project has yielded valuable data about how service providers such as etisalat can very easily deploy Alcatel-Lucent's metrocells to transform the mobile broadband experience for their customers, while at the same time reducing their power consumption, costs and equipment footprint." du will use the Cisco ASR 5000 Series as its mobile internet evolved packet core (EPC) platform to provide greater network performance and intelligence. LTE 4G will allow du's five million mobile customers to even more readily access their internet services, providing an effortlessly fast service with speeds up to 150mbps. Hatem Bamatraf, du's executive vice-president, Network Development and Operations, said, "This new 4G LTE network ensures that du will continue to deliver the most advanced, innovative mobile services to mobile customers across the country." – Gulf News
Seattle - It was a time for celebration for the 5,000-plus employees of Boeing at their plant in Everett on the outskirts of the city as the 1,000th edition of their 777 model was ceremonially handed over to their biggest client — Emirates on Friday afternoon. "As the largest 777 customer, it's very appropriate that Emirates is the recipient of our milestone 1,000th 777," said Jim Albaugh, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes amidst loud cheers. Sheikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman and CEO of Emirates airline and Group, was guest of honour at the ceremonial handover of the plane, which will arrive in Dubai later this month. He was accompanied by a high-powered delegation of UAE ministers, government officials and the airline's top executives. Speaking on the occasion, Sheikh Ahmad said while Emirates is "honoured" to be the recipient of Boeing's landmark plane, it is also committed to helping Boeing and the US economy with the order of another 93 aircraft. The order, according to Boeing management, is expected to generate a significant number of jobs in various capacities of the industry. The timing of the rollout of the 1,000th Boeing 777 (which was achieved in record time by the manufacturing giant), could not have been better. It was only a day before that the inaugural non-stop Emirates flight from Dubai touched down at this city in the Pacific Northwest, making it the airline's sixth US gateway after New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston and Dallas. In a ringing endorsement of the Boeing 777, Sheikh Ahmad said: "I would like to salute the 777 team of Boeing as without them we could not have become the global airline that we are today." The largest airline in the world in terms of international revenue passenger kilometres, Emirates now flies to 122 destinations on six continents. The Boeing management came up with a well-packaged ceremony — including a video showing officials and experts a cross section of the 64 airlines that they serve giving a thumbs up to the 777 fleet as the giant edifice of the 1,000th aircraft loomed large over all on the workshop floor. Sales of the 777 last year, according to company figures, were the best on record for they received 200 orders from 22 customers — topping the previous record of 154 in 2005. This, of course, includes a US$26 billion (Dh95 billion) order for 70 planes from Emirates during the Dubai Airshow last November. Asked how well equipped Boeing is to handle the bulk, Albaugh said later they were stepping up the production rate with a 20 per cent increase from this autumn — which would see the factory making 8.3 aircraft per month instead of the present seven. "The programme will begin building 100 airplanes per year beginning 2013," he added. – Gulf News
Seattle - Sheikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman and CEO of Emirates airline and Group, was conferred with honorary citizenship of the state of Washington in the US on Friday. The announcement came during a gala dinner hosted by the airline at the Seattle Convention Centre to celebrate the launch of their non-stop daily flights between Dubai and Seattle. Only a day earlier, Sheikh Ahmad had said that he was "delighted" to return to one of his favourite cities at a reception on the arrival of the inaugural flight. The state Governor, Christine Gregoire, named the flight's arrival date (March 1) ‘Emirates Day' in the state. The announcement of the honour for Sheikh Ahmad came on a day of mega celebrations for the airline. Sir Tom Jones, the legendary soul singer, regaled the audience with several of his timeless hits like Falling in Love and Delilah at the Emirates gala. Service to aid trade, tourism Earlier in his welcome speech to the invitees, Sheikh Ahmad said: "Emirates is proud to provide the first non-stop service from Seattle to the Middle East. A link that connects area businesses with key markets around the world and would support trade and tourism in both regions." – Gulf News
The UAE's first gold coin, which was unveiled last year, will finally be available for distribution by the end of this month, the Dubai Multi-Commodities Authority (DMCC) told Gulf News. Like the Canadian Maple Leaf, Australian Nugget or South African Kruggerand, the gold coin will be the symbol of pride and recognition of the UAE's achievements. It will bear the portrait of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on one side, and on the other the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest tower. The first of its kind in the Arab world, the coin was conceived to meet the demand by investors seeking access to gold, to protect their wealth against the ongoing global economic uncertainty. Given the UAE's huge appetite for the yellow metal and the rising demand from global investors, the coin is expected to capture a sizeable portion of the market both locally and abroad. "The coin will fill a gap in the global market for investment grade gold bullion coins, sales of which have been increasing on the back of volatility in financial markets and the increasing importance of gold as a distinct asset class," DMCC executive chairman Ahmad Bin Sulayem told Gulf News. "The proximity of the Indian market and its confidence in gold and jewellery from