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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.”

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.

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.

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".

"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."


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.

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

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

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

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.

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Three double-decker buses start running on Dubai-Sharjah


(Courtesy - Khaleej Times)

DUBAI - Three 81-seater, double-decker buses were on Friday introduced by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) on the Dubai-Sharjah route.
The buses commence their journeys from Al Ghubaiba (Bur Dubai) bus station and drop passengers at the Al Jubail and Al Rolla bus stations in Sharjah.
According to senior officials of RTA's Public Transport Agency, a total of 70 double-decker buses are expected to run on the Dubai-Sharjah route by the end of this year.
“The buses can accommodate 114 passengers,” the official added. 'In the second phase, double-deckers would be plying on Dubai's internal roads from early next year.”
Abdullah Yousuf Al Ali, Director of Public Bus Department in the Public Transport Agency, told Khaleej Times that talks were on for increasing the fares on Dubai-Sharjah route.
'There is a plan to increase the fare. Right now, the Dubai-Sharjah bus journey costs Dh5,' he said.
The introduction of double-decker buses has brought relief to the commuters.
Shiraj Bhanu, an Indian national who frequently uses the Dubai-Sharjah bus service, said, 'Kudos to the RTA for starting these buses. It was a pleasant surprise for me this morning as I saw one of the buses parked at the Bur Dubai Bus Station. My first trip was terrific,' he said.
Irene, a Filipina, said the new buses were welcome. 'With three buses now and a lot more in line by the year end, the commuters travelling between the two emirates can heave a collective sigh of relief. We hope that there are shorter waits now for these inter-emirate buses. The RTA deserves a pat on their back for this,' she added.
Ajmal Hussain Khan, a Pakistani national, added that the RTA needed to come up with dedicated bus lanes on certain routes.
'Buses are fine, but the journey time needs to reduced. At present, it takes us almost an hour or even more to reach Sharjah. There must be dedicated bus lanes on important routes. Until this is done, the problems will remain,' he said.
Al Ali also said that 'Coach' service between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is expected to start in the next two months. The 35-seater buses would be equipped with toilets.
There are plans to start a bus service on the Dubai-Al Ain route, too, he added.

AED 91 m Contract Will Make Dubai's Roads Greener

Staff Report (Gulf News) Published: August 10, 2008, 00:02
Dubai: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded a Dh91 million contract to expand the amount of greenery on Dubai's roads. The project, which covers the 72 kilometre Dubai Bypass road, aims to highlight the importance of beautification and greenery on Dubai's roads. Plants have been selected which suit the local habitat, act as windbreakers and curb desertification.
Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA, said the project will add three million square metres (about 289 hectares) of greenery to the emirate. "We have given much attention to plants that match the location and importance of the Dubai Bypass Road. We have selected plants that fit well with the local habitat and that are considered the best in acclimatising to the prevailing weather conditions and soil nature.
Flora
"The flora will also cut down on irrigation and maintenance costs as well as act as a windbreaker and a means of curbing sand movement from both sides of the road." The Dubai Bypass road will provide motorists with an alternative route from Emirates Road and Shaikh Zayed Road. It will also give drivers heading from the northern emirates to Abu Dhabi, and vice versa, the opportunity to reach their destination without having to pass through downtown areas.
The first phase of the project was completed in March and the completion rate of phase two has just exceeded 95 per cent. Construction on the third and final phase, from Jebel Ali to the border of Abu Dhabi emirate, began in July 2007. It includes the construction of three camel crossings, water drainage channels, utility lines, a safety fence and lighting work.
Al Tayer added: "The RTA is pressing ahead with development work on a number of key roads in Dubai as part of a series of vital projects aiming to improve roads and provide better services in residential areas."

Iconic Landmark Gets Touch of Colour in Abu Dhabi


By Marten Youssef, Staff Reporter (Gulf News) Published: August 10, 2008, 00:02
Abu Dhabi: For the past decade the iconic painting of the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan has been a landmark in Abu Dhabi, located on the corniche at the corner of Emirates Palace.
The painting portrays the side of Shaikh Zayed that earned him respect: humble, traditional, authoritative and loyal. This larger than life 35-metre display towers over the city of Abu Dhabi.
Its painter, Liaqat Ali Khan, was a long-time resident of Abu Dhabi and this was his masterpiece and his personal legacy to a country that has transformed his life.
As Khan turned 60, he bid Abu Dhabi farewell and ventured back to his native Pakistan in April.
Having painted 1,060 portraits of the UAE's prinicipal founder, Khan put his brushes away and said an an emotional goodbye.
But as the sun beat down on the decade-old painting with its fading colours and chipped paint, Abu Dhabi started calling back its artist for a final touch-up of his masterpiece.

Happy
Khan could not resist the offer to come back.
"I was so happy when I got a phone call from Abu Dhabi Municipality and immediately said yes. I didn't even think about it."
Since July 29, Khan has been sitting on a plastic chair overlooking the painting directing two men on a crane. "This is much harder than when I first painted this. In 1997 I painted this in a warehouse and I had 12 workers," he says. For the past week, Khan has been spending 12 hours a day redoing the painting.
"We took all the paint off and then repainted everything," Khan says, while holding a large poster of the original photograph of Shaikh Zayed that inspired the painting. "This will probably be good for at least five more years and then the paint will be affected by the humidity and heat again, but I would love to come back again in five years," he laughs. His reputation preceded him to Pakistan and he has become a much celebrated artist in his hometown.
Asked why he loves this picture so much, Khan answers without a pause. "It reflects who Shaikh Zayed was, his smile was from his heart."

First footbridge for Dubai Metro installed


By Ashfaq Ahmed, Chief Reporter (Gulf News) Published: August 10, 2008, 00:02
Dubai: The Roads and Transport Authority has installed the first footbridge for Dubai Metro station users near Jebel Ali Industrial area on Shaikh Zayed Road.
"A total of 20 footbridges will be installed at metro stations to help people cross the busiest highway in the emirate to ride the metro," said Adnan Al Hammadi, director of construction at the RTA's Rail Agency. He said one bridge will be installed every week on Shaikh Zayed Road. He explained that each of the 47 metro stations will have pedestrian bridges either elevated or underground. The installation work for the pedestrian bridges will be completed by May 2009.
"The footbridges will provide 24-hour, air-conditioned and spacious public thoroughfares along the Red and Green lines of the Dh15.5 billion Dubai Metro Project," said Al Hammadi.
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The Dubai Metro, the world's largest driverless metro project, consists of two lines, the Red and the Green. The Red Line is scheduled to be operational from September 9, 2009 while the Green Line will be opened in March 2010.
He said each bridge will feature moving walkways and escalators. The bridges will be open for use by the general public to cross the roads whether they use the metro or not.
According to Al Hammadi, the planning for the installation of the footbridges, which are being provided under the Dubai Metro Contract, has been going on for well over a year now. A dedicated footbridge installation task force was assigned with heavy involvement from the Dubai Metro Contractor, RTA Rail Agency, RTA's Traffic and Roads Agency and Dubai Police to investigate how to install the footbridges and identify the optimal solution.
The key objective during installation is to minimise disruption to the public, while ensuring that their safety, as well as that of Dubai Metro workers, is not compromised. The approved installation method involves full pre-assembly of the footbridge including the main structure of the bridge, the external cladding, internal fixtures and finishes, and electrical and mechanical items.
Since the resulting weight of the pre-assembled footbridges is well in excess of 200 tonnes, special self-propelled modular transporters (SPMT's), pneumatic lifting jacks and adjustable temporary bearings will be used to transport the footbridges into position and lift them onto their permanent support.
The installation of each bridge will be done at night during a period of low traffic with traffic control of Shaikh Zayed Road.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Indian Rupee hits three-month high as oil falls

