The Source Magazine - Issue 17 - English by The Source

The

Source

Issue 17 - 28 June 2012

SCHOOLS OUT FOR

SUMMER!

W IN! D INN FOR ER 2

ANCIENT TREASURES OF THE SILK ROUTE

THE ART OF TRANSLATION

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The

NEWS

SPORTS

Source

Contents Letter from the Editor

10 FEATURE Schools are out and summer is here. Head to Abu Dhabi’s Summer Festival to keep the whole family entertained 12 BUSINESS Winner of the John T Riordan Scholarship, Mohamad El Sabawi, talks to us about successful business planning and the development of Al Ain’s newest mall

In the words of Alice Cooper, school’s out for summer! The academic year is finally over and families up and down the country are getting ready for summer.

13 STUFF for men Man up with a man bag

That’s why we’ve given this week’s magazine a bit of a ‘holiday’ theme, kicking off with a visit to Abu Dhabi Summer Festival, somewhere you’ve got to check out if you’re hanging around the Emirates over the next month or so. If you are having a ‘stay-cation’, be sure to read My Emirate for information on Al Ain’s Ayla Hotel, a perfect choice for a spot of pampering that’s not too far from home.

15 URBAN WOMAN Celebrity Spotlight on Kelly Brook: model, actress and fashionista 16 AL MAJLIS Emirati artist, Saoud Al Dhaheri, tells us about his love for art and the hurdles facing artists in Al Ain 18 EDUCATION As a bilingual magazine, we thought it only apt to look a little at the art of translation 20 DIARY 21 @ THE MOVIES 22 FROM OUR READERS

If, on the other hand, you’re whisking the family off somewhere exotic, be sure to read this week’s Lifestyle to get some tips on making things easier when travelling with nippers in tow. In Stuff for men we look at man bags, ideal for any upcoming trips while, in Urban Woman, we focus on celebrity Kelly Brook who’s just launched a brand new summer clothing collection at high street favorite store New Look.

24 Lifestyle Travelling with kids can be stressful. Read our tips for an easier journey

So get set to enjoy your summer and don’t worry; here at The Source towers we won’t be winding down for summer, as we’ll be way too busy bringing you all the latest news and events from around the country right through the hottest months of the year!

25 MY EMIRATE Step into luxury at Al Ain’s Ayla Hotel

Happy reading!

23 NEED TO KNOW

26 MY WORLD The ancient Silk Route holds many unknown treasures

Hayley Skirka

9 15

Managing Director Mona Hennawi | Editor In Chief Mahra Saeed Al Muhairi Associate Editor Khudayja Saloojee | Junior Writer Mehak Alam Senior Graphic Designer Ghulmiyyah Ghulmiyyah Senior Arabic Editor Sami Rashid | Translator/Associate Arabic Editor Hanadi Jamil | Senior Translator Narmeen Al Assad Finance & Administration Manager Haneen Farid | Sales & Advertising Joe Mathew Photographer Mohsin Salim | Distribution Manager Jeff Grigsby Contributors | Michelle Dolan, Rawad Nasser

Advertising advertising@thesourceuae.com

To Contact Us +971 3 7668111 info@thesourceuae.com www.thesourceuae.com

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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.

NEWS Students participate in

Live-cooking

Al Ain’s Ayla Hotel got involved with students in the city last week as Chef Vineeh from the Ayla Restaurant visited a group of Grade Five students in Al Ain International School to entertain them with his impressive cooking repertoire. Chef Vineeh hosted a live-cooking session for the students where they assisted him in preparing his delectable Chicken Curry. The young students joined in the preparation of the tasty dish while their teachers watched on in amusement.

The effort and team work of all students involved was praised by Chef Vineeh and there could be some true junior Masterchefs in the making! The activity took place under the guidance of Mr. Cooper, a teacher at the school. The cooking session was followed up with the students sitting together to feast on their hand-made delights. The event is part of the Ayla Hotel’s commitment to the Al Ain community.

Police Launch

‘Your Safety’ Campaign As part of a campaign entitled ‘Your Safety’, Abu Dhabi Police and Patrols Directorate have warned motorists against driving while they are sleepy or tired. Recent statistics indicate that six people were killed, and nine others seriously injured, in 28 tiredness-related traffic accidents last year in the Abu Dhabi Emirate. Colonel Hamad Nasser Al Baloushi, Director of External Roads Traffic Department at the Abu Dhabi Police Traffic and Patrols Directorate General, explained that fatigue is one of the leading causes of accidents. He urged all motorists to stop their cars in a safe place away from the road and rest for a while if they feel tired or drowsy, especially at night. He explained that fatigue inhibits a driver’s ability to concentrate and slows down

their reflexes, thus increasing the chances of traffic accidents. He further advised motorists to pay attention, watch the roads and adhere to designated speed limits whilst always wearing a seatbelt. Colonel Hamad appealed to motorists to interact with the media campaign carried out by Abu Dhabi Police and Patrols Directorate, in collaboration with the Security Media, at the Secretariat General of the office of HH Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, which is centered around the theme ‘Your Safety,’ by abiding to traffic laws to ensure their safety and the safety of everyone on the roads.

PROMOTING Effective Management Abu Dhabi’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry organised an Effective Management for Business Success Conference in Al Ain last week, inviting business leaders from both the private and public sectors to share their success stories with those in attendance. Mr. Ali Ghanem Al Taweel, of the Strategy & Performance Development Department, Ministry of Interior, kicked off proceedings by discussing various aspects of contributing failure attributes and the link this has with negativity in the work place. Learning Consultant Carol Talbot then shared her ideas on how leaders can equip themselves, and their teams, for a lifetime of success, “Great leaders can be transformed in the way they think, the way they act and, most importantly, in the performance they deliver as a result!” She then introduced some hand-on activities in a bit to highlight that personal power and motivation has a huge effect on improving not only individuals but also whole companies. Mr. Philip Diab, of Booz Allen Hamilton, a leading provider of management and technology consulting services, stressed the importance of implementing successful project management skills. He also spoke about embracing new practices and overcoming challenges to reap maximum returns in today’s new world of work. Mubadala’s Badr Al-Olama, Deputy CEO of STRATA, delivered a presentation to further inspire the cross section of business delegates attending from all over the emirates.

