Monday, December 22, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Safety First
What if I am a Sardar? Safety First and so the Helmet on tope of my traditional headgear.
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
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Abu Dhabi Salam Street Development project - Doing it in the right perspective
Abu Dhabi Salam Street Development project - Doing it in the right perspective
Well marked roads and separate track for trucks to go to the Mina Port.
Special safety instructions for drivers to follow the traffic rules
Over bridges for pedestrians to enable safe crossing the big roads. It is always better than the under passes which are some times scary and isolated. Less expensive too and hope the authorities comes up with more such over bridges in other streets which will prompt the jay walkers to cross the road wherever they wish.
Clearly marked sign boards for pedestrians. It's always a benefit for the visitors to follow the instructions.
At night too, well marked indicators to navigate around.
Overall an excellent example of Total Quality Management approach. Congratulations to the authorities and the organisation who is involved in this development project.
Well marked roads and separate track for trucks to go to the Mina Port.
Special safety instructions for drivers to follow the traffic rules
Over bridges for pedestrians to enable safe crossing the big roads. It is always better than the under passes which are some times scary and isolated. Less expensive too and hope the authorities comes up with more such over bridges in other streets which will prompt the jay walkers to cross the road wherever they wish.
Clearly marked sign boards for pedestrians. It's always a benefit for the visitors to follow the instructions.
At night too, well marked indicators to navigate around.
Overall an excellent example of Total Quality Management approach. Congratulations to the authorities and the organisation who is involved in this development project.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Welcome 2009 with Helianthus annuus (Sun Flower)
Last year, it was the turn of a dove to come and lay eggs for the year-end in my balcony here in Abu Dhabi. This year, it is something more interesting, a beautiful Sun Flower. This is not in Tamil Nadu, but here in UAE. It also shows, where there is love and care, there is prosperity and friendship. Let peace and harmony prevail throughout the world in 2009.
GULF NEWS Blogosphere - December 9
Blogosphere: December 9
By Adam Flinter, Web Editor
Published: December 08, 2008, 23:33
Gulf News web editor Adam Flinter plunges headlong into the blogosphere to find out what bloggers from the Middle East and beyond have on their minds.
Wet and wonderful
It's that time of year again. It's becoming so regular that you can set your watch by it. When the Dubai International Rugby Sevens comes around at the end of November, it can only mean one thing: The winter has finally arrived and it's going to rain.
Having some British blood coursing through my veins, the fixation with talking about the weather has a certain resonance with me. No matter how many global economic crises there are and how bad the traffic is, a few drops from the sky in the UAE and everyone is happy. After a long, dry summer, the effect the rain has is amazing.
Posting on the UAE Community Blog (uaecommunity.blogspot.com), Stained summed it all up, saying: "A wet winter. This is how I remember UAE from the 90s. I'm happy with this great beginning to this season, I hope it continues this way ... my umbrellas have been in the closet too long..."
The Sandier Pastures blog (sandierpastures.com) even felt like dancing in the rain, but resisted long enough to post this entry. "Weather like this makes me realise that I am still living on Earth. My daughter used to ask me why there's no rain, clouds in the sky or snow. We have the same weather 330 days of the year, which is a bit strange for her having grown up in Japan where we had experienced four different seasons. She even pulled out her jacket one day, the one we used when we left Japan during winter last year and said, 'Mom, when will I use this again?'"
Now when the rain comes, pictures become as important as words in the blogosphere. And while it's not the most exciting thing in the world to mention some good pictoral blogs, they are worth a visit.
The positive thinking Team One blog (team1uae.blogspot.com) had some great pictures and videos of the recent rains in the UAE. It also wins the award for longest post title of the week: "Just chill, chill, chill. It's rain and thunder time in Abu Dhabi."
Another one you'll have to click on to appreciate, comes from Seabee (dubaithoughts.blogspot.com) who took a photo displaying the innovation that can be brought on by the rain. To give you some idea, here's the opening line of the post: "There's a lot of rain and nowhere to shelter. So find some old tyres, a couple of planks of wood, a sheet of blue plastic and you've got a great place to run to keep dry."
Rivi, who has also taken some great pictures (lets face it, it is kind of a pictorial subject), also wrote: "On a rare rainy day in Dubai, I couldn't help smiling at the way the trees seem to welcome the rain. Everything seems to be jumping in joy. Dancing all around!"
But it seems not everyone is happy to see the rain. Apart from people driving through the puddles, the global Madrasi blog (global-madrasi.blogspot.com) complained he could not sleep during the rain. "Through my glass window not protected by curtains, lightning flashed on my eyes around midnight. The rumbling thunder made me uneasy. Winter has returned to Sharjah. But what made me roll around restlessly on the bed was the growling in my stomach. I had been trying out a new restaurant for the past two days, and it proved a costly experiment."
