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.
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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.
The brunt of tragedy in Dubai
DUBAI — Death is always followed by a lingering sorrow.
Especially, when it comes too soon or too suddenly — as it did in the case of Lingaiah Gangili, 32, from the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, an active volunteer with the Valley of Love (VOL).
Friends and family members are still suffering the agony of the loss of a good soul. Gangili died in a road accident on November 23 after being hit by a car.
Hours earlier, Gangili, also a plumber with a local construction company, was with around 800 volunteers of VOL taking part in the ‘Dubai Clean Up the World’ campaign in the Al Khawaneej area.
He was going to meet his relatives after the campaign in the evening when a car knocked him down.
Remembering him as an active and enthusiastic volunteer, C. P. Mathew, VOL’s chief coordinator, said: “Around 800 volunteers had gathered in Al Khawaneej in the morning for the campaign. All VOL volunteers, including Gangili, participated in the clean-up drive and had food together at Al Mushrif park. We were shocked and devastated when we heard of his death in the evening.”
According to Gangli’s relatives, many from his village in Andhra had come to Dubai with his help. “He had helped us to come here and managed to find jobs in his company. Now he is no more,” said a relative.
Gangili is survived by a six-year-old son, two daughters, aged 12 and 14, his widow and aged parents, who were financially dependent on him.
Friends fear Gangli’s family members might now be in dire straits, unless some Good Samaritans help them out.
Especially, when it comes too soon or too suddenly — as it did in the case of Lingaiah Gangili, 32, from the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, an active volunteer with the Valley of Love (VOL).
Friends and family members are still suffering the agony of the loss of a good soul. Gangili died in a road accident on November 23 after being hit by a car.
Hours earlier, Gangili, also a plumber with a local construction company, was with around 800 volunteers of VOL taking part in the ‘Dubai Clean Up the World’ campaign in the Al Khawaneej area.
He was going to meet his relatives after the campaign in the evening when a car knocked him down.
Remembering him as an active and enthusiastic volunteer, C. P. Mathew, VOL’s chief coordinator, said: “Around 800 volunteers had gathered in Al Khawaneej in the morning for the campaign. All VOL volunteers, including Gangili, participated in the clean-up drive and had food together at Al Mushrif park. We were shocked and devastated when we heard of his death in the evening.”
According to Gangli’s relatives, many from his village in Andhra had come to Dubai with his help. “He had helped us to come here and managed to find jobs in his company. Now he is no more,” said a relative.
Gangili is survived by a six-year-old son, two daughters, aged 12 and 14, his widow and aged parents, who were financially dependent on him.
Friends fear Gangli’s family members might now be in dire straits, unless some Good Samaritans help them out.
Flowers for airport passengers
Sharjah: Passengers arriving at the Sharjah International airport were welcomed with UAE's national flag, flowers and chocolates in jubilation of the festivities marking the 36th National Day of UAE.
The airport is celebrating the occasion with great enthusiasm flashing large boards depicting the march of UAE to progress.
Chairman of the Sharjah Civil Aviation Department Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al Thani hailed the great achievements of the nation across the years after the federation was set up.
He said the federation paved the way for UAE to become one of the strongest economies in the region.
The airport is celebrating the occasion with great enthusiasm flashing large boards depicting the march of UAE to progress.
Chairman of the Sharjah Civil Aviation Department Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al Thani hailed the great achievements of the nation across the years after the federation was set up.
He said the federation paved the way for UAE to become one of the strongest economies in the region.
Adnoc's heritage village opened
ABU DHABI: The Heritage Village of ADNOC group of companies, which has been built to mark the 36th UAE National Day, was inaugurated on Tuesday.
Members of the General Management of ADNOC and its group of companies, diplomats, dignitaries, senior government officials and employees attended the opening ceremony, which was held under the patronage of Yousef Omair Bin Yousef, secretary general of the Supreme Petroleum Council and ADNOC CEO.
The ceremony included a tour in the village for distinguished guests, "Banat Al Fareej" show by Ajnadin School, poetry, folk shows by "Al-Ayyala" and "Al-Harbeyia" troupes, laser show and heritage-related quizzes.The Heritage Village, which is held under the slogan "Our Past Our Pride," aims at showcasing the UAE heritage, customs and traditions.The village features a traditional sea house, mud house, Arabic tent, a fishing boat (Sambouk), a cafe and a replica of water well. Also, there are traditional shops where handicraft products are displayed.
Members of the General Management of ADNOC and its group of companies, diplomats, dignitaries, senior government officials and employees attended the opening ceremony, which was held under the patronage of Yousef Omair Bin Yousef, secretary general of the Supreme Petroleum Council and ADNOC CEO.
The ceremony included a tour in the village for distinguished guests, "Banat Al Fareej" show by Ajnadin School, poetry, folk shows by "Al-Ayyala" and "Al-Harbeyia" troupes, laser show and heritage-related quizzes.The Heritage Village, which is held under the slogan "Our Past Our Pride," aims at showcasing the UAE heritage, customs and traditions.The village features a traditional sea house, mud house, Arabic tent, a fishing boat (Sambouk), a cafe and a replica of water well. Also, there are traditional shops where handicraft products are displayed.
DM bans 16 breeds of dogs in residential areas
As part of its responsibilities in preserving public health and safety and in order to protect the public from animal related diseases, the Public Health Department of Dubai Municipality has issued an order prohibiting the presence of 16 breeds of dogs in residential areas, public places, markets and shopping centres as they pose a threat to the society. The ban will take effect from Jan.1, 2008.
The banned breeds include American pit bull terrier, American bull dog, American Staffordshire terrier, Argentinean mastiff, Bull terrier, Canary dog fila brasilerio/Brazilian mastiff, Miniature bull terrier, Neapolian mastiff, Old English bull dog, Perro de presa mallorquin/Bull dog, Shar pei, Staffordshire bull terrier, Tosa, Husky, Rottweiler and Doberman.
The Municipality requested all pet owners to keep their dogs on a leash in public streets and beaches and not to walk with them there without masks. The civic body warned that pet owners shall be responsible for any damage resulted from their non-compliance with the instructions mentioned in the Local Order No. 11 of 2003 regarding this issue.
The order further stated that Dubai Municipality will confiscate any dogs mentioned in the list after the lapse of a grace period and any other dog that causes harm and poses a threat to people, animals and properties. The pet owners will be dealt in the appropriate way as per the rules and regulations of the municipality.
The banned breeds include American pit bull terrier, American bull dog, American Staffordshire terrier, Argentinean mastiff, Bull terrier, Canary dog fila brasilerio/Brazilian mastiff, Miniature bull terrier, Neapolian mastiff, Old English bull dog, Perro de presa mallorquin/Bull dog, Shar pei, Staffordshire bull terrier, Tosa, Husky, Rottweiler and Doberman.
The Municipality requested all pet owners to keep their dogs on a leash in public streets and beaches and not to walk with them there without masks. The civic body warned that pet owners shall be responsible for any damage resulted from their non-compliance with the instructions mentioned in the Local Order No. 11 of 2003 regarding this issue.
The order further stated that Dubai Municipality will confiscate any dogs mentioned in the list after the lapse of a grace period and any other dog that causes harm and poses a threat to people, animals and properties. The pet owners will be dealt in the appropriate way as per the rules and regulations of the municipality.
Scaffolding collapse claims two
Two Indian workers were killed and three others injured when a scaffolding collapsed at an under- construction building in Dubai Marina on Wednesday evening.
