October 2009
SPORTS
Adrenaline rush
GITEX
Techno innovations FOCUS
A special life FOOD
Eating in the Free Zones TRAVEL
The other charity trek
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Life is, after all, a costly affair!
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senior business development manager tor Guide being used as reference prices. This with long stints in FMCG companies is the average procurement price at which the had the shock of his life when the general generic versions of drugs are offered to developmanager of the new drugs distribution ing countries on a not-for-profit basis. company he joined lately made him realise all that The report pointed out that expensive he had learnt in his long career was just ‘crap’. The originator brands were being purchased by the task on hand for our man was to work out a retail government at about five times the reference price for an imported medicine, which he set out prices along with much cheaper generics whose to do in earnest by employing all the complicated prices were similar to the reference prices. As formula that he was used to working with during his such, prices in the public sector were high, often By K Raveendran higher than in private pharmacies, primarily as days with leading consumer goods companies. That involved calculating the import cost plus other incia result of high procurement prices. In private dentals, marketing and management costs, finance pharmacies, originator brands were being sold at cost, margin of profit etc. very high prices compared to their generic equivalent – up “Why bother about all this; you just take the basic to 28 times more for diclofenac tabs. Generic versions of import price and multiply it by ten and that’s your retail basic analgesics such as paracetamol and ibuprofen were price,” the general manager told our friend in a tone that being sold at very high prices in international terms. didn’t hide his displeasure of the new colleague’s ‘overzealPoor availability was another issue of concern. Availousness’ with numbers. ability in the private sector was excellent for originator To be frank, it was difficult to believe in much of the brands but not for cheaper generics. In addition, some story, even after discounting for the exaggeration such lifesaving drugs were not even available in government-run stories generally carry, until I came across the results of pharmacies, where prices are lower, and must be bought in a World Health Organisation survey on basic medicine retail outlets, says the research. prices in various countries. The report spoke about ‘exBy another criterion, lowest priced generics were genertremely high patient prices’ in the private sector medical ally affordable when purchased by the lowest paid unskilled stores in the UAE. government worker in the private sector but originator According to the report, the price at which private brands were far less affordable. For instance, a person with pharmacies in the UAE sold originator brands of prescriparthritis would have to work two-and-a-half days to buy a tion medicines was an incredible 24 times of their basic month’s supply of diclofenac 25mg tabs originator brand international reference prices. Even the lowest-priced but less than a day for the lowest priced generic equivalents. generic medicines were sold at 14 times the reference price. Of the Middle East countries included in the survey, Twenty-five medicines, including originator brand and only Kuwait had higher private generic drug prices than lowest priced generic equivalent of each were surveyed in 23 the UAE, averaging 15.7 times the international reference. private retail pharmacies and 18 public sector outlets. By contrast, Lebanon’s prices are just 6.1 times the referPublic sector procurement details were based on GCC ence prices. In India, medicine prices were near about the procurement system purchases, with the 2005 Manageinternational reference prices or even lower when it came ment Sciences for Health International Drug Price Indicato generics.
UAE Digest, October 2009 l 1
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Deputy Editor
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Manju Ramanan manju@sterlingp.ae
Associate Editor
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Vanit Sethi vanit@sterlingp.ae
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DEsign
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Harikumar P B Ujwala Ranade
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Contents 6 Adrenaline rush at Abu Dhabi Three days in October are sure to pump up your heartbeats like never before in the capital city. Wakeboarding, kite buggy, snow skiing, customised cars and family fun for all.
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Gitex
Are you on Facebook?
A special life
Surprises may be in store. With the recession now nearing its end, exhibitors and visitors hope for new deals and bargains
It is something everyone eventually succumbs to in today’s virtual world. Welcome to the growing tribe of social networkers
Dubai Club for Special Sports gives a helping hand to the specially-abled to integrate with the mainstream
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Eateries in the Free Zones
Television
The other trek for charity
This month, UAE Digest went on a tour of the food courts and restaurants in Dubai’s free zones and stumbled upon some that can actually be the perfect place to sample a wide range of cuisine from the subcontinent and the Far-East to the delicious fares from the West
Dubai One is going for a facelift. From being launched as an entertainment channel in 2004, it is shifting gears to airing locally produced content shedding light on the economic, social and legal issues that concern people living in the UAE.
Their aim was to trek to Everest Base Camp. However, flights to the starting point were cancelled due to bad weather, so the group tackled the leeches and mosquitoes leading to Annapurna Base Camp region instead.
IN THE NEWS
M
Maximus delivers Queen Cavalry
Horses’ wishes MAXIMUS delivers Queen’s horses to the UAE
aximus Air Cargo has successfully delivered British Household Cavalry horses to Abu Dhabi. The horses will perform in the International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) and it is the first time they have travelled beyond Europe. The 30 horses were flown from London Stansted Airport to Abu Dhabi and were invited to the UAE by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) as part of the British Army’s elite equine display team, known as ‘The Ride’. The Ride, which performs fast moving cavalry movements, has had a lengthy and prestigious history since its formation in 1882. The team rarely performs overseas and its journey to the UAE is historically noteworthy.
Etisalat Millionaire
Swoop Down
Weekly raffle draw for customers recharging their Wasel accounts
Skin of endangered animals seized
An Emirati cashier and an Egyptian technician become millionaires in the third week of Etisalat’s ‘24 Millionaires’ campaign. Etisalat’s ‘24 Millionaires’ mega promotion provides a great
Officers of the Veterinary Services Section of Dubai Municipality, during a surprise inspection of veterinary establishments and shops selling antiques, seized skins of endangered animals; the material is worth Dh19, 400. The confiscated material included skins of four pythons and two Nile crocodiles, both of which fall within the provisions of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). The Veterinary Services Section takes efforts to educate the public, pet shop owners/ workers and shops that sell souvenirs about the provisions of CITES animals, the purpose of protecting them and organising their trade through CITES certificates. The Section organises lectures and awareness campaigns, including that of the Think Twice campaign in cooperation with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). If you know of establishments that sell animals or samples that are part of CITES and do not have a CITES certificate, you can call the toll-free number 800900 to report them.
(left to right) Ghareb Dakruni, Nassir Bin Obood , Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Etisalat and Ahmad Ismail Mohammad
opportunity to 24 lucky customers to win Dh24million. Two lucky customers, recharging their Wasel accounts during the promotion, will be selected every week to win Dh2million, through an electronic raffle draw that is conducted in the presence of a senior member from Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce. The promotion will continue till 14th November 2009.
4 l UAE Digest, October 2009
Customers will also benefit from additional free credit on each Wasel recharge that can be used for all calls and SMS (local & international). In addition, new Wasel customers or customers renewing their Wasel accounts will get 100 per cent cash back credited to their account. Customers can also gain additional chances to participate in the weekly draw, depending on the recharge amount. A higher recharge denomination will ensure more entries in the weekly draw as follows: • Recharging by Dh25 till 49, gets 1 chance in the draw • Recharging by Dh 50 till 99, gets 3 chances in the draw • Recharging by Dh 100 till 199, gets 6 chances in the draw • Recharging by Dh 200 till 499, gets 12 chances in the draw • Recharging by Dh 500 and above, gets 20 chances in the draw Customers can use Prepaid Calling Card, eVoucher, Etisalat website, Emirates Post, Banks, Mobile Payment, Public Payment Machine, or any other means of payment, for recharging their Wasel cards.
Confiscated skin of endangered animals
Music Mania Free DJ lessons UK’s top disc jockeys and resident DJs of popular Dubai night clubs Dan Price and David will give free lessons on Beat Matching, EQ Mixing, Chop, Scratch and Digital effects every Wednesday evening at Bowling City, Dubai Festival City from 5pm to 9:30pm. The Jansport DJ School is open to all and every aspiring DJ and targets all age groups and aimed at all skill levels - people with no knowledge or those with previous experience. Dan Price, who has been teaching DJ-ing for more than three years here started has created the popular DJ course at OHM Records, Karama Dubai and his eight year career has taken him to big clubs in Dubai such as Chi, Trilogy Rooftop, Alpha, New Asia and Touch. David worked for the Aberdeen Council in Scotland for eight years for schemes such as Health Promotions and Give Kids a Chance. His DJ career spans over ten years, and is a resident DJ at Chi. You can contract Dan on 050-6982740 for more information.
MSC Kalina arrives in Dubai Jebel Ali Port receives mega container ship Global port operator DP World’s flagship Jebel Ali Port has received one of the world’s largest container ships, MSC Kalina, at its Terminal 2. The vessel, from the fleet of the Geneva-based shipping line, Mediterranean Shipping Company SA (MSC), is 366 metres long, 52 metres wide, and has a draught of 15.3 metres. Registered in Panama, MSC Kalina, has a nominal capacity of 14,000 TEU (20 foot equivalent container units), like her sister ship, MSC Daniela, the largest container vessel ever built based on TEU. The single hull MSC Kalina was built at the Samsung Heavy Industries yard in Ulsan, South Korea. Jebel Ali is one of the few ports in the world designed to service such mega freighters. Since May ‘09, MSC is operating over 410 container vessels with an intake capacity of approx 1.5million TEU’s, serving more than 270 ports world wide.
A Bear’s Hug
The Build-A-Bear-Workshop at Dubai Festival City
Build your own bear For all you teddy lovers out there, the ‘Build A Bear workshop’ that opened in Dubai Festival City saw teddies of all shapes and sizes and a sea of children attending the inaugural event. Located on the 1st floor, on the high traffic ‘Retail Link Bridge’, the store is based on the premise that nearly everyone, regardless of age, has a special fondness for stuffed animals. When guests visit the store, they enter a light-hearted teddy-bear-themed environment consisting of eight bear-making stations. They can then choose
from a wide variety of furry friends to make. They stuff their new friend, give it a heart filled with wishes and make a personalised birth certificate. They can further personalise their new friend by recording their own message to place inside their furry friend and decorate them with a wide selection of fashion accessories.
High flyers
Flight Instructors graduate from Horizon Academy
13th batch of the Horizon International Flight Academy graduates The Al Ain based ISO certified Academy owned by Mubadala Development Company has a primary focus to test the theoretical aviation knowledge and instructional techniques of prospective flight instructors. It is a regional pioneer in flight training, based on the European Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) standard, approved by the General Civil Aviation Authority, UAE. Horizon has over 45,000 hours flying and over 300 pilots and instructor graduates since opening its
doors in September 2003. The academy has experienced a growing interest from the military, police and airline sector in the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) for aviation training personnel. The pilots who attended the course are from government organisations from both GCC and the UAE, and underwent
a comprehensive training curriculum which included instructional training, delivering lessons to practice various the instruction techniques and evaluation system. The fleet at Horizon includes Robinson R44’s, Bell 206 Jet Rangers, Cessna 172 SP, Diamond 42 twin engine with Garmin avionics as well as simulators to cater to the helicopter and aero plane training programmes.
UAE Digest, October 2009 l 5
SPORTS SPONSOREd FEaTuRE
Wakeboarding
Adrenaline rush at Abu Dhabi
www.adrenalinesportslive.com
By Vanit Sethi
A
n early morning jog in the cool winter breeze, a strong cup of coffee with a racy bestseller, a fantastic dream that leaves you thirsting for more, or a brainstorming session with peers and colleagues can give you a kick that can pep up your day. But nothing, absolutely nothing, can compare with the rush of adrenaline you experience while seeking adventure in the great outdoors – formula racing, paragliding, snow skiing, water surfing or bungee jumping. While hardcore adventure sports are not everyone’s cup of tea, softer versions of such thriller games can be exciting and exhilarating without really being dangerous. What’s more, they can help in team building and foster leadership qualities, besides strengthening family and friend-
6 l UAE Digest, October 2009
ship bonds. If these activities take place nearer home, can anyone want anything more? UAE’s capital city Abu Dhabi will come alive for three days from October 8-10 with the Adrenaline Sports Live Festival presented by Rani. Sports enthusiasts are in for a treat during the upcoming festival at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) in Abu Dhabi. Ticket prices include demonstrations from world-class adrenaline sports Skateboarding adventure kit and clothes, and book adventure professionals. Visitors can try over holidays. They can also get a chance to win 15 adrenaline sports for themselves; they prizes worth over Dh70,000. Last year saw can join adrenaline sports-related clubs, buy
the Rani skate park, air soft, skiing and snow boarding on the Ski Dubai slope being built specifically for the festival, the Rani abseiling wall, zipline, Trikke’s, free all tower, RC cards and helicopter and tethered hot air balloon rides. There will be something for everyone with parkour workshops from professionals for the younger kids, demonstrations by the ex-world champ of BMX Flat-landing, professional inline skating demonstrations, and much much more! Spot prizes from Crocs, Spyder, the Big Bus Company, Intex, Empros and Dragon boating adrenaline sports lifestyle brands means visitors to the festivals are in for a very good for the most unforgettable experiences and more than 19,000 people head to ADNEC. chance to leave with some amazing prizes. adventures in the UAE. Gift yourself, your This year’s show is set to be grander with even Another company at the more exciting and interacfestival is the Hobby Centre tive activities available, with The festival will encompass adrenaline Al Ain. Hobby Centre is a prizes sponsored by Tourism demonstrations and sporting action suitable professional hobby shop for radio Malaysia. The festival will for the whole family. For those wishing to show controlled airplanes and cars encompass demonstrations off their skills, the ArabAM skateboarding in Al Ain and will be retailing and sporting action suitable these at the event. They will for the whole family. For championship sponsored by Rani will take place also be working with a local those wishing to show off as will the Abu Dhabi National Dragon Boating RC club to give demonstrations their skills, the Arab AM festival and the Wakeboarding Championships of nitrous RC car drag racing, skateboarding championelectric RC car drifting and RC ship sponsored by Rani helicopter demonstrations. One visitor to partner, your family or friends one of over will be taking place as will the Abu Dhabi the festival will walk away with a Ces300 experiences they offer. Their job is to National Dragon Boating Festival sponprovide you with ideas - for sored by the Shangri La Qaryat Al Beri and gifts for friends and family, the RJ Perfomance Marine Wakeboarding All terrain sail-ka ideas for great ways to spend Championships. Other attractions include a weekend, ideas for how to The Zooter, the only true landslider and kite make your holiday unforgettabuggy from North America, which can be ble and ideas for how to inspire used on sand, sea, snow and ice! Zooter will your staff, surprise your cusbe retailing these in the festival and offertomers and treat your partners. ing all visitors the chance to try one out. Trikke is another exhibitor On the marine front, Abra Marine has offering a great prize to visitors confirmed their participation in the festival - a Trikke T8, a brand new and will be showcasing their thrilling range form of transport for the UAE. of boats. They will also be offering festival There are over 15 adrenavisitors some thrilling spins on the water in line and adventure sports their range of speedboats as well as taking visitors can try - all included in orders for anyone who wants to buy one. the price of their entry ticket. Nautica Watches are the silver sponSports include wakeboardsors of the water-sports events. ing, wakesurfing, jet-boating, Make My Day me, will be giving away kayaking, zooting, dragon amazing spot prizes and all visitors need to boating, jet skiing, try-dives, do to enter is to register at the festival or visit lilo-running, the Rani climbtheir stand. Some prizes include sea-plane ing wall, the adrenaline gaming rides, scuba diving courses and buggy safaris. zone from the Magic Planet, MakeMyDay MiddleEast is the online source
UAE Digest, October 2009 l 7
sna 400 ready-to-fly electric airplane. The festival will also feature an adventure tourism zone where visitors will get the chance to win amazing prizes, including a once-in-a-lifetime diving trip to Sipidan Island in Malaysia as well as a 3-day safari in the Masai Mara in Kenya, courtesy of Arabian Pacific and the Karen Blixen Camp.
Barbican Turbo At the same time as Adrenaline Sports Live presented by Rani, and following last year’s success, 2009 promises visitors to Barbican Turbo an even more exciting and interactive experience, packed with features and stunning vehicles from international and regional tuners. Features of the show include the ‘Top 100’ custom car competition, the 2nd UAE National Sound Off, the 1st National Dyno Shoot Out’ competition, and for the very first time in the Middle East, visitors will be treated to extreme driving displays by world-class drivers from the European Drifting Championships. Entries are already being received for the Top 100 competition, which will award titles such as ‘Car of the Festival’, ‘Best Engine’, and ‘Best Airbrush’. The winner of the Top 100 Amateur Car of the Festival trophy will also win a fantastic prize from Swiss International Airlines, Swiss Tourism and Zermatt Tour-
8 l UAE Digest, October 2009
ism. This includes two business class flights to Zermatt, three nights in a 5-star hotel, a gorge adventure, summer skiing, helicopter ride around the Matterhorn, and a downhill ride with a monster scooter. Entrants to the competition are also entitled to a 20 per cent discount on Konig Wheels from selected outlets in the UAE to place on their cars for the competition, and will receive their voucher at the show. The 2nd UAE National Sound Off competition will see titles awarded for ‘Best Installation’ and ‘Loudest Stereo’ and there will also be the first ever UAE National Dyno Shoot Out competition to determine the car with the greatest horsepower. Tickets purchased for Adrenaline Sports Live Festival presented by Rani will also
Snow in the desert UBMi UAE, organisers of the Adrenaline Sports Live Festival, is working with Majid Al Futtaim Leisure (MAFL) to bring the first ski slope to Abu Dhabi in October. MAFL owns and operates the very successful Ski Dubai and plans are underway to build a temporary ski slope at the Adrenaline Sports Live festival where visitors to the festival can try skiing and snow boarding, and also watch professionals take to the slope.
be valid for Barbican Turbo and vice versa. Middle East car fans are to be entertained with stunning demonstrations by worldclass drift racers from the ‘Need for Speed’ European Drift Championships – Europe’s premier drift championships when they headline at this year’s Barbican Turbo festival. Drifting is a high skill level motorsport in which drivers control a car while it slides from side to side at very high speed. With a lifetime passion for motorsport, Mark Luney, also known as Sideways Buff, has spent five years driving in the European Drift Championships and has become one of the most respected drivers in Europe. He will be joined by Paul Conlan ‘Coupe’ to show off their mind-blowing behind-the-wheel skills for the three days of the event. Sideways Buff and Coupe will stylishly negotiate the tight drifting arena, engaging in a rear-wheel twindrift battle at speeds in excess of 80 miles per hour. Both brand new competition specifications and new builds, Sideways Buff will be driving a Nissan Skyline and Coupe a Nissan S13, as both drivers will attempt to outwit one another as they concentrate on speed, following the drift line, angle of attack -- finding the biggest sideways angle possible and creating tyre smoke to astound any spectator. Need one say more, as the UAE is waiting for these action-packed events to unfold in Abu Dhabi for three days, beginning October 8. For more information about both the events, visit www.adrenalinesportslive.com and www.barbicanturbo.com. To purchase tickets, visit www.boxoffice.me.com Snowboarding
UAE Digest, October 2009 l 9
SPORTS
Custom car fan Bryan Espie, Marketing Manager, Barbican Turbo, spoke to UAE Digest What is Barbican Turbo? Barbican Turbo is the Middle East’s hottest custom, tuning and motorsports festival! How many visitors are you expecting this year, since there was a huge flow of people last year? Last year we had 19,000 plus visitors across three days for the Barbican Turbo and its co-located event Adrenaline Sports Live, both presented by Rani. This year, we Bryan Espie are expecting more than 30,000 people because of the affordable pricing of our tickets, the discounts available, the sheer value for money provided and quality of entertainment. There are many car-related events in the UAE and the wider region. What makes your event different? Our event is the only event dedicated purely to customising your car. There is no other event like it in the region. There are a lot of garages and car clubs running their own fantastic events, which is very exciting, but not on the same scale as Barbican Turbo or with the ability to bring international stars to what they do.
This is where our company United Business Media has stepped in to help out and so far the response to what we’ve done is immense. Of course, you also have the internationally renowned motor-shows, which again are fantastic, but their key focus is the manufacturer and their newest stock models and you have trade exhibitions, which aren’t open to the general public, and then you have the tracks, which specialise in putting on race meetings. Barbican Turbo is a festival and from that point of view we rely mainly on activities, demonstrations and features to entertain our visitors – we are the only one’s who do this.