Bloomberg (Published: August 06, 2008, 21:20)
Mumbai: The Indian rupee rose to the highest level in almost three months as a drop in crude oil prices reduced demand for dollars from refiners.
The rupee was the second-best performer among the 10 most-traded currencies in Asia outside Japan as oil traded near the lowest level in three months in New York. The local currency also advanced on speculation gains in local stocks will encourage overseas investors to increase their holdings of the nation's assets.
"It's a big relief for refiners as they weren't expecting oil prices to slide this way in less than a month from their peak," said Ravindra Babu, a currency trader at state-owned Andhra Bank in Mumbai. "Investors are now pricing further gains in the rupee on expectations that oil will fall more.''

Monday, August 4, 2008

Vehicles queuing up for diesel in Sharjah to be fined

By Afkar Abdullah 5 August 2008 (Khaleej Times
SHARJAH — Drivers of heavy vehicles and pick-up vans found queuing up for hours while waiting to buy diesel at all Adnoc petrol stations in the emirates, would be fined Dh400 and issued four black points from today.
The heavy vehicles and pick-ups block the roads and impede traffic movement as well as cause inconvenience to the residents living in the vicinity of Adnoc stations.
The Sharjah Police have regulated the hours of filling for trucks and pick-ups. "The heavy vehicles will be allowed to line up from 12 midnight to 5am and pick-ups from 11pm to 5am. Any of these vehicles found violating such timing would be fined and issued four black points. However, heavy vehicle drivers have urged the police to look into all the aspects of the matter and initiate necessary action.

Mind your language, behaviour and dress in the UAE

By Alice Johnson, (Gulf News)
Dubai: If you are planning to come to the UAE it is very important to keep local sensitivities in mind and find out what is allowed and what is not, before you travel.
Some Emirates are more liberal regarding clothing so check out what restrictions there are before you embark on a trip here.
Detailed information can be found on your home country's embassy website, travel advice sections.
However, there are a few rules that apply in the UAE. It is not illegal to drink alcohol and hotels have licences in most of the Emirates, but it is an arrestable offence to be drunk in a public place.
There is zero-tolerance to drink driving and you will be in deep trouble if you are also involved in an accident.
It is acceptable to wear a bikini/swimming costume or swimming trunks for men on the beach, but it is an arrestable offence to go topless or wear a thong.
Swimming attire is fine for the beach under these rules, but it is not acceptable once you leave the beach; don't walk around the streets in a bikini.
However, Sharjah holds different rules that prohibit women from wearing swimsuits on the beach.
It is also illegal for women to wear clothes that show their upper arms too much leg in Sharjah, and alcohol is strictly illegal.
Although non-Muslim women are not required to cover their heads in public, if you enter a mosque it will be required for religious reasons.
The Shaikh Mohammad Centre for Cultural Understanding organises tours of Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai. The website has more details about clothing requirements: http://www.cultures.ae/jumeirah.htm
Holding hands in public is not illegal, but any shows of affection are frowned upon and can result in arrests for public indecency. This includes public places such as malls and beaches.
Most tourist guides have sections with these details.Keep in mind- Kissing in public and public displays of affection are frowned upon.
- Indecent gestures could land you in jail.
- Dress code is generally casual
- Since you are visiting a Muslim country, bikinis, swimsuits, shorts and revealing tops should be confined to beach resorts.
- Women are usually advised not to wear short skirts and to keep their shoulders covered.
- In Sharjah women are prohibited from wearing swimsuits on public beaches.
- In Abu Dhabi, visitors are advised not to wear excessively revealing clothing in public places, as a sign of respect for local culture and customs.
- This also applies to public beaches, where swimmers should avoid excessively revealing swimming suits.
- Most nightclubs require their guests not to wear shorts, caps or sport shoes on their premises.
- Details on clothing requirement for Jumeirah mosque visit at www.cultures.ae/jumeirah

Abu Dhabi portakabins catch fire


Staff ReportPublished: August 03, 2008, 23:35 (Gulf News)
Abu Dhabi: A fire broke out on Sunday at three Portakabins near a building being constructed in Al Falah Street in Abu Dhabi.
Lieutenant Yasir Eisa, head of the public relations department of Abu Dhabi Civil Defence, told Gulf News the cabins were used as labour accommodation.
There were no injuries. Police are investigating the cause of the fire.

Police arrested the suspect and recovered jewellery worth over Dh1.5 million.

By Maysam Ali, Staff ReporterPublished: August 04, 2008, 16:06 (Gulf News)
Dubai: The Dubai Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arrested an Indian worker who stole over Dh1.5 million worth of jewellery from an Indian national residing in Bur Dubai. The resident hired the suspect to clean her house twice a day for a monthly salary of Dh1,000. In the first week, the culprit stole the resident’s purse, which contained the key to a safe she kept her jewellery in. The victim reported the matter to police. The suspect was arrested at one of the supermarkets in Al Quoz area in less than 24 hours after the theft.

RTA turns the tide on clogged Dubai roads

Staff Report (Gulf News)
Published: August 03, 2008, 23:35
Dubai: Residents and tourists in the emirate will soon be able to swap the congested roads for a leisurely trip in a water taxi from at least 20 stations along the coastline and Dubai Creek. The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will launch the water taxis in the middle of next year as part of its project to offer alternative modes of transport. The service will be available on demand through phone booking, and passengers need to wait at an agreed station to board the water taxi. The fares and dedicated telephone number for booking will be announced later.
"Some 20 locations have been approved as Water Taxi stations during the initial phase of the project, which will contribute to alleviating traffic congestion in Dubai," said Khalid Al Zahed, Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the RTA's Marine Agency. He said the project will be crucial following the completion of giant maritime projects such as the Palm Deira, the Palm Jumeirah, the Palm Jebel Ali, and The World. He added that work on designing a model water taxi station has already begun.
Water taxis will be available at Bur Dubai Station, Dubai Old Souq Station, Old Deira Souq Station, Al Sabkha Station, Bani Yas Station, Al Seef Station, the Floating Bridge Station, the Golf Club Station, Park Hyatt Hotel Station, and Dubai Festival City Station. They will also be available at Dubai Marina, Jebel Ali Golf Resort, Al Habtour Hotel, Grand and Royal Meridian Hotel, Jumeirah Hilton, and Jumeirah Sheraton stations.
Al Zahed said the project will be launched with ten boats costing Dh30 million. The taxi service will travel along Dubai Creek and the Jumeirah coast, and there will be a line linking downtown Dubai with the Palm projects (Jumeirah, Deira and Jebel Ali) and The World. "The taxi service, which will be implemented in phases, is being launched to meet the transport needs of new and old communities," he added.