Workers employed as lift technicians with the ETA-Ascon group were trying to check the condition of the scaffolding when it caved in.
The scaffolding extended up to 35th floor and the workers were standing on the ground when the mishap took place. The scaffolding had been installed for the purpose of erecting an elevator.
The dead have been identified as Nizamuddin, 25, and Suleiman, 23, hailing from the Southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
Three workers were rushed to Rashid hospital with minor injuries. One of them had a fracture on his leg while the other one sustained minor injuries on his fingers. A worker was discharged from the hospital a few hours after the incident.
Rescue operations lasted for more than eight hours as some of the workers were buried under the debris consisting metal and wood, Dubai police said. A Dubai police helicopter and a large number of ambulances were rushed to the spot during the rescue operations.
M. Kamarajan, General Manager of ETA Ascon, said that next of kin of the deceased would be suitably compensated as per the UAE laws and company's regulations.
"Each worker would be given Dhs50,000 from the welfare fund of the company in addition to Dhs18,000 as legal compensation and Dhs25,000 as the insurance. Family members of the deceased would also be given 36 months salary as compensation," said Kamarajan while speaking to The Gulf Today.
"We would also be bearing the expenses involved in the treatment of those who are injured. Since the injuries are not serious, we hope that workers would resume their duties in a couple of weeks," he said.
He said that ETA Ascon is just the sub-contractor for the project while the main contractor is Dubai Civil Engineering (DCE). A representative of the DCE said that sub-contractor is responsible for the safety of the scaffolding and none of their workers were involved in the mishap.
Workers who witnessed the accident said that police had to dig out a wall to pull out the bodies from the rubble. "The rescue operations continued till late in the night as bodies were buried under a heavy load of debris which included metal and wood," said a worker who was present at the scene of the accident during the rescue operations and does not want to be named.
"One of the workers was transported to the hospital immediately after the accident while the other trapped workers were pulled out from the rubble later," he said.
An official from Dubai Municipality said that they have immediately sent a team to inspect the building site.
A number of workers died in various construction site related accidents this year.
An Indian worker died and two Bangladeshis were seriously injured when the scaffolding on which they were standing collapsed at a construction site in Al Nahda on Jan.22.
Two workers died and 23 others injured when scaffolding of an under construction building collapsed in Al Quoz on June 13.
One worker was killed and two others were injured in the accident when the trench caved in front of Al Ghusais police station on Oct.22.
Two Indian workers died in a wall collapse incident in Baniyas Square in Dubai on Oct.22.
A worker from Southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh died when a crane collapsed from the 25th floor of an under construction tower in Sharjah on Oct.23.
Seven workers died and 19 others were injured in the accident when an under construction bridge collapsed in Dubai Marine on Nov.8.
Workers employed as lift technicians with the ETA-Ascon group were trying to check the condition of the scaffolding when it caved in.
The scaffolding extended up to 35th floor and the workers were standing on the ground when the mishap took place. The scaffolding had been installed for the purpose of erecting an elevator.
The dead have been identified as Nizamuddin, 25, and Suleiman, 23, hailing from the Southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
Three workers were rushed to Rashid hospital with minor injuries. One of them had a fracture on his leg while the other one sustained minor injuries on his fingers. A worker was discharged from the hospital a few hours after the incident.
Rescue operations lasted for more than eight hours as some of the workers were buried under the debris consisting metal and wood, Dubai police said. A Dubai police helicopter and a large number of ambulances were rushed to the spot during the rescue operations.
M. Kamarajan, General Manager of ETA Ascon, said that next of kin of the deceased would be suitably compensated as per the UAE laws and company's regulations.
"Each worker would be given Dhs50,000 from the welfare fund of the company in addition to Dhs18,000 as legal compensation and Dhs25,000 as the insurance. Family members of the deceased would also be given 36 months salary as compensation," said Kamarajan while speaking to The Gulf Today.
"We would also be bearing the expenses involved in the treatment of those who are injured. Since the injuries are not serious, we hope that workers would resume their duties in a couple of weeks," he said.
He said that ETA Ascon is just the sub-contractor for the project while the main contractor is Dubai Civil Engineering (DCE). A representative of the DCE said that sub-contractor is responsible for the safety of the scaffolding and none of their workers were involved in the mishap.
Workers who witnessed the accident said that police had to dig out a wall to pull out the bodies from the rubble. "The rescue operations continued till late in the night as bodies were buried under a heavy load of debris which included metal and wood," said a worker who was present at the scene of the accident during the rescue operations and does not want to be named.
"One of the workers was transported to the hospital immediately after the accident while the other trapped workers were pulled out from the rubble later," he said.
An official from Dubai Municipality said that they have immediately sent a team to inspect the building site.
A number of workers died in various construction site related accidents this year.
An Indian worker died and two Bangladeshis were seriously injured when the scaffolding on which they were standing collapsed at a construction site in Al Nahda on Jan.22.
Two workers died and 23 others injured when scaffolding of an under construction building collapsed in Al Quoz on June 13.
One worker was killed and two others were injured in the accident when the trench caved in front of Al Ghusais police station on Oct.22.
Two Indian workers died in a wall collapse incident in Baniyas Square in Dubai on Oct.22.
A worker from Southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh died when a crane collapsed from the 25th floor of an under construction tower in Sharjah on Oct.23.
Seven workers died and 19 others were injured in the accident when an under construction bridge collapsed in Dubai Marine on Nov.8.
Deira shops armed with security cameras
Many shops in Dubai are getting wired to surveillance and security cameras (CCTV); however, there are not many cases of shoplifting recounted.
According to the proprietor of a mega security cameras shop in Deira, Dubai , "The stock is moving well. The demand keeps fluctuating; these days it is good."
Cellular phones; electronic and jewellery shops are seen to be the most points with the gadgets.
"We have been having them for so long," said one of the shop attendants of a jewellery shop. When asked whether they have ever netted anybody shoplifting, he said no.
"It is always better to be forearmed," said Japie Uys, a training manager at First Security Group in Dubai .
"Having surveillance cameras help the police in its work as they deter criminals from carrying out their mischievous work."
David Mugalu, a Deira resident appreciated the situation.
"It helps reduce the suspicion, and it gives the police an easy and reliable clue. It becomes easy to get a starting point of what category of people does the suspect belong: African, Asian, woman!"
The use of cameras marks a significant shift of their presence.
"Up to a year ago, they used to be found in the Gold Souq, supermarkets and in hotels," said Kassim Musu, who has lived in Deira for the last 14 years.
He, however, added that it is "a positive revolution."
He said that there was a time when he bought several items in one of the malls in Dubai, but one of his two flasks was not included.
"And the second one was not charged. I took it back, and I told them to produce the one which had been lost. A tape was replayed and we settled the score amicably there and then."
"It will be superb if they're found in every forex bureaux because they're some of the very sensitive places," said Musu.
According to the proprietor of a mega security cameras shop in Deira, Dubai , "The stock is moving well. The demand keeps fluctuating; these days it is good."
Cellular phones; electronic and jewellery shops are seen to be the most points with the gadgets.
"We have been having them for so long," said one of the shop attendants of a jewellery shop. When asked whether they have ever netted anybody shoplifting, he said no.
"It is always better to be forearmed," said Japie Uys, a training manager at First Security Group in Dubai .
"Having surveillance cameras help the police in its work as they deter criminals from carrying out their mischievous work."
David Mugalu, a Deira resident appreciated the situation.
