UAE
Abu Dhabi Awards winners to get honours
Abu Dhabi Awards winners to get honours
By Dina El Shammaa, Staff Reporter/GULF NEWS Published: August 28, 2007, 18:43
Abu Dhabi: The winners of the Abu Dhabi Awards 2007 will be honoured in mid-December.
The nominations for ‘2007 awards’ will be held between September 9 to October 7. The judging period will be held in October and November, which will be followed by an awards ceremony.
General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, will present an award to the ten winners at the Emirates Palace by mid-December.
The awards will mainly go to the top ten nominees recognized by residents and citizens for their humanitarian acts and contributions to the society.
“The award honors citizens and residents who have contributed to building a greater sense of community and social welfare within Abu Dhabi. Everyone is given the chance to nominate those whose goodness knows no limits and in doing so share in their goodwill,” said Mariam Ameri from the Organizing Committee in Abu Dhabi.
All nominations are reviewed individually and reported by a nomination panel. This is then reviewed by a judging committee comprising senior government officials. The merit of those people nominated will determine the final number of awards given.
The nomination process requires completing a “nomination form” available at stands in 26 key locations, including malls in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. The form can either be faxed or posted back and there are no limits to the number of people one person can nominate.
“Let your voice speak of their actions, in honouring people in this way. The awards raise awareness of the value of such contributions and in turn encourage others to make similar contributions,” stressed Amiri.
The 2006 awards received over 50,000 nominations, up from 42,000 in 2005. Three winners of the 2005 awards were present at the conference and spoke to the media.
“I never thought or expected to win this award. I received a call to bring along my husband and children to attend the event. They never gave me details. I only knew I was one of the winners when they announced my name that same day,” said Amira Al Shaibani.
Al Shaibani received nominations for her efforts in 1982 in a project to build a sports centre for children with special needs in the UAE.
Huda Kanoo, was nominated for her efforts in establishing the Abu Dhabi Classical Music and Arts Foundation in 1996 and a music library at the National Library in Abu Dhabi.
In addition, she launched an award carrying her name as a contribution to urge students to participate and compete at the Abu Dhabi Festival for Classical Music.
Dr. B.R. Shetty known for his medical achievements established the New Medical Center (NMC) Hospital with branches in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.
He also opened the National Hospital, New National Medical Centre, NMC Specialty Hospitals and NMC Family Clinic that treats over one million patients a year.
“My father came to this country in 1973 with only 8 Dollars in his pocket. If it weren’t for this country offering opportunities and opening their arms to him he wouldn’t have succeeded in helping others and we wouldn’t have received this award today,” said one of Shetty’s daughters who represented him in his absence.
About the ADA 2007 Awards
-Through the commitment of the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi has chosen to celebrate compassionate individuals who have silently volunteered their time to build and support the community of Abu Dhabi.
-The Emirate of Abu Dhabi recognizes the accomplishments of individuals through the Abu Dhabi Awards 2007, which marks the third year of awards.
-2005 was the inaugural year of the event
Vision
To make the Emirate of Abu Dhabi a better place, where humanity and goodness are cherished and celebrated.
Mission
To encourage and motivate citizens and residents of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to reach out and help each other live more fulfilling and rewarding lives.
Who can nominate
-Residents and citizens of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, including Al Ain and the Western Region.
-Those who know someone whose goodness has contributed to the community and spirit of Abu Dhabi.
Why Participate?
-Recognize and celebrate citizens and residents of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi who have contributed to building a greater sense of community and social welfare within Abu Dhabi.
-The awards raise awareness of the value of such contributions and in turn encourage others to make similar contributions.
The Nomination Process
-Going to any of the many nomination stations across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi including roving nomination stations
-Filling out a nomination form, these are currently being delivered to homes across the UAE and can be returned by post, fax or by placing them in collection boxes placed at the nomination stations.
