The
Source
Issue 18 - 5 July 2012
Escape to Tenerife a sun-soaked paradise
5 Ways to Work
How to Niche
Your Wardrobe
Network
Veering towards Vintage: Mohammed Al Fahim’s
Classic Collection Use Your
Head Throw On A HAT
Keeping Kids
Clued Up Over Summer
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The
Source
Contents 8
8
NEWS
This week’s local and national news headlines
10
SPORTS
12
FEATURE
14
URBAN WOMAN
15
STUFF
16
AL MAJLIS
The Euro 2012 final, Al Ain Club’s latest signing and a dollop of regional sports news Farid got the chance to check out Mohammed Al Fahim’s super impressive classic car collection
9 14
5 ways to make your wardrobe work for you for men
Use your head and wise up to some cool caps Passionate about Puppets: Emirati duo Asma Rashid Al Shamsi and Latifa Hossein RahmDel give us a glimpse into their unusual knack for performing with puppets
18
EDUCATION
A skill boosting summer could be just what you need to secure that coveted college spot or grab you postgrad employment
20
BUSINESS
Building relationships isn’t just for your personal life. We take a look at how to make business relationships work for you
21
12
21
DIARY
22
FROM OUR READERS
What do you have planned for the next week or so? Take a look at our diary for the latest happenings around town This page is all about you! Send us your poems, pictures or letters and see them published here
23
NEED TO KNOW
Got a question you can’t find the answer to? Ask The Source and we’ll help you out
24
Lifestyle
25
MY EMIRATE
26
MY WORLD
Now that summer is here, don’t let kids fall behind in their basic skills. We look at a few ways make summer education fun Al Ain Oasis: just one of many natural respites that the Garden City has to offer The volcanic island of Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and a year round salacious suntrap
@ THE MOVIES GAMES
Letter from the Editor I must admit, I’ve been feeling a bit down this week. I’m attributing this to summer time stress in the life on an expat, especially an expat that has resigned herself to working through the hot UAE summer. The majority of my friends are winding down, packing up and taking themselves off to exotic destinations, which leaves me struggling with a huge dollop of jealousy along with the stifling summer heat. Well, at least I have The Source and all you lovely readers to keep me occupied. Talking of exotic destinations, in My World this week we travel to Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, located just off the northwest coast of mainland Africa. The home of Mount Tiede, the third tallest volcano in the world, and a year-round suntrap make it the perfect spot for a vacation. Staying on the same subject, a big muchos felicidades to the Spanish football team on their Euro 2012 win! Read all about the final on page 10, along with other sporting news from across the country. In My Emirate we escaped the heat for a little while, taking some respite from the blazing sun by having a wander around the tranquility that is Al Ain Oasis. For all your car enthusiasts out there we have a real treat in store. His Excellency Mohammed Al Fahim invited us to check out his private classic car collection and what a collection it is! He has over fifty beautifully maintained vintage classics, the cream of the crop being a century old Morgan! Check it out for yourself on page 12. Style is the order of the day in our Stuff for men page with a look at hats, caps, panamas and fedoras. In Urban Woman, we’ve got advice on how to flatter your shape and make your wardrobe work for you.
26
It’s the final week of our Al Ain Raceway competition, so make sure you send in your entries. I’ll give you a clue, you can find the answer to the competition question right here in this letter! But shhhh, we don’t want everyone to know! Finally, over the next few weeks you’ll be sure to notice a few changes in the magazine. Feel free to let us know what you think of them, after all, it’s your magazine! Good or bad; we’re all ears.
12
And that’s it from me for another week. Happy reading!
Hayley Skirka
15
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Managing Director Mona Hennawi | Editor In Chief Mahra Saeed Al Muhairi Editor Hayley Skirka | Associate Editor Khudayja Saloojee | Junior Writer Mehak Alam Senior Graphic Designer Ghulmiyyah Ghulmiyyah Arabic Editor Sami Rashid | Associate Arabic Editor/Translator Hanadi Jamil | Senior Translator Narmeen Al Assad Finance & Administration Manager Haneen Farid | Sales & Advertising Joe Mathew Photographer Mohsin Salim | Distribution Manager Jeff Grigsby Contributors | Nicola Hamer, Roekshana Saloojee, Bob Studholme, Farid Nouisser
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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.
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7
NEWS
Advances for Al Ain City
Proposals for
Al Ain Walking Trail Urban planners are considering integrating cultural and heritage sites in downtown Al Ain via a pedestrian walkway. Currently the sites stand independently, divided by civic infrastructure, empty sand patches and other deterrents preventing visitors from exploring them on one visit. The gaps and obstacles between the sites have affected their prominence, even though some sites are prestigious enough to be on the UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Inspection teams and experts from Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) have began gathering comprehensive data by visiting museums, date palm oases, areas that house historical forts, Falaj (irrigation systems) and archaeological sites.
According to Gulf News, Mr. Eric H. Wilson, Planning Manager at Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC), commented, “Our aim is to prepare a plan connecting all of these sites together through a pedestrian walkway. The walkway will have green areas, water dispensers, shaded rest areas, and other amenities, and pass through the areas of the city’s popular restaurants.” The planning is coordinated with the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority in partnership with Al Ain Municipality and various other stakeholders to ensure the current and future demands for power, water and other amenities are met. Weather and environmental aspects will also be incorporated in the plan. An extensive proposal will be ready in October for the approval and execution of the UPC.
In a bid to develop Al Ain City, the Al Ain Municipality is investing a whopping 100 million dirhams in a new project, designed to improve the living standards of residents in the city. The project will enhance various residential areas, improve the city’s roads, decrease traffic problems and enhance various civic services. It has been divided into two phases and will be executed over a period of 18 months. Engineer Ahmad Al Dhaheri, Project Manager at Al Ain Municipality, expects the first phase to be completed by the last quarter of 2012. According to Al Dhaheri, Al Ain’s residents have played an influential role in the development of the initiative. The project will also improve water and sewerage systems, communication lines, street lights and other amenities in order to bring about a huge change in the overall development of the city’s infrastructure. Al Ain Municipality is working hand-inhand with Abu Dhabi Sewerage and Al Ain Distribution Company to improve the city.
Celebrating the Life of
Russ Williams Last Friday, the community of Al Ain gathered at the Rugby Club to remember and celebrate the life of Russell Williams. Russ, a popular member of the community and a role model to many as a loving family man, teacher and talented sportsman, passed away unexpectedly last summer. The memorial afternoon began with the students of AAESS, Russ’s former workplace, participating in a game of touch rugby in memory of their former inspiring teacher and coach. Rugby was a true passion of his and his former teammates went on to play a tribute match to honor their friend. The match saw friends play against friends, as the Barbarians took on 8
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the Amblers. It was a competitive game, that Russ would have thoroughly enjoyed, and ended with a score of 32-27, to the Barbarians. A minute’s applause to celebrate Russ’s life broke out before the speeches began. Rugby Club Chairman, Kit Phelps, spoke fondly of a man who was a dedicated father, coach and a true role model to students and players alike. Neil Rowley spoke of Russ, as his friend and colleague, in a moving tribute to the Welsh gentleman who was loved by all. Russ’s sister, Linzi Williams, spoke of her younger brother as the protective best friend with whom she grew up.