Modern boats: Making waves
The boats that are being introduced as water taxis, measure 10.8 metres in length and 4.1 metres in width. They can reach a speed of up to 35 knots and can run in waves rising up to 0.5 metre. Each boat can accommodate 11 passengers in addition to the driver, and 20% of the seats will be retractable to allow room for the movement of wheel chairs of special-needs people.
Each boat has twin environmentally friendly diesel engines of 370 hp fitted with a water jet propulsion, and the interior will be air-conditioned. All seats will be fitted with life jackets and LCD monitors for entertainment.

Dust lowers visibility on Dubai roads

Staff Report
Published: August 04, 2008, 09:47
Dubai: The Dubai Police on Monday urged motorists to drive carefully as strong winds blew dust that lowered visibility on some Dubai roads. Low visibility caused by dust was reported on the Dubai-Al Ain Bridge and the roads going to Sharjah.

Dubai police arrest man for selling bogus company

By Maysam Ali, Staff Reporter (Gulf News)
Published: August 03, 2008, 23:35
Dubai: Dubai Police's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested an Arab national living in Dubai, identified as A.A., for selling a European investor a bogus company for $30,000 (Dh110,100). The European investor was duped into paying $30,000 for a trade licence to open a company and for a residence visa stating his position as the managing partner of that company.
He paid the requested amount but did not receive anything in return and was unable to contact A.A. afterwards. The culprit was arrested in Karama and confessed his role in the scam when questioned. He was transferred to the public prosecution for further investigation.CID warned people against falling victim to such scams.

UAE residents to receive free Olympics telecast

By Sayed Ali, Senior Reporter (Gulf News)
Published: August 03, 2008, 23:35
Dubai: Sports fans are in for a real treat with Dubai Sports Channel and Abu Dhabi Sports Channel set to telecast the Beijing Olympic Games from the opening ceremony on Friday to the closing ceremony on August 24.
"We will have full coverage of the Olympics. Our channel is free and not encrypted. We are keen to provide an excellent service to all our viewers," Rashid Amiri, manager of Dubai Sports Channel, told Gulf News on Sunday. He said their telecast will cover at least nine arenas daily.
"We will have live coverage everyday for most part of the games. The opening ceremony on Friday will be broadcast from 4pm UAE time. From Saturday our coverage will be from 8am to 8pm, with a midnight newscast." The Dubai Sports Channel 2 on Nilesat will have an English commentary and channels 1 and 3 will have Arabic commentary.

Residency centres across Dubai handle visa work with ease

Staff Report (Gulf News)
Published: August 03, 2008, 23:35
Dubai: The Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD) continues to offer its services to the public through its main branch in Al Jaffiliya and over 16 centres in Dubai following the implementation of ministerial decision no 322 for 2008 that introduced new visa structures. These external centres, which come as a great support to the Central Administration located in Al Jaffiliya, are spread across Dubai, and offer the same services as the main office in Bur Dubai, including the issue of passports for nationals and entry permits to residents, and other entry visa related procedures in addition to renewal of E-gate cards.
Following a unified comprehensive system, which has been recently implemented by DNRD, employees have undergone thorough training enabling each employee to finalise all transactions and be familiar with the new visa structures. Customers can benefit from DNRD flexible timings, as the new timings from 7.30am to 2.30pm and from 2.30pm to 8pm will suit the needs of a large number of people. Moreover, elderly people, namely at the Hatta Centre, receive special treatment where DNRD officials pick up and deliver their transactions directly to their residences.
Major-General Mohammad Ahmad Al Merri, DNRD Director, said: "Our main mission at the DNRD is to simplify procedures while offering a world-class service to all our customers."

Employees fear arrest after taking out loans for Sharjah Company

By Anjana Sankar, Senior Reporter (Gulf News)
Published: August 03, 2008, 23:35
Dubai: Employees of a Sharjah-based company have accused their employer of trapping them in a financial scam by acquiring bank loans to the tune of millions in their names by fraudulent means. Aggrieved employees, who now face arrest for dud cheques and failed loan payments, said their company, “City Emperor General Trading LLC”, that has over half a dozen establishments under its umbrella, including the “Al Qathara Supermarket and department stores in Abu Dhabi”, where they were working, opened accounts in their names and made salary transfers to several banks simultaneously to take out huge loans.
Gulf News made several attempts to contact the owner of the company, but he refused to comment.
"We were requested by the company's managing director to take personal loans to salvage the company from a financial crisis, and the company assured us it would be solely responsible for the monthly payments," said Mohammad Iqbal Saidu Mohammad, accounting manager with the firm.
Threatened
He added those employees who did not agree were threatened by the management, and many others were made to sign documents, which were used by the company to open accounts and apply for loans without their knowledge. Mohammad Iqbal claims the company has taken loans in his name up to a total amount of over AED 700000, and now the company is not paying the instalments, he has cases filed against him by banks.
According to him, although his salary was AED 7500, the company gave a false salary certificate of AED 12500 to banks, and transferred the amount for five months in order to make him eligible for loans. Another employee, Rajesh, has loans of AED 73000 from the National Bank of Dubai, AED 78000 from United Arab Bank Dubai and AED 45000 on credit from HSBC Dubai.
"When they asked me to take a loan for the company, I thought it would be just one loan, and that too for a small amount since my salary is only Dh2,000. It was only when I started getting calls from several banks, I realised the company had shown my salary as AED 10000, and cheated me by making me sign some bank documents," said Rajesh. Rajesh also said he was in jail for two weeks and the company did nothing to bail him out.
Substantiating their claims were copies of letters written by the company to banks requesting them time to clear the dues. As shown to Gulf News, the letters read: "As instructed by the employer, some of our employees voluntarily came forward to help this supermarket venture to improve its unfavourable financial position by providing funds which they took as personal loans and through their credit cards from your bank, and we utilised these funds to ease our fund crunch to a great extent."
"In view of the above circumstances, we take full responsibility to settle all the dues of our employees, and are willing to arrive at a mutual settlement with you to clear them in monthly instalments." The employees also said in many cases, salary transfers and cash withdrawals and other transactions were made from their accounts even in the absence of the account holders, some of whom were out of the UAE. According to the employees, three of their colleagues have already been arrested, now the company has reported their names to the labour department as absconders.
"We have reported the matter to the Central Bank, and all other respective banks, and they are investigating the issue. Complaints have also been lodged with the Indian embassy and Amnesty International.
"We live in constant fear of being arrested for no fault of ours. The company is financially capable of clearing the debts and they have the moral responsibility to get us out of this mess," Rajesh said.
Legal expert: Workers 'responsible'
Ignorance of facts is pardonable. But ignorance of the law is never pardonable, said a legal expert implying that the employees are ultimately responsible for financial liabilities in their names. "In my opinion, the criminal liability of dud cheques remain with the employees and no court will entertain any arguments otherwise."
"We can look at the issue in two different ways. From the criminal perspective, the criminal liability lies with the employees because no matter how they landed in the situation, they signed the cheques in good faith and convinced the banks they were capable of repaying the loans."
However, from a civil point of view, if the employees can produce documents acceptable to the court to substantiate that the company had taken responsibility for payment of dues, the banks can hold the employer also liable for the payments.
According to her, the only substantial grounds for winning the case is if the employees can prove by documentary evidence and witnesses that they were misrepresented and the company had forced them into signing documents. "In that case, they can file a case of fraud against the company. But unfortunately they will not win if they do not have strong witnesses and documentary evidence," said the expert.

