By Binsal Abdul Kader ,Staff Reporter (Gulf News) Published: December 01, 2008, 00:34
Abu Dhabi: The Department of Municipal Affairs on Sunday launched its advanced website which gives advice on property regulations and the related laws and rules.
Visitors can also submit their suggestions or comments on existing or new regulations.
The information on a latest municipal rule and regulation or where and how to get a municipal service in Abu Dhabi is now just a click away now.
If you would like to know to which municipality you belong to, the "frequently asked questions section" will refer you to the "municipality border map" on the homepage to the municipality of your jurisdiction.
Ahmad Shereef, undersecretary of the department presented the website at a media briefing.
The presentation showcased the newly developed site and its capabilities.
The site contains information on responsibilities and activities of the department, in addition to strategic initiatives, latest policies and regulations introduced in the municipal sector of the Emirate.
The new website was created to enhance communication with the residents and businesses of Abu Dhabi, as well as increase exchange of ideas and coordination between Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western Region Municipalities, said Shereef.
http://www.abudhabi.ae/
Sunday, November 30, 2008
New Licence Rule Applies to Sharjah Only
By Bassma Al Jandaly, Staff Reporter (Gulf News) Published: December 01, 2008, 00:34
Sharjah: A total of 86 professions will be denied the right of obtaining driving licences by Sharjah Police.
Gulf News reported on Tuyday that certain categories will be barred from applying for driving licences in the UAE, but officials from Sharjah Police confirmed that this is a local decision taken only by the Sharjah Government and will only be applicable in the emirate.
The authority decided to stop issuing driving licences to certain categories of residents, to curb the sharp rise in the number of vehicles.
A memo was issued last week by the Sharjah Police Traffic Department and circulated to all driving schools, stipulating the rule, Gulf News has learnt.
Those whose residency visa has been issued from Sharjah that details any of the 86 professions will not be allowed to open a file for a driving licence.
The Police decision stated that only those who have university degree, such as doctors, engineers, architects, managers, accountants, nurses with university degrees and other similar professions can apply. Full list of banned categories will be issued soon.
Those who are on a drivers' residency visa can also apply. Those who cannot apply include: watchmen, typists, cooks, carpenters, housemaids, tailors, cafeteria waiters, unskilled labourers, gardeners and bakers and others who do not have university degrees.
A Sharjah Police official said that the decision was taken last week to reduce the number of applicants, as there is pressure on the Police from those applying for driving licences.
Last week, the Sharjah Traffic Department stopped opening driving licence files for people in these categories.
"Many applications from these categories were turned down," the official said. The official clarified that those who fall under the 86 categories and have already opened driving licence files will still be able to obtain them.
A number of driving schools in Sharjah have announced that such a decision will affect their business badly.
"It will have bad impact on our business as we will have fewer students," a driving school manager said.
Sharjah: A total of 86 professions will be denied the right of obtaining driving licences by Sharjah Police.
Gulf News reported on Tuyday that certain categories will be barred from applying for driving licences in the UAE, but officials from Sharjah Police confirmed that this is a local decision taken only by the Sharjah Government and will only be applicable in the emirate.
The authority decided to stop issuing driving licences to certain categories of residents, to curb the sharp rise in the number of vehicles.
A memo was issued last week by the Sharjah Police Traffic Department and circulated to all driving schools, stipulating the rule, Gulf News has learnt.
Those whose residency visa has been issued from Sharjah that details any of the 86 professions will not be allowed to open a file for a driving licence.
The Police decision stated that only those who have university degree, such as doctors, engineers, architects, managers, accountants, nurses with university degrees and other similar professions can apply. Full list of banned categories will be issued soon.
Those who are on a drivers' residency visa can also apply. Those who cannot apply include: watchmen, typists, cooks, carpenters, housemaids, tailors, cafeteria waiters, unskilled labourers, gardeners and bakers and others who do not have university degrees.
A Sharjah Police official said that the decision was taken last week to reduce the number of applicants, as there is pressure on the Police from those applying for driving licences.
Last week, the Sharjah Traffic Department stopped opening driving licence files for people in these categories.
"Many applications from these categories were turned down," the official said. The official clarified that those who fall under the 86 categories and have already opened driving licence files will still be able to obtain them.
