The National
Sushma Swaraj was a great ambassador for our country
Swaraj’s death is a huge loss to all of us. She was the best external affairs minister we could ever dream for.
She was also an approachable person. During her visit to address the Indian community in the UAE at an event held in the Indian Social and Cultural Centre in Abu Dhabi, she let each and every attendee who wanted to take a photograph with her do so without so much as a murmur.
Her death has left a vacuum that will be difficult to fill.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
Had stopped writing my opinion in The Letters section of newspaper for sometime. This was an instance, I couldn’t resist. Because @SushmaSwaraj was one twitter account that we all could tweet and be sure to get a response with solutions to any problems addressed. Once again, may her soul rest in peace.
(My note in The Letters to the Editor of The National newspaper of tomorrow – Back to letter writing days and columns!).
News U Wish To Read – 7 August 2017
Energy
It’s a buyer’s market for LNG
The National
More liquefied natural gas (LNG) coming into the market will keep prices depressed despite an increase in demand from Asia, analysts said.
LNG producers are ramping up from Qatar to Australia and the United States, while Egypt is expected to emerge as a new export player.
Australia has increased its market share in the first half of the year to 20 per cent from 12 per cent last year, according to BMI Research, and its exports are forecast to grow by 23 per cent over the financial year to the end of June, according to Australian energy advisory firm, EnergyQuest.
Published: 5 August 2017
Follow: https://www.thenational.ae/business/energy/it-s-a-buyer-s-market-for-lng-1.616942
Adnoc active on the debt front as it pushes ahead with transformation strategy
The National
The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company is studying a number of fund raising options at both group and asset level that will help unlock value and optimise the group’s balance sheet as it pushes ahead with its new approach to drive growth.
Adnoc is in discussions with banks for a club loan of approximately US$5 billion that will be used for ongoing corporate activities. It is also looking into financing options for select midstream infrastructure assets including potentially tapping debt capital markets via a bond issuance. Plans are at an early stage so the size and scope of any potential bond issuance has not been decided. The company said it has no intention to issue bonds at the holding or main operating company levels such as Adco, Adma-Opco and Zadco.
Published: 02 August 2017
Total Ready to Make Acquisitions as Financial Strength Grows
Bloomberg
Total SA said it’s ready and able to make acquisitions and pursue growth, shrugging off uncertainties about oil prices as its financial position strengthens.
Europe’s second-largest oil and gas company has the firepower to buy up fields on the cheap and press ahead with new developments, taking advantage of lower levels of debt, rising profit and surging cash flow, according to a statement Thursday.
“Total has a stronger balance sheet,” Chief Executive Officer Patrick Pouyanne said as the company reported second-quarter earnings that beat expectations. “The group has the flexibility to take advantage of the low-cost environment by being able to launch profitable projects and acquire resources under attractive conditions.”
Published: 27 July 2017
Politics & Economy
Indian rupee to get stronger, NRIs should remit now
Khaleej Times
If you’re a non-resident Indian (NRI) and looking to remit a handsome amount back home or planning to buy a property or invest in any venture, the time is now.
Going by views of analysts and industry executives, the Indian currency is likely to strengthen further against the US dollar — thereby against the UAE dirham, because the Emirati currency is pegged to the greenback — in the wake of Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) decision to cut interest rates last week, and may strengthen as much as 1.1 per cent.
Published: 7 August 2017
Follow: http://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/economy/indian-rupee-to-get-stronger-nris-should-remit-now
Looking for a job in UAE? Here’s the salary guide
Khaleej Times
Starting salaries for professional roles in finance and accounting, financial services, technology and administration in the UAE will grow by 2.5 per cent over the next year, according to the Robert Half 2017 Salary Guide.
The guide is the most comprehensive and authoritative resource on starting salaries and recruitment trends in finance and accounting, financial services, IT, legal, and HR and administration. The Salary Guide enables employers and employees to benchmark salaries for over 185 different permanent professional roles in the UAE.
According to the survey, competition for the best candidates is heating up in the UAE with 68 per cent of employers planning to attract new employees in 2017 and on an average, pay scales could increase by up to 5.8 per cent in comparison to 2016.
Published: 6 August 2017
Follow: http://www.khaleejtimes.com/news/general/looking-for-a-job-in-uae-heres-the-salary-guide
Community, Environment & Society
Year 2018 to celebrate Zayed’s vision
Gulf News
Abu Dhabi: President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has declared 2018 the “Year of Zayed” in the United Arab Emirates.
