UAE investors keen on Karnataka, says CM of Karnataka

UAE investors keen on Karnataka, says CM of Karnataka

24 June 2009

Members of the royal family of the United Arab Emirates and UAE-based non-resident Indian Kannadiga B R Shetty have evinced interest to invest in Karnataka, chief minister B S Yeddyurappa said in Bangalore on Tuesday.

They have expressed a desire to invest in the areas of hotel, housing complexes, development of infrastructure facilities, energy, supply of drinking water in cities, urban development and waste management, among others, he said.

Addressing a meeting of the Karnataka NRI Forum, Yeddyurappa, however, did not talk about the extent of the proposed investment they were planning.

He said an NRI, in collaboration with Canadian firm CSQR Inc, had come forward to set up an Advanced Technology and Management Institute in Karnataka.
The chief minister said a data base of 701 NRI-Kannadigas had so far been created.

He said there was a need for active cooperation by the forum for government's aim of attracting investment of Rs300,000 crore after the proposed Global Investors' Meet.
"There is an intention to host 'Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas' in Bangalore. It's the responsibility of this forum to make it possible", the chief minister said.


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DoT takes another step towards parking fines

DoT takes another step towards parking fines
Daniel Bardsley /THE NATIONAL

Last Updated: June 21. 2009 11:38PM UAE / June 21. 2009 7:38PM GMT ABU DHABI // New parking fees and fines will be “introduced and enforced” in the capital from next month, the Department of Transport said yesterday.

The department said in a press release that it planned to roll out new parking policies, which would include metered parking in the city centre.

It warned there would be “rigorous enforcement” of its new rules, although it did not go into detail about when or where meters would be switched on, or when drivers would start being charged and fined.

Both private and public parking spaces will be more tightly regulated, with the aim of encouraging drivers to stay for only a short time in busy city centre parking spots.

The first solar-powered meters were installed on Hamdan Street nearly three years ago, but they have lain unused until recently.

Last month, DoT staff began testing the devices, inserting coins and swiping credit cards.

Drivers will be able to pay for parking by text message, with a credit card or by pre-paid smart card, although the cost has not been disclosed.

The British company NCP Services, now called NSL Services Group, was hired last year to set up and manage the parking programme for the city centre and part of Airport Road.

Paid parking will be introduced in 10 stages over two-and-a-half years, with a total of 2,500 meters to be switched on.

The first year will see the recruitment and training of enforcement officers, the issuing of residents’ permits and a media campaign.

A transition period, during which offenders will be warned but not fined, is expected, but beyond this, repeat offenders risk having their vehicles clamped, towed away or impounded.

A contact centre and parking shop where drivers can buy permits and pay fines is to be opened.

Paid parking will eventually apply from the Corniche to Hazza bin Zayed Street between Khaleej al Arabi Road and the road that runs in front of Abu Dhabi Mall, as well as the strip from Hazza bin Zayed to Al Saada Street between Al Karamah Street and Fourth Street.

Mr Najeeb al Zarooni, the DoT’s parking director, said the system should not be seen as “a silver bullet” that would immediately solve the capital’s parking headaches, which partly stem from a growing number of vehicles registered.

“But we believe that positive impacts of the programme will begin to be felt by both drivers and residents before the year end,” he added.

Longer term, the DoT said yesterday it was looking for city centre sites for public car parks, either above or below ground. Temporary car parks may be erected initially.

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Bridge plan aimed at saving lives

Bridge plan aimed at saving lives
Haneen Dajani, THE NATIONAL

Last Updated: June 22. 2009 1:40PM UAE / June 22. 2009 9:40AM GMT
A labourer crosses the eight-lane Highway 11 in front of traffic near Al Raha Mall. Ryan Carter / The National
ABU DHABI // More pedestrian bridges could be added to roads both within and outside city limits to reduce the growing number of people who are struck by vehicles.

At the launch of a three-month campaign to tackle jaywalking yesterday, Col Hamad al Shamsi, director of the police’s traffic and patrols department, said the department was looking at adding pedestrian bridges in more areas, including Mussafah and Shahama.