-Visiting http://www.abudhabiawards.ae
-Filling out your nomination form and faxing it 800-333-00
Previous winner summaries
Winners 2006
Ahmad Khalifa Al Suwaidi
Dedicated his life and money to the welfare of the local community. He played an important role in the union of the UAE and was personal advisor to the Nation’s late father
Shaikh Salem bin Ham Al Amri
Strong supporter of the protection and welfare of the UAE
Contributed immensely to the protection and welfare of the nation both before and after the union and contributed to the social development in Abu Dhabi through the National Consultative Council
Shamsa Hazim Al Muhairi
Active member of the Abu Dhabi Women Development Association. Al Muhairi created awareness on the importance of women’s education and other social problems facing today’s community. Al Muhairi also launched a health program in the Emirate in cooperation with UNICEF and was pivotal in the establishment of the UAE Women Affairs bureau in 1991
Ahmed Awad Kareem
In collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Municipality, contributed to developing several important infrastructure projects in the Emirate including the establishment of the current industrial area
Sana’a Darwish Al Kitby
Dedicated her efforts to supporting people with special needs, women in the Emirate and autistic children. She contributed to the establishment of the General Women’s Union and the Abu Dhabi Women’s Development Association
Dr. Izzeidein Ibrahim Mustafa
Established several cultural and social associations, including the Women’s Union in the UAE
Wahida Ibrahim
Contributed to the education sector by providing free classes to special students and organized fund raising activities to support her school
Ahlam Yahya Al Shateri
Created a platform for parents, teachers and children to better use their time and better understand each others needs. Al Shateri delivers seminars to promote loyalty to the country and charitable causes
Shaikha Siddeeqa Al Qasimi
One of the first UAE women graduates and a leader in supporting education and her school is now known as being one of the best governmental schools in the country. Al Qasimi focused on educating women and helping them excel in their communities and businesses and promoted principles of equality and ethics among her students
Winners in 2005
Dr Rawdha Al Mutawa
Established the Abu Dhabi Business Women Council, Chairwoman of the Gulf Business Committee and a member of the board of directors of the UAE Red Crescent
Strong supporter of National business women
The Late Abdul Jaleel Mohammad Al Fahim
His desire to help others led him into the trading business to allow him the means and resources to fulfill his selfless goals. His activities and generosity contributed to the economic backbone of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi
Amira Al Shaibani
In 1982 Amira Al Shaibani spearheaded a project to build a sports centre for children with special needs in the Emirate.
She also launched the Olympics for children with special needs.
Colonel Edward Wilson
Supervised and trained the first defense battalions between 1964 and 1968, which evolved into the UAE Armed Forces
Established the Royal Stables, whose first cornerstones were laid by the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
Major General Hamad Al Khaili
The late Shaikh Zayed civil escort until the establishment of the Special Guards in 1971. He joined many training courses and was promoted up the military ranks till he received the rank of Major General. A sleepless soldier, man of strength and careful protector of the safety of the leader
Huda Kanoo
Established the Abu Dhabi Classical Music and Arts Foundation in 1996 and a music library at the National Library in Abu Dhabi. Kanoo launched an award carrying her name as a contribution to urge students to participate and compete at the Abu Dhabi Festival for Classical Music
Pat & Marian Kennedy
Established the first hospital in Al Ain. Their efforts significantly contributed to the reduction of mortality rates, particularly among infants, and raised the birth rates during the many years they spent in Abu Dhabi. At least 4,000 babies came to life by virtue of their efforts.
Major General Khalfan Al Rumaithi
Served Abu Dhabi for 45 years and occupied many military posts from the day he joined the Trucial Oman Scouts.
