Emiratis encouraged to trek, study environment

Ahead of the next Gulf for Good challenge, the ‘Transylvanian Trek', Emirati environmentalists are urging fellow Emiratis to take up environmental challenges.

            Sheikh Abdul Aziz Bin Ali Al Nuaimi, known as the Green Sheikh of the UAE, has encouraged Emiratis to participate in such causes. The green ambassador from the ruling family of Ajman told Gulf News, "This encouragement is needed due to the future challenges of resources. We live on the same planet; we should act towards a similar cause."

            Habiba Al Marashi, chairperson of Emirates Environment Group (EEG), spoke to Gulf News on the same lines, urging more participation among Emiratis in local as well as international environmental challenges. She said, "When Emiratis take up challenges abroad, they are more convinced of the [environmental] reality, helping them become catalysts for change when they return to the UAE. Further, this kind of exposure will help them communicate their learning, giving impetus to action programmes on the ground that will have a direct, positive impact on the environment of the UAE."

            She explained that the learning can be in any form. "It doesn't matter whether it is to do with food security, energy conservation or protection of biodiversity; these issues are global issues," she said.

Several residents have participated in Gulf for Good challenges. Three previous Emirati participants spoke to Gulf News about their experience.

            Hassan Al Saeed Al Hashemi, a banker in Dubai, said, "My first was Kilimanjaro and second Cuba. The reason for both trips was mainly to give back. I also wanted to challenge myself — both physically and mentally like I had never done before — while doing something good for others."

            Hussam Al Saeed, 55, said that his annual resolution for the past three years has been to participate in at least one challenge a year. His primary reason for taking up such challenges is to make a difference. "We are part of a big family, separated by distance, nationality, creed and colour — with a common destiny. I also like to challenge myself and get out of life's routine by going to places and experiencing new things that normally I wouldn't [be able to]. Further, through Gulf for Good, I get to be with a group of like-minded individuals who share the same ideals."

            Buthainia Hamed Kazim, a Fulbright Scholar at New York University, said that challenges force her to push herself physically and test her ability to commit.

            The next Gulf for Good challenge in August is a five-day hike through stunning gorges, plateaus, forests, valleys and mountain villages via the infamous Dracula's Bran castle, with a final stop in Bucharest.  – Gulf News

 

UAE students design strongest bridges

            First-year College of Engineering students at American University of Sharjah (AUS) put their skills to the test to build the strongest possible bridge out of dried spaghetti as part of a class project competition, said a press statement on Tuesday.

            The Seventh NGN 110 Competition saw over 175 freshman students, randomly divided into 35 groups of up to five students each, compete to build a bridge using spaghetti, sticks and glue. The bridges were to be no more than 250 grams and 35 centimetres long. The bridge that carried the maximum weight without breaking was declared the winning project.

            The wining bridge was built by Baysangur Abdulaev (Chemical Engineering), Hazza Mubarak Alhajeri (Civil Engineering), Wasel Muntaser Raslan (Electrical Engineering), Salah Youssef Abd ElMotie (Mechanical Engineering) and Nasser Rashed AlSuwaidi (Mechanical Engineering). Their bridge carried 22 kilograms, which was more than any other bridge in the competition could carry without breaking. The winners were awarded cash prizes, certificates and extra points toward their final grade.

            Dr. Yousuf Al Asaf, Dean of the College of Engineering congratulated the students who participated in the competition. “They were able to take a simple idea and turn it into a reality and that is what engineering is all about. Keep it up and we expect much more from you,” he said.

“The results we have seen today were beyond our expectation,” said Dr. Fadi Ahmed Aloul, Associate Professor of Computer Science and Engineering and the NGN 110 course coordinator. “The winning bridge carried almost 90 times its weight and that is just amazing.”

            First runners-up built a bridge that carried 21 kilograms without breaking; second runners-up, 19 kilograms; and third runners-up carried 17 kilograms. A special prize was also awarded to the best-looking bridge at the competition.

            “The course stresses on developing the soft skills of students such as team work, time management, presentation skills, engineering design and problem solving. These students were able to apply those and design and build together a successful model,” said Dr. Aloul. “All students receive the same project idea and are given six weeks to complete their project. The goal of the competition is to challenge students to think out of the box, explore new ideas and convert solutions from a simple idea to a real product. The competition also encourages the students to interact with each other to produce creative designs and compete with each other. Students prepared many models, and I was impressed by the quality and effort put into their designs. Their hard work, dedication, and excitement made the event a great success.”

            The NGN110 class is a freshman course taken by all engineering students enrolled in any of the six engineering programs offered at AUS: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. – Emirates 24|7

 

Economy is doing well, says Sheikh Mohammed

            Assuring that the Gulf region is rising again, shedding the dust of the global financial crisis, Sheikh Mohammed repeated his perception that crises are opportunities which release the creative energies of the youth and individuals in the society.

            Sheikh Mohammed said the economy of Asia is also growing well while Europe is still in the throes of the financial crisis.

            Sheikh Mohammed was talking to a galaxy of Arab writers and media persons on the fringes of the 11^th annual Arab Media Forum which got under way in Dubai on Tuesday.

            The Arab Media Forum 2012, organised by the Dubai Press Club, is themed on ‘Arab Media: Exposure and Transition’ and will discuss important media issues in the region.

            The forum was also attended among others by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai; and Lieutenant-General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Commander-in-Chief of the Dubai Police.

            Sheikh Mohammed, flanked by Sheikh Hamdan and Sheikh Majid bin Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, later held a dialogue with the media persons about a number of pressing Arab issues and the hopes cherished by the Arab nationals, especially in the changing Arab landscape.

            Asserting the importance of holding on to Arab cultural norms, traditions and various dialects, Sheikh Mohammed reiterated the significance of adhering to Arabic Language in order to preserve the Arab national identity.

            The dialogue focused on economical, social and educational development across the Arab world, which is rich in material resources, natural wealth and human intelligence. At the same time it lacks vision, determination and management of the changes in building economic, educational and social development, the dialogue noted.

            Media persons cited Sheikh Mohammed’s take on the comprehensive change in many Arab states, noting that they are in a dire need of economic, educational and social changes. This is because the young generation wants such changes that would provide them with better opportunities in education, innovation and employment under a balanced social justice system, the debate noted. – Khaleej Times

 

Teachers must be better quality, better pay

            The quality of teaching staff and better pay are key to ensuring educational excellence for children, international education experts said in the capital yesterday.

            While this drive to improve the skills of teachers in public schools has been undertaken by the Abu Dhabi Education Council (Adec) over the last three years, a review of teaching standards in private schools is also currently being conducted in the capital, Dr Mugheer Al Khaili, Adec's director general, told Gulf News.

            "The results of this study, which also includes an analysis of teaching environments, school premises and pupil outcomes, will be published next year. Private schools will then be given time to raise their standards, if required, and align their education standards with Adec's requirements," Dr Al Khaili added.

            He was speaking on the sidelines of the first Transforming Education Summit, which was launched in the capital yesterday. Organised by Adec, the conference was inaugurated by General Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

            In his keynote address, Gordon Brown, the former prime minister of the United Kingdom, pointed out that a high level of experience and qualification among teachers and head teachers was indicative of better pupil performance.

            "Various studies have shown that a good teacher increases pupils' performance by 50 per cent, while a poorly qualified teacher with minimum teaching experience decreases performance levels among pupils," Brown said.

            "In addition, the global financial crisis calls for educational reform that will help develop children into critical thinkers. This calls for experienced head teachers to help lead the reform, but finding qualified teachers has previously been a challenge faced in the United Kingdom," he added.

            Andy Hargreaves, professor of education at Boston College in the United States, agreed with Brown's assessment and added that teachers' pay needed to be improved across the world.

"Currently, most teachers consider teaching to be a temporary job and move on once they can find a higher-paid profession. We need to keep teachers in their professions and encourage them to seek better qualifications over time," Hargreaves explained.

            Experts also called for the establishment of educational curricula that encourage children to become creative.

            "Teachers and parents must begin tapping this creativity even before five years of age," Brown said.

            Adec has increasingly been promoting an interactive curriculum as part of its New School Model introduced in 2009, and Dr Al Khaili said this model will be extended to apply to grade five pupils in the following academic year. – Gulf News

 

Arab Media Forum discusses "Arab Media and the Shock of Change"

            In the current climate of transition from a politically dependent era to that of democratic freedom, Arab media must assume an attitude of self-imposed professionalism and responsibility in conjunction with the government and public at large, according to panellists on the opening day of the 11th Arab Media Forum (AMF 2012).

            Titled Arab Media and the Shock of Change, the session examined the community's role in transforming Arab media, and highlighted the impact of new satellite channels and newspapers on conventional media.

            Moderated by Naoufer Afli, Anchor, Dubai Media Incorporated (DMI), the session was additionally headlined by Al Mahdi Mabrouk, Minister of Culture, Tunisia; Abdellatif El Menawy, former President for News Sector, Egyptian TV; Mousa Barhouma, Editor-in-Chief, Fil Mirsad electronic newspaper, Jordan; Randa Habib, Director, Middle East and North Africa, Agence France Presse (AFP) Foundation, and Sawsan Al Shaer, writer, Bahrain.

            Highlighting the relative disarray within Tunisian media structures, Al Mahdi Mabrouk said: "Tunisia is facing a unique situation where the media is undergoing radical transformations. It is just over a year since Bu Aziz set the revolutions rolling. Within such a short time, it is illogical to expect a shift from propaganda media to independent media. Such transition takes time. In due course, the media will find a voice that is unbiased and fair." Examining the concerns faced by the Egyptian media, Abdellatif El Menawy added: "The catchword during this time of transition is social responsibility. We need to focus on journalistic ethics and use our power to bring about change. It is time for journalists to start enacting a format for the future." The debate particularly focused on the question of whether the voices of controlled media' and praise and defamation media' have been subdued.

            Randa Habib said: "We are witnessing a transition from the regime era to an era of optimism. The media is a mirror of this transition. Moving forward, we need a code of conduct and professionalism that all journalists can adopt. One needs to bear in mind that we have spent years in tyranny and oppression and we need time and experience. We are training. It is time for qualitative transformations that break away from the patriarchal regime." Habib added: "There is now a plethora of information that people are longing to access within the new democratic framework. We need a hierarchy of experienced journalists who can censor the information, not based on what people want but what is true."

            Adding to Habib's viewpoint, Sawsan Al Shaer said: "In Bahrain, the regime has failed to highlight the society's achievement through the media. Looking ahead, we need a free media that is self-controlled and serves as a forum of representation for both the government and the people." Highlighting the possibility of forming new media outlets that connect with the viewers and match their aspirations, Mousa Barhouma pointed out: "The psychological structure of Arab media was torn apart.

            Now, we must aim for stability and build an environment of democracy. Journalists need to abide by a moral code of conduct and support the new structure." Themed Arab Media: Exposure and Transition', AMF will conclude on 9 May at the Grand Hyatt in Dubai. The two-day event has drawn the participation of over 3,000 regional and international journalists, as well as influential decision makers, opinion leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators.

            In the run up to AMF 2012, Dubai Press Club released the key findings of the fourth Arab Media Outlook, providing projections for the regional media sector up to 2015. Every attendee to AMF 2012 has been handed a copy of the report.

            Dubai Press Club pioneers the use of latest technology for ensuring a wider dissemination of the forum's outcomes. This year, it has instituted a digital reporter to broadcast the proceedings of the sessions on social media, live from the venue.

            In its commitment to building an informed next-generation of media professionals in the UAE, DPC engages the participation of young UAE nationals for volunteering roles. Dubai Press Club has also drawn upon their perspectives to shape the agenda for a panel discussion that brings together young Emirati achievers to share their views on latest trends in the media sector.

            The Arab Media Forum has garnered year-on-year success through the past 10 editions, validating Dubai and the UAE's ability to host such high-profile events that draw a significant international media presence. – Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

FNC members call for ensuring equitable social security system

            The UAE social security system has to be broadened in line with internationally-recognised standards to provide for basic income and care in cases of unemployment, illness or injury, old age or retirement, and loss of the family breadwinner among other eventualities, members of the Federal National Council argued yesterday.

            Members of the House argued that such benefits are important not only for individual workers and their families but also for the community as a whole.

            The social security system had to be improved to cover the unemployed while addressing issues like discrimination among beneficiaries of the same family and lack of social, health and psychological care for those covered, representatives said.

            Providing income security and social services enhances productivity and contributes to the dignity and full realisation of citizens’ potential, a report by the Health, Labour and Social Affairs Committee of the House said.

            The report added that the social security system also needed to adopt measures to ensure that beneficiaries enjoyed equal opportunities, citing inequality of the cash assistance provided to members of the same family which went against the principle of equality and social justice as prescribed in the constitution.

            Salem Bin Rakad Al Ameri,  a representative from Abu Dhabi, demanded that the Ministry of Social Affairs take measures to cover the unemployed and coordinate with employment agencies to help make them productive individuals and contributors to the sustainable development of the country.

Members of the House argued that social security helps maintain a stable workforce adaptable to change and provides a safety net in case of economic crises. Social security served as a fundamental element of social cohesion, thereby helping to ensure social peace and a positive engagement with economic development, they said.

            Faisal Abdullah Al Tunaiji, a member from Ras Al Khaimah, demanded that social security benefits be linked to economic and social development and that a 20 per cent increase on social assistance ordered by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan be extended to all beneficiaries of the system without exception.

Mariam Al Roumi, Minister of Social Affairs, vowed that a new draft law will take into account international standards.

            New laws would allow the Social Affairs Ministry to grant the unemployed social assistance for six months provided that they look for jobs during that period, she said. New clauses to the law would also ensure that assistance was withdrawn as soon as beneficiaries got jobs or refused to take offered jobs, she added.

            She said all aspects of social security are provided by different federal and local departments. “However, the Ministry of Social Affairs is tasked only with providing financial assistance to beneficiaries,” she said, admitting that the law regulating social security called for amendments in line with international standards.

            The minister told the House that a number of agreements had been signed with private and public institutions to employ people on social assistance who were capable of work.

            As many as 186 people had been trained out of 17,000 beneficiaries able to take up jobs, she said.  Monthly assistance is currently being provided to a total of 10,179 Emirati beneficiaries including widows, divorcees, disabled, elderly, orphans, medically unfit persons, families of prisoners, financially deprived, abandoned women, and women married to expatriate husbands who cannot earn a living for reasons beyond their control among other categories.

            The Social Affairs Ministry said that, following a study in cooperation with the UN Development Programme, social assistance was doubled in 2007 after which a survey conducted in 2008 had shown that needs of those receiving aid were being adequately met. 

            Representatives also suggested that the number of social researchers be increased to better identify the needy. Each researcher currently looks into the needs of an average of 1,096 people in Sharjah, 540 in Ajman, 455 in Ras Al Khaimah and 436 in Abu Dhabi.

            Only 20 per cent of the world’s population have access to adequate social security coverage, while more than half lack any kind of social security, according statistics of the International Labour Organisation.

            ILO standards on social security provide for different types of social security coverage under different economic systems and development standards. Social security conventions offer a wide range of options and flexibility clauses which allow the goal of universal coverage to be reached gradually. In a globalising world, where people are increasingly exposed to global economic risks, there is growing consciousness of the fact that broad-based national social protection policies can provide a strong buffer against many of the negative social effects of such crises. – Gulf News

 

Dubai Courts and DIFC Courts release their 2011 Annual Report

            Dubai Courts have released their annual report in a shared ceremony with the DIFC Courts. During the event, which was attended by a number of judges and dignitaries, both parties exchanged annual reports to underline their strategic partnership. Dubai Courts' representation was led by Dr. Ahmed Saeed Bin Hazeem Al Suweidi, General Manager; while the DIFC Courts' delegation was headed by their Chief Justice, Michael Hwang.

            Dubai Courts' Annual Report consists of two sections, the first section exhibits and explains the judicial and administrative structure at Dubai Courts, in addition to highlighting The Judicial Council in the Emirate of Dubai, Dubai Courts' Leading Team and The Strategic Changing Team in the Judicial Sector. The report also includes Dubai Courts' Strategic Plan (2009-2011), the projects and initiatives carried out to achieve the strategic goals - covering both the initiatives and programs executed to enhance the trust of customers and stakeholders in the Judicial System as well as those executed to increase the internal effectiveness and efficiency, and to attract and develop highly qualified and motivated human capital.

            The Report's first section also highlights the developments and changes at Dubai Courts in 2011, including the Awards Received by the Dubai Courts and the Dubai Courts Excellence Awards 2011 - 6th session. It also details Dubai Courts' participations in local and international conferences and Forums.

            The 2011 Annual Report also covers the Dubai Courts' future direction, including the activation of Dubai Courts' Centre for Amicable Settlement of Disputes (Economic Department), the inauguration of the new Civil Court building in Al Garhoud area (due to launch by the end of 2012) and accelerating the electronic transition of Dubai Courts through expanding Notary Public online transactions to cover 60 electronic services. This, in turn, aims to help the UAE to improve its rank in The Global Competitiveness Report (published annually by the World Economic Forum) through improving its score in the "Efficiency of legal framework in settling disputes" indicator.

            The second section of Dubai Courts' Annual report includes the KPIs related to judicial works and KPIs related to administrative works (detailed separately). These indicators show a 7.5% drop in civil cases recorded in 2011, with a total of 55311 cases (compared to 59833 cases in 2010) and also a 9% decrease in criminal cases, (with 41973 cases in 2011 dropping from 46160 cases in 2010). In contrast, the case clearance ratio in all three courts has improved by 17% year-over-year, with the clearance ratio of civil cases stable at the same level as 2010 and a 26% increase in clearance ratio of criminal cases. – Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Dubai firms upbeat on Q2

            Businesses across Dubai remain upbeat on growth and revenues in the second quarter, with a majority of employers intending to retain their employees, according to a latest survey conducted by the Dubai Department of Economic Development, or DED.

            The manufacturing sector was the most optimistic, followed by the services and trading industries, the survey revealed. The composite Business Confidence Index, or BCI, for Dubai stood at 120.5 points, indicating an optimistic outlook for the second quarter. BCI crossing 100 points is seen as indicative of a positive sentiment within the business community.