Russ’s wife Nicki then spoke of her loving husband and calming soul mate, who she first met aged just fourteen, and who was an amazing father to their children; Anthony, Cael and Faith. After the moving tributes, Nicki played a video showing Russ, his life and their life together. This was accompanied by some of Russ’s favorite music such as ‘Heaven’, ‘In the arms of an angel’ and ‘Chasing cars’. Russ’s friends joined together for a moving performance of the traditional Welsh song ‘Bread of Heaven’, before candles and lanterns were lit in his honor. Russ Williams will always be remembered fondly and is sadly missed by his family, friends and the community of Al Ain.
NEWS
Vote for your favorite logo
Fancy Some
BopCorn? Image Nation hosted their fourth ‘Bopcorn & Sawaalef’ event of 2012 last week, at twofour54 in Abu Dhabi under the theme ‘Arab Film Studio’. This monthly event highlights different elements of filmmaking and screenings and is an open network forum for film enthusiasts and professionals, giving them the opportunity to connect and engage through lively discussions and seminars. Saeed Ali Al Dhaheri, most known for his comedy “Two Guys & a Goat – The night before Eid” introduced the evening with an insightful history about the emerging film industry in Abu Dhabi.
V
ice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is urging residents to vote for a brand logo that will be used to promote the UAE both locally and internationally. Five logo contenders have already been selected and their work has gone on display. HH Sheikh Mohammed used his Twitter account to post the logo launch tweeting, “The UAE’s nation brand is used as a visual identity for the nation to communicate to the world its vision and tell its story. The nation brand must reflect the UAE’s global economic and political status and its diverse and attractive cultural and business environment, which makes it a leading destination for tourism, economic and cultural activities.” The voting process began on Sunday and ends on 18 July, 2012. To see the designs and vote, visit http://services.moca.gov.ae/en/
OLD GOT ANY PHONES?
stash em or for h t h s ff tra hem o Don’t Drop t reception ! m e h t the ng at h recycli l Ain Englis ol. o of A h ing Sc Speak
He mentioned that the film industry was, even just a decade ago, non-existent except for commercial TV and reiterated “We went to the desert to make films but were lost because we didn’t know what to do with the work.” The Culture Foundation was highly instrumental in revamping the film industry landscape of the emirates and today the fruits of their labor are evident.
This success was showcased in the latter half of the event with the work of three finalists from the inaugural Arab Film Studio Short Film Competition being displayed. Fatima Al Dhaheri claimed best film award for her work ‘Something Called Fear’ and was delighted to receive a AED 50000 development deal with Image Nation. She ecstatically exclaimed, “It was a wonderful experience.” The finalists also spoke about their invaluable intensive training program at the Arab Film Studio, a collaborative effort of Image Nation and twofour54. Their collective advice for aspiring filmmakers was “you have to be passionate about films.” Mohammed Al Otaiba, head of Image Nation announced that the subsequent 2013 Arab Film Studio Competition will be open to all Nationals, UAE residents and GCC nationals. Winners will have the chance to participate in a three month film program culminating in the production of a ten minute short film.
A Passion for Fashion
at ADVETI Graduates of Al Ain’s Al Jahili Institute for Science and Technology, part of Abu Dhabi Vocational and Educational Training Institute (ADVETI), recently hosted a twoday fashion exhibition demonstrating their skill and passion for fashion. A total of 10 students put together appealing collections that truly demonstrated their fashion abilities.
elements and inspiration from under the sea made up the remainder of the collections and course instructor, Sophie Wanney, has high hopes for the fresh graduates. Whilst fashion designing is not as accepted in the Emirates as it is in the West, this perception is slowly changing and Ms. Wanney believes that, with good planning, focus and passion, these women can go onto bring about a great change in the Emirati fashion landscape.
Shamma Saeed Al Dhaheri, presented her collection ‘Coucher de Soleil’ and said, “After three years of studying and practicing, I am now ready to start my own business. I am able to guide my workers with the materials and fabrics to be designed.” Dalal Al Hababi was another prominent designer, whose collection showed inspiration from flowers, nature and the colors of summer. Demonstrating traditional Arabian influences, Sheikha Saleh Abdullah Al Ameri displayed her winter collection, inspired by the colors of the Camel and the Desert. “My designs are for the women of today, who are stylish but also love to mix this with the heritage and culture of the UAE.” A unique use of zippers, some Japanese thesourceuae.com
9
SPORTS
Gyan Gonna Go Nowhere Al Ain Club will sign a permanent deal with striker Asamoah Gyan within the next few days. The player is focused on staying at the club and hopes to wrap up negotiations before heading to Austria for pre-season training. The Sunderland striker was fully instrumental in helping Al Ain take their tenth Etisalat Pro-League title this year, netting an impressive 22 goals in just 18 matches. Initially joining the club on a short-term deal, there has been no secret made of the fact that the club wants him to stay. His AED 28 million deal ended on June 30th and it is now time for Al Ain, Sunderland representatives and Gyan to negotiate and finalize a longer deal. Being only 27-yearsold, the club may look to sign him for a few years to add stability to their team. He is expected to cost the club around AED 20 million more, plus a few personal terms. His arrival from his home country of Ghana is imminent and both player and club hope to finalize the new deal as soon as he returns. Reported interest from clubs in both Russia and Qatar has been rife but Gyan looks keen to stay at Al Ain after being top goal scorer last year and settling easily into life in the UAE. Meanwhile, Gyan’s teammate, Yasser Al Qahtani, on loan from Saudi team Al Hilal, will not see his contract with Al Ain extended after the Saudi club blocked any developments on this front with the reasoning that they want Qahtani to be instrumental in their AFC Champions League bid.
Summer Fun at Squash Tournament Capital to host
Championships
Al Ain
Rotana’s Squash Tournament turned out to be a great event for both players and spectators. A post tournament cocktail party for players and members of the hotel’s Bodylines Health Club added to the fun factor of the day. Trophies, certificates and participation prizes were later distributed in a lavish awards ceremony in the Rotana Gardens with Resident Manager, Stephan Kohn and Director of Recreation, Ahmad Farrag, on duty to present the awards to competitors.
“A lot of people have fond memories of the UAE hosting the WTBA World Championships in 1999 and we look forward to two more great events,” said WTBA President Kevin Dornberger.
Goes On
Spain silenced their critics on Sunday, with a spectacular display of football in the final of the Euro 2012 in Kiev, dominating Italy to win with an amazing 4-0 victory. The win makes them the first team in history to win three major tournaments in succession, having claimed the Euro in 2008, the World Cup in 2010 and now this year’s Euro title. The remarkable skills of the Spanish squad, who played from start to finish with majestic elegance, showed them to be the crop of Europe’s football elite.