Tell us about the Top 100 and the Amateur Car of the Festival trophy. How will the competition be judged? Yes, we’ll have the Top 100 again this year - the region’s largest custom car competition including Car of the Festival, Best Club Modified car fans gather in the Top 100 at Barbican 2008 display, Best Engine, Best Body-kit, Best Paint, Best Wheels and more! There’s an amazing prize as part of the Top 100 too! There will be trophies for categories
10 l UAE Digest, October 2009
with independent judges and scorecards. The winner of the Car of the Festival will get a trip for 2 to Switzerland from Swiss Tourism, Swiss International Airlines and Zermatt. A truly astounding prize and a competition I wish I could win! It includes Business Class flights for 2, 3 nights in a 5 star hotel including breakfast and loads of cool activities to do, like a helicopter ride, a half day of summer skiing, a gorge adventure and a monster scooter ride. If you would like to enter send a picture of your car and your car’s modifications to info@ barbicanturbo.com - Full details at www.barbicanturbo.com. (Closing date for this is the 5th of October).E. What’s the Paddock? This is our ‘thank you’ to the local car clubs for all the support they have given to the show. This is an area outside, in the heart of the action dedicated to them. They can bring their cars, the one’s that aren’t competing in the Top 100 and use it simply as VIP parking or somewhere to hang out and to show off more of their cars, if they like. We’re also giving car club members who take part in the Paddock a special discount rate on tickets, Dh60 for three days for an adult instead of Dh100 and Dh30 for a child for three days instead of Dh50. The minimum booking for a club is 10 tickets and spaces are going pretty quickly as we have limited amount of space in the arena to have the Paddock. Now we’ve got this year covered, where do you see the event going in the next 5 years? I’d like to see the event continue on its current path in the UAE, to get bigger
and better, to develop the show features and to bring in more international entertainment as well. It would also be cool to have crazier car stuff from the United States and Europe and we’re working on making that happen already. All of this would be great news! And I’d also like to see the show go on tour to other countries; that would be really great fun! In particular, Saudi Arabia would be awesome as we know the aftermarket scene there is huge and the people there are just as crazy about their cars as people in the UAE. And finally, what are the event details? No problem, that’s easy! The event runs from the 8th to the 10th of October in
Outdoors at the Karen Blixen Camp
online at www.boxofficeme.com and selected Spinney’s and Hallmark stores. We look forward to seeing you at the show for three days of high octane, tyre-shredding and festival features!
the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and costs Dh50 per day for adults and Dh25 per day for children – great value when you compare it to the price of a cinema ticket! Tickets are available
Pump up your Adrenaline! Do you have a passion for the thrills of adventure sports? Get your adrenaline pumping at the Adrenaline Sports Live Festival, presented by Rani at Abu Dhabi. Cressida Evans, Marketing Director, speaks to Manju Ramanan Why did you choose Abu Dhabi as a venue for the event? As the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi is a fast-growing venue for festivals and events. There is a huge population of people in Abu Dhabi looking for something different and exciting to do on weekends, and there is nothing on a similar scale to Adrenaline Sports Live Festival presented by Rani currently in the capital. Abu Dhabi also has a large amount of natural landscapes, which are perfect for adventure and adrenaline sports – from sand dunes and wadis, to rocky mountains and kilometres of pristine coastline. The ADNEC venue is ideal for the event, as it offers indoor and outdoor demonstration space and a brand new marina right on it’s doorstep for the watersports element of the festival. Being on the airport side of Abu Dhabi, ADNEC is only an hour’s drive for anyone com-
ing from Dubai, and is easily accessible for anyone coming from Abu Dhabi, particularly as the Big Bus Company will be running free buses from the Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi to the event each day of the festival. Which are the events that shall be different from last year? The festival will be even bigger, more exciting and offer more demonstrations, exhibitors, trials of adventure and adrenaline sports and features than last year. To keep the suspense, some of them include: the first indoor ski slope in Abu Dhabi – with real snow where visitors can try skiing; a free fall tower on the marina where adrenaline junkies can free-fall 12-14 metres; zooting on land and water; jet boat rides on the Speed Needle; the first Lilo Running World Championships and demonstra-
Cressida Evans
tion by the European Drift Champions who will be giving some lucky visitors a chance to ride with them. We have over 20 sports and features that visitors can be involved in – all of which are included in the price of their ticket – Dh50 for adults and Dh25 for children. Plus, we have over Dh70, 000 of amazing
UAE Digest, October 2009 l 11
HOME & GARDEN
Mountain bikes
prizes to give away to the visitors. Do you see a rise in people taking to adventure sports? Why? Adventure and adrenaline sports have always been popular with the hardcore adrenaline junkies, but there is definitely a trend at the moment for enthusiasts out there that don’t fall into this category. Think of all the ‘adults’ out there who are still just kids at heart, all the families and groups of friends looking for new weekend activities and parents looking to encourage their children into sports as a way to keep fit and build confidence. Adrenaline Sports Live Festival presented by Rani caters to such a huge range of people; and the beauty of adrenaline sports in the region is that there are so many to choose from. They range from individual Parasailing sports, to group sports, and from heartstopping, adrenaline pumping activities to activities, which are not quite so terrifying. There really is an adrenaline sport for everyone. What is the kind of crowd you are expecting for the event? Adrenaline Sports Live Festival presented by Rani is a festival with something for everyone. From the most active enthusiast of adrenaline sports to a family looking for a fun way to spend a weekend, the festival will deliver. The festival will attract: • Active enthusiasts: members of groups/ clubs/associations. • Weekend warriors: groups and individuals looking for entertainment and excitement on weekends.
12 l UAE Digest, October 2009
Children kayaking
• Fashion followers: young and trendies looking to wear the clothes and be seen as part of the urban sub-culture. • Casual day trippers: looking for something different to do for a day. • Holiday planners: those looking to marry a holiday with an adventure sport element, such as a diving holiday or snow boarding holiday. So many residents and visitors in the UAE want to make the most of living in such a superb climate, and are constantly looking for something new and unique to do in their weekends. This festival offers just that. Countries promoting adventure tourism are part of the event. Tell us about your partnerships and packages for winners? Adrenaline Sports Live Festival presented by Rani has introduced a specific area of the festival for adventure tourism – following feedback from visitors to the event last year. Visitors can learn and try the sport, buy the kit, and join the club; they can also book a holiday with an adventure holiday element directly at the event. We are working closely with Tourism Malaysia and the Tourism Authority of Thailand who will be at the show outlining their adventure tourism packages to their respective countries; locally, the Western Region Development Council will be at the show promoting adventure sports holidays in this region of the UAE; we also have ME Breaks at the event, who specialise in adventure tourism packages for visitors
around the Middle East; and we are also working with Arabian Pacific in Dubai who tailor-make packages for customers both regionally and internationally. What are the prizes to be won? Tourism Malaysia will be giving away a Dive Sipadan package, which is 5 days 4 nights to Sipadan Island, inclusive of return economy class flight tickets and return economy class domestic flight tickets for two persons, twin-sharing accommodation at Mabul Island Resort. The prize is valued at Dh17,205. The Tourism Authority of Thailand is giving away four nights’ accommodation and tour for two people in Chiang Mai in Thailand’s north. Details include four nights accommodation on a twin-share basis etc. The prize is valued at Dh4, 800. Arabian Pacific and the Karen Blixen Camp are giving away a three-day Safari to the Masai Mara in Kenya for the winner and a friend. The prize is valued at Dh9,700. Entry is open only for visitors to the festival. Visit each of the stands above and complete an entry form that will be drawn on the 10th of October in the early evening of the event. Tell us about the Zooter and what is the segment it targets for retail? The Zooter is the world’s first all-terrain land sailer and kite buggy. So no matter what your passion is - be it land, water, ice or snow, land sailing or kite buggying, the zooter is perfect. The basic zooter comes as a land sailer, and additions can be purchased to turn it into a zootercat (for water), zooterski (for snow) or zooterskate (for ice).This is the first time that the zooter will be available in the UAE, and visitors to the festival can try it right here at the festival!
UAE Digest, October 2009 l 13
GITEX
Surprises
may be in store With the recession now nearing its end, exhibitors and visitors hope for new deals and bargains By Vanit Sethi
T
he first major event on Dubai’s cultural calendar after the summer break comes with a lot of expectations, especial-
ly as most of the companies are eager to announce the end of the worldwide recession. Gitex, or the Gulf Information Technology Exhibition, from October 18-22 this year heralds the beginning of a new post-recession phase, never mind that the dreaded ‘R’ is not far behind us and we’re not even sure when it will catch up again. But for companies and consumers sick and tired of pulling up their socks and tightening their belts, Gitex offers a new hope of seeing the end of their financial blues.
14 l UAE Digest, October 2009
Technological innovation has never fought shy of downturns. It is said the Great Depression of the 1930s produced some great innovations in Hollywood and grand scale cinemas like Gone With The Wind. But while creativity cannot be curbed by lack of finances, the marketability of products
seen. But the organisers and exhibitors do seem to nurse greater expectations. Now, let’s have a peek into what could be in store at the Gitex this year. Microsoft Windows 7: Technology fans in the Middle East will receive a sneak preview of Microsoft’s latest operating system, Windows 7, that will run on new PCs both at the Gitex Week in DICEC and Gitex Shopper at the Airport Expo in Dubai. The new desktop operating system
definitely suffers a setback. So, while the last Gitex was held in the shadows of a looming recession, this year’s event should see more positive developments and a lifting of the gloom. How that will translate into greater footfalls and thus more revenue remains to be
will be on view here five days before the global launch on October 22. Visitors will also be able to buy Windows 7 preloaded onto laptops at Gitex Shopper.
Windows 7 delivers the fundamental performance, reliability, and security features users expect and is designed to be compatible with the same hardware, applications, and device drivers as Windows Vista. New features help protect privacy and data and enable end-users to be productive no matter where they are, or where the data they need resides. VoIP recording solutions: ASC Telecom will demonstrate its new quality monitoring solution, INSPIRATIONpro 9.0, and its VoIP recording solution, EVOip 9.0, at the Gitex. New features of INSPIRATIONpro 9.0 include speech analytics, an eLearning module and increased data security. It helps call centre managers learn about their agents’ service level through analysis and evaluation of recorded call data and screen activities. Its new e-Learning module uses this evaluation to spot the weak points and deliver customised instruction directly to the agent’s desktop. EVOip 9.0 offers the same strong security features, integrates with additional IP phone systems, and provides post-compression of recorded calls and screen activities to increase channel hour capacity, while providing significant savings in power and storage costs by avoiding operation at peak hours. It captures telephone calls from the network and enables storage, playback and archiving of the entire interaction. Smartworld’s products: Smartworld is set to launch an extensive range of products and services that will cater to the region’s small, medium and enterprise business sectors - Smart ICT Services, Smart Aviation Services, Smart Visibility Services, and Smart City Services. The new products fall under the Smart ICT Service Family with focus around offerings in the areas of Managed Communica-
tion Services and Managed Enterprise Services. Founded in 2008, Smartworld is also responsible for the development of next-generation ICT products and services for the business tenants and residents of Dubai World Central (DWC). Air/Water heat exhanger: Schroff is now offering a new cooling solution with its Varistar LHX 40 as an optimally-matched complete cabinet solution. The new air/water heat exchanger is capable of removing up to 40 kW of waste heat per cabinet. The heat exchanger has a closed air loop with an airflow capacity of up to 4,200 m3/h. The exhaust temperature available to the servers can be adjusted in 0.1 degree increments from 18 to 30°C. A display on the front of the heat exchanger shows all operating conditions and values. By adjusting the air/ water heat exchanger, the cooling capacity can be matched exactly to the specific requirements of the customer or application. This also ensures high energy efficiency in cooling and minimised operating costs to the customer. Users who currently have versions of the LHX 20 in operation but require greater cooling, may swap the LHX 20 module for that of the LHX 40. Solusoft products: SoluSoft Technologies will also showcase the latest version of its Unified Network Threat & Security Management Device. Having identified the demand of SharePoint services in Gitex-2008, SoluSoft will demonstrate its strong capabilities and solution templates in SharePoint
platform for Business Automation Process. The solutions displayed at the booth will cover a wide spectrum of industries including Retail, Life Science, Insurance, Finance, Education, and more. SoluSoft’s team will highlight and demonstrate solutions at enterprise level. SoluSoft’s special packages for Website Design, Development, and Optimisation services for complete web business setup will be another attraction for upcoming businesses. Western Digital: Western Digital Corporation will be officially launching their latest best-in-class internal drives and the newly revamped Branded Product line which features new technology, cool colours and larger capacities. For the first time, Western Digital will have their own ‘show and tell’ space which will run in parallel with the trade show in the Ajman Meeting Rooms from October 19-21 between 9am and 5pm. It will demonstrate its latest technology innovations in the internal, external and multimedia product range for end-user customers and channel partners. Of course, the above-mentioned products, including Creative and Dell (see box ‘Let the music play’) could just be the tip of the iceberg, for most companies do not believe in putting their cards on the table and are holding them close to their chest. So, what surprises the Gitex holds for businessmen, technology professionals, and the general public interested in tech products and gadgets can only be revealed at the event itself. In the meantime, just keep your calm and wait for October 18.
UAE Digest, October 2009 l 15
HOME & GARDEN Let the music play Prior to the Gitex, two companies – Creative and Dell -- have already launched some of their products, which may prove to be a big draw at the Gitex main event and the Shopper. Creative Technology believes in being one up in the digital entertainment arena. True to form, it came out with Zen MX, a credit card-sized digital media player for music, video and photos. The Creative Zen MX builds on the accoladewinning design of the Creative Dell Studio Zen to deliver stylish, feature-rich design and ultra portability with incredible value for money. Despite its wealth of features, the Zen MX is easy to use. It connects to a PC or laptop directly and is instantly recognised by Windows XP or Vista as an external storage device. The bundled Creative Centrale software allows users to manage video, music and photos easily on both their PC and the player. The Zen MX comes with a large vibrant 2.5” TFT 16.7 million-colour screen, a SD/SDHC memory expansion slot to store more media content, built-in FM Radio, voice recorder, alarm clock and Zen patented navigation that delivers the same wonderful listening and viewing experience as the award-winning Creative Zen. It is available in the Middle East, sporting 8GB and 16GB models, at suggested retail prices of Dh399 and Dh599 respectively. A variety of accessories are also available. Meanwhile, Dell has kept education as its focus, and launched a netbook for the benefit of students -- the Latitude 2100, which is also ideal for any business or public institution that needs affordable, durable, Internet-ready devices for email and collaboration.
Green’s the way to go
Inspired by close cooperation with hundreds of students, teachers, parents and administrators, Dell designers created a purpose-built education netbook that focuses on learning. The Latitude 2100 is part of Dell’s connected classroom - innovative technology products, services, software and training that make learning in the digital age a reality. With the Latitude 2100, Creative ZEN MX students can access enhanced learning resources and digital content on a school network or via the Internet. The Latitude 2100 has unique features for schools like bright primary colours and a more rugged, ‘rubberised’ design that is easier for children to carry and use safely. It also offers wireless connectivity that can be monitored by the teacher with a Network Activity Light on the netbook lid. An optional touchscreen is a first for an education netbook. Additional options include: solid-state drives, quick-connect handles, shoulder straps for carrying, and a webcam. Dell has also come out with a new laptop called Studio 15. The laptop has some of the latest features people want including cuttingedge hi-definition technology and backlit LED Dell Latitude displays, perfect for creating memories and enjoying entertainment for longer periods of time. The full range of built-in connectivity options and sleek design elements offer multiple style choices.
In line with global trends towards environmental sustainability, Gitex will highlight exhibitors showcasing ‘Green IT’ solutions, whether through product design, the manufacturing process, or energy efficiency and recycling programmes. Gitex is partnering with Dubai Municipality to promote their PC Recycle Campaign and raise awareness of the value of recycling of PCs within the UAE and beyond. Dubai Municipality will be at the event with a showcase and workshop to educate individuals and corporate entities about recycling older PCs. Dubai Municipality is supported by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Charity and Humanitarian Foundation, who in turn donate the recycled PCs to worthwhile causes in and around the region.
16 l UAE Digest, October 2009
Passport Trail: Win an all-new 2010 Ford Taurus Limited, among many other desirable prizes from participating suppliers. Simply pick up a Passport Trail card from around the show, then collect stamps by visiting the stands of Passport Trail participants throughout the show. Completed forms should then be submitted at the Ford stand within the Consumer Electronics halls. (Please note that only applications with all the required stamps will be entered into the draw. Open only to Trade Visitors)
CYBERSPACE
Are you on Facebook? It is something everyone eventually succumbs to in today’s virtual world. Welcome to the growing tribe of social networkers By Vanit Sethi
“H
ave you heard of this new networking site ‘Facebook’?” a pretty young British colleague asked me in an upmarket English daily of Dubai in the winter of 2006. “No, what’s that?” I blurted out in my ignorance. She immediately turned to someone else to guide her for a story. * * * * “Hey, I couldn’t find you on Facebook? Why aren’t you there?” an old friend from my previous workplace rang up on a Friday afternoon in the summer of 2007. I was in no mood to spoil my siesta, that too when I was feeling low. “Why should I be there?” I retorted. “There are better things to do in life,” I banged the receiver down. * * * * “By the way, are you on Facebook?”, a Filipina travel agent casually asked me in April 2008, while we were taking in the skyline of Kuala Lumpur from
the heights of Petronas Towers. “No, not yet... maybe next year,” I replied. “It’s good. You can upload a lot of photos,” she suggested. * * * * “Hey, I saw you on Facebook. When did you sign up?” a good friend and ex-classmate remarked excitedly on a rain-soaked day at a resort on the outskirts of Hyderabad in southern India. “Just before I started for this vacation to India,” I replied. This was two months ago. “It’s great, isn’t it,” another friend butted in. “I too saw you there.” * * * * Back from my India vacation, I was hooked on Facebook, trying to upload vacation snaps and glance at the comments and pictures of friends and relatives. Soon, I was virtually touring the whole world from Christchurch in New Zealand to California in the US, via India, Dubai and London. I had set up an inter-
national network with friends and relatives and asked them stupid questions on my wall. Sitting in my small cubicle in Dubai Media City, I could monitor the activities of my two nieces in different corners of the globe separated by an international dateline. While one was partying away with family friends in Auckland, the other was enjoying the company of her friends on the American West Coast. In the meanwhile, two cousins from Chandigarh in northern India acknowledged my uploaded vacation snaps and recalled the wonderful time we spent there in parks, malls and eateries. Three of my cousins in London too had seen the pictures and wished they too could join in the fun. Wow! The Facebook phenomenon is now slowly taking over the world like Hotmail had done earlier and Google still does. While Hotmail had started the email revolution, Google has a monopoly on internet searches. In the social networking scene, Myspace and Orkut had arrived earlier, but it is Facebook that is
UAE Digest, October 2009 l 17
girls you knew, as they have all changed see people being struck by its seductive taking it at a whole new level, though their surnames after marriage?) Trying to charm. Frankly, if you can be in touch Twitter is a big hit with celebrities. view the friends’ list is not much help eiwith your friends by email, why do you In the UAE, the Facebook trend picked ther as we may not have common friends. need another site to meet them? To meet up momentum after His Highness Sheikh Are they, by any chance, on other sites? them all at once, you do have chat groups. Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, I have no idea until I try hitting them too. I think there are two main benefits – upthe Vice-President and Prime Minister of Orkut is banned UAE and the Ruler in the UAE, while of Dubai, made his The Facebook phenomenon is now slowly taking over the Myspace is hardly appearance. Recently, known. Which Indian Prime Minworld like Hotmail had done earlier and Google still does. means I may have ister Manmohan to start tweeting. Singh too made an In the social networking scene, Myspace and Orkut had Frankly, much as entry. There could arrived earlier, but it is Facebook that is taking it at a whole I would love to fly, be a number of other I don’t want to bepublic figures on it. new level, though Twitter is a big hit with celebrities come a bird. Nor But my appeara social butterfly! ance was a matter So, friends and ex-girl friends out loading photos is quick and easy, and loof chance. Since my two teenage sons are there trying to find me – please come on cating some old friends. In the latter, unvery much into it, regularly chatting with Facebook with your snaps and profiles. fortunately, I haven’t had much success (it school friends and cousins, I asked them Otherwise, in true Bollywood style, probwas easier finding ex-colleagues). For how to put me up too. That’s how I made my ably we’ll meet at Mumbai’s CST or Deldo you locate old friends without their hesitant entry. I read the comments of hi’s IG International, and pack off to Café photos or profiles? I guess many want my ‘friends’ there regularly (it’s strangely Coffee Day for a trip down memory lane. to remain anonymous for fear of being intimate as offspring, parents, cousins, If I meet any old flames that way, I’m not stalked, but if you can’t locate friends on bosses, colleagues, and even your students going to turn ‘senti’ and rue the missed a networking site, it defeats the purpose. I and teachers can be ‘friends’). It’s one more chances of marrying one of them (I’m know quite a few people have been lucky, task for a day, apart from reading mails, happily married, with two teenage sons). but my search generally ends in a stalejunking spams and scanning news, besides But sure, it will be fun to meet someone mate, especially with those I’ve lost touch. traditional activities like watching TV, who flickered her table lamp to signal Trying the university finder also listening to radio and reading the papers. me, the girl I would rush to meet in the proved futile. For, when I searched Panjab Unfortunately, there’s been no invention University library, or the one who loved University’s batch of 1984, I could find so far to extend the day beyond 24 hours. to chat while having ‘chaat’ with me. Oh, a whole lot of people, but none of those I I don’t know how long my romance the memories of those infatuations...! knew. (By the way, how do you locate the with Facebook will continue, but I can
Facebook was founded by Mark Zuckerberg with his roommates and fellow computer science students Eduardo Saverin, Dustin Moskovitz and Chris Hughes at Harvard University. The website’s membership was initially limited to Harvard students, but expanded to other colleges in the Boston area, the Ivy League, and Stanford University. It further expanded to include any university student, then high school students, and, finally, to anyone aged 13 and above. The website currently has more than 250 million active users worldwide. Facebook has met with some controversy. It has been blocked intermittently in several countries including Syria, China and Iran. It has also been banned at many workplaces to discourage employees from wasting time. Privacy has always been an issue, and Facebook is facing several lawsuits from a number of Zuckerberg’s former classmates, who claim that the site had stolen their source code and other intellectual property. A January 2009 study ranked Facebook as the most used social network worldwide.
18 l UAE Digest, October 2009
MySpace has its headquarters in Beverly Hills, California, where it shares office space with its immediate owner, Fox Interactive Media. MySpace became the most popular social networking site in the US in June 2006. It was overtaken internationally by main competitor Facebook in April 2008, based on monthly unique visitors. MySpace still employs 1,000 employees, after laying off 30 per cent of its workforce in June 2009.
Orkut is owned and operated by Google, named after its creator, Google employee Orkut Büyükkökten. Although it is less popular in the US than competitors Facebook and MySpace, it is one of the most visited websites in India and Brazil. As of May 2009, about half of Orkut’s users were from Brazil, followed by India with 17pc. Originally hosted in California, Google announced in August 2008, that Orkut would be fully managed and operated in Brazil, by Google Brazil. This website is banned in the UAE due to some culturally offensive video clips uploaded on the site.
Twitter is a micro-blogging service that enables its users to send and read messages known as ‘tweets’. Tweets are textbased posts of up to 140 characters displayed on the author’s profile page and delivered to the author’s subscribers, known as ‘followers’. Senders can restrict delivery to those in their circle of friends or, by default, allow open access. Users can send and receive tweets via the Twitter website, SMS, or external applications. Since its creation in 2006 by Jack Dorsey, Twitter has gained popularity worldwide, and is sometimes described as the ‘SMS of the Internet’. In March 2009, a Nielsen.com blog ranked Twitter as the fastest-growing site in the Member Communities category for February 2009. However, only 40 per cent of Twitter’s users are retained.