London 2012

Olympic Torch Relay London 2012 Olympic Games are not scheduled to kick off until 27 July but recently started the Torch Relay, where nine individuals from the Gulf region proudly carried the Olympic flame in the UK in respect of the games and their respective home countries. The regional torchbearers carried the Olympic flame across several locations throughout the United Kingdom, as the torch make its way to London to inaugurate the London 2012 Olympic Games. Olympic Torchbearers from the region included, amongst others, Elham Qasimi,

the first Arab woman to trek the North Pole, Simran Vedvyas, a prominent 13-year-old environmental campaigner, Hassanain Anver, founder of an online UAE youth platform. Emarati Jalal bin Thaneya, a social advocate for children with special needs also took part as did Kuwaiti Zed Al Refai, the first Arab to scale Mount Everest and Nada Zeidan, the first female rally driver in the Gulf. All London 2012 Olympic Torchbearers were chosen in recognition of their contribution to local communities and their demonstration of the Olympic spirit. thesourceuae.com

NEWS

Emirates Flying

High over

London

Emirates are sponsors of Britain’s First Urban Cable Car

Atlantis Launch

Shark Safari

ondon will see a new cable car over its infamous Thames River open on June 28th 2012, just in time for the opening of the Olympic Games. The car will be Britain’s first urban cable car, and is expected to be a big attraction for the masses of tourists set to visit London over the course of the games. It has been named the Emirates Air Line, after UAE based air carrier Emirates plowed over 200 million dirhams into the project as part of a ten year sponsorship agreement. The cable car will run between Greenwich and the Royal Docks and will give visitors a unique bird’s eye view of legendary city attractions such as Canary Wharf, the O2 Arena and the Thames Barrier. 34 cars will travel between the two stations, each having the capacity to hold up to ten commuters. Not only will the cars give visitors a unique view of the city, they will also help ease congestion on public transport systems for the duration of the Olympic Games. The cable car is also part of a long term plan for the renovation and regeneration of Britain’s capital. London’s colorful Mayor, Boris Johnson, announced “The Emirates Air Line is part of my plan to develop a package of new river crossings in east London and transform the surrounding area into a vibrant new metropolitan quarter that will attract new jobs, homes and enterprise.” 8

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Atlantis Hotel launched a new leisure offering last Wednesday in the form of their Shark Safari. This new attraction offers visitors a chance to get up close and personal with sharks and other marine life in their Shark Lagoon. Using a specially designed helmet, based on the safe and reliable Sea Trek underwater system, novice divers who have no previous experience are now able to explore the beautiful lagoon. Rob Bennett, Manager of large exhibitions at Atlantis, explained how it works, “A backpack, which holds the oxygen cylinder, rests on the person’s shoulders

and then the helmet is placed on top of the backpack.” Only four divers at a time are allowed inside Shark Lagoon. Before explorers are submerged in the water they are offered a short information session on underwater sign language. The tank has ample space for everyone to stroll along the lagoon’s ‘seabed’ and marvel at the colorful exotic fish and coral, black tip reef sharks and rare marble rays. The Shark Safari is available for anyone aged eight to 80, regardless of fitness level, diving experience or swimming skills.

Campaign To Raise

Aid for Yemen UAE’s Red Crescent Authority (RCA), in coordination with the country’s media outlets and in cooperation with the Khalifa bin Zayed Humanitarian Foundation and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian & Charity Foundation, will launch a nationwide campaign on Friday, 29 June to raise donations for Yemen to counter food shortages in the country.

for the Yemeni brothers in the current circumstances based on teachings of Islam and our humanitarian principles, which provide for the rights of human beings to a dignified life. The support the UAE provides to the victims of conflicts and disasters is in the expression of the noble attitude of the people of the UAE towards their brothers in humanity worldwide.”

The aim of the initiative is to raise donations to support and alleviate suffering in Yemen. The UAE shows concern about the large number of the Yemeni population, and in particular Yemeni children, that are suffering from severe malnutrition. A further AED 500 million has been donated by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan to be used to purchase food supplies.

The campaign is in line with directives by President HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed and Vice President and Prime Minister HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and orders by General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nayhan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. This initiative is followed up by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nayhan, Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region and Chairman of the Red Crescent Authority.

According to WAM, the RCA reiterated the UAE’s willingness to provide “support

SPORTS

Sulayem Supports Paralympics Team The UAE Disabled Sports Federation’s fifteenstrong athlete squad will compete in the London 2012 Paralympic Games to be held from 29 August to 9 September.

SheikH Mohammed wins Endurance Race

This UAE team are being supported by recordbreaking former Middle East motor-rally superstar, Mohammed bin Sulayem, who now serves as the president of the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, led a fleet of UAE riders at the European Endurance Race 2012, held at Ancona in Italy last week. For the second year running, HH Sheikh Mohammed was crowned champion after performing tremendously well, clocking in at 8:51:10 on the 160km long finishing line and beating the elite of the world’s rival riders. Following him on the podium were His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Majed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, who came in second and third respectively. The five stage race was conducted under the supervision of the World Equestrian Federation and organized by the Italian Equestrian Federation. HH Sheikh Mohammed will now lead UAE riders to the World Endurance Cup, scheduled to take place in England in August this year.

“We are very grateful to Mohammed for his backing. To have the support of an Emirati who has achieved so much in the international sporting arena gives the team an extra lift as they prepare for the Paralympics,” said Mohammed Fadhel Al Hamly, president of the UAE Disabled Sports Federation, warmly welcoming the supportive gesture by one of the leading sports personality’s in the country. Sulayem, who is known for his support towards organizations and events serving disabled members of society in the country said, “I’m looking forward to seeing the UAE flag flying at the Paralympic Games and I know our national team will do the country proud. They deserve the support of people like me because sport has

been so good to us.” Among the fifteen-strong squad are powerlifter, Mohammed Khamis, who won gold at the 2004 Paralympics in Athens, and Mohammed Al Hamadi, winner of a gold and a silver medal at the 2011 IPC Athletics World Championships in Christchurch, New Zealand, a qualifying event for the London 2012 Paralympics Games. Both competitors are seen as strong contenders for medals at this year’s Paralympics. The team will travel to the United Kingdom a few weeks before the start of the games to attend a training camp, before moving to the Olympic Village on 23 August.

Despite an impressive performance by Team Abu Dhabi, it was Qatar who took first place

Carella holds off

Emirati Al Hameli

Italian driver, Alex Carella, representing Qatar, proved his worth in round two of the F1 H2O World Championship Grand Prix in Kazan last week, defeating 18 drivers from 11 different nations.

Ahmed made it tough for me but I was able to hold him off and its always good to stop someone who was on a bit of a winning streak as well,” stated Alex.

The Motor Boat Grand Prix in Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia was held in front of tens of thousands of fans. Carella took the lead in the second lap of the race, a fabulous feat after teammate Shaun Torrente experienced some intermittent power issues with his engine.

Two-time World Champion, Sami Selio of the Mad Croc Team, settled in fourth position while, twotime Russian winner, Jonas Andersson of Team Sweden, came in fifth. Thani Al Qamzi of Team Abu Dhabi grabbed sixth place after battling it out against Russian driver Stanislav Kurtsenovskiy. Italian Valerio Lugiannella, of the Singha Team, finished in eighth place and French driver Philippe Tourre was the ninth and final driver to pick up any points in the race.

The Italian reached the finish line just 4.73 seconds ahead of Abu Dhabi’s Ahmed Al Hameli, the Emirati-driver who has recently claimed first and second spots in almost every race he has participated in this year. He now has a total of 35 points, and is, over-all, eight points ahead of both Alex Carella and French Driver Chappe of the CTIC China Team, who finished third in the Kazan race.

