Issue62 en

Issue 62 - Dec 12 - 26 - 2013

I'm dreaming of a red Christmas among the dunes of Al Ain

Santa is born

Al Noor Hospital is now at your favourite mall! Add an appointment to your shopping basket!

For details see page No. 9

Great gift let down

Stay ALERTStay ALIVE

Al Ain: Al Jimmi Mall 03-7168426

DUBAI: Festival City 04-2325947, IBN Battuta Mall 04-3685099, Meena Bazaar 04-3252682, Jumeirah Beach Centre 04-3490749 ABUDHABI: Marina Mall 02-6818944, Dalma Mall 02-5530021, FUJAIRAH: City Centre 09-2238074, Century Mall - 09-2238059 BAHRAIN: City Centre 009373 17179328, Al Alawi Complex 00973 17703874 DOHA: Hyatt Plaza 00974-44690476, MUSCAT: City Centre 00968 24558048, Grand Mall 00968 93991042 JEDDAH: Mahmal Mall 009662 6451206, RIYADH: Al Essa Mall 009663 8652151, Avenue Mall (Lulu) 009661 4054992

Contents 8

INBOX This page is all about you! Send us your poems, pictures or letters and see them published here. Ask us your questions and pick up some handy environmental tips

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NEWS All the news from around Al Ain

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SOCIAL & COMMUNITY FORUM Stay Alert. Stay Alive

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URBAN WOMAN Fountain of Youth

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STUFF FOR MEN Avoid the great gift let down

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FEATURE Al Ain Aerobatic Show: Photographic memories

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FEATURE Origin of Santa Claus

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ENTERTAINMENT What's happening this Christmas in Al Ain

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AL MAJLIS Amna Al Fard and her dolls

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HEALTH & LIFE STYLE Baby proof your home

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CITY REVIEW On top of Al Ain

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DIARY What are your plans for next week?

Take a look at our diary for the latest events happening around town

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MY WORLD Oman - The jewel of the Arabian peninsula

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RECIPES Mamma Mia‌! Chefs at Danat Al Ain Resort go Italian

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TIME OUT

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SOURCEKIDS

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D

Director's Note!

MANAGING DIRECTOR Farid Nouisser EDITOR IN CHIEF Mahra Saeed Al Muhairi ENGLISH EDITOR Brenda Chandler EDITORIAL ASSISTANT / WRITER Mehak Alam ARABIC EDITOR Sami Rashid ASSOCIATE ARABIC EDITOR/ SENIOR TRANSLATOR Tamara Al Refaei SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER & PHOTOGRAPHER Sikkandar Sharpudeen DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Mohammed Saqer ADVERTISING advertising@thesourceuae.com CONTRIBUTOR Dr. Nadia Hussain, Jeff Skinner ARABIC COVER PHOTO Luigi Sani

The celebrations continue as many of us prepare for the Festive Season, and there is no shortage of activities planned right here in our city to help you get in the spirit of things. If you do celebrate Christmas, it is important to observe the true meaning of the occasion and in spite of the commercialized chaos that has become synonymous with this time of year; we must be true to the single most important virtue it represents – LOVE! John Lennon said it best; “all you need is love.”

If you have love in your heart and in your life, everything else will fall into place.

We live in a world of constant turmoil where hatred, violence and fear are often the driving force of our existence. Mutual assured destruction (M.A.D.) is a condition we have become all too familiar and perversely comfortable with, but the weapons of mass destruction that we are in possession of and fear the most, are paled by a monstrous arsenal that has been a part of society long before the nuclear age. In fact, it has been plaguing mankind since the beginning of time. Complacency is and will most certainly prove to be the beast that we should fear the most, and yet collectively, we have the power to change our destiny! In order for evil to prevail on earth it takes enough good people doing absolutely nothing to prevent it from ravaging our existence!

This Christmas and into 2014 let’s say no to hatred and instigate change by spreading love and peace around our back yards. I promise you that the righteous souls in this world out number by far the few that would have us cower in darkness. Collectively, this initiative will spread like a virus and a chain reaction of infection will result!

While Santa’s magic colours the dreams of children all over the world this year, I will be praying for the necessary strength to help me follow my own good advice, and begin by wishing our readers and the entire team at The Source a Holiday Season filled with peace, love and joy!

TO CONTACT US +971 3 7668111 faridn@thesourceuae.com www.thesourceuae.com

like us at

tweet us at

ecember has arrived and with it the jubilation associated with yet another fabulous National Day, celebrated in unprecedented style with an Air Show extravaganza that had the entire city jumping for joy. We have shared the adrenalin packed week end with a collection of photographic memories sure to help you relive the magic.

As always we hope you enjoy this issue; it is our humble gift to you!

thesourceuae

FARID NOUISSER

thesourceuae

Managing Director

THE SOURCE IS PRINTED ON 100% RECYCLED PAPER

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 © 2013 by The Source and Smart Design Publishing, and its affiliates. All rights reserved.

WRITE TO US &

WIN

The Source is giving you a chance to add some flavor to your life with a delectable Moroccan dinner at Ayla Hotel.

Simply tell us the names of the Moroccan dishes mentioned on our recipe page in Issue57 and win yourself a dine-in voucher for 2 at Moroccan Night. Send your correct answers to competition@thesourceuae.com with your full name, age and contact info. Don’t forget to put RECIPES as the email subject.

Hint:Log on to www.thesourceuae.com Winners will be announced in Issue 63!

Good Luck!

y k c a W d l r Wo

inbox

Camilla's words of widsom

No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite - Nelson Mandela R.I.P.

MUTE! It is 3:00 am Silence covers everything, Humans on their cold beds, Animals in their narrow cages, Plants withered next to the fence, All are mute No sound No breath No beat.

But far away a light, Whispering, From the chest of the sky, In the ears of hearts, To, Delete concepts of Races, Colors, Religions, Belongings…

And Live life, Sing, dance and hug tight, Eat from one plate, Walk on the same way, Speak the language of "us"…

But, nobody listens!

It is 3:00 am, And...

Silence covers everything…!

Sheikha Al Baloushi, Al Ain

CAREER GUIDANCE

The TOEFL (Test Of English as a Foreign Language) is a test that evaluates your ability to use and understand English at a university level. Many of you will be planning to take the TOEFL exam to secure your university place – what you may not know is that there are two versions of the exam: the TOEFL iBT and the paper based, institutional TOEFL, commonly known as Local TOEFL. 8

The Source

ANYONE UP FOR A CUP OF COFFEE?

Everyone on different social networking sites is going crazy over a café in Pakistan’s cosmopolitan city Karachi, Sattar Buksh, and so are we. The striking resemblance between the names Starbucks and ‘Sattar Buksh’ is no mystery — mainly because it is a deliberate marketing tactic.

While the name seems to mock the international coffee chain Starbucks, Sattar Buksh is the latest addition to the list of cafes opened up to cater to the insatiable Karachi appetite, which is ready to engulf everything as people reach new heights of desperation in the entertainment-starved, terror-stricken metropolis.

What has been interesting about this place, however, is the name and the buzz around it — whether it is a debate on Starbucks sending an intellectual property violation letter to the owners of Sattar Buksh, or a furor on uplifting the homeless and drug addicts that lay right opposite the restaurant to anyone’s inaction.Sattar Buksh is being liked, shared and commented about on digital media and there is no way you can avoid it too…!

GIVING UP CONVENTIONAL TOILET PAPER Believe it or not, switching to recycled toilet paper can change the world. If every household buys just one four-pack of 260-sheet recycled bath tissue, instead of the typical tissue made from virgin fiber, it would eliminate 60,600 pounds of chlorine pollution, preserve 356 million gallons (1.35 billion liters) of fresh water and save nearly 1 million trees.

TOEFL iBT is the best option if you are planning to study abroad, or to transfer to a university abroad within two years of your exam date. This exam is taken online and has four sections (listening, reading, speaking and writing) which take a total of about four and a half hours to complete. The total score is 120, and for an undergraduate course you should be aiming for 70 or higher. Your score is valid for 2 years. You can register for this exam at www.toefl.org.