LinkedIn is a business-oriented social networking site founded in December 2002 and launched in May 2003, mainly used for professional networking. As of July 2009, it had more than 43 million registered users, spanning 170 industries.
UAE Digest, October 2009 l 19
IN FOCUS
A special life Dubai Club for Special Sports gives a helping hand to the specially-abled to integrate with the mainstream By Ambily Vijaykumar
T
he greetings are heartfelt, the and 100-metre wheelchair racing. joy at meeting friends is genu“That was one of the best moments ine and the smiles speak of the of my life. Our aim at the institute is to freedom that they experience make these people realise that they are no when they come together. The speciallyless than able people. The challenge is to abled people at the Dubai Club for Special help them overcome their inhibitions and Sports have an infectious air about them. fears and realise their strength that they “We have about 100 members in the can then use for the good of society,” elabmen’s section here. orates Nejib. Nejib Mechkane What attracts The them to this club star-athlete is that they get to Vahdani was meet other people polio stricken like themselves. at the tender At home, they age of six, hardly get the kind but overcame of attention that difficulties to they deserve,” says make athletics Nejib Mechkane, a passion in his Head Coach at life. With his the institute. Vahdani Mohammad landed an overall sixth spot at the Paralympics The institute in Beijing in the 200 and 100 meter wheelchair racing trains speciallyabled individuals in the age group of 16 to 40 to participate in local, regional and international sports competitions, apart from other activities. One of the achievements of the institute came last year when 29-year-old Vahdani former coach Nejib Mohammad landed an overall sixth spot acting as the translaat the Paralympics in Beijing in the 200 tor, Vahdani sat down
20 l UAE Digest, October 2009
to talk to us about his goals in life. “I was very disappointed that I could not win a medal at the Beijing Paralympics. But now, I have my eyes set on the 2012 London Paralympics. I will give it my best shot and that is my only aim at the moment.” His family could not believe that he could accomplish a feat as difficult as competing at the international level. They were thrilled and proud that one of their family members had gone where they couldnot. Mohammad practices about two hours every day under a new coach. But there is a challenge to his dream. He is yet to establish the kind of rapport with his new instructor that he shared with Nejib. This, he says, is creating trouble during training. “But that is something that they will overcome,” Nejib clarifies. Vahdani looks up to Nejib for inspiration saying that his former coach has given him the confidence to overcome the thought that disability is a hindrance. Saeed Mohammad Saeed, the 32-year old friend of Vahdani Mohammad stood with his crutches, attentively
institute, they are in a depressed state. As listening to the conversation. a coach, it is a challenge to elevate people’s He looked shy but Nejib informed that spirits and he and Vahdani are bring them inseparable. The bonto a situation homie is more than where they apparent. The coaches can look at the institute plant others in the gentle pecks on the eye and say cheeks of the students with pride while greeting them; that they are the soft touch of not someone hands on their heads to be frowned going a long way in upon. The comforting the spetraining at cially-abled who crave the institute for the attention is not just and care at home. about sports “They feel free or physical here. They feel loved fitness, it is here. It is sad but about civic true, but back home, education. these kids are not Latifa Ali Sultan Suwaidi Followgiven the kind of ing rules and regulations at the institute, support and encouragement that they showing respect to coaches and friends should be given. We, at the institute, and practicing clean habits are few have taken that up as a challenge and of the other things that students are we are doing our best,” explains Nejib. taught. There is a mix of people with “The difference between staying at physical as well as mental disabilities. The home and here is that probably at home sports activities offered at the institute most of the times, the person is with a range from athletics, track and field, nanny who gives him food and cleans power lifting, wheelchair, basketball, him. So even at the age of 20, the nanny volleyball, football as well as chess. is obliged to clean him. My question is “When you are training specialwhy are these kids being made dependneeds people, every day is a new exent on someone else to do the most basic perience, because there is a lack of of personal chores? It will only make consistency about how they would them more dependent in the future. react on a day-to-day basis. This is This needs to stop,” adds Nejib. an exciting challenge,” says Nejib. Nejib hails from Tunisia and has The coaches at the institute also visit been training specially-abled people special needs schools to scout for future since 1994. Before that he was the coach talent who can represent the country at for decathletes from the country. But international level. Though a majority of he says that training specially-abled the students are locals, the institute also people has been more enriching. has some students from other countries. “These people are not selfish and People like Vahdani who have found they give it their all. They are passiontheir calling in life are now brimming ate in ways that even able people cannot with confidence while facing the various be. They only need guidance, support challenges that life throws at them. And and love,” Nejib says affectionately. what is it that makes his life beautiful? Explaining his decision further to “My wife is expecting our first child in coach the specially-abled, Nejib says the next couple of months. I am hoping it that when individuals first come to the
is a girl and she adds more beauty into my life,” says Vahdani, brimming with joy. In the meantime 30-year-old Latifa Ali Sultan Suwaidi runs into the room on her wheelchair. She suffers from cerebral palsy but “it is not as severe as the rest” says her coach. “I will be available for the interview, but after training,” she says, conveying that her passion comes before publicity. Training with her coach on the lawns of the institute, she too has her eyes set on the London Paralympics. Latifa says she is practicing hard to achieve the dream that she and her coach are pursuing. She is employed at the Immigration office in Dubai and says she has the full support of her family in the pursuit of her goals. Breaking into laughter every now and then, Latifa says that she has hardly had a moment to regret in her life. Her disability does not deter her from dragging her wheelchair around without seeking assistance, neither does it make her dream of a medal at the Paralympics a daunting task. The leitmotif in the lives of these special needs people at the institute seemed to be a joint fight against segregation. Expressions fill the air when they communicate with each other. Even moments of silence are filled with words. A smile stays perched on their faces and so does the confidence of having found a new route and tool to navigate through life. Never short of a smile
UAE Digest, October 2009 l 21
LEADERSHIP
Choose to be an
extreme leader By Steve Farber
H
do you accept the fear as part ere’s the of the experience, the fear - in problem: large part - creates and defines many the experience. Extreme would people not be extreme without fear. who call themselves And fear would not be worth it leaders are only posing. without the love of the game. They’re wearing the label The same is true of Extreme or accepting the title Leadership: it is the dynamic without putting their interplay of fear and love, two of skin in the game. So I’m the most powerful forces in the asking you to approach human experience. And in my esthe act of leadership as timation, those who actively and you’d approach an exintentionally use the experience treme sport, learn to love of fear and love every day in their the fear and exhilaration attempts to change things for that naturally comes the better, are Extreme Leaders. with the territory. Extreme Leadership is As my friend and intensely personal and intrinsicolleague, Terry Pearce, cally scary. You are striving to said in an article in the change the nature of things, and San Francisco Examiner: that’s a scary endeavour because “There are many people you are asking yourself and who think they want others to give up the familiar. It to be matadors, only to is scary because you don’t know find themselves in the how you are personally going ring with two thousand to be judged; your credibility pounds of bull bearis on the line. There is no way, ing down on them, and absolutely no way, therefore, to then discover that what participate in an authentic leadthey really wanted was ership experience without fear. to wear tight pants and Farber is one of an elite group of management and We’ve been conditioned to behear the crowd roar.” leadership speakers who will discuss Extreme Leadership for lieve that fear is `bad. And while If, however, you do Accelerated Productivity at the Leaders in Dubai Business it’s true that fear can save your life make the choice to leap into Forum on October 26-28, 2009 at the Dubai International or keep you from doing something the ring, it’s because of your Convention and Exhibition Centre stupid, avoiding it can also keep love of the challenge, the you from doing something great, from adventure; and that love is what makes the fear of the ‘sport’ worthwhile. Not only
22 l UAE Digest, October 2009
learning something new, and from growing as a human being. Fear is a natural part of growth, and since growth, change and revolution are all on the Extreme Leader’s agenda, fear comes with the territory. In the right context, therefore, your experience of fear (or exhilaration, for that matter) is your internal indicator that you’re moving in the right direction. That you really are leading, in other words. That scary/exhilarating experience is what I call the Oh Sausages! Moment or OS!M. To put it bluntly: if you’re using all the buzzwords and reading all the latest leadership books, and holding forth at every meeting on the latest management fads, but you’re not experiencing that visceral churning in your gut, and you’re not scaring yourself every day, and you’re not feeling that OS!M as regularly as clockwork, then you are not doing anything significant, let alone changing the world, and you are certainly not leading anyone else. As an Extreme Leader, your OS!Ms will happen as a result of your taking a radical leap every day. Do what you love in the service of people who love what you do. The emotion of love is considered to be out of place or simply inappropriate in the world of business. Many believe that good business people keep their hearts out of their work. The opposite is true. It’s the heart that brings the fire of creativity to bear on the dayto-day. It’s the heart that inspires drive, loyalty and leaps of innovative brilliance. The word, love, appears frequently in the leadership literature, and in many studies, love is identified as an important ingredient in productive leader/ follower and coach/employee relationships. In research conducted at the Tom Peters Company, we found that in order to be an effective coach, you have to care about the person you’re coaching. You can’t simply go through the motions because you’re so obliged. I use the word, “love,” in the broadest sense. I’m not saying that you should fall in love with everyone you work with. That could get a bit complicated, to say the least. I am saying that you have to
find something to care deeply about in your business and in each individual that touches your business. And it has to be real. And they have to know it. Energy is not abstract or metaphysical; it’s real, tangible, palpable. You know when you have it and you know when you don’t; you know when you have to drag yourself out of bed in the morning, and when you have to use the law of gravity to slide your slack, lifeless body off the mattress and smack on the floor. I can tell within 30 seconds of walking into the reception area of a company whether the place is energetic, exciting and scintillating, or a morgue populated by zombied pay-cheque collectors. It’s not an accident, either way. Someone is creating that environment, and if it’s your place of employment, that someone may well be you. Here’s a good question to ask yourself: “Do I generate more energy when I walk into a room, or when I walk out of it?” Energy is what keeps us coming back to work day after day without waning in passion or enthusiasm. It comes, in part, from what John Chambers called the ‘higher purpose’. A CEO survey conducted in 2001 by Accenture and The Conference Board said, “Many CEOs observe that people want to feel a passion for the company’s work, to become part of a higher purpose than business results alone.” The Extreme Leader’s job is to help define and redefine, day after day, what that higher purpose is. Audacity is, ‘A bold and blatant disregard for normal constraints’. But audacity also has mixed connotations. Here’s the way Webster’s New World Thesaurus breaks it down: audacity n. 1. [Courage] -- Syn. daring, boldness, valour; see courage 2. [Impudence] -- Syn. impertinence, temerity, brazenness, insolence Love-inspired audacity is courageous, not impudent. (Literally-the word, courage, has at its root the word, cor, which means heart). The Extreme Leader, then, is courageously audacious in his or her actions and approach.
Carly Fiorina, CEO of Hewlett Packard said, “A leader’s greatest obligation is to make possible an environment … where people can aspire to change the world.” That’s an audacious statement of purpose for any leader, and it’s exactly the question that I pose here for the Extreme Leader: “How are you/we going to change the world?” Choose your scope: World (with a capital W) or world (with a small w). Henry Ford said, “The horse will disappear from the highways.” Audacious. If you’re not going to change the World, then what about the world of your customers, your company, your co-workers? Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner have shown that credibility is the foundation of leadership, and they go on to define credibility behaviourally as DWYSYWD: Do What You Say You Will Do. If it’s true that leaders lead by their own example, it follows then that Extreme Leaders lead by their own extreme example. You have to put your skin in the game, put yourself and your reputation at risk. You have to prove yourself through significant, observable, daily action. It’s insanely easy to talk a good game. (How many buzzwords per minute can you crank out?) Do you say you love your team? Prove it! Do you say we need to be bold and inventive for our customers? Prove it! Do you tell your folks that they’re “your most important asset”? Prove it and prove it again in every action that you take. The minute you say the words, “I can’t do that in this organisation” or “they won’t let me,” your credibility as an Extreme Leader is shot. On the other hand, when you are absolutely convinced that you can change your organisation, family or community for the better, you have to prove it through the radical courage of your own action. As British management guru, Charles Handy, says in The Hungry Spirit, “If we want to see more of the good news than the bad we will have to do it for ourselves. It is no good waiting for some unidentified ‘they’ to fix our world for us.” Gandhi said it this way: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” And you already know how Nike says it.
UAE Digest, October 2009 l 23
IMPROVEMENT
Time Magicians By Kevin Abdulrahman Can we achieve more with our time? In my workshops with people from around the world, I always say that to become successful, you must do what successful people do. One of the obvious themes amongst those who are winning their games in life is that they are able to achieve so much with their days. How is it that a few seem to achieve an enormous amount of work whilst the majority remain frustrated by their lack of achievement? Why is it that a few seem to be able to fit in work, family, sports and friends with ease, whilst many fail to even cope on one of these aspects alone? An equalling factor amongst us all is that we are all given 24 hours in any given day (though at times you are sure some have 36 hours in their days). How do these magicians of time achieve what they set out to do? What is it that they do? They use the art of effective time manage-
24 l UAE Digest, October 2009
ment. Let me share with you six tips to help you become more effective with your time. Apply these tips and you will see the difference in your results. Be aware of your time Successful people are aware of their time. The question you must first reflect on is: how are you spending your hours? For the next week, get your diary and note exactly how you are spending your time. Split your time in segments of 30 minutes using an alarm timer on your watch or mobile phone. Take notes of what you have done during each period. You will become aware and amazed as to how you are spending your time. Once you
become consciously aware then you learn to protect your time from being wasted. Plan in advance Successful people plan their months, weeks, days and hours in advance. By planning in advance they save themselves wasting idle time not knowing what to do next. They reduce the amount of time they spend frustrated and overwhelmed because they simply follow a list of pre-planned events.
80/20 Principle busy vs. productive I am always teaching the difference between being busy and being productive. So many people are caught up being busy. Being busy is being robbed of your time with no return. Being productive is utilising your time to achieve your goals. Most people live under stress. They are overworked, overwhelmed and feel under rewarded. This is because they put too much energy into tasks that generate little value towards their desired end result. In many instances, only 20 per cent of your work is getting 80 per cent of your results. With that in mind, figure out what 20 per cent of your day to day work gives you 80 per cent of your bottom line. Focus on that. Prioritise, eliminate, systemise and delegate What can I eliminate? Elimination is fun and yet difficult. Fun because you will remove the clutter from your life. Difficult because you will not be used to having so much free time once you correctly apply this method. What can I systemise? Of the tasks that remain, what can be systemised? For example, could you have an auto responder setup on your email to confirm the receipt of emails on behalf of you, rather than have you reply to every single one of them? What can I delegate? What tasks do not require your level of expertise? What can you delegate that will not be affected if you have someone else do it? If it is making customer service calls or getting the cleaning done around the house, could you have someone else take care of that whilst you focus on what you do best to achieve maximum results. What can I prioritise? With the tasks
me in a negative way. The branch manager simply told me, “This is something that needs to be done. If you don’t like it, simply get it out the way quickly to get to what you enjoy doing.” I have found this advice to apply in every aspect of life.
you have left to do, prioritise everything you do and ask yourself what actions you need to take to get the results you desire. Prioritise them in order and get working on them. Spend your time working on high value activities before attending to low value activities. You must ask yourself, what is worth doing? What can I cut back on? How can I remove the clutter that is bogging me down? What should I focus my attention on? Working on your best 20 per cent should see you increase your results dramatically. Get the worst out of the way first It is easy to remain in the cycle of being busy because it is a habit and an easy thing to do so. The tasks that result in us being productive are the tasks we tend to put off. If you are fearful of something, or are feeling like you are putting off an important action, then you must do it first. Get it out of the way. I remember this incidence when I was working a morning shift at McDonalds. I resented cleaning and changing the oil vats. I would mope around, waste as much time as possible, drag out the whole process and really show to every how much I disliked it. This led to many things not getting done and, as a person who was working towards becoming a shift manager, this action was affecting
Drop your excuses Be true to yourself. Ask yourself, “to achieve what my heart desires, am I taking the actions that I need to be taking?” If you are not, you can make an active stance and do something about it. You already know people who achieve so much in the same 24 hours that you live. The proof is already there. Successful people take action. Use the knowledge to start achieving more. So, in closing, remember to be assertive with your time. Respect your time for others to respect it. Protect your time for others to protect it. Do what only really matters. Do the above and you will be well on your way to achieving more in your life. Here is to you, winning your game in life.
Kevin Abdulrahman is the author of the book Winning The Game Of Life. He is also an inspirational key note speaker, a sought after mind nutrition expert and a mind coach to the elite in every field. Kevin provides customised trainings to his clients including individuals, teams, companies and athletes who want to catapult from where they are to where they want to and should be. If you want to go from good to great log on to www. MeetWithKevin.com
UAE Digest, October 2009 l 25
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Conserve energy ….Your own
Beware of energy vampires who drain out your positive energy and leave you feeling fatigued, depressed or angry By Manju Ramanan
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hey don’t come hunting for you with their grotesque overpowdered faces or sink their dirty yellow fangs on you as celluloid vampires do. They merely, almost ‘innocently’, leave you feeling fatigued, depressed or angry by interacting with you. They could be your friends, your colleagues at work, your family members, neighbours or your distant or close relatives.
Energy vampires can really sap your energy
26 l UAE Digest, October 2009
Some of the common traits observed in them by experts include intruding on your personal life, constantly finding fault, venting out anger against people perpetually, making digs at everyone, not taking “no” for an answer, and blaming everyone else for their problems. Enter the world of energy vampires or psychic vampires, who feast on your positive energy to give themselves a
good sense of momentary self-worth. Dr Brice Goldberg, a well-known American hypnotherapist, in his official website states that, “Most of these energy vampires are well-meaning, normal people. They are an unhappy lot, and do their damage by a telepathic draining of their victim’s energy resources. Mere separation of two people results in immediate positive changes in the victim,” he states. Positive energy, the life-giving force that gives us a bounce and our daily source of enthusiasm in whatever we undertake, is often taken for granted. We don’t value it, till it ceases to exist or is in the process of a spiral downslide. But, as laymen, we do realise that our energy fields vibrate with positivity when we are with certain people, giving us a good sense of self worth and provokes us to react with negativity at some others. On a day-to-day basis however, encountering a parasitic energy drainer can be cumbersome. Arti Arumugam, a software professional learnt to shut off unwanted people in her life by simply defining her borders. “I was caught between mind games played at work and since I have believed in putting people’s needs before my own, it was misconstrued for weakness. Some of my colleagues started piling me with work I couldn’t manage. They would then find fault with it, making digs, personal comments on
my appearance etc. I would end up feeling tired, unworthy and incapable. Naturally, it attacked my self-esteem and my attitude to work and I had to see a counsellor,” she says. There she was taught to conserve her positive energy and nurture it to protect herself and recuperate. “Slowly but methodically, I took on the work I could manage and learnt to say ‘no’. It changed me slowly and I progressed better in my career”. GS Raju, CEO, A shot of positive energy can get them scurrying away! GuardianRAK is a great believer in the power of positive energy. more meaningful, interesting and health“Whenever I wonder about cases of ier. “At Swami Tejomayananda ‘s lecture suicide, I am intrigued about who are the in Los Angeles county where he touched victim’s friends, relatives, colleagues or asupon the importance of seeing positivity sociates? Because, I believe that a big part in everything, he told us a story about a for such a loss involves being surrounded Q &A session between Swami Chinmayby negative people. These people complain ananda and a man from the crowd who about everything in life and they never see asked him what is the positivity in evil? the brighter side. So much so that you can Pat came the answer “Consistency”. It is get suffocated by them or show symptoms just a matter of perspective, to see positivof boredom, headache or nervousness”. ity in everything and defeat negativity. But how do you stay out of their influDr Gurumadhva Rao, Vice-Chanence? “Certainly you cannot ignore them cellor of Ras Al Khaimah Medical and or fully disconnect. But you can limit your Health Sciences University (RAKinteractions with them, filling in positive MHSU) believes that the moment energy to neutralise the reactions and people stop discussing other people and being straightforward. “I often do not have talk of ideas and concepts, a whole lot of lengthy conversations with negative people until they start showing some interest about the positive things in their life,” states Raju who believes that it helps to surround yourself with positive people because these are the ones who will make your life
negativity can be thwarted. “In the work sphere, we often encounter people who suffer unnecessarily because they don’t give their best to work and consider work as punishment rather than enjoyment. There are people who enjoy and revel in hurting each other rather than motivating one another,” he states. The common complaints are, “If only I had a team with better attitude, understanding and synergy, with team players etc, we would do our best.” Dr Rao states that about 80 per cent of people fail to work because they don’t relate to people while, actually speaking, people can be your biggest assets rather than liability. “If we can differentiate between issues and personalities, wants and needs, flexibility and manipulations, strictness and harshness, frankness and rudeness, rights and duties, grievances and indiscipline, things would be much better,” he adds. Most of us encounter an energy vampire nearly daily, and in some cases, we are the energy vampire ourselves, several times without our own knowledge. “Being thankful to what you have in your life can be a beginning to defeat negative thoughts,” he adds. But unlike poles are known to attract each other, aren’t they? “Human beings are sources of energy, and every interaction involves an exchange of that energy,” says Jon Gordon, author of Become An Energy Addict. “Even if you’re in great health, an energy vampire can cause you to feel exhausted. One of the main ways to keep energised and vibrate positively is avoid energy vampires or curb their negative fields,” he adds. Positivity, the great exorcist!