The colonel said the bridges were expected to be built in the coming years, although he could not give an exact date. The department has also asked the municipality to place barriers on pavements where pedestrians tend to jaywalk.

The number of pedestrians hit by vehicles in Abu Dhabi grew to 663 last year, up from 583 in 2007.

Yesterday the traffic department revealed it had issued Dh802,000 (US$218,000) worth of tickets since the start of this year, with 4,010 jaywalkers fined Dh200 each. Last year the fine for jaywalking was increased from Dh50.

Col al Shamsi said the department’s studies covered areas that lacked pedestrian crossings and were considered hot spots for accidents involving pedestrians.

Meanwhile, traffic police are focusing on educating the public on the rules for crossing roads and the dangers of jaywalking by increasing campaigns to fine jaywalkers. Patrols will be carried out by both traffic control police officers and undercover traffic officers.

“We have to consider the culture and background of pedestrians and make sure we get our message across,” said Col al Shamsi. “After last year’s campaign the number of accidents involving pedestrians dropped rapidly.”

He said pedestrians involved in accidents who were found to be jaywalking were liable to be fined.

Lt Col Ahmad al Shehhi, director of capital traffic police, said patrols would focus on hot spots including Mussafah, Shahama, Al Dhafra Road, the Corniche and Al Salam Street. “It is not possible to have a policeman on every road in every corner, so we assess which areas are the most dangerous.”

In the coming three months more police patrols will be dedicated to catching jaywalkers.

“We asked the municipality to place barriers on the pavements, especially in front of shops and public parks, to prevent people from crossing in areas where they are not supposed to,” said Col al Shamsi.

Brochures outlining the rules in Arabic and English are to be handed to pedestrians and motorists. One reminds pedestrians to look for the nearest subway or bridge before crossing the road, and to wait for the green pedestrian light before crossing at traffic lights.

Another brochure explains to motorists that white stripes across the road are pedestrian crossings and that priority should be given to pedestrians to allow them to cross.

The fine for not giving priority to pedestrians to cross is Dh500 and six black points.

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Too many deaths on Dubai roads

Drivers get chance to shed black point

Web survey to gauge schools in Abu Dhabi

Web survey to gauge schools in Abu Dhabi

Jen Gerson, THE NATIONAL Last Updated: May 20. 2009

Education officials announced an online questionnaire yesterday allowing parents to comment on their children’s schools.

“This is the first step towards the instillation of the culture of transparency between the school, the home and Abu Dhabi Education Council,” said Mughair Khamees al Khabeeli, the general director of Adec, which is conducting the survey.

“The questionnaire covers all the aspects of the education paradigm in Abu Dhabi schools.”

The site asks parents whether the questionnaire should be offered permanently and what makes them satisfied with their school’s performance.

“Based on optional answers, the questionnaire covers such aspects as the school environment, curricula, administrative and teaching staff performance, communication between parents and schools, equipment and amenities,” Mr al Khabeeli said. The results of a similar survey were released this month.

Adec said 70 per cent of parents were satisfied with the schools. That survey queried almost 5,000 parents, who were asked to grade a variety of factors.

The results of a similar survey of Dubai parents were recently released by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority.

The questionnaire can be found at www.adec.ac.ae, according to the state news agency WAM.

http://www.thenational.ae/article/20090521/NATIONAL/705209803/1010

To participate in the survey, visit: http://www.adec.ac.ae/en/default/survey.html

Comments: The survey is very detailed and there are options to include the name of school and your own telephone number and email to get the result of this survey. It is therefore advisable to participate in this TQM opportunity provided by Abu Dhabi Education Council.

Nominations for UAE Appreciation Award for Science, Arts and Literature Begin

Nominations for UAE Appreciation Award for Science, Arts and Literature Begin

DUBAI — The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development on Wednesday announced the launch of the fourth session of the UAE Appreciation Award for Science, Arts
and Literature.

Bilal Al Budur, Executive Director for Culture and the Arts at the ministry, said the award’s objective is to stimulate the intellectual, cultural and creative people in the UAE, to highlight and honour them and motivate the younger generations to improve
knowledge of science.

