ABU DHABI — All emergency and accident units in the capital will operate round the clock during the Eid holidays.
Shaikh Khalifa Medical City will operate its primary healthcare centres, renal unit and blood bank during the holidays from today till Saturday. Normal work hours will resume on Sunday.
The Outpatient Speciality Clinics, will be closed during Eid holidays while the Dialysis Unit will work from 7.30am till midnight.
Al Rowda Primary Health Care (PHC), Al Bateen PHC and Al Madina PHC centres will work seven days a week from 8am to midnight.
Al Nahyan Maternity and Child Care Clinic, Al Manhal PHC, Al Khaleej PHC, Al Mushrif PHC, Al Zafaranah PHC, Al Ettihad Clinic, Al Dhafra Dental Centre and Abu Dhabi Dental Centre will remain closed during Eid holidays.
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RTA urges safe driving during Eid
DUBAI — The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has urged the public, especially motorists, to follow traffic rules for the safety of all during the Eid Al Adha celebrations followed by Christmas and New Year festivities.
Engineer Maitha Mohammed bin Adai, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency, said, “Grand events, such as Eid and extended holidays effect changes in the norms, behaviour and customary practices of people.
“They also tend to effect changes in the driving patterns.”
Engineer Maitha Mohammed bin Adai, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency, said, “Grand events, such as Eid and extended holidays effect changes in the norms, behaviour and customary practices of people.
“They also tend to effect changes in the driving patterns.”
Working hours at main post offices during holidays
DUBAI — Postal services will be available only at main post offices during Eid Al Adha holidays.
However, all post offices will remain closed today, the first day of Eid.
During the rest of the holidays, only the following post offices will be open from 9am to 1pm.
Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Central Post Office, Hamdan, Al Butain, Musafah, Beni Yas, Nadi Al Seyahi and Al Ain Main Post Office.
Dubai: The Dubai Central Post Office, Satwa, Al Khor, Jumeirah, Rashidiyah, Hor Al Anz, Jebel Ali, Deira Main Post Office, International City and The Village (Jumeirah).
Sharjah: The Sharjah Central Post Office, Al Corniche, Al Ghuwair, Kalba and Khorfakkan.
Ajman: The Ajman Central Post Office.
Umm Al Quwain: The Umm Al Quwain Centre Post Office, Sanaiyah and Al Souq.
Ras Al Khaimah: The Ras Al Khaimah Central Post Office, Al Nakheel and Al Uraibi.
Fujairah: The Fujairah Central Post Office and Dibba Al Fujairah.
The Airport Post Office will be open 24 hours on all days, as usual.
The counters of all other branches of Emirates Post will be closed during the holidays.
However, collection of mail from street boxes will be as usual. Collection and delivery of mail will also continue at all the post offices listed above.
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However, all post offices will remain closed today, the first day of Eid.
During the rest of the holidays, only the following post offices will be open from 9am to 1pm.
Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Central Post Office, Hamdan, Al Butain, Musafah, Beni Yas, Nadi Al Seyahi and Al Ain Main Post Office.
Dubai: The Dubai Central Post Office, Satwa, Al Khor, Jumeirah, Rashidiyah, Hor Al Anz, Jebel Ali, Deira Main Post Office, International City and The Village (Jumeirah).
Sharjah: The Sharjah Central Post Office, Al Corniche, Al Ghuwair, Kalba and Khorfakkan.
Ajman: The Ajman Central Post Office.
Umm Al Quwain: The Umm Al Quwain Centre Post Office, Sanaiyah and Al Souq.
Ras Al Khaimah: The Ras Al Khaimah Central Post Office, Al Nakheel and Al Uraibi.
Fujairah: The Fujairah Central Post Office and Dibba Al Fujairah.
The Airport Post Office will be open 24 hours on all days, as usual.
The counters of all other branches of Emirates Post will be closed during the holidays.
However, collection of mail from street boxes will be as usual. Collection and delivery of mail will also continue at all the post offices listed above.
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Prison visit timings during Eid
ABU DHABI — The Correctional and Punitive Establishments Department of the Abu Dhabi Police has decided to amend the timings for visitors to meet the inmates during Eid Al Adha holidays.
The director of the department, Brigadier Yousouf Abdul Karim Abdullah, greeted the nationals and expatriates on the happy occasion, saying that the visit hours have been amended at the two sections of the correctional and punitive establishments in Al Ain and Al Wathba as well as the Juveniles Care Section in Al Mafraq. According to the new amended schedule, Wednesday will be set for women, who wish to visit both male and female inmates. The timing is 8am to 2pm and 3pm to 5pm, while Thursday and Saturday have been fixed for Arab male visitors, who wish to see male inmates from 8am to 2pm and 3pm to 5 pm.
On Friday male visitors who wish to visit male inmates can do so from 8am to 12 noon and 3pm to 5pm.
Visitors to both male juveniles and female minors at Al Mafraq Juveniles Care Section will be allowed from 8am to 2pm and 3pm to 5pm.
The director of the department, Brigadier Yousouf Abdul Karim Abdullah, greeted the nationals and expatriates on the happy occasion, saying that the visit hours have been amended at the two sections of the correctional and punitive establishments in Al Ain and Al Wathba as well as the Juveniles Care Section in Al Mafraq. According to the new amended schedule, Wednesday will be set for women, who wish to visit both male and female inmates. The timing is 8am to 2pm and 3pm to 5pm, while Thursday and Saturday have been fixed for Arab male visitors, who wish to see male inmates from 8am to 2pm and 3pm to 5 pm.
On Friday male visitors who wish to visit male inmates can do so from 8am to 12 noon and 3pm to 5pm.
Visitors to both male juveniles and female minors at Al Mafraq Juveniles Care Section will be allowed from 8am to 2pm and 3pm to 5pm.
Overcoming odds to help illegals get back home
ABU DHABI — “It is painful and it hurts when those I approach for help question my intention. However, the cause for which I work, I feel, justifies the sacrifice.”
This was how Dr Shashikala described her ongoing charity mission to help illegal Asian residents in the UAE complete the formalities here and get back home.
Hailing from the south Indian city of Hyderabad in Andhra Pradesh, Dr Shashikala, who is an obstetric and gynaecology doctor, has been working as medical director in Al Misbah Medical Centre in Dubai since 2002.
In June this year, she joined the Indian Consulate in Dubai as a volunteer to assist and facilitate procedures required by Indian illegals to depart during the 2007 amnesty which ended on November 3.
“I started my mission by calling close friends and relatives to donate. As the circle of donors widens, I face questions from people who doubt my intention,” the 45-year-old doctor told Khaleej Times.
Dr Shashikala said she had worked for the Ministry of Health in Muscat, Oman, for 10 years before settling in Dubai.
In India, she joined the Brahma Kumaris Worldwide University where she was teaching meditation and stress-relieving techniques.
She said now she has embarked on the mission to raise money or flight tickets to help nearly 400 Asian illegals, 300 of whom are in prison because they cannot afford the airfare.
“More than 100 illegals are in dire need of money to complete emigration clearance procedures,” she said. So far, she has managed to assist around 200 people to get flight tickets, she said.
“The message I want to convey is that there are illegal workers living in difficult conditions and are anxiously waiting for someone to arrange free tickets to go back home,” said Dr Shashikala.
She said the donation need not be in money. People can arrange flight tickets for the number of illegals they want to help.
For details, contact her over phone on 04-3975660 or 050-3592608.
This was how Dr Shashikala described her ongoing charity mission to help illegal Asian residents in the UAE complete the formalities here and get back home.
Hailing from the south Indian city of Hyderabad in Andhra Pradesh, Dr Shashikala, who is an obstetric and gynaecology doctor, has been working as medical director in Al Misbah Medical Centre in Dubai since 2002.
In June this year, she joined the Indian Consulate in Dubai as a volunteer to assist and facilitate procedures required by Indian illegals to depart during the 2007 amnesty which ended on November 3.
“I started my mission by calling close friends and relatives to donate. As the circle of donors widens, I face questions from people who doubt my intention,” the 45-year-old doctor told Khaleej Times.
Dr Shashikala said she had worked for the Ministry of Health in Muscat, Oman, for 10 years before settling in Dubai.
In India, she joined the Brahma Kumaris Worldwide University where she was teaching meditation and stress-relieving techniques.
She said now she has embarked on the mission to raise money or flight tickets to help nearly 400 Asian illegals, 300 of whom are in prison because they cannot afford the airfare.
“More than 100 illegals are in dire need of money to complete emigration clearance procedures,” she said. So far, she has managed to assist around 200 people to get flight tickets, she said.
“The message I want to convey is that there are illegal workers living in difficult conditions and are anxiously waiting for someone to arrange free tickets to go back home,” said Dr Shashikala.
She said the donation need not be in money. People can arrange flight tickets for the number of illegals they want to help.
For details, contact her over phone on 04-3975660 or 050-3592608.
Global Village gears up for Eid holidays
DUBAI — The Global Village is all geared up to welcome the huge number of people expected to visit the venue during the Eid holidays.
Since it opened its doors on December 13, visitors and tourists have been streaming in to experience the unique setting of pavilions from around the world.
Regular visitors of the Global Village will surely notice the changes and improvements in various parts of the vast venue. A magnificent water canal is an exciting addition to the leading family entertainment destination along with 30 international pavilions.
Among the main attractions lined up is the Vertical Concert. Consisting of 12 performers showcasing spectacular acrobatic skills, Vertical Concert has been specially designed for audiences in Dubai.
Another is the Canal Water Show, a water ball show involving huge balls rolling through a 700-metre long canal. The one-hour show, which has 20 artistes, will also include mime and hand acrobatic performances. Best left to imagination, a 20-metre diameter ball will also grace the show.
The other show stopper is the Big Drum, which is the biggest drum in the world, according to the Guinness Book of Records. This 9X9-metre drum is an active workshop for all visitors where performers invite the audience to play the drum along with them.
Jumpers and Carnavale are shows that roam around the Global Village. Jumpers is a show with a group of eight to 10 flying jumpers on stilts who will perform acrobatic acts as they go around the pavilions.
Since it opened its doors on December 13, visitors and tourists have been streaming in to experience the unique setting of pavilions from around the world.
Regular visitors of the Global Village will surely notice the changes and improvements in various parts of the vast venue. A magnificent water canal is an exciting addition to the leading family entertainment destination along with 30 international pavilions.
Among the main attractions lined up is the Vertical Concert. Consisting of 12 performers showcasing spectacular acrobatic skills, Vertical Concert has been specially designed for audiences in Dubai.
Another is the Canal Water Show, a water ball show involving huge balls rolling through a 700-metre long canal. The one-hour show, which has 20 artistes, will also include mime and hand acrobatic performances. Best left to imagination, a 20-metre diameter ball will also grace the show.
The other show stopper is the Big Drum, which is the biggest drum in the world, according to the Guinness Book of Records. This 9X9-metre drum is an active workshop for all visitors where performers invite the audience to play the drum along with them.
Jumpers and Carnavale are shows that roam around the Global Village. Jumpers is a show with a group of eight to 10 flying jumpers on stilts who will perform acrobatic acts as they go around the pavilions.
Errant taxi drivers risk losing job, warns RTA
DUBAI — With the taxi drivers mostly dodging the passengers who wish to travel to the neighbouring emirates on various pretexts, the Roads and Transport Authority has warned that any form of misconduct could result in the termination of their services.
Abdul Aziz Malik, CEO of the Dubai Taxi, told Khaleej Times that the RTA would not hesitate to terminate the services of taxi drivers if they are found to have misbehaved with a customer.
Malik added that the RTA was well aware of the problems faced by the people while travelling to other emirates, especially Sharjah, and talks were on with the counterparts in Sharjah about some change in the existing rules so that the problems of the passengers could be solved.
Earlier, senior officials of the Sharjah Transport also stated that discussions were on with the RTA in this connection. Abdullah Mohammed Al Zari, Director-General of Sharjah Transport said, “We are holding talks with the RTA to allow the Sharjah taxis to take passengers on their return journey. The Dubai taxis can also do the same. Most of the problems will be solved if the existing rule is waived.”
“We are well aware about the problems the passengers are facing. There are many passengers who don’t know that no taxi driver can refuse to take them to any destination. Also, if at all a taxi driver refuses to take a passenger to a particular destination and misbehaves with the passenger, complaints can be lodged with the RTA toll free number 800-9090,” he said.
“They just need to give the colour of the taxi and the number. If it is found that the particular driver has got more than two complaints lodged earlier, the RTA will not hesitate to terminate his services,” he added.
Many passengers complained that the taxi drivers don’t take them to the neighbouring emirates. “Once I stopped a Sharjah Taxi and asked him to take me to the Deira City Centre. The driver was adamant and I had to warn him about lodging a complaint. He agreed, but kept on mumbling something in his local dialect all the time. Once he reached the destination and I gave him the fare, he just flung the change at my face and drove off. I was stunned and could not react,” said Sharjah resident Snigdha Shekhar.
“Many a time they stop and when we tell them to go to Sharjah from Dubai or vice versa, they have excuses ready. Some say that they were going for a duty change while some say that they need to go to wash their car or for prayers. I know they are lying for if they were so busy, they would not have stopped in the first place,” a passenger pointed out.
Abdul Aziz Malik, CEO of the Dubai Taxi, told Khaleej Times that the RTA would not hesitate to terminate the services of taxi drivers if they are found to have misbehaved with a customer.
Malik added that the RTA was well aware of the problems faced by the people while travelling to other emirates, especially Sharjah, and talks were on with the counterparts in Sharjah about some change in the existing rules so that the problems of the passengers could be solved.
Earlier, senior officials of the Sharjah Transport also stated that discussions were on with the RTA in this connection. Abdullah Mohammed Al Zari, Director-General of Sharjah Transport said, “We are holding talks with the RTA to allow the Sharjah taxis to take passengers on their return journey. The Dubai taxis can also do the same. Most of the problems will be solved if the existing rule is waived.”
“We are well aware about the problems the passengers are facing. There are many passengers who don’t know that no taxi driver can refuse to take them to any destination. Also, if at all a taxi driver refuses to take a passenger to a particular destination and misbehaves with the passenger, complaints can be lodged with the RTA toll free number 800-9090,” he said.
“They just need to give the colour of the taxi and the number. If it is found that the particular driver has got more than two complaints lodged earlier, the RTA will not hesitate to terminate his services,” he added.
Many passengers complained that the taxi drivers don’t take them to the neighbouring emirates. “Once I stopped a Sharjah Taxi and asked him to take me to the Deira City Centre. The driver was adamant and I had to warn him about lodging a complaint. He agreed, but kept on mumbling something in his local dialect all the time. Once he reached the destination and I gave him the fare, he just flung the change at my face and drove off. I was stunned and could not react,” said Sharjah resident Snigdha Shekhar.
“Many a time they stop and when we tell them to go to Sharjah from Dubai or vice versa, they have excuses ready. Some say that they were going for a duty change while some say that they need to go to wash their car or for prayers. I know they are lying for if they were so busy, they would not have stopped in the first place,” a passenger pointed out.
50pc discount on e-gate card
ABU DHABI — Visitors to the Abu Dhabi Police Exhibition will be given 50 per cent discount on electronic gate cards, according to a senior officer with the Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters.
The show, being held at Marina Mall on the occasion of the Abu Dhabi Police Golden Jubilee, will run till Thursday. Dh100, instead of Dh200, shall be charged against each electronic gate card, said Major Mohammed Batti Al Shamsi, head of the exhibition organising committee. When entering or departing from the country, one can save time by using the card which has a two-year validity.
All electronic cards are directly linked with passport control sections to automatically register the entry and exit data of the card-holder.
The show, being held at Marina Mall on the occasion of the Abu Dhabi Police Golden Jubilee, will run till Thursday. Dh100, instead of Dh200, shall be charged against each electronic gate card, said Major Mohammed Batti Al Shamsi, head of the exhibition organising committee. When entering or departing from the country, one can save time by using the card which has a two-year validity.
All electronic cards are directly linked with passport control sections to automatically register the entry and exit data of the card-holder.
Mobile help for pilgrim buses
ABU DHABI — A mobile bus repairing service has been launched at Al Ghwaifat checkpoint to ensure smooth journey for Haj pilgrims heading for Saudi Arabia through the UAE.
Drivers of buses carrying the pilgrims can call 999 if there is a breakdown or glitches, Colonel Omair Mohammed Al Muheiri, Director of Taraif Police Directorate, said.
Col Al Muheiri said the Tarif police would also provide alternative buses if the repairing team could not fix the problem in a short while.
The move was aimed at expediting the departure procedures and ensuring smooth travel for pilgrims, he said. The authorities would not leave the pilgrims in the lurch if the buses broke down.
Drivers of buses carrying the pilgrims can call 999 if there is a breakdown or glitches, Colonel Omair Mohammed Al Muheiri, Director of Taraif Police Directorate, said.
Col Al Muheiri said the Tarif police would also provide alternative buses if the repairing team could not fix the problem in a short while.
The move was aimed at expediting the departure procedures and ensuring smooth travel for pilgrims, he said. The authorities would not leave the pilgrims in the lurch if the buses broke down.
Etisalat offers reduced call rates during Haj
SHARJAH — Etisalat has announced reduced call rates from Etisalat mobiles to Saudi Arabia.
Also reduced are roaming rates on calls received by Etisalat roaming customers in Saudi Arabia from Etisalat mobiles in the UAE, translating to savings of over 50 over regular rates.
These discounted rates are applicable 24 hours a day from today until December 22.
All of Etisalat’s mobile customers will benefit from these offers, except customers who are already subscribed to other discounted price plans or offers
Also reduced are roaming rates on calls received by Etisalat roaming customers in Saudi Arabia from Etisalat mobiles in the UAE, translating to savings of over 50 over regular rates.
These discounted rates are applicable 24 hours a day from today until December 22.
All of Etisalat’s mobile customers will benefit from these offers, except customers who are already subscribed to other discounted price plans or offers
Nepalese official calls for contract
ABU DHABI — A senior diplomat at the Nepal Embassy here has proposed signing of a contract by the sponsor and the domestic servant or housemaid stating the latter’s responsibilities and duties before he/she is hired and brought to the UAE.
“An initial agreement on the terms of employment signed by the sponsor and housemaid is recommended before going ahead with the hiring procedures,” said Mohan Kumar Shrestha, Charge d’affaires, Nepal Embassy.