UAE Digest, October 2009 l 27
HEALTH
Al Ain Hospital’s new ward
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l Ain Hospital has launched a brand new renovated state-ofthe-art Labour and Delivery (L&D) Section with worldclass technology infrastructure as part of the hospital’s vision and strategy to provide the most advanced and sophisticated maternity healthcare services to the Al Ain community. The hospital is managed by VAMED and Medical University of Vienna and is owned and operated by SEHA, the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company. The new renovated Labour & Delivery Section comes with an array of facilities including; • Six birthing rooms equipped with the latest equipment • Two triage rooms • Two induction rooms • Two high dependence rooms
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A dedicated operation theatre for emergency caesarian section A technologically advanced neonatal section equipped with six neonatal resuscitators to handle emergency. The new Labour & Delivery Section is fully equipped to handle high risk pregnancies and is capable of delivering the best
critical emergency care to both the mother and the child. The layout of the division has been designed to ensure maximum privacy for the patient. “Al Ain Hospital has a great reputation as a community hospital and the new L&D section will add to the hospital’s strong reputation in family medical care established over the years. The new facility has some of the best features and services. Coupled with this, we also have the
knowledge and expertise advantage, thanks to the partnership with Vienna Medical University,” said Professor Gerhard Schwab – Medical Director, Al Ain Hospital The new facility will include six specialised Stryker birthing beds that offer support and comfort to the patient and also allow greater manoeuverability to the attending medical staff, a self-contained hi-tech operating table which is among the most advanced available in the world, blood gas analyser, CTG machines that enable continuous electronic foetal monitoring (EFM) of baby’s heart rate and the mother’s labour contractions, top-of-the range anaesthetic and ultrasound machines and iLED cold lights that eliminate patient discomfort resulting from high energy surgical lights. Al Ain Hospital conducts more that 2,500 births a year. It is a 412 -bed acute care hospital with more than 250 physicians on staff, 35+ medical departments and three Family Medicine Centres. The hospital’s emergency room serves the community by operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year round.
Spas urged to return to medicinal roots Spas are undergoing a transformation, according to the Dubai Congress on Anti-Aging and Aesthetic Medicine (DCAAAM), with economics compelling many spa owners to re-think their strategies. With increasing competition, spas need to look at rejuvenating themselves – not just as a luxury for customers – but as a medicinal necessity. According to Intelligent Spas latest Dubai Benchmark Report this July, more than 60 spas are currently operating in the emirate and generating revenue of approximately $87 million. It adds that spa numbers in Dubai are forecast to grow 17.7 per cent by the end of 2009, but revenue is
28 l UAE Digest, October 2009
predicted to fall by more than 50 per cent before a recovery in 2010. To assist the recovery, spas are being urged to focus on preventative health and wellness. According to industry sources, spa opportunities lie in a collaborative future with the health and medical industries. Medical spas offer a range of therapies under the supervision of trained medical personnel but in the surroundings of a relaxed environment. International expert Manon Pilon, medical spa consultant, International speaker and Director of Education for Derme.ca in Canada says: “The most profitable services
include injectibles such as Botox and fillers, Intense Pulse Light therapy (IPL) for skin rejuvenation, laser hair removal and the retail of skincare products. It’s a return to the original spa concept as a centre of wellbeing and rejuvenation not just relaxation.” To address this issue, the second DCAAAM – to be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 8-9 November – is dedicating a full day to a certified Medical Spa Operations Workshop. The Dubai Congress will join an already established network of anti-aging events including Las Vegas, Singapore, Tokyo, Germany, China and Mumbai.
HEALTH
The Power of Pink The breast cancer awareness month of October shall see a spate of cancer support activities
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ynergy Integrated Medical Centre is planning a wide range of cancer support activities during the Breast Cancer Awareness month of October.
A team of experts is planning ongoing educational and emotional support for the Dubai community. Since all of us are in one way or the other linked to the disease, the more we know, the better we can help ourselves or our loved ones. The Medical Centre and their team of
experts including naturopathic doctor, psychologists, counsellors and complimentary medicine therapists can provide alternative therapy and emotional support to help combat the disease in conjunction with the patient’s conventional cancer treatment. Following are the dates of October activities planned by them All events are free and people interested to attend are advised to book their seats early due to limited spaces. Telephone 04 348 5452, www.synergyctrdubai. com for location map. The largest, most comprehensive breast cancer awareness campaign in the region, Safe and Sound will be held in BurJuman on Friday, October 9. Running its sixth year, the event presents the survivor fashion show called BurJuman Breast Cancer Survivors Fashion Show: (Oct 23rd 2009) Standing strong and empowered. Featuring women who have fought their battle against breast cancer and survived, this unique fashion show will see the survivors model the
latest trends in fashion courtesy of Studio 8 and leading in-mall luxury retailers, as a message of hope and strength. This will be followed by The Pink Walkathon: The Safe & Sound Pink Walkathon that will be held on Friday October 30 –an annual charitable, non-competitive event - aimed at raising both awareness and funds for breast cancer. You could show your support and join thousands of women, men and children and participate in a fun 3.6 kilometre walk and enjoy a host of entertaining events. All funds shall be raised through the walk registration fees and donations will be aimed towards raising further awareness for breast cancer and patient care. Fund usage is monitored by the UAE Red Crescent Society and the Safe & Sound Steering Committee.
UAE Digest, October 2009 l 29
HEALTH
Caring and curing
India Tourism’s road show Indian cultural diversity at its best
Promoting its vast reservoir of worldclass health-care facilities, India beckons medical tourists the world over. India Tourism’s recent road show ‘India – The Global Healthcare Destination’, travelling to Riyadh, Oman, Kuwait and Qatar, showcased lesser known facts about Indian healthcare
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mongst the different themestrands a country picks up to promote its tourism, India has chosen healthcare, though, informally, medical tourism to India has been a norm in the UAE for over three generations now. Members of the UAE royal families as well as local Arabs have frequented India owing to its proximity, low cost but worldclass hospitals and expert medicare facilities - Mumbai being one of the most common destinations. Sultan Ahmed, Union Minister of State for Travel and Tourism, Government of India, reiterated the importance India is placing on medical tourism by undertaking several promotional and marketing initiatives to highlight potential tourism products – one of them being a Marketing Development Assistance(MDA) scheme, to include medical tourism in its purview. The MDA shall provide financial assistance to medical tourism service providers (MTSP) i.e. representatives of hospitals accredited by the Joint Commission for International Accredited Hospitals (JCI) and National Accreditation Board Hospitals (NABH) as well as medical tourism facilitators (travel agents, tour operators approved by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and engaged in medical tourism) Shreemati Teacher, the Kerala Minis-
ter for Health, Family Welfare,Medical Education, Indigenous Medicine, Drugs Control, Pollution Control, Homoeopathy, Naturopathy and Social Welfare stressed the importance of the over 5,000-year-old science of ayurveda that is increasing in popularity in this region. “A small strip of spas at Calicut in Kerala is extremely popular among Arabs and daily flights to Calicut from this region address this population,” she states. A fact that she hopes is replicated in various Indian cities as well. Estimates claim that the treatment cost in India starts around one tenth of the price in America or Britain – in the fields of cardiac care, cosmetic surgery, joint replacement and dentistry. “In fact, there is a case of reverse brain drain in India as experienced Indian medical professionals the world over are ready to come back to India to be part of worldclass hospitals in India,” says Vivek Jawali, a well-known cardio-thoracic and vascular surgeon from Wockhardt Hospital in Bangalore. Jawali performed the world’s first awake major open heart surgery and receives several patients the world over who vouch for the cost-effectiveness and safety India has to offer in terms of health care. “In the wellness department, yoga, ayurveda and naturopathy etc have already
List of participants at the Wellness & Medical Tourism Road Shows in the Region (Dubai (U.A.E), Riyadh (K.S.A), Kuwait, Doha (Qatar) Ministry of Tourism, Govt, of India - Hon’ble Minister of State for Tourism, H.E.Mr.Sultan Ahmed; M.Azeez Baig, APS Department of Tourism, GOI - Mr.B.B.Roy, Under Secretary (T) India Tourism, Dubai - Mr.M.Sadana, Regional Director, (West Asia, East Asia & Africa); Mr.C.Gangadhar, Assistant Director (West Asia) Ministry of Health Govt. of Kerala - Mrs.P.K.Sreemathi Teacher, Minister for Health, Govt. of Kerala; Shri.Manoj Joshi,IAS, Secretary (Health), Kerala; Smt. Usha Titus,IAS, Secretary (Medical Education), Kerala; Dr.Dinesh Arora, IAS, Jt. Secretary (Health), State Mission Director (NRHM) & Managing Director (Kerala Medical Services Corporation); Dr.Nampoothiry, Director, Ayurvedic Medical Education; Mr. Anand Kumar, Resident Commissioner, Govt. of Kerala; From Kerala - Mr.Sajeev Kurup, CEO Poomully Ayurveda Mana; Mr. Shabeer Hameed, General Manager, Isola Di Cocco IATO Members - Mr.Pranab Sarkar, Swagatam Tours Pvt. Ltd; Mr.Yasin M.Zargar, Indus Discoveries P.Ltd; Mr.Nitesh Kakkar, Le Passage to India Tours and Travels
30 l UAE Digest, October 2009
carved a niche in the world markets, “says Dr Issac Mathai, a renowned holistic physician who runs Soukya, a holistic health clinic that practises ayurveda and homeopathy as well as yogic sciences. “Ayurveda is practised in different parts of India in different ways. In Kerala, it has had a continuous tradition. It has been proven effective in several ailments like arthritis, multiple sclerosis etc.” To help connect providers, patients, employers, insurers, corporate referrals and third party brokers, is the newly formed Indian Medical Traveller’s Association that associates with a professional and expert body representing all stakeholders in the Indian medical travel industry. India Tourism’s handy brochures that lists hospitals from select cities in India is a bid to promote the same. M Sadana, India Tourism’s Regional Director, (East Asia, West Asia and Africa) in the foreword states that emergence of the private sector has made India a choice for tourists from all over the globe, and it is its price factor that tilts the scale in India’s favour. With an integrated approach that blends the most modern in healthcare facilities with traditional forms of holistic healing and liasioning with allied sectors like hospitality, transport etc, India looks forward to welcoming the new wave of medical tourists.
P Ltd; Mr.Nazir Ahmed Butt, Magic India Tours & Travel; Mr. Abhijit Das Gupta, Indian Holiday Pvt. Ltd; Mr. Louis D’Souza, Tamarind Tours Pvt. Ltd; Mr.R.Rajesh, Trail Blazer Tours.India P.Ltd; Mr. Baby Mathew, Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort; Mr.Sajid Khan, Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces; Mrs.Irshad I Patel, Creative Tours & Travels (I) P. Ltd; Mr.J.K.Mohanty, Swosti Travels; Mr.Aditya Mata, Zuri Hotels & Resorts; Mr.Romeo Justin, Head Business Development, The Great India Tour Company Pvt. Ltd; Mr. Vikas Abbott, Director of Sales and Marketing. Vasco Travels Pvt. Ltd; Mr. Tanul Bhartiya, Vasco Travel Pvt. Ltd; Indian Medical Travel Association , IMTA - Mr. Pradeep Thukral, Executive Director, IMTA, Chief Cardiothoracic surgeon from Wockhardt Fortis Hospital Bangalore, Top Orthopedic Surgeon from Apollo Hospitals Chennai, Top Spine and Neuro suergon from Artemis Hospital in Gurgaon, Top Cancer Specialist from HCL Global Group - South Asia’s largest Cancer care network; Dr Issac Mathai, Director Soukya and an reputed Wellness Expert; Mr.Vibhu Talwar Chief Operating Officer Moolchand Healthcare Group Heads of Wellness & Medical Centres of Dubai/ Riyadh/Kuwait/Doha Tour Operator/Travel Agents/Media Members at all places
FASHION
Dancing bird contest
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gramme was intensive and upgraded the he Dancing Bird Jewellery participants knowledge on gemology, the Designer Contest 2009 was 4C’s of diamonds, the diamond grading back with a bang – bigger and pattern in the industry and the different better – this year. Nowadays, while rising competition is reducing the individual achievement and growth possibilities, this contest, in its fourth year, has continually been successful in providing the masses with an opportunity to enter the jewellery designing field. Ms. Minakkshi Agshikar, Brand Manager, Aabharan Jewellery along with Ms. Nisha Joseph, MD, Whiz Media admiring the collection Aabharan types of colour stones used in jewellery. Jewellery, in association with Dubai Gold Ms.Rashna also made the session and Jewellery group and IGI, International interactive by explaining the inspiraGemological Institute, invited fresh talents tions used in jewellery designing and the to participate in a jewellery designing methods used in putting the concepts on contest. The event started in April’09 and paper, along with a detailed explanation ended with the grand finale on October 3. on different kinds of settings and texturDancing Bird (DB) is a jewellery gift ing used in designing. The prospective brand or, in other words, an ‘expression designers were also given an understanding of emotion’. It personifies a gift brand of making their designs more feasible in you present to someone you cherish. terms of cost effectiveness, saleability and The brand relates the product range to friendly manufacturing. The designers various celebrating occasions in life be were asked to provide more details such as it a birthday, an engagement, wedding, texturing and usage of precious and semi new-born, graduations, etc. Every piece in precious stones which would add uniqueDB is designed to service these moments, ness to their designs presented. This would making them memorable pieces of art. help in knowing how much the designers The response to the contest was have absorbed from the First Session. overwhelming, with participation from all The 12 participants were judged by pubdisciplines and professions further proving lic opinion and the judgment committee; the untapped creative talent in UAE. The and the results shortlisting six candidates entries received were shortlisted to 12 were announced in leading publications.. designs and selected candidates were given The six designers were exposed to one-tomedia publicity, invited for a First Session, one interaction with the manufacturer which involved a seminar on Jewellery and Ms. Rashna Doctor, which increased Designing by Ms.Rashna Doctor, Manager their awareness about making their Education and Training, International designs more feasible for manufacturing. Gemological Institute. The training pro-
The three finalists were given an intensive training in jewellery manufacturing, where they would actually see their designs moulded into artistic pieces of jewellery. The designs were narrowed down to three finalists, on May 28. The Best Designer and the runners up were rated at the Grand Finale on October 3 at Radisson Blu Hotel, along with a fashion show for showcasing the most contemporary designs developed during this contest. Ms. Naznin Akhtar, was announced the Winner, followed by Ms. Farheen Fatima and Ms. Ishita Saha, as Second and Third winners respectively for their designs. The Prizes announced for contest: • The first winner received a Dancing Bird Designer Trophy along with Dancing Bird • Designer ‘2008 set worth Dh5000 and a polished diamond grading programme • sponsored by International Gemological Institute. • The second winner received a Dancing Bird Designer’2008 Showstopper set worth Dh4000 along with IGI sponsoring a one day seminar on introduction to polished diamonds. • The third winner received a Dancing Bird Designer’2007 Showstopper Set worth Dh3000 along with IGI sponsoring a one day seminar on introduction to polished diamonds. Objective of Dancing bird Designer Contest 2009: a) Identify and innovate a range of contemporary designs that appeal to today’s woman. b) Identify, recognise and motivate design talent in the amateur and student fraternity. c) Highlight design and manufacturing excellence, train the budding design talent on the importance of translating their sketches into an artistic pieces.
UAE Digest, October 2009 l 31
EDUCATION
Go online to get a job
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t seems the age of newspaper ads for jobs is over and the age of online recruitment is upon us. More than half of the region’s employers (52 per cent) have said that using top job sites is their preferred method of sourcing talent, according to the results of a recent online poll series conducted by the Middle East’s jobsite, Bayt.com. Traditional methods of recruitment have now been relegated according to the results: just 11 per cent of recruiters favour newspaper adverts, nine per cent prefer talent recommendations via word of mouth, and seven per cent prefer finding talent via their own career website. Interestingly, careers fairs, seen as the mainstay method for finding employees in the region, was the preferred method by just five per cent of those surveyed. The ‘Using Online Job Sites’ June poll series conducted by Bayt.com sought to understand from employers just how significant a role online recruitment plays in their organisations and what they consider the benefits of online recruitment to be. When it came to employers’ opinions on what the main advantages of online recruitment are, it was felt that there was a combination of advantages, but most pertinently was the fact that it is faster than other recruitment methods to which 21 per cent of employers agreed. Another advantage that 10 per cent of employers found is that it is easier than other methods, while nine per cent agreed it was more far reaching than other methods of recruitment. In terms of how recruitment practices have changed between this year
32 l UAE Digest, October 2009
and the last, most organisations have made some adjustments, perhaps as a result of the economic downturn.
Hard work scores over IQ in promotions Further, employees that are hardworking and have a strong work ethic are likely to be promoted the fastest within an organisation according to another survey on similar lines, also by Bayt.com. Employers agreed that those committed to their work are likely to be most eligible for promotion. Leadership ability was also found to be a very desirable trait in an employee when it came to deciding which staff members to promote, with 19 per cent of employers agreeing natural leaders are the fastest to move up the organisation’s career ladder. Surprisingly, possessing a high IQ was considered less important among the employers surveyed - just six per cent agreed that the most intelligent employ-
ees are promoted fastest, and contrary to popular belief, visibly putting in long hours does not guarantee a promotion; just eight per cent of employers agreed that those who stay after hours will be promoted faster than those who don’t. The ‘Job seeker promotability’ July online poll series sought to understand from employers how they undertake the process of promoting employees, and what qualities they look for when assessing an employee’s ‘promotability’. When asked about the strategy they normally follow when conducting the promotion process, almost a third of all employers stated they look at an employee’s proven deliverables and make their decision based on these indicators. A number of employers - 11per cent, opt for a slightly unorthodox tactic and stretch their employees to see who performs best under pressure - choosing the ‘winner’ for promotion. Furthermore, four per cent of employers conduct a rigorous 360-degree performance appraisal with their staff; another four per cent invite employees to formally apply for the higher position, while a further four per cent of employers conduct random interviews with employees to see who fits in best with the higher position. However, another third of employers combine a mix of each of these factors as their strategy for promoting employees. Interestingly, lack of creativity or problem solving skills, and weak technical skills were less of a hindrance to an employee’s chance of promotion. Potential promotability, it was found from the survey, is also considered by employers from as early on as when they make their hiring decisions.
RAK health varsity nurses new programme RAK Medical & Health Sciences University (RAKMHSU) has announced the 2009 admissions for the third batch of four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.Sc Nursing) and a similar but abridged programme of two years for Registered Nurses (RN) who would like to acquire a formal degree. These programmes are specifically designed to meet the growing demand for nurses in the Middle East, which is not hampered by recession. With the rapid advancements in medical technology and expansion of medical facilities, hospitals have increased from seven to 26 during the past three decades with the latest annual increase by 5.25 per cent. In UAE, there are only two universities namely Sharjah University and RAKMHSU - which offer Basic Bsc Nursing and RN BSN Bridge programmes. These are insufficient to meet the existing demand. RAKMHSU is collaborating with healthcare providers in determining the educational needs of nurses, thus reflecting national and local workforce trends and priorities. The two programmes will impart knowledge and skills to budding nurses on how to incorporate historical, social, legal and ethical aspects of
healthcare in professional nursing. The B.Sc Nursing programme promotes the development of nursing as a caring, patient-centred, scientifically-based profession with an emphasis on problembased, small group, and self-directed learning. The curriculum has been planned in such a way so that the study of nursing, psychological, social sciences, and humanities are interrelated and span the entire programme.
TOEFL courses by EAHM The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management (EAHM), - a leading hospitality management school and part of the Dubai-based luxury hospitality company, Jumeirah Group - has recently added TOEFL preparation courses to its extensive study programme. There are four different course levels on offer, running from three to six months depending on the English level and needs of each student. During the course of study, students live on campus in a fully-furnished studio. EAHM facilities include a swimming pool, gym, tennis and basketball courts, three restaurants, internet and library access. The academy is located within walking distance of the beach and
attractions such as Wild Wadi Waterpark. Fee for a three-month programme (Intermediate to Advanced levels) includes tuition fee, instruction materials, laptop with IT support, and accommodation on the EAHM campus.
uniCare Medical Centre launches Interface uniCare Medical Centre has launched ‘Interface’, an innovative continuing medical education programme. Monthly CME programmes have been designed to ensure that all clinic personnel, ranging from doctors to nurses and ancillary staff, are trained and armed with the latest medical information to ensure that competence is maintained, leading ultimately to an improvement in the quality of care delivered. Content for these programmes is developed, reviewed and delivered by unicare doctors who are experts in their individual clinical areas. The first CME session took place in June, and was hosted by Dr Anil Awatramani, Chief of uniCare’s General Practice division. It focused on food poisoning and safe food handling, a burning issue in Dubai, due to a series of tragic deaths due to food poisoning in recent months here in the emirate.
RAKMHSU is collaborating with health care providers in determining the educational needs of nurses, thus reflecting national and local workforce trends and priorities. The two programmes will impart knowledge and skills to budding nurses on how to incorporate historical, social, legal and ethical aspects of health care in professional nursing
UAE Digest, October 2009 l 33
ENVIRONMENT
DKV goes eco-friendly Energy consumption reduced by 1,904MWh and water usage by 6.1 million gallons
D
ubai Knowledge Village (DKV), the region’s premier destination for human resources management, has successfully brought down its water consumption by 6.1 million gallons from January to June 2009; and energy usage by 1,904 MWh during the same period. The cluster’s achievement was the outcome of a step-by-step exercise carried out jointly by Tecom Investments’ Sustainable Energy and Environment Division (SEED) and cluster’s Facility Management. Among other measures, Dubai Knowledge Village retrofitted wash basins with ultra low flow restrictors to achieve a flow rate of 0.5 US gpm, a reduction of 80 per cent over the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) standards. Some of the other steps adopted by DKV to reduce its energy and water consumption include raising the air-conditioning temperature in the office area after office hours and during weekend holidays; turning off air conditioners and lights in the conference and meeting rooms during night and weekends; switching off the air handling units (AHUs) in the lobby area during holidays; resetting chilled water supply temperature to 9oC; switching off water heaters in gents and ladies toilet and turning off all water feature pumps during holidays. The cleaning crew has also been notified to turn off lighting in unoccupied areas after cleaning up. In 2008, Dubai Knowledge Village launched a campaign with the support of SEED to phase out the use of halogen lamps throughout the DKV premises. Over the last two years, Tecom Investments has taken a proactive approach to reducing its carbon footprint in the region. It recently earned the distinction of
34 l UAE Digest, October 2009
becoming the first-ever corporation in the Middle East to implement a Sustainable Development Policy, providing a comprehensive guideline for all Tecom buildings to reduce energy costs. Through its series of energy and water conservation and ongoing recycling programmes, Tecom further validates its commitment to endorsing green-friendly measures.