However, if you are applying to universities in the UAE, such as AUS, AUD, Skyline

Instead of saying I’m Glad use the

ANA MABSOOT For instance say: Ana Mabsoot beshoftek I’m glad to see you!

WINNERS

CONGRATULATIONS TO Ancito O. Hugnac for winning a dine-in voucher for 2 for the Moroccan Night at Ayla Hotel.

College, HCT, or Al Hosn University, the paper based, ‘local’ TOEFL is a better choice. This exam also has four sections: listening, structure (i.e. grammar), reading comprehension and writing. The highest possible score is 677; most universities prefer a score range of 500- 550. The American University of Sharjah administers paper-based TOEFL at their campus every academic year for prospective students.

Alternatively AMID EAST offers this exam every Monday and Wednesday at their Abu Dhabi and Dubai testing centers, the fee is currently 400aed.

news

Al Noor Hospital announces the winner of its "So You Think You Are Healthy?" competition Men are notorious for bragging about not having been to see a doctor in a life time and capping it off with a statement like “and I feel like a million bucks!” Well the truth of the matter is that many serious health issues can lie dormant and undetected for years and when they finally do present themselves, it is often too late to prevent them from causing permanent health impairments or even death.

The age old saying “an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure” certainly holds true when your life is at stake and Al Noor Hospital, Al Ain (ANHAL) recently held a competition to help create awareness about the importance of health screenings especially when you are feeling perfectly healthy! Dr. Amina El Saleh, Hospital Director was on hand to present the winner, Beverley with her access to a comprehensive medical check-up. “I would like to thank the team at Al Noor Hospital for their friendly and caring service. It was awesome and well planned” said Beverley.

“My health”) offers an efficiently organized and comprehensive set of examinations in just one day. Sehhati includes in-depth laboratory tests, screenings and diagnostics that are more extensive than your standard physical performed in a doctor’s clinic. Your “executive health package” may include the following (depending on the physician’s evaluation):

ANHAL has been providing a comprehensive range of medical services to the diversified local and expatriate community of the United Arab Emirates.

We have learned just how important your time is, and how much more important your health is. That’s why the “Sehatti Program” (from the Arabic word meaning

Internal Medicine Consultation, Comprehensive Laboratory Work-up, Pulmonary Screening, Electrocardiogram (EKG), Basic Cardiac Stress Test, Mammogram & Gynaecology Consultation, Prostate Screening, Hearing Exam, Osteoporosis Screening.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends periodic medical check-ups, even when you are feeling healthy. “ By getting the right health services, screenings and treatments, you are taking steps that help your chances for living a longer, healthier life.”

UAEU Female students visit the Forensic Evidence Department

A total of 13 students from the Chemistry Department, the College of Science at the UAEU visited the Forensic Evidence Department at Abu Dhabi Police. The visit's purpose was to acquaint students with various disciplines and the nature of work at the Chemistry Department.

"MADE IN THE SHADE"

People are now enjoying the shady retreat of Al Ain's new bus shelters. Thank you....

Colonel Abdul Rahman Al Hammadi, Head of the Forensic Evidence Department, gave the visiting students an overview of the forensic labs’ development stages. He also underlined the ADP’s commitment to develop the technical and human resources, according to the best security practices that contribute to achieve justice. Moreover, the students listened to a briefing detailing the chemistry lab’s functions as well as the various tests it conducts to uncover crimes.

Al Ain Hospital constriction awarded to Arabtec Two contracts worth more than AED5.5 billion have been signed by Abu Dhabi’s general services wing, Musanada, for the construction of an Al Ain hospital and the Abu Dhabi-Dubai road project.

Talking about the AED3.3 billion contract to build Al Ain Hospital has been awarded to a prominent construction company, Arabtec.

The contract is to build a modern 713-bed hospital to replace the existing one in the Al Jimi area of Al Ain. 10

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The hospital, set to cover 358,000sqm and due for completion by 2018, will provide general medicine, surgery, pediatrics, maternity, ICU, and medical rehabilitation.

It will also include 104 advanced specialized clinics and 17 radiology rooms.

Arabtec CEO, Hasan Abdullah Ismaik, said the company was proud to be associated with the “cornerstone in the development of healthcare infrastructure in Al Ain”. “Arabtec has been actively engaged in a multitude of

projects in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in support of an ambitious drive to build ultra-modern urban infrastructure for the UAE. The provision of world-class healthcare facilities is obviously at the heart of these initiatives and we at Arabtec are proud to be part of these efforts”, he added.

The hospital is intended to be constructed to simulate an ‘oasis village’, the company said, with green gardens in a temperaturecontrolled environment.

news

Transforming Houses into Homes A room makeover is not merely about changing the furniture and fixtures in a room – it is about redefining a living space.

This year's edition of Home Centre Room Makeover Contest takes on the challenge of recreating rooms to articulate the individual personalities of participants.

The contest received an overwhelming response both in terms of entries as well as the final voting for the winners. The judges faced the daunting challenge of whittling down the 37,000 plus submissions to a manageable 500 that factored in the personality traits of the contestants. The final 25 winning entries were chosen by a panel of in-house experts, of which 3 entries were picked by popular demand through voting that generated over 200,000 votes..

With the winners announced, the next phase of the Home Centre Room Makeover Contest will involve an aggregate spending of AED250,000 on reinventing the living spaces of eight contestants each in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and three winners each in Oman, Qatar and Kuwait. Each entry came with a unique story. A young fashion enthusiast, blogger and singer was looking for a room that’s not only made to sleep but one that stimulates her interests; a couple, whose tastes are miles apart, wanted a solution for their bedroom and a homemaker who wants her living room to reflect her vibrant personality, after living

with hand-me-downs for the past 11 years - are examples of entries received this year.

Expert stylists from Home Centre are set to redesign the rooms of the winners according to the tastes, attitudes and needs of the occupants. Each makeover will be completed in a single day. The Home Centre makeovers will be accomplished using the latest range of products, integrating contemporary trends in interior design, keeping in mind maximum utilization of space and functionality. All elements of fine interiors, from colors and lighting to furniture and accessories will be styled, providing the winning rooms with a fresh lease of life.

ADEC supports special needs students ADEC is keen to offer equal educational opportunities to all students in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi regardless of their groups or educational needs. Special care is dedicated to special educational needs (SEN) students.

This comes in line with ADEC’s 10-year Strategic Plan, which aims to provide SEN students with high quality education and help them achieve success. ADEC’s plan focuses on offering SEN programs and integrating appropriate SEN students in public and private schools.

“ADEC seeks to create a learning environment appropriate to SEN students in order to enable them to play active roles in their society in the future,” said HE Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, ADEC’s Director General. “ADEC is willing to do what it takes to make integration in schools successful.

This includes the provision of assistant teachers, assistive visual and auditory devices, customized transportation services and other services that help SEN students 12

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improve their skills and be independent,” Dr. Al Khaili added. Approved by the Executive Council-Abu Dhabi in October, the new organizational structure included a number of positions dedicated to support SEN students. Qualified special education teachers will be recruited and national staff will be trained to fill related positions in ADEC. Even the school buildings are accessible and safe for use by SEN students. Coordination with Emirates Transport has been made to provide buses appropriate for students with physical disabilities.

Aarti Jagtiani, General Manager, Home Centre, said: "By changing the contest mechanics to include a simple, personalitybased questionnaire the contestants had to fill in, we were able to engage more people and reach a larger cross-section of consumers in the region. The incredible response we received only reiterated the faith of our customers in our initiatives and products. Home Centre's vision has always been to transform houses into homes, and with this contest we get the opportunity to show how we breathe life into personal living spaces."

Al Ain Zoo Celebrates Arabian Month

Al Ain Zoo kicks off the winter season with an interactive themed month to celebrate Arabian wildlife and culture, allowing visitors to explore the region’s rich history through traditional performances, culinary treats, and artwork, all alongside the zoo’s celebrated Arabian species. Each week will spotlight a different group of countries from the region, promoting the conservation of arid wildlife.

This week looks at the Arabian Gulf, with traditional Harbiya dance performances, Al Haban music, Saluki shows, and more.