Spain’s Italian counterparts battled hard but were simply outplayed by the Spanish giants. After 60 minutes, the Italians could all but weep as Thiagga Motta, their third substitute, suffered a hamstring injury forcing the stallions to play on with only ten men. thesourceuae.com
The events are scheduled to take place in late August or early September.
The Reign of Spain
An early header from David Villa put the Catalonian team ahead and they had doubled this lead before half time with a shot from Jordi Alba. After the break, they continued to add to their lead with substitute Fernando Torres netting one and another sub, Juan Mata, getting the last triumphant shot of the match.
10
Abu Dhabi will soon host two prestigious world ten pin bowling championships; The 2014 World Tenpin Bowling Association (WTBA) Men’s Championship and the 2015 WTBA Women’s Championship at the Khalifa international Bowling Centre in Zayed Sports City.
With Iniesta and Xava architecturing impressive plays all over the pitch, Spain showed a flourishing display of football, sure to silence those pundits who had previously termed their style ‘boring’. Spain’s MidfieIder Iniesta termed their performance ‘magical’ whilst Italian coach, Cesare Prandelli, admitted the team deserved to make history whilst stating how proud he was of his own heartbroken squad. The victory sparked crazy celebrations throughout Spain temporarily, at least, sweeping away the clouds of economic crisis that have inflicted the Mediterranean nation. Spanish fans kicked of wild celebrations after their team made footballing history.
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11
FEATURE
1952 Mer cedes Ben
z 220
Old is GolD Mohammed Al Fahim’s classic car collection contains over 50 different cars, with the oldest being a stunning Morgan that is almost 100 years old... By Farid Nouisser
As soon as I heard about the possibility of covering a story on HE Mohammed Al Fahim’s classic car collection, I offered my services or perhaps I just plain old begged. Either way, it worked, and here I am telling you about something I really love: classic cars. We hit the highway early in the morning to get to His Excellency’s Abu Dhabi office on time. The plan was to talk a little about his affinity for classic automobiles, how his collection began and then, for the grand finale, head to the storage area at his farm to get up close and personal with the beloved machines. The story began in Al Ain, way back in 1961, when Mohammed’s father began to import automobile parts predominately for Land Rovers. In those days, the nonexistence of roads made Land Rovers one of the only vehicles that could endure the desert conditions. At the ripe old age of 11, necessity required Mohammed to help on the family farm by jumping into the driver’s seat of his uncle’s vehicle and carry out some necessary farm tasks. Apparently, his uncle was not big on early mornings and, with the opportunity to buzz around in a Land Rover, the boy could hardly resist! Farm chores were a very small price to pay for such an unheard of luxury in the early 60’s. 12
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In 1964, Mohammed’s father was offered a Mercedes dealership which he started with only four cars. By the time HH Sheikh Zayed’s rule (may God rest his soul) began in 1966, the number had grown to 50 and by ’68, over 200 cars were being imported. Today the Al Fahim Mercedes enterprise boasts the largest show room in the world: talk about collecting cars! Although Mohammed grew up with an understandable love and passion for automobiles, it was not until around 1973 that his dedication to classics began. An opportunity to buy some old government cars, which had been stored away for years, cropped up and Mohammed took advantage of this. From then on, he began collecting old classics wherever and whenever he could. He fondly recalled his trip to Portugal during its democratic restructuring after 40 years of dictatorship. The Portuguese were returning in droves from all around the globe and replacing old repression with new and fresh ways of life. The old cars, carefully stored by grandparents, were quickly sold off by the new generation and Mohammed returned from his voyage with some fantastic classic auto treasures. He spoke of the wonderful memories that many of the cars in his collection triggered and of the people and stories associated with each one.
FEATURE Over the years, the automobiles have been well restored and maintained and participated in rallies, parades and exhibitions. Mohammed is still collecting today and has received many cars from friends and Sheikhs who liked the idea of leaving their previous possessions in capable and appreciative hands. Today, there are quite a few other car collectors across the country who were inspired by Mohammed but, the Al Fahim private collection is the only one focused solelyon classics. In fact, his oldest vehicle, a Morgan, is almost 100-years-old! I had just a few more things to ask before grand finale time at the farm. I had to know if he had a favorite car among the many. His response was that he loved them all but would admit to a bit of favoritism when he was behind the wheel of a couple of the old Benz Models. He adored his post World War 2 models and I could hear the passion in his voice when he described the ’52 with its first ever 6 cylinder semi automatic drive. There was also a soft spot to be found when he spoke of the 1940 Pontiac woody wagon he used to drive his children to school with. With great pride he described the early oil exploration days and the vehicles now in his collection that helped shape the UAE’s most powerful industry.
1940 Pontiac
1914 Morga
n
1931
Bent
ley
I could have listened to Mohammed for days but the excitement of knowing that the time had come to visit these babies was mounting and I couldn’t wait to see some of my favorites in his collection of more than 50 cars. It was, as you can well imagine, another blistering day when we arrived at the farm but with all these cooooool autos around me, I quickly dismissed the heat and went from one jaw dropping gaze to another. I loved the ’62 E Type Jaguar, the Land Rover section, an amphibious 1964 German beauty and so many more. This was the ultimate Man Cave and I could go on for hours but I will simply close by encouraging you to gaze upon these outstanding photos of some truly extraordinary automobiles! To cap off a perfect day, we were given teaming baskets of delicious, fresh, farm grown mangos and grape fruits to take home.
HE Mohammed Al Fahim has been building his collection for around 40 years
Mr. Al Fahim, if you’re reading this story, I would like to thank you kindly for such a fantastic day and ask you to look over and consider the CV I left in the glove box of the ’71 280 SL. In my excitement and haste I forgot to mention that I was also an experienced and accredited professional classic car exerciser and would be happy to offer my services whenever required! thesourceuae.com
13
URBAN Woman
5 Ways to Work your Wardrobe
By Mehak Alam
Feeling a bit pudgy? Just started on your new diet and looking for some added motivation? Read on for a few tips on how to flatter your figure and give you the boost you need.
These days, size zero seems to be the in-thing. Psychologists and eating disorder experts are worried about the negative connotations and health implications that this trend may lead to. While there is nothing wrong in aiming for a healthy body, some young women are pushing themselves too far in the pursuit of the ‘perfect’ figure. Maintaining a healthy, varied diet and taking regular exercise are the best ways to improve your figure while keeping healthy. This takes time and dedication but will be worth it in the long run. In the meantime, we’ve put together a few tips that will help you look instantly fabulous, a definite boost in your quest for a healthy figure. In addition to these simple styling tips, always remember to carry the right attitude and work it with confidence!
A dd Color!