Round three of the UIM F1 H2O World Championship will take place from 20-21 July, in Kiev, Ukraine, marking the end of the European legs of the Championship. thesourceuae.com

FEATURE

Beat the Heat Summer has well and truly arrived. Schools are out and the temperature gauge is shooting up faster than the cars speeding down Emirates Road. Friends have packed up and taken themselves off to cooler climates as part of the emirates annual summer migration and, for those of us sticking around, things are getting tough. As part of the plan to keep everyone happy in the heat, Abu Dhabi Tourism and Cultural Authority have launched ‘Summer in Abu Dhabi’ providing visitors and residents with fantastic ways to keep themselves and their families entertained throughout the summer months. Festivities at ADNEC, the center piece of the summer festival, opened last Wednesday and saw a huge influx of visitors. The festival hopes to attract over one hundred thousand visitors before it ends on the 19th of July. We went along last week to see what all the fuss was about, and we couldn’t help but be impressed. With the hub of activities taking place at ADNEC, it’s an easy place to find and parking is plentiful. Almost 19000 sq meters have been

transformed into a huge fun factory with four jam-packed halls. A trio of South African sea lions, provided by Emirates Park Zoo commanded attention with their entertaining dancing skills. The sea lions will perform thrice daily for the duration of the festival. The Lost City Adventure was another crowd pleaser with kids running around the obstacle course, clambering over rolling logs and swinging above snake infested pits. Diane Hilton, originally from South Africa said “Its great how it’s been setup, there’s loads to do.” The events main activities are centered on the Ice Age movies and gives kids the chance to partake in various subzero themed fun including a snowball play pit and zorbing, which involves climbing inside a huge inflatable ball and rolling around! Eight-year-old Emma Montanari deemed this to be “super fun!” Children will be fascinated by the festivals ice-shows featuring Snow White, the classical children’s fairytale where they can journey to a land of magic; where poisoned apples, Prince Charming and magic mirrors are brought to life by the fantastic acrobatic abilities of Deplidge International Theatre. Cinderella

june

june/July

July

21 to 28

29 to 7

6&7

Cinderella on Ice:

Jungle Book: 4:30pm, 7:20pm & 9:10pm

Jungle Book (Al Mushrif Mall): 6:30pm & 9pm

Snow White on Ice: 3pm, 6pm & 8pm

Louna: 4:30pm, 7:20pm & 9:10pm

4:30pm, 6:30pm & 9pm

Peter Pan on Ice (6 only): & Snow White on Ice (7 only): 3pm, 6pm & 8pm th

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FEATURE

with Summer in Abu Dhabi on Ice will transport everyone to an evening of awe and wonder, complete with superb sets and colorful costumes. For an adrenalin thrill, head to Peter Pan on Ice where you’ll see pirates, Native American Indians and snapping crocodiles bring this childhood favorite alive. Penny farthing bicycles will be ridden across the ice against the skyline of a London park in the opening number of this fast moving and exciting performance. The final production, Beauty and The Beast, combines romance, tragedy and magic as the crew performs their unique interpretation of this enchanting love story, a mesmerizing treat for the whole family. As well as these fantastic fairytales, you can join Louna, everyone’s favorite Arab doll, as she brings you to the enchanted land of dolls, teddy bears and all things magic with catchy music and dance in both Arabic and English. Ice Age and Show World bring characters Scrat, Sid and Manny to life in their rendition of the icy-cool story. Finally, The Jungle Book Show invites you to join Mowgli and his friends as they teach you to swing through the vines and play the bongo with some unique jungle jives and jigging.

The festival is great value for money with entry just AED 40 for adults, and AED 30 for children under 12. Open weekdays from 3pm to 9pm and weekends from 2pm to 10pm, it offers a great alternative to trawling the malls this summer. As well as everything going on at ADNEC, there’s a whole lot more to help you get in the summer spirit. Out of town visitors coming from the GCC, South Africa or Morroco on Etihad Airways can take advantage of free flights for kids. If you’re heading to Abu Dhabi from Al Ain or elsewhere, you can book into one of the festivals participating hotels and get a second room completely free as well as complimentary kids tickets to the festival. Al Ain Zoo, Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Emirates Park Zoo, Hili Fun City and Al Ain’s Wadi Adventure are also offering two-for one tickets throughout summer. Ferrari World and the Big Bus City Tour have also joined up to offer discounted tickets and, of course, the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque tour is always free of charge. With all of this on offer, summer looks set to be a blast!

July

8 to 12

13 & 14

15 to 19

Louna: 4:45pm & 7:20pm

Louna (Al Ain): 6:30pm & 9pm

Ice Age: 4:45pm, 7:20pm

Peter Pan on Ice: 3:30pm, 6pm & 8pm

Ice Age: 4:30pm, 7:20pm & 9:10pm

Beauty & The Beast on Ice: 3:30pm, 6pm & 8pm

Beauty & The Beast on Ice: 3pm, 6pm & 8pm

thesourceuae.com

BUSINESS

success will follow

Passion By Hayley Skirka

For a small city, Al Ain has its fair share of shopping malls. Residents and visitors flock to them to meet friends, pick up groceries, visit the cinema, partake in some retail therapy or simply grab a coffee. And now, there’s a new kid on the block. Wahat Hili Mall is set to open in the first quarter of 2013 and aims to bring with it some fresh retail and dining options for the people of Al Ain. One man, who has been thoroughly involved in the setup of the mall, is General Manager Mohamad El Sabawi. The hard work and dedication that he has already demonstrated were rewarded last month when he was chosen to receive the John T Riordan Professional Education Scholarship. Established by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) in 2004, the scholarship aims to further career development of retail real estate professionals by funding their participation in a week long professional development course. Fifteen awards are granted annually and, this year, Mohamad was delighted to travel to Las Vegas to receive his recognition. Feeling honored to be the first person in the Middle East or North Africa to be granted the award he explained, “It feels great, the hard work has paid off. We’ve been very actively involved with the Middle East Council of Shopping Centers and the ICSC and, having received that recognition, just gives you a nice feeling.” Working with the ICSC, Mohamad has mentored new professionals to the industry and partaken in dedicated training sessions. His recognition by the council should also please Wahat Hili Mall’s chairman, Saeed Sultan Al Dhaheri, as he’ll “know that he hired the right staff for the job” smiles Mohamad. Prior to working in Al Ain, Mohamad was involved in the setup of ‘The Walk’, the popular lifestyle shopping boulevard located at Jumeirah Beach Residence in Dubai. His experience there, the excellent reputation that ‘The Walk’ has since gained and prior global experience in the retail real estate market made Mohamad a prime candidate to receive the Riordan scholarship. Key business planning, in the form of multiple feasibility studies, gave rise to the development of Wahat Hili Mall. Although there are four existing shopping malls in the city, these studies showed that the area was lacking a large community mall. Thus, the creation of a new retail center, featuring a variety of retail tenants, multiple food and beverage options, as well as an adjoined five star Rotana Hotel, was realized. The center’s prime location is one of the key features that the team behind Wahat Hili Mall hope to optimize on. “We are going to attract people from all emirates, being the first mixed use development in Al Ain if coming from the Dubai highway and being on a major crossroad convenient for Dubai, Abu Dhabi and even Oman.” The center also hopes to revolutionize the shopping experience for patrons by providing brands and tenants never before seen in Al Ain. “For example, the largest unit is 5700 sq m and this is going to Geant Hypermarket, a French brand already successful in other emirates but coming to Al Ain for the first time.”