Founded the Emiri Guards. This service earned him the UAE first-class medal
Sally Benge
Sally approached the Future Centre to provide help for a group of children from Central Hospital. Sally looks after them all day, every day in return for the Future Centre taking them in and giving them homes. She has since adopted and sponsored other children
B R Shetty
His sense of purpose and determination culminated in the establishment of the NMC Hospital in Abu Dhabi, the first of its kind in the country, with branches in Dubai and Sharjah following that. These hospitals along with National Hospital, New National Medical Centre, Abu Dhabi, the state of the art NMC Specialty Hospitals in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Ain and NMC Family Clinic, Dubai treat over one million patients a year
Places to visit in UAE – Jebel Hafeet Mountain, Al Ain
Just have a look what they have created in a desert…
The Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the greatest driving road in the world. Stretching for 7.3 miles and climbing nearly 4,000 feet, it boasts 60 corners and a surface so smooth that it would flatter a racetrack. It could easily be described as the eighth wonder of the world, but almost nothing is known about its creation.
The road is cut into the Jebel Hafeet Mountain , the highest peak in the United Arab Emirates , the oil-rich Persian Gulf state. The mountain spans the border with Oman and lies about 90 minutes’ drive southeast of the thriving city of Dubai . It looks down upon a dusty, desert landscape that belies a nation of astonishing wealth.
Jebel Hafeet (Arabic: جبل حفيت) (variously translated Jabal, Jabel and Jebal) is a mountain primarily in the United Arab Emirates on the outskirts of Al Ain. The mountain actually straddles part of the border with Oman. The mountain rises 1240 meters and offers an impressive view over the city, with what has been described as “the greatest driving road in the world” extending to the summit. Jebel Hafeet was a well-known landmark through out the area’s history and is a contemporary tourist attraction. An extensive natural cave system winds through Jebel Hafeet.
At the foothills of Jabal Hafeet lies the Green Mubazarrah, a well developed tourist attraction. At the Green Mubazarrah, hot-water springs gush forth in little streams and form a lake. Swimming pools and jacuzzis are scattered all over the Green Mubazarrah. Jebel Hafeet is also home to a wide range of animals including bats, foxes, snakes, etc.
It is often incorrectly labelled U.A.E’s highest mountain (as it is certainly the most well-known); this honor actually belongs to Jabal Yibir.
The Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road extends for 7.3 mi (11.7 km) up the mountain, rising 4000 ft (1219 m). With 21 corners and three lanes (two climbing and one descending), the immaculate road was called the greatest driving road in the world by Edmunds.com. The road scales the mountain and ends at a parking lot with only a hotel and a palace belonging to the country’s rulers.
Jebel Hafeet Road is the challenge for cyclists who frequently come over to train. The Jebel Hafeet Mercure Challenge is a yearly road cycling competition taking place somewhere in January. National & international riders take part in climbing the 8% average ascent of the mighty mountain.
Hotels: Hotel Mercure Grand Jebel HafeetJebel Hafeet P O BOX 24476 0 AL AIN – UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Tel : (+971)3/7838888 – Fax : (+971)3/7839000 – @ : resa@mercure-alain.ae
Nearby Tourist spots:
HILI FUN CITY PARK (25.00km)
CAMEL RACE TRACK (10.00km)
Lake HOT SPRINGS LAKE (10.00km)
OLYMPIC SPORTS Centre (15.00km)
Military precision
Military precision
Kelly Crane, Staff Reporter/GULF NEWS Published: August 29, 2007, 23:46
The term “bootcamp” generally conjures up images of outdoor, military-style fitness training, with sergeants barking orders at, more often than not, unfit new recruits who, by the looks on their faces, are already totally regretting what they signed up for.
Well, you wouldn’t be far wrong.
So remind me, why do people enrol to be a part of this madness? The answer is simple – it’s torture, but it works.
Bootcamp training is certainly not for the faint-hearted, but advocates are effusive about the fitness benefits and the entire experience, and this style of training is growing in popularity.
