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The Issue 8 • 26 April 2012
Source
your guide to digital cameras
The
Source
Contents Issue 8
5 8
26 April 2012
NEWS FEATURE Get your groove on for International Dance Day
10 SPORTS
11 STUFF FOR MEN Snap Happy with our guide to digital cameras
12 HEALTH & FITNESS Salt. We use it every day, but do we use too much of it? 13 URBAN WOMEN Lunch time treatments
14 AL MAJLIS Adel Farooq, an Emirati singing in Hindi
16 EDUCATION Incorporating the Finnish education system in our schools 18 CALENDAR OF EVENTS MOVIE LISTINGS 20 FROM OUR READERS
Eight weeks into the job and the Editor has put me in the hot seat! Apparently, I have the pleasure of writing the Editor’s Letter for this week which feels a bit strange but I guess sitting in the Editor’s chair comes with a few perks of its own. So, what to say? Well, I can’t believe that we are already on Issue 8. Since April is the month of International World Dance the team has been showing me their various dance moves unique to their respective countries. This week we showcase some traditional, alluring and magnetic dances from the UAE, Brazil, India, South Africa and Ireland. In Al Majlis, we met with the eloquent Adel Farooq. He is the only Emirati singer that sings in Hindi and Urdu, rather than Arabic, which is causing quite a stir across the globe. Ladies, if you are feeling overworked and need a perk-me-up, in our Urban Women section we have a few lunchtime pampering treats that will get you back in your groove. In our Education column read all about the successful incorporation of ADEC and the Finnish education system. In My World, we take you on an incredible journey to a rather “unknown” holiday destination, Vang Vieng. We’ve also got our usual news, sports, local information and contributions from our readers. Remember that at The Source we welcome all your ideas, creativity and contributions. So to all our readers, happy reading until next week! Khudayja Saloojee (Associate Editor)
21 NEED TO KNOW 22 BE INSPIRED
Juggling your career with motherhood
24 MY WORLD Escaping reality in Laos’s Vang Vieng 26 MY CITY A trip to Al Ain Camel Souk 27 BUSINESS Mastering negotiations To Contact Us
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Managing Director Mona Hennawi | Editor In Chief Mahra Saeed Al Muhairi Associate Editor Khudayja Saloojee | Photography & Graphic Design Ghulmiyyah Ghulmiyyah Senior Arabic Editor Sami Rashid | Senior Translator Narmeen Al Assad | Administration Manager Haneen Farid Advertising Manager S.A. Hasan | Distribution Manager Jeff Grigsby Contributing Writers | Claudia G Meyer, Alex Hennawi
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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NEWS
ADEC to Host First TES Summit Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) will organize the first Transforming Education Summit (TES) next month under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. The summit will be held from 7 - 9 May at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. It will feature outstanding keynote speakers, including former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Former President of Finland Tarja Halonen, Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, former Irish Minister of Education Mary Hanafin, CEO of Mubadala Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak and leading scholar of educational change Andy Hargreaves. The event will be overseen by former BBC Reporter and the acclaimed facilitator of Doha Debates, the public forum for free speech in the Arab world, Tim Sebastian.
The objective of the conference is to address education transformation in a rapidly changing global environment. According to The Emirates News Agency, Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, ADEC’s Director General, explained “The aim of TES is to address how educational change can be implemented across sectors in societies around the world.”
Native Trees to Lower Water Consumption
The speakers will cover topics such as defining society’s need for education, the leader’s role in managing transformation, efficiency and funding of education and involving key stakeholders in the process of education transformation. Later this year a local conference will be held in Abu Dhabi to share TES insights with members of the UAE education system, including principals, teachers, parents and students. Emirates Palace will host the summit
According to research conducted by the Ministry of Environment and Water almost 96 per cent of the irrigation costs in Al Ain can be easily cut down by bringing in to use the green vegetation from the city’s landscape. The date palm and Ghaf trees are plants of the desert and are well adapted to the dry environment. Planting them on sidewalks and around the city will help in strengthening the irrigation system in addition to cutting down water consumption rates.
New Testing System for Primary Schools One hundred and eighty six teachers in the Abu Dhabi Emirate are being trained in implementing a new Performance Indicators for Primary Schools (PIPS) assessment. The training is an important step in the introduction of computer based testing, used to develop additional skills and to improve learning. The training workshop included the implementation of the computer based assessment, administration of the assessment and management of the assessment results. The PIPS is a computerized assessment test which was developed by Durham University in the UK to assess learners in literacy, phonology and mathematics.
ADEC, in partnership with Durham, have developed an Arabic language version of the PIPS which delivers audio questions and instructions in Arabic. KG1 students were the first to participate in the program last November and December. Kindergarten staff were trained on the system before these initial assessments. During the 2010/2011 academic year, ADEC assessed over 25000 students from 166 public schools across KG 1, KG 2, Grade 1 and Grade 2. The literacy and mathematic results demonstrated that the children were performing at the same standard as children of a similar age in Australia.
Mr. Helal Al Kaabi, from Al Ain Municipality, mentioned the problems faced by this part of the city. “The lack of rain, the lack of ground-water resources, the lack of rivers and wadis all these challenges have to be mentioned by the Government. We have to deal with such a situation very seriously.” The research by the ministry was further used in designing a 1,200 square meter project where various native, indigenous plants and trees were selected and planted. The cost of maintaining them was only 60 fils per square meter for a period of one month. Following the success of cutting down the irrigational costs and water consumption levels in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Municipality also plans to use these native plants in the capital. This is an edited version of a story that originally appeared in The National newspaper on 19 April, 2012.For the full version, please go to www.thenational.ae
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NEWS
HCT Host 2012 Green Week
‘Ask Ali’ in Al Ain to educate students on the carbon footprint challenge
Al Ain’s Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) this week hosted “Green Week 2012”, an annual event aimed at raising the awareness of environmental issues and the economic benefits of being ecoefficient. Ali Al Saloom, better known throughout the Emirates as ‘Ask Ali’, visited both the men’s and women’s campuses to chat about the Carbon Footprint challenge. Taking the stage, Ali announced, “If a person says he is an Emirati, then he has certain responsibilities to save the environment.” Emphasizing that every citizen in the UAE can, and should, play a role in protecting the environment by reducing their personal carbon footprint he described many ways in which we can all cut down on our energy consumption. These included switching off electrical appliances, unplugging mobile chargers,
using eco-friendly plastic bags, keeping lids on pans and following HCT’s re-use, recycle and reduce Green Week motto. He also pointed out the cumulative financial rewards of being energy efficient as one dirham per day can add up to quite a sum over a few years. Urging the students to “Promise yourself, I’m going to make a difference every day” he stressed the importance of considering the whole country as our home and to treat it accordingly; taking small measures every day to help resolve environmental issues.
importance concluding that “If each one of us uses these” then we can “save the earth and the UAE.” As well as the talk from Ali Al Saloom, this year’s Green Week featured a host of other activities. On Tuesday, exhibitors from campaigns for the environment from multi-national companies including Red Crescent, the International Fund for Animal Welfare and the World Wildlife Fund exhibited on the men’s campus. Wednesday saw the students participate in activities focused on reducing waste and Thursday will see events come to a close with a fantastic tree planting ceremony in cooperation with the Al Ain Municipality.