In its fourth session, the award this year consists of five key areas: science (Electronic Engineering), literature (Al Faseeh poetry), field studies and research (Management Studies), field of plastic arts (Spatial Configuration), and field of performing arts (Directing). August 31 will be the deadline for accepting nominations, and the names of the winners will be announced in December to coincide with the UAE National Day celebrations

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/theuae/2009/May/theuae_May518.xml§ion=theuae&col=

Safety in the Heat Plan Launched

‘Safety in the Heat’ Plan Launched
Olivia Olarte 21 May 2009 KHALEEJ TIMES

ABU DHABI — A comprehensive safety regime programme aimed at creating awareness and enhancing health and safety of workers who are exposed to high temperatures and humidity during the summer months was launched in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

The ‘Safety in the Heat’ programme, launched by the Heath Authority-Abu Dhabi (HAAD) in cooperation with the Ministry of Labour (MoL) for the first time in the UAE, targets those who work in the construction, transportation, agriculture, manufacturing and heavy industry sectors.

“HAAD and MoL are strongly supporting this programme and want to see this rollout and implemented to as many companies in Abu Dhabi as possible. Companies and organisations from other emirates and countries in the region are welcome to participate in the programme,” Dr Jens Thomsen, Section Head, Occupational and Environmental Health at HAAD, told company representatives at the launch.

The programme will support employers through offering a comprehensive package of educational and awareness materials in English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Malayalam. It focuses on the prevention of heat-related illnesses such as rash, cramps, exhaustion and heat stroke caused by exposure to the hot environment.

The ‘Safety in the Heat’ recommendations are validated by HAAD and are applicable to workers in Abu Dhabi and the GCC region.

The programme has been developed following a two-year scientific research by the UAE University and Curtin University of Technology in Australia, sponsored by HAAD and participated by select companies in Abu Dhabi 
and Dubai.

A few hundred workers were engaged in these studies which include monitoring the workers’ heart rate for three continuous days, measuring their hydration status, recording of workers’ core temperature throughout the work shift and documenting environmental conditions.

“We found that the hydration status of the workers when they come to work is generally poor, and they tend to stay that way during the day... there is a lack of general awareness among employers and workers on how to prevent heat illness,” said Dr Graham Bates, Medical Physiologist from Curtin University of Technology.

The heat management programme also introduces a new heat stress index called Thermal Work Limit (TWL), which was developed by Dr Bates. TWL monitors all environmental factors such as the dry bulb, radiant heat, wind speed and humidity to assess working conditions and determine the thermal risk to the employee.

In addition to the protection of workers, the programme is also aimed at improving productivity of companies and reduce the time loss due to injuries by workers, said Dr Bates.

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/theuae/2009/May/theuae_May529.xml§ion=theuae&col=

Lifts to carry pedestrians to safety

Lifts to carry pedestrians to safety
May 14. 2009 THE NATIONAL

Traffic passing the mall is heavy because lorries and cars have been diverted to the road by construction on Salam Street. Sammy Dallal / The National
ABU DHABI // Lifts will be installed on the footbridge in front of Abu Dhabi Mall, and the traffic signal removed, in an attempt to stop pedestrians making dangerous crossings at the spot, a city official said yesterday.

Khaled al Junaibi, project manager for the Salam Street underpass project, said the lifts had been ordered and should be installed by the end of the summer at the bridge on the street that runs in front of the mall.

Pedestrians going to or from the mall often walk and run across five lanes of one-way traffic at a signal crossing designated for “handicapped only” rather than use the footbridge just steps away. Many of them cross the street against the light during breaks in traffic rather than wait for a “walk” signal.

Mr al Junaibi said city planners did not want people to cross at street level in front of the mall.

“When they cross the road we are forced to give less time for the traffic. If we give less time for this traffic, it will be backed up.”

The one-way traffic has been divided by bollards, leaving three lanes for vehicles going towards Al Meena Road and the Corniche and two lanes for local traffic, going to sites such as the mall or the Beach Rotana hotel.

Traffic passing the mall is particularly heavy at present because lorries and cars have been diverted on to the road by construction on Salam Street.

Some pedestrians make it only as far as the bollards and then wait as vehicles drive by within touching distance on either side of the pedestrians.