But being Dubai we have to go that one step further. Instead of just a decision as to whether you’d like someone to yell at you and make you do sit-ups at a time even before you normally wake up, Dubai gives you the opportunity to pick whether you’d like to partake in this madness in either the hot or the cold. Well, sit tight for just a minute while tabloid! does the research for you by checking out boot camp in the snow and sand right here in the city.
The verdict
Admittedly, I didn’t do somersaults when my alarm went off at 5.20am on a Sunday morning and I knew what lay ahead. But at 7am, when it was all over, it was worth the pain (or at least I think it was – I may have been so exhausted, I was delirious).
I reluctantly signed up for the Military Bootcamp and met Corey Oliver (who is too fit for words) at the Open Beach, behind the Village shopping mall on Beach Road in Jumeirah.
That’s when it really hit me: there wasn’t just one stupidly-energetic and overly-fit person to bark at me – there were four. I nearly died on the spot.
So, is it hard?
Yes, but not impossible. The thing which first struck me about bootcamp was the fact there were people of all levels of fitness involved.
From super-fit rugby players getting super, super fit in the run-up to the start of the new season, to guys and girls who have not lifted a finger nor got out of breath for years.
It was wake-up time and it happened in a flash. Somehow, these guys seem to whip you into a state of utter denial, where you really do believe in yourself and what your body is capable of.
Even the guys who said they would normally cook up a million excuses as to why they can’t work out – “my back is stiff”, “I’m too busy” or “too old” – found themselves immersed in the passion for the team-building exercise that bootcamps promote.
Don’t be afraid
Although the team pulls together as one, bootcamp works for each individual because you all push yourself to your own personal breaking point, whether that is 10 sit-ups or 100.
Everyone encourages each other and the sessions are broken down to work on different aspects of fitness across the week, so you are never working the same muscles too much.
T-shirts are issued according to rank – solider, commando or elite – and the guys are always on hand to offer advice.
Sessions involve a warm-up and cool-down, bodyweight exercises, running, stretching, relays and exercises with a partner.
Boxing and all the old basics, like sit-ups and push-ups, lunges, along with rope running, rifle carrying and a good old run, certainly keep your heart racing throughout.
Training “al fresco” is also invigorating, especially when your team pick up penalties along the way which result in you having to do the usual routine in the puddles at the beach. Yes, be warned – Corey and the boys will ensure results but they won’t let you get away with much.
Military Bootcamp
Who: Physical Advantage (fitness solutions).
Where: Open beach (behind the Village), sunset beach (next to the Burj Al Arab) and Safa Park.
When: Starting from September 2: Course One: Sunday 6am, Tuesday 6am, Thursday 6am.
Course Two: Sunday 8pm, Tuesday 8pm, Thursday 8pm.
Course Three: Monday 6am, Wednesday 6am, Friday 6am.
Course Four: Monday 8pm, Wednesday 8pm, Friday 6pm.
What: Physical Advantage, based at The Fairmont Dubai, began bootcamps in Dubai on January 29, 2007.
Military Bootcamp has been scientifically designed to achieve optimum results in the minimum time, no matter what your current fitness level is. The basic programme consists of three 60-minute sessions a week over four weeks.
Why: To lose weight, get fit and tone every muscle in your body.
Contact: Corey on 050-8487940, email corey@physicaladvantage.ae or visit http://www.physicaladvantage.ae
Cost: Dh950 for 12 sessions.
There’s snow way
The Renegade Bootcamp team has just introduced sessions which take place in the snow at Ski Dubai. Personal trainer Ziggy Darwish said the sessions have been well received and can offer some clients welcome relief from the summer heat.
He said: “The sessions can only be described as refreshing even though they are still hard work because it is a great deal of uphill work.
“It is cold at first but the body works harder in the cold so you soon warm up.”
Ski Dubai courses are priced at Dh650 for six sessions or Dh120 for one.
Nutrition
Athletes who want a winning edge should take in the right nutrition. When you drink enough water and eat a balanced diet, your body can make energy efficiently and fuel top performance. It also enables you to make the most of your athletic talents and gain more strength, power and endurance when you train. Base your diet on a variety of factors including your age, size and physical condition, and the type of exercise you are doing.
