UAE
Teenager wins right to join class
By Siham Al Najami, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS Published: January 10, 2008, 23:32
Dubai: Thirteen-year-old Abu Bakr Shaikh Al Alawi recently joined a public school after his parents battled fiercely for over four years to convince the authorities that he is fit to be in a mainstream school.
“My son is very talented. He memorised the Quran and won a lot of prizes and passed his exams set by the Ministry of Education. So I questioned myself: why can’t he be enrolled in a regular school?” asked his Emirati father.
The ministry agreed to integrate Abu Bakr, a child with autism, on condition that a special tutor monitors his progress in school and at home, said his father.
He said he finally found a teacher in Saudi Arabia. “Even though it is the duty of the ministry to cater to the needs of my son I had to find him a teacher for him to get accepted into a regular school,” said the father.
Abu Bakr is the first child with autism to be fully integrated into a regular school. “Abu Bakr is a very good child and deserves to have the same opportunities as the rest of the students,” said Amal, Abu Bakr’s older sister. Her brother had to go through unnecessary procedures such as repeating the same curriculum as he moved between many schools to prove he is capable of being a “normal student in a regular school”.
His teacher, Mustafa Mahmoud, at the Abu Dhabi Autism Centre praised the efforts of parents.
First UAE student to learn Mandarin graduates
First UAE student to learn Mandarin graduates
WAM Published: January 10, 2008, 17:59
Beijing: The first UAE student to study Mandarin language graduated here on Thursday.
In a ceremony organised by the Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU), Hassan Hussain Zafer was awarded a Bachelor’s degree in Mandarin, becoming the first UAE national to study the Chinese language.
BLCU is the only institution in China which teaches Chinese language and culture to foreign students, according to the BLCU website. The graduation ceremony was attended by UAE Ambassador Mohammad Rashid Al Boot, BLCU President and faculty members.
Heavy showers forecast in UAE
Heavy showers forecast in UAE
By Mahmood Saberi, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS Last updated: January 11, 2008, 17:03
Dubai: It will be dark, overcast and wet over the weekend with heavy thundershowers in the northern parts of the emirates, according to the Dubai Met office.
An intense low pressure is moving rapidly towards the emirates already drenching Doha, Qatar, Bahrain and Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, and the heavy showers will hit UAE on Monday and Tuesday, Dr. S.K. Gupta, duty forecaster, said.
He expects the rainfall will exceed the maximum this time of the year and will reach 16.5 mm.
Strong winds will whip up six to eight foot waves offshore. “A marine warning will be out,” said the forecaster. The winds will whip up a dust haze initially but it will not affect flights, he said.
The usual bright sunny days will return only on Wednesday. The low pressure will dissipate the cold and nights will not be as freezing.
“The daytime temperature will rise to 24 degrees Celsius and the minimum will go up to 16 to 17 degrees,” according to the forecaster.
The temperature had dropped to a minimum 8 degrees Celsius at some places Like Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah, which recently experienced hailstorms. “The cloud cover will lift the temperatures higher,” said the forecaster.
The low pressure will move on to Oman and beyond from Wednesday onwards.
Dubai is world’s fastest-growing airport
Dubai is world’s fastest-growing airport
Staff Report GULF NEWS Published: January 10, 2008, 00:55
Dubai: Dubai International (DI), the largest aviation hub of the Middle East, was the world’s fastest growing airport in 2007 in terms of international passenger throughput with a growth of 19.31 per cent.
The airport handled a total of 34.34 million passengers, well over the projected 33 million for the year, compared to 28.78 million in 2006.
Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) and chairman of Dubai Airports, said passenger throughput at Dubai International is expected to reach 40 million in 2008.
The high growth rate means that for the sixth consecutive year, Dubai International maintained an average growth rate of over 15 per cent.
In 2007, August was the busiest month for the airport in terms of passenger figures with 3.28 million passengers, while October recorded the highest growth rate at 29.92 per cent.
For the first time, monthly passenger throughput crossed the three million mark thrice during the year, while it was above 2.5 million for each of the remaining nine months. The average passenger movement per day at is 95,000.
The overall growth in 2007 resulted in increased aircraft movement, registering an increase of 9.81 per cent. The airport handled 260,530 movements in 2007 as against 237,258 in 2006.
