The Source Magazine - Issue 10 - English by The Source

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The Issue 10 10 May 2012

Source Al Khaly Farms Farming the Natural Way

Be Inspired to Light up Life

Historical York

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DUBAI Dubai Mall Tel 04 3308122 - Garhoud 04 2828484 - Jumeirah 04 3441300 - Deira City Center - 04 295959 Burjuman 04 3522900 - Al Ghurair 04 2296760 - Mall of the Emirates 04 341355 - Green Community 04 8853366 Sheikh Zayed Road 04 3313113 - Dubai Festival City 04 2326000 - Jumeirah Beach Residence 04 4233818 - In front of Lamcy 04 3356899 - Mirdif City Center 04 2843823 - SHARJAH Sahara Center 06 5318890 - Mega Mall 06 5740020 - RAS AL KAHIMAH Al Manar Mall 07 2288838 - ABU DHABI Al Mariah Cineplex 02 6716300 Khalidiyah Mall 02 6354855 - AL AIN Al Jimi Mall 03 7638020 - FUJEIRAH City Center 09 2236943

The

Source

Contents Issue 10

5 8

10 May 2012

NEWS FEATURE Organic farming on a zero budget

NEWS

Well, we’ve made it to issue 10. Phew! To be honest this week has made me truly appreciate the Editor for all the hard work and extra effort she puts in. It has been a tough seven days and I would like to say a big thank you to the team for their encouragement and dedication. On Wednesday, we took a trip to Al Khaly Farm where we were given a guided tour by the passionate manager, Mr. Vijayen. He gave us some insight about the benefits of using traditional and natural agricultural practices. The discovery of such a farm has made us want explore the Garden City and see what other hidden gems it has to offer.

10 SPORTS

11 STUFF FOR MEN Wireless music at its best

12 HEALTH & FITNESS Tips and tricks to a slimmer you

13 URBAN WOMAN An in-depth look at why women use shopping as therapy

14 AL MAJLIS Two Emirati women dedicated to their store, country and heritage 16 EDUCATION Valuable information about the IELTS test

In Al Majlis this week, we visited a traditional souk located next to Al Ain Oasis Hospital and were delighted to chat to Umm Ali and Umm Ahmed. These two Emirati women have opted to conduct their business in a traditional setting just like their mothers and grandmothers did before them. With the summer holidays looming, in the Health and Fitness column we take a look at how to maintain a healthy weight by making minimal changes to your daily diet and, talking about holidays, in my world we take a look at the place of York, an exquisite city that has eloquently fused tradition with modernity.

18 CALENDAR OF EVENTS MOVIE LISTINGS

We also have plenty of other topics from retail therapy to iPod docks, news and sports, a review of Al Ain Raceway, and off course, a delicious recipe from our readers.

20 FROM OUR READERS

So to all our readers, happy reading until next week!

21 NEED TO KNOW

Khudayja Saloojee (Associate Editor)

22 BE INSPIRED

24 MY WORLD Step back in history with a visit to the city of York 26 MY CITY

For a high perfermoance thrill, visit the Al Ain Raceway

27 BUSINESS Motivate your employees to maintain a successful business +971 3 7668111 info@thesourceuae.com www.thesourceuae.com

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Managing Director Mona Hennawi | Editor In Chief Mahra Saeed Al Muhairi Associate Editor Khudayja Saloojee | Graphic Designer & Photographer Ghulmiyyah Ghulmiyyah Senior Arabic Editor Sami Rashid | Senior Translator Narmeen Al Assad | Translator Hanadi Jamil | Administration Manager Haneen Farid Sales & Advertising Joe Mathew | Distribution Manager Jeff Grigsby Contributing Writers | Bob Studholme

No part of this publication or content, thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the permission of The Source Magazine, published by Smart Design Publishing, in writing. The Source Magazine and Smart Design Publishing accept no responsibility, however caused, for errors or omissions contained in this publication. Any articles and/or images included in this publication and/or views and opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of The Source Magazine and Smart Design Publishing, and any of its affiliates, but remain solely those of the author(s). Such publications have been included for general reference and the purpose of fair review. Copyright © 2011 by The Source and Smart Design Publishing, and its affiliates. All rights reserved.

Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, the Abu Dhabi’s Ruler and Representative in the Eastern Region, opened a new mosque and the Suhail bin Aweidah Al Khaili Islamic Cultural Centre in Zakher, Al Ain. The mosque can accommodate about 4000 worshippers. The Islamic center includes a Quran school and an Islamic Science Institute. This is an edited version of an original story that appeared in The National on 5 May, 2012. For the full version, please go to www.thenational.ae

Puppeteers a Hit at Schools Her Excellency Her Highness Mariam Al Qubaisi, Head of the Special Needs Sector at the Zayed Organization for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs (ZHO) initiated a collaborative ‘The Kids On the Block’ puppet awareness program with the Drama Department from the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU). The program is aimed at children in mainstream schools throughout Abu Dhabi. The program utilizes puppets with and without disabilities using a storytelling format to create an interactive environment for children to learn about various disabilities.

from the UAEU drama class performed at a school in Al Ain last week during the school’s library week celebrations. The two puppeteers, discussed topics like visual impairment and walking disability and had students, teachers and parents enthralled. The puppeteers have thus far visited six schools and have hailed the project a success.

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Third Arrest in Al Ain Shootout On Monday, Abu Dhabi Police arrested a third suspect in the shooting incident at Al Jimi District in Al Ain last Friday, which left two Omani nationals dead.

Ain Al Fayadha to Reopen

Two other suspects were arrested on Friday evening. Police have advised that the incident is still under investigation. Officers commented that the two victims were travelling in a car with a Qatari licence plate when they were deliberately rammed by two separate vehicles. Gunshots were then fired by the attackers before they fled the scene of the crime. The vehicles have since also been traced.

The Ain Al Fayadah will reopen its doors in Al Ain next month after a AED36.2 million renovation that took three years. The hotel, renamed the One to One Resort Ain Al Fayadha, will open in two phases. The first will include 56 luxury one and two bedroom villas, plus a signature restaurant set on a lake. The second phase due to open at the end of June, will include the reopening of the four star hotel, two restaurants, spa, gymnasium, salon, three swimming pools, children’s playground, sport pitches and a 1000- seat Arabic tent.

Extra community police have been patrolling the area to calm resident’s fears and Abu Dhabi Police are using social networking sites to keep the public informed of developments.

Staggered Times Fail to Ease Congestion The staggered school timings implemented in Al Ain around a month ago have failed to ease traffic congestion on the Khalid bin Sultan Street, better known as “Schools Road.” The change in school timings was part of a one month pilot project launched as a collaborative effort by the municipality, the Department of Transport and the Abu Dhabi Education Council. Nineteen out of the 33 schools participated in the project affecting more than 20 000 students. School starting times were staggered from 7:30am to 7:45am, 8am and 8:15am. According to Major Mohsen Al Mansouri, the Director of Al Ain Traffic Police, there are still a high number of vehicles dropping off students at schools which is causing traffic congestion. Despite the change in timings there is still traffic chaos.