According to him, such contracts might avert disputes that are likely to arise later. The proposal comes in the wake of a young Nepali woman, who fled her Arab sponsor’s house complaining of torture and sought the help of the embassy to be repatriated.
Laxi Kunwar, 22, claimed she had been working as a housemaid with the family in the capital for one year. “I was beaten and harassed. That is why I fled the house and I do not want to work with that family anymore,” an embassy official quoted Kunwar as saying.
The embassy officials approached the family to sort out the matter. After enquiring about all aspects, the embassy asked Kunwar to continue working with the family. But she refused and wanted to get an air ticket and her pending salaries to return home, Shrestha said.
The Egyptian woman for whom Kunwar was working turned up at the mission and offered a salary increase if the maid continued but she refused. “We made the sponsor sign an agreement and made her pay all pending salaries and arrange an air ticket for her to return home,” added Shrestha.
“Nepali people are very hard working and honest. We are getting many calls from companies looking for domestic servants. However, if the situation remains like this, how would people come here as maids?” Shrestha asked.
“An initial agreement on the terms of employment signed by the sponsor and housemaid is recommended before going ahead with the hiring procedures,” said Mohan Kumar Shrestha, Charge d’affaires, Nepal Embassy.
According to him, such contracts might avert disputes that are likely to arise later. The proposal comes in the wake of a young Nepali woman, who fled her Arab sponsor’s house complaining of torture and sought the help of the embassy to be repatriated.
Laxi Kunwar, 22, claimed she had been working as a housemaid with the family in the capital for one year. “I was beaten and harassed. That is why I fled the house and I do not want to work with that family anymore,” an embassy official quoted Kunwar as saying.
The embassy officials approached the family to sort out the matter. After enquiring about all aspects, the embassy asked Kunwar to continue working with the family. But she refused and wanted to get an air ticket and her pending salaries to return home, Shrestha said.
The Egyptian woman for whom Kunwar was working turned up at the mission and offered a salary increase if the maid continued but she refused. “We made the sponsor sign an agreement and made her pay all pending salaries and arrange an air ticket for her to return home,” added Shrestha.
“Nepali people are very hard working and honest. We are getting many calls from companies looking for domestic servants. However, if the situation remains like this, how would people come here as maids?” Shrestha asked.
50pc drugs marketed via Internet are fake
ABU DHABI — Half of the pharmaceutical products marketed via the Internet are fake and some of them are actually veterinary medicines, warned a senior health official.
“We could safely say that 50 per cent of the drug products sold on the Internet are fake. Moreover, they could cause serious health complications and might even lead to death in some cases,” cautioned Dr Mohammed Abuelkhair, Head of Drugs and Medical Products Department at the Health Authority, Abu Dhabi (HAAD).
In an interview with Khaleej Times, Dr Abuelkhair said most of the electronically marketed drug items have unknown origin.
“The medicines marketed like this usually do not have physical addresses of manufacturing companies. They usually carry vague addresses and are displayed at cheap prices,” said Dr Abuelkhair.
It has been noticed of late, some websites are carrying advertisements of pharmaceutical products, the most common of which are drugs for enhancing men’s health and potency and slimming solutions.
People must be very careful about such advertisements, especially herbal products which are often falsely claimed to be 100 per cent natural, advised the expert.
“Natural products does not mean they are completely safe or non-toxic. We should bear in mind that ingredients of some natural supplements might have negative interaction with other medications,” said Dr Abduelkhair.
Another dangerous phenomenon is the advertisements of what are actually veterinary medicines for use by human beings.
“Changes are introduced to labels of some veterinary medications claiming they are good for certain problems and advertised on the Net,” warned Dr Abuelkhair.
He called upon people to be vigilant about medical products promoted through the Internet and always verify the manufacturer’s addresses, health claims, ingredients and side effects of medications, including herbal ones.
“We could safely say that 50 per cent of the drug products sold on the Internet are fake. Moreover, they could cause serious health complications and might even lead to death in some cases,” cautioned Dr Mohammed Abuelkhair, Head of Drugs and Medical Products Department at the Health Authority, Abu Dhabi (HAAD).
In an interview with Khaleej Times, Dr Abuelkhair said most of the electronically marketed drug items have unknown origin.
“The medicines marketed like this usually do not have physical addresses of manufacturing companies. They usually carry vague addresses and are displayed at cheap prices,” said Dr Abuelkhair.
It has been noticed of late, some websites are carrying advertisements of pharmaceutical products, the most common of which are drugs for enhancing men’s health and potency and slimming solutions.
People must be very careful about such advertisements, especially herbal products which are often falsely claimed to be 100 per cent natural, advised the expert.
“Natural products does not mean they are completely safe or non-toxic. We should bear in mind that ingredients of some natural supplements might have negative interaction with other medications,” said Dr Abduelkhair.
Another dangerous phenomenon is the advertisements of what are actually veterinary medicines for use by human beings.
“Changes are introduced to labels of some veterinary medications claiming they are good for certain problems and advertised on the Net,” warned Dr Abuelkhair.
He called upon people to be vigilant about medical products promoted through the Internet and always verify the manufacturer’s addresses, health claims, ingredients and side effects of medications, including herbal ones.
Vehicle thieves arrested in Al Ain
AL AIN — The Al Ain police arrested two men and seized a four-wheel drive stolen by the duo from Al Ain Market recently. The Range Rover belonged to a local resident.
Colonel Hamad Saeed bin Trais Al Dhahry, Deputy Director of Al Ain Police Directorate, said the owner had left his car with the car keys inside in front of a shopping centre in Al Ain.
When he returned after five minutes, he found the vehicle missing.
The owner informed Al Madina police station and the General Directorate of Abu Dhabi Police and Al Ain Police sent messages to all police stations in the UAE about the missing luxury vehicle and its registration number, he said.
On the same day, a police patrol team roaming in Al Jimmi Area found the stolen vehicle with two persons inside who were arrested.
The duo confessed that they stole the vehicle with the intention of selling it abroad. They have been referred to the Al Ain Public Prosecution
Colonel Hamad Saeed bin Trais Al Dhahry, Deputy Director of Al Ain Police Directorate, said the owner had left his car with the car keys inside in front of a shopping centre in Al Ain.
When he returned after five minutes, he found the vehicle missing.
The owner informed Al Madina police station and the General Directorate of Abu Dhabi Police and Al Ain Police sent messages to all police stations in the UAE about the missing luxury vehicle and its registration number, he said.
On the same day, a police patrol team roaming in Al Jimmi Area found the stolen vehicle with two persons inside who were arrested.
The duo confessed that they stole the vehicle with the intention of selling it abroad. They have been referred to the Al Ain Public Prosecution
Posh hair salon on Shaikh Zayed Road robbed
DUBAI — Two conmen have stolen Dh4,000 from a posh hair salon on Shaikh Zayed Road during the weekend leaving behind only a $1bill for the victim’s trouble, according to the police and the salon staff.
A police source said the theft followed the pattern of a spate of similar incidents in the city which the police are investigating.
The salon receptionist L.R. was on duty when the two men came into the salon about 6.30pm on Friday.
In between juggling phone calls and dealing with customers, L.R. said one of the men asked to buy a hair serum and asked for change.
She claimed he then suggested he swap some Dh100 notes for a Dh 500 note which she did.
L.R. said she then opened Thursday’s takings and swapped a Dh1,000 note for hundreds thinking to fill up the till with change.
“When I thought about it, I should never have opened the pay packet,” she said.
“But we’re always desperate for change.”
As another phone call came in and L.R. turned to help a client, she claimed the man reached over and grabbed Dh 4,000 from the takings before he and his companion walked out.
“Before I turned away he left a US $1 bill saying “because I disturbed you so much for the change I’ll leave you a note”,” L.R. said.
L.R. immediately alerted security staff posted in the commercial complex when she turned back and realised what had happened.
“You never expect something like that on a quiet day like Friday. He just timed it when it was busy,” she said.
The salon’s general manager, who requested not to be named, confirmed the incident and said security footage had been given to police in the hope of catching the two culprits.
A police source said the theft followed the pattern of a spate of similar incidents in the city which the police are investigating.
The salon receptionist L.R. was on duty when the two men came into the salon about 6.30pm on Friday.
In between juggling phone calls and dealing with customers, L.R. said one of the men asked to buy a hair serum and asked for change.
She claimed he then suggested he swap some Dh100 notes for a Dh 500 note which she did.
L.R. said she then opened Thursday’s takings and swapped a Dh1,000 note for hundreds thinking to fill up the till with change.
“When I thought about it, I should never have opened the pay packet,” she said.
“But we’re always desperate for change.”
As another phone call came in and L.R. turned to help a client, she claimed the man reached over and grabbed Dh 4,000 from the takings before he and his companion walked out.
“Before I turned away he left a US $1 bill saying “because I disturbed you so much for the change I’ll leave you a note”,” L.R. said.
L.R. immediately alerted security staff posted in the commercial complex when she turned back and realised what had happened.
“You never expect something like that on a quiet day like Friday. He just timed it when it was busy,” she said.
The salon’s general manager, who requested not to be named, confirmed the incident and said security footage had been given to police in the hope of catching the two culprits.
960 duplicate car engines put to crusher
SHARJAH — Sharjah Municipality, in collaboration with Honda Motors, will destroy 960 fake engines, which were seized recently, tomorrow.
The destruction will take place at 10am at the Sharjah Industrial Area under the supervision of the authorities and in the presence of international media and Honda representatives.
The destruction would involve crushing of the fake engines to put them beyond use, a municipality Press release said yesterday.
The action comes after Sharjah authorities stumbled on over 960 engines that looked like Honda’s famous GX engines during raids at two warehouses in the industrial zone in August this year. The warehouses belong to a Dubai-based trader who has been fined.
Earlier investigations had revealed that Dubai-based traders of fake or duplicate goods store their products in Sharjah, prompting the authorities to crack down on such activities.
The Honda’s GX engines have a three-dimensional trademark approved by the UAE Trade Marks Office. Special training was given to Dubai customs and the Sharjah authorities prior to the crackdown.
Zuieki Hayashi of Honda said yesterday: “This is an important step in the fight to protect consumers and businesses in the region from fake goods. The UAE is setting a precedent which, we hope, will send a strong message that no form of counterfeiting will be allowed in the country.”
The destruction will take place at 10am at the Sharjah Industrial Area under the supervision of the authorities and in the presence of international media and Honda representatives.
The destruction would involve crushing of the fake engines to put them beyond use, a municipality Press release said yesterday.
The action comes after Sharjah authorities stumbled on over 960 engines that looked like Honda’s famous GX engines during raids at two warehouses in the industrial zone in August this year. The warehouses belong to a Dubai-based trader who has been fined.
Earlier investigations had revealed that Dubai-based traders of fake or duplicate goods store their products in Sharjah, prompting the authorities to crack down on such activities.
The Honda’s GX engines have a three-dimensional trademark approved by the UAE Trade Marks Office. Special training was given to Dubai customs and the Sharjah authorities prior to the crackdown.
Zuieki Hayashi of Honda said yesterday: “This is an important step in the fight to protect consumers and businesses in the region from fake goods. The UAE is setting a precedent which, we hope, will send a strong message that no form of counterfeiting will be allowed in the country.”
Dubai film fest brings stars
DUBAI - Stars from Hollywood, Bollywood and the Arab world descend on multicultural Dubai on Sunday for the start of a film festival that sees itself as a bridge between East and West.
Gracing the red carpet for the fourth Dubai International Film Festival are Danny Glover, who will receive a lifetime achievement award, as well as Sharon Stone and Sadie Frost.
George Clooney, in town to support the opening film ‘Michael Clayton’, about a conflicted lawyer working for a chemical firm, said film was a great way to boost understanding among cultures.
‘We have to get to the point where we understand each other a bit more... art is a great way of doing that,’ Clooney said.
‘I said I would come back when we were working on Syriana and they were kind enough to let us shoot that film here.’
Parts of Syriana, a political thriller about a fictional oil-rich Arab state, were filmed in the United Arab Emirates. Dealing with terrorism, poor labourers, oil and Western policy, it drew both praise and criticism in the West and the Arab world. Many were surprised such a film was shot in the UAE.
But organisers say they want to bring international films and production houses to a Gulf Arab region often derided as a cultural desert, and are showing 141 films from 52 countries.
In 2006, the Dubai festival launched the Muhr Awards for Excellence in Arab Cinema. This year, the competition will include seven world premieres in its three categories—features, documentaries and shorts—which carry top cash prizes of $50,000, $40,000 and $30,000 respectively.
It will also introduce $10,000 prizes for Best Actor and Best Actress and $7,000 prizes for Best Scriptwriter, Best Cinematographer, Best Editor and Best Composer.
Over 300 films were submitted for the 2007 competition.
‘This year we have a diversity of topics, in addition to the social issues and current political situation of the Arab world,’ said Mohammed Rouda, Competition Associate Director.
‘Arab cinema is no longer stopping at presenting issues, but trying to draw attention to artistic and stylistic techniques.’
This year, audiences will also be able to vote for their favourite films with a people’s choice award and there will be a special competition to nurture fledgling UAE film-making.
Among Arab films on offer are Mohammed Khan’s ‘In the Heliopolis Flat’—Egypt’s entry for best foreign-language film at the Oscars—and Mahmoud Al Massad’s ‘Recycle’ about a former jihadist struggling to cope with civilian life in Jordan.
Also showing are a slew of films on the 2006 war in Lebanon.
They include ‘33 Days’, a documentary by Lebanese director Mai Masri that follows a group of journalists and aid workers, and Philippe Aractingi’s ‘Under the Bombs’, which explores interfaith love in war-ravaged south Lebanon.
Lebanese-Belgian director Borhane Alaouie’s film ‘Khalas’, about life after Lebanon’s 15-year civil war, is also showing.
Gracing the red carpet for the fourth Dubai International Film Festival are Danny Glover, who will receive a lifetime achievement award, as well as Sharon Stone and Sadie Frost.
George Clooney, in town to support the opening film ‘Michael Clayton’, about a conflicted lawyer working for a chemical firm, said film was a great way to boost understanding among cultures.
‘We have to get to the point where we understand each other a bit more... art is a great way of doing that,’ Clooney said.
‘I said I would come back when we were working on Syriana and they were kind enough to let us shoot that film here.’
Parts of Syriana, a political thriller about a fictional oil-rich Arab state, were filmed in the United Arab Emirates. Dealing with terrorism, poor labourers, oil and Western policy, it drew both praise and criticism in the West and the Arab world. Many were surprised such a film was shot in the UAE.
But organisers say they want to bring international films and production houses to a Gulf Arab region often derided as a cultural desert, and are showing 141 films from 52 countries.
In 2006, the Dubai festival launched the Muhr Awards for Excellence in Arab Cinema. This year, the competition will include seven world premieres in its three categories—features, documentaries and shorts—which carry top cash prizes of $50,000, $40,000 and $30,000 respectively.
It will also introduce $10,000 prizes for Best Actor and Best Actress and $7,000 prizes for Best Scriptwriter, Best Cinematographer, Best Editor and Best Composer.
Over 300 films were submitted for the 2007 competition.
‘This year we have a diversity of topics, in addition to the social issues and current political situation of the Arab world,’ said Mohammed Rouda, Competition Associate Director.
‘Arab cinema is no longer stopping at presenting issues, but trying to draw attention to artistic and stylistic techniques.’
This year, audiences will also be able to vote for their favourite films with a people’s choice award and there will be a special competition to nurture fledgling UAE film-making.
Among Arab films on offer are Mohammed Khan’s ‘In the Heliopolis Flat’—Egypt’s entry for best foreign-language film at the Oscars—and Mahmoud Al Massad’s ‘Recycle’ about a former jihadist struggling to cope with civilian life in Jordan.
Also showing are a slew of films on the 2006 war in Lebanon.
They include ‘33 Days’, a documentary by Lebanese director Mai Masri that follows a group of journalists and aid workers, and Philippe Aractingi’s ‘Under the Bombs’, which explores interfaith love in war-ravaged south Lebanon.
Lebanese-Belgian director Borhane Alaouie’s film ‘Khalas’, about life after Lebanon’s 15-year civil war, is also showing.
Customs transactions can be paid online now
DUBAI - Dubai Customs’ e-payment services have been launched.
With the launch of the first phase of the e-payment project from the beginning of the month, customers can now pay online all customs transactions fees, it was announced on Wednesday.
The e-payment project offers three options to pay the fees: through credit cards, e-dirham and direct debit from the bank account. The three modes of payment would encourage the clients to pay online and avoid queuing up in front of the operations counters.
The second phase of the project would add more electronic services to the current services.
Ahmed bin Lahej, Director, Client Partnership Department, commented on the new project saying: “The online payment services project has been achieved in coordination with the Finance Department at Dubai Customs. The electronic services will help our clients save time and efforts as they can make their payments from the comfort of their homes and offices rather than standing in long queues to do so.”
“The new online services will also ease the burden of processing the transactions from our employees’ shoulders, allowing Dubai Customs to offer better services to our clients,” he added.
It is worth noting that clients have to register at the following web portal to benefit from these services: www.dubaitrade.ae.
With the launch of the first phase of the e-payment project from the beginning of the month, customers can now pay online all customs transactions fees, it was announced on Wednesday.
The e-payment project offers three options to pay the fees: through credit cards, e-dirham and direct debit from the bank account. The three modes of payment would encourage the clients to pay online and avoid queuing up in front of the operations counters.
The second phase of the project would add more electronic services to the current services.
Ahmed bin Lahej, Director, Client Partnership Department, commented on the new project saying: “The online payment services project has been achieved in coordination with the Finance Department at Dubai Customs. The electronic services will help our clients save time and efforts as they can make their payments from the comfort of their homes and offices rather than standing in long queues to do so.”
“The new online services will also ease the burden of processing the transactions from our employees’ shoulders, allowing Dubai Customs to offer better services to our clients,” he added.
It is worth noting that clients have to register at the following web portal to benefit from these services: www.dubaitrade.ae.
Sign language to catch a cab!
DUBAI & SHARJAH - It’s a unique ‘innovation’, if one can say so. Pitted on two sides of this innovation are the commuter and taxi driver.
The driver, on being signalled to stop his car empty otherwise shows he’s rushing off to pick someone else, and speeds past the peeved customer. So some innovative commuters have started using particular sign languages to attract the attention of taxi drivers!