Beginning on 15th December, families can join Al Ain Zoo which pays tribute to Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, and finally, the last week will watch Syria, Lebanon, Palestine and Jordan in the spotlight.

Guests can expect to see traditional cuisine, folklore and arts and crafts each week, showcasing the strong relationship between Arabian culture and Arabian wildlife.

social & Community forum

Stay Alert.

Stay Alive

A

nationwide study undertaken by more than 3000 male and female 18-23 year-old university students to understand their attitudes towards road safety, has revealed alarming findings that show young drivers are in desperate need of further education.

Just one third of the respondents surveyed said they always wore a seatbelt and despite 44% of students having been in a car accident, a staggering 72% of them still say they ‘only sometimes’ – or even never – buckle up.

With a shocking 85% of surveyed students believing that seat belts are just as likely to harm them as to help, UAE students are daring to buck the practice that has saved the lives of many of their international counterparts.

With such worrying attitudes towards their own safety, BMW Group Middle East is focusing its 2013 ‘Stay Alert. Stay Alive.’ road safety campaign on young student drivers, taking a digital approach to illustrate the harsh reality of unsafe driving, in particular not wearing seat belts.

Endorsed by Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD) and working with the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) – the largest higher educational institution in the UAE – an innovative, bespoke online course has been developed to highlight the benefits of safe motoring and the consequences of reckless driving to thousands of Emirati students across the country.

The importance of the issue means that HCT will launch the e-course as part of its curriculum this academic year, for a period

of 12 months. The 30-minute course will comprise seven modules, ranging from risks in everyday driving to safety features and ways in which to drive safely. HCT male and female students at 17 campuses across the UAE will be encouraged to complete the interactive course as part of their general studies.

“Without a doubt, one of the most effective ways to help improve road safety is to try to instill good driving behavior from an early driving age. Our research findings show that students are putting themselves in danger by not wearing a seatbelt and we must do whatever possible to protect them,” said Leanne Blanckenberg, Corporate Communications Manager, BMW Group Middle East.

“The safety and well being of our students is a paramount issue for us at the Higher Colleges of Technology. That is why we have included BMW Group Middle East’s ‘Stay Alert. Stay Alive’ road safety campaign into the curriculum for all of our Foundation Program students across our 17 colleges by way of this interactive, e-learning course. This online course will inform and educate our students about the need for safe driving attitudes, as well as the dangers of reckless driving,” Dr. Tayeb Kamali, Vice Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology, said.

He also said that, “This campaign is a vital step in the right direction – by educating a new generation of drivers we can help to introduce safer skills and bring greater awareness of road dangers.”

While the ‘Stay Alert. Stay Alive.’ Campaign which was launched in the UAE in 2010 has included all aspects of road safety, it is the seatbelt crisis which the BMW Group feels is one of the most crucial in helping to prevent deaths on the UAE’s roads. The pioneering road safety e-learning platform hopes to see some major breakthroughs and indulge the youth of today in a safe and alert driving habit.

The Source

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urban woman

The Fountain of Youth:

T

Don’t let Time age you before it’s Time! he time to say good-bye to yet another year is just around the corner and with it comes the reminder that we are also getting older. Although we can’t stop time from creeping forward, we can certainly take measures to insure that the aging process associated with the passing years is slowed down.

Here are some simple tips for youthful skin:

1. STAY OUT OF THE SUN. There is no quicker way to get wrinkles on your skin than roasting in the harsh sunlight! After age 30, your skin will react more severely to sun exposure. Always wear a sunscreen and avoid long periods in the sun; especially from 10am – 3pm and choose a sunscreen with protection from both UVB and UVA rays. Remember that an SPF15+ foundation and an SPF15+ moisturizer do not add up to SPF30+ protection! The highest number for a single product is the protection you will get, so the ‘less is more’ rule does not apply!

2. DON’T SMOKE! Not only is smoking bad for your general health, it is absolutely devastating on your skin! When you smoke a cigarette, the chemicals in that cigarette constrict the blood vessels in the delicate tissues of the face – this means less oxygen to your skin, with awful results. It takes at least one full hour for these blood vessels to relax, so stop smoking today and shed years off your look!

3. INVEST IN A GOOD OVERNIGHT PRODUCT. During sleep, our body regenerates on a cellular level, and this is the time when your skin can absorb nutrients. Choose a product that can be left on overnight to plump up the skin, promote elasticity and help reduce fine wrinkles. Remember to massage gently; no harsh rubbing or pulling ladies!

4. GO NATURAL. It makes little sense to slap chemical products on your skin, when nature knows best. Use natural cosmetics if you can, or natural products that contain essential oils such as Marula, Rosehip or Avocado oil, that act as natural antioxidants. They have therapeutic benefits and aid in the promotion of healthier skin.

Many items found in the fridge can also help: cucumber for rosacea, yogurt for smoother skin texture (due to lactic acid) and apple cider vinegar to tone the skin. Eating certain foods can also do wonders: top foods for skin rejuvenation include berries, peaches, sardines,

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citrus fruits and natural oils.

Herbs such as Spirulina and Rosemary can help to counter act the effects of cell oxidization, while extracts of lemon and peppermint have been shown to help give skin that ‘pick-me-up’ boost when it is lackluster and dull!

5. DRINK WATER AND BE REGULAR. It remains one of the best ways to cleanse toxins from the body, and the skin. Make sure you drink 8 glasses of water (including herbal teas) per day. Avoid caffeine!

Remember that water will help to flush out your system – which is why it’s also a good idea to follow a natural detox program every now and then.

Constipation can also lead to skin irritations, so make sure you eat adequate fiber. If colonic irrigation is too severe for you, then you might try a gentler alternative such as a natural colon cleanser.

6. LAUGH! This is the top tip: if you are going to get lines – make them laugh lines!

Studies show that laughing is beneficial to health and will help to keep you young at heart. There is something very attractive about a face that is well lived in!

FESTIVE OFFER AT TIPS & TOES Gelish mani/pedi Full-set of eyelash extensions Quick Fix make-up session Eyebrow thread

Dhs680 (originally Dhs805) Available throughout December

Call 04 399 0550 for further info

stuff for men

Avoid “G.G.L.D.” Jeff Skinner

I

(The Great Gift Let Down)

By Jeff Skinner

t is that time of year again when my wife begins to agonize over my birthday; like every good wife after many years of marriage.

She is perplexed with the thought of how to faithfully ‘serve’ her husband and bring him the upmost joy. Since every man has different interests, there are a wide variety of thoughtful gifts suited to match each man’s unique personality. Here are a few gift suggestions that will put a smile on your man’s face:

MOVIES For the adventurous man, The Bond 50 Complete 23 Film Collection would be a welcome surprise. The Star Wars Blu-ray set is certain to spark the inner geek in all of us.

My wife is actually forcing me to watch Diehard with her over the holidays and naturally, in a bid to avoid unnecessary tension, I will graciously comply.

STEAKHOUSE Who wouldn’t love to avoid the “what do you want for dinner,” discussion? Skip it and take him directly to a steakhouse and feed his carnivorous desires. If his is a less refined pallet, a juicy burger will also do the trick.

SURROUND SOUND Every man wants his movie a little bit louder and his music rocking a lot harder. What better way to ‘rock’ his world than by surrounding him with the rumble of strategically placed speakers?

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SPORTS GEAR Find the best golf course around and let him enjoy a blissful day doing what he loves. How about giving him a few cans of tennis balls to cut loose in the only game on earth where love means nothing! If he’s all about a workout, make sure he has the best gear and looks great. In short, find out what he enjoys most, and then help him get out there to start enjoying it as soon as possible; you will have succeeded in making him a very happy man.

FANCY TOYS Do I need a remote controlled helicopter? No, but I wouldn’t complain if I had to unwrap a cool gadget like that. My wife recently bought a Bluetooth toy for my iPad that was so joyously received; it still sleeps next to me six months later. We especially like toys that attach to other toys.

MEMORIES Of course, there is the sentimental part of me that knows making memories is an essential ingredient of any relationship. A trip to Dubai without the kids is my personal favorite. A combination of dinner and a walk on the beach at that special hotel will spark romantic memories for years to come.