Flatter yourself
Darker me shirt shades rt the sa can o th p is an you s n n o e s m a o re w e actuall help to give th f h o T ts r? lo e li y y g ir th hter co e the d wh toge lors, so are, as they d impression th wondere every other get- nd secondly, it’s r it r e W v e on’t re opt for h u e o n e a t y s th it e te o e v ri c h flect sh at you are slim a lm o a o H mes to classic s at a eir fav pe. W n a o a th a h t r je s is ly d w f li a b a o tt ir o a w r e le rk wea k gre black d dows the sa mer prob nder rs th or pair r, choo m ress to irstly, it’s cause it flatte over a not so sle ore than schemes y over beige F . s e ld fo b feel fan e as or whit usiness , this d be two an m r legs th e ta e c r d . e o n stic o t a A a e tt lo le favorite th ls s s ire in n rs from n o stick hips ra oices th ts their avy, bla . to mon one fam ’t mean limit highligh hances shapely te wardrobe ch women color wit ck in o c g il hr y. yourse h en ake vori lf to on omatic color it come bright shoes If you’re wea line, or these fa nfidence and m , s h e r , ig s in a color th co ed belt g a lot of da color but to Vertica to printed pa shapely s, build rk c tterns, or s l stripe oman ha emselves. w ry s e s v , tr a e if worn ipes ca triking acces olors, add dding h bout th a sories c n d e o o b ig o r r e g ht to yo e feel can ad ur figur ctly, are grea your friend or . When d poun t e you fo . H ds to y r hiding our figu orizontal str figure fl r foe. ipes, o re. aws o n the o ther ha r nd,
It has
to fit!
Fit i s size very im 1 feeli 6, hav portant . i n the g good ng cloth Wheth wro . e s th er you S o n up m m g akin areas, ething at fit co are a s g yo r t u loo while so oo tigh rectly is ize 6 or t wil met a k big cruc ls hi i ger than ng too queeze al to lo in you actu ose will all ally are. end
Show Off!
Make the most of what you have. Everyone has a part of their body that they prefer over the rest. If you’re lacking motivation, feeling unsure about your body or just having a ‘fat’ day, then choose to wear something that draws attention to your best assets. If you have a beautiful slender neck, then opt for eye catching accessories like a delicate necklace that will draw attention to your neckline. Proud of your posterior? Then opt for slim-fit jeans to show it off. 14
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Best foot for
ward!
Put a li ttle tho ught in look. D to wha ainty s t hoes o buy so n a big shoes you th methin row on ger wo g just and de man m to com becaus cide if a plete y e it loo it looks height looks g to your good o k awkward s your ood on o don’t figure, n is fine y ou. If the m s if you’r e an ex tart off with a you’re petite odel. Try it o make and wa n per thre yo nt to a Pointy- u look uncom t at walking in e-inch heel. dd T toed s fo a h ll ig r e table a h heels r than th hoes w option s you but o is ill a fo and ma r smaller wom lso elongate totter precar therwise will iously king su a shor en. Ne ar t v re that you ca er buy shoes body, so are ound. n saun w a it g hout tr ter gra ying th ood cefully em on around the roo m.
TOP HAT TOP CAT
By Ghulmiyyah Ghulmiyyah
STUFF for men
Hats.
You either love’em or hate’em! Just admit it, for some of you, they just won’t fit on that head of yours. If you’re one of the lucky ones with a hat-friendly head then, in my opinion, you should be wearing them because they look pretty awesome. No matter what the weather’s like or what time of day it is, you can wear a hat. If you have long, short or even no hair, you’ll always find one that suits your style. Be warned though, once you find a single hat that looks good with what you’re wearing, every time you hit the mall you’ll find yourself picking up another. This can get addictive and, trust me, could lead to you ending up with more hats than friends! Hats have been around for centuries, whether for protection, as fashion accessories or for ceremonial and religious reasons. They come in different styles and can be worn for different seasons. The most recognizable types are baseball caps and trucker hats, the more fashionable are panamas and fedoras, there are Rasta caps, worn by Rastas like the legendary Bob Marley to keep their long dreads tucked in, bucket hats, usually worn by fishermen, and the list goes on and on and on… With so many to talk about, I want to narrow it down to what’s cool right now. Brands like Kangol, Ben Sherman, and New Era have been in the hat business long enough to be considered the best of the best. When it comes to design, fabrics used, and overall fit,
between them they have an endless selection. Kangol, my favorites it’s got to be said, have recently introduced the AERIAL7’s; a lineup of hats that come with built-in speakers, in specially designed ear flaps, so that you can plug your music player in without bothering your ears. How convenient! Ben Sherman designs more subtle, perhaps occasional hats that you could wear at the weekend or on a night out with friends. New Era are responsible for those colorful, baseball caps that people just love to bend and tweak to suit their style and the shape of their head. Just some advice I’d like to give to all ‘hat lovers’ out there; always treat your hats with TLC. Don’t throw them in the washing machine and expect them to come out the same way they went in BECAUSE THEY WON’T! Always use a damp, white piece of cloth and gently rub clean. If you have to, before using the cloth, add a little bit of hand soap to get rid of any lingering dirt but try not to do this too often.
?
Did you know
The Ghutrah the traditional head wear in the UAE - is considered a type of hat.
Sofa Bed 3+2+1(Red, Grey, Black, Brown)
Annie Bunk Bed
Leather Sofa Set 3+2+1
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15
PUPPETEERS
ON THE STAGE OF LIFE The Emirati-duo following their hearts By Mehak Alam
“Do what you feel in your heart to be right - for you’ ll be criticized anyway. You’ ll be damned if you do, and damned if you don’t.”