Shaikh Ahmad said, “Dubai International’s growth is a reflection of Dubai’s robust economy, and its rising popularity as an international commercial and tourism hub. It is also a clear sign of our intent and vision for the future of the aviation sector in Dubai.”
Labour ministry rethinks rules on changing jobs
Labour ministry rethinks rules on changing jobs
By Wafa Issa, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS Published: January 10, 2008, 00:56
Dubai: Employees no longer need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer if they want to change jobs, once they have completed three years in a company, the Minister of Labour told Gulf News.
Dr Ali Bin Abdullah Al Ka’abi said any person that has been with the same sponsor for more than three years does not need an NOC for shifting jobs.
“NOCs are not needed for employees who wish to change job upon completing three years, but the fees for transferring are still applied,” said Al Ka’abi.
Not official
However, no ministerial decision has yet been issued in this regard, although the practice has been applied at the ministry of labour for the last four months.
Previously, the ministry required an NOC from any employee who wanted to change his job. In the absence of the certificate, a six-month ban was applied.
The NOC was not only needed for transferring sponsorship but was also requested from anybody who wished to continue working in the country after cancelling their work permit.
An NOC is still required from those who have not completed the three-year period. However, those who have not completed one year will have to pay a fee of Dh500 for each month remaining to complete the mandatory one-year period.
Charges: Changing sponsor
– PhD or MA holder moves to a company in category A: Dh1,500; category B: Dh2,500; category C: Dh3,500.
– BA holder or equivalent moves to a company in category A: Dh3,000; category B: Dh3,500; category C: Dh4,000.
– All others moving to a company in category A: Dh5,000; category B: Dh5,500; category C: Dh6,000.
Photo Speaks – Dubai Skyline and Dubai Creek
Dear friends,
This is one section which I love to come back often. Today is a special day and how can I be there without my camera. Dubai Municipality have a special interactive system called HAVE YOUR SAY for staff and customers to suggest Quality ideas for the development of existing facilities and also suggest innovative ideas to make life in Dubai smooth and comfortable for it’s citizen. As usual, I never wish to miss any Quality opportunity and for the 2nd consecutive year, I was selected to the Top 10 in the category for Customers and general public. You too can participate from now on. Participate and express your ideas. It is not winning that matters.
Log on to http://www.dm.gov.ae/wps/portal/MyHomeEn
and visit the section Have Your Say to know more.
Now, enjoy viewing the Dubai City skyline and Dubai Creek. Any time you wish to have a high resolution of these photos or any other photos in the section Photo Speaks, please email me.
As usual, I name these photos as passing shots…… Life goes on and on…..
Ramesh Menon
09012008
Burj Dubai – Getting ready to be Tall & Beautiful 
Not many times you get to see Dubai Roads empty like this. 
Evening Sky 
New buildings trying to catch up with the Metro project. Or is it the other way? You decide… 
Beautiful view of Dubai Creek from Radisson SAS Hotel Deria Dubai 
Cruise Boats parked at the Creek, Deira Dubai 
Green is healthy and friendly, admits winner
Dr Sulaiman Al Jassem (right), Vice-President of Zayed University, and Majid Al Mansoori, Secretary General of Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi, takes a tour after inaugurating the exhibition in Abu Dhabi.
Green is healthy and friendly, admits winner
By Dina El Shammaa, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS Published: January 08, 2008, 00:25
Abu Dhabi: A student who won a photo competition to highlight the importance of conserving the environment says staying green is staying healthy.
Thirty-eight students from different universities and higher education institutes participated in a three-day Environment Photography Competition known as “Environment & Development Integration Not Collision.”
Various artworks related to environmental problems in the UAE were on show. It was part of a college communication capstone project.
“We were impressed with the photograph entries submitted by the youth. They reflected a sense of environment and the need to safeguard it from rapid development in a very creative way. The photos bring to light an important reminder that our lifestyle affects the UAE environment on a daily basis. Nothing captures the imagination like a good photograph. It is one of the best ways to promote environmental awareness,” said Majid Al Mansouri, Secretary General, Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi (EAD).
Theme selection
The theme for the competition was selected by students from the College of Communication & Media Sciences to focus on the impact of adopting a new lifestyle and its effect on the UAE environment – such as daily construction and pollution.
The competition was in two categories; single photographs which allowed participants to submit one single photograph expressing the theme. This photo had to embody an important message describing the relationship between the environment and humans.