A number of driving schools in Sharjah have announced that such a decision will affect their business badly.
"It will have bad impact on our business as we will have fewer students," a driving school manager said.
National Day, Eid holidays from Dec 2-11 (2008)
(Khaleej Times Report) 1 December 2008
ABU DHABI - The Federal Cabinet decided on Sunday to merge the holidays of the UAE’s 37th National Day and Eid Al Adha for the public sector, which start from December 2 to 11. Work will resume on December 14.
The Cabinet took the decision at a meeting on Sunday.
The meeting was held under the chairmanship of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The meeting gave its nod for creation of a federal committee to coordinate arrangements for National Day celebrations at the national level from next year. Abdul Rahman Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, will chair the committee.
The Cabinet reviewed a preliminary report on the budget performance from January 1 to September 30, 2008. It also approved the closing accounts of the Marriage Fund for the fiscal year 2007 and the budget of the Emirates Standardisation and Metrology Authority for 2009.
A federal draft law on organic inputs and products was passed.
Earlier, on Sunday the Civil Service Council issued a circular saying federal ministries and departments will remain closed from December 2 to 11 for UAE’s 37th National Day and Eid Al Adha.
The Council extended its congratulations and best wishes to The President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Their Highnesses Members of the Supreme Council Rulers of the emirates, the glorious occasions.
ABU DHABI - The Federal Cabinet decided on Sunday to merge the holidays of the UAE’s 37th National Day and Eid Al Adha for the public sector, which start from December 2 to 11. Work will resume on December 14.
The Cabinet took the decision at a meeting on Sunday.
The meeting was held under the chairmanship of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The meeting gave its nod for creation of a federal committee to coordinate arrangements for National Day celebrations at the national level from next year. Abdul Rahman Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, will chair the committee.
The Cabinet reviewed a preliminary report on the budget performance from January 1 to September 30, 2008. It also approved the closing accounts of the Marriage Fund for the fiscal year 2007 and the budget of the Emirates Standardisation and Metrology Authority for 2009.
A federal draft law on organic inputs and products was passed.
Earlier, on Sunday the Civil Service Council issued a circular saying federal ministries and departments will remain closed from December 2 to 11 for UAE’s 37th National Day and Eid Al Adha.
The Council extended its congratulations and best wishes to The President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Their Highnesses Members of the Supreme Council Rulers of the emirates, the glorious occasions.
Monday, November 17, 2008
How to Get Your UAE Identity Card
(Gulf News Article)
By Alice Johnson, Staff Reporter - Published: June 21, 2008, 00:08
Dubai: In April 2006 the UAE Government introduced a single identity card. This card is compulsory for everyone living legally in the UAE, including nationals, expatriates and GCC citizens.
The Emirates Identity Authority has rolled out the first phase, as part of a three-year plan.
In the future, the cards will be used as a travel document within the GCC.
However, when the scheme was introduced for expatriates, 'not many' expatriates actually turned up to take part in the scheme, as reported in Gulf News.
Registration for expatriates working in government departments commenced on June 1, after being postponed from May 1 because of the number of Emiratis that had not finished registration.
Other sectors will need to register for the cards according to a schedule that is to be announced.
It is mandatory for expatriates who are at least 15 years old living lawfully in the UAE to obtain a registration card.
For children below 15, registration for the Population Register and ID card programme is also mandatory, although having an ID for them is a matter of choice and is subject to a guardian's consent. The Population Register includes a centralised database that includes the aim of upgrading governmental services and putting an end to forgery.
Registration: How to apply for an ID card
1. Book an online appointment
2. Before going for your appointment, fill in an online application form from the EIDA website (www.emiratesid.ae) and take a printout, using a laser printer.
3. Visit the nearest EIDA service centre and pay the registration fee, while submitting your form.
4. Allow biometric and fingerprinting to be done and get your original documents scanned.
5. You can either choose to have your ID card sent to you by Empost or personally collect it after 3 working days.
EIDA can also be contacted on: 600 523 432
Documents and fees
UAE Nationals: Original Family Book and Passport. Dh100
UAE Residents: Original passport. Dh100 per year of visa validity.