"It helps reduce the suspicion, and it gives the police an easy and reliable clue. It becomes easy to get a starting point of what category of people does the suspect belong: African, Asian, woman!"
The use of cameras marks a significant shift of their presence.
"Up to a year ago, they used to be found in the Gold Souq, supermarkets and in hotels," said Kassim Musu, who has lived in Deira for the last 14 years.
He, however, added that it is "a positive revolution."
He said that there was a time when he bought several items in one of the malls in Dubai, but one of his two flasks was not included.
"And the second one was not charged. I took it back, and I told them to produce the one which had been lost. A tape was replayed and we settled the score amicably there and then."
"It will be superb if they're found in every forex bureaux because they're some of the very sensitive places," said Musu.
Dubai: Abraaj Capital, the Dubai-based private equity firm, yesterday said it has made a significant investment in Global Education Management Systems
Dubai: Abraaj Capital, the Dubai-based private equity firm, yesterday said it has made a significant investment in Global Education Management Systems (GEMS), a leading international education provider headquartered in Dubai.
The investment in GEMS, made through Abraaj’s Infrastructure and Growth Capital Fund (IGCF), comes against a backdrop of rapidly increasing demand and limited capacity, straining the region’s existing education infrastructure.
Abraaj’s entry into the education sector is in line with the objectives of its IGCF, which seeks to address the infrastructure requirements of the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (Menasa) in several sectors, including transportation, healthcare, water, manufacturing, petrochemicals, power and utilities, and education.
"The Menasa region’s youthful population and high demographic growth rate will place great pressure on the economies over the coming decade. As a result, today more than ever, the region needs educational institutions that produce individuals with the skills necessary to compete in a modern and global economy. For nearly 40 years, this is exactly what GEMS has done," said Arif Naqvi, vice-chairman and CEO of Abraaj Capital.
Profile: Leading manager of schools across the globe GEMS owns and manages several schools across the Middle East, including Our Own English High School, Dubai American Academy, Cambridge International School and Our Own Indian School. The organisation offers a range of internationally-recognised programmes, including International Baccalaureate, National Curriculum for England, American Curriculum and various Indian curricula. Earlier this year GEMS, in collaboration with New York-based Edison Schools, the largest manager of public schools in the United States, established School Improvement Partnership (SIP), which will soon start managing four public schools in Abu Dhabi. In coordination with the government of Abu Dhabi, the public-private partnership programme will focus on raising standards, improving the quality of teaching and learning, supporting staff through professional development, and coaching school leaders to develop overall reform strategies.
The investment in GEMS, made through Abraaj’s Infrastructure and Growth Capital Fund (IGCF), comes against a backdrop of rapidly increasing demand and limited capacity, straining the region’s existing education infrastructure.
Abraaj’s entry into the education sector is in line with the objectives of its IGCF, which seeks to address the infrastructure requirements of the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (Menasa) in several sectors, including transportation, healthcare, water, manufacturing, petrochemicals, power and utilities, and education.
"The Menasa region’s youthful population and high demographic growth rate will place great pressure on the economies over the coming decade. As a result, today more than ever, the region needs educational institutions that produce individuals with the skills necessary to compete in a modern and global economy. For nearly 40 years, this is exactly what GEMS has done," said Arif Naqvi, vice-chairman and CEO of Abraaj Capital.
Profile: Leading manager of schools across the globe GEMS owns and manages several schools across the Middle East, including Our Own English High School, Dubai American Academy, Cambridge International School and Our Own Indian School. The organisation offers a range of internationally-recognised programmes, including International Baccalaureate, National Curriculum for England, American Curriculum and various Indian curricula. Earlier this year GEMS, in collaboration with New York-based Edison Schools, the largest manager of public schools in the United States, established School Improvement Partnership (SIP), which will soon start managing four public schools in Abu Dhabi. In coordination with the government of Abu Dhabi, the public-private partnership programme will focus on raising standards, improving the quality of teaching and learning, supporting staff through professional development, and coaching school leaders to develop overall reform strategies.
Cultural tribute to India at 60
AS part of the 60th year celebrations of Indian Independence Day, the Consulate General of India in Dubai is holding a four-day cultural event in different parts of the UAE from Thursday.
Doyens of classical Kathakali dance will be participating in the four-day extravaganza.
Indian Consul General Venu Rajamony said the celebrations will culminate with a Salaam India music gala evening on Jan.25, the eve of Republic Day, in which legendary singers Asha Bhosle, Dr KJ Yesudas and SP Balasubramanyam will participate.
"The celebrations had started in August this year with competitions for children, music concerts, fusion music, talks show, jazz music and other programmes presented by Indian maestros in their concerned fields," he said. This time, the Kathakali, a total classical theatre performance and other art forms are presented by Thiranottam, a Dubai-based cultural organisation of Indian expatriates.
A press conference to announce the events was held at the Consulate General on Wednesday. The press conference was attended by Rajamony, Thiranottam office-bearers Santhosh Pookkammon and Rajan Menon and veteran Kathakali artist Kalamandalam Gopi.
Rajamony said in the coming days, a musical concert by Shankar Mahadevan, Ehsan Noorani and Loy Mendonsa will be held on Dec.7 followed by, on Dec.9, an inter-school quiz competition at the Indian High School, Dubai.
"On Dec.27 Rhythm and Raga music extravaganza, titled Sur Taal, will be held. It will be a fusion music event by world renowned jazz drummer Trilok Gurtu and Roop Kumar Rathod. Jan.11 will witness an elaborate India Day Parade3 at Dubai Global Village involving various schools and cultural groups in the UAE," Rajamony added.
"The event named Utsavam (festival) 2007, is bringing Kathakali to the UAE for the first time. This programme will be inaugurated at the Consulate Auditorium at 6.30 pm on Thursday by Chairman of Dubai Cultural Council, in the presence of foreign dignitaries," he said.
Detailing the aspects of Kathakali, Nair said that eight different stories will be presented in four days of Kathakali performances, in addition to performances of other traditional Kerala art forms like Thayambaka, Keli, Melappadam, Cholliyattam and Mohiniyattam. The event will start with a Mohiniyattam performance by Ranjini Sajeev, followed by Keli, a heralding percussion, by Kalamandalam Balaraman and Cherpulasseri Sivan. The first day will include two stories, Kuchela Vrutham and Keechaka Vadham.
On Friday, programmes will start with a Thayambaka, percussion performace, and Cholliyattam by Kalamandalam Balaraman followed by Mohiniyattam by Kalamandalam Sujatha and Asalatha. Friday's Kathakali will present two stories, Nalacharitham Naalaam Divasam and Thoranayudham.
On Dec.1, two stories, Duryodhanavadham and Karnashapatham will be performed from 6pm at Ras Al Khaimah Indian Association Hall. On Dec.2, the programmes will be held at Abu Dhabi Kerala Social Centre from 6pm with a Thayambaka followed by two Kathakali performances, Bali Vadham and Kiraatham.
The major set Kathakali artists include Kalamandalam Gopi, SK Kutty, Narippatta Narayanan Namboodiri and Kalanilayam Gopalakrishnan. Kalamandalam B. Namboodiri and Kalanilayam Vinod will accompany them with songs, Kalamandalam Balaraman and Kalamandalam Sivadasan on Chenda, Cherpulasseri Sivan and Cherpulasseri Hariharan on Maddalam, and Jayan Abu Dhabi will perform Chutti and Unnikrishnan Koppu.
Doyens of classical Kathakali dance will be participating in the four-day extravaganza.