Men, to insure that you do not suffer from “G.G.L.D.” – Great Gift Let Down - you can drop a hint by staring at that tool a little longer, or by talking about that great movie coming out soon. Women, if you run into trouble with name brands or what type of gadget to buy, don’t be afraid to seek advice from others. After all, who knows your man better than his second best friend. Let’s put some personal touches on those gifts; no more S.O.S. (Same Old Socks)!!!

The Source

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feature

The Al Ain Aerobatic Show 2013 The Al Ain Aerobatic Show 2013 is the world's only aerobatic festival that combines military and civil aircraft, stunt displays and competitions, cultural and family activities. Some of the world's top aerobatic pilots competed in three disciplines of air racing at the show's venues.

Airplanes, helicopters, gliders and wingwalkers displayed their Luigi Sani amazing aerial skills. Other show features included entertainment, restaurants, cafes and merchandise stalls.

The Source was on hand for the entire week end with our photographer and good friend, Lugi Sani, to capture the moments for you. We thought that these spectacular shots would speak much louder than words in an attempt to help you relive an incredibly exciting and successful week end!

ENJOY!

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feature

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How Santa Claus was Born

W

e all know the jolly robust elf in the bright red suit and his arrival is highly anticipated by millions of children worldwide at this time of year, but do we know how Santa Claus actually came to be?

Here are the facts about the origin of the man that made Christmas one of the biggest commercial hits of all time!

Nicholas was born in Parara, Turkey in 270 CE and later became Bishop of Myra. He died in 345 CE on December 6th. He was only named a saint in the 19th century.

Nicholas was among the most senior bishops who convened the Council of Nicaea in 325 CE and created the New Testament. The text they produced portrayed Jews as “the children of the devil” who sentenced Jesus to death.

In 1087, a group of sailors who idolized Nicholas moved his bones from Turkey to a sanctuary in Bari, Italy. There Nicholas supplanted a female boon-giving deity called The Grandmother, or Pasqua Epiphania, who used to fill the children's stockings with her gifts.

The Grandmother was ousted from her shrine at Bari, which became the center of the Nicholas cult. Members of this group gave each other gifts during a pageant they conducted annually on the anniversary of Nicholas’ death, December 6.

The Nicholas cult spread north until it was adopted by German and Celtic pagans.

These groups worshipped a pantheon led by Woden –their chief god and the father of Thor, Balder, and Tiw. Woden had a long, white beard and rode a horse through the heavens one evening each Autumn. When Nicholas merged with Woden, he shed his Mediterranean appearance, grew a beard, mounted a flying horse, rescheduled his flight for December, and donned heavy winter clothing.

In a bid for pagan adherents in Northern Europe, the Catholic Church adopted the Nicholas cult and taught that he did (and they should) distribute gifts on December 25th instead of December 6th.

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In 1809, the novelist Washington Irving (most famous his The Legend of Sleepy Hollow andRip Van Winkle) wrote a satire of Dutch culture entitled Knickerbocker History. The satire refers several times to the white bearded, flying-horse riding Saint Nicholas using his Dutch name, Santa Claus.

Dr. Clement Moore, a professor at Union Seminary, read Knickerbocker History, and in 1822 he published a poem based on the character Santa Claus: “Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in the hope that Saint Nicholas soon would be there…” Moore innovated by portraying a Santa with eight reindeer who descended through chimneys.

The Bavarian illustrator Thomas Nast almost completed the modern picture of Santa Claus.

From 1862 through 1886, based on Moore’s poem, Nast drew more than 2,200 cartoon images of Santa for Harper’s Weekly.

Before Nast, Saint Nicholas had been pictured as everything from a stern looking bishop to a gnome-like figure in a frock.

Nast also gave Santa a home at the North Pole, his workshop filled with elves, and his list of the good and bad children of the world. All Santa was missing was his red outfit.

In 1931, the Coca Cola Corporation contracted the Swedish commercial artist Haddon Sundblom to create a coke-drinking Santa.

Sundblom modeled his Santa on his friend Lou Prentice, chosen for his cheerful, chubby face. The corporation insisted that Santa’s fur-trimmed suit be bright, Coca Cola red. And Santa was born – a blend of Christian crusader, pagan god, and commercial idol.

entertainment

Christmas celebration ROTANA Zest: Enjoy a scrumptious Christmas Eve dinner with your loved ones, Santa, Carolers and a live pianist. December 24, 6:30pm1:30am.AED195/person.

Christmas Day Brunch: Enjoy a delicious Christmas day Brunch with family and friends while the man in red drops by with the Christmas carolers and our Pianist. December 25, 12:30pm3:30pm. AED165/person.

Min Zaman: Enjoy Christmas Eve in Arabic style: Don’t miss the one man show and belly dancer. December 24, 6pm-3am.

AED225/person.

Trader Vic’s: Celebrate your Christams eve with Santa, Christmas carolers and Trader Vic’s band. December 24, 8pm-1am.

AED209/person.

Moodz: Christmas party with DJ Freddy and a Guest DJ. December 24, 8pm-3am. AED100/person. For more information call 03 754 5111 or visit www.rotanatimes.com AIN AL FAIDA-ONE TO ONE HOTEL AND RESORT Christmas Tree Lighting: Santa Claus hands out gifts, takes Christmas wishes and leads Carol singing. December 14, 5pm9pm. The Glass House

Christmas Brunch: Live Entertaintment and an Arabic Style Lunch are served up this Christmas! December 25, 1pm onwards.

AED125/adult & AED49/kid. Zaitouniah Restaurant. For more information call 03 701 4444 or visit www.onetoonehotels.com DANAT Luce: Treat yourself to an amazing Christmas brunch, egg nog station, kids entertainment, face painting and lots more. December 25, 12:30pm onwards.AED145++ Tanjore: Spice up your Christmas eve with an Indian delicacy.

December 24 & 25. Lunch 12:30pm-3pm & Dinner 7:30pm11pm. 7:30pm-11pm. AEd120/person. For more information call 03 706 4000 or visit www.facebook.com/pages/Danat-Al-AinResort/153628221398011 HOTEL AYLA Christmas Eve: This dinner treat is not to be missed.December 24, 7:30pm onwards. AED119/person.

Christmas Brunch: Enjoy the spirit of christmas with your family at our place. December 25, 12:30pm onwards. AED109/person.

For more information call 03 761 0111 or visit www.aylahotels.com

Christmas Eve: This Christmas is all about the lavish variety of festive dishes and live entertainment. December 24, 7pm onwards. AED125/person(adult) AED49/person(kid). Zaitouniah Restaurant. 24th December 2013

THE UAE’S ORIGINAL BURGER JOINT We still have the Hump-Burger available during the festive season *100% fresh camel burger

N

L AI A N I NOW

YAKHI! THE BEEF STOPS HERE AL AIN: KHALIFA STREET, TEL: 03 751 6526 | ABU DHABI: AL MUROOR STREET & DALMA MALL The Source

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advertorial

Love Your Bones

OSTEOPOROSIS AND YOU

O

steoporosis is a condition characterized by a decrease in bone density resulting in fragile bones.

Osteoporosis leads to abnormally porous bones that are compressible, like a sponge. This disorder of the skeleton weakens bones and results in frequent fractures (breaks). Osteopenia is a condition of bone that is slightly less dense than normal bone but not to the degree of osteoporosis.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:

Osteoporosis can be present without any symptoms for decades because symptoms do not occur until bones fracture. Moreover, some osteoporotic fractures may escape detection for years when they do not cause symptoms.

Therefore, patients may not be aware of their osteoporosis until they suffer a painful fracture. The symptom associated with osteoporotic fractures is usually pain; the location of the pain depends on the location of the fracture. The symptoms of osteoporosis in men are similar to the symptoms of osteoporosis in women.

Fractures of the spine (vertebra) can cause severe "band-like" pain that radiates from the back to the sides of the body. Over the years, repeated spinal fractures can lead to chronic lower back pain as well as loss of height and/or curving of the spine due to collapse of the vertebrae. The collapse gives individuals a hunched-back appearance of the upper back, often called a "dowager hump" because it is commonly seen in elderly women.

