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Showing posts with label Life in UAE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Life in UAE. Show all posts
Thursday, 5 November 2009
Open Space - at Khaleej Times
Open Space - at Khaleej Times
At Khaleej Times from now on you have a whole page to interact.
Share yout thoughts at People Speak
Voice your dissent at Counter Point
or express your opinion at Letters to the Editor
E-mail: openspace@khaleejtimes.com
At Khaleej Times from now on you have a whole page to interact.
Share yout thoughts at People Speak
Voice your dissent at Counter Point
or express your opinion at Letters to the Editor
E-mail: openspace@khaleejtimes.com
Thursday, 2 July 2009
Monday, 25 May 2009
Abu Dhabi successfully hosts DTAC 2009
Abu Dhabi successfully hosts DTAC 2009
Abu Dhabi, May 24, 2009: Abu Dhabi, the land of sunshine hosted a mega event; DTAC 2009 with the theme "Journey Towards Excellence" under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh. Nayhan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, for 3 days from 21st - 24th May 2009. The Toastmasters from GCC countries and Jordan (more than 700 delegates) participated in this event. The Toastmasters, is the forum that enhances communication and leadership skills. The strong arm of Toastmasters - Division H, Abu Dhabi an active member of NMC Community chapter, TM Praveen Rao, was the Chief-Sergeant of arms for all the three days carrying his slogan "JAI HO" (derived from Indian Movie Slumdog Millionaire). This MEGA annual event of Toastmasters was held in Abu Dhabi, hosted by Division H of Abu Dhabi with DR. Nasef Dhafari as the DTAC 2009 Chairman. The Qualifier Round Inauguration was held on 21st May at the Grand Hall of India Social and Cultural Centre, Abu Dhabi (ISC).
The qualifier round Inaugural Keynote Speech "Performance under pressure" was delivered by International speaker: Darren LaCroix. This was followed by Qualifier Rounds - Humorous Speech Contests, Table Topics Contests and International Speech Contests which were held at the ISC Mini Auditorium . Awards Ceremony was held in the evening for those who qualified for the final round.
Final session was held on 22nd May, at the Intercontinental Abu Dhabi. H.E. Sheikh Nayhan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research was the chief guest. His Excellency in his address to the DTAC 2009 audience disagreed that the communication and leadership skills are inherited. His Excellency said, that these could be built, developed or cultivated. Toastmasters is the testimony for it. The audience amply applauded.
The winner of Table Contest: Sujit Sukumaran, Div B.Winning Moments
div>
Report courtesy:www.mangalorean.com
For more photos and detailed report, visit:
http://mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=broadcast&broadcastid=126178
Saturday, 16 May 2009
SAARC UAE Exchange Xpress Money Cup 2009 at Sheikh Zayed Stadium Abu Dhabi
SAARC UAE Exchange Xpress Money Cup 2009 at Sheikh Zayed Stadium Abu Dhabi
Indian Ambassador's XI lift SAARC UAE Exchange Xpress Money Cup 2009 at Sheikh Zayed Stadium Abu Dhabi.
In the exciting finals, in which Pakistan Ambassador's XI batted first, they scored 166 runs in the alloted 15 overs. Kashif Butt, who was consistant throughout this tournament scored 39 runs and Razik Khan scored 55 in quick time. For India XI, Jayaprakash was the pick of the bowlers and returned with match figures of 2-24. It was Naeemuddin's turn then for Indian Ambassador's XI with some hard hits over the fence for his 61 not out. His overall performance with bat and ball earned him the Man of the Match award and India XI reached the target easily with 3 balls remaining.
A few interesting moments from the evening.
Kapil Dev enjoying the match with Indian Ambassadro HE Talmiz Ahmed
Padmashri Dr. B. R. Shetty enjoying the match with Ambassador of Sri Lanka
Oppana - a dance programme by children held between the matches.
Gujarati dance programme by children held between the matches.
Sri Lankan dance programme by children held between the matches.
Finals between Indian Ambassador's XI and Pakistan Ambassador's XI in progress.
Finals between Indian Ambassador's XI and Pakistan Ambassador's XI in progress - a wicket falls and a moment of success.
Finals between Indian Ambassador's XI and Pakistan Ambassador's XI in progress.
Marvan Attappattu - ex-Sri Lankan Captain posing for a photo with a fan.
Indian Ambassador's XI lift SAARC UAE Exchange Xpress Money Cup 2009 at Sheikh Zayed Stadium Abu Dhabi.