Enoc, Dewa join hands to cut water use In association with the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa), Emirates National Oil Company (Enoc) launched a consumer awareness campaign on reducing water consumption levels in Dubai. The campaign was run throughout the holy month of Ramadan at Enoc/Eppco service stations in Dubai. Posters on the importance of reducing water consumption quoting wise sayings from Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), were placed in Enoc/Eppco stations. They also provided guidelines on how to perform the six steps of Wudhu (Ablution), the Islamic act of cleanliness using water in preparation for prayers.
Integrating Strategic Waste Management City Waste 2009 is an inaugural fourday event that will take place from 11-14 October 2009 at the Arjaan Hotel, Dubai. The Middle East’s rapid growth over the past years has brought about significant waste management challenges to the region. In response to these challenges, IQPC have developed City Waste 2009 as a platform
Some of the steps adopted by DKV to reduce its energy and water consumption include raising the air-conditioning temperature in the office area after office hours and during weekend holidays; turning off air conditioners and lights in the conference and meeting rooms during night and weekends to discuss and share strategies on the increasing quantities of generated waste as well as the need for innovative waste management solutions. The event will be officially inaugurated by the UAE Minister for Environment & Water, H.E. Dr. Rashid Ahmad bin Fahad, on the first day of the main conference, Monday 12 October. Eng. Hassan Mohammed Makki, Director of Waste Management Department, Dubai Municipality, will provide a keynote presentation on strategic insights into the Clean Up the World Campaign. He will reveal new waste systems and upcoming green technologies that are being utilised by the municipality, such as vacuum waste collection systems, underground storage facilities, and underground compactors for commercial districts. City Waste 2009 will feature speakers from Dubai Municipality, Abu Dhabi Municipality, The Government of Ajman, the Arab Urban Development Institute and Institution of Civil Engineers UK. They will be joined on the agenda by a host of international waste experts from the private sector.
INTERVIEW
Interview with a look-alike How does it feel to be compared to a famous celebrity? Rabis.M speaks to Abdulla Al Baloushi, a model and photographer, who is continually compared to renowned UAE singer Al Wasmy. Al Baloushi speaks about modelling and his fame on Flickr photo community a lot from professional photographers there. I have observed their ideas and looked at their works. This has enhanced my knowledge regarding photography. As a result, my work has improved steadily and given me the flexibility to photograph an array of subjects.
Tell us about yourself I was born on 16th August 1985 in the UAE. I studied engineering at the HCT and graduated this June. When did you step into the world of photography and what motivated you to pick up the camera? I took to photography when I was 16 years old. The first camera I used was my father’s digital one. I am self taught and did not really take any photography courses. It was all about the drive to explore photography. I like to collect photographs, be it hard copies or downloaded photos from the Internet. I have used these as inspirations so that I could recreate something similar myself. I chose photography because, to me, it seems like a story that could be memorised.. I love photography of all kinds, but I am specially attracted to modelling shots. How did you get into modelling? The first time I ever modelled was for my cousin and for a friend. It was an exciting experience, something that gave me flexibility to be creative with my expressions. Why did you choose modelling? For some people modelling is a way to be famous, but for me it is great to have a different look every time. You can model in different genres, like fashion or in a cultural genre. Modelling can depict emotions like sorrow and happiness which
Abdulla Al Baloushi
come easy to me. I find it challenging and similar to acting, where you need to feel the expressions rather than fake it. A lot of people in UAE compare you with the Emirati singer Al Wasmy, saying that you’re his look-alike. How does that feel? (Smiles!) Yes, many people have been saying that to me. Even my classmates at college have nicknamed me ‘Al Wasmy’. I simply laugh. Tell us about your popularity on Flickr? I joined Flickr in 2004 and have learnt
Photography is a passion with Abdulla
What is the best part? Being a photographer or being a model? Photography is my soul, whereas modelling is not something very significant to me. I believe that in order to be a good model, one needs to fulfil the specifications of a good physique, confidence, patience and flexibility to new environments. Do you think a lot of guys in UAE are getting into modelling? Or is modelling still seen as a bad thing in UAE? I don’t see a lot of Emirati guys in the modelling field, and I don’t see modelling in a negative light. But then again, a lot of guys have taken up jobs of TV presenters on local channels like Samaa Dubai and so on. So, that is a good sign that such an art is appreciated. Have you won any contests for your photography? I participated in several photography competitions at college and I won many times. About three of my photographs are exhibited in the corridors at college.
UAE Digest, October 2009 l 35
HOME & GARDEN
Funky furniture
T
his is the time when a lot of folks sit back in their homes, look around the familiar place and say “it’s time for a change!” Having either (a) spent the hot summer here and lounged about lethargically in every available spot, or (b) returned from a refreshing holiday with pictures of alternative décor fresh in the mind; now is the time when an overhaul of weary rooms is considered, as a prelude to the welcoming social months approaching so quickly. The new BoConcept 2010 collection is coming to town. And what better reason to throw the longest worldwide release party? Dur-
BoConcept Imola chair
BoConcept Rock chair
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located at unit LG-062, beneath the Duing September and October, BoConcept bai Mall Aquarium. Offering a complete will celebrate the launch of their new selection of unique design and high qualfurniture and accessoity home accessories and furniture under ries in 27 countries, 86 a one-stop shopping concept, the store cities and 115 stores. Across borders offers a wide selection of home décor. there are ‘no limits’ in partying. From Making shopping for home furnishParis to Berlin and from Tokyo to ing easy, this store brings the 4 JOY Los Angeles the mirror balls will be concept - Joy Price: always offer the flashing and the music pumping. best prices; Joy Design: unique designs The longest worldwide release party by world class designers; Joy Quality: kicks off in Düsseldorf, Germany, in September and hits Dubai on October 1 in BoConcept’s Mall of the Emirates store. The guest of honour will of course be the new range, which features fresh sofa models, tables, chairs, accessories and lots of colours! Highlights include the Imola chair - a feast for the eyes - and the cheeky Thai products on display Rock chair that will at Index Living Mall make people smile. Colours play a sigconfident to deliver the highest standards nificant role in BoConcept’s 2010 range... of quality; and Joy Service: excellent Expect stripes and graphic patterns, service that exceeds expectations. black, white and grey mixed with splashes At Index Living Mall, the company of ochre yellow, bold pink and deep purtakes care of everything that goes into ple. With no limits in colours, size, taste, making your house a home, from design cool design and customisation, it is an exto delivery and assembly. The design citing collection that calls for celebration! team is always ready with a million home If you’d like to be part of the longest ideas. Their 3D design software creates worldwide release party, visit www. 3D room-to-show immediately in the boconcept.com and sign up under Newsshop, helping you envision and create letter to receive your invitation. your dream home. This is a free service. Let’s get this party started! Bringing the first Sleeping Klinic Index Living Mall, the largto Middle East, you will also have the est home retail chain in Asia with 17 assistance of Healthy Sleeping Specialists. locations has appointed ‘Retail Is Detail They will provide you with free consulLLC’ to open its first flagship store in tancy, based on back and spine physiology Dubai. The region’s first Index Living and help you select the most suitable matMall store sprawling 50,000 square tress as per your unique physical needs. feet is now open in The Dubai Mall
RAK Ceramics has launched ‘Rakslim’ which is a new brand of 4.5-millimetre thick tile that sets a new industry benchmark in thickness, strength, cost and ease of use. The tiles are easy to cut, drill, handle and install, and offer greater flexibility for usage in any existing flat surface at home or in commercial premises. The new tile brand is also ideal for renovation of existing floors as its thickness helps avoid costs of removal of existing floor coverings. These tiles will initially be offered in 30x60-centimetre sizes in some models of Gres Porcellanato tiles, including the Lounge Series and the New Port Series. Rakslim features a minimum breaking strength of 700 N and a minimum modulus of rupture of 40 N/mm2, which are unprecedented for thin-size tiles in the market. Furthermore, it cuts down almost half of the weight of conventional tiling, resulting in a significant reduction of dead load on building structures and subsequently reduced structure costs. Their remarkable slimness, offers significant savings in transport costs as nearly twice as many tiles can be shipped in a container compared with regular-size ones. RAK Ceramics exports its innovative products and designs to over 135 countries, targeting architects, project developers and retail customers. The iconic names of ‘Wurlitzer’ and ‘Sound Leisure’ are well-known throughout the world by audiophiles as the gold standard in jukeboxes and sophisticated home entertainment. For the very first time in the Middle East, the Jukebox Gallery,
located in Virgin Megastore at Mall of the Emirates, is offering these legendary brands to discerning clientele. Much more than just an awesome sound system, these works of art can be found in the homes of celebrities like David and Posh Beckham, Madonna, Liam Gallagher, the Sultan of Brunei and Chris Rea. Even the lead character in the smash hit movie Iron Man, Tony Stark, prominently features one of these jukeboxes in his home. To celebrate the launch, The Jukebox Gallery and Virgin Megastore are Couture at THE One offering, for a limited period only, 70 CDs free to all new jukebox owners. Choose your music from the thousands of titles selected by Virgin’s International Music Buyer and Currently on display at Virgin Megastore is the ‘Manhattan’ by Sound Leisure (UK). This lovingly handcrafted collectible from the Golden Age of jukeboxes has an indestructible dome top, chrome castings, bubble tubes, 80 CD changing mechanism, remote control, subtle coloured lighting and options for LED lighting, and even an Apple iDocking Station. With traditional craftsmanship of a bygone era and 21st century technology, it is easy to understand how these jukeboxes find their way in to the homes of the rich and famous
the Gallery’s pro set-up team will load your free music for you. And, when your awesome jukebox arrives at your home, all you need to do is plug and play. Raise the style stakes with THE One’s eye-catching Couture collection in gorgeous gold and create a vintage chic look that will never go out of fashion. With
its plush velvety upholstery, sexy studded backs and ornate legs in dark wood, the collection exudes charm and sophistication. While it comprises a 3.5-seater sofa, daybed and oversized armchair, the beauty of these timeless treasures is that they can be featured in a set or as equally impressive stand-alone pieces. For a modern makeover with extra comfort, simply add a few dazzlingly decorative cushions, tasselled throws and a contrasting black fluffy rug. Here, accessorising with a mix of patterns and materials, such as beads, stones, buttons and embroidery, will go a long way to achieving a unique, personalised feel. As for your grand finale, why not make a star-studded statement by draping yourself diva-like over the glamorous daybed? Everyone adores couture… So if you’ve got it, flaunt it!
UAE Digest, October 2009 l 37
FOOD
Food courts
in Dubai’s free zones By Angelina Wong
I
t’s 1.00pm and your stomach is grumbling. The search for a sumptuous lunch to satisfy your hunger within some of Dubai’s free zones may not be as frustrating and unpredictable as the consequences of the world economic climate. This month, UAE Digest went on a tour of the food courts and restaurants in Dubai’s free zones and stumbled upon some that can actually be the perfect place to sample a wide range of cuisine from the sub-continent and the Far-East or the delicious fares from the West. With a variety of restaurants to choose from, for the tens of thousands of office workers, these venues are a must-visit for gastronomic delights and delicacies from all corners of the globe – all available under one roof at very affordable prices.
Dubai Outsource Zone AllFreshCo opened on Christmas day last year in the food court run by the Jumeirah Group. which prefers to call Fresh food emporium at Dubai Outsource Zone
itself a fresh food emporium catering for up to around 5,000 office workers every day at TECOM Investments’ Dubai Outsource Zone. If you prefer to dine in a clean and delightful ambience, eat well and not pay the earth, then AllFreshCo is the place. Neon green colours splashed against a white background give the place a young and casual look during the lunch hour, absorbing the lively ambience when the place fills up. AllFreshCo has four existing food concepts that reflect fun, tasty, casual dining. A grill restaurant with Arabic flavours, The Flaming Revolution has a lively and casual ambience with staff members bustling from table to table, yet have the time to greet you with a warm welcome and a friendly smile at the entrance. Order your meal off the table where the menu is printed and you’ll be impressed with the other tantalising side dishes the waiter has recommended.
The appetiser arrives shortly after serving a flat bread selection of mezzes. Each slice is smothered with traditional Arabic flavours and an added Flaming Revolution element. The restaurant’s signature dish is its hand crafted long burgers with the choice of chicken, lamb or salmon on either Turkish or Ciabatta bread for Dh30. The lamb burger is tender and marinated with spices, peas and Labneh, leaving flavours of fresh coriander and hints of balsamic vinegar. Another popular choice is the Flaming Chook, the restaurant’s
A long burger at Flaming Revolution
home-style roast chicken cooked on an open rotisserie featured at the restaurant. Priced from Dh20, the chicken is succulent, cooked in lime juices and jalapeno pepper with a sweet crispy skin. Rice + Spice is proving to be a popular joint for the particularly large number of people from the sub-continent working at Dubai Outsource Zone. Modelled on a fast food ‘meal deal’ concept, Rice + Spice offers South East Asian, Indian and Pakistani food with prices starting as low as Dh8. Instead of having the option of fries and a burger, diners can choose rice or bread along with a curry of
38 l UAE Digest, October 2009
their choice. The meal comes with a pot of pickled vegetables and some ‘daal’. Do-It-Yourself at restaurants is all the rage these days where Sana Bonta, an Italian restaurant, allows you to design your own pizzas. Just choose your toppings, tick the boxes on the self order form and then hand it to the waiters for the meal of your choice. Sana Bonta also offers a selection of fresh pasta and home-made sauces including the sumptuous Mama’s meatballs sauce. A good variety of appetisers, fresh salads and dressing are also available. Bytes, a grab-and-go New York style deli is also available at the fresh food emporium topped up with a good selection of coffees.
Dubai Internet City Dubai Internet City hosts nearly 1,000 companies where around 15,000 office workers are employed. The food court at the region’s largest ICT cluster has a treasure of tastes, sights and smells from a handful of mini-kitchens cooking up a storm. Payment can be made with cash or with the more high tech MasterCard ‘Paypass’ where diners simply tap their card against a terminal and their payment is processed. Restaurants vary from the basic snack-type place in convenience stores like the Pearl Market (at the Gate building) or kiosks for freshly made sandwiches at Panino (Al Thuraya Tower 2) to trendy, light, Eastern delights like Yo Sushi (building 12), Gazebo (building 6) and XL Restaurant (building 13) or even European staple favourites, including Pastamatrix (building 12). There is also the delightful light Indian vegetarian outlet Kamat that serves a couple of great meal deals including the Masala Dosa – pancake stuffed with curried potatoes; and Idlis – the steamed savoury rice cake patties
Kamat restaurant at Dubai Internet City
served with ‘Chutney’ and ‘Sambar’. One of the food courts at Dubai Internet City (building 3) is currently closed for face-lift - so watch this space for an even better concept than before.
an arcade-style table football, pool table, television, table tennis and air hockey table for the young dwellers needing to unwind with their friends in between lectures.
Dubai International Academic City
Dubai Knowledge Village has a great variety of restaurants at its food court in a cozy setting. Options include Arabic, Indian, Thai, Chinese, and international. There is also an Italian table service restaurant serving both a la carte and a buffet of fresh salads and fruits. Dubai Knowledge Village is a great place for a quick fix if you happen to be running in between meetings. Try the Thai Terrace Restaurant (Block 18) serving some of the most delicious Thai chicken green curry. This is a good place to have a divine and filling meal in an appetising environment.
Keeping up with the young and hip students, the all new food court at Dubai International Academic City (Block 6), launched in February this year, has become the food hall perfectly suitable for 12,000 students currently studying at the free zone dedicated to higher education. Like a huge university common lounge, the food court offers a variety of 11 dining options including Costa Coffee, Subway, Bombay Chowpatty, Baguette Café and Skyler’s. Targeting students, the food court is near to a recreation centre that also features
Dubai Knowledge Village
Dubai Media City
With a wide selection of restaurants, Dubai Media City’s food courts are a fantastic spot for refuStudents at DIAC food court elling the necessary sugar levels and caffeine after a tough morning of meetings with clients. Check out Cinnabon, Seattle’s Best Coffee (building 7) and Forty Fruity (Building 10). There is also good food for very reasonable prices at DMC including the expat haunt Maria Bonita (Al Soufouh complex) serving up favourite Mexican dishes, as well as the Mazaj Restaurant (building 7) for Arabic cuisine.
UAE Digest, October 2009 l 39
FOOD
Premium Japanese fruits
Fruit bytes Add juicy Japanese fruits to your gift-list
H
ow do you eat your fruit? Do you pick and choose what you like and get lucky at times? Do you have a favourite fruit seller who saves the best ones for you? Or you wouldn’t mind someone else doing the picking for you, what’s more gift wrapping it too? Oishii Nippon (A taste of Japan), a store organised by the Government of Japan that sells premium Japanese fruits, has opened its doors on the first floor of Fotouh Al Khair Mall in Abu Dhabi and at the ground floor of the Jumeirah Centre, Beach Road, Dubai, under the management of FIT Fresh LLC. Japanese fruits are said to be the sweetest in the world due to the unique efforts involved in their cultivation from seed selection to growth and harvest. Their excep-
tional quality is maintained through the careful supervision and monitoring of every stage of cultivation For instance, several baby melons on a melon vine are discarded to keep just one fruit so that the entire nutrition of the plant goes to that fruit. The opening marked a major initiative of Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) programme to promote premium Japanese food products in the region. The business project is administered by Kintetsu World Express Sales (KWE) under MAFF’s proxy and supported by Zen-Noh, National Federation of Agricultural Co-operative Associations. The Dubai event was followed by a fruit tasting session that highlighted the sweetness of Japanese fruits that are
Opening ceremony of Oishii Nippon (left to right) with Mr. Shinya Tamai, ZenNoh, National Federation of Agricultural Co-operative Associations, Dennis Selva, General Manager of Fit Fresh, H.E. Tatsuo Watanabe, the Japanese ambassador, and Claude Soueidane, Marketing Director, Fotouh Al Khair Mall
40 l UAE Digest, October 2009
said to have a host of healing properties too. Their packaging, in finely crafted gift baskets or Furoshiki added to its allure. According to HE Tatsuo Watanabe, the Japanese ambassador to the UAE, “Japanese agriculture has had a long history and tradition through which a highly sophisticated cultivation technique has been developed, especially in the area of fruit cultivation. Such techniques, combined with ceaseless and tireless efforts on the part of farmers have produced extremely delicious products. In ancient Japan, fresh fruits were given as gifts by nobility in specially designed Furoshikis, which were originally used to wrap treasure and hence the practice of giving fruits in Furoshikis rose among the noble class to symbolise their importance and respect for the recipient”.
Oishii Nippon (A taste of Japan), a store organised by the Government of Japan, located in Fotouh Al Khair Mall in Abu Dhabi
MONEY
Your credit card can fetch you a whole lot of unexpected goodies Grand Entertainment!
M
at the Atlantis-The Palm or a paid trip Mashreq’s partnership with various clubs ashreq bank, in partnerfor two for a week to Hollywood, here’s offering these services across the UAE. ship with Grand Cinyour chance. Cardholders need to spend If you fancy owning a Jeanneau luxury emas, have launched the Dh1,000 in a month to automatically country’s become eligible to enter the Grand first entertainment credit Prize draw which offers all the above card, The Grand Entertainrewards throughout the year. A winment Card that offers a ner will be handpicked each month limit of up to Dh100, 000 for a chance to win one mega prize. with customers getting the Douglas Beckett-Head of Retail advantage of 50 per cent off Banking Group at Mashreq elaborates, on movie tickets purchased “We believe that value proposition at all Grand Cinemas differentiation is the key to generatin the UAE. There is an ing loyalty and switch.” Also, since equal amount of discount the Grand Entertainment Card is on adventure sports, golf, a MasterCard Titanium Product, spa treatments and water Vimal Kumar, Mashreq; Jeam Ramia, Grand and Douglas Beckett, Mashreq it offers Grand Privileges, which sports too. Indulge in jet include Marhaba lounge access at boarding, parasailing, the airport and exclusive MasterCard’s boat, a Harley Davidson motorcycle, balloon rides, helicopter rides, yacht premium card offers across the globe. or staying at the Lost Chambers Suite charters and rowing classes, thanks to
The world at your feet!
Salon Privé joins hands with Sirus Salon Privé Haute Joaillerie Dubai, the by-invitation-only, fine jewellery event being held between October 18 and 21 at Madinat Jumeirah, has entered an agreement with Sirius, Jumeirah’s Recognition and Rewards programme. Sirius Gold members can use their points to purchase luxury products at Salon Privé on the private shopping days reserved for VIPs in the region. This is the only consumer event, where loyalty programme points can be redeemed for dollars to purchase jewellery. This is a joint venture between luxury marketing organisations, the Nancy Robey Partnership, Inc., headquartered in New York City, and Turret Middle East, based in Abu Dhabi and a foundation partner of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company.
Dunia Finance LLC, the Abu Dhabi based financial services company recently launched an exclusive Diamond credit card targetting affluent consumers.
“I love golf, and although I am already a member of a golf club, occasionally I like to play at other clubs with my friends. Now I have a card that gives me access to more than one golf club, and I can change the courses and friends that I play with“, explains Avi Bhojani, Group CEO, BPG Group
Salon Privé Haute Joaillerie Dubai, the by-invitation-only, fine jewellery event being held between October 18 and 21 at Madinat Jumeirah, has entered an agreement with Sirius, Jumeirah’s Recognition and Rewards programme. Sirius Gold members can use their points to purchase luxury products at Salon Privé on the private shopping days reserved for VIPs in the region. This is the only consumer event, where loyalty programme points can be redeemed for dollars to purchase jewellery. This is a joint venture between luxury marketing organisations, the Nancy Robey Partnership, Inc., headquartered in New York City, and Turret Middle East, based in Abu Dhabi and a foundation partner of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company.