“We know about this issue,” Mr al Junaibi said. “We have ordered some elevators, and by the end of the summer they are supposed to be fixed.”

The crossing and signal were meant to be used by the disabled and the elderly who could not use the bridge, Mr al Junaibi said.

At about 5pm on one recent weekday, large groups of pedestrians crossed at street level with just a few opting to climb the flights of stairs to the bridge.

The traffic showed red against traffic for about 50 seconds to allow pedestrians to cross. Some impatient people crossed illegally, and many were forced to run. Motorists could be seen slowing down. The driver of a silver taxi slammed on his brakes and screeched to a halt to avoid hitting a young boy.

Kailash Tiwari, a road safety specialist with 30 years of experience as a traffic engineer, said the municipality was right to encourage people to use the footbridges. But he said a pedestrian-controlled signal should be installed at the crossing to give priority to the disabled and elderly who need to use it.

Mr al Junaibi said planners try to have pedestrian crossings at street level where possible. “It’s an equation we have to manage between the traffic and the pedestrian. It is OK for them to cross at certain locations, but we don’t want them to affect the quality of the traffic.”

He said staff at the traffic centre at Abu Dhabi Municipality were able to monitor the timing of the signal and adjust it if necessary. He added that lifts might be installed at other temporary footbridges.

Last month Col Gaith al Zaabi, the director of the Ministry of Interior’s traffic department, called on municipalities to install lifts at footbridges. He also said municipalities should add control systems for pedestrians in front of crossings with traffic lights and do more to deter jaywalkers, such as ensuring broken construction barriers are fixed promptly.

Twenty-six people were killed crossing roads in Abu Dhabi in the first 71 days of this year.

With few mid-block crossings in the capital, pedestrians have a choice of walking sometimes a kilometre between traffic signals or dashing across the road during breaks in traffic. Motorists rarely slow down for them.

Several pedestrians yesterday said they chose to cross at street level near the mall because it was easier than climbing the footbridge.

Hamed Ali Ahmed, 22, who works at the mall, said he sometimes used the bridge, but that when he was in a hurry to get to work he would cross at street level.

Leigh Bracken, 36, from Australia, who works for Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, said he found it quicker to cross on the street but he would do so only if he felt there was enough time to get across all the lanes. He worried that someone would be struck while waiting to cross in the middle of the road.

http://www.thenational.ae/article/20090514/NATIONAL/705149956/1021
Report by Matthew Chung, Photo by Sammy Dalal THE NATIONAL

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I sincerely thank THE NATIONAL for listening and highlighting the safety issue and following it up with the concerned authorities. Look forward with excitement to the new state-of-the-art facility to carry pedestrian across the road in the city centre. At the same time, I keep my fingers crossed that no untoward incidents happen and no life is lost till the time this is implemented.

Dubai taxis hail plan to limit speed

Dubai taxis hail plan to limit speed
Eugene Harnan for THE NATIONAL

Last Updated: May 15. 2009 2:56PM UAE / May 15. 2009 10:56AM GMT DUBAI // Taxis roaring along the city’s roads at high speeds may soon be a thing of the past as devices that prevent them from going faster than 100kph have been installed in 200 of the vehicles.

By the beginning of next month, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will assess the results and consider placing the speed limiters in every taxi in Dubai.

The move follows a similar initiative in Abu Dhabi, where devices limit the capital’s silver taxis to 120kph.

“We need drivers to change their attitude to speed and reduce it,” said Ahmed Mohammed al Hammadi, director of resources and support at the RTA’s Dubai Taxi Corporation.

The initiative is expected to cut emissions and fuel consumption as well as speed.

“We need to save our environment and this machine can measure the carbon dioxide emissions output of the engine,” Mr al Hammadi said.

The Dubai Taxi Corporation has 3,500 cars in its fleet and if the trial goes well, they will all get the speed limiters.

Taxis belonging to other franchises will also be fitted with the new device, bringing the number of vehicles with it to more than 6,000.

