To Check (View / Download) UAE Federal Labour Law and Other related documents related to Ministry of Labour, See the below given link.
http://www.mol.gov.ae/molinfo/showAttach.aspx?parent=0&refid=72
Saturday, December 27, 2008
To Check a Particular Company Details
You can have the Company Details by using the below given link. For this details, you need your Company Number (that registered with Ministry of Labour)
To Check the Details of Your Labour Card
Go to the below given link and enter your Labour Card No. (You can find this on your Labour Card)
TO CHECK YOUR WORK PERMIT STATUS (UAE)
Go to this Web Site and Enter Your Work Permit No. (You can see this on your Labour Card)
http://www.emol.ae/services/WorkPermitStatus.aspx
http://www.emol.ae/services/WorkPermitStatus.aspx
Friday, December 26, 2008
Passengers claim Sharjah taxi drivers overcharging
By Mariam M. Al Serkal, Staff Reporter (Gulf News) Published: December 26, 2008, 23:39
Sharjah: New taxi fares are causing dismay among passengers, some of whom claim taxi drivers are overcharging them.
Sriram Subramanian, a Sharjah resident, said his fare for travelling to Dubai was charged twice, on several occasions last week.
"My family and I went to Dubai Mall from Sharjah and the fare started from Dh20. When we arrived at our destination the fare was Dh71.25. When the taxi stopped and while I was taking out my wallet, the meter jumped to Dh91," he said.
The new taxi charge - requiring drivers to start their meters at Dh20 for all trips from Sharjah to Dubai - was imposed as of December 1.
Subramanian was shocked at the additional charge at the end of his trip, and after a long quarrel the taxi driver agreed to take Dh71 and Dh10 for Salik. However, the minimum taxi fare within Sharjah remains that same at Dh2.50 during the day and Dh3.30 at night.
Overcharged again
The second occasion where Subramanian was overcharged was while commuting through Sharjah. "When the car stopped, the meter was showing Dh5.75 and suddenly it jumped to Dh6.50. After discussing it, the driver finally accepted Dh6," he said.
Subramian's claims were unable to be verified by the concerned authorities as he did not note down the franchise's name or the taxi's serial number.
There are currently five franchise taxi companies regulated by Sharjah Transport Authority that include Advantage Taxi, Union Taxi, City Taxi, Emirates Taxi and Sharjah Taxi.
An official at City Taxi explained that if passengers do not note down the taxi number, they are still able to file a complaint by visiting the head office.
"This incident sounds impossible. But if the passenger has such a complaint, it is important to sort it out face-to-face with the complaint section. All companies have a trip sheet that documents the drivers' trips, and from that we will be able to see which driver is at fault and why it happened," said Mohammad Rostum Hassan, supervisor at City Taxi.
He added that if passengers have the taxi details, then the matter can be quickly resolved over the telephone.
Sharjah: New taxi fares are causing dismay among passengers, some of whom claim taxi drivers are overcharging them.
Sriram Subramanian, a Sharjah resident, said his fare for travelling to Dubai was charged twice, on several occasions last week.
"My family and I went to Dubai Mall from Sharjah and the fare started from Dh20. When we arrived at our destination the fare was Dh71.25. When the taxi stopped and while I was taking out my wallet, the meter jumped to Dh91," he said.
The new taxi charge - requiring drivers to start their meters at Dh20 for all trips from Sharjah to Dubai - was imposed as of December 1.
Subramanian was shocked at the additional charge at the end of his trip, and after a long quarrel the taxi driver agreed to take Dh71 and Dh10 for Salik. However, the minimum taxi fare within Sharjah remains that same at Dh2.50 during the day and Dh3.30 at night.
Overcharged again
The second occasion where Subramanian was overcharged was while commuting through Sharjah. "When the car stopped, the meter was showing Dh5.75 and suddenly it jumped to Dh6.50. After discussing it, the driver finally accepted Dh6," he said.
Subramian's claims were unable to be verified by the concerned authorities as he did not note down the franchise's name or the taxi's serial number.
There are currently five franchise taxi companies regulated by Sharjah Transport Authority that include Advantage Taxi, Union Taxi, City Taxi, Emirates Taxi and Sharjah Taxi.
An official at City Taxi explained that if passengers do not note down the taxi number, they are still able to file a complaint by visiting the head office.
"This incident sounds impossible. But if the passenger has such a complaint, it is important to sort it out face-to-face with the complaint section. All companies have a trip sheet that documents the drivers' trips, and from that we will be able to see which driver is at fault and why it happened," said Mohammad Rostum Hassan, supervisor at City Taxi.
He added that if passengers have the taxi details, then the matter can be quickly resolved over the telephone.
DNRD to remain open during holidays
WAM (Gulf News) Published: December 26, 2008, 22:19
Abu Dhabi: Work will proceed as usual in the morning shifts at the Departments of Naturalisation and Residency nationwide, which will receive customers this coming Sunday and Thursday.
Brigadier Nasser Al Menhali, Acting Director General of Naturalisation and Residency said that the department will offer its services on the days that mark the first of Muharram 1430H and January 1, 2009.
Both days were announced by the Civil Service Bureau (SCB) as public holidays to mark the beginning of the new Hijri year of 1430 and New Year's Day 2009 respectively.
Abu Dhabi: Work will proceed as usual in the morning shifts at the Departments of Naturalisation and Residency nationwide, which will receive customers this coming Sunday and Thursday.
Brigadier Nasser Al Menhali, Acting Director General of Naturalisation and Residency said that the department will offer its services on the days that mark the first of Muharram 1430H and January 1, 2009.
Both days were announced by the Civil Service Bureau (SCB) as public holidays to mark the beginning of the new Hijri year of 1430 and New Year's Day 2009 respectively.
Non-competition clause does not apply if employer fails the contract
By Wafa Eisa, Staff Reporter (Gulf News) Published: December 26, 2008, 23:39
Dubai: The clause included in employment contracts to prevent an employee from working for a competitor does not apply if the employer does not meet the contract obligations, said a senior Ministry of Labour official.
Humaid Bin Deemas, Acting Director General at the ministry, said that an employer cannot ask to enforce a ban on a worker who joined a competitor if he did not fulfil his contractual obligations.
Deemas was commenting on an employer who asked the ministry to enforce a ban on one of his previous employees because he broke the non competition clause but the ministry refused as the employer did not meet his contractual obligations according to a court ruling.
Restriction to freedom
"The non competition clause is a restriction to the worker's freedom therefore they are several rules that limit the use of the competition clause," said Deemas adding that it should not be applied without regulations.
The non competition clause should not be applied for anybody who is below 21 years, it should only be applied for jobs in which the employee would have had access to the company's secrets or acquainted with its clients.
Also it should be only for a limited time period, according to article 127 in the labour law.
There are 2800 professions registered at the ministry of labour out of which only some can have a non competition clause to be included in the employment contract, according to Deemas.
"It is important to understand that the non competition clause cannot be used merely as a mean to prevent the movement of workers and cannot be applied for all job categories." said Deemas. "The real purpose of the clause is to safeguard the employer's lawful interests," said Deemas.
"If a non competition clause is applied for example for constructions workers it is immediately considered not valid as the nature of the job does not enable the worker not have access on companies' secrets or make him interact with its clients," he said.
Dubai: The clause included in employment contracts to prevent an employee from working for a competitor does not apply if the employer does not meet the contract obligations, said a senior Ministry of Labour official.
Humaid Bin Deemas, Acting Director General at the ministry, said that an employer cannot ask to enforce a ban on a worker who joined a competitor if he did not fulfil his contractual obligations.
Deemas was commenting on an employer who asked the ministry to enforce a ban on one of his previous employees because he broke the non competition clause but the ministry refused as the employer did not meet his contractual obligations according to a court ruling.
Restriction to freedom
"The non competition clause is a restriction to the worker's freedom therefore they are several rules that limit the use of the competition clause," said Deemas adding that it should not be applied without regulations.
The non competition clause should not be applied for anybody who is below 21 years, it should only be applied for jobs in which the employee would have had access to the company's secrets or acquainted with its clients.
Also it should be only for a limited time period, according to article 127 in the labour law.
There are 2800 professions registered at the ministry of labour out of which only some can have a non competition clause to be included in the employment contract, according to Deemas.
"It is important to understand that the non competition clause cannot be used merely as a mean to prevent the movement of workers and cannot be applied for all job categories." said Deemas. "The real purpose of the clause is to safeguard the employer's lawful interests," said Deemas.
"If a non competition clause is applied for example for constructions workers it is immediately considered not valid as the nature of the job does not enable the worker not have access on companies' secrets or make him interact with its clients," he said.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
MoL Wants More Jobs for Emiratis
Adel Arafah (Khaleej Times) - 17 December 2008
ABU DHABI - The Ministry of Labour (MoL) has proposed restructuring of visa fees for bringing in expatriate workers in a bid to create more job opportunities for Emiratis, according to a plan unveiled on Tuesday.
Minister of Labour Saqr Ghobash Saeed Ghobash told the Federal National Council (FNC) session that the ministry wants to encourage skilled expatriate workers to come to the UAE.
However, the government is under pressure to find jobs for 250,000 nationals to raise the strength of the UAE national workforce to 500,000 by 2020. Reminding the national jobseekers that the public sector would not accept more newcomers, the minister urged them to foray into the private sector.
On the expatriate workers, the ministry proposes to reduce the visa fees of highly skilled professionals and increase the fees for bringing menial and unskilled workers into the country.
The plan would be submitted to the National Demographic Structure Committee soon to decide on its enforcement. “The Federal Government is in the process of forming a permanent council for demographic structure with a mandate of finding drastic solutions to the issue,’’ Saeed Ghobash revealed.
The council would restructure the economic pattern so as to diversify the labour market in the country to create new job openings.
He noted that 65 per cent of the expatriate workers in the country are in the construction and retail sectors.
“We are also drafting another plan to tackle the imbalance in the demographic structure through extensive use of modern machinery by the public and private sectors.” This move, in his view, would eliminate unwanted workforce.
Members of the FNC, meanwhile, proposed to the MoL to consider varying fees for bringing in workers in accordance with the importance of the business and the economic activity for which they are to be employed.
Fees could be reduced for companies with high productive value, with aim of boosting the trend towards less number of employees but adopting advanced technology.
The house also called for increasing fees for bringing in menial workers, such as those involved in retail sale outlets, small restaurants, food outlets and
cafeterias. It also recommended specifying the quotas for employing non-Arab nationalities according to the geographical regions they belong to.
adel@khaleejtimes.com
India Plans System to Track Citizens Abroad
By Binsal Abdul Kader, Staff Reporter (Gulf NEws) Last updated: December 16, 2008, 00:08
Abu Dhabi: The Government of India is planning a new system to track the number of Indians abroad since presently there are only estimates of its citizens, a senior Indian official told Gulf News.
The current system tracks those workers who go through immigration clearance but not the professionals (who do not require clearance), said K. Mohandas, Secretary in the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA), speaking to Gulf News by phone from New Delhi.
"Even the exact number of labourers is not available because we are unable to count the returnees (expatriates who return home after some time)". These are the factors which make the exact estimate impossible, he said.
Majority from Kerala
"The approximate number of Indians in the UAE is 1.5 million. Saudi Arabia also hosts approximately 1.5 million out of the total 5 million Indians in the Gulf countries (including workers and professionals).
The official said a majority of them are labourers and more than 50 per cent could be from the South Indian state of Kerala.
People from other South Indian States like Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are the other major groups.
Out of approximately 30 million Indians abroad, about 12 million are Indian citizens working abroad and about 18 million are People of Indian Origin (PIO - those who have citizenship of other countries but migrated from India a long time ago).
In 2007, about 800,000 Indian workers went abroad (who went through immigration clearance). The proposed system will provide the exact number of Indians living abroad, he said.
Amendment: Revision of fees
During his recent visit to the UAE, Mohandas told Gulf News that India will raise the existing ceiling of Rs3,000 (Dh 225) as transaction fee to be charged by recruitment agencies. "It is too low to cover the actual recruitment expense and makes it impossible to take action against unscrupulous agents," he said.
The Government of India will soon amend the immigration laws to raise the ceiling, said the official. He said although a new ceiling has not been finalised, the government is thinking of fixing a month's salary of a prospective candidate as the transaction fee.
Abu Dhabi: The Government of India is planning a new system to track the number of Indians abroad since presently there are only estimates of its citizens, a senior Indian official told Gulf News.
The current system tracks those workers who go through immigration clearance but not the professionals (who do not require clearance), said K. Mohandas, Secretary in the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA), speaking to Gulf News by phone from New Delhi.
"Even the exact number of labourers is not available because we are unable to count the returnees (expatriates who return home after some time)". These are the factors which make the exact estimate impossible, he said.
Majority from Kerala
"The approximate number of Indians in the UAE is 1.5 million. Saudi Arabia also hosts approximately 1.5 million out of the total 5 million Indians in the Gulf countries (including workers and professionals).
The official said a majority of them are labourers and more than 50 per cent could be from the South Indian state of Kerala.
People from other South Indian States like Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are the other major groups.
Out of approximately 30 million Indians abroad, about 12 million are Indian citizens working abroad and about 18 million are People of Indian Origin (PIO - those who have citizenship of other countries but migrated from India a long time ago).
In 2007, about 800,000 Indian workers went abroad (who went through immigration clearance). The proposed system will provide the exact number of Indians living abroad, he said.
Amendment: Revision of fees
During his recent visit to the UAE, Mohandas told Gulf News that India will raise the existing ceiling of Rs3,000 (Dh 225) as transaction fee to be charged by recruitment agencies. "It is too low to cover the actual recruitment expense and makes it impossible to take action against unscrupulous agents," he said.
The Government of India will soon amend the immigration laws to raise the ceiling, said the official. He said although a new ceiling has not been finalised, the government is thinking of fixing a month's salary of a prospective candidate as the transaction fee.
FNC Proposes Increasing Minimum Salary Needed to Apply for Family Visa
By Samir Salama, Associate Editor (Gulf News) Published: December 16, 2008, 13:56
Abu Dhabi: The Federal National Council (FNC) on Tuesday proposed increasing the minimum salary requirement to sponsor families of expatriates in the UAE.According to the proposal, the minimum salary required for an expatriate - without company accommodation - to sponsor family should be Dh10,000 and an expatriate with company accommodation: Dh8,000. The FNC resumed its session on Tuesday after National Day and Eid holidays on Tuesday. An Ad-hoc committee of the House also suggested that family-visa applicants should be asked to submit bank statements of six months, detailing salary transfer. The House also suggested that an expatriate with a minimum salary of Dh15,000 should only be allowed to sponsor housemaids. It also recommended increasing the annual fee for sponsoring a housemaid to Dh7,000.
Abu Dhabi: The Federal National Council (FNC) on Tuesday proposed increasing the minimum salary requirement to sponsor families of expatriates in the UAE.According to the proposal, the minimum salary required for an expatriate - without company accommodation - to sponsor family should be Dh10,000 and an expatriate with company accommodation: Dh8,000. The FNC resumed its session on Tuesday after National Day and Eid holidays on Tuesday. An Ad-hoc committee of the House also suggested that family-visa applicants should be asked to submit bank statements of six months, detailing salary transfer. The House also suggested that an expatriate with a minimum salary of Dh15,000 should only be allowed to sponsor housemaids. It also recommended increasing the annual fee for sponsoring a housemaid to Dh7,000.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Committed a Salik Offence? Check Web Site to Find Out
(Staff Reporter-Khaleej Times)14 December 2008
DUBAI - Motorists wishing to verify their Salik offences now have the option of viewing the image of their vehicles at the Salik web site (www.salik.ae), the Roads and Transport Authority announced on Saturday.
Senior officials said that upon accessing the account at the portal, a motorist can check the offences made and even screen the image of the vehicle involved in addition to other details.
Maitha bin Adai, the CEO of Traffic and Roads Agency at the RTA said the service aims to inform Salik users of the offences in connection with their vehicles in a timely manner without any suspicion about the identity .
“Once the user accesses the personal account at the Salik portal, he or she can avail of all the features on the web site,” Maitha said.
“This includes reviewing entries of offences reported in a timely manner and establishing the identity of the offender through a high definition image of the vehicle.”
The official added: “This service, like the other services on offer at the website, enhances the confidence of the public in the system and the services offered.”
“The web site enables subscribers to top up their accounts through a number of options, including credit cards, e-dirham and direct debit from the bank account in coordination with the e-Government of Dubai,” Maitha said.
Services also include the Interactive Voice Response enabling users to check their account balances and process requests for receiving account numbers and pin codes through SMS.
These features are available by contacting the Salik call centre (800-72454) and following the voice directions.
DUBAI - Motorists wishing to verify their Salik offences now have the option of viewing the image of their vehicles at the Salik web site (www.salik.ae), the Roads and Transport Authority announced on Saturday.
Senior officials said that upon accessing the account at the portal, a motorist can check the offences made and even screen the image of the vehicle involved in addition to other details.
Maitha bin Adai, the CEO of Traffic and Roads Agency at the RTA said the service aims to inform Salik users of the offences in connection with their vehicles in a timely manner without any suspicion about the identity .
“Once the user accesses the personal account at the Salik portal, he or she can avail of all the features on the web site,” Maitha said.
“This includes reviewing entries of offences reported in a timely manner and establishing the identity of the offender through a high definition image of the vehicle.”
The official added: “This service, like the other services on offer at the website, enhances the confidence of the public in the system and the services offered.”
“The web site enables subscribers to top up their accounts through a number of options, including credit cards, e-dirham and direct debit from the bank account in coordination with the e-Government of Dubai,” Maitha said.