Lost or damaged card: Dh300
Source: Emirates ID Authority
By Alice Johnson, Staff Reporter - Published: June 21, 2008, 00:08
Dubai: In April 2006 the UAE Government introduced a single identity card. This card is compulsory for everyone living legally in the UAE, including nationals, expatriates and GCC citizens.
The Emirates Identity Authority has rolled out the first phase, as part of a three-year plan.
In the future, the cards will be used as a travel document within the GCC.
However, when the scheme was introduced for expatriates, 'not many' expatriates actually turned up to take part in the scheme, as reported in Gulf News.
Registration for expatriates working in government departments commenced on June 1, after being postponed from May 1 because of the number of Emiratis that had not finished registration.
Other sectors will need to register for the cards according to a schedule that is to be announced.
It is mandatory for expatriates who are at least 15 years old living lawfully in the UAE to obtain a registration card.
For children below 15, registration for the Population Register and ID card programme is also mandatory, although having an ID for them is a matter of choice and is subject to a guardian's consent. The Population Register includes a centralised database that includes the aim of upgrading governmental services and putting an end to forgery.
Registration: How to apply for an ID card
1. Book an online appointment
2. Before going for your appointment, fill in an online application form from the EIDA website (www.emiratesid.ae) and take a printout, using a laser printer.
3. Visit the nearest EIDA service centre and pay the registration fee, while submitting your form.
4. Allow biometric and fingerprinting to be done and get your original documents scanned.
5. You can either choose to have your ID card sent to you by Empost or personally collect it after 3 working days.
EIDA can also be contacted on: 600 523 432
Documents and fees
UAE Nationals: Original Family Book and Passport. Dh100
UAE Residents: Original passport. Dh100 per year of visa validity.
Lost or damaged card: Dh300
Source: Emirates ID Authority
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Gulf Envoys to Attend New Delhi Meeting
Anwar Ahmad and T Ramavarman (Khaleej Times) 15 November 2008
ABU DHABI - There will be a meeting of ambassadors from the Gulf and some Asian countries on November 27-28 in New Delhi, where issues relating to the Indian workers will be discussed, according to Vayalar Ravi, the Indian Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs.
“There will be particular focus on the problems of the women domestic helps working abroad and their minimum wages as they differ from country to country,” he said at the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi while briefing the media on Thursday.
Also, the Government of India will soon amend the Emigration Act 1983 as part of its efforts to tighten the noose on the unscrupulous recruiting agents engaged in the illegal trafficking of Indians to different countries.
The minister said the Indian Cabinet had already approved the amendment proposals and they would now be presented before the parliament.
The amendments would seek to impose tougher punishments like hefty fines and imprisonment of agents found cheating workers seeking employment abroad.
“A number of steps are being taken by our government to safeguard the rights of Indian workers abroad and to ensure that they move on after complying all the legal procedures,” Ravi said.
There are around 50,000-60,000 housemaids in the UAE and half of them are employed by Indian families.
“The Government of India is particular that the Indian women who are working abroad as domestic helps should get minimum wages and other minimum facilities.
“We have allowed some flexibility in the level of wages saying that it can be between $250 to $300 depending on the wage levels prevailing in each country,’’ the Minister said.
The Indian Consul General, Venu Rajamony who accompanied the minister said the minimum wage that had been fixed for the Indian workers in UAE was Dh 1,100.
The minister also said that the women domestic labourers would have to be provided with a cell phone and they must be in a position to contact the Indian Embassy in the respective countries.
The Indian Ambassador to the UAE, Talmiz Ahmed, said: “There is no adverse effect on the Indian workers in UAE due to the global financial downturn.
“We have not received reports or complaints of delayed or non-payment of wages, or termination of jobs in the UAE particularly in the construction field. We are also monitoring the situation. The liquidity situation in the UAE is far better than the other countries of the world.”
anwar@khaleejtimes.com , ramavarman@khaleejtimes.ae
ABU DHABI - There will be a meeting of ambassadors from the Gulf and some Asian countries on November 27-28 in New Delhi, where issues relating to the Indian workers will be discussed, according to Vayalar Ravi, the Indian Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs.
“There will be particular focus on the problems of the women domestic helps working abroad and their minimum wages as they differ from country to country,” he said at the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi while briefing the media on Thursday.
Also, the Government of India will soon amend the Emigration Act 1983 as part of its efforts to tighten the noose on the unscrupulous recruiting agents engaged in the illegal trafficking of Indians to different countries.
