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EMIRATES NEWS (27/3/2012)





Mohammed bin Zayed to lead UAE delegation to Nuclear Safety Summit in Korea

            His Highness Gen. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces will lead the UAE's delegation to the Nuclear Safety Summit 2012, which will be held in Seoul between 26 and 28 March. Over 50 world's leaders will attend the summit, including UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon. After the summit, Sheikh Mohammed will pay an official visit to the People's Republic of China during which he will hold talks with the officials there on ways to enhance ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries, as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

UAE welcomes Yemen's drive towards inclusive reforms

            Geneva - The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has welcomed efforts Yemen is currently making to attain security, stability and to build a unified state in which law and social justice prevail.

            Obaid Salem Al Zaabi, Permanent Representative of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations and other international organisations in Geneva, told the 19th regular session of the Human Rights Council (27 February - 23 March 2012) that efforts made by Republic of Yemen deserve commendation and support from the Council to enable it pursue inclusive reforms of building effective institutions, promoting the state of law and upholding human rights.

            ''Yemen today is in need more than any time ago of technical and technological support to ride over this delicate turn into a better future,'' he added. He urged the Council to pass a draft resolutions for supporting Yemen while passing through these exceptional circumstances.  - Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Sultan Al Qasimi calls for solidarity

            H. H. Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council member and ruler of Sharjah has called on Emiratis to stand against those who seek to inflict harm on the state.

            During his 'Direct Link' programme broadcasted over Sharjah Radio on, Thursday, the Ruler of Sharjah called on the young Emiratis not to be lured by the foreign agenda that could harm the country. "This country has its own history, structure and values. Emiratis have deep roots." Sheikh Sultan reiterated the call for solidarity and cooperation among Emiratis, as well as, hard work to elevate the country.

            He warned that any attempt to interfere in the country's internal affairs or sow dissent, sedition or anarchy will be punishable by law.

            "Some people from outside the country protest against the legal actions taken in the UAE. They forget that the UAE is a country that welcomes everyone, provided that they respect the laws observed here, and they should not try to link the country to any foreign agenda." Sheikh Sultan urged the Emirati people not to fail prey to the foreign agenda. "The UAE citizens' allegiance stems from their deep-rooted love to the country - this contributed to the prosperity being experienced by the UAE." Many people, he continued, think they are the right ones to talk about Islam. They express their personal opinions and issue their own Fatwas. They have no right whatsoever to impose their own agenda on Emiratis regarding religion and laws.

            "Recently, a person who thinks of himself as the ultimate spokesperson of Islam, orchestrated a smear campaign against the UAE, and we had to respond effectively and promptly. We are not going to compromise and we are not going to tolerate this." "Let me tell this person: mind your own business, leave us alone and practice what your preach," he added.

            Sheikh Sultan called on the guardians to preserve good and national upbringing of children to eschew whatever mars the image of country, or impose the foreign agenda on the country. "I personally observe the mess in which young people are indulged in at university level or educational level as well." He added that "we have observed some agencies take youth from mosques under pretext of training. This is rejected as we will not allow them to tarnish the image of this country. This is my message to all parents to look after their children and not to leave them alone. We should work hard to ward off seditions".

            Reacting to what he described as a "letter of instigation" sent recently to the Ruler's Court, Sheikh Sultan said UAE's journey to progress and prosperity was not paved with roses, adding that it is a deep-rooted country.

            Sheikh Sultan added that "this country should be respected and not abused. We are in a country that honours others, teach them, makes them equal with citizens and also naturalises them. We don't want the UAE's fate to be that of an ewe, which raised a wolf to turn against it and eat it when he (wolf) grew up." The Sharjah Ruler called on those with foreign agenda to look into their own affairs and not to interfere in the UAE's internal affairs, indicating that the UAE enjoys stability, love and understanding from the top of pyramids to the base."The country has its own agenda, structure and values that should be respected by all." He underlined that "I'm not asking anyone to be loyal to this country, especially though he/she is supposed to be loyal to us and not to other people to sabotage and insult the country or use the sword against it." He cited that an employee complained to him that his service has been terminated because of his long beard, adding that it was not true because he was pensioned and not the service termination.

            Sheikh Sultan referred to many prerogatives enjoyed by all people in the UAE, who should respect the country they live in, calling on all residents to respect the UAE's laws and values. "We are in a country in which people love and understand themselves from the top of pyramids to the base.

            He called on all to do what benefits people and not to follow the foreign agenda. "Please set your own agenda, mend your home, country and self." "This country had experienced poverty and famines that people had to survive on corn and to wear sackcloth but they never left their country. Even when they did, they used to go to the neighbouring countries looking for jobs and return back because their roots are deeply buried here and, he who has no loyalty to one's own home, has no roots." He concluded that " I address my message to all people in a reply to the message I received yesterday. I wish to be heard by even those with little thinking. My concern is this country and citizens being young or adult. It is a call for solidarity and good deeds".  - Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Nahyan bin Mubarak: Women can lead other people toward worthy goals

            Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Chancellor of the Higher Colleges, delivered the keynote address at the last day of Insight Dubai International Conference 2012, hosted and organised by Dubai Women's College (DWC).

            Sheikh Nahyan addressed a diverse audience of 130 students from 30 countries along with Dr. Tayeb Kamali, Vice Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology Dr. Howard Reed, Director of DWC and other distinguished dignitaries.

            Sheikh Nahyan stressed that the activities of Insight Dubai should strengthen the belief of participants that women, working individually or together, can lead other people toward worthy goals and can achieve those goals if, as leaders, they are guided by a sound vision and are able to inspire others.

            He further added that leaders face a huge challenge in helping other people realise their full potential as good human beings. "We in the United Arab Emirates have been remarkably fortunate to have leaders of wisdom and vision. Under the wise leadership of our President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, our Vice President, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, the UAE is creating a Knowledge-Based Society and Economy that can inspire the aspirations of other nations." A number of the region's most prominent women spoke on women's leading political change including Ms. Raymonde Folco, Former member of Parliament of Canada. Nima Abu Warda, Presenter of BBC World's weekly financial program of Middle East, Rana Korayem, UN Gender Equality entity Egypt '&' Hala Kazim, Emirati artist and entrepreneur. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Emirati- Egyptian Humanitarian Field Hospital launched in Cairo

            Cairo - The Emirati- Egyptian Humanitarian Field Hospital was launched on Friday at Al Besateen district in Cairo to provide free diagnostic, curative and surgical services to the needy children and elderly.

            The move comes in line with the strategic partnership that includes the Egyptian Doctors' Union and the Egyptian Society for Voluntary Work, University of Ain Shams and coordination with the UAE and Egyptian Embassies in both countries.

            The partnership initiative also includes the UAE Red Crescent Authority, the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation for Humanitarian Works.

            Mohammed bin Nakhira Al Dhahiri, UAE Ambassador to Egypt and the UAE Representative to the Arab League, stressed the strength of relations between the two countries in all fields, especially in the area of medicine. He wished success to senior medical cadres in both countries in their joint mission to offer better free medical services. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

UAE-UK Taskforce discuss in London bilateral relations

            London - The seventh meeting of the UAE- UK Taskforce took place at the Foreign and Commonwealth in London on 21 March 2012.

            The meeting was hosted by Alistair Burt MP, Minister for the Middle East and South Asia and the UAE delegation was led by Dr Anwar Gargash, the UAE's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. Minister of State for International Development, Alan Duncan, joined the meeting to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on international development cooperation.

            The Taskforce noted the close cooperation between the UK and UAE on the London Conference on Somalia. Ministers agreed that the UAE's piracy conference in June, and their chairmanship of the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia, would be particularly helpful.

            Ministers discussed number of areas for cooperation including the launch of the new Global Counter Terrorism Forum Countering Violent Extremism Working Group on 3-4 April in Abu Dhabi, and discussed priorities for their co-chairmanship of this group.

            Moreover; Ministers discussed how to develop the bilateral relations and partnership in education, trade and investment, and energy. Furthermore; the Taskforce emphasised the importance of resolving a number of on-going consular cases. Ministers were pleased to see that the second round of Prisoner Transfer Agreement (PTA) negotiations had been scheduled and discussed the importance of signing the agreement soon. Ministers also emphasised the continued good work of the UAE-UK Consular Working Group and its value in helping to progress consular issues.

            The Taskforce was established in July 2010, following the visits of the British Prime Minister David Cameron to UAE, and the UAE Foreign Minister H. H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the UK.

            The delegation of the United Arab Emirates, included Dr. Saeed Al Shamsi, Assistant Secretary for International Organisation Affairs and Special Envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Faris Al Mazroui, Assistant Minister for security affairs, military, Abdul Rahman Ghanem Al Mutaiwee, UAE Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Lana Nusseibeh, Director of Policy Planning, and Saud Al Shamsi, responsible for United Kingdom unit at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

UAE projects able to tide over Europe funding gap

            Projects in the UAE will not face a shortage of funding because of the changes in international banking regulations or the potential difficulties faced by banks in Europe, Sultan Bin Nasser Al Suwaidi, UAE Central Bank governor, said in Dubai yesterday.

            Speaking at the 51st ACI Financial Markets World Congress, Al Suwaidi said the banking industry across the world will be impacted by the stringent capital adequacy requirements under the Basel III and new international banking regulations.

            "Globally banks will face a challenging environment in terms of availability of funds because of the new global regulations and the difficult economic conditions. Industrial activity and trading could face a shortage of funds. Fortunately, the UAE is doing well because of the strong trade and tourism sectors," said Al Suwaidi.

            Economists and analysts have recently cautioned that some Gulf economies could face funding gaps in the event of massive deleveraging and the consequent exit of European banks from funding in this region.

            Although the economic reliance on European bank funding varies across the GCC, international rating agency Moody's said in a recent report that a decrease in lending by European banks to the region could lead to a short-term liquidity squeeze and, more likely, a longer-term structural shortfall.

Likely new sources

            In order to meet this gap, local GCC banks would need to grow as well as adjust their own funding structures. Going forward, the rating agency said, Asian banks and bond markets are likely to be two major sources of foreign funding.

            European banks' exit from the region has been driven by the ongoing euro area debt crisis and their need to deleverage and build up capital buffers to meet liquidity and capital adequacy requirements.

            Overall, According to Moody's, European bank lending to the GCC region amounted to around US$237 billion (Dh870.34 billion) as of September 2011.

            The rating agency expects the likely deleveraging to result in a sustained reduction of lending to the GCC at a time when the region faces sizable funding requirements, with an estimated US$1.8 trillion of capital investments underway or planned over the next 15 years.

Moody's assessment

            Based on the vulnerability to the funding gaps, Moody's has categorised the UAE and Qatar as economies that face moderate levels of vulnerability.

            Analysts say the UAE credit growth is likely to remain under pressure this year as the debt restructuring of some government related entities (GREs) and high loans to deposit ratios are likely to limit the lending capacity of local banks.

            "The loans to deposit ratios of UAE banks are close to 100 per cent while many UAE banks will be involved in the debt restructuring of some of the government-related entities, which could curtail their lending," Shady Shaher, Standard Chartered's economist for the Middle East and North Africa said recently.

Improved liquidity

            UAE banks have materially improved their liquidity position since 2008 with liquid assets representing more than 23 per cent of total assets. With dependence on external funding viewed against the US$50 billion of refinancing due in 2012-13, the UAE banks, particularly the Dubai-based banks are likely to go slow on lending.

            "Despite the strong growth in customer deposits and sustained improvement in the loans to deposit ratio, lending is likely to remain muted in the UAE," said Khalid F. Howladar, vice-president - senior credit officer, Financial Institutions Group, Moody's Investors Services.

            Al Suwaidi, however, said yesterday that the current rate of bank lending growth in the UAE is reasonable. "Bank lending is going at a reasonable rate. The rate has been close to 3.5 per cent, which is reasonable under the circumstances," he told reporters yesterday.

            Given the large amounts of foreign reserves held by the Central Bank (amounting to US$40 billion as of September 2011) and substantial liquid assets held by the sovereign wealth funds, analysts do not expect UAE banks to face any serious liquidity issue in the near term.

No decision yet on including Yuan

            The UAE has not made a decision to include the Chinese Yuan in the UAE Central Bank's official foreign currency reserves. Such a decision would be the result of a long-term process, Sultan Bin Nasser Al Suwaidi, UAE Central Bank Governor, told reporters in Dubai yesterday.

            In January, the UAE signed a three-year currency swap agreement with China worth Dh20 billion (US$5.45 billion) to boost two-way trade and investment.

            Asked if the central bank had considered making the Chinese Yuan a part of its official reserves, Al Suwaidi said: "This is a long-term issue and we are patient on such decisions." – Gulf News

 

Yahsat to launch Second Satellite next month

            Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat) has overseen the transportation of its second satellite Y1B from EADS Astrium facilities in Toulouse, France, to the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan.

            On arrival in Kazakhstan, the Y1B satellite, which was air-freighted by the world's biggest aircraft built in Europe (Antonov), will receive additional testing before it is moved to its final launch position. The Y1B will be launched by an ILS Proton Breeze M vehicle in April 2012.

            The Y1B weighs more than 6,000 kg, features a spacecraft power of 14kW and has a 15-year designed lifetime. It is equipped with a commercial multi-beam payload in Ka-band, which will be used to provide a variety of government and commercial applications, including YahClick, a new affordable satellite broadband service.

            "The Yahsat team appreciates the hard work of the teams at EADS Astrium and Thales Alenia Space to successfully deliver the construction of Y1B and delivery to the launch site," said Yahsat CEO, Tareq Abdul Raheem Al Hosani. "The successful launch of Y1B will be a key milestone in the development of Yahsat. It will significantly expand our satellite communication capabilities, which will consequently provide a positive impact on our unique business proposition," he concluded.

            Yahsat's first satellite, Y1A, which is currently in geostationary orbit, was successfully launched in April 2011 by Arianespace. It provides a number of strategic communications services for both governmental and commercial customers across the Middle East, Africa, Europe and South West Asia. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Mubadala Oil and Gas and IPIC establish Emirates LNG

            Mubadala Oil '&' Gas (Mubadala), a business unit of Mubadala Development Company, and International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC) announced the establishment of a joint project, Emirates LNG, with the aim of securing additional gas supplies to meet energy demand from the UAE's growing economy.

            As the Emirates LNG project develops, it is envisaged that a specific project company will be formed by Mubadala and IPIC, Mubadala said in a press release.

            The Emirates LNG project will develop a new liquefied natural gas (LNG) regasification facility on the UAE's east coast in Fujairah, it added. The project team, drawn from Mubadala and IPIC and supported by a number of expert advisors, is already firmly established and a range of work streams are well underway.

            Mubadala Oil '&' Gas is a business unit of Mubadala Development Company with exploration and production interests in the Middle East, North Africa, and Central and Southeast Asia. Current working interest production is in excess of 400,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day.

            IPIC, established in 1984, is a wholly owned Government of Abu Dhabi company with a focus on investments in international energy and energy-related industries and strategic projects on behalf of the Government of Abu Dhabi. IPIC currently holds more than 15 investments and projects across five continents. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Dubai crude oil price for June 2012 delivery is less US$0.45 pb than average daily settlement price

            The Department of Oil Affairs in the government of Dubai has announced that it had notified its customers that the official price of Dubai crude oil, which will be delivered next June, will be US$0.45 less per barrel than the average daily settlement price of the DME Oman Crude Oil Financial Contract in Dubai Mercantile Exchange contracts traded during the next month.

            The department sets the price of Dubai crude oil in the markets in parallel with Oman oil prices, which reinforces the transparency of pricing process commitment and setting a fair value of crude oil in the Middle East.

            The official monthly price of Dubai crude oil - with the transition to the pricing futures contracts - is determined in advance, for a differential price is placed before three months, "M-3", while the official final monthly price is determined at the end of the second month " M-2 ".

            The DME Oman crude oil is considered as a benchmark for pricing crude oil by the countries that produce it, and it gives them a differential price that reflects the quality of the product.

            Everyday at 12:30 pm (Dubai time), Dubai Mercantile Exchange determines the daily settlement price of the Oman contract, which is the average price of transactions made within five minutes from 12:25 pm to 12:30 pm, Dubai time.

            On the last circulating day of the month, the settlement's window lasts for thirty minutes from 12:00 pm until 12:30 pm, Dubai time. The Dubai Mercantile Exchange is the first regarding futures trading of commodities and energy in the Middle East. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Dubai to issue investors instant trade licences

            The Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) is planning to issue instant trade licences to investors under a new ‘120 days hassle free licence' initiative that will be launched this year.

            The move, which will allow investors to have their licences issued immediately, will drastically simplify the investment and business registration process, depending on the risk factors of the intended business activity.

            The UAE has improved its rank in Ease of Doing Business to 33 in 2012, up from 35 in 2011, under the World Bank's annual Doing Business report. DED said the scheme is aimed "to give businesses in Dubai a head start and promote the emirate's competitiveness".

            "It is critical today that we ensure that the key sectors of our economy — trade, logistics, finance, knowledge sector, tourism, retail, and manufacturing and industry — are made even stronger and more competitive in this globalised age," Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, said.

`DED, the government's trade licensing and regulatory body, renews and issues roughly 120,000 trade licences annually.

            The 120-day licence allows businessmen to start businesses immediately and complete the rest of the licensing requirements, such as approvals from other government authorities concerned, within the subsequent 120 days.

            Government authorities are entitled to ensure full compliance by the licence holder to the licence criteria on day 121.

            The initiative, being implemented under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, will simplify procedures and facilitate business.

Quick growth

            "Dubai being a hub, various categories of businesses choose to set up in the emirate for faster growth and market access.

            "The 120-day licence is part of DED's efforts to enable businesses to make full use of the advantages of Dubai and improve the emirate's ranking in the Doing Business Report of the World Bank," said Mohammad Shael, Chief Executive Officer of the Business Registration and Licensing (BRL) Division at DED.

            Business activities have been categorised as no-risk, low-risk and high-risk for the sake of evaluating the risk component.

            More than 90 per cent of the businesses in the emirate are no-risk or low-risk and therefore a vast majority of businesses stand to benefit from the 120-day licence.

            For high-risk business activities constituting the remaining 10 per cent, such as restaurants and clinics, all standards set by the government authorities concerned must be fully met before DED issues the licence.

            Dr Khalid Maniar, founder and managing partner of Horwath MAK, told Gulf News, "The move will definitely attract investment and improve the competitiveness of Dubai, and enhance its global ranking in doing business."

            Shael said: "The categorisation depends on four main risk factors, evaluated on the basis of whether the business activity is harmful to human beings, harmful to animal life, harmful to plants, or harmful to the environment.

            "When a businessman approaches DED for a licence, a 120-day licence is issued immediately, on completion of the necessary procedures, if the specific business activity falls under the no-risk or low-risk categories."

Positive

            Jitendra Gianchandani, Chairman and Managing Partner at Jitendra Consulting Group, said, "At the outset, the initiative looks very positive. However, a business cannot function if bank accounts are not opened and visas are not issued.

            "So I don't know how the banks and the Ministry of Labour will be reacting to this as they will be linked to this. Recently banks have implanted stringent KYC [know your clients/customer] requirements. With such type of temporary licence, how will they open the bank account?" he asked.

It reflects that all emirates are not working in unison, he said.

            "This is already an existing problem for investors and it will add to further confusion in the future," he said.

            Further clarification on the cost of issuing such licences and conversion to a permanent licence is needed, Gianchandani said.

            The low-risk category includes chemical plants and similar industrial operations that require pre-approvals from various authorities including the Dubai Municipality and Civil Defence.

            "As the standard classification of the activity book is issued by the Ministry of Economy, which is a federal government body, therefore classification of activities by DED as no-risk or low-risk requires changes in the activity book of the Ministry of Economy," Gianchandani says. "If they don't change [it], then it will create confusion and will add to the bureaucracy. Besides, the issuance of visas and bank account procedures in the case of ‘hassle-free licences' has to be clarified," Gianchandani said.

            "In order to improve the rank as per the World Bank's ease of doing business, the same changes will have to be carried out across the UAE and not only in Dubai."

            Non-Emiratis are already allowed to hold 100 per cent ownership in Dubai companies even without a free zone licence. Professionals such as doctors, technicians, carpenters, cooks etc can have 100 per cent ownership unless the entity is a Limited Liability Company (LLC).

            Expatriates can only have 49 per cent ownership in LLCs with UAE nationals holding 51 per cent.

Philosophy

            Referring to the 120-day hassle-free licence as a new philosophy of business registration and licensing, Shael said the initiative along with significant reforms like Law No 13 of 2011 will dramatically enhance the ease of doing business.

            "These facilities have stringent standards often embedded in their design and they go through years of preparations and inspections. Hence there is no risk in issuing them a licence.

            "It will in fact allow them to complete procedures like testing and hiring before starting actual operations," Shael said.

            Law No 13 issued by Sheikh Mohammed in 2011 acknowledges the contributions of free zone companies to Dubai's economy and allows such firms to open branches in Dubai while maintaining their presence in the free zone. – Gulf News

 

Newspapers trusted over social media in UAE

            UAE residents have given traditional media like newspapers the thumbs for credibility despite the onslaught of micro blogging sites like Twitter and Facebook who suffer from a trust deficit.

            Social media may be growing in the Middle East and opening channels for communication, but users come back to print to read and believe what their leaders have to say, according to the data from an online survey by Ketchum Global Research & Analytics and IPSOS.

