Abu Dhabi – Today in UAE

Photo Speaks – A Clean Environment

Posted on April 6, 2020 Updated on April 27, 2020

DSCN6630-1_InPixio #NoChoice but to #StayAtHome. Many things done passionately every day are put on hold. Among them is photography. Finding objects near and far within the comfort zone to photograph safely has become my new passion now. During a #WorkFromHome break, I looked through the window outside. Streets are quiet except for a few vehicles. I Started looking more deep and close to the farthest objects. I was surprised!. I could see #SheikhZayedMosque which is about 16 kilometers from my home very clearly. Didn’t want to miss taking a photo of it!

#AbuDhabi is of course a clean city. It has become more beautiful now.

#Covid2019 – is bringing out a lot of changes to our personal self and also to the environment we live. Of course, less pollution is one positive thing that is happening now.

Do not miss out on observing these small things happening around us during these difficult times.

Some immediate take away actions that we could easily adopt, when the situation normalises:

Working from home at least 1 or 2 days per week.
Increased Car pooling and Less Vehicles on Road Day

Give it a thought and share it with me with photos and ideas.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

@rameshmenonauh

#StaySafe #StayAtHome

This entry was posted in Abu Dhabi - Today in UAE, Daily Passionate Photography Thoughts, Mind Speaks, Passionate Photographers, PassionatePhotographers, Photo Speaks, TQM and tagged #NaturePhotography, Daily Passionate Photography Thoughts, Mind Speaks, PassionatePhotographers, Photo Speaks, TQM.

A chance to live your childhood memories

Posted on August 6, 2017 Updated on August 6, 2017

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Abu Dhabi city is witnessing a lot of fitness enthusiasts these days. People are walking and cycling more than they used to do earlier. The recent hike in taxi fares may be one of the reason. The normal cheap taxi fares no more exist. The moment you hop into an Abu Dhabi taxi, the minimum charge applicable is AED 12/-. This has resulted in many taking up cycling as a more convenient option.

What do you do if you cannot afford to a costlier or bigger bicycle? You look at various online sites for secondhand bicycles being sold. Going for the cheaper ones, you end up buying even children bicycles. Modify it a bit and allow and standing stand for your partner to stand at the back, you are ready for your daily trips. This is what you are witnessing these days in the city.

It is hot, but it is enjoyable. Start early before the sun rises. Work late till it cools down. Cycle your way to office and back home. You are perfectly fit.
Of course, there is a big advantage. However, stressed you begin your journey, after a few minutes, you will forget and start enjoying the beauty around or even reliving your past…

Try it out and tell me if I am wrong. Happy and #SafeCycling #InAbuDhabi

This entry was posted in Abu Dhabi - Today in UAE, Daily Passionate Photography Thoughts, Exploring Abu Dhabi, General, Mind Speaks and tagged #InAbuDhabi, #SafeCycling, Mind Speaks.

Use registered taxis for safety and comfort

Posted on June 13, 2015

Use registered taxis for safety and comfort

Abu Dhabi Airport arrival is changing day by day. In the earlier days when passengers arrive, they are welcomed by two types of people. One, their or friends or family and second the illegal taxi operators hanging around. As the authorities renovated and made things beautiful at the arrival section, they also came out with a dedicated section for Taxis. No more stopping and following by unauthorized taxi operators, whose vehicle condition or status are unknown. Travel safe. Enjoy your stay in Abu Dhabi. Thanks to Abu Dhabi Airport authorities for this welcome change.

This entry was posted in Abu Dhabi - Today in UAE, Mind Speaks, Road Safety, Road Safety UAE, Safety First and tagged #InAbuDhabi, HSE, Mind Speaks, Safety First.

ADNOC Hosts 4th ADRAC Energy R&D Summit

Posted on May 24, 2015 Updated on June 6, 2015

ADNOC Hosts 4th ADRAC Energy R&D Summit

Abu Dhabi, UAE – May 24^th 2015 – H.E. Abdulla Nasser Al-Suwaidi, ADNOC Director General, today opened Abu Dhabi International Research & Development Conference & Exhibition (ADRAC), which brings together over 1,500 research and industry professionals to discuss the latest breakthrough innovations in energy R&D.

The opening speech was delivered by Mr. Yasser Saeed Al Mazrouei, Deputy Director E&P, ADNOC and Chairman of ADRAC 2015. “ADRAC has brought together the foremost leaders in research and innovation to collaborate and present solutions to address the region’s oil and gas challenges. We look forward to many fruitful discussions over the three-day event,” said Mr. Al Mazrouei.

Total participated as a Platinum Sponsor in the 4^th edition of this prestigious conference being held at ADNEC for the first time since its inception.

This year’s conference saw a threefold increase in attendance.