Services also include the Interactive Voice Response enabling users to check their account balances and process requests for receiving account numbers and pin codes through SMS.
These features are available by contacting the Salik call centre (800-72454) and following the voice directions.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
No Parking Fee in Dubai till December 11, 2008
Staff Reporter (Khaleej Times) 2 December 2008
DUBAI - There is good news for motorists in Dubai as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced on Monday that there would be no parking fees during the holidays of the National Day and Eid Al Adha from today to December 11.
However, there would be no leniency towards people parking vehicles in prohibited areas and parking spaces designated for people with special needs, it said in a Press release issued on Monday.
The RTA urged users of public parking lots to cooperate and allow visitors and residents to make use of the exemption and not park vehicles in the lots for extended periods.
This is particularly important in areas that witness traffic congestion during such celebrations.
riyasbabu@khaleejtimes.com
DUBAI - There is good news for motorists in Dubai as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced on Monday that there would be no parking fees during the holidays of the National Day and Eid Al Adha from today to December 11.
However, there would be no leniency towards people parking vehicles in prohibited areas and parking spaces designated for people with special needs, it said in a Press release issued on Monday.
The RTA urged users of public parking lots to cooperate and allow visitors and residents to make use of the exemption and not park vehicles in the lots for extended periods.
This is particularly important in areas that witness traffic congestion during such celebrations.
riyasbabu@khaleejtimes.com
Sharjah Water Festival Begins
Dhanusha Gokulan (Khaleej Times) 3 December 2008
SHARJAH - The spirit of nationalism was in full view as the Sharjah Water Festival 2008 kicked off in Al Majaz Park on Tuesday with children and adults wearing dresses in colours of the national flag and waving small flags enjoyed the activities.
The festival was inaugurated by Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasmi, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Commerce and Tourism Authority in the presence of Mohammed Ali Al Nounan, Director-General of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism and other dignitaries.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Sultan bin Ahmed said the fact that beginning of this year’s festival coincided with the UAE National Day would give an added boost to tourism in Sharjah.
He highlighted the significance of the mascot of the water festival, ‘Mouj’ which means wave. Mouj was created to instil the importance of water conservation in children, he said.
“Mouj is both an entertaining as well as an educative figure. Children love characters and cartoon images, so we tried to instil the importance of water conservation in kids through Mouj.”
Over a hundred families were seen waving the national flag and enjoying the various activities being held at Majaz Park and the Khalid Lagoon.
This reporter caught up with Rabeea Al Zaabi, an Emirati woman, and her children when they were checking out the stilt walkers who were entertaining the crowd. “Today is an important day and I have made tailor-made clothes in colours of the national flag for my children so that they understand and develop a sense of nationalism and pride in being a UAE national,” said Rabeea.
Abdul Nasser, an Egyptian, said, “It is colourful and entertaining here. I think it is a perfect way to spend the holidays with the family. The good weather and manageable crowd add to the pleasure of being in this place.” The crowd cheered performers of traditional dances and acrobatics. The festival is set to continue till December 13.
SHARJAH - The spirit of nationalism was in full view as the Sharjah Water Festival 2008 kicked off in Al Majaz Park on Tuesday with children and adults wearing dresses in colours of the national flag and waving small flags enjoyed the activities.
The festival was inaugurated by Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasmi, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Commerce and Tourism Authority in the presence of Mohammed Ali Al Nounan, Director-General of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism and other dignitaries.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Sultan bin Ahmed said the fact that beginning of this year’s festival coincided with the UAE National Day would give an added boost to tourism in Sharjah.
He highlighted the significance of the mascot of the water festival, ‘Mouj’ which means wave. Mouj was created to instil the importance of water conservation in children, he said.
“Mouj is both an entertaining as well as an educative figure. Children love characters and cartoon images, so we tried to instil the importance of water conservation in kids through Mouj.”
Over a hundred families were seen waving the national flag and enjoying the various activities being held at Majaz Park and the Khalid Lagoon.
This reporter caught up with Rabeea Al Zaabi, an Emirati woman, and her children when they were checking out the stilt walkers who were entertaining the crowd. “Today is an important day and I have made tailor-made clothes in colours of the national flag for my children so that they understand and develop a sense of nationalism and pride in being a UAE national,” said Rabeea.
Abdul Nasser, an Egyptian, said, “It is colourful and entertaining here. I think it is a perfect way to spend the holidays with the family. The good weather and manageable crowd add to the pleasure of being in this place.” The crowd cheered performers of traditional dances and acrobatics. The festival is set to continue till December 13.
Expats Fete Tolerant UAE
By Joyce Njeri, Copy Editor (Gulf News) Published: December 02, 2008, 23:25
Dubai: The UAE has come a long way and, without doubt, expatriates have found in the country a home away from home and an environment in which they can exercise their religious freedom unhindered.
The latest International Religious Freedom Report released by the US Department of State says that while Islam is the official religion of the UAE, the government follows a policy of tolerance towards non-Muslim religious groups.
The report quotes leading Christian figures such as the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Apostolic Vicariate of Arabia, who showered plaudits on the UAE's leadership for its encouragement of inter-faith dialogue and the country's role in spreading tolerance and promoting coexistence among various faiths.
Local Christian denomination leaders who spoke to Gulf News unanimously praised the UAE authorities. And as the country marked its 37th National Day on Tuesday, the Christian community joined in celebrating the achievements of the UAE.
In Dubai, Reverend Dr V. Dilkumarthe Senior, overseeing minister of King's Revival Church International Ministries, said: "This is a memorable, blessed day for this lovely nation of the UAE. Even though the whole world is passing through times of various uncertainties in areas such as finance, terrorism and wars, this nation will receive the almighty's abundant mercy, by which it shall rise up as an exemplary, shining role model to many countries in the world." The church, which marked its 17th anniversary in the UAE last month, conducts services in several languages, including English, Arabic, Urdu, Sinhala and Swahili. The church also has an extensive, dedicated network of charity organisations and mercy missions in a number of countries around the world.
Referring to religious freedom in the UAE, Reverend Thomas Daniel, the senior pastor of Dubai Marthoma Church, said: "The UAE continues to provide a setting in which people can live together and express their faith with mutual forbearance, to the profit of all. We, as a church of more than 2,000 families, join the nation as it marks the auspicious 37th National Day."
Pastor Daniel was also thankful to the authorities for donating the land in Jebel Ali on which his church is built.
The government recognises a number of Christian denominations, through the issuance of land-use permits, for the construction and operation of churches. According to the US State Department report, non-Muslim religious leaders regularly declare the UAE to be one of the most liberal countries in the region.
Religious freedom: Recent developments
On June 11, Al Sayed Ali Al Hashemi, Religious Affairs Adviser to the president, hosted an interfaith gathering at his residence, to which he invited the Apostolic Vicar of Arabia and Roman Catholic Bishop of Abu Dhabi Paul Hinder.
On May 17, the Media Affairs Centre of the Deputy Prime Minister's Office organised a symposium entitled "The Role of the Vatican in Promoting Coexistence around the World and the Reality of Religious Tolerance in UAE."
On April 27, the president's religious affairs adviser attended the Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Church in the UAE's Easter celebration.
On April 15, the president received the credentials of 13 ambassadors, including a new envoy from the Vatican.
On March 26, a new Ismaili Centre was opened in Dubai. The centre was built on land donated by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
On March 23, Higher Education and Scientific Research Minister Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan opened a new Evangelical Church building in Abu Dhabi.
Dubai: The UAE has come a long way and, without doubt, expatriates have found in the country a home away from home and an environment in which they can exercise their religious freedom unhindered.
The latest International Religious Freedom Report released by the US Department of State says that while Islam is the official religion of the UAE, the government follows a policy of tolerance towards non-Muslim religious groups.
The report quotes leading Christian figures such as the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Apostolic Vicariate of Arabia, who showered plaudits on the UAE's leadership for its encouragement of inter-faith dialogue and the country's role in spreading tolerance and promoting coexistence among various faiths.
Local Christian denomination leaders who spoke to Gulf News unanimously praised the UAE authorities. And as the country marked its 37th National Day on Tuesday, the Christian community joined in celebrating the achievements of the UAE.
In Dubai, Reverend Dr V. Dilkumarthe Senior, overseeing minister of King's Revival Church International Ministries, said: "This is a memorable, blessed day for this lovely nation of the UAE. Even though the whole world is passing through times of various uncertainties in areas such as finance, terrorism and wars, this nation will receive the almighty's abundant mercy, by which it shall rise up as an exemplary, shining role model to many countries in the world." The church, which marked its 17th anniversary in the UAE last month, conducts services in several languages, including English, Arabic, Urdu, Sinhala and Swahili. The church also has an extensive, dedicated network of charity organisations and mercy missions in a number of countries around the world.
Referring to religious freedom in the UAE, Reverend Thomas Daniel, the senior pastor of Dubai Marthoma Church, said: "The UAE continues to provide a setting in which people can live together and express their faith with mutual forbearance, to the profit of all. We, as a church of more than 2,000 families, join the nation as it marks the auspicious 37th National Day."
Pastor Daniel was also thankful to the authorities for donating the land in Jebel Ali on which his church is built.
The government recognises a number of Christian denominations, through the issuance of land-use permits, for the construction and operation of churches. According to the US State Department report, non-Muslim religious leaders regularly declare the UAE to be one of the most liberal countries in the region.
Religious freedom: Recent developments
On June 11, Al Sayed Ali Al Hashemi, Religious Affairs Adviser to the president, hosted an interfaith gathering at his residence, to which he invited the Apostolic Vicar of Arabia and Roman Catholic Bishop of Abu Dhabi Paul Hinder.
On May 17, the Media Affairs Centre of the Deputy Prime Minister's Office organised a symposium entitled "The Role of the Vatican in Promoting Coexistence around the World and the Reality of Religious Tolerance in UAE."
On April 27, the president's religious affairs adviser attended the Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Church in the UAE's Easter celebration.
On April 15, the president received the credentials of 13 ambassadors, including a new envoy from the Vatican.
On March 26, a new Ismaili Centre was opened in Dubai. The centre was built on land donated by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
On March 23, Higher Education and Scientific Research Minister Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan opened a new Evangelical Church building in Abu Dhabi.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Abu Dhabi unveils interactive website for residents and businesses
By Binsal Abdul Kader ,Staff Reporter (Gulf News) Published: December 01, 2008, 00:34
Abu Dhabi: The Department of Municipal Affairs on Sunday launched its advanced website which gives advice on property regulations and the related laws and rules.
Visitors can also submit their suggestions or comments on existing or new regulations.
The information on a latest municipal rule and regulation or where and how to get a municipal service in Abu Dhabi is now just a click away now.
If you would like to know to which municipality you belong to, the "frequently asked questions section" will refer you to the "municipality border map" on the homepage to the municipality of your jurisdiction.
Ahmad Shereef, undersecretary of the department presented the website at a media briefing.
The presentation showcased the newly developed site and its capabilities.
The site contains information on responsibilities and activities of the department, in addition to strategic initiatives, latest policies and regulations introduced in the municipal sector of the Emirate.
The new website was created to enhance communication with the residents and businesses of Abu Dhabi, as well as increase exchange of ideas and coordination between Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western Region Municipalities, said Shereef.
http://www.abudhabi.ae/
Abu Dhabi: The Department of Municipal Affairs on Sunday launched its advanced website which gives advice on property regulations and the related laws and rules.
Visitors can also submit their suggestions or comments on existing or new regulations.
The information on a latest municipal rule and regulation or where and how to get a municipal service in Abu Dhabi is now just a click away now.
If you would like to know to which municipality you belong to, the "frequently asked questions section" will refer you to the "municipality border map" on the homepage to the municipality of your jurisdiction.
Ahmad Shereef, undersecretary of the department presented the website at a media briefing.
The presentation showcased the newly developed site and its capabilities.
The site contains information on responsibilities and activities of the department, in addition to strategic initiatives, latest policies and regulations introduced in the municipal sector of the Emirate.
The new website was created to enhance communication with the residents and businesses of Abu Dhabi, as well as increase exchange of ideas and coordination between Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western Region Municipalities, said Shereef.
http://www.abudhabi.ae/
New Licence Rule Applies to Sharjah Only
By Bassma Al Jandaly, Staff Reporter (Gulf News) Published: December 01, 2008, 00:34
Sharjah: A total of 86 professions will be denied the right of obtaining driving licences by Sharjah Police.
Gulf News reported on Tuyday that certain categories will be barred from applying for driving licences in the UAE, but officials from Sharjah Police confirmed that this is a local decision taken only by the Sharjah Government and will only be applicable in the emirate.
The authority decided to stop issuing driving licences to certain categories of residents, to curb the sharp rise in the number of vehicles.
A memo was issued last week by the Sharjah Police Traffic Department and circulated to all driving schools, stipulating the rule, Gulf News has learnt.
Those whose residency visa has been issued from Sharjah that details any of the 86 professions will not be allowed to open a file for a driving licence.
The Police decision stated that only those who have university degree, such as doctors, engineers, architects, managers, accountants, nurses with university degrees and other similar professions can apply. Full list of banned categories will be issued soon.
Those who are on a drivers' residency visa can also apply. Those who cannot apply include: watchmen, typists, cooks, carpenters, housemaids, tailors, cafeteria waiters, unskilled labourers, gardeners and bakers and others who do not have university degrees.
A Sharjah Police official said that the decision was taken last week to reduce the number of applicants, as there is pressure on the Police from those applying for driving licences.
Last week, the Sharjah Traffic Department stopped opening driving licence files for people in these categories.
"Many applications from these categories were turned down," the official said. The official clarified that those who fall under the 86 categories and have already opened driving licence files will still be able to obtain them.
A number of driving schools in Sharjah have announced that such a decision will affect their business badly.
"It will have bad impact on our business as we will have fewer students," a driving school manager said.
Sharjah: A total of 86 professions will be denied the right of obtaining driving licences by Sharjah Police.
Gulf News reported on Tuyday that certain categories will be barred from applying for driving licences in the UAE, but officials from Sharjah Police confirmed that this is a local decision taken only by the Sharjah Government and will only be applicable in the emirate.
The authority decided to stop issuing driving licences to certain categories of residents, to curb the sharp rise in the number of vehicles.
A memo was issued last week by the Sharjah Police Traffic Department and circulated to all driving schools, stipulating the rule, Gulf News has learnt.
Those whose residency visa has been issued from Sharjah that details any of the 86 professions will not be allowed to open a file for a driving licence.
The Police decision stated that only those who have university degree, such as doctors, engineers, architects, managers, accountants, nurses with university degrees and other similar professions can apply. Full list of banned categories will be issued soon.
Those who are on a drivers' residency visa can also apply. Those who cannot apply include: watchmen, typists, cooks, carpenters, housemaids, tailors, cafeteria waiters, unskilled labourers, gardeners and bakers and others who do not have university degrees.
A Sharjah Police official said that the decision was taken last week to reduce the number of applicants, as there is pressure on the Police from those applying for driving licences.
Last week, the Sharjah Traffic Department stopped opening driving licence files for people in these categories.
"Many applications from these categories were turned down," the official said. The official clarified that those who fall under the 86 categories and have already opened driving licence files will still be able to obtain them.
A number of driving schools in Sharjah have announced that such a decision will affect their business badly.
"It will have bad impact on our business as we will have fewer students," a driving school manager said.
National Day, Eid holidays from Dec 2-11 (2008)
(Khaleej Times Report) 1 December 2008
ABU DHABI - The Federal Cabinet decided on Sunday to merge the holidays of the UAE’s 37th National Day and Eid Al Adha for the public sector, which start from December 2 to 11. Work will resume on December 14.
The Cabinet took the decision at a meeting on Sunday.
The meeting was held under the chairmanship of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The meeting gave its nod for creation of a federal committee to coordinate arrangements for National Day celebrations at the national level from next year. Abdul Rahman Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, will chair the committee.
The Cabinet reviewed a preliminary report on the budget performance from January 1 to September 30, 2008. It also approved the closing accounts of the Marriage Fund for the fiscal year 2007 and the budget of the Emirates Standardisation and Metrology Authority for 2009.
A federal draft law on organic inputs and products was passed.
Earlier, on Sunday the Civil Service Council issued a circular saying federal ministries and departments will remain closed from December 2 to 11 for UAE’s 37th National Day and Eid Al Adha.
The Council extended its congratulations and best wishes to The President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Their Highnesses Members of the Supreme Council Rulers of the emirates, the glorious occasions.
ABU DHABI - The Federal Cabinet decided on Sunday to merge the holidays of the UAE’s 37th National Day and Eid Al Adha for the public sector, which start from December 2 to 11. Work will resume on December 14.
The Cabinet took the decision at a meeting on Sunday.
The meeting was held under the chairmanship of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The meeting gave its nod for creation of a federal committee to coordinate arrangements for National Day celebrations at the national level from next year. Abdul Rahman Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, will chair the committee.
The Cabinet reviewed a preliminary report on the budget performance from January 1 to September 30, 2008. It also approved the closing accounts of the Marriage Fund for the fiscal year 2007 and the budget of the Emirates Standardisation and Metrology Authority for 2009.
A federal draft law on organic inputs and products was passed.
Earlier, on Sunday the Civil Service Council issued a circular saying federal ministries and departments will remain closed from December 2 to 11 for UAE’s 37th National Day and Eid Al Adha.
The Council extended its congratulations and best wishes to The President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Their Highnesses Members of the Supreme Council Rulers of the emirates, the glorious occasions.