            When asked which media they trusted most, 48% picked print . Only 16% went for younger, trending media like Facebook, and 8% chose Twitter. Facebookers number 800 million worldwide with 18 million users in the Middle East, which is an 8% penetration in the region, according to Internet World Stats.

            The online survey involved 3,759 respondents in 12 countries and was conducted from December 14, 2011 to January 10 this year. Respondents were asked which media was more credible when forming opinions about leaders and leadership. The list contained 15 options and those surveyed had to choose their top five. Personal contact (watching a speech) came tops at 55%. followed by television at 49% and print at 48% for credibility. Broadcast media came next with 45% and financial publications also scored well  trust with 42% opting for them. When queried on the role of communication in leadership, 89% said effective communication was extremely important to great leadership.

            Nicola Gregson, Managing Director, Ketchum Raad Middle East, said 47% of the 312 respondents in the UAE felt business leaders had demonstrated effective leadership in the UAE, compared to an average global figure of 40%.

            “Our new study clearly shows the full extent of the global desire for adept leadership to guide us through any difficult times in 2012, with the help of clear and firm communications,” said Gregson.

            The survey revealed good communication was extremely important to the country’s leadership and said both business and political leaders ‘already communicate effectively in the UAE’.

            Results of the survey showed residents in the UAE expect their leaders to be open and honest role models, lead by example, bring out the best in others, communicate in an open and transparent way, and handle controversial issues or crises calmly.

            Countries surveyed were United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Poland, China, Singapore, India and the UAE. – Khaleej Times

 

Changing face of retail in Abu Dhabi

            The number of retail stores in Abu Dhabi is forecast to increase dramatically this year as developers finish projects and the capital migrates from single stores to mall-based shopping.

            A total of 260,000 square metres of retail space is expected to be completed this year in Abu Dhabi on top of 1.67 million sq metres currently available in the capital, according to the property consultancy Jones Lang LaSalle.

            "With many new retail centres scheduled to enter the market before 2013, rents are expected to remain stable in the short term but may soften in the medium term," Jones Lang LaSalle said in a December report on the retail market in Abu Dhabi.

            Single-store retail currently dominates the landscape in Abu Dhabi, occupying about 54 per cent of retail space, while larger shopping centres such as Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi Mall and Dalma Mall make up 38 per cent.

            But the contribution from malls is to grow this year as builders are scheduled to hand over three malls: Paragon Bay Mall on Reem Island; Capital Mall in Mohammed Bin Zayed City; and Deerfields Town Square in Al Bahia.

            New, smaller developments such as Etihad Towers, Galleria at Sowwah Square and Emporium at Central Market are also forecast to open. – The National

 

Replica of Wall Street bull set to charge into Dubai

            The famed ‘Charging Bull', a New York icon on Wall Street, will have a UAE version later this year, Gulf News has learnt.

            On the sidelines of Art Dubai, Italian-American sculptor Arturo Di Modica told Gulf News: "Work has started on the sculpture. We haven't finalised the final location in the UAE as yet."

            Modica, who created the 3.5 tonne, 4.8-metre-long and 3.3-metre-high bronze sculpture in 1989 and the Shanghai Bull of the same size in 2010, is in Dubai as a guest of the art fair.

            "Unlike the reddish tone of the bull in Shanghai, the one for Dubai will be sand coloured," he said.

            Two of his life-size works, the bull and the horse in stainless steel are in the UAE as private collections. His interest though is in public sculptures, he said.

            "Dubai definitely needs more sculptures. I have been here thrice so far and have witnessed the development. The tall structures need sculptures around to create a dynamic environment. There are too few sculptures and not as large. We need sizes at least three metres up," he said.

            When asked how sculptures interact with a society's consciousness, he said it differs from region to region.

            "New York has a different dynamism as does Shanghai. The cities itself needs to be educated to commission such large sculptures so people are forced to stop, look and study the piece. Maybe even touch them.

            "The point is to slow people down to admire something that may not be in their line of work."

            Of the places in the UAE, Modica said business districts and busy meeting points are good.  His representative, Dyanna Sidiropulo, said his work is believed to influence positivity, especially in tough economic times.

            "That is why he is not in museums. He wants to have his work interact with the public and in a large space." – Gulf News

 

Emirates ID will replace labour card

            There will be no need for expatriates to have labour cards after three months, a spokesman from the ministry of labour has said.

            "The document which was essential for any employee in the country will now be replaced by the Emirates ID and there will no longer be a need to have a labour card by the end of June, when the deadline for registering expatriates in the ID system expires," he said

            Earlier Saqr Gobash Saeed Gobash, Minister of Labour, had said that Emirates ID cards would replace labour cards by the second half of 2012.

            He said the decision would be implemented as soon as the Emirates National Identity Authority (Eida) was sure that all expatriates in the UAE were registered and had applied for the Emirates ID.

            "After the completion of ID registration of all expatriates in the country, the labour card will be eradicated and replaced by the Emirates ID," he said.

            The spokesman said that using Emirates ID as labour card will make things easier for expatriate workers. "They will not need to carry too many cards after the ID registration is completed by June this year."

            Dubai residents, whose residence visas expire this year, can register and renew their ID cards at the time of renewal of their visas.

            Expatriates in Sharjah are required to register and renew their ID cards before February 1; Abu Dhabi residents must do it before April 1; and the deadline for Dubai is before June 1.

            The official said that the Emirates ID is valid for two years for expatriates working in the private sector. The validity applies to also family members who are under their sponsorship.

what the ID replaces

  • The Emirates ID card is an electronic means of identification by The Emirates Identity Authority EIDA.

  • EIDA introduced the need for ID cards for all UAE residents over the age of 15 years.

  • The Emirates ID will soon replace all other identification cards for the residents such as driving licence, health card and labour card.

  • The Emirates ID validity depends on the validity of the residence visa, but the card does not need replacement when the visa is renewed. – Gulf News

 

Old TV recordings featured in Art Dubai

            Television recordings of UAE life from the 1970s to 1990s were showcased on the concluding day of Art Dubai.

            Hind Mezaina, a blogger from Dubai, featured Emirati Aqeel Al Showab's collection that dates back to the early 1970s.

            Al Showab started chronicling life in the country when he was a teenager, recording events broadcast on television including state visits, entertainment shows and sport on VHS/Betamax — both now obsolete video formats.

            Hind edited Al Showab's collection of 10,000 hours of recordings into a three-and-a-half hour video titled Mass Medium: Emirati TV on Home Video.

            She told Gulf News, "It provides an insight into the culture — what people watched on television during that period before the invasion of satellite channels.

            "It is a miniscule part of his collection of music shows, documentary, interviews, etc. There is even a recording of disco era vocal group Boney M performing in front of a studio audience." Art Dubai approached Hind for the video project following a video entry about Al Showab in her blog (http://www.theculturist.com).   – Gulf News

 

Special Charles Dickens retrospective brought to Abu Dhabi

            Working with the Abu Dhabi Film Festival (ADFF), the British Council will present a programme of 10 films based on or inspired by Dickens at the Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi from March 27-April 2, according to the British Council in the UAE.

            The UK is the country of focus of this year's Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF). The Dickens programme first ran at the BFI Southbank in London in January.

            "This year marks the bicentenary of Charles Dickens' birth, and Charles Dickens has long been an inspiration for filmmakers, TV producers, and artists alike. Through this collaboration with ADFF, around ADIBF, and with such a burgeoning arts, culture and literature scene in the UAE, we expect the Dickens on Film programme to be welcomed with enthusiasm by the local and expatriate communities in the UAE," said Michel Bechara, Head of Projects, of British Council in the UAE.

            "Not only does this wonderful series present a selection of skilled adaptations of literature to film, but it offers a chance to see some outstanding performances by British screen stars such as Dirk Bogarde, Joyce Grenfell, Alec Guinness, Valerie Hobson, John Mills, Alastair Sim and Jean Simmons. Not to mention Toronto-born Christopher Plummer, who received his long-overdue first Oscar just a few weeks ago, and two icons of the silent era, Lon Chaney and Jackie Coogan, who star in the greatest rarity of the series, Frank Lloyd's recently rediscovered 1922 silent version of Oliver Twist," added ADFF Executive Director Peter Scarlet. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

 

'43 Photographers' book launched in Dubai

            Dubai turned muse for 43 photographers as they united in one canvas to mark 25 years of Motivate Publishing in the UAE.

            Unveiled at the Bastakiya courtyard, “43 Photographers” is a coffee table book tribute that           captures the cosmopolitan culture of the UAE.

“What started out as an idea during our 40th national day project culminated to coincide with our 25th anniversary,” said Ian Fairservice, Managing Partner and Group Editor, Motivate Publishing, at the book launch.

            “The images capture the UAE’s national identity and some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes and hidden corners.”

            Pitched on 43 easels that lined the walls of the wind towers, the canvas prints of the images, one each from the selected photographers, presented a trip down memory lane.

            “The images are diverse and capture life in the UAE, both past and present. The book is dedicated to the people and rulers of the emirates,” read Fairservice’s foreword in the book.

            Talking about Motivate’s publishing history, he revealed that it was “My Vision” by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, that was enormously successful, “selling 80,000 copies”.

            “43 Photographers”, which comes in four different covers as the publishers couldn’t decide on any one, was handed over to dignitaries Mohamed Al Noori, Director of Environmental Centre for Arab Towns; Saeed Al Nabooda, Director General of Dubai Culture; and Mohamed Al Shirawi, CEO of Emirates Printing Press. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, who has penned a foreword in the book, was unable to attend due to bad weather.

            Picked from over 1,000 submissions, the publishers decided on 170 images from 43 photographers. “It’s interesting that you find pictures not just from professionals but also from many, talented amateurs. Our book publishing began with amateur authors, who went on to enjoy great success. So, it was only befitting that we invited professional and amateurs for this work,” Fairservice said.
            American nature photographer Dave Clark, whose click of the feathered grey heron, seen in Al Ain, made it to the album. “I sent it (the book) to a couple of friends who lived here and they’re thrilled.”

            Scottish photographer Grant Bishop’s picture showed a colourful set of balloons floating into the misty blue sky. He said it is his efforts in 2007, when he blogged one photograph per day for a year, that prompted selectors to pick his picture.

            A small group of Filipino photographers too found their place in the spotlight. Joey Anasco’s portrait of a little boy cycling against the sunset was impressive, while Donnell Gumiran’s picture of men chatting against the background of a boat on the beach was dramatic. “I like documenting the life of Emiratis,” said Gumiran.

            But it was Filipino Charlie’s psychedelic shot of the souk, achieved after tinkering with the shutter speed, that won a lot of applause. “I took this picture during my photography class but was surprised when it was selected because for me it was just fun,” he said. – Emirates 24|7

 

2012 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix tickets go on sale worldwide

            Abu Dhabi, UAE; Saturday 24th March, 2012: GCC citizens and residents will again have the opportunity to take advantage of the 20 per cent early bird discount - available in all Grandstand seating except the Main Grandstand - when tickets for the 2012 Formula 1Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which runs November 2-4, go on sale globally tomorrow.

            It is anticipated that, now in its fourth year, the weekend will again host a sell-out crowd with 50,000 spectators gathering at Yas Marina Circuit to watch the excitement.

            Importantly, this year will feature a significantly expanded programme of on-and-off track activities dovetailing a raft of city-wide entertainment.

            "We work very hard to raise the bar every year," said Richard Cregan, Chief Executive Officer, Yas Marina Circuit. "For 2012, we are offering new ticketing and entertainment options that allow spectators to customise their weekend experience based on their needs and interests." Race-goers are being offered a variety of seating and hospitality upgrades available for the first time, allowing them to tailor-make their race weekend experience - including Marina Club and South Club upgrades. On the corporate sales front, Yas Viceroy Hotel Private Suites '&' Terrace Tickets and Marina Grandstand Boxes are available again.

            In addition to a new ticket structure released today, Yas Marina Circuit, the Grand Prix organiser, has teamed up with Etihad Airways, the award-winning national airline of the UAE, to deliver a series of all-inclusive flight, hotel and race weekend packages to entice regional and international motorsport fans and international leisure and entertainment seekers. Full details of these and all other available packages can be found at http://www.yasmarinacircuit.ae.

            Beyond the on-track action, F1 ticket holders will be able to enjoy a wider entertainment programme in the Oasis areas behind the Grandstands, while the Yasalam after-race concerts of world class acts will once again draw F1 ticket holders to the neighbouring Yas Arena after the days' on-track action. Previous Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekends have seen world-class acts such as Sir Paul McCartney, Beyonce, Kings of Leon, Aerosmith, Britney Spears and Linkin Park perform to crowds in excess of 30,000 per night. With free concerts on the Corniche, celebration events taking place across the city, and plans under way for more exclusive F1 ticket-holder only entertainment, the Capital is gearing up once more for an action packed F1 week.

            In another first for 2012, the popular Australian V8 Supercars series will be the official F1 support race. Fans of this bumper-to-bumper series can buy select seating packages granting exclusive weekend access to the V8 Supercar pits and drivers. Marina Grandstand Boxes also provide access to the V8 Supercar pits and drivers.

            Tickets are now available through a wide range of outlets, including selected Etihad Airways shops, Virgin Megastores across the UAE and GCC, the Yas Hotel and Yas Marina Circuit itself. They are also available from the 800 927 (YAS) call centre and from the website at http://www.yasmarinacircuit.ae. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Desert challenge goes green

            The 2012 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge slated from March 30 to April 6 has signed a deal to offset any environmental damage from the event.

            The agreement was signed between Automobile and Touring Club of UAE (ATCUAE) with Carbon Credit brokerage, Advanced Global Trading (AGT), and considered to be the first of its kind in the region.

            The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge involves over 360 vehicles from support teams, competitors and organisers participating across the spectacular terrain of the Liwa Desert.

            The FIA’s environmental committee presented that a significant amount of CO2 emissions from such a large motorsport events were present, prompting the ATCUAE to offset these emissions with the support of AGT. An advocate of responsible motoring, Mohammed bin Sulayem, ATCUAE President and founder of the challenge, spearheaded this environmentally-aware agreement: “This challenging event takes place in a beautiful country with one of the most spectacular settings in the world, so we must take every measure to ensure the environment doesn’t suffer from our passion. To me it is very important that we take this step because it is in alliance with the UAE government’s vision regarding environmental awareness, especially since the event is held in Abu Dhabi, the host of the world energy summit. Also, the patron of this event Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, is also the Chairman of the Environment Agency.”

            Indeed, the UAE government is leading the region with regards to renewable energy and environmental awareness projects, with investments expected to tally up to US$2.74 trillion by 2020. And Abu Dhabi is again hosting the World Energy Summit in January 2013.

            Prior to every event, ATCUAE briefs all competitors about the potentially negative effects on the Western Region as a wildlife habitat. If they’re not responsible, such as with oil spills and changing filters during the race, there are heavy penalty points. The UAE’s environmental authorities are involved from the outset down to planning the route.

            The Desert Challenge is held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s representative in the Western Region, and Chairman of the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, with support from a number of key partners, including Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, Nissan and ADNOC. – Khaleej Times

Sheikh Mohammed announces Dubai Modern Art Museum and Opera House District in Dubai

            His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, yesterday announced the launch of the Dubai Modern Art Museum and Opera House District, a stylish cultural destination to be located in Emaar's flagship development, Downtown Dubai, and billed to be the UAE's newest arts and cultural nerve-centre.

            The Dubai Modern Art Museum and Opera House District aims to further strengthen UAE's emerging role as the cultural hub of the region, and builds on Dubai's current repertoire of over 50 art galleries and globally acclaimed art showcases including Art Dubai, Design Days Dubai and SIKKA, all of which also contribute to attracting high-end cultural tourists.

            Sheikh Mohammed said: "The cultural accomplishments of a nation define its character and individuality. Having demonstrated our credentials in hosting world-class cultural events, UAE has established itself as a thriving destination for culture and the arts. We will continue to strengthen the infrastructure framework for promoting cultural initiatives, through projects such as the Dubai Modern Art Museum and Opera House District.' This will not only encourage our talented local artists but also facilitate global cultural exchange." Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, said: "We are thankful to the visionary guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, who continuously inspires us to implement initiatives that contribute to the city's long-term growth. With Dubai Modern Art Museum & Opera House District,' we are further building on the support that Emaar extends to arts and culture.

            "It will be Dubai's definitive entertainment destination that stimulates creativity, supports the arts sector, and also offers visitors their choice of hospitality and leisure. The focus of Dubai Modern Art Museum and Opera House District is to stimulate the city's cultural and artistic milieu through an Opera House, modern art museum, galleries and design studios - in short, the entire infrastructure for arts and culture to thrive." In addition to Dubai's first dedicated Opera House, a modern art museum and several new galleries that will be built within the precinct, the Dubai Modern Art Museum and Opera House District will host two new art hotels, an array of leisure components and several residential apartments and design studios.

            A committed partner in driving the arts sector of Dubai, Emaar is complementing the vibrant cultural scene of Dubai with The Pavilion; a dedicated art gallery located in Downtown Dubai, and recently hosted Design Days Dubai, a contemporary fair for high-end design collectibles at a customised venue overlooking Burj Khalifa.

            Several exclusive art pieces adorn Downtown Dubai including renowned Spanish sculptor Xavier Corbero's Gathering, a collection of ten figurine sculptures made of basalt; Colombian figurative artist Fernando Botero's Horse 2007; Kuwaiti sculptor Sami Mohamed Al Saleh's Al Sidra and Syrian artist Lutfi Romhein's Together.

            To be clearly differentiated from the existing architectural icons in Downtown Dubai, the Dubai Modern Art Museum and Opera House District, will be a design masterpiece, integrating various components that assure a contemporary lifestyle choice for visitors. With plazas, high streets, shaded colonnades, courtyards, sikkas, alleyways, waterfront promenades and parks in close proximity, it will be distinguished by its unique mix of components that focus on the cultural and creative side of Dubai, a realm that is fast growing.

            The Dubai Modern Art Museum and Opera House District will not only serve the lifestyle demands of the thousands of residents in Downtown Dubai, now a flourishing community, but will also be a magnet for tourists and art enthusiasts. A suave urban development, it will incorporate the modern tenets of sustainable buildings with an emphasis on environmental modelling.

            The design and architectural elements of the Dubai Modern Art Museum and Opera House District, are now being finalised, and work will commence shortly. Emaar Boulevard, which will anchor the Dubai Modern Art Museum and Opera House District, is one of the world's finest boulevards featuring retail and F'&'B outlets. Extending more than 3.5 km, it winds through the Downtown Dubai community, and offers spectacular views of Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. The waterfront promenade gives uninterrupted views of The Dubai Fountain, the world's tallest performing fountain. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Sharjah becomes First Emirate in UAE to Join WHO's 'Healthy Cities' Programme

            The emirate of Sharjah yesterday announced it has been accepted in the World Health Organisation’s ‘Healthy Cities’ project, becoming the first emirate in the UAE to participate in the programme.

            Sharjah’s participation comes as part of its efforts to drive its environmental, social, cultural and economic potential and position the emirate on the global map. Experts from WHO will help Sharjah in achieving its goals and adhering to the programme’s criteria. Sharjah’s achievements will single it out as a role model for cities in the Arab world.

            The integration into WHO’s programme validates the vision of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and is a testimony to his keenness and continuous concern for the welfare of his people.

            Further, the entry into the ‘Healthy Cities’ project positions Sharjah as the health capital of the region. The distinction complements its existing status as the cultural hub of the region.

            As a first step, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, has formed a chair-committee for managing the integration of Sharjah into WHO’s Healthy Cities programme.

            Sheikh Essam bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Office of H.H. the Ruler of Sharjah, has been named President of the Committee, while Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Vice-Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, has been appointed as Vice-President.

            Members of the committee will include Sheikh Mohammed bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Director of Sharjah Medical District, Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Director-General of the Department of Information and E-Government, Dr Saqr bin Abdullah Sultan Al Mualla, Vice-Chairman of the Mosanada (support) Committee, Saeed Misbah Al Kaabi, Director of Sharjah Educational District, Afaf Ibrahim Al Marri, Director of the Sharjah Social Services Department, Abdullah Ali Al Mohaian, Chairman of the Sharjah Health Authority, Dr. Abdullah Saleh Al Suaiji, Chairman of Sharjah Education Council, Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of Environment and Protected Areas Authority.

Osama Samra, Director of Sharjah Media Centre, Shatha Ali Abdullah Al Mualla, Director of Department of Public Health in Municipality of Sharjah, and Asma Samir Al Khodari, member of the Mosanada Committee.

            The chair committee held its first meeting at the office of H.H. the Ruler of Sharjah. The meeting agreed to assign coordinators from various government departments in Sharjah to work on the programme.

            During the meeting, Sheikh Essam bin Saqr Al Qasimi highlighted the importance of the accession of Sharjah into the World Health Organisation’s Healthy Cities project, stating that it will help the emirate consolidate its international position for its continuous interest in achieving the highest health and environmental standards. Pointing out that Sharjah has achieved its health and environmental goals through launching a series of programmes, he stressed that participating in the project will help strengthen the community's confidence in the quality, development and impact of services on public health, as well as the adoption of global best practices.

            Sheikh Essam bin Saqr Al Qasimi said: "The WHO’s Healthy Cities programme is based on a preventive approach that promotes health and works towards improving the environmental, social and economic aspects of a city and their impact on the health of the community. It calls for collective action and constant innovation from every resident of the city, as any health or environmental hazard will affect everyone."