In the exciting finals, in which Pakistan Ambassador's XI batted first, they scored 166 runs in the alloted 15 overs. Kashif Butt, who was consistant throughout this tournament scored 39 runs and Razik Khan scored 55 in quick time. For India XI, Jayaprakash was the pick of the bowlers and returned with match figures of 2-24. It was Naeemuddin's turn then for Indian Ambassador's XI with some hard hits over the fence for his 61 not out. His overall performance with bat and ball earned him the Man of the Match award and India XI reached the target easily with 3 balls remaining.
A few interesting moments from the evening.
Kapil Dev enjoying the match with Indian Ambassadro HE Talmiz Ahmed
Padmashri Dr. B. R. Shetty enjoying the match with Ambassador of Sri Lanka
Oppana - a dance programme by children held between the matches.
Gujarati dance programme by children held between the matches.
Sri Lankan dance programme by children held between the matches.
Finals between Indian Ambassador's XI and Pakistan Ambassador's XI in progress.
Finals between Indian Ambassador's XI and Pakistan Ambassador's XI in progress - a wicket falls and a moment of success.
Finals between Indian Ambassador's XI and Pakistan Ambassador's XI in progress.
Marvan Attappattu - ex-Sri Lankan Captain posing for a photo with a fan.
Kapil Dev signing autograph's for student's who came in plenty to watch the match.
Result: Indian Ambassador's XI beat Pakistan Ambassador's XI in a thrilling final.
Wednesday, 22 April 2009
When prison is not the right penalty
When prison is not the right penalty
Mahmoud Habboush, THE NATIONAL, 22 APRIL 2009
Last Updated: April 21. 2009 / A minister yesterday said that two types of common offences – traffic violations and antisocial behaviour – could soon be punishable by community service.
A draft law was recently approved by the Cabinet that would give courts the power to order people convicted of minor crimes to work in the community instead of serving jail time.
Speaking to members of the Federal National Council yesterday, Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, the Minister of Interior, for the first time specified the category of offences and types of community service that could be included.
It remained unclear, however, exactly what crimes would be covered.
Referring first to antisocial behaviour, he said community service could help address the fact that the federal Government had no plans to follow some emirates in introducing a code of conduct.
He was responding to a question by an FNC member from Abu Dhabi, Ahmad al Dhahiri, who complained about the lack of a federal code of behaviour.
Dubai, for instance, has introduced such a code. Among other things, it says that people can be warned or fined for public displays of affection.
In severe cases, they can face jail terms and deportation.
The emirate’s code also calls for people to respect the local culture and religion, and urges visitors to avoid wearing clothing that “exposes parts of the body”.
“The ministry has taken an important step which is the alternative penalty law that will be brought before your council ... soon,” Sheikh Saif said.
“Community service was suggested for simple crimes committed by individuals instead of sending them to prison.
“People who face penalties are members of the society, and sometimes prison doesn’t achieve the punishment that the Government is seeking, and therefore community service is suggested.”
Responding to a suggestion by Mr al Dhahir that the Interior Ministry distribute a booklet explaining to foreigners how they should behave in the UAE, Sheikh Saif said: “I can’t make people read the criminal law.”
Instead, he said, a new department at the ministry, expected to start operating in the second quarter, would be responsible for promoting respect for the law.
He suggested it would take some time to educate visitors: “We can’t educate people in one or two years.”
Turning to community service for traffic offences, Sheikh Saif said: “They would be sent to schools to talk to pupils about their mistakes or would be told to spend time in the emergency rooms at hospitals to see for themselves the danger of their actions.” In the US and the UK, among other countries, community service is imposed for a range of offences.
Service can involve working in teams with other offenders, tidying up scenic spots, removing graffiti or carrying out anti-crime measures, such as installing gates and security locks. Others could be ordered to work in charity shops, for instance.
Also during yesterday’s session, the Minister of Health, Humaid Mohammed Obaid al Qattami, promised that more jobs would be created in the coming year for doctors and nurses in hospitals and clinics across the country.
Mr al Qattami was answering a question by Salem al Naqbi, a member of the Federal National Council from Sharjah, who said that Emirati doctors were doing jobs that were below their qualifications. The member also said hospitals and clinics were understaffed.
The minister said measures were being taken to “improve the conditions” of ministry staff. He said the ministry had more 1,766 job openings in 2008, most of which have been already filled.
“Hopefully, in co-operation with the Ministry of Finance in the coming weeks the conditions of more than 700 employees will be improved,” Mr Qattami said.
The FNC members also passed a draft amendment of some articles of a 2006 law on the banning of production, storage and use of chemical weapons. It calls for the creation of a national committee to monitor and regulate the use of dangerous chemical substances and chemical weapons. The committee would be also responsible for enforcing the law.