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A strong focus on food and beverage units will give the mall distinction with the entire front facade being dedicated to casual dining restaurants, each with its own terrace. This, coupled with unique architecture, will give residents of Al Ain a fabulous new choice for dining options and will act as a warm welcome for visitors to the city, a city that Mohamad is entirely passionate about. “I love the city, the greenery, the fact it’s more family orientated and smaller than Dubai or Abu Dhabi. I love that it has a cozy, neighborhood feel and keeps you away from the hectic pace of everyday life in a big city. You can believe that its home.” For Mohamad, the chance to attend a week of training in Advanced Management of Shopping Centers is incredible. The opportunity to study in Brussels, a city fondly known as the ‘capital of Europe’ will provide him with a unique perspective on multiple areas of concentration, which he then hopes to implement into the development of Wahat Hili Mall. As initial stages of the project’s development come closer to completion, the management team is working very closely with the marketing department in order to create a successful B2B campaign. This is a crucial step in business development, required to build and promote confidence in any product, and one that Mohamad does not underestimate. Speaking further Mohamad advises “To be successful potential business owners have to know exactly what their product is and have a full idea of the market before they launch.” He adds, “Comprehensive analysis, feasibility studies and a company profile are crucial before launching a business idea.” As a successful businessman himself, he recognizes the need for dedication and, above all, passion. He concludes, “Success will follow the passion, eventually, of course.” Mohamad receives his scholarship at the awards ceremony in Las Vegas.

STUFF for men

Man Up With a Man Bag By Hayley Skirka

Bags. They’re for women, right? Actually, wrong. Granted a woman will rarely be seen out without her purse, carries all sorts of paraphernalia in it and probably has one in every shape and size imaginable. That being said, guys can carry bags too, and they’ve come a long way from the ‘man bag’ that Joey Tribbiani first sported in Friends way back in 1999. These days, there’s a whole host of options that are strong and serious, the kind that no one will mistake for a purse! So throw out the idea that bags are for women and get in the know with our pick of the best bags for today’s modern man. If you’re lifestyle sees you having to carry your laptop around with you then you have two choices. Number one, opt for a rugged canvas laptop bag, complete with shoulder strap and perfect if you’re on the move a lot. Number two, if your day is stuffed full of high profile meetings go for a stylish leather briefcase

bag, guaranteed to complement your serious business demeanor and keep up with your sharp designer suits. If you’re a regular at the gym, are going out of town for the night or have something to get to straight from work then you need a duffel bag. Ideal for chucking all your stuff into and hoisting over your shoulder, a medium sized duffel bag is a good option, and brings back memories of days spent camping in fields or adventuring in the woods. If you’re just looking for something to throw your iPhone, wallet, shades and car keys in to then opt for the smaller sized camera bag. Not only for carrying cameras, this bag is a severely stylish way to lug around your belongings. Stick to dark colors and heavy duty fabrics to avoid any whiffs of femininity, and you’ll bring some simple masculine style to any of your get-ups.

Sofa Bed 3+2+1(Red, Grey, Black, Brown)

Annie Bunk Bed

Leather Sofa Set 3+2+1

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URBAN Woman

Spotlight On:

Kelly Brook By Hayley Skirka

Bursting onto the modeling circuit at the tender age of 17, Kelly Brook has been in the spotlight ever since. It seems that everyone loves her, women want to be her and men want to marry her. In the past twelve years, English born Kelly has grown into a household name, as famous for her relationship and personal dramas as she has been for her modeling, fashion, acting and TV presenting skills. As the celebrity world went size zero obsessed, Kelly was commendably quoted saying “I’ve never been a size zero and I’ve always had a really good relationship with my body, I don’t diet, I don’t do crazy exercise. You need a healthy relationship with your whole lifestyle.” Strong words from a lady who is an inspiration for many young women. The past few years have been tough for Miss Brook who, after meeting and falling in love with Scottish Rugby Player, Thom Evans, was delighted to discover she was pregnant, but utterly crushed when she suffered a heartbreaking miscarriage in May last year. Despite this, she stays strong recognizing that the tragedy brought the couple closer together and calling Thom “her rock”. Having previously dated Hollywood actors Billy Zane and Jason Statham, as well as English rugby player, Danny Cipriani, Kelly is no stranger to love in the limelight, yet it seems she’s found something special with her Scotsman. The heartbreak of the miscarriage also opened her eyes to the millions of women who’ve suffered a similar loss and she was amazed at the number of women who wanted to talk, share her grief and give her words of encouragement. Her openness on the subject has since given support to other mums who’ve also lost their unborn babies. Having dealt with personal trauma, Kelly was keen to focus her energy elsewhere and excitedly threw herself into her latest fashion project, pairing up with New Look to be the face of their latest collection. Having already launched popular swimwear and lingerie collections with the brand, she’s optimistic her summer line will prove just as big a hit. Featuring floral dresses and printed details, all inspired by her favorite fashion decade, the fifties, her clothing line offers shoppers cheap but utterly chic summer options. Although she’s a successful model, presenter and fashionista; Kelly’s first love is acting. Having starred in ‘Sorted’, her first feature film back in 2000, she admits that she prefers lighthearted or action-packed movies, rather than potential Academy Award Nominees. At the moment, she is also finding solace in being a bit of a homebody, spending time at her apartment in London as well as at her cottage in her home county of Kent. Cooking and gardening help to keep her grounded and she loves to relax with a nice cup of English breakfast tea. As a role model for young women Kelly has plenty of advice. She believes women should use their instinct. Whether in a relationship, career or a friendship, they should listen to their gut and do what it tells them. She also believes that nobody is perfect, but reiterates that it’s important to love your body in order to find true happiness. Let’s hope that, as well as her fantastic new fashion launch, 2012 continues to bring happiness for Miss Brook who is an inspiring role model for young women all over the world.