            The meeting additionally discussed the agenda of World Health Organisation’s Healthy Cities project and the steps taken in Sharjah to improve health and environmental levels, in addition to fostering community participation in the programme.

            Members of the chair committee reviewed the advantages of associating with the Healthy Cities project such as supporting the efforts of government bodies and local institutions in Sharjah. The members also examined the programme’s mechanisms and standards to put in place policies and systems that will ensure Sharjah’s conformance to the parameters of a Healthy City.

            The meeting also discussed other topical issues related to facilitating the process of collecting and analysing information, preparing the city’s health plan, encouraging the participation of community and non-governmental organisations, providing technical support and assisting the completion of the programme's activities, fostering cooperative action between different sectors of the economy, and assessing health risks and impacts. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Swan commends Masdar students for courage, commitment

            Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, announced on Wednesday that polar explorer Sir Robert Swan commended the commitment and courage of the two students who were part of the International Antarctic Expedition (IAE) 2012.

            During a video shoot on Day 9 of the expedition in the Antarctic, Sir Robert Swan also acknowledged Masdar for investing in Reem Al Junaibi and Maitha Al Kaabi, and sponsoring them on their expedition to the Antarctic continent as part of Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL) programme, a Masdar Institute outreach initiative. The two students thanked the polar explorer for the wonderful experience in the Antarctic and Masdar Institute for selecting them to be part of the expedition team.

            The two students returned to the UAE on March 16 after successfully completing the expedition. The International Antarctic Expedition (IAE) 2012 team began their voyage from Ushuaia in Argentina on Feb. 27.

            Sir Robert Swan said: “I want to thank you all a lot for having the courage and the generosity in investing in these two (students) in coming here with me to the Antarctic, which is quite cold here today. But if we are not using more renewable clean technology in our real world, not only will we not preserve Antarctica but the human race will not survive on earth. So, we are here on a survival situation. Masdar is part of the survival situation.

            “It has been great to have these two fabulous girls here on the International Antarctica Expedition (IAE) 2012 team. They have been real stars. You should be proud of these two. They are the best of the best.”

            Reem Al Junaibi said: “I would like to thank you (Sir Swan) for such an amazing experience. We have definitely improved our leadership skills and we have added more skills while being here in the Antarctic. And we are ready to go back to Masdar and contribute to help preserve the Antarctic continent.

            Maitha Al Kaabi said: “It is a wonderful experience and I have loved every moment of it. Now I have great friends among the international community. We discuss interesting topics. We had a lovely day today learning about renewable energy, cleaning waste products and stuff like that. And now, we are ready to conduct our research projects in the UAE.” – The Gulf Today

 

Al Ain Zoo celebrates birth of five Arabian Sand Gazelles

            Al Ain Zoo is now embracing newly born five Arabian Sand Gazelles, known as Arabian Goitered Gazelle, which were born on March 18 under the auspices and supervision of the Veterinary Department in the zoo. Three of them are males, while two are females.  The Arabian Sand Gazelles live only in the Arabian Peninsula. The numbers of this species decline due to the illegal hunting, expansion of agriculture, competition for food with livestock and fragmentation of habitat due to development projects.  - Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

TDIC’s statement for the press concerning HRW’s report on Saadiyat Island

            Tourism Development '&' Investment Company (TDIC), the master developer of cultural, residential and tourism destinations in Abu Dhabi, continues to be deeply committed to safeguarding worker welfare on its projects; as an integral part of this commitment, TDIC fully supports and respects the important role human rights organisations play, and cooperates to address issues of concern as they become evident.

            The company is pleased to see Human Rights Watch (HRW) has acknowledged the high standards that TDIC continues to uphold in the area of worker welfare in its latest report on Saadiyat island (released on 21st March 2012). However, TDIC believes that some of the findings detailed are outdated and inaccurate, as the report cites interviews conducted between October 2010 and January 2011. Moreover, the company believes the methodology HRW has used in the report is flawed; we call into question the small sample of workers interviewed, as well as the limited number of contractors these workers represent. TDIC therefore firmly believes that this report is not an accurate reflection of the current situation on Saadiyat.

            The company shares HRW's concern on the subject of labour recruitment fees which, unfortunately, continues to be a challenge. This practice mainly occurs in the worker's country of origin, making it an extremely difficult problem to address from the UAE. However, as according to TDIC's Employment Practices Policy (EPP), should any worker prove they have been charged fees by an agency to work on any of its projects, the company will take appropriate action under its agreement with the relevant contractor to reimburse the worker. By focusing solely on Saadiyat, HRW is shifting the spotlight away from this important issue rather than trying to address it at its core. TDIC therefore encourages HRW to take the lead role in campaigning against this damaging practice on a wider scale and will fully support it in doing so.

            TDIC is extremely pleased with the community spirit that continues to flourish at the Saadiyat Construction Village - a model of best practice that has been built to house up to 20,000 workers employed by contractors during the construction of Saadiyat island. A significant number of visiting ministers, resident foreign ambassadors and journalists have toured the village and voiced their admiration for its unique facilities.

            In May 2011 TDIC appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) as an independent auditor to monitor its contractors' and subcontractors' performance in the area of worker welfare on Saadiyat. The first report will be shared with the public later this year; in addition to the findings, the document will also detail the stringent methodology that has been implemented by the auditor.

            TDIC is proud of its achievements in the area of worker welfare and is fully committed to review its policies regularly, and amend them when warranted, in order to continue setting the highest standards in its Employment Practices Policy (EPP). - Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Abdullah bin Zayed receives U.S. Assistant Treasury Secretary

            Foreign Minister H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan received in Abu Dhabi yesterday David Cohen, Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Treasury. They discussed economic relations between the two countries and ways to enhance them. Sheikh Abdullah underlined the progress witnessed in the ties of friendship between the two countries.

            For his part, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of Treasury praised the progress made by the UAE and expressed his country's keenness to further develop ties with the UAE. The meeting was attended by a number of Foreign Ministry officials and the U.S. Ambassador Michael Corbin. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Djibouti's Interior Minister hails UAE humanitarian initiatives

            Djibouti's Interior Minister Hassan Darrar Hufenah has lauded the humanitarian initiatives shouldered by the UAE to enhance life at the areas that face dire humanitarian catastrophes. He added that his country appreciates aid being provided by the UAE to assist those affected by the drought and desertification in Djibouti, citing the efforts of the UAE's Red Crescent Authority at the international arena.

            The Djibouti minister indicated that the RCA aid programmes provided to the Djibouti people improve the living conditions of the needy categories and ease their suffering.

            He discussed during the meeting attended by Djibouti's Ambassador to UAE Osman Darrar, possibility of implementation of development projects, especially drilling of wells and provision of water by the RCA. The two sides also discussed ways to strengthen partnership between the RAC and the Djibouti's Red Crescent Society to provide more humanitarian services.

            For his part, Dr Mohammed Ateeq Al Falahi said Djibouti is one of the Horn of Africa countries affected by the drought and is getting more attention from the RCA upon the directives by H. H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Western Region. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Abu Dhabi is on track to achieve growth targets

            Abu Dhabi is on track to achieve its economic growth targets set in Vision 2030, said Mohammed Omar Abdullah, undersecretary, Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development.

      “The annual economic growth rate of five to six per cent envisaged in Vision 2030 may not be met this year. It can fluctuate, however, on an average in the next 18-years, the target fixed will be achieved,” he said.

      Speaking to reporters after opening the Global Investment Forum organised by DED Abu Dhabi and Institutional Investor magazine, he said the economic department was working on the final touches of key important initiatives to further enhance national economic competitiveness.

      “The ongoing efforts of establishing a dedicated Investment Promotion Agency coupled with setting up a world class Export Promotion Agency are major enablers to fulfil our vision goals,” he told 200 investors and business executives.

      The UAE’s overall global competitiveness, 27th globally out of 142 economies surveyed, is a product of tangible achievements among key sub-indicators. For example, the country’s high quality of infrastructure, where it captures the 8th position globally, as well as the 10th globally in terms of its highly efficient goods markets, he said.

      Moreover, UAE’s strong macroeconomic stability comes at the 11th globally, in addition to other aspects of the country’s institutions — such as high public trust in politicians (8th globally) and high government efficiency (5th).

      Abdullah said the recent FDI growth in agriculture could be traced back to 2008, when food prices hikes paid attention on food security worldwide, signalling a remarkable rise in foreign investments in agri sector.

      According to the OECD, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, China and Korea are among the world major investors in agricultural land. In Abu Dhabi, cross border investments, joined with international trade, have traditionally been a defining characteristic and a principal pillar of the Emirate’s viewpoint with the wider world. Recent statistics show that non-oil GDP captured 50.3 per cent of the emirate’s total GDP, while oil GDP accounted for 49.7 per cent in 2010.

      Abu Dhabi has set the boosting of FDI as a key priority which will rise to 23 per cent of GDP by 2030.

      Abu Dhabi stands as a promising hub for investments and partnerships based upon its firm fundamentals, motivated particularly by the government-targeted 10 focus sectors.

      Abu Dhabi offers a considerable package of incentives to foreign investors and companies wishing to invest in the emirate, making it one of the most competitive investment destinations.

      In the same context, a recently published report by Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), entitled Hot Spots, which ranks the most competitive cities in the world for their demonstrated ability to attract capital, business, talent and tourists, according to the report, UAE’s two major sisters cities Abu Dhabi and Dubai are ranked as the most competitive cities in the Middle East. – Khaleej Times

 

Emirates NBD picks banks to arrange new US$ 7.5b programme

            Emirates NBD PJSC on Wednesday said it had mandated Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, Deutsche Bank, Emirates NBD Capital, HSBC and NBAD, as joint lead managers and joint bookrunners for its upcoming US Dollar Regulation S transaction, under Emirates NBD's USD 7,500MN EMTN Programme.  "The issue is expected to be launched in the near future subject to market conditions. ICMA/FSA Stabilisation", Emirates NBD said in an emailed press release.

            Emirates NBD PJSC is rated A3 by Moody's and A+ by Fitch and is the largest bank in the UAE by assets. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Dubai in Top 5 financial centres

            A new ranking puts Dubai among the top 5 financial centres for new office openings this year, among the likes of Singapore, Hong Kong, London and Shanghai.

            The just published Global Financial Centres Index, which tracks competitiveness among 77 international financial hubs, also sees Dubai regain its top slot among regional financial centres, overtaking Qatar once again as the regional hub of finance.

            Overall, Dubai improves its global ranking from #36 in 2010 to #29 in 2011 even as London, New York and Hong Kong and Singapore retain the top 4 slots globally in the Index published twice annually by the Z/Yen group. Tokyo replaces Shanghai at the No. 5 slot this year.

            “Of the four Middle Eastern centres in the GFCI, Dubai has overtaken Qatar to regain the status of leading Middle Eastern centre,” the report says, adding that Qatar’s strong fundamentals mean that it will remain a challenger to Dubai.

            “We believe that Qatar has strong underlying fundamentals to challenge Dubai,” it said. Qatar dropped eight slots to land at #38 in the latest rankings compared with #30 in the previous edition.

            At #48, the UAE’s capital city, Abu Dhabi, joined the rankings for the first time since the Index was first published in 2007, but is already ahead of Bahrain, which dropped two slots to land at #57 in the latest rankings. “Abu Dhabi is a new entrant to the GFCI and has come in just above Bahrain. Johannesburg [#55] and Istanbul [#61] do not yet fulfil their potential,” the report stated, adding that analysts at Z/Yen “expect Istanbul to become more significant in the medium term.”

            With a global ranking of #70, Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh brought up the bottom of the regional financial hubs.

            The report maintains that although the trend of large jumps in the Asia/Pacific financial centres’ rankings is subdued this year, it is only a matter of time before they emerge as global leaders.

            “The past trend of large rises in the ratings of Asia/Pacific centres has paused,” it said, adding that the overall scores of Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, Shanghai, Beijing, Taipei and Shenzhen all declined in the latest rankings. “Centres on the mainland of China have seen significant declines with Shanghai down 37 points and Beijing down 11. Hong Kong sees a 16 point drop and is now 27 points below London,” the report said.

            “We believe that these results in Asia are just an interlude in the long-term trend of the increasing importance of the region rather than a fundamental change in fortunes,” the report maintains. “Overall respondents think that the Asian centres will continue to become more significant. Some respondents question whether financial centres on mainland China will be able to continue their growth without relaxations in currency controls. It is worth noting that Seoul and Sydney are the only centres in Asia/Pacific showing higher ratings than in GFCI 10.”

            The GFCI provides ratings for financial centres calculated by a ‘factor assessment model’ that uses two distinct sets of input: Instrumental factors (external indices that contribute to competitiveness) and Financial centre assessments, by means of an online questionnaire. – Emirates 24|7

 

Dubal profit soars 65%

            Dubai Aluminium, known as Dubal, on Wednesday declared a 65 per cent record rise in its net profit for 2011, while sales revenue also jumped by 28.5 per cent.

            The state-owned company announced a net profit of Dh3.55 billion for 2011, compared to Dh2.13 billion in 2010 while sales declared at Dh11.14 billion over Dh8.67 billion in 2010.

            The results were announced by Abdulla JM Kalban, president and chief executive officer, during the company’s general assembly meeting, which was also attended by Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Dubal Board.

            Kalban said Dubal’s achievements in 2011 reflect a combination of higher production and sales volumes, plus the benefit of higher aluminium prices, coupled with sustained focus on controlling the cash conversion cost, the latter despite increasing pressure on the purchase prices of raw materials.

            “It’s also important to note that the improvement in Dubal’s net profit was partly attributable to our company’s share in the profits of Emirates Aluminium (Emal), which amounted to Dh622 million in 2011 during its first full year of production, whereas 2010 was still impacted by pre-operating expenses and costs that could not be capitalised contributing to the loss of Dh208 million,” he said.

            Reducing budgeted capital expenditures and maintaining tight working capital control contributed significantly to achieving improved cash generation from operating activities and free cash flow, he added.

            Since its establishment in 1979, the company has undergone a series of major expansion projects, together increasing the production capacity of Dubal’s Jebel Ali plant more than seven-fold to more than one million metric tonnes per annum. The Jebel Ali operation of the company ranks as the world’s largest single-site primary aluminium smelter using pre-bake anode technology.

            The use of advanced in-house developed technologies that offer improved productivity and other operating benefits, together with higher amperage levels and efficiency improvements, enabled Dubal to produce 1,014,795 metric tonnes of hot metal in 2011.  “This marked the second consecutive year that Dubal has surpassed the one million metric tonne hot metal milestone, and also represented growth of 1.3 per cent on the 1,002,014 metric tonnes produced in 2010,” Kalban said.

            Moreover, both cast product and sales volumes exceeded one million metric tonnes for the third consecutive year, with Dubal selling 1.7 per cent more metal in 2011 than in 2010. These statistics highlight the company’s ranking as a major supplier of premium quality, highest purity aluminium to the global market, especially as more than 90 per cent of Dubal’s annual production is exported to more than 300 customers in at least 50 countries in various parts of the world, he added.

            In terms of foreign investments to secure raw material stocks, good progress was made during 2011. Dubal is currently engaged in strategic upstream bauxite/alumina projects in Brazil, Republic of Guinea, and Cameroon, that are in various stages of development. – Khaleej Times

 

Dubai villa prices surge 20%

            Recent views about ‘hot money’ from troubled countries in the region pushing up house prices in Dubai has been contradicted by leading real estate brokerage firms in Dubai.

The increase in prices is purely because of demand and there are no signals about any bubble in the making, they say.

            “It is premature to talk about another bubble in the making at the moment,” Charles Neil, Chief Executive Officer at Landmark Properties told Emirates 24|7.

            Prices of villas in the popular Emaar community, The Springs, have gone up by 20-30 per cent in the past six months.

            For example, a 4M which was going for around Dh1million is now being advertised above Dh1.3million these days and a 3E has gone up fromDh1.7million to nearly Dh2million.

            The spike in prices leads us to the question of whether property is again appreciating too fast? Do these figures indicate another bubble in the making?

            “No” is the answer of real estate brokers.

            “We always predicted in our research that villa prices would be the first segment to recover because there was a finite supply of villas with very few deliveries of new villas taking place after 2012.

            "The other reason why there is a higher demand for villas is that it is still the preferred lifestyle for the majority of families with children who come out to live in the UAE,” said Neil.

            “I do not feel there is a bubble developing, but I do see signs of prices climbing due to the mechanics behind supply and demand.  Dubai has a certain quantity of good stock and The Springs for the most part are good stock as are other select properties around Dubai. 

            "As these properties disappear from the market, those still available will appreciate in value as their quantity decreases. Prices have been appreciating over the last 12 months on select properties. 

            "People have now realised that prices on certain stock have dropped as far as they are going to go and now they are moving on these units,” added Tom Bunker, Investment Sales Consultant, Head Office at Better Homes.

            Realtors believe that ‘hot money’ may not be the factor pushing up sale prices. A lack of trust in financial institutions and the belief that real estate gives returns overtime are drawing the attention of many investors.

            “Investors are tired of trusting banks and are falling back to real estate once again. Dubai has always been an interesting real estate market and it is a market that seems to have caught the attention of investors once again,” said Bunker.

            “Typically in the real estate cycle when prices bottom out (which appears to be the case with villas) sellers who were selling in the down cycle  with a view to buying back in when the market picks will no longer do so and withdraw their properties from the market.

            "Furthermore, those investors who have been able to hang on will also try and hold for longer if they see prices rising.

            “This tightening up of supply being offered for sale has been apparent for the past six months and agents are scrambling around to find villa inventory. Owner are being emboldened because they start getting lots of calls for their villas and are now not willing to negotiate on the price.

            "Thus, a good part of the increase has come from the bid/offer gap narrowing. I feel, therefore, what is happening is typical of the sharp corrections you get when prices bottom out , but once these prices have bounced back you go in for more normal levels of price increase thereafter,” explained the Landmark expert. – Emirates 24|7

 

Fluorescent bulbs: Lighting up a greener future in UAE

            Light bulbs that are not energy efficient will be banned across the country from mid-2013 as the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (Esma) expands its range of efficiency standards to cover more electrical equipment and appliances.

            The move will also affect washing machines and refrigerators.

            The new standards will require all light bulbs sold and used in the country to be eco-friendly as per the rating system, which will be announced early next year.

            Only the likes of compact fluorescent light bulbs and LED bulbs will fall into the approved category, under the ratings system currently being devised.

            "We are covering different electrical equipment and appliances gradually on a priority basis and early next year we will announce the new set of appliances covered under the ratings system," said Mohammad Saleh Badri, acting director-general of Esma, speaking exclusively to Gulf News.

            The authority is currently in discussions with different stake holders — including distributors, manufacturers as well as retailers of light bulbs — to study the impact of the ban and making sure all ends are covered before any such move is made.

            "We want to make sure nobody is adversely affected, most importantly the consumers. We don't want to put an additional burden on the consumers because of the ban on normal bulbs, so we are studying the impact of the ban and, if possible, we will [proceed with the ban] if the government can subsidise eco-friendly bulbs to bring the prices down," Badri elaborated.

            The fluorescent energy-efficient bulbs are four to five times costlier than the normal incandescent bulbs. However, fluorescent energy-efficient bulbs consume up to five times less power and in the long run save a lot of money.

            Fluorescent bulbs also last up to ten times longer, which in effect means they are much more cost-effective in the long run.

            Once the difference is ascertained and the regulations are drafted, which are likely to be ready with Cabinet ratification by the end of this year, incandescent bulbs will be effectively banned.

"The regulations would effectively ban incandescent and halogen bulbs as they consume a lot of energy and would not make the cut. We urge all consumers to stop buying these bulbs and replace them with energy efficient white bulbs, which will save a lot of power as well as money," Badri said as he highlighted the benefits behind the move.

            Interestingly, the first phase of implementation will require all government departments to replace their lighting systems with the more-efficient alternatives.

            "We are coordinating with different government departments to implement [the plan] at the government level first. We are in talks with the Roads and Transport Authority Dubai (RTA), the Department of Transport Abu Dhabi and several municipalities to see whether they can replace street lamps with energy-efficient bulbs. If this happens it will be a great achievement," Badri said.

            Though it might take a while, Esma is working on replacing all industrial lighting, as well as flood lights used at sports stadiums and entertainment arenas.

            "Our primary focus is on domestic and personal users, but we will gradually cover all types of lights, including decorative lights, flood lights, etc. There are energy-efficient alternatives for [the] type of lightings and we will slowly push for their replacement at every level," Badri said.

All new white goods will need to use less power

            The rating system for refrigerators and washing machines is similar to the one already in place for air-conditioners (AC) since January this year.

            Like ACs, all washing machines and refrigerators would be clearly rated and labelled from ‘One Star' to ‘Five Star' based on their energy efficiency.

            "We are working to decide on the cut off marks for the Minimum Energy Performance, which is 5.9 in case of ACs, and any product falling below the cut off is not allowed to enter the country," Mohammad Saleh Badri, acting director-general of ESMA, said as he explained the rating mechanism.

            The energy-efficiency ratings are part of an overall set of standards, which covers all products that have an impact on consumers. The standards focus on the safety, quality and environmental aspects of a product.

            "The safety and quality standards for all kitchen appliances have already been enforced, while the energy-efficiency standards are being implemented gradually," Badri said.

Certificate of conformity

            According to new standards, all electrical appliances imported to the UAE or produced in the country need to obtain a certificate of conformity from Esma before they hit the market.

            "We are hoping that only Five Star appliances will come to the UAE," Badri said.