Hydration
Water is the most important factor in sport nutrition. It makes up about 60 per cent of body weight and is involved in almost every bodily process.
Your body cannot make or store water, so you must replace what you eliminate (through urine and sweat).
Everyone should drink at least two quarts (eight cups) of water each day and athletes need more. Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after sport to stay hydrated and avoid overheating. When you work out or compete, especially in hot weather, try to closely match the amount of fluid you drink with the amount you lose to sweat.
Impressive show by UAE girls in karate championship
Impressive show by UAE girls in karate championship
By Alaric Gomes, Staff Reporter/GULF NEWS Published: August 29, 2007, 23:46
Dubai: The UAE girls karate team walked away with six medals at the end of the open karate meet that concluded in Grado, Italy yesterday.
Led by UAE skipper, Shaikha Maitha Bint Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the team picked up one gold, four silver and one bronze at the day-long competition.
Nearly 650 athletes from 16 countries participated in the competition that was held to mark the end of a ten-day camp.
More than 150 athletes took part in the Kata competition, while the rest participated in the Kumite competition.
The UAE’s medal hunt was led by young Haya Juma, who won the individual gold in the Kata competition.
She also picked up a silver medal in the individual Kumite in the under 45 kgs category for beginners.
Inspirational role
Shaikha Maitha herself was inspirational, winning the silver in the over 60 kgs category.
Two more silver medals came from Lana Ali in the under 51 kgs Cadets category and Mai Omran in the under 70 kgs Cadets category, while Noor Nasser bagged a bronze in the under 55kgs beginners category.
The UAE team attended special training sessions with the Italian national squad at the end of the competition. The team is scheduled to arrive in Dubai today.
Prices of essentials poised to spiral
Cooperatives and supermarkets say they will not be able to hold on to their prices of essential commodities for much longer.
Prices of essentials poised to spiral
By Himendra Mohan Kumar, Staff Reporter/GULF NEWS Published: August 28, 2007, 23:23
Abu Dhabi: Prices of essentials in the UAE might go up in the coming months, large retailers say.
Cooperatives and supermarkets say they will not be able to hold on to their prices of essential commodities for much longer, despite efforts by the UAE’s Ministry of Economy to curb inflation, as suppliers are threatening to pull out amid squeezed profitability and rising costs.
“The suppliers have restrictions from the ministry and they say they can’t afford to supply at the current prices. If they increase their prices, then we have no choice but to pass them on to the customers,” Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society’s purchase manager N.S. Jayan told Gulf News.
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Retailers say the prices of rice, wheat, cooking oil and milk powder are under pressure as suppliers are citing increased production and transportation costs, insufficient crop and an uptrend in domestic and overseas demand as reasons for raising the prices.
Ebrahim Al Bahr, assistant general manager at Union Cooperative Society in Dubai, said they will hold on to their current prices until Ramadan.
“After that, the Ministry of Economy will sit with the suppliers and we will then get an overall picture of where the prices are headed.”
Last year, the prices of food items surged dramatically during Ramadan. It became serious enough for the Ministry of Economy to interfere and issue warnings.
The situation had resulted in the establishment of the Consumer Protection Department by the ministry.
Taqa readies $4b buyout plan
Taqa readies $4b buyout plan
By Himendra Mohan Kumar, Staff Reporter/GULF NEWS Published: August 27, 2007, 23:06
Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa), plans to invest Dh14.68 billion ($4 billion) in new energy acquisitions over the next 12 months, the company’s chief executive said yesterday.
“We are looking at opportunities in Algeria, Libya, Tunisia, Norway, The Netherlands, UK, Canada and possibly, the US,” Peter Barker-Homek told Gulf News.