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The Love for Art is In My Soul We meet with artist, Saoud Al Dhaheri, to talk about his establishment in the Emirati art landscape and his unique ‘crystal infused’ work By Rawad Nassir

Artist Saoud bin Khalid Al Dhaheri was born in Al Ain in 1987 and has had a passion for art for as long as he can remember. As a young boy, he would sit for hours upon hours, doodling and coloring with crayons on white paper. As he grew a little older, his interest in the subject intensified and he began to paint, using oil paints as a medium to portray his Emirates inspired paintings. His mother encouraged his artistic talents from an early age. She would buy him colors, sketch books and paints and was keen to help him develop his art. The rest of his family also supported his efforts and gave him words of encouragement. It was his mother, he tells us, who truly “planted the love for art in my soul.” This interest in art grew as he did and, when he reached secondary school; he took his first steps in the path to becoming a successful artist. He purchased a professional camera and indulged himself in the art of photography. Joining the HCT student association for photography, he was involved in countless training workshops and had his work displayed in many student galleries. As his experience grew, he helped supervise such events, passing his artistic knowledge onto those newer to the field. He went on to become a member of the Emirates Photography Society in Sharjah and this had a huge impact in developing his talent even further. It also propelled him into the spotlight by opening up many more opportunities to contribute to photography galleries around the UAE. In the final year of his studies, Saoud was privileged to meet artist Hamdan Al Shamsi, whom he considers to be one of his deepest influences. Al Shamsi encouraged him and gave him direction, taking him to photographic societies and helping him have his work displayed in galleries throughout the country. Artist Sumayyah Al Suwaidi, who specializes in digital photography, was another huge influence on Saoud’s work and helped introduce him to the art of digital media. He 16

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Saoud’s ‘The Wiseman’ canvas with crystal color.

truly loves the works of artist Kameel Hawa, whose ideas have inspired his own, as well as Nasir Nasrallah, Khawla Darwish and Fatima Lootah. At the moment, Saoud works with mixed media art, collage and digital art. However, he has an interest in art of every type and makes it his duty to keep up to date with new developments, trends and styles of the artistic world. A lot of his free time is spent visiting galleries up and down the country, which he does both to gain inspiration and also to see the commendable works of other Emirati artists. When working, it’s crucial that he gives sufficient time to each project so that he doesn’t feel rushed and can let his ideas develop and flow. Each piece can take any amount of time, even up to three weeks, to be completed. His technique is unique. He takes a photograph, prints it on fabric and prepares the required materials he wishes to add. He chooses to incorporate beautiful crystals and precious stones in his art to give his work a unique style. One of his most prized projects is his interpretation of ‘Sheikh Zayed Mosque’ which he speaks of very fondly. At present, he is working with a group of Emirati artists commissioned by “Art Dubai” to design a notebook and he has put his heart and soul into the project, already completing an impressive 87 works. Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture & Heritage (ADACH) have requested that he, alongside his mentor Al Shamsi, design and digitally paint ten walls in Al Qattara Arts Center in Al Ain. Saoud has participated in many exhibitions across the country, the last one at the Millennium Hotel in Abu Dhabi. He has also participated in the “Guess the Artist” exhibition in 2011, the Arabic Handwriting Exhibition in 2010, the Sharjah Heritage Days Exhibition in 2009 and many more besides.

City. “Galleries in Al Ain are very few in number; I also reproach, a little, the media who fall short in highlighting the talent of artists in the UAE.” He continues to explain that problems lie within some of the exhibitions themselves, who often repeat the work of the same artists over and over, thus there is a lack of diversity. Finally, he explains that a lot of those involved in the art world in the Emirates, have not specialized in the subject and thus are perhaps not the best people to be building it. Rather than shining the light on emerging talent, they simply regurgitate successful artists from the past, which does not exactly help with the formation of a successful artistic spectrum throughout the Emirates.

LIFELESSONS The most important thing is to believe in your talent and to seek to polish it; the belief in yourself will give you the ability to reach success. It’s a beautiful and important thing to appreciate creative people and to take an interest in their work, as this motivates and supports them. Don’t allow yourself to become bored or idle, always stay busy with work and busy your mind with positive thoughts. Remember, that hard work will break down the barriers that can prevent you from reaching your goals. Respect other people’s points of view; listen to their opinions, share their experiences and this will, in turn, enhance you personally. Don’t be afraid to express, create or develop new styles of work, in order to create your own unique identity.

He speaks gravely about the problems facing artists in the Garden thesourceuae.com

Art

EDUCATION

The

of Translation By Mehak Alam

With schools getting ready to close for summer break and not re-scheduled to open until September, right now seems like the perfect time for students to relax, kick back and enjoy. However, in today’s society, everyone is so busy that gone are the long, carefree days where students could simply sit back and watch the world go by. Now, there are important decisions to be made, decisions that will shape their future.

“

In the UAE, where multi-culturalism is the norm, one particularly popular course or program offered by many institutions is that of translation or, as defined by Merriam Webster, a course that focuses on ‘a rendering from one language into another.’ Anthony Burgess, the prominent English author, poet, playwright and translator described the skill accurately stating that “Translation is not a matter of words only: it is a matter of making intelligible a whole culture.”

Translation is not a matter of words only: it is a matter of making intelligible a whole culture.

“

Many teens see high school as a chore, something to battle through before they can close the door on learning. However, the reality is that high school graduation is only the last frontier to cross before the responsibility of adulthood and choosing a career path actually takes place. It may sound cliché but, once you graduate high school, real life begins and how that life plays out is shaped by the decisions students make upon leaving school.

there are so many professions and courses on offer that deciding which one to choose is a huge challenge in itself. As the world has developed, the demand for talented people in different fields has grown, and with that so has the offerings of higher educational establishments.

The Department of Translation Studies at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) is one establishment to offer such a course. Over the years, the UAEU has built up a fabulous Anthony Burgess reputation amongst both the local and international community with excellent rankings at each level. Not only does it serve as an educational establishment but also Post secondary education is fundamental to establishing a sound as a platform where students can grow, develop and explore career for the majority of undergraduates. Granted, those with new horizons, giving them the chance to grow both socially and a natural creative talent may forfeit academic studies in a bit to academically. The Department of Translation Studies at UAEU is pursue their dreams elsewhere but, for most of us, important part of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and has decisions regarding which course to study are lurking. Today,

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EDUCATION confidence, will be successful as translators. Students from the Department graduate with the ability to work in their three studied languages, a requirement set by the United Nations for accrediting certified and recognized translators/interpreters. English and Arabic are the two key languages offered in the Department; however, it is also providing more opportunities for students to study French, German, Korean, or Business Translation as their Minor.

contributed greatly to building the impressive reputation held by the University. The Department was formed in 2003-2004 and has grown from one faculty member and 25 students to 10 faculty members catering for over 300 students. In less than ten years, the Department has grown substantially and now offers Bachelors, Masters and Ph.D. degrees in translation. A lot of this can be attributed to the vision and beliefs of one man, Prof. Said M. Shiyab. Professor Shiyab Chairs the Department of Translation Studies at UAEU and has built up a wealth of knowledge and experience in translation over the past 30 years. He has served at various institutions where he has been in charge of developing translation studies and graduate programs. Prior to joining the UAEU, Prof. Shiyab was at the University of Southern Indiana (USA) where he taught various English and linguistics courses as faculty of the English Department.