The puppeteers, Asma Rashid Al Shamsi and Latifa Hossein RahmDel, students

Motivational tips to keep you inspired through those trying times

To Contact Us

Sheikh Tahnoun Opened Mosque & Islamic Center

Major Al Mansouri said, “The Al Ain Municipality has to do something else because this is not working.” He also believes that the problem will further increase as there are plans to expand the number of schools in the area. This is an edited version of a story that originally appeared in The National newspaper on 2 May, 2012. For the full version, please go to www.thenational.ae

This is an original version of a story that appeared in The National newspaper on 29 April, 2012. For the full version, please go to www.the national.ae

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NEWS

SPORTS

Al Ain CheckMates China

Al Ain Mall 2012 Fashion Shows ADEC on Loujain’s Assualt

catwalk wearing the latest in casual wear and sporty fashion The first half of the show displayed collections from major sporting brands such as Nike, Adidas and Iconic. The second half featured new collections from high-end fashion brands like Mexx, In Love, Meri Posa, Elite, Salam, Lindex and Pierre Cardin.

As little Loujain Hussain lies in a coma, over two weeks after being brutally attacked in the school playground, The Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) have released a statement regarding the matter. In the statement ADEC stated that the crime “has two aspects to it, the criminal and the administrative aspect. The criminal aspect involves police and court investigations; the administrative is ADEC’s responsibility.” According to the report, ADEC immediately dispatched an investigation team to find out more details and information on the incident and on the health and safety measures taken by the school up to the time of the incident. In addition, H.E. Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, ADEC Director General, has visited Loujain at the hospital on Saturday April 21st 2012. According to national law, if findings show that any school failed to provide the required monitoring, inspection, safety or security required, ADEC has the right to take all necessary steps as stipulated in current laws and regulations (notices, fines,…) and may even close the school, according to the magnitude of the violation committed by its management. As for the minors who allegedly caused Loujain’s injuries and the alleged lack of supervision and negligence by the school if any, ADEC is legally obliged not to release any details regarding that matter until all evidence around the case is compiled and released by the Abu Dhabi Police. In the meantime, ADEC is following up on Loujain’s medical condition on a daily basis and wishes her a speedy recovery.

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Al Ain Mall is in the midst of its first ever fashion show bonanza, which kicked off on 27th April and showcases the latest trends and season’s styles. The second of three shows took place last weekend in Al Ain Mall’s new Star Court, with models sashaying down the

The evening was full of entertainment with pounding music and a plethora of fun accessories, stylish garments and chic sunglasses on display. “I loved the idea. This is a unique treat for the fashion followers in Al Ain,” said Sumaiya who attended with her family. The last fashion show is set for 11 May and will showcase the latest collection in traditional and kids wear.

36th Anniversary of the Unification of the Armed Forces His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE and Commander of the Armed Forces on the occasion of the 36th anniversary of the unification of the Armed Forces congratulated Their Highnesses the members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates, as well as all institutions and authorities in the country, and the citizens of UAE over the great achievements of the Armed Forces.

adequately met to perform its duties and enable it to effectively fulfill its responsibilities.

In his message the President reaffirmed the country’s commitment of continually developing the Armed Forces and ensuring that all its requirements were

The President also paid tribute to the first generation of military men who laid the foundations of the Armed Forces and were influential in its growth and development.

HH Sheikh Khalifa also expressed his trust in the capabilities of the armed forces to accommodate new technologies the in its quest to remain at a high level of readiness and to assume responsibilities in defending the UAE in order to protect its security and stability.

Al Ain Chess Club’s first team secured victory last week with 12 match points after the final round of the Al Ain Four Seasons International Chess Tournament 2012 Spring Edition.

“Team ATR - Daniel Price, Carlos Do Vale and Ivan Kalinin”

Team ATR Triumphant The first ever six hour endurance challenge took place at Al Ain Raceway Kart last week. The participating 17 strong grid consisted of some of the most talented drivers from the UAE. The race also welcomed participants from the neighboring country Oman and from several different European nations. Team ATR qualified on pole position and at the start lead a train of karts including UAE Arrow Racing 1, Alpha-Q Racing, WMS A, Sahab and DXP Racing. UAE Arrow Racing 1 found their way through to the front after 20 minutes and became the first solid leader as the remaining front runners battled it out for second. Halfway through the race there had been several changes for the lead, but the real turning point took place during the final hour. DXP Racing’s Sam Zian got his two-man team into the lead and was running strongly, keeping their closest rivals Team ATR and Alpha-Q Racing at bay.

When DXP Racing came in to change drivers and allowed Anas Al Halabi to race to the flag, he kept alongside Daniel Price of Team ATR. The pair ran nose to tail, with DXP in hot pursuit. It was ferociously intense as they shadowed each other until six laps from home when DXP ran fractionally wide on the exit of the hairpin. This allowed Team ATR to pull out a small gap, leaving DXP Racing and Alpha-Q battling for 2nd and 3rd position. UAE Arrow Racing 1 lurked in the shadows in 4th place. Sahab crossed the line in 5th, just fractionally ahead of the Rotax Masters pair of MadFuller and Jonathan Mowatt. Safety First from Oman was declared 7th but recorded the fastest lap of the race, a whopping 1:13.598 which was a full second faster than the other teams. Ultimately it was Team ATR that triumphed and claimed victory.

It was a close call as the Chinese club Qi Yuan also gained 12 match points, however Al Ain were declared winners on better technical scoring. “We dedicate this victory to the UAE and are delighted with our performance. It was a team effort”, said Al Ain team’s captain, Hisham Al Taher. Grandmaster Li Chao of Al Ain had a quick win against CM Nguyen Van Huy of Vietnam on the fourth board while GM Jobava Baadur of Al Ain lost to GM Nguyen Anh Dung of Vietnam on the third board. Other board games ended in draws. Qi Yuan Club defeated Tagaytay Chess Club of Philippines 2.5-1.5. Zhou Weiqi of China had a splendid win over GM Paragua Mark of Philippines on the third board.

Al Ahli Beach Soccer Team Claim UAE League The first ever UAE Beach Soccer League took place last weekend at Al Mamzar Beach in front of thousands of beach soccer passionate fans. A total of fifteen teams from all over the UAE participated in Beach Soccer League which started from February 17. Al Ahli became the proud champions of the first edition of the UAE National Beach Soccer League. The lads in red competed against the boys from the Ajman Club in the final shot of the championship. The overall result ended with Al Ahli defeating Ajman Club with a

whopping 7-3 score. Al Nasr claimed third position after knocking out Hatta Club with 7-3. Al Nasr Team members, Ali Karim secured the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Humaid Al Jamal recieved the Best Goalkeeper Awards. The Portuguese’s star, Madjer from Al Ahli was rewarded as the highest scorer for the league. The soccer player enjoyed the triumph by bagging 27 goals. In addition to this, the Ideal Team title was grabbed by the Etihad Kalba team.

Al Ahli's star, Madjer, explained happiness and mentioned: “I feel proud as I have guided Al Ahli to get the competition's title. I wish that I have successfully contributed in popularizing the practice of the game in UAE. I have admired UAE players' level and I expect that a group of them may soon join the first national team.” After successfully winning the league, Al Ahli is all set to participate in the second Mundialito Beach Soccer for clubs in Sao Paulo, in Brazil from 12-19 May, 2012. thesourceuae.com

FEATURE

meet Mr. Vijayan, to a little about natural farming right here in the Garden City.