At present, Taqa has investments, assets and operations in 10 countries – UAE, Canada, Ghana, India, Morocco, The Netherlands, Russia, Saudi Arabia, the UK and the US.
Barker-Homek said Taqa’s latest upstream acquisition – Pioneer Canada – will go through the normal regulatory approval process and is expected to be completed “probably in November this year.”
Taqa said last week that it will acquire the Calgary-based upstream petroleum exploration company for $540 million from Pioneer’s parent – the US-based Pioneer Natural Resources Company.
Pioneer Canada, which has operations in the western Canadian sedimentary basin, would be Taqa’s fifth overseas acquisition since November 2006.
Post acquisition of Pioneer Canada, Taqa’s debt-to equity ratio would be 80 per cent debt and 20 per cent equity.
Talking about the company’s debts, he said: “We have $3.5 billion in bonds that we have issued to the global financial community. In addition, we have, through a syndication of banks, about $6.5 in project finance in our subsidiaries in the UAE.” Barker-Homek said Taqa’s assets are worth $16 billion.
Output
The combined output of Taqa’s upstream assets is currently a little more than 60,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day.
Even if there are no further acquisitions by the company, Taqa can sustain its current production level for several years, said Barker-Homek. “Right now, the average reserve life of our oil and gas properties is 12 years,” he said.
Barker-Homek said Taqa plans to invest $300 million in 2007 to boost output at its oil and natural gas producing assets. “Since January this year, we have invested about $200 million.”
Barker-Homek felt Taqa is grossly undervalued on the Abu Dhabi Securities Market.
“The earnings potential of the company is currently not reflected in the share price. I think the market is probably waiting to see if our acquisitions will add value to shareholders. We plan to maintain and increase the dividend that we established last year,” Barker-Homek added.
New masterplan to offer growth roadmap
New masterplan to offer growth roadmap
By Saifur Rahman, Business News Editor GULF NEWS Published: August 27, 2007, 23:06
Dubai: The newly announced Dubai Urban Development Framework (DUDF) will offer a comprehensive roadmap for Dubai’s future up to 2020 and beyond, according to a top government official, that would solve the main concerns of today’s urban life.
“The DUDF is our roadmap for the future of Dubai in offering sustainable growth that will look into environmental and social aspects of the urbanisation,” Ahmad Bin Bayat, secretary-general of Dubai Executive Council, told Gulf News in an interview.
Dubai, which has witnessed an explosive growth over the last half-decades due to government’s major economic initiatives, has been trying to cope with the rapid-fire expansion, leading to inflationary pressures.
The emirate’s GDP grew 16 per cent year-on-year over the last few years while the foreign trade skyrocketed in recent years.
More than 80 per cent of the UAE’s Dh510 billion ($139 billion) merchandise trade are conducted through Dubai, while the city’s attractive hard infrastructure is attracting massive investments that is adding further pressure on its capacity, pushing the property and rent prices higher – beyond the reach of the middle income group.
In the recent years, traffic and skyrocketing rents have been identified by the city’s residents as the major cause for concern.
“In 14 months time, the consortium will offer an integrated masterplan that will be based on the future needs of Dubai’s growing population, in terms of land use, traffic impact , water and electricity consumption requirement, etc,” he said.
The government has not yet re-calculate the population growth projections yet.
“The consortium, in its masterplan, will suggest that and the plan will be based on those calculations. We did not give any projections,” Bin Byat said.
The DUDF project will be guided by the Urban Planning Committee (UPC) of Dubai Government and by Ahmad Bin Bayat, a UPC statement said yesterday.
The project falls in line with Dubai’s nine-year vision and is part of the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 (DSP) announced earlier this year.
“The DSP articulates the collective vision and strategy of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. It focuses on economic development, social development, security, justice and safety, infrastructure, land and environment and public sector excellence,” the statement said.
The UPC has key stakeholders including Dubai Municipality, the Road and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa), Dubai Land Department, and The Executive Office, as well as developers like Dubai Holdings, Emaar and Nakheel.