            “For a businessman or investor planning his next step, it is important to know what his peers think. Particularly in a competitive business hub like Dubai, where intelligent and informed decision-making can make a big difference, it is critical to understand that thought process and its key drivers,” DED director-general Sami Al Qamzi said in a statement.

            A majority of businesses in Dubai foresee sales increasing or remaining steady, and plan to retain their employee count through to the second quarter. The survey also reveals an even brighter outlook among export-related businesses, rising confidence among small and medium enterprises, or SMEs, and a stronger investment focus on upgrading technology.

            “The Business Confidence Index of the DED provides a reliable source of information on the trends and expectations ruling business and investment in Dubai. All categories and sectors of business are included in the quarterly surveys to make the index a comprehensive and authentic reference,” Al Qamzi said.

            Continuing the trends of the last few quarters, sales are forecast to increase in the next quarter too, driven by sales volumes. However, a few companies intend to raise their prices following the rise in the cost of raw materials across global markets. Higher sales revenues are predicted by 50 per cent of the companies while 35 per cent see no change compared to first quarter of 2012. Profit expectations are also positive, with 44 per cent of the respondents expecting an increase in the next quarter. The survey showed manufacturing as the most optimistic sector, with positive outlook extending across all key parameters, such as sales volume, selling prices, profits, employees. The service sector is close behind while trading has a comparatively lower overall outlook. In addition, exporters in Dubai were seen to have a more positive outlook on sales performance, new purchases and profits compared to non-exporters.

            Even though expectations are similar on sales volumes among SMEs and their larger counterparts, large businesses are more optimistic about profits for the coming quarter. Large businesses are also relatively more positive on employment outlook.

            On an overall basis, the outlook for employment continues to be stable with 74 per cent of businesses expecting no change in their head count in the second quarter of 2012. However, manufacturing and service firms plan to increase their workforce in the coming quarter. – Khaleej Times

 

NBAD launches Sukuk Income Fund

            The National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD), has launched its Sukuk Income Fund, a unique product investing in Sharia-compliant investment instruments that offers investors attractive returns with low levels of risk.

            The NBAD Sukuk Income Fund is an open-ended and actively managed product targeting a profit rate of 5% based on current market conditions. Any income will be distributed semi annually. It is open to institutional and individual investors who can invest as low as USD500 either through lump sum or regular savings plans.

            The Fund is designed to capture the best opportunities available to investors by investing in a range of Sukuk and money market investments that are issued by the UAE Government; government-related entities, and selected corporates, mainly from the UAE and wider MENA region. The Fund, which will be managed by NBAD’s Asset Management Group, the region’s premier asset manager, will be diversified and closely monitored for risk minimisation.

The NBAD Sukuk Income Fund offers low risk investment and offers choice to investors who seek Shria’ah- compliant instruments with a low tolerance for risk. The NBAD Sukuk Fund would allow them to benefit from higher income while retaining the flexibility to access their investment on a weekly basis. It also offers the opportunity to diversify any investment portfolio and capture higher returns without taking undue risk.”

            The new Fund will be open for subscriptions for a limited time at the initial USD 5 per unit. The offer period closes on the 4 June 2012. Thereafter the Fund will be available at the weekly NAV price, subject to market movements.

            NBAD’s Asset Management Group (AMG) is one of the largest asset managers in the region with Dh5.2 billion under its management. It has recently been awarded “Best Asset Manager in the UAE” by Global Investor magazine, and the “Best Investment Product Award” by Banker Middle East magazine for its GCC’s first Exchange Traded Fund (ETF), 1UAE. – Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Etihad cancels US$2.2bn order for seven A350s, says Airbus

            European planemaker Airbus yesterday said Etihad Airways has cancelled orders for seven A350-1000 aircraft worth US$2.2 billion in list prices, halving its order for the aircraft type to 12.

            It's the second batch of A350s that the Abu Dhabi carrier has cancelled following cancellation of six A350-1000s last December from its original order of 25 placed in July 2008. The airline then became the first to cancel A350-1000 orders.

            An Airbus spokesperson confirmed the move in an emailed statement. Airbus, however, did not divulge the reasons for the cancellation, saying it is a "customer matter".

            Etihad Airways did not respond to queries by Gulf News at the time of going to press.

            In an attempt to overhaul the design last year, Airbus pushed back the development of the stretched A350-1000 by two years. The jet, currently priced at US$320.6 million at list prices, is now due to enter service in mid-2017.

            The delay and design issues have upset the other two Gulf customers.

Design issues

            Qatar Airways, the launch customer and biggest A350 buyer in the region with 80 on order for the three variants, threatened to scrap its orders owing to design issues.

            The delay forced Emirates, with 20 A350-1000s and 50 A350-900s on order, to order additional 777s from Boeing last November.

            Airbus chief executive Tom Enders in January indicated there may be short-term issues regarding discussions with A350-1000 customers.

            "The Boeing 777 is operationally very robust and operators like it for its reliability and durability."

            "Boeing's announcement that it was revamping and renewing it has caught Airbus on the hop and the A350-1000 proposal has been met with a fair amount of cynicism, probably rightly," said aviation analyst Andrew Charlton of Aviation Advocacy.

Balance

            Echoing similar thoughts is another analyst, Saj Ahmad of Strategic Aero Research.

            "The A350-1000 is on borrowed time," he said, adding that the bigger the 777-300ER fleets become, the harder it becomes for Airbus to try to displace them.

            "Etihad Airways is poised to walk away from the balance it holds," said Ahmad.

Airbus said yesterday in a statement it has delivered 183 aircraft so far this year, including 112 A320 single-aisle jets.

            It has won net orders for 95 airliners and has incurred 17 cancellations, mainly for the A350. – Gulf News

 

ADAC and ADIA websites honoured at 16th Annual Webby Awards

            The Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) and the Abu Dhabi International Airport (ADIA) websites have been selected as Official Honourees at the 16th Annual Webby Awards, ADAC announced yesterday.

            The Webby Awards are the leading international awards honouring excellence on the Internet, with nearly 10,000 entries received from all 50 US states and more than 60 countries around the world. "The Official Honourees" are awarded to the top 15% of all work entered; entries that exhibit excellence in content, structure and navigation, visual design, functionality, interactivity, and overall experience. ADAC and Abu Dhabi International Airport's websites were both named as "Official Honourees" for their outstanding accomplishments in the categories of Corporate Communications and Best Home Page respectively.

            Established in 1996 during the web's infancy, The Webbys are presented by The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, which includes an Executive 1,000-member body of leading internet experts, business figures, luminaries, visionaries and creative celebrities, and Associate Members who are former Webby Award Winners and Nominees and other Internet professionals. – Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Exclusive: Your pass to top of world’s tallest residential tower

            Within a few metres of each other in Dubai Marina, stand the world’s three tallest residential towers.

            A fourth is in the same area, but a few hundred metres away.

            The 107-storey, 414-meter Princess Tower currently holds the title of world’s tallest residential tower in the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat rankings.

Click to know the 4 tallest residential buildings in Dubai

            Tameer, the developer, is awaiting the same recognition from the Guinness Book of World Records.

Emirates 24|7 is the first to take you exclusively to the 99th floor – the top floor of the tower and bring you the 360-degree panoramic views.

            And besides the Marina, you can see a barcode portrayal of Jumeirah Beach Residence and Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road, and a complete view of the Palm Jumeirah.

Click here if you want to own a floor in Burj Khalifa

            At the developer’s site office, property owners trickle in to go ahead with the snagging process of their apartments. “I am just looking forward to the day I get the keys of my apartment. I am going stay… I am not going rent it,” says Marc, a British investor, who has bought an apartment in the tower.
Marvel in concrete and steel

            According to information provided to this website by Tameer, 90,000m3 of concrete and 19,500 tonne of steel have been used in the building, while it took over 17 million man hours for completion.

            The tower has 13 elevators, with the elevator speed at six metres per second.

            The biggest challenge in terms of logistics involved was man and material movement due to the extreme size of the project: six basements below ground and 100 levels above ground.

            Princess Tower has a total of 763 units which includes one, two and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses.

            It has indoor and outdoor swimming pools, gymnasium, sauna, billiards room, table tennis room, a multifunction room on the 97th floor, children’s play area and car parking space for 957 vehicles.

            Even though Tameer specialises in building tall towers - 381-metre Elite Residence - the third tallest residential tower in the world, the company has no plans to replicating the same towers in other parts of the world.

            A company official says: “One thing is for certain, those staying in Princess Tower will continue to be residents of the tallest residential tower till the next one comes up.

            “And I don’t expect anything for the next four to five years.”

Click here to read: World’s tallest residential buildings. – Emirates 24|7

 

Kizad unveils pre-built warehouses

            Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (Kizad) yesterday began pre-leasing for its state of the art pre-built warehousing projects in both its free zone and non-free zone areas, providing some of the largest, best located and best specified units ever seen in the UAE.

            The two projects, which will create over 220,000m2 of storage and distribution warehouses, will be worth more than Dh600 million on completion.

            Kizad's pre-built warehouses are situated close to the new Khalifa Port, the region's most advanced new deep water container port, and within a few minutes' drive of both the E11 and the extension of the E311 Emirates Road. Being only 35km away from Abu Dhabi International Airport, 52km from the new Al Maktoum International Airport, 60km from the capital's city centre, and 45km from Jafza, their location is unparalleled in the region. The unique location adds value to occupiers looking for quality warehouses who need to get their goods in and out quickly and efficiently.

            Scheduled for completion in Q2 2013, Kizad's aim is to target larger occupiers looking for high quality space that compliments their business and its two schemes provide units from 1,000m2 upwards. In Kizad's free zone area, an occupier can lease a single unit of over 21,500 m2. In its non-free zone area the largest single block is over 11,000m2. The warehouses are being built to international standards of environmental responsibility, and will achieve Pearl 2 rating under the Estidama scheme, proving their world-class quality and efficiency." – Emirates 24|7

 

Almarai, RCA join milk donation drive

            Talal Alotaibi, public relations manager at Almarai, said: “As a company that is dedicated to fulfilling consumers’ daily needs of nutritious food and beverage products, we are honoured to be in the UAE today to activate this initiative and reaffirm our commitment to making a positive impact on people’s lives in the markets that we serve.

            “Our partnership with the RCA is founded on mutual trust and the common aim of enabling communities to fulfil their potential. We look forward to building on this initiative under the guidance and with the assistance of the Red Crescent Authority in the UAE.”

            In the first phase, which started on Sunday, Almarai has distributed over 30,000 long-life milk bottles to a number of families in the UAE, “and we might look forward to other initiatives to support students with daily school groceries of Almarai products”, he added.

            Mohammed Abdullah Alhaj Al Zaroni, Manager of the UAE Red Crescent’s Dubai branch, said: “As part of our humanitarian efforts in the UAE, it is important for us to have a strong support from true partners of the private sector such as Almarai. Through this strategic partnership, we will reinforce our roles and abilities to increase the reach of our relief efforts across the nation’s emirates, providing basic nutritional requirements to a very large number of families registered with us.

            “We look forward to further cooperation with Almarai in various areas of community engagement in order to provide essential relief services to as many people as possible.” – Khaleej Times

 

UAE RCA participates in celebrating World Red Cross Red Crescent Day

            The UAE's Red Crescent Authority (RCA) yesterday joined the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in celebrating the World Red Cross Red Crescent Day, themed " Youth on the Path", which is observed on the eighth of May every year. RCA participation comes in the framework of UAE's wise leadership directives and senior management of the authority. People across the world celebrate World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day on 8th May every year in order to recognise the efforts of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies across the world to advocate for the relief of human suffering from disease, post war consequences, disaster, etc.

            As 8th May is the birth anniversary of the founder of Red Cross Henry Dunant, the volunteers of the Red Cross as well as general public observe this day as World Red Cross Day to give a tribute to Mr. Dunant (the founder of world's largest humanitarian movement in 20th century). – Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

National Media Council organises Blood Donation Initiative

            National Media Council (NMC) organised here yesterday in association with Abu Dhabi Blood Bank the blood donation initiative to observe the International Thalassemia Day, which corresponds with May 8th every year.

            Alia' Hassan Al Yasi, Deputy Director of the Department of Governmental Communication at NMC stressed that the initiative comes within a series of societal and national initiatives sponsored by NMC in response to the National Solidarity and Societal Initiative launched by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

            NMC earlier called on other institutions to donate blood and make the initiative a success. The General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, The Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Community Development, The National Council for Tourism and Antiquities, The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) along with the NMC clients took part in the event.

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

 

Water park opens in the foothills

            Al Ain Wadi Adventure — the Middle East's first man-made facility offering white water rafting, kayaking and surfing — officially opened to water sports enthusiasts on Sunday.

            The facility has been developed by Tamouh, the Abu Dhabi-based master developers of Reem Island, right in the foothills of Jebel Hafeet.

            "We are delighted to launch Wadi Adventure, which marks Tamouh's foray into the entertainment sector and adds a new feature to Al Ain's tourist map," Joe Ong, managing director of Tamouh, said. He said the water park contributes to Abu Dhabi's vision to position itself as a key tourist attraction.

            Over the past three years, Ong said, Tamouh has worked closely with the Abu Dhabi Government on the development of Wadi Adventure. "We look forward to welcoming both UAE residents and tourists to the park, offering adventure and water activities in a safe environment," he added.

            Ideal for professional surfers, amateurs and families, Wadi Adventure's rides conform to stringent safety standards to ensure visitors' protection. All guests are briefed on safety instructions prior to entering the facility and monitored by professional guides during their visit.

            Water sport enthusiasts are also taught to surf in a controlled environment with certified instructors. The waves generated for surfing are adjusted to fit the individual's skill and experience, he said.

            The adventure park features a surf pool that generates three-metre-high waves every 90 seconds. The facility also has three white water rafting and kayaking runs. They add up to a combined length of 1,133 metres.

            "Located at a convenient distance from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Wadi Adventure enriches Jebel Hafeet's offering for thrill seekers through its activities such as a challenging rope course, tough climbing wall and a zip line," the facility operator said.

            With a capacity to accommodate 1,000 people, the summits event centre at the park is ideal for hosting events such as product launches, corporate meetings and team-building activities as well as weddings and birthday parties.  – Gulf News

 

Fur seals join Emirates Park Zoo for daily shows

            Five fur seals from southern Africa have become the latest residents at the Emirates Park Zoo - and they're prepared to work for their lodgings.

            From Friday the seals, usually found in Namibia's Cape Cross, will perform every day at the zoo's Flamingo Park in Al Bahia. The performances will include educational and photography sessions, and chances for the audience to interact with the animals.

            "The seals joining our zoo reflect our commitment to teach, entertain and educate children of different ages," said Nasser Al Nuaimi, the zoo's owner.

            "We want the zoo to become a unique and memorable experience for our visitors and we are sure the seals will be a great success."

            The zoo, which recently changed its name from the Family and Children's Zoo to the Emirates Park Zoo, is in the middle of a major expansion.

            By the end of this year it will have 35 chalets, an ice rink, an indoor marine zone with 30 tanks, a games area and a butterfly park.

            It will also have gazelles, elephants, rhinoceros, chimpanzees, parrots and birds of prey, as well as a domestic cats park.

            The zoo is on summer hours until September, opening from 4pm to 9pm every day. – The National

Revealed: Best airlines for families – and yes, Emirates is right on top

            Travelling long distance with kids can be stress-free – no really. That’s what a new survey of international airlines found out.

            The study, conducted by US News Travel, reveals that Dubai-based Emirates is right on top when it comes to travelling long-haul with little kids. And there’s not one but two Gulf-based airlines that make it to the coveted Top 5 Airlines for Families, as short listed by US Travel.

            As any parent with kids below 12 (or even in their teens, for that matter) will tell you, flying with children is not an exercise they enjoy. It’s exhausting no doubt, but that’s the least of their troubles.

            Murphy’s Law – whatever can go wrong, will go wrong – comes into play fairly often, and if it isn’t the disobedient cabin pressure that makes your little one shriek from ear pain, it is the uninterrupted hours of being glued to one’s seat that makes even the slightly grown-up go wild with frustration, not to mention the disgruntled looks from fellow passengers and airline crew that are bound to make you alter your next vacation into a ‘staycation’.

            But there are indeed some airlines in the world that do care about families. According to Emily H. Bratcher of US News, “some airlines go out of their way to accommodate passengers with kids.”

US Travel lists seven carriers that are helmed by compassionate flight staffs that dole out amenities to make the whole family comfortable at cruising altitude. Here’s the list:

Emirates

            For those of us in the UAE, this should come as no surprise. “Families come first,” says Emirates, and sticks to its promise.

            While on the ground, it provides parents with free baby strollers to ferry their infants at the airport, Terminal 3, or the T3 as it is better known – exclusive hub of the Emirates in Dubai – offers special play areas for even kids flying Economy class, as well as wired games consoles and play areas for kids (and grown-ups) flying Business and First class.

            In the air, bassinets and baby formula are standard, while the airline’s ever friendly crew also provides toys, special kids meals and goodie bags with a smile. On long-haul flights and in Business and First class, a member of the crew will even offer to click a Polaroid picture of your happy kids on the flight, and give you a copy for keeps.

            The Emirates in-flight entertainment (ICE) has a special section for kids, complete with cartoons and movies, while for kids who ‘frequent fliers’, they can even start racking up miles with Emirates Skysurfer program. Young jet-setters can put their miles toward everything from future flights to Magrudy’s Book Store gift certificates to Wild Wadi Water Park tickets in Dubai.

            The airline also allows unaccompanied minors (between ages 5 and 12) to travel on its flights, providing separate check-in facilities on departure, with dedicated Emirates staff to accompany them to the aircraft. It’s special policy for taking best care of the little ones means that unaccompanied minors and young passengers are always boarded before other passengers so that the cabin crew can seat them and stow their hand baggage. On arrival, an Emirates employee meets all unaccompanied children at the aircraft door and helps them through formalities before handing them over to their designated guardian.

            The other carriers on US Travel’s list are: British Airways; Lufthansa; Gulf Air, QantasVirgin (Atlantic & America) and Singapore Airlines. – Emirates 24|7

 

Abu Dhabi Airports Company in final discussions with preferred bidder for construction of Midfield Terminal Building

            Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) announced yesterday the preferred bidder for the construction of the Midfield Terminal Building (MTB), with the consortium of CCC, TAV and Arabtec being selected.