The minister said the Indian Cabinet had already approved the amendment proposals and they would now be presented before the parliament.
The amendments would seek to impose tougher punishments like hefty fines and imprisonment of agents found cheating workers seeking employment abroad.
“A number of steps are being taken by our government to safeguard the rights of Indian workers abroad and to ensure that they move on after complying all the legal procedures,” Ravi said.
There are around 50,000-60,000 housemaids in the UAE and half of them are employed by Indian families.
“The Government of India is particular that the Indian women who are working abroad as domestic helps should get minimum wages and other minimum facilities.
“We have allowed some flexibility in the level of wages saying that it can be between $250 to $300 depending on the wage levels prevailing in each country,’’ the Minister said.
The Indian Consul General, Venu Rajamony who accompanied the minister said the minimum wage that had been fixed for the Indian workers in UAE was Dh 1,100.
The minister also said that the women domestic labourers would have to be provided with a cell phone and they must be in a position to contact the Indian Embassy in the respective countries.
The Indian Ambassador to the UAE, Talmiz Ahmed, said: “There is no adverse effect on the Indian workers in UAE due to the global financial downturn.
“We have not received reports or complaints of delayed or non-payment of wages, or termination of jobs in the UAE particularly in the construction field. We are also monitoring the situation. The liquidity situation in the UAE is far better than the other countries of the world.”
anwar@khaleejtimes.com , ramavarman@khaleejtimes.ae
Construction Sites Under Safety Scanner
Dhanusha Gokulan (Khaleej Times) 15 November 2008
DUBAI - Inspections at construction sites in Dubai have been intensified after the introduction of the Safety Manual for Construction Workers earlier this year.
Waseem Al Alami, Health and Safety Manager of Mirdif Security and Safety, which advises Dubai Municipality, said, “The safety measures have been beefed up, the number of professionally trained inspectors has been increased, and everything shall be done to ensure safety of the workers and people living in the vicinity of construction sites.”
The safety manual outlined specific safety procedures for all types of construction works, demolition and associated jobs.
In the backdrop of recent fatalities in accidents at construction sites, the German exhibition organisers, Epoc Messe Frankfurt, would be featuring “Construction Safety” as the key theme at the Intersec Trade Fair and Conference, which will be held from January 18 to 20, next year.
Most experts blame workers’ lack of awareness of the seriousness of the risks that face them every day.
Angela Schierholz, Senior Show Manager for Epoc, said, “Safety at height is a categorical must for all jobs, either work or rescue. Professional and high-end products, along with safety training programmes, are absolutely important at the construction sites to understand and avoid potential risks.”
Another factor was that most labourers hired for projects had no experience in construction and were hired to fill in as manpower supply could not match with the demand from the large number of construction projects going on across the UAE and the Gulf region.
Reports indicated that 50 per cent of all construction-related accidents in the UAE and the GCC countries are a result of falls.
Each year about 2.3 million work-related deaths take place around the world, with the construction industry accounting for 60,000 deaths, according to Ray Hurst, President of Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, United Kingdom.
“That is, one death occurring every 10 minutes in the construction industry somewhere in the world,” Hurst pointed out.
According to Dubai Municipality, there were 865 construction-related accidents between 2004 and 2007. Falling from heights accounted for 45 per cent of the accidents. Among other type of accidents were collapse of cranes and other machinery, and fire and electrocution.
Municipality officials said among the violations of basic safety rules were non-provision of helmets to workers, failure to erect safety barriers and deploying men to work on highrises without protective equipment.
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com
DUBAI - Inspections at construction sites in Dubai have been intensified after the introduction of the Safety Manual for Construction Workers earlier this year.
Waseem Al Alami, Health and Safety Manager of Mirdif Security and Safety, which advises Dubai Municipality, said, “The safety measures have been beefed up, the number of professionally trained inspectors has been increased, and everything shall be done to ensure safety of the workers and people living in the vicinity of construction sites.”
The safety manual outlined specific safety procedures for all types of construction works, demolition and associated jobs.
In the backdrop of recent fatalities in accidents at construction sites, the German exhibition organisers, Epoc Messe Frankfurt, would be featuring “Construction Safety” as the key theme at the Intersec Trade Fair and Conference, which will be held from January 18 to 20, next year.