            The regulations will be ready by January 2013 and a grace period of six to eight months would be provided before implementation. – Gulf News

 

Global Village invites local and foreign firms for participation in next edition

            Global Village, the largest family entertainment and shopping venue in the region, is opening its doors for local and international companies and institutions who wish to participate in its terrific variety of attractions next season. Interested entities simply need to send their phone numbers and email addresses, to stand a chance of being part of the region's most electrifying cultural and commercial meeting point.

            This season Global Village experienced dizzying success, but it does not intend to rest on its laurels. On the contrary, it plans to make next season even bigger and better, so visitors have endless breathtaking surprises awaiting them. The attractions cover a broad spectrum of offerings from entertainment, arts, shopping, cuisine and much more. The tremendous diversity of the products, pavilions, restaurants and shops is a faithful reflection of the diversity of the visitors, who come from every conceivable corner of the world.

            Since 1997, Global Village has consolidated its reputation as the region's first choice destination for world class entertainment and shopping. This season it hosted 29 pavilions, representing 40 countries around the globe. – Emirates 24|7

 

Abu Dhabi International Book Fair draws 900 publishing houses

            The 22nd edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair will attract 900 publishing houses from 45 countries, up by 10 per cent. They feature over 500, 000 books in 33 languages. This was disclosed yesterday at a press conference organised by Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Tourism to announce the programme of the Book Fair, which will be held from March 28- April 02, at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre under patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Yas to host Touring Cars penultimate round and GTs final race

            Yas Marina Circuit will host the penultimate round of the Total UAE Touring Car Championship and the last round of the UAE GT Championship on Friday.

            It is now crunch time in the Total UAE Touring Cars championship battle in Class 1 with Nader Zuhour targeting his first UAE championship win, while chief rival Costas Papantonis will be looking to add a second trophy on his mantelpiece.

            Zuhour, driving the NFS Racing prepared SEAT, has three wins to his credit having scored in every round and currently leads the standings by nine points.

            “I have been driving with an eye on the championship, but at the same trying to take each race one at a time. The championship looks like it will go the whole distance with the Yas round being very important, but the final at Dubai Autodrome next month has double points up for grabs. So anything can happen,” said Zuhour

            Fujairah-based Papantonis, campaigning in the Gulf Petrochem-backed SEAT, has won four times but one non-points scoring round was a setback to his title ambitions. But going into the Yas round the former champion will be boosted by the fact that the last time out at he won back-to-back races.

            Papantonis does not mind doing the chasing. “It has been a tough battle for the whole year and will continue to be until the very last race. We are focused on what has to be done and the goal as usual is to win every race.”

            Also set to make a return to the Class 1 fray is former champion Mohammad Al Owais in the Emirates Racing Team SEAT, who has tasted victory twice so far this season but has not campaigned regularly. However, he will be a race win contender, and more than likely to be the cat among the pigeons on Friday.

            Lap57 Honda driver Umair Khan is cruising to his third Total UAE Touring Car Championship - with a 45-point lead in Class 2 over his closest active rival – the least he has to do is finish each of the remaining four races to triumph again in a category he has come to dominate.

Khan nevertheless is unlikely to be in cruise mode and will no doubt be going all out to add to his tally of nine wins and extend a victory streak of seven race wins in a row.

            His Lap57 Honda team-mate Rupesh Channake is most likely to challenge him for top honours, along with Jonathan Mullan in the GNSS Racing Honda and the Gulf Petrochem Renault Clio pair – brothers Constantinos and Alexandros Annivas.

            A small field will line up on the grid for the final round of the NGK UAE GT Championsip, which will run in the touring car race. Rafael Unzurrunzaga should be the man to beat in his Blue Jumeirah Team Mosler, being chased by John Iossofidis and Martin Baerschmidt sharing an Aston Martin Vantage, and Ray Bignell and Graeme Hannah doing duty in the EMAL Racing Porsche.  – Sport 360°

 

Horse Racing: Richard Hills' Jebel Ali bow

            The 20th anniversary season at Jebel Ali racecourse reaches its conclusion on Friday afternoon when Richard Hills, retained jockey for Sheikh Hamdan, will be riding on the course for the final time before his retirement after next week’s Dubai World Cup meeting.

            Hills has four rides on the card, all of whom appear to hold strong claims, while racecourse patron Sheikh Ahmed and his trainer Dhruba Selvaratnam, who prepares his horses on the track, will also be looking for a winning end to a milestone campaign.

            Selvaratnam saddles seven runners for Sheikh Ahmed and is represented in all bar one race.

            The final race of the Jebel Ali season is a 1200m conditions race and it would be no surprise to see Selvaratnam’s Alo Pura and Fityaan, the mount of Hills, fight out the finish. The pair clashed on their most recent outing, in the 1000m Listed Jebel Ali Sprint, when Alo Pura was fifth with Fityaan second, chasing home stable companion Russian Rock.

            Selvaratnam said: “The extra 200m will certainly help Alo Pura, but it is a good race so I would be hopeful rather than confident.”

            Of Fityaan, Hills said: “He has been running consistently well since arriving in the UAE and deserves a bit of luck. It was great to ride a nice winner at Abu Dhabi and it would be brilliant to do the same on my last visit to Jebel Ali.”

            Sheikh Hamdan is very well represented in the race with five of the 16 runners and all appear to have a chance, including Fityaan’s stablemate Kanaf and Mujaazef.

            The latter is trained by Champion Trainer Ali Rashid Al Raihe who enters the meeting having saddled the last six Thoroughbred winners in the UAE and also has Murbeh and Green Beret in the race.

            The 1400m handicap is a quality affair and Al Raihe has three in the race with 3yo dirt debutant pair Factory Time and Noor Zabeel joined by course specialist Five Cents, the mount of stable jockey Royston Ffrench.

            He won a course and distance conditions race in early February from Escape Route who has since won an identical race under Richard Mullen for Satish Seemar. On his last visit to Jebel Ali, Five Cents was well beaten by Youm Mutamiez, who represents the always respected Musabah Al Muhairi/Wayne Smith combination.

            Smith’s mount has won the last twice at Jebel Ali, and the jockey said: “He has won well both times over 1400m but found 1200m a bit too sharp on his other start here. He should run well, but it does look a good race.”

            Their first course and distance victory was registered over Steed, who is again in opposition, while Selvaratnam saddles both Forjatt and Toolain who should both be competitive in a wide open heat.

            It really is a cracking card and a fitting end to the 20th anniversary celebrations at the UAE’s favourite racecourse. – Sport 360°

A monument to Burj Khalifa

            Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, now has a monument symbolising the international collaboration that marked its rise to the top. Emaar Properties has unveiled ‘The Burj Monument,’ 18 metres high and in stainless steel, in Downtown Dubai, near The Dubai Mall.

            Located strategically on a visual plane aligned with the awe-inspiring magnificence of the tower, the monument draws its design inspiration from the three-core structure of Burj Khalifa, originally based on the floral architecture of the desert flower, Hymenocallis.

            An architectural art that adds to the sculptures and art pieces in Downtown Dubai, The Burj Monument welcomes visitors to the 500-acre community, and serves to remind them of the global collaboration that has gone into making Burj Khalifa.

            Engineers, designers, architects and skilled workers from more than 100 countries were involved in the making of the tower. At its peak of construction, there were more than 12,000 dedicated personnel on site ensuring the seamless progress.

            Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, said: “Two years ago, with the grand inauguration of Burj Khalifa, Dubai demonstrated to the world that where there is determination, dedication and a clearly defined objective, we can push the boundaries of what humanity can achieve.

            “In accomplishing Burj Khalifa, we had the unwavering support and encouragement of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who, in fact, inspired us to develop the world’s tallest building.

            “We were fortunate to work with some of the world’s brightest minds in engineering, architecture, construction and design on the venture. We also had the blessings of the people of Dubai, who welcomed the initiative and associated with it as an object of the city’s civic pride.

            “The Burj Monument is our token of gratitude to everyone who has helped us accomplish the project, and a reminder to every visitor to Downtown Dubai that Burj Khalifa is a true reflection of what Dubai stands for — a global city that welcomes the world.”

            Much like Burj Khalifa, The Burj Monument also has a triple-lobed footprint, an abstraction of the six-petalled desert flower, Hymenocallis.

            The structure rests on a marble-clad base with three individually tapered and curved wings. While the inner skeleton of the monument is made of hot-dip galvanised seamless steel pipes and stainless steel cleats, the cladding is brush-finished stainless steel.

            At 828 metres (2,716.5 ft), the 200-plus-storey Burj Khalifa has 160 habitable levels, the most in any building in the world.

            The tower was inaugurated on January 4, 2010, to coincide with the fourth anniversary of the Accession Day of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid as the Ruler of Dubai.

            Today, a fully functional lifestyle hub, Burj Khalifa is the luxury address of hundreds of families, features corporate offices, has the world’s first Armani Hotel, the world’s highest outdoor observation deck with an outdoor terrace — At the Top — and the world’s highest restaurant, At.mosphere, in addition to a choice of leisure amenities. – Khaleej Times

 

Art Dubai to give fillip to contemporary works

            Art Dubai, recognised as the leading event in the region's booming contemporary art community, which opened officially yesterday, is set to headline the city's cultural scene for the next four days.

            Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Price of Dubai and Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, officially opened Art Dubai yesterday at Madinat Jumeirah.

            The opening came after a press conference by Antonia Carver, director of Art Dubai and Frederic Sicre, head of Abraaj Sustainability and Stakeholder Engagement Track (Asset), highlighting the key aspects of Art Dubai and Abraaj Capital Art Prize.

            Carver said there are 75 galleries from 32 countries displaying paintings, sculptures, installations and videos by more than 500 artists, of which 10 are UAE based. This is the most number of galleries from a single country.

            She added that there has also been an increase in museum groups attending the fair, from 60 last year to 75 this year. She also stressed that Dubai has become the commercial art hub in the region and that a large number of people fly to Dubai just to attend Art Dubai.

            "Providing a platform for new talent, celebrating established artists, debating the latest developments in the industry, and integrating art into the fabric of the region are among Art Dubai's key cornerstones," Carver added.

            Sicre, said that the goal of Abraaj Capital Art Prize was "to empower talented artists with the resources to realise ambitious projects which take their practice to a new level of recognition." He also called on private Arab companies to get involved in the Arab art scene and support artists of this region.

Art prize

            The artworks of the 2012 Abraaj Capital Art Prize's fourth edition, were first unveiled yesterday in a side exhibition. The Abraaj Capital Art Prize, which is given on the basis of proposals rather than completed works, is the world's only art prize to focus on the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia region (Menasa). The 2012 winners are Taysir Batniji (Palestine), Joana Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige (Lebanon), Wael Shawky (Egypt), Risham Syed (Pakistan), Raed Yassin and (Lebanon). The exhibition is curated by Nat Muller.

            Frederic Sicre, head of Abraaj Capital said that the goal of this prize was "to empower talented artists with the resources to realise ambitious projects which take their practice to a new level of recognition."

            Art Dubai will be open to the public on tomorrow, but there will be an exclusive Ladies Day from 11am till 2pm today, which is being held under the patronage of Shaikha Manal Bint Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Women's Establishment, which consists of tours by curators and art experts. A session of the Global Art Forum will also be held today between 2-5pm.

            Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Global Art Forum is part of Art Week, an initiative promoting the region as an art destination. This year, Art Dubai has a new programme of artists' and curators' residencies, commissioned projects, performing art tours, workshops, Abraaj Capital Art Prize and the Global Art Forum. – Gulf News

 

Economy to grow around 4% this year

            The United Arab Emirates’ economy is likely to expand nearly 4 per cent this year, Minister for Economy Sultan Bin Saeed Al-Mansoori said on Tuesday.

             “The UAE economy is expected to grow by almost 4 per cent in 2012,” he told a conference in the UAE capital. “This is an estimate” by the end of the year it could be better.”

            A merger between the Abu Dhabi and Dubai stock exchanges is still on the table, the United Arab Emirates’ economy minister said on Tuesday, with a committee expected to present its recommendations by year-end.

            “It is still being discussed. A committee has been created to discuss ... they will report back to ESCA and then we will evaluate,” said Sultan bin Saeed al-Mansoori, who is also chairman of the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (ESCA). “I do hope by the end of the year we will have some kind of indication, it has to be done in a very systemic way. It serves the interests of both markets.”  The minister also said he expected to see more mergers take place among UAE firms in the wake of a proposed tie-up between Abu Dhabi’s two largest listed real estate firms, Aldar Properties and Sorouh Real Estate.

            Mansoori said that the government has reduced Dubai-based mortgage provider Amlak Finance’s debt by Dhs4 billion. “We are looking at the financial sector,” he told reporters on the sidelines of a business conference, adding the industrial, transportation and logistics sector were also candidates. “Any sector that’s facing challenges, one way out of the challenge is to create a merger. “It’s not necessarily two, it could be more than two or more (companies).”

            The UAE’s economy ministry website said the ministerial committee set up by the government to resolve the problem of Amlak Finance has succeeded, in coordination with the federal government and local authorities concerned, in reducing Dhs4 billion in debt owed by the firm.

            He stressed that the commission is keen to protect the rights of shareholders and the continuity of the company, while not exposing them to bankruptcy, pointing out that the government will not allow bankruptcies of companies, as has happened in many European countries and the US, and that the state is keen to give priority to the protection of the rights of shareholders and their interests and not expose them to any risk.

            He pointed out that the debt was reduced through rescheduling debt as well as through the sale of some land owned by the company, and the restoration and recovery of other land owned by the company, as well as finding financial solutions with a number of third-party creditors. - Reuters

 

Mubadala plans Fujairah floating LNG terminal

            Abu Dhabi plans to build an import terminal for liquefied natural gas at Fujairah, a project that would enable vessels to supply the fuel without passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

            Mubadala Development Co. is working on a project that would use floating LNG storage and a regasification unit, the company said in an emailed statement on Monday. The first supplies are expected in the next two to three years, it said.

            Iran threatened earlier this year to close the Strait in response to sanctions that the US and Europe are imposing because of the Islamic republic's nuclear programme.

            "The project would be outside the Strait, so that would give more supply security to ensure access to energy in the event of any incident in the Gulf," Robin Mills, an analyst at Manaar Energy Consulting in Dubai, said yesterday.

            International Petroleum Investment Co. (Ipic), another fund run by the government, will also work on setting up the plant, four people with knowledge of the plan said. Ipic didn't respond to an e-mailed request for comment.

‘Elegant solution'

            "Floating LNG plants are a very elegant solution" to fill the gap in energy supply for many Middle East oil producers, said Mills, a geologist who worked on Iran and the Middle East for a decade with Royal Dutch Shell.

            "It makes sense because in this region many countries need LNG now and hope they'll be able to discover more gas in the future."

            Offshore facilities can be moved once they are no longer needed and cost less to build than onshore sites. Middle Eastern oil producers such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE want additional gas supplies to make electricity and petrochemicals and as fuel for energy-intensive facilities such as smelters.

            The UAE already imports gas from Qatar through the Dolphin Gas pipeline, a venture with Total and Occidental Petroleum Corp. The pipeline operates at about two-thirds of capacity because the UAE has been unable to buy additional fuel from Qatar, which has committed its supplies to other buyers.

            The proposed Fujairah LNG terminal would be built in two phases, each having a capacity of 600 million standard cubic feet per day, one of the people said. The gas is needed to fuel industrial expansion in the UAE, the person said.

            Dolphin Energy Ltd., 51 per cent-owned by Mubadala, pumps about 2 billion cubic feet a day of gas from Qatar to the UAE and then on to Oman. - Bloomberg

 

Mohammed bin Zayed tours ESB shipyard

            His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, paid yesterday an inspection tour of the Etihad Ship Building (ESB) factory, a joint venture between joint venture Al Fattan Ship Industries, Melara Middle East and Italy's shipbuilder Fincantieri, at Taweela area.

            After welcoming by Musbah Rashid Al Fattan, Chairman of ESB, and senior executive managers, Sheikh Mohammed acquainted himself with different parts of the factory and its capabilities for manufacturing and producing civil and military vessels.

            He was also informed about the ESB's Emiratisation policy and partnerships it entered with major world shipbuilders like Italian leading shipbuilder Fincantieri, for transfer of advanced industry technology. The company is building ships in consistence with strict international standards of safety and environmental consideration. It plans to expand its operation beyond the UAE to the region.

            The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi expressed satisfaction at what he had seen and heard about the ESB's current and future objectives and at its strategy to build a generation of Emirati professionals to involve and run the local ship building industry.

            ESB's target is to establish a fully capable local shipyard with all related processes like design, engineering, construction, outfitting, project management, test trials, maintenance and repair.- Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Minister attends funeral of Pope Shenouda

            Cairo – H.E. Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, represented President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the funeral of Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria and Patriarch of Saint Mark Diocese here on Tuesday.

            Al Owais conveyed the condolences of Sheikh Khalifa; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; Their Highnesses Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates; General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces; and Crown Princes to Field Marshal Mohammed Hussein Tantawi, Defence Minister and Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, during the meeting held after the funeral mass.

            Al Owais said all would miss Pope Shenouda III, the man loved by all for his integrity and good deeds that would be recorded in the annals of history. On his part, Tantawi lauded the distinguished relations between the two sisterly countries, adding that the relations between the UAE and Egypt are model for the Arab-Arab relations in all aspects. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Ministry of Interior acquires 200 NIMR vehicles

            The UAE Ministry of Interior signed a contract with Tawazun Holding, to acquire 200 high mobility tactical NIMR vehicles at the fringe of International Security and National Resilience Exhibition and Conference (ISNR 2012) being staged at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. The deal strengthens confidence in local products which match in their specifications those of major international manufacturers.

            Tawazun Holding is a strategic investment firm focused on the long-term development of Abu Dhabi's industrial manufacturing and technology capabilities and knowledge-transfer with a specific focus on the defence sector.

            Established in 2007 as a fully owned subsidiary of Offset Program Bureau, Tawazun Holding's mission is to develop profitable ventures through industrial partnerships and strategic investments that add to Abu Dhabi's industrial manufacturing layer in the areas of defence, defence manufacturing and manufacturing technology.

            Made by Abu Dhabi-based Nimr Automotive, a subsidiary of Tawazun Holding, NIMR multi-purpose vehicles have potential applications ranging from tactical missions in harsh environments such as arid deserts to modern urban warfare, deep infiltration missions, reconnaissance, border surveillance, support logistics and riot control.

            NIMR vehicles can be employed in many roles, including as an armament carrier, logistics vehicle, ambulance, mobile Command and Control centre, and as a platform for a wide variety of other uses including conforming to multiple fleet strategies of the armed forces. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

DIFC Chief Economist meets President of Shanghai World Expo in China, discusses benefits of hosting 2020 Expo in Dubai

            Shanghai - The Chief Economist of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) yesterday met with the President of Expo Shanghai to discuss the economic benefits of hosting the 2020 World Expo in Dubai. During this meeting in Shanghai, China, and tour of the 2010 Expo site, Dr. Nasser Saidi discussed with Mr. Ding Hao his country's successful experience hosting this international event that attracted more than 73 million visitors between May-October 2010.

            This visit by Dr. Saidi follows the recent launch of the UAE's campaign to host the 2020 World Expo in Dubai, and comes just days after this bid received the support of fellow Arab nations at a meeting of the Council of the Arab League Foreign Ministers in Cairo, Egypt.

            "It was my great pleasure to meet with Mr. Ding Hao and witness first-hand the opportunities associated with hosting a World Expo," said Dr. Saidi. "Historically, Expos have proved pivotal in the infrastructure development of host cities and nations, and it is clear that bringing the Expo to Dubai would further contribute to the development of our unmatched infrastructure, unique ability to connect the world, promote trade, tourism and investment and promote greater understanding of our region's cultures, history, tradition and modern transformations.

            "The emergence in recent years of countries like China has led to a profound shift in the global economic geography, away from a handful of traditional power centres towards a more sustainable network of interconnected economies. The Expo presents an unparalleled opportunity to increase economic integration further still. In this context, our aim is under the heading Dubai learns from Shanghai.

            "Earlier this month, Mr. Vicente Gonzalez Loscertales, Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the intergovernmental organisation in charge of overseeing the calendar, bidding, selection, and organisation of World and International Expos, made his first official visit to the UAE since the country submitted its bid.

            The UAE's bid to host the 2020 World Expo in Dubai has been submitted under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

            The UAE has submitted its bid under the theme, "Connecting Minds, Creating the Future," and has proposed hosting the six-month Expo at Dubai Trade Centre-Jebel Ali, a 438-hectare site to be constructed on the southwestern edge of Dubai, adjacent to Dubai World Central, home to Al Maktoum International Airport, which will host the 2013 Dubai Airshow.

            In November of last year, the UAE officially presented its bid to the BIE in Paris, France, to host the World Expo in Dubai between January 4-June 30, 2020. The bid is being led by the Higher Committee for Hosting the 2020 World Expo.

            The winner among the five candidate cities - which include Ayutthaya (Thailand); Ekaterinburg (Russia); Izmir (Turkey); and Sao Paulo (Brazil) - will be announced by the BIE following a vote by its 160 member nations in November 2013. An official Twitter account (@Dubaiexpo2020) has been launched to start the online conversation about World Expos and the Dubai, UAE, 2020 bid. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Dewa honoured with Sustainability Award at Globe 2012 in Vancouver

            Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) has been honoured with the Sustainability Award at Globe 2012 in Vancouver, Canada, which was held from March 14-16. This event was organised by the Globe Foundation.