The year 2018 marks 100 years since the birth of the late founding father Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and yesterday’s announcement is coinciding with the anniversary of Shaikh Zayed’s Accession Day, the day he assumed leadership in Abu Dhabi on August 6, 1966, marking the start of a new epoch in the history of the country.
Published: 6 August 2017
Follow: http://gulfnews.com/news/uae/government/year-2018-to-celebrate-zayed-s-vision-1.2069463
Apply for UAE visa from comfort of your own home
Gulf News
You can now, from the comfort of your home, complete applications related to nationality, and residence, without having to visit typing offices or customer service centres.The Ministry of the Interior on Tuesday launched “E-channels”, a new system of smart services that lets nationals and residents apply for entry permits and residency visas within 10 minutes.
Published: 01st August 2017
Follow:http://gulfnews.com/news/uae/government/apply-for-uae-visa-from-comfort-of-your-own-home-1.2067647
Thousands of road-safety breaches by lorry drivers leads to police campaign
The National
More than 30,000 fines have been issued to lorry drivers in Dubai in the first six months of this year alone for not abiding by road safety rules.
Police on Tuesday launched a one-month lorry driver safety campaign in a bid to reduce the number serious accidents and deaths involving heavy-goods vehicles. So far this year there have been 14 serious accidents and 15 deaths involving HGVs on Dubai roads.
Published: 01 August 2017
Don’t come on visit visas for job hunting, Indians told
Gulf News
Indian Consulate asks expatriates to verify job offers and visas before arriving in the UAE. Indian jobseekers should not come to the UAE on visit visas and must authenticate their employment offers and entry permit visas before heading to the UAE, the Indian Consulate in Dubai has said. The advisory from the mission follows high numbers of calls and visits by Indian workers who have been duped by agents or employers on a regular basis. “We have got several cases of people falling into trouble when they come for employment or for looking for employment on visit visas. There are also cases of women being forced to work as maids etc by dubious agents who get them to the UAE on visit visas as well as sending them to Oman and other countries.”
Published: 02 August 2017
Technology
iPhones, Facebook and internet are sucking our time and making us miserable
AFR.COM
In a past life, we served on our local council. Despite the impressive size of our gross budget, our free choice in spending was remarkably limited.
By the time our road grants were spent on roads, child care funding on child care, the indoor and outdoor staff paid and the rubbish collected, funds for truly discretionary spending were tight. According to Associate Professor Adam Alter, a psychologist at New York University, the days of our lives are just like that.
Published: 4 August 2017
Sports
Gatlin spoils Bolt’s farewell in 100m with remarkable gold
Khaleej Times
Usain Bolt was no longer stunning. He was just stunned.
At the end of a career in which he has dominated his sport for a decade, Bolt was beaten in his final 100-meter race by an American almost five years his senior – Justin Gatlin.
Calling it quits at the age of 30 and looking for a golden farewell in his last individual race at the world championships, Bolt lost to a man who produced a comeback not only on Saturday but also through a doping-tainted career.
Published: 6 August 2017
News U Wish to Read – 31 July 2017
Energy
Oil rises ahead of oil leaders’ meeting in Abu Dhabi
The National
Oil rose on Monday, putting July on track to become the strongest month this year, as news of a producers’ technical meeting next week added to bullish sentiment driven by the threat of US sanctions against the Opec member Venezuela.
Oil traders also eyed the bullish impact from a production outage following a fire at Europe’s largest refinery and further signs that the US market is tightening after heavy inventory falls and slower new oil rig additions last week.
Published: 31st July 2017
Follow: https://www.thenational.ae/business/oil-rises-ahead-of-oil-leaders-meeting-in-abu-dhabi-1.615697
#TheNational #OilandGas #AbuDhabi
Dubai Ruler and Sheikh Mohammed visit Adnoc headquarters – in pictures
The National
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, on Sunday visited the Abu Dhabi Natiinal Oil Company headquarters.
Their Highnesses expressed their pride in those in the UAE who adopted the values of leadership, excellence and innovation to promote the country’s international competitiveness.
They also stressed the importance of maintaining economic diversity based on the UAE’s strengths and experiences, especially in essential sectors such as energy.