The Natural Choice Al Khaly Farm excels in natural farming

Consumers in the UAE are gradually making a move towards natural, organic products. Farmers and organic retailers are seeing a definite increase in demand for naturally farmed products. With constant media reports of children suffering from food poisoning, illness and allergies to chemically produced food, people are beginning to question where there food actually comes from, how it has been grown and what products have been used in the tending of it. In Europe and the USA the demand for naturally produced goods has been growing for years and this is now being mirrored in the Middle East, especially as awareness of medical conditions like heart disease and diabetes grows. At the 9th Middle East Natural and Organic Product Expo (MENOPE), held at Dubai’s World Trade Centre in December, there was a huge turnout of both visitors and exhibitors. Mr. Khorram Shah, Business Development at Alokozay Group, noted the increased interest in the exhibition and was delighted to attend as “it revealed to me the potential of 8

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organic and natural products and the growing business of this category.” Here, in Al Ain, there are countless farms and agricultural initiatives. The lush greenery of the city, compared to its sandy desert landscape, is a delight to see but did not happen overnight or without tremendous effort. Years of cultivating, tending and hard work have helped this city secure its name as the UAE’s ‘Garden City’. Aside from aesthetically pleasing work, there are many farmers and agriculture workers in Al Ain who are battling to produce naturally farmed products in order to keep up with the growing demand of consumers cited at MENOPE.

Mr. C.P. Vijayan is an Indian ex-pat and was originally an electrician. When the chance to manage the farm was offered to him, he put his professional qualifications aside and dedicated his mind to farming, with a strong focus on natural farming. Al Khaly farm has since grown to become one of the most well-known farms in the UAE, praised especially for its traditional methods and natural approach. Greeting us warmly, Mr. Vijayan takes us into the farm for a look around. As the birds twitter in the air, colorful fish swim in the pond and the wind blows through the trees, it’s clear that the farm is simply a beautiful place to be. Explaining the concept behind his project, Mr. Vijayan explains, “What I am working on is ‘zero-budget’ farming. I do not import any materials from outside. Everything is from the farm and from nature.” After five intense years of research, Mr. Vijayan has established many successful methods to ensure fruit and vegetables in his farm are free from what he calls “invisible enemies”, otherwise known as toxic pesticides. The farm makes use of fermented Moringa Oleifera leaves, a tree which is grown predominantly on the land, and cow-dung as fertilizer rather than using chemically induced products. This cuts down on concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus

and potassium (N-P-K) that are generally used in farms around the world. As a result of this, Al Khaly Farms have managed to produce vegetation that is rich in quality, color and taste and is free of harmful substances. The farm offers a plethora of information. Every piece of land, each shrub and every plant has a detailed explanation banner, which gives visitors information about the agricultural practices, the crops and the benefits they provide. Every inch of the thirty-five acre landscape is related, in some way, to the process of natural farming. The soil is rich in nutrients, thanks to the bacteria and fungi free cow dung fertilizer, the use of which produces beneficial bacteria efficient in destroying other damaging micro-organisms. The Moringa leaves along with natural sunlight and water pumped directly from the ground show an effective combination of nature and science. Mr. C.P. Vijayan is truly working hard to sustain the increased demand for natural products. This is a demand that we hope continues to grow as customers should be made aware of exactly what they are consuming. The specialized knowledge and farming practices of places like Al Khaly Farm are important in helping the country’s agricultural industry move forward. The decision of His Excellency Mubarak Mughair Jaber Al Khaly, over 25 years ago, to hand his farm over to the dedication and expertise of Mr. Vijayan, must be praised as what a worthwhile decision that turned out to be.

The Noni Plant is used in herbal remedies

One such place is Al Khaly Farm in Zakher. Owned by His Excellency Mubarak Mughair Jaber Al Khaly, this farm is chaired on a daily basis by Mr. C.P Vijayan, an exceptional gentleman who dedicates his time and energy to developing healthy vegetation for the people of his city. We decided to go thesourceuae.com

STUFF for men

The Jaw Dropping Jawbone By Ghulmiyyah Ghulmiyyah

Remember the days when stereos with huge speakers and a gazillion CD changers used to impress us? Or when all we cared about was how many watts a speaker could produce so that we couldn’t hear our parents yell! Or when speakers had those funky miniature screens with the basic sound bars and cheap graphics. Well, I think it’s safe to say that we’re all glad to see these musical dinosaurs stored safely in museums across the world.

however, it serves not as a personal speaker. It’s more of a home speaker that delivers enough hi-fi audio to get your party rocking.

For the past 10 years or so, there seems to have been an influx of speakers on the market. When it comes to the iPod, there are so many different speaker docks to choose from; they come in different sizes - and often it seems to be the smaller the better. Some of these speakers are über cool, like the ‘Beatbox by Dre’ or the slick ‘SoundsticksIII’ by Harmon Kardon. But today, I’ve decided to write about something a lil’ more rectangular.

Picture the scene, Thursday evening and you’re hanging out with some friends in your garden, each of you having an iPhone in your pocket. One of those friends feels like playing some of their music for everyone to hear. No hassle, all they have to do is press that pairing button and the Jambox welcomes the newcomer with open arms before accessing and banging out his tunes. Voila, now you’re not stuck listening to music from that same guy who always plays his own tracks every time you get together.

Ladies and gentlemen, behold The Big Jambox by Jawbone! Unlike

its

baby

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king Size Bed (Black & Brown)

One of the best things about The Big Jambox, other than its impressive size, is that, like its younger sibling, you still get the pairing button function, allowing you to connect your tunes wirelessly via Bluetooth.

Computer Desk

Leather Sofa Set 3+2+1

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URBAN Woman

HEALTH & FITNESS

Shop Till You Drop!

A Slimmer, Slinkier You! Over the years, you may have embarked on a diet or two in the hope of dropping a few kilograms. Experts however, believe that a “no-diet way” is in fact the best way to shed weight.

at its optimal level, and is a diuretic so aids in eliminating waste from the body. Watermelon is another option. Filled with arginine, this compound helps decrease fat storage and instead strengthens the muscle.

The theory is that making minimal changes to your daily diet, ditching a few bad habits and adding some specific choices to your weekly grocery list is the best way to get the slimmer body you desire.

Adding milk to your diet is an excellent option as it is rich in calcium, which can trigger weight loss by increasing fat breakdown in the body’s cells. Drink one glass of fat free milk every day to aid your weight loss plans.

Shedding the extra weight doesn’t have to be difficult. Incorporate these eating tips into your daily diet plan and you’ll soon be smiling when you step on those scales.

Cut back on the potato crisps. They are one of the biggest offenders of weight gain, causing 0.19 kilos of weight gain per year if eaten on a daily basis. Why not replace them with some fresh cucumber? Although cucumber offers modest nutritional benefits they will help you feel full without adding calories.