Schools in UAE will open on August 31 despite postponement pleas

By Siham Al Najami and Nina Muslim, Staff Reporters (Gulf News)
Published: August 04, 2008, 13:56
Dubai: The school year will begin on August 31 as scheduled, coinciding with the fasting month, despite parents' pleas to the Ministry of Education that fasting will be tough on the pupils.
"All administrative and teaching staff will resume their duties on the announced date of August 24, while classes will start on August 31 in reference to the ministerial decision concerning the academic calendar that was announced earlier and there will be no delay or postponement," said Mohammad Bin Hindi, executive director for Institutional Affairs and Supporting Services at the ministry.
Most schools welcomed the decision, although public schools and adult education centres were unhappy. Parents too were not thrilled.
Precautions for fasting
"I am disappointed at the ministry for persisting in starting the academic year with Ramadan. It is a period for family gatherings, praying, meditating, and self-reflection. At least they should tell private schools to cut down on homework and assignments," said Palestinian national Khalid Karim.
Doctors said fasting in the hot weather should not affect schoolchildren, provided they took precautions.
"My advice to parents is to make children drink plenty of water before imsak [when fasting starts] to prepare them for the day ahead. Physical activity should also be kept to a minimum ... and they have to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun," said Dr Mohammad Al Jamal, head of the emergency department at Dubai Hospital.
He suggested schools open early and school hours shortened to ensure fasting children did not get too tired.

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Turn Off Home Appliances To Prevent Fire in Summer

By a staff reporter (Khaleej Times)
3 August 2008
DUBAI — With the summer holiday season currently on, a local fire expert has warned residents to switch off and unplug household appliances before leaving their home for extended periods of time.
In the past, several fires have been reported in houses due to short circuits caused by home appliances not being turned off. However, so far this year, no cases of such fires have been reported, confirmed a Civil Defence official. The expert said, "Overheating is one of the main causes of fires involving electrical goods, and can be avoided by simply switching off the power at the wall socket and unplugging the appliance.
Heat-emitting appliances such as heaters, transformers and cloth dryers could lead to fires caused by ignition of any combustible material lying nearby. "Another major cause of fires involving home appliances is when moisture seeps into the motor or electrical parts of the appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, water heaters and outdoor appliances. Suc appliances must be cleaned dry and switched off," the expert said.

Malls Risk Closure, Fines If Discount Offer Not Met

By Adel Arafah (Khaleej Times)
3 August 2008 
ABU DHABI — Shopping malls, supermarkets and other shops in the capital which announce discount sales and gifts and fail to implement them will be ordered to close down or fined up to AED 20000, said Khalifa Al-Ali, inspection officer in charge at the Consumer Protection Section, Department of Economy and Planning in Abu Dhabi.
In case the outlet repeats the violation, a fine not exceeding AED 30000 would be slapped on the owner and the store might not be given discount permits for three years, he warned. Anyone who feels cheated should immediately call the number 02-4031135 and lodge a complaint, he said. The sales promotions are regulated according to certain rules, and a trade store and its branches in one city should not sell items at discounted prices except twice a year, he said.
According to him, the discount offers should not continue for more than 30 days except for the trade stores or shops which announce clearance sale with the intention to stop the business and turn to another business or shut down for good. In these cases, the discount offers could continue for a period up to a year.
Seasonal discount offers shall not commence unless a month at least has elapsed after the end of the previous seasonal offers, Al Ali noted.
Any announcement of sale at reduced prices would be considered discounts, and the same is not allowed to be made through any means of media unless a permission specifying the date of commencement and end is obtained from the Department of Economy and Planning, he said. Prices of sale before and during the said period should be submitted to the department, and no permit will be issued to the applicant unless he has a valid trade license and has registered with the chamber of commerce and industry concerned.
The trader should adhere to the rules and regulations streamlining the sales set by the authorities concerned in the particular emirate. 
The employees of the authorities concerned in the emirate are authorized to enter the trade store which permits clearance or sale and can ask the owners of the premises to show them the permit letter. These employees are also empowered to report any violations by the store owners.
The department, he said, has 69 inspectors who pay surprise visits to all trade stores to ensure that the sales are credible.
The department, he said, took all necessary measures to ensure that the rates of discounts reaching, sometimes, up to more than 75 per cent are really offered to the customers.

Sri Lankan Expatriates in a Fix as Budget Airline Goes Bust

By Preeti Kanan (Khaleej Times Article)
3 August 2008
DUBAI —Several Lankan expatriates planning to go home for the summer vacation have been forced to re-think their travel plans following the indefinite suspension of their country's budget airline.
The grounding of Mihin Lanka in May this year has given a big blow to the island nation's migrant population in the UAE since the airline tickets were nearly half the cost of other carriers. Reports suggest that the airline's operations have been suspended due to lack of funds and aircraft.
Lankan living in the UAE opined that low-income earners, especially housemaids, garment workers and laborers, were the worst hit. "It is very sad that the airline has stopped operating. It was very affordable for many people like me. The tickets were priced less than AED 1000 during off-peak season and about AED 1200 during peak time. This helped me visit my family every year. Now, I have to put my summer travel plans on hold as I cannot afford to travel in other airlines," said a worker.
Several agents who did bookings for travelers are now trying to get refunds and have written to the airline's office in Colombo. Badrudin Mohammed Ajward, an air-conditioner mechanic, said that besides cheap tickets, the airline also gave far more baggage allowance compared to other carriers. 
"I hope that Mihin Lanka resumes its flights soon or we get a cheaper alternative to fly home every year," said Udeni N, a housemaid in Dubai.
Rohan Kuruppu from Mihin Lanka GSA, Ominga International in Dubai conceded that the future of the airline remained uncertain.