Prof. Shiyab believes that translation is not an easy subject and, just like the profession of medicine, if placed in the wrong hands, could cause a lot of damage. “One can imagine what a mistranslation of a by-pass heart surgery could cause! Of course, it could cause a catastrophe.” He explains that he aims to help those students he calls “raw material” students, meaning fresh, high school graduates coming to higher education for the first time, understand the complexities as well as the importance of languages and their cultures. He also wants these students to leave the UAEU as good leaders, both socially and academically. He advises them that, in order to achieve their goals, they should come to study with a serious attitude and a high regard for knowledge. As translators, they should aim to play the mediator’s role between different cultures and nations and should stay focused on the task at hand. Finally, he advises his students to be faithful in whatever they do so they can reap what they sow in the future.

Since joining UAEU, Prof. Shiyab has worked hard to help create and transform what is known now as the Department of Translation Studies. Through an upgraded student evaluation system, written exam, oral interview and a requirement of at least a 3.0 GPA from any students interested in admission, the Department has undoubtedly been transformed into one of the most progressive units in the College. According to Prof. Shiyab, “Student quality is what counts, not quantity. As a result of the admission criteria, the quality of students is tremendously improving and, academically, the UAE University is doing well.” The Department encourages students to form bridges between different people, languages, and cultures. It also develops the skills and techniques required for students to build a successful career working with texts of varying medium. Added to this is a whole semester of training before they graduate. The wide variety of staff onboard at UAEU, from countless different cultures and countries, is of great assistance to the Department. Not only do these faculty members teach different languages, they also bring the knowledge of their native cultures, accents and dialects to the course, which is comparable to gold dust for students trying to immerse themselves in a new language. In the UAE, there is a huge demand for translators; however, Prof. Shiyab advises, “translators should be competent in at least three languages, their cultures, and social affairs.” He continues, “Translation is a discipline by itself” and explains how only those who are willing to work hard, sincerely, truthfully and with thesourceuae.com

DIARY

Sports! Want to fuel your sporting ambitions this summer? If yes, then head to Kolluna Al Emarat…Kolluna Khalifa, the 9 Ball Open Championship, where local and international players will compete to strengthen the nation’s love of Billiards and Snooker! INFO: 2-4 July, Gloria Hotel-Dubai Admission: Free, Call: 04 368 8499, Visit: www.pro9.ae

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Dining!

arty ool-p P r e y to oth at an e only wa of s d n th frie ide really your e the s with l, it’s drink by eats is th e n t u o f H l e b o h a t y o n c a in nk reak. Join Ain’s Rot Sipping a some fu mer b to m t at. u u e at Al s o h ling your this beat while chil kick start l o o t o d m the p rfect way 2:30p drinks an ne, 1 3 pe u f J o 9 e :2 siv INFO 00 (inclu food) 1 D Q E B :A dB ission unlimite Adm

Experience great Arabian Hospitality at Al Rikab Restaurant every day of the week. Whether you pop in for tea, shisha, Arabic coffee or dinner, the quality is outstanding and the live oud accompaniment adds a little bit of tradition. Lebanese chef, Hassan Ali Taha, will serve you, authentic Arabian food while you play backgammon, watch the kids monkey around in the dedicated play area or simply soak up the Arabian ambience. INFO: Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club The Danat Hotel are setting up a huge outdoor screen so that you can chill out on the balcony, order food and watch the Euro 2012 semi-finals live. With flags, bunting and hornpipes decorated with each competing country’s flag, as a well as specially Euro-themed menu you too can be part of the action! INFO: 28 June - 1 July, Horse and Jockey at Danat Hotel.

Family!

Do your kids love Barbie? If so, head to Al Ghurair Centre in Dubai and let them take part in Barbie’s Dubai Summer Surprises show. Kids will help Ken and Barbie’s best friend, Teresa, with styling, makeup, hair and accessories as Barbie prepares for her fashion debut. They can even join her on the catwalk as she struts her stuff on the runway!

in! p&W

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Laugh

INFO: Al Ghurair Centre, Sat-Wed from 6:30pm, Thur-Fri from 5pm. www.dubaievents.ae

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THE MOVIES

FILM OF THE WEEK

‘Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted’ is a hilarious, colorful globe-trotting tale. Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Gloria the Hippo and Melman the Giraffe are back and they’re still fighting to get back to the Big Apple. Of course, King Julien, Maurice and the penguins are along for the ride too. In Monte Carlo, the gang unwittingly attract the attention of the crazy leader of the Animal Control unit, who becomes determined to get Alex’s head on a plaque. Cue the gangs attempt to escape by joining a failing circus, where they make some new friends, and strive to turn the circus fortune around in a bid to help their friends and to get back home.

Movie Listings GRAND BAWADI, BAWADI MALL Tel: +971 3 784 0300 1.

OSCAR CINEMA, AL FOAH MALL Tel: +971 3 784 3535 1.

ICE AGE - 4: 11:30, 13:30, 15:30, 17:30, 19:30, 21:30, 23:30 2. ICE AGE - 4 (3D): 10:30, 12:30, 14:30, 16:30, 18:30, 20:30, 22:30, 00:30 3. CHERNOBYL DIARIES: 10:15, 14:15, 18:15, 00:15 3. THE SAMARITAN: 12:15, 16:15, 20:15, 24:15 4. MADAGASCAR 3: 11:15, 13:15, 15:15, 17:15, 19:15, 21:15, 23:15 5. LOL: 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00, 20:00, 22:00, 24:00

ROTANA HOTEL, ZAYED IBN SULTAN St. Tel: +971 3 754 4447 1.

ICE AGE - 4: 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00, 19:00, 21:00, 23:00 2. ICE AGE - 4 (3D): 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00, 20:00, 22:00, 24:00 3. LOL: 10:00, 12:00, 16:00, 20:00, 24:00 3. MADAGASCAR: 14:00, 18:00, 22:00 4. CHERNOBYL DIARIES: 11:00, 15:20, 19:40, 24:00 4. THE SAMARITAN: 13:10, 17:30, 21:50

ICE AGE - 4: 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00, 19:00, 21:00, 23:00 2. ICE AGE - 4 (3D): 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00, 20:00, 22:00, 24:00 3. GANGS OF WASSEPUR (HINDI): 11:00, 14:00, 17:00, 20:00, 23:00 4. LOL: 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00, 20:00, 22:00, 24:00 5. THE SAMARITAN: 11:00, 15:20, 17:40, 24:00 5. HAZ SAID (Arabic): 13:10, 17:30, 21:50 6. BORN TO LOVE YOU (FILIPINO): 14:00, 18:00, 22:00 6. CHERNOBYL DIARIES: 10:00, 12:00, 16:00, 20:00, 24:00 7. MADAGASCAR: 11:30, 13:30, 15:30, 17:30, 19:30, 21:30, 23:30 GRAND CLASS: ICE AGE – 4: 11:30, 13:30, 15:30, 17:30, 19:30, 21:30 GRAND CLASS: THE SAMARITAN: 23:15

GRAND AL AIN CINEPLEX, AL AIN MALL Tel: +971 3 751 1228 1.