Indian Consul General Venu Rajamony said the celebrations will culminate with a Salaam India music gala evening on Jan.25, the eve of Republic Day, in which legendary singers Asha Bhosle, Dr KJ Yesudas and SP Balasubramanyam will participate.
"The celebrations had started in August this year with competitions for children, music concerts, fusion music, talks show, jazz music and other programmes presented by Indian maestros in their concerned fields," he said. This time, the Kathakali, a total classical theatre performance and other art forms are presented by Thiranottam, a Dubai-based cultural organisation of Indian expatriates.
A press conference to announce the events was held at the Consulate General on Wednesday. The press conference was attended by Rajamony, Thiranottam office-bearers Santhosh Pookkammon and Rajan Menon and veteran Kathakali artist Kalamandalam Gopi.
Rajamony said in the coming days, a musical concert by Shankar Mahadevan, Ehsan Noorani and Loy Mendonsa will be held on Dec.7 followed by, on Dec.9, an inter-school quiz competition at the Indian High School, Dubai.
"On Dec.27 Rhythm and Raga music extravaganza, titled Sur Taal, will be held. It will be a fusion music event by world renowned jazz drummer Trilok Gurtu and Roop Kumar Rathod. Jan.11 will witness an elaborate India Day Parade3 at Dubai Global Village involving various schools and cultural groups in the UAE," Rajamony added.
"The event named Utsavam (festival) 2007, is bringing Kathakali to the UAE for the first time. This programme will be inaugurated at the Consulate Auditorium at 6.30 pm on Thursday by Chairman of Dubai Cultural Council, in the presence of foreign dignitaries," he said.
Detailing the aspects of Kathakali, Nair said that eight different stories will be presented in four days of Kathakali performances, in addition to performances of other traditional Kerala art forms like Thayambaka, Keli, Melappadam, Cholliyattam and Mohiniyattam. The event will start with a Mohiniyattam performance by Ranjini Sajeev, followed by Keli, a heralding percussion, by Kalamandalam Balaraman and Cherpulasseri Sivan. The first day will include two stories, Kuchela Vrutham and Keechaka Vadham.
On Friday, programmes will start with a Thayambaka, percussion performace, and Cholliyattam by Kalamandalam Balaraman followed by Mohiniyattam by Kalamandalam Sujatha and Asalatha. Friday's Kathakali will present two stories, Nalacharitham Naalaam Divasam and Thoranayudham.
On Dec.1, two stories, Duryodhanavadham and Karnashapatham will be performed from 6pm at Ras Al Khaimah Indian Association Hall. On Dec.2, the programmes will be held at Abu Dhabi Kerala Social Centre from 6pm with a Thayambaka followed by two Kathakali performances, Bali Vadham and Kiraatham.
The major set Kathakali artists include Kalamandalam Gopi, SK Kutty, Narippatta Narayanan Namboodiri and Kalanilayam Gopalakrishnan. Kalamandalam B. Namboodiri and Kalanilayam Vinod will accompany them with songs, Kalamandalam Balaraman and Kalamandalam Sivadasan on Chenda, Cherpulasseri Sivan and Cherpulasseri Hariharan on Maddalam, and Jayan Abu Dhabi will perform Chutti and Unnikrishnan Koppu.
SM lines up events for National Day
SHARJAH Municipality (SM) is preparing for the 26th National Day celebrations of the UAE by organising many activities for three days.
The celebrations will start from Nov.30 to Dec.2 at Sharjah National Park under the supervision of Head of Parks and Horticulture section of the Municipality Engineer Ali Al Mutawa.
"Sharjah Municipality has endeavoured to demonstrate the activities in the best suitable method to participate in this national event, spear-headed by the departed President Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and continued by his successor President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayd Bin Sultan Al Nahyan," Mutawa said.
Hanan Jasim, head of Activities and Festivals Unit, said that the programmes of Sharjah National Park will commence from 6 pm to 9 pm. The first and second days include free drawing workshop, emirates map workshop, emirates flag cut and paste workshop and cultural and entertainment competitions for children. The third day will witness a competition for children titled "The Best National Uniform."
Meanwhile, the Environment Protection Section of SM participated in the environmental exhibition activities at Higher Technology College on Tuesday, where many private sector companies related to environment took part.
The exhibition included a number of workshops and lectures; the main lecture was on air quality.
du promotion
The UAE's new telecom operator du, has announced a special one-day promotion of 20 per cent discount on all national calls, off-peak rates on all international calls and discounted SMS rates to celebrate the UAE National Day.SMS charges will be 15 fils instead of 18 fils for local SMS and 45 fils instead of 60 fils for international SMS. This limited time mobile offer will be valid from 1 am to 11:59 pm on Dec 2.
CEO, du, Osman Sultan said: "On behalf of du, I would like to extend my congratulations and sincere regards to President of the UAE His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice-President, Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum as well as all Emiratis and UAE residents on this special occasion."
The celebrations will start from Nov.30 to Dec.2 at Sharjah National Park under the supervision of Head of Parks and Horticulture section of the Municipality Engineer Ali Al Mutawa.
"Sharjah Municipality has endeavoured to demonstrate the activities in the best suitable method to participate in this national event, spear-headed by the departed President Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and continued by his successor President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayd Bin Sultan Al Nahyan," Mutawa said.
Hanan Jasim, head of Activities and Festivals Unit, said that the programmes of Sharjah National Park will commence from 6 pm to 9 pm. The first and second days include free drawing workshop, emirates map workshop, emirates flag cut and paste workshop and cultural and entertainment competitions for children. The third day will witness a competition for children titled "The Best National Uniform."
Meanwhile, the Environment Protection Section of SM participated in the environmental exhibition activities at Higher Technology College on Tuesday, where many private sector companies related to environment took part.
The exhibition included a number of workshops and lectures; the main lecture was on air quality.
du promotion
The UAE's new telecom operator du, has announced a special one-day promotion of 20 per cent discount on all national calls, off-peak rates on all international calls and discounted SMS rates to celebrate the UAE National Day.SMS charges will be 15 fils instead of 18 fils for local SMS and 45 fils instead of 60 fils for international SMS. This limited time mobile offer will be valid from 1 am to 11:59 pm on Dec 2.
CEO, du, Osman Sultan said: "On behalf of du, I would like to extend my congratulations and sincere regards to President of the UAE His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice-President, Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum as well as all Emiratis and UAE residents on this special occasion."
Errant recruitment agencies face axe
Manpower agencies violating the new recruitment norms set by the Philippine authorities will see their pre-qualification certificates cancelled.
"Actually, I already cancelled one in Ras Al Khaimah," Labour Attache for Dubai and the Northern Emirates, Virginia Calves, told The Gulf Today.
Abu Dhabi Labour Attache, Nasser Mundir, stressed that housemaids and all Filipinos hired in households as nannies, tutors, cooks and gardeners must not hesitate in securing assistance from the Philippine missions if they realise that they have been cheated by either their recruitment agencies or their employers, or both.
Reports from the Department of Labour and Employment (DoLE) in Intramuros, Manila, say that investigations are underway into recruitment violations. Calves had said in an earlier interview that there were no violations in her jurisdiction, as there have also been employers who request for a certification from the Philippine Consulate about it.
The Gulf Today sought an update from both the officials about the implementation of the nine-month old Reform Package in the Foreign Deployment of Household Service Workers.