A fracture that occurs during the course of normal activity is called a minimal trauma, or stress fracture. For example, some patients with osteoporosis develop stress fractures of the feet while walking or stepping off a curb.

Dr. Hakam Abdul Muhaiman,

Consultant Orthopedic and Medical Director

"At Al Noor Hospital, first class care and management are of paramount importance. We continually strive to improve our quality of service and achieve our goal of becoming the first choice medical provider in the Al Ain community. Among a host of other services, we are effectively addressing two major public health issues: Diabetes and Osteoporosis."

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advertorial Dr. Hakam Abdul Muhaiman,

Consultant Orthopedic and Medical Director

"At Al Noor Hospital, Al Ain, we are proud of the state-of-theart osteoporosis treatment facility available for our patients.

Our highly qualified staff provide accurate assessments along with concise preventative and remedial solutions"

Hip fractures typically occur as a result of a fall. With osteoporosis, hip fractures can occur as a result of trivial slip-and-fall accidents and may be very slow healing.

RISK FACTORS: • • • • • • • • • • •

Previous History of fracture.

Female sex Caucasian or Asian origin.

Family history of osteoporosis.

Low body mass index.

Long term corticosteroid use.

Sedentary lifestyle Age > 60 years.

Early Menopause.

Smoking.

Diet low in Calcium and Vitamin D

OSTEOPOROSIS AND YOU

In the UAE, woman are at a much higher risk for developing osteoporosis than men and Emirati national woman are at an even greater risk than expat women due to their traditional dress and lack of exposure to sunlight that provides a natural source of essential vitamin D. Vitamin D is extremely important and helps prevent the onset of the disease and in spite of the abundance of sunlight in the region, people living here spend very little time outdoors and thus receive very little benefit from the sun.

One in 3 women in the UAE over the age of 50 is prone to osteoporosis related factures. These figures are serious and in the case of hip fractures, 20 percent can be fatal and 50 percent cause permanent disability. The most important combatant against osteoporosis is adopting preventative lifestyle measures.

Eat a well balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. Like muscles, bones become stronger with exercise, so be sure to include plenty of physical activity in your life.

There is definitely a need for increased awareness in the UAE in regards to osteoporosis and medical institutions like Al Noor Hospital are blazing a trail towards outstanding treatment and ultimate prevention of the disease. It is highly recommended by international guidelines that bone density scans are performed

after 60 years of age but since osteoporosis is seen earlier in the UAE, it is advised that scans are performed for women over 50 and men over 55. The procedure is painless and takes about 15 minutes and the state of the art facilities and highly skilled professionals at Al Noor Hospital not only reduce the average waiting time required, they also provide the patient with accurate assessments and concise preventative and remedial solutions.

It’s time you “loved your bones” and made an appointment with our professionals for an assessment of your skeletal health.

For more information and appointment

800 26425

online appointment visit www.alnoorhospital.com The Source

23

al majlis

Amna Al fard UAE’s very own quilled doll-maker!

By Mehak Alam

T

hirty-seven-year old, Emirati paper artist Amna Al Fard has succeeded in setting Umm Al Quwain’s first Guinness World Record with her largest display of handmade paper dolls (1,145 dolls to be precise) at a single venue.

Upon entering her workstation, you are immediately surrounded by an enchanting world of paper dolls. Each one is a work of art, with special attention and mastery given to every detail. The dolls are simply fascinating and so is Amna, the selfproclaimed artist, who so graciously consented to sharing her world of doll-making with our readers. …My love affair with quilling and doll-making began somewhere around 2000-2004. I was searching for new art forms 24

The Source

that involved the use of paper and stumbled upon something that would prove to be a life changing. …Learning the techniques and getting the material for dollmaking happened very quickly. I was already quilling prior to knowing that this art from existed. I came across a quilled doll on the cover of a card making book and was completely fascinated by it. I searched for the book online and ordered it immediately. I later pursued memberships to various quilling guilds around the world to learn all I could about this art form. …The experience of making my first doll was simply amazing.

As a self-taught artist everything is a challenge. When I started creating my first doll, it seemed difficult but the end result was most satisfying. …I could never have imagined that my interest in paper crafting, stencil creations and origami at the age of 7 would lead to a rewarding preoccupation with quilling. My focus has always been in creating 3D objects and quilling provided an ideal medium to expose the hidden artist in me. …Winning a number of awards for quilling and doll-making has

al majlis

… I then started working diligently towards achieving the required number of dolls as set by GWR. I spent a total of 3,435 hours on the project and about 30,000 inches of paper combined with 4.5 kgs of glue. Creating the same parts over and over again killed both my brain and creativity but I kept working hard with the support of my mother and friends. …And when I finally achieved a world record, it was unbelievable.

I was thankful to have all of my efforts pay off so well! I also realized that all things are achievable given the right amount of perseverance! …..Besides doll-making I love to read, play music, travel, learn new languages and of course, go to work. All this really consumes a lot of time, but it is not at all difficult if you are passionate about something because passion is the “mother of creation.” helped me polish my skills and recognize my abilities. Every time I win, the artist within me feels good but I strongly believe that it is patience and not winning that makes a good artist. …Being a regional representative of the North American guild in addition to 4 other quilling guilds across the globe is an honor for a self-taught artist like me. It provides me with an opportunity to learn new techniques. I am also in the process of creating the first Arab Guild which is a challenge in and of itself. I am also very involved in spreading awareness for this unique art form via voluntary workshops around the country and tutorials available on my youtube channel. …Doll-making is not everyone’s cup of tea and as well as being challenging, it is both time and energy consuming. In creating the first of its kind world record and being the first citizen of Umm Al Quwain to ever achieve a world record, I had to be very particular and dedicated. It started off involving both local and international artists but eventually ended up being a one woman show. After discovering that there were no records in quilling, I approached Guiness World Records (GWR) and soon got their approval.

…Three basic qualities that make a good artist are definitely: Persistence, Patience and Practice.

This quilled doll maker weaves magic with her hands and Maraya Art Centre in Sharjah is where you can find Amna Al Fard’s army of 3 dimensional dolls that are the result of two years of hard work and dedication.

She comes across as an inspirational, assiduous and grounded human being. She dedicates her achievements to her mother who has been the driving force behind her success.

These are Amna’s secrets for success:

LIFE LESSONS •

Be self driven and persistent in whatever you do.

•

Stay kind hearted towards your parents and you will get all what you aim for.

•

Challenege and compete with your ownslef.

The Source

25

health & lifestyle

Dr. Nadia Hussain

MBBS, MSc Str.M.Bio (UK), PhD (c)

Dr. Nadia is a physician pursuing her PhD in Physiology from UAE University.

She is the Chief Editor for Capsule (UAEU), author of Fragments of my Time (Minwa Press) and an award winning poet.

Child proofing your home

M

ost people worry about protecting their children from outside dangers, such as strangers and playground hazards. But one of the biggest sources of injury to children is their own home.

Many gadgets help you protect your child but being supervised

is the best precaution.

ELECTRIC MATTERS – outlets should be covered with baby proof outlet covers but are often easily removed by children. Replace outlet covers themselves with covers that include a sliding safety catch.

Electric cables and extension cords should be secured properly.

FURNITURE – furniture has hard corners, chipped surfaces and traps for little fingers – and noses! Heavy dressers, flat screen TVs that are not wall mounted, appliances and bookcases can land on the child. Secure as many items as you can against the wall. Put heavier items on bottom shelves and drawers to make toppling less likely. Babies start pulling on furniture when they start to crawl and later climb whatever surface they can. Drawers should be closed when not in use; not only are they a fun world to explore but they can also be used as ladders. Cover sharp corners with corner bumpers to reduce injury.

GET GATES – These allow you to open doors for air while keeping the child indoors, or within a designated room and block access to dangerous staircases and forbidden rooms such as the kitchen.