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

FROM OUR READERS

By Michelle Dolan

Lightning over Nungwi

Nungwi Nights

Knackered on Kilimanjaro

Stonetown Alley

Lil Zanzis

COMPETITION It’s competition time! Are you feeling lucky? This week we’ve teamed up with the Ayla Hotel to offer one of our lucky readers a pair of dining vouchers for their fantastic Tour of Asia Saturday Night buffet. Let your taste buds be tingled with exotic flavors from China, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines. To be in with a chance of winning just tell us…. What two modern Wonders of the World are located in Asia? Send your answers to competition@thesourceuae.com and don’t forget to include your contact details.

PRAYER TIMES Day

Fajr

Sunrise

Dhuhr

Asr

Maghrib

Isha

Thursday

4:01

5:31

12:21

3:41

7:09

8:39

Friday

4:02

5:31

12:21

3:41

7:10

8:40

Saturday

4:02

5:32

12:21

3:41

7:10

8:40

Sunday

4:03

5:32

12:21

3:41

7:10

8:40

Monday

4:03

5:32

12:22

3:42

7:10

8:40

Tuesday

4:03

5:33

12:22

3:42

7:10

8:40

Wednesday

4:04

5:33

12:22

3:42

7:10

8:40

POLICE 999

AMBULANCE 998

CIVIL DEFENCE 997

TAXI SERVICE 600 535353

AL AIN DISTRIBUTION CO. 800 9008

HAVE A QUESTION WE HAVE THE ANSWER ASK THE SOURCE

NEED TO KNOW

I would love for my daughters to enjoy their summer break by joining a summer camp; are there any being held in Al Ain? Summer break is a fun time for little ones. However, if not properly planned, it can cause added stress for parents so a summer camp is a great idea. There are a few taking place in Al Ain…

Summer Fun for Kids Dates: 25 June -12 July Time: 10am-2pm, Sunday-Thursday Activities Include: Creative playing, baking, art time, dance classes, reading, writing and Math sessions and lots of other fun thing. The sessions will be supervised and led by 2 fully Trained British Teachers with UK and UAE experience. For more information contact Sharan on 050 933 2069 or email: sharn81@yahoo.com

Aqua Swim Summer Camp Date: Starting from 26 June Time: 8am -1pm, Sunday-Wednesday (open for kids aged 4-12) Activities Include: (ages 4 -7) Art & crafts, splash fun/pool, golf, pizza/muffin making time, songs/music, pony grooming & feeding, story time and lots more! (ages 8-12) Swimming pool games, tug of war, football, basketball, golf, horse management, water polo, pizza making, laser quest, first aid and lots more! For more information contact: The Golf Club on 03 702 6400 or email aquaswim.leisureacademy@hotmail.com

AWPR’s Summer Camp Two sessions - one in June, one in July Activities Include: hands on experience with animals, feeding the animals, shadowing the animal handlers and fun activities related to conservation and the environment. Classes will be limited to just 15 children with 3 supervisors to provide a truly interactive experience. You can find out more and register your children via their school or by contacting AWPR directly on 03 782 8188

Revamping Recycled Goods

ENVIRONMENTAL

Help save the planet by crafting things out of stuff that has already been used. Reuse plastic bags, puzzle pieces, old clothes, magazines and old newspapers and, with some imagination and creativity, you can create some really cool stuff. Recycling also saves some of your hard earned cash! Crafting with recycled products can help you come up with some fabulous gift ideas, and, it’s great if you’re on a tight budget. Family and friends will love a gift that has been made specifically for them, with a touch of love. My twins have a very hectic social life. They’re often invited to birthday parties, sleepovers and pool parties and most of these parties require them to attend bearing gifts in elaborate gift bags. Thus, I decided to skip the stores and put together my own decorative gift bags that are both simple and unique. If you want to try it for yourself, follow these simple instructions:

What you will need:

How to make it:

• • • • • •

1. Cut out designs from wrapping paper, magazines or newspapers. 2. Arrange and glue onto the gift bag. Make sure you let it dry completely. 3. Make a hole on either side of the bag on top and insert the cord or string through the hole to make the handles. 4. Put some tissue paper inside the bag, leaving it to extend over the top. Pop your gift inside and voila, you’re all set for the party!

Inexpensive plain gift bags or brown paper bags Scraps of wrapping paper, magazines, newspapers Cord or string Tissue paper Scissors Glue

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LIFESTYLE

Survival Tips for Travelling with Tots By Khudayja Saloojee

It’s holiday time! Many families have made travel plans and, whether it’s a long road trip or flying back home to visit family, travelling with kids can become quite stressful time, often making you question why you thought taking a family vacation would be any fun in the first place! Travelling with kids doesn’t need to be a hair-raising experience. Attitude and flexibility is everything. Treat your trip like an adventure and go with the flow. Any annoyances and mishaps become small obstacles to overcome. With a little preparation and a lot of patience, you can make your journey an enjoyable experience for all! Follow these simple tips to help turn a vile vacation into a happy holiday!

Get your kids involved

Get your kids excited about the trip by talking to them about it. When you’re preparing and packing, let them help by packing a few favorite items. They will most likely choose toys, so be prepared to add your own choices to their travel bag.

Time matters

If your holiday involves flying, don’t book a flight that leaves at the crack of dawn. Pick a mid-morning option, so that you have ample time to get there even if any last minute mishaps arise. If travelling by car, wherever possible, travel at night and let the kids doze off.

Keep snacks handy

Tots have tiny tummies and feel hungry more often than adults. Pack a good selection of healthy snacks with low sugar content, but don’t forget to also include some of their favorites. Here’s a few suggestions: • • • • • • • •

Favorite fruit or dried fruit Cheese sticks or string cheese Whole grain crackers Yogurt Dry cereal Juice boxes Small cartons of milk Gummy Fruit snacks

Plan your trip

Kids often get restless and bored in the car. Try and break your journey every 90 minutes to stop at a kid-friendly place. Using online trip planning sites, you can find places such as parks and playgrounds or even just a little coffee shop. Scheduling stops will give everyone a chance to get out and walk around for a few minutes. Even a ten minute break will allow your kids to get rid of all that pent up energy.

Entertainment at its best

One of the most challenging things about travelling with children is trying to keep them amused. A good idea is to create a goodie-bag that includes travel toys and games, bubbles, crayons, coloring books, age appropriate puzzles, picture books, collectible cards and even action figures. If you have a portable DVD, your child will be entertained for hours with movies or cartoons. Smartphones and iPads have a whole host of amusing apps such as musical instruments, puzzles and painting games and can keep children quietly engaged. 24

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Don’t forget the good old travel games that you probably played as a kid. There is the Counting Game where you count blue vans or red cars, signs, billboards or the number of people that pass you on the highway. You can also play the ‘Scavenger Hunt’ game, where you give your kids a list of items to watch for while driving or you can indulge in some old fashioned ‘Eye Spy’.