            ADAC is currently in discussions with the preferred bidder to finalise all details of the contract prior to its signing, and before officially announcing the winning contractor of the Midfield Terminal Building at the capital's airport in June this year.

            The company released the tender to six prequalified groups of joint companies, and in November 2011 received all six proposals. In January 2012, ADAC announced it has received the approval from the Abu Dhabi Government for the expansion plans of Abu Dhabi International Airport. With this announcement, the MTB is on-track to become the capital's aviation gateway in 2017.

            The 700,000-square-meter terminal building is one of the key strategic infrastructure projects to be undertaken in Abu Dhabi, and will initially handle 30 million passengers per year. It is set to become the future home of Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE.

            In light of the developments underway and planned for Abu Dhabi, the expansion and redevelopment of Abu Dhabi International Airport is aimed at delivering world-class aviation infrastructure to support the Emirate's long-term economic and tourism strategies that will underpin the Emirate's2030 vision in building a vibrant and diversified economy.

            ADAC was established in 2006 to support this position and to spearhead the redevelopment of the Emirate's aviation infrastructure. To this end, it plays a key part in the Government of Abu Dhabi's Plan 2030, given that the estimated growth rates in tourism are expected to rise from 1.8 million visitors in 2010 to 2.7 million by 2013, and to 7.5 million by 2030. ADAC will ensure that the aviation infrastructure in the Emirate, from trained UAE Nationals to world-class facilities, is ready to support this opportunity," he added. – Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Air Arabia posts Dh49.2m profit

            Despite rising fuel costs, Air Arabia is on track to achieve a profitable 2012, its chief executive said Sunday as the airline posted an 11 per cent increase in its first-quarter net profit to Dh49.2 million, up from Dh44.2 million for the corresponding quarter in 2011.

            The Sharjah-based budget carrier said the jump was achieved on the back of a seven per cent increase in passengers to 1.23 million compared to 1.15 million it served in the same period last year.

            "We have budgeted for a profitable year. And we are on track to achieve the same.

"However, there are three more quarters to go for the year and things are changing all the time," Adel Ali told Gulf News in a phone interview.

Fuel hedging

            He added that 25 per cent of Air Arabia's fuel is hedged for 2012 and that fuel accounts for over 40 per cent of the airline's overall costs.

            Asked if the airline would look to hedge again next year, Ali said: "Fuel hedging forms a key part of our business, and we will look at it as the year goes."

            Adding to this, aviation analyst Saj Ahmad of StrategicAero Research said: "While fuel costs will obviously weigh down on Air Arabia this year, it will be able to stave off any significant price hikes so as not to dent demand and avoid pushing it towards flydubai, as it receives new planes and expands network."

            The first quarter of this year saw Air Arabia posting a turnover of Dh621 million, a 21 per cent increase over Dh513 million in the same period of 2011, the carrier stated, adding that the average load factor stood at 82 per cent.

            Air Arabia will continue to enter new markets and new ventures this year, its Chairman, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammad Al Thani, said in a statement.

            The carrier also said its operating fleet reached 30 aircraft, while it took delivery of the ninth of 44 A320 aircraft it has ordered from Airbus. It added that it expects to receive five more A320 aircraft this year, in line with its growth plan to further "expand its destination network and significantly grow the size of its fleet by 2016".

            Asked if Air Arabia planned to place new aircraft orders in the near future, Ali said: "We will not be ordering more planes this year.

            "It's not until 2015 that we will receive all of the ordered 44 planes."

Air Arabia shares last traded on the Dubai bourse at Dh0.592, down 2.47 per cent. – Gulf News

 

NMC, Arab-Bavaria Friendship Society sign MoU

            National Media Council (NMC) and Munich-based Arab-Bavaria Friendship Society signed yesterday at the NMC headquarters a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for boosting joint media cooperation.

            The MoU is part of NMC's strategy to find out new outlets to present and disseminate UAE news and development model to other parts of the world.

            Inked by Ibrahim Al Abed, NMC Director General, and Thomas Nair, Chairman of Arab-Bavaria Friendship Society, the MoU aims at strengthening bonds of friendship in media sector through exchange of visits by media persons as well as monitoring and translation of their works.

            Under the MoU, the NMC will supply the Society's office at Munich International Airport with publications on UAE for publishing them in the German media. The two sides will also coordinate efforts in regards to organisation of conferences, forums and other events at the International Press Club of Munich. Training and events like exhibitions are another important areas of joint cooperation between the NMC and the Society. – Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Sky News Arabia launches across the Arab World

            Yesterday, Sky News Arabia, the multi-platform 24-hour Arabic rolling news channel, broadcast for the first time to over 50 million homes across the Middle East and North Africa.

            A joint venture between Abu Dhabi Media Investment Corporation (ADMIC) and BSkyB, the UK's leading pay television provider, Sky News Arabia will offer a new and fresh approach to news across the Arab world.

            A channel committed to providing independent news, whatever the story, Sky News Arabia will offer its audience must-view content from breaking stories to sport, from business to entertainment. The channel is supported by an Editorial Advisory Committee - a first for the region - to ensure Sky News Arabia delivers balanced, accurate and consistent news. Broadcasting from its state of the art head-quarters in Abu Dhabi, the channel promises a new horizon in the way it delivers news across multiple platforms.

            Servicing the tech-savvy generation, Sky News Arabia also launched its mobile apps - available on iPad, iPhone, Blackberry, and Android devices. Key features include live streaming, news photo galleries, interactive maps as well as the ability to share stories via social media.

            The website, http://www.skynewsarabia.com, which launched in BETA form in February, is now fully completed with features including blogs from presenters and correspondents, live twitter feeds and the ability for users to interact and comment on the topics of the day. At a launch ceremony hosted by the Chairman of ADMIC and Sky News Arabia, Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, over 400 guests were witness to a live countdown of the launch from the Jumeriah Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi.

            Promising objective and impartial news delivery Dr Al Jaber said in his launch speech: "The region demanded an Arab news product which incorporates both the technological developments and the fast changing media consumption habits that are transforming how news is gathered and disseminated.

            The channel will broadcast on Transponder 15 on Arabsat Badr 4, Transponder 14 on Nilesat 201, on du IPTV and e-Life platforms plus in high definition on the OSN pay-TV platform as well as the Abu Dhabi TV Network.  – Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

 

UAE emerges as second largest investment destination for South Korea

            The two-way trade between Korea and United Arab Emirates is picking up steam rapidly this year surpassing last year's figure of US$20 billion when UAE is gearing up to diversify its non-oil industrial sector, South Korean Minister of Strategy and Finance Bahk Jaewan said.

            He pledged to reinforce cooperation in areas where Korea's strength can be well harmonised with the UAE's policy direction which is also aimed at bolstering knowledge-based economy expressing hope that increased trade opportunities in service and other industries, not just resource-related industry.

            "The UAE is Korea's second largest investment destination in the Middle East. Korea's direct investment to the UAE stood at US$1.24 billion as of 2011", Jaewan told Emirates News Agency(WAM) in an interview.

Following are the excerpts of the interview:

Q 1: What have you been discussing with the UAE Minister of Economy?

            A: Korea's Ministry of Strategy and Finance and the UAE's Ministry of Economy have maintained bilateral cooperative ties since 2007 through the Joint Economic Committee Meeting. The Joint Committee is a high-level inter-governmental cooperative channel to discuss overall bilateral economic cooperation between the two nations.

            Through the Committee, we have expanded the areas of cooperation to high value-added industries, such as finance, education, healthcare and medical sectors, from conventional ones like trade, investment, energy and construction. At the Second Joint Committee Meeting held in 2010, we made a further progress, including our efforts to pursue the conclusion of an MOU for promoting cooperation in eight areas.

            Based on our mutual trust and strong willingness to work together, at the Third Joint Committee as well, we will discuss cooperative measures in a wider range of areas such as medical services, agriculture, environment and IT.

Q2. What's the outlook for trade and investment with the UAE this year?

            A: The UAE is Korea's important trading partner. It is our largest importer among GCC countries as well as the second largest oil exporter.

            Bilateral trade which plummeted during the global financial crisis is showing a rapid recovery, surpassing US$20 billion last year. Even though majority of the trading volume still come from crude oil, we expect that such dependence will steadily decline.

            The UAE government is gearing up to diversify its industrial structure and build knowledge-based economy. And Korea plans to reinforce cooperation in areas where Korea's strength can be well harmonised with the UAE's policy direction.

            In that sense, I am confident that we will see increased trade opportunities in service and other industries, not just resource-related industry.

            Also, the UAE is our second largest investment destination in the Middle East. Korea's direct investment to the UAE stood at US$1.24 billion as of 2011. I hope to see more Korean companies advancing into the UAE market, and the Korean government as well will provide active support for them.  I also look forward to the UAE's active investments in Korea.

Q3. Beyond energy, how is South Korea looking to expand other forms of trade with the UAE?

            A: Korea and the UAE share similarities. We have open economies, and also grew into major economies in the world in a short period. And as our economies are complementary, there are various areas where we can work together in the future.

            For sustainable economic cooperation between the two nations, I think we should expand the areas of cooperation to added value-creating ones.

            Firstly, if the UAE's industrial diversification strategy and, Korea's manufacturing and IT industries meet together, I believe it will contribute to seeking future growth engines for both Korea and the UAE.

            Secondly, with UAE's human resources development policies and Korea's skilled workforce, we will be able to improve education infrastructure in the UAE and strengthen people-to-people networks between the two countries.

            Thirdly, by combining the UAE's policies to nurture medical industry with Korea's medical industry, we could enhance the quality of medical services in the UAE and promote medical tourism.

            There will be also other various opportunities of cooperation such as cooperation through the UAE's sovereign wealth fund, joint study of promising industries for investment and cultural exchange.

Q4. How do you see the role of Korea EXIM Bank in financing trade and investment with the UAE and the rest of the GCC?

            A: The GCC countries, including the UAE, are projected to achieve even faster economic development on the back of high oil prices, and various infrastructure projects will be implemented down the road.  Accordingly, I think many Korean companies with advanced technologies and price competitiveness will join in to win contracts for large scale projects by the GCC countries.

            KEXIM serves as a primary window to provide funding for those projects such as through export credits. And it provides Korean firms with financial advice and arrangement for winning overseas project deals.

            The Korean government, for its part, is continuously expanding the funding capacity such as by increasing the authorised capital of KEXIM.

            Also, in the process of implementing projects in the GCC countries in the future. I hope we could build networks between KEXIM and the GCC countries' wealth fund and policy financing institutions, and seek various cooperation measures, such as developing joint projects and co-financing, that will mutually benefit both countries.

Q5. There are around US$ 40 billion of infrastructure projects in the pipeline in Abu Dhabi, some of which could open for tender in the second half of this year. What opportunities are there for South Korean firms in this pipeline? A: Rapidly increasing large scale project deals placed by Middle Eastern countries are being recognised in Korea as the second Middle Eastern boom. Traditionally, infrastructure is one of our important areas of cooperation in that, for the UAE, it improves foundation for economic activities, and for Korean construction companies, it provides opportunities to create profits.

            To help Korean companies advancing into overseas markets, the Korean government for its part is providing various supporting measures, such as fostering professional skilled workforce and providing tax credits and financial support.

            For this pipeline project in Abu Dhabi as well, I expect many Korean firms with strong construction capability will join in the bidding. Korean companies have been internationally recognised for their skills and diligence by winning various overseas contracts. And they have the strongest competitive edge in terms of price competitiveness, quality and the observance of due date.

            There will be other world renowned companies taking part in the bidding, but if a Korean company wins the deal, I expect it will add further momentum to the our bilateral cooperation in the construction sector.

Q6. The UAE has long seen South Korea as a model for how it can nurture innovation and entrepreneurship. How do you assess the UAE's progress in developing its own knowledge economy?   A: Both countries have many common grounds. We have a similar size of territory, respect tradition, and based upon vision and leadership, grew into major economies in the world in a short time. Both countries are also seeking sustainable growth. Korea is pursuing development through green growth, and the UAE is promoting the industrial diversification strategy.

            Korea highly appreciates the UAE's efforts in developing its own knowledge economy in preparation for the post-oil era. In this regard, the UAE's national development strategies, such as Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, will play a crucial role in diversifying industrial structure and fostering human resources.

            I also see remarkable achievements made in the e-government sector such as providing information and service on government work by utilising IT technology. I look forward to the UAE's continued growth based upon its strong competitiveness and leadership.

Q7: South Korea has reportedly been trying to drum up international support to fight speculation in crude oil and was lobbying G20 finance ministers to discuss this at a meeting in April. Is there any update on this? 

            A: The G20 has shared recognition on oil as a major risk factor to the global economy, and discussed measures to address it.  In particular, as for the reason for the large short-term price fluctuations that are witnessed frequently, it is the view of several countries, including Korea, that it largely came from not only the imbalance in supply and demand and geopolitical factors, but also speculative derivatives markets.

            To address it, Korea has constantly argued the need to provide proper regulative and supervising measures to improve transparency in derivatives markets.

            At the recent G20 Ministers and Central Governors Meeting in April, members shared recognition on the urgency of addressing the high oil prices.

            During the Meeting, oil producing countries reaffirmed their strong will for sufficient oil supply and we confirmed that G20 members were ready to take additional measures.

            Members also emphasised the importance of IOSCO's principles for the regulation and supervision of derivatives markets. As a large importer, Korea will continue its domestic and external efforts for stable oil markets.

            I think, at the G20 level, it will be important to closely monitor the implementation of what have been agreed so far to improve market transparency.

            In particular, I hope the assessment of the implementation of the principles for the regulation and supervision of derivative markets scheduled late this year can be conducted well.

Q: What are the main agendas to be discussed at the Joint Committee Meeting this time?

            A: At the Third Joint Committee Meeting, we will discuss cooperative measures in nearly 15 areas, including not only the existing sectors of cooperation such as construction and energy, but also high value-added industries like agriculture, green growth, environment, healthcare, education and telecommunications.

            In particular, as we've expanded the scope of discussions this time given the comprehensive partnership between the two countries, new agendas will be added, including agriculture, broadcasting, telecommunications and government procurement. Since both countries have various areas of interest, from construction and energy to agriculture, environment and services industry, I expect constructive discussions will take place between the two sides on overall agendas. Through the Joint Committee Meeting, I hope the two countries will reaffirm a further developed bilateral partnership, and achieve successful outcomes. – Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Made in UAE exhibition to help boost trade, industry

            The inaugural ‘Made in UAE’ exhibition will help boost trade and also increase industrial sector’s share in the country’s gross domestic product, or GDP, according to top government officials.

            At present, the contribution of the industrial sector to the GDP stands at 14 per cent and the UAE has chalked out plans to increase this to 25 per cent in the next 15 years, focusing on specific industrial fields such as petrochemical, food and value-added industries, among others.

            On its part, ‘Made in UAE’ will offer the industrial establishments an opportunity to effectively showcase their cutting-edge products, their cost-effectiveness and logistical advantage to traders and dealers, thus boosting trade and becoming a key component that will drive the growth of the national economy.

            The inaugural edition of Made in UAE exhibition will be held at Expo Centre Sharjah in 2013.

“Dates are not confirmed, but it is expected to be in the last quarter of 2013,” Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, director-general of Expo Centre Sharjah, told Khaleej Times at a news conference on Sunday.

Talking about target audience, Al Midfa said invites will be sent to other chambers in GCC to attract visitors from there, but at the moment UAE is the prime target.

            The launch of the show and an agreement to jointly organise it by the UAE Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FCCI), Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and Expo Centre Sharjah was announced at the Press conference.

            It was also addressed by Hussain Al Mahmoudi, director-general of the Sharjah Chamber of  Commerce and Industry (SCCI); Sultan Jemei Obeid bin Jemei, exhibitions committee chairman of FCCI and deputy director-general of Fujairah Chamber of Commerce & Industry; and Ahmed Al Qaizi, director of Economic Affairs, FCCI.

            “Our industrial sector has a lot going for it... what with the upswing in economic growth, focus on diversification and high oil prices. Together with Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry, we are providing a platform for the country’s manufacturing units to ride this wave and showcase their excellence to regional and global trade partners and dealers,” said Hussain Al Mahmoudi.

            The number of non-oil manufacturing units in the UAE stands at 5,200 at the end of 2011, underlining the country’s focus to reduce its reliance on the oil sector and highlighting the capability it has acquired in manufacturing. According to the UAE Ministry of Trade, the country’s investments in the non-oil manufacturing sector amounted to nearly US$11 billion in 2010.

            The exhibit profile of the show will cover food and beverages; textile and readymade garments; leather, wood, woodwork and furniture; paper and paper products; chemical and chemical products; oil, rubber and plastic products; metal and non-metal raw materials; machinery and other manufacturing equipment; ceramics and tiles; cement and concrete and other building materials.     Apart from industrial units from across the country, the show will also bring together free zones, municipalities and government establishments. – Khaleej Times

 

UAE banks have highest adequacy in GCC

            UAE banks emerged as the strongest financial institutions in Gulf oil producers in terms of capital adequacy but they have the highest ratio of non-performing loans (NPLs) to total credit, according to a Western report.

            Following an extensive drive to build up their finances in the wake of the 2008 global fiscal turmoil, banks in the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) now enjoy a strong capital base, with the adequacy ratio exceeding 15 per cent in all member states, said the study by the Washington-based Institute for International Finance (IIF).

            “GCC banks remain well capitalised and profitable. The balance sheets of banks in the region have been strengthened as a result of the strong economic performance in recent years and high government participation in banks,” said IIF, which groups scores of major Western banks.

            “However, issues of governance and moral hazard remain. In recent years, significant improvement has been made in regulation and supervision.

            The report showed capital adequacy in the UAE, which controls the largest Arab banking system by assets, stood at as high as 20.8 per cent at the end of 2011. It stood at 19.5 per cent in Bahrain, 18.5 per cent in Kuwait, 17.1 per cent in Saudi Arabia, 16.1 per cent in Qatar and 15.5 per cent in Oman.

            But UAE banks also have the highest NPL to total loans ratio, standing at eight per cent at the end of 2011, the report said.