At the end of the session, HCT students were eager for more information asking for clarification on the environmentally friendly bags mentioned. Ali explained that they can be found in Carrefour and other supermarkets and that, being made from bio-degradable materials, they don’t emit harmful by-products and can be used again and again. He commented on their
Close to Perfect Al Ain & Tawam Hospitals achieving excellence in every way but one After visiting Al Ain and Tawam Hospitals, the two major hospitals in the City, the Federal National Council (FNC) Health Committee have said conditions at both were “close to perfect” in terms of the healthcare and quality of doctors and staff.
problem of delayed appointments. Citing the shortage of doctors as a problem, he assured patients that their concerns would be forwarded to Abu Dhabi Health Services (SEHA) and the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi (HAAD).
Both hospitals are in sync when it comes to providing the best services for their patients following the terms laid down by the council’s health committee in order to improve services of the health sector.
He mentioned that, “When one doctor retired, the hospital said it would take a year-and-a-half to two years to find a replacement. Doctors have become hard to get and when you find a good one, they usually don’t want to leave their country.” “Because the UAE demands such high standards in its doctors, it was difficult to find medics of this caliber”, he further added.
According to The National, Sultan Al Sammahi, secretary of the health committee from FNC is proud of the success. He praised the doctors and other staff members of the hospitals yet urged them to continue to strive to solve the 6
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This explanation led to the Emiratisation
Photography by Mohsin Saleem
of the medical sector. The level of Emirati staff at both Tawam and Al Ain Hospital were acknowledged. With new nursing schools being built, the shortage of Emirati nurses looks set to be resolved in the future. According to Salim Al Ameri, the committee chairman, such visits from the FNC are necessary to take into account the ongoing situations in hospitals in order to undergo discussions with officials from the Ministry of Health and come out with effective solutions. This is an edited version of a story that originally appeared in The National newspaper on 19 April, 2012. For the full version, please go to www.thenational.ae
Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Higher Education & Scientific Research
Al Ain Education & Career Fair 30 April - 2 May 2012
Al Khabisi Wedding Celebration Hall, Al Ain, UAE
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FREE Entry! Exhibition timings: Tuesday, 30 April: 10am -7pm Wednesday, 1 May: 10 am – 7pm (10am – 2pm Ladies only) Thursday, 2 May: 10am – 7pm
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FEATURE
DANCE
& THE WORLD DANCES WITH YOU! International Dance Day was introduced way back in 1982 and, since then, has been celebrated every April 29. Each year, an outstanding choreographer or dancer is invited to deliver a message which is circulated throughout the world. The goal of International Dance Day is to cross political, cultural and ethnic barriers and bring people together through the common language and power of dance. There are so many different forms of dance across the globe, with each country having unique routines and styles. We decided to take a look at a few of the different forms across the globe.
BRAZIL
The famous Rio de Janeiro Carnival is quite probably the most renowned dance procession in the world. Colorful costumes gyrate in a rhythmic swarm through the streets of Brazil’s most colorful city and tourists come from all over the world to watch or even to take part. The dances they see stem from Samba dancing, a lively, funky style which first spread to Brazil from Africa following the abolition of slavery in 1888. The music is loud, thumping and upbeat and the dances represent happiness and warmth. Today, Samba schools exist all over the world, combing the party atmosphere with the Brazilian ‘community’ feeling.
"Samba is energy, pure happy energy. I love it, people love to watch it and anyone can join, even people who think they can’t dance."
Marcita, Dancer from Sao Paulo
SOUTH AFRICA
The Gumboot Dance has an alluring magnetism synonymous with the gold miners of South Africa. Few people know about the hidden meaning and history behind this infectious dance. The Gumboot Dance stems from a code that the miners concocted because they were banned from talking. Kitted out in Wellington boots, the muzzled miners discovered that, by slapping their boots, stomping their feet, slapping their chests and rattling their ankle chains they could communicate with each other. Today, the Gumboot Dance is performed worldwide and, like many folkloric art forms, has evolved into a modern context.
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FEATURE
IRELAND Land of the shamrock, the leprechaun and, of course, Irish dancing. Irish dancing has existed in some form for centuries, but in recent years, shows such as Riverdance have led to a huge increase in its popularity. The ultimate aim for dancers, both male and female, is to achieve first place in the prestigious World Championships which attract dancers from all around the world. Today’s female Irish dancers are a froth of fake tan, curly wigs, and expensive, bespoke dresses, while the boys sport splendid sequined waistcoats. Beneath all the glitz, however, lies steely dedication and determination as dancers move seamlessly from the grace and poise of soft shoe dances to the power and rhythm of traditional heavy “jig” shoes.
"I love Irish dancing as it’s fun, it keeps me fit and it’s helped me make friends throughout the world."
Mairead, 16, Irish Dancing World Championship Competitor
INDIA
In addition to the famous Bollywood dancing, a variety of classical and folk dance styles also exist in India and they’ve played an influential role in many other realms of art including poetry, sculpture, architecture, literature, music and theatre. Kathakali is one form of dance that combines literature, music, acting and even martial arts to create a fusion of dance that showcases emotional stories. The dancers’ costumes are fabulous, intricately adorned to showcase the moral of the story through their emotions and movements. Drums are beat with sticks and fingers while a gong and some clashing cymbals add to the Kathakali drama.
UAE
The Ayyalah dance spell-bounds spectators with its pounding drumbeat and perfectly synchronized dancers tapping their canes uniformly on the ground. Traditionally performed during weddings and at important festivals such as Eid and National Day, the routine is performed by at least 25 men. Facing each other, they stand in two neat rows, their arms linked together with no scope for mistakes, as their form portrays their unity. Waving their sticks in front of them, the men sway back and forth, all the while taking turns to chant and sing and nod their heads to the beat of the drums. Flutes and Oud help produce the melody to which the Ayyalah is performed. thesourceuae.com
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SPORTS Photo Courtesy of Gulf Sport Racing
Al Qubaisi the Junior Champ
Joe Ghanem gives newcomer Haytham Sultan a hard time
Promising Talent in UAE MotorSport Formula Gulf 1000 Championship’s inaugural season received a tremendous response from the region’s best young drivers who speeded around the raceway track at Dubai Autodrome. Lebanese Joe Ghanem won the championship with Dubai-based Mohamed Al Mutawaa finishing second. However, it was Haytham Sultan Al Ali, the newcomer from Umm Al Quwain, who stole the limelight by beating the likes of Spaniard Nicolas and securing the third spot on the podium. Joe Ghanem managed to win eight of the 14 championship races and bagged the prestigious single-seater title. Following in his father’s, Samir Ghanem’s, footsteps the junior Ghanem emerged as one of the best and most promising Arab drivers on
the circuit. The race also marked a historical event for Natasha Seatter, an 18-year-old Malaysian driver who, after winning Round 10 of the championship, became the first woman ever to win a National car race in the UAE. She is now regarded as the fastest female driver in the whole of South East Asia and the Middle East. The championship has attracted many young drivers from the UAE, Lebanon, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Palestine, Syria and Spain with a median age of just 19. The sport will return for its 2012-2013 Formula Gulf 1000 Championship in November 2012. The races will run till March 2013.