Mariam Ismail, a regular commuter from Sharjah to Dubai said, “I have been told that signalling in a particular way could catch the attention of drivers. But male travellers are better aware of such methods because they converse with the drivers and know the tricks and proper signalling methods.”
For commuters in Dubai and Sharjah, where taxis are among the main modes of public transport, hailing a cab is getting increasingly difficult, residents allege.
“Shortage of taxis is a major concern for us. But even when I see a ‘for hire’ taxi, the driver acts as if he is very busy and has to rush to an important assignment, and therefore, cannot stop to take passengers,” said Sharjah resident Malini S., an employee of a Jebel Ali-based company.
“My company does provide transport to us, but to reach the pick-up point, I have to either walk or hail a taxi,” she explained, adding that finding a taxi remained the most difficult part of her journey.
Ali Mahmood, another commuter explained that because of the restrictions on the use of taxis between Dubai and Sharjah, they were forced to work out a sign language so as to make the drivers understand where exactly they wanted to go.
“A Dubai taxi cannot ferry anyone from Sharjah, and vice-versa. Therefore, we have to signal in a particular way so that the driver knows exactly where we have to go. For example, we have to clearly indicate the direction in which we have to travel,” Mahmood explained.
In Dubai, commuters say the conditions are even more difficult as they have to wait for hours to get a taxi. Shyamali Sinha, who works at the Maktoum Hospital, said, “I have to leave my residence two hours before the work starts as I have to wait for a long time to get a taxi. Most of the times, the taxi drivers simply do not stop. They act as if they have not seen you. Once they stop, and you tell them of a destination they don’t want to go, they cook up a host of excuses.”
Some of the commuters also allege misbehaviour by taxi drivers. “There are taxi drivers who tend to misbehave. Once I had an argument with one over the route to take. He behaved very rudely with me. How can they behave in such a way?” exclaimed Aamir Nadeem, an employee with RAK Bank.
On their part, the taxi drivers say they do not have a choice. Khatir, who drives a Dubai Taxi car, explained, “Every day we have a target to achieve in terms of income. We generally avoid going to places like Deira, Nasr Square and Bur Dubai as these places are crowded. Moreover, now that we work in shifts, things have become even more difficult for us. That’s why some of us lose our cool occasionally. But most of the times we take the passengers to their destinations without any complaints.”
When contacted, Abdul Aziz Malik, the CEO of Dubai Taxi, said they were planning to increase the fleet of Dubai Taxi. “In order to solve the Dubai-Sharjah taxi problem, we are planning to introduce Inter-Emirate Taxi service, which would go and come back full. And the passengers must know that no taxi driver can refuse to carry or misbehave with passengers. The passengers can call up the Dubai Taxi and complain if the drivers do so,” he noted.
At present, the total number of ‘Dubai Taxis’ operated by the Taxi Department of Roads and Transport Authority is 3,235 for Dubai alone. This figure does not include the vehicles of franchise companies such as Cars Taxi (called Citi Taxi in Sharjah) and Metro Taxi, with each having 754 vehicles for each company. The department also operates 238 airport taxis, 39 family taxis as well as Pink Taxis and Special Needs taxis.
The emirate of Sharjah, too has over 3,000 vehicles, including those of franchise companies.
The driver, on being signalled to stop his car empty otherwise shows he’s rushing off to pick someone else, and speeds past the peeved customer. So some innovative commuters have started using particular sign languages to attract the attention of taxi drivers!
Mariam Ismail, a regular commuter from Sharjah to Dubai said, “I have been told that signalling in a particular way could catch the attention of drivers. But male travellers are better aware of such methods because they converse with the drivers and know the tricks and proper signalling methods.”
For commuters in Dubai and Sharjah, where taxis are among the main modes of public transport, hailing a cab is getting increasingly difficult, residents allege.
“Shortage of taxis is a major concern for us. But even when I see a ‘for hire’ taxi, the driver acts as if he is very busy and has to rush to an important assignment, and therefore, cannot stop to take passengers,” said Sharjah resident Malini S., an employee of a Jebel Ali-based company.
“My company does provide transport to us, but to reach the pick-up point, I have to either walk or hail a taxi,” she explained, adding that finding a taxi remained the most difficult part of her journey.
Ali Mahmood, another commuter explained that because of the restrictions on the use of taxis between Dubai and Sharjah, they were forced to work out a sign language so as to make the drivers understand where exactly they wanted to go.
“A Dubai taxi cannot ferry anyone from Sharjah, and vice-versa. Therefore, we have to signal in a particular way so that the driver knows exactly where we have to go. For example, we have to clearly indicate the direction in which we have to travel,” Mahmood explained.
In Dubai, commuters say the conditions are even more difficult as they have to wait for hours to get a taxi. Shyamali Sinha, who works at the Maktoum Hospital, said, “I have to leave my residence two hours before the work starts as I have to wait for a long time to get a taxi. Most of the times, the taxi drivers simply do not stop. They act as if they have not seen you. Once they stop, and you tell them of a destination they don’t want to go, they cook up a host of excuses.”
Some of the commuters also allege misbehaviour by taxi drivers. “There are taxi drivers who tend to misbehave. Once I had an argument with one over the route to take. He behaved very rudely with me. How can they behave in such a way?” exclaimed Aamir Nadeem, an employee with RAK Bank.
On their part, the taxi drivers say they do not have a choice. Khatir, who drives a Dubai Taxi car, explained, “Every day we have a target to achieve in terms of income. We generally avoid going to places like Deira, Nasr Square and Bur Dubai as these places are crowded. Moreover, now that we work in shifts, things have become even more difficult for us. That’s why some of us lose our cool occasionally. But most of the times we take the passengers to their destinations without any complaints.”
When contacted, Abdul Aziz Malik, the CEO of Dubai Taxi, said they were planning to increase the fleet of Dubai Taxi. “In order to solve the Dubai-Sharjah taxi problem, we are planning to introduce Inter-Emirate Taxi service, which would go and come back full. And the passengers must know that no taxi driver can refuse to carry or misbehave with passengers. The passengers can call up the Dubai Taxi and complain if the drivers do so,” he noted.
At present, the total number of ‘Dubai Taxis’ operated by the Taxi Department of Roads and Transport Authority is 3,235 for Dubai alone. This figure does not include the vehicles of franchise companies such as Cars Taxi (called Citi Taxi in Sharjah) and Metro Taxi, with each having 754 vehicles for each company. The department also operates 238 airport taxis, 39 family taxis as well as Pink Taxis and Special Needs taxis.
The emirate of Sharjah, too has over 3,000 vehicles, including those of franchise companies.
217 illegal vendors, beggars detained
DUBAI - Inspectors of Dubai Municipality, in cooperation with Dubai Police and the Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department, nabbed 217 people, including street vendors, beggars and illegal car washers last month.
According to Obeid Salem Al Shamsi, Assistant Director-General of Administrative and General Services Affairs at the municipality, said the crackdown had also resulted in the seizure of several low-quality goods, pirated CDs and food items.
The inspectors had been conducting spot checks at streets and public places daily to prevent activities like street vending, begging and car washing in public places which had been banned by a ruling of the Ministry of Labour, he said.
“Nine inspectors at the Security and Control Unit of the Administrative Affairs Department carry out regular checks. In November, they caught 217 people including 123 street vendors, 49 beggars, 39 car washers and six illegal butchers and fish cleaners,” Al Shamsi said.
A total of 745 counterfeit products, including readymade garments, perfumes, cameras and watches of international brands, were confiscated. Also, 1,961 pirated DVDs of films, 40 CDs of pornographic movies and foodstuffs were seized.
Al Shamsi said the detained people, who belonged to various nationalities, would be handed over to the Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department for deportation.
According to Obeid Salem Al Shamsi, Assistant Director-General of Administrative and General Services Affairs at the municipality, said the crackdown had also resulted in the seizure of several low-quality goods, pirated CDs and food items.
The inspectors had been conducting spot checks at streets and public places daily to prevent activities like street vending, begging and car washing in public places which had been banned by a ruling of the Ministry of Labour, he said.
“Nine inspectors at the Security and Control Unit of the Administrative Affairs Department carry out regular checks. In November, they caught 217 people including 123 street vendors, 49 beggars, 39 car washers and six illegal butchers and fish cleaners,” Al Shamsi said.
A total of 745 counterfeit products, including readymade garments, perfumes, cameras and watches of international brands, were confiscated. Also, 1,961 pirated DVDs of films, 40 CDs of pornographic movies and foodstuffs were seized.
Al Shamsi said the detained people, who belonged to various nationalities, would be handed over to the Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department for deportation.
Air travel to subcontinent gets costlier
DUBAI - With oil prices continuing to skyrocket, travellers on Gulf-subcontinent sector have been hard hit due to last week’s increase in airfares by various national carriers, according to airline sources. However, ticket prices of Gulf carriers will not be affected, they said.
A fuel surcharge hike of Dh20 for Air India and Indian airline tickets already became effective on December 3 after a review on November 12.
It follows a peak of oil prices in November, just shy of $100 a barrel, particularly affecting aircraft turbine fuel (ATF) in India. A one-way ticket on Indian airline will now include a fuel surcharge of Dh310, up from Dh 290, said A.B Pathak, Regional Manager Gulf for Indian airline.
Jayashree Ramachandran, Marketing Manager-Dubai and Northern Emirates for Air India also said there has been a similar increase of Dh 20, effective last Tuesday . Meanwhile, a Bangladesh Biman airline official said that the carrier on Tuesday last, had implemented a fuel surcharge hike on the Dhaka-Dubai flight, in line with the competing airlines. The official said it was likely that this surcharge would also be added to the Dubai-Dhaka tickets.
Pakistan International Airlines does not carry a fuel surcharge and currently has no plans to implement one, said an official.
However, Gulf carriers, including Emirates and Etihad, had decided earlier this year not to implement a fuel surcharge and officials said any change in ticket prices was seasonal.
But, fare hike remained a concern for Vinod C., planning a trip back home to India for his wife and two children this month. “If you’re going as a family it adds to your costs,” he said. “Dubai costs are going up and you don’t know where to cut costs.”
Vinod C. said he had tried to travel with budget airlines, but less regularly.
Punam M. was travelling by herself to Hyderabad this month and had booked the ticket one and a half months in advance to ensure she had it cheaper.
An Air India Express official said low cost carriers, like their airline, were more affected by load factors or increase in demand rather than by fuel prices, as they aimed to keep their prices significantly lower and travelled to closer destinations.
“We have a dynamic fare structure already,” he said. “Prices do vary during peak season when the load factors increase.” Because load factors drive low cost carriers ticket prices, it is recommended passengers book early.
However, UAE residents hoping to go further afield over Eid al Adha, Christmas or New Year by international airlines may still be affected by fuel prices.
British Airways Middle East commercial manager Paul Starrs said the airline was constantly reviewing its price structure to stay competitive but admitted fuel costs were a factor in ticket prices.
“Firstly, I believe it’s a myth that airlines fares are always rising; they tend to fluctuate depending on the time of year and other factors, including fuel costs,” he said.
A fuel surcharge hike of Dh20 for Air India and Indian airline tickets already became effective on December 3 after a review on November 12.
It follows a peak of oil prices in November, just shy of $100 a barrel, particularly affecting aircraft turbine fuel (ATF) in India. A one-way ticket on Indian airline will now include a fuel surcharge of Dh310, up from Dh 290, said A.B Pathak, Regional Manager Gulf for Indian airline.
Jayashree Ramachandran, Marketing Manager-Dubai and Northern Emirates for Air India also said there has been a similar increase of Dh 20, effective last Tuesday . Meanwhile, a Bangladesh Biman airline official said that the carrier on Tuesday last, had implemented a fuel surcharge hike on the Dhaka-Dubai flight, in line with the competing airlines. The official said it was likely that this surcharge would also be added to the Dubai-Dhaka tickets.
Pakistan International Airlines does not carry a fuel surcharge and currently has no plans to implement one, said an official.
However, Gulf carriers, including Emirates and Etihad, had decided earlier this year not to implement a fuel surcharge and officials said any change in ticket prices was seasonal.
But, fare hike remained a concern for Vinod C., planning a trip back home to India for his wife and two children this month. “If you’re going as a family it adds to your costs,” he said. “Dubai costs are going up and you don’t know where to cut costs.”
Vinod C. said he had tried to travel with budget airlines, but less regularly.
Punam M. was travelling by herself to Hyderabad this month and had booked the ticket one and a half months in advance to ensure she had it cheaper.
An Air India Express official said low cost carriers, like their airline, were more affected by load factors or increase in demand rather than by fuel prices, as they aimed to keep their prices significantly lower and travelled to closer destinations.
“We have a dynamic fare structure already,” he said. “Prices do vary during peak season when the load factors increase.” Because load factors drive low cost carriers ticket prices, it is recommended passengers book early.
However, UAE residents hoping to go further afield over Eid al Adha, Christmas or New Year by international airlines may still be affected by fuel prices.
British Airways Middle East commercial manager Paul Starrs said the airline was constantly reviewing its price structure to stay competitive but admitted fuel costs were a factor in ticket prices.
“Firstly, I believe it’s a myth that airlines fares are always rising; they tend to fluctuate depending on the time of year and other factors, including fuel costs,” he said.
Nine workers injured as bus overturns
RAS AL KHAIMAH — Eight Asian workers and a driver were injured in an accident on Monday evening when the bus they were travelling in hit a road signpost and overturned on Al Wekarat Street in Ras Al Khaimah.
According to an official from RAK Traffic Police, the bus driver lost control of the vehicle after a brake failure, after which the bus swerved to the right side, hitting the signpost before overturning.
The official said the bus was being driven by a Pakistani driver, F.M.R, 55. The bus, which belongs to a RAK-based construction company, was occupied by 25 labourers, all employees of the company. They were returning from work and were being taken to their place of residence.
Six of the labourers have sustained minor injuries. Two other labourers have suffered serious head injuries and multiple fractures on legs and arms. The bus driver also has sustained serious head injuries and multiple fractures on his right leg. All the injured were rushed to Saqr Hospital.
According to an official from RAK Traffic Police, the bus driver lost control of the vehicle after a brake failure, after which the bus swerved to the right side, hitting the signpost before overturning.
The official said the bus was being driven by a Pakistani driver, F.M.R, 55. The bus, which belongs to a RAK-based construction company, was occupied by 25 labourers, all employees of the company. They were returning from work and were being taken to their place of residence.
Six of the labourers have sustained minor injuries. Two other labourers have suffered serious head injuries and multiple fractures on legs and arms. The bus driver also has sustained serious head injuries and multiple fractures on his right leg. All the injured were rushed to Saqr Hospital.
Workers are eligible to avail of paid Haj leave
ABU DHABI — The employees or workers who want to travel to Saudi Arabia to perform Haj have the right to take leave from their annual leave balance without deductions from their salaries, according to the Ministry of Labour (MoL) officials.
Ahmed Al Besher, legal adviser at the Dispute Department of the MoL, said the UAE residents who work in the country have the right to take up to 30 days of leave for performing Haj from their annual leave.
According to the labour law, workers can take a Haj leave for not more than 30 days with deductions from their salaries if they have no leave balance.
Many workers have called the MoL enquiring whether they can take leave for performing Haj from their annual leave balance. Some workers have complained that their companies are deducting money from their salaries as well as deducting leave from the annual leave balance after they submitted applications for Haj leave.
“If we receive such complaints, the MoL will investigate the cases and impose penalties on the firms,” said Al Besher.
Mohsen Ali Saeed, Director of the Inspection Department of the MoL, said, “We will inspect the companies as usual. Our inspectors will guide the firms on the procedures to be followed when calculating the annual leave and deduction of Haj leave.”
Ahmed Al Besher, legal adviser at the Dispute Department of the MoL, said the UAE residents who work in the country have the right to take up to 30 days of leave for performing Haj from their annual leave.
According to the labour law, workers can take a Haj leave for not more than 30 days with deductions from their salaries if they have no leave balance.
Many workers have called the MoL enquiring whether they can take leave for performing Haj from their annual leave balance. Some workers have complained that their companies are deducting money from their salaries as well as deducting leave from the annual leave balance after they submitted applications for Haj leave.
“If we receive such complaints, the MoL will investigate the cases and impose penalties on the firms,” said Al Besher.
Mohsen Ali Saeed, Director of the Inspection Department of the MoL, said, “We will inspect the companies as usual. Our inspectors will guide the firms on the procedures to be followed when calculating the annual leave and deduction of Haj leave.”
DNRD handled 49,921 applications during National Day
DUBAI — As many as 49,921 urgent applications were processed by the Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD) during the National Day holidays, Brigadier Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director of the department, said yesterday.
Brig Al Marri said the number of applications processed this year was higher than last year during the same holiday period.
“A total of 49,921 applications were processed by the immigration authorities on December 1, 2 and 3.
“The urgent applications included those for different types of visas and cancellation of residence visas. We mobilised a bigger number of staff for duty during the holidays. There had been a big turnout of applicants for visas during the three days.”
According to the DNRD chief, air traffic also witnessed a heavy rush during the holidays
Brig Al Marri said the number of applications processed this year was higher than last year during the same holiday period.
“A total of 49,921 applications were processed by the immigration authorities on December 1, 2 and 3.
“The urgent applications included those for different types of visas and cancellation of residence visas. We mobilised a bigger number of staff for duty during the holidays. There had been a big turnout of applicants for visas during the three days.”
According to the DNRD chief, air traffic also witnessed a heavy rush during the holidays
Apply online for nursing exam
ABU DHABI — Applying for nursing exams has now become easier. Candidates can now apply online at www.moh.gov.ae Nurses can register for the December exams on the web site.
Fire damages Zayed City villa
ABU DHABI — Belongings worth Dh5,000 were destroyed in a fire that broke out in a housemaid’s room in a villa in Zayed City here yesterday.
Captain Jamal Aboud Al Jeidi, Head of Public Relations and Moral Guidance Department in the General Department of Civil Defence, said the fire broke out at about 12 noon possibly because of a short circuit in the maid’s room on the third floor. She was in the kitchen on the second floor at that time.
Owner of the villa, a UAE national, battled the fire till the civil defence team arrived. The team managed to control the fire.