Monday, November 17, 2008
How to Get Your UAE Identity Card
(Gulf News Article)
By Alice Johnson, Staff Reporter - Published: June 21, 2008, 00:08
Dubai: In April 2006 the UAE Government introduced a single identity card. This card is compulsory for everyone living legally in the UAE, including nationals, expatriates and GCC citizens.
The Emirates Identity Authority has rolled out the first phase, as part of a three-year plan.
In the future, the cards will be used as a travel document within the GCC.
However, when the scheme was introduced for expatriates, 'not many' expatriates actually turned up to take part in the scheme, as reported in Gulf News.
Registration for expatriates working in government departments commenced on June 1, after being postponed from May 1 because of the number of Emiratis that had not finished registration.
Other sectors will need to register for the cards according to a schedule that is to be announced.
It is mandatory for expatriates who are at least 15 years old living lawfully in the UAE to obtain a registration card.
For children below 15, registration for the Population Register and ID card programme is also mandatory, although having an ID for them is a matter of choice and is subject to a guardian's consent. The Population Register includes a centralised database that includes the aim of upgrading governmental services and putting an end to forgery.
Registration: How to apply for an ID card
1. Book an online appointment
2. Before going for your appointment, fill in an online application form from the EIDA website (www.emiratesid.ae) and take a printout, using a laser printer.
3. Visit the nearest EIDA service centre and pay the registration fee, while submitting your form.
4. Allow biometric and fingerprinting to be done and get your original documents scanned.
5. You can either choose to have your ID card sent to you by Empost or personally collect it after 3 working days.
EIDA can also be contacted on: 600 523 432
Documents and fees
UAE Nationals: Original Family Book and Passport. Dh100
UAE Residents: Original passport. Dh100 per year of visa validity.
Lost or damaged card: Dh300
Source: Emirates ID Authority
By Alice Johnson, Staff Reporter - Published: June 21, 2008, 00:08
Dubai: In April 2006 the UAE Government introduced a single identity card. This card is compulsory for everyone living legally in the UAE, including nationals, expatriates and GCC citizens.
The Emirates Identity Authority has rolled out the first phase, as part of a three-year plan.
In the future, the cards will be used as a travel document within the GCC.
However, when the scheme was introduced for expatriates, 'not many' expatriates actually turned up to take part in the scheme, as reported in Gulf News.
Registration for expatriates working in government departments commenced on June 1, after being postponed from May 1 because of the number of Emiratis that had not finished registration.
Other sectors will need to register for the cards according to a schedule that is to be announced.
It is mandatory for expatriates who are at least 15 years old living lawfully in the UAE to obtain a registration card.
For children below 15, registration for the Population Register and ID card programme is also mandatory, although having an ID for them is a matter of choice and is subject to a guardian's consent. The Population Register includes a centralised database that includes the aim of upgrading governmental services and putting an end to forgery.
Registration: How to apply for an ID card
1. Book an online appointment
2. Before going for your appointment, fill in an online application form from the EIDA website (www.emiratesid.ae) and take a printout, using a laser printer.
3. Visit the nearest EIDA service centre and pay the registration fee, while submitting your form.
4. Allow biometric and fingerprinting to be done and get your original documents scanned.
5. You can either choose to have your ID card sent to you by Empost or personally collect it after 3 working days.
EIDA can also be contacted on: 600 523 432
Documents and fees
UAE Nationals: Original Family Book and Passport. Dh100
UAE Residents: Original passport. Dh100 per year of visa validity.
Lost or damaged card: Dh300
Source: Emirates ID Authority
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Gulf Envoys to Attend New Delhi Meeting
Anwar Ahmad and T Ramavarman (Khaleej Times) 15 November 2008
ABU DHABI - There will be a meeting of ambassadors from the Gulf and some Asian countries on November 27-28 in New Delhi, where issues relating to the Indian workers will be discussed, according to Vayalar Ravi, the Indian Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs.
“There will be particular focus on the problems of the women domestic helps working abroad and their minimum wages as they differ from country to country,” he said at the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi while briefing the media on Thursday.
Also, the Government of India will soon amend the Emigration Act 1983 as part of its efforts to tighten the noose on the unscrupulous recruiting agents engaged in the illegal trafficking of Indians to different countries.
The minister said the Indian Cabinet had already approved the amendment proposals and they would now be presented before the parliament.
The amendments would seek to impose tougher punishments like hefty fines and imprisonment of agents found cheating workers seeking employment abroad.
“A number of steps are being taken by our government to safeguard the rights of Indian workers abroad and to ensure that they move on after complying all the legal procedures,” Ravi said.
There are around 50,000-60,000 housemaids in the UAE and half of them are employed by Indian families.
“The Government of India is particular that the Indian women who are working abroad as domestic helps should get minimum wages and other minimum facilities.
“We have allowed some flexibility in the level of wages saying that it can be between $250 to $300 depending on the wage levels prevailing in each country,’’ the Minister said.
The Indian Consul General, Venu Rajamony who accompanied the minister said the minimum wage that had been fixed for the Indian workers in UAE was Dh 1,100.
The minister also said that the women domestic labourers would have to be provided with a cell phone and they must be in a position to contact the Indian Embassy in the respective countries.
The Indian Ambassador to the UAE, Talmiz Ahmed, said: “There is no adverse effect on the Indian workers in UAE due to the global financial downturn.
“We have not received reports or complaints of delayed or non-payment of wages, or termination of jobs in the UAE particularly in the construction field. We are also monitoring the situation. The liquidity situation in the UAE is far better than the other countries of the world.”
anwar@khaleejtimes.com , ramavarman@khaleejtimes.ae
ABU DHABI - There will be a meeting of ambassadors from the Gulf and some Asian countries on November 27-28 in New Delhi, where issues relating to the Indian workers will be discussed, according to Vayalar Ravi, the Indian Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs.
“There will be particular focus on the problems of the women domestic helps working abroad and their minimum wages as they differ from country to country,” he said at the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi while briefing the media on Thursday.
Also, the Government of India will soon amend the Emigration Act 1983 as part of its efforts to tighten the noose on the unscrupulous recruiting agents engaged in the illegal trafficking of Indians to different countries.
The minister said the Indian Cabinet had already approved the amendment proposals and they would now be presented before the parliament.
The amendments would seek to impose tougher punishments like hefty fines and imprisonment of agents found cheating workers seeking employment abroad.
“A number of steps are being taken by our government to safeguard the rights of Indian workers abroad and to ensure that they move on after complying all the legal procedures,” Ravi said.
There are around 50,000-60,000 housemaids in the UAE and half of them are employed by Indian families.
“The Government of India is particular that the Indian women who are working abroad as domestic helps should get minimum wages and other minimum facilities.
“We have allowed some flexibility in the level of wages saying that it can be between $250 to $300 depending on the wage levels prevailing in each country,’’ the Minister said.
The Indian Consul General, Venu Rajamony who accompanied the minister said the minimum wage that had been fixed for the Indian workers in UAE was Dh 1,100.
The minister also said that the women domestic labourers would have to be provided with a cell phone and they must be in a position to contact the Indian Embassy in the respective countries.
The Indian Ambassador to the UAE, Talmiz Ahmed, said: “There is no adverse effect on the Indian workers in UAE due to the global financial downturn.
“We have not received reports or complaints of delayed or non-payment of wages, or termination of jobs in the UAE particularly in the construction field. We are also monitoring the situation. The liquidity situation in the UAE is far better than the other countries of the world.”
anwar@khaleejtimes.com , ramavarman@khaleejtimes.ae
Construction Sites Under Safety Scanner
Dhanusha Gokulan (Khaleej Times) 15 November 2008
DUBAI - Inspections at construction sites in Dubai have been intensified after the introduction of the Safety Manual for Construction Workers earlier this year.
Waseem Al Alami, Health and Safety Manager of Mirdif Security and Safety, which advises Dubai Municipality, said, “The safety measures have been beefed up, the number of professionally trained inspectors has been increased, and everything shall be done to ensure safety of the workers and people living in the vicinity of construction sites.”
The safety manual outlined specific safety procedures for all types of construction works, demolition and associated jobs.
In the backdrop of recent fatalities in accidents at construction sites, the German exhibition organisers, Epoc Messe Frankfurt, would be featuring “Construction Safety” as the key theme at the Intersec Trade Fair and Conference, which will be held from January 18 to 20, next year.
Most experts blame workers’ lack of awareness of the seriousness of the risks that face them every day.
Angela Schierholz, Senior Show Manager for Epoc, said, “Safety at height is a categorical must for all jobs, either work or rescue. Professional and high-end products, along with safety training programmes, are absolutely important at the construction sites to understand and avoid potential risks.”
Another factor was that most labourers hired for projects had no experience in construction and were hired to fill in as manpower supply could not match with the demand from the large number of construction projects going on across the UAE and the Gulf region.
Reports indicated that 50 per cent of all construction-related accidents in the UAE and the GCC countries are a result of falls.
Each year about 2.3 million work-related deaths take place around the world, with the construction industry accounting for 60,000 deaths, according to Ray Hurst, President of Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, United Kingdom.
“That is, one death occurring every 10 minutes in the construction industry somewhere in the world,” Hurst pointed out.
According to Dubai Municipality, there were 865 construction-related accidents between 2004 and 2007. Falling from heights accounted for 45 per cent of the accidents. Among other type of accidents were collapse of cranes and other machinery, and fire and electrocution.
Municipality officials said among the violations of basic safety rules were non-provision of helmets to workers, failure to erect safety barriers and deploying men to work on highrises without protective equipment.
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com
DUBAI - Inspections at construction sites in Dubai have been intensified after the introduction of the Safety Manual for Construction Workers earlier this year.
Waseem Al Alami, Health and Safety Manager of Mirdif Security and Safety, which advises Dubai Municipality, said, “The safety measures have been beefed up, the number of professionally trained inspectors has been increased, and everything shall be done to ensure safety of the workers and people living in the vicinity of construction sites.”
The safety manual outlined specific safety procedures for all types of construction works, demolition and associated jobs.
In the backdrop of recent fatalities in accidents at construction sites, the German exhibition organisers, Epoc Messe Frankfurt, would be featuring “Construction Safety” as the key theme at the Intersec Trade Fair and Conference, which will be held from January 18 to 20, next year.
Most experts blame workers’ lack of awareness of the seriousness of the risks that face them every day.
Angela Schierholz, Senior Show Manager for Epoc, said, “Safety at height is a categorical must for all jobs, either work or rescue. Professional and high-end products, along with safety training programmes, are absolutely important at the construction sites to understand and avoid potential risks.”
Another factor was that most labourers hired for projects had no experience in construction and were hired to fill in as manpower supply could not match with the demand from the large number of construction projects going on across the UAE and the Gulf region.
Reports indicated that 50 per cent of all construction-related accidents in the UAE and the GCC countries are a result of falls.
Each year about 2.3 million work-related deaths take place around the world, with the construction industry accounting for 60,000 deaths, according to Ray Hurst, President of Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, United Kingdom.
“That is, one death occurring every 10 minutes in the construction industry somewhere in the world,” Hurst pointed out.
According to Dubai Municipality, there were 865 construction-related accidents between 2004 and 2007. Falling from heights accounted for 45 per cent of the accidents. Among other type of accidents were collapse of cranes and other machinery, and fire and electrocution.
Municipality officials said among the violations of basic safety rules were non-provision of helmets to workers, failure to erect safety barriers and deploying men to work on highrises without protective equipment.
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com
Surf the internet for free while you smell the roses in Abu Dhabi
By Binsal Abdul Kader, Staff Reporter - Published: November 09, 2008, 23:02 (Gulf News Article)
Abu Dhabi: Residents can enjoy free wireless internet connectivity in two public parks on the corniche within a month, thanks to a new initiative of Abu Dhabi Municipality, a senior official told Gulf News on Sunday.
"We are trying to complete the preparations in co-operation with etisalat to introduce internet connectivity within one month," said Abdul Aziz Al Jeraishi, Director of Public Parks and Recreation Department at Abu Dhabi Municipality.
"Initially, the connectivity will be available in two public parks on the corniche - Musical Park and Official Park." The connectivity will be available round the clock, said the official. "The entry is free to those two parks, so people can enjoy free browsing.
"If successful, we will gradually extend the service to other parks in the capital," said Al Jeraishi.
The Municipality expects more visitors to those parks once web connectivity gets operational. "We will make necessary arrangements like seating and lights for the visitors," said the official.
Residents welcomed the initiative. "This is great, I can hang on park or beach and do something useful", said Diego Galliker, a Swiss resident.
"Now I can do some research or related things as part of my work while relaxing at the park," said Gallikar who is an architect.
Abu Dhabi: Residents can enjoy free wireless internet connectivity in two public parks on the corniche within a month, thanks to a new initiative of Abu Dhabi Municipality, a senior official told Gulf News on Sunday.
"We are trying to complete the preparations in co-operation with etisalat to introduce internet connectivity within one month," said Abdul Aziz Al Jeraishi, Director of Public Parks and Recreation Department at Abu Dhabi Municipality.
"Initially, the connectivity will be available in two public parks on the corniche - Musical Park and Official Park." The connectivity will be available round the clock, said the official. "The entry is free to those two parks, so people can enjoy free browsing.
"If successful, we will gradually extend the service to other parks in the capital," said Al Jeraishi.
The Municipality expects more visitors to those parks once web connectivity gets operational. "We will make necessary arrangements like seating and lights for the visitors," said the official.
Residents welcomed the initiative. "This is great, I can hang on park or beach and do something useful", said Diego Galliker, a Swiss resident.
"Now I can do some research or related things as part of my work while relaxing at the park," said Gallikar who is an architect.
Two killed as speeding car falls off Abu Dhabi flyover
By Dr Abdul-Hadi Al Timimi, Abu Dhabi Editor - Published: November 14, 2008, 18:01 (Gulf News Article)
Abu Dhabi: Two people died on Friday afternoon after their car veered off the road and plunged from a fly over down into the junction below.
The driver and passenger, an Egyptian and a French national, died, a senior police officer told Gulf News at the scene of the crash. "Both seem to in their 30s."
The flyover straddles the junction of Sa'ada Street and Airport Road close to the passport offices and Abu Dhabi Police Headquarters.
A large crowd gathered at the scene of the crash. All that was left of the car was a mangled mass of red metal.
Eyewitness
Bassam Eisa, a Syrian, terrified by what he had witnessed, said he was at the end of the zebra crossing on Sa'ada Street beyond the flyover when he heard a loud bang and a red object hurtling down over the bridge. He said that some motorists must have had a lucky miss.
The car was travelling on Airport Road out of Abu Dhabi towards the airport.
"The car must have been travelling at very high speed," an Abu Dhabi Civil Defence officer said. "The fact that it broke through the cement barrier of the flyover shows that the main culprit is speeding even if there was a serious mechanical failure."
Abu Dhabi: Two people died on Friday afternoon after their car veered off the road and plunged from a fly over down into the junction below.
The driver and passenger, an Egyptian and a French national, died, a senior police officer told Gulf News at the scene of the crash. "Both seem to in their 30s."
The flyover straddles the junction of Sa'ada Street and Airport Road close to the passport offices and Abu Dhabi Police Headquarters.
A large crowd gathered at the scene of the crash. All that was left of the car was a mangled mass of red metal.
Eyewitness
Bassam Eisa, a Syrian, terrified by what he had witnessed, said he was at the end of the zebra crossing on Sa'ada Street beyond the flyover when he heard a loud bang and a red object hurtling down over the bridge. He said that some motorists must have had a lucky miss.
The car was travelling on Airport Road out of Abu Dhabi towards the airport.
"The car must have been travelling at very high speed," an Abu Dhabi Civil Defence officer said. "The fact that it broke through the cement barrier of the flyover shows that the main culprit is speeding even if there was a serious mechanical failure."
Job Cuts on Emaar Radar as Stocks Crash
Financial Times - Published: November 14, 2008, 23:21 (Gulf News Article)
Dubai/London: Emaar Properties, one of the world's largest property developers, is preparing to cut jobs to help it steer through the biggest crisis in its 11-year history amid a sharp fall on Dubai's stock markets and a cooling of its property sector.
The company, which accounts for about 10 per cent of the Dubai stock market, on Thursday said it was reviewing its 5,000-strong workforce in light of the weakening Dubai property market, which is declining for the first time since foreigners were allowed to buy property in 2002.
Emaar emerged on the property scene from nowhere a decade ago, establishing itself in more than 36 countries through an aggressive acquisitions policy that helped its land bank grow to 519 million square metres, with a value of Dh28.3 billion in 2007.
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The company became the face of Dubai's booming property market, which has been constantly raising the bar for building the biggest, best and fastest.
However, the six-year bull run in Dubai property prices has run out of steam as the financial crisis washes up in the Gulf. HSBC said last week residential prices had fallen in October for the first time since 2002. "To address the new challenges that we face, it is important to reorient our growth strategies and align our business model to tackle new realities," Emaar said.
It has sought to diversify outside the core Dubai development market into a wide range of businesses around the world, from estate agency chain Hamptons International in the UK, John Laing Homes of the US and the Armani hotels business, as well as assets in healthcare and education.
Dubai/London: Emaar Properties, one of the world's largest property developers, is preparing to cut jobs to help it steer through the biggest crisis in its 11-year history amid a sharp fall on Dubai's stock markets and a cooling of its property sector.
The company, which accounts for about 10 per cent of the Dubai stock market, on Thursday said it was reviewing its 5,000-strong workforce in light of the weakening Dubai property market, which is declining for the first time since foreigners were allowed to buy property in 2002.
Emaar emerged on the property scene from nowhere a decade ago, establishing itself in more than 36 countries through an aggressive acquisitions policy that helped its land bank grow to 519 million square metres, with a value of Dh28.3 billion in 2007.