            Qatar’s banks had the lowest ratio of two per cent, reflecting their low exposure, followed by Saudi banks at 2.8 per cent. The ratio stood at 3.3 per cent in Oman, 3.7 per cent in Bahrain and 7.3 per cent in Kuwait.

            Kuwait emerged as having the highest loans-to-deposits ratio at around 111 per cent, followed by Oman at 103 per cent and the UAE at 100 per cent.

            IIF put the level at 92 per cent in Qatar, 78 per cent in Saudi Arabia and as low as 72 per cent in Bahrain.

            “While NPL ratios are in the low single digits, they remain relatively high in Kuwait and the UAE…similarly, the ratios of banks’ provisions to potential losses associated with NPL ratios are high in Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar, but below 60 per cent in Kuwait,” IIF said.

            It said overexposure to real estate and highly leveraged companies has eroded asset quality in the UAE and Kuwait. In the UAE, exposure to government-related entities (GREs) exceeds 30 per cent of capital.

            In Saudi Arabia, the balance sheets of the banks are in a relatively strong position, as real estate prices remain broadly stable, and banks’ loan-to-deposit ratios are relatively low at 78 per cent as of end-2011.

            Prudential regulations in Saudi Arabia, the largest Arab economy, are strictly enforced, the report said, adding that in Kuwait, the banking portfolio is highly exposed to real estate and investment companies, which “have proliferated in recent years without adequate controls.”

IIF noted that private sector credit growth in the UAE and Kuwait has been subdued in the past three years as banks remain cautious in light of the deterioration in asset quality. But it added that credit to non-financial public enterprises (NFPEs), particularly in Abu Dhabi and Qatar, has been increasing at a rapid pace, reflecting what it described as some rebalancing of banks’ portfolios towards safer assets.

            “In Dubai, the need to deleverage is the most important factor holding back bank loan growth,” the report said.

            “In Saudi Arabia, private sector credit growth has accelerated to 12 per cent in February 2012, year-on-year..……as capital inflows to the region are likely to remain weak in the short term, the funding of credit growth will have to rely on domestic deposit growth.” – Emirates 24|7

 

DGCX registers 559,781 contracts in April, valued at US$22.42 billion, a growth of 146% from April 2011

            April volumes on the Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange (DGCX) registered a 146% growth from the same month in 2011 to reach 559,781 contracts, the highest ever monthly volumes registered by the Exchange. This is the second consecutive month in which DGCX has achieved record-breaking monthly volumes. April volumes represent a value of US$22.42 billion.

            On April 25, year-to-date volumes on DGCX surpassed the two million contracts mark. Achieved in 82 trading days, this is the earliest it has crossed this figure in any year since inception. Year-to-date volumes on the Exchange, at the end of April, reached 2,105,680 contracts, valued at US$86.5 billion, a 131% rise from 2011. Average daily volume (ADV) in April increased 146% year-on-year to reach 27,989 contracts.

            DGCX's newly launched Copper Futures contract got off to a robust start, trading 15,582 contracts in the first 7 days of trading.

            The currency segment continued to be the main driver of volume growth, accounting for 91% of total contracts in the month. Currency contracts traded a total of 509,988 contracts in April, an increase of 203% from last year.

            Indian Rupee futures built on its exceptional performance in the first quarter of the year, growing 268% from 2011 to aggregate 499,478 contracts in April, the highest monthly volumes the contract has achieved since inception. Volume growth was boosted by increased trading in back-month contracts - contracts that have more than one month to expire and offer tighter spreads.  Gary Anderson, Chief Executive Officer, DGCX, said, "DGCX's sustained growth momentum is driven by its ability to provide a range of exceptional investment and hedging opportunities for a wide spectrum of market participants. We are encouraged by the increased trading in back-month Indian Rupee contracts, one of the additional tools we provide for hedging medium-term exposure to the Indian Rupee. The rise in back-month trading speaks for the increasing dynamism of trading on DGCX." – Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

We stay united, says Sheikh Saud

            Those who poke their noses into the UAE's internal affairs (should) mind their own business," H. H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council member and Ruler of Ra's al-Khaimah, said yesterday.

            In a dialogue with a group of citizens about a range of issues recently raised through social media networks, Sheikh Saud added that the country's leaders had made promises to ensure that those with malignant ideas would not be permitted to harm the country. H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ra's al-Khaimah, and Sheikh Tariq bin Kayed Al Qasimi attended the meeting.

            "Those who reflect on the history on the UAE will clearly recognise the harsh life lived by our forefathers," Sheikh Saud said. "Despite that, they defended their land with courage, loyalty and love, and this is what made our State successful." The people of the UAE, he added, were "people who kept their promises," noting that since the UAE was established it had maintained a loyal and honourable stance on all Gulf and Arab issues, in line with the policy of its founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his well-known statement that "Arab oil is not more precious than Arab blood." "We hear today," Sheikh Saud said, "that there are some who are trying to tamper with the stability of the UAE. I would like to say to them: The people of the UAE don't need lessons from anyone. They are confident in themselves and in the solidarity that they share. They don't change . Their character is not artificial and the country's principles are deeply rooted. Throughout history, the people of the UAE have defended their land, and they continue to do so today' ", he added.

            "I would like to advise those who poke their noses into the UAE's internal affairs to mind their own business, because our forefathers have bequeathed to us a magnificent structure," Sheikh Saud commented. "The people who built this country were united as one body. Forty years ago, we all - Rulers and people - made a pledge and founded this federation. It is the people who have protected this union, and they need no lessons in awareness from anyone. How could we not wish to preserve this union? The fact that we host and embrace different nationalities from around the world who have opted, of their own free will, to come to live amongst us in a desire for a life of dignity is a spectacular testimony of the security and safety that, thanks to the grace of Allah, we enjoy." "The people of the UAE have provided other peoples with opportunities and offer an illustrious model of peaceful co-existence for those who do not compromise on their faithfulness and loyalty to the country. He who does not like this should leave for another place. Any treachery is a shame for him, and for his country," the Ruler added.

            "We have an open-door policy; the channels for communications between us are open. Let those who wish to proffer advice come through that wide-open door."

            The UAE, Sheikh Saud noted, has made progress of which many other countries can only dream. Now, he said, the Government, "which will spare no effort to serve the interests of the country," has specified an improvement in the performance of the ministries as one of its top priorities. "Anyone who seeks to offer advice," he added, "must respect the country and its soil and must not confuse humility with weakness." "I address my words," he said, "to those who wish to try to teach us lessons of which we are in no need. There can be no competition in terms of religion, loyalty and love of the homeland. We will continue to welcome foreigners to live amongst us and to plan for the future of our children."

            Sheikh Saud went on to note that the principles and guidelines laid down by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan "further strengthen our determination to preserve our great love for this country," expressing approbation for the remark made recently to students of the Institute of Applied Technology in Ra's al-Khaimah by His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, that: You are the most valuable asset on the soil of the UAE'.

            "Those who try to belittle the Emirates do not affect the prominent status that our country enjoys," he said. "We will accept this neither from our brothers nor from any part of our country. Our State has been blessed and its bounty is for its people as well as for others in times of hardship, even if they are far from our Arab society. It is not part of the teachings of Islam to adopt alien, non-indigenous concepts. Thanks to God, the position of our state is as clear as the sun in the sky and our sons and daughters have a shining image in all of the spheres in which the state is recognised as an oasis of science, knowledge and well-being." "He who would compare himself to others should provide facts. Words without action are valueless." "The UAE is sheltered by the heritage of Sheikh Zayed and by the achievements of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa and of the Rulers and Supreme Council members and is safeguarded by its people, who are loyal to the nation, the country and its leadership. We don't care about the raising of trivial things and arguments that have already been defeated."

            "We," Sheikh Saud concluded," are loyal to our United Arab Emirates. We know very well the language of building, which is far removed from that of destruction. It saddens us when our children are misled and become lost. That is a loss for us, too, but we are able to bring them back to the right path.. We are committed to the promises we made (40 years ago). And that commitment will not allow for any malignant person to harm a single inch of our country. We will preserve our UAE, which has created its own history. Anyone may commit a mistake, but it is possible for that mistake to be corrected if there is a will to do so and if there is an insistence that it should be corrected." – Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Pakistani President hails UAE's humanitarian initiatives

            Islamabad - President Asif Ali Zardari has commended the humanitarian stance of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan in easing suffering of the victims of catastrophes in his country.

            He added that the UAE contributes effectively to boosting the efforts of his government in the fields of rehabilitation and reconstruction, especially in the areas affected by the floods and catastrophes, citing the directives by the UAE leadership to implement many ambitious projects that met the needs of Pakistanis in many vital areas.

            Receiving the UAE Red Crescent Authority (RCA) delegation at the Presidential Palace recently, Zardari reiterated that the UAE is one of the main partners to his country in the field of development and necessary services in the regions affected by the natural disasters in Pakistan. He added that the UAE had shouldered huge developmental role in the areas of housing, education, health and basic services.

            Zardari made the remarks in the presence of the UAE Red Crescent delegation led by its Chairman of the Board of Directors Ahmed Humaid Al Mazrouei, UAE Ambassador Essa Abdullah Al Basha Al Nuaimi and other senior officials.

            He said that the people of Pakistan highly value the humanitarian work undertaken by the UAE Red Crescent and its efforts to bring relief to the people who were affected by the 2005 earthquake and the recent floods.

            Al Mazrouei, who briefed the President Zardari about various activities being undertaken by the UAE Red Crescent in Pakistan, conveyed the regards of the UAE leadership to him. He thanked President Zardari for meeting the RCA delegation and assured him that UAE Red Crescent would continue its humanitarian work for the welfare of the people of Pakistan. – Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Pakistani paper lauds Khalifa City as a UAE landmark humanitarian gesture

            Islamabad -  In a landmark humanitarian gesture, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has built the most modern city at Garhi Habibullah near Mansehra that was totally raised in the wake of earthquake of October 2005, The News has reported.

            The newly built city of 210 houses - the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan City - shelters families affected by natural disasters that destroyed their homes in Balakot town and surrounding villages. They are provided with decent comfortable houses which will enable them to return to normal life. The new buildings will have resistance against earthquakes of high magnitude, the Pakistani paper said.

            The city, the paper added, has two separate schools for boys and girls, a clinic and a mosque. Khalifa City is part of the aid provided by the government and people of the UAE and the cost is estimated at Dh12 million.

            The Red Crescent spent Dh70 million during the past years on humanitarian relief and rehabilitation phases, orphanages, development projects and drilling hundreds of water wells and vaccination campaigns in collaboration with UN agencies.  – Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Dubai Cares launches HGSF program in Ghana reaching over 400,000 beneficiaries

            Dubai Cares, yesterday launched a 4-year Home Grown School Feeding (HGSF) program in Ghana which will improve the education, health and nutrition of over 320,000 primary school aged children and the livelihoods of over 80,000 rural households.

            The UAE-based philanthropic organisation founded in 2007 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

With the launch of this program, Dubai Cares is now reaching over 7 million children in 28 developing countries with its comprehensive primary education programs.

            Commenting on Dubai Cares' achievement, Tariq Al Gurg, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Cares, said: "In 2007, Dubai Cares was launched with the belief, held by Sheikh Mohammed, that education is the most effective tool to break the cycle of poverty and a desire to give children, regardless of their nationality, creed or religion, the opportunity to become positive contributors to society. Today, because of the guidance of His Highness, who inspired us to design innovative solutions to development challenges, and our holistic programmatic approach, Dubai Cares is reaching over 7 million children in 28 developing countries with primary education programs that are making a difference in the lives of children and their communities." He added: "I would like to take this opportunity to, on behalf of everyone at Dubai Cares, thank the UAE community for playing an important role in making all this possible. And, as we celebrate together this accomplishment, we should be reminded that our mission is far from over - 69 million children around the world still do not go to school." The program, which is receiving approximately AED10 million (USD2.7 million) in funding from Dubai Cares, will be implemented by the philanthropic organisation with Partnership for Child Development (PCD) and will support the Ghana School Feeding Program (GSFP), a poverty reduction initiative launched in 2005 by the Ghanaian government.

            The Dubai Cares program was launched through an official event in Ghana attended by a Dubai Cares delegation led by Al Gurg, representatives from the local government and several international organisations including Ghana School Feeding Program, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, World Food Program, World Bank and SNV.

            Speaking at the launch event, Al Gurg said: "This program is based on the principle that healthy children learn better. Homegrown school feeding programs, which are part of Dubai Cares' holistic and integrated school health and nutrition programs, have shown to improve children's regular school attendance as well as their cognitive learning through healthier and nutritious food intake. On a global level, these interventions are helping developing countries achieve their Millennium Development Goals related to primary education." The Homegrown School Feeding program represents a sustainable and integrated alternative to providing school meals to children while supporting economic activity in rural areas.

            Al Gurg added: "This program will not only benefit school children, but marginal rural communities as well since the commodities required for producing the nutritious meals for school children will be procured from local farmers. This creates a self-sustaining cycle in which students receive the nutrition they need and household incomes increase."        

            The Dubai Cares program will also focus on ensuring the program's sustainability by improving the in-country management capacity and promote more cost effective delivery systems that can result in increased program efficiency over the long term. This combination of effective delivery and increased capacity will enable the program to be scaled up in the future. – Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

DEWA Awareness Campaign: Go green on home appliances

            Spare a thought for the environment when you pick a refrigerator, or a washing machine. Dubai is keen to do its bit for the earth by spreading the good word around about common household appliances and energy consumption during a six-week campaign.

            Awareness begins at home and the ‘Do Good to Planet Earth’ effort will dwell on the importance of choosing environment-friendly home appliances and how to use them wisely to bring down water and electricity consumption.

            The campaign by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) will run a series of workshops to consumers, brand owners, retailers from the electronic industry on the best methods and benefits of using environment-friendly home appliances.

            Appliances included in the campaign are washing machines, refrigerators, air-conditioners, dishwashers and lights. Dewa will also engage residents about the most efficient home appliances.

The home appliances campaign will coincide with Dewa’s ‘Peak Load Campaign,’ which is launched in the summer each year when energy consumption is at its highest. The Peak Load Campaign is used by Dewa as a way to promote more responsible behaviour towards energy consumption.

            Dewa will also use social media sites like Facebook and Twitter as well as the official Dewa website as primary communication platforms to spread the word about ways to save energy.

            The campaign supports the strategy of the Government of Dubai to create a sustainable future for the emirate and reinforce its position as a global hub for finance, business and tourism. “Dewa’s efforts are evident throughout this campaign, as they fit with the nation’s long term strategy for green development under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Dubai’s vision to reduce energy consumption by securing our precious natural resources and finding energy-efficient solutions. We also want to reduce energy consumption and wastage as part of our efforts to protect the environment and planet earth itself as part of our long-term goal for sustainable development,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dewa.

            “Achieving long-term environmental sustainability requires efficient management of resources and deploying clean-energy techniques for energy integration and development. Therefore, it is essential to focus on guiding the public to improve their ways of energy consumption, not merely by reducing usage but also by using the right environmentally-efficient technologies, to drive greater individual and social contributions to sustainability,” added Al Tayer.

            Amal Koshak, Senior Manager of Marketing Communication at Dewa, said the authority continually aims to inform and educate all sectors of society in an easy and friendly manner. ‘‘Through the Home Appliances campaign, home appliances are personified into approachable cartoon characters, speaking and guiding our audience on ways to reduce electricity and water consumption,” he said.

            He said the campaign will involve special tutorial sessions on various appliances available in the market, and how they help in reducing electricity and water consumption. – Khaleej Times

 

Emirati artist Lamya Gargash presents new work in Dubai

            A meteoric rise to fame can be dangerous for any artist. How do you build on an early work that has an immediate audience, is argued over by collectors and, in the rare case of Emirati artist Lamya Gargash, makes it into the Venice Biennale to represent your country on the international stage?

            Gargash's Presence series - created between trips home while the artist was studying at Central Saint Martins in London - caught the eye of the curatorial team heading up the UAE's inaugural appearance at the biennale in 2009.

            Presence depicted a country in the throes of rapid change. It featured haunting interior shots of Emirati homes that had been hastily abandoned - intact with furniture and domestic trinkets, some even with the TV left on - and were slated for demolition. After that, Gargash moved into rather less captivating images of the traditional Majlis. Basically, more interiors.

            So it was necessary for her to strike out for new ground. This strange and disturbing new show at The Third Line is the result.

            Through The Looking Glass is challenging stuff - a chamber of horrors for the insecurities buried in the psyche of Gargash's models. She conducted interviews with each of these people, asking them what that nagging interior voice says is their greatest physical flaw.

            The artist then set about staging said fears, and photographed them against a two-tone Cindy Sherman-like backdrop on analogue film, rather than digital.

            We see that Amer thinks he has a Klingon-esque brow, Bryce thinks he's got girlie hands, while Rosie (in perhaps the most unnerving image of all) reckons she has weasely little eyes.

            Gargash didn't resort to lazy digital manipulation. Instead, she worked with make-up artists to create grotesque prosthetics for each model, which are included in a glass case in the exhibition.

            We can't help but recoil at seeing these insecurities laid so bare. What is perhaps most disturbing is just how superficial their issues are. Being physical flaws, of course they're not directly grandiose nor existential, but are purely about self-image.

            They remind us that a globalised standard of beauty has become all-pervasive, and that fears of ugliness often outweigh the bigger questions of life.

            Reinforced by a torrent of media and entertainment, each of these insecurities has developed in response to a perceived norm. The looking glass that the title refers to is perhaps not just about the imagined defects that we see when we look into a mirror, but rather the mirror of media that tells us what the world deems as physical perfection and deviancy.

            We see ourselves in these fears, some of which are clearly the fallout from childhood taunts. They raise the question: what do our eyes immediately scrutinise when we stare back at ourselves each morning?

            It'll be interesting to see how Gargash's collectors respond to this work. It's tough viewing, and is far removed from Presence.

But Through The Looking Glass demonstrates an artist keen to make a sharp about-turn from everything that made that series. It has meant, in the process, staring into interiors that are altogether more troubling.