Most experts blame workers’ lack of awareness of the seriousness of the risks that face them every day.
Angela Schierholz, Senior Show Manager for Epoc, said, “Safety at height is a categorical must for all jobs, either work or rescue. Professional and high-end products, along with safety training programmes, are absolutely important at the construction sites to understand and avoid potential risks.”
Another factor was that most labourers hired for projects had no experience in construction and were hired to fill in as manpower supply could not match with the demand from the large number of construction projects going on across the UAE and the Gulf region.
Reports indicated that 50 per cent of all construction-related accidents in the UAE and the GCC countries are a result of falls.
Each year about 2.3 million work-related deaths take place around the world, with the construction industry accounting for 60,000 deaths, according to Ray Hurst, President of Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, United Kingdom.
“That is, one death occurring every 10 minutes in the construction industry somewhere in the world,” Hurst pointed out.
According to Dubai Municipality, there were 865 construction-related accidents between 2004 and 2007. Falling from heights accounted for 45 per cent of the accidents. Among other type of accidents were collapse of cranes and other machinery, and fire and electrocution.
Municipality officials said among the violations of basic safety rules were non-provision of helmets to workers, failure to erect safety barriers and deploying men to work on highrises without protective equipment.
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com
Surf the internet for free while you smell the roses in Abu Dhabi
By Binsal Abdul Kader, Staff Reporter - Published: November 09, 2008, 23:02 (Gulf News Article)
Abu Dhabi: Residents can enjoy free wireless internet connectivity in two public parks on the corniche within a month, thanks to a new initiative of Abu Dhabi Municipality, a senior official told Gulf News on Sunday.
"We are trying to complete the preparations in co-operation with etisalat to introduce internet connectivity within one month," said Abdul Aziz Al Jeraishi, Director of Public Parks and Recreation Department at Abu Dhabi Municipality.
"Initially, the connectivity will be available in two public parks on the corniche - Musical Park and Official Park." The connectivity will be available round the clock, said the official. "The entry is free to those two parks, so people can enjoy free browsing.
"If successful, we will gradually extend the service to other parks in the capital," said Al Jeraishi.
The Municipality expects more visitors to those parks once web connectivity gets operational. "We will make necessary arrangements like seating and lights for the visitors," said the official.
Residents welcomed the initiative. "This is great, I can hang on park or beach and do something useful", said Diego Galliker, a Swiss resident.
"Now I can do some research or related things as part of my work while relaxing at the park," said Gallikar who is an architect.
Abu Dhabi: Residents can enjoy free wireless internet connectivity in two public parks on the corniche within a month, thanks to a new initiative of Abu Dhabi Municipality, a senior official told Gulf News on Sunday.
"We are trying to complete the preparations in co-operation with etisalat to introduce internet connectivity within one month," said Abdul Aziz Al Jeraishi, Director of Public Parks and Recreation Department at Abu Dhabi Municipality.
"Initially, the connectivity will be available in two public parks on the corniche - Musical Park and Official Park." The connectivity will be available round the clock, said the official. "The entry is free to those two parks, so people can enjoy free browsing.
"If successful, we will gradually extend the service to other parks in the capital," said Al Jeraishi.
The Municipality expects more visitors to those parks once web connectivity gets operational. "We will make necessary arrangements like seating and lights for the visitors," said the official.
Residents welcomed the initiative. "This is great, I can hang on park or beach and do something useful", said Diego Galliker, a Swiss resident.
"Now I can do some research or related things as part of my work while relaxing at the park," said Gallikar who is an architect.
Two killed as speeding car falls off Abu Dhabi flyover
By Dr Abdul-Hadi Al Timimi, Abu Dhabi Editor - Published: November 14, 2008, 18:01 (Gulf News Article)
Abu Dhabi: Two people died on Friday afternoon after their car veered off the road and plunged from a fly over down into the junction below.
The driver and passenger, an Egyptian and a French national, died, a senior police officer told Gulf News at the scene of the crash. "Both seem to in their 30s."
The flyover straddles the junction of Sa'ada Street and Airport Road close to the passport offices and Abu Dhabi Police Headquarters.
A large crowd gathered at the scene of the crash. All that was left of the car was a mangled mass of red metal.