the UAE will further drive sales of these coins. In addition, the coins will serve as exclusive UAE souvenirs," he added. The DMCC will market the coin through traditional channels as well as through banks and other financial institutions. Since the launch of the coin's prototype in August last year, Bin Sulayem said they have received "an overwhelming response from consumers and potential partners alike." Demand up The latest World Gold Council report noted an increased demand for gold bullion in the UAE. Consumption of gold bars and coins jumped 19 per cent from 10.5 tonnes in 2010 to 12.5 tonnes last year. Spending on bars and coins likewise grew from US$411 million (Dh1.50 billion) to US$630 million in the same period. The DMCC earlier revealed plans to make the gold bullion coin as the first legal tender in the UAE and the Middle East as a whole. While the coin will be widely distributed in the UAE, the international distribution points have yet to be finalised. – Gulf News
Team Abu Dhabi captain Faris Al Sultan narrowly missed out on a famous home-town victory at the US$250,000 Abu Dhabi International Triathlon on Saturday, overtaken in the dying moments by Denmark's Rasmus Henning who snatched the win in a spectacularly close race. ``In a day of record-breaking performances, Henning claimed victory with a time of 06:21:44, smashing the current course record by 18 minutes. Abu Dhabi debutant, Australia's Nikki Butterfield, also broke the women's course record in a time of 07:00:22. `Such was the strength of the field, and the perfect race conditions in the United Arab Emirates capital, that all of the top ten male elites and top five females broke previous course records. ` Five times World Cup winner Henning - whose Abu Dhabi dreams were crushed in 2011 after cramp forced him to retire in the early stages - got his revenge on the 223kms pure power course this year, with an emphatic last gasp sprint to overtake local favourite Al-Sultan and hold off last year's champion Eneko Llanos, chasing hard in third. "It feels awesome.... I needed this confidence boost because I'd been starting to doubt whether I'd ever come back on top - it's been such a long time. This is really important to me and I'm looking towards the rest of the season. Today I think the conditions were really fabulous - it wasn't too windy and it certainly wasn't too hot," said the elated Dane. Al Sultan, who led for most of the race, took his first podium place at the event with a time of 06:22:11 - just 27 seconds behind Henning. And whilst the 2005 Ironman World Champion was disappointed, he was full of praise for his rival. "Honestly, I hardly found a place where I could complain about the support - it was great. It's an honour to be cheered on by so many people, whether they are athletes or fans and spectators, and as I said, I tried my very best, I gave it my all, and that was all I could do." In the women's elite field, the most competitive to date, it was an equally thrilling affair. Only recently back from injury, the 2010 World 70.3 Champion, Briton Jodie Swallow, led the women in the swim with a close to course-record breaking time of 58:53 and in the process nearly opened a two minute lead on the chasing pack. Following her out of the water was Lucie Zelenkova of South Africa, a previous Olympian who holds the current swim course record, and Emma Kate Lidbury, also from Great Britain. During the bike leg the true contenders came into their own with Swallow, Australian star Nikki Butterfield, Canadian Angela Naeth and Switzerland's Caroline Steffen leading the way with fellow Aussie Mell Rollison just behind the pack but still in contention. Butterfield led the transition with a one minute 43 second advantage over Naeth, which she never relinquished, ensuring she crossed the line victorious on her first Abu Dhabi outing. Race organiser, Abu Dhabi Tourism '&' Culture Authority, promised this year's event would be the biggest and best-of-its-kind to date, and it didn't disappoint. Thousands of fans lined the UAE capital's roads, beaches and Yas Marina Circuit race track to cheer on the more than 1,855 athletes from 62 countries - the highest number in the event's three-year history. A full activation programme also took place at a dedicated Race Village on the Corniche beachfront, with games, competitions, entertainment and prizes all on offer from dawn to dusk. -Emirates News Agency, WAM
Strong winds, blowing sand and dipping temperature greeted UAE residents on way to work on Sunday after the weekend. "It's another bad weather day," said Ron Henry, a Sharjah resident working in Dubai, about the vagaries of nature. "After last Sunday's sandstorm, I thought the weather will turn for the better today. But it's really bad," he said. According to the National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology in Abu Dhabi, strong winds have been battering the country, generating some 14 feet high waves offshore on Sunday. The weather bureau has repeated its weather alert for motorists and people going to the sea. According to the national weather bureau, strong winds and blowing sand/dust will continue for a while. The centre advised motorists to be cautious, especially on highways. "I was afraid to drive as my saloon car was unsteady in the strong winds... it was like an aircraft getting into air-pockets," said Saroj Khan, a Bur Dubai resident bound to Jebel Ali in Dubai. "It is worse on the highways. The winds are so strong and it is kicking up sand and dust. Thankfully most motorists are driving slowly. But some, as usual, are bound by their habits... tailgating, overtaking and driving like maniacs," said a resident who travels to work in Abu Dhabi from Dubai. "It's really windy and sandy... it's a wind that never dies down," said Gillian Wright, Dubai's Al Barsha resident. "Though the roads were not covered in sand as last week, there was sand floating around in open areas. The wind was indeed really strong... it was difficult driving though there was no major dip in visibility," said another UAE resident. The cold north-westerly winds have reduced temperature across the country. – Gulf News |