The value of the destroyed belongings is estimated to be Dh5
Captain Jamal Aboud Al Jeidi, Head of Public Relations and Moral Guidance Department in the General Department of Civil Defence, said the fire broke out at about 12 noon possibly because of a short circuit in the maid’s room on the third floor. She was in the kitchen on the second floor at that time.
Owner of the villa, a UAE national, battled the fire till the civil defence team arrived. The team managed to control the fire.
The value of the destroyed belongings is estimated to be Dh5
Court orders Dh860,000 for causing accident
FUJAIRAH — The Fujairah Court of First Instance yesterday ordered a national, A.S, to pay Dh860,000 to A.A, another national, in compensation for a permanent disability he caused him in an accident.
As per court records, the accident happened in October 2006, when the victim, A.A, was hit by the car being driven by A.S. The accident happened on a road in Dibba.
The victim sustained serious injuries, including multiple fractures, and was rushed to Dibba Hospital for treatment.
A lawsuit was filed at the Fujairah Court of First Instance, where the victim’s lawyer sought a compensation of Dh5 million to compensate for the physical, psychological, and financial damages his client had suffered because of the accident.
The court, in view of the medical reports submitted, ordered A.S to pay A.A a compensation of Dh860,000
As per court records, the accident happened in October 2006, when the victim, A.A, was hit by the car being driven by A.S. The accident happened on a road in Dibba.
The victim sustained serious injuries, including multiple fractures, and was rushed to Dibba Hospital for treatment.
A lawsuit was filed at the Fujairah Court of First Instance, where the victim’s lawyer sought a compensation of Dh5 million to compensate for the physical, psychological, and financial damages his client had suffered because of the accident.
The court, in view of the medical reports submitted, ordered A.S to pay A.A a compensation of Dh860,000
No rain likely in next five days
DUBAI — It’s highly unlikely the UAE will receive any rain over the next five days, the meteorology office said yesterday.
Scattered clouds around the UAE and reports predicting rain may have raised residents’ hopes but Dubai International Airport duty forecaster Clive Stevens dashed them with his forecast.
“It’s generally going to be warm and pleasant, so enjoy,” Stevens said.
Stevens wouldn’t rule out the slightest chance of a shower over the mountains but said it was more likely to fall in Iran or the Northern Gulf region.
While there would be some high cloud around, temperatures were predicted to be slightly above average this week with a maximum of 29 degree Celsius and minimum of 20 degree Celsius.
Winds were to remain light, with only 10 knots at sea yesterday afternoon, but there was the possibility of a ‘shamal’ (duststorm) next week although Stevens was doubtful the shamal would bring rain either.
Scattered clouds around the UAE and reports predicting rain may have raised residents’ hopes but Dubai International Airport duty forecaster Clive Stevens dashed them with his forecast.
“It’s generally going to be warm and pleasant, so enjoy,” Stevens said.
Stevens wouldn’t rule out the slightest chance of a shower over the mountains but said it was more likely to fall in Iran or the Northern Gulf region.
While there would be some high cloud around, temperatures were predicted to be slightly above average this week with a maximum of 29 degree Celsius and minimum of 20 degree Celsius.
Winds were to remain light, with only 10 knots at sea yesterday afternoon, but there was the possibility of a ‘shamal’ (duststorm) next week although Stevens was doubtful the shamal would bring rain either.
Ajman set to launch public bus service in 2008
AJMAN — Ajman will launch public bus service in the emirate in the first quarter of 2008.
According to Ahmed Hassan, Deputy Chairman of Board Council of Ajman Public Transport Authority (APT), the authority was now working on the formalities to introduce the service with an aim of reducing traffic congestion in the emirate.
Hassan said yesterday that the APT would launch several projects, including group transport services in the emirate and on the outskirts like Massfoot and Al Manama, in 2008.
The service would play a great role in achieving the goal of minimising traffic problems in all areas of Ajman.
The first batch of buses would be operated from the Ajman Industrial Area to the downtown.
Hassan, however, did not announce the tariff for the services but said the ticket charges would be affordable for everybody.
He said the licences of old taxis would not be renewed once the bus services began.
The number of new metered taxis would be increased and services of women drivers would be available for families soon, he said.
According to Ahmed Hassan, Deputy Chairman of Board Council of Ajman Public Transport Authority (APT), the authority was now working on the formalities to introduce the service with an aim of reducing traffic congestion in the emirate.
Hassan said yesterday that the APT would launch several projects, including group transport services in the emirate and on the outskirts like Massfoot and Al Manama, in 2008.
The service would play a great role in achieving the goal of minimising traffic problems in all areas of Ajman.
The first batch of buses would be operated from the Ajman Industrial Area to the downtown.
Hassan, however, did not announce the tariff for the services but said the ticket charges would be affordable for everybody.
He said the licences of old taxis would not be renewed once the bus services began.
The number of new metered taxis would be increased and services of women drivers would be available for families soon, he said.
Over 900 couples tie the knot
DUBAI — Over 900 couples entered wedlock at the mass marriage ceremonies organised in all emirates of the UAE during the National Day celebrations on Sunday.
Abu Dhabi saw a total of 260 couples starting their marital lives, Dubai 155, Sharjah 112, Ras Al Khaimah 152, Fujairah 200, Umm Al Quwain 44 and Ajman 70.
Dr Saif Mohammed Al Ajala, Director-General of the Marriage Fund, said: “This is the first time mass weddings were held at the same time in the seven emirates.
“Apart from sparing the couples the cost of the wedding parties, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has granted Dh70,000 to each groom.”
The couples were selected in November on the basis of certain criteria.
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Abu Dhabi saw a total of 260 couples starting their marital lives, Dubai 155, Sharjah 112, Ras Al Khaimah 152, Fujairah 200, Umm Al Quwain 44 and Ajman 70.
Dr Saif Mohammed Al Ajala, Director-General of the Marriage Fund, said: “This is the first time mass weddings were held at the same time in the seven emirates.
“Apart from sparing the couples the cost of the wedding parties, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has granted Dh70,000 to each groom.”
The couples were selected in November on the basis of certain criteria.
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Haj pilgrims to leave UAE on December 6
ABU DHABI — The first group of Haj pilgrims travelling by road to Saudi Arabia will pass through the Al Ghuwaifat border post on December 6.
Dr Mohammed Mattar Al Kaabi, Director-General of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Awqaf (GAIAA), said 148 Haj tour operators would take their caravans from the UAE to Saudi Arabia.
He pointed out that the Haj preparatory committee left yesterday for Saudi Arabia to receive the tour operators in order to facilitate the procedures for pilgrims, specially with regard to housing and transportation.
He said members of the committee will receive UAE's pilgrims at the Jeddah and Al Madina airports.
He urged the Haj tour operators to accompany their pilgrims and ensure proper adherence to the the terms of the Haj contracts.
Dr Mohammed Mattar Al Kaabi, Director-General of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Awqaf (GAIAA), said 148 Haj tour operators would take their caravans from the UAE to Saudi Arabia.
He pointed out that the Haj preparatory committee left yesterday for Saudi Arabia to receive the tour operators in order to facilitate the procedures for pilgrims, specially with regard to housing and transportation.
He said members of the committee will receive UAE's pilgrims at the Jeddah and Al Madina airports.
He urged the Haj tour operators to accompany their pilgrims and ensure proper adherence to the the terms of the Haj contracts.
Longest greeting letter reaches Abu Dhabi
ABU DHABI — Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs, signed the longest greeting letter in the world to be presented to the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as part of the 36th National Day festivities.
The letter of greetings is addressed to President Shaikh Khalifa, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Their Highnesses Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates, and General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
The letter, which is 250 metres long and 20.1 metres wide, has been taken in a procession from Fujairah through all the different emirates to Abu Dhabi. Twenty-two young women from Gulf and Arab countries went on bicycles to various emirates to get the letter signed by nationals, residents and visitors from abroad.
The letter of greetings is addressed to President Shaikh Khalifa, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Their Highnesses Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates, and General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
The letter, which is 250 metres long and 20.1 metres wide, has been taken in a procession from Fujairah through all the different emirates to Abu Dhabi. Twenty-two young women from Gulf and Arab countries went on bicycles to various emirates to get the letter signed by nationals, residents and visitors from abroad.
Prices spiral despite government warning
DUBAI/SHARJAH/ AJMAN — Despite the Ministry of Economy (MoE) and local municipalities sternly warning suppliers, supermarkets and stores against any unauthorised hikes in prices of essential food items, following the recent federal decision announcing a 70 per cent salary hike for federal employees in all emirates, consumers have complained that prices have already shot up by nearly 30 per cent. The salary hikes, it may be noted, come into effect from January 2008. But the prices have allegedly shot up even before that.
In Sharjah and Ajman, a big size Nido milk powder tin which was earlier selling at Dh55, is now coming for Dh65 in some hypermarkets and at Dh75 in others. Egg prices in Sharjah and Ajman too are reported to have moved northward. While a tray of 24 eggs earlier came at Dh12, the same now costs around Dh20. Prices of flour, oil and sugar too are reported to have leapfrogged by 30-35 per cent, though the exact amount differs in different supermarkets.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Yahya Al Raysa, head of the Trade Licence Directorate at Ajman Municipality, said that the civic body, in a meeting with managers of hypermarkets, shopping centres and supermarkets on November 28 last, had warned them against raising the prices of essential commodities, especially after the Ajman Ruler also announced a 70 per cent salary hike for all Ajman government employees.
Al Raysa said the municipality had specifically asked the managers of stores to submit a daily list of receipts of sale of all food items so as to keep tabs on the prices.
"The managers of supermarkets and stores pointed out to us that the increase in prices first came from the importers and manufacturers," Al Raysa said, while adding that the managers of the supermarkets were all warned not to hike prices without approval from the municipality.
Al Raysa said the Municipality would continue its daily inspection drive so as to keep tabs on the prices of essential items.
The Sharjah Municipal Council too recently held a meeting to discuss the increase in prices of daily consumer products, including the bread price hike by bakeries. The meeting proposed measures to check unauthorised price hikes. The proposals included intensifying of inspection campaigns by the civic body inspectors.
Dr Jamal Al Saeedi, consultant at the Consumer Protection Union (CPU) in the UAE, said there had been a significant increase in the prices of essential commodities in the UAE. "A number of UAE residents have complained that the prices of most of the essential commodities, including flour, milk, meat and gas, have shot up by 10-15 per cent.
Dr Al Saeedi pointed out that in the past one week, egg prices had leapfrogged by almost 28 per cent, which, he said, was triggered mainly by the ban on import of eggs from Saudi Arabia following the detection of bird flu cases in the Kingdom.
But the official explained that a number of suppliers of other commodities had hiked the prices in the current year citing high costs of production and huge losses they claimed to have incurred.
"The government is monitoring the situation and has set up committees to keep tabs on the prices. The ministry has been supporting the CPU, which tries to protect the interest of consumers in the UAE," he said.
Meanwhile, officials of Dubai Municipality said they too were keeping tabs on supermarkets and groceries and were also holding regular meetings in order to prevent the prices from spiralling.
An official of DM who did not want to be named said, "So far we have not received any complaints of a sudden hike in prices of essential items. Our inspectors are regularly monitoring the groceries and supermarkets. If we come across any instance of an unauthorised price hike, we carry out an investigation and do take appropriate action."
In Sharjah and Ajman, a big size Nido milk powder tin which was earlier selling at Dh55, is now coming for Dh65 in some hypermarkets and at Dh75 in others. Egg prices in Sharjah and Ajman too are reported to have moved northward. While a tray of 24 eggs earlier came at Dh12, the same now costs around Dh20. Prices of flour, oil and sugar too are reported to have leapfrogged by 30-35 per cent, though the exact amount differs in different supermarkets.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Yahya Al Raysa, head of the Trade Licence Directorate at Ajman Municipality, said that the civic body, in a meeting with managers of hypermarkets, shopping centres and supermarkets on November 28 last, had warned them against raising the prices of essential commodities, especially after the Ajman Ruler also announced a 70 per cent salary hike for all Ajman government employees.
Al Raysa said the municipality had specifically asked the managers of stores to submit a daily list of receipts of sale of all food items so as to keep tabs on the prices.
"The managers of supermarkets and stores pointed out to us that the increase in prices first came from the importers and manufacturers," Al Raysa said, while adding that the managers of the supermarkets were all warned not to hike prices without approval from the municipality.
Al Raysa said the Municipality would continue its daily inspection drive so as to keep tabs on the prices of essential items.
The Sharjah Municipal Council too recently held a meeting to discuss the increase in prices of daily consumer products, including the bread price hike by bakeries. The meeting proposed measures to check unauthorised price hikes. The proposals included intensifying of inspection campaigns by the civic body inspectors.
Dr Jamal Al Saeedi, consultant at the Consumer Protection Union (CPU) in the UAE, said there had been a significant increase in the prices of essential commodities in the UAE. "A number of UAE residents have complained that the prices of most of the essential commodities, including flour, milk, meat and gas, have shot up by 10-15 per cent.
Dr Al Saeedi pointed out that in the past one week, egg prices had leapfrogged by almost 28 per cent, which, he said, was triggered mainly by the ban on import of eggs from Saudi Arabia following the detection of bird flu cases in the Kingdom.
But the official explained that a number of suppliers of other commodities had hiked the prices in the current year citing high costs of production and huge losses they claimed to have incurred.
"The government is monitoring the situation and has set up committees to keep tabs on the prices. The ministry has been supporting the CPU, which tries to protect the interest of consumers in the UAE," he said.
Meanwhile, officials of Dubai Municipality said they too were keeping tabs on supermarkets and groceries and were also holding regular meetings in order to prevent the prices from spiralling.
An official of DM who did not want to be named said, "So far we have not received any complaints of a sudden hike in prices of essential items. Our inspectors are regularly monitoring the groceries and supermarkets. If we come across any instance of an unauthorised price hike, we carry out an investigation and do take appropriate action."
High rents, shifting of workers from Rolla take toll on business
LIKE several other economic activities which were affected by the amnesty and host of other factors including rising rents, several shops lined up in the back lanes of Rolla could not remain insulated from these developments.
Several of them are wearing comparatively a deserted look with number of customers dwindling significantly as a major chunk of their customers has returned to their home countries by availing the opportunity provided under amnesty.
Abbas, who has a shop in Rolla, selling suitcases and blankets for the last 20 years, said that the sales have come down drastically after the amnesty.
He said that remaining workers from Rolla have been shifted to the industrial areas and other localities, thus worsening the situation for the shop-keepers.
Barring large shops, small shops in Rolla have witnessed a drastic decline in number of their customers, he stated.
He said that in absence of a proper and also a cheap public transport facility, workers living in the industrial areas or other far flung places, find it difficult to come to Rolla for shopping.
To add to their woes, the number of shops in Rolla has increased considerably thus not only increasing the competition but also adversely affecting their profit margin, he added.
"It is really a tough situation. Our expenses are increasing, while the income stays static," he rued.
Now, we are buying products at a higher wholesale price but we could not pass on the entire burden to the customers for keeping our market intact, he elaborated.
"I am paying Dhs80000 as rent for this space but unfortunately my customers are not fully convinced about our problems and do not buy any product without a very intense bargaining," he explained his problem.
He said that expenses on various government formalities are also on rise adding that the municipality authorities now do not allow them to display products outside the shops.
It is really very regrettable as commodities do not sell in Rolla if they are not "properly displayed," he remarked.
Another shopkeeper selling electronic items said that workers used to buy transistors in good numbers but his business has suffered a loss after the amnesty and the shifting of workers to other places.
A garment shop owner has the same problem, stating that his business has not suffered like this during the last 15 years.
"I do not know how to deal with the situation," he remarked.
Similarly, Mehmood who runs a small cafeteria in Rolla has suffered business losses by at least 50 per cent.
"I sacked my two employees to cut the costs of running my shop," he added.
"I am paying Dhs25000 as rent and anyhow surviving the onslaught of various hues," he remarked.
He said that he is now depending more on the employees of different shops in the neighbourhood, who visit his shop for tea, snacks and other food stuffs.
Even tailoring shops have suffered losses following the amnesty and shifting of workers from Rolla to other localities.
"It is true that amnesty has affected the tailoring business," deplored Damu K. who has a small shop.
Owner of a hardware shop, Hussain said that his business has not witnessed a very major impact but it could not be denied that the business has suffered marginally.
"Workers used to purchase hand tools including hammers for different domestic chores," he added.
Several of them are wearing comparatively a deserted look with number of customers dwindling significantly as a major chunk of their customers has returned to their home countries by availing the opportunity provided under amnesty.
Abbas, who has a shop in Rolla, selling suitcases and blankets for the last 20 years, said that the sales have come down drastically after the amnesty.
He said that remaining workers from Rolla have been shifted to the industrial areas and other localities, thus worsening the situation for the shop-keepers.
Barring large shops, small shops in Rolla have witnessed a drastic decline in number of their customers, he stated.
He said that in absence of a proper and also a cheap public transport facility, workers living in the industrial areas or other far flung places, find it difficult to come to Rolla for shopping.
To add to their woes, the number of shops in Rolla has increased considerably thus not only increasing the competition but also adversely affecting their profit margin, he added.
"It is really a tough situation. Our expenses are increasing, while the income stays static," he rued.
Now, we are buying products at a higher wholesale price but we could not pass on the entire burden to the customers for keeping our market intact, he elaborated.
"I am paying Dhs80000 as rent for this space but unfortunately my customers are not fully convinced about our problems and do not buy any product without a very intense bargaining," he explained his problem.
He said that expenses on various government formalities are also on rise adding that the municipality authorities now do not allow them to display products outside the shops.
It is really very regrettable as commodities do not sell in Rolla if they are not "properly displayed," he remarked.
Another shopkeeper selling electronic items said that workers used to buy transistors in good numbers but his business has suffered a loss after the amnesty and the shifting of workers to other places.
A garment shop owner has the same problem, stating that his business has not suffered like this during the last 15 years.
"I do not know how to deal with the situation," he remarked.
Similarly, Mehmood who runs a small cafeteria in Rolla has suffered business losses by at least 50 per cent.
"I sacked my two employees to cut the costs of running my shop," he added.
"I am paying Dhs25000 as rent and anyhow surviving the onslaught of various hues," he remarked.
He said that he is now depending more on the employees of different shops in the neighbourhood, who visit his shop for tea, snacks and other food stuffs.