These words, spoken by American author and politician, Eleanor Roosevelt, ring true for talented Emirati duo Asma Rashid Al Shamsi and Latifa Hossein RahmDel. These two gifted ladies are thoroughly instrumental in bringing the art of puppetry, one of the oldest forms of theatre, to children throughout Al Ain. In such a technologically focused society, it’s not a common skill and yet, puppets are fascinating. They confront human fears and conflicts, improvise, problem solve and move audiences to new worlds. Yet, all of this is unachievable without the artistry of the puppeteer, who must use their skill to bring the puppet alive and create the illusion of life that captivates audiences both young and old. Asma Al Shamsi is a talented puppeteer, has completed her Bachelors in English Literature and serves as a volunteer with the United Arab Emirates University’s (UAEU) Drama Department. Latifa RahmDel is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from the same institute. Aside from sharing the same university, the duo has something else in common; they both love to perform puppet shows. Their interest in the art of puppetry developed two years ago, when Dr. Jill England, an Educational Advisor at Zayed Higher Organization for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs was invited by Professor James Maroonie (from UAEU’s Drama dept) to stage a play at the university. The play was entitled ‘Obey’ and 16
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was based on events from the Egyptian revolution. Overwhelmed by the student’s performances, Dr. Jill was keen to attract two students who could join her organization’s ‘Kids on the Block’ puppetry initiative. Asma was nominated by her professor and opted for Latifa as her partner because, she explains, “We share a strong bond with one another since our childhood days.” The two then underwent some rigorous training to develop their puppetry skills. Equipment, scripts and themes were provided by Zayed Higher Organization and, with the help of their professor, the two girls began to build the basics for a successful puppetry performance. After a month of dedicated training, the girls performed before two thousand students in November last year as part of ADNEC’s National Show for Society Awareness and Humanitarian Services. The show was a huge success and gave the ladies the exposure they needed whilst simultaneously boosting their self-confidence and the belief that they could perform effectively in front of such a large audience. It was this performance that truly ignited their passion for puppets and has inspired them to continue developing something that they love and which brings joy to others. Since then, Asma and Latifa have dedicated a lot of time, energy and talent to using their puppet shows in order to raise awareness amongst young people about various humanitarian issues crucial for society’s development but which are all too often disregarded. Puppets allow serious subjects and lessons to be portrayed in a lighter manner and in a way that is fun for kids. Their shows are performed in Arabic and in harmony with Islamic principles while fully embracing local beliefs. The greater goal
of the initiative is to encourage the message of well-being, brotherhood and kindness towards those less fortunate than ourselves and they achieve this through creative storytelling and imaginative encouragement. In order to focus their young audiences on the puppets and the story unfolding in front of them, the ladies choose to stray from their normal daily wear and wear veils when performing. Their families have been truly supportive of their efforts and commend them on what they have achieved and this has been a huge help to both women. As drama students and natural performers, these ladies have set out on a journey of introducing the real side of drama, arts and theatre to the world. The aim behind performing a drama sequence or work of art is to deliver a message; it is a medium of highlighting and solving issues and problems in a simple manner. The girls have come a long way since they were introduced to the art form. From creating a scenario and a script to immersing themselves in a character and having the confidence to perform for hundreds of people, Asma and Latifa have done it all. When asked about their future plans, both ladies intend to pursue their puppetry skills in the field of performing arts. The girls performed their show for professional puppeteers from New York and were able to impress and communicate with them, despite their work being in Arabic. The puppeteers were so impressed that both Asma and Latifa are now eligible to achieve a scholarship from the City University in New York for an intensive course studying in their prestigious Drama Department. Asma explained how this was evidence that drama can help cross cultural boundaries, “This was a living example of the fact that Arts and Drama require no language, just an emotional connection.” She added, “Breaking down the language barrier is our aim.”
Their ten minute shows always end with a discussion session which allows students to interact with the puppeteers and helps them to understand the topic completely. The question and answer session is something Asma and Latifa always look forward to. “Students come up with any questions that they feel like, but we enjoy it as it confirms that they understood what we wanted them to understand.” The girls are filled with creative and innovative ideas about how they, and people like them, can do a lot more than just performing puppet shows. They believe they can spread awareness of social issues among youngsters and help to kill many of the grudges in their hearts in order to help make the world a more peaceful place to live.
Life Lessons Pay more attention to what your heart says to you as it’s never ever going to hurt you. It might take longer to be successful, but you are surely going to enjoy the journey. It is our duty to stay connected to the culture and traditions of the forefathers of our country yet it is also our duty to be gate-keepers of other cultures and traditions within our society. Staying true to our roots will allow the prosperous development of our country.
Latifa, on the other hand, explains the use of Arabic in their performances. “Our aim is to touch the minds of young children who are still learning. Arabic being their mother tongue helps them to understand the importance of what we are trying to say.”
thesourceuae.com
17
EDUCATION
A Skill Building
By Bob Studholme
Very soon, if not already, high school and university students will begin their summer break. For many, summer is a chance to kick back, relax and catch up on sleep. For those coming close to graduation, though, it might be a good time to start thinking about how they could have some fun and gain some CV enhancing skills. The question is, how to do this and, more importantly, how to do this well? You may consider doing something that is related to the kind of field that you want to go into but it doesn’t necessarily have to match up. It’s important for university admissions staff or potential employers to get an idea of what kind of person you are too, thus outside interests often count. Answer the following questions for a successful CV boosting summer.
What am I passionate about? Think about what you love to do, then do it! If you don’t have a passion, then find an activity in which you’re genuinely interested. 18
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It could be an extracurricular activity, sport, job, volunteer organization, club or even just a personal interest such as music.
How can I make good use of my summer? Once you’ve decided on something, take a few minutes to reflect on how you could expand on it. For example, you could try to get a job in a summer camp; there are some advertised here in the UAE, but you might want to look further afield and consider going to the States or Europe. Googling Summer Camps Employment will bring up scores of hits. Remember, you can add ‘UAE’ to the end of your search terms if you’re only interested in working here. Potentially, you could spend summer in another country, doing something you enjoy, meeting other people who are doing the same, making new friends (who could be great contacts to visit after you finish work) and getting paid for it all. When this goes on your CV, you show yourself to be someone who is prepared to work, has held down a job and has an ex-employer who is probably prepared to say good things about you.
EDUCATION Not so keen on working with little brats? How about volunteering? You might be able to do something that you will feel proud of while gaining experience and skills that you can make use of later, even if they don’t seem strongly connected with your chosen career field. The UAE has a few programs that might help you find something, The Takatof Voluntary Social Program being one of them. Takatof organises a lot of volunteer programs in special needs schools and centers across the Emirates. Its program “Makeover Stars”, provides volunteers with the opportunity to exercise manual labor while helping maintain and renovate the homes of disadvantaged families. It also allows them to get involved in servicing buildings, such as schools, hospitals or special needs centers. Volunteers paint, clean, cultivate gardens, change furniture and add aesthetic touches to beautify the properties. The organization also runs an international volunteer program – aimed mostly at Emirati nationals – which has engaged in projects such as Pakistan flood victim relief work, staffing the UAE pavilion at Venice Biennale in Italy and building houses for needy families in Thailand. The Sanid Program is another option. Sanid is an emergency response program that enables volunteers to assist local and national authorities in the event of a crisis or emergency situation, such as an earthquake or an industrial accident. Sanid offers a twolevel training program enabling volunteers to respond effectively to crisis situations and giving them the practical skills needed to save lives. Furthermore, Sanid volunteers learn how to help their family or friends in case of an accident or a medical emergency, such as a stroke or heart attack. The Sanid program was created in partnerships with the Swedish Civil Defense and the US Citizens Corps of Community Emergency Response Training (CERT). The hope is always that you will never need to know what to do in such
an emergency, but why just hope? And, as well as mastering such skills, your resumé will glow with dedication and extra effort. You could also choose to work as a volunteer through Gulf 4 Good and Médecins Sans Frontiéres. Spend a few hours searching online and you can find out exactly what there is to do. And no, you don’t need to be able to transplant hearts – just being able to help out in the office, which will also allow you to gain valuable administration skills, is often very much appreciated.