Sana Tufail Dominates Again Sana Tufail, the young golfer from Abu Dhabi, has emerged as the top female golfer in the UAE by winning the Emirates Golf Federation’s Ladies Order of Merit titles in both net and gross divisions. The young British prodigy representing Yas Links Abu Dhabi, paved her successful journey by winning 10 of the 11 events on the Order of Merit with an impressive 324 points, forcing Kavita Sehmi of Emirates Golf Club into second position and Anastasia Bakal, of Emirates Golf
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Federation, into third. Tufail, also showed her dominance in the net division where she bagged the title with a winning score of 183.5 points, again beating Bakal, who ended on 174 points. Sana Tufail is not a new name in the golfing arena; this young lady already proved her worth last year at the Dubai’s Ladies Masters at the tender age of 15 where she competed and won against the likes of Laura Davies and Michelle Wie.
Emirati Mansour Rashid Al Qubaisi was crowned Junior Champion in last week’s sixth and final round of the UAE Jet Ski Championship. Held at Umm Suqeim beach in Dubai, Al Qubaisi finished 12 points clear of his nearest competitor after thrilling the crowd with a host of daring feats to finish on 310 points, enough to clinch the coveted Ski Junior Class Champion Title. In second place, with 298 points, was Lahej Khalid Saif Al Ma’asam while Jaber Mohammad Saif Al Ma’asam finished in third, despite an impressive performance which saw him win his heat. The UAE’s Al Mur Mohammad bin Huraiz missed out on a podium placement after gaining only 48 points. This was, however, enough to give him the coveted top honors in the Expert Ski Limited Division, ahead of Omar Abdullah Rashid and Japanese rider Toshi Ohara. Organized by the Dubai International Marine Club, in association with Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, the event is held annually to highlight jet skiing as an exciting and entertaining sport. According to Championship Manager, Sid Bensalah, the DIMC decided to move “jet ski racing to the open beach so that we could have a fine spectacle for the general public.” This was a direct move to showcase the sport as a safe activity and prove that the riders respect and adhere to basic safety regulations.”
STUFF for men
Ready, Steady, Shoot! By Alex Hannawi As the summer approaches and people begin to plan their vacations, I keep getting questions about purchasing digital cameras. There are so many choices that people really feel overwhelmed. Here is my step by step guide to camera shopping. Decide what type of camera you really need. For the average person, the point and shoot camera is best as there’s very little skill required. It fits nicely into your pocket and is ready to go at a seconds notice. Remember to consider size and weight. Do you need a huge SLR camera with four different lenses? This gets heavy to lug around on your holidays and can make you a target of theft, depending on where your travels take you. One mistake made by the average user is opting for a field or studio camera. These require advanced skills, are large and very expensive. Moreover, they are just far too much ‘camera’ for the amateur user. If, on the other hand, you are an avid photographer, then a good SLR field camera might be your best bet. Getting a camera with the highest resolution is not necessarily always the best. Buying a camera solely on the number of megapixels can be a mistake. High resolution cameras allow the user to print off high quality images of large sizes. However, most users never really need to print larger than 8x10. For this, a 5 megapixel camera is more than sufficient. Any higher and you’re simply taking up precious space on your memory cards. Different cameras use different memory cards, some of which are far more expensive than others. When buying a camera keep this in mind. Also, if you use other devices that use memory cards, try to buy a camera that uses the same type, saving you money and having to keep track of which card is for which device.
Determine the zoom that you need. Digital zoom is not as good as optical zoom. Optical zoom enlarges the subject by adjusting the camera lens, whereas digital zoom uses math (algorithms) to magnify the subject. Always go with the optical over digital, the quality is undeniably better. Make sure that the LCD screen is easy to see. This is important especially as most digital cameras no longer have viewfinders. The LCD lets you see what you are about to shoot and enables you to preview and review the shot. Too small a screen and this work becomes laborious. Know your batteries. Many cameras use “AA” or “AAA” or have built-in rechargeable batteries. Cameras that use disposable batteries can start to get expensive, especially if you take a lot of shots. They often don’t last very long either. Have a look at what extras come with your camera. Does it have in-camera editing, allowing you to save time by fixing pictures on the camera itself? Does it come with image stabilizers, red eye reduction, face or smile recognition? Does the camera come with a case or chargers or extra memory cards? All of these features add value to your purchase and make taking those pictures that little bit easier. Finally, stick to major brands and keep your budget in mind. I know, I know, I say this every week - but it’s all true. Buy what you need, not what you will never use. Why waste money buying a camera that has features so far beyond your skill or needs that they are rendered pointless? That’s about it. I hope this has made your camera buying decisions that little bit easier. thesourceuae.com
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HEALTH & FITNESS
To Salt or Not to Salt? that is the question... By Claudia G Meyer
Salt has been a valued substance throughout the ages. One of the very first incidences of taxation involved salt, when the Chinese decided to tax salt consumption way back in 2200 B.C. In Roman times, salt was considered a precious commodity that was often difficult to obtain and soldiers often received salt as part of their salary. It wasn’t until the 19th century that salt became more readily available and, therefore, less expensive.
Why is salt so important? Table salt is 40 per cent sodium and 60 per cent chloride. If we don’t get enough sodium, we die. Thus, it’s essential to obtain sodium from your diet; luckily sodium deficiency is not all that common these days! Once we consume sodium, our body has to regulate it tightly, again, if this is out of balance, we die! Sodium works in our bodies in many ways, to regulate blood pressure, keep hydration levels equal, transmit nerve impulses and maintain proper muscle function. Many foods contain natural sources of sodium, but this accounts for only 10 per cent of our sodium intake. 75 per cent comes from processed foods and about 15 per cent is added during cooking or at the dinner table. The average minimum daily requirement for adults is approximately 115-200mg of sodium or 300-500mg of salt. One teaspoon of salt equals 5000mg of sodium chloride or 2000mg of sodium; about 10 times more than our bodies require! Excess sodium intake may cause high blood pressure and can lead to an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease or strokes. It can also make you thirsty and cause your body to retain fluid. In 2011, the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Research Council recommended that daily sodium intake be limited to 2300mg or less for average healthy adults. This is equivalent to about 1 teaspoon per day. The American Heart Association on the other hand, recommends limiting daily sodium intake to 1500mg or less which is about 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoons per day.
How can we reduce our sodium intake? •
We could start by substituting salt with herbs and spices during cooking and at the dinner table. You can go as far as removing the salt shaker from the table, just replace it with a seasoning of your own choice like garlic powder or lemon pepper.
•
Choose fresh foods over prepared and packaged meals and snacks. Sodium is added as a preservative or flavoring agent in many processed foods such as cured, smoked, and processed meats; canned and dehydrated soups; pretzels,
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chips, popcorn, cheese and crackers; sauerkraut, pickles and olives; and condiments such as, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce and meat tenderizers, so try to cut down on them. •
These days, many grocery items have low or no sodium alternatives, so try to buy these wherever possible.
•
It’s also vital to carefully read nutrition labels when shopping. The following table gives you a quick recap of sodium labeling and exactly what they mean.