Mahmoud Habboush, THE NATIONAL, 22 APRIL 2009
Last Updated: April 21. 2009 / A minister yesterday said that two types of common offences – traffic violations and antisocial behaviour – could soon be punishable by community service.
A draft law was recently approved by the Cabinet that would give courts the power to order people convicted of minor crimes to work in the community instead of serving jail time.
Speaking to members of the Federal National Council yesterday, Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, the Minister of Interior, for the first time specified the category of offences and types of community service that could be included.
It remained unclear, however, exactly what crimes would be covered.
Referring first to antisocial behaviour, he said community service could help address the fact that the federal Government had no plans to follow some emirates in introducing a code of conduct.
He was responding to a question by an FNC member from Abu Dhabi, Ahmad al Dhahiri, who complained about the lack of a federal code of behaviour.
Dubai, for instance, has introduced such a code. Among other things, it says that people can be warned or fined for public displays of affection.
In severe cases, they can face jail terms and deportation.
The emirate’s code also calls for people to respect the local culture and religion, and urges visitors to avoid wearing clothing that “exposes parts of the body”.
“The ministry has taken an important step which is the alternative penalty law that will be brought before your council ... soon,” Sheikh Saif said.
“Community service was suggested for simple crimes committed by individuals instead of sending them to prison.
“People who face penalties are members of the society, and sometimes prison doesn’t achieve the punishment that the Government is seeking, and therefore community service is suggested.”
Responding to a suggestion by Mr al Dhahir that the Interior Ministry distribute a booklet explaining to foreigners how they should behave in the UAE, Sheikh Saif said: “I can’t make people read the criminal law.”
Instead, he said, a new department at the ministry, expected to start operating in the second quarter, would be responsible for promoting respect for the law.
He suggested it would take some time to educate visitors: “We can’t educate people in one or two years.”
Turning to community service for traffic offences, Sheikh Saif said: “They would be sent to schools to talk to pupils about their mistakes or would be told to spend time in the emergency rooms at hospitals to see for themselves the danger of their actions.” In the US and the UK, among other countries, community service is imposed for a range of offences.
Service can involve working in teams with other offenders, tidying up scenic spots, removing graffiti or carrying out anti-crime measures, such as installing gates and security locks. Others could be ordered to work in charity shops, for instance.
Also during yesterday’s session, the Minister of Health, Humaid Mohammed Obaid al Qattami, promised that more jobs would be created in the coming year for doctors and nurses in hospitals and clinics across the country.
Mr al Qattami was answering a question by Salem al Naqbi, a member of the Federal National Council from Sharjah, who said that Emirati doctors were doing jobs that were below their qualifications. The member also said hospitals and clinics were understaffed.
The minister said measures were being taken to “improve the conditions” of ministry staff. He said the ministry had more 1,766 job openings in 2008, most of which have been already filled.
“Hopefully, in co-operation with the Ministry of Finance in the coming weeks the conditions of more than 700 employees will be improved,” Mr Qattami said.
The FNC members also passed a draft amendment of some articles of a 2006 law on the banning of production, storage and use of chemical weapons. It calls for the creation of a national committee to monitor and regulate the use of dangerous chemical substances and chemical weapons. The committee would be also responsible for enforcing the law.
Wednesday, 8 April 2009
Licence ban unrelated to black points system
Licence ban unrelated to black points system
By Bassam Za'za', Senior ReporterPublished: April 07, 2009, GULF NEWS
Dubai: A four-year driving ban might await drivers who will be referred to a traffic court for driving under the influence of liquor, warned a senior prosecutor on Tuesday.
The Dubai Traffic Public Prosecution has started asking traffic courts to impose a two-year licence annulment and two years' ban on drunken drivers from applying for a new one or renewing their driving licences, Salah Bu Farousha, the Head of Traffic Public Prosecution, told Gulf News on Tuesday.
"Since April 1, the traffic prosecution started requesting, in its arraignment sheets, the Traffic Courts of First Instance and Appeal to revoke the licences of drunken drivers for two years and a similar period preventing drunk drivers from applying for or renewing a licence. We are very serious and strict concerning this request.
" More than 60 per cent of last year's 4,000 of traffic cases were cases of suspects caught driving under the influence of liquor. In this year's first quarter we registered 333 cases, the number of which has increased compared to the 297 cases in the same period of 2008," Bu Farousha said.
He said the driving licence of a drunke driver is revoked upon a court judgment.
"The system of deducting traffic points from someone's traffic file is different from a court judgment to revoke a licence& We request in the bill of charges to revoke a drunken driver's licence and impose a licence-renewal ban and the rest is up to the judge's discretion.