Volunteering not for you? The Internet is still your best friend here. Look up summer jobs in Dubai or Abu Dhabi and you could find things like supermarket promotion positions, working for finance companies or aviation companies such as Etihad, keep in mind this is helping out with the check-ins during the busy summer period, not flying their planes! It might be the start of a track that takes you on to an MBA and, even if you don’t continue with it, you’ll still have an ex-boss who can say good things about how you work. If you have a specialized interest, like scuba diving for instance, why not look to see if you could turn that into a summer job perhaps in a shop selling diving products? You’ll know more about the goods than just what is written on the side of the packet and this can be a valuable asset when convincing employers to hire you for a few months. Looking further afield, you could get a summer job as far away as New Zealand working in the tourism industry. Again, it’s experience and a chance to travel. It may not be the kind of job that you are looking to do for the rest of your life, but there will be things about it that you can brag about in your CV. Even if all you do is turn up on time every day, this at least shows potential employers that you are dedicated to a company. If this is still a bit too regimented, why not look into things like HelpX and WWOOF? HelpX is an online listing of host organic farms, non-organic farms, farmstays, homestays, ranches, lodges, B&Bs, backpackers hostels and even sailing boats who invite volunteer helpers to stay with them in exchange for food and accommodation. WWOOf is very much the same, but more specifically for organic farms. It may not impress a future boss that you picked weeds and fed animals, but they may well be interested in you being the sort of person who can get up and put in a full day of work, get on with people of different cultures, fit in and learn new skills. An interview in which you tell the story of how you learned to milk a cow by hand is an interview that is going to be remembered when others are forgotten. And that is just the sort of thing that will get you that coveted place on a course or that hotly contested vacany. thesourceuae.com
19
BUSINESS
Strictly
Business
Never underestimate the importance of making and cultivating business relationships with those ‘in the know.’
T
he building, protecting and repairing of relationships is at the center of all of our lives. Family life is the best possible example of relationships at work. You spend almost as much time in work as you do with your family, so it is not surprising that relationships are considered of fundamental importance in the business world. The art of motivation is nothing new to us. We do it as a matter of routine in our daily lives. We motivate our children to succeed and we encourage our friends in their pursuits. Building and maintaining good relationships takes time and effort yet, despite this, it can be lost in an instant due to a sudden hasty comment or spur of the moment action. In the business spectrum, networking is one way in which you can create the beginning of a relationship. It allows you to meet new people and puts you in contact with a variety of professionals from many walks of life. However, networking is only the beginning. Being strategic about the relationships that you cultivate is the best way to set you off on the road to success. By having a plan and thinking through exactly how to connect with the people that you most need to, you can better maximize your networking time in order to build and maintain business relationships that will be advantageous to your career, your company and your future. While this may sound manipulative and calculating, it does not have to be. In many ways, it is simply a form of basic common sense. You need to meet and know the people that are most advantageous to your work and your career. Whether you are self-employed, own your own business or are trying to climb the corporate ladder; mentors, advisors and others in key positions are important contacts that you need to make. The first step is to determine who it is that you need to connect with. Who are the people in your industry or community who seem to have the most power, pull and/or influence? Think carefully 20
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about this as it may not always be the people that first spring to mind. Instead of being impressed by title and salary, look to see who is actually doing the work. Rather than the chairman or manager, it may be an instrumental staffer that you actually need to meet. It may be the assistant or someone behind the scenes who actually has the most connections and strongest understanding of the industry or what needs to be done. Instead of the figure-head, it may be an instrumental staffer that you need to meet. Attending the right functions and networking events is hugely important, but never underestimate the effectiveness of a direct call or simple email contact. It may be that making a phone call or sending an email is the best way for you to introduce yourself. If you have a further purpose, then ask for a meeting. Often asking for help in solving a problem or including others in a fact-finding mission can be a good way to make those initial contacts. Cultivating and maintaining those strategic relationships is as important as making the connection in the first place, in fact perhaps it’s even more important. Consider what you have to offer each person and what you can bring to the relationship and then develop a strategy for maintaining contact. This doesn’t mean sending hounding emails or stalking your strategically-identified mentor, but a much subtler strategy. Inviting people to fundraising events or community causes that you care about, sending links to important industry articles and making personal contact every time you see these people at functions and events are important steps in building solid business relationships. Remember when you were little and your mother told you not to trust a stranger, the same rings true in the business world. Humans prefer to work with people they know and trust, so familiarizing yourself with those in your industry that you aim to work with is a sure fire way to get ahead. All of this may take energy and a strong dedicated effort but is necessary to forward your career. Instead of trusting your business to luck, just remember that a little strategy can go a long way.
DIARY
Summ er Time !
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Sports! With the Euro 2012 over, football fans can head to Al Ain Mall to see a talented freestyle footballer, performing various tricks with different parts of the body. He’ll put on a fantastic show and teach youngsters how to juggle with the ball using their feet, shin, head and shoulders.
Fashion! Dubai’s cutest fashion show is just around the corner! Kids’ Fashion Week 2012 will present the latest offerings in kids wear. Enjoy watching the mini-models strut their stuff on the catwalk and pick up some fashion tips for your own little ones.
INFO: 1-11 July, Al Ain Mall Dubai’s annual five-a-side football tournament kicks off on the 8th July on the 800 sq m FIFA-approved indoor pitch at Dubai World Trade Center. With footballing stars Christian Karambeu, Fernando Morienes and Damiano Tommasi all putting in an appearance, over 2500 spectators are expected to attend. Ajax and AS Roma join Barcelona and Real Madrid as well as Arab teams Morocco, Egypt, UAE and Zamalek to make up the eight strong line up.
INFO: 11-14 July, Time: 6-7:30pm, Deira City Centre, Dubai Head to the 2012 Shayla and Abaya Fashion Show at Dubai Mall to see a whole host of retailers and designers display their merchandise. Three different 20 minute fashion shows each day, at 6:30pm, 7:30pm and 9pm, will keep crowds entertained. The first show will be dedicated to retailers, the second to aspiring design talent and the third to established abaya and shayla designers.
INFO: 8-12 July, Dubai World Trade Center
INFO: 11-14 July, Time: 6:30pm-9pm, Dubai Mall
Family TIME!
Fancy taking the kids to see something a little bit different? Take a trip to Sharjah to see Al Qasba’s Summer Show of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. This live theatre performance will keep the whole family enthralled.
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Music
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FROM OUR READERS
SHINE AGAIN in Time and time aga ain ine ag Like the sun you sh down Whatever brings you get up again e power to h t e av h s ay w l a u Yo smile ou y e se I en h w es Stars in your ey is all worthwhile Your life and energy who you are going to be are and Remember who you an who is creating a legacy For you are a m t of gold and stone Creating a future ou ring your throne Like a true king secu e again Time and tim l shine again il w ou y n su e h t e Lik Al Ain Watercolor Club
Fadwa A.
By Midori Yoshino
COMPETITION It’s competition time! Are you feeling lucky? We’ve teamed up with Al Ain Raceway again to offer one of our readers an adrenalin pumping challenge on their 1.6 km fully floodlit, world-class racing track. To be in with a chance of winning this exhilarating 15 minute ‘Arrive and Drive’ session, where winners will be given a full safety briefing before climbing into karts and zooming around the state-of-the-art course at speeds of up to 85kph, just tell us:
Which team won this year’s UEFA Euro 2012 Tournament?
Send your answers to competition@thesourceuae.com and don’t forget to include your contact details.