Even tailoring shops have suffered losses following the amnesty and shifting of workers from Rolla to other localities.
"It is true that amnesty has affected the tailoring business," deplored Damu K. who has a small shop.
Owner of a hardware shop, Hussain said that his business has not witnessed a very major impact but it could not be denied that the business has suffered marginally.
"Workers used to purchase hand tools including hammers for different domestic chores," he added.
Abu Dhabi flies world's largest banner
THE world's largest banner, in the form of UAE national colours, was flown over Abu Dhabi skies on Sunday.
The world record setting effort was the initiative of Falcon Aviation Services (FAS) LLC, a wholly owned company of Member of Executive Council Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan.
Measuring in excess of 50,000 square feet, the banner was towed under a Bell 412 chopper supplied by Evergreen Helicopters who are current partners wxith FAS in providing search and rescue services to the UAE Armed Forces.
The attempt that came on UAE National Day broke the record set by Swedish furniture giant IKEA created in Australia last year with a banner of 47,000 square feet.
The banner depicting the UAE flag was clearly visible from up to 20 kilometers away and the route was specifically designed to take the flag right across the capital making it visible to virtually the entire population of the city of Abu Dhabi.
The idea for the sky high celebration on UAE National Day came initially from Sheikh Sultan and the Chairman of FAS, Captain Salem Al Kayoumi. This followed the FAS plan to conduct aerial banner towing as part of its growing aviation business.
"What better way to celebrate our nation's birthday than to proudly display the UAE Flag not only to Abu Dhabi and the UAE, but to the rest of the world as well," said Captain Kayoumi in a statement released after the record-breaking event.
The banner was supplied by Heli Banners, a UK based company who supply aerial banners for marketing purposes using the world wide patented Helicopter Overcity Banner System (Hobs) which enables these huge banners to be flown safely over built-up areas.
The Hobs system has undergone extensive evaluation by the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority who assessed and approved the FAS aircraft, the Hobs system and the procedures for use in the UAE.
The record-breaking flight was jointly sponsored by FAS, Marina Mall and the Abu Dhabi International Marine and Sports Club.
The world record setting effort was the initiative of Falcon Aviation Services (FAS) LLC, a wholly owned company of Member of Executive Council Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan.
Measuring in excess of 50,000 square feet, the banner was towed under a Bell 412 chopper supplied by Evergreen Helicopters who are current partners wxith FAS in providing search and rescue services to the UAE Armed Forces.
The attempt that came on UAE National Day broke the record set by Swedish furniture giant IKEA created in Australia last year with a banner of 47,000 square feet.
The banner depicting the UAE flag was clearly visible from up to 20 kilometers away and the route was specifically designed to take the flag right across the capital making it visible to virtually the entire population of the city of Abu Dhabi.
The idea for the sky high celebration on UAE National Day came initially from Sheikh Sultan and the Chairman of FAS, Captain Salem Al Kayoumi. This followed the FAS plan to conduct aerial banner towing as part of its growing aviation business.
"What better way to celebrate our nation's birthday than to proudly display the UAE Flag not only to Abu Dhabi and the UAE, but to the rest of the world as well," said Captain Kayoumi in a statement released after the record-breaking event.
The banner was supplied by Heli Banners, a UK based company who supply aerial banners for marketing purposes using the world wide patented Helicopter Overcity Banner System (Hobs) which enables these huge banners to be flown safely over built-up areas.
The Hobs system has undergone extensive evaluation by the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority who assessed and approved the FAS aircraft, the Hobs system and the procedures for use in the UAE.
The record-breaking flight was jointly sponsored by FAS, Marina Mall and the Abu Dhabi International Marine and Sports Club.
Injured Egyptian gets Dhs150,000 payment
THE General Civil Department at Fujairah court ordered an insurance company to pay Dhs150,000 to an Egyptian, identified as AYM, as compensation for physical and psychological harm he sustained due to a traffic accident. The accident caused him full disability in his right arm.
The court also directed the company to pay the case expenses and the lawyer fee.
The court also directed the company to pay the case expenses and the lawyer fee.
Road authorities welcome suggestions
THE first phase of Al Maleeha area project is nearing completion with the finishing touches under progress. It is expected to open by the beginning of 2008, an official at Sharjah Directorate of Public Works (SDPW) said.
Engineer Sulaiman Abdul Rahman Al Hajri, Head of Road Department of SDPW told The Gulf Today that work on the first of five phases of Al Maleeha area project is almost nearing completion.
"We are currently working on the first phase of the project and particularly at the school area where we have constructed a two lanes road on each direction to accommodate the maximum number of cars."
Hajiri added: "We have already constructed a full clover leaf interchange on the Sharjah ring road with three lanes on each direction and are currently working on the final touches before inauguration. Another dumbbell interchange at the commercial muwailah area is also being constructed, the interchange comprises of three lanes on each direction. The second interchange is located near the school area and will definitely contribute in ending the traffic jams.
When asked whether the SDPW is planning to convert the National paints roundabout into an interchange operated by traffic signals as they have successfully done at Ali Bin Mohamed Al Abdoli square, Hajiri disclosed that they are currently studying plans to convert the national paints roundabout into an intersection.
Harjiri said that the SDPW has recently launched a special hotline for the projects of the roads department 800 - TOROQ, 800 - 86767.
"The new hotline was launched under the directives of Shaikh Khalid Bin Saqr Al Qassimi, Member of the Sharjah Executive Council and the Director General of the SDPW. People can communicate with us by dialing the number and informing us of their suggestions or observations about the roads we are constructing or the existing roads and we are ready to listen and meet their demands."
Engineer Sulaiman Abdul Rahman Al Hajri, Head of Road Department of SDPW told The Gulf Today that work on the first of five phases of Al Maleeha area project is almost nearing completion.
"We are currently working on the first phase of the project and particularly at the school area where we have constructed a two lanes road on each direction to accommodate the maximum number of cars."
Hajiri added: "We have already constructed a full clover leaf interchange on the Sharjah ring road with three lanes on each direction and are currently working on the final touches before inauguration. Another dumbbell interchange at the commercial muwailah area is also being constructed, the interchange comprises of three lanes on each direction. The second interchange is located near the school area and will definitely contribute in ending the traffic jams.
When asked whether the SDPW is planning to convert the National paints roundabout into an interchange operated by traffic signals as they have successfully done at Ali Bin Mohamed Al Abdoli square, Hajiri disclosed that they are currently studying plans to convert the national paints roundabout into an intersection.
Harjiri said that the SDPW has recently launched a special hotline for the projects of the roads department 800 - TOROQ, 800 - 86767.
"The new hotline was launched under the directives of Shaikh Khalid Bin Saqr Al Qassimi, Member of the Sharjah Executive Council and the Director General of the SDPW. People can communicate with us by dialing the number and informing us of their suggestions or observations about the roads we are constructing or the existing roads and we are ready to listen and meet their demands."
Worker battled death for hours in debris
HAMEED Sultan, one of the survivors of the Dubai Marina scaffolding collapse incident, said he battled death for about ten hours before he was rescued from the rubble.
"I have never seen death from such close quarters. One of my colleagues died right in front of my eyes and I thank my stars for being alive," said Sultan, 23, while speaking to The Gulf Today from a hospital bed in Dubai.
Sultan is among the three workers who were rescued by Dubai Police when a scaffolding of a building under construction collapsed in Dubai Marina on Wednesday evening. The team was working at basement level 3 to install an elevator when the incident took place at around 5:30 pm.
Two of his co-workers Nizamuddin, 25, and Suleiman, 23, died instantly.
Recounting his harrowing experience, Sultan said one of his dead colleagues was alive for about half an hour.
"I was speaking to Suleiman for about 30 minutes before he died. He was writhing in pain and said he cannot handle it. Suddenly he stopped talking, it was then I realised that he is dead," said Sultan, who hails from Tamilnadu, India.
Sultan said that the heavy load of scaffolding he was trapped under did not allow him to move an inch from the place where he was lying.
"I remained motionless for about ten hours till police rescued me at around 1:30 am the next day. My right hand was underneath a load of wooden plank while my left leg remained buried under the metal debris. I would have lost my life if Dubai Police had not dug up a hole to pull me out in time," he said.
He expressed sorrow over the death of his two colleagues, who were also his good friends.
"It's sad that I would not be able to work with my two colleagues again. They were sincere workers and good friends," said Sultan, who is a lift technician with the ETA-Ascon company.
The accident, however, has not demoralised Sultan as he is raring to get back to work once he recovers. "I have a bandage on my right hand and my left leg is slightly swollen. I hope to be fully fit in the next two weeks to resume work," he said.
M. Kamarajan, General Manager of ETA-Ascon said that they are making preparations to repatriate the bodies of the two workers. "We are waiting for the clearance from Dubai police to repatriate the bodies. Next of kin of the deceased will be paid Dhs93,000 as compensation apart from three years' salary," said Kamarajan.
"I have never seen death from such close quarters. One of my colleagues died right in front of my eyes and I thank my stars for being alive," said Sultan, 23, while speaking to The Gulf Today from a hospital bed in Dubai.
Sultan is among the three workers who were rescued by Dubai Police when a scaffolding of a building under construction collapsed in Dubai Marina on Wednesday evening. The team was working at basement level 3 to install an elevator when the incident took place at around 5:30 pm.
Two of his co-workers Nizamuddin, 25, and Suleiman, 23, died instantly.
Recounting his harrowing experience, Sultan said one of his dead colleagues was alive for about half an hour.
"I was speaking to Suleiman for about 30 minutes before he died. He was writhing in pain and said he cannot handle it. Suddenly he stopped talking, it was then I realised that he is dead," said Sultan, who hails from Tamilnadu, India.
Sultan said that the heavy load of scaffolding he was trapped under did not allow him to move an inch from the place where he was lying.
"I remained motionless for about ten hours till police rescued me at around 1:30 am the next day. My right hand was underneath a load of wooden plank while my left leg remained buried under the metal debris. I would have lost my life if Dubai Police had not dug up a hole to pull me out in time," he said.
He expressed sorrow over the death of his two colleagues, who were also his good friends.
"It's sad that I would not be able to work with my two colleagues again. They were sincere workers and good friends," said Sultan, who is a lift technician with the ETA-Ascon company.
The accident, however, has not demoralised Sultan as he is raring to get back to work once he recovers. "I have a bandage on my right hand and my left leg is slightly swollen. I hope to be fully fit in the next two weeks to resume work," he said.
M. Kamarajan, General Manager of ETA-Ascon said that they are making preparations to repatriate the bodies of the two workers. "We are waiting for the clearance from Dubai police to repatriate the bodies. Next of kin of the deceased will be paid Dhs93,000 as compensation apart from three years' salary," said Kamarajan.
Low fat food for children launched
TO MARK the World Obesity Day, a provider of quality halal products has re-launched a range of halal food for children-Aladdin, developed with low fat content, more protein and nutrition.
"As the children are the most valuable asset of the future, careful consideration is taken to ensure the nutritional value at par with the international quality standards and purely halal ingredients to develop healthy products for the balanced growth of children," asserted the CEO of Al Islami Foods which re-launched the range of halal products for children.
The CEO Saleh Abdullah Lootah, observed, "Obesity can be avoided by regular exercise, balanced diet and living healthy lifestyle."
The move is a strategic step towards introducing balanced halal products for consumers. Available at all major supermarkets of the GCC, Aladdin food range comprises delectable halal Fun Shape Chicken Nuggets, Dino Chicken Nuggets, Beef Mini Burger, Chicken Mini Burger, Chicken Popcorn, Chicken-Cheese Popcorn, Chicken-Tandoori Popcorn and Chicken-BBQ popcorn.
Al Islami has carried out rigorous Research and Development (R&D) process to incorporate more protein and less fat for balanced growth of children and tremendously reducing the risk of childhood obesity, a new epidemic constantly gripping the hi-fi society, the CEO added.
"As the children are the most valuable asset of the future, careful consideration is taken to ensure the nutritional value at par with the international quality standards and purely halal ingredients to develop healthy products for the balanced growth of children," asserted the CEO of Al Islami Foods which re-launched the range of halal products for children.
The CEO Saleh Abdullah Lootah, observed, "Obesity can be avoided by regular exercise, balanced diet and living healthy lifestyle."
The move is a strategic step towards introducing balanced halal products for consumers. Available at all major supermarkets of the GCC, Aladdin food range comprises delectable halal Fun Shape Chicken Nuggets, Dino Chicken Nuggets, Beef Mini Burger, Chicken Mini Burger, Chicken Popcorn, Chicken-Cheese Popcorn, Chicken-Tandoori Popcorn and Chicken-BBQ popcorn.
Al Islami has carried out rigorous Research and Development (R&D) process to incorporate more protein and less fat for balanced growth of children and tremendously reducing the risk of childhood obesity, a new epidemic constantly gripping the hi-fi society, the CEO added.
Sharjah to host balloon festival
UAE BALLOON Team and Sharjah Government will organise one of the dazzling displays of hot-air balloons at Sharjah skyline from Al Majaz Park from Dec.13-15.
The festival will also mark the World Lady Pilot Championship in which several international men and women pilots will take part.
The hot-air balloon festival coincides with the UAE National Day celebrations in Sharjah, Cap Aziz of UAE Balloon told The Gulf Today while participating at Zayed University's National Day celebrations in Dubai.
Team Manager Abdulrahman Naqi said there will be 36 balloons from different countries like U K, France, Australia, Italy, Germany, Poland, South Africa and the UAE. Around 40 international balloonists will participate with different types and sizes of balloons that will take visitors up in the air for a panoramic view of Sharjah skyline, he said.
The World Lady Pilot Championship makes the show more important as women balloonists are rare.
All intrepid visitors to the festival will be allowed to fly with their families in the air. "Kids will be taken up in the air for free in balloons with different shapes such as elephant or corn," Naqi said.
In addition, there will be many cash prizes and gifts for the visitors to the venue at Al Majaz Park in the heart of Sharjah near the scenic Khalid Lagoon on Dec. 13,14 and 15.
UAE Balloon is the first balloon festival in the Middle East. They currently have four balloons sporting the pictures of Sheikh Zayed, the UAE flag and other leaders, Capt Aziz said.
The UAE Balloon team has participated in international balloon festivals in Switzerland, South Africa, Poland, where they came out number one, Italy, Germany, Australia and Austria. Next week the team will participate in events in Denmark and Libya.
UAE Balloon is planning a new balloon depicting India, Aziz added. He, however, refused to say whose picture will be sported in the India balloon.
It is speculated that the picture of Indian national leader Mahatma Gandhi will be a preferred choice for the India balloon.
The festival will also mark the World Lady Pilot Championship in which several international men and women pilots will take part.
The hot-air balloon festival coincides with the UAE National Day celebrations in Sharjah, Cap Aziz of UAE Balloon told The Gulf Today while participating at Zayed University's National Day celebrations in Dubai.
Team Manager Abdulrahman Naqi said there will be 36 balloons from different countries like U K, France, Australia, Italy, Germany, Poland, South Africa and the UAE. Around 40 international balloonists will participate with different types and sizes of balloons that will take visitors up in the air for a panoramic view of Sharjah skyline, he said.
The World Lady Pilot Championship makes the show more important as women balloonists are rare.
All intrepid visitors to the festival will be allowed to fly with their families in the air. "Kids will be taken up in the air for free in balloons with different shapes such as elephant or corn," Naqi said.
In addition, there will be many cash prizes and gifts for the visitors to the venue at Al Majaz Park in the heart of Sharjah near the scenic Khalid Lagoon on Dec. 13,14 and 15.
UAE Balloon is the first balloon festival in the Middle East. They currently have four balloons sporting the pictures of Sheikh Zayed, the UAE flag and other leaders, Capt Aziz said.
The UAE Balloon team has participated in international balloon festivals in Switzerland, South Africa, Poland, where they came out number one, Italy, Germany, Australia and Austria. Next week the team will participate in events in Denmark and Libya.
UAE Balloon is planning a new balloon depicting India, Aziz added. He, however, refused to say whose picture will be sported in the India balloon.
It is speculated that the picture of Indian national leader Mahatma Gandhi will be a preferred choice for the India balloon.
Road diversion details now on RTA website
DUBAI — In a move to inform motorists about traffic diversions in the emirate of Dubai, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is now uploading relevant information on its website.
Dr. Aysha Al-Busmait, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communication Department of the RTA, said, “RTA is uploading all information related to traffic diversions in its main website, detailing locations and time taken in operating diversions. It also shows the types of diversions, whether related to road, metro project or other related services. RTA is also keen to announce traffic diversions through various audio, visual and written media in the form of news stories, reports and advertisements well in advance.”
She added that RTA is undertaking several diversion projects in a number of locations within the emirate.
“When the RTA is about to embark on any traffic diversion as part of major projects such as bridges, tunnels or widening, improving and upgrading of roads, RTA places high emphasis on providing alternative and safe roads for road users and pedestrians,” she said.
Dr. Aysha Al-Busmait, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communication Department of the RTA, said, “RTA is uploading all information related to traffic diversions in its main website, detailing locations and time taken in operating diversions. It also shows the types of diversions, whether related to road, metro project or other related services. RTA is also keen to announce traffic diversions through various audio, visual and written media in the form of news stories, reports and advertisements well in advance.”
She added that RTA is undertaking several diversion projects in a number of locations within the emirate.
“When the RTA is about to embark on any traffic diversion as part of major projects such as bridges, tunnels or widening, improving and upgrading of roads, RTA places high emphasis on providing alternative and safe roads for road users and pedestrians,” she said.
Court orders brothers to pay diya for girl’s death
ABU DHABI — The Federal Supreme Court recently ordered three brothers to pay blood money (diya) to the family of a girl who got electrocuted while drinking water from a water cooler installed by the brothers in front of their house as charity.
The apex court ruling on Wednesday said the fact that the water cooler was installed as a charity is no justification for neglecting its maintenance, which led to the death of the girl. The incident happened two years ago.
The court ordered the brothers to pay Dh50,000 collectively as diya to the family of the girl.
The apex court ruling on Wednesday said the fact that the water cooler was installed as a charity is no justification for neglecting its maintenance, which led to the death of the girl. The incident happened two years ago.
The court ordered the brothers to pay Dh50,000 collectively as diya to the family of the girl.
Mohammed and Haya blessed with daughter
DUBAI — His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and his wife Princess Haya bint Al Hussein have been blessed with a baby girl.