Ah! So it was food and not the rain that kept him awake!
As you were then. Everyone loves the rain (just as long as it isn't in Bush visit proportions).
Thank you Gulf News
By Adam Flinter, Web Editor
Published: December 08, 2008, 23:33
Gulf News web editor Adam Flinter plunges headlong into the blogosphere to find out what bloggers from the Middle East and beyond have on their minds.
Wet and wonderful
It's that time of year again. It's becoming so regular that you can set your watch by it. When the Dubai International Rugby Sevens comes around at the end of November, it can only mean one thing: The winter has finally arrived and it's going to rain.
Having some British blood coursing through my veins, the fixation with talking about the weather has a certain resonance with me. No matter how many global economic crises there are and how bad the traffic is, a few drops from the sky in the UAE and everyone is happy. After a long, dry summer, the effect the rain has is amazing.
Posting on the UAE Community Blog (uaecommunity.blogspot.com), Stained summed it all up, saying: "A wet winter. This is how I remember UAE from the 90s. I'm happy with this great beginning to this season, I hope it continues this way ... my umbrellas have been in the closet too long..."
The Sandier Pastures blog (sandierpastures.com) even felt like dancing in the rain, but resisted long enough to post this entry. "Weather like this makes me realise that I am still living on Earth. My daughter used to ask me why there's no rain, clouds in the sky or snow. We have the same weather 330 days of the year, which is a bit strange for her having grown up in Japan where we had experienced four different seasons. She even pulled out her jacket one day, the one we used when we left Japan during winter last year and said, 'Mom, when will I use this again?'"
Now when the rain comes, pictures become as important as words in the blogosphere. And while it's not the most exciting thing in the world to mention some good pictoral blogs, they are worth a visit.
The positive thinking Team One blog (team1uae.blogspot.com) had some great pictures and videos of the recent rains in the UAE. It also wins the award for longest post title of the week: "Just chill, chill, chill. It's rain and thunder time in Abu Dhabi."
Another one you'll have to click on to appreciate, comes from Seabee (dubaithoughts.blogspot.com) who took a photo displaying the innovation that can be brought on by the rain. To give you some idea, here's the opening line of the post: "There's a lot of rain and nowhere to shelter. So find some old tyres, a couple of planks of wood, a sheet of blue plastic and you've got a great place to run to keep dry."
Rivi, who has also taken some great pictures (lets face it, it is kind of a pictorial subject), also wrote: "On a rare rainy day in Dubai, I couldn't help smiling at the way the trees seem to welcome the rain. Everything seems to be jumping in joy. Dancing all around!"
But it seems not everyone is happy to see the rain. Apart from people driving through the puddles, the global Madrasi blog (global-madrasi.blogspot.com) complained he could not sleep during the rain. "Through my glass window not protected by curtains, lightning flashed on my eyes around midnight. The rumbling thunder made me uneasy. Winter has returned to Sharjah. But what made me roll around restlessly on the bed was the growling in my stomach. I had been trying out a new restaurant for the past two days, and it proved a costly experiment."
Ah! So it was food and not the rain that kept him awake!
As you were then. Everyone loves the rain (just as long as it isn't in Bush visit proportions).
Thank you Gulf News
New Book Highlights Shaikh Khalifa’s Achievements
New Book Highlights Shaikh Khalifa’s Achievements
(Staff Reporter Khaleej Times 14 December 2008
ABU DHABI - The Centre of Information Affairs, the publishers, released the book Leader Khalifa Bin Zayed: March of a Nation, to mark the 37th National Day.
The book highlights the achievements of the President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan with the support of the members of the UAE Supreme Council.
The UAE leadership “has managed in a short span of time to leave its stamp on every aspect and field of life, to mobilise all energies, and to overcome, with clear-sightedness and good judgment, the difficulties and obstacles lying ahead, so that it can successfully move into broad horizons of development and growth,” the book states.
(Staff Reporter Khaleej Times 14 December 2008
ABU DHABI - The Centre of Information Affairs, the publishers, released the book Leader Khalifa Bin Zayed: March of a Nation, to mark the 37th National Day.
The book highlights the achievements of the President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan with the support of the members of the UAE Supreme Council.
The UAE leadership “has managed in a short span of time to leave its stamp on every aspect and field of life, to mobilise all energies, and to overcome, with clear-sightedness and good judgment, the difficulties and obstacles lying ahead, so that it can successfully move into broad horizons of development and growth,” the book states.
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.”