');
//-->
The company became the face of Dubai's booming property market, which has been constantly raising the bar for building the biggest, best and fastest.
However, the six-year bull run in Dubai property prices has run out of steam as the financial crisis washes up in the Gulf. HSBC said last week residential prices had fallen in October for the first time since 2002. "To address the new challenges that we face, it is important to reorient our growth strategies and align our business model to tackle new realities," Emaar said.
It has sought to diversify outside the core Dubai development market into a wide range of businesses around the world, from estate agency chain Hamptons International in the UK, John Laing Homes of the US and the Armani hotels business, as well as assets in healthcare and education.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Climate Change Could Affect Dubai Coast Radically
(Gulf News Report)
By Emmanuelle Landais, Staff Reporter- Published: October 25, 2008, 23:33
Dubai: Reinforcement measures around Dubai's coastline should be taken to avoid any damage from rising sea levels caused by climate change.
Regionally, Kuwait and the Nile Delta would be severely affected by sea levels rising by just one metre, said Raymond S. Bradley, director of the Climate System Research Centre and distinguished professor at the University of Massachusetts.
"You have to ask how will development be affected by sea-levels rising one to two metres here. The Deira side of Dubai's coastline is particularly low and lying close to sea level. So serious infrastructure needs to be thought out along the coast," he said.
Sustainability
Speaking on Saturday at the Green Dubai World Forum, held to commemorate the anniversary of the historic declaration on Green Dubai 2008, made on October 24 last year by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Bradley pointed out how sustainable agriculture had been left out of the sustainability discussions going on in the UAE.
"The build-up of greenhouse gases can be seen everywhere," he said. The same pattern of tremendous rises in carbon dioxide can be seen in the Arctic poles or the middle of the Pacific Ocean, he added. Seasonal trends of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere can be tracked due to green plants absorbing carbon dioxide at different times of the year, said Bradley.
Developments
A minimum percentage of green areas including beaches and parks are being integrated in the design stage by Nakheel on their developments, said Chris O'Donnell, chief executive officer of Nakheel. However, no standards to include a minimum amount of solar panels or renewable energy technologies currently exist, O'Donnell told Gulf News.
"You need to be careful about having mandatory levels, or approaches to sustainability," he said, adding that some water efficiency technologies were being used while solar panels were built into shoreline apartments on The Palm Jumeirah.
Study: Warming gains pace
According to recent scientific research released by the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF), global warming is accelerating at a faster rate than climate change experts had previously predicted.
Latest studies shows the Arctic Ocean is losing sea ice up to 30 years ahead of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predictions. It is now predicted that the summer sea ice could completely disappear between 2013 and 2040 - something that hasn't occurred in more than a million years.
WWF's new report, 'Climate change: faster, stronger, sooner' combines new scientific data shows global warming is accelerating beyond IPCC's forecasts.
The number and intensity of extreme cyclones over the British Isles and the North Sea are projected to increase. Sea levels are expected to rise more than double the IPCC's maximum estimate of 0.59 metre by the end of the century.
By Emmanuelle Landais, Staff Reporter- Published: October 25, 2008, 23:33
Dubai: Reinforcement measures around Dubai's coastline should be taken to avoid any damage from rising sea levels caused by climate change.
Regionally, Kuwait and the Nile Delta would be severely affected by sea levels rising by just one metre, said Raymond S. Bradley, director of the Climate System Research Centre and distinguished professor at the University of Massachusetts.
"You have to ask how will development be affected by sea-levels rising one to two metres here. The Deira side of Dubai's coastline is particularly low and lying close to sea level. So serious infrastructure needs to be thought out along the coast," he said.
Sustainability
Speaking on Saturday at the Green Dubai World Forum, held to commemorate the anniversary of the historic declaration on Green Dubai 2008, made on October 24 last year by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Bradley pointed out how sustainable agriculture had been left out of the sustainability discussions going on in the UAE.
"The build-up of greenhouse gases can be seen everywhere," he said. The same pattern of tremendous rises in carbon dioxide can be seen in the Arctic poles or the middle of the Pacific Ocean, he added. Seasonal trends of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere can be tracked due to green plants absorbing carbon dioxide at different times of the year, said Bradley.
Developments
A minimum percentage of green areas including beaches and parks are being integrated in the design stage by Nakheel on their developments, said Chris O'Donnell, chief executive officer of Nakheel. However, no standards to include a minimum amount of solar panels or renewable energy technologies currently exist, O'Donnell told Gulf News.
"You need to be careful about having mandatory levels, or approaches to sustainability," he said, adding that some water efficiency technologies were being used while solar panels were built into shoreline apartments on The Palm Jumeirah.
Study: Warming gains pace
According to recent scientific research released by the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF), global warming is accelerating at a faster rate than climate change experts had previously predicted.
Latest studies shows the Arctic Ocean is losing sea ice up to 30 years ahead of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predictions. It is now predicted that the summer sea ice could completely disappear between 2013 and 2040 - something that hasn't occurred in more than a million years.
WWF's new report, 'Climate change: faster, stronger, sooner' combines new scientific data shows global warming is accelerating beyond IPCC's forecasts.
The number and intensity of extreme cyclones over the British Isles and the North Sea are projected to increase. Sea levels are expected to rise more than double the IPCC's maximum estimate of 0.59 metre by the end of the century.
Move to Reduce Congestion and Population Density in Abu Dhabi
Staff reporter (Khaleej Times) 26 October 2008
ABU DHABI — The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) has come up with a strategy to reduce congestion and population density in the central area of Abu Dhabi city.
“Abu Dhabi’s population is projected to increase to three million by 2030. This will pose significant challenges in terms of mobility and transportation,” said Falah Al Ahbabi, general manager of the UPC.
The approximately one million people living in Abu Dhabi city right now are concentrated in one area, posing immense challenges for commuting.
“The remainder of the capital is developed with palaces, villas, mosques, schools and other institutional and recreational buildings, while low-density suburbs dot the mainland,” said Falah Al Ahbabi.
By 2030, the UPC reckons, the land use structure here will change dramatically to create a city that will function well with more than three times its current population.
“We are creating the Capital City District, with a population of 3,50,000 to 3,80,000 residents, which will form a second centre in Abu Dhabi, located on the mainland in the area known as Khalifa City,” Falah Al Ahbabi added.
The Capital City District will sit on an axis that is an extension of the Mussafah Bridge alignment, being at the centre of the mainland Emirati communities.
The city’s centre will be expanded towards northeast to encompass Sowah Island (the new financial centre), the redeveloped Mina Zayed Port area, and parts of Reem Island. This will continue to be the financial and commercial heart of Abu Dhabi.
Meanwhile, the Capital City District — the new location of the UAE Federal Government, embassies and some emirate and municipality government functions — will become the seat of the national government.
New transport infrastructure will be developed to connect the city’s centre with the Capital City District.
In a single-centre city, traffic flow towards the centre in the morning would be too high, congesting incoming routes and leaving outgoing routes half empty. The opposite happens in the evening. In a dual-centre city, traffic movement between the centres would be nearly equal so that street space and public transport are fully utilised in both directions.
“By breaking the mould of the traditional city planning model, the UPC is promoting a new mindset through responsive urbanism concepts,” Falah Al Ahbabi said.
By 2030, Abu Dhabi will have a series of major centres of activity, in addition to the dominant central area of the city and Capital City District. The Abu Dhabi mainland will expand substantially with the redevelopment and expansion of Shahama-Bahia, Baniyas and Wathba, and with the development of new communities such as Al Falah and Shamkha.
silvia@khaleejtimes.com
ABU DHABI — The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) has come up with a strategy to reduce congestion and population density in the central area of Abu Dhabi city.
“Abu Dhabi’s population is projected to increase to three million by 2030. This will pose significant challenges in terms of mobility and transportation,” said Falah Al Ahbabi, general manager of the UPC.
The approximately one million people living in Abu Dhabi city right now are concentrated in one area, posing immense challenges for commuting.
“The remainder of the capital is developed with palaces, villas, mosques, schools and other institutional and recreational buildings, while low-density suburbs dot the mainland,” said Falah Al Ahbabi.
By 2030, the UPC reckons, the land use structure here will change dramatically to create a city that will function well with more than three times its current population.
“We are creating the Capital City District, with a population of 3,50,000 to 3,80,000 residents, which will form a second centre in Abu Dhabi, located on the mainland in the area known as Khalifa City,” Falah Al Ahbabi added.
The Capital City District will sit on an axis that is an extension of the Mussafah Bridge alignment, being at the centre of the mainland Emirati communities.
The city’s centre will be expanded towards northeast to encompass Sowah Island (the new financial centre), the redeveloped Mina Zayed Port area, and parts of Reem Island. This will continue to be the financial and commercial heart of Abu Dhabi.
Meanwhile, the Capital City District — the new location of the UAE Federal Government, embassies and some emirate and municipality government functions — will become the seat of the national government.
New transport infrastructure will be developed to connect the city’s centre with the Capital City District.
In a single-centre city, traffic flow towards the centre in the morning would be too high, congesting incoming routes and leaving outgoing routes half empty. The opposite happens in the evening. In a dual-centre city, traffic movement between the centres would be nearly equal so that street space and public transport are fully utilised in both directions.
“By breaking the mould of the traditional city planning model, the UPC is promoting a new mindset through responsive urbanism concepts,” Falah Al Ahbabi said.
By 2030, Abu Dhabi will have a series of major centres of activity, in addition to the dominant central area of the city and Capital City District. The Abu Dhabi mainland will expand substantially with the redevelopment and expansion of Shahama-Bahia, Baniyas and Wathba, and with the development of new communities such as Al Falah and Shamkha.
silvia@khaleejtimes.com
Monday, October 6, 2008
Abu Dhabi Steps Up Drive to Curb Illegal Sub-letting of Housing
(Adel Arafah - Khaleej Times) 7 October 2008
ABU DHABI — The Abu Dhabi Municipality has stepped up inspections of villas and traditional houses in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Gharbia to curb illegal partitioning and sub-letting to families and singles, Dr Juwan Salim Al Dhahiri, Chairman of the Municipal Affairs Department, told Khaleej Times on Monday.
The landlords of such villas and houses, he said, were abusing the current housing crunch for short-term financial gains, posing a risk to the safety and security of people and property.
The intensified inspections against illegal partitioning of homes follows the campaign launched by the municipality early this year against such violations. Notices were served on landlords of 520 villas and houses ordering eviction of multiple families and removal of illegal partitions on their premises within six months.
Of them, 176 cases have been referred to the courts for action. Earlier, the court had handed down one-month jail sentences to three investors and fined each of them Dh50,000 for breaching the rules for letting villas and houses. The court had slapped Dh50,000 fine on several other landlords and ordered removal of the illegal partitions in their houses.
Omar Al Hashemi, Director of Municipal Services Office, told Khaleej Times that the civic body had obtained about 120 municipality court orders of eviction against offenders. Legal procedures are on to enforce the orders. The law governing construction in the emirate stipulates a jail sentence of not more than a year, plus a fine of not more than Dh50,000 and not less than Dh5,000 for tampering with the structure of the buildings and partitioning rooms without approval of the bodies concerned.
Al Hashemi said under the ongoing campaign against sharing of villas, the court grants tenants six months to vacate depending on the nature of the offence and partitions. The court could also order immediate removal of the partitions and vacation of the property by the tenants.
He said the campaign was launched due to the unhygienic living conditions in villas where multiple families are living. In addition, it poses safety threats to the tenants.
“Imagine 11 persons crammed into a small bedroom and sleeping shoulder to shoulder in unhygienic and dangerous environment,’’ he referred to one such case of violation.
Some of these houses, he said, are accommodating up to 50 persons, making these units a fertile ground for diseases.
Asked about the solution to the housing problem in the emirate, he said, ‘’The municipality is striving to solve this problem by building more properties at the Mohammed bin Zayed City and Khalifa City to provide residential units for all segments, mainly the low-income groups.”
Meanwhile, a comprehensive law is being drafted to fight the sharing of accommodation across the country; it is likely to be ready in a few months.
The law is being prepared by a committee comprising representatives of several bodies such as the police and judicial department. The law will stipulate the penalties for landlords, investors and tenants who breach the tenancy contracts and rent apartments out to single men and women.
adel@khaleejtimes.com
ABU DHABI — The Abu Dhabi Municipality has stepped up inspections of villas and traditional houses in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Gharbia to curb illegal partitioning and sub-letting to families and singles, Dr Juwan Salim Al Dhahiri, Chairman of the Municipal Affairs Department, told Khaleej Times on Monday.
The landlords of such villas and houses, he said, were abusing the current housing crunch for short-term financial gains, posing a risk to the safety and security of people and property.
The intensified inspections against illegal partitioning of homes follows the campaign launched by the municipality early this year against such violations. Notices were served on landlords of 520 villas and houses ordering eviction of multiple families and removal of illegal partitions on their premises within six months.
Of them, 176 cases have been referred to the courts for action. Earlier, the court had handed down one-month jail sentences to three investors and fined each of them Dh50,000 for breaching the rules for letting villas and houses. The court had slapped Dh50,000 fine on several other landlords and ordered removal of the illegal partitions in their houses.
Omar Al Hashemi, Director of Municipal Services Office, told Khaleej Times that the civic body had obtained about 120 municipality court orders of eviction against offenders. Legal procedures are on to enforce the orders. The law governing construction in the emirate stipulates a jail sentence of not more than a year, plus a fine of not more than Dh50,000 and not less than Dh5,000 for tampering with the structure of the buildings and partitioning rooms without approval of the bodies concerned.
Al Hashemi said under the ongoing campaign against sharing of villas, the court grants tenants six months to vacate depending on the nature of the offence and partitions. The court could also order immediate removal of the partitions and vacation of the property by the tenants.
He said the campaign was launched due to the unhygienic living conditions in villas where multiple families are living. In addition, it poses safety threats to the tenants.
“Imagine 11 persons crammed into a small bedroom and sleeping shoulder to shoulder in unhygienic and dangerous environment,’’ he referred to one such case of violation.
Some of these houses, he said, are accommodating up to 50 persons, making these units a fertile ground for diseases.
Asked about the solution to the housing problem in the emirate, he said, ‘’The municipality is striving to solve this problem by building more properties at the Mohammed bin Zayed City and Khalifa City to provide residential units for all segments, mainly the low-income groups.”
Meanwhile, a comprehensive law is being drafted to fight the sharing of accommodation across the country; it is likely to be ready in a few months.
The law is being prepared by a committee comprising representatives of several bodies such as the police and judicial department. The law will stipulate the penalties for landlords, investors and tenants who breach the tenancy contracts and rent apartments out to single men and women.
adel@khaleejtimes.com
Smoking Ban Violators will be Fined Dh5,000 or More
(Sebugwaawo Ismail - Khaleej Times) 7 October 2008
RAS AL KHAIMAH -— Violators of the ban on smoking in public places in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, which went into effect on Sunday, would be fined Dh5,000 or more, said a municipality official.
The ban would apply to hotels, restaurants, cafes, shopping malls, sports halls, men and women’s salons and other enclosed public places, said Mubarak Ali Al Shamsi, Chairman of Ras Al Khaimah Municipality.
The ban is intended to protect the health of non-smokers from second-hand smoke (passive-smoking). Special rooms would be designated for smokers, especially in hotels and shopping malls, he noted.
He stressed that like Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, which had successfully enforced the ban on smoking in public places, Ras Al Khaimah, too, would ensure that people abide by smoking regulations.
RAS AL KHAIMAH -— Violators of the ban on smoking in public places in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, which went into effect on Sunday, would be fined Dh5,000 or more, said a municipality official.
The ban would apply to hotels, restaurants, cafes, shopping malls, sports halls, men and women’s salons and other enclosed public places, said Mubarak Ali Al Shamsi, Chairman of Ras Al Khaimah Municipality.
The ban is intended to protect the health of non-smokers from second-hand smoke (passive-smoking). Special rooms would be designated for smokers, especially in hotels and shopping malls, he noted.
He stressed that like Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, which had successfully enforced the ban on smoking in public places, Ras Al Khaimah, too, would ensure that people abide by smoking regulations.
Drivers Face Dh500 Fee for Minor Abu Dhabi Accidents
(Staff reporter-Khaleej Times) 7 October 2008
ABU DHABI — Motorists involved in minor accidents in the emirate of Abu Dhabi will, from October 12, be required to pay Dh500 to Saaed, a newly-established organisation engaged in helping road accident victims.
A statement from Abu Dhabi Traffic Department on Monday said, the Dh500 fee will cover only minor accidents. In case of major accident, the matter will be referred to the Traffic Court.
The Saaed is the first-of-its-kind initiative in the Middle East in the field of integrated system for management of traffic accidents.
Major Husain Ahmed Al Harthy, Director of Traffic Engineering and Road Safety Department in Abu Dhabi Police, said the fees would be collected from the person who caused the accident.
He called on the public to cooperate with Saaed personnel.
“The fee of Dh500 is very low when compared with similar services in other places around the world,” he added. The decision has been taken on the directives of Minister of Interior, Lt-Gen. Shaikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in view of the increasing number of accidents in the emirate.
A statement from Saaed called on motorists involved in traffic accidents to move their vehicles from the road so that the other road users are not blocked. Saaed personnel are capable of reconstructing accidents to determine who caused them, even after moving vehicles.
It also mentioned that Saeed patrols were equipped with comprehensive systems for traffic accident management, which calculates cost of repair, rates of workshops and controls vehicle recovery services.
Motorists will be able to acquire a copy of the accident reconstruction documents from insurance companies through the website of Saaed, the statement added.