The second category involved a series of photographs which allowed participants to submit up to three photos to communicate a story. The series of conceptual and related photos should offer the viewer insight into the world where he/she should be able to better understand their environment.
The winners werehonoured at a ceremony jointly organised by Zayed University and the EAD on Sunday handing over
Prizes for the two categories were as follows: the single photo first prize of Dh12,000, second prize Dh6,000 and third prize Dh4,000. The series photos first prize of Dh12,000, second prize Dh6,000 and third prize Dh4,000.
Ahmad Al Marzouqi, UAE University, won first prize for the Single Category for his ‘We are friends -Palms and buildings’ photo.
“The whole idea of taking that picture was to encourage the country to stay green while developing new projects and buildings. Green is healthy and friendly,” said Al Marzouqi.
The student told Gulf News he plans to buy new components to enhance his photography hobby with the award. He presently uses a Canon 350D. His other hobbies are football and internet surfing.
Full time, part time, undergraduates and graduate students of all nationalities from different universities were encouraged to participate in the competition by submitting their artworks on line to http://www.ephoto.award.com and a team of five judges selected the winners.
Weathermen forecast more rain across the country
Weathermen forecast more rain across the country
By Aftab Kazmi, Bureau Chief and Binsal Abdul Kader, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS Published: January 07, 2008, 12:13
Al Ain: There are chances of more rain in most parts of the country on Monday, said weathermen.
Hamad Nasir, Duty Forecaster at the Meteorological Office at Dubai International Airport, said strong winds would kick up dust. Sea would be very rough with waves as high as 10 to 20 feet, said Nasir. “We expect light rain almost all over the country,” said Nasir.
According to the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) in Abu Dhabi, temperature has fallen below the normal scale, with around 17 degree Celsius in major cities.
It rained in almost all parts of the country in the morning. “Strong Shamal winds over the sea have caused the change in weather and it could continue till Tuesday,” said Mohammad Abdullah, National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology. 
He warned fishermen against going out into the sea until Tuesday. Suspended dust particles formed over Iraq and Kuwait are moving towards the UAE and it could worsen the condition, said the official.
There was no flight disruptions reported so far due to the change in weather condition.
Wind speed in Ras Al Khaimah: 18 knots; 17 knots in Abu Dhabi; 15 knots in Al Ain; 21 knots in Fujairah; 17 knots in Dubai.
DSF plans 100 exciting events
DSF plans 100 exciting events
By a staff reporter KHALEEJ TIMES 8 January 2008
DUBAI — Altogether 100 colourful and exciting events will take place during the month-long Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) 2008 from January 24.
Laila Suhail, Chief Strategy Officer at DSF Office, explained that the DSF office is implementing a new strategy that emphasises on shopping in the coming editions of DSF. Additionally, the festival will play a significant role in promoting new entertainment projects and establishing a vibrant entertainment industry in Dubai. A key highlight of the strategy is the involvement of the private sector that will eventually organise 70 per cent of all entertainment activities in DSF with the DSF Office taking the lead in planning, marketing, and promoting the events within the festival.
“It’s only natural that we keep developing our event in order to capitalise on the fast pace of Dubai’s economic and social growth,” Suhail said.
“Our new calendar of events has something for everyone regardless of age and nationality, and we look forward to providing our visitors and residents with the ultimate shopping, winning and entertainment experience,” she added. The main highlights of the DSF 2008 calendar are the shopping promotions, Mega Draws and DSF signature events. With more than 4,000 retail shops and 40 shopping malls, DSF 2008 promotions will be breathtaking for all. Offers, added value promotions, sales and discounts reaching up to 75 per cent on international brands will surely further position Dubai as the leading shopping haven in the world, the officials said.
Also, the daily Mega Raffle Draws will be a life-changing experience as it offers lucky winners prizes that can reach up to Dh1 million per day. While Lexus is offering two brand new Lexus ES350 and RX350 models would be given daily to one winner, the same winner would have the chance to take home Dh100,000 in cash but the new twist in the scheme is that the cash prize will be in a different currency everyday. In addition to this, one kilogramme of gold will also be offered by the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group on a daily basis. The officials added that the events like the Food Festival, Dubai Fashion, and Carpet Oasis etc are sure to attract a lot of people everyday.