Published: 30th July 2017
#ADNOC #THENATIONAL
Adnoc charts strategic path that will strengthen links with global economy
The National
The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company is charting a course unlike many of its peers as it prepares to face a radically different energy future, said experts including Daniel Yergin yesterday. The company’s leadership made it clear in comments to The National on Monday that it will not be following the path that many national oil companies (NOCs) have – and which close neighbour Saudi Arabia plans – in selling off a piece of the parent company.
Published: 14th July 2017
#ADNOC #ECONOMY #THENATIONAL
Adnoc on new expanded partnership approach
Gulf News
The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) recently announced the expansion of its strategic partnership model, as well as the more active management of its portfolio of assets. Following the launch of a new initiative to expand its strategic partnership model, Dr. Sultan Ahmad Al Jaber, UAE Minister of State and Group CEO of Adnoc, met last week with both potential and existing partners in China and Japan. These discussions focused on the new partnership and co-investment opportunities created through Adnoc’s new approach, as well as the deepening of UAE bilateral relations with both countries.
Published: 22nd July 2017
Follow: http://gulfnews.com/business/sectors/energy/adnoc-on-new-expanded-partnership-approach-1.2062662
#ADNOC #GULFNEWS
Sheikh Mohammed lauds Adnoc’s new approach
The National
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, said Adnoc’s new strategic approach, which includes expanding the types of partnerships it forms and spinning off some of its services businesses, will help the economy meet its key fiscal and employment goals.
Published: 15th July 2017
Follow: http://www.thenational.ae/business/energy/energy-majors-see-emphasis-on-gas
#ADNOC #THENATIONAL
Kuwait sees oil inventories falling faster as Opec keeps cutting
Gulf News
Crude oil inventories will decline at a faster pace worldwide in the second half of the year as demand increases and Opec members comply better with a global agreement to cut output, Kuwait’s Opec Governor Haitham Al Ghais said.
Published: 15th July 2017
#OPEC #KUWAIT #GULFNEWS
Politics & Economy
UAE GDP to recover in 2018 on higher investments, global trade flows, says report
The National
The UAE economy will accelerate at a rate of 3.3 per cent in 2018, thanks to an increase in government investments, a rebound in world trade flows and an uptick in global tourism, according to a new report.
The forecast by consultancy Oxford Economics, in collaboration with accountancy and finance body ICAEW, is broadly in line with projections made earlier this month by the IMF, which is predicting 3.4 per cent growth for next year.
Oxford Economics and ICAEW forecast that the UAE’s growth will slow this year to 1.7 per cent, a more bullish estimate than the IMF’s 1.3 per cent estimation. The country’s economy grew 3 per cent last year, according to the Central Bank.Published: 25th July 2017
#THENATIONAL #ECONOMY #UAE #GDP
Business environment and confidence in Dubai to pick up in Q3, a new survey shows
The National
Business confidence and conditions in Dubai are forecast to strengthen in the third quarter, with small and mediums-sized companies expressing more optimism than large corporations, according a survey from the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The growing confidence comes “in line with an increase in the number of new companies” expected to join the chamber in the third quarter, which is an indicator of business activity in the emirate, said Hamad Buamim, President and chief executive of Dubai Chamber.
Published: 25th July 2017
#THENATIONAL #GDP
Etihad submits non-binding offer for Alitalia
The National
Etihad Airways has emerged as one of around 10 bidders interested in acquiring a partial or full stake in the Italian airline Alitalia, suggesting the Abu Dhabi-based carrier remains committed to its investment in the troubled airline. The non-binding bid, submitted ahead of a deadline on Friday, also suggests that Etihad may not be ready to reverse course on its international investment strategy, despite last week selling off its stake in Switzerland’s Darwin Airline following a strategic review launched last year.
Published: 22nd July 2017
Read more: https://www.thenational.ae/business/aviation/etihad-submits-non-binding-offer-for-alitalia-1.613209
#THENATIONAL #ETIHAD #ALITALIA
France aims to be ‘facilitator’ in Gulf crisis talks
Gulf News
DOHA: French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said in Doha on Saturday that Paris wants to assist Kuwait-led mediation talks on the crisis between Qatar and four other Arab states. “France should be a facilitator in the mediation” led by Kuwait, Le Drian told reporters following talks with his Qatari counterpart Shaikh Mohammad Bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani.
Published: 15th July 2017.