            Dewa received this award for its leading role in promoting sustainable living through electricity and water conservation and its relentless efforts to strengthen and achieve the Government of Dubai’s strategy: to promote sustainable development and Dubai’s high-ranking status as a global hub for finance, trade and tourism. Formed in 1993, the Globe Foundation is a Vancouver-based, non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting sustainable development in the business sector.

            “According to the vision and the ‘Green Economy for Sustainable Development’ initiative of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, we have participated in launching the first international event to promote the national initiative for building a green economy in the UAE. We received a special invitation to participate for the first time in the Globe 2012 Conference and Exhibition, which started 20 years ago and took place in Vancouver, Canada, at a Dubai-dedicated pavilion, to showcase its pioneering initiatives and distinguished achievements as a role model for future cities,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dewa.

            “There are some strategic objectives to Dewa’s participation. Dewa aims to showcase Dubai’s initiatives and achievements as part of the national initiative Green Economy for Sustainable Development, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and in line with the UAE Vision 2021. Also, Dewa aims to look at the best practices and cutting-edge applications to promote Dubai’s pivotal role as a global hub for finance, trade and tourism. Dubai will build on its leading position amongst cities that promote and facilitate the application of green and clean technologies worldwide, especially in the Middle East and North Africa,” added Al Tayer.

            “Through its participation, Dewa has presented its most important initiatives in the fields of renewable energy, sustainability and energy management. We showcased the project of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, a pioneering project adopted by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and managed and operated by Dewa. The plant is expected to generate 1,000MW. We also outlined our applied procedures for reducing energy demand and managing it efficiently,” said Waleed Salman, EVP-Strategy and Business Development at Dewa, who led DEWA’s delegation to the Exhibition. – The Gulf Today

 

This year’s Al Qasba Food Fest to give a taste of Emirati culture

            Al Qasba is all set to launch the 6th edition of its highly popular Al Qasba Food Festival 2012 themed “Culinary Talents” event on Thursday, which will run until March 31.  “This year’s festival will highlight Emirati dishes through the participation of a host of Emirati chefs who will show their cooking skills,” Hazem Al Sawaf, director of Marketing and Communications at Al Qasba Development Authority, said.

            An elite group of renowned chefs from hotels and restaurants in the UAE and the region will be the stars of this year’s festival as they attempt to compete, amuse the audience with their cooking skills and unveil the secrets behind their delicious dishes.

            Al Qasba Development Authority has announced that this year’s festival will run daily for 10 days from 5-10 pm during the weekdays, and from 5-11 pm during the weekends.

            Al Sawaf remarked, “Capitalising on the overwhelming success and huge public turnout the festival has received over the past five years, we will be bringing together an exceptional group of chefs from various hotels and restaurants in the UAE and the region to show off their culinary skills while making their speciality dishes.”

            He added that Al Qasba Development Authority has introduced a new platform, “Tikka Cooking School”, which will host adults and kids workshops, where chefs will amuse the visitors with their cooking skills and present different recipes from international cuisines and give them a chance to taste their delicious dishes.

            The festival will also feature stands, representing popular restaurants, food and sweet companies, cafes and outlets. Musical shows by touring chefs will also be among this year’s activities adding more excitement and lustre to the event throughout its 10 days.

            Hessah Sultan, deputy director of Marketing and Communications at Al Qasba Development Authority, said: “Al Qasba Food Festival will feature food competitions, valuable prizes for visitors and participants, apart from prizes which will be given away in co-operation with Arabic and English Radio 4 FM which will cover the festival’s activities live.”

            Al Qasba Food Festival 2012 is expected to draw thousands of visitors from the UAE and abroad during its 10-day run due to the fact that the festival’s popularity has grown as an interesting and entertaining event, Sultan added. – The Gulf Today

 

Toni Braxton to perform on Dubai World Cup night

            The Meydan Group and Atelier Live are to bring international recording artist Toni Braxton to perform in concert at the spectacular closing event of the Dubai World Cup on March 31, it was announced.

            The Dubai World Cup recognised as the world’s richest day in racing promises to continue the tradition of great entertainment that adds to the spectacle of the biggest event on the Dubai calendar.

            Alchemy Project, under Atelier Live brand is known for bringing amazing talent to the region including Leona Lewis, Ne-Yo, Taio Cruz, The Pussycat Dolls and many more.  This partnership with Meydan and Dubai World Cup is an exciting venture, and the selection of Toni Braxon to close the racing programme with a show live in concert was a fantastic choice to match the diverse audience who will be at the World Cup. This live concert is brought by Atelier Live, a development by the award winning Atelier brand, part of Alchemy Project Group.

            Mac.s.Far,Managing director of Alchemy Project and creator of the brand 'Atelier' said in a statement: "We are extremely excited to be a part of Dubai World Cup which by far is the biggest calendar event in the UAE. We are extremely excited to host the legendary Toni Braxton for the first time in UAE, under the Atelier Live brand which focuses on the Live Performance element in the entertainment industry. All we can say about this happening is that tickets will sell out very fast and we advise the fans to get their tickets as soon as they can, since this will be an indelible night and a concert to remember by.

            "Toni Braxton is a global superstar. She has sold over 40 million records worldwide, has won six Grammy Awards and also five Billboard Music Awards. Her hit singles 'Unbreak My Heart', 'Another Sad Love Song', 'Breathe Again', 'He Wasn’t Man Enough' and many more are well known and loved songs by all ages."

            Frank Gabriel Jr, CEO of Dubai Racing Club added: “Toni Braxton has a world-wide reputation for great music and performances that will be a great entertaining end to the prestige and glamour of the Dubai World Cup. We are pleased to offer this performance as the closing show for the 17th running of the Dubai World Cup. Not only do we look forward to a great day of international racing, but also an impressive performance by a renowned international performer.”

In addition, to keep the party going, the famous Dirtcaps DJ will be flown in from Amsterdam to play into the night. Local DJs will also feature so that the party will carry on in style. – Emirates 24|7

 

Real Madrid to open theme park Ras Al-Khaimah, UAE

            Spanish giants Real Madrid look set to become the latest big name in sport to move to the UAE after they agreed a deal to build a hotel resort and theme park in Ras Al-Khaimah.

            The current La Liga leaders have sanctioned the tourist complex, which will be called ‘Real Madrid Island Resort’, six months ago, and it comes after they publicly declared their intention to build a theme park in Valdebebas, where the club's training complex is based to the north east of the Spanish capital.

            Club President Florentino Perez will hold a press conference alongside Ras al-Khaimah Government Representative and RAK Investment Authority CEO Dr. Khater Massaad, at the Bernabeu on Thursday at 4.3opm (UAE) to announce details of the project.

            The Liga giants have already gone public, though, with their intention to build a theme park in Valdebebas, which is located to the north east of the Spanish capital.

            The deal is not the first time the wealthiest club in the world have dipped their toe in UAE waters, after Emirates Airline became their official airline last summer.

            The club also recently opened the Real Madrid Academy-Soccer School in partnership with Pro League club Bani Yas last year, with Perez telling Sport360°last year he hoped the venture would “facilitate the dreams of children in the UAE”.

            Perez also admitted at the time he would take great delight in unearthing a star to one day grace the magnificent Santiago Bernabeu. “It is possible that one day a child from the UAE can play for Real Madrid. Why not?” – Sport 360°

 

Yahya leads UAE charge in 2012 Ha'il Desert Challenge

            Veteran rally driver Yahya Al Helei will lead the UAE charge at the 2012 Ha’il Desert Challenge when it gets underway this afternoon with a ceremonial start and a short timed super special at the Maghwat Conference Centre in north-central Saudi Arabia.

            The bulk of Saudi’s premier desert off-road rally then takes place on Thursday and Friday in the punishing An Nafud desert region.

            Yahya is a veteran of numerous rallies, particularly the Desert Challenge held annually in the heart of the Rub Al Khali (Empty Quarter) in the UAE where he has finished among the top five on several occasions.

            Khalid Al Kendi, another veteran rally driver, will be the navigator for Yahya and arrives in Saudi Arabia directly from the Atlantic island of Gran Canaria where he co-drive with Rashid Al Kendi in round two of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, finishing a credible eighth overall.

            Matar Al Mansoori and Yasser Bin Hamed also represent the UAE at the wheel of a pair of Nissan Patrols, while Dubai-based Briton David Mabbs who finished a stunning second overall behind Qatar’s Nasser Al Attiyah in last November’s Sealine Qatar Baja, a candidate event for this year’s new round of the FIA World Cup, has entered the Saudi event in his Toyota FJ Cruiser, along with regular French co-driver Xavier Caminada.

            Top local rally driver Yazeed Al Rajhi leads the impressive entry in a Mini All4 Racing, built by the German X-raid Team, and will be co-driven by Portugal’s Filipe Palmeiro, a regular competitor with X-raid in past cross-country events including the Dakar Rally.

Saleh Al Saleh will drive the second of the Team Saudi Arabia Toyotas, while other local front-runners include Mfadi Al Shammeri (Toyota), Majid Al Shammeri (Toyota), Ibrahim Al Muhana (Nissan) and Rajih Al Shammeri (Toyota). Farhan Al Ghaleb will be behind a Nissan for the Desert Knights with Omani Abdullah Al Tawaian as his navigator.

            Other drivers on the entry list include Abdullah Bin Saeed Hamden, Omar Al Lahim, Ahmed Al Shaqawi, Yasser Al Saidan, Metab Saud Al Shammeri, Khalid Al Hamami, Saleh Yousef Suhail Ali, Saleh Al Saloom, Tariq Al Rammah, Fayez Al Shammeri, Ahmed Al Qashami, Safah Al Saeedi, Saleh Al Hout, Farhan Abdullah Al Shammeri, Khalaf Saleh Al Shammeri and Matar Al Shammeri in a variety of Nissans and Toyotas.

            “Everyone at the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation is delighted with the number of entrants we have for this FIA-sanctioned event,” said clerk of the course Elie Semaan. “We have good support from Europe and numerous entrants from Saudi Arabia. – Sport 360°

UAE representative addresses HRC session

            Geneva - UAE Permanent Representative to the European Headquarters of the UN Obaid Salem Al Zaabi has expressed the country's concern over contents of a report by the Commission on Human Rights which documents violations of human rights by the occupation forces in Palestine. Addressing a panel discussion on human rights status in Palestine, held as part of the 19th regular session of the Human Rights Council, Al Zaabi said beside daily and regular violations committed by the occupation army, Palestinian citizens were also undergoing other forms harassment by the Israeli settlers and civilians. Al Zaabi thanked the Commission for its comprehensive report which reveals the illegitimate practices of the occupation forces. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Saif bin Zayed opens ISNR Abu Dhabi 2012

            H.H. Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Interior and Deputy Prime Minister, opened the 5th edition of the International Security and National Resilience (ISNR) Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi.

            The 2012 edition is being staged under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

            Sheikh Saif said the UAE under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan was among the first countries which were conscious of the international security challenges in our modern world, establishing economic and investment infrastructure in an environment supported by security and armed with well qualified human resources capable of tuning with the modern age rapid events.

            ''The status of the UAE as one of the world's most safer and secured countries requires all of us - individuals and firms - to toil diligently and persistently to maintain its security, stability and protect its national gains in all walks of life,'' Sheikh Saif stressed.

            He added the conference and exhibition provide a fitting platform for regional governments and private security firms to share expertise and ideas with international exhibitors and familiarise themselves with the latest technological systems for home land security and safety, and crime prevention.

            He hoped the twin events would facilitate broader coordination and cooperation among governments in areas of security and police so as to combat crime in the rapidly moving world.

            A huge gathering of government officials, companies, experts, exhibitors, media representatives and special guests attended the highly-successful inaugural day of the Middle East's premier homeland security event.

            Running until Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, ISNR Abu Dhabi 2012 features the world's best homeland security (HLS) solutions under one roof. Over 220 exhibitors from more than 24 countries are exhibiting products and services for Border and Transport Security; Intelligence and Threat Assessment; Critical Infrastructure Protection; Emergency Preparedness '&' Response; Counter Terrorism; and Resilience (Crisis Management).

            An important component of the expo is the ISNR 2012 Conference which runs daily.

            The conference was opened yesterday by Lieutenant General Saif Abdullah Al Shafarr, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Interior. Over the next three days, government officials, organisations, and experts from the region and around the world will discuss major security topics such as institutional and international HLS cooperation, piracy in the high seas, the impact of the economic downturn on global security, environmental terrorism, and the security of public events.  - Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Caracal unveils CC10 9mm Carbine

            Leading small arms manufacturer, Caracal, has introduced its first 9mm carbine at ISNR 2012.

            The Caracal CC 10, adding another level of performance and modularity to Caracal's weapon family, will be available to customers in 2 variants: The CC10 SB (short barrel version) and the CC10 LB (long barrel version).

            Where the SB version is aiming for the professional law enforcement market, the LB version is aiming to the civil consumer market as it is ideal for sports target shooting.

            The CC10 includes most modern technologies to provide highest reliability, precision and safety. Some of the CC10 features are a short travel trigger, magazines with 15, 18 or 30 round capacity (magazines are interchangeable with the Caracal pistol family), ambidextrous magazine release and full tactical rails.

            Salem al Matroushi, Chief Operating Officer of Caracal, said: "The Caracal CC10 represents another example of Caracal's commitment to innovation and focus on the continuous improvement of its range of products to meet the requirements of Caracal customers all over the world. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Up and running: Successfully established Rheinmetall joint venture now completely in UAE hands

            The aim of building up the Burkan munitions factory as a joint venture between Rheinmetall and the UAE investment companies Tawazun and Al Jaber has been completed with great success. The shareholders of Burkan Munitions Systems LLC (BMS) agreed that it was the right time to transfer the business into the hands of UAE national entities. In order to meet this objective, Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH has transferred its shares to Tawazun.

            Rheinmetall's relationship with Burkan will continue in its capacity as component and support services supplier as well as a provider of technical services. Rheinmetall, an acknowledged global leader in munitions technology, has cooperated closely with the UAE military for many years in numerous projects.

            Rheinmetall subsidiary Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH entered into a joint venture agreement with Tawazun and Al Jaber in November 2007 in order to jointly build up a munitions factory in the UAE. The vision of the company was to establish a world-class ammunitions developer, manufacturer, and demilitarisation services provider, with the aim of enhancing UAE defence capabilities and meeting regional requirements. Burkan Munitions LLC was the result of the joint efforts of the shareholders.

            Burkan Munitions Systems LLC (Burkan) manufactures, assembles and tests a wide range of infantry and artillery ordnance as well as aircraft bombs. The company is one of the leading users of high quality technologies and international standards in the GCC. Burkan Munitions Systems offers various ammunitions services in the region, including demilitarisation. Highly skilled personnel supported by the latest technology ensure that clients get the best-possible service. In addition, Burkan has set up a filling plant to meet the region's needs.

            During early 2010, Burkan began extending its operations into the production of land and naval munitions. Successful deliveries were made in December of the same year. The facility is expected to attain full production capacity in 2014. Currently undergoing construction and commissioning is an integrated environment-friendly demilitarisation plant for explosives and ammunition disposal. This facility will use the latest thermal disposal technology and be the first of its kind in the region. It will make a significant contribution to the defence manufacturing capability of the UAE. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Abu Dhabi International Airport records double digit passenger growth of 24.5% in February

            Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) released yesterday the traffic report for Abu Dhabi International Airport during the month of February 2012, which indicated a double digit growth in passenger traffic by 24.5% with over one million (1,080,457) passengers passing through the airport for the 8th consecutive month.

            Aircraft movements also continued to steadily grow with a 3.8% increase for the month of February totalling 9,263 movements.

            This growth is due to the new destinations for Etihad including the five weekly service to Shanghai in China, and the operation of new airlines including Safi Airways of Afghanistan, which now operates four weekly flights to Kabul.

            The report also showed that cargo shipments are also on the rise, increasing by 13.2% in comparison with the same period last year, with the airport handling 42,860 tonnes of cargo.

            Commenting on this strong performance, Eng. Ahmad Al Haddabi, Chief Operating Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), said: "As Etihad Airways adds new routes to its network and more airlines launch services from the airport, Abu Dhabi International Airport will continue to provide convenient and efficient travel choices, along with the award winning world class services to all passengers. The increasing attractiveness of Abu Dhabi as a destination for business and pleasure remains the key factor in this exceptional growth witnessed at the capital's hub, driving continuous flow of passengers through the airport." The top five routes from Abu Dhabi International Airport during February were Doha, which grew by an impressive 32%, leaving Bangkok at number two, followed by Manila, London and Jeddah. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Dubai on charm offensive to lure UK tourists

            Dubai is launching a £1 million (Dh5.8m) advertising campaign to try to change perceptions of the British towards the emirate as a holiday destination as visitor numbers from the United Kingdom decline.

            Britain was the biggest feeder market of tourists to Dubai for many years. But although the total number of visitors to the emirate increased last year, the number of hotel guests from Britain fell more than 10 per cent to 643,196, compared with 719,889 the previous year, according to figures from Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing.

            "We still believe there is more to be done here in the UK to really showcase the breadth of offering in Dubai," said Ian Scott, the tourism department's director for the UK and Ireland.

            "Our latest research revealed there are myths still prominent in people's perceptions of Dubai, so this consumer and trade activity will tackle these misconceptions head-on," Mr Scott said.

            Negative perceptions identified among people in the UK who have never been to the emirate include the beliefs that Dubai has no cultural offerings; is all five-star luxury with few affordable options; is restrictive for tourists in terms of nightlife and dress; and is not suitable for families.

            The tourism agency's campaign will include advertorials and online video interviews in which families that have been to Dubai talk about their experiences.

            "Dubai's growth as a tourist destination is a tribute to its progressive advertising and promotional campaigns," said Gaurav Sinha, the managing director of Insignia, a brand communications firm.

            "I think it's important for Dubai to continue lifting the veil on the various attractions and unique offerings of the destination. There are many contradicting perceptions in the UK about Dubai which will be addressed by this initiative.

            The tabloid news culture within UK has over-sensationalised incidents which are far from the truth."

            "I will not be surprised if the austere economic circumstances within the UK have been pivotal to the weakened spirit of overseas travel by its citizens," Mr Sinha said. "VisitBritain has actively promoted staycations, with politicians and celebrities alike setting examples by taking domestic holidays."

            Hoteliers agree that the weakness in the UK economy has played a role in the dip in the visitor flows from Britain.

            "Yes, there has been a noticeable decline from there," said Habib Khan, the general manager of the Arabian Courtyard hotel in Dubai. "The decline is not to Dubai only; the decline is generally. Outbound has declined. People are trying to save money."

            Dubai was previously promoted largely as a luxury, five-star destination, but the emirate has shifted its tourism marketing strategy in recent years, with prices of hotels also falling sharply from their peaks and far more budget accommodation on offer.

            This has helped Dubai to appeal to a larger range of tourists, particularly from emerging markets.

            Strong growth in tourism from Saudi Arabia and India to Dubai last year meant that those countries overtook the UK as the emirate's largest and second-largest sources of tourists. Britain slipped to third place.

            Hotels have in part attributed the surge in business last year to the Arab Spring, as tourist flows were diverted from countries including Egypt and Bahrain to the UAE.

            Dubai enjoyed an overall increase of 10 per cent in the number of hotel guests in the emirate last year over the previous year, reporting a total of 9.3 million tourists. The average length of stay rose 12 per cent to 3.6 days, while revenue grew by 20 per cent last year to Dh16 billion, according to figures from the tourism department. – The National

 

Jumeirah Group to manage luxury hotel in Turkey

            Luxury hotel management company Jumeirah has signed a management agreement with Turkey-based Demsa Group to manage Istanbul's historic Pera Palace Hotel.

            Dubai Holding unit Jum-eirah Group will assume management of the luxury museum hotel from May 1, 2012 and the property will be known as Pera Palace Hotel, Jumeirah, the group said in a statement yesterday.

            In efforts to expand its reach in Turkey, Jumeirah is in talks to operate another Demsa Group-owned property — the Macka Hotel, located in Istanbul's upscale Nisantasi district, according to a Bloomberg report, quoting Demsa chairman Cengiz Cetindogan, who said that Jumeirah is currently in negotiations with the Turkish company.

            Located in the Beyolu district of Istanbul, the Pera Palace Hotel has 115 rooms, including 16 suites. The hotel's usage rights were transferred to Demsa Group in late 2011.

            The hotel was built in 1892 to accommodate passengers on the legendary Orient Express train from Europe, according to its website.

            Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah is the second management agreement announced by the hotel group this year after Jumeirah Bali, and takes the total number of luxury hotels, resorts and residences operated by Jumeirah globally to 19.

            The group is due to open its Spain property — Jumeirah Port Soller Resort & Spa, Mallorca in the coming weeks, having announced it in 2008, according to the company's spokesperson.

            Jumeirah Grand Hotel Via Veneto in Rome began operating as a Jumeirah in January, followed by London's Grosvenor House Apartments in February. Both projects were announced late last year.

            The coming six months will also see the group opening Jumeirah Bilgah Beach Hotel in Baku, Azerbaijan, Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel and Spa, Kuwait, and Jumeirah Creekside in Dubai.

From the start of 2011 to the end of 2012, the group will have more than doubled the number of hotels it manages and almost quadrupled the number of countries in which it operates, Jumeirah said in a statement.