TERM Sodium Free Very Low Sodium Low Sodium Reduced Sodium Unsalted
DEFINITION less than 5mg of sodium per serving 35mg of sodium or less per seving 140mg of sodium or less per seving at least a 25% reduction in the usual level of sodium in the food No salt added during processing (Sodium may still be naturally present in the food)
•
If you do have a canned product with a high sodium content, rinse it in water before eating it as this can get rid of up to 50 per cent sodium.
•
Finally, stay away from fast food! It is sky high in salt content, not to even mention fat!
URBAN Woman
Lunch Time Laser? It’s amazing what you can achieve in your lunch hour! Or at least that seems to be the thought sweeping the nation as more and more women opt to spend their breaktime quenching their beauty thirst rather than grabbing a diet coke! Lunch hour facelifts seem to be a popular pastime, with many cosmetic surgeries noting an increase in the number of women passing by for a laser treatment instead of stopping off for a sandwich. The laser facelift uses gentle heat to warm the collagen layer under your skin in order to stimulate new growth to replace collagen lost due to ageing. CosmeSurge, a beauty clinic with branches all over the Emirates, offers lunchtime microdermabrasion. The procedure is an intensive skin exfoliation service, aimed to help rejuvenate skin as it grows older. Recommended for people whose skin may be sensitive to chemical procedures or who do not qualify as typical candidates for laser treatment, you can head back to the office with your collagen supply fully boosted! If that all seems a bit much for you, why not head to Tips and Toes for a short foot reflexology treatment. Aimed to improve circulation and reduce body tension, the session lasts about twenty five minutes leaving you plenty time to grab a coffee. Or, if it’s been a particularly stressful morning, go for the head, neck and shoulder massage. Ideal for relieving stress and lasting just under half an hour, you’ll head back to the office a lot more Zen than you left it.
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Soul of the Emirates, Vocals of the Sub-Continent The only Emirati singer who sings in Hindi By Mehak Alam Emirati singers are well known for the warmth and passion in their voices, for their heart-felt lyrics and for their distinct Gulf singing accent. Last week, however, we met one Emirati singer who takes this deep-rooted talent on a slightly different path. Adel Farooq sauntered towards us, extending his hand in a friendly manner and introducing himself politely. Currently working with Du - Emirates Integrated Telecommunication Company, Adel is also a professional singer who chooses to perform in Hindi and Urdu, rather than his native Arabic tongue. Declining both coffee and tea, he poses unperturbed for a few photographs, before we begin our chat. Originally born to an Emirati family, Adel moved to Pakistan when he was still a child. There, he lived for fifteen years, learning Urdu, Hindi and English on top of his native Arabic. During this time, Adel discovered his supreme fondness for legendary poets Mirza Ghalib and Mir Taqi Mir, falling in love with their majestic way with language. It was at this time, that the inspirational seeds for music in his life were sown. The deep rooted Arabian within Adel remained strong and he found himself acquiring a passion for horses. He was passionate about horse racing and enchanted with the art of horse breeding. In order to fulfill these passions, Adel travelled to Australia to undertake courses in both disciplines at the famous farm management colleges in Hunter Valley. It wasn’t too long before Adel’s heart yearned for his homeland and he made the move back to the UAE. He had developed a passion for cricket, not quite so typical for an Emirati but a popular pastime with the kids in Pakistan. Thus, he was thrilled to serve in the UAE’s cricket team as Vice Captain for over seven years. Alongside this, he embarked on a career with the Government and in the banking sector before attempting to set up his own business. Unfortunately, right at this time, the global recession hit and his entrepreneurialship didn’t exactly turn out as he’d planned. However, every cloud has a silver lining and he used this time when he was out of work to really concentrate on his singing. 14
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Before this he had sung casually, at friend’s parties or corporate gigs but had never had the time to make singing his focus. With no work to bother him, he turned his attention solely to his songs and it was then that he decided to set himself on a path never before considered by an Emirati. He began singing in Urdu, a decision that initially raised quite a few eyebrows but with which Adel was determined to pursue: Now, one album down and with another almost completed, he is proud to share the stage with top singers from both India and Pakistan at events throughout the UAE and internationally. Following His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s saying that “You should be a leader, not a follower” has helped Adel come a long way and he is now respected throughout the Emirati community for his pioneering entertainment. With a huge fan base on countless networking sites, Adel never forgets the love and appreciation that he has received from the public. Initially, local radio stations in the UAE were reluctant to play his music, but gradually they have changed their stances. Slowly and steadily things are moving in his favor. The undivided love and passion that he has for his singing and his mantra of producing a heartfelt song every time has managed to turn foes into friends and critics into fans. His down-to-earth attitude, unlike many other singers, and his pure raw talent have saw people who had previously asked ‘what on earth are you doing?’ into some of his biggest fans. His initial album was released on many different digital portals and, from this, he gathered the first major acquisition of fans in the sub-continent. He is now looking ahead and plans to visit India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the UK and Germany, as well as touring in the UAE. Every time he does something, he does it with proper planning and management with the intention of making his country and his family proud. His recent collaborations have brought him further into the spotlight, while expanding the caliber of entertainment for both nationals and expats in the UAE. Asking him if he plans to sing in Arabic anytime soon, Adel explains that a blend of Arabic and Hindi or Urdu music and lyrics could spread magic. He is on the lookout for an Arabic singer to collaborate with in an upcoming song. Asides from Arabic, he also
hopes to turn his hand to other languages, if and when the time is right. His future to-do list has some other exciting projects like providing vocals as a play-back singer for an upcoming Bollywood movie and singin in an un-plugged podcast for talented singers in association with Playback Lounge Audio Consultancy in Dubai. His aim and vision is to work hard and make the UAE known around the world from an entertainment perspective and he is leaving no stone unturned in making this happen. He is heading in the right direction himself while, providing a platform for raw, undiscovered talent in the UAE. Mentioning how grateful he is to his friends Abhijeet, Gaurav, Kritika, Atif Ali, Waqar Qadar, the people at Du, and the UAE Government, Adel brings the conversation to an end. He is an exceptional man, with a distinct talent and a simple and realistic approach towards life that has served him well. Following his dreams, he sets an example for others to believe in themselves and always strive to turn their dreams into reality.
LIFELESSONS Adel believes that a person should focus on whatever talent he has in himself because sometimes it’s that 2 per cent talent that connects with 98 per cent luck. He encourages other to break barriers, believing people can do anything if they will it. Failures and hurdles are part and parcel of the game. Stay focused on the goal and don’t let obstacles dissuade you. Last but not least: when the world says you can’t do something, face it and show it that you can!