PRAYER TIMES POLICE 999
AMBULANCE 998
Day
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5:32
12:21
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8:39
5:32
12:21
3:41
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8:40
Monday
8:39
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12:22
3:42
7:10
8:40
Tuesday
8:39
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Wednesday
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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’m new to Al Ain and would like to know where can I get my cooking gas cylinders refilled? Used LPG Gas Cylinders can easily be refilled at any ADNOC Petrol Station. You can also find the orange colored ADNOC LPG cylinder distribution trucks driving around in your area providing door to door services. Prices for refilling cylinders are: 11.3kg cylinder AED20, 22.5kg AED30 & 45.3kg AED 60. To purchase a new cylinder prices are as follows: 11.3kg cylinder AED200, 22.5kg AED 240. Gas cylinders of 45.3kg can be directly purchased from Al Ain Distribution Company on 03 763 6000. That’s it, now you’re cooking with gas!
Saving in Summer
ENVIRONMENTAL
Summer in the UAE normally sees people travelling back to their home countries or setting off an exotic adventure. Give your hardworking, but energy-sucking, devices a vacation by switching them off or turning them down while you’re out of town. Not only will this benefit the environment, you’ll also get a nice surprise when you get your electricity bill at the end of the summer. Refrigerators/freezers Ideally it would be better to defrost your fridge and freezer and unplug them while you’re away but it’s not always practical. Instead, give your perishables to your neighbor and turn the temperature down to the lowest setting. This can reduce energy consumption by up to 40 per cent. Water Heaters Unless there’s someone looking after your home while you’re on vacation, there’s no need to keep the water hot while you’re gone. Switch off all the water heaters and you’ll notice the difference it will make to your electricity bill. Lights Make sure to switch off your lights. For security reasons, you could consider leaving one or two indoor and outdoor lights on a timer or installing some motion sensors as a deterrent for robbery. This way you save energy but also keep up the appearance that someone is home.
A/C There’s no need to keep your place chilled in your absence. If you have to leave the a/c on consider setting it to a higher than normal temperature, perhaps around 28°C. Bear in mind that even at this temperature it will increase the humidity in your home and make your fridge and freezer work harder. Turning off your central air is one of the most effective ways to save money. Electronics Unplug all electronic devices including your computer, television, cable boxes, DVD players, printers, scanners, microwave, cordless phones, battery chargers, coffeemakers, blenders and the rest. Ensure switches on sockets are set to off.
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23
LIFESTYLE
Give them a
‘Grade A’ Summer Parents all over the world are facing an enormous challenge! School holidays have started, and keeping holiday boredom at bay is often a daunting challenge that can test parents’ sanity to the limit. A new consideration facing parents is the possible negative effects of a long-term school break on children of all ages, from toddlers to teens. Studies have shown that children lose interest in school work during the long winter and summer breaks because of the lack of adequate stimulation during this lengthy absence from their regular schooling. This slump occurs because children tend to switch off their brains to school-related activities such as reading, writing or studying, tuning in instead to television and computer games, which, in excess, leads to sluggishness and a regression of what they learnt at school during the term. Learning loss is most pronounced in math and spelling, with math suffering more as children are more likely to be encouraged to read than to revise their numeracy skills at home. While holidays should provide the much needed break for your child, learning can continue unabated, just with a change of scenery! Kids also need to recharge their engines, so incorporating time to just let them be will also do wonders for their young minds.
Have a
Plan
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useums ure so visits to m Kids love advent turned be n ca t of interes or other places their of n sio us sc Di ojects. into extended pr be a n ca e dinner table day’s outing at th ger un yo e, er d, from th es starting point an ur ct pi aw dr to uraged gs ones can be enco lin sib w while older ch of what they sa ar se re er y or do furth g could write a stor tin ula im st us th rience ur about the expe Yo . ills and cognitive sk their vocabulary e library to th to it vis a e little one may lov brother e story while big pick out a bedtim eir research. or sister does th
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at your out letting on th learning fun with e ak e car, m th to in t is ou ck The tri ’. If heading ion at uc ed us ns on your way plan is ‘continuo read the road sig to s kid rs on all sm d up the numbe encourage der kids can ad Ol tting n. ge tio ina nd st sa de ou to your ach a th the first one to re ple th sim wi em es th at pl ve r Gi be . num in the kitchen lp he to ts. e en lov di n re re re out ing a treat. Child ow them to measu all e th ich lf wh ha w or llo fo le recipes to em to doub ts when you ask th en di ve re ali ing es m ing co iss h Mat t for the m ing up a grocery lis y. While ingredients. Writ familiar vocabular un ing rn lea of y wa uld be w co ne a ler becomes , your todd ing is going on rn t way lea ea gr et a cr h, se ug is all th made play do e m ho th wi n fu having hours of ent! tactile developm to stimulate their
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Toy Shop Tips Holidays seldom go by without a visit to the toy shop creating excitement and expectation for parents and children. The variety of choices available in stores these days can be overwhelming at times, but keep a cool head and take time in making a selection. Play is the language of children through which they develop an understanding of the world around them, developing their imagination, as well as the crucial skills needed for functioning in an educational setting. Remember, it’s not about the number of toys you are able to buy for your child. Too many toys at once will cause confusion and children won’t be able to choose which one to play with. By giving them one or two to play with at a time, they have the opportunity to master the skills that it aims to develop; resulting in a contented child who plays and discovers more effectively. Without sounding as if the fun of shopping for a new toy has been lost, consider whether the toy addresses the developmental needs of a child. Fine motor skills, for example, are developed when children handle small toys. Cognitive thinking is enhanced as your child learns to solve problems through play, improving their memory skills and attention span. Language, social skills and emotional well being are also addressed by appropriate selection. Toys should be easy to use, yet suited to your child’s specific interests, encouraging learning but never losing its fun value, while constantly stimulating his inner curiosity.
By Roekshana Saloojee
MY EMIRATE
Al Ain:
the oasis city By Khudayja Saloojee
A few weeks ago my family and I decided to skip the neon lights and lure of the sale signs firmly placed on the windows of the malls of the city and head out on a nature trail to Al Ain Oasis. Set in the heart of Al Ain, near the National Museum, the date palm oasis is one of the city’s seven oases that are protected and have developed as a tourist attraction.
many old style houses, used for accommodation for farm workers and as storage for farming tools. All that walking can leave you feeling quite ravenous. Don’t fret if you haven’t packed a picnic basket, there is Al Ain Oasis Restaurant located right inside the oasis. But, be warned! If you’re sense of direction is anything like mine, be prepared to get lost in the maze of the oasis.
This amazing oasis is spread over 1200 hectares and contains more than 147000 date palms of around 100 different varieties. All the plantations are irrigated by an ancient irrigation system used as far back as 1000BC called ‘falaj’ and the source comes from mountains some 30kms away. These narrow waterways give life to the palm plantations in this inner-city paradise.
We welcomed the cool, shady walkways that transported us from the unbearable heat and hustle and bustle of the city to a serene, tranquil haven, where birds chirped and palm fronds rustled. The best way to enjoy this tranquility is on foot, so leave the car behind.