Technical experts from each of these organisations will be part of a task force which will help prepare the DUDF. The project will be administered by the Executive Council Secretariat and managed and directed by Dubai-based consultants, Halcrow.
“Environment and sustainability will be key in the masterplan as Dubai has now grown to become an international metropolis,” Bin Byat said.
“Therefore, Dubai needs a different approach to its future development and growth where all the aspects will be integrated into the plan so that we no longer face the usual problems like traffic and other issues.”
An Advisory Panel, which will have specialists and representatives from globally-recognised companies as members, will be formed to provide independent guidance to the project.
The long term Vision will provide clear direction and establish shared aspirations for the city-region, particularly in improving environmental, economic and social sustainability and business conditions in the city. It will develop quality of life targets, seeking to firmly position Dubai within the short list of the world’s most ‘liveable’ places.
The Emirate-wide ‘City and Regional Planning Framework’ will seek to establish a strong integration between the increasingly complex governmental, quasi-governmental and private stakeholder relationships of the city. Key elements of the Framework will include: integrated land use and mobility, housing provision, economic and demographic growth, urban character and design, heritage management, integrated community facilities provision, civic harmony and sustainability strategy.
Dubai to reshape urban development
Dubai to reshape urban development
Gulf News Report Published: August 26, 2007, 18:06
Dubai: Dubai’s Urban Planning Committee on Saturday awarded a prestigious contract to a consortium headed by internationally acclaimed Urbis (Australia) to prepare the Dubai Urban Development Framework (DUDF), with support from environmental and engineering experts WSP Group.
The project, expected to be completed in 14 months, seeks to create an innovative, flexible and fully integrated development planning and management framework for Dubai to the year 2020 and beyond. Urbis won the contract out of four consortia which were shortlisted from a total of 39 companies in the race.
A key driver for the vision of Dubai is the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 (DSP). The DSP articulates the vision and strategy of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
It focuses on economic development, social development, security, justice and safety, infrastructure, land and environment and public sector excellence.
Ahmad Bin Bayat, Secretary General of Dubai Executive Council, said: “Dubai has been globally recognised as one of the most dynamic and fast growing economies. The scale and pace of this development are being fuelled by the launch of spectacular and innovative mega real estate projects and other investment opportunities, which have exceeded expectations.”
“The DUDF is an ambitious plan and places particular emphasis on the need for innovative thinking, while leading to the creation of new and exciting approaches to Dubai’s city planning. The Framework will also serve as the vehicle for translating DSP into an appropriate set of strategies, special plans, policies and guidelines.”
UAE’s top air carriers express keen interest in new airport in Kerala
UAE’s top air carriers express keen interest in new airport in Kerala
By Ivan Gale, Staff Reporter / GULF NEWS Published: August 26, 2007, 23:40
Dubai: A new airport in Kerala is drawing the interest of local air carriers, as heavy demand on existing routes has led them to schedule additional frequencies.
The Kerala government is in the process of acquiring 1,200 acres of land for the upcoming new airport at Kannur, located in the uppermost portion of the state north of Calicut.
Construction of the airport will take roughly three months once the land has been acquired, local media reported.
Already, Emirates, Etihad and Air Arabia said they harbour hopes of flying there once necessary governmental approvals have been made.
Currently travel between Kerala and the UAE is at all all-time high, due to the large numbers of Indian labourers and professionals working in the UAE as well as leisure travellers.
“Any new airport development in Kerala, and in fact anywhere in India, is of great interest to Etihad because of the strong customer demand for air travel between the country and Abu Dhabi,” said Eain Burns, vice president of corporate communications.
Just three months after launching flights to Kerala, Etihad said it would add more flights there.
“We started flying in May to Kerala and both Cochin and Tiruvananthapuram have performed so well that we will add extra flights to both cities at the end of October,” Burns said.