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EDUCATION
Lessons from Finland
A new integrated educational approach fuses Emirati and Finnish learning styles
Finland. A country famous for Nokia and now, it seems, for education. In recent years, Finnish students have been turning in some of the highest exam results in the world. The Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) has sat up and taken notice of these developments and has coordinated a series of visits to Finland for discussion with education experts and visits to some schools. Impressed by what they saw, ADEC decided to partner with EduCluster Finland to create a five Vice Principal, Ms Kholoud Al Dhaheri year program known as the Educational Partnership Agreement (EPA). Finnish principals and teachers descended upon the UAE to help build an Emirati-Finnish educational relationship and now, two years into the program, the two flagship schools are faring well. Al Ameen School in Abu Dhabi and Al Raqiya School in Al Ain both have approximately 20 teachers each and are working in partnership with the Education Faculty at the University of Jyvaskyla in Finland. We took a trip to Al Raqiya School to see how the system is being implemented. In Finland, teachers are given flexibility and autonomy within their classrooms and ADEC are encouraging a similar flexible approach to enhance student learning. Ms Jaana, a Grade 4 Finnish teacher and Ms Maha, a teacher of Grade 5, were eager to explain their collaborative project of publishing an in-house math text book entitled ‘Let’s Divide’. Ms Jaana has over 20 years of experience in evaluating textbooks especially in Mathematics. Both teachers felt that the math resources they were originally using weren’t encouraging student participation and interactivity, and that’s when they decided to come up with a new initiative. Both teachers found that the English language used in these resources was difficult and students struggled to understand the mathematical concepts. Ms Jaana said “In maths, it is essential that we concentrate on the concept of math and not on the concept of language” thus, they decided to implement this in their new maths textbook. Looking to the book itself, there are many images and names that 16
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are common in Emirati culture. The idea behind this was to make the book familiar to students. Throughout the book, there are activities for three distinct types of learners: kinesthetic, visual and audio. It also has three distinct levels of ability; however it “is differentiated so that nobody can be fully aware on what level a particular child is.” The book seems to have been a success as students now seem more motivated to learn math with even the weaker children happy to try out some of the more challenging tasks. Ms Jaana and Ms Maha are currently busy with their next venture, a ‘fractions’ textbook and there are a few more in the pipeline. Ms Jaana also hopes to go onto create similar books for English and Science. Following our chat with the teachers, we moved to the Principal’s office to have a talk with Vice Principal, Ms Kholoud Al Dhaheri, and the Director of Global Operations for EduCluster Finland, Ms Elise Tarvainen. These two women have been working side by side for the past few years in order to find the best possible way to fuse the Emirati and Finnish school systems together. Ms Elise describes herself as a “kind of a mother to this program [for] two years ago and [is] now guarding that everything is going as planned.” Ms Kholoud, on the other hand, considers herself as a link between “the local party and the Finnish in the school.” An essential part of the project has been to focus on an integrated educational approach. Al Raqiya School is purely an ADEC government school and strictly follows the ADEC curriculum, policies and regulations. The Finnish principal and teachers have been employed to implement the Finnish teaching techniques in the classroom, all the while adapting to an Emirati environmental context. There doesn’t seem to have been any issues with this as the teachers came well-equipped to interpret the local curriculum within a Finnish methodology. Having taught for fifteen years, Ms Kholoud has a wealth of experience. However, during the past few years working on the Finnish fusion project, she has realized that her previous focus was more on ensuring that the curriculum was being met rather than using the curriculum in a way that was focused on the students. “I was busy Photography by Mohsin Saleem preparing, practicing, and evaluating a curriculum, whereas my core focus should have been on what best suits the students.” Her two years experience at Al Raqiya School has taught her that a Finnish approach is more transparent. Teachers closely observe students and have an open dialogue
Ms Maha & Ms Jaana
EDUCATION with parents and colleagues about their performance. If a student requires extra help, both Emirati and Finnish teachers provide them with a “flexible supporting system in parallel with regular teaching methods.” According to Ms Elise Finland has invested heavily in teacher development to ensure that Ms Elise Tarvainen, Director of Global it is a highly respected career Operations, EduCluster Finland Ltd. path that brings about good results. Ms Kholoud explained that, in their school, teachers currently have professional development on two different levels. Firstly there is the school level which involves training four times a week and is in the form of workshops, seminars and group planning. Secondly, selected teachers, including Ms Kholoud are completing their pedagogical studies with the University of Jyvaskyla.Lecturers visit every month to give intensive professional development sessions and assign tasks related to daily school tasks. Once this is completed, successful teachers will go on to complete their Master’s degree. The teachers seem to work well together and Ms Elise mentions that the Finnish and Emirati cultures have many similarities. According to Ms Kholoud, the teachers have also created their own ‘professional language’ in order to establish a good working relationship. With English being a second language for both nationalities, the teachers are well able to understand the difficulties faced by students. So far, the collaborative project appears to be a successful work in progress. Parents seem to be happy, and the Emirati teachers are more motivated and willing to engage in a transparent dialogue while taking ownership of their progress. According to Ms Elise, “There is no magic ingredient in the Finnish success.” For this success to be repeated here, elements of the Finnish system have to be incorporated with established learning practices. For Abu Dhabi “it’s all about sticking the pieces together and creating a holistic understanding of what is best for the education system.
NEW ACADEMIC CALENDAR FOR ALL ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS The Education Minister, Humaid Mohammed Obaid Al Qutaimi, recently announced a unified academic calendar for the 2012/2013 academic year. All public schools, private schools, colleges and universities across the UAE will have the same holidays. The merging of the academic calendar for the academic year 2012/2013 comes under the agreement between the Ministries of Education and Higher Education. Minister Al Qutaimi said this initiative will be implemented to “strengthen the education sector but will also contribute to enriching the stability of families.” The following table shows the new academic dates for September 2012.
Holidays for the academic year 2012 - 2013 • • • • • • • •
First working day for teachers and staff: September 2 All classes begin: September 9 Winter break: December 16, 2012, to January 3, 2013 Classes resume: Sunday, January 6 Two-week holidays after second semester: March 31 to April 11 Classes resume: April 14, 2013 Summer holidays begin: July 7, 2013 2013 - 2014 academic year will commence September 8th 2013 for all students