ABU DHABI — Motorists involved in minor accidents in the emirate of Abu Dhabi will, from October 12, be required to pay Dh500 to Saaed, a newly-established organisation engaged in helping road accident victims.
A statement from Abu Dhabi Traffic Department on Monday said, the Dh500 fee will cover only minor accidents. In case of major accident, the matter will be referred to the Traffic Court.
The Saaed is the first-of-its-kind initiative in the Middle East in the field of integrated system for management of traffic accidents.
Major Husain Ahmed Al Harthy, Director of Traffic Engineering and Road Safety Department in Abu Dhabi Police, said the fees would be collected from the person who caused the accident.
He called on the public to cooperate with Saaed personnel.
“The fee of Dh500 is very low when compared with similar services in other places around the world,” he added. The decision has been taken on the directives of Minister of Interior, Lt-Gen. Shaikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in view of the increasing number of accidents in the emirate.
A statement from Saaed called on motorists involved in traffic accidents to move their vehicles from the road so that the other road users are not blocked. Saaed personnel are capable of reconstructing accidents to determine who caused them, even after moving vehicles.
It also mentioned that Saeed patrols were equipped with comprehensive systems for traffic accident management, which calculates cost of repair, rates of workshops and controls vehicle recovery services.
Motorists will be able to acquire a copy of the accident reconstruction documents from insurance companies through the website of Saaed, the statement added.
Beware! Spitting in Public Costly as Dubai Launches Clean Drive
Beware! Spitting in Public Costly as Dubai Launches Clean Drive
(Joy Sengupta-Khaleej Times) 7 October 2008
DUBAI — A month-long campaign, titled ‘Say Yes to a Clean Naif’, will be launched by Dubai Municipality on Wednesday. The campaign is aimed at creating awareness about the unhealthy practices of spitting in public places, littering and drying of clothes in the balconies of buildings, municipality officials said on Monday.
“Spitting in public places is a serious problem. Many people, who chew betel leaves and tobacco products, tend to spit anywhere they wish without any concern for hygiene,” said municipality spokesperson Ismail Miladi.
Though there is no penalty or fine for hanging clothes in the open, municipality rules stipulate a fine of Dh500 for spitting and littering in public. The municipality will organise road shows and publicise the event in the print and electronic media.
“We need to keep the city clean. The Dubai Municipality is sure that the campaign will bear fruit and people will understand the importance of keeping their localities clean and hygienic.
“The municipality has placed several big and small garbage bins in the city for people to throw waste in them,” officials said.
The sale of betel and any of its derivatives is prohibited.
Those caught selling such products risk fines up to Dh5,000, officials said.
“People providing information about the sale of such products are rewarded up to Dh2,000 depending on the size of the seizure of prohibited items,” officials said. People wanting to report violators can call the municipality’s toll free number 800-900.
joy@khaleejtimes.com
(Joy Sengupta-Khaleej Times) 7 October 2008
DUBAI — A month-long campaign, titled ‘Say Yes to a Clean Naif’, will be launched by Dubai Municipality on Wednesday. The campaign is aimed at creating awareness about the unhealthy practices of spitting in public places, littering and drying of clothes in the balconies of buildings, municipality officials said on Monday.
“Spitting in public places is a serious problem. Many people, who chew betel leaves and tobacco products, tend to spit anywhere they wish without any concern for hygiene,” said municipality spokesperson Ismail Miladi.
Though there is no penalty or fine for hanging clothes in the open, municipality rules stipulate a fine of Dh500 for spitting and littering in public. The municipality will organise road shows and publicise the event in the print and electronic media.
“We need to keep the city clean. The Dubai Municipality is sure that the campaign will bear fruit and people will understand the importance of keeping their localities clean and hygienic.
“The municipality has placed several big and small garbage bins in the city for people to throw waste in them,” officials said.
The sale of betel and any of its derivatives is prohibited.
Those caught selling such products risk fines up to Dh5,000, officials said.
“People providing information about the sale of such products are rewarded up to Dh2,000 depending on the size of the seizure of prohibited items,” officials said. People wanting to report violators can call the municipality’s toll free number 800-900.
joy@khaleejtimes.com
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Ramadan Offer by Emirates
(By a Staff Reporter) – Khaleej Times - 14 August 2008
DUBAI - Emirates passengers travelling to Dubai during the month of Ramadan can enjoy two nights accommodation for as little as $57 (approx Dh209) a night per person.
According to a Press release, the offer, which runs from September 1 to September 30, involves six select hotels in Dubai, including the Marco Polo Hotel, Novotel World Trade Centre Dubai and Hyatt Regency Dubai.
DUBAI - Emirates passengers travelling to Dubai during the month of Ramadan can enjoy two nights accommodation for as little as $57 (approx Dh209) a night per person.
According to a Press release, the offer, which runs from September 1 to September 30, involves six select hotels in Dubai, including the Marco Polo Hotel, Novotel World Trade Centre Dubai and Hyatt Regency Dubai.
Big Family + Small Flat= No Residence Visa!
(By Mary Nammour) – Khaleej Times- 14 August 2008
DUBAI - Do you stay in a small accommodation with a large family? It's likely your application will be rejected the next time around you apply for renewal of your family's residency visas. The renewal of residency visas for families is now linked to the size of the family and the size of the accommodation they are staying in, said Brigadier Obeid Muheir bin Suroor, Acting Director of the Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD).
Speaking to Khaleej Times, the official stressed that the DNRD would not be issuing or renewing residency visas for families unless they were staying in a 'proper accommodation'. The DNRD official had said earlier this week that tenancy contract was not a prerequisite in Dubai for renewal of residency visas. However, he has now clarified that providing accommodation to the sponsored persons is an absolute must. Talking to KT, Bin Suroor said, 'We don't get into such details as asking for the tenancy contract, but we ensure that whoever applies for a residency visa for his family, first has accommodation available for himself. Otherwise, the visa application gets rejected.'
Bin Suroor said his department had now become strict on the accommodation condition for residency visa applications. 'When applying for the residency visa for family members, the applicant must furnish proof that he has a proper place to accommodate the family. This proof can be a tenancy contract or a letter from the person's sponsoring company stating it has provided accommodation for the applicant's family. The accommodation can be located in a building, a hotel apartment or a separate house,' he said. 'The space where the person lives should match the size of the family. If the applicant is living in a studio flat, he can't apply for residence visas for a family of many children.' However, when queried about the specifics like how many children for different sizes of flats he said there weren't specific / particular guidelines to be followed by the department in this regard.
He, however, said that DNRD would be looking precisely into the accommodation proof and the 'accommodation feasibility' for the members of family.
DUBAI - Do you stay in a small accommodation with a large family? It's likely your application will be rejected the next time around you apply for renewal of your family's residency visas. The renewal of residency visas for families is now linked to the size of the family and the size of the accommodation they are staying in, said Brigadier Obeid Muheir bin Suroor, Acting Director of the Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD).
Speaking to Khaleej Times, the official stressed that the DNRD would not be issuing or renewing residency visas for families unless they were staying in a 'proper accommodation'. The DNRD official had said earlier this week that tenancy contract was not a prerequisite in Dubai for renewal of residency visas. However, he has now clarified that providing accommodation to the sponsored persons is an absolute must. Talking to KT, Bin Suroor said, 'We don't get into such details as asking for the tenancy contract, but we ensure that whoever applies for a residency visa for his family, first has accommodation available for himself. Otherwise, the visa application gets rejected.'
Bin Suroor said his department had now become strict on the accommodation condition for residency visa applications. 'When applying for the residency visa for family members, the applicant must furnish proof that he has a proper place to accommodate the family. This proof can be a tenancy contract or a letter from the person's sponsoring company stating it has provided accommodation for the applicant's family. The accommodation can be located in a building, a hotel apartment or a separate house,' he said. 'The space where the person lives should match the size of the family. If the applicant is living in a studio flat, he can't apply for residence visas for a family of many children.' However, when queried about the specifics like how many children for different sizes of flats he said there weren't specific / particular guidelines to be followed by the department in this regard.
He, however, said that DNRD would be looking precisely into the accommodation proof and the 'accommodation feasibility' for the members of family.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Six-Month Jail For Assaulting Worker
(By Salah Al Deberkey) (Khaleej Times Report)13 August 2008
FUJAIRAH - Upholding the verdict of the lower court, the Fujairah Court of Appeal on Tuesday sentenced a UAE national to six months in jail, for assaulting and severely injuring an Indian worker. The court ruled that the complainant had the right to claim compensation as well.
Stephan Mahendran, an Indian technician, had filed a lawsuit against UAE national Khalfan Sayyed, charging the latter with hitting him brutally on his face, after which he bled too much and suffered critical damage in the retina of his left eye. The injury was confirmed by an official medical report.
Sayyed, on his part, said he hit Mahendran after the latter committed a mistake while doing some maintenance works at his house. He was referred to the Public Prosecution, which charged him with assaulting Mahendran, and inadvertently causing him a permanent disability in his left eye.
FUJAIRAH - Upholding the verdict of the lower court, the Fujairah Court of Appeal on Tuesday sentenced a UAE national to six months in jail, for assaulting and severely injuring an Indian worker. The court ruled that the complainant had the right to claim compensation as well.
Stephan Mahendran, an Indian technician, had filed a lawsuit against UAE national Khalfan Sayyed, charging the latter with hitting him brutally on his face, after which he bled too much and suffered critical damage in the retina of his left eye. The injury was confirmed by an official medical report.
Sayyed, on his part, said he hit Mahendran after the latter committed a mistake while doing some maintenance works at his house. He was referred to the Public Prosecution, which charged him with assaulting Mahendran, and inadvertently causing him a permanent disability in his left eye.
UAE Leaders Greet Pakistan, India on Independence Day
By Afkar Abdullah (Khaleej Times Report)13 August 2008
SHARJAH - The country's openness, its economic development and its strategic location between drugs-producing and consuming countries has, of late, made UAE a key transit point for transhipment of contraband drugs. This was stated on Tuesday by Brig. Yousif Al Addidi, head of the Anti-Narcotics Unit in Dubai Police.
He, however, refused to mention the names of the drugs-producing and consuming countries.
According to statistics compiled by Sharjah Police, 1,943 people of various nationalities were arrested in 1,112 drug trafficking cases from 1998 to 2007. During the last year, 895kg of hashish, 6.2kg of heroin, 6.5kg of cocaine and 4,104 capsules of various other drugs were seized in Sharjah alone.
The biggest quantity of hashish weighing 2,031kg was seized in 2001 in the emirate. Drug offences in the emirate are punishable by terms ranging from a minimum of 15 years to life sentence, or even death sentence depending on the case.
SHARJAH - The country's openness, its economic development and its strategic location between drugs-producing and consuming countries has, of late, made UAE a key transit point for transhipment of contraband drugs. This was stated on Tuesday by Brig. Yousif Al Addidi, head of the Anti-Narcotics Unit in Dubai Police.
He, however, refused to mention the names of the drugs-producing and consuming countries.
According to statistics compiled by Sharjah Police, 1,943 people of various nationalities were arrested in 1,112 drug trafficking cases from 1998 to 2007. During the last year, 895kg of hashish, 6.2kg of heroin, 6.5kg of cocaine and 4,104 capsules of various other drugs were seized in Sharjah alone.
The biggest quantity of hashish weighing 2,031kg was seized in 2001 in the emirate. Drug offences in the emirate are punishable by terms ranging from a minimum of 15 years to life sentence, or even death sentence depending on the case.
Butchery Shut Down For Selling Stale Meat
By Anwar Ahmad (Khaleej Times Report) 13 August 2008
ABU DHABI - The Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority shut down a 24-hour-open butchery outlet in a shopping centre in the capital on Tuesday after seizing 30kg of meat not suitable for human consumption.
The butchery outlet failed to adhere to the authority's prescribed hygiene and health standards.
The authority's inspectors confirmed that the outlet was found flouting the rules for the third time in six months, an official said.
ABU DHABI - The Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority shut down a 24-hour-open butchery outlet in a shopping centre in the capital on Tuesday after seizing 30kg of meat not suitable for human consumption.
The butchery outlet failed to adhere to the authority's prescribed hygiene and health standards.
The authority's inspectors confirmed that the outlet was found flouting the rules for the third time in six months, an official said.
Cooperative Society Offers 50 Per Cent Cheaper Items
(By a staff reporter) (Khaleej Times Report)13 August 2008
AL AIN - Al Ain Cooperative Society's products are now being offered at its shelves at half the market rates. Compared to the prices at which they are being sold in Al Ain markets, they are tagged at prices which are almost 50 per cent cheaper. This was announced on Tuesday by Wala'a Adil Rashid, Deputy Director Manager of Al Ain Cooperative Society.
Wala'a said these products carry the trade mark of Al Ain Cooperative Society. "The products include tissue papers, mineral water, frozen vegetables, powder soap, antiseptics etc.," he said.
The Society will soon offer oil and powdered milk at 50 per cent cheaper prices, he added.
"The Society will also offer rice and chicken that are 10 per cent cheaper," Wala'a said. Wala'a said the decision, taken in consultation with the Ministry of Economy (MoE), was aimed at providing relief to Al Ain residents, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
He said some supermarkets and shopping centres in Al Ain had hiked prices of essential foodstuffs and Ramadan commodities, despite the warning of the MoE.
AL AIN - Al Ain Cooperative Society's products are now being offered at its shelves at half the market rates. Compared to the prices at which they are being sold in Al Ain markets, they are tagged at prices which are almost 50 per cent cheaper. This was announced on Tuesday by Wala'a Adil Rashid, Deputy Director Manager of Al Ain Cooperative Society.
Wala'a said these products carry the trade mark of Al Ain Cooperative Society. "The products include tissue papers, mineral water, frozen vegetables, powder soap, antiseptics etc.," he said.
The Society will soon offer oil and powdered milk at 50 per cent cheaper prices, he added.
"The Society will also offer rice and chicken that are 10 per cent cheaper," Wala'a said. Wala'a said the decision, taken in consultation with the Ministry of Economy (MoE), was aimed at providing relief to Al Ain residents, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
He said some supermarkets and shopping centres in Al Ain had hiked prices of essential foodstuffs and Ramadan commodities, despite the warning of the MoE.
Insurance Cost To Vary With 3 Types of Visit Visas
By Mary Nammour (Khaleej Times Report)13 August 2008
DUBAI - People seeking Dubai entry permits under the newly-enforced visa rules can choose from three types of traveller health insurance policies according to the duration of their stay.
According to the Acting Director of Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD), Brigadier Obeid Muheir bin Suroor, 'Newcomers to the UAE will have to select one of the three types of insurance policies depending on the duration of the visit. There will be an insurance policy costing Dh40 for the 30-day short visit visa. The insurance policy accompanying the long-term entry permit for 90-day visit would cost Dh90, while the 180-day multiple entry visit visa would be linked to Dh185 insurance policy.'
The three types of health insurance policies to be offered by two insurance companies - Oman Insurance and Dubai Islamic Insurance and Reinsurance Company (AMAN) - would be available by next week at the DNRD premises, he added.
An agreement was signed to this effect by DNRD and the two insurance companies.
Under the agreement, the insurance policy to be provided to visit visa applicants would be limited to the UAE. 'The beneficiary will receive treatment at a hospital in case of an accident or emergency. The insurance policy will cover 100 per cent of services offered to the patient, including hospital accommodation, diagnostics fees, surgery, anaesthesiology, aid for emergency situations leading to hospitalisation. The drugs and medicines needed for treatment inside the hospital will also be covered,' he pointed out.
The costs of rehabilitation treatment, dental treatment for damage caused by accidents will also be covered by the insurance policy during the visitor's stay. In case of death of the insured person, the insurance companies would repatriate the body to his/her country by bearing up to Dh7,000 of the expenses. 'The traveller health insurance policy will not cover chronic illnesses, nor situations such as pregnancy and child birth, ophthalmology or dental treatment. However, it will cover emergency treatment of serious complications of already existing chronic illnesses,' he clarified.
Oman and Aman insurance companies will from next week offer services at the DNRD's main headquarters in Jaffliya. Counters will also be set at DNRD extension centres in Abu Hail, Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai International Airport, Dnata Passport Section on Shaikh Zayed Road, Umm Suqeim and Bin Sougat.
mary@khaleejtimes.com
· Health insurance cover for the 30-day visit visa is Dh40.
· Health insurance cover for the 90-day visit visa is Dh90.
· Price of health insurance cover for the multiple entry 180-day visit visas is Dh185.
· The geographical coverage area of the insurance is limited to the UAE.
· No coverage of chronic illnesses.
· In case of death, the insurance company would repatriate of the body and bear up to Dh7,000 of the cost.
DUBAI - People seeking Dubai entry permits under the newly-enforced visa rules can choose from three types of traveller health insurance policies according to the duration of their stay.
According to the Acting Director of Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD), Brigadier Obeid Muheir bin Suroor, 'Newcomers to the UAE will have to select one of the three types of insurance policies depending on the duration of the visit. There will be an insurance policy costing Dh40 for the 30-day short visit visa. The insurance policy accompanying the long-term entry permit for 90-day visit would cost Dh90, while the 180-day multiple entry visit visa would be linked to Dh185 insurance policy.'
The three types of health insurance policies to be offered by two insurance companies - Oman Insurance and Dubai Islamic Insurance and Reinsurance Company (AMAN) - would be available by next week at the DNRD premises, he added.
An agreement was signed to this effect by DNRD and the two insurance companies.