Sing-along music

Singing can really pass the time on a long journey and puts everyone in a calm, relaxed mood. Bring along CDs that the whole family can sing along to or, you could showcase your musical talent by recording your own CDs. If you’re feeling creative, design a sing-along book by typing the lyrics of the songs, printing them out and decorating the book with some pictures of musical notes or your kid’s favorite pop stars. It will make for a memorable part of the holiday.

Include KID-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES

When we go on holiday my kids love visiting water and amusement parks so we always make sure that wherever we’re headed there’s at least some kids activities. Try and include child friendly choice at least once every day. It could be as simple as buying an ice-cream after a day of visiting museums.

Let your kids be “trip navigators”

Allowing your kids to get involved in the planning of your trip makes them feel responsible. Let your kids navigate, narrate and create information about your trip. Give them the map and make them responsible for ensuring that you take the correct path to reach your destination. Older kids can write in journals or even blog about their daily activities and things they see. Encourage younger children to draw pictures or give them a disposable camera to take their own snapshots. Remember, there is no such a thing as perfect family vacation. There will be things forgotten, things broken and other unexpected problems. By planning ahead and keeping your kids involved, and by giving them interesting things to keep them occupied, your stress levels will definitely be lower and everyone will have a better time.

Finally, Have a great trip!

MY EMIRATE

Luxury

in the heart of Al Ain By Mehak Alam

The Ayla Hotel boasts a prime location in the heart of the Garden City in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.

If you’re planning to visit the hotel on a Friday then make sure make you get there during Friday Brunch which continue until four in the afternoon. With fun-activities like henna and face painting, kids can enjoy the fun while you sit back and feast. The leisure facilities on-site are great, with a spa, health suite and indoor swimming pool, perfect for a relaxing dip to wind down after a busy day. On Wednesdays, the hotel caters specifically for women with their W4W (Wednesday for Women) event which allows female-only access to the Health club where a wide range of massages and spa therapies are offered. As well as this, the hotel has a versatile meeting room, conference and training rooms and a ballroom that can hold up to 700 people! Thus it’s the perfect spot for accommodating a wide range of corporate functions. Head to Ayla, for a taste of luxury in the heart of Al Ain City.

With it’s strikingly, cosmopolitan architecture, the hotel offers the highest level of comfort and elegance throughout its 153 rooms and suites, giving guests the ultimate hotel experience. This luxurious hotel showcases unrivalled views of the city, and provides easy access to the town centre, nearby mosques, universities and shopping centers. The Ayla Hotel lies in close proximity to Jimi Mall and to the city’s numerous tourist attractions. The hotel also boasts a fantastic restaurant. The Ayla Restaurant has all day dining facilities and is famous for its live-cooking stations and different themed nights. From Mediterranean to Seafood Nights, Asian delicacies to Khaleeji feasts, you can find it all at the Ayla Restaurant.

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

MY WORLD

Scaling the

Silk Route By Mehak Alam

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MY WORLD In 1877, geographer Ferdinand von Richthofen, first coined the term ‘Silk Road’ to define the vast network of interlinking trade routes across the Afro-Eurasian landmass. Stretching roughly 8000 km’s, and encompassing both land and sea, the Silk Route came from the lucrative Chinese silk trade that took place along it. Famous originally for trade and business, the route is now more of a place to see the ruins of ancient trading hubs and experience the culture of the local people dotted along the road. My family and I set out on a nine day trip to see the Silk Route for ourselves and enjoy the beauty of the different valleys and villages located there. We began our journey in Rawalpindi, Pakistan and set off on one of the most harrowing roads on earth, the Kashgar-Karakoram Highway connects China and Pakistan via the Karakoram mountain ranges and is one tough cookie. Steep ascents, thin air, interfering officials, shabby hostels and excitable children are all obstacles that we had to contend with. The multitude of languages found on this route make for some interesting travels as Urdu, English, Chinese and countless local dialects fill the air. Arriving in Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, we set off along the famous Indus Gorge. Rockfalls, waterfalls and steep plunging cliffs sliced through by the Indus River make this area spectacularly terrifying. It’s the perfect spot for adventure lovers and risk takers, exerting more adrenalin than a rollercoaster would! Next, we reached the banks of the Hunza River, the treasure of mesmerizing landscapes unfolding in front of our eyes. Though there is very little rainfall in this area throughout the year, the land is dry yet vivid green due to the natural irrigation systems formed from nearby glaciers. From here, we passed through the capital of Hunza, Karimabad, where we stopped to marvel at the ancient 700-year-old Altit and Baltit Forts. The Hunza Valley is home to the longest living people on the planet with reports of people here living to over 120 years old. Nestled high in the Himalayan Mountains, the valley is famous for its beauty and the friendliness of its people. We came across the Passu Village, a simple village, yet one of the most charming I have ever visited. We stopped to take a few pictures and were

immediately welcomed by the locals. In the evening, one of the women taught my mother how to cook their traditional salty meat dish, which was originally only served during special Hunza celebrations. An hour’s drive from Sust, we arrived at the Pakistani customs & immigration post of Pakistan on the Khunjreb border. Here, we were able to see the Khunjreb National Park, one of the highest altitude national parks in the world and home of the majestic snow leopard and the endangered Himalayan Ibex. Finally, we headed to Tashkorgan, the custom and immigration post of China. Crossing over into Mandarin land, you can sense the ancient influences of one of the earliest civilizations. The vibrant town of Tashkorgan is nestled amongst the Pamir Mountains and its ancient stone fortress has stood watch over the town and the mountains for centuries. Beautiful and rugged, there was a whole host of activities both for adventurous and not so adventurous tourists. The gentle Pamir Mountain slopes offer panoramic views of the Muztagh Ata or Ice-Mountain Father, the second highest in the region and one of the simplest to ascend. It’s the perfect welcome to China and the province of Xinjiang. Xinjiang is like a whole country in itself, differing greatly from both the rest of China and its Pakistani neighbor. Larger in size than the whole of Alaska, there are around fifty ethnic minorities living here, making it a huge melting point of culture, customs and tradition. From desert land to grassy fields, snow-capped mountains to coniferous forests, the province’s geology is as rich as its Silk Road history, which many years ago saw countless caravans of travellers cross through the area on a daily basis. The journey by bus was easy and most wonderful. Seeing the Pakistan and Karakorum Highway was an adventure in itself, the road being a little bit treacherous in places simply adding to the excitement. If you visit in the first weekend of July you’ll be able to see the Shanur Polo Tournament just West of Gilgit in North Pakistan or go in March to catch the New Year Celebrations of the Kazak people in Xinxiang. The established train tracks also allow you to take in the ancient wonders of the Silk Route by rail. However, you travel; it’s an enriching experience, that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

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