Firstly, ditch your glass of fresh orange juice in the morning. Unless you’re heading off to the gym first thing, this orange juice could be preventing you from losing weight. Instead try drinking grapefruit juice; its reduced insulin levels make it a nutritious choice that aids your weight loss efforts. As well as fruit juice, replacing sweet, high-fat snacks with fresh fruit such as apples, blueberries, raspberries or even bananas will help you to get the figure you’re after. Apples act as powerhouses, keeping you feeling full while giving your body a nutritious, calorie consuming digestive workout. Munching on blueberries and raspberries is a great idea. Extremely low in calories, full of protein (a necessity for losing weight) and packed full of antioxidants, berries are a delicious way to beat the bulge. Similarly, bananas are packed full of potassium and are low in fat. They can also give you the energy you need to have an effective workout.

A handful of almonds is an excellent choice for a snack, and when we say almonds, it means raw almonds, not salted or roasted. As opposed to most nuts almonds are low in fat except mono unsaturated fats of which they have a high concentration. These healthy fats are an important, heartfriendly ingredient in your daily diet.

By Narmeen Ahmed

Apparently, women spend eight years of their lives shopping. Making an average of 301 shopping trips per year, they spend just less than 400 hours browsing and buying. No wonder we are often termed ‘shopaholics’. But what’s the attraction? Why do we shop? Many women use shopping as an alternative form of therapy, turning to the malls whenever we feel down. Maybe your husband upset you, perhaps you had a bad day at the office or the kids are driving you crazy. Instead of hitting the mall, spending all your dirhams on outfits that, let’s face it, you’ll be buying without much thought. Why not sit down and try to address your issues? Talk to your husband, send the kids to spend some time with grandma and try to delegate a little more at work. This way you’re not just masking the problem

with a few new tops, you’re actually dealing with the root of the issue. Many women feel they have an image to live up to, and this image requires new clothes, shoes, bags and accessories. Even when huge credit card bills land on the doorstep, they don’t curb their spending in fact, sometimes the opposite is the case, with women spending more to prove to themselves and their friends that they’re ‘doing okay.’ This is a serious issue and, rather than grabbing the emergency credit card, we should be sitting down, taking stock of our financials and setting strict monthly spending budgets. Other women shop out of jealousy. They see a colleague or a friend with the latest designer handbag and want one for themselves. Not because they love the design, or need a new bag but because the green-eyed monster is at work. We need to stop lusting over other’s things and instead feel happy for what we have ourselves. Shopping is a way to run away from our troubles. Bags can carry the problems of life, shoes let us walk away from issues while a dress can drape over our issues, masking them for another day. However, happiness comes from within you, not your wardrobe. Personally, I am a bit of a shopaholic and would go so far to consider it as my hobby. I’m not proud to say this but I think I know more about fashion history than I do about politics! After writing this article, I’m thinking that perhaps the time has come for me to find a real hobby. Perhaps swimming, writing, climbing or walking, something that won’t drain my wallet and raise my husband’s blood pressure as I arrive home, once again, laden with plastic bags!

Eating a little hot pepper, in tomato juice or in capsule form about half an hour before a meal can help you feel less hungry and so you consume about 10 per cent less at dinner. Turn up the heat to lower the weight! If you crave something sweet after a meal, try some yoghurt parfait instead of your usual ice-cream or desert. Being low in fat, it is a healthy and nutritious alternative packed with protein, calcium and vitamin B. The high protein level also means you’ll be satisfied with only a small portion, helping you to reach your weight loss goals. Adding these simple grocery items to your shopping basket and consuming them daily, in addition to a regular exercise plan will see you ditch those extra few kilos without too much trouble!

In order to lose weight you have to drink water, and plenty of it. Stay away from carbonated or fizzy drinks. Chilled water is the best way to satisfy your body’s hydration needs, and lose weight at the same time! You can burn over 200 calories a day just by drinking 8-10 glasses of ice-cold water; you’ll also be encouraging the body to produce certain hormones essential for keeping your body balanced and healthy. Coconut water is another good choice as it keeps your metabolism rate 12

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“Welcome Habibti…!” By Mehak Alam

When curiosity got the better of me, I wandered into an old souk store where I was delighted to chat with Umm Ali and Umm Ahmed, two Emirati women dedicated to their store, their country and their heritage.

Years ago shopping malls existed only in the imagination of the people of the UAE. Certainly no-one could predict the plethora of malls, jam-packed with designer boutiques, extravagant décor, sumptuous eateries and adventure filled zones that exist today. Traditional souks and outdoor markets have been abandoned in favor of these shiny, new shopping centers. However, for one Emirati duo, the traditional souk environment continues to be their preferred option, offering them not only a source of income but a way to express their dedication towards their land and heritage. Rather than blindly following the exodus of retailers to malls and shopping centers across the country, these two women have opted to remain working in the traditional setting just as their mothers and grandmothers did before them. Stepping into the women’s traditional store, I was struck by their warmth and hospitality, streets ahead of what you would be afforded in H&M or Bloomingdales. “Itafaddali ya habibiti” said Umm Ahmed kindly as I entered the wooden shelter from where they trade. Their ‘store’, located, next to Al Ain Oasis Hospital, certainly gives you an impression of age-old Arab markets, with only a few mats for sitting and no electricity. Their location, beside one of the most renowned hospitals in the city, gives them the luxury of having customers “belonging to different nationalities and cultures” visiting the store, giving the women the chance to broaden their minds and meet people from some unique and interesting backgrounds. Umm Ali and Umm Ahmed have been working here for many decades. They have grown to know their customers well, as have their customers them. There now exists a type of family

bond, with several women often popping in to enjoy a cup of tea, have a chat and a catch up, before getting on with their daily business. When it comes to the business, the women take care of everything, from selling and packing to handling the accounts and dealing with deliveries. Without complaining and with apparent ease, they sustain their little business day by day. Although they cannot compete with huge, luxurious shopping malls in terms of product variety, they certainly surpass these outlets when it comes to customer service. As Umm Ali was assisting a customer, I sat by Umm Ahmed and had a look at some of the products on offer. The items were all very simple, definitely not the type of products that will make anyone a fortune. There was a strong traditional feel, with herbal products and items like henna, kohl, dresses, shawls and Oud. Umm Ahmed explained how the women set off for work in the early hours of the morning in order to open their stalls around 7am. Proudly showing me the bag of goods she planned to sell that day, she looked happy and interested and went onto explain each product to me. Laying the items on a mat she told me, “I feel great by the end of the day. Even if I am unable to make much money, I still feel content.” Her wrinkled face and barely audible voice are the only signs of her age, with her sprightly enthusiasm being deceptively young. As a group of ladies entered the shelter, Umm Ali rose to greet them. One of the women asked about ‘Al Mar’ and Umm Ali devotedly explained it was a type of salt, traditionally used to reduce joint pain. She went into detail, explaining how to use it and the benefits it can bring. This made me recognize

the experience and knowledge that these women possess. One of the customers tells me “Both these women are like friends to us. We find them really helpful and we find most of the things here, like real natural Kohl, which we can’t find anywhere else.” Umm Ahmed smiles proudly, “what more can one ask for, in addition to the product, we provide free knowledge to the ladies.” This essential knowledge highlights the importance of modern day Emirati women in the economic development of the emirates. Umm Ali and Umm Ahmed clearly feel a strong sense of pride for their country. They are proud to continue what their forefathers started and it is the love for their culture and tradition, combined with their passion and enthusiasm, that make these women step out of their homes every day to sit beneath a simple wooden-shade under the blazing hot sun. Nothing, however, can dampen their spirit, certainly not the boiling temperature that hounded me with sweat that afternoon. Umm Ali, has been in the business for the past four decades and is senior to Umm Ahmed who joined her almost 30 years ago. Their stalls have been here since the beginning of trading in the Arab World and that is something that looks set to remain the same for years to come. Umm Ali tells me it’s ingrained in their lives. “We wake up every morning, pray for our family, country and our business. Then we head towards our work and when we are done back to our homes. The souk is like a second home to us. We have no plans of retiring.” “We don’t take it as a job, it’s our hobby and in our blood. We can’t think of doing anything else,” added Umm Ahmed. Both women feel honoured to see the development of the