The new baby was born yesterday morning. Her birth coincides with the auspicious National Day.
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The new baby was born yesterday morning. Her birth coincides with the auspicious National Day.
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National pride flies high
DUBAI — The residents of Abu Dhabi saw the world’s largest flag flying in the sky yesterday as the UAE National Day was chosen by a helicopter company to set a new world record for the largest aerial banner ever flown.
Measuring in excess of 50,000 square feet in size, the banner was towed under a Bell 412 Aircraft supplied to Falcon Aviation Services LLC (FAS), a wholly owned company of Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nayhan, Member of the Executive Council, by Evergreen Helicopters who are current partners with FAS in providing Search and Rescue services to the UAE Armed Forces. The previous record had been held by IKEA in Australia, who flew a banner measuring 47,000 square feet last year.
The banner depicting the UAE flag was clearly visible from up to 20 kilometres and the route was specifically designed to take the flag right across the capital making it visible to virtually the entire population of the city of Abu Dhabi.
The idea for the sky high celebration on UAE National Day came initially from Shaikh Sultan and the Chairman of FAS, Captain Salem Al Kayoumi, after FAS had initiated operations to conduct aerial banner towing as part of its growing aviation business. “What better way to celebrate our nation’s birthday than to proudly display the UAE flag not only to Abu Dhabi and the UAE, but to the rest of the world as well,” said Captain Al Kayoumi. The banner was supplied by Heli Banners, a UK based company.
Measuring in excess of 50,000 square feet in size, the banner was towed under a Bell 412 Aircraft supplied to Falcon Aviation Services LLC (FAS), a wholly owned company of Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nayhan, Member of the Executive Council, by Evergreen Helicopters who are current partners with FAS in providing Search and Rescue services to the UAE Armed Forces. The previous record had been held by IKEA in Australia, who flew a banner measuring 47,000 square feet last year.
The banner depicting the UAE flag was clearly visible from up to 20 kilometres and the route was specifically designed to take the flag right across the capital making it visible to virtually the entire population of the city of Abu Dhabi.
The idea for the sky high celebration on UAE National Day came initially from Shaikh Sultan and the Chairman of FAS, Captain Salem Al Kayoumi, after FAS had initiated operations to conduct aerial banner towing as part of its growing aviation business. “What better way to celebrate our nation’s birthday than to proudly display the UAE flag not only to Abu Dhabi and the UAE, but to the rest of the world as well,” said Captain Al Kayoumi. The banner was supplied by Heli Banners, a UK based company.
Swiss watch exports to UAE cross Dhs131m
Swiss watch exports to the UAE crossed Dhs131 million by September 2007 up by 61 per cent over the same period last year as leading luxury Swiss watch manufacturer IWC announced regional market expansion plans with the opening of a new boutique in Abu Dhabi.
The new showroom will complement the IWC's existing outlets in Dubai, Istanbul and several other point of sales across the Middle East and reflects the surging demand for luxury mechanical watches within the region; a demand fuelled by high disposable incomes throughout the region and a stable and buoyant economy.
IWC Regional Brand Manager, Gianfranco D'Attis remarked: "Abu Dhabi is an obvious choice for opening our boutique as it is the richest of the oil-laden United Arab Emirates, has a large expatriate population and is aiming to transform itself into a global tourist destination. Abu Dhabi is diversifying its economy and dynamically expanding and people from far-flung corners of the world are settling to live and work, enjoying first-class shopping, elegant hotels and a unique culture in Abu Dhabi," he added.
D'Attis noted that Abu Dhabi benefits from a cosmopolitan outlook in a politically stable country with a liberal economy. "A unique mix of culture and arts flourishes in Abu Dhabi. It is the new Middle-East location for the world-renowned Guggenheim and Louvre museums, along with a new performing arts centre, maritime museum and national museum. Diverse sports & leisure pursuits are part of the active lifestyle residents can enjoy and the most recently announced 2009 Formula 1(tm) Abu Dhabi Prix, Ferrari Theme Park and Warner Brothers Theme Park all situated on the Yas Island, a 2,500 hectare Island.
Forbes magazine, in March 2007, named Abu Dhabi as the world's richest city. Responsible for more than 90 per cent of the UAE's oil production, Abu Dhabi possesses the fourth largest oil reserves in the world. According to media reports, Abu Dhabi has an investment fund exceeding $800 billion with more than $140 billion in government and privately-funded development projects currently underway in Abu Dhabi.
"IWC has been producing mechanical watches for nearly 140 years, so has a wealth of experience in this area of chronometry," says Mr. D'Attis. "This unique heritage is proving to be a major attraction for people who want a high performance mechanical watch and we are seeing this recognition translate through increased sales figures for all our collections in Dubai," he continues.
IWC's latest collection, the Da Vinci range, is one among many collections that will be available through Abu Dhabi's newest boutique. The new boutique is located in the Marina Mall, a landmark in shopping and entertainment set on the sparkling waters of the Abu Dhabi Breakwater. Rivoli who are famous for their diverse portfolio of international luxury brands and prominently located outlets in the Middle East are partnering with IWC for the Abu Dhabi boutique.
The new showroom will complement the IWC's existing outlets in Dubai, Istanbul and several other point of sales across the Middle East and reflects the surging demand for luxury mechanical watches within the region; a demand fuelled by high disposable incomes throughout the region and a stable and buoyant economy.
IWC Regional Brand Manager, Gianfranco D'Attis remarked: "Abu Dhabi is an obvious choice for opening our boutique as it is the richest of the oil-laden United Arab Emirates, has a large expatriate population and is aiming to transform itself into a global tourist destination. Abu Dhabi is diversifying its economy and dynamically expanding and people from far-flung corners of the world are settling to live and work, enjoying first-class shopping, elegant hotels and a unique culture in Abu Dhabi," he added.
D'Attis noted that Abu Dhabi benefits from a cosmopolitan outlook in a politically stable country with a liberal economy. "A unique mix of culture and arts flourishes in Abu Dhabi. It is the new Middle-East location for the world-renowned Guggenheim and Louvre museums, along with a new performing arts centre, maritime museum and national museum. Diverse sports & leisure pursuits are part of the active lifestyle residents can enjoy and the most recently announced 2009 Formula 1(tm) Abu Dhabi Prix, Ferrari Theme Park and Warner Brothers Theme Park all situated on the Yas Island, a 2,500 hectare Island.
Forbes magazine, in March 2007, named Abu Dhabi as the world's richest city. Responsible for more than 90 per cent of the UAE's oil production, Abu Dhabi possesses the fourth largest oil reserves in the world. According to media reports, Abu Dhabi has an investment fund exceeding $800 billion with more than $140 billion in government and privately-funded development projects currently underway in Abu Dhabi.
"IWC has been producing mechanical watches for nearly 140 years, so has a wealth of experience in this area of chronometry," says Mr. D'Attis. "This unique heritage is proving to be a major attraction for people who want a high performance mechanical watch and we are seeing this recognition translate through increased sales figures for all our collections in Dubai," he continues.
IWC's latest collection, the Da Vinci range, is one among many collections that will be available through Abu Dhabi's newest boutique. The new boutique is located in the Marina Mall, a landmark in shopping and entertainment set on the sparkling waters of the Abu Dhabi Breakwater. Rivoli who are famous for their diverse portfolio of international luxury brands and prominently located outlets in the Middle East are partnering with IWC for the Abu Dhabi boutique.
Expatriate drowns in sea in RAK
RAS AL KHAIMAH — A 24-year-old Pakistani national drowned while swimming in the sea behind the Saudi College in Ras Al Khaimah City on Friday evening.
A source from RAK Police said the deceased was identified as Nadim Akram who was on a resident visa.
He went to the beach with friends in the afternoon to swim in the sea.
The victim left behind his friends and swam afar from the shore but started drowning despite wearing a life jacket, the police said.
On being tipped off by the beach goers, police and civil defence personnel reached the scene immediately but could not rescue him.
The body was shifted to Saqr Government Hospital for an autopsy.
A source from RAK Police said the deceased was identified as Nadim Akram who was on a resident visa.
He went to the beach with friends in the afternoon to swim in the sea.
The victim left behind his friends and swam afar from the shore but started drowning despite wearing a life jacket, the police said.
On being tipped off by the beach goers, police and civil defence personnel reached the scene immediately but could not rescue him.
The body was shifted to Saqr Government Hospital for an autopsy.
Umm Al Quwain gets new public squares and renovated streets
UMM AL QUWAIN — Crown Prince of Umm Al Quwain Shaikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla will open a number of public squares and newly beautified streets in the Central island area, today to mark the National Day.
The beautified one-kilometre area along King Faisal Street covers the Civil Defence roundabout, Education Ministry roundabout and the Umm Al Quwain Hospital roundabout.
After inauguration, he will lead a procession, which will be participated by shaikhs, directors of local government departments, school principals and residents of the emirate.
The procession will start from the roundabout, where the UAE flag will be hoisted on the tallest flagpole in the Northern Emirates, and culminate at the venue of celebrations opposite the Ruler’s palace.
The flagpole roundabout will be opened by Shaikh Saud, Dr Mousabah Rashid Humaid, Director of Umm Al Quwain Municipality, said.
The flagpole, a living testimony to the achievements of the UAE Federation, is the tallest in the Northern Emirates, he noted.
The roundabout was designed by Shaikha Mousabbah Rashid, a UAE national and a girl student of Ajman College of Medicine.
The beautified one-kilometre area along King Faisal Street covers the Civil Defence roundabout, Education Ministry roundabout and the Umm Al Quwain Hospital roundabout.
After inauguration, he will lead a procession, which will be participated by shaikhs, directors of local government departments, school principals and residents of the emirate.
The procession will start from the roundabout, where the UAE flag will be hoisted on the tallest flagpole in the Northern Emirates, and culminate at the venue of celebrations opposite the Ruler’s palace.
The flagpole roundabout will be opened by Shaikh Saud, Dr Mousabah Rashid Humaid, Director of Umm Al Quwain Municipality, said.
The flagpole, a living testimony to the achievements of the UAE Federation, is the tallest in the Northern Emirates, he noted.
The roundabout was designed by Shaikha Mousabbah Rashid, a UAE national and a girl student of Ajman College of Medicine.
50 portakabins gutted in Ajman
AJMAN — At least 50 portakabins were destroyed when a massive fire broke out in a labour accommodation in Al Helaiwa area of Ajman yesterday.
No casualty has been reported.
Brigadier Salih Al Matroushi, Director-General of Ajman Civil Defence said the fire erupted at 7.30 pm in one of the kitchens attached to the portkabins, housing labourers of Al Darweesh Contracting.
Police and Civil Defence teams rushed to the site and evacuated people living in the nearby caravans.
The teams took over one-and-a-half hours to put out the fire before it could spread to neighbouring camps.
Al Matroushi said safety and fire-protection measures were in place at the accommodation. “We suspect a short circuit might have sparked the fire,” he added
No casualty has been reported.
Brigadier Salih Al Matroushi, Director-General of Ajman Civil Defence said the fire erupted at 7.30 pm in one of the kitchens attached to the portkabins, housing labourers of Al Darweesh Contracting.
Police and Civil Defence teams rushed to the site and evacuated people living in the nearby caravans.
The teams took over one-and-a-half hours to put out the fire before it could spread to neighbouring camps.
Al Matroushi said safety and fire-protection measures were in place at the accommodation. “We suspect a short circuit might have sparked the fire,” he added
Employers misinterpreting labour laws: official
RAS AL KHAIMAH — Saeed Rashed Al Nuaimi, Chief of Labour Office in Ras Al Khaimah, has said a majority of employers in the emirate have either misunderstood or misinterpreted the labour laws while employing workers who are on residence visas of other sponsors.
According to the reports given by the labour inspection teams, which had launched a crackdown on illegal workers in the emirate after the amnesty period, 70 per cent of the employers found flouting the labour laws were doing so because they misunderstood the laws, he told Khaleej Times on Wednesday.
“Many employers thought that anyone with a valid residence visa could be employed as long as the worker has obtained a no-objection certificate from the original sponsor. This is a misinterpretation of the labour laws.
“A person with a valid residence visa is allowed to work for a different company only after the new firm gets a work permit from the Ministry of Labour for the worker,” said Al Nuaimi.
He said many companies were found employing people sponsored by their relatives and who had not got labour cards from the ministry.
“A majority of employers penalised for this type of violation came to our office claiming that they had not flouted any labour law since their employees had valid residence visas,” he added.
According to Al Nuaimi, these employers thought employing persons on visit visas, those whose visas had expired and those who had absconded from their sponsors were the only violations. In fact, very few cases of employing such workers were detected during the crackdown.
The official said that all employers must register their employees with the Ministry of Labour and obtain work permits. “The misinterpretation of laws by them would not save them from the penalties if they are found flouting the rules,” he noted.
He urged all employers in the emirate to cooperate with the Labour Office and approach the office for any clarification on the labour laws, especially the MoL formalities the employers must complete.
According to the reports given by the labour inspection teams, which had launched a crackdown on illegal workers in the emirate after the amnesty period, 70 per cent of the employers found flouting the labour laws were doing so because they misunderstood the laws, he told Khaleej Times on Wednesday.
“Many employers thought that anyone with a valid residence visa could be employed as long as the worker has obtained a no-objection certificate from the original sponsor. This is a misinterpretation of the labour laws.
“A person with a valid residence visa is allowed to work for a different company only after the new firm gets a work permit from the Ministry of Labour for the worker,” said Al Nuaimi.
He said many companies were found employing people sponsored by their relatives and who had not got labour cards from the ministry.
“A majority of employers penalised for this type of violation came to our office claiming that they had not flouted any labour law since their employees had valid residence visas,” he added.
According to Al Nuaimi, these employers thought employing persons on visit visas, those whose visas had expired and those who had absconded from their sponsors were the only violations. In fact, very few cases of employing such workers were detected during the crackdown.
The official said that all employers must register their employees with the Ministry of Labour and obtain work permits. “The misinterpretation of laws by them would not save them from the penalties if they are found flouting the rules,” he noted.
He urged all employers in the emirate to cooperate with the Labour Office and approach the office for any clarification on the labour laws, especially the MoL formalities the employers must complete.
Law urged for pvt schools to implement health plans
ABU DHABI — New laws and regulations must be enacted to make sure that private schools implemented the school health programme prescribed by the Ministry of Health (MoH), a senior health official has suggested.
The official, who did not wish to be named, stressed that new legislations must be passed to ensure compliance by private schools of the comprehensive and quality curative and preventive health programmes developed by the MoH to protect students’ health.
In 2004, the MoH had decided that health programmes implemented at public schools must also be implemented in private schools.
The official said the School Health Department in the MoH conducted a medical check-up programme for 35,663 students in public schools at primary and secondary levels and 6,158 students at kindergarten for the academic year 2006-2007.
The results of the medical examination showed the existence of 1,244 cases of communicable diseases among students, out of which 719 were chicken pox cases, said the official citing a statistical report issued by the department.
The report showed that obesity among students in the first, fifth and ninth grades was detected in 2,274 cases, of which 967 were male and 1,307 female students. Among the other detected ailments among schoolchildren was anaemia in 1,638 cases, of which 648 were male and 990 female students, said the report.
As many as 219 students were found to be suffering from skin diseases, of which 58 were male and 161 female students, said the report.
There are 1,224 public and private schools in the country, accommodating around 618,000 students, according to the report
The official, who did not wish to be named, stressed that new legislations must be passed to ensure compliance by private schools of the comprehensive and quality curative and preventive health programmes developed by the MoH to protect students’ health.
In 2004, the MoH had decided that health programmes implemented at public schools must also be implemented in private schools.
The official said the School Health Department in the MoH conducted a medical check-up programme for 35,663 students in public schools at primary and secondary levels and 6,158 students at kindergarten for the academic year 2006-2007.
The results of the medical examination showed the existence of 1,244 cases of communicable diseases among students, out of which 719 were chicken pox cases, said the official citing a statistical report issued by the department.
The report showed that obesity among students in the first, fifth and ninth grades was detected in 2,274 cases, of which 967 were male and 1,307 female students. Among the other detected ailments among schoolchildren was anaemia in 1,638 cases, of which 648 were male and 990 female students, said the report.
As many as 219 students were found to be suffering from skin diseases, of which 58 were male and 161 female students, said the report.
There are 1,224 public and private schools in the country, accommodating around 618,000 students, according to the report
Work hard to make future history: Mohammed
ABU DHABI — Addressing the citizens on the 36th National Day of UAE, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, made a passionate call for hard work to make the future history of the federation.
He said 36 years of union has become equivalent to hundreds of years which several nations have taken to achieve progress and development.
However, he asked the citizens not to sleep on the soft silk of success, but to work hard to make the future history of the country.
“Whatever we achieved in the past has been achieved. The history we will write is what we will achieve in the future, not what we have achieved in the past,” said Shaikh Mohammed.
The following is the full text of his National Day message:
Dear sons and daughters of my motherland, Praise be to Allah who gave us the guidance, wisdom and prudence, and blessed us to work to His pleasure, in the best interests of our people and the glory of our nation.
Praise be to Allah who gave us the unity and enabled us to build our young country, ensuring prosperity for the sons and daughters of our motherland.
As we celebrate today the 36th National Day anniversary, in the presence of the founding fathers, we see their faces shine with satisfaction and optimism, their eyes gleaming with happiness. The edifice which they have founded grows bigger in strength and glory. The human being whom they have brought up grow stronger in knowledge and self confidence. The federation which they have set up becomes more deeply-rooted, matured and generous.
Thirty-six years; how short a period it is! In the progression of history, it was a short span of time. It elapsed without making any footprints in the lives of many human societies and nations, or without leaving behind many memories to cherish.
But these years, in the history of United Arab Emirates, were distinguished with the colossal achievements they realised, with intimate memories and with hairworm and success.
Those were the years of making, giving, achieving and constant looking into the future. They were also the years of tireless endeavour to reach the ultimate in every avenue.
Those were the years Zayed and Rashid had set the clock to make a new history characterised by their dreams, visions, efforts and wisdom. They founded the pillars on deeply-rooted foundations and continued to build on those pillars day and night. They paved the way for the nation to move ahead from the most humble phases of growth into one of the most magnificent models in the modern times. The 36 years of federation thus became equivalent to hundreds of years which several nations have taken to achieve progress and development.