According to the Kerala government, inbound tourism is expected to grow by 10 per cent once the airport is in operation. In 2006, Kerala took in five million domestic visitors, and 450,000 international travellers.
Emirates airline has been a beneficiary of this rise in air travel, experiencing 85 per cent load factors on its Kerala flights.
Recently, it added three frequencies to Cochin.
“Given the burgeoning Indian market, Emirates is keen to expand its India operation by commencing services to new destinations and increasing flights on existing routes,” an Emirates spokesperson said. Currently, Emirates said it has no firm plans to fly to Kannur.
Majestic mosque gets finishing touches
Majestic mosque gets finishing touches By Binsal Abdul Kader, Staff Reporter/GULF NEWS Published: August 18, 2007, 00:05
Abu Dhabi: More than 1,500 workers, supervisors, designers and engineers are working feverishly to put the final touches on Shaikh Zayed Mosque, which can accommodate about 40,000 worshippers.
The mosque is scheduled to open at the end of Ramadan for Eid prayers and its main prayer hall can accommodate about 5,000 worshippers, said project manager Khowla Salem Al Sulaimani.
The striking domes of the mosque are reportedly the largest ever built on any mosque.
“Two international Islamic organisations have confirmed it is the third largest in the world,” said Khowla, but notes that its main striking features are its domes, the biggest among any mosque in the world.
The General Secretariat Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) based in Saudi Arabia, and the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture in Turkey have confirmed the 22,412 square metre mosque to be the third-largest in the world.
Even before its completion, the Shaikh Zayed Mosque, which cost about Dh2.1 billion, has become famous around the world. A huge chandelier is installed in the main prayer hall. An Iranian carpet will also be placed in the main prayer hall and is the largest hand-woven carpet in the world.
The carpet was woven by about 1,200 Iranian women. The carpet which costs Dh30 million was delivered to Abu Dhabi last week.
The 16.5 metre chandelier was imported from Germany. The seven chandeliers in the mosque cost about Dh30 million.
The main dome which is 87 metres high with a diameter of 32.8 metres, is the largest in the world. While the other 81 domes are of traditional Moroccan design. 
Distinct features
The main door of the mosque is made completely of glass and is 12.2 metres high. The 7 metres wide door weighs about 2.2 tonnes and has beautiful floral designs.
The prayer halls are decorated with Italian white marble and are inlaid with floral designs. Various designs are used for different parts of the mosque.
The courtyard is decorated with white marble from Greece, while its 1,048 columns are being decorated by workers from India, points out Khowla, who is proud to be working on a world famous project.
The outside walls of the Shaikh Zayed Mosque are of traditional Turkish design. Worshippers entering the mosque will get a fantastic view of the entire structure, reflected in the waters surrounding it.
Artificial lakes laden with dark tiles surround the mosque.
The four minarets of the Shaikh Zayed Mosque reach a towering height of 107 metres and can be seen from far off.
“The whole structure is on an elevated position as the foundation has been laid 9.5 metres above ground level,” said the project manager.
Municipal Affairs Department of the Abu Dhabi Municipality is supervising the finishing touches on the Shaikh Zayed Mosque, one of the ten largest mosques in the world.
Director of the Shaikh Zayed mosque project Khowla Al Sulaimani said that the main prayer hall of the mosque is expected to be opened during the final days of the month of Ramadan. The carpet to be spread in the prayer hall arrived yesterday from Iran.
Different colours
The 5,000 square metre carpet is the largest of its kind in the world and is handmade with 35 tonnes of wool and cotton.
Public relations director at the Municipal Affairs Department Mubarak Saif Al Mazroui said that the Shaikh Zayed Mosque is a magnificent addition to Islamic architectural splendour, and will become a landmark in the UAE and the region as a whole.
The main prayer hall under three large domes can accommodate over forty thousand worshippers.
The main prayer hall under three large domes can accommodate over forty thousand worshippers.
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