They must be used properly and be in good condition to prevent these items from also becoming sources of harm. Use gates that are not easily opened by children and don’t forget to close the gates even if you are in a hurry. Gates that are fixed into the wall instead of pressure gates are most suitable for places such as the top of stairs. Get brand new gates when you can.

CURTAINS AND BLINDS – cords are a common cause of strangulation for children. Use cordless window coverings as much as possible and don’t place the crib near the window. If you can, cut off the pull cords or use cord wind ups to keep them away from 26

The Source

the child’s reach. Safety tassels that replace the cord loop can also be used.

DOORS AND WINDOWS – windows should be fitted with secure, child proof locks to prevent opening. There are window stops available to prevent the window from being opened more than a few inches. Window stops or window guards should be fitted by fixing them into the side of the frame. Furniture should also not be located near windows because these can be used to climb up and reach the window. There have been many fatal cases of children falling from windows. Doorstops on doors and door hinges keep little hands and fingers safe.

POISONS – these should be kept away from the reach of children in cabinets or drawers that are locked. Insect sprays, household cleaning products, medicines etc should be locked. Hidden poisons in the form of gas leaks, malfunctioning gadgets etc should also be looked for.

DROWNING – this can happen in tubs, toilets and even buckets of water. Water safety is a very important aspect of keeping your child safe. Never leave a baby or child unattended in the tub – even if using a bath seat. Children are top heavy and when they lose their balance they topple headfirst and get stuck. An inch of water is enough to drown in. A safety fence must be around a permanent pool and should always be locked and wading pools emptied when not in use. A safety latch on your toilet lid is good to prevent your child from accessing the toilet water. Keep hazards such as razors, electric shavers and hair dryers away from a child’s reach.

FIRE SAFETY – install working smoke alarms and check these regularly. Change the batteries yearly at least. Keep a fire extinguisher at home but safe from the reach of the child because these are heavy.

If possible talk to your child about fire safety and what to do if faced with a fire – evacuation plans and so on can save lives.

BE PREPARED - Program emergency numbers into your home phones and cell phones, making sure everyone knows where these are. Keep a first aid box handy and make sure everyone knows what items are in it and how to use them. This should also not be in the child’s reach to avoid accidental misuse.

Child proofing is an ongoing process because the child’s needs change and grow as he or she does. You need to re-evaluate ever so often to make sure that your home is not a source of danger for your child.

The Source

27

city review

It’s Better at The Top

By Farid Nouisser

There is a place in Al Ain that I am certain most of us do not visit enough and I plan to change that by making the trek up the mountain before 2013 comes to an end. If you haven’t already guessed, I am speaking about the Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet Hotel and Resort.

Located on top of Jebel Hafeet Mountain, this prestigious Resort sits at 3,000 feet above sea level and is home to the most spectacular view in Al Ain. Equipped with 124 spacious guest rooms, 2 restaurants, a coffee shop, 3 swimming pools with water slides, a playground and mini golf, this unique oasis retreat is a must experience for all.

If you are new to Al Ain and have not yet made the journey up the mountain - it is important to note that the drive to the top is one of the most spectacular parts of the entire affair – then why not capitalize during the festive season and let the Mercure Grand team provide you with an unforgettable experience.

Whether you are planning an evening with friends, colleagues or want to enjoy an intimate evening with that special someone, you have chosen well by spending the festive season at one of the Mercure Grand’s exquisite venues. There are Christmas lunches, dinners, Christmas Karaoke nights and even daily carolers in the Hotel Lobby to keep your spirits high.

Nails | Nail Art | Nail Extensions | Eyelash Extensions Waxing & Threading | Massages | Facials and more...

Now at Wahat Hili Mall (Ground Floor) | Tel: 7227270-03 E: info@nailaholics.ae | www.nailaholics.ae @nailaholicsalain

Insta

@nailaholicsalain

Last but certainly not least, is The New Years Gala Dinner and it promises to be the climax of the season. Get full enjoyment from this spectacular evening by availing their overnight New Year’s Eve Special that includes the Gala Dinner and a luxurious room complete with a scrumptious buffet brunch. And if you want to include the kids while ringing in 2014, you can enjoy an unfettered adult evening knowing that the little ones are well taken care of in a separate fun kid’s zone complete with all the fixings and care givers.

The celebrations kick off at the beginning of December right through to New Year’s Day. Why not enjoy this year’s Festive Season with friends and family at the Top of Al Ain; you won’t be let down!

For more information and reservations: Tel. 971 (3) 704 6888 / 050 663 1086 Email: H3573 – FB2@accor.com or H3573 – FB@accor.com

The Source

29

diary See what's going on in Al Ain from Dec 12 - 26 COMMUNITY GROUPS & ACTIVITIES

University. Call 03 763 3387 or visit www. worldyouth2013.com Al Ain Winter Fair: A treat for all the Shopaholics in the garden city. December 19-30, 10am-1:30pm & 5pm-11pm. Al Khabisi Hall-Al Ain Convention Centre.

Call 03 763 7686 or visit www.adnec.ae/ al-ain-convention-centre Al Ain Ambler’s Half Marathon & 10K 2013: Run for fun! December 13, 7am4pm. Al Ain Rugby Club-Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club. To register call David Savvas on 056 641 1147, email alainhalf@gmail.com or simply visit www. premiermarathons.com/event/Al_Ain_ Amblers_Half_Marathon_10K_2013

Walt Disney Castle: Watch the Disney stars perform live! December 3-January 15, Al Ain Mall timings. Call 03 766 0333 or visit www.alainmall.net World Youth Chess Championship UAE: The World’s largest gathering of chess enthusiasts. December 17-29, UAE

Candle Night: A perfect place to spend romantic moments with your significant other. Every Tuesday, 7pm-11pm. Buffet at AED88/person. Ayla Restaurant-Ayal Hotel. Call 03 761 0111 or visit www. aylahotels.com

Family Entertaintment Show: Enjoy your winter break! December 25-January 13, Al Ain Mall timings. Call 03 766 0333 or visit www.alainmall.net Lebanese Night: Enjoy mouth-watering Lebanese delights with family and friends.

Saturdays, Buffet starts at AED139. ZESTAl Ain Rotana. Call 03 754 5111 or visit www.rotanatimes.com Al Dhafra Festival 2013:Celebrating the importance of the ‘ship of the desert.’

December 14-28, Madinat Zayed-Abu Dhabi. Visit www.aldhafrafestival.ae Al Ain Zoo Celebrates Arabian Month: Visitors can explore the region’s rich history through traditional performances, culinary treats, and artwork, all alongside the zoo’s celebrated Arabian species. (This week’s focus is on Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia) December 15-21, 9am-8pm. AED20 (Adults), AED10 (Children) & Kids under 3 enter for FREE. Call 03 799 2000 or visit www.awpr.ae

Oasis Café: Imagine savoring your evening cup of coffee by the pool. Daily, 6:30pm onwards. Call 03 704 6000 or visit or email www.facebook.com/pages/DanatAl-Ain-Resort/153628221398011

To publish your events here send your info to mehaka@thesourceuae.com

Buy 4 tickets for the price of 3

With This Voucher in The Source Magazine, you can purchase 4 tickets for the price of 3 At Hili Fun City, classic and traditional family fun is what we're all about. Enjoy unlimited access to more than 30 attractions, ranging from gentle rides for the little ones, to fun family roller-coasters, thrilling rides for teenagers and an amphitheatre for live shows. Our beautifully landscaped and shaded gardens, with designated BBQ areas, are ideal for family picnics. Voucher is valid till December 31st, 2013

For more info please visit: www.hilifuncity.ae or call 03-7845542 Prices are subject to changes. Park is closed on Sundays and during the month of Ramadan. Wednesdays are reserved for ladies only.

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The Source

Al Foah Mall Celebrating

3

Unlimited Entertainment at Al Foah Mall from 11th to 14th December 2013.

www.alfoahmall.com www.facebook.com/alfoahmallalain www.twitter.com/alfoahmallalain

my home

OLD MEETS NEW Still infused with the spirit of old Arabia, Oman welcomes tourists with a warm hospitality sure to make your stay unforgettable

By Marianne Makdisi

O

nce a sleepy backwater of the Arab world, Oman has been transformed over recent decades by the modernising zeal of Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said, who inheritated rulership in 1970.