The package principally increased the monthly salary of all Filipino domestic workers to $400 (Dhs1,460) from $200 (Dhs700). Under the new package it is now compulsory for the Filipino maids to pass a household management-language-culture course from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, before they go abroad.
"I am thankful to our household workers who know what to do when they don't get their dues. Their employers are also co-operative and when they ask for the certificate, I fax it to them," Calves said.
Meanwhile, according to the Manila report quoting DoLE Secretary Arturo Brion, principals and employers in cahoots with these agencies would also be blacklisted.
His decision was an offshoot of feedbacks from the Philippine Overseas Labour Office (Polo) in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia of agencies and employers hiring cleaners but ended up as domestic workers earning $268 a month.
Brion also got a report from the Polo in Kuwait involving the same violations of underpayment of salaries and contract substitution as well as reprocessing of contracts.
Calves said she decided to cancel the participation of the Ras Al Khaimah-based agency after a housemaid had complained that her employer refused to give her due of $400 and despite follow ups by a Filipino community leader regarding her case.
"The agency simply did not bother to work things out so I decided to cancel its pre-qualification and without this, this agency and its accredited licensed counterpart in the Philippines could no longer do business with us," Calves said, pointing out the joint liability clause for all UAE-based and Philippine-based manpower agencies under Philippine laws.
She also had taken note of the employer.
Calves said that in a recent meeting with all 28 accredited agencies in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, no one among these questioned the implementation of the policy as it has been made clear to them time and again that should they get unco-operative, the Philippines would not be sending domestic workers for their prospective clients.
No placement fees
On the other hand, Mundir disclosed that among wards at the Filipino Workers Resource Centre at the Polo in Abu Dhabi are domestic workers who became victims of recruitment agencies charging them placement fees.
"We have some cases of that," Mundir said when asked about the DoLE report stating that domestic workers bound for Hong Kong and other destinations had been promised refund of placement fees.
These victims, he said, had admitted to being willing victims and paid their recruitment agencies between Dhs400 and Dhs850 just to be able to go abroad quickly.
"That's why, my advice is to immediately inform our Philippine Overseas Employment Administration because we cannot be successful in this if the people we are protecting with this reform package are the ones colluding with erring agencies," Mundir said.
Under the reform package, all domestic workers seeking overseas employment should not be charged placement fees equivalent to three months salary.
As former Consul General for Dubai and the Northern Emirates Antonio Curameng once told The Gulf Today: "The reason they are going abroad is to earn money. It defeats the purpose if we charge them placement fees."
"Actually, I already cancelled one in Ras Al Khaimah," Labour Attache for Dubai and the Northern Emirates, Virginia Calves, told The Gulf Today.
Abu Dhabi Labour Attache, Nasser Mundir, stressed that housemaids and all Filipinos hired in households as nannies, tutors, cooks and gardeners must not hesitate in securing assistance from the Philippine missions if they realise that they have been cheated by either their recruitment agencies or their employers, or both.
Reports from the Department of Labour and Employment (DoLE) in Intramuros, Manila, say that investigations are underway into recruitment violations. Calves had said in an earlier interview that there were no violations in her jurisdiction, as there have also been employers who request for a certification from the Philippine Consulate about it.
The Gulf Today sought an update from both the officials about the implementation of the nine-month old Reform Package in the Foreign Deployment of Household Service Workers.
The package principally increased the monthly salary of all Filipino domestic workers to $400 (Dhs1,460) from $200 (Dhs700). Under the new package it is now compulsory for the Filipino maids to pass a household management-language-culture course from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, before they go abroad.
"I am thankful to our household workers who know what to do when they don't get their dues. Their employers are also co-operative and when they ask for the certificate, I fax it to them," Calves said.
Meanwhile, according to the Manila report quoting DoLE Secretary Arturo Brion, principals and employers in cahoots with these agencies would also be blacklisted.
His decision was an offshoot of feedbacks from the Philippine Overseas Labour Office (Polo) in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia of agencies and employers hiring cleaners but ended up as domestic workers earning $268 a month.
Brion also got a report from the Polo in Kuwait involving the same violations of underpayment of salaries and contract substitution as well as reprocessing of contracts.
Calves said she decided to cancel the participation of the Ras Al Khaimah-based agency after a housemaid had complained that her employer refused to give her due of $400 and despite follow ups by a Filipino community leader regarding her case.
"The agency simply did not bother to work things out so I decided to cancel its pre-qualification and without this, this agency and its accredited licensed counterpart in the Philippines could no longer do business with us," Calves said, pointing out the joint liability clause for all UAE-based and Philippine-based manpower agencies under Philippine laws.
She also had taken note of the employer.
Calves said that in a recent meeting with all 28 accredited agencies in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, no one among these questioned the implementation of the policy as it has been made clear to them time and again that should they get unco-operative, the Philippines would not be sending domestic workers for their prospective clients.
No placement fees
On the other hand, Mundir disclosed that among wards at the Filipino Workers Resource Centre at the Polo in Abu Dhabi are domestic workers who became victims of recruitment agencies charging them placement fees.
"We have some cases of that," Mundir said when asked about the DoLE report stating that domestic workers bound for Hong Kong and other destinations had been promised refund of placement fees.
These victims, he said, had admitted to being willing victims and paid their recruitment agencies between Dhs400 and Dhs850 just to be able to go abroad quickly.
"That's why, my advice is to immediately inform our Philippine Overseas Employment Administration because we cannot be successful in this if the people we are protecting with this reform package are the ones colluding with erring agencies," Mundir said.
Under the reform package, all domestic workers seeking overseas employment should not be charged placement fees equivalent to three months salary.
As former Consul General for Dubai and the Northern Emirates Antonio Curameng once told The Gulf Today: "The reason they are going abroad is to earn money. It defeats the purpose if we charge them placement fees."
Dirham at 17-year high
SHARJAH: Led by the UAE dirham, the Gulf currencies rose to record highs against the US dollar on Wednesday as pressure mounted on the regional central banks to reconsider their peg. With speculation mounting that Gulf currencies will be revalued soon.
Ajman Ruler orders 70% salary hike
AJMAN: Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, His Highness Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nu'aimi, has ordered a pay hike of 70 per cent of the basic salary for local department staff. The pay hike takes effect from Jan.1, 2008.
Ajman Crown Prince and Executive Council Chairman, Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nu'aimi, praised the Ruler for the noble gesture. He said it reflects the Ruler's true feelings towards his people to help ease the burden of the current living condition on the shoulders of UAE nationals and expatriates in the Emirate of Ajman and to achieve job stability.
According to the chairman of the Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Humaid Al Nu'aimi, the gesture is general as it includes UAE nationals and expatriates, civilians and military. He said the salary increase is part of a strategy to improve job performance to match with the current phase in Ajman's development drive in all areas.
He urges all concerned bodies in the emirate to keep close watch on the market and to reject any increase in the cost of goods and services. He called for strong legal action against any attempt to abuse the salary hike.
He expressed the hope that the private sector would also take the necessary steps to improve the salaries and wages of workers.
Ajman Crown Prince and Executive Council Chairman, Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nu'aimi, praised the Ruler for the noble gesture. He said it reflects the Ruler's true feelings towards his people to help ease the burden of the current living condition on the shoulders of UAE nationals and expatriates in the Emirate of Ajman and to achieve job stability.
According to the chairman of the Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Humaid Al Nu'aimi, the gesture is general as it includes UAE nationals and expatriates, civilians and military. He said the salary increase is part of a strategy to improve job performance to match with the current phase in Ajman's development drive in all areas.