Dear sons and daughters of my motherland, The Almighty who blessed this nation with a unique leadership, has also blessed it with a people who love their leaders, keep close to them and arm themselves with their vision. They are never aloof to trekking difficult plains, experimenting new ventures, storming the unknown or calling on new horizons. The uniquely epic relationship between the leaders of UAE and its people has always been the secret of every success we achieved on the soil of our country. It enabled us to carve a niche so high among nations. It also created a model for success and wisdom in the running of domestic affairs and foreign relations as well as for achieving sustainable development keeping abreast with the knowledge era.
Dear sons and daughters of my motherland, We cherish our past and are proud of our present. We are moving ahead into the future with confidence, consciousness and determination which knows no reluctance.
We achieved success because we always believed that tomorrow is a new day. Whatever we achieved in the past has been achieved. The history we will write is what we will achieve in the future, not what we have achieved in the past.
We will not be the ones who sleep on the soft silk of success or those who become content with the lustre of achievements. We will not be among those who falsely believe that the march into the future will happen by itself by self-propelling.
Life knows no halting and those who stop will never win. Every new day brings us new duties to fulfil, new challenges to face and new problems to solve. Every new day comes with new knowledge, new inventions and new media. Those who ignore what is new, even for a second, will be stranded.
The one who doesn’t strive to reach the first rank will be pushed back. The one who is waiting for the luck to bring him bounties will regret. Those who give themselves to the fate to manage their own affairs will discover later that the time wasn’t an ally. Time is friendly with those who strive and endeavour, and hostile to those who sleep and become lazy.
We will move ahead entrusting ourselves on Almighty and putting into practice the national work programme given by the leader of our march and the symbol of our nation, our elder brother the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. May Allah bless him for success.
Sons and daughters of my motherland, the last year witnessed your government entering into an era of strategic planning. The best global practices became an integral part of work, programmes and projects of the ministries. The plans for reformation and development will go on with determination in every sector, especially in education, health and governance.
The government will move with consciousness and responsibility to solve the population and labour problems. At the same time it will also work to enhance the integration between local and federal affairs, and strengthen economic cooperation and coordination among various emirates.
Our faith in the future is great.
Our optimism is unfailing.
We live in realities and embrace big dreams. We always strive to reach greater heights, entrusting ourselves with the Almighty and relying upon the citizens. We are determined to empower every national, man and woman, with knowledge, training, professional skills, leadership qualities and the requirements of prosperous life.
A federal new year means to us More work...
More achievements...
More empowerment of citizens...
More quality production and services...
More hope and optimism...
He said 36 years of union has become equivalent to hundreds of years which several nations have taken to achieve progress and development.
However, he asked the citizens not to sleep on the soft silk of success, but to work hard to make the future history of the country.
“Whatever we achieved in the past has been achieved. The history we will write is what we will achieve in the future, not what we have achieved in the past,” said Shaikh Mohammed.
The following is the full text of his National Day message:
Dear sons and daughters of my motherland, Praise be to Allah who gave us the guidance, wisdom and prudence, and blessed us to work to His pleasure, in the best interests of our people and the glory of our nation.
Praise be to Allah who gave us the unity and enabled us to build our young country, ensuring prosperity for the sons and daughters of our motherland.
As we celebrate today the 36th National Day anniversary, in the presence of the founding fathers, we see their faces shine with satisfaction and optimism, their eyes gleaming with happiness. The edifice which they have founded grows bigger in strength and glory. The human being whom they have brought up grow stronger in knowledge and self confidence. The federation which they have set up becomes more deeply-rooted, matured and generous.
Thirty-six years; how short a period it is! In the progression of history, it was a short span of time. It elapsed without making any footprints in the lives of many human societies and nations, or without leaving behind many memories to cherish.
But these years, in the history of United Arab Emirates, were distinguished with the colossal achievements they realised, with intimate memories and with hairworm and success.
Those were the years of making, giving, achieving and constant looking into the future. They were also the years of tireless endeavour to reach the ultimate in every avenue.
Those were the years Zayed and Rashid had set the clock to make a new history characterised by their dreams, visions, efforts and wisdom. They founded the pillars on deeply-rooted foundations and continued to build on those pillars day and night. They paved the way for the nation to move ahead from the most humble phases of growth into one of the most magnificent models in the modern times. The 36 years of federation thus became equivalent to hundreds of years which several nations have taken to achieve progress and development.
Dear sons and daughters of my motherland, The Almighty who blessed this nation with a unique leadership, has also blessed it with a people who love their leaders, keep close to them and arm themselves with their vision. They are never aloof to trekking difficult plains, experimenting new ventures, storming the unknown or calling on new horizons. The uniquely epic relationship between the leaders of UAE and its people has always been the secret of every success we achieved on the soil of our country. It enabled us to carve a niche so high among nations. It also created a model for success and wisdom in the running of domestic affairs and foreign relations as well as for achieving sustainable development keeping abreast with the knowledge era.
Dear sons and daughters of my motherland, We cherish our past and are proud of our present. We are moving ahead into the future with confidence, consciousness and determination which knows no reluctance.
We achieved success because we always believed that tomorrow is a new day. Whatever we achieved in the past has been achieved. The history we will write is what we will achieve in the future, not what we have achieved in the past.
We will not be the ones who sleep on the soft silk of success or those who become content with the lustre of achievements. We will not be among those who falsely believe that the march into the future will happen by itself by self-propelling.
Life knows no halting and those who stop will never win. Every new day brings us new duties to fulfil, new challenges to face and new problems to solve. Every new day comes with new knowledge, new inventions and new media. Those who ignore what is new, even for a second, will be stranded.
The one who doesn’t strive to reach the first rank will be pushed back. The one who is waiting for the luck to bring him bounties will regret. Those who give themselves to the fate to manage their own affairs will discover later that the time wasn’t an ally. Time is friendly with those who strive and endeavour, and hostile to those who sleep and become lazy.
We will move ahead entrusting ourselves on Almighty and putting into practice the national work programme given by the leader of our march and the symbol of our nation, our elder brother the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. May Allah bless him for success.
Sons and daughters of my motherland, the last year witnessed your government entering into an era of strategic planning. The best global practices became an integral part of work, programmes and projects of the ministries. The plans for reformation and development will go on with determination in every sector, especially in education, health and governance.
The government will move with consciousness and responsibility to solve the population and labour problems. At the same time it will also work to enhance the integration between local and federal affairs, and strengthen economic cooperation and coordination among various emirates.
Our faith in the future is great.
Our optimism is unfailing.
We live in realities and embrace big dreams. We always strive to reach greater heights, entrusting ourselves with the Almighty and relying upon the citizens. We are determined to empower every national, man and woman, with knowledge, training, professional skills, leadership qualities and the requirements of prosperous life.
A federal new year means to us More work...
More achievements...
More empowerment of citizens...
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UAE to stay on democratic path: Khalifa
ABU DHABI — The UAE would stay on the course of democracy to ensure greater participation and empowerment in the Federal National Council (FNC), said the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in his message on the eve of the 36th anniversary of the UAE National Day.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, while addressing the citizens on the auspicious occasion, made a passionate call for hard work to make the future history of the federation.
The President said that last year witnessed an important development with regard to political empowerment and the practice of democracy as the FNC’s 14th legislative session had half of its members elected, with women representing 22 per cent of the total number of FNC members.
“We remain committed to continuing our democratic change until we achieve all planned goals through paving the way and offering a chance for more participation, and through enhancing the role of the FNC as a legislative and monitoring power,” Shaikh Khalifa stressed. He called for implementation of a national programme aimed at strengthening “our identity and deepening the values of belonging and of citizenship, as well as providing the required conditions that reflect our country as an example of an open, modern society whose values are consistent with our beliefs and our heritage.”
Shaikh Khalifa also called for a clear programme that sets out a clear vision for the objectives of the UAE’s experiment in elections and the associated mechanisms, and for an expansion of the authority of the FNC.
The President made it clear that shedding light on future strategies and visions does not mean that “we should overlook the present with its challenges and problems”.
Shaikh Mohammed, in his address to the nation, said that thirty-six years of union were equivalent to hundreds of years which several other nations in the world have taken to achieve progress and development.
“Thirty-six years — how short a period it is! In the progression of history, it was a short span of time. It elapsed without making any footprints in the lives of many human societies and nations, or without leaving behind many memories to cherish. But these years, in the history of United Arab Emirates, were distinguished with colossal achievements, intimate memories and success.”
However, he asked the citizens not to sleep on the soft silk of success, but to work hard to make the future history of the country.
“Whatever we achieved in the past has been achieved. The history we will write is what we will achieve in the future, not what we have achieved in the past,” said Shaikh Mohammed.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, while addressing the citizens on the auspicious occasion, made a passionate call for hard work to make the future history of the federation.
The President said that last year witnessed an important development with regard to political empowerment and the practice of democracy as the FNC’s 14th legislative session had half of its members elected, with women representing 22 per cent of the total number of FNC members.
“We remain committed to continuing our democratic change until we achieve all planned goals through paving the way and offering a chance for more participation, and through enhancing the role of the FNC as a legislative and monitoring power,” Shaikh Khalifa stressed. He called for implementation of a national programme aimed at strengthening “our identity and deepening the values of belonging and of citizenship, as well as providing the required conditions that reflect our country as an example of an open, modern society whose values are consistent with our beliefs and our heritage.”
Shaikh Khalifa also called for a clear programme that sets out a clear vision for the objectives of the UAE’s experiment in elections and the associated mechanisms, and for an expansion of the authority of the FNC.
The President made it clear that shedding light on future strategies and visions does not mean that “we should overlook the present with its challenges and problems”.
Shaikh Mohammed, in his address to the nation, said that thirty-six years of union were equivalent to hundreds of years which several other nations in the world have taken to achieve progress and development.
“Thirty-six years — how short a period it is! In the progression of history, it was a short span of time. It elapsed without making any footprints in the lives of many human societies and nations, or without leaving behind many memories to cherish. But these years, in the history of United Arab Emirates, were distinguished with colossal achievements, intimate memories and success.”
However, he asked the citizens not to sleep on the soft silk of success, but to work hard to make the future history of the country.
“Whatever we achieved in the past has been achieved. The history we will write is what we will achieve in the future, not what we have achieved in the past,” said Shaikh Mohammed.
Which Arabic coffee is the best
DUBAI — The best Arabic coffee is that which is made from freshly-roasted and ground beans.
The coffee is always best when made in small quantities. Serving cups are small.
The beverage itself is strong and a few sips suffice.
The average coffee cup holds about one quarter of a standard measuring cup. Purists in the art of making Arabic coffee insist that the beans be roasted over charcoal fire and ground in a stone mortar.
The usual method of making Arabic coffee calls for dissolving the sugar in the water before adding the powdered coffee.
Ordinarily one level teaspoon of sugar and one heaped teaspoon of ground coffee are used with each coffee cup of water per serving.
The coffee is always best when made in small quantities. Serving cups are small.
The beverage itself is strong and a few sips suffice.
The average coffee cup holds about one quarter of a standard measuring cup. Purists in the art of making Arabic coffee insist that the beans be roasted over charcoal fire and ground in a stone mortar.
The usual method of making Arabic coffee calls for dissolving the sugar in the water before adding the powdered coffee.
Ordinarily one level teaspoon of sugar and one heaped teaspoon of ground coffee are used with each coffee cup of water per serving.
Foreign brands edge out Arabic coffee
ABU DHABI — Most UAE national connoisseurs admit that the Arabic coffee is nowadays losing its market to coffee from the US and other parts of the world, which are being served in a new and attractive fashion.
Most of a cross-section of nationals in various age groups who spoke to Khaleej Times blamed the creamy and flavoured coffee, which is now becoming the ‘dernier cri’ (prevailing custom or preference) of a lot of people, thanks to the lack of outlets that serve the traditional Arabic coffee in a pleasant, quiet and comfortable ambience.
Made from freshly-roasted and ground beans, the beverage containing cardamom and always presented with dates, no more matches the exact degree of the individual preferences, they said.
Those spoken to also agreed that most of the existing coffee shops that serve Arabic coffee, are polluted with hubble-bubble (shisha), are noisy and have limited menus.
“I am always looking for something new and have a different taste. The Arabic coffee is fantastic and part of our deep-rooted tradition, but it should get some sort of innovation to it. There are no coffee shops or cafes that serve Arabic coffee with cream or different flavours, for example. That is why I often prefer to have coffee with a different taste like espresso,” said F. Al Dhairi, a 31-year-old national, who was enjoying a cold creamy coffee at a restaurant.
He said if there was a place that serves Arabic coffee with a different ‘style’, variety of tastes and aromas, he would frequent it regularly.
Mohammed Naif, a 27-year-old national, believes outlets that serve American and Turkish coffee, have alluring designs including the furniture, the privacy they provide and above all the wide range of flavours they serve.
“I really go to such places because they provide me with the privacy I need and the varied tastes of coffee that I am hooked to,” said Naif.
Abdullah Hussein, a 55-year-old, thinks absence of venues that serve the Arabic coffee in a way that could attract the youth, is the main reason for young men to opt for other cafes.
“If cafes that serve the beverage in a nice and modern style are existing while no places are dedicated to serve Arabic coffee in a traditional yet attractive way, naturally young men will be tempted to try what is new and always changing,” said Hussein.
M.A, a 20-year-old, however, had a different opinion. “Many young people consider Arabic coffee as an old tradition. Something unique to our ancestors. Famous coffee shops have become dominant because, according to some people, they are part of modernity.”
On why traditional Arabic coffee is not included in the menu of brand coffee shops here, one of the managers of ‘Starbucks’ outlets in the capital opined: “This is an American franchise with a set menu that doesn’t include traditional Arabic coffee. However, if there was a demand of this type of coffee we could propose to the owner of the franchise in the Middle East to add it to the menu,” said the manager who declined to be named.
“During last Ramadan, for example, we introduced ‘date frapuccino’ sauce because during the holy month there was a demand of dates,” he added.
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Most of a cross-section of nationals in various age groups who spoke to Khaleej Times blamed the creamy and flavoured coffee, which is now becoming the ‘dernier cri’ (prevailing custom or preference) of a lot of people, thanks to the lack of outlets that serve the traditional Arabic coffee in a pleasant, quiet and comfortable ambience.
Made from freshly-roasted and ground beans, the beverage containing cardamom and always presented with dates, no more matches the exact degree of the individual preferences, they said.
Those spoken to also agreed that most of the existing coffee shops that serve Arabic coffee, are polluted with hubble-bubble (shisha), are noisy and have limited menus.
“I am always looking for something new and have a different taste. The Arabic coffee is fantastic and part of our deep-rooted tradition, but it should get some sort of innovation to it. There are no coffee shops or cafes that serve Arabic coffee with cream or different flavours, for example. That is why I often prefer to have coffee with a different taste like espresso,” said F. Al Dhairi, a 31-year-old national, who was enjoying a cold creamy coffee at a restaurant.
He said if there was a place that serves Arabic coffee with a different ‘style’, variety of tastes and aromas, he would frequent it regularly.
Mohammed Naif, a 27-year-old national, believes outlets that serve American and Turkish coffee, have alluring designs including the furniture, the privacy they provide and above all the wide range of flavours they serve.
“I really go to such places because they provide me with the privacy I need and the varied tastes of coffee that I am hooked to,” said Naif.
Abdullah Hussein, a 55-year-old, thinks absence of venues that serve the Arabic coffee in a way that could attract the youth, is the main reason for young men to opt for other cafes.
“If cafes that serve the beverage in a nice and modern style are existing while no places are dedicated to serve Arabic coffee in a traditional yet attractive way, naturally young men will be tempted to try what is new and always changing,” said Hussein.
M.A, a 20-year-old, however, had a different opinion. “Many young people consider Arabic coffee as an old tradition. Something unique to our ancestors. Famous coffee shops have become dominant because, according to some people, they are part of modernity.”
On why traditional Arabic coffee is not included in the menu of brand coffee shops here, one of the managers of ‘Starbucks’ outlets in the capital opined: “This is an American franchise with a set menu that doesn’t include traditional Arabic coffee. However, if there was a demand of this type of coffee we could propose to the owner of the franchise in the Middle East to add it to the menu,” said the manager who declined to be named.
“During last Ramadan, for example, we introduced ‘date frapuccino’ sauce because during the holy month there was a demand of dates,” he added.
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No respite from rising rents in near future
DUBAI & SHARJAH — The year 2007 saw a considerable increase in rents despite a huge availability of commercial and residential properties, according to real estate agents.
While residents complain that the increasing rents of properties and the cost of living were burning holes in their pockets, the real estate agents, on the other hand, rule out any decline in rents in the coming year.
Rise in demand
The sales manager in Sunrise Properties, who did not wish to be named, said, “There is no chance that rents will decrease in the coming year. However, this has not deterred people as the demand keeps rising each year, probably because of the heavy influx of people to the emirates.”
“The rents are literally going up almost everyday,” said the real estate agent, who went on to explain that rents in Sharjah were now almost at par with those of Dubai.
Quoting figures, he said, “A two-bedroom flat in a new building with facilities such as an in-house gym, swimming pool and parking facilities in the Corniche area of Sharjah would be rented for Dh70,000-75,000, while two bedrooms in a building without such facilities would cost around Dh50,000.
“The rent for a one-bedroom flat could be Dh45,000-50,000 for a building with modern facilities.
“New buildings are coming up fast, but the demand, too, is increasing. Sometimes, the availability remains low for people wishing to rent out an apartment of their choice,” he said.
Dream unfulfilled
For Sameer Mohammed, a Palestinian, affording an apartment of his choice remains a dream. “I have been in the UAE for over 10 years. Each year I hope that I will be able to move to a bigger and better apartment but it never happens because each year the rents increase and my salary remains the same,” he lamented.
Engineer Majid Fatih, who lives in Abu Shagara in Sharjah, said, “Sharjah issued a law in 2001 which capped rent increases at 10 per cent for the first three years of tenancy, but I am yet to see it implemented completely. My landlord keeps on increasing the rent, disregarding the ceiling.”
Steep hike
A representative of Moon Home Real Estate, Waqas M. says, “Over the last few months, the increase in rents has been quite a lot. In some areas the rent has increased by Dh10,000. In the Al Ghusais and Al Nahda areas in Dubai, the rents have again increased by Dh8,000 while in Al Barsha again, the increase has been almost Dh10,000 for one-bedroom apartments, and the existing rent is anywhere between Dh50,000 and Dh60,000.”