Back then, there were only 10 kilometres of paved roads, and the sultanate was suffering from rising poverty and illiteracy rates. Today, the picturesque country boasts an extensive network of highways, busy seaports and a rapidly expanding service sector.

Sultan Qaboos’ 43-year rule has witnessed the roll-out of welfare services, the development of modern industry and the extension of voting rights. The provision of schools, hospitals, water and electricity has been prioritised, and while Oman does not enjoy the same wealth as its oil and gas-rich neighbours, living standards for its fast-growing population remain comparatively high.

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Yet, despite the modernisation drive, Oman still offers a refreshing reminder of a bygone age. It is one of the best places in the Gulf to experience traditional Arabia, complemented by a natural beauty and a variety of climate and geography unrivalled in the region.

From the fort-dotted mountains of the interior to the beaches of the east coast and the monsoon-kissed greenery of Salalah, the sultanate offers an exhilarating mix of splendid scenery and cultural discovery – right on the UAE’s doorstep.

CITY TOUR The capital Muscat was put firmly on the map in 2011, when the first opera house in the Gulf opened. Sultan Qaboos is known to be passionate about classical music and wanted to develop this art form in the sultanate. His vision culminated in a classic Islamic-style building that embraces some of the traditional forms and details of grand buildings from around the region. Built from Omani desert rose stone and stucco wall coverings, the Royal Opera House Muscat is surrounded by landscaped gardens.

Shopping in Muscat’s ancient Muttrah souk is an unmissable experience, with bargains to be had, especially sumptuous pashminas and gold jewellery. While in Muttrah, step into the fish market and stroll along the corniche, taking in the beautiful

my home Grand Mosque of Muscat

venture further afield. Head inland to Nizwa, the old capital, which is surrounded by mountains on every side, or for a classic desert encounter with towering dunes, make your way to the magnificent Wahiba Sands.

Jebel Akhdar, Oman’s Green Mountain, encompasses the great Saiq Plateau, at 2000m above sea level, along with a labyrinth of spectacular wadis and terraces. You’ll need a 4WD to explore this area, which isn’t green like the name suggests, but enjoys cooler mountain air (temperatures during December to March can drop to -5°C) and increased rainfall (including hailstones). Look out for prize pomegranates, apricots and other fruit.

The far north of Oman, the Musandam Peninsula, is a mountainous exclave, separated from the rest of the sultanate. Within easy driving reach of the UAE, the scenic strip of land treats visitors to a combination of hideaway resorts and rugged coastline. You could opt to pamper yourself at Zighy Bay (www.sixsenses.com) or go trekking and diving from the Golden Tulip Resort in Khasab (www. goldentulipkhasab.com).

merchant houses. You also shouldn’t leave the capital without visiting the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the Portuguese forts in the Old Town and the Bait Al Zubair Museum, containing a wealth of information and exhibits on t he country’s culture, tradition and heritage.

EXPLORING THE SULTANATE While a city tour is fascinating in itself, and a dolphin-spotting cruise off Muscat’s coast is sure to delight the family, you’ll also want to

Between June and October, Oman’s southernmost province of Dhofar is lightly touched by the monsoon winds that drench India each year. Life here is more traditional, and the coastline bordering the regional capital, Salalah, was once the site of the Frankincense Trail, considered in ancient times to be southern Arabia’s most important commercial route.

The beachside Hilton Salalah Resort is set in a wonderful location, or try the Salalah Marriott Resort at Mirbat. You can travel inland to see the trees from which the ancient perfume is harvested, and make sure you don’t miss the markets or the 3,000-year-old lost city of Ubar, at one time the frankincense export capital of the world.

Fort Al-Jalali. Iimpressive twin forts at the entrance of Old Muscat's harbor near Sultan Qaboos palace. View from Al-Mirani fort area

Musandam Peninsula The Source

33

recipes

M U L T O I TA L I A N O !

TIRAMISU INGREDIENTS Sugar 20gms | Mascarpone cheese 80gms | Egg yolk 1 | Whipping cream 100gms | Egg white 1 | Biscuit ladies finger 1 piece | Gallatin 2 sheets | Espresso coffee 100gms METHOD • Beat the egg yolk and sugar at medium speed in a large mixing bowl.

• Add the mascarpone cheese to the egg and sugar mixture.

• Beat the cream and egg white in separate bowls.

• Mix all the ingredients together in the large mixing bowl.

• Soak the lady finger biscuits in espresso coffee.

• Layer the soaked biscuits into the mold and top it with the blended mixture.

• Freeze the molds for 1 hour.

• Serve chill!

Omar Ezzat Mohamed Executive Chef

Come in to the light of fine dining at Luce and let chef Omar enlighten your taste buds with these exquisite Italian dishes.

Mama Mia, thats Multo Italiano!

Open timing: 7pm-11pm For more information call 971 3 7046000

INSALATA CAPRESE INGREDIENTS Buffalo Mozzarella Cheese 150gms Tomato 120gms | Rocca Salad 25gms Pesto Sauce 5gms |Balsamic vinegar 5 drops | Olive oil 5 drops | Basil leaves1 gm | Salt and pepper to tase Method • Arrange tomato and cheese slices around rocca salad on a plate.

• Top it with pesto sauce, balsamic vinegar , salt and pepper.

• Garnish with basil leaves and serve.

RISOTTO AI FRUTTI DI MARE INGREDIENTS Basic Risotto 150gms | Shrimphs 11-20 (40gms) | Apple cider vinegar 20 drops | Parmesan Cheese 20 gms | Chopped Parsley 2 gms | Tomato Sauce 25 gms | Rocca leaves 10gms | Salt and pepper to taste | Onion 15 gms | Garlic 5 gms | Butter 25gms | Salmon 35gms | Calamari 30 gms | Mussels 25gms METHOD: • Mix shrimp, salmon, calamari, mussels, onions and garlic with butter in a large pan.

• Stir in the basic risotto and the white wine and mix well.

• Add the tomato sauce, salt and pepper, and heat well until cooked.

• Add the grated cheese and chopped parsley • Garnish with Rocca leaves and serve hot!

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time out

movie review

THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG

The plot revolves around the Dwarves, Bilbo and Gandalf who have successfully escaped the Misty Mountains, and Bilbo has gained the One Ring. They all continue their journey to get their gold back from the Dragon, Smaug.

book

review Compelling Classic-A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith, is overflowing with great characters and stories; every page is delightful and deeply moving. Nothing fancy about the subject matter—an IrishAmerican girl's coming of age in early 20th century Williamsburg— but it's the stories within the story that bring the book alive.

SUDOKU

JOYFUL CHRISTMAS Escape the hustle and bustle of the festive season and join us at Danat Al Ain Resort.

Christmas Day Brunch at Luce with kids activities, Christmas buffet and unlimited selected house beverages for only AED 145* per person.

December 24th & 25th Delight in an extravagant Christmas dinner at Luce with mouthwatering Christmas delicacies for only AED 150* per person inclusive of unlimited selected beverages. If your heart is full of nostalgia, then the Horse & Jockey Pub presents a traditional English semi-set menu with festive turkey carving station for lunch and dinner for AED 79* per person.

Call +971 3 704 6000 for more information. * Prices are subject to 10% service charge & 6% tourism fee

Managed by Danat Hotels & Resorts, a Division of National Corporation for Tourism & Hotels PO Box 16031, Al Ain, UAE T. +971 3 704 6000 | F. +971 3 704 6009 E. info.alain@danathotels.com | www.danathotels.com

SOURCE KIDS

Sourceling

Hi, I'm Scheherazade Ghannou, and my family and friends call me Shazzi.

I am 6 years old and I am a grade-2 Spider Monkey student of Sunflower School. For fun, I like to watch tv and some of my favorite cartoon programs are the Amazing World of Gumball and Adventure Time.

My mom says I am a ‘Diva’ because I like to dress up in sparkly and shiny clothes. I love shoes, and I currently have 16 pairs of shoes. I love taking pictures and modeling and when I grow up I want to be an actress. On weekends you you can catch me playing with my Barbie dolls or listening to the pop-star Justin Bieber.