He urges all concerned bodies in the emirate to keep close watch on the market and to reject any increase in the cost of goods and services. He called for strong legal action against any attempt to abuse the salary hike.
He expressed the hope that the private sector would also take the necessary steps to improve the salaries and wages of workers.
Court orders Dhs1m payment
FUJAIRAH Court of Appeal ordered a Pakistani identified as AHW and an insurance company to jointly pay Dhs1.020 million to a GCC national, identified as AKA, in his capacity as the grandfather, father and legitimate guardian of a family that was hit in a terrible accident.
The mishap led to the death of the latter's son, daughter-in-law and two grandsons. Three of his other grandsons were also seriously injured in the accident.
The court also obligated both the defendants to pay the case charges and lawyer
The mishap led to the death of the latter's son, daughter-in-law and two grandsons. Three of his other grandsons were also seriously injured in the accident.
The court also obligated both the defendants to pay the case charges and lawyer
Claim by lawyer about website angers mother
A furious mother lashed out at one of two defence attorneys, while another wept silently at the Dubai Courts on Wednesday.
Both were at the jampacked Chamber 4 of the Dubai Court of First Instance where Presiding Judge Fahmy Munir convicted, among others, a 20-year-old German student to six months imprisonment and deportation.
Munir also heard the consensual sex defence angle for two of three Emiratis on trial for the kidnap and sodomy of a 15-year-old French schoolboy, currently enrolled at a boarding school in Switzerland as a result of the alleged crime that took place in the desert of Al Barsha on July 14, 2007.
It took several minutes for the mother of 20-year-old YMF to realise that her son was found guilty of possessing 0.0204 grammes of hashish when he returned with two of his three vacationing friends from Egypt on Aug. 23, 2007.
YMF's mother, who sat inside the courtroom along with four other women friends and relatives, was practically led out of the room by one of the women later.
"Oh my God," she whispered as she cupped her face with her bare hands, tears welling from her eyes.
Earlier in the trial of YMF who was also accused of carrying hashish, a police officer stood witness against him, as a friend and fellow vacationer stood by him, stating that the trousers inside YMF's luggage where the prohibited stuff was discovered, was not his but of their other travelling buddy, AA.
Website claim
Back to the French boy case, the forceful voice of the lead defence counsel was drowned when the mother of plaintiff AP sprung up from her seat, headed towards the attorney, vigorously gesticulated at him while hurling invectives and yelled: "Who are you? Who are you?"
Emiratis 36-year-old unemployed AKMZ and 18-year-old student IAMF are on trial. The case of the third co-accused 17-year-old IMK is before the Dubai Juvenile Courts.
"You (invectives)... And you are trying to save my son with all these lies?" she screamed at the lawyer who avoided her by walking several steps away.
"Shame on you, sir! Shame on you!," the veteran political journalist-mother, went on to say, as she was led out of the room by four security personnel upon the order of the presiding judge.
She was reacting to the statement of the counsel who claimed that in a French language website from Switzerland, AP, upon the advice of their lawyer and for which his mother knew stated: "I will not ever go back to Dubai whatsoever because if I do, I will be charged of homosexuality."
In his presentation, the lawyer also repeated the word "DNA" several times.
Prior to the mother's leaving the courtroom, The Gulf Today saw her taking a snapshot of the defence lawyer with her mobile phone. She was later seen handing a tape recorder to one of the security personnel who was tipped by another journalist.
It was learnt that the gadget was owned by a journalist Frenchman who has been covering the case since Nov. 7, 2007.
Meanwhile, the defence pointed out that consensual sex transpired between AP and IMK. The defence also asked for the whereabouts of the broken billiard pole and the knife which AP's friend FL claimed was used to frighten him when he refused to alight from the car where the alleged sodomy took place.
Both were at the jampacked Chamber 4 of the Dubai Court of First Instance where Presiding Judge Fahmy Munir convicted, among others, a 20-year-old German student to six months imprisonment and deportation.
Munir also heard the consensual sex defence angle for two of three Emiratis on trial for the kidnap and sodomy of a 15-year-old French schoolboy, currently enrolled at a boarding school in Switzerland as a result of the alleged crime that took place in the desert of Al Barsha on July 14, 2007.
It took several minutes for the mother of 20-year-old YMF to realise that her son was found guilty of possessing 0.0204 grammes of hashish when he returned with two of his three vacationing friends from Egypt on Aug. 23, 2007.
YMF's mother, who sat inside the courtroom along with four other women friends and relatives, was practically led out of the room by one of the women later.
"Oh my God," she whispered as she cupped her face with her bare hands, tears welling from her eyes.
Earlier in the trial of YMF who was also accused of carrying hashish, a police officer stood witness against him, as a friend and fellow vacationer stood by him, stating that the trousers inside YMF's luggage where the prohibited stuff was discovered, was not his but of their other travelling buddy, AA.
Website claim
Back to the French boy case, the forceful voice of the lead defence counsel was drowned when the mother of plaintiff AP sprung up from her seat, headed towards the attorney, vigorously gesticulated at him while hurling invectives and yelled: "Who are you? Who are you?"
Emiratis 36-year-old unemployed AKMZ and 18-year-old student IAMF are on trial. The case of the third co-accused 17-year-old IMK is before the Dubai Juvenile Courts.
"You (invectives)... And you are trying to save my son with all these lies?" she screamed at the lawyer who avoided her by walking several steps away.
"Shame on you, sir! Shame on you!," the veteran political journalist-mother, went on to say, as she was led out of the room by four security personnel upon the order of the presiding judge.
She was reacting to the statement of the counsel who claimed that in a French language website from Switzerland, AP, upon the advice of their lawyer and for which his mother knew stated: "I will not ever go back to Dubai whatsoever because if I do, I will be charged of homosexuality."
In his presentation, the lawyer also repeated the word "DNA" several times.
Prior to the mother's leaving the courtroom, The Gulf Today saw her taking a snapshot of the defence lawyer with her mobile phone. She was later seen handing a tape recorder to one of the security personnel who was tipped by another journalist.
It was learnt that the gadget was owned by a journalist Frenchman who has been covering the case since Nov. 7, 2007.
Meanwhile, the defence pointed out that consensual sex transpired between AP and IMK. The defence also asked for the whereabouts of the broken billiard pole and the knife which AP's friend FL claimed was used to frighten him when he refused to alight from the car where the alleged sodomy took place.
Colourful comedy coming
RENOWNED Indian film and theatre personality Manoj Joshi would make his debut in Dubai with a colourful comedy play Rangeela Re. A family comedy skit, which features Joshi in six different roles, will be staged in Dubai on Thursday.
Joshi is making waves in Indian cinema. He has shared screen space with veteran actors in films like Sarfarosh, Page3, Devdas, Chandni Bar, Bhagam Bhag, Phir Hera Pheri, and Guru. Yet his commitment to theatre has remained intact which is reflected in this play.
"Rangeela Re is a hilarious entertainer in Hindi, with six diverse characters played by Manoj Joshi. He has made it a real entertainer for the entire spectrum of audience," said Sunil Grover of Signature Events, organiser of the show.
"The play rides on the waves of laughter till it ends on an emotional note and sums up the script beautifully with a message," he added.
The story revolves around a function organised by a one-man committee comprising of publicity-hungry Surendra "Gairib" to felicitate legendary actor Jayshankar Joshi. While the audience wait for the actor, five other characters interrupt the programme.