Total showcased its R&D technologies through their dedicated team of professionals working in close coordination with the Masdar and Petroleum Institute. Held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from May 24 – 26 2015, the event gathered the foremost minds on energy R&D from Academia and Industry with a scope of facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration to identify new turnkey solutions for the Oil & Gas industry’s challenges.

The Research & Development Awards were the highlight of the Opening Session. The awards, which recognize those who are leaving an exceptional impact on the energy industry with a clear vision for the long term future of energy, were presented by Mr. Mohamed Butti Al Qubaisi, ADNOC’s E&P Director.

The awards were divided into four categories:

· Leadership and Long Term Vision Award; won by Mr. Abdul Munim Saif Al Kindy, CEO of Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Petroleum Operations (ADCO) and Mr. Ali Rashid Al Jarwan, CEO of Abu Dhabi Marine Operating Company (ADMA-OPCO)

· Impact Award; won by Mr. Fareed Abdulla, SVP-NEB, ADCO; Dr. Yuefeng Sun, Texas A&M University; Dr. Mohammed Ali, Petroleum Institute

· Partnership Award: GASCO CEO; ExxonMobil President, Abu Dhabi; Schlumberger President, Middle East

· Innovation Award: Mr. Fahad Salem Al Ameri, ADNOC; Farhaad Khaled Al Awadhi Al Yasat, ADNOC; Professor George Hirasaki and Dr. Lisa Biswal of Rice University

#ADRAC15

This entry was posted in Abu Dhabi - Today in UAE, Events in the UAE, TOTAL.

Photo Speaks – Sand storm at Abu Dhabi on Thursday, 2nd April 2015

Posted on April 2, 2015 Updated on June 6, 2015

This entry was posted in Abu Dhabi - Today in UAE, PassionatePhotographers, Photo Speaks.

Snap it for mom

Posted on March 18, 2015 Updated on June 6, 2015

At Abu Dhabi Mall – participate to win ‪#‎snapitformom‬ @abudhabimalluae

This entry was posted in Abu Dhabi - Today in UAE, PassionatePhotographers.

Ministry of Interior Excellence Award

Posted on February 5, 2015 Updated on June 6, 2015

I wish to inform you that today 5th February 2015, I received the “Ministry of Interior Excellence Award” from Abu Dhabi Police for my safety / community issues related contributions and suggestions.

The function was held today at 10:00 am in their premises at Capital Police Station, Abu Dhabi.

I just wanted to share with you this personal moment of achievement, as a community conscious resident and all the more a committed member towards Safety and welfare issues of the society I live in.

Sincere thanks and regards for your continuous support.

Ramesh Menon
Thursday, 5th Februray 2015

This entry was posted in About Me, Abu Dhabi - Today in UAE, Achievements, Ministry of Interior Excellence Award, TQM.

ABU DHABI: TOTAL AWARDED 10% IN THE NEW 40-YEAR ADCO CONCESSION

Posted on January 29, 2015

ABU DHABI: TOTAL AWARDED 10% IN THE NEW 40-YEAR ADCO CONCESSION

Total has signed a new 40-year onshore concession agreement with the Supreme Petroleum Council of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), granting Total a 10% participating interest effective January 1, 2015. The concession covers the fifteen principal onshore oil fields of Abu Dhabi and represents more than half of the Emirate’s production.”

Paris – Total has signed a new 40-year onshore concession agreement with the Supreme Petroleum Council of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), granting Total a 10% participating interest effective January 1, 2015. The concession covers the fifteen principal onshore oil fields of Abu Dhabi and represents more than half of the Emirate’s production.

“Total’s entry into the new ADCO concession is a major milestone in the history of the Group’s 75-year partnership with the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. We are committed to bringing our most advanced technological expertise to unlock the full production potential of Abu Dhabi’s onshore fields and therefore contribute to the development of additional reserves over the next 40 years,” outlined Patrick Pouyanné, Chief Executive Officer of Total. “Total is honored to be the first International Oil Company to be chosen by the government of Abu Dhabi and ADNOC to participate in this new onshore concession and to be entrusted with the mission of technical leader on two major groups of fields”.

The new concession will be operated by the Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Petroleum Operations Limited (ADCO), a new operating company in which Total will be a 10% shareholder. Total has also been appointed Asset Leader for the Bu Hasa and Southeast (Sahil, Asab, Shah, Qusahwira and Mender fields) fields, which represent about two-thirds of ADCO’s production.

In 2015, ADCO’s expected production is around 1.6 million barrels of oil per day (Mb/d), with an objective to increase output to 1.8 Mb/d from 2017.

Total in the United Arab Emirates

Total has been present in the UAE since 1939 and has built a strong presence, reflected by the size and diversity of its assets and partnerships. The Group’s equity production in 2013 was 260,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d).

Total held a 9.5% interest in the previous 75-year ADCO concession that expired on January 10, 2014.

