UAE
Photo Speaks – Following the small steps
Photo Speaks – Following the small steps
Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority launches website to enhance e-service
Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority launches website to enhance e-service
By Binsal Abdul Kader, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS /Published: March 18, 2009
Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (Adfca) launched its web portal in an attempt to provide e-service to the public and businesses. Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of Adfca, launched the portal at a ceremony at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi late on Tuesday. He also distributed the awards to Adfca employees who excelled in their performance. For more information: http://www.adfca.ae
Shaping the future of news – GULF NEWS initiative
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Just one person can make a difference
Just one person can make a difference
The on-going road development works and the parking worries give me occasional opportunities these days to travel by the Abu Dhabi Bus or Taxi during office hours and outside. I consider this as an opportunity to move away from my driving responsibilities and also from the crazy road behaviours for some time and opportunistically utilise the view and life around from a different angle and height. However, many times, these waiting, ends up in frustration looking at the senseless behaviour of fellow road users to rush in for the taxi or the bus, irrespective of others who have been waiting there before them. Like the situation in the movie Saveage Harvest, it reminds me of a predatory instinct in human being each time it happens. However, a chance drive to a city suburb in Ajman on a Friday afternoon made me realise it is not the case everywhere. I was waiting after a sumptuous lunch from a restaurant inside my car and noticed this act of decency by a group of ordinary passengers most of them labourers working in camps. As usual, my camera did not miss the opportunity of recording a series of precious acts and opportunity for me to promote TQM and Positive Thinking values around. Watching them, I thought, how good it be, if the same social conscience and sense prevailed with the fellow users in the more cosmopolitan cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Immediately after the visit, I send the story to Gulf News for their new section Community Report, with a different version. Yeah, English is one language which we can manipulate according to our moods and swings. Thank you Gulf News for accepting it and continuing to allow me to test my writing skills. Together, it proves, You too can make Us create a world of difference.
The photos will tell you the complete story.
QUEUE PLEASE and Have a great week-end.
Ramesh Menon
05 03 2009
It’s OJRA re time at Abu Dhabi
From 15th February 2009 Abu Dhabi Bus service is no more free. However, they have introduced an economically viable pricing system for public to travel taking tickets on a daily, monthly basis. The daily/monthly coupons are called OJRA. From the rush within the bus, it seems public find it convenient and useful to travel by these buses, even if they have to pay. So, it’s OJRA re time in Abu Dhabi.
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
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.”
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