RTA to Install 35 More Cameras on Roads

Staff Report (Gulf News)
Published: August 03, 2008, 00:09
Dubai: The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will install 35 more fixed and mobile cameras on junctions and highways across Dubai to monitor traffic. The latest additions bring the total number of cameras on the city's roads to 232, covering 108 kilometres of highway.

Mobility
Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA, said the latest developments sought to ensure smooth mobility for all road users. "By awarding this contract, the number of surveillance cameras installed rises to 232; 12 of them in the Al Shindagha Tunnel, 111 in the Airport Tunnel and 109 on highways and at light signal-controlled junctions.

Control centre
"These cameras are linked with the control centre through optic fibres and microwaves technology. "The project will boost the efficiency of the traffic system in a way compatible with the massive expansion of traffic volumes and road planning," Al Tayer said. Offices of the Intelligent Traffic Systems (ITS) will monitor the traffic situation from an advanced control room at the recently-renovated Traffic Signal Control Centre at Bani Yas. 
State-of-the-art technology will be used to cover key roads including Shaikh Zayed, Al Khaleej, Emirates, Shaikh Rashid, Abu Baker, Al Siddique, Al Ittihad, Al Mina and Bani Yas Road as well as Al Shindagha Tunnel, Al Maktoum Bridge and Al Garhoud Bridge. Al Tayer added: "Mobile cameras are characterized by their transmission of live events and ability to move in all directions horizontally and vertically." 

Moved
"Moreover, the camera can be moved and installed in another location in a short time. Cameras can be used in monitoring the ongoing roadworks, temporary traffic diversions, exit and entry points of key roads and other areas of concern."

Abu Dhabi Taxi Drivers Risk Visa Cancellation

By Eman Mohammed, Abu Dhabi Deputy Editor (Gulf News)
Published: August 03, 2008, 00:09
Abu Dhabi: Taxi drivers refusing to work in Abu Dhabi until their salary situation is reviewed will have their visas cancelled, said an official. 
Sultan Mohammad Al Shamsi, Director of the Customer Service and Compliance Division at TransAD told Gulf News their problem will be solved within a week but they have to go back to work. 
Those who insist on not working during this time will have their visas cancelled and be blacklisted, TransAD will not deal with them. 
Al Shamsi explained the situation of 68 taxi drivers who visited the Ministry of Labour on Tuesday morning to complain about their work conditions with the newly appointed transportation company Tawasul. "We always tell drivers to report any complaints they have to us because we are working as partners to be successful in the business. We can help them, but they must not stop working," he said.

The minimum salary of taxi drivers is Dh850. Besides, they get medical insurance, a month's leave once a year and accommodation, plus an air ticket allowance, he said. Al Shamsi said: "The drivers came to me saying they have issues with Tawasul, which has set a target of AED200 in a day. They said they cannot ... achieve it. I told them this is a normal target and motivated them".
"Unfortunately the next day they went to the labour office which is fine with us. In the end we are a governmental department too and they will get the same answer from police, the labour office, and TransAD."
TransAD solved a similar situation earlier. "Some drivers wanted their companies to pay traffic fines but they made the mistakes, so they had to pay it," he said. A TransAD representative attended the meeting held at the labour office with the drivers last Wednesday to discuss the matter. Abdullah Qassab, General Manager of Tawasul said the majority of the drivers were still in the training course. "They complained to us individually, not as a group and the situation was dealt with on that basis. We were informed that some went and complained to TransAD. We decided to resolve the matter with their representative," he said.

Expenses
Drivers under training receive when they first come to the country AED 200 as cash advance. It is not claimed for six months so they can meet expenses. They get a salary of AED 660 for the training period. Upon completing their training, they are guaranteed AED 1000 a month as a security blanket. "Whatever money they make over the target is kept as commission, he said. 
Since the summer is slow for taxis, the target is AED 200. During other months the target is AED 250.
"They work 12 hours a day. That's one shift which means effectively that they can achieve AED 450 on average," he said. "After investigations, we found out that those complaining have not been on the road during the hours they should be. They may have been working actually for four to six hours," Qassab said.

UAE to Impose AED20000 Fine For Animal Cruelty

By Emmanuelle Landais, Staff Reporter (Gulf News)
Published: August 03, 2008, 00:09
Dubai: Penalties for mistreating animals in the UAE will range from Dh5,000 to Dh20,000 once an animal welfare law is introduced, Gulf News has learnt. An initial draft of the law which was under review last year has been approved by the Ministry of Environment and Water and will be passed this month, said a veterinarian source who spoke on condition of anonymity. Gulf News acquired a copy of the draft law which states that owners and keepers of animals shall take all reasonable steps to ensure the welfare of animals and that they are not caused any unnecessary pain, suffering or injury. Animals must be given protection from the weather and predators and be fed a wholesome diet appropriate for their age and species, and receive a continuous supply of fresh drinking water each day, the law says. 
 The law is similar to European laws and is very positive for the UAE, he said. 
"There are cases of people burning chickens alive to death here. There are many important welfare issues to be addressed," he added.
Penalties for mistreatment of animals will range from Dh5,000 to Dh20,000 and prison terms.
Gulf News acquired a copy of the draft law which states that owners and keepers of animals shall take all reasonable steps to ensure the welfare of animals under their care; and to ensure that the animals are not caused any unnecessary pain, suffering or injury.

Wholesome diet
Concerning impounded animals, the law states they will only be returned after recuperation on condition the owner's negligence will not recur. It states no person shall set free or abandon any animal whose survival normally depends upon human care. In the case of a desire to abandon an animal it must be handed over to the competent or specified authorities. Animals must be given protection from the weather and predators and be fed a wholesome diet appropriate for their age and species, and receive a continuous supply of fresh drinking water each day. The law prohibits the sexual abuse of animals and ill-treatment, such as lashing, as well as the sale or trafficking of any diseased or injured animals. According to a ministry source a committee is now being formed for the application of the federal law on animal welfare. 
Jobs are being created to involve the public sector and bring different bodies together.
Residents will also have to be made aware of the law and it may come as a surprise to some, said the ministry source. 
"Some people really don't know that this can exist and will exist. The law has penalties and any cases will and can be taken to the police. A lot of animal lovers have written to the ministry and we have received many letters about animal cruelty," he said.
The federal law also prohibits the use of animals for scientific purposes without permission from competent or specified authorities.
A marine mammal guide will also be prepared.

The law: Access to water vital
It is prohibited to organise general exhibitions, competitions, wrestling of animals or birds or animal shows for commercial purposes (article 13). Whoever molests an animal shall be jailed for a period of not less than one month and fined personally a minimum of Dh5,000 (article 17). Animals should always be able to have access to good water sources (article 8). The animal's owner is forbidden to release any animal under his care, whether healthy or sick (article 4).