Eyewitness
Bassam Eisa, a Syrian, terrified by what he had witnessed, said he was at the end of the zebra crossing on Sa'ada Street beyond the flyover when he heard a loud bang and a red object hurtling down over the bridge. He said that some motorists must have had a lucky miss.
The car was travelling on Airport Road out of Abu Dhabi towards the airport.
"The car must have been travelling at very high speed," an Abu Dhabi Civil Defence officer said. "The fact that it broke through the cement barrier of the flyover shows that the main culprit is speeding even if there was a serious mechanical failure."
Abu Dhabi: Two people died on Friday afternoon after their car veered off the road and plunged from a fly over down into the junction below.
The driver and passenger, an Egyptian and a French national, died, a senior police officer told Gulf News at the scene of the crash. "Both seem to in their 30s."
The flyover straddles the junction of Sa'ada Street and Airport Road close to the passport offices and Abu Dhabi Police Headquarters.
A large crowd gathered at the scene of the crash. All that was left of the car was a mangled mass of red metal.
Eyewitness
Bassam Eisa, a Syrian, terrified by what he had witnessed, said he was at the end of the zebra crossing on Sa'ada Street beyond the flyover when he heard a loud bang and a red object hurtling down over the bridge. He said that some motorists must have had a lucky miss.
The car was travelling on Airport Road out of Abu Dhabi towards the airport.
"The car must have been travelling at very high speed," an Abu Dhabi Civil Defence officer said. "The fact that it broke through the cement barrier of the flyover shows that the main culprit is speeding even if there was a serious mechanical failure."
Job Cuts on Emaar Radar as Stocks Crash
Financial Times - Published: November 14, 2008, 23:21 (Gulf News Article)
Dubai/London: Emaar Properties, one of the world's largest property developers, is preparing to cut jobs to help it steer through the biggest crisis in its 11-year history amid a sharp fall on Dubai's stock markets and a cooling of its property sector.
The company, which accounts for about 10 per cent of the Dubai stock market, on Thursday said it was reviewing its 5,000-strong workforce in light of the weakening Dubai property market, which is declining for the first time since foreigners were allowed to buy property in 2002.
Emaar emerged on the property scene from nowhere a decade ago, establishing itself in more than 36 countries through an aggressive acquisitions policy that helped its land bank grow to 519 million square metres, with a value of Dh28.3 billion in 2007.
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The company became the face of Dubai's booming property market, which has been constantly raising the bar for building the biggest, best and fastest.
However, the six-year bull run in Dubai property prices has run out of steam as the financial crisis washes up in the Gulf. HSBC said last week residential prices had fallen in October for the first time since 2002. "To address the new challenges that we face, it is important to reorient our growth strategies and align our business model to tackle new realities," Emaar said.
It has sought to diversify outside the core Dubai development market into a wide range of businesses around the world, from estate agency chain Hamptons International in the UK, John Laing Homes of the US and the Armani hotels business, as well as assets in healthcare and education.
Dubai/London: Emaar Properties, one of the world's largest property developers, is preparing to cut jobs to help it steer through the biggest crisis in its 11-year history amid a sharp fall on Dubai's stock markets and a cooling of its property sector.
The company, which accounts for about 10 per cent of the Dubai stock market, on Thursday said it was reviewing its 5,000-strong workforce in light of the weakening Dubai property market, which is declining for the first time since foreigners were allowed to buy property in 2002.
Emaar emerged on the property scene from nowhere a decade ago, establishing itself in more than 36 countries through an aggressive acquisitions policy that helped its land bank grow to 519 million square metres, with a value of Dh28.3 billion in 2007.
');
//-->
The company became the face of Dubai's booming property market, which has been constantly raising the bar for building the biggest, best and fastest.
However, the six-year bull run in Dubai property prices has run out of steam as the financial crisis washes up in the Gulf. HSBC said last week residential prices had fallen in October for the first time since 2002. "To address the new challenges that we face, it is important to reorient our growth strategies and align our business model to tackle new realities," Emaar said.
It has sought to diversify outside the core Dubai development market into a wide range of businesses around the world, from estate agency chain Hamptons International in the UK, John Laing Homes of the US and the Armani hotels business, as well as assets in healthcare and education.