The first one to interrupt the programme is Vikram Joshi, who loves to be called Channel-V and claims to be the greatest rap artiste of India. He is the grandson of veteran actor Jayshankar Joshi but has no respect for him or for that matter any yesteryear actors.
The next character to interrupt the show is Kokilaben Lomummba, she is happily married to a man from a fictitious African island, where their favourite time pass is giraffe riding.
Prince Wong Tun Pinpin, the chief guest of the function, is the prince from an unknown revolution-torn state in the Far East. He is oblivious to the political scene back home and indulges in small talk about the two loves of his life, Hindi language and an Indian girl he is married to.
Paandoba Waghmare, president of the Dabaawala Association, had been invited by Prince Charles to attend the wedding and narrates the experience in his abrasive tongue.
Chanakya, a scene is performed to commemorate Jayshankar Joshi's classic play Chanakya, supposedly staged by the veteran actor in the year 1940.
And finally enters Jayshankar Joshi. The 87-year-old actor and classical singer arrives at his felicitation function after facing great ordeal on the way as in his life. This character depicts the intrinsic pathos of old age which is handed to audience wrapped in laughter in between tears.
The show will start at 9pm. Tickets are priced at Dhs250, Dhs150, Dhs80 and Dhs50.
Joshi is making waves in Indian cinema. He has shared screen space with veteran actors in films like Sarfarosh, Page3, Devdas, Chandni Bar, Bhagam Bhag, Phir Hera Pheri, and Guru. Yet his commitment to theatre has remained intact which is reflected in this play.
"Rangeela Re is a hilarious entertainer in Hindi, with six diverse characters played by Manoj Joshi. He has made it a real entertainer for the entire spectrum of audience," said Sunil Grover of Signature Events, organiser of the show.
"The play rides on the waves of laughter till it ends on an emotional note and sums up the script beautifully with a message," he added.
The story revolves around a function organised by a one-man committee comprising of publicity-hungry Surendra "Gairib" to felicitate legendary actor Jayshankar Joshi. While the audience wait for the actor, five other characters interrupt the programme.
The first one to interrupt the programme is Vikram Joshi, who loves to be called Channel-V and claims to be the greatest rap artiste of India. He is the grandson of veteran actor Jayshankar Joshi but has no respect for him or for that matter any yesteryear actors.
The next character to interrupt the show is Kokilaben Lomummba, she is happily married to a man from a fictitious African island, where their favourite time pass is giraffe riding.
Prince Wong Tun Pinpin, the chief guest of the function, is the prince from an unknown revolution-torn state in the Far East. He is oblivious to the political scene back home and indulges in small talk about the two loves of his life, Hindi language and an Indian girl he is married to.
Paandoba Waghmare, president of the Dabaawala Association, had been invited by Prince Charles to attend the wedding and narrates the experience in his abrasive tongue.
Chanakya, a scene is performed to commemorate Jayshankar Joshi's classic play Chanakya, supposedly staged by the veteran actor in the year 1940.
And finally enters Jayshankar Joshi. The 87-year-old actor and classical singer arrives at his felicitation function after facing great ordeal on the way as in his life. This character depicts the intrinsic pathos of old age which is handed to audience wrapped in laughter in between tears.
The show will start at 9pm. Tickets are priced at Dhs250, Dhs150, Dhs80 and Dhs50.
Duo dealing in fake notes gets 6-month jail term
THE Penal Misdemeanors Department at Fujairah court sentenced two Africans, identified as FM and FN, to six months' imprisonment followed by deportation for dealing in counterfeit currencies.
The accuseds deceived an Arab by convincing him that they could increase his wealth through promoting fake currencies equivalent to $1,000,000.
The Fujairah General Department of Investigations earlier received a tip-off from the Arab about FM and FN who lived in Dubai and tried to involve him in circulating fake dollars.
The investigation team lured them to bring the fake money and equipment to a rest house in Fujairah where they arrested the duo.
The accuseds deceived an Arab by convincing him that they could increase his wealth through promoting fake currencies equivalent to $1,000,000.
The Fujairah General Department of Investigations earlier received a tip-off from the Arab about FM and FN who lived in Dubai and tried to involve him in circulating fake dollars.
The investigation team lured them to bring the fake money and equipment to a rest house in Fujairah where they arrested the duo.
Doctors ordered to pay Dhs200,000 diya
THE Khor Fakkan Court of Appeal on Tuesday ordered two Indian doctors, identified as DK, holder of an American passport, and MN, to pay Dhs200,000 in blood money and a Dhs30,000 fine on the charge of unintentionally causing the death of the Khor Fakkan Mosque's imam.
Both the doctors will share the payment based on the seriousness of the mistakes committed by each of them. As per the decision, the former will pay Dhs160,000 of blood money and Dhs20,000 of the fine where as the latter will be required to pay the remainder.
Both the doctors will share the payment based on the seriousness of the mistakes committed by each of them. As per the decision, the former will pay Dhs160,000 of blood money and Dhs20,000 of the fine where as the latter will be required to pay the remainder.
Egg prices shoot up in Abu Dhabi
Some local companies have raised the prices of eggs from Dhs13to Dhs20, according to market sources.
The price of the small box has increased by more than Dhs9 and the price of a single egg has gone up from 50 Fils to 75 Fils. Grocery owners say that the hike was due to increasing demand and suspension of egg imports.
The Gulf Today learnt from sources in Abu Dhabi Co-operative Society that the supply of eggs has run out.
Most shelves were empty and there were only small local egg boxes in the morning, but they were also sold out by noon.
People working in the society said that the problem arose first on Monday when the UAE decided not to import hens from countries which proved to have cases of bird flu.
The price of the small box has increased by more than Dhs9 and the price of a single egg has gone up from 50 Fils to 75 Fils. Grocery owners say that the hike was due to increasing demand and suspension of egg imports.
The Gulf Today learnt from sources in Abu Dhabi Co-operative Society that the supply of eggs has run out.
Most shelves were empty and there were only small local egg boxes in the morning, but they were also sold out by noon.
People working in the society said that the problem arose first on Monday when the UAE decided not to import hens from countries which proved to have cases of bird flu.
New machines to clean Sharjah roads
SHARJAH Municipality (SM) has deployed state-of-the-art Italian technology to sweep dust, sand and litter from the streets of Sharjah from Wednesday.
A demonstration and handing over of the first delivery of 20 machines was done in Sharjah on Tuesday.
The event, held at the Radisson SAS Hotel was attended by Director General of SM Dr Saleh Tahir Al Haj, Chairman of Intercare Group JHC Colley, Export Manager of Dulevo, Steffano Battistini, several municipal officials and company representatives.
Highlighting the vision of Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Quassimi, Haj said that the vision of Sharjah is focused on the motto of "Smile, you are in Sharjah." "It denotes tidiness, cleanliness and want to make everybody happy while in Sharjah," he said.
"Everybody living in Sharjah, residents and visitors from all over the world should be happy in the emirate. We also try to satisfy our customers, internal and external as well as our suppliers. We would like to have a strategic partnership with our suppliers. It is a win-win situation," Haj said before the ceremony.
"We have to face challenges due to the overwhelming population, construction activities and constant improvement in all sectors. Our main aim is to set up a clean city and that is why we are partnering with private companies," he said.
Earlier, at the press conference, Colley introduced the machines to the audience while Battistini described the technology used in the three types of sweeping machines.