Book Review The Great Cake Mystery, explains how Precious Ramotswe, a girl from Botswana, becomes a detective. It all starts when her classmate Tapiwa brings a slice of cake to school. After lunch that day, Tapiwa realizes that her cake is gone. The next day, the same thing happens to a boy name Sepo, but this time it's toast and jam. Precious hopes to find the person responsible for stealing the food. Her peers suspect another student in the class, Poloko, is the guilty one, but Precious doesn't agree. Who is right? Read this book to find out!

‫لمحة عن كتاب‬

‫أحب عاملي‬

‫ تحث عىل قبول اآلخر والتعامل‬،‫قصة تربوية ممتعة‬ ‫ وعدم الخوف من التعرف‬،‫ وتبث الثقة بالنفس‬،‫معه‬ ‫ يف الكتاب دعوة لعالقات أرسية سليمة‬،‫عىل اآلخرين‬ ،‫ الجمل املستخدمة بسيطة‬،‫وصحية بني الطفل وأهله‬ .‫وميكن لطفل الصف الثاين أن يتعامل معها بسهولة‬ ‫ بيتانيا زاكارياس‬:‫ كفاح بوعيل | رسوم‬:‫نص‬

Parents if you have a special youngster who you think would be great for our Sourceling of the Week, send a photo and a bio of no more than 100 words to sourcelings@thesourceuae.com.

6 ‫ أبلغ من العمر‬."‫ ويدعوين أصدقايئ وعائلتي ب "شازي‬،‫ أنا شهرزاد غنو‬،‫مرحبا‬ ‫أعوام وأنا يف الصف الثاين األسايس – طالبة يف صف العنكبوت القرد – يف مدرسة‬ :‫ وبعض برامجي املفضلة‬،‫ أستمتع بوقتي كثريا وأنا أشاهد التلفاز‬."‫"صن فلور‬ ‫ أمي تقول بأنني أشبه‬.Adventure Time ‫ و‬،Amazing World of Gumball ‫ ألنني أحب أن أتألق مبالبس المعة وبراقة! كام أحب‬،‫املغنية الرئيسة يف األوبرا‬ ‫ زوجا منها! كام أحب التقاط الصور وعرض‬16 ‫ وحاليا لدي ما يقارب‬،‫األحذية‬ ‫ يف عطلة نهاية األسبوع ستجدين‬،‫ وعندما أكرب أرغب بأن أصبح ممثلة‬،‫األزياء‬ ."‫ أو أستمع إىل موسيقا نجم البوب "جاستني بيرب‬،‫ألعب بدميتي الباريب‬ ‫ للعدد القادم‬The Source ‫األهل الكرام الذين يرغبون برتشيح طفلهم لعمود طفل‬ ‫ كلمة فقط إىل الربيد االلكرتوين‬100 ‫إرسال صورة وسرية ذاتية من‬ sourcelings@thesourceuae.com

Test your knowledge The largest bone in the body is_____________

2.

A human body consists of____________bones.

3.

For stronger bones we need to take_________ Answers: 1-Femur, 2-206, 3-Calcium.

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The Source

‫ أكرب عظمة يف جسم االنسان‬.1 .____ ‫هي‬ ‫ يحتوي جسم االنسان عىل‬.2 .‫____ عظمة‬ ‫ لتقوية عظامنا علينا أن‬.3 .____ ‫نتناول‬

،206 .2 ،‫ عظمة الفخذ‬.1 :‫اإلجابات‬ .‫ الكالسيوم‬.3

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BLIZZARD BOOTS CHRISTMAS COLD FREEZE

FROST GLOVES ICE ICECLES KNIT CAP

MITTENS PARKA SCARF SKATES SKIING

SLED SLEET SNOW TOBOGGAN

The Little Christmas Tree

This is the story of a little fir tree who dreamt of growing up so that he could go and be a Christmas Tree amongst the Humans.

The other, older trees, knew more about life, and they told him that being a tree with the Humans wasn't a good idea, because they never cared for the trees after chirtsmas was over. But the little fir tree didn’t want to believe the older trees – and he didn’t have long to wait.

He was so pleased when one day some children came with their parents to choose a fir tree to decorate their living room. The children adored him at first sight.

So he was dug up, then brought into the living room, where he was hung with decorations. And after they had finished decorating him, the little fir tree shone with a thousand lights.

Christmas was getting closer and everyone admired the little Christmas Tree. The young fir tree thought: “All the big fir trees were wrong” and he lifted his branches even higher so people could admire him better.

Up till January, he was the prince of the living room; but then he started to lose his needles.

Now nobody looked at him, touched him, or even bothered to gather up the tiny needles that fell. Then, the whole family decided to put him down into the cellar. The fir tree started to feel very sad that he had even been chosen by the family.

‫األمير والفتاة الفقيرة‬

،‫ فقرر أن يقيم حفال يجمع فيه فتيات املدينة؛ ليختار منهن زوجته‬،‫أمري وسيم أراد الزواج‬ . ‫فتسارعت الفتيات لحضور الحفل‬ .‫ تعلقت بذاك األمري ومتنت أن تكون هي زوجته‬،‫وكان هناك فتاة فقرية بسيطة‬ ‫ ولكن والدتها خافت أن يتحطم قلبها؛ ألن األمري حتام سيختار فتاة من‬،‫فقررت أن تذهب للحفل‬ .‫ فحاولت منع ابنتها من الذهاب للحفل‬،‫الطبقة الغنية‬ .‫ ليس هناك ما أخرسه‬،‫ سأذهب‬،‫ وإن يكن‬،‫ ال تقلقي يا أماه‬:‫ردت الفتاة عىل والدتها قائلة‬ .‫وبالفعل ذهبت الفتاة إىل حفل األمري‬ ،‫ وأريد من كل واحدة منكن أن تزرع بذرتها‬،‫ سأوزع عليكن بذورا‬:‫ جاء األمري وقال‬،‫يف الحفل‬ .‫ ومن تأتيني منكن وبيدها أجمل باقة سأتزوجها‬،‫وتعود بعد ستة أشهر‬ ‫ ومرت ستة أشهر ومل تستطع زراعة‬.‫انطلقت الفتاة وحاولت أن تزرع البذرة ولكن البذرة مل تنبت‬ ‫ فحزنت أمها لحالها وحاولت أن متنعها من‬،‫ فقررت أن تعود لألمري ومعها البذرة‬،‫تلك البذرة‬ .‫الذهاب ولكنها أرصت عىل امليض قدما‬

After waiting for several days– which seemed never-ending, the little fir tree was replanted. He was so happy to be back on this good old earth that he’d missed so much during those endless days when he was shut up in the cellar!! Suddenly he understood that the family had left him in the cold of the cellar to keep him healthy.

Each year, the family dug him up again to put him back into the living room.

He was very happy with his new family. And yes, in the end the bigger trees were wrong about something some humans are good after all...!

Did you know?

You would be surprised to know that ‘Pronunciation’ is the most mispronounced word.

‫هل تعلم؟‬

‫ اصطفت الفتيات وبيد كل‬،‫وهناك‬ ‫ إال الفتاة‬،‫منهن أجمل باقة ورد‬ ‫الفقرية التي كانت تحمل بني يديها‬ .‫البذرة‬ .‫فتقدم منها األمري وطلبها للزواج‬ :‫فدهشت الفتيات وقلن باستغراب‬ ‫كيف وهي مل تأت بباقة؟‬ ‫ البذور التي أعطيتكن‬:‫فقال األمري‬ ‫ وجميعكن‬،‫إياها عقيمة ال تنبت‬ ‫ وأنا أريد‬،‫ وهي صدقت‬،‫كذبنت‬ .‫زوجة صادقة‬ ‫فتزوج األمري من الفتاة الفقرية‬ .‫وأصبحت أمرية البالد‬

Colour me!

!‫ل ّون هنا‬

‫هل تعلم أن أول من صنع‬ ‫الصابون هو سيدنا سليامن عليه‬ .‫السالم‬ The Source

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