Through The Looking Glass is showing at The Third Line, Al Quoz, Dubai and continues until May 30. – The National

 

Emirati weight lifter sets bar high

            When Amna Al Haddad was struggling with her body weight, she decided it was time for her to do something about it. That was about three years ago. Now she is the first Emirati and GCC woman to figure in a competition testing the whole gamut of a human’s physical capacities on the world stage, when she competed in the Reebok Crossfit Asia Regionals held in Seoul, South Korea, which concluded on Sunday.

            The Regionals saw 30 teams comprising athletes from 17 regions around the world. “If you want to go ahead far, you have to choose a sport you love,” said Amna. And that’s exactly what she did when she decided to do one of the most beneficial and yet not so commonly pursued exercises by women: lifting weights.

            “Walk into a gym, and you’d expect to see men lifting weights while women work the cardio equipment. Many people still believe that weightlifting is something for men and this misconception has been ingrained in women’s psyche for decades,” explained Amna.

            With a height of 158cm and weighing only 50kg, the 22-year-old Emirati can lift almost double her body weight. “It’s a long but very rewarding journey to get to this point,” said Amna. Talking of misconceptions about women taking to her sport, she added that swimming against the tide is what makes an athlete’s journey “fun.”

            “One of the common misconceptions harboured by women is the fear they will bulk up as a result of lifting weights. That’s simply not true. Women don’t have the right hormone balance to build enormous muscles,” clarified Amna. As a result of this fear, which is only a myth, women neglect the exercise that will get them the results they want, she added.

            “There are people who believe women aren’t supposed to be physically strong or powerful, a notion somehow still in vogue in 2012. In fact, I came across people who told me I belonged to the kitchen. What they fail to understand is that it is essential that women keep themselves fit, no matter what sport they pursue,” she pointed out.

            “As for me, weightlifting has changed my health, my physique and my life for the better.”

            Amna, who is also working as a media professional, said that working full-time and keeping up with training hasn’t always been easy, “but once it becomes part of your lifestyle, it’s just like waking up and brushing your teeth. It becomes part of who you are,” said Amna.

            “The most important thing is your attitude which can make all the difference,” she added.

            However, not enough people are exercising in this part of the world. There is awareness everywhere and people know they have to exercise but the problem is no matter where you go, there is fast food available,” said Amna, adding that in today’s age, people want things to be done the easy way and the quickest way to save time and money, but in the long run the opposite happens.

            Rigorous routine and inner determination is what keeps one going, explained Amna, whose performance was creditable during the course of the five-week-long competition, standing 77th out of a total number of 170 women in the whole of Asia. Earlier, en route to qualifying for the Regionals, she was ranked as one of the top three women of her team, CrossFit LifeSparks.

            “I love competing. There is a sense of adrenaline rush — shaking off your fears and pushing yourself to being your very best. Everything I’ve experienced in this sport: the crowd shouting your name in encouragement — most of all for me – it’s helped to break down some misconceptions,” wrote Amna in her blog.

            “At the end of the day, I may not be the best out there, strongest or fittest — but I have the heart and the passion to be the best I can be for me, and I am strong for me. Not because of where I am from, what I wear, or my skin colour — it’s simple, because in the end, it’s just me vs. the barbell.” – The Gulf Today

 

Damp outing for Godolphin pair at Newmarket

            Godolphin capped a disappointing few days for UAE racing when Discourse and Lyric Of Light finished at the back of the field in the English 1000 Guineas yesterday.

            The pair lined up in the first fillies' Classic of the British season unbeaten and were considered a threat to Aidan O'Brien's heavily-fancied Maybe but Lyric Of Light came last, with Discourse beating only her stablemate home.

            O'Brien, who won Saturday's 2000 Guineas with Camelot, took the spoils with Homecoming Queen, who won by nine lengths under Ryan Moore, while Maybe lost out to Starscope for second.

Newmarket had received over six inches of rain since the beginning of April, and with further rain falling before racing few horses got into the contest as Homecoming Queen shot out of the stalls and never saw another horse.

            Both Lyric Of Light and Discourse suffered interference in the early stages, but it was the going that scuppered their chances.

            Frankie Dettori reported that Lyric Of Light had struggled to get through the ground but trainer Mahmoud Al Zarooni, the trainer, was nonplussed at the performance of his fillies.

            "I have no idea what happened," he said. "Lyric Of Light didn't seem to cope with the ground and Mickael Barzalona said that Discourse just ran flat. She didn't seem to fire at all."

Mashoora, owned by Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid was 12th.

            Earlier in the day the Dubai-based organisation saw all their hard work to get Khawlah back on to a racecourse go to waste as the 2011 UAE Derby winner struggled on her first start since that victory at Meydan Racecourse.

            Khawlah was the first filly to win the Derby, having previously won the UAE Oaks, but she could not handle the downhill section of the track and also finished last.

Her trainer Saeed bin Suroor had elected to go to Hong Kong, however, to supervise African Story's challenge in the BMW Champions Mile, won by Xtension.

            It was futile journey for the trainer as his Dubai Duty Free winner never threatened and came sixth due to a lack of pace. Hong Kong horses filled the first five places. Mike de Kock's Musir was seventh while, Cityscape, the Dubai Sheema Classic winner, was 10th.

            "The slow early pace did not suit African Story," bin Suroor said. "He had a good position in the race and finished well but he would have been much better with a stronger pace from the start."

On Saturday night Alpha, Godolphin's great hope in the Kentucky Derby, kicked off proceedings by finishing closer to the back of the field than the front.

            The Darley-bred colt got agitated pre-race at Churchill Downs and never got into the race won by I'll Have Another, who edged out Bob Baffert's Bodemiester.

            "It's disappointing. He really kind of lost it in the paddock," Keiran McLaughlin, Godolphin's American trainer said. "I felt like he was really hot and bothered. It's tough on horses, the preliminary stuff. He was great in the gate, but he did get very hot and just ran dull. Not a good effort." – The National

Crowds throng to UAE Pavilion at Expo 2012 in Yeosu on pre-opening day

            Yeosu, S. Korea - The UAE Pavilion opened its doors to the public at 10.00am this morning on a day that the residents of Yeosu are unlikely to forget.

            The sun shone, temperatures were in the near perfect low twenties, the bay's calm waters glistened. Buses, trains and planes disgorged tens of thousands of eager Korean families to an EXPO that has resoundingly defied the doubters who claimed that nobody would travel all the way to this southern formerly sleepy seaside resort.

            It is true to say that Yeosu itself will never be the same again and this morning's traffic jams and dense queues of surprisingly well-disposed people, young and old, were there so that the organisers could see whether their dream would work. Barring the usual glitches that were being ironed out as they happened, the verdict was a resounding 'yes'. EXPO 2012 is clearly going to be different, entertaining, and engaging and the countries that have chosen to participate had better be ready to handle large crowds of visitors.

            The UAE Pavilion proved to be one of the most popular venues. Large queues quickly gathered outside the innovative facade of the building, complete with its graphic 'time-line' illustrating key stages in the nation's development. Video screens showing school children from the UAE displaying their fluency in Korean welcomed visitors.

            This International EXPO in South Korea, under the aegis of the Bureau International Expositions (BIE), which is headquartered in Paris and responsible for managing the organisation of World Expos, has chosen 'Living Ocean and Coast' as its theme and the UAE Pavilion, designed and managed by the National Media Council (NMC), has closely followed that lead.

Korean visitors gave a spontaneous applause to the 'The Turtle', main film of the UAE's Pavilion. Unaware that they were attending a 'world premiere' they were nevertheless moved by the message of the film and inspired by the strong performance of an impressive young Emirati actor, Ahmed Al Daheri, who previously featured in the UAE Pavilion at EXPO 2010 in Shanghai. – Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

President gives message to mark the 36th anniversary of the unification of UAE Armed Forces

            His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, has said that the country's commitment to the development of its armed forces, through providing it with all requirements that enable it to fulfil its responsibilities and perform its duties, is a firm commitment and one of the national priorities.

            In his message given on the occasion of the thirty-sixth anniversary of the unification of the armed forces, the President spelt out his trust in the capabilities of the armed forces to accommodate new technologies and most developed methods in its quest to remain at a high level of readiness and preparedness to assume responsibilities in the defence of the homeland and to protect its security and stability.

            Sheikh Khalifa congratulated Their Highnesses the members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates as well as all institutions and authorities in the country and the people of UAE over the great achievements of the Armed Forces.

            In the message published by the Nation Shield (Dira Al Watan ) Magazine, the President also paid homage to the first generation of military men who were influential in enriching the march of the Armed Forces and laid the foundations for its stable growth and development.

            "Based on the fact that defending rights and principles is still the most powerful weapon in our possession, our Armed Forces has always played an efficient role in the region including participation in the Peninsula Shield Force which represents just one mechanism of military cooperation among the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council. The Armed Forces have always made sure to shoulder their international responsibilities through contributing to the international peacekeeping forces. In all these roles, the Armed Forces set an example of discipline and commitment and reflected the authentic positive image of the nation and its people and added a humanitarian aspect to their traits."

            "Our commitment to developing our Armed Forces and providing all resources to enable them shoulder their responsibilities and carry out their duties is firm and unwavering and we are confident that these forces are capable of keeping up with modern technology and approaches to preserve their high preparedness to take up their responsibility of defending the nation and its security and stability. To further confirm the full integration among all national assets, our Armed Forces have always been active in national action though drawing up and implementing plans as part of its role in sustainable development nationwide. This interaction and exchange of expertise with civil institutions contributed to efforts to provide the resources of sustainable social and economic development as well as to investing in national human recourses as the cornerstone in building and developing the nation and building national security based on our strong belief that protecting the nation, gains and achievements in the UAE is a collective responsibility for each and every citizen to shoulder as an expression of authentic patriotism and loyalty." "The achievements made by our Armed Forces over the past four decades have been a source of pride, but have also added a new responsibility on the shoulders all its members as the development achieved so far should not be the end but rather an incentive for more work and achievements. In light of the highly accelerating development of military technology, any negligence would mean, not only lagging behind but also the erosion of existing achievements.

            As we celebrate with you the 36th anniversary of Unification of the UAE Armed Forces, we urge you to preserve your momentum and diligence for training and attain more education to remain an example of high preparedness and capability.

            "As we celebrate the 36th anniversary of Unification of the UAE Armed Forces, we express our sincere congratulations to our brothers Members of Supreme Council, Their Highnesses Rulers of Emirates, all the federal and local institutions. We also express our high appreciation of the first generation of the military whose contributions have enriched the march of our Armed Forces and laid the firm foundations for its growth and development. We ask Allah Almighty to bless the souls of those who passed away and pray him to bless those who are retired or still working at civil institutions. God bless you all for the good of your country and nation. – Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Mohammed bin Zayed hails achievements of armed forces

            Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces General His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has said that 6th of May is a shining landmark in the history of our Armed Forces as it takes a special place in our national march, which is filled with countless gains and achievements on the internal and external levels.

            In a message given to the Nation Shield (Dira al Watan) Magazine on the occasion of the 36th anniversary of the unification of the UAE Armed Forces, Sheikh Mohammed said that the unification of our armed forces under one central command and one flag and logo was done with the goal to make it a strong shield that protects homeland security, sovereignty, stability and territorial integrity.

            The modernisation of the UAE Armed Forces was the result of continued efforts and the great support of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE and Supreme Commander of the armed forces.

            His efforts, as part of his ongoing quest to achieve comprehensive development in the sectors of the state and all its various institutions, provided all the required capabilities for the development of our armed forces, boosting its readiness to protect the security of the motherland and the people, said Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed.

            All our achievements were in danger if we didn't protect them and defend them against oddities At the same time, the unification of the armed forces was also the means to further strengthening and consolidating the of Union and the guaranteeing of its security and stability, added Sheikh Mohammed.

            This is also an important occasion to renew our resolve to continue to modernise and develop the Armed Forces and provide it with the best competent national cadre and the latest types of weapons and equipment, enhancing its continuous and outstanding preparedness to ensure the security of the Arabian Gulf and our Arab surroundings, as well as to actively contribute to the service of international peace and stability under the umbrella of the United Nations; said Sheikh Moahmmed.

            In this context, we renew our covenant of our wise leadership that the armed forces will remain a fortress in the face of dangers and threats, said Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed.

            He offered greetings to Their Highnesses President Sheikha Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of various emirates in this auspices occasion. – Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Geographical coverage of EAD's Air Quality Monitoring Network to be expanded

            The geographical coverage of the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) air quality network is to be expanded, as well as the number of parameters that are used to measure. In 2007, EAD established an ambient air quality network consisting of 10 fixed and 2 mobile stations covering air quality, meteorological and noise measurements.

            The purpose of EAD's air quality monitoring network is to provide accurate, live data on air quality in order to identify eventual degradation in air quality that could potentially be affecting human health and environment quality. The locations of the stations are based on a comprehensive site evaluation, emission inventories, short term measurements and atmospheric dispersion modelling.

            Three years ago, EAD launched an environmental burden of disease study, in collaboration with the Health Authority - Abu Dhabi and the University of North Carolina. One of the studies carried out was to determine the air quality in Abu Dhabi and its possible correlation with incidences of some human related pathology.

            From its inception, EAD's air quality monitoring network has revealed that the average dust concentration nowadays is 33% higher than the previous two years. Moreover, the number of days of dust storms has increased by around 15% from last year. The increase of the occurrence of dust storms this year is related to more frequent higher wind speeds creating the storms.

            As per EAD's historical data extracted from its ambient air quality monitoring network, dust storms often occur in the UAE from February to March and from June to August. These "natural" sources normally give rise to the highest concentrations of suspended particles.

            Dust storms expose people to increased health issues such as irritation to eyes, allergic reactions, and respiratory problems, especially when people are exposed to the floating dust for a long period of time. In particular the elderly, children and people who suffer from respiratory conditions and diseases such as e.g. asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or emphysema are vulnerable to develop these symptoms. For these people, exposure to a dust storm may trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks and may cause serious breathing-related problems. Prolonged exposure to airborne dust can lead to chronic breathing and lung problems, and possibly heart disease.

            According to EAD, dust episodes in March 2012 increased dramatically at all sites in Abu Dhabi, exceeding all international and national limit values set for the protection of human health. This phenomenon is of a regional character and covered the whole Arabian Peninsula.

            From February 1, 2012 until March 31, 2012, EAD's air quality monitoring network recorded an excess of inhalable particles during around 48% of the measuring time (i.e. during 28 days out of the 60 measuring days). The concentrations during some of these days reached remarkably high levels that approached (on average) 7 times the national limit value. – Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Sky News Arabia goes live today

            Sky News Arabia, the 24-hour Arabic language breaking news channel, goes live across the Middle East and North Africa today at 20:00 UAE time, (19:00 Mecca, 18:00 Cairo, 16:00 GMT).

            Nart Bouran, Head of Sky News Arabia said: "The Sky News Arabia team have worked hard for nearly two years to create an independent, 24-hour, Arabic-language multi-media news platform. I am confident we will break new ground and set a new benchmark for news coverage in the Arab world. I encourage viewers to tune in for our inaugural broadcast at 8pm UAE time on Sunday and to join us in shaping the future of Arab news." The channel will broadcast free-to-air on Transponder 15 on Arabsat Badr 4, Transponder 14 on Nilesat 201. It can also be viewed on du IPTV channel 16, Etisalat e-Life channel 234, channel 122 in high definition and channel 123 in standard definition on the OSN pay-TV platform as well as in high definition on the Abu Dhabi TV network.

            The integrated news channel will broadcast across multiple platforms including TV, mobile, tablet and online from its state of the art newsroom in Abu Dhabi, offering regional viewers the opportunity to consume fast-paced and independent news wherever and whenever they want.

            The website, http://www.skynewsarabia.com,  which launched in BETA form in February, will be fully completed and will include key features such as video, blogs, interactive news maps, analysis and commentary, photo galleries as well as user generated content.

            Chairman of Sky News Arabia, Dr Sultan Al Jaber said: "Sky News Arabia will prove to be a truly unique experience for the new Arab generation - offering them the highest standards in technology, coupled with fresh original news from across the world." "I believe that from tonight at 8:00pm viewers across the Middle East and North Africa will experience a new standard for consuming news in the region." A joint venture between Abu Dhabi Media Investment Company (ADMIC) and the UK's leading pay TV platform, BSkyB, Sky News Arabia will fulfil the need for a truly independent news channel. – Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

UAE and Algeria discuss measures to strengthen bilateral trade relations

            Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori, UAE Minister of Economy, who led the UAE delegation to Algeria, signed the joint statement of the 10th Joint Committee Meeting between the two countries with Karim Joudi, Algerian Minister of Finance in the presence of senior officials from both sides.

            Al Mansoori has met the Algerian Prime Minister Ahmed Oyehia, at his office. They discussed ways to strengthen bilateral trade relations between the UAE and Algeria and remove obstacles facing investment projects in Algeria. The Algerian Prime Minister praised the development drive in the UAE and its distinguished position on the world map. "The UAE is strategic hub for Algeria as it is a gateway to the Middle East. We will do our best to offer the UAE investors an ideal investment environment in our country," he added. .

            Al Mansoori, said both countries offer strong investment opportunities that should be explored. "The meeting also focused on cooperation in the areas higher education, environment, finance, customs energy, telecommunications and industry," he added.

            Al Mansoori said that both sides formed a special committee to monitor the functioning of the UAE investments in Alegria which will contribute to the removal of investment barriers and enhance the performance of these projects at all levels.

            The committee held its first meeting on the sidelines of the joint committee meetings and agreed to have the second meeting at the 4rth quarter of 2012.

            The Joint Economic Committee meeting agreed to activate the UAE- Algeria Business Council, to encourage bilateral trade and boost investments between both countries.

            The Algerian side presented a proposal for a Memorandum of Understanding to monitor illegal competition practices and another to enhance cooperation in the domain of consumer protection and to combat commercial fraud.

            Al Mansoori said: "We agreed to exchange visits and organise common commercial exhibitions and forums and to provide practical mechanisms to remove all obstacles facing trade and exchange of information on legislations and laws related to foreign trade in both the countries." Al Mansoori said the meeting highlighted importance of developing cooperation in the financial field where it was agreed to organise special forums on finance in both countries to exchange information on the laws and legislations and investment environment In the energy sector both sides discussed potential for partnerships in oil exploration and to study the possibility of forming common projects in the field of renewable energy.