Under the agreement, the insurance policy to be provided to visit visa applicants would be limited to the UAE. 'The beneficiary will receive treatment at a hospital in case of an accident or emergency. The insurance policy will cover 100 per cent of services offered to the patient, including hospital accommodation, diagnostics fees, surgery, anaesthesiology, aid for emergency situations leading to hospitalisation. The drugs and medicines needed for treatment inside the hospital will also be covered,' he pointed out.
The costs of rehabilitation treatment, dental treatment for damage caused by accidents will also be covered by the insurance policy during the visitor's stay. In case of death of the insured person, the insurance companies would repatriate the body to his/her country by bearing up to Dh7,000 of the expenses. 'The traveller health insurance policy will not cover chronic illnesses, nor situations such as pregnancy and child birth, ophthalmology or dental treatment. However, it will cover emergency treatment of serious complications of already existing chronic illnesses,' he clarified.
Oman and Aman insurance companies will from next week offer services at the DNRD's main headquarters in Jaffliya. Counters will also be set at DNRD extension centres in Abu Hail, Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai International Airport, Dnata Passport Section on Shaikh Zayed Road, Umm Suqeim and Bin Sougat.
mary@khaleejtimes.com
· Health insurance cover for the 30-day visit visa is Dh40.
· Health insurance cover for the 90-day visit visa is Dh90.
· Price of health insurance cover for the multiple entry 180-day visit visas is Dh185.
· The geographical coverage area of the insurance is limited to the UAE.
· No coverage of chronic illnesses.
· In case of death, the insurance company would repatriate of the body and bear up to Dh7,000 of the cost.
New Visa Fees (DNRD)
The New Visa Fee Structure published as per the Department of Naturalization and Residency, Dubai (DNRD) (CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO ENLARGE IT)See details at Official Site
http://www.dnrd.gov.ae/DNRD/News%20And%20Events/News_Detail?id=309
International Health Insurance Valid For UAE Visa Applications
Brigadier Obaid Mehayer Bin Suroor, Acting Director of Dubai Naturalization and Residency Department (DNRD), announced that entry permit applicants who are covered by international health insurance policies are not required to have a local one. Brig. Bin Suroor spoke during a meeting with authorities of free zones as part of the ongoing efforts to communicate the new visa regulations and requirements to all private and public establishments. According to Bin Suroor, the new rules stipulated that free zone companies or groups of companies must immediately set the processes for medical insurance that they will use for the applications of visa for their visitors, be it individuals or groups, and only then they can submit their visa applications to DNRD and have them approved and processed. The Acting Director of DNRD confirmed that that the new system offered excellent facilities for establishments especially government entities which are required to present a letter undertaking the complete responsibility for the medical expenses of their guests in case of emergencies in the UAE. One letter is sufficient when applying for visas for an individual or a group, by any particular company or group of companies. It is worth mentioning that the DNRD is continuing the process of officially informing all companies about the mechanism of financial deposits as mentioned under the ministerial rule 322/2008 regarding entry and residency of foreigners. The meeting was attended by Ahmed Abdullah Mosaed, Assistant Manager of Financial Affairs; Colonel Bader Salem, Director of Investigation and Follow-up Department at DNRD; Major Mohammed Al Hammadi, Manager, Entry Permits Department; and Khaleefa Balqoubaa, Assistant Manager of External Centres
Monday, August 11, 2008
Visa Regulations Leave Insurers Scrambling
By Shakir Husain, Staff Reporter (Gulf News) Published: August 11, 2008, 23:23
Dubai: The government's revamping of visa requirements that came into effect July 29 caught UAE health insurance companies off guard. Under the new regulations, visitors to the UAE are required to purchase health coverage as a condition of obtaining visit visas. Residents of 34 countries, mainly those from Europe and North America, are exempt from this health insurance rule.
Because of the change and the rushed manner in which the visa rules were brought into effect, the UAE companies have been scrambling to develop proper health-insurance plans.
Coordination
"The government should have coordinated with the insurance community well in advance, providing the guidelines and regulations so that we could have prepared the products and procedures to meet the rules," one Dubai insurance official told Gulf News, requesting anonymity. "That was not the case. That's why a lot of the companies are now preparing products on their own."
Most insurance companies have either started selling - or are in the process of launching - the mandatory policies for visiting foreigners, industry sources said yesterday. For those arriving without health insurance cover, policies are also available at points of entry. Insurance companies said they will also offer these schemes online for purchase. And because of the rush to develop these products, a consensus is developing in the insurance community that the new plans should only cover basic emergency medical needs. And premiums would be kept low.
National Health Insurance Company (Daman) offers three schemes valid for 30, 60 and 90 days at premiums of Dh40, Dh70 and Dh90 respectively. This covers emergency medical treatment at Daman's UAE network, with the upper limit being Dh100,000 per person. This narrow coverage would exclude out-patient consultations and services such as dental care and child delivery.
Gopal Babu, underwriting manager at Dubai Insurance and Reinsurance Company, said his company's visa plan would be basic. "We are planning to launch our scheme soon," he said. "It is intended for emergency medical expenses at select hospitals only."
New regulations
People entering the UAE on a visit or tourist visa need not buy health insurance again locally if they are already covered internationally, a senior official from the Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD) said yesterday. Brigadier Obaid Mehayer Bin Surour, Acting Director of DNRD, explained the new visa regulations and requirements to all private and public companies during a meeting with Free Zones authorities.
He said under the new rules, establishments, especially government companies, are required to present a letter undertaking complete responsibility for the medical expenses of their guests in case of emergencies in the UAE. Bin Surour said under the new rules, companies must immediately state the process for medical insurance that they will use when applying for visas for their visitors. Only then can they submit their visa applications to the DNRD and have them approved and processed, he said.
Dubai: The government's revamping of visa requirements that came into effect July 29 caught UAE health insurance companies off guard. Under the new regulations, visitors to the UAE are required to purchase health coverage as a condition of obtaining visit visas. Residents of 34 countries, mainly those from Europe and North America, are exempt from this health insurance rule.
Because of the change and the rushed manner in which the visa rules were brought into effect, the UAE companies have been scrambling to develop proper health-insurance plans.
Coordination
"The government should have coordinated with the insurance community well in advance, providing the guidelines and regulations so that we could have prepared the products and procedures to meet the rules," one Dubai insurance official told Gulf News, requesting anonymity. "That was not the case. That's why a lot of the companies are now preparing products on their own."
Most insurance companies have either started selling - or are in the process of launching - the mandatory policies for visiting foreigners, industry sources said yesterday. For those arriving without health insurance cover, policies are also available at points of entry. Insurance companies said they will also offer these schemes online for purchase. And because of the rush to develop these products, a consensus is developing in the insurance community that the new plans should only cover basic emergency medical needs. And premiums would be kept low.
National Health Insurance Company (Daman) offers three schemes valid for 30, 60 and 90 days at premiums of Dh40, Dh70 and Dh90 respectively. This covers emergency medical treatment at Daman's UAE network, with the upper limit being Dh100,000 per person. This narrow coverage would exclude out-patient consultations and services such as dental care and child delivery.
Gopal Babu, underwriting manager at Dubai Insurance and Reinsurance Company, said his company's visa plan would be basic. "We are planning to launch our scheme soon," he said. "It is intended for emergency medical expenses at select hospitals only."
New regulations
People entering the UAE on a visit or tourist visa need not buy health insurance again locally if they are already covered internationally, a senior official from the Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD) said yesterday. Brigadier Obaid Mehayer Bin Surour, Acting Director of DNRD, explained the new visa regulations and requirements to all private and public companies during a meeting with Free Zones authorities.
He said under the new rules, establishments, especially government companies, are required to present a letter undertaking complete responsibility for the medical expenses of their guests in case of emergencies in the UAE. Bin Surour said under the new rules, companies must immediately state the process for medical insurance that they will use when applying for visas for their visitors. Only then can they submit their visa applications to the DNRD and have them approved and processed, he said.
Abu Dhabi and Dubai Pass on Sharjah Visa Rule
By Anjana Sankar, Senior Reporter (Gulf News) Published: August 11, 2008, 23:23
Dubai: Dubai and Abu Dhabi will not follow suit with Sharjah to make tenancy contracts a pre-requisite to get residency permits for families, officials have confirmed.
Brigadier Obaid Bin Surour, Acting Director of Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department said there is no need to submit tenancy contracts while applying for family visas in Dubai.
"We are getting queries from people. But we are not introducing any changes to the existing rule. There is no need to state where you are staying while applying for a visa," said Bin Surour.
An official at the Ministry of Interior confirmed that Abu Dhabi will not be introducing the regulation either.
Sharjah introduced the new regulation beginning this month according to which applicants of family visa should produce attested copies of tenancy contracts in their own names of in a close relative's name.
The move is to curb the practice of illegal shared accommodation and to ensure that only those who can afford to house their families in decent accommodations are given the residency permits.
Lieutenant Colonel Salim Ali Mazaini, Head of visa section at the Sharjah Naturalisation and Residency Department clarified that those who are residing outside the emirate can provide tenancy contracts from the respective emirate they are staying.
Those living in company accommodations can also submit tenancy contracts in their employer's name.
Abhinav Fires India Into First Olympic Individual Gold
(The Hindu Report)Beijing (PTI): India clinched its first ever individual Olympic gold medal in 108 years when Abhinav Bindra won the 10 meter air rifle event in one of the most pulsating shooting finals in the history of the world's biggest sporting extravaganza.
The historic victory for the 25-year-old pro from Chandigarh came against heavy odds as he entered the event ranked number 17 in the world and pitted against Athens Olympic champion Zhu Qinan of China and Henri Hakkinen of Finland rated much higher than him. But Bindra proved that reputation and history counted little as he overcame a two-point deficit against Zhu and Haikkinen after the qualifying round and annexed the title.
Bindra emerged triumphant in the 10-shot final with a finish of 104.5, taking his tally of points to 700.5 as against Zhu's silver winning performance of 699.7 (597+102.7) and 699.4 (598+101.4) by Hakkinen, which gave the Finn Army marksman the bronze. His first shot of the final a 10.7 saw him move to the third place and by the time he was preparing to shoot his fourth, the Indian had risen to the second spot.
A 10.6 on his seventh attempt earned Bindra the lead and in the deciding shot he got 10.8, way ahead of 10.5 by the Chinese and 9.7 by the Finn to bring India the first ever gold medal by an individual since the country first participated in Olympics in 1900. The businessman from Chandigarh also ended India's wait for a gold since the hockey team fetched a yellow metal in the Moscow Olypics in 1980.
Daman Policies Expire With Visas
Mitya Underwood (The National)
Last Updated: August 05. 2008 10:17PM UAE / August 5. 2008 6:17PM GMT
The UAE’s leading Health Insurance Company is warning tourists they will not be covered for emergency treatment after their visit visas expire.Daman, the national health insurance firm, has issued new guidelines to tie in with the overhaul of the visa system, which came into force last week. Visitors must now show proof of health insurance to obtain any of the 16 types of visas to gain entry into the UAE, including tourist visas.
Daman has introduced several insurance plans catering to those on 30-, 60- or 90-day visas, but is emphasising that all policies will expire when the visa does. The insurance packages cost Dh40, Dh70 and Dh90 respectively.“The new visitors’ plan has been specifically designed to provide emergency in-patient healthcare insurance for any visitor, which facilitates the visa process as well as the visitor’s stay in the UAE,” said Dr Michael Bitzer, Daman’s chief executive.
The insurance is available through travel agencies and includes 100 per cent coverage for a shared room as well as fees for consultants, surgeons and anaesthetists, pharmaceuticals during hospital stay and post-trauma dental treatment. Benefits such as inpatient emergency medical care up to Dh100, 000 (US$27,224) are also available. The plan takes in a network of 33 hospitals and clinics.Exclusions to the policies include treatment sought outside the healthcare network for conditions including dental, maternal or optical work, mental health illnesses, patient treatment supplies and all pre-existing and chronic medical conditions.
Daman defines emergency as “the acute onset of a medical or surgical condition manifested by acute symptoms of sufficient severity, including pain, that the absence of immediate treatment... could reasonably be expected to result in placing the patient’s health or bodily functions in serious jeopardy.”
Last Updated: August 05. 2008 10:17PM UAE / August 5. 2008 6:17PM GMT
The UAE’s leading Health Insurance Company is warning tourists they will not be covered for emergency treatment after their visit visas expire.Daman, the national health insurance firm, has issued new guidelines to tie in with the overhaul of the visa system, which came into force last week. Visitors must now show proof of health insurance to obtain any of the 16 types of visas to gain entry into the UAE, including tourist visas.
Daman has introduced several insurance plans catering to those on 30-, 60- or 90-day visas, but is emphasising that all policies will expire when the visa does. The insurance packages cost Dh40, Dh70 and Dh90 respectively.“The new visitors’ plan has been specifically designed to provide emergency in-patient healthcare insurance for any visitor, which facilitates the visa process as well as the visitor’s stay in the UAE,” said Dr Michael Bitzer, Daman’s chief executive.
The insurance is available through travel agencies and includes 100 per cent coverage for a shared room as well as fees for consultants, surgeons and anaesthetists, pharmaceuticals during hospital stay and post-trauma dental treatment. Benefits such as inpatient emergency medical care up to Dh100, 000 (US$27,224) are also available. The plan takes in a network of 33 hospitals and clinics.Exclusions to the policies include treatment sought outside the healthcare network for conditions including dental, maternal or optical work, mental health illnesses, patient treatment supplies and all pre-existing and chronic medical conditions.
Daman defines emergency as “the acute onset of a medical or surgical condition manifested by acute symptoms of sufficient severity, including pain, that the absence of immediate treatment... could reasonably be expected to result in placing the patient’s health or bodily functions in serious jeopardy.”
Daman Policies Expire With Visas
Mitya Underwood (The National)
Last Updated: August 05. 2008 10:17PM UAE / August 5. 2008 6:17PM GMT
The UAE’s leading Health Insurance Company is warning tourists they will not be covered for emergency treatment after their visit visas expire.Daman, the national health insurance firm, has issued new guidelines to tie in with the overhaul of the visa system, which came into force last week. Visitors must now show proof of health insurance to obtain any of the 16 types of visas to gain entry into the UAE, including tourist visas.
Daman has introduced several insurance plans catering to those on 30-, 60- or 90-day visas, but is emphasising that all policies will expire when the visa does. The insurance packages cost Dh40, Dh70 and Dh90 respectively.“The new visitors’ plan has been specifically designed to provide emergency in-patient healthcare insurance for any visitor, which facilitates the visa process as well as the visitor’s stay in the UAE,” said Dr Michael Bitzer, Daman’s chief executive.
The insurance is available through travel agencies and includes 100 per cent coverage for a shared room as well as fees for consultants, surgeons and anaesthetists, pharmaceuticals during hospital stay and post-trauma dental treatment. Benefits such as inpatient emergency medical care up to Dh100, 000 (US$27,224) are also available. The plan takes in a network of 33 hospitals and clinics.Exclusions to the policies include treatment sought outside the healthcare network for conditions including dental, maternal or optical work, mental health illnesses, patient treatment supplies and all pre-existing and chronic medical conditions.
Daman defines emergency as “the acute onset of a medical or surgical condition manifested by acute symptoms of sufficient severity, including pain, that the absence of immediate treatment... could reasonably be expected to result in placing the patient’s health or bodily functions in serious jeopardy.”
Last Updated: August 05. 2008 10:17PM UAE / August 5. 2008 6:17PM GMT
The UAE’s leading Health Insurance Company is warning tourists they will not be covered for emergency treatment after their visit visas expire.Daman, the national health insurance firm, has issued new guidelines to tie in with the overhaul of the visa system, which came into force last week. Visitors must now show proof of health insurance to obtain any of the 16 types of visas to gain entry into the UAE, including tourist visas.
Daman has introduced several insurance plans catering to those on 30-, 60- or 90-day visas, but is emphasising that all policies will expire when the visa does. The insurance packages cost Dh40, Dh70 and Dh90 respectively.“The new visitors’ plan has been specifically designed to provide emergency in-patient healthcare insurance for any visitor, which facilitates the visa process as well as the visitor’s stay in the UAE,” said Dr Michael Bitzer, Daman’s chief executive.
The insurance is available through travel agencies and includes 100 per cent coverage for a shared room as well as fees for consultants, surgeons and anaesthetists, pharmaceuticals during hospital stay and post-trauma dental treatment. Benefits such as inpatient emergency medical care up to Dh100, 000 (US$27,224) are also available. The plan takes in a network of 33 hospitals and clinics.Exclusions to the policies include treatment sought outside the healthcare network for conditions including dental, maternal or optical work, mental health illnesses, patient treatment supplies and all pre-existing and chronic medical conditions.
Daman defines emergency as “the acute onset of a medical or surgical condition manifested by acute symptoms of sufficient severity, including pain, that the absence of immediate treatment... could reasonably be expected to result in placing the patient’s health or bodily functions in serious jeopardy.”
No Respite From Rise In Prices Of Food Items
By Haseeb Haider (Khaleej Times)11 August 2008
ABU DHABI - The prices of essential food items continued their rising trend in Abu Dhabi in June and July, and vigilant authorities managed to bring down the retail price of at least basmati rice which was sold by some supermarkets at a gross high price.
According to the Department of Planning and Economy, Abu Dhabi (DPE), the price of a 5kg of Mubarak basmati rice from Pakistan was Dh42 at Fatima Supermarket in July while the other retail outlets, including Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society, were selling the same for Dh62.
A team from the Consumer Protection Unit contacted FODCO, the main distributor of Mubarak basmati rice, only to discover that the retail price actually was Dh35.6. The team raised the issue with the Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society that immediately reduced the price to Dh42.5.