Students enthusiastically working in groups using the ‘Let’s Divide’ textbook thesourceuae.com
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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APRIL 26TH
APRIL 26TH
Oriental Night
Sharmila Dance Extravaganza 2012
Luce’s Italian at Danat Hotel hosts an Oriental night where you can enjoy the performance of an alluring belly dancer coupled with the beats of DJ Turbo. Tickets: AED50 per adult including 2 drinks. For more information call on 03 704 6143
Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre (DUCTAC) at Mall of the Emirates will host Sharmila Dance Academy’s annual show from 26-28 April. Featuring performances by students and professional dancers alike, it makes for a great evening’s entertainment. Matinee Show at 2:30pm and Evening Show at 7:30pm. Buy tickets at the venue. For more information contact 04 341 4777 Ext. 209 or visit www.sharmiladance.com
APRIL 27TH
APRIL 27TH
South African Buffet
Inaugural 6-hr Endurance Race
Al Ain Equestrian Shooting and Golf Club’s Palm Greens Restaurant is hosting a South African Buffet to celebrate South African Freedom Day on 27th April. Buffet starts at AED 75 per person and there is a 50% discount for children aged from 5-12. Time: 11:30am-4pm and 5-8pm. For more information call 03 702 6425 or visit www. aesgclub.com
Al Ain Raceway (AARKC) hosts an impressive six hours of non-stop racing. After a brief practice and qualifying session, teams of 2 to 6 drivers will line up on the starting grid for the main event. Trying to optimize refueling sessions and driver changeovers the event is bound to be an adrenalin filled day out. For more information call 03 768 6662
APRIL 27TH
APRIL 28TH
The Dubai Chase – Street Racing Festival
Tour of Asia
Dubai Autodrome at MotorCity is hosting a fantastic street festival. The event features amateur drag racing, bike stunts and drifting with live music, dancers and graffiti artists entertaining racers and spectators. Admission is AED20. Time: 4pm - 1am. For more information contact 050 624 6006
Ayla Hotel’s Restaurant offers you an opportunity to enjoy the real taste of Asia with a variety of dishes from China, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines every Saturday from 7-11pm. Buffet starts at AED 88 per person. For more information call 03 761 0111
APRIL 28TH
APRIL 29TH
Dubai Desert Road Run
Boot Camp
The Sevens Stadium, located on the Al Ain - Dubai Highway, will host the 2nd Desert Road Run, a running event for both social and experienced runners. Open to everyone over the age of 15, it’s a great way to get fit, meet other runners and see the sunrise over the desert. Registration fee: AED70. Time: 7am. For more information call 04 425 0211 or visit www.dubairunning.com
Get in shape, lose excess body fat, exercise and make some new friends. Boot camp takes place every Sunday and Wednesday 5 - 6am, 5:30 - 6:30pm & 7-8pm. AED400 for four weeks on a with 2 sessions per week. For more information contact Simba on 050 997 6225 or visit www. oasisfitnessme.com
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS APRIL 30TH
APRIL 30TH
Al Ain Education and Career Fair
Beauty Secrets Exhibition 2012
Al Khabisi Wedding Celebration Hall in Al Ain is hosting the 4th Al Ain Education and Career Fair from 30 April-2 May. The only official event in Al Ain for students and professionals seeking higher education options or those interested in career opportunities with leading companies the region. Time: 10am - 7pm. Ladies only on 1 May from 10am - 2pm. For more information call 04 3365161 or visit www.alaincareerfair.com
Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre Hall 5 will host a 4-day event running from 30 April - 2 May. A comprehensive event covering everything from beauty products and services, skin, hair, body care, fitness, nutrition products and accessories. Time: 4 - 11pm. For more information visit www.bse.al-hader.com
MAY 1ST
MAY 3RD
International Jewelry and Watch Show
Ice Cream Galore
Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre Hall 3 hosts an exclusive high-end jewelry and watch event with leading brands and elite retailers from around the globe. The event takes place from 1-5 May and will see renowned exhibitors showcasing their exquisite jewelry and watches for the affluent consumers of the UAE. Entrance fee: AED 20. Time: 4-10pm. For more information visit www.jws.ae
Aquarius at Al Ain Rotana gives you the chance to chill out in the summer sun with a refreshing ice cream treat, from 3-20 May. Try out their tangy sorbets or delicious ice cream mixed with a host of tempting toppings. For more information call 03 754 5111 or email fb.alain@rotana. com
OSCAR CINEMA, AL FOAH MALL, Al AIN Tel: +971 3 784 3535 1. SAFE: 11:00, 13:10, 15:20, 17:30, 19:40, 21:50, 24:00 2. BATTLESHIP:11:30, 14:00, 16:30, 19:00, 21:25, 23:55 3. LUCKY ONE: 11:30, 13:30, 15:30, 17:30, 19:30, 21:30, 23:30 4. AMN DAWLAT (ARABIC): 13:00, 15:30, 18:00, 20:30, 23:00 5. OUTBACK (3D): 12:00, 14:00, 16:00 5. FLOWERS OF WAR: 18:00, 20:50, 23:40
ROTANA HOTEL, ZAYED IBN SULTAN St., AL AIN Tel: +971 3 754 4447 1 SAFE: 11:00, 13:10, 15:20, 17:30, 19:40, 21:50, 24:00 2 BATTLESHIP: 11:30, 14:00, 16:30, 19:00, 21:30, 24:00 3 LUCKY ONE: 11:30, 13:30, 15:30, 17:30, 19:30, 21:30, 23:30 4 THE HUNGER GAMES: 11:15, 14:00, 16:45 4 AMN DAWLAT (ARABIC): 19:30, 21:50, 24:00
Movie Listings GRAND BAWADI, BAWADI MALL, AL AIN Tel: +971 3 784 0300 1. SAFE: 11:30, 13:10, 15:20, 17:30, 19:40, 21:50, 24:00 2. BATTLESHIP: 11:30, 14:00, 16:30, 19:00, 21:30, 24:00 3. OUTBACK (3D): 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00 3. STREET DANCE-2 (3D): 19:30, 21:30, 23:30 4. LUCKY ONE: 11:30, 13:30, 15:30, 17:30, 19:30, 21:30, 23:30 5. TEZZ (HINDI): 10:30, 13:00, 15:30, 18:00, 20:00, 21:30, 23:00 6. FLOWERS OF WAR: 11:00, 13:40, 16:20, 19:00 6. AMN DAWLAT (ARABIC): 21:40, 24:00 7. THE LORAX: 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00 7. BURIED: 20:00, 22:00, 24:00 GRAND CLASS: SAFE: 12:00, 14:10, 16:20, 18:30, 20:40, 23:00
GRAND AL AIN CINEPLEX AL AIN MALL, AL AIN Tel: +971 3 751 1228 1. SAFE: 11:00, 13:10, 15:20, 17:30, 19:40, 21:50, 24:00 2. BATTLESHIP: 11:30, 14:00, 16:30, 19:00, 21:30, 24:00 3. LUCKY ONE: 11:30, 13:30, 15:30, 17:30, 19:30, 21:30, 23:30 4. THE HUNGER GAMES: 11:15, 14:00, 16:45 4. AMN DAWLAT (ARABIC): 19:30, 21:50, 24:00
The movie listings are valid from Thursday to Wednesday every week. thesourceuae.com
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FROM OUR READERS
Apple Mirinda Mocktail My name is Tasneem. I am 21-years-old and love cooking. I have tried most of the recipes from the magazine and they came out really well. Today I would like to share a simple yet unique recipe for a refreshing mocktail that is my favorite summer drink.
Ingredients 1 can of Apple Mirinda (the soft drink) 1 small bottle of Apple juice 2 tbsps of Lemon juice Mint leaves for garnishing Lime slices Ice cubes
Method 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Mix the Apple Mirinda and Apple Juice in equal proportions. Now add the lemon juice to it and mix well. Pour all this in a serving glass with 2-3 ice cubes. Garnish with mint leaves. Serve on a sunny afternoon to stay chilled and keep guests refreshed. Fishermen in Fujairah by Midori Yoshino (Al Ain Watercolor Club)
Submit your creativity. Photos, drawings or even poetry Email: content@thesourceuae.com
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HAVE A QUESTION WE HAVE THE ANSWER ASK THE SOURCE
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NEED TO KNOW
I am new in Al Ain and it would be helpful to know about some schools in the area that teach the British Curriculum. Al Ain has a number of schools that teach the British curriculum, often combined with other aspects. The following is a non-exhaustive list that you may find helpful.