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UAE, believing that, as trading pioneers, they were part of the pattern to set the stones of change in motion. Bidding farewell, I leave the little shelter, and Umm Ali and Umm Ahmed to continue their daily tasks. Coming across two ordinary women, who seem filled with an extra-ordinary charm, was a tremendous privilege and I felt honoured that these two businesswomen, mothers, wives and grandmothers took the time to sit with me, reveal their inspirations and give me a glimpse of what lies beneath their veils.

LIFELESSONS Keen to learn from their wisdom, I asked the women if they had any lessons for our readers. Smiling wisely, they told me: • • • • •

Women should understand their own importance. We are the pillar of the home and should strive for equal rights both inside and outside our homes. Personal freedom brings happiness and prosperity, so don’t allow yourself to be tied down. Do whatever you can for your country, no matter how small, as it is a way to pay back the love, security and peace you have been afforded. Remain rooted to your culture and traditions as your heritage is a way to define your personality. Don’t assume people are beneath you, often they don’t want to be treated as needy and are successfully making their own way through life.

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EDUCATION

An in-depth look at IELTS What is it?

Recently, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) has proven to be one of the most popular and trusted English language tests in providing reliable indicators of students’ proficiency in English. IELTS was developed by the British Council in partnership with IELTS Australia and Cambridge ESOL. Successfully completing the IELTS test can open so many opportunities for students. High scoring candidates are particularly sought after by universities and employers in English-speaking countries. The IELTS comes in two forms, academic and general. Which one you choose depends on your reasons behind taking the test; academic being for those applying to further education establishments or professional reasons and general for those intending to immigrate to English speaking countries. In the UAE, many institutions require prospective students to take the IELTS academic tests and base their entrance offers on the results. The Abu Dhabi Education Council also requires that their ESL staff score well in the academic IELTS. Both tests reflect everyday social environments to establish if candidates will be comfortable working at this English level on a daily basis.

The Test Components

Both tests have four different elements: 1. Reading: The reading modules are an hour long and comprise of three sections each with varying text lengths. 2. Listening: The listening test is split into four sections with forty questions and lasts thirty minutes, both the general and academic tests are identical for this section. 3. Writing: In the academic module, candidates have to write a report based on visual information followed by writing

Whizz Through the IELTS Exam

an academic essay. In the general module, students must write a letter of request or explanation and then a personal essay. 4. Speaking: The speaking test is a face-to-face oral interview with the assessor and usually lasts between 11 and 14 minutes.

Test Report Form

You cannot fail or pass an IELTS exam. Results are reported as band scores on a scale from 1 (lowest) to 9 (highest). In your test report form you will receive an individual band score for listening, writing, reading and speaking, as well as an overall score. Half bands may be awarded to indicate a strong performance within a particular band.

Even Harry Potter did homework! There are no magic tricks for improving an IELTS score - it takes hard work and lots of practice. You can get yourself onto a preparation course, or you can go to the Internet and try sites like Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s elc.polyu.edu.hk/ielts/ or the British Council’s www.britishcouncil.org/professionals-exams-ielts-intro.htm

Taking the Test

Enquire

Contact your nearest IELTS center, ask for an application form and find out about available test dates and fees. Contact details for IELTS test centers worldwide can be found at www. ielts.org. You can also download the application form from the IELTS website.

You Should Also: •

Read all the information received with your application form carefully. Fill in the form and send, or take it to the test center. Be sure to enclose the test fee and two identical passport photographs (not more than six months old). Enter the number of your identity document, whether it is your passport or national ID card, and attach a photocopy of it to the form. The document must be valid at time of registration and on the day of the test.

On the Day

Before you sit the speaking test, your identity will be double checked against the same identity document you used at registration. Your photograph may also be taken, before a member of staff will assign you a name label and tell you where to go.

Results

Results will be issued 13 days after the test and will either be mailed to candidates or, at some centers, candidates can personally collect their results. Test centers are not permitted to give results out over the phone, fax or via email.

The following are approved IELTS test centers in Al Ain:

• •

Do lots of practice tests. This will help you understand what kinds of questions are asked and which ones are quickest to answer. Build up vocabulary lists of words that go with common topics. Always guess if you don't know an answer. Marks are not deducted for a wrong answer.

Listening

Get a hold of the tapescript and read it while listening. This helps you build your understanding faster. You can listen without the tapescript later to test yourself.

Reading

Before the test: Read lots of English newspapers, magazines, or even books etc. - whatever you enjoy. During the test: Read the questions carefully before reading the text so you know what information you are looking for. Remember, the answers are usually in order in the text. Don't just start with the first question. Some types of questions are easier to answer quickly. Find these questions and you can get more marks in the same time. Read the instructions carefully. If you are asked to answer a questions in three words or less, don't give an answer with four.

Speaking

Speak English with your friends, family, anyone you come into contact with. Talk about general topics, practice talking for a minute on any topic you know about, imagine conversations in your head while travelling. Listen to people: you need to understand what the examiner says. Listening to English conversations on TV or radio, etc. gives you a variety of native speaker models and increases your exposure to a wider vocabulary range. Record yourself speaking on a dictaphone and play it back. Practice until you sound fluent, confident and relaxed, and your pronunciation and intonation is clear and natural.

Writing

Before the test: get someone to read your writing and suggest where you are making mistakes or where ideas are not clear. Write by hand and find your average number of words per line. That way, you know how many lines you need to produce in the test. In the exam: spend a minute or two before you start writing to make some notes. This keeps you on track as you write.