Adel Arafah 15 December 2008 for Khaleej Times
ABU DHABI — People will now be able to apply for new visas or renew them in any emirate irrespective of where they stay or work as the naturalisation and residency departments (NRDs) in the country have been electronically linked.
Brigadier Nasir Al Awadi Al Menhaly, Acting Director-General of the Naturalisation and Residency Department at the Ministry of Interior, told Khaleej Times on Sunday that all NRDs in the UAE are capable of issuing and renewing visas, regardless of the emirate where the existing residence visa was issued from.
The ministry has completed linking of all NRDs electronically to provide this new service.
“We are in one country, and there is an electronic link between all NRDs,” he said. Under the earlier system, for instance, a person working in Abu Dhabi but has a residence visa from Dubai or other emirates had to visit the NRD in that emirate to renew his/her visa.
This was a sheer waste of time and effort. “Consequently, Lieutenant-General Shaikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Interior, gave instructions to ease the hardship of expatriates by allowing them to get visas or renew visas from the NRD in any emirate regardless of the emirate where the residence visa was issued originally. This is what we are implementing right now.” Brigadier Al Menhaly clarified that many expatriates are not aware of this new service, and still take the trouble of travelling to other emirates to complete their visa-related procedures. “We now tell them to save the effort and submit your applications to any department in the country to be processed immediately,” he said.
Meanwhile, denizens of emirates have lauded the ministry’s step, calling it a real timesaver.
Ahmed Mursey, a resident of Ajman, said it will help a great deal in making life easier. “The people can go to the nearest NRD for immigration services. It helps save travelling hassle and reducing crowds at the NRDs.”
Anwar Shaban, resident of Sharjah, said, “I was not aware that the service is available at any of the NRDs. If implemented, it will surely benefit the residents as well as the government. It would ease crowds at the immigration departments and make the work easier for the employees.”
Ahmed Mousaad, an accountant, living in Abu Dhabi, said, “I am not very sure as many a times, employees at the NRD have remained ignorant about the rules announced from time to time. The better thing will be to train the staff first and then inform the public.”
Pay for Health Card While Renewing Visa
Pay for Health Card While Renewing Visa
Asma Ali Zain 11 December 2008 for Khaleej Times
DUBAI - Expatriates renewing their residence visas in Dubai will have to shell out an extra Dh300 for the health card that is now compulsory.
Delayed by five months, the rule caught many unawares when it came into effect unannounced on December 1. Residents now have to pay a total of Dh550 instead of the Dh250 charged for the medical fitness test only earlier. Before a residence visa is stamped/renewed, applicants have to undergo screening for diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B & C, tuberculosis and syphilis.
Though a person applying for residency in the UAE for the first time has to obtain a health card, renewing it had not been compulsory until now.
Khaleej Times had reported on July 1 about the new medical fitness rules that were due to come into effect immediately but were put off by the Department of Health and Medical Services until the year end. A health card (valid for one year) was also made compulsory for renewing visas but the date when it would come into effect was not announced.
(The health cardholder can avail of basic health services at low cost only in government hospitals and clinics.)
As per the new rules, health insurance policyholders do not require a health card, though the policy certificate has to be attested by Dohms at a cost of Dh200.
Maisa Al Bustani, Head of Medical Fitness Centre at Dohms, had explained to Khaleej Times earlier, “If the resident does not hold a health card and has a valid health insurance policy, Department of Health and Medical Services will charge Dh200 to attest the policy certificate before the screening is done.”
However, residents who have valid insurance policy said they were forced to pay for the health card when they went for visa renewal.
“When I recently went for my medical fitness test, a requirement for visa renewal, I was asked to pay Dh300 for a health card.
“When I explained to the official that I was holding a health insurance policy, he insisted that I still had to pay for the card,” said Mohammed Afzal, a sales manager.
Farid Hussain, another resident, said that when he informed the official about his insurance policy, the official said it was not his concern.
“I had to pay for the card despite holding a policy,” he added.
Department of Health and Medical Services officials were not available for comments because of holidays.
Asma Ali Zain 11 December 2008 for Khaleej Times
DUBAI - Expatriates renewing their residence visas in Dubai will have to shell out an extra Dh300 for the health card that is now compulsory.
Delayed by five months, the rule caught many unawares when it came into effect unannounced on December 1. Residents now have to pay a total of Dh550 instead of the Dh250 charged for the medical fitness test only earlier. Before a residence visa is stamped/renewed, applicants have to undergo screening for diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B & C, tuberculosis and syphilis.
Though a person applying for residency in the UAE for the first time has to obtain a health card, renewing it had not been compulsory until now.
Khaleej Times had reported on July 1 about the new medical fitness rules that were due to come into effect immediately but were put off by the Department of Health and Medical Services until the year end. A health card (valid for one year) was also made compulsory for renewing visas but the date when it would come into effect was not announced.