Al Ain English Speaking School - UK - 03 767 8636 Al Ain International School - UK 03 715 1000 Al Ain Juniors School - Indian & UK - 03 781 0077 Al Dhafra Private School Al Ain - UK & US - 03 767 1123 Al Sanawbar School - UK & US - 03 767 9889 Al Yahar Private School - UK - 03 781 6788 Emirates Private School Al Ain - UK & US - 03 767 9322 Global English School Al Ain - UK - 03 767 8844 Liwa International School - UK & US - 03 781 0444 Universal Private School - UK - 03 767 8884 Zakher Private School (British Division) - 03 782 0257
Pollution! Exactly what is going on? Pollution affects our world by making the environment an unhealthy place to live. In order to understand the effects of pollution and how to solve the problems, we need to be aware of the different forms of pollution that have a negative impact on our health and environment. Water pollution • A decline in freshwater systems leads to unsafe drinking water to support ecosystems. • Water pollution can lead to severe oxygen deficiencies for both aquatic animals and plants. This kind of exposure can cause extinction of many animal species. • Drinking water filled with chemicals and other harmful waste can lead to poisoning and even death. Air pollution • Harmful greenhouse gases contribute to climate change and global warming.
ENVIRONMENTAL • •
Some air pollutants also contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer. For most of us who enjoy the sunshine, the effect of the harmful ultraviolet rays can cause skin cancer. Acid rain causes damage to plants and animals.
Pollution from oil spills • Oil spills can cause extensive damage to marine wildlife. If birds ingest oil or if oil covers their feathers, it can cause severe kidney damage, altered liver function, and digestive tract irritation which eventually results in many deaths. • The oil also leads to a depletion of oxygen supply causing marine death. Fighting pollution is anything but easy. The onus is on each of us to get involved and make an effort to reduce pollution. Protecting our world from pollution is not only for our benefit but for the wellbeing of future generations. After all, Earth is our home so let’s all take care of it.
Day
Fajr
Sunrise
Dhuhr
Asr
Maghrib
Isha
Thursday
4:23
5:45
12:15
3:42
6:44
8:14
Friday
4:22
5:45
12:15
3:42
6:45
8:15
Saturday
4:21
5:44
12:15
3:42
6:45
8:15
Sunday
4:20
5:43
12:15
3:42
6:46
8:16
Monday
4:19
5:42
12:15
3:41
6:46
8:16
Tuesday
4:19
5:42
12:15
3:41
6:47
8:17
Wednesday
4:18
5:41
12:14
3:41
6:47
8:17
PRAYER
TIMES
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BE INSPIRED
Juggling Work & Kids? Strategies for success When you’re a mum, it can be hard to leave your little ones at home and head off to work. You feel guilty leaving them behind and you want to spend as much time as you can with them. On the other hand, you feel guilty if you’re not out there earning a living to provide for your kids. It’s a catch 22 situation. Luckily, there are more opportunities available today for mothers who would like to re-enter the workforce. With companies having more flexible policies, mothers can often now have the best of both worlds, that is, be close to their kids while earning a paycheck. One of biggest challenges of working at home is trying to maintain a balance between work and the kids. With a little bit of forethought, and a proper plan, you can get that balance right. Here are some handy tips on how to productively make use of your time to make the most of working from home.
START YOUR DAY EARLY
By getting up even just an hour earlier than your kids, you’ll get some uninterrupted work time.
DESIGNATE A WORK AREA OR HOME OFFICE
Allocate a room or space that is strictly for work. Ideally, your office should have a door, but even if you have a desk with a filing cabinet, make sure that your family knows that this is your work area. This designated work area will help you focus, minimize distractions and allow you to be productive with the limited time you have available. Ensure that your kids know that this work area is off limits during working hours.
SCHEDULE YOUR TIME
Jot down in a calendar all the planned family activities and household obligations such as cooking and laundry. Remember to add the time you spend picking up your kids from school and taking them to activities. Once you’ve scheduled all these tasks, find all the empty blocks. This will give you a good idea as to whether you have enough time to complete your work tasks or if your daily diary needs some reshuffling.
ORGANIZE YOUR DAY
Be aware of your family routines and patterns. If you know that you’ll be more productive during the mornings then plan your most important work during this time. This may mean that most of your business calls will be made in the morning. Often where kids are involved you have to expect the unexpected. It’s a good idea to block an hour every day to deal with interruptions or delays that might arise unexpectedly.
PLAN STRUCTURED ACTIVITIES
As a work at home mum you don’t only have a professional job, you’re also a caregiver to your kids. If you have little kids who are with you all day, plan some structured activities that they can do with little or no supervision. These could be online games, role playing activities, coloring, play dough, pens or stickers. You could also reintroduce them to a toy that they may have not played with in a while. This may spark their creativity and encourage 22
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them to play independently. Don’t be afraid to sit them in front of the television for a while if you have something you need to do urgently.
REWARD YOUR KIDS
Kids like to demand your full attention. Provide incentives by planning short breaks in your work schedule where you can give them this undivided attention and play with them for a while. After about 15 minutes simply ask them to cooperate with you while you complete your tasks. Reward them for their assistance when you finish by offering to take them to the park or even treating them to an ice-cream. Alternatively, you can break your day down into a split shift style where you work for a two hour stretch. During your break you can have lunch with them or have other planned activities. By scheduling time for them, between your tasks, your kids are more likely to accept and respect your working hours.
NAP TIME IS THE BEST
While your kids are having a morning or afternoon nap, forget about cooking and housework. Take the opportunity to power through the important tasks on your working list. This is your optimum opportunity to be productive.
ASK YOUR SPOUSE TO HELP OUT
If you are feeling overwhelmed and bogged down with a load of work, ask your spouse to spend more time with the kids. Even an extra hour or two with the kids will help you complete your business duties. In due course, when your business has grown you can consider hiring a little bit of extra help.
GET HELP WHEN YOU NEED IT
It is difficult to be a mother and have a successful business. Sometimes you might reach a point where you feel that your business requires more hours than you have in a day. At this point, it’s worth considering getting some outside help like a nanny, babysitter, family or friend or even enrolling your kids in part-time daycare. Being a mum is a job in itself, and slotting in any kind of work around it is a huge achievement. Just remember, try not to get overwhelmed, plan accordingly and, most importantly, remember to breathe.
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MY WORLD The stunning beauty of Tham Poukham, Vang Vieng
Escaping Reality in Vang Vieng
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MY WORLD Laos, the world’s most bombed country and probably not where you’d expect to feature in a destinations guide. Yet, nestled deep in the jungle of central Laos, lies Vang Vieng, a place that is quite possibly the world’s most unexpected party town.