Astronomy group in Dubai opens a bright new world of stars to children

Staff Report (Gulf News)
Published: August 03, 2008, 15:04
Dubai: It's stargazing time for children. Dubai Astronomy Group is imparting astronomy lessons to children of various age groups at the Children's City on Thursdays. The group, led by its President Hasan Ahmad Al Hariri, teaches children every Thursday from 7pm to 8.30pm stargazing techniques, using an advanced telescope. 
The programme forms part of Children's City summer activities, which began on June 19 and will go on till end of August. 

According to Al Hariri, stargazing is richly embedded in Arabian culture. "It is part of our tradition. We pray with the sun, we fast with the moon and we know in which direction to pray through the stars. Whether navigating on land or sea, stars have always been used. Even to tell which day, month or the time at night, stars are used," he said. 
"There is not enough education about astronomy in schools which is why we are willing to help children in whatever ways possible. Our tie-up with Children's City is part of these efforts."

Fire breaks out at labour accommodation in Abu Dhabi

Staff Report (Gulf News Article)
Published: August 03, 2008, 16:00
Abu Dhabi: A fire broke out at portacabins at a construction site in Al Falah Street in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. 
Lieutenant Yasir Issa, Head of Public Relations Department in Abu Dhabi Civil Defence, told Gulf News that "the portacabins were used as labour accommodation; no injuries were reported and other losses will be estimated later." 
Police are investigating the cause of the fire.

U-turn danger still lurks on Dubai's fatal crash road

By Ashfaq Ahmed, Chief Reporter (Gulf News Article)
Published: August 03, 2008, 00:09
Dubai: Although two more U-turns on Al Wasl Road have been closed following recent horrific accidents motorists believe the road is still dangerous and blame the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) for not taking enough safety measures. 
"There is a need to install signals on the existing U-turns because they are quite dangerous," said Jenny S., an Al Wasl resident. 
She said it takes a long time to make a U-turn on this road because of heavy traffic flow. 
"Motorists have to take risks as they become impatient and frustrated waiting for their turn," she said. 
Irfan Khan, who uses the road every day to get to his office, said although the speed limit had been reduced from 80km/h to 70 km/h, U-turns were still very dangerous on this road. 
"Are the authorities waiting for the loss of more lives before installing signals at the U-turns? We dread driving on this road because cars suddenly appear from the U-turns which are without signals, posing a danger to other motorists."

Burnt alive
Three members of a Pakistani family, including a two-year-old girl, were burnt alive in May after their car was hit by another vehicle while they were making a U-turn. Two people also died in January after their car was burnt at a U-turn on Al Wasl Road. Another died in a similar accident last year. As well as closing a couple of U-turns Dubai Municipality has cut down several trees because they were obscuring the view of motorists. The Al Wasl Road is a 14-km stretch with 22 U-turns without traffic lights. This translates into one dangerous U-turn every 630 metres, posing a threat to motorists on this busy road. The arterial road, which stretches from Al Dhiyafa Street to Umm Suqeim Road also has five intersections and three U-turns with traffic lights. 
A motorist has to wait a long time to make a U- turn because of the heavy flow of traffic, which has increased manifold during the past year as many motorists have started using it more to avoid the Salik toll gates on Shaikh Zayed Road. During rush hour, long queues of vehicles leave scant chance for motorists to take a U-turn. "We have been waiting for the authorities concerned to install signals but no action has been taken," said a resident. According to Traffic Department statistics there were 16 accidents at U-turns on Al Wasl Road from January 1, 2007 until May 10, 2008. Six people were killed in those accidents, two sustained serious injuries and 27 sustained moderate to minor injuries. 
An RTA official said they have been studying the traffic situation on the Al Wasl Road and would soon solve the problem. 
"We have closed many U-turns on other roads as well and have also installed signals on many others," said the official. 

Timed: It takes 30 seconds
Brigadier Mohammad Saif Al Zafein, Director of Dubai Police's Traffic Department and an expert in roads and traffic engineering, explained making a U-turn is a process that takes some time. The car is usually moving at a speed of 5km/h. Therefore, if a car comes from the opposite direction at a speed not less than 80km/h and there is an accident, injuries will be moderate to serious in nature. "Making a U-turn takes at least 30 seconds and the car usually takes two-and-a-half lanes. It is difficult to get a gap of 30 seconds when other cars are coming at a speed of 80 or 100km/h," Brig Al Zafein said.

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Intimacy prevalent on Dubai's public beaches

Intimacy prevalent on Dubai's public beaches (Gulf News Report)
By Alice Johnson and Abbas Al Lawati, Staff Reporters
Published: August 02, 2008, 00:04
Dubai: As the Public Prosecution questions witnesses in Dubai's most recent public indecency case, beachgoers seem undeterred by the prospect of arrest. Public acts of intimacy were highlighted this month, after a British couple was arrested on a public beach. The couple has been referred to Public Prosecution on charges of consensual sex, public indecency and consuming liquor. At 1 am on Tuesday, hundreds of people were found by Gulf News reporters on the Jumeirah Open Beach, swimming in the sea and being intimate. Families and groups seemed to dominate one area of the beach and sea, while quieter areas were dominated by couples, frolicking together in public. One young Filipino couple, who were openly kissing, said: "The police never come down to the water."
The woman continued to say that it was "safe" for one to be in such a situation in the water with a boy or girlfriend, because police intervention is rare.

Privacy
Many pairs of heads could be seen sticking out of the water, leaving enough distance apart from other couples to ensure mutual privacy. While most couples kept their swimming costumes on in the sea, some women had taken their tops off. One man was observed watching a couple in an intimate position from the shoreline.
Another couple, who were kissing in an intimate embrace on the sand until questioned by Gulf News, seemed generally undeterred by the prospect of police patrols.
"You do have to be a bit careful. The police patrol comes every hour or 90 minutes, but the light from the car is enough to warn you. If they do catch you doing something they just give you a warning and say, don't ever do it again," the South-Asian male said.
"The police might ask for your labour card - you just have to make sure you have everything," the Filipina said.
The couple said they have been coming to the beach every seven to 10 days for the last couple of years. In a two-hour period, only one police patrol was observed on the stretch of beach.
Two Emirati teenage boys were the only non-romantic beachgoers that ventured to the area used by intimate couples. It was their first time at the beach, they said, as they were not from Dubai.
Besides the occasional curious glances at the frolicking couples in the sea, the two were minding their own business.
"I couldn't believe what I saw," one of them said shyly. "I didn't know these kind of things happened here. They don't happen where we are from," said one of them. The affectionate couples were concentrated in a small area towards the end of the public beach.
Although only a stone's throw from areas frequented by families, the couples' area was free of children, families and singles.

Beach safety:
Swimmers are oblivious to dangers of swimming at night
7pm, hundreds of people were in the sea - including families with young children.
Four people drowned recently - one at Al Mamzar and others at Jumeirah beaches
Lifeguard works from 6am to 7pm at Jumeirah Open Beach
An ambulance was present at the Open Beach at 1.30am
32 deaths and 39 injuries in drowning and near-drowning over last three years

THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - FACT SHEET

THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

The United Arab Emirates is the united form of seven emirates and are; Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Um Al-Quwain, Fujairah, & Ras Al-Khaimah. Abu Dhabi is the capital of United Arab Emirates (in short, UAE).