            In the area of technology cooperation, the parties discussed the possibility of transfer of expertise from the UAE to Algeria with respect to the third generation mobile (3G).

            Both sides agreed to cooperate in the fields of higher education and scientific research and in the fields of health and pharmaceutical industries and urged companies in both countries to intensify partnership in the pharmaceutical industry. – Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Dubai to make blood-diamond smuggling harder

            Security is to be stepped up at Dubai International Airport as the emirate cracks down on so-called "blood-diamond" smugglers.

            Dubai's diamond trade has soared in recent years, growing from between US$2 million (Dh7.34m) and US$3m up to 2002 to about US$40 billion last year.

            Growth in the number of Kimberley Process (KP) Certificates, which certify the origin of rough stones, is expected to increase by 33 per cent this year alone. But an increasing number of visitors to Dubai is creating more demands on authorities.

            Dubai Airport handled a record 51 million passengers last year, but expansion plans are likely to increase its capacity to 90 million by 2018.

            "We are constantly reviewing our security measures in accordance with international best practice," said Maryam Al Hashemi, the director of UAE's Kimberley Process.

            "With this growth in mind, we held a ... working group including Dubai Police and Dubai Customs to discuss various initiatives to boost security by checking and apprehending passengers, prior to boarding, on suspicion of carrying non-KP approved rough diamonds," she added.

            The Kimberley Process, which was named after a city in South Africa, was established in 2003 to prevent stones, blood diamonds, used to fund conflict from entering the mainstream market.

            The additional security measures build on the framework devised when the Kimberley Process Certificate Scheme was first launched in the UAE in 2003.

            "We are considering various options and have also put into practice several initiatives to meet attempted smuggling," said Brigadier Pilot Ahmad bin Thani, the director general of the Department of Airport Security in Dubai Police.

            "Finding the balance is not an easy task, but we are working diligently to lead that effort. We want to make the UAE one of the most secure countries in the world," he added.

The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre Authority is the only legal entry and exit point for rough diamonds in the UAE. – The National

 

DWTC achieves 7% rise in exhibiting companies

            The Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) yesterday reported a year-on-year spike in event-related traffic with over 1.65 million visitors attending major trade fairs in 2011.

            The DWTC also reported a 7 per cent increase in exhibiting companies from over 120 countries.

            "As financial prudence and austerity continue to be worldwide priorities, our focus in 2011 was to build on the strength of Dubai's stability and provide an immensely secure networking base connecting not just international buyers, investors and high-growth regional markets, but also industry experts, business leaders and associations, to promote an active dialogue and consequently generate sustained economic activity," said Hilal Saeed Al Merri, CEO of the Dubai World Trade Centre.

            DWTC said there was an increase in attendance figures across all exhibitions, led by larger events including Arab Health, Gulfood, Gitex Technology Week, the Dubai Air Show, Big-5 and the Dubai International Motor Show.

Hospitality exhibition

            Gulfood, the drink and hospitality exhibition, maxed out the million square feet of venue space, adding 12 per cent growth in visitor numbers.

Despite being held during a period of regional volatility, the four-day trade fair drew participation from over 150 countries.

            Gitex Technology Week surpassed attendance records in international participation bringing together 138,836 trade visitors and 3,500 exhibiting companies from around the world.

            Gitex Shopper attracted 169,018 prospect buyers and generated over Dh193 million in sales over its eight-day duration for its exhibitors — a 10 per cent increase over 2010.

The Dubai Air Show provided a resurgent boost to the industry with large-scale investments of US$63.3 billion (Dh232 billion) in aircraft and infrastructure, more than quadrupling its previous show bookings. – Gulf News

 

UAE envoy in Spain launches e-visa system

            Madrid - UAE Ambassador to Spain Dr Hasa Abdullah Al Otaiba has launched the new electronic visa service for the issuance of entry visas to the UAE. The new system enjoys accurate specifications and meets the requirements of high security.  The new services was launched at the consular section in the presence of Khalifa Al Mazrouei, an official in charge of the consular affairs at the Embassy and other consular officials. The UAE ambassador said the service is in line with the directives of the leadership to upgrade work procedures in different institutions. She thanked all the officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who contributed to this excellent project. – Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Emirati women is a significant factor in the UAE's development, says Al Shamsi

            Minister of State and Chairwoman of the Marriage Fund Dr. Maitha Al Shamsi said Emirati women have become a significant factor in the process of growth and development thanks to the support extended by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the efforts of H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and Chairwoman of Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood.

            "Women now account for 66% of the government's workforce. 30% of those are in senior positions related to decision-making, 15% in technical jobs (medicine, nursing, pharmacies) and the remaining 15% are in the Armed Forces, customs and the police force," Al-Shamsi.

            Al-Shamsi made her remarks at a forum organised by the Federal Human Resource Authority in Dubai.  She noted that around 12000 businesswomen run 11000 investment projects worth Dh12.5 billion. She also noted that women account for 37.5% of the workforce at banks. – Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Emirati women conquer Mount Fuji

            A week-long hiking trip to Mount Fuji proved to be more than a physical challenge for 12 Emirati women who returned to the UAE with a "new sense of direction" according to the founder of the company that organised the trip.

            Hala Kazim, who owns coaching company Journey Through Change, travelled with the women, some seeking personal and professional guidance, hoping that her mentoring formula would help them.

            Speaking to Gulf News upon their return this month, she said: "Women in this region aren't used to explorations. When they get the chance to conquer the unknown, detach from everyday reality, and focus on themselves in a natural environment, the possibilities are endless."

            Hala's coaching formula is a combination of hiking and mentoring activities outside the UAE. "Walking and talking are two activities during the trip that help women mentally and emotionally connect with themselves," she said.

Hala used to hike solo for several years, and since she started her company 16 months ago, she has taken 40 women to six countries including Austria, Switzerland, Spain and France.

More confident

            "On solo trips, I discovered that through walking, I could focus better. After you push yourself physically, you feel a sense of liberation, achievement and accomplishment, connecting the physical health benefit with mental well-being. I wanted to share this learning with other women. Initially, some participated to overcome grief and deal with personal issues, others wanted to explore, but all returned more confident and positive," she said.

            A few participants spoke to Gulf News about their experience.

            Tala Badri, the owner of a music centre, called the trip "life-changing".

            "I am a child from a mixed marriage — my father is Emirati and mother, Lebanese. I studied in a British school and completed my education in the UK. Being with Emirati women on the trip helped me learn more about my own culture. It also opened my eyes. I was out of my comfort zone, travelling with people I didn't know and yet connecting with everything new from the place [Japan] to the local Japanese," he said.

            For Amal Dawas, senior officer at a government organisation, the trip was her first hiking experience.

            "I wanted to de-stress and learn coping skills to help me in a professional setting, especially how to deal with customers and co-workers in a calm manner," she said.

            Speaking in context of being an Emirati, Sulafa Mohammad, a businesswoman, said: "There are many challenges in business that I felt the need to be in a different environment. Through the various activities and new experiences, the time away afforded me the opportunity to learn coping skills, allowing me to focus better on my business."

            Salwan Al Shaibani, a business owner, said the adventure helped her widen her understanding of a new culture. "I have been on four trips with Hala and each one has been a liberating experience." – Gulf News

 

Zayed University's new archaeology courses prepare students for careers

            Emirati students now have an opportunity to learn about their heritage by sifting through ancient pottery on new field archaeology courses now on offer at Zayed University.

            The archaeological methods and knowledge are being offered at the university's Department of Archaeology. The course aims to provide insight into pottery study methodologies as well as help students discover and understand the rich heritage of the UAE.

            "Pottery is essential for archaeology, as it helps students analyse the history and culture of a nation," said Jeffery Scuzhman, assistant professor of humanities and social sciences. Scuzhman is also the instructor on both courses, which include field trips to some of the archaeological sites in Ras Al Khaimah, Shimal and Wadi Haqil.

            The field trips are for students to gather archaeological material exported from Ras Al Khaimah across the Indian Ocean circa 1550 right up until the mid-20th century for analysis. They will primarily collect bits of pottery, shards and kilns (ovens used to produce the pottery). The analytical process enables the department to understand the specific culture of certain sites.

            "The process of analysis first begins by defining the style of the pottery and what it was used for," said Scuzhman.

            "From the design on the pottery, our analysts will be able to learn about the culture of the people who used shards."

            The new courses are a joint project headed by Scuzhman in conjunction with Durham University in the UK.

            The project seeks to understand the organisation, industrialisation and decline of pottery manufacturing in Julfar, historic Ras Al Khaimah, over a 600-year period.

            The 15 students currently in the class got a chance to experience first-hand knowledge about their past during a day-long field trip to the two historic pottery production sites in Ras Al Khaimah.

            "The pottery we gathered showed that the UAE, historically, had more than just fishing and dates more than 100 years ago," said Ahlam Al Hammadi, 22.

            For some students, the courses will help prepare them for a career in the field and help them learn about the history of the UAE.

            "We normally listen to our grandparents telling us about the tools and the things they used in the past, but actually seeing and touching them is different," said Eman Salah Al Barout.

            "It's like we went back in time and brought history forward to the present."

            The courses aim to prepare students for careers in museums, at government ministries and other tourism and culture organisations in the UAE.

            "I would like to become the first female Emirati archaeologist since there are not many Emirati archaeologists to begin with — especially women," said Ahlam. – Gulf News

 

Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan city opened in Balakot, Pakistan

            UAE handed over to the Pakistan authorities on Friday, the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan city it built in Garhi Habibullah near Mansehra in Balakot. The modern city, built as a humanitarian gesture of UAE, replaces the township which was totally pulled down in earthquake of October 2005.

            The new city, consisting of 211 houses and other utilities, was opened on Friday by Ahmed Humaid Al Mazrouei, Chairman Board of Directors of the UAE Red Crescent in the presence of Essa Abdulla Al Basha Al Noaimi, UAE Ambassador in Pakistan and a number of Pakistani officials.

            Speaking on the occasion Al Mazroui said that, the initiatives of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in this vital area is a continuation of the humanitarian efforts of the founding President of UAE the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Sheikh Khalifa has been actively following the humanitarian efforts to alleviate the hardships brought about by the earthquake in Balakot, added Al Mazroui.

            The handing overtook place after the completion of all phases of construction of the city as shelter to the families affected by natural disasters that destroyed their homes in Balakot town and surrounding villages. They are provided by decent comfortable houses which will enable them to return to normal life. The new buildings will have resistance against earthquakes of high magnitude.

            The dignitaries from the UAE were received by town councillor Mian Muhammad Naqshbandi and representatives of Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA). A large number of people of the area gathered there and raised slogans of greetings and appreciation for the UAE and its leaders.

            Each house consists of two bedrooms, drawing'&'dining; kitchen and bathroom. The city has two separate schools for boys and girls, a clinic and a mosque. Khalifa City is part of the aid provided by the government and people of the UAE and the cost is estimated at Dh12 million. The implementation of the project was closely followed-up by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, ruler's representative in the western region and Chairman of UAE Red Crescent Authority.

            Khalifa City is part of the ongoing projects in health and social care carried out on the bases of bilateral relations of the two countries laid down by the founder of the UAE late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

            The Red Crescent spent Dh113 million during the past years on humanitarian relief and rehabilitation phases, orphanages, development projects and drilling hundreds of water wells and vaccination campaigns in collaboration with UN agencies. The Red Crescent delegation appreciated sentiments of the people especially the children and students who lined up near the entrance of the city to greet them.

            A group of elders expressed their appreciation of the initiative of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan president of the UAE to alleviate the suffering of the affected rebuild their community.

            Ambassador Essa Abdullah Al Basha Al Noaimi in his speech said that the opening of Khalifa City is an important moment for us and for the families affected by the 2005 earthquake.  "It reflects the commitment of the UAE to its humanitarian mission and demonstrates the depth of relations between the two countries" said Al Nuaimi.

            He added that the UAE Red Crescent is working on number of other social welfare, health and educational projects in various parts of Pakistan.

            Al Mazrouei said he was proud to see the completion of Khalifa City and the handing over of homes to the families of the victims of the earthquake. He said late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder of the UAE laid the foundations of strong relationship between the two brotherly countries.

            Provincial Minister of Irrigation Syed Hussain Shah on behalf of the chief minister and people of KPK extended thanks and gratitude to the UAE for its humanitarian role in providing relief and rehabilitation work to victims of natural disaster in Mansehra district. (with inputs from the News). – Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Campaign calls for can recycling

            The Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) collected aluminium cans weighing a total of 16,150kg for recycling this year, the organisation announced on Saturday.

            EEG’s announcement coincided with its Can Collection Drive, which took place at locations across the seven emirates. A total of 300 government agencies, hotels, schools, companies and families took part in this year’s event, happening for the 15^th year in succession.

            However, despite a successful drive, the total number of cans gathered last year was down by 20 per cent than the earlier years.

            EEG Chairperson Habiba Al Marashi said: “EEG has been conducting this campaign for the last 15 years to educate the public that emptied cans are not waste material but valuable raw materials that must be diverted from landfills. Action days such as this one can only be described as an amalgamation of environmentalism and volunteerism in the people of the country. It is during events such as this that we truly see the spirit of the UAE come together for the singular cause of environmental protection.” Ali Ibrahim, EEG Executive Committee Member, who was present at the collection drive near the Department of Immigration in Al Jafiliya, said: “Extracting aluminium from its raw material, bauxite ore, is highly energy-intensive. But recycling aluminium can saves 95 per cent of the energy required to derive it from its virgin material.”

            Despite the positive turnout for this year’s collection drive, Al Marashi stressed that more can be done when it comes to recycling. She emphasised the problems with decreasing landfill and increase in the emission of greenhouse gas.

            “Since 1997, EEG has collected a total of 158,051kg of aluminium cans, resulting in the mitigation of around 2,370 MTe CO2, which has saved an estimated energy of 10,535 MWh.”

            Al Marashi also wants to see the UAE improve its recycling rate when it comes to aluminium cans. More than 500 million canned beverages are consumed in the country every year, but only five per cent are recycled, compared to a worldwide average of 63 per cent.

“We need to rally more support from various sectors of our society to instil the culture of recycling among the majority of our residents. However, the change that is required has begun.” – Khaleej Times

 

UAE to witness ‘super moon’ today

            The moon on its perigee or the closest approach to the earth will be the biggest and the brightest — a ‘super moon’ — on Sunday. The super moon will appear over the UAE horizon at 7.21pm on Sunday, posing a panoramic view — only if the sky is not hazy, meteorologists in Sharjah said.

            Since this month’s full moon coincides with the moon’s perigee — its closest approach to Earth — it will also be the year’s biggest, they added.

            The moon will position itself at a distance of 221,802 miles (356,955 kilometres) from our planet, offering skywatchers a spectacular view of an extra-big, extra-bright moon, nicknamed a super moon, the Discovery News reported.

            According to meteorologist Joe Rao, besides the moon’s perigee coinciding with full moon this month, this perigee will be the nearest to Earth this year.

            Later this year on Nov.28, the full moon will coincide with apogee, the moon’s farthest approach, offering an especially small and dim full moon.

            Though the rare appearance of this month’s full moon may be surprising to some, there’s no reason for alarm, said Mohamed Talib Al Salami, chairman of Adco Astronomy Club and member of Abu Dhabi Heritage Group.

            The slight distance variation is not enough to cause any earthquake or extreme tidal effects, he said.

            However, the normal tides around the world will be mostly high and low. At perigee, the moon will exert about 42 per cent more tidal force than its next apogee two weeks later, he added. The last super moon appeared in March last year and was visible only very late due to bad weather.

            The super moon, however, did not cause any catastrophic conditions on earth due to its gravitational pull except a usual high tide over some parts of the ocean.

            The gravitational pull of the moon in its closest approach to the earth last occurred on March 19, 2011. The incident, which happened after a gap of 18 years, was alleged to have caused some catastrophes on the earth.

            However, meteorologists in Sharjah have warned asthma patients to be careful during the next few days of the moon’s approach to the earth. The gravitational pull can worsen their asthmatic conditions, they said. “We cannot completely rule out the possibilities of such disasters due to the moon’s closest approach to the earth and its gravitational force,” Al Salami said.

“Practically there is no scientific proof to such a thing, but theoretically it can happen,” he added. – The Gulf Today

 

Yas water park set to make a splash in Abu Dhabi

            Abu Dhabi is hoping to make a splash on Yas Island with the launch of its first water park this year

            Yas Waterworld, which is costing some Dh604 million (US$164.4m) to build and will have 43 rides, slides and other attractions, is likely to rival the best water parks in the world, industry experts say.

            "It looks like something that I have never seen before in a water park," said Stefan Zwanzger, a theme-park expert who runs a website called thethemeparkguy.com. "All the Disney parks, the Universal parks, have a lot of sophistication when it comes to rides and theming, and there are themed water parks like Atlantis, Wild Wadi when we talk about the Middle East. But the Yas Waterworld park also incorporates a roller coaster and slides, and everything on top of each other. It's the whopper of water parks. It's like an exhibition of water slides from the best manufacturers."

            It has been a challenging operating environment for Yas Island since it launched, with much of the surrounding development on the US$40 billion destination still to be completed. Ferrari World, an indoor theme park on the island, last year cut jobs as opening hours were adjusted in line with demand.

            It is hoped the new attraction will help to boost tourism to the island and to Abu Dhabi.

            "As part of the 2030 plan for Abu Dhabi, the plan is to attract greater numbers of tourists and we're definitely supporting that plan," said Michael Oswald, the park manager for Yas Waterworld. "Yas Island is growing as a destination in itself and we're one component of that."

            The water park on Yas Island, scheduled to open in the fourth quarter, has rides including what is described as the longest suspended roller coaster, surfing rides, a hydromagnetic-powered ride and the Middle East's longest water slide.

            The park's theme is based on the story of an Emirati girl who is searching for a pearl.

            It is also designed to feature a pearl-diving attraction, where the audience watches a demonstration, and will have a souq. The park is being built by Aldar Properties.

            "From what we've seen so far, it will definitely be in the top four water parks in the world," said Mr Zwanzger, adding it seemed it would be comparable to those in Florida. "I've seen the artwork, I've been on the site, and it has the potential to beat all other water parks that are out there, but of course it all depends on the finishing."