According to the DPE, the Index of Prices of Basic Food items, which reflects the fluctuations in the prices on a weekly basis, showed a significant surge in June and July. The index closed at 20 in the last week of July, against 17.9 in the first week of June, reflecting the rising trend in the prices.
The DPE rise in the index was attributed to the increase in prices of some basic items like fish.
According to the Consumer Protection Unit, there were no significant difference in fish prices at Lulu Hyper Market and Carrefour while they were high at Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society.
The seafood outlet at Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society has a contractual obligation to pay 10 to 20 per cent profit. The owner of the outlet said the prices of fish were high because he had brought them from Dubai, which involved the cost of ice needed to keep the fish fresh in summer.
The DPE would intensify monitoring of select essential food commodities in the holy month of Ramadan on a weekly basis to check profiteering.
ABU DHABI - The prices of essential food items continued their rising trend in Abu Dhabi in June and July, and vigilant authorities managed to bring down the retail price of at least basmati rice which was sold by some supermarkets at a gross high price.
According to the Department of Planning and Economy, Abu Dhabi (DPE), the price of a 5kg of Mubarak basmati rice from Pakistan was Dh42 at Fatima Supermarket in July while the other retail outlets, including Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society, were selling the same for Dh62.
A team from the Consumer Protection Unit contacted FODCO, the main distributor of Mubarak basmati rice, only to discover that the retail price actually was Dh35.6. The team raised the issue with the Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society that immediately reduced the price to Dh42.5.
According to the DPE, the Index of Prices of Basic Food items, which reflects the fluctuations in the prices on a weekly basis, showed a significant surge in June and July. The index closed at 20 in the last week of July, against 17.9 in the first week of June, reflecting the rising trend in the prices.
The DPE rise in the index was attributed to the increase in prices of some basic items like fish.
According to the Consumer Protection Unit, there were no significant difference in fish prices at Lulu Hyper Market and Carrefour while they were high at Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society.
The seafood outlet at Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society has a contractual obligation to pay 10 to 20 per cent profit. The owner of the outlet said the prices of fish were high because he had brought them from Dubai, which involved the cost of ice needed to keep the fish fresh in summer.
The DPE would intensify monitoring of select essential food commodities in the holy month of Ramadan on a weekly basis to check profiteering.
No Respite From Rise In Prices Of Food Items
By Haseeb Haider (Khaleej Times)11 August 2008
ABU DHABI - The prices of essential food items continued their rising trend in Abu Dhabi in June and July, and vigilant authorities managed to bring down the retail price of at least basmati rice which was sold by some supermarkets at a gross high price.
According to the Department of Planning and Economy, Abu Dhabi (DPE), the price of a 5kg of Mubarak basmati rice from Pakistan was Dh42 at Fatima Supermarket in July while the other retail outlets, including Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society, were selling the same for Dh62.
A team from the Consumer Protection Unit contacted FODCO, the main distributor of Mubarak basmati rice, only to discover that the retail price actually was Dh35.6. The team raised the issue with the Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society that immediately reduced the price to Dh42.5.
According to the DPE, the Index of Prices of Basic Food items, which reflects the fluctuations in the prices on a weekly basis, showed a significant surge in June and July. The index closed at 20 in the last week of July, against 17.9 in the first week of June, reflecting the rising trend in the prices.
ABU DHABI - The prices of essential food items continued their rising trend in Abu Dhabi in June and July, and vigilant authorities managed to bring down the retail price of at least basmati rice which was sold by some supermarkets at a gross high price.
According to the Department of Planning and Economy, Abu Dhabi (DPE), the price of a 5kg of Mubarak basmati rice from Pakistan was Dh42 at Fatima Supermarket in July while the other retail outlets, including Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society, were selling the same for Dh62.
A team from the Consumer Protection Unit contacted FODCO, the main distributor of Mubarak basmati rice, only to discover that the retail price actually was Dh35.6. The team raised the issue with the Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society that immediately reduced the price to Dh42.5.
According to the DPE, the Index of Prices of Basic Food items, which reflects the fluctuations in the prices on a weekly basis, showed a significant surge in June and July. The index closed at 20 in the last week of July, against 17.9 in the first week of June, reflecting the rising trend in the prices.
The DPE rise in the index was attributed to the increase in prices of some basic items like fish.
According to the Consumer Protection Unit, there were no significant difference in fish prices at Lulu Hyper Market and Carrefour while they were high at Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society.
The seafood outlet at Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society has a contractual obligation to pay 10 to 20 per cent profit. The owner of the outlet said the prices of fish were high because he had brought them from Dubai, which involved the cost of ice needed to keep the fish fresh in summer.
The DPE would intensify monitoring of select essential food commodities in the holy month of Ramadan on a weekly basis to check profiteering.
According to the Consumer Protection Unit, there were no significant difference in fish prices at Lulu Hyper Market and Carrefour while they were high at Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society.
The seafood outlet at Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society has a contractual obligation to pay 10 to 20 per cent profit. The owner of the outlet said the prices of fish were high because he had brought them from Dubai, which involved the cost of ice needed to keep the fish fresh in summer.
The DPE would intensify monitoring of select essential food commodities in the holy month of Ramadan on a weekly basis to check profiteering.
Sharjah Residents Brace For More Traffic Chaos on City Streets
By Sunita Menon, Staff Reporter (Gulf News) Published: August 10, 2008, 23:49
Sharjah: Part of the city's key arterial highway will remain closed from Friday for at least two years as it gets ready for the second phase of an improved road network project in the emirate.
A senior official from the Public Works Department said Al Wahda Street will remain closed from Yarmouk area to the junction of King Faisal Street.
AlternativesFor commuters from and to Dubai, three alternative routes have been put in place. Alternative roads, diversions and the detours have been already put in place by the department in cooperation with Sharjah Police. A senior official from the department said in some cases the alternative roads could take longer time "but will be devoid of any congestion".
Sharjah: Part of the city's key arterial highway will remain closed from Friday for at least two years as it gets ready for the second phase of an improved road network project in the emirate.
A senior official from the Public Works Department said Al Wahda Street will remain closed from Yarmouk area to the junction of King Faisal Street.
AlternativesFor commuters from and to Dubai, three alternative routes have been put in place. Alternative roads, diversions and the detours have been already put in place by the department in cooperation with Sharjah Police. A senior official from the department said in some cases the alternative roads could take longer time "but will be devoid of any congestion".
"In every road diversion the detours and alternative routes are chalked out keeping in mind the people residing in and around the project area," he said. Completion of this project will see traffic lights installed at the Yarmook crossroads, a double bridge measuring 175 metres at Cultural Square leading to Airport Road, the Abu Shagara crossroads will get traffic lights, there will be a tunnel measuring 535 metres leading to King Abdul Aziz Street, and another double bridge measuring 1.7km that will start from the Yarmook crossroads leading to Al Wahda Road. A senior official from the public works department in Sharjah said a massive awareness campaign detailing the various alternative routes and detours will be launched very soon.
"Motorists and residents need not be distressed by the closure of Al Wahda Street as we have opened diversions supported by the proper traffic management. "We want road users to be cooperative and follow the traffic signals that are being installed to make their life easier," said the official source. In reply to a query as to whether taking these detours and alternatives will result in a longer driving time, the official source said: "In some cases it might be longer, but it will be devoid of any congestion. In every road project the detours and alternative routes are marked, keeping in mind people residing in and around the project area."
"Motorists and residents need not be distressed by the closure of Al Wahda Street as we have opened diversions supported by the proper traffic management. "We want road users to be cooperative and follow the traffic signals that are being installed to make their life easier," said the official source. In reply to a query as to whether taking these detours and alternatives will result in a longer driving time, the official source said: "In some cases it might be longer, but it will be devoid of any congestion. In every road project the detours and alternative routes are marked, keeping in mind people residing in and around the project area."
When asked if it was the right time to close Al Wahda Street with schools set to re-open and Ramadan around the corner, the official source said: "This project is not a two-month project but a two-year project. It has to be started on time to finish on time." Gulf News spoke to some residents who live on Al Wahda Street and King Faisal Street. Qasim Ansari, a Pakistani who lives near the Mothercat roundabout, said: "It is going to be one big nightmare coming back from work from Dubai to where I live."
Time-consuming
Shalini Govind, an Indian who lives on King Faisal Street, said: "I work in Dubai and it takes me over an hour and a half to reach my home from Al Mulla Plaza to the building where I live on King Faisal Street, but now with the road closure it is going be more time-consuming. I just hope that the alternative routes that are been laid out are congestion-free with traffic signals," she said.
Mohammad Sami, an Egyptian who lives on Al Wahda Street, said: "As long as they have traffic police manning the detours and alternatives I don't have a problem. I also want the authorities to provide us with clear directions as to where the detours and alternative routes are being created."
Duped Workers Get Air Ticket Home from UAE
By Nasouh Nazzal, Staff Reporter (Gulf News) Published: August 10, 2008, 23:49
Ras Al Khaimah: Three Indians who were duped by a recruitment agent in India and arrived at the RAK Indian Association in a desperate state have been provided with air tickets home.
It emerged the trio was part of a group of ten duped by an agent who collected 1 million Indian rupees (Dh87,428) from the victims, who had all been promised well-paid jobs in the UAE.
The victims from the Indian state of Tamil Nadu arrived in the UAE after they each paid the agent 100,000 Indian rupees. However, the agent only provided them with visit visas and disappeared upon their arrival in the UAE.
Shocked
The workers had been promised food and shelter until they were fully settled in their new positions, but were shocked after realising they had been tricked. A.M.M. Noorudheen, general secretary of the Ras Al Khaimah Indian Association, said three out of the ten victims approached the association in a miserable condition, and the association provided them with food, money and shelter.
"With the help of another Indian charity, the association arranged for the air tickets of the three victims who were sent back to their homeland," he said. He added that the families of the victims had reported the case of the Indian agent to the Indian law enforcement authorities, and the families reported that the authorities had already put the agent behind bars. "We are still waiting for the seven other victims to show up at the association for help but we do not know their whereabouts, they must be truly suffering," he said.
"We are ready to handle the cases of the remaining victims and send them back home once they appear," he added. Noorudheen said Indian embassies, consulates, and Indian associations have allocated budgets to educate people about the dangers of untrustworthy recruitment agents who are on the rise in India but "it seems that a lack of public awareness still prevails."
Association: 'Ready to investigate'
The Ras Al Khaimah Indian Association called on Indians interested in working in the UAE to contact their Consulate General in Dubai or Indian associations to inquire about their recruitment agents before paying a penny for their journey to the UAE for work which may not even exist. "We are ready to investigate and report back to our fellow Indians as soon as possible to avoid them falling victim to these agents," he said. "We do not want Indians to land in trouble, especially when they are away from their homeland," Noorudheen added. The Indian Association here has suggested to the Indian and UAE authorities that the signing of official labour contracts be authorised in India.
"Many recruitment agencies give oral contracts and promises to Indians to work in the UAE for Dh1,200 to Dh1,500 but those labourers are usually shocked to find that their salaries do not exceed Dh700 to Dh800 and that they are forced to take the job for at least a three-year term.
Ras Al Khaimah: Three Indians who were duped by a recruitment agent in India and arrived at the RAK Indian Association in a desperate state have been provided with air tickets home.
It emerged the trio was part of a group of ten duped by an agent who collected 1 million Indian rupees (Dh87,428) from the victims, who had all been promised well-paid jobs in the UAE.
The victims from the Indian state of Tamil Nadu arrived in the UAE after they each paid the agent 100,000 Indian rupees. However, the agent only provided them with visit visas and disappeared upon their arrival in the UAE.
Shocked
The workers had been promised food and shelter until they were fully settled in their new positions, but were shocked after realising they had been tricked. A.M.M. Noorudheen, general secretary of the Ras Al Khaimah Indian Association, said three out of the ten victims approached the association in a miserable condition, and the association provided them with food, money and shelter.
"With the help of another Indian charity, the association arranged for the air tickets of the three victims who were sent back to their homeland," he said. He added that the families of the victims had reported the case of the Indian agent to the Indian law enforcement authorities, and the families reported that the authorities had already put the agent behind bars. "We are still waiting for the seven other victims to show up at the association for help but we do not know their whereabouts, they must be truly suffering," he said.
"We are ready to handle the cases of the remaining victims and send them back home once they appear," he added. Noorudheen said Indian embassies, consulates, and Indian associations have allocated budgets to educate people about the dangers of untrustworthy recruitment agents who are on the rise in India but "it seems that a lack of public awareness still prevails."
Association: 'Ready to investigate'
The Ras Al Khaimah Indian Association called on Indians interested in working in the UAE to contact their Consulate General in Dubai or Indian associations to inquire about their recruitment agents before paying a penny for their journey to the UAE for work which may not even exist. "We are ready to investigate and report back to our fellow Indians as soon as possible to avoid them falling victim to these agents," he said. "We do not want Indians to land in trouble, especially when they are away from their homeland," Noorudheen added. The Indian Association here has suggested to the Indian and UAE authorities that the signing of official labour contracts be authorised in India.
"Many recruitment agencies give oral contracts and promises to Indians to work in the UAE for Dh1,200 to Dh1,500 but those labourers are usually shocked to find that their salaries do not exceed Dh700 to Dh800 and that they are forced to take the job for at least a three-year term.
Residence Visa Renewal Linked to Tenancy Contract in Sharjah
By Anjana Sankar, Senior Reporter (Gulf News) Published: August 10, 2008, 23:49
Sharjah:Thousands of families who live in shared accommodation in Sharjah will be hard hit by the new rule of the Sharjah Naturalisation and Residency Department requiring a tenancy contract in the applicant's name or his close relative. According to the new regulations, those applying for residency visas for their families should produce a copy of their tenancy contract.
The contract, which is considered proof of one's eligibility to afford a family, must be attested by the Sharjah Municipality.
Residents said they will have to send their families back home as it is no longer affordable to rent a one-bedroom or two-bedroom apartment in Sharjah. Many said since the rents started skyrocketing in Sharjah in the last two years by more than 30 to 50 per cent, people have opted for shared accommodation. Under the new rule they will not be able to renew their residency permits without having tenancy contracts in their names.
Lieutenant Colonel Salim Ali Mazaini, head of the visa section at the Sharjah Naturalisation and Residency Department, told Gulf News that the rule has been introduced to ensure that only those who are financially capable of providing decent accommodation can bring their families to the emirate.
"We are not insisting that the tenancy contract should be in the applicant's name. The contract can be in the name of his close relatives also, such as a brother or sister," said Mazaini.
He added that it is acceptable to share living space with one's own family members, but not with friends.
According to him, the rule is not applicable to professionals like doctors, engineers and people in managerial positions because they earn enough money to sponsor their families.
"We are being very flexible and taking each application on a case by case basis. For example, if a family does not have children, a studio flat in their name is more than enough to get a family residence permit.
"Or if a family with one or two children can show that they are sharing a three-bedroom apartment with a close relative, it will also get them the residency status," Mazaini said.
However, some residents said their applications have been rejected even after they produced tenancy contracts of their relatives.
Hussain, a Sharjah resident who refused to give his second name, said his application to sponsor his family was rejected because he could not produce a tenancy contract.
"Now with this new rule, I doubt whether I can bring my wife and child to the UAE," said Hussain who works as an administrative assistant.
Another resident, Riyas Mohammad from Pakistan, said he has shelved his plan to bring his family because of the new regulations.
New categories: Renewal for one year only
The Sharjah Naturalisation and Residency department has also issued a list of 60 categories of low income groups including hairdressers, butchers, shop assistants, chefs, clerks and others for whom residency permits will be renewed only for a period of one year. These categories must also get prior approval before their applications are typed. The typing centres have been instructed that the categories listed below need prior approval before applications are typed.
1. Beauty therapist
2. Spice/pulse grinder
3. Watchman
4. Dining-room servant
5. Fishmonger
6. Fisherman
7. Calligrapher
8. Digger
9. Porter
10. Office boy
11. Pipe fitter
12. Cobbler
13. Sailor
14. Pipe filer
15. Grocer
16. Tyre repairer
17. Shoemaker
18. Manicurist
19. Hairdresser
20. Clerk
21. Follow-up clerk
22. Archive clerk
23. Tinker
24. Mechanic assistant
25. Ironsmith
26. Welder
27. Carpenter
28. Builder
29. Shop attendants
30. Light vehicle driver
31. Barber
32. Makeup artist
33. Janitor
34. Shift operator
35. Typist
36. Watchman
37. Chef
38. Turner
39. Plumber
40. Tile fitter
41. Meat griller
42. Falafel maker
43. Dessert maker
44. Pastry maker
45. Waiter
46. Machine operator
47. Clothes presser
48. Car washer
49. Coffee maker
50. Butcher
51. Slaughterer
52. Painter
53. Tailor
54. Baker
55. Kneader
56. Goldsmith
57. Electrician
58. Upholsterer
59. Blancher
60. Drawer/draftsman
Sharjah:Thousands of families who live in shared accommodation in Sharjah will be hard hit by the new rule of the Sharjah Naturalisation and Residency Department requiring a tenancy contract in the applicant's name or his close relative. According to the new regulations, those applying for residency visas for their families should produce a copy of their tenancy contract.
The contract, which is considered proof of one's eligibility to afford a family, must be attested by the Sharjah Municipality.
Residents said they will have to send their families back home as it is no longer affordable to rent a one-bedroom or two-bedroom apartment in Sharjah. Many said since the rents started skyrocketing in Sharjah in the last two years by more than 30 to 50 per cent, people have opted for shared accommodation. Under the new rule they will not be able to renew their residency permits without having tenancy contracts in their names.