He said that the rents in the Marina area remained stable over the past six months as flats were freely available in that area. “In the Al Taawun area of Sharjah, hardly any flats are available while the rent has increased by Dh5,000 for a one-bedroom apartment in that area recently,” Waqas pointed out.
Bachelors in a fix
Meanwhile, people looking for shared accommodation, too, are in a fix. Muhammed Ali, a bachelor living in Sharjah, said that he was unable to find a good room at a decent rent. “I keep jumping from one apartment to another in the hope of finding good company and affordable rent, but have not found it yet.”
The conditions in Dubai are worse with the rents soaring. The rent cap of 7 per cent has made a little difference with the Dubai Rent Committee being flooded with complaints about the landlords flouting the norms.
A studio apartment in prime places like Deira and Bur Dubai is anything between Dh55,000 and Dh60,000. The cost of one-bedroom and two-bedroom in the same areas is anything between Dh68,000 and Dh80,000.
Atif Iqbal, a real estate agent, said, “Rents in Dubai are soaring. A villa in places like the Greens, Gardens, International City is nothing less than Dh100,000. The conditions are bad in places like Karama where a studio flat comes for Dh50,000-Dh60,000. The one-and two-bedroom flats cost even more. Places like the Shaikh Zayed Road are even costlier,” he said.
Personal loans
The agent said that the demand is, however, on the rise. “People, especially the families do contact us everyday. Most of them are interested in studio and one-bedroom flats.
“Most of them tend to take personal loans from banks in order to rent a flat. The conditions are expected to remain the same in the coming years too. Though new buildings are coming up, the rents will go up,” he added.
While residents complain that the increasing rents of properties and the cost of living were burning holes in their pockets, the real estate agents, on the other hand, rule out any decline in rents in the coming year.
Rise in demand
The sales manager in Sunrise Properties, who did not wish to be named, said, “There is no chance that rents will decrease in the coming year. However, this has not deterred people as the demand keeps rising each year, probably because of the heavy influx of people to the emirates.”
“The rents are literally going up almost everyday,” said the real estate agent, who went on to explain that rents in Sharjah were now almost at par with those of Dubai.
Quoting figures, he said, “A two-bedroom flat in a new building with facilities such as an in-house gym, swimming pool and parking facilities in the Corniche area of Sharjah would be rented for Dh70,000-75,000, while two bedrooms in a building without such facilities would cost around Dh50,000.
“The rent for a one-bedroom flat could be Dh45,000-50,000 for a building with modern facilities.
“New buildings are coming up fast, but the demand, too, is increasing. Sometimes, the availability remains low for people wishing to rent out an apartment of their choice,” he said.
Dream unfulfilled
For Sameer Mohammed, a Palestinian, affording an apartment of his choice remains a dream. “I have been in the UAE for over 10 years. Each year I hope that I will be able to move to a bigger and better apartment but it never happens because each year the rents increase and my salary remains the same,” he lamented.
Engineer Majid Fatih, who lives in Abu Shagara in Sharjah, said, “Sharjah issued a law in 2001 which capped rent increases at 10 per cent for the first three years of tenancy, but I am yet to see it implemented completely. My landlord keeps on increasing the rent, disregarding the ceiling.”
Steep hike
A representative of Moon Home Real Estate, Waqas M. says, “Over the last few months, the increase in rents has been quite a lot. In some areas the rent has increased by Dh10,000. In the Al Ghusais and Al Nahda areas in Dubai, the rents have again increased by Dh8,000 while in Al Barsha again, the increase has been almost Dh10,000 for one-bedroom apartments, and the existing rent is anywhere between Dh50,000 and Dh60,000.”
He said that the rents in the Marina area remained stable over the past six months as flats were freely available in that area. “In the Al Taawun area of Sharjah, hardly any flats are available while the rent has increased by Dh5,000 for a one-bedroom apartment in that area recently,” Waqas pointed out.
Bachelors in a fix
Meanwhile, people looking for shared accommodation, too, are in a fix. Muhammed Ali, a bachelor living in Sharjah, said that he was unable to find a good room at a decent rent. “I keep jumping from one apartment to another in the hope of finding good company and affordable rent, but have not found it yet.”
The conditions in Dubai are worse with the rents soaring. The rent cap of 7 per cent has made a little difference with the Dubai Rent Committee being flooded with complaints about the landlords flouting the norms.
A studio apartment in prime places like Deira and Bur Dubai is anything between Dh55,000 and Dh60,000. The cost of one-bedroom and two-bedroom in the same areas is anything between Dh68,000 and Dh80,000.
Atif Iqbal, a real estate agent, said, “Rents in Dubai are soaring. A villa in places like the Greens, Gardens, International City is nothing less than Dh100,000. The conditions are bad in places like Karama where a studio flat comes for Dh50,000-Dh60,000. The one-and two-bedroom flats cost even more. Places like the Shaikh Zayed Road are even costlier,” he said.
Personal loans
The agent said that the demand is, however, on the rise. “People, especially the families do contact us everyday. Most of them are interested in studio and one-bedroom flats.
“Most of them tend to take personal loans from banks in order to rent a flat. The conditions are expected to remain the same in the coming years too. Though new buildings are coming up, the rents will go up,” he added.
Five of a family die in Al Ain accident
AL AIN — Five members of an Asian family were killed in a car collision in Masakin area on Al Ain-Dubai Highway around 10.30pm on Thursday.
According to Major Khalifa Mohammed Al Khaily, Head of Al Ain Police Traffic and Patrols Department, a BMW car being driven by an Arab national went out of control and collided with a Land Cruiser, which flipped over several times before crashing into the iron fencing by the roadside.
Among the dead were 37-year-old M.F., 32-year-old T.A., 25-year-old N.F., 65-year-old A.A. and 50-year-old A.E.
Two-year-old E.F. and three-month-old A.F., were taken to the hospital in a serious condition.
The driver of the BMW car escaped unhurt.
The bodies of the five victims were shifted to Al Ain Hospital morgue.
According to Major Khalifa Mohammed Al Khaily, Head of Al Ain Police Traffic and Patrols Department, a BMW car being driven by an Arab national went out of control and collided with a Land Cruiser, which flipped over several times before crashing into the iron fencing by the roadside.
Among the dead were 37-year-old M.F., 32-year-old T.A., 25-year-old N.F., 65-year-old A.A. and 50-year-old A.E.
Two-year-old E.F. and three-month-old A.F., were taken to the hospital in a serious condition.
The driver of the BMW car escaped unhurt.
The bodies of the five victims were shifted to Al Ain Hospital morgue.
Land transactions top Dhs3 billion
The total value of land transactions in Dubai last week peaked at Dhs3.02 billion, of which sales exceeded Dhs2,02 million. The total value of mortgages during the period was Dhs992,66 million, according to the Land Department.
A total of 130 sale transactions were registered with the Department by the end of the week, the most valuable of which was a plot in Al Nahda Second that was sold for Dhs170 million. The next two most prominent sales saw a second plot in Marsa Dubai acquired for the sum of Dhs83.59752 million and another in Al Karama for Dhs75 million.
The Palm Jumeirah area was the most active in terms of the week's sales, with some 23 transactions. Jabal Ali Industrial followed it with 11 sales.
During the period, Jabal Ali Industrial recorded the highest turnover by value, at Dhs267.51 million, followed by the Mankhool area, Dhs229.16 million.
A total of 130 sale transactions were registered with the Department by the end of the week, the most valuable of which was a plot in Al Nahda Second that was sold for Dhs170 million. The next two most prominent sales saw a second plot in Marsa Dubai acquired for the sum of Dhs83.59752 million and another in Al Karama for Dhs75 million.
The Palm Jumeirah area was the most active in terms of the week's sales, with some 23 transactions. Jabal Ali Industrial followed it with 11 sales.
During the period, Jabal Ali Industrial recorded the highest turnover by value, at Dhs267.51 million, followed by the Mankhool area, Dhs229.16 million.
Jailed for printing fake currency
FUJAIRAH — Fujairah Misdemeanour Court has sentenced two men of African nationality to six months in jail, to be followed by deportation, on the charges of printing counterfeit currency.
The court also ordered the confiscation of the seized money and the tools used by them in printing fake currency
The court also ordered the confiscation of the seized money and the tools used by them in printing fake currency
RAK Airways flies to Dhaka
RAS AL KHAIMAH —The UAE’s newly-launched fourth national carrier took off on its inaugural flight to Dhaka yesterday. The airline will fly to Dhaka three times a week, and plans to increase the frequency of services in the near future.
Commenting on its maiden flight, Captain Khalid Almeer, Chief Operating Officer of RAK Airways, said,“ We have been working very hard to achieve this milestone and are proud to contribute to the economic development of Ras Al Khaimah.” “ We look forward to servicing our customers and will take pride in making each flight a stress-free, comfortable experience.”
Commenting on its maiden flight, Captain Khalid Almeer, Chief Operating Officer of RAK Airways, said,“ We have been working very hard to achieve this milestone and are proud to contribute to the economic development of Ras Al Khaimah.” “ We look forward to servicing our customers and will take pride in making each flight a stress-free, comfortable experience.”
Etisalat unveils special offers
ABU DHABI — Etisalat has unveiled details of its promotional offers for all its customers on UAE National Day. These initiatives include offpeak rates for national and international calls, an MMS picture contest, and free wireless Internet at Etisalat Hotspots.
Essa Al Haddad, Chief Marketing Officer, Etisalat said, “We are very happy to enable our customers to reach out on our National Day, and enjoy both national and international calls at offpeak rates on December 2.”
Etisalat’s mobile customers will be able to take part in the Weyak photography competition open to all MMS users. All pictures received will be posted on Etisalat’s web and mobile portal, Weyak, and the submissions will be rated by visitors to the website. Winners with the highest rating will receive the latest Apple iPod Nano.
The deadline for submissions is December 12. Customers can visit Weyak at www.weyak.ae from a PC or mobile.weyak.ae from a mobile phone.
Accessing Etisalat Hot Spots will be totally free between November 30 and December 3. Further details on Etisalat Hotspots are available on www.etisalat.ae/hotspots.
Essa Al Haddad, Chief Marketing Officer, Etisalat said, “We are very happy to enable our customers to reach out on our National Day, and enjoy both national and international calls at offpeak rates on December 2.”
Etisalat’s mobile customers will be able to take part in the Weyak photography competition open to all MMS users. All pictures received will be posted on Etisalat’s web and mobile portal, Weyak, and the submissions will be rated by visitors to the website. Winners with the highest rating will receive the latest Apple iPod Nano.
The deadline for submissions is December 12. Customers can visit Weyak at www.weyak.ae from a PC or mobile.weyak.ae from a mobile phone.
Accessing Etisalat Hot Spots will be totally free between November 30 and December 3. Further details on Etisalat Hotspots are available on www.etisalat.ae/hotspots.
Emirates Post to keep select offices open
DUBAI — Postal services will be available in the country only at selected post offices during the National Day holidays on December 2 and 3, according to an announcemnet by Emirates Post.
The following post offices will be open from 9am to 1pm: Deira Main Post Office, Dubai Central Post Office, Al Khor and Jebel Ali. In Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Central Post Office, Hamdan, Al Butain, Musafah, Beni Yas, Nadi Al Seyahi and Al Ain Main Post Office. In Sharjah, the Sharjah Central Post Office, Al Corniche, Al Ghuwair, Kalba and Khorfakkan. In Ajman, the Ajman Central Post Office. In Umm Al Quwain, the Umm Al Quwain Central Post Office, Al Souq and Sanaiyah Umm Al Quwain. In Ras Al Khaimah, the Ras Al Khaimah Central Post Office, Al Nakheel and Al Oraibi. In Fujairah, the Fujairah Central Post Office and Dibba Al Fujairah.
The counters of all other branches of Emirates Post will be closed. However, collection of mail from street boxes will be as usual. Collection and delivery of mail will also continue at all the post offices listed above.
The following post offices will be open from 9am to 1pm: Deira Main Post Office, Dubai Central Post Office, Al Khor and Jebel Ali. In Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Central Post Office, Hamdan, Al Butain, Musafah, Beni Yas, Nadi Al Seyahi and Al Ain Main Post Office. In Sharjah, the Sharjah Central Post Office, Al Corniche, Al Ghuwair, Kalba and Khorfakkan. In Ajman, the Ajman Central Post Office. In Umm Al Quwain, the Umm Al Quwain Central Post Office, Al Souq and Sanaiyah Umm Al Quwain. In Ras Al Khaimah, the Ras Al Khaimah Central Post Office, Al Nakheel and Al Oraibi. In Fujairah, the Fujairah Central Post Office and Dibba Al Fujairah.
The counters of all other branches of Emirates Post will be closed. However, collection of mail from street boxes will be as usual. Collection and delivery of mail will also continue at all the post offices listed above.
Immigration offices to work during National Day holidays
DUBAI — Employees of all Naturalisation and Residency departments in the country have been ordered to report for duty on December 1, 2, and 3.
All services shall be provided to applicants as best, fast and accurately as possible, according to an official source at the Naturalisation and Residency Directorate.
Brigadier Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director-General of Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD) said that the department will remain open during the 36th National Day holidays from Saturday until Monday from 9am to 2pm. Only urgent visa applications will be received and processed, he added.
Brig Al Marri pointed out that DNRD will remain open to avoid the rush of visa applicants during the holiday period and to avoid any backlog. “As usual, we keep our services available to the public on holidays. The work team will be attending to people in various sections of DNRD. They will finalise the urgent visa applications and formalities on the same day.”
“Entry Permit Sections will be open including visit, tourism and domestic worker Visa Section. Typed visas will be handed over. Residence visas can be cancelled for urgent reasons, such as travel. The Naturalisation and Passport Section for UAE citizens, the Follow-up and Investigation Section, the establishment and online services sections will also remain open,” Brig Al Marri added.
The same timings will also apply to DNRD extension offices in Abu Hail and Bin Souqat Centre, Passport Section in the Free Zone, Passport Section in Jebel Ali, and Naturalisation and Residency Section in Hatta. Entry permits and residence visas will be issued for urgent cases.
All services shall be provided to applicants as best, fast and accurately as possible, according to an official source at the Naturalisation and Residency Directorate.
Brigadier Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director-General of Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD) said that the department will remain open during the 36th National Day holidays from Saturday until Monday from 9am to 2pm. Only urgent visa applications will be received and processed, he added.
Brig Al Marri pointed out that DNRD will remain open to avoid the rush of visa applicants during the holiday period and to avoid any backlog. “As usual, we keep our services available to the public on holidays. The work team will be attending to people in various sections of DNRD. They will finalise the urgent visa applications and formalities on the same day.”
“Entry Permit Sections will be open including visit, tourism and domestic worker Visa Section. Typed visas will be handed over. Residence visas can be cancelled for urgent reasons, such as travel. The Naturalisation and Passport Section for UAE citizens, the Follow-up and Investigation Section, the establishment and online services sections will also remain open,” Brig Al Marri added.
The same timings will also apply to DNRD extension offices in Abu Hail and Bin Souqat Centre, Passport Section in the Free Zone, Passport Section in Jebel Ali, and Naturalisation and Residency Section in Hatta. Entry permits and residence visas will be issued for urgent cases.
Public warns of weather’s mood swings
FUJAIRAH / ABU DHABI — The Fujairah Police have issued a cautionary advisory informing residents and visitors about possible changes in weather on the UAE National Day and urged them to be careful when going to the beaches or picnicking in the desert or hilly areas.
The law-enforcement agencies here are on full alert to meet with any untoward situation, Fujairah Police Director-General Lt-Col. Mohammed Ahmed bin Ghanem said yesterday.
“I do call upon all visitors to be more cautious about weather changes. Should they need help or face any problem, they should not be hesitant, and immediately call the Operations Room on 999 or seek help from any police station or patrol,” Lt-Col. Bin Ghanem stated.
All the necessary procedures to ensure safety, stability and security during the celebrations have been undertaken and measures have also been taken to keep the flow of traffic smooth, he said.
The emirate mostly attracts hordes of visitors during the National Day holidays, he added. More security and traffic patrols have been pressed into service at tourists and heritage sites, particularly the Fujairah Corniche and Dibba, Lt-Col. Bin Ghanem said.
In Abu Dhabi, the Met office predicted that the National Day will be slightly warmer than normal and the skies will be partly clouded.
The temperature on the National Day is likely to rise by two to three degrees with the maximum being 32-34 degrees Celsius and the minimum 24-26 degrees.
As a result of powerful winds, the seas will remain rough till Saturday morning and fishermen have been advised to keep away, Met official Mohammed Ikram Quraishi said yesterday, adding that there is nothing to worry for beach-goers.
The north-westerly wind will blow at 8-14 knots in the plains from Friday till Monday, and 15-20 knots over the seas today, but on Saturday it will come down to 10-16 knots over the seas.
The law-enforcement agencies here are on full alert to meet with any untoward situation, Fujairah Police Director-General Lt-Col. Mohammed Ahmed bin Ghanem said yesterday.
“I do call upon all visitors to be more cautious about weather changes. Should they need help or face any problem, they should not be hesitant, and immediately call the Operations Room on 999 or seek help from any police station or patrol,” Lt-Col. Bin Ghanem stated.
All the necessary procedures to ensure safety, stability and security during the celebrations have been undertaken and measures have also been taken to keep the flow of traffic smooth, he said.
The emirate mostly attracts hordes of visitors during the National Day holidays, he added. More security and traffic patrols have been pressed into service at tourists and heritage sites, particularly the Fujairah Corniche and Dibba, Lt-Col. Bin Ghanem said.
In Abu Dhabi, the Met office predicted that the National Day will be slightly warmer than normal and the skies will be partly clouded.
The temperature on the National Day is likely to rise by two to three degrees with the maximum being 32-34 degrees Celsius and the minimum 24-26 degrees.
As a result of powerful winds, the seas will remain rough till Saturday morning and fishermen have been advised to keep away, Met official Mohammed Ikram Quraishi said yesterday, adding that there is nothing to worry for beach-goers.
The north-westerly wind will blow at 8-14 knots in the plains from Friday till Monday, and 15-20 knots over the seas today, but on Saturday it will come down to 10-16 knots over the seas.
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