            Meanwhile, New York's Jumeirah Essex House, an 81-year-old luxury hotel worth an estimated US$375 million (Dh1.38 trillion) to US$500 million, is being put up for sale by the owner, Dubai Group, the investment firm owned by Dubai Holding, said last week, quoting chief executive Fadel Al Ali. – Gulf News

 

Cost of living rises in Abu Dhabi

            Although rents have fallen in Abu Dhabi over the last year, the rise in food prices and education costs have increased cost of living for residents, who say they are feeling the pinch.

            The Statistics Centre Abu Dhabi (Scad) recorded a 1.7 per cent rate of average annual inflation as of January this year. Compared to January last year, this inflation rate represents an increase of 0.8 per cent in average consumer prices.

            Any rise in the prices of essential commodities like food naturally causes people with lower income levels to have to spend a greater portion of their earnings, explained Giyas Gokkent, group chief economist at the National Bank of Abu Dhabi.

            According to the Scad report, households with the lowest one-third income levels in the emirate of Abu Dhabi faced a price rise of 1.1 per cent between January 2011 and January 2012, compared to just a 0.6 per cent rise for households with the highest one-third of income levels.

            "Food prices, which have a significant impact on household spending, increased by 6 per cent between March 2011 and January 2012. The cost of education also rose by 5 per cent in the same period," Gokkent said.

            Food prices and education costs have in fact seen an upward trend since April 2009, rising 19 per cent and 31 per cent respectively since April 2009, the economist added.

            Nevertheless, consumption habits have also resulted in a greater proportion of household income being spent on the purchase of food items on average.

            According to Dr Hashim Al Nuaimi, director of consumer protection at the Ministry of Economy, 23 per cent of a family's income in the UAE is spent on purchasing food this year, compared to 16.6 per cent in 2010.

            "People today spend money without a budget. We try to raise awareness that the spending should be in its place… Each family should have a budget and stick to a list of groceries," Dr Al Nuaimi said.

            "We expect to see modest price increases for these items over the rest of the year, consumers will automatically adjust by substituting [cheaper products for more expensive ones] as a general principle," Gokkent added.

            Meanwhile, rents, which have the largest weight when the capital's consumer price index is drawn up, fell by 0.8 per cent in the period from March 2011 to January 2012.

            Matthew Green, head of research at the leading commercial real estate consultancy, CBRE Middle East, said studio and one-bedroom apartments saw the largest declines in rent, falling by 19 and 22 per cent respectively, while rents for three-bedroom apartments fell by just 8 per cent.

            Echoing Gokkent's assessment, Green added that rents are likely to remain under pressure due to "significant new supply set to enter the market this year".

            "We would anticipate a rent decline of 10 per cent across the board, with locations off Abu Dhabi island facing the greatest downward pressure. In fact, rents for off-island locations will become more disparate to on-island rents," Green said.

            Gokkent, therefore, recommended that residents consider entering into short-term tenancy contracts to be able to take better advantage of falling rents in the city. – Gulf News

 

Abu Dhabi sets ambitious goals for public transport

            By 2016, five per cent of all people who commute to work in Abu Dhabi will ride the bus, cutting hundreds of thousands of car trips per day.

            This will rid the air of hundreds of metric tons of carbon dioxide every year, a senior official said yesterday.

            "By 2030, the emirate's mass transport system will be more than sufficient to serve all commuters, leaving wider spaces for those who would prefer to walk or ride their bicycles to work," Saeed Mohammad Al Hameli, general manager of the Abu Dhabi Department of Transport, said.

            Al Hameli was speaking after briefing the media on the third Mena Congress of the International Union of Public Transport, to be held in Abu Dhabi from March 26-28.

            "Our strategies are aimed at achieving zero emission levels in terms of traffic pollutants, encouraging reliance on public transportation and discouraging the so-called car culture which dominates the UAE, while acting in a proactive and responsible manner to ensure environment and transportation sustainability in Abu Dhabi," Al Hameli said.

            The public transport network in Abu Dhabi conducted 64 million passenger journeys last year and plans to raise that figure to 76 million this year.

            The public bus network in the capital is in for an ambitious expansion that will see the current 79 routes increased to 120, and bus stops every 300 metres this year.

            To meet its target of 76 million bus journeys, the Department of Transport will add 150 buses to its fleet, which will be better equipped for people with special needs.

            As many as 380 air-conditioned bus shelters will also be added to the existing 81 and almost 50 kilometres of bus lanes will be integrated into the main roads.

            The capital has released plans for a low-carbon public transport network under its Abu Dhabi Plan 2030, which includes a Metro system, regional rail, a comprehensive tram network and a ferry link to Dubai.

            The Abu Dhabi Metro, which will run approximately 131 kilometres and be supported by tram and bus feeder services, is set to be operational by 2016-17.

            Besides serving the projected increase in the population, the Metro will connect the proposed Central Business District with Sowwah Island, Reem Island, Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi International Airport and Masdar, the Capital City District, Emerald Gateway, Zayed Sports City and Adnec.

Mena congress in capital

            Hosted by the Department of Transport (DoT) in Abu Dhabi, the International Union of Public Transport (UITP) will holds its third Middle East and North Africa (Mena) Congress from March 26 to 28 at the Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Hotel in Abu Dhabi.

            For the first time in its 125-year history, the UITP will also simultaneously hold its First International Taxi Conference, aiming to develop the offering of taxis in the region, integrate it with other modes of public transport, create a competitive operational environment for taxis and to raise the standard of this mode of public transport, Abdullah Saleh Nasser, head of the UITP Mena Office, said.

            The Congress is held under the ‘8G' concept, which is modelled on eight generations' strategies which form the building blocks to deliver world-class public transport systems that meet the transportation needs of future generations in the Mena region. – Gulf News

 

Community malls poised to dominate UAE landscape

            Community malls are the future of UAE's retail landscape, according to Tim Jones of Lals Group.

            "People will go to the bigger malls on the weekend for their shopping, but people don't want to go too far to get their bits and pieces," said Jones, who is the group's chief operating officer for malls and oversees the Arabian Centre.

            "It's just having the right place for the right type of audience you're looking for. The Mall of Arabia has been sitting on Emirates Road for a while, but it won't open in this climate. It doesn't make sense."

            The Arabian Centre in Mirdif recently marked its third birthday and relies mostly on shoppers who live in a 12-kilometre radius.

            Emiratis represent 65 per cent of the shopper base and to cater for this 15 to 20 per cent of the development's retail offering features home-grown brands.

            "We started off nearly entirely with franchise brands, but it wasn't needed by the customers coming in," said Jones. "We've changed the mix.

            "We're bringing in a new high-end chocolate concept. They like gifts to take to people's houses.

            "It's not going to be cheap, but we feel with the capacity to spend they will go well. Their average spend is a lot higher than the average spend in Dubai."

            To increase the footfall, Arabian Centre concentrates on not only good retail options but also services. It has an in-house postal shop, gym, nursery and immigration department.

            "You've got to get their interest like education, health care or anything which resonates for a family," said Jones.

            At the time of opening, the facility was 85 per cent full. It now hosts 185 stores which attract an average of 14,000 to 15,000 people during the week and 19,000 at weekends.

Challenging period

            Jones said the mall faced a challenging period following the opening of Mirdif City Centre.

            "We went on a plateau for six to nine months, then decided to look at what we needed to do to take it to the next level," he said. "We brought in Redtag and Matalan."

            And by changing the anchor hypermarket brand to LuLu, the footfall was boosted by 25 per cent.

            "It's the way LuLu positioned itself — they're always doing offers and promotions and they appeal to a very wide audience so we're getting the benefits of that," Jones said. "You have to be liked by your loyal neighbourhood customers."

            Arabian Centre is also looking at boosting footfall by concentrating on in bound tourists. They are targeting cruise ship passengers and partnering with hotels to be included in itineraries.

            "This way you're getting people en masse instead of sending your shuttle bus to lots of different hotels just hoping for a few people to come," Jones said. – Gulf News

 

103,792 valid trade licenses listed in Abu Dhabi in 2011

            The total number of valid trade licenses registered in the emirate of Abu Dhabi until late 2011 summed up to nearly 103,792. Out of this 62,747 were issued in Abu Dhabi, 30,363 in Al Ain and 10,682 in the Western Region.

            Mohamed Munif, Acting Executive Director of commercial affairs of DED, said in line with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, DED has developed a clear strategy to promote the business sector in a manner that shifts the Emirate of Abu Dhabi into a real attraction for investments and businessmen. He indicated that DED is acting to draw up rules, and develop programs, regulations and systems that govern the labour market and ensure implementation of the best practices in a manner that qualifies it to be rated among the top business entities in international competitive reports.

            According to the trade statistical report of Abu Dhabi for the year 2011, the total number of steps and processes for trade licenses that were issued in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi last year amounted to 187,515. Of this number, 121,588 were issued in Abu Dhabi, 12,373 in the Western Region and 53,554 in Al Ain. This incorporated the issuing of new licenses and amending and cancelling old ones, issuing replacements and levying different fines on offenders.

            In 2011, the DED in Abu Dhabi issued 17,575 new trade licenses, from which 12,417 licenses were issued in Abu Dhabi, 1602 in the Western Region and 3,556 in Al Ain.

            Mohamed Munif Al Mansouri said these figures emphasise the continual rise of demand on trade licenses in the past years, which reflects the extension and spread of the large trade market in Abu Dhabi in light of the urban expansion there.

            He added that this reflects the local and foreign businessmen and investors' interest in acquiring favourable investment opportunities in Abu Dhabi thanks to the ideal administrative and legislative systems which are in line with the best international criteria and standards that enabled the Emirate to make tangible progress in international competitive reports.

            According to the report, 67,744 licenses were renewed from which 41,739 licenses were renewed in Abu Dhabi, 4420 in the Western Region and 21,585 in Al Ain. This, however, reflects businessmen's growing interest and keenness to consolidate their trade activities in the Emirate, and their complete trust in all procedures and measures adopted by the Emirate towards ensuring an ideal business environment to the best interest of the society.

            The entire number of licenses issued for those wishing to change their activities in 2011 amounted to 33,725. Of this amount, 21,090 licenses were issued in Abu Dhabi, 2,840 in the Western Region and 9,795 in Al Ain.

            The General Director of DED Centres and Branches said that the majority of trade licenses amended last year reflected these companies' interest in adding new trade activities to their already registered ones, which reflects the notable expansion of the activities of these companies and the remarkable success of their businesses.

            The statistics showed that nearly 4,620 licenses were cancelled last year. Of this number, 2,425 licenses were cancelled in Abu Dhabi, 310 license s in the Western Region and 1,885 in Al Ain. The majority of those licenses were issued for minor activities, whereas other licenses were not renewed during the past two years.

            As for the violations committed, the statistical report issued by the Department of Trade Licenses, DED's Trade Affairs Sector, showed that in 2011, some 1,392 fines were levied on 874 offenders. Of this number, 150 fines were given in the Western Region and 368 in Al Ain.

            Al Mansouri added that the reasons for imposing fines on trade licenses in Abu Dhabi varied from some companies doing unlicensed activities or violating the license and advertisement rules. Other fines were imposed as a result of commercial fraud, using places for purposes other than these mentioned in the licenses, or other reasons that are considered a violation of rules and the law.

            He added that such violations were monitored according to the law No. 2 of the year 2009 concerning the establishment of the Department of Economic Development, and the tasks and missions that aim to maintaining the business environment in Abu Dhabi in a manner that ensures that business the environment there is safe and that the rights of both trader and consumer are preserved.

            The trade license s' statistics in Abu Dhabi in 2011 showed that 12,869 licenses and advertisements were issued during that year. Out of this number, 9,167 were issued in Abu Dhabi, 125 in the Western Region and 3,577 in Al Ain.

            The licenses issued in Abu Dhabi were for vocational, trade, occupational, industrial, agricultural, fishery, livestock-related and creative activities.

            The data also showed that new 455 vocational licenses were issued, whereas 16,364 other licenses were renewed in 2011. Moreover, 9,976 new licenses were issued, 49,177 licenses were renewed , 108 new occupational licenses were issued, and 2,223 were renewed.

            The year 2011 witnessed an increase in the total number of creative licenses, as 23 new licenses were issued, whereas 46 licenses were renewed. As for the agricultural and livestock-related licenses, only four licenses were renewed last year. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

etisalat the first to introduce 3G services in the history of Afghanistan

            etisalat the largest telecommunication company in the Middle East, Asia and Africa and through its arm "Etisalat`s Afghanistan" has launched the first 3G services in history of Afghanistan.

            This achievement comes only after four years of the launch of "Etisalat Afghanistan". The company offers mobile services and ranked number one in building the best networks in Afghanistan. It acquires a customer's base of more than 3.5 million active subscribers in less than three years since launch.

            Commenting on this milestone, Mr. Ahmed Alhosani, Etisalat`s Afghanistan CEO, said, "Today is an auspicious moment in the history of telecommunications in Afghanistan - one that calls for a celebration of a public-private partnership for connecting people and improving lives for many generations to come. We are proud to be the first to launch 3G services in Afghanistan as this shall certainly spur a new era of advanced development in Afghanistan while positively impacting every aspect of people's lives." "The launch of the 3G by Etisalat marks an evolution in mobile communications and significant progress only made possible through a strong public-private partnership".

            Alhosani added "Etisalat has always pioneered impressive series of telecommunications and industry first services and products in challenging environment. "We measure our successes by the long- term success of the customers and communities we serve and the long- term reliability of networks on which they depend".

            Through the launch of 3G services in Afghanistan, we bring a rich understanding of technology, business and culture of communities in these environments. We don't profit on community expense. We partner with communities so they can build their own future.

            He concluded "we consider ourselves a change agent in the future of economic development in the most dynamic regions. And we re-write the economic equations that govern the success of businesses and communities.

            It is to be mentioned that the service agreement was signed by the Chairman of Afghanistan Telecommunication Regulatory Authority, Abdul Wakil Shergul and Etisalat`s Afghanistan CEO, Mr. Ahmed Alhosani during a ceremony held at Ministry of Communications '&' Information Technology office in Kabul. The ceremony was attended by Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mr. Amir Zai Sangin, Dr. Omar Zakhilwal, Minister of Finance, high level government officials and members of media fraternity.- Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Mohammed bin Rashid inaugurates Saudi-German Hospital in Dubai

            Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum yesterday morning inaugurated the Saudi-German Hospital in Dubai. Also present were H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Aviation Authority and Chairman of Emirates Group and a number of officials.

            After the ribbon-cutting, Sheikh Mohammed made an inspection tour of the hospital, which was completed at a total cost of Dh400 million.

            Engineer Sobhi Batterjee, Chairman and CEO of Saudi German Hospitals Group, gave a presentation about the establishment of the hospital, saying the first hospital started operations in 1988 in Jeddah, thus bringing contemporary German healthcare standards to the door step of the local community. After establishing a strong reputation for its quality of care and scientific management, SGH expanded to other areas of Saudi Arabia and beyond.

            He paid tribute to Sheikh Mohammed for giving instructions to Dubai authorities to facilitate construction of the 100,000 square metre state-of-the-art health facility in Dubai.

            He said his Group had made the vision of Sheikh Mohammed for establishing Dubai as a meeting point between the west and east a ''reality on the ground'', therefore promoting the UAE reputation in international circles. At the end of his tour of the hospital, Sheikh Mohammed affirmed that he is personally following up progress in the health and educational sectors.

            He also welcomed local, Arab and foreign investors to the health sector as a key provider of healthcare to local and regional patients without taking the pain of travelling abroad for treatment.

            Health tourism in the UAE, he said, is the focus of his attention and of his government as well as national relevant entities.

            He referred to the diverse, ultra-modern infrastructure in the UAE which attracts investors to the medical sectors and other fields. The opening ceremony was also attended by Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister for Cabinet Affairs, Abdul Rahman Mohammed Al Owais, acting Minister of Health, and a number of top health officials. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

UAE Minister of Economy inaugurates upgraded Emirates Float Glass Factory in Abu Dhabi

            UAE Minister of Economy Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori yesterday officially inaugurated the upgraded Emirates Float Glass (EFG) factory, the UAE's largest state-of-the-art integrated float glass facility, subsidiary of Glass LLC, which is wholly-owned by Dubai Investments (DI) PJSC, at the Abu Dhabi Industrial City in Mussaffah.

            Built at a cost of over Dh700 million and covering an area of 320,000 square meters, the factory has been partly operational since 2009. With the completion of phase-1 of the facility, it now has the capacity to produce 600 tons of clear molten glass per day and over 190,000 tons of glass products per annum. In addition to clear glass, EFG also produces a wide variety of tinted (bronze, grey and green) and reflective coated glass.

            The second phase of the facility, poised to be the largest in the UAE will add another 600 tons a day of capacity, including ultra-clear low iron glass, bringing the total to 1,200 tons per day." The factory is the only float glass manufacturing facility in the region with a fully automated production line - from receiving raw materials to packaging products. With most machines imported from Europe, US or Japan, the plant has achieved 100 per cent capacity utilisation, which is the best benchmark for efficiency levels in the world. Furthermore, its strategic location at ICAD, close to the Mussaffah sea port, offers state-of-the-art infrastructure along with an uninterrupted supply of natural gas and electricity.

            Phase-II expansion of the EFG plant will enhance its capability to cater to a wide variety of interior and exterior commercial applications, especially in the solar and automotive sector, with premium quality glass products.

            EFG supplies regional and international glass processors with premium quality float glass products that are used in the architectural and automotive industry segments. The products are exported to more than 53 countries spanning South America, Europe, Australia, Far East Asia and Africa, in addition to the GCC states. 85 percent of the company stakeholders are from the UAE while 15 percent are from GCC.  - Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Bad weather hits Fujairah air traffic

            A powerful sandstorm blowing over the Gulf has disrupted air traffic in Fujairah and Yemen, and closed schools and sent hundreds of people to hospital with respiratory problems.

The visibility dropped to less than 500 metres in the northern emirates forcing the Fujairah airport to shut down until conditions improved. Officials also warned of fog at night and early on Monday.

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            Cold Shamal (north-westerly) winds have set the conditions for fog formation. A drop in the wind speed last night was expected to contribute to the condensation of water vapour in the air. "We expect a rise in humidity at night and early in the morning," said a forecaster.

            In Oman, a sandstorm warning until Wednesday prompted some schools to close early while social media was abuzz with speculation about the consequences of the bad weather.

            Oman has seen two tropical cyclones — Gonu, the first in 2007, caused extensive financial as well as material damage worth over one billion Omani riyals and nearly 50 people died.

            In 2010, another tropical cyclone Phet, landed in Oman causing widespread flooding and US$780 million in material loss. Twentyfive people were officially reported dead.

            The Saudi ministry of education announced yesterday the closure of schools in the north, east and south-west of the desert kingdom, a day after similar measures were taken in Riyadh, the official SPA news agency reported. Hundreds of people, mostly children with asthma and allergies, were treated for breathing difficulties triggered by the storm.

            The storm also affected other Gulf countries, where weather centres warned drivers to use extra caution due to poor visibility and strong winds.

            In Yemen, the sandstorm disrupted air traffic at Sana'a International Airport. At least two flights into the Yemeni capital were cancelled on Monday. – Gulf News

 

Emirati students awarded at Abu Dhabi Festival

            Hasan Morad Al Beloushi held a trophy high to an excited crowd as they applauded the achievement of a group of ambitious Emiratis.

            He was one of the 10 students and graduates from UAE University who were last night awarded for their creative achievements at the Abu Dhabi Festival awards ceremony.

            Mr Al Beloushi, 23, who was being recognised for his achievements as a young media leader, was not intimidated by the hundreds of guests or the cameras beside them - as is to be expected from a young man starting a career in television.

            "We live in an age of social media, of advanced technology and social networking," he said on the sidelines of the awards presentation. "And we as Emiratis should also be part of this remarkable progress."

            The winners were selected from a group of government institutions including Zayed University and the Higher Colleges of Technology.

            The awards ceremony was part of the launch of the festival at the Emirates Palace hotel.

The 27-day festival includes 168 cultural and artistic events across all seven emirates.

            The creative achievement awards recognise the winners' outstanding participation in initiatives supported by the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation.

            They include the Young Media Leaders programme, which offers Emirati students training for careers in the media, and the Theatre-in-Education (Tie) programme, in which students participate in 40 hours of practical workshops led by the City University of New York's creative arts team.

            Mr Al Beloushi is training with Abu Dhabi Television, learning how to conduct interviews, report and present. He was the only man alongside a group of nine women.

            "From when I was younger I always used to enjoy school presentations and would take any opportunity to be the centre of attention," he said. "And as I entered university, I realised that this was what I wanted to pursue as a career.

            "I want to be in front of the camera, not behind it. I work with Lebanese, Syrian and Sudanese presenters. It's time to bring Emiratis to the forefront of the media, too."

            Khawlah Al Neaimy was another of the students who received a creative achievement award, for her participation in the Tie programme.

            "This is an important step to bringing drama and theatre to the UAE and making it part of our curriculum," said Ms Al Neaimy, 22. "It allows children to enjoy learning by going beyond the traditional teaching methods of memorisation."

            The Emirati from Fujairah said she was thankful she had a supportive family who let her pursue her dream in New York, as the programme required annual trips to the home campus in the US.

            By working closely with the cultural department in the Sharjah Theatres Group, she hopes to establish a prominent role for theatre in the classrooms. "Drama is a part of our daily lives," Ms Al Neaimy said. "And in the UAE we don't hear about using drama as part of education. Not only do we not hear about it in the schools, but also in the community."