            The two water parks in Dubai have proved to be highly popular.

            Jumeirah Group's Wild Wadi is located between the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and the Burj Al Arab, while Aquaventure is part of the US$1.5bn Atlantis resort on the Palm Jumeirah. Both were ranked in the world's top 20 most-visited water parks in a survey conducted by Aecom and the Themed Entertainment Association (Tea). Wild Wadi attracted 690,000 visitors in 2010, while Aquaventure brought in more than 1 million, according to the survey.

            In purely economic terms, water attractions can be highly profitable, industry insiders say. They are relatively cheap to build compared with theme parks, and their operational costs are easily manageable as long as they attract high volumes of visitors.

            Yas Waterworld, which was originally designed to be spread over 18 hectares, will now cover 15 hectares of space, Mr Oswald said.

            "We compressed the park on purpose to ensure that people were going to be in [a] situation where they were going to be able to interact with each other. We kept the same number of rides and attractions, we just cut about three hectares off the size.

            "It's an amazing, complex project to build a water park of this scale with the types of technologies incorporated in this park." – The National

 

Princess Bee to record song about UAE

            The song, which features lyrics written in both English and Arabic, talks about the country’s transformation from being a small pearl diving community to a modern metropolis with tall skyscrapers. The Arabic lyrics of the song ‘Emirates’ are taken from a poem titled ‘The Gentle Eastern Breeze’, which was written by His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Father of the Nation.

            Princess Bee said the song is scheduled for recording by this summer with an Arabic vocal coach enlisted to guide her with the correct pronunciation, and will be co-produced with the management company ‘Music is my life’. An accompanying music video of the single will be shot across the UAE, showcasing the country’s many key attractions. “The new recording follows the successful release of my latest songs,” she said.

            “The song ‘Emirates’ is my way of paying tribute to a country, which I love dearly and have spent great time in. I have many memories about the UAE like my first visit in 2002 and later working there as an ambassador for international brands like Cartier, Dior, Emirates, Skywards and even for Dubai TV,” said Princess Bee.

            “My stay in the UAE also gave me the opportunity of working with the Ministry of Higher Education, focusing on ‘The Intercultural Project’ that was tailor-made for Emirati students. The UAE has not only given me sweet memories but many friends, who remained loyal to me to this day. Also, to pay homage to Sheikh Zayed, I have used one of his wonderful poems as part of the lyrics to this new song.”

            The announcement of Princess Bee’s new recording came after ‘ANGELS’, Princess Bee’s non-profit organisation, launched a project called ‘Renewing Al Amal Orphanage’, which aims to provide Palestinian orphans affected by the war with the necessary tools and assets for development and enhancing their psycho-motor learning abilities. 

            The foundation has already started on improving the infrastructure of the Al Amal orphanage and will also donate computers, bicycles, Playstation consoles, a library housing an extensive line of educational books, a piano and clothing. ANGELS has already set up an artistic laboratory focusing on creating ceramic and painting works and the equipment for the facility’s newly opened gym. – Khaleej Times

 

Manchester City’s Emirati mascot recounts walk with Vincent Kompany at Etihad Stadium

      Eight-year-old Emirati Ali Waleed Al Saeedi said his skin is still tingling from the emotions of Monday night’s epic clash at the Etihad Stadium.

            “It was such an exciting day," said Al Saeedi, who won a competition to act as mascot for Manchester City Football Club’s titanic derby day triumph over cross-city rivals.

            “I met all of my Manchester City heroes, even Sergio Aguero. Now City is top of the league again - it just what I wished for!”

            Al Saeedi returned to Abu Dhabi last night after the dream two-night trip to Manchester. His derby mascot duties also saw him handed an official Manchester City replica kit and signed merchandise, taken on a pre-match tour of Etihad Stadium, spend time with City’s mascots, Moonchester and Moonbeam, and then walk out on the pitch alongside City captain, Vincent Kompany, just before kick-off.

            “Ali is really thankful. We both are,” said his father, Waleed.

            “It has been a truly special derby for us. It’s given us memories we will treasure forever.” The competition was backed by Etihad Airways-Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority who are the lead sponsor of Manchester City FC. - 7Days

Out of this world, under the sea

            Dubai is back in the spotlight for its out-of-the-box projects as Drydocks World revealed remarkable details of an underwater hotel to be built off the emirate's coast.

            In a statement released on Wednesday, the company said it has signed an agreement with a Swiss company to develop the World Discus Hotel, a series of spaceship-shaped structures, part of which is a habitable area submerged under the sea.

            The announcement came just a month after Drydocks World filed for insolvency protection in Dubai and Singapore in a move to restructure its US$2.2 billion debt.

            Drydocks World has unveiled a deal with BIG InvestConsult — which holds the technology rights to the project — to build an underwater hotel that looks like a series of massive discus plates joined by a network of undersea and above-water structures, including a helipad.

            "The structure… elevates marine leisure facility to new unprecedented functional level," the Swiss company stated on its website. BIG is in talks with other investors and said it will fund the hotel.

            "Drydocks and Maritime World is appointed as the exclusive main contractor for construction of the new concept hotels and cities floating in the Middle East," Drydocks said in a statement.

            Dubai is home to palm-shaped and world-map-shaped reclamation projects, the world's tallest tower, an indoor ski slope and the world's longest driverless metro.

            The Swiss firm said it aims build the underwater hotel off the coast of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Khamis Juma Buamim, Chairman of Drydocks World, told media persons that the company will fabricate the structures using techniques similar to building oil rigs based on seven design types — each costing between US$50 million and US$120 million (Dh183.5 million and Dh440.4 million).

            The firms said two developments with five hotels attached to them are planned in the Middle East. It also aims to include a lab for marine environment research. – Gulf News

 

Ruler of Sharjah attends opening of UoE's facility by Queen Elizabeth

            Exeter - In the presence of H. H. Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, HM Queen Elizabeth II of Britain, escorted by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, yesterday officially opened the new Forum building at the University of Exeter. The Forum is the most ambitious and challenging project within the University of Exeter's capital development programme. It provides a stunning ?48 million centrepieces for the Campus providing a new Student Services Centre, improved learning spaces and library, and retail and catering facilities. The inspirational mix of outside and inside space includes a new Student Services Centre, refurbished library, retail and catering outlets and technology-rich learning spaces.

            Sheikh Sultan is one of the key contributors to the new development.

            The official opening ceremony was attended by Abdulrahman Ghanem Almutaiwee, UAE Ambassador to the UK, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, First Secretary at UAE Embassy in UK, and a galaxy of British VIPs, dignitaries, chancellors of top UK universities, academicians, thinkers, as well as media personalities.

            The celebration of the flagship project was conducted amid fine atmosphere of appreciation and warm welcome to Sheikh Sultan who was greeted upon arrival at the campus by Honorary Chancellor of University of Exeter Baroness Floella Benjamin, Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Steve Smith, and deans of faculties and top administrators.

            Sheikh Sultan unveiled the memorial plaque which carried his name in recognition of his generous contribution to bring the Forum to life.

            In her welcome address, Honorary Chancellor of University of Exeter Baroness Floella Benjamin, the colossal development would have a far-reaching impact in realising the present and future ambitions of the university.

            She paid tribute to Sheikh Sultan for his tremendous role in establishing the project, one of key investments since 1960.

            Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Steve Smith said the building would be a source of inspiration and innovation not only for the present generation but for those to come in future. He said the University of Exeter is proud to have Sheikh Sultan within it and shares with him his vision on the power of science and education in changing people's lives. – Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Abdullah bin Zayed receives Moai replica from Chilean Ambassador

            The UAE's Foreign Minister, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, met Chilean Ambassador Jean-Paul Tarud during his  tour of the ‘Treasures of the World’s Cultures’ exhibition at Manarat Sa’adiyat.

            Sheikh Abdullah received a gift of the Chilean President Sebastian Pinera to President  His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan as a token of UAE-Chilean friendship and to mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the UAE.

            The gift is a 3.5 metre high wooden replica, weighing nearly 3 tons, of a Moai statue from Easter Island, (Rapa Nui), a remote Chilean-owned island  over 3500 km off the coast of South America in the Pacific Ocean. The  replica, which will be on permanent display in the outer garden of Manarat Sa’adiyat, was carved in the UAE  from a single specially-imported wooden log by Rapa Nui artist Christian Tuki with the help of the architect Rodrigo Pumarino. A second replica will later go on display in Dubai.

            Easter Island was discovered by a Dutch explorer in 1722, and its stone Moai statues, which have been afforded UNESCO World Heritage status, have fascinated people ever since. Measuring  up to 15 metres, they can weigh over 90 tons.  They were carved in stone quarries and then moved  several kilometres to their current locations by the island’s Polynesian inhabitants, who had no knowledge of metal or the wheel.

             "To the Rapa Nui inhabitants, the Moai are a symbol of remembrance of the achievements of their ancestors, so that history is never forgotten," Tarud said in a statement. "It is to honour the achievements of the UAE leadership and the people of this great nation for the past 40 years that the Government of Chile has commissioned these artworks." 

            H.H. Sheikh Abdullah also toured the ‘Treasures of the World’s Cultures’ exhibition, organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, in association with the British Museum. He was accompanied by the Authority’s Chairman, Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan and the Chilean Ambassador. 

            Bringing life to elements of human history dating back 2 million years, the exhibition addresses universal themes such as leadership, heritage and faith. On display are over 250 exceptional objects, loaned by the British Museum, the Al Ain National Museum, Sharjah Archaeology Museum and from a private collection, providing a universal context for the history of the UAE and the Middle East region.  Inaugurated in mid-April, the exhibition is open to the public until 17th July. – Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

UAE – France joint military exercise concluded     

            His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, watched yesterday the final stage of the UAE-French joint military exercise codenamed "Gulf 2012".

            The drill falls under the UAE joint training plans with armed forces of sisterly and friendly countries and within the framework of coordination and sharing of military expertise in implementation of the UAE-France defence pact.

            Before the exercise started, Sheikh Mohammed was briefed on the purpose and phases of the war games as well as the combat units and formations which engaged in the exercise from both countries. He then headed to the stand where he watched the live ammunition demonstrations conducted by land and air forces.

            The exercise aimed at increasing the combat capabilities of Emirati and French forces to enable them confront potential risks and threats in a manner that demonstrates strength of the distinguished partnership between the two friendly countries.

            Afterwards, Sheikh Mohammed also got first-hand knowledge on training simulation and then toured an exhibition for weapons and equipment used by Emirati and French forces. The UAE Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces lauded the high competence and capabilities of the forces and their operational abilities on the ground.

            He said the engagement of the French armed forces in the Gulf 2012 underscores the depth of bilateral ties. He added that these qualitative training activities would fortify capacities of different units to assume their national duties and remain ready and alert at all times to deal with any possible threats and deliver better protection and defence of the national soil and sovereignty, stability and interests of the country.

            Since 1996, the Gulf exercise has been a routine military training held every four years as part of joint military exercises under the 1995 defence treaty. – Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Arab youth aspire to live and work in UAE

             A majority of the Arab youth look up to the UAE as a model of growth and prosperity, but remain optimistic about the future of their own countries, according to a survey released yesterday.

            As many as 40 per cent of respondents to the survey admired the UAE as a model other countries should emulate, while they also preferred it as the place they want to live in.

            The fourth annual Arab Youth Survey reflects on the changing ground realities in the region with public priorities and preferences changing following the Arab Spring.

            The study reveals that the youth now are more focused on their personal and economic well-being rather than democracy and greater freedom which used to be top priorities.

            Fair pay (82 per cent) and home ownership (65 per cent) are top priorities of today's youth as against last year when the respondents preferred democracy and freedom over anything else. Overall, 72 per cent believed the region is better off following the Arab Spring and that the future is bright. However, the youth (63 per cent) are concerned about the rising cost of living.

            Around 72 per cent of the youth felt that following the Arab Spring governments have become more trustworthy and transparent, while 54 per cent feel corruption in government and public life is hampering their progress.

            The survey gives great insight into the minds of the youth, generally giving positive feedback, while highlighting concerns like the rising cost of living, corruption, civil unrest and unemployment. – Gulf News

 

Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi celebrates 15th year anniversary

            The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) will be focusing on three immediate priorities including monitoring the state of air quality and marine water as well as assessing the health of Abu Dhabi Emirate's terrestrial biodiversity in addition to enhancing its regulatory role through the implementation of the Environment 2030 Vision.

            This was announced by Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Secretary General of EAD, at a dinner held in honour of EAD's partners and to commemorate 15 years since the establishment of the Agency at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi under the theme: "A Generation of Success in Conservation and Protection." The dinner was attended by Rashid bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water, Sultan Al Jaber, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, Dr. Saif Al Ghais, Executive Director of Ras Al Khaimah Environmental Protection and Development Authority (EPDA-RAK) and EAD's first Secretary General, and other representatives from government and private organisations and agencies from EAD's partners.

            In her speech, Al Mubarak said "At EAD, we have 3 immediate program priorities. First, we must build on the success of our air quality monitoring program by expanding it throughout Abu Dhabi, linking it with other emirates and making the data accessible online. This program will help us better understand the relationship between air quality and health, as well as better plan and manage future emissions. Second, we will build on our marine water quality monitoring program and create effective regulation and enforcement measures that will help safeguard the integrity of our coast.   Third, we are measuring the terrestrial biodiversity of the Emirate to guide conservation practices. This will also help us evaluate our success and build more effective environmental regulation."  She also added "We must anticipate the fast developing issues such as nuclear energy regulation and control, climate change mitigation and the internationalisation of environmental issues and therefore must act now." She noted that this new paradigm for environmental protection is captured by the forthcoming Environment 2030 Vision plan.

            The Abu Dhabi Environment 2030 Vision is the environmental component of the Abu Dhabi Government's vision which along with the Economic and Social Visions will form the basis of decision-making across all sectors in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi for the next twenty years. It is made up of an assessment of the current state of the environment in Abu Dhabi Emirate and the development of future scenarios, the development of a vision statement, policy framework, and action plan that will address priority environmental concerns, and; a detailed analysis of the current institutional setting, including a gap analysis and recommendations for how best to address those gaps. – Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

New agency aims to make life green and sustainable

            A new one-stop shopping agency in Dubai is now open to help consumers and corporations make more informed decisions on how to reduce the impact of human activity on the environment.

            The Change Initiative, located next to Ibis Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road in Al Barsha, was officially opened on Tuesday by Sheikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman and CEO of Emirates airline and Group.

            Gundeep Singh, founder and CEO of the Change Initiative, said the new 5,110 square-metre facility is aimed at promoting sustainable solutions in keeping with the national vision of the UAE.

            "Our project aspires to influence responsible, sustainable behaviours by introducing new solutions that can trigger small but smart lifestyle changes in the UAE community," he said in a statement.

            Singh said his own company is leading by example after implementing and rigorously following its own ecologically sustainable recommendations.

            "As a company, we have already implemented these solutions in our workplace and initiated lifestyle changes within our employee base," he said.

            "Our company firmly believes in sustainability and at The Change Initiative, we practise what we preach."

            To assist customers become leaders in their respective industries, Singh said that his company works with more than 50 global brands such as Siematic, Volkswagen, IBM, Schneider, Vitra and Ecover.

            Singh pledged that the new service will help those "who are interested in making environmentally responsible purchases for their home or in the workplace from energy-saving light bulbs and eco-friendly detergents to sustainable furniture and other innovative, technological solutions" – Gulf News

 

Korean Media delegation commends efforts of Sheikha Fatima on Emirati women empowerment

            The visiting Korean delegation has lauded the efforts of H. H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for the Motherhood and Childhood, on boosting the role of women in all fields.

            The remarks were made by the Korean media delegation members, while visiting the General Women's Union, where they were briefed about the achievements of Sheikha Fatima and Emirati women.

            The guests, who include a number of Korean newspapers' editors, are visiting the UAE upon the invitation from the National Media Council (NMC) to tour the historic, tourist, cultural and educational sites in the UAE.

            Editor-In-Chief of Korea Herald told Emirates News Agency (WAM) in a statement that Emirati woman has scored many achievements in a record time, thanks to the shrewd vision of the UAE leadership, indicating that Emirati woman was lucky regarding the rights she had attained compared to her peers in many other countries worldwide.  He hailed the role of the General Women's Union under the chair of Sheikha Fatima, who had contributed effectively to the women awareness and enlightenment. The visiting Korean media delegation attended the celebrations held by the Union in conjunction with the Ministry of Labour to honour the working Emirati women in the private sector on the International Labour Day. – Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

UAE will continue investing in oil sector to ensure market remains well-supplied : Hameli

            Paris - The UAE will pump heavy investment in oil and gas sector to ensure the world oil market receives the supplies it needs, Mohammed bin Dhaen Al Hameli, UAE Minister of Energy, has affirmed.  ''Over the past years, the UAE and other producers have invested billions of dollars in increasing long term sustainable capacity. We will continue to invest in order to ensure that the oil market remains well supplied, not just in the short term but over the coming years,'' the UAE minister told the 13th International Oil Summit in Paris.

            ''This implies heavy investment, not just in hydrocarbon production, but also in renewable energy sources that will allow us to maximise our exports. The construction of nuclear power stations, for example, will ensure that we can maintain the present level of hydrocarbon exports at a time of growing demand for domestic power supplies,'' he added.

            The UAE, he indicated, would continue focusing on its core markets in Asia where long term supply relationships will continue to bear fruit for both sides.

            Globally, he said the technological advances that are making tight oil and shale gas a reality in the United States will have important spin-off benefits for oil producers globally, including those in the Middle East.

            ''Looking back over the last two decades, it is clear that the energy market has been driven by the rise of emerging economies such as China and India, which between them account for a substantial proportion of energy demand growth. Looking ahead, it could well be that the biggest changing trends might well come from the United States. Changes in supply and demand patterns will, inevitably, have an impact on energy markets outside the North American continent.

            ''Should producers in the Middle East and elsewhere be concerned? Absolutely not. Continued economic growth in the world's biggest economy is good for the global economy irrespective of who supplies the oil which fuels that growth.

            Even if US oil imports continue to fall, he noted, other key markets are set for rapid growth. Demand for oil in Europe will continue growing as North Sea oil production falls. Oil demand in Asia, excluding Japan, will more than double in the years to 2035.