As we walked along the narrow pathways, we noticed that the oasis highlights many Bedouin culture and traditions. There are
Entry is free and, a word of advice, take note of a landmark near the entrance that you come in from as otherwise you could end up spending a very long time trying to get back to your car! For more information contact 03 763 0155
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
Tantalizing Tenerife The largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, the volcanic land of Tenerife offers a sun soaked haven all year round.
By Roekshana Saloojee 26
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W
MY WORLD
henever I think of Tenerife a flood of warmth envelops me. It’s as if my sub-conscious remembers how we escaped an icy European February for a spot of sunshine to thaw our frozen bodies. Or, perhaps it’s because my husband and I treated ourselves to a second honeymoon, while the grandparents took care of our little ones! Either way, Tenerife is a sunny piece of paradise where blue skies and sunshine beckon anytime of the year. We flew to Reina Sofia Airport in the south of Tenerife, one of two airports on the largest of the Canary Islands. A taxi ride with a friendly, local driver was the perfect introduction to island life as we travelled along the coast to Santa Cruz, the capital, on the eastern tip of Tenerife.
We were surprised to discover that Santa Cruz is a vibrant, cosmopolitan hive of activity full of exciting places to visit, charming architecture, great shopping and an abundance of excellent restaurants. I was fascinated by the contrast of the pitch black sandy beaches with the white foam of breaking waves lapping at their edge. Nature created Tenerife as a volcanic island however, man took the liberty of creating Santa Cruz’s most famous beach, Las Teresitas, a completely artificial sun-kissed beach that was created by importing millions of tonnes of golden Saharan sand and building a protective reef just offshore. A beautiful complement to the island is the warmth of its people. We were greeted with a friendly “hola” by almost every passerby. Equally inviting was the delicious cuisine which, over the years, has blended Spanish, Portuguese and North African influences to create simple but tasty cuisine. Every year in February or March, Santa Cruz turns into party town with the arrival of a carnival celebration considered to be one of the largest in the world. For weeks the streets and plazas transform into a gigantic festival with colorful costumes, parades, songs and dancing until the early hours. We discovered that Tenerife means “Snowy Mountain” in the language of the Guanche inhabitants, a tribute to its most striking geographical feature, the dormant volcano of Mount Tiede. Towering over the island and surrounded by its wild volcanic landscape, Mount Tiede is an awesome sight.
The stark contrast between north and south was a revelation as we travelled along the northern slopes of the island to our final destination in the south east. Dry, sunny beach weather was replaced by humid mists, luscious emerald green vegetation and terraced hillsides. We were heading to the municipal of Vilaflor, a mountainous area in the south east of Tenerife, where we planned a quiet retreat before heading back home. The Hotel Rural El Nogal, originally a family home, is situated close to the Parque Nacional del Teide, with magnificent panoramic views of the south coast of the island. Its isolated location made it an ideal place to kick back and relax, although the option to join mountain hikes was there. Our stay on Tenerife fulfilled our need for an easy getaway to warmer climes and the thought of returning one day, to explore its famous sister islands, is an alluring dream that I hope to make a reality very soon.
Stay
The Hotel Rural El Nogal, Vilaflor. Fascinating 19th Century home with all the charming characteristics of traditional Canarian architecture.
See
Search for whales and dolphins off the coast of Los Cristianos, play golf all year round at Golf Del Sur, go shopping at a traditional Spanish markets like Mercado De Nuestra Senora de Africa, check out Siam Park, the island’s Thai themed water park or ride the cable car at the Parque Nacional del Teide for stunning views of the volcanic valley.
Eat
An abundance of fresh seafood, be sure to try the seafood paella. Also, sample gofio, or maize meal, a traditional staple of the original Guanche inhabitants.
Did you know?
The flag of Tenerife is almost identical to the flag of Scotland, the only difference being a slight change in the shade of blue. Flights from the Emirates take from 11 hours + (including connections)
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Movie Listings
في السينما
Manny, Diego and Sid are back and, this time, they’re on their greatest adventure after a catastrophe sets an entire continent adrift. Separated from the rest of the herd, the gang encounter exotic sea creatures, battle ruthless pirates and explore a whole new world where Scrat’s nutty pursuit of the cursed acorn, which he’s been after since the dawn of time, catapults him to a place no prehistoric squirrel has gone before and the crew have to act to achieve the impossible.
بعد انفصالهم عن.ماين وديغو وسيد يعودون هذه املرة يف أضخم مغامرة لهم بعد كارثة أدت إىل انجراف القارة بأكملها يزداد األمر صعوبة لدى ظهور كائنات بحرية غريبة وقراصنة واكتشاف عامل جديد أثناء مالحقة السنجاب،بقية القطيع وتقوم املجموعة بعمل أقىص ما.ً التي قادته إىل أماكن غريبة مل يذهب إليها مطلقا،املجنون لحبة البندق منذ القدم .عندها يف سبيل تحقيق املستحيل
BAWADI MALL بوادي مول Tel: 03 784 0300
ROTANA HOTEL & AL AIN MALL العين مول و فندق روتانا Tel: 03 754 4447 & 03 751 1228 1. THE AMAZING SPIDER MAN: 11:30, 14:00, 16:30, 19:00, 21:30, 24:00 2. ICE AGE – 4: 10:30, 12:30, 14:30, 16:30, 18:30 2. THE AMAZING SPIDER MAN (3D): 20:30, 23:00 3. TRANSIT: 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00, 20:00, 22:00, 24:00 4. THE LADY: 11:00, 13:30, 16:00, 18:30, 21:00, 23:30
1. THE AMAZING SPIDERMAN: 11:30, 14:00, 16:30, 19:00, 21:30, 24:00 2. THE AMAZING SPIDERMAN (3D): 11:00, 13:30, 16:00, 18:30, 21:00, 23:30 3. THE LADY: 11:15, 13:45, 16:45, 18:45, 21:15, 23:45 4. TRANSIT: 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00, 20:00, 22:00, 24:00 5. BOL BACHAN (HINDI): 11:00, 14:00, 17:00, 20:00, 23:00 6. ICE AGE - 4: 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00, 19:00, 21:00, 23:00 7. MADAGASCAR: 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00 7. THE KEEPER: 20:00, 22:00, 24:00 GRAND CLASS: THE AMAZING SPIDERMAN: 12:00, 15:30, 18:00, 20:30, 23:00
AL FOAH MALL الفوعة مول Tel: +971 3 784 3535 1. THE AMAZING SPIDERMAN: 10:45, 13:30, 16:10, 18:50, 21:30, 24:10 2. THE AMAZING SPIDERMAN (3D): 12:30, 15:10, 17:50, 20:30, 23:10 3. TRANSIT: 10:15, 12:15, 14:15, 16:15, 18:15, 20:15, 22:15, 24:15 4. THE LADY: 11:30, 14:00, 16:30, 19:00, 21:25, 23:50 5. ICE AGE - 4: 11:30, 13:30, 15:30, 17:30, 19:30, 21:30, 23:30
The movie listings are valid from Thursday to Wednesday every week. C
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