Read more: http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/qatar/france-aims-to-be-facilitator-in-gulf-crisis-talks-1.2059346
#GULFNEWS #UAE
UAE wants resolution, not alleviation of Qatar problem
The National
The UAE said efforts to ease tensions rather than directly address the problem between Qatar and the Arab countries isolating it will only lead to worse crises in future. “We believe that there are two ways of dealing with things, whether to try and ease tension or try to address a problem,” Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said on Thursday. “We do not believe that an attempt to ease the tension will address the matter, but will lead to delaying the problem, which will lead to a doubling of the situation in the future.”
Published: 13th July 2017.
Read more: https://www.thenational.ae/world/gcc/uae-wants-resolution-not-alleviation-of-qatar-problem-1.568763
#THENATIONAL
Community, Environment & Society
Get ready for 80% humidity in UAE
Gulf News
The weather across the UAE is expected to get stickier as humidity levels are expected to rise by Monday night and into Tuesday morning.
The National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) said the weather will become “very hot and hazy” over the next two days, especially over coastal areas.
The highest temperature recorded on Sunday was 51.8 degrees Celsius in Mezaira, at 3pm.
Temperatures on Monday are expected to reach 44C in coastal areas and 47C in internal areas, with humidity levels to reach up to 80 per cent.
Published: 31st July 2017.
Read more: http://gulfnews.com/news/uae/weather/get-ready-for-80-humidity-in-uae-1.2066646
#GULFNEWS #ENVIRONMENT #TEMPERATURE
Oman announces E-visa for international tourists
Gulf News
Tourists planning to visit Oman can apply online for visas by submitting their applications at https://evisa.rop.gov.om/. The first stage comprises non-sponsored tourist visas for people from 67 countries as well as GCC residents employed in 116 professions
Published: 26th July 2017.
Read more: http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/oman/oman-announces-e-visa-for-international-tourists-1.2064527
#GULFNEWS #OMAN #VISA
Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival puts call out for artist submissions
The National
The Annual Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival has announced submission dates for this year’s competition. Entries will be taken from August 20 and close on October 20, 2017 in four categories, film, photography, visual arts, and student work. New this year, there is a recycled art sub-category within Visual Arts, where participants are required to use recyclable materials from Ras Al Khaimah, or focus on the story of recycling in order to enter.
Published: 23rd July 2017.
#THENATIONAL #RASALKHAIMAH #ARTSFESTIVAL
Drivers welcome move to buckle up in the back seat
The National
UAE residents have welcomed the introduction of new traffic laws that fine anyone without a seatbelt on in the back of a car and are pleased to hear it’s being enforced. Any back-seat passenger seen by police without a seatbelt on could end up landing their driver with a Dh400 fine and four black points, and children under 4 must be in a child car seat. Before July 1 the law only dictated that people in the front seats must buckle up.
Published: 15th July 2017
Read more: https://www.thenational.ae/uae/drivers-welcome-move-to-buckle-up-in-the-back-seat-1.609055
#THENATIONAL #ROADSAFETY #BUCKLEUP
Dubai to host conference on sustainability, green technologies
WAM
The key challenges facing the environment will be the underlying theme at the 19th edition of the Water, Energy,Technology and Environment Exhibition to be organised in Dubai on October 23rd-25th.The event, organised by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, DEWA, for the 4th year running, will shed extensive light on the headwinds facing the water, energy and environment sectors in the region, with the participants to seek to come up with innovative eco-friendly solutions that support economic growth while preserving natural resources and protecting the environment.
Published: 04th July 2017
Read more: http://wam.ae/en/details/1395302621501
#WAM #SUSTAINABILITY #ENVIRONMENT #WETEX
Sports
Sebastian Vettel overcomes steering problem to win Hungarian GP
Gulf News
Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel overcame steering difficulties to win a tense Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday and extend his championship lead over rival Lewis Hamilton to 14 points heading into the summer break.The four-time Formula One champion made a decent start from pole position, crucially holding off teammate Kimi Raikkonen on the long straight into Turn 1.
Published: 30th July 2017
#GULFNEWS #F1 #SEBASTIANVETTEL
Suicidal acts for publicity should be discouraged
It is absolutely a suicidal act craving for personal publicity. Public display and wide dissemination of these type of acts through print and online media, in particular social media create an urge in young minds to try and do a similar or different type inviting possible chances of death or permanent injuries.