(The health cardholder can avail of basic health services at low cost only in government hospitals and clinics.)
As per the new rules, health insurance policyholders do not require a health card, though the policy certificate has to be attested by Dohms at a cost of Dh200.
Maisa Al Bustani, Head of Medical Fitness Centre at Dohms, had explained to Khaleej Times earlier, “If the resident does not hold a health card and has a valid health insurance policy, Department of Health and Medical Services will charge Dh200 to attest the policy certificate before the screening is done.”
However, residents who have valid insurance policy said they were forced to pay for the health card when they went for visa renewal.
“When I recently went for my medical fitness test, a requirement for visa renewal, I was asked to pay Dh300 for a health card.
“When I explained to the official that I was holding a health insurance policy, he insisted that I still had to pay for the card,” said Mohammed Afzal, a sales manager.
Farid Hussain, another resident, said that when he informed the official about his insurance policy, the official said it was not his concern.
“I had to pay for the card despite holding a policy,” he added.
Department of Health and Medical Services officials were not available for comments because of holidays.
More Free Rides on Abu Dhabi Buses from January 1Adel Arafah
More Free Rides on Abu Dhabi Buses from January 1
Adel Arafah 14 December 2008 for Khaleej Times
ABU DHABI - There will not be any more free trips in public buses in the capital from January 1, 2009.
The Transport Department would fix the bus fare on Monday, Saeed Al Hameli, General Manager of Public Buses Office, told Khaleej Times on Saturday. Sources in the department said the fare would be very low.
For the past six months, 125 state-of-the-art public buses have been transporting passengers to different areas of the emirate free of charge.
The official said the department is planning to operate buses on many new routes, including on the outskirts like Mousaffah industrial area, Khalifa City and other newly constructed towns.
The number of buses will be increased to 1,360 by the end of next year,” the official added.
Al Hameli added that the department has chalked out a plan to be carried out on a gradual basis with a view of operating as many buses as possible in the capital to solve the traffic problem once and for all. The department is also working to make the public buses the quickest means of transport by widening roads and designating exclusive routes for buses, thus encouraging motorists to leave their own vehicles and switch to public buses, he said.
Adel Arafah 14 December 2008 for Khaleej Times
ABU DHABI - There will not be any more free trips in public buses in the capital from January 1, 2009.
The Transport Department would fix the bus fare on Monday, Saeed Al Hameli, General Manager of Public Buses Office, told Khaleej Times on Saturday. Sources in the department said the fare would be very low.
For the past six months, 125 state-of-the-art public buses have been transporting passengers to different areas of the emirate free of charge.
The official said the department is planning to operate buses on many new routes, including on the outskirts like Mousaffah industrial area, Khalifa City and other newly constructed towns.
The number of buses will be increased to 1,360 by the end of next year,” the official added.
Al Hameli added that the department has chalked out a plan to be carried out on a gradual basis with a view of operating as many buses as possible in the capital to solve the traffic problem once and for all. The department is also working to make the public buses the quickest means of transport by widening roads and designating exclusive routes for buses, thus encouraging motorists to leave their own vehicles and switch to public buses, he said.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Talent Share Year-End Fest 2008
Act now and SHARE your child's creative talent to the world around. Send their works with the following details to team1dubai@gmail.com before 30th December 2008:
Name:
Date of Birth:
Class:
School:
Place:
Parents Name:
Contact Telephone No(s):
Contact address : e-mail
Contact Address by Post:
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Keralaotsavam 2008 at Kerala Social Abu Dhabi from tomorrow
Keralotsavam 2008 to be held at Kerala Social Centre Abu Dhabi from tomorrow for three days. Please attend and make it a success.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Friday, December 5, 2008
Thursday, December 4, 2008
New traffic plans in Abu Dhabi
New traffic plans in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is seeing plenty of traffic changes these days. New routes, new layouts etc and more to facilitate the smooth flow of traffic in and around the city to aid the new road works currently in progress. Added with the tourists flow to the city for the UAE National Day and Eid Al Adha, moving around within the city limits is not going to be an easy task anymore. One thing that has to be commented is the organised manner at which the authorities structure these works and direct and guide the traffic. Extremely praiseworthy.
Abu Dhabi is seeing plenty of traffic changes these days. New routes, new layouts etc and more to facilitate the smooth flow of traffic in and around the city to aid the new road works currently in progress. Added with the tourists flow to the city for the UAE National Day and Eid Al Adha, moving around within the city limits is not going to be an easy task anymore. One thing that has to be commented is the organised manner at which the authorities structure these works and direct and guide the traffic. Extremely praiseworthy.
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