The United Arab Emirates University Abu Dhabi University Higher Colleges of Technology, Al Ain Men’s College

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@ THE MOVIES

CALENDAR OF EVENTS MAY 10th

Rain Dance Party

One Hit Jam Concert

Back by popular demand, Danat Al Ain Resort is hosting another fabulous Rain Dance Party. The night will feature DJ Chris Robert and Once Duo to keep you grooving until the wee hours of the morning. Teachers present your ID cards for free entry and welcome drinks. Ticket: AED 50 per person includes two drinks. Time: 8:30pm. For more information call 03 704 6000

Al Nasr Leisureland Ice Rink is hosting a live concert for Phillipine’s rock stars, Bamboo and Pupil, for the first time ever in Dubai. Guests’ artists Harris Dio Smith and Viscous Mishmash are also part of the lineup. Book tickets online from www.boxofficeme.com. Audience: 21+. Time: 8pm. For more information call 050 287 0786 or visit www. www.pinoysoundradio.com

MAY 10th

MAY 11th

Night of Dance

Al Ain Mall 2012 Fashion Show

Allure by Cipriani, Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi is hosting the ultimate Night of Dance party. Clubbers can look forward to an electrifying performance from world renowned DJs, Sandra van Doorn and Gareth Emery. Audience: 21+. Time: 8pm-3am. For more information call 02 509 8000 or visit www.thinkflash.ae to book tickets online

Al Ain Mall is hosting their 2012 Fashion Show “Where Passion meets Fashion”. The second of the three shows takes place 4 May and will showcase trends in traditional and kids wear. Time: 5-7pm. For more information call 03 766 0333

MAY 11th

MAY 12th

Etisalat Pro-League

Adopt a Cat Day

Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohamed Stadium in Al Ain will host the 20th round of the Etisalat Pro-League with Al Ain defending their cup. For more information visit http://www.proleague.ae/en/competition/the-etisalatpro-league.html

Al Rawdha Vet Clinic in Khalifa Street in association with Animal Welfare Al Ain is hosting Adopt a Cat Day. Both strays and abandoned cats have been cared for by foster families but desperately need permanent, loving homes. Time: 9am-12pm. For more information email animalwelfarealain@gmail.com

MAY 15th

MAY 10th

MAY 18th

Candle’s Night At Ayla Restaurant

Jazz Night

Ayla Hotel - Every Tuesday enjoy international cuisine, heartwarming desserts, rose petals and live music from the resident pianist and saxist. You and your loved one can enjoy the intimate candlelit dinner buffet from 7pm - 11pm. starting from AED88 per person. For more information contact the restaurant on 03 746 0903 or f.b@aylahotels.com

Lawrence Lounge at the Mercure Al Ain Grand Jebel Hafeet is hosting a Jazz Night where you can enjoy a variety of performances by local artists. Enjoy a special discount on a featured jazz drink. Admission: Free. Time: 7pm - 2am. For more information call 03 783 8888

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Storyline The director of S.H.I.E.L.D, Nick Fury, is an international peace keeping agent.This movie plays like a “who’s who” of Marvel Super Heroes, with Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow all getting in on the action. When global security is threatened by super villain Loki, Nick Fury and his team need all their powers to save the world from disaster.

Movie Listings GRAND BAWADI, BAWADI MALL, AL AIN Tel: +971 3 784 0300 OSCAR CINEMA, AL FOAH MALL, Al AIN Tel: +971 3 784 3535 1. THE CABIN IN THE WOODS: 11:10, 13:20, 15:30, 17:40, 19:50, 22:00, 00:10 2. FIVE YEAR ENGAGEMENT: 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00,18:00, 20:00, 22:00, 23:59 3. SECTOR: 11:00, 13:10, 15:20, 17:30, 19:40, 21:50, 23:59 4. SAFE: 10:50, 13:00, 15:10, 17:20, 19:30, 21:40, 23:50 5. THE AVENGERS: 10:15, 13:00, 15:45, 18:30, 21:15, 23:59

ROTANA HOTEL, ZAYED IBN SULTAN St., AL AIN Tel: +971 3 754 4447 1. CABIN IN THE WOODS: 11:00, 13:10, 15:20, 17:30, 19:40, 21:50, 24:00 2. THE AVENGERS: 10:15, 13:00, 15:45, 18:30, 21:15, 24:00 3. FIVE YEAR ENGAGMENT: 11:15, 13:45, 16:15, 18:45, 21:15, 23:45 4. THE LORAX: 11:00, 13:00, 15:00 4. REKLAM (ARABIC): 17:00, 19:20, 21:40, 24:00

1. CABIN IN THE WOODS: 11:00, 13:10, 15:20, 17:30, 19:40, 21:50, 24:00 2. THE AVENGERS: 10:15, 13:00, 15:45, 18:30, 21:15, 24:00 3. DANGEROUS ISHQ: 10:30, 13:00, 15:30, 20:30 3. DANGEROUS ISHQ (3D): 18:00, 23:00 4. THE AVENGERS (3D): 12:00, 14:45, 17:30, 20:15, 23:00 5. ISHAQ ZAADE (HINDI): 11:00, 13:30, 16:00, 18:30, 21:00, 23:30 6. FIVE YEAR ENGAGMENT: 11:15, 13:45, 16:15, 18:45, 21:15, 23:45 7. SAFE 2D: 10:50, 15:10, 19:30, 23:50 7. REKLAM (ARABIC): 13:00, 17:20, 21:40 GRAND CLASS: CABIN IN THE WOODS: 12:00, 14:10, 16:20, 18:30, 20:40, 23:00

GRAND AL AIN CINEPLEX AL AIN MALL, AL AIN Tel: +971 3 751 1228 1. CABIN IN THE WOODS: 11:00, 13:10, 15:20, 17:30, 19:40, 21:50, 24:00 2. THE AVENGERS: 10:15, 13:00, 15:45, 18:30, 21:15, 24:00 3. FIVE YEAR ENGAGMENT: 11:15, 13:45, 16:15, 18:45, 21:15, 23:45 4. THE LORAX: 11:00, 13:00, 15:00 4. REKLAM (ARABIC): 17:00, 19:20, 21:40, 24:00

The movie listings are valid from Thursday to Wednesday every week.

FROM OUR READERS Waterfall: acrylic on canvas by Dr. Ashuin Pillai

Wake up

& Smell the Hummus! My name is Aliya and I am from Beirut, Lebanon. I have been living in the UAE for the past 10 years. I am a real foodie and love trying out different cuisines. I would like to share my favorite Lebanese Chickpea Dip recipe. You can make this delicious dip the day before serving to allow flavors to develop.

Ingredients 1 can of chickpeas (drain liquid and save) ¼ cup of sesame seed paste (Tahini) 1 clove garlic ½ tsp salt ¼ cup lemon juice 2 tbsp of olive oil Some parsley for garnishing

Method 1. Combine all the ingredients in a food processor or blender, adding only enough of the saved liquid to meet your requirements. 2. Add saved liquid from chickpeas until required consistency is reached 3. Blend for 2-3 minutes into a smooth paste. 4. Place the dip in a platter or a shallow bowl. 5. Sprinkle some olive oil on the top and garnish with parsley sprigs. 6. Serve with pieces of pita bread.

HAVE A QUESTION WE HAVE THE ANSWER ASK THE SOURCE

Where can I find a dance & music school for my 8-year-old? If your daughter wants to become a musical maestro or she enjoys a boogie, then you may want to contact the following venues:

The House of Arts offers lessons in music, drama and dance. Dance courses include: Ballet, Break Dance, Tap and Old School. Music classes cover: Instrument tuition, Musical Theory lessons, Music for Little Mozart’s and Kindermusik. For more information call 03 762 6651 or visit www.house-of-arts.net The Talent Zone Institute offers cinematic and classical dance classes. For more information call 03 766 2991

Expressions of Dance & Drama (Al Ain Branch) offers classes in a variety of dance styles for both children and adults, novice and experienced dancers. For more information call 02 493 0115 or email alain@expressions-dance.net

Waste not, Want not!