UAE Digest, October 2009 l 41
HOSPITALITY
Innovative gourmet creations beckon food aficionados
W
ith the return of better weather comes the return of the socialising season. Whether it is to be dinner a deux, a small gathering, or something larger, Dubai’s hard working clientele want something interesting, entertaining and worthwhile for their money. And the city’s restaurants, hotels, spas and clubs are reacting to the current trend by providing choices galore. Food aficionados across Dubai will now be able to treat themselves to a meal prepared by critically-acclaimed Executive Chef Juraj Kalna at The Edge Dining and Lounge. The restaurant, is located in Building 6, The Gate Precinct, Dubai International Financial Centre. Chef Kalna, who the New York Times has described as a “genius”, serves a daily gastronomic fare that has been ranked as Dubai’s finest dining experience. Opening hours are 12 noon to 2pm, and 7pm to 10pm, Sunday to Thursday, or by appointment. Instead of having a regular menu, The Edge creates customised menus for each individual guest on arrival. The offerings change every day depending on what is freshly available in the market. Guests can choose from either six or eight courses or the chef ’s special menu. The Dinner & Movie Date Nights return to La Baie at The Ritz-Carlton,
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Dubai. On the screening list for October 7 and 21 are the Hitchcock favourite North by Northwest, and Pointblank, a crime thriller starring Lee Marvin and Angie Dickinson. These special date nights take place on two Wednesdays of every month until the end of the year. Each event is priced Dh180 per person which includes a specially created three-course menu and movie access. Other films that are scheduled to be screened throughout the rest of the year include Some Came Running, It’s a Wonderful Life and Never so Few. For the latest information on the screening dates and to make advance reservations, please telephone +971 4 318 6715 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com/dubai. Do you think that you cook the best steak in Dubai? Have you got what it takes to be judged by the Executive Chef of the US, largest steak restaurant; Ruth’s Chris Steak House and a full panel of judges? Here’s your chance. Ruth’s Chris Steak House, The Monarch Dubai, challenges you to a Throw Down. Create two courses; a shrimp starter and a steak main course – cooked for an independent judging panel. Send all applications (written or MP3) to throwdown@ruthschris.ae by 21st October, telling them why you think that you should be one of the lucky three finalists to be chosen
with a headshot and contact details – and be in with a chance to win. The Throw Down itself will take place on November 1. Recapture your childhood memories of home-cooked meals at Shang Palace, Shangri-La Hotel, Abu Dhabi, in October with specialties from the regions of Dalian, Beijing and Canton, reinvented with a modern, lighter touch. To coincide with the 60th National Day of the People’s Republic of China, all-time favourites like pan-fried dumplings stuffed with seafood and yellow leek and stir-fried hammour fillet with Beijing sauce will be on the menu, alongside a variety of old favourites showcasing some of the best from China’s recent history. Shang Palace is open daily for lunch from 12pm–3pm and dinner from 7.30pm–11.30pm. Warehouse, Le Méridien Dubai’s combination of bars, lounge and restaurants, has brought back the popular Friday Mojito Drunch with brand new additions to the food and beverage menus. From 1pm to 4pm every Friday, guests can head to the venue’s first floor to enjoy a selection of tapas-style dishes such as the signature Kunnafah salmon, tender lamb chops with garlic purée, Mesclun salad with buffalo mozarella and pistou, Udon noodle Arabiata and the sweet open box bento. These can be washed down with over 30 types of colourful Mojitos – all for only Dh299 per head. The drunch revelry continues from 4pm to 7:30pm with entertainment by the resident DJ and happy hours with 20 per cent off on all beverages.
Lighten up with Diwali Festival This year Zaika Restaurant in Al Murooj Rotana Dubai lights up the festival of lights with an exquisite culinary promotion featuring tantalising and authentic Indian flavours, from October 15-19. The festive menu will cover the eclectic mix of traditional as well as innovative delicacies from the Northwest Frontier of India. Zaika restaurant is open every day from 12noon – 3pm and 7pm – 11:30 pm. For reservations, call 04-3211111. The Country Club Hotel, Qureshis kebab & kurry (Indian Restaurant) is hosting a traditional Hyderabadi food festival from 7th October – 25th October, featuring an extensive range of mouth watering Hyderabadi dishes from the city of Nizams. The cuisine is as rich
Oktoberfest Oktoberfest is the famous annual festival held in Munich, Germany that dates back to 1810. It originated as a horse race celebrating the marriage of a Bavarian Crown Prince, who later went on to become King Louis 1. In the following year, the race was combined with the state agricultural fair, and in 1818 booths serving traditional Bavarian delicacies were first Sylvie and Sonja introduced. Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi will celebrate this year’s Oktoberfest in an authentically recreated German ambience at Brauhaus, with Oktoberfest delicacies and live entertainment by the Gaudi Musi Trio, an Austrian band flown in especially for the occasion from 16th to 24th October, for evenings of traditional German fun. His Excellency Klaus-Peter Brandes, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in the United Arab Emirates will inaugurate this special festival on the 15th of October at Brauhaus Restaurant.
as the lifestyles of the nobility, and as delicate as the graciousness of the Hyderabadi hosts. Hence, much of the Hyderabadi cuisine is linked to the royal households. It is a delicate blend of two cuisines - the Moghlai cuisine of Northern India and that of Lucknow which has Persian influences. Patrons are welcome to enjoy the delicacies of Hyderabad cuisine at an approximate cost of Dh300/- for a couple. Alongside the mouth watering cuisine, one can listen to ghazal singers performing. Grandeur Hotel invites both aspiring singers and music lovers to Karaoke Night at d’fusion, its in-house Indian fusion restaurant, every Wednesday with over 10,000 songs to choose from in five languages. Now guests can sing their way through dinner and enjoy special drink deals every Wednesday, alongside a myriad of dinner options from the restaurant’s traditional and fusion menus. Winners are picked based on audience feedback, so budding singers are encouraged to bring a cheering squad.
Don your lederhosen or dirndl and get ready for the best Bavarian feast at the JW Marriott Dubai. Drink, dance and celebrate as German female singers Sylvie and Sonja will get you going with an exhilarating rendition of the ‘birdle dance’! So bring out the candy floss, pop corn, candied apples, gigantic pretzels and ginger bread hearts. 1 October – 31 October 2009 at the Hofbräuhaus, 7pm to 2am. The highlight of the Oktoberfest celebration will be an exclusive traditional German fashion show brought to you by fashion designer Anja Nina Württemberger. Top off the good times with hilarious fun and games, including the Sausage King contest, Arm Wrestling, Strong Man Contest, and Best Dressed Oktoberfestian. Have a time of your life at the JW Marriott Dubai Oktoberfest celebration and be in the running to win two nights’ accommodation in Munich during the
2010 Oktoberfest and two return economy class tickets. Three days of traditional German Oktoberfest at Dusk Terrace from October 15-17 with a live band and a yodelling queen at Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City. The entry fee for the Oktoberfest 2009: Dh100 entrance fee for each day, and the fee can be used for food and beverages inside the venue. Timings 7pm to 2am.
Fujairah Classic sport fishing event As part of its ongoing support of fishing and outdoor sports in Fujairah, Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort will host the inaugural Fujairah Classic, which will be held from October 15 to 17, and will be a draw card for the world’s best sport anglers. The tournament is organised by Intevents LLC and will follow a format similar to that of its sister event, the Sinbad Classic, which has been held in Oman for the past five years and is now a fixture on the international sport fishing calendar. Teams are invited to register on the tournament website: www.fujairahclassic. com or http://lemeridien.com/fujairah.
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TELEVISION
A new look Dubai One says the aim of the new programming segments is to educate and entertain the viewer at the same time By Ambily Vijaykumar
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ubai One is going for a facelift. From being launched as an entertainment channel in 2004, it is shifting gears to airing locally produced content, shedding light on the economic, social and legal issues that concern people living in the UAE. Najla Al Awadhi, General Manager of Dubai One described it as a ‘new era’ for the channel. The new shows that are being aired from the eleventh of this month are Dubai Tonight, 20 Something, Dubai 101 and Emirati, dealing with issues on current affairs, careers, how to get things done in Dubai and local culture. All these shows will be in English. UAE Digest spoke to Najla Al Awadhi about the channel’s decision to switch gears and its future strategies. Who are the main sponsors for the new shows? We are in negotiations with several companies. A lot of the shows are being pitched to a variety of groups, both public and private, to see who can get us the sponsors. We won’t be shy about saying that the market is quite challenging at the moment to get commitments for something that is not on air. So we are very hopeful that
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Najla Al Awadhi
at this stage we are pitching to them and after October 11 it will become easier for these people who allocate the budget to see their products in our shows. Would you want to pitch your shows to certain sponsors? With a lot of the shows, the fast moving goods like soft drinks or coffee or cosmetics really work well. We won’t say that we have exclusive sponsors, but we are open to negotiating with anyone who is willing to use our platform to reach a target group. What are the restrictions (censorship) on content while producing a show? I think the Dubai Government sets the tone for what we will do and what we won’t; and I think that the government here has been relatively progressive when you look at the region. Ten years ago, there were many issues that were a taboo to be talked about, but it is being talked about now. Society is evolving. In our talk shows we will put issues on the table that are of concern to society and to the people living here and we will make sure that we speak to the experts on the matter. If we are tackling topics like abuse, divorce, the personal status law, or the labour law, we will make sure that we bring someone from the government, or speak to some NGOs working in related fields to bring a balanced and objective view on the issues, while also being sensitive to the realities of the society and the region that we live in. Considering that a majority of the people living here are expats what is the weightage that you will give to their issues? Anything that is relevant to the UAE, and that affects people’s lives, will be looked into. We would also put forth the government’s perspective. Case studies would also be a good option, but the challenge with doing that is people are reluctant to come on TV in this part of the world. We are trying to change their mindset, but it takes time.
But once people begin to trust the channel and understand that media is to help and empower, then things will change slowly.
There is a huge gap that needs to be filled here in terms of providing information on local issues and that was the driving force.
Will you then allow the channel to be used as a platform to be critical of the government or its decisions?
Is the idea of creating this new image for Dubai One to create an internationally recognised regional channel?
I always believe in constructive criticism. We are solution driven and our shows will do just that. If my show deals with the issue of divorce, I will focus on bringing in the people, the experts, and people from the government and talk about the issue. The issue is assuming alarming proportions in the UAE because birth rates are going down and it does not help with the demographics as well. We need to understand that it is time to address all the issues. We cannot allow things to fester, but we will be solution driven.
BBC or CNN are 24 hours news and we are not going in that direction. I would always like to say that I would compare it to the network channels in the US where you have a variety of shows. We might go global one-day, but right now, our footprint is essentially the MENA region.
What is the capital investment that is going into the production of the new shows? I can’t talk about the numbers, but I would say that it is a significant investment. Since it is strategic for us to go down that road, this is an investment we are willing to make, even if immediately the shows don’t make money. When do you think these programmes will cover the investment costs? We are optimistic but also conservative about our speculation as to how the market is going to change and how fast it is going to change. The UAE needs to have a strong platform that can grab eyeballs because of its content. It also has to serve the purpose of infotainment.
Are these shows going to be live or recorded? Emirates News is live; the majority of our shows this time are recorded. If it makes sense to go with our shows live, it will be live. What would you then do for increasing audience interactivity in your shows? Already there is a segment in Emirates News which is called You Say, where we seek the opinion of the people on the streets on various issues. We are trying to activate the digital domain in our services to engage the audience through blogs, SMSing and uploading their content. But all that requires the technology platform behind our centralised service that is currently being worked on. We will be slowly creating the tools to allow our viewer to contact us in a very easy way, rather than by calling us. With more people using the internet, we are also going to become active on that front.
Buying content is more costly, is that the reason why you are choosing to produce it locally?
Finally children’s programming is the most neglected segment on television. Would you be addressing that segment soon?
No. We could have launched a movie channel instead. It was never a choice of whether we are saving money; it was a question of what we are doing for society.
Kids need to be entertained and informed at the same time. It is an area that we will look into in the future, but that is not a part of our immediate programming plate.
UAE Digest, October 2009 l 45
BOOK REVIEW
Where dreams die young Friendship, dreams, money, love and violence – all form a potent mixture in a turbulent city, where three youngsters battle all odds to make it big By Vanit Sethi
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hree good friends decide to start a business in Ahmedabad in late 2000. Driven by a passion to create good cricketers for the Indian team, they open a cricket shop in the heart of Gujarat’s turbulent capital city. But nothing comes easy for them in a place rocked by natural calamities, communal divisions, opportunistic politics and fierce entrepreneurship. Adding to the volatile mixture is passionate young love and the errors of overambitious, inexperienced men venturing into a new enterprise in a conservative city. Chetan Bhagat’s new book The 3 mistakes of my life, follows in the footsteps of his earlier two bestsellers – Five Point Someone, and one night @ the call centre – based on the dreams and aspirations of educated, modern young Indians. The novel begins with the author startled by an email from a young man who has attempted suicide and is battling for life in hospital. Jolted awake in his plush apartment in Singapore, the author feels compelled to fly to Ahmedabad to meet the youngster. Once there, he gets drawn into the youngster’s dramatic past – setting up shop, creating wealth, falling in love, getting caught in politics and violence, and splitting with his best friend. Govind Patel is an ambitious man who dreams of making it big in business – the way any typical Gujarati youngster thinks, different from other Indians. He is good at academics too, particularly in Maths - a dull subject for most teenagers. Apart from helping him in business and earning extra money through tuitions, Maths also provides the starting
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point in his love life. Ishaan and Omi are Gopal’s friends, all of whom set up a sports shop selling cricket equipment, as they share a passion for the game, like most other Indians. Ishaan is an avid cricket lover who also undertakes coaching for aspiring cricketers. Omi is a simpleton who gets drawn into the religious politics of hatred through his maternal uncle. Their small business sees its ups and downs. But nothing is smooth sailing in India’s enterprising mercantile city as one calamity after another befalls its hapless residents. First comes a killer earthquake on India’s Republic Day, which virtually devastates most of Gujarat and crashes Govind’s dreams of owning a posh outlet in an upmarket mall. Then comes 9/11 and a horrific train burning incident, followed by the most terrible Hindu-Muslim riots India has ever witnessed since Partition. Govind’s grand business plans keep getting scuttled due to natural and man-made causes. He finds relief in teaching Maths – his other passion - to schoolkids. But after he accepts teaching Maths to Ishaan’s younger sister Vidya - an attractive, vivacious girl, his life and business go for a toss as he gets irresistibly drawn towards her. In many of
the Maths classes, they end up making love. All the while, Ishaan is blissfully unaware of his friend’s and sister’s budding love affair. It is during the ghastly riots when they are trying to save Ali, Ishaan’s talented cricket student, that Gopal’s secrets come tumbling out through an SMS inadvertently sent by Vidya. After a night of endless violence when they manage to save Ali and themselves but not their friend Omi, Ishaan splits up with Gopal. Going through a terrible phase of depression, Gopal attempts suicide but is saved by doctors and the author who succeeds in reuniting Gopal with both Ishaan and his sister Vidya. Chetan Bhagat, an IIT/IIM-A graduate, writes compellingly in an easy style aptly suited for the Bollywood format. His one night @ the call centre has been made into Hello!, while Five Point Someone, about student life in IIT - India’s best technology institution - is also being made as 3 Idiots, to be released in December. His latest novel 2 States, about problems confronting an inter-community marriage, is expected to be released on Diwali this month.
ENTERTAINMENT
Nervecell signs with international record label
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ervecell, the Dubaibased metal band who had a successful European summer tour, have been signed by the international record label LifeForce Records based in Germany. Their album Preaching Venom is confirmed to be released throughout Europe on October 26th. Already out in the stores in the Middle East through Spellbind Records, the album has been a success and has been praised by the international media since its release late in 2008. Stefan Luedicke, CEO of the independent label, announces that they “are more than happy to welcome Dubai’s premier Death Metal band on Lifeforce. After meeting the guys at this year’s With Full Force festival, it was an easy decision for us to say that we need to work with Nervecell. We hardly ever met a band with such strong work ethic, and with the highly professional team of people working for them, it will be a great pleasure for us to get the name Nervecell out to the world.” Their roster of artistes includes more than 50 bands, such as Heaven Shall Burn, This or The Apocalypse, and Light. They also helped many successful bands launch their careers who went on to larger labels (Between the Buried and Me, Caliban and Trivium). Since 1995, the independent label Lifeforce Records has been a consistent and revolutionary face throughout the worldwide metal and hardcore scenes, acting as an essential outlet for underground music. Their distribution dominates the European
“Highly dramatic, technically experienced Death Metal” – Rock Hard, Germany"... ...deathcore has spread to the Arab world." - Metal Hammer Magazine, U.K "Nervecell are without a doubt one of the biggest names in the Middle Eastern metal movement." - Terrorizer Magazine, U.K market and their territories expanded to the United States with a new branch that help secure a stronger foothold there. Nervecell’s biggest success and third album Preaching Venom after the first demo Vastlands Of Abomination in 2003, and their debut EP Human Chaos a year later, features Psycroptic’s drummer David Haley and is mixed by acclaimed producers Wojtek and Slawek Wieslawscy (Vader, Decapitated, Hate) at Hertz Studio in Poland and mastered by the infamous Alan Douches at West West Side Music (Sepultura, Suffocation, Unearth) in New Windsor, New York. On June 15th 2008, the four-member
band got a management deal with Centre Stage Management (CSM) based in Dubai (UAE), mostly known for organising major festivals, including Desert Rock Festival. This led them on to a European tour in the summer of 2009 with major festivals as such as Rock Am Ring, Rock Im Park, Wacken Open Air’s 20th anniversary and With Full Force, where the band met Lifeforce Records. Sipho Dlamini, Chief Operating Officer of CSM states: “We are excited and proud of Nervecell and we look forward to working with Lifeforce Records to expand the band’s reach”!
UAE Digest, October 2009 l 47
HOME & GARDEN FILMS Dil Bole Hadippa By Manju Ramanan Star Cast: Rani Mukherjee, Shahid Kapur, Anupam Kher, Rakhi Sawant, Vrajesh Hirjee Direction : Anurag Singh It started off with the brilliantly made Lagaan, though Dev Anand’s Awwal Number, was one of the early ‘cricket in Hindi cinema’ movies. The recent Yash Raj film, Dil Bole Hadippa that marks actress Rani Mukherjee’s comeback, joins the list somewhere in the middle. While the storyline is predictable - a village belle donning a boy’s get-up to be included in the local cricket team, that is resolved to win against the Pakistani team in the Aman cup, Rani ‘s act is quite impressive. If we peel the layers that make the film loud (Bollywood’s version of Punjabi culture, the travelling theatre exemplified by the Jigri Dost Nautanki and bright yellow, orange panorama of colours), the film is worth a dekko. Shahid Kapur as the English county cricket player with a desi heart enhances the film. A typical Bollywood masala film with the regular songs and dances and the colours of Punjab. On movie screens in UAE from October onwards:
Smother Star Cast: Diane Keaton, Dax Shepard, Liv Tyler, Mike White and Ken Howard Directed by Vince DiMeglio What would you do if your mother moved in with you and just wouldn't leave? When Noah Cooper, 29, is fired from his job as a therapist, he thinks his day can't possibly get worse. When he arrives home, his already full house gets even crazier when Marilyn, Noah's overbearing mother arrives with her five dogs in tow needing a place to stay. Comedy ensues as Noah learns to deal with the pressures of finding a job, a wife who desperately wants a baby, and worst of all a mother who won't quit smothering!
The Time Traveller’s Wife Star Cast: Rachel McAdams, Eric Bana, Arliss Howard, Ron Livingston and Stephen Tobolowsky. Directed by Robert Schwentke This well acclaimed 2003 novel by Audrey Niffenegger turned into screenplay by Bruce Joel Rubin is a ‘must-see’. A love story spanning across different time frames of the lives of its two central characters, Clare and Henry, it explores the concept of time travel. Henry, the time traveller is cursed with a rare genetic anomaly that causes him to live his life on a shifting timeline, skipping back and forth through the years with no control. Despite the fact that Henry’s travels force the couple apart with no warning, and never knowing when they will be reunited, Clare desperately tries to build a life with her one true love.
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FILMS
Kaminey
Criminally captivating By Abhishek Chandra
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uy Ritchie s Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels tried to portray the realistic and unforgiving life in the British underworld. With fiendish and cold characters, Ritchie tried to depict the criminal world, maybe even more criminal, than it really is. For those of you who haven’t seen Lock Stock, imagine all the brutal and
sadistic accounts you’ve heard of the British underworld and what goes on there. Add a brilliant storyline and a supreme cast and you’ve got the best of Guy Ritchie’s works Kaminey follows a similar principle and is the Indian equivalent to the avant-garde Lock Stock. Don’t misunderstand; Kaminey is not a copy or another Hindi re-make of a Hollywood film, but simply a film which follows a recognisable concept and reaches the same level of the nondescript portrayal of the underworld, as well as exposes the inhumane actions people would do in order to save Number One. Forget the slapstick comedies and flop rom-coms Shahid has done; take this as his landmark movie and you’ll acknowledge a gifted actor, a matured actor. Unlike most double roles, Shahid seems to show the polar opposites of both
characters (Charlie and Guddu) exceptionally well and one is almost led to believe that two different people play them. Kaminey is the first film which credits its viewers with some intelligence. It commands your undivided attention from the start and allows you to sit back only at your own risk. For if you aren’t attentive and intelligent to figure some things out yourself, specially in the first half hour, you might be missing the twists in this feisty tale of twin brothers who end up hating and loving each other, all in a mad 24-hour time span. Not a stereotypical Bollywood film, Kaminey doesn’t have the ‘hero’ figure where the ‘bad guy’ loses. Vishal Bhardwaj has directed a film where he glorifies the weaknesses of Charlie and Guddu, thus giving a less romantic concept where the ‘good guy’ wins. Heard of The Good, The Bad and the Ugly. Well, minus ‘the Good’ and ‘The Bad’, what you’ve got left is what makes the film great.