            The UAE will continue focusing on its core markets in Asia where long term supply relationships will continue to bear fruit for both sides.

            The International Oil Summit will provide the opportunity to analyse the geopolitical and technical factors that structure our industry. The summit will discuss how producers will be meeting new challenges of the oil sector and impact of non-conventional oil and gas on the relations between IOC and NOC.

            Full text of Al Hameli's speech: I would like to thank Petrostrategies and IFP for inviting me to this important annual conference. It is good to be back in Paris among so many old friends.

            Today, I would like to share with you some thoughts on the energy landscape and to highlight some of the new challenges oil producers are likely to face in the coming years.

            There has been much talk in recent weeks about fundamental changes in the United States energy industry, particularly how shale gas and tight oil have helped the US dramatically reduce its dependency on energy imports. These two sources coupled with greater efficiency have enabled the US to import just 45% of the liquid fuels it used in 2011, down from a peak of 60% in 2005. Indeed, the US could soon be exporting LNG, something unthinkable just a year ago.

            Recent technology breakthroughs have now made unconventional oil reserves such as tight oil, and oil sand commercially exploitable, especially at current oil prices. A recent forecast suggests total US oil production will increase from just over 9 million barrels per day to above 12 million barrels per day by the end of this decade. As a result, US oil imports could fall by at least 1 million barrels per day by 2020.

            Even bigger change in the US can be expected from the production of gas from shale. Already US natural gas prices are at the lowest level in a decade and, as new technologies are harnessed to tap unconventional reserves such as shale gas, prices will continue to remain low. Analysts point out that this has the potential for fuelling US manufacturing industries and could even lead to a new industrial age in America. This will, in turn, fuel growing demand for energy, including oil.

            Looking back over the last two decades, it is clear that the energy market has been driven by the rise of emerging economies such as China and India, which between them account for a substantial proportion of energy demand growth. Looking ahead, it could well be that the biggest changing trends might well come from the United States. Changes in supply and demand patterns will, inevitably, have an impact on energy markets outside the North American continent.

            Should producers in the Middle East and elsewhere be concerned? Absolutely not. Continued economic growth in the world's biggest economy is good for the global economy irrespective of who supplies the oil which fuels that growth.

            Even if US oil imports continue to fall, other key markets are set for rapid growth. Demand for oil in Europe will continue growing as North Sea oil production falls. Oil demand in Asia, excluding Japan, will more than double in the years to 2035.

            The UAE will continue focusing on its core markets in Asia where long term supply relationships will continue to bear fruit for both sides.

            Ladies and Gentlemen; The technological advances that are making tight oil and shale gas a reality in the United States will have important spin-off benefits for oil producers globally, including those in the Middle East. Already, technologies such as fracking and enhanced oil recovery techniques used to produce tight oil are being widely applied in the GCC countries.

            Of course, a substantial price tag is attached to these technologies. These are not cheap fixes but are needed as easy oil comes to an end, including in the GCC region, and we have little choice but to resort increasingly to technology-intensive oil production operations.

            This brings me to the key theme of investment. Over the past years, the UAE and other producers have invested billions of dollars in increasing long term sustainable capacity. We will continue to invest in order to ensure that the oil market remains well supplied, not just in the short term but over the coming years.

            This implies heavy investment, not just in hydrocarbon production, but also in renewable energy sources that will allow us to maximise our exports. The construction of nuclear power stations, for example, will ensure that we can maintain the present level of hydrocarbon exports at a time of growing demand for domestic power supplies.

            As many of you know, the harsh climatic conditions of the Gulf region mean that we are among the world's highest per capita users of energy and, as a result, we have a large carbon footprint. By generating power from nuclear sources, we can help reduce carbon emissions and make a valuable contribution to protection of the environment.

            Reducing greenhouse gases is one of the major challenges facing the oil industry, not just in the Middle East but all across the world. Many of the new technologies being applied to produce unconventional oil are more pollutant and destructive to the environment as well as underground water resources. Accidents if they occur in the presalt oil fields of Brazil or in the pristine arctic environments that have opened up for oil exploration as a result of global warming could be catastrophic.

            Carbon capture and storage is one technology that is a natural fit for the oil industry. By capturing carbon emissions from oil and industry operations and re-injecting it into oilfield reservoirs, as miscible gas to promote oil production makes it beneficial to the oil industry while at the same time keeping it away from polluting the environment.

            The UAE is taking a leading role in promoting CCS. Recently, Masdar Carbon announced plans for a carbon capture usage and storage facility that will capture nearly 800,000 tonnes of CO2 per annum from a local steel plant.

            The CO2 will be compressed and transported through a 50km pipeline network and will be injected in an onshore field, operated by Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations (ADCO).

            The implementation of cutting edge technology could enable the UAE to maintain its role as a major oil producer. Growing demand in our core markets makes it incumbent upon us to continue investing for decades to come. – Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

DEWA seeks consultancy services for construction of 10 MW solar power plant

            Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has received around 150 Expressions of Interest (EOI) from contractors to build its first 10 MW solar PV power plant of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest solar park in the region, which accords with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and his directives to build a sustainable future for the Emirate of Dubai and support the energy diversification strategy adopted by DEWA.

            Contractors have sent in EOIs but might not actually be able to submit bids, depending on the final evaluation of the contractors’ responding submission to the request for qualification document. The contractors' qualification evaluation process is expected to be completed by end of May 2012.

            DEWA invited companies to show interest in the project on 5th April, pre -qualified companies will send the request for proposals by June this year.

            Sheikh Mohammed launched the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park at the start of 2012. With an expected 1,000MW capacity and costing Dhs12bn, it is located in Seih Al Dahal on the Dubai-Al Ain Road. This supports the vision of His Highness to promote a sustainable future for the Emirate of Dubai, and the initiatives launched by His Highness to build a "green sustainable economy." It also plans for the preservation of natural resources while protecting the environment from pollution. DEWA will manage and operate the overall development of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park as part of the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030. – Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

UAE economy set to expand 2.3% this year

            The UAE economy is expected to grow at 2.3 per cent this year, it was revealed by Masood Ahmed, IMF director for the Middle East, in Dubai on Wednesday.

            “Middle East North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan (MENAP) region economies will grow one per cent more than the last year, thanks to the higher oil prices,” Masood said after presenting the regional economic outlook in Dubai. The GDP growth of these countries decreased in 2011 to 4 per cent but is projected to increase back up to 5 per cent in 2012.

            Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) continues to be regional growth driver with GDP growth projected at 5.3 per cent in 2012.

            Average GDP growth of regional oil importers expected to recover to below 2.7 per cent in 2012, from 2.2 per cent in 2011.

            The Outlook takes into consideration the near-term risks to the macroeconomic stability of the Arab countries which have increased due to a combination of political transition, pressing social demands, and an adverse external environment. While these risks were contained to some extent during 2011, faltering growth, rising unemployment and continued fiscal and external pressures, IMF expects 2012 to be an equally challenging year.

            In 2011, the MENAP oil exporters’ combined external current account surplus almost doubled approaching US$400 billion. Continued government spending due to intensified social demands and higher oil prices, will support to the non-oil sector, which is projected to grow at 4.5 per cent in 2012.

            As their oil production increased in 2011 to compensate for oil supply decreases, the GCC countries’ GDP growth reached 8 per cent last year. As stability returned to other oil producing countries, the GCC will return to normal oil production levels and its GDP growth will settle around 5.3 per cent.

            Egypt needs to do more to secure a US$3.2 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund, including gathering broad political support and identifying other sources to finance its funding gap of up to US$12 billion, Masood added.

            He said that Egypt still needed to do “some technical work” to finalise its economic programme. Asked whether he thought there was enough domestic political support for the programme, Ahmed said: “I think that process (of getting political support) is advancing but I do not think we are at the point yet where we could move forward.”

            Hosted by the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the International Monetary Fund launched its Regional Economic Outlook Update for the Middle East North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan region. – The Gulf Today

 

Dubai Financial Market releases April performance report

            Dubai Financial Market General Index decreased by 1.1% to 1631 points at the end of April compared to 1648.9 points at the end of March, according to the DFM performance report for April. At the sectoral level, seven out of the nine indices represented on DFM ended the month in the red, with Services sector decreasing the most by 17.3%, followed by the Industrial and Transportation sectors by 10.4%, and 9.3% respectively. Real estate '&' Construction index rose by 6.1%. The consumer staples sector has not witnessed any changes during this month.

            The market capitalisation down at the end of this month by 0.9% amounted Dh192.4 billion compared to Dh194.3 billion. The value of shares traded during this month reached Dh6.7 billion, compared to Dh9.6 billion recorded during March, a decrease of 29.5%. Number of shares traded decreased by 40.2% to reach 4.7 billion shares during this month compared to 7.9 billion shares were traded during the March. Number of transactions executed during April down by 31% to reach 80.6 thousands compared to 116.8 thousand deals carried out during the previous month.

            As for sectors' contribution to trading volumes, the real estate and construction sector ranked first in terms of the value of traded shares, to reach Dh3.2 billion, or 47.8% of the total value of shares traded in the market. Banking sector ranked second at Dh1.2 billion, or 17.9%, followed by the Financial Services and Investment sector with Dh657.7 million, or 9.8%, and the Services sector with Dh605.3 million, or 9%. The Telecommunication sector with Dh494.4 million, or 7.3%, and the Transportation sector with Dh345.5 million, or 5.1%, Insurance sector with Dh209.2 million, or 3.1%.

            The value of shares bought by foreign investors during this month reached Dh3.176 billion comprising 47.1% of the total value of shares traded. The value of shares sold by foreign investors during the same period reached Dh2.921 billion comprising 43.3% of the total value traded. DFM net foreign investment in-flow reached Dh255.2 million.

            The value of stocks bought by institutional investors during this month reached Dh1.329 billion comprising 19.7% of the total value of shares traded. The value of shares sold by institutional investors during the same period reached Dh1.181 billion which constitutes 17.5% of the total value traded. DFM net institutional investment in-flow amounted Dh148.4 million. – Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Etihad Rail unveils Locomotive Livery and Branding

            Etihad Rail yesterday unveiled the approved livery for its locomotives. The locomotives will be finished in a durable light grey paint scheme, relieved with broad red bands and the Etihad Rail logo situated near the middle of the body line. The decision follows a Board of Directors meeting chaired by Nasser Al Sowaidi, Chairman of Etihad Rail.

            Commenting on the chosen design, Nasser Al Sowaidi, Chairman of Etihad Rail, stated: "We are very proud to share the approved livery for our locomotives. The livery is aligned with Etihad Rail's established brand identity, which incorporates the colours of the UAE flag as a symbol of national pride and unity." U.S.-based Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD) - one of the world's leading manufacturers of diesel-electric locomotives - was awarded the contract to deliver the locomotives for Stage One of the rail network in the summer of 2011. Delivery of the locomotives is scheduled for the end of 2012, and will support the inaugural service of transporting granulated sulphur from Shah and Habshan to Ruwais. Three locomotives will haul trains of up to 110 wagons, with each train carrying up to 11,000 tonnes of sulphur.

            Etihad Rail is developing a 266km route in the Western Region that will carry up to 22,000 tonnes of granulated sulphur daily from sources in Shah and Habshan for export at the port of Ruwais. This route marks the first phase of the 1,200km mixed-traffic network that will span across the Emirates - providing a modern, safe, and efficient method of transport for both freight and passengers. The Etihad Rail network will also link the UAE to Saudi Arabia via Ghweifat in the west and Oman via Al Ain in the east. – Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Pink Caravan reveals general report on medical teams' activities

            The Pink Caravan has released their general report detailing the results of their mobile clinics' testing program during and around the Pink Caravan's 2nd ride.

            Commenting on the findings of the report, Ameera BinKaram, Founding member and President of Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP), remarked that the Pink Caravan's medical and awareness teams not only successfully achieved their target of 5000 tests done by the 17th of April, but in fact surpassed it.

            The report reveals that the Pink Caravan's mobile clinics provided free early detection breast cancer testing for a total of 4667 women and 482 men over a 17-day period during and around the actual ride. Of the individuals that took part in testing 1221 were referred to undergo mammograms and a further 433 were referred to undergo ultrasound imaging.

            The report also showed a near equal demographic distribution amongst the applicants in terms of nationality, with 2514 being Emirate citizens and 2635 expatriates.

            "The findings of this report are a clear indication of the success of the Pink Caravan's mobile clinics. Through the hard work and dedication of Pink Caravan's medical personnel we have managed to make a difference in the lives of those we tested, as well as increasing the level of public awareness about the importance of early detection in the treatment of breast cancer," BinKaram added.

            In 2011, the Pink Caravan's medical team screened around 10,025 people for the early detection of breast cancer at 135 mobile clinics that were set up across the UAE up until the end of October. The huge success of the mobile clinic campaign during this year's ride is a strong indicator that the Pink Caravan will be able to reach far greater numbers over the course of 2012, as awareness builds and the initiative goes from strength to strength.

            The Pink Caravan campaign will run annually until 2014, under the patronage of HH Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah and under the directives of Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs.  The Pink Caravan's ride aims to spread greater awareness about breast cancer, encourage regular tests and raise funds to buy a 3D mammogram clinic, which will provide free tests for citizens and expatriates in the country. – Emirates News Agency, WAM

 

Month-long celebrations to honour workers starts

            The Dubai Municipality officially opened its month-long celebration to honour its 11,000-strong labour force to mark International Workers' Day on Tuesday at its workers' accommodation in Muhaisnah 2.

            Home to 7,000 workers of the municipality, the Muhaisnah facility will serve as an open ground for all the residents of the labour accommodations in Dubai from May 1 to 31. Dubai Municipality has decided to lengthen the celebrations to a month as part of its ongoing efforts to provide workers with opportunities to strengthen their body, mind and spirit.

            Workers can take advantage of basic health check-ups offered by the municipality's medical teams, live entertainment, and daily movie screenings.

Cultural performances

            "We and all the workers of Dubai Municipality are part of the same department. We want to make them feel that we are all in one team. We want to express to them that we are with them on this day, that we are part of them, to help them and interact with them," Mohammad Abdul Karim Julfar, Assistant Director-General of Dubai Municipality, told Gulf News.

            Cultural performances by a Bollywood live orchestra, a Punjabi dance troupe, to name a few, will be available every night. An inter-camp cricket tournament will also be held.  "The idea of having this event here is good because usually if we want to go anywhere, we have to walk for half an hour to get to the Metro, or take a bus which will only take us to the Gold Souq," Abd Samad, an employee in the municipality, said. – Gulf News

 

The Abu Dhabi Storms set off for Hong Kong

            The Abu Dhabi Storms ladies ice hockey team will set off for Hong Kong next week quietly confident they can improve on their maiden showing at the Open Ice Hockey Championship, which takes place from May 8-12.

            Twelve months ago the team, comprising predominantly of Emiratis “held up pretty well”, according to team manager Ruwaida Otuman, as they took part in their first international tournament.

“We were only a real team for two months and some of the girls were completely new to ice so it was quite a feat just to get a group to take to Hong Kong first time round,” said Otuman.

            One year on, though, and the team of 17 girls – 13 Emiratis and four foreigners – are setting their sights high ahead of the five-team tournament featuring teams from China, Hong Kong (2) and Thailand. “We have the potential to do very well and we are looking to get something out of it,” added Otuman. “This time we are much better prepared and really psyched to do well, so we go there in high spirits.

“We know it is going to be tough because we are not exactly as strong as our opponents, especially the Hong Kong team as they are more experienced than us, but we have fight in us.” Team captain Fatima Al Qubaisi has one specific target in mind. “If we can just score against the Hong Kong team that will be an achievement as they have 10-15 years experience while we have just a year and a half,” she added. – Sport 360°

 

UAE weightlifting stars return home

            “I hope it is me, but even if someone else gets to go and is selected, it won’t matter as this one is from us for our country!”

            That’s what Latifa Al Marri, one of the potential candidates to represent the UAE in the weightlifting arena at the London Olympics had to say after the Emirates women’s team touched down in Dubai after claiming one of the six qualifying spots on offer at the Asian Championships in Pyeongtaek, South Korea.

            The 20-year-old’s sentiments reflect the team spirit that has lifted a group of youngsters, who perhaps four years ago during the Beijing Games never even in their wildest dreams would have thought that the London Games would be their chance of representing their country at the greatest show on earth.

            Out of the 10-woman team, only one will travel to the English capital, and even though that painful decision is yet to be made by Emirates Weightlifting Federation officials, each of the women in Al Marri’s group is optimistic of her name being called out.

            “It was a very tough qualifying event and we’ve made history me and my team and the coaches. We’ve done very well and earned our spot at the Games unlike previously where we were invited through wildcards, this time we will be performing on the basis of our merit and merit alone,” she said.

            Tributes have poured in for the group that made history with Sheikh Sultan bin Mejren, the President of the Emirates Weightlifting Federation, revealing he was moved when the President of the International Weightlifting Federation Tamas Ajan saluted the performance of the Emirati women for “having come a long way in a short time”.

            Bin Mejren said: “This is a great achievement for the future of the sport in the country because these girls have shown that our women can achieve a lot of they are given a chance. Some of the girls have been training for a few years but some have just started and to book a spot as a team is great for a country like ours which is young in this sport.

            “I was told that the IWF President saluted our team after they won their place, that is a big statement for this team.”

            Mohammad Al Kamali, the General Secretary of the UAE National Olympic Committee, said “This result shows the interest taken in women’s sport by the Government of the UAE because Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum have been supporting sport constantly. At the announcement of the athletes a few months back the weightlifting federation had promised they would qualify for the Games and they have kept their promise.”

            Former Olympian Najwan Zawawi, who represented Egypt, and is currently the coach of the UAE women’s team, added: “This is a very proud moment for these girls, being an Olympian is a proud thing for anybody and though we are yet to name who will go for now it’s time to enjoy the achievement of this young team. These girls have done well in a short span of time and there is definitely more to come from them.”

            Al Marri and her team-mates Yasmin Abbas, Alanood Faraj, Khadija Mohammad, Abeer Faraj and Alia Al Balooshi were all welcomed by EWF and UAENOC officials on their arrival at Dubai Airport yesterday. – Sport 360°