ENVIRONMENTAL

A recent visit with my family to the beautiful Jebel Hafeet left us disheartened and disappointed simply because of all the carelessly strewn trash. Litter is one of the most common forms of pollution and after witnessing the mess at Jebel Hafeet, I felt I had to say something about the impact of littering on the environment. On top of that, littering also makes an area unappealing and unattractive. Litter provides the perfect breeding ground for unwanted insects and rodents, and these animals can carry disease. Here in the UAE, we like to take advantage of our beautiful desert surroundings with camping trips into the wilderness. Make sure you take a bag to put your rubbish into. Abandoned trash plays havoc with the environment and poses a danger to wildlife. For example, foraging camels often mistake stray plastic bags for food and attempt to eat them. As the bags can’t be digested or decompose in their stomachs the camel, sadly, dies an excruciating death.

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NEED TO KNOW

Cigarette butts are the most common form of litter. Many have been found in the stomach of fish and birds that have fatally mistaken them for food. Cigarette butts are also non-biodegradable, instead they decompose chemically, taking a long time and releasing harmful elements into our environment. Just last week, the authorities in Dubai announced their very own litter crackdown team, who have the authority to sweep the city and issue fines, record ID details and note down car registrations in a bid to clean up the city. This initiative, if successful, is likely to be followed throughout the rest of the emirates. So, why don’t we all make a conscious effort to keep our city and surrounding area free from trash? Keep Al Ain clean, don’t let litter be seen!

Day

Fajr

Sunrise

Dhuhr

Asr

Maghrib

Isha

Thursday

4:11

5:36

12:14

3:39

6:51

8:21

Friday

4:10

5:35

12:14

3:39

6:51

8:21

Saturday

4:09

5:35

12:14

3:38

6:52

8:22

Sunday

4:09

5:34

12:14

3:38

6:52

8:22

Monday

4:08

5:34

12:14

3:38

6:53

8:23

Tuesday

4:07

5:33

12:14

3:38

6:53

8:23

Wednesday

4:07

5:33

12:14

3:38

6:54

8:24

PRAYER

TIMES

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BE INSPIRED

Inspire Yourself “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul” said English Poet William Ernest Henley back in 1849 and his wise words still ring true today. Every now and then, we all go through a slump. Maybe we find ourselves stuck in a rut, doing the same tedious things over and over without really making any progress. This leaves us feeling frustrated and demotivated and can easily turn into a vicious circle. Most of us blame this lack of motivation on huge workloads and other day-to-day stresses that fall on our shoulders. Often, though, it’s simply a lack of inspiration and motivation that makes our daily tasks a ‘bit of a drag’. Whether it’s a business presentation, an important project or delivering a lesson in a classroom, when there is a lack of motivation you can easily become disinterested and unfocused. While thanks and acknowledgment from employers and colleagues are appreciated, essentially what we are all working for is a sense of self-satisfaction and being able to take pride in our own performances. In order to achieve this, we should focus on feeding our inner-self. Surrounding ourselves with people who boost our morale, increase our self-confidence and inspire us is an important step in self-motivation. Yes, we all need that one person in our life who questions us and keeps us grounded, but we do not need an overload of negativity, as this simply drags our spirits down. Taking action is key in achieving what you want. Read on for some personal motivation tips, designed to help you power through life.

Inspire Yourself

Some people have a particular verse of a song, an uplifting poem or an inspiring quotation that motivates them through life. If you know what that is for you, print it out, put it on a fridge magnet or use it as your screen saver. If nothing springs to mind, dedicate some time reading, researching or simply thinking of a time when you truly felt inspired and write it down. Referring to this inspiration will help you remain positive in trying times.

college days. These moments of triumph are yours and no one can steal them away from you. They will always remind you of who you are and what you can achieve!

Plan it Out

You cannot do everything alone. No-one can, pure and simple! So don’t attempt to as this will just leave you feeling like you failed. Instead, focus on fewer, more important things. Make a list of the crucial tasks you need to achieve in the next 24 hours, whether they are big or small. Achieving each task, and ticking it off, will help you to feel happy and more motivated.

Get Moving

I am unsure where in the process the magic is, but there is absolutely some relationship between productivity, and exercise. Whether it’s a run, a walk or any sport that gets your heart rate up, it keeps depression away and makes you feel energetic to accomplish more during the day. So look out those trainers!

Don’t Procrastinate

There is a very famous saying that advises ‘don’t put off until tomorrow, what you can achieve today.’ Keep this in mind, especially when it comes to daunting tasks. If you have the time and energy to start a task, then do so. Whether you get it finished or not is a different story, but don’t waste an opportunity to get started on something.

Think Positive

Often the path to success lies in your failures and your ability to learn from them. You should consider failing as an integral part of life and remember that you fail, not because you weren’t competent but because you made the other person win. This is the attitude you should adopt. Don’t consider failure as a negative rather accept it as a learning curve. Life is not a bed of roses; there are some thorns that are going to prick you hard along the way. It’s how you choose to deal with these thorns that will determine your path through life.

Keep Memories Alive

Whenever things in your life seem dark and depressing, think positive. Go over your strengths, past successes and current advantages. These could be anything from getting a promotion to delivering the best speech in your school or

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Believe in YOU

If you don’t, then who will? When the world says you cannot do it, stand up and show them you can. Only you have the power to change you, so live your dreams and, most importantly, believe in yourself.

MY WORLD

Amble in the Shambles in the

CITY OF YORK

MY WORLD If you’re looking for a cultural getaway, a romantic break or a relaxing few days away, York could be just the place for you. Situated in North Yorkshire, England, the city is one of those places that make you feel like you’ve taken a step back in time. A city of exquisite architecture, set amongst a tangled web of cobbled streets and totally surrounded by impressive ancient walls, York has a long history and a rich heritage. Today, York has geared up for tourists and has many modern cafés, restaurants, shops and pubs. Each one, however, has been carefully designed to fit in with the architecture typical of the city in order to fuse tradition quite eloquently with modernity. No visit to York is complete without a trip to the magnificent York Minster, one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in the entire world. Built between the 1220’s and the 1470’s, it stands proudly on a site where history has been made throughout the ages. The Roman Emperor Constantine commenced his journey to greatness here and, for many Archbishops and Archdeacons; it is a coveted final resting place. The second largest cathedral in Northern Europe, it consists of three towers each standing at an impressive 60 meters. With free guided tours, and the option to go behind the scenes of the York Glaziers Trust conservator to see stained glass being made, a visit to the minster is great for families of all ages. A hike around the city, on those famous city walls, is the perfect way to get your bearings while seeing a circumferential view of what York has to offer. Be sure to take some comfortable walking shoes as it’s a fairly lengthy hike and, in some parts, the wall has worn away so much that you end up clambering over grass and rocks. There are four main gatehouses punctuating the wall which, in medieval times, were used to restrict traffic and collect tolls. Conveniently, they have now been turned into little coffee shops, the perfect place to rest your weary feet and grab some refreshments before continuing your trek.