I suggest the videos should be removed from the web and those who do such things should be punished so that there is a sense of fear among others who may attempt such things in future and prevent them from doing so. Congratulations to Dubai Police for taking the first step to warn such people.
Letters to the editor, The National dated 20 February 2017 on the topic
Dubai police summon Russian model who dangled from Cayan Tower
Queuing system a must at bus and taxi stands
Abu Dhabi city is looking much more beautiful these days with more cycle tracks, walkways, places to sit and relax as well as children’s play areas. What we need now is a queuing system for bus and taxi passengers at every station. I routinely see passengers fighting among themselves to board the bus or taxi first.
There should be proper signs, instructions and marks that will compel people to honour the queuing system.
It’s not that these people are not educated. But they disregard the system in the absence of any guidelines or mechanism.
Abu Dhabi Mall Cooperative taxi stand is an example of an efficient system. This should happen across the city.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
To read it in original, visit, The National online. {Photo courtesy The National}
Don’t blame the fog for mishaps – Letters to the editor The National Dt 5 January 2017
An increase in accidents is common on foggy days (Accidents around UAE with visibility down to 10 metres, January 3). But then, I would say that more than the weather, it’s drivers’ carelessness and impatience that cause these accidents. It’s a matter of common sense that one will need to slow down and be extra careful in such weather.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
To read this in original, visit The National oline.
Taxi ranks would make life easier for commuters
It has become extremely difficult to find a taxi in Abu Dhabi in the mornings.
Many commuters have to wait for more than 30 minutes to find a taxi. Added to this problem is the absolute lack of discipline because there is no queuing system.
As people wait in the sun, you can hear their frustrations and sometimes see heated arguments.
I hope the authorities can increase the number of taxis on the road during peak hours. It would also be appreciated if they could implement dedicated taxi ranks with shelters throughout the city.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
Letters to the editor: The National Dt 30 September 2016
Call for more visible policing on UAE roadways
The observation by Traffic Safety experts are true and actual. A certain share of drivers are relaxed on the traffic violation punishments measures enforced through electronic media such as radars and surveillance cameras. Obviously they form the majority in creating dangerous road situations. It was not the case previously. There used to be police patrol in car and motorbikes. They come from nowhere and drivers used to be alert about such presence and avoid neglecting the road safety rules. Fear of punishment is an important factor to deter dangerous driving.
I feel therefore that there should be intermittent presence by Police on all the major roads to show their physical presence and ensure safe driving practices are followed.
In addition, weather conditions will change soon to foggy mornings very soon. An occasional presence of patrol cars posted on the major highways will definitely deter dangerous driving during the foggy season ahead so that we do not have any traffic calamities.
Children should be taught from a young age to follow the rules. Co-passengers in public and private vehicles should remind and warn those drivers who ignore the safety of others. Let patience and safe driving sense prevail on our roads. Continuous campaign to remind the drivers of following the safety driving practices is the need for the hour.
Letters to the National on:
Experts call for more visible policing on UAE roadways
Shine a light on E10 roadworks
The continuing roadworks on the E10 from Shahama to Abu Dhabi are creating confusion, especially near the airport.
There is poor lighting in this area, where the road narrows yet many drivers continue to speed.
There is no signage to advise drivers to reduce their speed, adding to the dangerous driving situation.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
Letters to the Editor: The National Dt 22 August 2016
Fast forward for Abu Dhabi Emergency Service vehicles
The move by Abu Dhabi Department of Municipal Affairs and Transport to introduce emergency vehicle priority system that allows civil defence, ambulance and rescue services to send signals to lights as they approach them is meant to improve efficiency of emergency rescue operations in Abu Dhabi.
Many times I have witnessed, the emergency service vehicles from Ambulance and Fire services stuck and waiting for way to move ahead at the tip of the traffic junctions.
This may be either due to an ongoing flow of vehicle, which they are unable to intercept or even some who initiate a move even after seeing these emergency vehicles blocking them. They are clueless as to what exactly they should do.
With this improvisation of technology, if the emergency services vehicles can control the signals and block the traffic to continue and make their passage easy, there will be minimal waste of time due to obstructions.
More awareness to be created for the knowledge of all road users how to react when one is on the road ahead of emergency vehicles in such situations. This will definitely prove to be a an efficient traffic safety step.
Mind Speaks on the news in The National:
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