ABU DHABI

Abu Dhabi is one of the most modern cities in the world. It is the center of government and business life in the UAE, headquarters of the emirates oil operating companies and embassies are based here. The architecture of its modern buildings and sky scrapers is the finest in the Middle East. Abu Dhabi's oil wealth has been wisely utilized to encourage a healthy trade and commerce atmosphere apart from oil industries too. The promotion of tourism and various tourism-related projects will elevate Abu Dhabi to a Singaporean status in the region. Large gardens and parks, green boulevards lining all the streets and roads, sophisticated high-rise buildings, state-of-the-art communication services and transport, the presence of all the international luxury hotel chains, rich shopping malls, cultural centers and events provide tourists a one-of-a-kind experience all the year round.

Abu Dhabi is the largest of the seven Emirates and the Federal capital of the UAE. Its long coastline - the shallow waters of the Southern Gulf, extending from the base of the Qatar Peninsula in the west to the border of the emirate of Dubai on the north east, was once the world's best waters for pearling. When the pearling industry declined, oil discovery in the offshore oilfields of the Southern Gulf revived the economy of Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi was also the first emirate to export oil from the Umm Shaif offshore field in 1962. On the land, it stretches south to the oases of Liwa where some of the world’s largest sand dunes can be found, and east to the ancient oasis of Al Ain. This makes Abu Dhabi the largest as well as the most populated of all the emirates.

Desert Heritage

The emirate was inhabited as far back as the third millennium BC, but the Abu Dhabi of today only truly came into existence in the latter half of the 18th century when it was first settled by the Bani Yas tribe in 1761. In the early days of the 20th century the economy of Abu Dhabi was centered on camel herding, date oases, fishing and pearl diving.

The discovery of oil in 1958 and its subsequent export from 1962 produced a sudden upsurge in Abu Dhabi 's prosperity and laid the foundations of today's modern society. Abu Dhabi was the first emirate to export oil and under the leadership of the late and much revered HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the subsequent revenues were wisely invested in the infrastructure of the emirate.

Traditions

The city’s progressive vision is tempered with a deep-seated respect for traditions and culture, and tucked away between modern towers are heritage locales that tell tales of Abu Dhabi’s past. Priority has been given not only to future development but to rediscovering the past through archaeology, the restoration of buildings, museums, establishing indigenous wildlife parks and much more. Traditional musicians, calligraphers, artists and craftsmen are encouraged to develop their skills and thereby prevent their ancient crafts from dying out. The artifacts and tools of pearl divers, fishermen and dhow builders are carefully preserved and displayed. Especially honored is the Bedouin way of life. Even though nomadic societies leave little in the way of permanent structures, the people of Abu Dhabi aspire to the noble traditions and values of their desert ancestors.

DUBAI

Places of Interest

The city of Dubai embraces its namesake creek, dividing it into two halves. The main sightseeing circuit in Dubai is split between Bur Dubai and Deira which lie on opposite sides of the water, and the gently curving Dubai Creek is an attraction in itself. You will have plenty of opportunities for some brilliant views of the city from the water: gleaming skyscrapers on one side, and old trading dhows on the other.

Deira's many attractions include the historic quarter of Bastakia, as well as old souks and covered marketplaces. Wandering along the alleys, you can explore the Spice Souk and the Gold Souk. The Dubai Museum is housed within the beautifully restored Al Fahidi Fort, and is a must-see for first time visitors to Dubai. Built in 1799 to defend the city against invasion, it has served as both palace and prison and the museum's collection includes life-size figures and galleries depicting Arab houses, mosques, date gardens, desert and marine life.

On the Bur Dubai side, Heritage Village, located in the Shindagah area, is a family destination where you can watch potters, weavers and artisans at their crafts. The adjoining Diving Village offers a cultural microcosm of pearl diving and fishing. Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, a museum restored from the house of Dubai's former ruler and dating back to the late 1800s, is within the same complex. With its unusual layered rooms and authentic wind towers, Sheikh Saeed's House showcases regional architecture at its best.

If you drive west from the city centre, you will reach the popular suburb of Jumeirah, home to some of Dubai's finest luxury hotels and resorts, unspoilt stretches of sunny beaches and water sports complexes. In Jumeirah is the Grand Mosque, re-built in 1998, with the city's tallest minaret, nine large domes and 45 small domes - a distinguished landmark and an important place of worship.

About 115 Km south east of Dubai, in the heart of the rocky Hatta Mountains, is the 3000 year old Hatta Village, an important historical site for the region. The two towers overlooking the village used to be defense fortresses against hostile invaders, and during a relaxed day at the Village, you can visit the Houses of Traditional Handicrafts and Palm Products, The Castle Centre, and the 200 year old Sharia Mosque.

In contrast to the traditional attractions of Dubai and the surrounding areas, the city boasts world-class business and leisure facilities.

Best Buys and Bargains

Dubai is a veritable shopper's paradise! Whether it is for gold, electronics, carpets, spices, textiles or more.

The city is one of the largest retail gold markets in the world, selling everything from ingots to intricately hand crafted jewellery, and bargaining is welcomed almost everywhere. The Gold Souk area in Deira has glittering street-front stores and hides dozens of alleys housing smaller shops. The newly built Gold and Diamond Park on Sheikh Zayed Road is an attraction for serious jewellery shoppers.

The city is also home to some of the Middle East region's most prestigious shopping malls, boutiques and department stores that house retailers of haute couture, hi-tech electronics, home furnishings and accessories or traditional Arabic crafts. Dubai is famous for offering top international brands at unbelievably reasonable prices.

The larger shopping mall complexes also house cinema theatres, food courts, entertainment centers and play areas for children, allowing for complete family shopping experiences.

Choose to browse through the older markets and the narrow walkways located in the Meena Bazaar, Karama and Naif areas, dedicated to inexpensive reproductions of international brands; leather goods and textiles; computer and electrical accessories and Arabic perfumes.

Most shopping venues and cultural destinations sell a range of gifts and souvenirs representing Dubai: The Seven Sands of the UAE, traditional Bedouin jewellery, sand art, packaged dates and date products, Arabic sweets, wooden crafts and palm leaf handicrafts.

Seasonal Highlights

Dubai has a very eventful social calendar. With international sporting events, shopping and entertainment festivals, music and cultural programmes held at various indoor and outdoor venues all year around.

Varying from the world's richest horse race - The Dubai World Cup, and international jazz festivals, to the home grown Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai also hosts regionally significant exhibitions and trade shows on a regular basis.