Billiards, snooker and darts are popular ways to while away the evenings, or head to the bigger, open-air spots to dance to chilled-out reggae tunes or simply join in the banter about the day’s eng activities. When it comes to eating, g Vi n a in V ing Getting to this little settlement is a bit of food is cheap, simple and available day and night b u T an expedition in itself as there are no major but don’t go expecting haute cuisine. Make sure you try airports, railway stations or even wholly the famous pancakes. Cooked in cafes and on street stalls, these constructed roads. Instead, travelers have delicious crepes are stuffed with both sweet and savory fillings to clamber aboard packed, sweaty buses in Vientiane, the and are where the term ‘The Banana Pancake Backpacker Trail’ country’s capital, where only the lucky ones will have a small came from. Encompassing Laos, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, electric fan above their head to keep them cool. Next ensues India and Malaysia this trail attracts and hosts backpackers from almost four hours of rumbling and jiggling over what is really no all over the world. more than a lumpy dirt path. That being said, the surrounding lush mountains and spectacular wildlife easily distract from the Accommodation in Vang Vieng is aimed at the budget traveler unpleasantness of the trip and, arriving in Vang Vieng, the friendly and you can find a place to stay for as little as AED 20 per night. locals gather around to offer tourists welcome accommodation, If its luxury you’re after then you may be in the wrong place food and the chance to go ‘tubing.’ however, there are a few boutique hotels and resorts beginning to open up for the more discerning traveler. Offering tropical Tubing is something of a phenomena sweeping the backpacking manicured private gardens alongside stunning views of the great world right now. Around ten years ago, some enterprising locals Karst Mountain Peaks and the mighty Song River, these luxury took some old tires down to the Nam Song River and the rest, choices are available for a very reasonable AED 250 per night. they say, is history. Using the huge inner-tubes from tractors, tourists float down the river, past some jaw-dropping scenery Once you’ve had your fill of tubing there are plenty other stopping every now and then at the rickety cafes perched activities to entertain you. Just bear in mind that everything in precariously on the river banks. The locals working here throw a Laos happens slowly, very slowly, so don’t expect to pack too rope to passersby, hauling them out of the current so that they much into one day. Visiting the nearby Tham Poukham Caves can climb up the river bank to buy some refreshments. For the you’ll find some breathtaking scenery and bright blue lagoons more adventurous traveler, zip lines, rope swings and diving where you can dive, swim and see tropical fish. Climbing the cliffs boards provide some adrenalin pumping fun, yet bear in mind and venturing into the cave you’ll be rewarded with a statue of they’re unsupervised and at your own risk. As the sun begins to a huge reclining Buddha. Hiring a mountain bike and setting off set, the day winds down and there is nothing quite like floating into the hills is an energetic way to see the area and the friendly gently into the mouth of the river surrounded by the towering locals will make you feel right at home. If you’ve not had enough mountains and a dusky Asian sky. river antics, then grab your camera, hire a motor boat and head upstream for some stunning views. For a taste of local culture, After dark, the once sleepy town of Laos, comes alive with make sure you head to the live museum of Lao Lum and Mong chatter, dancing and eating. Restaurants are very casual, with no villages for a glimpse of traditional Lao culture and lifestyle. dress code and not a pair of high heels in sight. Flip flops, shorts and t-shirts are the order of the day as backpackers climb onto Departing Vang Vieng is a bit like heading back to reality and a beanbag, or settle into a hammock while enjoying reruns of most people leave with at least a hint of sadness. Be sure to grab Friends, South Park, or The Simpsons on huge television screens. your ‘tubing in Vang Vieng’ vest from one of the street stalls, an Many of the café’s provide live music with the locals popping in essential souvenir and a guaranteed conversation started as you to play guitar or the kehne, a traditional bamboo mouth organ. continue along the rest of the Banana Pancake Trail.
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MY CITY
A Ride to Al Ain Camel Souk A trip to Al Ain’s Camel Souk may not be the best picnic activity, yet it certainly makes for a different type of day out! If you’re in the mood to explore the city, and perhaps venture to places you’ve yet to see, then the camel souk can offer you a traditional experience.
In addition to the daily camel auctions, you can acquaint yourself with the different Arabian breeds of camel, ‘aw’ and ‘ah’ at the newly born calves and let the kids have some fun riding on the camels. The stall owners are very friendly and happy to chat about their livestock.
Regarded as a currency in the bygone days, camels are still considered highly valuable. Likewise, camel souks were, and are often still, known as banks where money-making and trades go on throughout the day.
Predominantly open in the mornings, the camel souk is always busy and is a great place to soak up some local color. An excellent place to take some unique pictures, but remember to ask permission and agree if there must be payment before shooting any snaps, otherwise you may be asked for a huge fee! Also, try to dress conservatively and don’t come loaded down with bags. A small bottle of water will be enough to keep you hydrated as you stroll around and wonder at the beauty of these creatures.
The Al Ain Camel Souk, located in Al Khair on the way to Mezyad, is full of hustle and bustle. Although there are no staged camel races, a huge caravan of camels are on display for you to investigate while owners, merchants and traders from all over the GCC, will enthrall you with their tales about their prize winning camels.
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Negotiating Strategies
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One of the essential skills for any entrepreneur is negotiation. How well you can negotiate a favorable agreement or deal for your business can often spell the difference between failure and success. Negotiation can occur between you and your employees, your vendors, your customers, or even your investors. It is a productive skill that will enable you to build your business in positive ways. Negotiating is an art. Simple yet effective techniques can make a negotiation not only profitable, but more fun. It’s important to understand the entirety of what you are negotiating not only to better understand your opponent’s position, but also to ensure that you’re getting the best for you. If you hope to be successful in your negotiations, you need to learn some basic strategies and techniques. Establish Value For Your Service or Product: Understand needs, challenges, goals, and then provide a solution. Throw Your Ego Out The Window: If you view the negotiation as a personal victory or loss, your ego is involved and this can make it difficult to remain objective during the negotiation process. Buy Yourself Some Time If Needed: Be upfront, but if you can’t approve something yourself and you need a sales director to approve it for you, let the prospect know this before making the change to the agreement. Plan Ahead: Come to the table armed with what you are willing to give and know where you simply cannot make any changes. Know When To Walk Away: You and your sales management team should have clear guidelines for what is profitable business and what is not. Be sure to know when you need to end the negotiation. Be Patient: If you are in the middle of negotiations and significant decisions are being made, don’t rush to finalize a decision in that meeting. Consider requesting a break to think it over, discuss with other team members or schedule a follow up meeting. Look At The Negotiation From Various Perspectives: Think about it from your prospects position and request the opinion of your sales manager or peers.
Techniques
Make Sure You Are Talking To The Decision Maker: As sales professionals know, if you are not working with the decision maker, especially when it comes to negotiating the final deal, you are wasting your time. Close Your Mouth: Learn to talk less and listen more. The more you listen and ask questions the better you will understand and be able to position your company effectively. All or Nothing: Having the attitude of ‘it’s my way or the highway’ will yield bad results. Put yourself into the other person’s shoes. You are both there to reach an agreement that is acceptable to you both, a win-win and sometimes that means compromising. Ultimatums: Trying to tell the other person there’s only two options is a guaranteed road to failure. There is always a third option and that’s hitting the road, leaving nothing accomplished. Have many options in your head, starting with the most desirable. And listen to the other person. Don’t shoot down the negotiations before they’ve really started. Losing Your Cool: It can be hard to keep emotions out of the equation when you’re negotiating things like the sale of your home or a salary raise. But nothing will lose you the upper hand in negotiating like visibly getting upset (especially if the other person is a skilled negotiator). Try and think of the discussions as a business transaction and not a personal one. Keep your head above the conversation. If something angers you, stop and ask yourself why. Give yourself a reminder to stay calm. It will benefit you tremendously. In negotiation, the best outcome is when everyone wins. Selling is about meeting goals and solving problems, not swindling. This creates a true win-win situation, and brings success to both parties. The worst attitude a salesperson can bring to a negotiation is that the client’s problem is not theirs to solve. As with any business skill, good negotiation comes with knowledge and practice. However, knowing these fundamentals before going into any negotiation will help you secure your objectives while preserving strategic relationships with employees, clients or vendors.
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