Photo Speaks
Take good care of your children
Take good care of your children. This is a sign board seen at the Abu Dhabi Corniche walkway. Although it is meant for public who comes to have a good time there, when we look at it, it seem to be a genuine reminder to all.
A scene from Al Futaisi Island Abu Dhabi
Futaisi Island was recently in the news for the discovery of 22 ancient water catchments by archeologists. The islands history is likely to date back hundreds of years judging by the existence of old water wells, an ancient mosque and a grave yard.
It is speculated that before the discovery of oil, Futaisi Island probably supplied sweet water to the population of Abu-Dhabi and all the stone required for building the forts and houses of the rulers. The geological past of the Island is certainly unique and is an interest to both tourists and scientists alike.
The well-kept stables house purebred Arabian Horses that are available for touring around the island. Children and adults who have never ridden before, but who would like to discover the pleasure of riding an Arabian horse or a camel can also be taken for rides.
Covering an area of around 50 Sq Kilometers, only a small area has been developed. The rest of the Island remains quiet and undisturbed, creating a very effective wildlife sanctuary.
Discover the Island on Bicycles or take a mini-bus tour around the Island to see Gazelles running free, Ospreys nesting on outbreaks of rocks and Hidden Lagoons in the mangroves. As you explore the Island you will soon start to spot an abundance of Gazelles running and jumping across the flats or in and out of the mangrove clusters. This particular variety is endemic to the Island and is left to breed in peace.
Less obvious but there for the keen eyed are Dhubs – Spiny Tailed Lizards. The prehistoric looking creatures are particularly large on the Island and due to the lack of persecution are relatively approachable.
The Island is a bird spotters dream. Huge nests have been built around the Island on outcrops of rocks by Ospreys comfortable in the knowledge that they won’t be disturbed and even the endangered Sea Eagle has found sanctuary here. The list of other winged creatures is extensive including Socotora Cormorants, Terek Sandpipers and Plovers.
The Island is also an important transit point for migrating birds and flamingoes are commonly seen on the shores of the Island. Sightings of the endangered Green Sea turtle as well as dolphin’s bear’s testament to the rich marine life in the waters surrounding the Island.
A narrow bridge spanning one of the many lagoons takes you to a hidden beautiful beach on the far side of the Island.
Another major attraction on the Island is an authentic Arabian fort built out of traditional materials such as mud bricks. The fort provides a unique setting for banquets and parties.
The true treasure of Futaisi Island is its untouched nature. As the entire sea area around the Island is very shallow, boat access is difficult and this has ensured that most of the Island remains quiet and undisturbed, creating a very effective wildlife sanctuary over the greater part of the island.
The Island is a shelter for a rich and diverse variety of flora and fauna, including a species of gazelle that are endemic to the Island, the endangered Sea Eagle, Ospreys, the famous Dhoub lizard, and Jack Rabbits. The Island is also an important transit point for migrating birds and flamingoes are commonly seen on the shores of the Island. Sightings of the endangered Green Sea turtle as well as dolphin’s bear’s testament to the rich marine life in the waters surrounding the Island.
For more information and booking a trip, visit: http://www.futaisi.com/about.htm
Welcome 2009 with Helianthus annuus (Sun Flower)
Get Your Visa from Any Emirate
Get Your Visa from Any Emirate
Adel Arafah 15 December 2008 for Khaleej Times
ABU DHABI — People will now be able to apply for new visas or renew them in any emirate irrespective of where they stay or work as the naturalisation and residency departments (NRDs) in the country have been electronically linked.
Brigadier Nasir Al Awadi Al Menhaly, Acting Director-General of the Naturalisation and Residency Department at the Ministry of Interior, told Khaleej Times on Sunday that all NRDs in the UAE are capable of issuing and renewing visas, regardless of the emirate where the existing residence visa was issued from.
The ministry has completed linking of all NRDs electronically to provide this new service.
“We are in one country, and there is an electronic link between all NRDs,” he said. Under the earlier system, for instance, a person working in Abu Dhabi but has a residence visa from Dubai or other emirates had to visit the NRD in that emirate to renew his/her visa.
This was a sheer waste of time and effort. “Consequently, Lieutenant-General Shaikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Interior, gave instructions to ease the hardship of expatriates by allowing them to get visas or renew visas from the NRD in any emirate regardless of the emirate where the residence visa was issued originally. This is what we are implementing right now.” Brigadier Al Menhaly clarified that many expatriates are not aware of this new service, and still take the trouble of travelling to other emirates to complete their visa-related procedures. “We now tell them to save the effort and submit your applications to any department in the country to be processed immediately,” he said.
Meanwhile, denizens of emirates have lauded the ministry’s step, calling it a real timesaver.
Ahmed Mursey, a resident of Ajman, said it will help a great deal in making life easier. “The people can go to the nearest NRD for immigration services. It helps save travelling hassle and reducing crowds at the NRDs.”
Anwar Shaban, resident of Sharjah, said, “I was not aware that the service is available at any of the NRDs. If implemented, it will surely benefit the residents as well as the government. It would ease crowds at the immigration departments and make the work easier for the employees.”
Ahmed Mousaad, an accountant, living in Abu Dhabi, said, “I am not very sure as many a times, employees at the NRD have remained ignorant about the rules announced from time to time. The better thing will be to train the staff first and then inform the public.”
Pay for Health Card While Renewing Visa
Pay for Health Card While Renewing Visa
Asma Ali Zain 11 December 2008 for Khaleej Times
DUBAI – Expatriates renewing their residence visas in Dubai will have to shell out an extra Dh300 for the health card that is now compulsory.
Delayed by five months, the rule caught many unawares when it came into effect unannounced on December 1. Residents now have to pay a total of Dh550 instead of the Dh250 charged for the medical fitness test only earlier. Before a residence visa is stamped/renewed, applicants have to undergo screening for diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B & C, tuberculosis and syphilis.
Though a person applying for residency in the UAE for the first time has to obtain a health card, renewing it had not been compulsory until now.
Khaleej Times had reported on July 1 about the new medical fitness rules that were due to come into effect immediately but were put off by the Department of Health and Medical Services until the year end. A health card (valid for one year) was also made compulsory for renewing visas but the date when it would come into effect was not announced.
(The health cardholder can avail of basic health services at low cost only in government hospitals and clinics.)
As per the new rules, health insurance policyholders do not require a health card, though the policy certificate has to be attested by Dohms at a cost of Dh200.
Maisa Al Bustani, Head of Medical Fitness Centre at Dohms, had explained to Khaleej Times earlier, “If the resident does not hold a health card and has a valid health insurance policy, Department of Health and Medical Services will charge Dh200 to attest the policy certificate before the screening is done.”
However, residents who have valid insurance policy said they were forced to pay for the health card when they went for visa renewal.
“When I recently went for my medical fitness test, a requirement for visa renewal, I was asked to pay Dh300 for a health card.
“When I explained to the official that I was holding a health insurance policy, he insisted that I still had to pay for the card,” said Mohammed Afzal, a sales manager.
Farid Hussain, another resident, said that when he informed the official about his insurance policy, the official said it was not his concern.
“I had to pay for the card despite holding a policy,” he added.
Department of Health and Medical Services officials were not available for comments because of holidays.
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