In partnership with ADNOC, Total holds a 75% stake and operates the Abu Al Bu Khoosh field and holds a 13.3% stake in Abu Dhabi Marine (ADMA), which operates two offshore fields. Total also has a 15% stake in Abu Dhabi Gas Industries (GASCO), a 5% stake in Abu Dhabi Gas Liquefaction Company (ADGAS) and a 5% stake in National Gas Shipping Company (NGSCO). The Group also owns 33.33% of Ruwais Fertilizer Industries (FERTIL), which produces urea.

The Group holds a 24.5% stake in Dolphin Energy Ltd. in partnership with Mubadala, a company owned by the government of Abu Dhabi. Total has also upgraded and increased the capacity of the Taweelah water desalination and power plant which produces about 20% of Abu Dhabi’s water and power requirements.

Total is a partner in the Shams project, the world’s largest concentrated solar power plant in operation (100 MW), inaugurated in 2013. In addition, the Group is a leader in the manufacturing and marketing of the entire range of automotive and industrial lubricants through its affiliate Total Marketing Middle East.

– See more at:http://ae.total.com/en-us/home/media/list-news/abu-dhabi-total-awarded-10-new-40-year-adco-concession#sthash.R18YTI3G.dpuf

This entry was posted in Abu Dhabi - Today in UAE, TOTAL, TQM.

43rd UAE National Day Decorative lighting at Abu Dhabi

Posted on November 30, 2014 Updated on June 6, 2015

This entry was posted in Abu Dhabi - Today in UAE, Passionate Photographers, UAE.

Top regional drivers primed for Abu Dhabi Rally

Posted on October 16, 2014 Updated on June 6, 2015

Top regional drivers primed for Abu Dhabi Rally

New two-day event begins on Thursday, with home hero Khalid among the favourites

Abu Dhabi: Some of the region’s top motorsport stars are gearing up for the first two-day Abu Dhabi Rally on Thursday and Friday.

Fifteen teams will compete in the competition, which begins at Yas Marina Circuit and which is a candidate event for the 2015 FIA Middle East Rally Championship (MERC).

The rally is being held by Abu Dhabi Racing and Yas Motor Racing Club and begins with a spectator stage on Thursday, where motorsport fans can watch elite drivers from the UAE, Qatar and Lebanon battling it out.

Among the favourites to clinch the Abu Dhabi title are Shaikh Khalid Bin Faisal Al Qasimi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Racing, who was one of the first drivers to register for the event.

Shaikh Khalid said: “This event will enhance the Middle East Rally Championship calendar.”

He has also ensured that the Abu Dhabi Racing youth drivers Mohammad Al Motawa’a, Mohammad Al Sahlawi, Mansour Bel Helei, Saeed Bin Touq and Juma Al Falasi will be participating in the 2WD Citroen DS3 R3 class.

Shaikh Khalid shot to prominence in 2002, when he won the Group N title in the Middle East Rally Championship.

He is currently second in the MERC table and is participating in selected World Rally Championship rounds with the Citroen Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team.

Shaikh Abdullah Bin Faisal Al Qasimi, Shaikh Khalid’s elder brother has also confirmed his participation in a Ford Fiesta RRC.

Shaikh Abdullah should be a serious contender for the AD Rally title, having won the UAE crown in 1993, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2008 and 2010. He also won the MERC Group N title in 1998, 2000 and 2003.

Another leading contender is expected to be Qatari champion Abdul Aziz Al Kuwari, who had a two-year winning streak in the Qatar National Rally from 2010.

Abu Dhabi Rally 2014 consists of nine stages, kicking off with an asphalt stage (3.51km) at Yas Marina Circuit on Thursday, to be held after the ceremonial opening of the rally at 8pm.

The spectator stage will be held on the North Handling Circuit at Yas Marina, where each driver will have two attempts at recording his fastest time.

Access to the stands will be free of charge.

The second day of the event will consist of eight special stages on gravel roads. The first stage is Ghantoot (18.7km), followed by Al Jarf (20.55km), Al Maha (12.7km) and Al Taweelah (21.1km). The competitors will then repeat the same stages.

For more information log on to www.yasmarinacircuit.com/en/motorsport/yas-motor-racing-club/abu-dhabi-rally-2014

http://gulfnews.com/sport/motorsport/top-regional-drivers-primed-for-abu-dhabi-rally-1.1398741

News & photo courtesy: Gulf News

For all my readers:

(If you enjoyed reading this post and wish to subscribe to my blog, please go to the left hand side and choose the last ‘box’ which says subscribe. Also explore the many ‘previous articles’ listed month-wise on the links above on the left side of the blog. Share the posts with your friends through Facebook, Twitter or other accounts using the buttons below each post. Thank you and best regards – Ramesh Menon

This entry was posted in Abu Dhabi - Today in UAE, Sports +, TOTAL.