            Last night was the first time the festival issued a lifetime achievement award.

            It was awarded posthumously to Dr Walid Gholmieh, a prominent conductor, composer, scholar and activist for western classical music in the Middle East, and a singular force in Lebanon's classical landscape.

            After the awards ceremony came a performance by the renowned Indian-American sitar player Anoushka Shankar, the daughter of the legendary Ravi Shankar, who dazzled the audience with her Indian melodies infused with Spanish beats. – The National

 

Abu Dhabi Art 2012 will be held in November

            Abu Dhabi Art 2012 will be held from 7-10 November at Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi.

            Organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism '&' Culture Authority, the event is much more than an art fair, it is a platform for modern and contemporary art and public programmes, bringing together a selection of leading art galleries from across the world, according to Tourism Development '&' Investment Company (TDIC) press release.

            In its fourth edition, galleries showcase a variety of works in a range of prices; from museum-quality pieces to those in a dedicated section for emerging artists that has already proven popular with collectors. Abu Dhabi Art is held in the Saadiyat Cultural District (currently home to the Manarat Al Saadiyat exhibition centre and UAE Pavilion) and future home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Canadian-born model to be the first female to race in Dubai World Cup

            When Chantal Sutherland climbs on board Game On Dude at next Saturday's Dubai World Cup (G1), she can be assured of one thing — the cheers of every woman present at Meydan Racecourse as she bids to make racing history.

            A Canadian-born model, television personality and professional jockey, Sutherland has already claimed a place in the record books as the first lady to ride in the world's richest race. On March 31, she will attempt to go one step further by beating the boys and winning the US$10 million (Dh36.7 million) contest.

            The very prospect of that scenario had not been lost on several women work riders based in the UAE.

            "It's an amazing thought, just thinking of it," said Melanie Vanlerberghe, a French rider who is based with the Jebel Ali Stables. "With all the best jockeys from around the world competing for the biggest prize of all, and for the first time to have a girl riding in the race, it's simply amazing. It's difficult to imagine what will it be like on the day, and what will eventually happen. But if she wins I think I'll cry."

            Laragh De Burgh, an Irish work-rider based at the Zabeel Stables, also believes this year's Dubai World Cup will be different — at least for women jockeys in the UAE and around the world.

            "It's a very exciting prospect," she says. "Flat racing is always going to be a male dominated sport so it's great to see a girl like myself, riding in the big race. So if she does win it will be a big boost for women riders. It will be a big motivator especially for the younger girls in the sport.

            "The Dubai World Cup is at the pinnacle of the sport, and should a woman win it, it could change the way people view women jockeys. And that will be a big thing for us."

            Salima Al Taleei, who is based at the Liwa Stables in Abu Dhabi, is mindful of the impact Sutherland has already made in the sport. "She's already made people sit up and take notice of her abilities," the Omani jockey said. "She is an ambassador for women jockey all over the world, and in the UAE in particular.

            "I am so excited that she will be riding in a big race like the Dubai World Cup. It's a major accomplishment to even get to ride in a race of such a high stature. If she wins, or can even come close to will be fantastic, for it will show the world that women jockeys can achieve the same success that the men have, provided they are given the right opportunities.

            "Having been a jockey for the past seven years, I know just how hard it is to survive. And believe me if it were not for the support I have received from Sheikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, I may have given up," she added. "I'm not saying everything will change for women riders should Chantal win, but it may encourage people to look at women jockey a bit differently."

            Polish rider Joanna Patejuk agrees. "I hope that Chantal can beat all the men," she said emphatically. "This will be a big test for both horse and rider considering that they will both be new to the track at Meydan. So I'm hoping that she will have a little luck in the race and can come out a winner.

            "I think all of us girl riders in Dubai will be screaming out for her during the race. I hope she hears us and crosses the line first."

            Xaviere Cottereau, a French work rider, said Sutherland faced a tough task in Dubai. "It's great for a girl to be riding in the World Cup," she said. "But it's a very difficult race to win with so much prize money at stake. It would be great not only for her, but for women jockeys in general if she can win it. Because, it's be honest, it's pretty hard for a woman in this sport." – Gulf News

 

Ali Rashid Al Raihe's massive strides as UAE champion trainer

            It is hard to envisage a scenario in which Ali Rashid Al Raihe, the UAE champion trainer, does not retain his crown this season.

            With eight race meetings remaining before the March 31 Dubai World Cup, Al Raihe has already saddled 36 winners and 31 seconds. That is six more winners than he finished with last year.

He is also six ahead of the second-placed trainer, Doug Watson, and the pair have now drawn well clear of the chasing pack. Closest to the leaders is Al Raihe's brother-in-law, Musabah Al Muhairi, in third place with 17.

            There is no doubt that races become harder to win as the season progresses, especially in the Dubai World Cup Carnival at Meydan Racecourse. Yet Al Raihe, an Emirati, has proved in years past that he can mix it with both the international raiders and the mighty Godolphin home team.

            "From the beginning of this season it was our aim to saddle more winners than last year," said Al Raihe, who has 50 horses in training for this season's races although he has more than that number in his yard.

            "Every year that is our aim. We have already achieved more than last season at this point, and I hope that I can go for more winners and more success before the end of March."

            It was two seasons ago that Al Shemali claimed the US$5 million (Dh36.7m) Dubai Duty Free on World Cup night and landed his handler his first trainers' championship with 28 victories.

            Since then the Grandstand Stables' star has continued to rise and big owners have taken note.

Jaber Abdullah, the owner of the great globe-trotting racehorse, Youmzain, and Saeed Manana, who won multiple Group 1s with Warrsan, have both sent horses to Al Raihe this season.

            "The stable is improving every year and so we are becoming more prominent and we are getting some new owners," Al Raihe said.

            There seems little doubt that not only will Al Raihe find himself in the winner's enclosure a few more times before the end of the racing year, but that he will also have representatives from Grandstand Stables lining up on World Cup day.

            The trainer has a knack for producing horses that are ready to fire for the first race of the season as well as an ability to bring lower-rated horses up to Carnival standard.

            Happy Dubai, the Grandstand Stables' sprint star who contested the 2010 Al Quoz Sprint before flying the flag in Singapore's Krisflyer Sprint, was rated 76 when he first came to Al Raihe. His good run of results since then have seen him rise to 112.

            The same can be said for Zain Shamardal, who has gone from a rating of 89 to 100 since he joined Grandstand Stables.

            And there is hope among Al Raihe's team, consisting of his assistant Jailani Siddiqi and the jockey Royston Ffrench, that Zain Shamardal, who has won twice this year, can climb still higher in the ratings and perhaps get an outing at the World Cup meeting.

            "He would be one that we would hope to see more improvement from," Siddiqi said. "The boss is considering a run for him in the final Al Maktoum Challenge on Super Saturday and then we will see where we are with him before World Cup day."

            Others that could make an appearance of the world's richest day or racing include First City, the filly who won the Group 2 Cape Verdi and was second in the Group 2 Balanchine this season.

            Haatheq, a Carnival winner who was runner-up to Mendip in the Al Maktoum Challenge Round II, is being campaigned with half an eye on a World Cup outing, while the new recruit Rajsaman is looking at the Godolphin Mile or Duty Free.

            "I would love to try and get Haatheq in the main race [the Dubai World Cup]," said Al Raihe. "First City would be looking at the Duty Free or Godolphin Mile and we are keeping our options open with Happy Dubai."

            And Al Shemali, the horse that really put Grandstand Stables on the map, is said to be coming back to his old form after suffering a slump last season.

            "He's coming back to himself," said Al Raihe, who now has the horse back in Dubai after a summer in the UK when he was third in a Conditions race at Leicester and runner-up to Mike de Kock's Mahbooba at Newmarket.

            "He's been third twice at Meydan Racecourse and if he gets in, we would be considering him for the Sheema Classic."

            Ffrench, the stable jockey at Al Raihe's yard for the past five years, is always very appreciative of his position at Grandstand Stables.

            "It's great to be part of the team," Ffrench said. "Everybody at the yard puts a lot of work into these horses and it’s great to get the results."

            Al Raihe himself is constantly referring to his team.

            "Alone I am nothing," he said. "I believe that it is the whole team here that brings the success. We are all working together to make this yard the best it can be." – The National

 

Abdullah Hareb Al Falahi states his case to be the new UAE FA president

            Abdullah Hareb Al Falahi, former chairman of Al Wasl Football Club, has announced his candidacy for the presidency of UAE Football Association for the upcoming 2012 to 2016 cycle.

            A host of Al Wasl executives, officials and veterans attended the press conference including current club chairman Marwan bin Bayat, who pledged his support to Al Falahi and believes is the right man for the job.

            Bin Bayat said: “We are very proud to have one of our own take an ambitious step forward in nominating himself for presidency. We wish him all the best in his campaign and trust that he will go on to lead and achieve, as he always has, taking the values of Al Wasl with him as he works to heighten the stature of UAE Football to levels it deserves.”

            Al Falahi – a former Wasl, Jazira and Nasr player – has held numerous positions within UAE sport throughout his 40 years of work in the industry. He is a former general secretary of the UAE FA and has helped found the UAE as well as GCC basketball associations. “I am running for this position because I want to continue my illustrious journey in the sports industry,” said Al Falahi. “I have been with it for over 40 years and would like to take all of that experience and know-how to continue to raise the profile of football in the region as I take on this new challenge.

            “UAE Football has boundless places to grow, especially after our Olympic national team qualified to the 2012 Games and ever since the UAE football league turned professional four years ago. Beyond technical excellence and achievement, I would like to continue to propel the management of the sport in the region as well.”

            Al Falahi vowed to bring a new level of professionalism to the FA, both from a technical and managerial side, in order to make the FA a completely independent entity that handles all footballing activities nationwide that is modern enough to handle the big goals to be set in the upcoming years.

            The main goals stated in Al Falahi’s program include making sure the UAE participate and win in international competitions, applying standards of excellence to the FA’s work, attracting fans to the stadiums, raising the skill level of both the players and managers, developing the culture of sport and professional awareness, improving the sports infrastructure and utilising the talented youth.

            With the lack of fan attendance one of the major problems in sport in the UAE, one of Al Falahi’s ideas is to create academies in every single club in the UAE, which will attract the families of the athletes training at such academies and could therefore double the numbers in the stands.

            Amongst the highlights in his program are plans to restructure the FA as an organisation, steps to strengthen the ties with the Ministry of Education to enhance joint grassroots initiatives, and ideas to create centres in the country directed towards identifying and nurturing young talent at an early stage. – Sport 360°

Arab countries back UAE bid for Expo 2020

      The UAE’s bid to host the 2020 World Expo in Dubai was backed by other Arab countries at a Pan-Arab meeting in Cairo.

      Thanks to efforts by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs both regionally and internationally to mobilise support for the bid, the Council of the Arab League Foreign Ministers, at its recent 137th session in Cairo, announced its support to the UAE which has launched an official campaign to host the global event in Dubai.

      Dubai is vying to be the host to the world’s largest rotating global exposition and is competing with Ayutthaya (Thailand), Ekaterinburg (Russia), Izmir (Turkey) and Sao Paulo (Brazil). Under the theme “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”, World Expo 2020 in Dubai aims to serve as a global hub for ideas and a springboard for creativity.

      During his recent visit here, Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) secretary-general Vicente Gonzalez Loscertales said he was impressed with the qualitative progress he had seen in the UAE in terms of integrated infrastructure, and its professional human resources on Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE).

      He said the UAE has world class shopping centres, and transport and communications modes, especially in the aviation and mass transit sectors.  – Khaleej Times

 

UAE short films to participate in Cannes

            The Abu Dhabi Film Commission recently announced a call for submissions of short films by UAE filmmakers to be screened at the Short Film Corner, during the Cannes Film Festival.

      For the third straight year, the Film Commission will submit up to 20 short films to the corner at the Marche Du Film, as well as screen the films at the Abu Dhabi Pavilion to festival programmers and film professionals from around the world.

         The Short Film Corner, organised by the Marche du Film, is a central gathering place for filmmakers, festival programmers and buyers at the festival, providing a full programme of networking opportunities, workshops and conferences focusing on the production and distribution of short films.

            Participating in the Short Film Corner increases the chances of films being selected by international festivals as well as potentially being picked up by distributors.  “Short films have become an increasingly important way for filmmakers from the UAE to gain worldwide exposure,” said Abu Dhabi Film Commission Director David Shepheard. “Short films provide calling cards for filmmakers’ talent and creativity, and having the ability to have your film seen by potentially thousands of film professionals at the Cannes Film Festival and Marche du Film is a valuable opportunity we are pleased to offer,” he added. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Plans in place to observe Earth Hour

            For an hour on March 31, residents in the capital are being urged to switch off their lights and unplug unnecessary electric appliances to celebrate the spirit of conservation and global sustainability.

            The initiative, which will take place between 8.30pm and 9.30pm, is part of the Earth Hour commemoration in the capital.

            "Collective participation in this symbolic initiative of Earth Hour stresses the importance of conserving the environment and saving energy. It also raises awareness about climate change, and what can be done to tackle it using shared efforts," said Khalifa Al Mazroui, general manager at the municipality.

            According to a statement sent yesterday by the municipality, March 31 will also see a range of activities along the Corniche and across malls in the capital.  – Gulf News

 

Mohammed bin Zayed receives U.S. Defence Secretary

                Gen. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces received on Thursday at the Emirates Palace U.S. Defence Secretary Leon Panetta and his accompanying delegation. Sheikh Mohammed welcomed Panetta and praised the progressive ties of friendship between the two countries and their keen interest in furthering them in all fields. They discussed issues of mutual interest, means to enhance cooperation and the latest regional and international developments. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Abdullah bin Zayed meets Brazil's Vice President

            Sao Paulo - Brazilian Vice President Michel Temer received yesterday UAE Foreign Minister H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his accompanying delegation who arrived in Brazil earlier yesterday. Sheikh Abdullah conveyed to Temer greetings of Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and his wishes of further progress and prosperity to the people of Brazil.

            The Brazilian President asked Sheikh Abdullah to pass on his greetings to Sheikh Mohammed and his best wishes for the people of the UAE.

            The meeting discussed ways to enhance bilateral ties, particularly in the economic, cultural, investment and sports fields. Michel Temer praised the progressive relations between the two countries and expressed the hope that they will further be developed.

            For his part, Sheikh Abdullah lauded the progress witnessed in Brazil.

            Earlier in the day, Sheikh Abdullah met with Brazilian Minister of External Relations Antonio de Aguiar Patriota. They signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries on political consultations.

            The meeting also touched on developments in Syria, the Palestinian cause, the Iranian nuclear dossier, Pakistan and Afghanistan. It also reviewed means to boost cooperation, especially in economic areas and the investment opportunities in the two countries.

            The UAE is Brazil's second largest trade partner in the Middle East, following a surge in bilateral trade from US$805 million in 2005 to US$2.6 billion in 2011.

            Patriota welcomed Sheikh Abdulla and his accompanying delegation and praised the growing relations between the two countries.

            The meeting was attended by Sultan bin Sulayem, Chairman of DP World, Khalid Al Ghaith, Assistant Foreign Minister for Economic Affairs, Abdullah Al Suboosi, Director of the American '&' Pacific Affairs at the Foreign Ministry and Ahmed Al Nuaimi, UAE Charge D'Affaires in Brazil.

            Present from the Brazilian side were Fernando Pimentel, Minister of Development, Industry and Trade, Minister of Mines and Energy Edson Lobao and Brazilian Ambassador to the UAE Joao de Mendonca Lima Neto. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

UAE, Argentina explore ways to boost relations

            Buenos Aires - President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner of Argentina yesterday held talks with visiting UAE Foreign Minister H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan over ways of enhancing bilateral relations especially in economic and cultural fields.

            The President of Argentina and UAE Foreign Minister also tackled the prospects of increasing investment opportunities and reviewed arrangements for the joint ministerial committee scheduled to be held in Abu Dhabi. They also stressed the importance of accelerating conclusion of a cooperation agreement on uses of peaceful nuclear energy. Available opportunities for DP World, Dubai-based global marine terminal operator, in Argentina were also discussed.

            President de Kirchner commended the Emirates Group for operating flights to Argentina which will flourish trade and tourism exchange between the two countries.

            For his part, Sheikh Abdullah said the ongoing development in Argentina would open up new promising investment opportunities. Later, the UAE chief diplomat met with Argentina Vice-President Amado Boudou and Foreign Minister Hector Timerman for discussions on bilateral bonds.

            The meetings were attended by DP World Chairman Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem and a number of top foreign ministry officials. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Sharjah Ruler awarded honorary PhD degree

            Paris - H. H. Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council member and ruler of Sharjah on Friday received an honorary degree of PhD from Paris Diderot University, also known as Universite Paris Diderot - Paris 7.

            The PhD degree was awarded by the French university to Sheikh Sultan in recognition of his support to scientific research, promotion of culture and arts, promotion of education both locally and internationally as well as to his interest in building cooperation and rapprochement between the Arab culture and other cultures for a better future for humanity.

            At the awarding ceremony in Paris, Patrick Gerard, Dean of the Paris Academy and Chancellor of the University of Paris (Recteur de l'Academie de Paris, Chancelier des Universities de Paris), in a speech, said "H. H. Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council member and ruler of Sharjah is one of the few personalities who seek to serve science and scientists in order to advance humanity and arm humans with knowledge." Arab and Muslim scientists played an undeniable significant role in the advancement of humanity and Europeans in particular during the Dark Ages. Several technical Arabic words from Arabic chemistry, Algebra and physics works found their way into various European languages and became part of the scientific vocabulary, according to Gerard.

            "Geography, history and literary works authored by His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, and which were translated into different languages, are continuation to the works of his Arab and Muslim ancestors." "We are glad to have you among us today and are honoured to confer an honorary PhD degree by Paris Diderot University in appreciation of your contribution and continuous support to scientific research, scholars and thinkers," Gerard said to His Highness Sheikh Sultan.

            For his part, President of Paris Diderot University Vincent Berger said:" Sheikh Sultan deserves this honouring for his sincere efforts to promote the Arab culture and its interaction with other cultures through the activities and events held under his patronage." - Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Sharjah Ruler visits Robert Debre Paediatric Hospital in Paris

          Paris - His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah visited yesterday Hopital Robert Debre, APHP-Paris which specializes in paediatric medicine. He was received at the hospital by Arnold Munnich has been scientific adviser for medical research and health to French president and other senior officials.

            Sheikh Sultan toured the hospital's different sections and was briefed on its role as a world leading research centre in paediatric medicine. He also witnessed a presentation on the hospitals vision, mission and future plans, including experiments for development of pre-mature babies for early detection of disabilities.

            Sheikh Sultan also met with the hospital's research team to discuss means of enhancing cooperation between the hospital's research centre and the University of Sharjah's Faculty of Medicine. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Khalifa Foundation completes water project in Somali land

            The Khalifa bin Zayed Charity Foundation has built 20 basins in valleys at south west Hargeisa, and drilled 14 water wells at north east Hargeisa and nine water wells and watershed basins at Boru.  The water projects were carried out in collaboration with the Somali Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources.

            In inauguration ceremony attended by a delegation from Khalifa bin Zayed Charity Foundation and Somaliland Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources Hussein Abdi Duale, Deputy Governor of Somaliland Abdi Al Ruhman Zilei, praised efforts being made by the leadership, government and people of the UAE for assisting Somali people. He credited the Khalifa bin Zayed Charity Foundation for its positive role in saving lives of those affected drought and famine by providing food and medicine.

            ''The Foundation's plan to tackle water crisis in Somaliland has brought relief to hundreds of thousands of affected population there,'' he added.

            The UAE foundation aims to provide pure drinking water to Somalis, especially children, who were dying in hundreds of thousands of thirst and drought. In last July, the UN appealed to over 40 international relief agencies to save three million Somalis facing death of famine and drought. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

The Emirates World Humanitarian Mobile Hospital to serve Egyptian villages

            The Emirates World Humanitarian Mobile Hospital has received an official invitation to provide its various medical services in the Egyptian villages.  The Emirates World Humanitarian Mobile Hospital (Elaaj) is a humanitarian initiative launched by Zayed Giving Initiative to deliver specialised medical services free of charge to the needy patients in the UAE and worldwide.

            As per the invitation extended by a number of health and educational institutions in Egypt, Elaaj will jointly implement healthcare programmes in the villages in partnership with the Egyptian Volunteering Society and Ain Shams University.

            A wide range of curative, surgical, preventive, awareness and training programmes will be coordinated by the UAE embassy in Egypt and other official authorities in both countries.

            Egyptian Ambassador to UAE Tamer Mansour said that the Emirates World Humanitarian Mobile Hospital has made many achievements at the global level and has been able to achieve a model of excellence for joint medical work.

            Implemented in partnership with the ministries of health in the host countries, the initiative targets the most vulnerable sections of society, especially children and elderly people in remote areas. "A team of doctors and surgeons from both countries have been formed to implement the initiative and the Mobile hospital will soon be on ground in the villages", said the Egyptian ambassador.

            The first civilian mobile hospital in the world, the Emirates World Humanitarian Mobile Hospital boasts a well-equipped medical facility and an elite team of healthcare professionals comprising specialist doctors, nurses, technicians and administrative cadres.

            The Emirati cardiac surgeon, the chairman of the Zayed Giving Initiative and Executive Director of Emirates World Humanitarian Mobile Hospital Dr. Adel Al Shamari said that preparations are in full swing to mobilise the hospital across the Egyptian villages.