"Even if a drunken driver does not exceed 24 traffic points, the traffic law allows us to place the above request," he added.
Addressing drunken drivers, Bu Farousha cautioned: "Those convicts won't be able to sit behind a steering unless they place an official request to retain their driving licences at the Dubai Traffic Public Prosecution. I would like to clarify that we usually inform the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) about anyone's licence that has been revoked upon a court order. We do so to prevent anyone from re-applying for a new licence."
http://www.gulfnews.com/nation/Traffic_and_Transport/10302225.html
By Bassam Za'za', Senior ReporterPublished: April 07, 2009, GULF NEWS
Dubai: A four-year driving ban might await drivers who will be referred to a traffic court for driving under the influence of liquor, warned a senior prosecutor on Tuesday.
The Dubai Traffic Public Prosecution has started asking traffic courts to impose a two-year licence annulment and two years' ban on drunken drivers from applying for a new one or renewing their driving licences, Salah Bu Farousha, the Head of Traffic Public Prosecution, told Gulf News on Tuesday.
"Since April 1, the traffic prosecution started requesting, in its arraignment sheets, the Traffic Courts of First Instance and Appeal to revoke the licences of drunken drivers for two years and a similar period preventing drunk drivers from applying for or renewing a licence. We are very serious and strict concerning this request.
" More than 60 per cent of last year's 4,000 of traffic cases were cases of suspects caught driving under the influence of liquor. In this year's first quarter we registered 333 cases, the number of which has increased compared to the 297 cases in the same period of 2008," Bu Farousha said.
He said the driving licence of a drunke driver is revoked upon a court judgment.
"The system of deducting traffic points from someone's traffic file is different from a court judgment to revoke a licence& We request in the bill of charges to revoke a drunken driver's licence and impose a licence-renewal ban and the rest is up to the judge's discretion.
"Even if a drunken driver does not exceed 24 traffic points, the traffic law allows us to place the above request," he added.
Addressing drunken drivers, Bu Farousha cautioned: "Those convicts won't be able to sit behind a steering unless they place an official request to retain their driving licences at the Dubai Traffic Public Prosecution. I would like to clarify that we usually inform the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) about anyone's licence that has been revoked upon a court order. We do so to prevent anyone from re-applying for a new licence."
http://www.gulfnews.com/nation/Traffic_and_Transport/10302225.html
Friday, 27 March 2009
Heavy Storm lashes Dubai on Wednesday Night
Friday, 20 March 2009
Wednesday, 18 March 2009
Indian Consulate to display compassion at bus stops
Indian Consulate to display compassion at bus stops
Praveen Menon / THE NATIONAL
Last Updated: March 16. 2009
The Indian Consulate in Dubai plans to use information signboards at air-conditioned bus shelters to reach out to expats who need help.Signboards with counselling hotline numbers for those suffering from work-related or social stress will soon be displayed in 600 bus shelters across Dubai.The scheme will provide information on the services offered at the consulate and any new initiatives being launched.
At the inauguration of the first bus shelter today, Venu Rajamony, the consul general of India, said: “The idea is to reach out to as many Indians as possible, especially in these times of financial crisis. This is a great opportunity to publicise consulate services and the hotline numbers to those Indians who commute via buses, especially the construction workers and labourers.”Right Angle Media, which is setting up more than 600 bus shelters for the Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai, offered the free advertising space to the public service. The consulate said the signboards, which will display various hot line numbers, have already been prepared.
Mr Rajamony added that the mission’s initiative is part of its broader effort to help Indians in their time of need. “In these times of financial crisis, it becomes even more vital for Indians to have such information handy. It is part of the wider outreach plan of the consulate to extend help to as many Indians as possible. The consulate officials will be even more proactive and take adequate steps during this period of economic downturn in identifying Indians in their time of need,” said Mr Rajamony. The consulate said the signboards will be in Arabic as well as English.
Indians are the largest expatriate community in Dubai, with Indian men and women working in a range of fields including construction and hospitality. Patrick Chaundy, the president and COO of Right Angle Media, said, “We aim to provide many such public facilities via the outdoor medium which can benefit people living in Dubai.” The consulate said the signboards will display contact numbers for those in need of free counselling for work/social stress (050-9433111); people who need help in the event of a family member’s death during holidays and after office hours (050-7347676); and passport and visa enquiries (600522229).
All signboards will also display the website address of the Indian Consulate in Dubai.
Praveen Menon / THE NATIONAL
Last Updated: March 16. 2009
The Indian Consulate in Dubai plans to use information signboards at air-conditioned bus shelters to reach out to expats who need help.Signboards with counselling hotline numbers for those suffering from work-related or social stress will soon be displayed in 600 bus shelters across Dubai.The scheme will provide information on the services offered at the consulate and any new initiatives being launched.