Artists on the Web PutItOn.com, the first online portal, enabling artists from four artistic disciplines to display their talents and gain worldwide exposure, has kicked-off its first annual film festival. The PutItOn Picture Show, which is co-sponsored by the New York Film Academy, is open for entries until November 26th and will allow UAE artists to compete alongside those from around the world. Leveraging an online platform for showcasing and marketing art, music, fashion and film, the company helps undiscovered artists from around the world become both artistically and financially successful. Through this website, artists have the freedom to break out into the marketplace,
at no cost, with complete intellectual and creative control. At the invitation of the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture & Heritage (ADACH), the New York Film Academy started offering film and acting programmes at the Abu Dhabi Film School in 2008. This project was established in line with ADACH’s Director General, Mohamed Khalaf Al Mazrouei’s vision of establishing Abu Dhabi as an educational centre for the nascent film industry in the United Arab Emirates and in the wider Middle East. “We are excited to launch The PutItOn Picture Show in partnership with the New York Film Academy,” said Max Fraser,
British co-founder of PutItOn.com. “This festival is an important part of our vision for creating a grassroots path for emerging artists around the world to take their work from the ‘garage’ to the global marketplace. It was designed by artists for artists and it is intended to help foster the next generation of creative leaders.” PutItOn.com is accessible in 10 languages, including Arabic, and offers users 1 free GB of virtual storage space, no transaction charges when purchasing or selling work, online chat and the ability to live stream audio and video. A cutting-edge mobile application has been available across five platforms since early August.
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ART
An alternative asset
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ike the property sector, in the last ten months, the art market has seen the emergence of a ‘buyer’s market’ with many important works of art offered at auction at extremely attractive prices. But in a market that is quickly finding its feet again, one wonders just how much longer the low prices will last. In June, Bonhams held their first dedicated auction at their New Bond Street salerooms in which there were a number of high quality pieces from some of the premier names in the Middle Eastern and South Asian art worlds. The pre-sale function featured a ‘collector’s talk’, chaired by renowned writer on art Judith Greer,
in which Tariq Al-Jaidah and Mohammed Afkhami discussed the ins and outs of collecting contemporary art. Following the success of this event in London, Bonhams will be holding a second offering of Middle Eastern and South Asian Art this year in Dubai on 12th October 2009 at the Royal Ballroom at the One & Only Royal Mirage, Dubai. The sale will feature works of art by notable artists from numerous Arab nations, Iran, India and Pakistan. Works by eminent Arab artists such as Louai Kayyali, Paul Guiragossian and Seif Wanly will be offered alongside important pieces by Iranian masters Faramarz Pilaram, C.H. Zenderoudi and Massoud Arabshahi.
Also in the sale is a group of works belonging to private collectors in the USA, including pieces by notable Iranian artists Marcos Grigorian and Sirak Melkonian. The collections include interesting examples of the artists’ works in various media including collage pieces, not seen at auctions before. An important aspect of the sale will be the collaboration with the charity START/Al-Madad, which provides art education and opportunities to underprivileged children in the Middle East. Specialists will be available at the private viewing of pieces available for sale on Saturday 10th October to answer specific questions.
ARTY INFO
One of the highlights of the auction is a watercolour by Pakistani artist Abdur Rahman Chughtai (1884-1975). Pride of the East is one of the most important works by the artist to appear on the market in recent years and it is accompanied by impeccable provenance. Consigned by a private French collector, it was acquired from the personal collection of Walter Scheel, the former President of West Germany. The painting was presented to him on a state visit to Bonn in 1976 by the artist’s son Arif Rahman Chughtai. A wonderful photograph of the moment of presentation was provided by the vendor which will be displayed in the sale catalogue.
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6 October - The Empty Quarter Fine Art Photography Gallery holds the first ever photographic exhibition of the purebred Arabian horse “Asil” by photographer, Tariq Dajani, from 6 to 16 October. Asil is an arabic word signifying purity, nobility and authenticity. The horses photographed vary from being elegant champion show stallions, including those from HRH Princess Alia Bint Al Hussein’s ‘Royal Jordanian Stud’, to athletic endurance horses from privately-owned desert stables. 18 October - Empty Quarter Fine Art Photography Gallery presents‘Transmutations’, a world premier Photographic Exhibition by photographer Martin Becka, from 18 October to 17 November, 7 – 10pm. The City Of Dubai has been photographed using the same techniques used 170 yeas ago, a medium that was so resolutely grounded in the particulars of the ‘there and then’; literally what was in front of the lens when the shutter clicked, showing that photography can, in the hands of a master, remain eternally in the present. 27 October-Christie’s will hold their seventh auction of International Modern and Contemporary Art on 27 October at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel and will present 167 paintings and sculptures. The top lot is Remembrance and Gratitude, a large diptych by Ahmed Moustafa, the celebrated Egyptian artist who holds the world record price for any modern Arabian work of art sold at auction (estimate: $600,000 to $800,000).
FILM FIESTA
MEIFF’s world cinema showcase offers 16 films Many of the 16 selected films to be screened out of competition at its MEIFF World Cinema showcase have earned recognition at international film festivals around the world. About Elly (Iran), award winner at Berlin and Tribeca, Precious; based on the novel Push by Sapphire (USA), Red Riding Trilogy (UK) etc. The following ones shall be premiered during the festival.
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urma VJ – Reporting from a Closed Country by Anders Hosbro Ostergard, Denmark 2008, deals with the peaceful antigovernment protest by Buddhist monks in Rangoon against the military dictatorship of Burma in 2007, filmed secretly by video journalists. Farewell by Christian Carion, France 2009, is a fact-based drama, featuring a riveting KGB officer and a civilian who becomes a go-between and passes secret information that helps bring down the Iron Curtain. Honeymoons by Goran Paskaljevic, Serbia/ Albania 2009, offers a soulful discourse about a new generation of immigrants, in the first joint Serbian–Albanian film production in history. Kerala Café by Ranjith, India 2009, is a collaborative effort in Malayalam cinema – 10 directors each tell a story of life in modern-day Kerala. My Heart Beats Only for Her by Mohamed Soueid, Lebanon 2008, deals with a son retracing his father’s journeys among the ranks of revolutionary fighters in Lebanon in the 1970s. Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea by Hayao Miyazaki, Japan 2008 is a fairy tale of a little goldfish princess who becomes a girl and the small boy who becomes her friend. The September Issue by R.J. Cutler, USA 2009, talks of the ardous and demanding process in creating the most important issue of the Vogue Magazine, the September 2007 issue. Tales from the Golden Age by Razvan Marculescu, Cristian Mungiu, Hanno Hofer, Ioana Uricaru, Constantin Popescu, Romania/ France 2009 has five delightfully absurdist tales of life during the repressive Ceausescu era. Valentino: The Last Emperor by Matt Tyr-
nauer, USA 2008 is a globetrotting portrait of fashion icon Valentino, the Italian designer who has dressed everyone from Jackie O to Princess Diana to Gwyneth Paltrow. Wild Grass by Alain Resnais, France/ Italy 2009 is a new wave cinema about a middle-aged Georges who finds the stolen handbag of Marguerite, a strong-willed dentist and pilot. The Wind Journeys by Ciro Guerra, Colombia/Argentina/Netherlands 2009 depicts an elderly nomadic minstrel and his teenage apprentice’s journey to return an accordion across Colombia. Yuki and Nina by Nobuhiro Suwa, Hip-
polyte Girardot, France/Japan 2009 is about two young girls. When Yuki learns that her parents are separating, she and her best friend Nina devise a plan to keep them together. When that fails, the two flee to the woods, where magical things happen…. Screenings take place at Emirates Palace Hotel (Auditorium), Cinestar Cinemas at Marina Mall, and Grand Cinemas at Abu Dhabi Mall. Tickets can be purchased at www.meiff. com or at the venues. Prices for general screenings is Dh20, gala screenings at Emirates Palace Hotel at Dh30, students and Seniors (65 and over), Dh10 (ID required). Package vouchers and festival passes are also available.
Men who stare at goats
Sheherazad
PutItOn.com for aspiring film-makers Authority for Culture & Heritage (ADACH), The first online portal enabling artists from four artistic disciplines to display their talents and gain worldwide exposure, has announced its first annual film festival, The PutItOn Picture Show. The film festival, co-sponsored by the New York Film Academy, is open for entries until November 26th and will allow UAE artists to compete alongside artists from around the world. At the invitation of the Abu Dhabi
the New York Film Academy started offering film and acting programmes at the Abu Dhabi Film School in 2008. PutItOn. com’s partnership with the New York Film Academy aims to strengthen endeavours to support the aspirations of artists from the UAE and the Middle East region.
UAE Digest, October 2009 l 51
TECHNO
EA in Games 09
E
lectronic Arts; a leading global video game publishing house, has announced their line-up of games that will be showcased in GAMES 09 this year. Top of the list is the much-anticipated game in
the region, FIFA 2010. Introducing the new intuitive 360 dribbling system and an array of new groundbreaking features, FIFA 2010 promises a realistic experience to all football fans around the world. Players can now download a demo of the game on both XBOX Live and PSN. Racing fans are in for a treat as Need for Speed: Shift, the next generation racing game, makes an appearance in the shiw. Shift is set to revolutionise the racing genre by introducing new mechanics that allow for maximum realism. Get into the driver’s seat as you race your way to the top in the strongest, fastest and most expensive cars. EA will also showcase Brutal Legend, their epic metal tale about a legendary roadie who travels back in time to battle his way against bad metal music and demons. The game stars Jack Black and
52 l UAE Digest, October 2009
an A-List of rock’n’rollers, including Ozzie Osbourne, Rob Halford, and Motorhead’s Lemmy Kilmister. For those with an ear for the classics, the company is showcasing their latest Rock Band instalment, The Beatles: Rock Band. A collection of The Beatles greatest hits will allow up to six players to take the stage and perform great hits such as Sgt. Pepper, Yellow Submarine, As My Guitar Gently Weeps, and much more. The lineup also includes Grand Slam Tennis for the Wii that comes bundled with a Motion-Plus accessory that allows increased sensitivity and allows for more accurate gameplay. And for those looking to break into a sweat, the long awaited expansion for EA Sports Active; More Work Outs, will debut at GAMES 09 and offer Wii owners more intense workouts for a healthier lifestyle. GAMES 09 will take place in Dubai between 1 – 3 October at the Festival city, and will unite gamers from all over the Middle East with some of the biggest and greatest game developers in the world.
REAL ESTATE
Assuringly Escrow
Securing Property
Are buyer funds required to pay off seller’s mortgage prior to transfer?
T
he biggest fear a buyer has is: what happens if, after paying the seller’s mortgage off, the seller backs away from the deal without transferring property to the buyer? The risk gets worse for the buyer if he had to secure a loan to make his purchase. Aziz Valliani To qualify for a loan to purchase real estate, a buyer can work with a mortgage broker or approach a bank directly to obtain financing. In many cases loans that are initially pre-approved never fund as there is a lack of transparency in certain real estate transactions and the services of an Escrow agent can help make the transaction more transparent and close successfully. Most lenders conducting business internationally have procedures whereby they can fund the loan needed to close a transaction directly to the Escrow agent’s account. The agent’s role is that of a neutral third party which must comply with the industry’s best practices to ensure that the lender’s requirements have been fulfilled, the property is free and clear of all liens, mortgages or encumbrances, and that the transfer of the property is properly registered with the appropriate government authority. Attorneys working for lenders or on behalf of the buyer or the seller who become involved in the due diligence work, also
“Not necessary if you are using the services of an Escrow agent,” says enTrust & Title’s CEO and Founder Aziz Valliani benefit from the services of the Escrow agent. The attorney, lender, buyer and seller can provide agreed upon instructions directly to the Escrow agent who becomes the central point of contract on a transaction. As the neutral intermediary, the Escrow agent coordinates with all parties to the transaction and can assist with obtaining and verifying loan funding requirements, payoffs, insurance requirements, provide accounting details, pay attorneys fees, broker commissions and any lender fees from the trust account at close, based on buyer and seller written instructions. Many lenders are unable to fund transactions in which there is uncertainty about how the title to the property is held and whether there are outstanding encumbrances on the property that have not or cannot be registered. The Escrow agent coordinates all required services including researching ownership details on the record, legal description and address of the property, signing authorities of the of the legal owner, and contacting the utility
companies and home owners’ associations that may have outstanding payments due to them. Additionally, insurance policies can be verified, management companies paid, leases can be assigned, rents can be pro-rated and security deposits transferred. These additional services are essential to all involved in a deal, particularly when the parties are travelling to and from the country in which the property is located. Most of these requirements are essential to lenders who may mandate using a neutral third party Escrow agent to gather and validate the documentation in an expedient and cost efficient manner. In regard to the payoff of existing loans, the agent’s role is crucial particularly when a buyer is coming in to a purchase with all cash to close the deal. Under certain circumstances, buyers must deposit cash with a seller directly to enable him to pay-off the seller’s existing loan. This is done so that at transfer of title, the property is unencumbered. An astute buyer is reluctant to pay this amount as it is full of risk and many have lost serious money. As a result, the deal falls through and all parties are disappointed. When this ‘Catch 22’ set of circumstances arises the parties can agree to instruct the neutral third party, the Escrow agent, to ensure that the seller’s loan is paid off and that the property is transferred to the buyer only when the property title is ready to transfer. Both parties get what they want and the lender’s collateral is properly settled and discharged.
UAE Digest, October 2009 l 53
AUTOS
Lucky customers
drive off in Nissan Muranos
S
ix-year-old Omani national Malak Ibrahim Jabri and 23-year-old Jordanian national Mirah Abdelkarim Hammad were announced the winners of Nissan Muranos as part of the Sharjah’s Sahara Centre Summer Promotion raffle. Malak won the white and Mirah drove off in a stylish black one. When asked about the car win, an ecstatic Malak said: Mirah with her father after winning the stylish black Murano at Sahara Centre “I will give it to my father. He will drive me to school, take “I can’t believe this. I am so excited. me to the park and on long drives.” I was looking forward to buying a Malak’s family believes she is extremely car. I can now drive around in style. lucky as this was the first time they ever Thank you for this wonderful gift.” filled a raffle coupon in her name. Sahara Centre opened in February An equally excited Mirah said: 2002, becoming Sharjah’s leading mall.
In addition to its wealth of first-class retail outlets, Sahara features the 70,000 square foot Adventureland, a dynamic children’s play zone housing 20 thrilling rides, including the UAE’s first indoor roller coaster, a multi-level train and water flume ride; Grand Sahara Cinemas, equipped with state-of-theart screens for the latest movies in town, and a multicultural food court featuring 42 outlets and an intriguing array of international cuisines. The mall is strategically located on the Dubai-Sharjah highway. It is open from 10am to 10pm on weekdays and from 10am until 11pm on weekends.
‘Drive Thru Express’ for vehicle registration renewal Tasjeel, an ENOC and Road Transport Authority (RTA) joint venture for speedy and hassle-free vehicle testing and registration services, has introduced ‘Drive Thru Express’, a new value-added service specifically for registration renewal of vehicles that are three years old or less. The innovative service allows motorists to have their vehicles registered in just five minutes with no inspection required. With the new service, motorists do not have to wait in
54 l UAE Digest, October 2009
line or leave the comfort of their vehicles; they can just drive through to the service counter. Currently a three-month pilot project, ‘Drive Thru Express’ is available at the Tasjeel centre in Al Barsha. To use the service, a vehicle owner should bring his renewed insurance policy, previous registration card, passport copy and pay a fee of Dh470 (Dh320 for registration and Dh150 for ‘Drive Thru Express’). They will also have
to pay any accumulated traffic fines. Ayas Bin Hendi, General Manager of Tasjeel, said: “We are pleased to introduce ‘Drive Thru Express’ which is a convenient way to renew vehicle registration without undergoing testing and inspection of the automobile. Depending on customer demand, we plan to implement the ‘Drive Thu Express’ service in two other Tasjeel sites, at Al Qusais and at the Sharjah Auto Village.”
Thrifty celebrates 20 years of success in the UAE Thrifty Car Rental, a subsidiary of Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE:DTG), announces its celebration of 20 years of successful business in the United Arab Emirates. Since its inception in 1989 through local company A.A. Al Moosa Enterprises, Thrifty Car Rental has rapidly expanded the number of locations and fleet in the UAE. Today, it has one of the biggest networks within the UAE: 30 full-service outlets operate across the country, including major shopping malls, and a recent significant addition at Dubai Airport Terminal 3.
It has the largest fleet size among car rental companies in the country, which is 50 per cent more than its nearest competitor. “Our success over the past two decades is greatly attributed to our belief in our management policies and the quality of service we offer,” said Rahul Singh, General Manager, Thrifty Car Rental, UAE. “We acquire the right cars in terms of customer desires, reliability, low-maintenance and high on resale value.” In terms of fleet size, Thrifty UAE is the largest franchise of Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group Inc. outside of North
America. Despite the current global economic environment, which hit the country in the last quarter of 2008, Thrifty Car Rental is still continuing to expand. It opened an outlet in Jumeirah Beach Residence earlier this year, and plans are in place to launch two more strategically-located outlets by the end of this year. “We continue to invest in the UAE, as we believe that the fundamentals of the UAE economy are sound, and companies able to ride this storm will emerge stronger than ever once the recession is behind us,” continued Singh.
Customised Limited Edition BMW 5 Series Limited Edition model to enhance the driving experience, including Dynamic Stability Control, Heads-Up Display and iDrive. The Heads-Up Display gives the driver the benefit of receiving information and data particularly relevant for motoring directly in front of his eyes on the windscreen. This innovation enhances safety as the driver can check his speed without taking his attention off the road ahead.
The combination of sporting performance and style is a hallmark of the BMW 5 Series enjoyed by motorists around the globe. With the arrival of 100 Limited Edition BMW 5 Series vehicles at BMW importers throughout the region, Middle East enthusiasts now have the opportunity to own an exclusive Limited Edition model of this popular The BMW 5 Series vehicles are immediately recognisable by the Limited Edition insignia engraved on the Start/Stop button saloon. The vehicles include customised bicombinations. The Limited Edition’s colour interior features, and are immedistandout appearance is finished off with ately recognisable by the Limited Edition floor mats, including coloured piping insignia engraved on the Start/Stop and door lining that matches the chosen button. The car’s customised interior of colour combination. bi-colour leather upholstery, available in In keeping with other BMW 5 Series, black/nature brown and black/coral red, a range of innovative technologies and is complemented by the leather steering comfort features are available on certain wheel designed to match the choice of seat 5 Series engine variants, including the
The Heads-Up Display gives the driver the benefit of receiving information and data particularly relevant for motoring directly in front of his eyes on the windscreen
Volvo launches used-car programme Volvo Cars Middle East has launched the Volvo Select Used Car Programme throughout the UAE. The new pro-
gramme lets customers buy approved, pre-owned Volvos. The cars are sold with a minimum of one-year Volvo warranty.
The Select programme is available in all Trading Enterprises' showrooms, Volvo's UAE distributor.
UAE Digest, October 2009 l 55
SPORTS
Things you wanted to know about Formula 1 in Abu Dhabi, but were afraid to ask
I
The inaugural Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix takes place at Yas Marina Circuit on October 30–November 1
t’s hard to find a more striking setting for a grand prix than Yas Island, on the eastern side of Abu Dhabi. Home to 5-star hotels and the Ferrari Theme Park, the 5.55-kilometre Yas Marina Circuit is an attractive addition to the 2009 FIA Formula One World Championship. There’s plenty to see there, aside from watching Formula One cars. There’s drag racing and an off-road driving centre, and you can test your own skills at a state-of-the-art kart centre. There’s even a driving school.
Formula 1™ track is 5.55kilometres (3.4 miles) long and comprises 21 turns, 12 left and nine right with an estimated lap time of 1 minute 40 seconds, and runs in an anti-clockwise direction. The second and third configurations of the track are shorter at 3.15 kilometres (1.9 miles) and 2.36 kilometres (1.46 miles) respectively. The two additional tracks can run independently of each other and make it possible for the Yas Marina Circuit to hold two events simultaneously.
About Yas Marina Circuit:
Who designed Yas Marina Circuit? Yas Marina Circuit is a collaboration between several different parties. The original plan was evolved by creative mastermind Philippe Gurdjian in conjunction with ALDAR, the builders of the track, and Tilke GmbH. There are three main parties involved in the
Is Yas Marina Circuit a street circuit or a permanent track? Yas Marina Circuit was initially planned as a street circuit with a semipermanent section. However, on further re-designs, the vision changed and it was decided that Abu Dhabi had an opportunity to create a purpose-built circuit that truly set new global performance and configuration standards. The plan was updated accordingly. Yas Marina Circuit is a permanent facility where races can be run on one of the three configurations. The full
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development of Yas Marina Circuit: Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management (ADMM) – ADMM drives the overall vision of the project and is responsible for the creative oversight, communication and management of the circuit. Aldar Properties PJSC – Aldar is responsible for the building of Yas Island, a project which encompasses the Yas Marina Circuit. They have enlisted the help of many specialists such as Asymptote Architecture for the Yas Hotel and Omiros One Architecture for Yas Marina and the Yacht Club. Tilke GmbH – Led by Hermann Tilke, architect Ulrich Merres carefully translates the ambition of Philippe Gurdjian, turning it into a
practically applied design response.
including a hotel and yacht club.
When did work start on the Yas Marina Circuit? The first soil was turned in February 2007.