            Emirates World Humanitarian Mobile Hospital is well equipped with the latest mobile diagnostic systems and has 25 beds. It includes specialised surgery units, medical instruments, intensive care units, pharmacy, laboratory, radiology department, maintenance department, generators and medical supplies for short periods. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

UAE Central bank seeks to ease defaulters’ woes

            Dissatisfied with the higher levels of proposed monthly instalments which would be deducted from the salaries of Emirati loan defaulters, under the debt settlement initiative designed to bail them out from a debt trap, the UAE Central Bank is seeking appropriate solutions.

      The board of directors of the central bank, which met here last week, reviewed data on the personal loans of UAE nationals submitted to it for study.

      The board said in a statement that it considered “several options to find appropriate solutions for these loans and noted that the monthly instalments deducted from the monthly salaries of UAE nationals towards repayment of these loans are rather high”.

      With a view to alleviating the financial burden on UAE nationals, the board instructed further study and more cooperation and coordination with all agencies concerned in order to find appropriate solutions which would alleviate the burden of these loans on UAE nationals, the statement said.

      Instructions were issued for preparing “appropriate recommendations” in this respect which will be forwarded to higher authorities.

      On January 26, the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, set up a Dh10 billion fund to ease the financial burden on Emiratis who are in a debt trap, as many are facing legal action by the banks.

      The initiative would benefit 6,800 UAE national defaulters of personal loans of less than Dh1 million, be they in detention, pending trial or convicted, or settling their debts through instalment schedules set by the courts of law.

      Under the package, those in prisons will be released and have their loans settled in accordance with specific settlement mechanisms, including deduction of 25 per cent from their monthly salaries, with undertakings not to borrow again until the loan is settled.

      Sheikh Khalifa’s initiative follows a recommendation by the Supreme Committee of the Debts Settlement Fund for Citizens with Limited Income.

      Till now, about 10 financial institutions have signed agreements with the Debt Settlement Fund in order to implement the initiative. They include Emirates NBD, National Bank of Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Union National Bank, First Gulf Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Mashreq Bank and HSBC.

      The board also reviewed applications submitted by banks operating in the UAE to expand their businesses and open new branches, and applications to establish companies/ establishments to undertake financial activities and money changing businesses. The board approved applications that fulfilled terms under the laws and regulations applied to such business activity. – Khaleej Times

 

Dubai Statistics: low inflation in the Emirate of Dubai 0.63% in February 2012

            The inflation rate of monthly consumer prices in Emirate of Dubai dropped 0.63 percent in February compared to January 2012, according to figures from the Emirate's Statistics Centre.

            Dubai Statistics Centre (DSC) monthly report showed a decline in rate of inflation of groups of Housing, water, electricity, gas and fuel by 1.81%, Transport 0.41%, Communications 0.02%, and Restaurants and Hotels 0.01% while a rise in inflation rate was registered in the group of Food and non-alcoholic beverages at 0.23%. Inflation of other groups remained at the previous rates during the period of review. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Etihad Airways will introduce farm-to-table, organic in-flight dining

            Etihad Airways today announced an exclusive partnership with Abu Dhabi Organics Farms, the first internationally certified organic farming initiative in the UAE, to supply fresh organic produce for its in-flight First Class dining menus.

            The airline will be sourcing fresh organic produce daily from the expansive farm. The farm's production meets highest international quality standards and follows best practice of sustainable farming. A range of fresh food products, from eggs to vegetables to honey, will be served onboard.

            Etihad Airways First Class Chefs, who are already serving up restaurant-quality dishes to order as part of the newly-unveiled First Class Mezoon Grille menu, will begin to incorporate these fresh ingredients in their onboard service. Plans to launch the farm-to-table concept across all cabin classes are currently underway.

            Abu Dhabi Organics Farms was established in 1997 by Khalid Al Shamsi, an Emirati national passionate about organic living. Sitting on more than 55 hectares of land, featuring both greenhouses and outside fields, the farm grows a wide range of vegetables and fruits from around the world, as well as raising livestock such as camels, cows, chickens and goats.

            The farm also offers daily fieldtrips to educate children on the importance of natural organic food, sustainability and recycling, allowing them to experience first-hand how the desert has been turned into fertile land.

            Al Shamsi said: "The Abu Dhabi Organics Farms works with the Food '&' Agricultural Organization of the United Nations and has been awarded the food security medal. We are a member of the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), which issues accreditation and certificates for organic produce, and we have received HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) certification for our hygiene and food safety measures.

            "We are immensely proud to become a supplier for Etihad Airways and to know that our produce will be flown across the world and enjoyed by their guests".

            Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways' Chief Commercial Officer, said: "Etihad Airways has always stressed the importance of partnering with local companies and we are proud to support organizations such as the Abu Dhabi Organics Farms as part of our Product of the UAE initiative to bring local products to the world. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Etihad's vision for Air Seychelles

            Victoria, The Seychelles - Plans by Etihad Airways to restructure its new partner, Air Seychelles, have been given an "upbeat" reception by the workforce

            "We have given the staff a road map to where we want to be in 24 months," said James Hogan, the president and chief executive of Etihad Airways, after an address to a town hall meeting of airline staff in Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles. "They now know exactly where they stand in this plan, and they have made it clear to us they understand what is at stake. Most of the 660 employees, including pilots, engineers, cabin crew, management and ground staff, turned up to the meeting in a positive mood to be addressed by Mr Hogan and members of the new Air Seychelles board.

            They were told a six-week consultation programme would take place between the new management and the workforce.

            "We have made it clear we will consult on the best way to carry out this restructuring," said Mr Hogan. "There are 250 jobs affected, and we want to establish how best we deal with that, whether it is through redeployment of staff, or redundancies, or even transfers to our operation in Abu Dhabi."

            Etihad purchased a 40 per cent share in Air Seychelles in January and has embarked on a two-year plan to return the state carrier to profitability. The programme will involve leasing two new A330 airliners, extensive retraining of the Air Seychelles workforce and launching service to Beijing and Johannesburg.

            The partnership follows two years of financial instability at the airline. Last year, the Seychelles government injected 125 million Seychelles rupees (Dh31m) in cash to meet operating costs and 225m rupees in the form of loans.

            "We have worked hard to identify areas in which Air Seychelles can improve operations and cut costs," said Cramer Ball, the new chief executive of Air Seychelles.

            "This plan is a clearly laid out working document that will see us not only grow quickly, but will establish us as the carrier of choice in the Indian Ocean region and beyond." Increased code-sharing with Etihad will open up a potential network of 73 destinations in 49 countries.

            "We told the staff that Air Seychelles is a strong business proposition, and Etihad Airways will do everything we can to ensure it achieves sustainable growth while offering passengers best-in-class service," said Mr Hogan.

            "When we partnered with Air Seychelles, we made a commitment to support Air Seychelles' quest to emerge as a viable airline offering world-class service commensurate with that being offered by Etihad Airways. The business plan we presented is the tangible result of that commitment.

            "It makes strong commercial sense for us to work together on issues where cooperation is possible. The resulting synergies will bring about significant efficiency benefits for both Etihad Airways and Air Seychelles."  – The National

 

New stamps commemorate Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation Silver Jubilee

            Emirates Post has issued new stamps that commemorate the 25th year anniversary of Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation. The foundation was established in 1987 by Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais as prestigious cash award that reward Arab writers, novelists, poets and scholar achievements.

            "It is an opportunity to highlight our cultural heritage, including writers and poets, enriching the community by their achievements and progress," said Ibrahim Bin Karam, Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Post Group. "These special stamps reflect Emirates Post's continuous support to cultural institutions, in recognition of the vital role these institutions play in spreading culture among the local and international scales." As part of the celebrations that the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation has been launched to honour the winners of the silver jubilee, Bin Karam presented a memorial of the full set of the stamps to Anwar Gargash, Chairman Board of Trustees. "We appreciate the Emirates Post's efforts in releasing stamps issuing the 25th year anniversary of our foundation," Gargash said. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

New state-of-the-art riding facility opens on Sir Bani Yas Island, enriching the Desert Islands Experience

            Desert Islands announced the opening of the impressive Sir Bani Yas Stables on the heritage-rich Sir Bani Yas Island in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi. The state-of-the-art horse riding facility, located next to Desert Islands Resort '&' Spa by Anantara, has capacity for 30 horses, and is home to a range of highly-talented horses of different breeds from Arabia and around the world.

            Wholly-managed by Anantara, the renowned Asian hospitality group, and developed and owned by Tourism Development '&' Investment Company (TDIC), the modern, purpose-built stables were designed with a strong focus on protecting the environment, and feature sustainable lighting and irrigation. With facilities consisting of two stable barns, six sand paddocks, two large grass paddocks, a lunge ring, a covered riding arena, training ring and riding ring, the stables will provide a five-star equestrian experience.

            The stables feature a variety of horseback riding activities and lessons, each tailored to meet individual needs and abilities. This fantastic new facility for equestrian lovers offers horses that are trained in dressage and western riding, while those who wish to try riding for the first time are also catered to. Guests will have the opportunity to learn about the horses and the heritage of Arabian horses within the UAE, and experience a unique perspective of the island's Arabian Wildlife Park, which is home to an array of wildlife species including Arabian Oryx, Sand Gazelle, Cattle Egret and Peacocks.

            Ahmed Al Fahim, Executive Director of Marketing, Communications, Sales '&' Leasing at TDIC comments on the opening: "TDIC is delighted to add this new adventure facility to Sir Bani Yas Island, and we are committed to promoting the island as a world-leading, environmentally-friendly destination. A number of other facilities will be launched later this year to enhance our visitors' experience, including the Desert Islands Watersports Centre and the Desert Islands Conference Centre.'' Laura Jane MacLucas, Equestrian Coordinator at Anantara, comments: "Sir Bani Yas Stables will make horseback riding accessible for people of all abilities, and allow a unique equestrian experience, from riding along the island beach, to exploring the Arabian Wildlife Park on horseback. This is the only-known facility of its kind in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi, and will therefore play an important role in enhancing the offerings of Sir Bani Yas Island to international guests, local communities, the region itself and in communicating local heritage." "We are also extremely lucky to have some fantastic horses from various backgrounds and of different breeds. These include Ronan, a pure Arabian ex-show horse that is a very good example of its breed due to its extravagant movement, and Cachorra, a bay Polo pony from South America that had an extremely successful Polo career, including playing in Gold Cups, before coming to Bani Yas Stables," she says. - Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Abu Dhabi steps up fight against illegal dumping

            Abu Dhabi targets to reduce complaints on illegal dumping of waste by 90 per cent soon as garbage trucks and waste water tankers are tracked round-the-clock by GPS (global positioning system) trackers, a senior municipal official told Gulf News recently.

            As of February 28, the Centre of Waste Management-Abu Dhabi (CWMA) has fitted 98 per cent of the lorries with GPS trackers, Saif Al Shamsi, Director of Excellence and Quality Department at CWMA, said.

            He said the remaining two per cent are expected to be fitted with GPS trackers by the end of April as they have been issued final warning to this effect.

            "If they do not comply with the rule, those companies' permit for waste transportation will be revoked and trade licence for waste management operations will be suspended," the official said.

            The CWMA is responsible for the collection and disposal of waste in the emirate. It has outsourced waste management services to about 2,000 companies, of which 760 are dealing with collection and transportation of waste. They handle 33,000 tonnes of waste per day which comes over ten million tonnes annually.

            Before introducing the GPS tracking system, complaints on illegal waste dumping were widespread, especially in the emirate's Western Region.

            People used to complain about waste collection trucks dumping sewerage water in the deserts and thus, polluting farms in the region. But statistics regarding the complaints that were logged before the CWMA were not readily available with the official.

            The CWMA is monitoring the waste transportation fleet through its GPS Operations and Control Room.

            The CWMA issues violation citations and takes legal and administrative action against violators in coordination with other government entities, Al Shamsi said.

            He said the state of the art system sends alerts to its inspectors whenever a tanker, for example, discharges waste water outside a designated treatment facility.

            The tracking system works 24 hours a day, seven a days a week, throughout the year. The system can also determine a truck's load volume and when and where these are disposed of, he said.

            The CWMA is targeting to eliminate more than 90 per cent of all illegal dumping violations in the emirate through different tools, procedures and regulations, he added.

Green initiatives

            The Centre of Waste Management — Abu Dhabi (CWMA) has highlighted the new investment opportunities in eco-friendly waste management. Among the areas where potential investors can get into include: recycling and processing of electronic waste and used cooking oils, and establishment of certified waste management consultancies to support various waste management efforts undertaken by different entities in the emirate, said Saif Al Shamsi, Director of Excellence and Quality Department at CWMA.

            Al Shamsi spoke at a recent workshop organised by the CWMA to enhance the communication with different waste management stakeholders. It was part of the "communicate for excellence" programme to encourage and support the recycling Industry, sustainable initiatives and the centre's strategic plan to divert 90 per cent of waste in the emirate from landfills to the recycling industry by 2018. The officials said the centre supports green and recycling industries through regulations, logistics and financial support to help achieve the centre's strategic objective in establishing a comprehensive waste management and recycling industry in the emirate. He said the centre has registered and licensed 2000 environmental service providers during the past 18 months in the emirate.

To report complaints on waste collection:

  • Call toll free number: 8001122 – Gulf News

 

Green awakening through farming

            Liwa - An Emirati farmer has been happily ploughing back the returns from his farm into new crops ever since he started farming 16 years ago. Mubarak Khalid Al Qubaisi, 55, strongly believes that farming is not just about making a profit but that farmers have a divine obligation to feed present and future generations.

            But he is sad that many of his fellow countrymen, especially educated youngsters, do not understand the importance of farming.

            The Abu Dhabi Farmers Service Centre (ADFSC), which selected Al Qubaisi's four-hectare farm as a ‘demonstration farm', is determined to change the situation. Al Qubaisi's farm was chosen as an ADFSC model in view of the use of modern farming techniques.

            The centre's ongoing efforts to make farming commercially viable as part of its sustainable farming strategy will definitely attract more people, especially youngsters, into farming, said James Thompson, cropping unit head at ADFSC.

            The experts spoke to Gulf News during a media trip to Al Qubaisi's farm in Seih Al Khair in Liwa, in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi recently.

            The farm grows green beans, potato, tomato, dates, cauliflower, eggplant and many other crops.

            Since being established by the Abu Dhabi Government in 2009, the ADFSC has been trying to make farmers self-reliant without having to fall back on subsidies.

            When the municipality was handing out subsidies for farming a few years ago, Al Qubaisi recalls earning between Dh200,000 to Dh300,000 per annum.

            The earnings have since come down but Al Qubaisi does not mind reinvesting his returns on his farm. "I don't regret it because farming is a divine activity to feed the present and future generations. But most of the Emiratis, especially the educated youngsters including my children, do not understand it," he says.

            Most people are more interested in business and trading since they are assured bigger profits than in farming while educated youth focus on highly-paid professional careers only, says Al Qubaisi, who is also the general manager of a private company and runs his own cafeteria business.

He finds time for farming alongside his regular job and business and wonders why others cannot do so.

            Making farming sustainable will address all such issues, reckons Thompson.

Healthy produce

            Plucking a bean pod from a plant along the walkway on the farm and chewing it without caring to wash it, Thompson said: "These vegetables can be eaten like this."

            Ensuring that plants are healthy from the beginning is the first step towards sustainability as it could eliminate use of chemicals, Thompson added. Healthy plants keep the insects and pests away, averting the need to use toxic pesticides or insecticides, he said.

Reaping better returns for little extra

Eco-friendly solutions

  • Use of organic fertiliser made by composting manure

  • Use of less toxic pesticides and insecticides in place of chemicals.

  • Biological control of pests and insects

  • Employing water-saving techniques like in-line drip irrigation and water-usage monitoring devices.

Economic viability

  • Crops based on market demand

  • System for marketing to get good price

Social factor

  • Farmers must always take into account the diversity of the UAE community when choosing crops.  – Gulf News

 

Lion king who talks to animals

            Tao was kept in a tiny cage and starved for the first nine months of his life.

            As a result, he has a hunched back, a limp leg and permanent shackle marks where his legs were bound.

            The two-year-old lion would probably have been put down if it were not for the Dr Doolittle of Ras Al Khaimah.

            Tao is now "the friendliest lion" at Ras Al Khaimah Wildlife Park, said Jasim Ali Salim, an Emirati trader who began collecting unwanted wild animals from local families 15 years ago.

            "He was extremely wild and ferocious when we first got him, you can see even his hair growth is irregular. But by God's grace in one month he was tamed," he said. "People have laughed at me when I told them that I can communicate with animals. But I understand the body language of lions and the roars and groans they make and, accordingly, I act."

            Mr Salim's two-acre plot in Awafi is home to more 20 different species, including an Arabian wolf, lions, leopards, hyenas, baboons, snakes, a Nile crocodile and an assortment of wild cats from Asian, African and Arabian origins.

            "People keep these animals as a sign of pride or to show off," he said. "They do not realise that when they grow they become more ferocious and dangerous.

            "Zoos and reserves also refuse these animals because most of them do not have proper documents but I will accept any neglected wild animal and I refuse to trade in them." Mr Salim is not a vet and has never studied animal handling.

            "This ability has come to me because of my love of wild creatures," he said.

            This love is evident in the amount he invests in his menagerie - Dh300,000 a year is spent on the animals' food, while a further Dh20,000 a month goes to their upkeep and care.

Mr Salim, 40, a father of four, set up the wildlife park in 2010.

            "The RAK government has been very supportive of us and granted us all the licences and necessary permits to set up the zoo," he said.

            "The animals are handled by staff that I have hired and are checked regularly by contracted veterinarians."

            The zoo has been a big hit with local residents. Ali Abdullah, a teacher in North Thait, brings his pupils to the park.

            "Before, I had to take my children to Sharjah and Dubai to see wild animals and learn about them," he said. "Since the launch of the zoo two years ago more than 25,000 people have visited and it has become one of our regular tourist attractions."

            Wildlife expert Dr Reza Ali Khan also applauded Mr Salim's efforts.

            "This is a wonderful thing that he is doing and if proper care is being provided for these animals I welcome that," he said.

            Dr Khan said the trend of keeping wild animals as pets had died down since the 1980s but has picked up again in recent years. "We have seen several cases come up in the past few years where people have kept these wild cats in their homes as pets and this is extremely dangerous."

            Mr Salim also has strong words for those who bring wild animals into the UAE. "People who trade in these animals are the ones who should be stopped," he said. "It is completely illegal."

            He has been in contact with many local and international animal welfare societies who are able to help him to reintegrate some of the animals back into the wild.

            "Some of them cannot be tamed and can survive back in the wild - like the black panther or the wild cheetah - but others have to be rehabilitated and trained before they go back," he said. – The National

 

The road trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, as it looked in 1972

            Almost exactly 40 years ago, over the Eid weekend in January 1972, I was driven from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, and back. I was with two engineers from JD & DM Watson - Peter Lochery and Peter Griffiths - and we took sufficient provisions and sleeping bags for two nights in the desert. I was a year-out architecture student from London, without a local driving licence - so I made the journey in the back of a canvas-covered Series II Land Rover pickup, kindly loaned to us by Otac, the contractor for Phase 2 of the Dubai Sewerage Infrastructure contract.

            This was during my first visit to the newly formed United Arab Emirates, then just a few weeks old. Until this weekend I had never driven further south of Dubai than the zoo, which was at the end of the new villa developments along Jumeirah Beach Road.

            The tar continued alongside the beautiful white sands of the Gulf beach, broken by groups of palms and occasional areesh houses with traditional timber fishing boats drawn up on the sand.

            The tar road stretched as far as Chicago Beach, the construction site for Dubai's massive steel khazzans, two of which were under construction, before being towed out to sea and sunk. Each when complete could safely store half a million barrels of oil under water at the Fatah oilfield.

            The enormous onion-shaped structures stood out as dramatic landmarks in the flat desert landscape, today Umm Suqeim and the site of Burj Al Arab.

            The tar stopped abruptly and we drove along a roughly graded sabqa track. As it became ever more corrugated, more tracks diverged seeking a more comfortable route, until the road was many hundreds of metres wide.

            The back of the short-wheelbase Land Rover was extremely uncomfortable, not long enough to fully stretch out in, so every corrugation, every jolt, was felt. The tracks finally converged towards a boom in a wire fence - the border post with Abu Dhabi at Seih Ash Sheib, where all vehicles were stopped and we had to show our passports.

            As soon as we were through the border, the road again split into a multitude of tracks across the desert, which being mainly sabqa was largely featureless, with the dunes occasionally close, or a dramatic uneroded sandstone cliff, a geological fossil of an ancient land surface.

            The tracks again converged before joining the tar to cross the Maqtah Bridge. Having left Dubai early in the morning we only reached the massive construction site that was Abu Dhabi in the early afternoon.

            We paused briefly for a little refreshment, before commencing the second stage of our journey to reach Al Ain and Buraimi before nightfall. So it must have taken us at least a good six hours to cover what takes just over an hour today. I don't think my back was ever the same again.

I recall that we broke the return journey to Dubai, turning off the road into low dunes to find a camping spot for the night.

            It was very cold, but the desert was very beautiful, with a memorable sunrise the following morning.

Peter Jackson is an architect who now lives in Sharjah working on a number of conservation projects with the Government. He visited the UAE for the first time in 1972, later studying the wind tower houses of the Bastakiya with Dr Anne Coles. He is the author of Windtower with Dr Coles. - The National


 














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