At the inauguration of the first bus shelter today, Venu Rajamony, the consul general of India, said: “The idea is to reach out to as many Indians as possible, especially in these times of financial crisis. This is a great opportunity to publicise consulate services and the hotline numbers to those Indians who commute via buses, especially the construction workers and labourers.”Right Angle Media, which is setting up more than 600 bus shelters for the Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai, offered the free advertising space to the public service. The consulate said the signboards, which will display various hot line numbers, have already been prepared.
Mr Rajamony added that the mission’s initiative is part of its broader effort to help Indians in their time of need. “In these times of financial crisis, it becomes even more vital for Indians to have such information handy. It is part of the wider outreach plan of the consulate to extend help to as many Indians as possible. The consulate officials will be even more proactive and take adequate steps during this period of economic downturn in identifying Indians in their time of need,” said Mr Rajamony. The consulate said the signboards will be in Arabic as well as English.
Indians are the largest expatriate community in Dubai, with Indian men and women working in a range of fields including construction and hospitality. Patrick Chaundy, the president and COO of Right Angle Media, said, “We aim to provide many such public facilities via the outdoor medium which can benefit people living in Dubai.” The consulate said the signboards will display contact numbers for those in need of free counselling for work/social stress (050-9433111); people who need help in the event of a family member’s death during holidays and after office hours (050-7347676); and passport and visa enquiries (600522229).
All signboards will also display the website address of the Indian Consulate in Dubai.
Thursday, 5 March 2009
Friday, 27 February 2009
3rd Indo Arab Cultural Festival 26th February to 7th March 2009, Abu Dhabi
3rd Indo Arab Cultural Festival organized by Kerala Social Centre Abu Dhabi started yesterday evening with a grand opening. The festival will be held from 26th February till 7th March 2009.
Excerpts of the inaugural function held on Thursday, 26th February 2009 at the Kerala Social Centre premises in Abu Dhabi
More videos and photo uploads follows:
Sri Sudhir Kumar Shetty giving his felicitation speech
Performance Satyana Rangeela by a group of Rajasthani singers
Release of Pravasi – an internal magazine by Kerala Social Centre Abu Dhabi
Sri C Radhakrishnan giving his felicitation speech
Sri D Raja, MP, giving his speech during the inaugural function
Mrs K Ajitha, giving her speech during the inaugural function
Excerpts of the inaugural function held on Thursday, 26th February 2009 at the Kerala Social Centre premises in Abu Dhabi
More videos and photo uploads follows:
Sri Sudhir Kumar Shetty giving his felicitation speech
Performance Satyana Rangeela by a group of Rajasthani singers
Release of Pravasi – an internal magazine by Kerala Social Centre Abu Dhabi
Sri C Radhakrishnan giving his felicitation speech
Sri D Raja, MP, giving his speech during the inaugural function
Mrs K Ajitha, giving her speech during the inaugural function
Friday, 13 February 2009
Towards and cleaner and healthier environment
Vow!! What a nice view. You must be thinking while looking at the picture immediately below. It was taken from the newly built pedestrian bridge on a Friday morning as soon as it was installed for the use of residents in Tourist Club Area Abu Dhabi.
A casual walk that morning, and it's beauty did not last long. I was really shocked to see the amount of garbage thrown on top of it.
In an hours time after my email to the Abu Dhabi Municipality authority, the area was totally clean and they were reciprocative to my added request of initiating appropriate guidelines and notices to warn general public of use and misuse.
Thank you Gulf News, THE NATIONAL, ABU DHABI MUNICIPALITY and WWW.ABUDHABI.AE.
It is a different view altogether and happier environment for the public. All the more, we know now, you are live and respond to the well being of the residents.
A casual walk that morning, and it's beauty did not last long. I was really shocked to see the amount of garbage thrown on top of it.
Garbage items thrown carelessly everywhere. How is it possible to create an un-healthy environment so soon. That was my question? A few days passed and I found the amount of garbage increasing. As always, reacting to such issues, I tried to contact the relevant authorities. It didn't turn out to be a waste of effort.
Report in Gulf News - Your Turn community report page.
In an hours time after my email to the Abu Dhabi Municipality authority, the area was totally clean and they were reciprocative to my added request of initiating appropriate guidelines and notices to warn general public of use and misuse.
Thank you Gulf News, THE NATIONAL, ABU DHABI MUNICIPALITY and WWW.ABUDHABI.AE.
It is a different view altogether and happier environment for the public. All the more, we know now, you are live and respond to the well being of the residents.
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