UAE shivers under extreme cold spell
UAE shivers under extreme cold spell
Team KT 8 January 2008
DUBAI — Gale force winds reached 40 knots offshore causing big swells and a shipwreck off Ajman while boats were warned not to leave the port, according to authorities.
Visibility was reduced to 600 metres in parts of the UAE as strong shamal winds whipped up sand and caused damage to some property, and in Dubai and the Northern Emirates light showers were experienced and a minimum of one degree Celsius was recorded in Ras Al Khaimah. Gale force offshore winds reached as high as 40 knots — 10 knots higher than expected — with sea swells higher than 14 feet, according to forecaster Amna Yasin at Dubai International Airport Meteorological Office. A ship coming from Iran was in regional waters and trying to enter one of UAE’s ports when it experienced a technical fault that shut down its engines and high waves and winds pushed it to Ajman’s shore.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Brigadier Salih Al Matroushi, Director-General of Ajman Civil Defence, said they received a call from a passerby who saw the ship floating at around 1.30pm. The ship was not carrying goods or passengers, but there were five crew members of Asian nationalities who were evacuated by the Civil Defence, Ajman Police’s rescue team and Coastguards with the help of small boats.
The crew members, who were in perfect health, were taken to the port immigration office where food and care was provided.
The ship was towed away by Civil Defence to Ajman Port for repairs.
To ensure public safety from rough weather conditions, the Abu Dhabi Marine Police started intercepting boats, launches and ships from venturing out too far yesterday.
Major Khaled Saeed Al Shamsi, head of Marine Police, told Khaleej Times the decision was taken due to bad weather. No distress calls or accidents had been reported in the four days up to Sunday, he added.
“We have deployed our patrols to block seafarers from venturing out to sea in four key exit port facilities at Mina Zayed, ships quay, free port and Bateen jetty,” he affirmed.
He warned against swimming or sailing even if the weather looked fine and clear during these days and weather forecasters also detailed that rough seas were expected over the next few days.
“Weather conditions in the sea could change dramatically at any time. The restrictions on venturing into the sea will remain in place until further notice, and after we make sure that the weather is stable,” he explained.
Forecaster Yasin said minor rainfall was experienced across Dubai and the Northern Emirates, although Dubai recordings were negligible, while Mohammed Abdullah Al Abri, forecaster at the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology said Abu Dhabi also received light showers early in morning yesterday.
Ras Al Khaimah, which experienced hail and heavy rain on Sunday, received light rainfall yesterday.
Ras Al Khaimah’s mountain ‘Jais’ recorded the lowest temperature in the UAE of one degree Celsius yesterday morning, according to Al Abri.
The Traffic Police recorded one motor accident in which an Emirati man was killed when he lost control of his vehicle in the hail and his vehicle skidded off the road rolling over several times in Wadi Galeelah.
A senior officer from the Ras Al Khaimah Department of Civil Defence said rain water flooded some houses and roads, especially in the Al Shaam area, but not much property was damaged.
In Fujairah, some minor traffic accidents took place, according to a senior police officer.
“The strong winds uprooted some trees and dropped some signboards in the Dibba area. However, no other damages were registered,” said Lt-Col. Obeid Al Teneiji, Director of the Civil Defence and Fire Department, in Fujairah.
Dubai Municipality officials said inspectors had been checking for damage from the strong winds across suburbs, rural areas and parks but people’s main concerns were heavy sand and dust.
“Till now, we have not received any information about the damages. But then the winds have caused a lot of dust to accumulate on the roads. This is causing problems for the motorists and other commuters,” said an inspector in the Bur Dubai area.
Authorities across the UAE urged the public to take caution in this weather, particularly on the roads and inform the police and the Civil Defence of any hazard resulting from unstable weather conditions or municipalities regarding damage
Al Abri expected Abu Dhabi’s weather to improve from tomorrow but the temperature today was anticipated to dip to 4-6 degrees Celsius in the morning and the day will remain cold, but clear.
Dubai, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah may experience light drizzles today and cloudy weather was expected to prevail across the UAE.
Dubai will continue to remain cool for the next few days with a minimum of 15 degrees and maximum of about 20 and the wind was expected to reach no more than 15 knots on land.
Meanwhile, fish prices have gone up by at least Dh5 as the catch of fish is less after the seas turned rough, according to Saif Ahmed Saif Al Suwaidi, treasurer at Abu Dhabi Fishermen Cooperative Society.
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