While the actual dates of many important events are timed to match the season, the Lunar calendar and the holy month of Ramadan change from year to year. The chart below provides a guideline to the city's many events:


January - The Dubai Marathon, Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai International Jazz Festival, Emirates Cup Traditional Dhow Sailing Race, Dubai International Sailing Week Regatta


February - The Dubai Terry Fox Run, Dubai Tennis Championships


March - Dubai Desert Golf Classic, Dubai World Cup, Dubai International Kite Surfing Challenge


April - International Jewellery exhibition


May - Local and international events


June - Dubai Summer Surprises, UAE National Sailing Championship


July - Dubai Summer Surprises


August - Dubai Summer Surprises

September - Gulf IT Exhibition (GITEX), Local and international events (Dubai, the City that Cares festival)

October - UAE Desert Challenge

November - Horse racing season, Dubai Traditional Dhow Sailing Race

December - Rugby 7s, Dubai Air Show, Dubai Grand Prix, National Day celebrations

Rest and Recreation

Dubai is an exciting year round destination that offers unlimited opportunities for rest and recreation, be it a walk through a lush green family park, an adventurous day in the waters of the Arabian Gulf, or a pampering session at one of the many health spas.

Beaches: Some of Dubai's beaches are attached to private hotels, where, for a small fee, you can spend the day on the sand and in the waters of the Arabian Gulf. Other beaches and waterfronts - the Corniche and the Creek - are free for public access, and feature a range of water sports offered by several operators.

Desert safaris: One of Dubai's most popular tourist attractions is the desert safari: a unique experience that combines an adventurous 4WD car ride over sand dunes with camels, belly dancers, henna designers, falconers, and a barbecue dinner by starlight. Other attractions include sand skiing, sand boarding, sand carting and 4WD desert driving

Fishing: The warmth and shelter of the Gulf attract a large variety of fish, and several local companies provide full and half day trips to the best fishing waters about 12Km offshore from the mainland.

Golf: Dubai has the unique distinction of being the only golfing centre in the world to host major international tournaments on both the European and Asian PGA circuits. Visiting golfers can choose from various clubs and courses, each of championship quality and presenting a different type of challenge.

Treatments and therapies: Dubai is home to an extraordinary number of spas and wellness clinics, ranging from internationally renowned brands to ancient Chinese and Indian holistic treatments.


SHARJAH

Sharjah is a city of learning and the arts, as confirmed by its 1998 UNESCO designation as the Cultural Capital of the Arab World. This context facilitates the university's intention to be an academic center at the intersection of ancient cultural traditions and contemporary intellectual currents. The city of Sharjah is home to more than 20 museums with splendid collections of artifacts and art as well as exhibits on science and natural history. Sharjah host many cultural festivals, educational conferences, fairs and economic expositions also. These resources permit the university to broaden students' formal education in a way not possible elsewhere in the region.


Strategically situated between the Far East and the West, Sharjah is a global trade center. The third largest of the seven states that form the United Arab Emirates, Sharjah probably has the most colorful history of all the Emirates. From the days of the early trading with the East to the settlement of the Qawasim seafaring tribe and into the first half of the 19th century, Sharjah was the most important port on the lower Arabian Gulf.


It was here that the British chose to set up their military base and the Trucial Coast's first international airport was established in 1932. The flow of oil into the UAE and the recent gas revenue has sustained Sharjah's modern development. But it is perhaps the people, a lively trading tradition and the culture that have created and maintained the unique flavor of the Sharjah Emirate.


Sharjah has beautiful beaches on the shores of the Arabian Gulf in the West, the Gulf of Oman and Indian Ocean in the East. Sharjah is the only emirate to have land on both the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Geographically, Sharjah emirate covers approximately 2,600 square kilometers.

AJMAN

The Emirate of Ajman is situated on the coast of the Arabian Gulf, extending over a distance of 16 km, between the emirates of Umm al-Qaiwain and Sharjah. The area of the emirate is 259 square kilometers, equivalent to 0.3% of the country's total area, excluding the islands. The town of Ajman, the capital of the emirate, lies on the coast of the Arabian Gulf. It comprises the Ruler's office, companies, banks and commercial markets. The port of Ajman is located along a natural creek (Khor) which penetrates the town. The two major regions in the emirate are Masfout, an agricultural area, lying at a distance of 110 Km long at the South east, and Manama located 60 km to the east.

UMM AL-QAIWAIN

Umm al-Qaiwain is situated between Ajman and Ras al-Khaimah on the West coast. The traditional occupation of this emirate has been fishing and date cultivation.


Umm al-Qaiwain's attraction lies in its long clean beaches, an enclosed lagoon and public horse riding stables. Located 50 Km south of Umm Al Qaiwain is Falaj Al Mulla, the agricultural part of the Emirate. Seneyah Island, one kilometer away from the town of Umm al-Qaiwain, is a natural reserve for a large species of birds, deer and Al Qaram trees.

RAS AL-KHAIMAH

Ras al-Khaimah is the northern most emirate of the UAE. It’s history extends into antiquity. Archeological excavations reveal that a settlement with an advanced civilization that carried on trade with the Indian sub-continent existed in this region. Later historical records cite that the town of Ras al-Khaimah, then known as Julfar, belonged to early Muslim Caliphs. In the 18th century, after the invasions of the Persians, Portuguese and the Dutch, it finally became a part of the Al Qawasim State. It was also once the center of the naval strength of the southern Gulf States.


The traditional occupations of this emirate are mainly fishing, trading and agriculture which have been heavily modernized to meet the demands of the UAE's economy. Fruits, vegetables, milk; poultry are supplied to the other emirates from here.


The sea around Ras al-Khaimah abounds in tuna fish. The mountains have enabled the set up of stone quarries and a cement factory. Also the oilfield of Saleh, has boosted up the revenues of the emirate.


Mina Saqr, located next to the town of Ras al-Khaimah, is a deepwater port with heavily utilized bulk handling facilities where major amounts of transshipment takes place. It can handle vessels up to 260 meters long and 11.5 meters maximum draught and is ideal for low cost general cargo and container handling.

FUJAIRAH

Fujairah holds a unique position in the UAE. It is the only emirate that lies on the eastern side of the UAE, along the Gulf of Oman, while all the six other emirates are along the Arabian Gulf.

The Hajar mountain range that divides the UAE in two, from Ras al-Khaimah to Al Ain has kept Fujairah separated from the rest of the country.

Fujairah's main occupations in the past were fishing and agriculture. Pearl fishing was non-existent because the waters of the Gulf of Oman were much deeper and colder than the Arabian Gulf, not suitable for the growth of pearl oysters.

The Fujairah port is an important port for container liners and for the world's largest livestock shipping companies which have set up their main holding station for sheep and cattle for the entire Arabian Peninsula here.

Its clean beaches, the numerous water sports like swimming, yachting, water surfing and deep sea fishing attract tourists all round the year. The Fujairah Tourism Bureau has the specific task of promoting in bound tourism. The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries are planning to build a dam in this area where there is a famous waterfall.