Lieutenant Colonel Salim Ali Mazaini, head of the visa section at the Sharjah Naturalisation and Residency Department, told Gulf News that the rule has been introduced to ensure that only those who are financially capable of providing decent accommodation can bring their families to the emirate.
"We are not insisting that the tenancy contract should be in the applicant's name. The contract can be in the name of his close relatives also, such as a brother or sister," said Mazaini.
He added that it is acceptable to share living space with one's own family members, but not with friends.
According to him, the rule is not applicable to professionals like doctors, engineers and people in managerial positions because they earn enough money to sponsor their families.
"We are being very flexible and taking each application on a case by case basis. For example, if a family does not have children, a studio flat in their name is more than enough to get a family residence permit.
"Or if a family with one or two children can show that they are sharing a three-bedroom apartment with a close relative, it will also get them the residency status," Mazaini said.
However, some residents said their applications have been rejected even after they produced tenancy contracts of their relatives.
Hussain, a Sharjah resident who refused to give his second name, said his application to sponsor his family was rejected because he could not produce a tenancy contract.
"Now with this new rule, I doubt whether I can bring my wife and child to the UAE," said Hussain who works as an administrative assistant.
Another resident, Riyas Mohammad from Pakistan, said he has shelved his plan to bring his family because of the new regulations.
New categories: Renewal for one year only
The Sharjah Naturalisation and Residency department has also issued a list of 60 categories of low income groups including hairdressers, butchers, shop assistants, chefs, clerks and others for whom residency permits will be renewed only for a period of one year. These categories must also get prior approval before their applications are typed. The typing centres have been instructed that the categories listed below need prior approval before applications are typed.
1. Beauty therapist
2. Spice/pulse grinder
3. Watchman
4. Dining-room servant
5. Fishmonger
6. Fisherman
7. Calligrapher
8. Digger
9. Porter
10. Office boy
11. Pipe fitter
12. Cobbler
13. Sailor
14. Pipe filer
15. Grocer
16. Tyre repairer
17. Shoemaker
18. Manicurist
19. Hairdresser
20. Clerk
21. Follow-up clerk
22. Archive clerk
23. Tinker
24. Mechanic assistant
25. Ironsmith
26. Welder
27. Carpenter
28. Builder
29. Shop attendants
30. Light vehicle driver
31. Barber
32. Makeup artist
33. Janitor
34. Shift operator
35. Typist
36. Watchman
37. Chef
38. Turner
39. Plumber
40. Tile fitter
41. Meat griller
42. Falafel maker
43. Dessert maker
44. Pastry maker
45. Waiter
46. Machine operator
47. Clothes presser
48. Car washer
49. Coffee maker
50. Butcher
51. Slaughterer
52. Painter
53. Tailor
54. Baker
55. Kneader
56. Goldsmith
57. Electrician
58. Upholsterer
59. Blancher
60. Drawer/draftsman
Residence Visa Renewal Linked to Tenancy Contract in Sharjah
By Anjana Sankar, Senior Reporter (Gulf News) Published: August 10, 2008, 23:49
Sharjah:Thousands of families who live in shared accommodation in Sharjah will be hard hit by the new rule of the Sharjah Naturalisation and Residency Department requiring a tenancy contract in the applicant's name or his close relative. According to the new regulations, those applying for residency visas for their families should produce a copy of their tenancy contract.
The contract, which is considered proof of one's eligibility to afford a family, must be attested by the Sharjah Municipality.
Residents said they will have to send their families back home as it is no longer affordable to rent a one-bedroom or two-bedroom apartment in Sharjah. Many said since the rents started skyrocketing in Sharjah in the last two years by more than 30 to 50 per cent, people have opted for shared accommodation. Under the new rule they will not be able to renew their residency permits without having tenancy contracts in their names.
Lieutenant Colonel Salim Ali Mazaini, head of the visa section at the Sharjah Naturalisation and Residency Department, told Gulf News that the rule has been introduced to ensure that only those who are financially capable of providing decent accommodation can bring their families to the emirate.
"We are not insisting that the tenancy contract should be in the applicant's name. The contract can be in the name of his close relatives also, such as a brother or sister," said Mazaini.
He added that it is acceptable to share living space with one's own family members, but not with friends.
According to him, the rule is not applicable to professionals like doctors, engineers and people in managerial positions because they earn enough money to sponsor their families.
"We are being very flexible and taking each application on a case by case basis. For example, if a family does not have children, a studio flat in their name is more than enough to get a family residence permit.
"Or if a family with one or two children can show that they are sharing a three-bedroom apartment with a close relative, it will also get them the residency status," Mazaini said.
However, some residents said their applications have been rejected even after they produced tenancy contracts of their relatives.
Hussain, a Sharjah resident who refused to give his second name, said his application to sponsor his family was rejected because he could not produce a tenancy contract.
"Now with this new rule, I doubt whether I can bring my wife and child to the UAE," said Hussain who works as an administrative assistant.
Another resident, Riyas Mohammad from Pakistan, said he has shelved his plan to bring his family because of the new regulations.
Sharjah:Thousands of families who live in shared accommodation in Sharjah will be hard hit by the new rule of the Sharjah Naturalisation and Residency Department requiring a tenancy contract in the applicant's name or his close relative. According to the new regulations, those applying for residency visas for their families should produce a copy of their tenancy contract.
The contract, which is considered proof of one's eligibility to afford a family, must be attested by the Sharjah Municipality.
Residents said they will have to send their families back home as it is no longer affordable to rent a one-bedroom or two-bedroom apartment in Sharjah. Many said since the rents started skyrocketing in Sharjah in the last two years by more than 30 to 50 per cent, people have opted for shared accommodation. Under the new rule they will not be able to renew their residency permits without having tenancy contracts in their names.
Lieutenant Colonel Salim Ali Mazaini, head of the visa section at the Sharjah Naturalisation and Residency Department, told Gulf News that the rule has been introduced to ensure that only those who are financially capable of providing decent accommodation can bring their families to the emirate.
"We are not insisting that the tenancy contract should be in the applicant's name. The contract can be in the name of his close relatives also, such as a brother or sister," said Mazaini.
He added that it is acceptable to share living space with one's own family members, but not with friends.
According to him, the rule is not applicable to professionals like doctors, engineers and people in managerial positions because they earn enough money to sponsor their families.
"We are being very flexible and taking each application on a case by case basis. For example, if a family does not have children, a studio flat in their name is more than enough to get a family residence permit.
"Or if a family with one or two children can show that they are sharing a three-bedroom apartment with a close relative, it will also get them the residency status," Mazaini said.
However, some residents said their applications have been rejected even after they produced tenancy contracts of their relatives.
Hussain, a Sharjah resident who refused to give his second name, said his application to sponsor his family was rejected because he could not produce a tenancy contract.
"Now with this new rule, I doubt whether I can bring my wife and child to the UAE," said Hussain who works as an administrative assistant.
Another resident, Riyas Mohammad from Pakistan, said he has shelved his plan to bring his family because of the new regulations.
New categories: Renewal for one year only
The Sharjah Naturalisation and Residency department has also issued a list of 60 categories of low income groups including hairdressers, butchers, shop assistants, chefs, clerks and others for whom residency permits will be renewed only for a period of one year. These categories must also get prior approval before their applications are typed. The typing centres have been instructed that the categories listed below need prior approval before applications are typed.
1. Beauty therapist
2. Spice/pulse grinder
3. Watchman
4. Dining-room servant
5. Fishmonger
6. Fisherman
7. Calligrapher
8. Digger
9. Porter
10. Office boy
11. Pipe fitter
12. Cobbler
13. Sailor
14. Pipe filer
15. Grocer
16. Tyre repairer
17. Shoemaker
18. Manicurist
19. Hairdresser
20. Clerk
21. Follow-up clerk
22. Archive clerk
23. Tinker
24. Mechanic assistant
25. Ironsmith
26. Welder
27. Carpenter
28. Builder
29. Shop attendants
30. Light vehicle driver
31. Barber
32. Makeup artist
33. Janitor
34. Shift operator
35. Typist
36. Watchman
37. Chef
38. Turner
39. Plumber
40. Tile fitter
41. Meat griller
42. Falafel maker
43. Dessert maker
44. Pastry maker
45. Waiter
46. Machine operator
47. Clothes presser
48. Car washer
49. Coffee maker
50. Butcher
51. Slaughterer
52. Painter
53. Tailor
54. Baker
55. Kneader
56. Goldsmith
57. Electrician
58. Upholsterer
59. Blancher
60. Drawer/draftsman
32. Makeup artist
33. Janitor
34. Shift operator
35. Typist
36. Watchman
37. Chef
38. Turner
39. Plumber
40. Tile fitter
41. Meat griller
42. Falafel maker
43. Dessert maker
44. Pastry maker
45. Waiter
46. Machine operator
47. Clothes presser
48. Car washer
49. Coffee maker
50. Butcher
51. Slaughterer
52. Painter
53. Tailor
54. Baker
55. Kneader
56. Goldsmith
57. Electrician
58. Upholsterer
59. Blancher
60. Drawer/draftsman
Residence Visa Renewal Linked to Tenancy Contract in Sharjah
By Anjana Sankar, Senior Reporter (Gulf News) Published: August 10, 2008, 23:49
Sharjah:Thousands of families who live in shared accommodation in Sharjah will be hard hit by the new rule of the Sharjah Naturalisation and Residency Department requiring a tenancy contract in the applicant's name or his close relative. According to the new regulations, those applying for residency visas for their families should produce a copy of their tenancy contract.
The contract, which is considered proof of one's eligibility to afford a family, must be attested by the Sharjah Municipality.
Residents said they will have to send their families back home as it is no longer affordable to rent a one-bedroom or two-bedroom apartment in Sharjah. Many said since the rents started skyrocketing in Sharjah in the last two years by more than 30 to 50 per cent, people have opted for shared accommodation. Under the new rule they will not be able to renew their residency permits without having tenancy contracts in their names.
Lieutenant Colonel Salim Ali Mazaini, head of the visa section at the Sharjah Naturalisation and Residency Department, told Gulf News that the rule has been introduced to ensure that only those who are financially capable of providing decent accommodation can bring their families to the emirate.
"We are not insisting that the tenancy contract should be in the applicant's name. The contract can be in the name of his close relatives also, such as a brother or sister," said Mazaini.
He added that it is acceptable to share living space with one's own family members, but not with friends.
According to him, the rule is not applicable to professionals like doctors, engineers and people in managerial positions because they earn enough money to sponsor their families.
"We are being very flexible and taking each application on a case by case basis. For example, if a family does not have children, a studio flat in their name is more than enough to get a family residence permit.
"Or if a family with one or two children can show that they are sharing a three-bedroom apartment with a close relative, it will also get them the residency status," Mazaini said.
However, some residents said their applications have been rejected even after they produced tenancy contracts of their relatives.
Hussain, a Sharjah resident who refused to give his second name, said his application to sponsor his family was rejected because he could not produce a tenancy contract.
"Now with this new rule, I doubt whether I can bring my wife and child to the UAE," said Hussain who works as an administrative assistant.
Another resident, Riyas Mohammad from Pakistan, said he has shelved his plan to bring his family because of the new regulations.
Sharjah:Thousands of families who live in shared accommodation in Sharjah will be hard hit by the new rule of the Sharjah Naturalisation and Residency Department requiring a tenancy contract in the applicant's name or his close relative. According to the new regulations, those applying for residency visas for their families should produce a copy of their tenancy contract.
The contract, which is considered proof of one's eligibility to afford a family, must be attested by the Sharjah Municipality.
Residents said they will have to send their families back home as it is no longer affordable to rent a one-bedroom or two-bedroom apartment in Sharjah. Many said since the rents started skyrocketing in Sharjah in the last two years by more than 30 to 50 per cent, people have opted for shared accommodation. Under the new rule they will not be able to renew their residency permits without having tenancy contracts in their names.
Lieutenant Colonel Salim Ali Mazaini, head of the visa section at the Sharjah Naturalisation and Residency Department, told Gulf News that the rule has been introduced to ensure that only those who are financially capable of providing decent accommodation can bring their families to the emirate.
"We are not insisting that the tenancy contract should be in the applicant's name. The contract can be in the name of his close relatives also, such as a brother or sister," said Mazaini.
He added that it is acceptable to share living space with one's own family members, but not with friends.
According to him, the rule is not applicable to professionals like doctors, engineers and people in managerial positions because they earn enough money to sponsor their families.
"We are being very flexible and taking each application on a case by case basis. For example, if a family does not have children, a studio flat in their name is more than enough to get a family residence permit.
"Or if a family with one or two children can show that they are sharing a three-bedroom apartment with a close relative, it will also get them the residency status," Mazaini said.
However, some residents said their applications have been rejected even after they produced tenancy contracts of their relatives.
Hussain, a Sharjah resident who refused to give his second name, said his application to sponsor his family was rejected because he could not produce a tenancy contract.
"Now with this new rule, I doubt whether I can bring my wife and child to the UAE," said Hussain who works as an administrative assistant.
Another resident, Riyas Mohammad from Pakistan, said he has shelved his plan to bring his family because of the new regulations.
New categories: Renewal for one year only
The Sharjah Naturalisation and Residency department has also issued a list of 60 categories of low income groups including hairdressers, butchers, shop assistants, chefs, clerks and others for whom residency permits will be renewed only for a period of one year. These categories must also get prior approval before their applications are typed. The typing centres have been instructed that the categories listed below need prior approval before applications are typed.
1. Beauty therapist
2. Spice/pulse grinder
3. Watchman
4. Dining-room servant
5. Fishmonger
6. Fisherman
7. Calligrapher
8. Digger
9. Porter
10. Office boy
11. Pipe fitter
12. Cobbler
13. Sailor
14. Pipe filer
15. Grocer
16. Tyre repairer
17. Shoemaker
18. Manicurist
19. Hairdresser
20. Clerk
21. Follow-up clerk
22. Archive clerk
23. Tinker
24. Mechanic assistant
25. Ironsmith
26. Welder
27. Carpenter
28. Builder
29. Shop attendants
30. Light vehicle driver
31. Barber
32. Makeup artist
33. Janitor
34. Shift operator
35. Typist
36. Watchman
37. Chef
38. Turner
39. Plumber
40. Tile fitter
41. Meat griller
42. Falafel maker
43. Dessert maker
44. Pastry maker
45. Waiter
46. Machine operator
47. Clothes presser
48. Car washer
49. Coffee maker
50. Butcher
51. Slaughterer
52. Painter
53. Tailor
54. Baker
55. Kneader
56. Goldsmith
57. Electrician
58. Upholsterer
59. Blancher
60. Drawer/draftsman
32. Makeup artist
33. Janitor
34. Shift operator
35. Typist
36. Watchman
37. Chef
38. Turner
39. Plumber
40. Tile fitter
41. Meat griller
42. Falafel maker
43. Dessert maker
44. Pastry maker
45. Waiter
46. Machine operator
47. Clothes presser
48. Car washer
49. Coffee maker
50. Butcher
51. Slaughterer
52. Painter
53. Tailor
54. Baker
55. Kneader
56. Goldsmith
57. Electrician
58. Upholsterer
59. Blancher
60. Drawer/draftsman
Severe Thunderstorms to Hit Mountainous Areas of UAE
Severe thunderstorms to hit mountainous areas of UAE for next three days
By Alice Johnson, Staff Reporter (Gulf News) Published: August 11, 2008, 12:44
Dubai: Severe thunderstorms that hit the mountainous areas on Sunday are set to continue for the next three days, with a possibility of flash floods in Wadi areas. The Dubai Meteorological Office has confirmed that there is an unstable monsoon-type air mass over the mountains and the development of thunderstorms is likely. The Al Ain and Hatta areas may be affected by the severe storms. Flights are not currently being affected, although there may be short delays of up to 20 minutes on Monday afternoon if the visibility drops significantly. While the storms are not likely to come across to Dubai, the strong dusty winds that plagued the emirate on Sunday could return to coastal areas.
There is a 20 per cent chance of a few hundred metres of blowing sands on Monday afternoon in Dubai, which may be thick for a time. Visibility is currently 7km. Maximum temperatures across the emirates on Monday will be up to 40 degree Celsius, which is around the maximum temperature for this time of the year.
Humidity will reach 50 per cent on Monday, which is a rating of 7 or ‘very uncomfortable’ on the comfort index. Monday evening, temperatures will drop to between 35 degree Celsius and 37 degree Celsius, but the humidity will remain high and uncomfortable.
By Alice Johnson, Staff Reporter (Gulf News) Published: August 11, 2008, 12:44
Dubai: Severe thunderstorms that hit the mountainous areas on Sunday are set to continue for the next three days, with a possibility of flash floods in Wadi areas. The Dubai Meteorological Office has confirmed that there is an unstable monsoon-type air mass over the mountains and the development of thunderstorms is likely. The Al Ain and Hatta areas may be affected by the severe storms. Flights are not currently being affected, although there may be short delays of up to 20 minutes on Monday afternoon if the visibility drops significantly. While the storms are not likely to come across to Dubai, the strong dusty winds that plagued the emirate on Sunday could return to coastal areas.
There is a 20 per cent chance of a few hundred metres of blowing sands on Monday afternoon in Dubai, which may be thick for a time. Visibility is currently 7km. Maximum temperatures across the emirates on Monday will be up to 40 degree Celsius, which is around the maximum temperature for this time of the year.
Humidity will reach 50 per cent on Monday, which is a rating of 7 or ‘very uncomfortable’ on the comfort index. Monday evening, temperatures will drop to between 35 degree Celsius and 37 degree Celsius, but the humidity will remain high and uncomfortable.
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