About The Events:
Where is Yas Marina Circuit? Yas Marina Circuit is located on an island east of Abu Dhabi City. Yas Island is just one of the 200 islands that form Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. It is located 15 minutes from the Abu Dhabi International Airport. A 10-lane highway will connect the airport, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, and the Abu Dhabi City Centre. The circuit is approximately a twenty-five minute drive from the Abu Dhabi city centre. Why is Yas Marina Circuit unique? The ethos behind the project was not only to develop a racing facility that the Formula 1 community would be proud to visit but also a flagship, a centre of motorsporting excellence that will showcase the region and highlight the many opportunities in the UAE. One of the most unique features of the track is the Yas Hotel, the only hotel in the World to have a Formula 1™ track running through it, giving an unparalleled view to those lucky guests resident on race weekend. When complete, Yas Marina Circuit will be one the most technologically advanced circuits in the world. Standing resplendent at the top of the start-finish straight is the Shams Tower, a VIP hospitality facility powered by one of the region’s most plentiful resources – the sun. In addition, Yas Marina Circuit features two pit buildings, an innovative dragstrip, a unique butterfly formation karting track, stylish grandstands and a sophisticated Marina area,
Why is it important to bring Formula 1™ to Abu Dhabi? Motorsport is a huge part of the sporting culture of the Middle East, Abu Dhabi is delighted to have secured the right and privilege to host a Formula 1™ Grand Prix from 2009 on behalf of all the UAE. Formula 1™ is one of the only true global sports and compares with only the Olym-
pic Games and Football World Cup in terms of audience reach. There couldn’t be a better time for a new race on the calendar, with the new rule changes turning the Formula 1™ back in to the competitive and passionate sport millions of people around the world love to watch. Hosting Formula 1™ brings with it many opportunities, for example on a domestic level, it will drive pride and ownership within the region. On an international level, it raises global awareness of the UAE and will have a knock-on economic impact. In addition to this, by creating a centre of motorsporting excellence, there will be strong business opportunities in the automotive research and development sector. ADMM are aiming to set a new
benchmark with the 2009 Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on 1st November, making Abu Dhabi a welcome addition to the FIA Formula 1™ World Championship. How long will Abu Dhabi host a Formula 1™ race? The Grand Prix franchise has been awarded to Abu Dhabi for a renewable seven-year term until 2016. What other events are you planning to host at the Yas Marina Circuit? There will be an intensive programme of both international and national motorsport racing held at the circuit every year. After all, this is not just a Grand Prix venue. The aim is to be a vibrant centre of motorsport year round. It will be much more than a race track. In addition, we will also host major entertainment events such as shows and concerts, as well as providing an exciting venue for corporate events.
Formula One cars race at high speeds, up to 360km/h (220mph) with engines revving up to a formula imposed limit of 18,000RPM. The cars are capable of pulling in excess of 5g-forces in some curves. The performance of the cars is highly dependent on electronics (although traction control and driving aids have been banned since 2007), aerodynamics, suspension and on tyres. The formula has seen many evolutions and changes through the history of the sport.
UAE Digest, October 2009 l 57
SPORTS
RAK on a roll
Ras Al Khaimah is the venue for the prestigious America’s Cup to be held in the Al Hamra Village lagoon on February 8, next year
I
n 1851 a schooner named America appeared out of the afternoon mist and swiftly sailed past the Royal Yacht stationed in the Solent, between the Isle of Wight and the south coast of England, on an afternoon when Queen Victoria was watching a sailing race. As it passed the Royal Yacht in first position, and saluted by dipping its ensign three times, Queen Victoria asked one of her attendants to tell her who was in second place. “Your Majesty, there is no second,” came the reply. That phrase, just four words, is still the best description of the America’s Cup, and how it represents the singular pursuit of excellence. That day in August, 1851, the yacht America, representing the young New York Yacht Club, won the Royal Yacht Squadron’s 100 Guinea Cup. This boat race symbolised the victory of the new world over the old, a triumph that unseated Britain as the world’s undisputed maritime power. The America’s Cup, the world’s oldest trophy in sport dates back to 1851 and supersedes the first modern Olympics too. It is considered to be the most difficult trophy in sport to win and over 150 years since the first race off England, only three nations other than the United States have won it. Now, for the first time ever in its history, the sailing match will be held in the UAE, in Ras Al Khaimah. RAK bagged the venue amongst contenders like Brazil, Thailand, Uruguay, Spain, northern Italy and Greece. The choice however is to do with the rules of the game wherein the venue for the next game is chosen by the previous winner.
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The recent dominance of the Swiss Alinghi team has meant selecting neutral venues - and RAK was its choice. Fred
A shot of the 32nd America’s Cup in action. It was won by the Alinghi team that chose RAK as a venue for the next event
Mayer, the vice-commodore of the Societe Nautique de Genève, the yacht club behind the Alinghi team, the last winner, said that the UAE had an excellent record in preparing and hosting major international sporting events. “This is a venue that offers perfect weather and great sailing conditions for a match in February; the authorities have shown tremendous interest in, and support for, hosting the America’s Cup, and the country has experience in organising first-class sporting events such as ATP tennis, PGA golf and Formula One,” he states. Brad Butterworth, Alinghi’s skipper states that the Arabian Gulf offered a safer and more
reliable setting for the competition because, RAK has a great building sea breeze during the day, similar to Mediterranean conditions in the summer, making it good for these boats and safe for all concerned. Alinghi is a coined name of the syndicate set up by Ernesto Bertarelli, the Swiss– Italian entrepreneur (who was ranked 52 in an annual ranking of the world’s wealthiest people by Forbes magazine), to challenge for the America’s Cup. Bertarelli had raced several smaller yachts named Alinghi previously, but 2003 was his first attempt at the America’s Cup, that he successfully challenged for and won in Auckland New Zealand. Alinghi is an international team of over 120 people, based in Switzerland, and carrying the colours of its yacht club, the Société Nautique de Genève. Alinghi counts 21 nationalities on its team. HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, said he was proud the emirate could further enhance the UAE’s reputation for hosting major international sporting events. “It is a great moment for us to host the America’s Cup here. It is a reflection on what we have achieved in terms of becoming the destination for tourists and trade, and is a reflection of our integration in the world at large,” he said. The news was greeted with enthusiasm by the local sailing fraternity, visitors as well as residents. For over 20 years, Louis Vuitton, the world’s biggest luxury brand, part of the LVMH group, has been closely associated with the America’s Cup. Since 1983, Louis Vuitton has given its name to the Challenger Selection Series, known as the Louis Vuitton Cup.
TRAVEL
Footballers give insider tips to those holidaying in Britain Survey finds international players opt for the vibrant culture of the cities and the quintessential British countryside
I
nternational football stars playing in the UK’s premier league have said that vibrant city culture and quintessential British countryside are their top holiday picks, in a recent survey conducted by the tourist authority, VisitBritain. Argentinean-born Fabricio Coloccini, who plays for Newcastle United, Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas from Spain, Brad Freidel of Aston Villa and Tim Howard of Everton, both from the USA, are some of the key international players interviewed by VisitBritain. “Everyone knows that footballers know how to have fun, and our recent survey proves it. In it, international players give spot-on insider tips on how to enjoy Britain like a footballer, highlighting an interesting range of places and activities which are guaranteed to cater to the Middle East-based travellers’ varied tastes and needs,” said Carol Maddison, VisitBritain Marketing Manager,UAE. Fabricio Coloccini, Newcastle United’s defender who recently moved to the UK, suggests that holidaymakers should definitely visit the Lake District, situated in
Lake Windermere, The Lake District
St James Park, Home of Newcastle United Football Club
a “beautiful city”. He the North West of England. has also visited the Lake With 16 sparkling lakes and District, is now living England’s highest mounnear Birmingham, and tains, this is without doubt has recently been to the country’s most beautiful London and Bath. corner and best-loved outdoor Tim Howard of playground. The area has a rich Everton moved to the heritage to discover, a vibrant UK in 2003 and has and contemporary cultural very much enjoyed scene, and a growing reputahis six years spent in tion for fine food and drink. the country. He loves Brad Freidel, goalkeeper of London as it reminds Aston Villa, not only enjoys Pulteney Bridge, Bath – a world heritage site him of his home city, travelling to various places New York. “I love the hustle and bustle of across Britain, but also thoroughly enjoys London, all the comings and goings, all the the unique lifestyle that Britain has to offer. taxis and people walking the streets,” comHe loves the quintessential British culture mented Howard. I think in America when we of village and pub life. “I guess I am an see England, we often see London, so I think adopted Englishman. It is a fantastic place that is the biggest attraction,” he added. to live. If you have to live out of your own Arsenal Captain Cesc Fabregas, who has country, and you are not from this part of lived in London for the past five years, also the world, then England is a very easy place enjoys the vibrant multicultural 24-hour to settle down in,” commented Freidel. party scene of London, which is home to During the past seventeen years, Freidel 250 museums and four world heritage sites. has travelled all over the country. He lived He plans on visiting Bristol soon, situin Liverpool, visited North Wales, and ated a couple of hours west from London Edinburgh as well, which he described as and is one of Britain’s greenest cities. With 41 per cent of potential visitors to Britain very likely to watch a football match during their trip, and around 1.2 million visitors attending a football match during trips to the UK in 2007, tourism bosses expect the partnership and the interviews to draw even more attention to Britain’s appeals. For additional information about the Premier League, please click on the following link: www.visitbritain.ae/football Malvern Hills, Herefordshire
UAE Digest, October 2009 l 59
TRAVEL
The other trek for charity By Chelsea Stephen, student of The English College, Dubai
D
uring the first two weeks of the summer holidays, a group of students from The English College Dubai, including myself, embarked on a trip to Nepal in order to trek for charity. Each student was required to raise a minimum of Dh15,000 to cover the cost of the trip and to contribute much needed funds to the New Youth Children’s Development Society orphanage (NYCDS) that the school has been supporting. During our preparations for the trip, a great deal of training was required in order to build up our physical fitness. Students joined Circuit Training as an extracurricular activity whilst others trained individually. Furthermore, group training was organised, and these activities included a beach run, and long walks around Safa Park carrying our day bags. Also, bonding sessions were arranged, including climbing to the peak of Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain (the highest
land point in the UAE) and a sponsored stair climb from the bottom of the Trade Centre to the top floor where a Continental breakfast waited for our arrival. After a kit check meeting was held to ensure that each student had suitable walking boots, and gear to combat all weather, it was time to go. We were predicting smelly socks and sweaty faces at the bottom, and cold toes at the top… and everything in between. I could go into great
detail about the flight into Kathmandu, and I’m sure that if another
60 l UAE Digest, October 2009
of the group members were to read what I had to say about it,
they’d agree. It may sound daft to some, but for me it was one of the most terrifying things I’ve ever experienced. People have different ideas about turbulence and what it is, but when you’re flying over mountains on the cusp of the monsoon season and that plane starts shaking, and hitting air pockets repeatedly, you panic; especially when you’re only in a small plane that seats no more than 50 passengers. On a flight during my family holiday I heard a woman say ‘Oh, those
shakes were scary’... all I could think was “Honey, you don’t know what scary is.” Our aim was to trek to Everest Base Camp and back over the duration of two weeks. However, after two days (a grand total of 15 hours) in Kathmandu’s domestic terminal, we realised that we had missed our time-frame. Flights to the starting point of the Everest Trek had been cancelled due to bad weather, so the group made the decision to fly in a different direction and tackle the leeches and mosquitoes in the Annapurna region, hoping to reach Annapurna Base Camp within five days (4,130 metres). So, we arrived in Nepal and after our stay in the airport and a change of flight direction, we finally began our trek to Annapurna Base Camp. We trekked for roughly 6-7 hours and we were almost convinced that we would be laden with blisters and suffering from altitude sickness by the time we made it to our destination. Each day had the same routine, a wakeup call at 6am, breakfast at 7am, and ready to go no later than 8am. I got so used to that routine that I’m still doing it; much to my parent’s surprise! The second day of the trek has to be one of my favourite moments. Waking up at 6am to sit outside with a cup of tea looking directly at mountains covered in snow - and lost for words. What a great start to the day and a great motivator knowing that once we reached the top we’d be so close you could almost touch the snow. We had to force ourselves to find leeches funny, and even changed the names of our card games in honour to the leeches and Yak’s of Nepal (Yak Madness/Leech Head). You find out who your true friends are when you need someone to take your boots off and remove any leeches that you might have when you’re bug phobic. Day Five saw us wake up for a slow start.
This is the day where we have a final two hour stretch to get to our goal - ABC. My legs have just about had it and it is at this point that I keep stopping and thinking that I’m not going to make it. I have a headache and I’m cold, with my medical kit at the bottom of my day bag so no pain relief until I get there. As we climb those final steps, short of breath and red in the face, we make the final push and we’ve done it. We’re only 4,130 metres high but feel like we’re on the top of the world looking down at the our accomplishment. Elation is probably the best word I can use to describe the feeling we all had looking at what we had achieved and sharing the moment with new friends that supported each other all the way. I am forever thankful to the ones that helped me. But reaching Base Camp was not the only achievement of the trip –we were now looking forward to visiting the children at the orphanage and seeing how the funds we have been raising had helped them. Once we reached the bottom of the mountain, our teachers and guides had organised for us to go white water rafting. It’s always a lot of fun to do, something on the wild side, but the after-effects weren’t so joyous. We all jumped into the river not caring about catching any illnesses; however half the group arrived back in Dubai, and ended up in hospital seeking medication. I was one of them, being one symptom short of typhoid! Nevertheless, I never wished I hadn’t done it. We were all living for the moment on that trip. We had no means of communicating nearly all of the way and when we returned we found that our parents had been using Facebook more than us, for once, reading any updates we could manage to send home. Not forgetting why we went on the trip, we spent our last day in Nepal at the orphanage interacting with the children. It was my second time in Nepal visiting them, and their smiles still move me as they
have close to nothing in material goods; a hug means so much more to them than our allowances or electronic devices that we think we can’t live without. Knowing that we have now given them a chance to start building the foundations of a permanent home after their recent eviction, for these children all ranging from 4-15 years old, we know that we have had the opportunity to do something that others may never experience. We have
changed the lives of 50 parentless children living in a third world country; it may seem small compared to the World’s population but it was truly a big thing… even our GCSE/AS/A-level results won’t top that!
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A tale of the Ottoman legacy Turkey treasures some of the finest hotels in the world that derive inspiration from the country’s ancient history of the Ottomans and wars. Rabis.M, invited to dine at the Ottoman Legacy Hotel in Istanbul, probes into its rich past
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y last visit to Turkey was more of a sightseeing tour than a historical one. I had the opportunity to visit the Aya Sofia mosque and the Grand Bazaar. On this trip, I realised that the bazaar is close to one of the finest five-star hotels in the country, ‘Legacy Ottoman’ located in the European part of Istanbul. My first impression was that of awe – the hotel is located in the central district of Eminonu and Sirkeci; a part of the historical Eski Sehir (Old city), 20 minutes away from the Ataturk International Airport. The Legacy Ottoman is known as the symbol of Sirkeci. As you approach Sirkeci, in a few minutes, you come across the World Park Hotel, while walking up from Cagaloglu, you see the Muradiye Sebili (public foundation), restored historical Turkish bath. There is a lot of stonecraft around this area, a good The Ottoman Legacy example being the public fountain of Bab I Ali in Gulhane. struction began in 1609. Other places close The hotel is close to the Sultan Ahmet by include the Aya Sofia Museum, Topkapi area that comprises the well-known Sultan Palace, Sepetciler Kasri, Covered Bazaar Ahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque), whose conand Misir Bazaar. While Taksim, the hub
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of cultural art, is located close to the hotel, one is able to take a boat from Eminonu to witness the beauty of the Bosphorous, renowned for its enormous bridge with massive traffic. The Vakif Han was built in the place of I.Abdul Hamid Kulliyesi (Islamic-Ottoman social complex). This is one of the most outstanding works of the foremost envoy of the National Architecture Movement: Architecture Kemalettin Bey. The Vakif was built during the late era of the Ottoman Empire in order to meet the requirements of the crowded office blocks, expedient of a fashionable life. The building was constructed between 1911 and 1926, and is classified as one of the most striking and majestic pieces of architecture. The hotel’s construction was incomplete due to the war. However, the outer side was completed when Istanbul was conquered. But despite being incomplete, it was used as a headquarters by the French under the name of ‘Caserne Victor’.
The Suleimaniye
dine at the Teras Restaurant, served with The side fronts are built of ashlars stone, mouth watering Turkish delicacies and the divisor walls and back front are built was amazed to see the emphasis laid on of brick. The two entrances are situated healthy eating. Here, you will find a lot of symmetrically on the ground level. This ‘greens’ in your starters and a salad with was opened to the ends of the passage lots of beans. The portions in the servings with a ‘U’ shape. What struck me was the per person is huge and the restaurant serves grandeur of the entrance, which seems very vine leaves stuffed with rice and mincemeat welcoming. Its interiors are royal and the as a main course meal. As I enjoyed my stairs and elevators at the corners of the meal and looked outside the window, the passage are linked to the upper storeys. view was breathtaking and seemed like a The two domed rooms built flat in the painting - a picturesque view of the Boscorners of the roof provide a tower-like phorous Bridge, the beautiful appearance to these sections. You will mosques and the hustle find a lot of Turkish triangles in the architecture on the win- bustle of people. The dessert served was dows of the first floor. my favourite - it Vakif Han is not only was the Kadayif - a historical but it is traditional Turkishalso an architecArabian sweet dish tural monument that was served with with rooms with high ceilings and Turkish coffee. long corridors, According to The and for those Manager, the hotel welcomes large numbers of clients from who enjoy taking a walking tour the Gulf during the summer since inside the hotel. it is a popular location and provides Kadayif - the traditional excellent services. As I sipped my I was invited to Turkish- Arabian sweet dish
coffee, I could hear Iranian music being played in the hall next to the restaurant because an Iranian wedding was taking place. The hotel’s friendly staff even allowed me to have a peek into the wedding. The hotel’s environment is like a carnival, offering excellent hospitality. Awe-struck by the history of the hotel, I must say that as you enter the Ottoman, the experience is not merely unforgettable but like a fairytale, that seems endless. Beauty therapy
UAE Digest, October 2009 l 63
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Metamorphosis of a metropolis By Con Clude
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hen the morning traffic crawls on Sheikh Zayed Road, overhead a sleek blue train glides gracefully, as if mocking those below with ‘go get a life.’ By the time you look up, the train has zipped ahead of the next interchange, and nearing another station. The Dubai skyline looks more beautiful from the train, but the Metro itself enhances the skyline. For those who’ve visited various cities, this was one service Dubai lacked. Despite its breathtaking achievements, Dubai didn’t make the grade because it lacked a Metro. It arrived on dot (09/09/09), and was flagged off at 09.09.09 (nine minutes and nine seconds past 9pm). It was launched on a Wednesday (9 letters), September (9 letters), and the first and last station is Rashidiya (9 again). With nine times nine, Dubai’s on cloud nine. Not many realise the Metro can change a city’s social landscape. It’s a strangely unifying mode of transport. You get an idea of the immense variety of Dubai’s population once you ride the Metro -- UAE nationals, Arab expats, South Asians, East Asians, Africans and Europeans – they’re all there. When did you last see Westerners and Emiratis riding a bus? Commuting in a Metro provides a sense of unity that even working together cannot. It’s a common public space outside the hierarchies of a workplace. For those who’ve travelled on Indian trains know how total strangers can become good friends by the end of a journey. Daily commuters on Mumbai locals develop a bonding with their ‘train mates’ (in evidence after the bombings, when they stretched out a helping hand to victims).
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Some friendships developed on suburbans culminated in marriages. Every city with a Metro develops a vibrant culture. Many films are shot on trains. Can anyone think of London without its ‘tube’or Tokyo without its ‘subway’? Delhi Metro has changed public perception of the city as an ‘overgrown village’. Delhi now proudly flaunts its Metro as the world’s ‘greenest’ and ‘cheapest’, having reduced the city’s pollution by half. In Dubai too, once people get over the initial joyride phase and start using the Metro on a regular basis when more lines and stations open, we may see changes in the city’s psyche. In London and Singapore, everyone uses the Metro, despite their social status. Will that happen in four-wheel loving Dubai? No doubt it will. Now’s the chance to leave your cars and save on oil, reduce congestion and pollution, eliminate road rage, and get some exercise. Aren’t those reasons enough for a change? Soon, your doctor will recommend it, believe me!
Water on the Moon On the international scene, the biggest development was the discovery of water on the moon. On September 23, a NASA Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3), aboard Indian satellite Chandrayaan-1, found H2O on the lunar surface in tiny molecules. This sparked a flurry of activity across newsrooms worldwide. The discovery opens a world of possibilities. For long have scientists and fiction writers mulled the possibility of extra-terrestrial life, with Hollywood feeding the public fascination for strange-looking, super-intelligent
Martians. In scientific circles, however, life meant even microbes or fossils. The stumbling block was the near impossibility of finding water (so they believed). In fact, writers abandoned that premise and went wild with ghastly blood and flesh or garbage-eating creatures. We know that the greatest civilisations began on river banks and the biggest cities came up on sea coasts. Now, the possibility of setting up a permanent lunar base moves closer to reality if more water can be tapped in ingenious ways. Ironically, earlier moon missions -- including the most famous manned one in 1969 by US Apollo -- failed to discover this. Forty years later, spaceclub nations have learnt to cooperate, keeping in mind the prohibitive cost of space exploration. On the flip side, despite discovering new worlds, we remain a hopelessly divided planet. And while we’ve found water on the moon, half the earth’s populace goes without potable water, despite three-quarters of our planet being covered by oceans.
Holiday hangover Coming to mundane realities, UAE residents -- especially school staff and students -- found it difficult getting back to normal duties after a prolonged vacation. While several schools had a three-month break, others went into Ramadan timings after the vacation, giving an extended holiday feel. Office employees were not immune to this feeling either. Many students kept off schools due to the swine flu scare. While life now gets back to ‘normal’ (traffic jams again!), the holiday hangover seems difficult to get rid of. Tell you what! Go catch the Metro, slip into a reverie, and continue that holiday mood. Good for work too!
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