houses with roofs so close that they almost touch. This street is not only the most visited in Europe but is also the winner of Britain’s Most Picturesque Street Award. It’s the perfect place for an afternoon stroll, a spot of shopping or some simple people watching. Just over 20km from the city is Castle Howard, the breathtaking former stately home of the Earl of Carlisle. This place gets pretty crowded on a weekend, so try to go on a week day when you’ll have the space to appreciate the grand fusion of art, architecture and natural beauty. Watch out for stray peacocks as you enjoy a stroll over the lush Howardian Hills before going inside to marvel at the awesome Corinthian pilasters, antique lined corridors and dazzling stained glass. After a day’s sightseeing head down to the River Ouse for some dinner and drinks at one of the many modern or traditional bars nestled on its banks. If you’re looking to be spooked take a trip to The Golden Fleece, an ancient building mentioned as far back as 1503 where centuries of bizarre, unnerving and unexplained events have gained it a reputation as one of the most haunted sights in the whole of England. A city of contrasts and exciting discoveries, where the old encompasses the new, broaden your mind, step back in time and immerse yourself in history with a visit to the fascinating city of York

The Shambles - The most visited street in Europe

For the chocolate lovers amongst you, York is the perfect choice as it bears the nickname The Chocolate City. While other English cities made their wealth from coal, cotton or steel, York went its own way and built its fortune from chocolate. Some of your favorite brands; Kit Kat, Smarties and Aero, began their lives in York City. Today, you can embark on a tour where you’ll discover how chocolate is made, hear the story of how the city excelled in chocolate manufacturing and, of course, sample some sweet treats as you taste your way through York’s sweet story.

Perfectly manicured lawns of Castle Howard

All that chocolate is bound to put you in the mood for lunch and there is only one place to head. Betty’s, in the heart of the city, is an old-school style English restaurant, complete with waitresses in stiff white aprons, linen tablecloths and dainty teacups. Make sure you try the Yorkshire Fat Rascal, a humongous fruit scone drowned in melted butter and absolutely delicious when washed down with a good old cup of English tea. The Shambles is the name of the narrow cobbled street in the heart of the city which is flanked by 15th century Tudor

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MY CITY

BUSINESS

Motivation

Ready! Steady! Go! The state-of-the-art Al Ain Raceway is ranked as one of the world’s top three go-kart tracks, and has played host to major international events, such as the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals which is the biggest annual event on the global karting calendar. Featuring three distinctive configurations that provide an exhilarating challenge for drivers of all abilities, the fully floodlit circuit is open to the public to hone their skills in the top-of-the-line ‘Intrepid’ brand rental karts. If you fancy a spontaneous, no-nonsense blast around the track, then check out the Arrive and Drive sessions that cater to individuals and small groups. From the youngest to the most experienced of drivers, this format provides the ideal hassle-free and low budget opportunity to practice and develop your driving skills in their fleet of high performance Intrepid rental karts. On arrival drivers will sign in, change into full race gear and receive a mandatory briefing on kart controls and circuit rules by one of the instructors before taking to the circuit to test

the key to success

your mettle behind the wheel. All competitors, whether Cadet (7-11yrs), Junior (12-15yrs) or Senior (16yrs+) are treated to top-of-the-range, raceprepared karts, with individual lap time print-outs along with a performance graph and statistical information. The senior karts are equipped with revolutionary steering wheel-mounted information screens. Linked directly to their timing system, these displays allow competitors access to up-to-the-minute race data such as race position and current lap time, making it possible to constantly monitor your own progress. Al Ain Raceway is located only minutes away from the Danat Hotel. Just continue on for about a kilometer after you pass the Danat Hotel Roundabout and you will see the Al Ain Raceway on your right. Advanced booking is recommended to confirm timings and circuit availability. For more information visit www. alainraceway.com or contact them directly on 03 768 6662.

As a manager, your job is to get things done through your employees. To do this, a manager should be able to motivate their employees; however, this is often easier said than done! Motivation practice and theory are difficult subjects, touching on several disciplines. Despite enormous research, the subject of motivation is still not clearly understood and, more often than not, is poorly practiced. To understand motivation one must first of all understand human nature itself. And therein lies the problem! Human nature can be very simple or it can be very complex. An understanding and appreciation of this is a prerequisite to effective employee motivation in the workplace and therefore effective management and leadership. Motivating employees can be one of your biggest challenges as an employer. Constant pressure to increase productivity, profitability, and revenue growth can often overshadow the importance of how an unengaged workforce can negatively affect corporate performance. While some employees produce to their highest capability regardless of the incentive, others need an occasional spark of motivation. When handled effectively, the result can be greater productivity and increased employee morale. Keeping employees motivated is the key to maintaining a productive, successful business. As a manager you must find ways to motivate your employees and make them want to live up to their full potential. To do this effectively, you need to understand what motivates employees within the context of their respective roles.

There is an old saying ‘you can lead a horse to water but you cannot make it drink; it will drink only if it’s thirsty and the same goes for people. They will do what they want to do or are otherwise motivated to do. No matter whether it is to excel on the workshop floor or up in the heady heights of the ‘ivory tower’, they must be motivated or driven to it, either by themselves or through external stimulus. Are people born with self-motivation or drive? Sometimes yes, other times no. If no, however, they can be motivated. Thus, motivation is an intrinsic managerial skill which can and must be learnt in order for any business to succeed. There are different approaches to motivation. Some people use destructive methods, for example, fear and intimidation. While this may produce results in the short term, it is a hurtful approach and results will not last. Effective delegation and coaching are much more efficacious motivation strategies, adding to employee’s skill base while keeping them content and not allowing boredom to creep in. Different people can have very different motivators whether that is more money, recognition, time off work, promotions or opportunities for learning, socializing or relationships. Therefore, to be an effective motivator, you must first take some time to get to know each of your employees and find out what makes them tick, in order to identify what will motivate them. Happy employees mean a more motivated staff and a more motivated staff ultimately means a more successful business.

Did you know that money is often not the biggest motivator for an employee? A recent survey found that only 15% of employees left their jobs because of inadequate salary and benefits. The same study also found that of those who left their jobs: • • • • • •

ANNUAL PASS 2012 NOW AVAILABLE At Hili Fun City, classic and traditional family fun is what we’re all about. Enjoy 31 attractions (28 included in the entrance fee) for all ages, with roller coasters, rides, an amphitheatre for 1,400 people, and beautifully landscaped gardens with picnic and play areas.

For more info please call +971 3 784 5542 or visit www.hilifuncity.ae 26 thesourceuae.com

For admission fees, please refer to our website, Wednesdays are reserved for ladies only. Closed on Sundays.

30% were unhappy with management and the way they were managed 25% felt they received no respect for good work 20% complained of limited opportunities for advancement 15% cited inadequate salary and benefits 5% were bored with the job 5% cited other reasons (retirement, career change, sabbatical, travel)

Quite apart from the benefit and moral value of an altruistic approach to treating colleagues with respect, research and observations show that well motivated employees are, in turn, more productive and creative. The inverse also holds true. thesourceuae.com

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