The big one the Dulevo 5000 Evolution uses the mechanical suction technology at dry and wet land. The machine is very good for the arid Arab region where water is scarce. It does not use water to wet the street before sucking the dust particles less than 10 microns. The all-season machines can be used for hot as well as cold climates, he said.
SM has invested Dhs15 million for the initial purchase of 20 machines, which has 5 cm capacity. The collected dust is thrown away at designated places. The machine does not need water as in the case of other similar types of machines. The broom in the front of the machine can take 180 degree turns and sweep the dust from any corner. Assistant Director for Finance and Manpower of SM Riyad Aleem said that the municipality will train any number of people to operate these machines which will start operations on Sharjah streets from Wednesday.
The other type of sweeper is the 5000 Veloce, which has an inbuilt water tank while a smaller version, 850 Mini combines sweeping capacity with reduced dimensions and ease. The 100 Elite is designed to filter the finest dust and sweeps any type of debris. The 5000 Hydro and 200 Hydro are essentially water spraying cleaners with variable washing width. It can climb steps and sidewalks and clean the interiors, Battistini said.
A demonstration and handing over of the first delivery of 20 machines was done in Sharjah on Tuesday.
The event, held at the Radisson SAS Hotel was attended by Director General of SM Dr Saleh Tahir Al Haj, Chairman of Intercare Group JHC Colley, Export Manager of Dulevo, Steffano Battistini, several municipal officials and company representatives.
Highlighting the vision of Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Quassimi, Haj said that the vision of Sharjah is focused on the motto of "Smile, you are in Sharjah." "It denotes tidiness, cleanliness and want to make everybody happy while in Sharjah," he said.
"Everybody living in Sharjah, residents and visitors from all over the world should be happy in the emirate. We also try to satisfy our customers, internal and external as well as our suppliers. We would like to have a strategic partnership with our suppliers. It is a win-win situation," Haj said before the ceremony.
"We have to face challenges due to the overwhelming population, construction activities and constant improvement in all sectors. Our main aim is to set up a clean city and that is why we are partnering with private companies," he said.
Earlier, at the press conference, Colley introduced the machines to the audience while Battistini described the technology used in the three types of sweeping machines.
The big one the Dulevo 5000 Evolution uses the mechanical suction technology at dry and wet land. The machine is very good for the arid Arab region where water is scarce. It does not use water to wet the street before sucking the dust particles less than 10 microns. The all-season machines can be used for hot as well as cold climates, he said.
SM has invested Dhs15 million for the initial purchase of 20 machines, which has 5 cm capacity. The collected dust is thrown away at designated places. The machine does not need water as in the case of other similar types of machines. The broom in the front of the machine can take 180 degree turns and sweep the dust from any corner. Assistant Director for Finance and Manpower of SM Riyad Aleem said that the municipality will train any number of people to operate these machines which will start operations on Sharjah streets from Wednesday.
The other type of sweeper is the 5000 Veloce, which has an inbuilt water tank while a smaller version, 850 Mini combines sweeping capacity with reduced dimensions and ease. The 100 Elite is designed to filter the finest dust and sweeps any type of debris. The 5000 Hydro and 200 Hydro are essentially water spraying cleaners with variable washing width. It can climb steps and sidewalks and clean the interiors, Battistini said.
Indian stars to walk the red carpet at Diff
THE Dubai International Film Festival (Diff) takes place from Dec.9-16 and as in years past, Indian artists will descend on the city with the best films of the year.
Powerhouse director Mira Nair's ensemble film AIDS Jaago will bring Indian cinematic talents to the Diff gala red carpet. In a joint effort between Nair's Mirabai films and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Nair recruited four of India's directors to each helm a short narrative film about HIV/AIDS.
Nair's segment, Migration, stars Shiney Ahuja, Raima Sen, Sameera Reddy and Irfan Khan. Both Nair and Raima Sen will be at Diff to celebrate the film's screening, as will Farhan Akhtar, who directed the segment called Positive. Akhtar, who made last year's blockbuster Don with Shah Rukh Khan, is one of Mumbai's most prominent directors.
Internationally acclaimed director and cinematographer Santosh Sivan brings both Parambha, one of the AIDS Jaago shorts, and Before the Rains, set in India in the 1930's against the backdrop of the growing nationalist movement.
The film stars rugby player cum social activitist and arthouse actor, Rahul Bose in a conflict of loyalties between his village and his British boss. Bose is also confirmed to grace the Diff proceedings.
Naseeruddin Shah will bring the World Premiere of his latest starrer, Shoot on Sight, a taut thriller in which he plays a Scotland yard inspector with divided loyalties investigating a fatal police shooting of an alleged terrorist. Co-star Laila Rouass will appear by Shah's side to promote the film.
From Kerala, master director Adoor Gopalakrishnan and his leading actress, South Indian star Padma Priya will be on hand for the screening of four women, about the issue of matrimony in the lives of four women from different social classes.
The revised international director's cut of Taj Mahal will bring the great Kabir Bedi and ex-super model Pooja Batra, who star as Shah Jahan and his wife in the sprawling epic, one of the most expensive films ever to be made in India. Co-star Manisha Koirala will also be present at Diff, where the audience will be the first in the world to see the Director's Cut, introduced and discussed by Bedi himself with director Akbar Khan.
Another veteran star, Mithun Chakraborty (Guru, Dil Diya Hai), will attend the screening of Story of the Red Hills, in which he plays a broken-hearted Bengali Chhou dancer who finds a new lease on life through launching a dance ensemble.
Powerhouse director Mira Nair's ensemble film AIDS Jaago will bring Indian cinematic talents to the Diff gala red carpet. In a joint effort between Nair's Mirabai films and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Nair recruited four of India's directors to each helm a short narrative film about HIV/AIDS.
Nair's segment, Migration, stars Shiney Ahuja, Raima Sen, Sameera Reddy and Irfan Khan. Both Nair and Raima Sen will be at Diff to celebrate the film's screening, as will Farhan Akhtar, who directed the segment called Positive. Akhtar, who made last year's blockbuster Don with Shah Rukh Khan, is one of Mumbai's most prominent directors.
Internationally acclaimed director and cinematographer Santosh Sivan brings both Parambha, one of the AIDS Jaago shorts, and Before the Rains, set in India in the 1930's against the backdrop of the growing nationalist movement.
The film stars rugby player cum social activitist and arthouse actor, Rahul Bose in a conflict of loyalties between his village and his British boss. Bose is also confirmed to grace the Diff proceedings.
Naseeruddin Shah will bring the World Premiere of his latest starrer, Shoot on Sight, a taut thriller in which he plays a Scotland yard inspector with divided loyalties investigating a fatal police shooting of an alleged terrorist. Co-star Laila Rouass will appear by Shah's side to promote the film.
From Kerala, master director Adoor Gopalakrishnan and his leading actress, South Indian star Padma Priya will be on hand for the screening of four women, about the issue of matrimony in the lives of four women from different social classes.
The revised international director's cut of Taj Mahal will bring the great Kabir Bedi and ex-super model Pooja Batra, who star as Shah Jahan and his wife in the sprawling epic, one of the most expensive films ever to be made in India. Co-star Manisha Koirala will also be present at Diff, where the audience will be the first in the world to see the Director's Cut, introduced and discussed by Bedi himself with director Akbar Khan.
Another veteran star, Mithun Chakraborty (Guru, Dil Diya Hai), will attend the screening of Story of the Red Hills, in which he plays a broken-hearted Bengali Chhou dancer who finds a new lease on life through launching a dance ensemble.
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