Currently, there is a system that notifies head office if a driver is speeding and a penalty is automatically issued. But under the new system, they will be restricted to speeds below the national limit. Some parts of Dubai have speed limits of 120kph, but the engines will be fixed not to break the 100kph barrier, irrespective of the restrictions on the road.

“We have done the studies on where our fleet is going and at what time of the day, either at peak or off-peak times and found we don’t need to open the limit more than 100kph,” said Mr al Hammadi.

Only cars that leave the emirate regularly, for example airport taxis that travel to Al Ain or Abu Dhabi, will be permitted to go at a higher speed.

Taxi drivers backed the limiters yesterday. “It’s a good idea. There are no more worries for speed cameras if I am tempted to break the speed limit,” said Yaal Shah, from Pakistan.

“The only problem is when I drive a customer to Jebel Ali or the airport along Sheikh Zayed Road and they are late, they ask why I am only doing 100kph,” he added.

Mr Yaal said he had been given only two speeding fines in his 12 years as a taxi driver in Dubai.

“It’s not a problem in the city as you don’t go any faster than that, but when I’m out on Emirates Road, I can see it as a nuisance.” Govendam Sanana from India said he very rarely broke the limit so the new move did not affect him.

“When I am on my own in the car, it is OK to go a bit faster but if I have a family with children or even tourists, I do not want to frighten them,” he said. “There are enough crazy drivers on the road and I try to keep them calm when I drive by going at a safe speed. A normal speed is better for everybody’s health, but there are a lot of crazy drivers out there.”

Adil Sadak, from India, said the power of his car, a Toyota Camry 2L, was sometimes too tempting.

“I know when I am on my own on a big, open, empty road I would like to get to the other end of it quicker. We have a problem with speed cameras so if we do not know the road, we will not do it,” he said.

In Abu Dhabi, all seven firms operating the newer silver taxis have had to fit their cars with speed limiters that restrict cars from exceeding 120kph. Gold and white taxis, which are being slowly phased out, are exempt.

The limiter is a small device attached to the engine and controlled through a monitor inside the car. It works by limiting the flow of fuel to the engine when 116kph is reached, causing the car to level out at 120kph.

Drivers can override the system for 10 seconds by pressing a button near the car radio controls or on the gear shift, allowing them to accelerate when they need to.

Drivers could in theory hit the button continuously, but the companies can track the number of times it is pressed and could reprimand those who overuse it.

http://www.thenational.ae/article/20090515/NATIONAL/705149827/1040

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I sincerely thank the DUBAI RTA authorities for listening to this quality suggestion of mine to introduce speed limiters on vehicles. They were willing to listen and also kind enough to call and inform back about the test phase which is on currently. I hope this will be a success and will gradually implemented on to medium vehicles, mini vans, heavy vehicles, espcially buses carrying school children and workers and even government public transport buses.

Salama - HSE initiative - 10 golden rules for your safety on the road

Visit: http://www.uaesalama.ae/ for more information.
Visit also : http://team1dubai.blogspot.com/search/label/HSE%20+

Salama - HSE initiatives - on Speeding

Visit: http://www.uaesalama.ae/ for more information.

Visit also : http://team1dubai.blogspot.com/search/label/HSE%20+

Salama - HSE initiatives - on Seat Belts for children

Visit: www.uaesalama.ae for more information.
Visit also : http://team1dubai.blogspot.com/search/label/HSE%20%2B

Inauguration of e-Bus card

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.

Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority launches website to enhance e-service

Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority launches website to enhance e-service

By Binsal Abdul Kader, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS /Published: March 18, 2009

Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (Adfca) launched its web portal in an attempt to provide e-service to the public and businesses. Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of Adfca, launched the portal at a ceremony at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi late on Tuesday. He also distributed the awards to Adfca employees who excelled in their performance. For more information: www.adfca.ae

It's OJRA re time at Abu Dhabi

From 15th February 2009 Abu Dhabi Bus service is no more free. However, they have introduced an economically viable pricing system for public to travel taking tickets on a daily, monthly basis. The daily/monthly coupons are called OJRA. From the rush within the bus, it seems public find it convenient and useful to travel by these buses, even if they have to pay. So, it's OJRA re time in Abu Dhabi.

Keep track of Abu Dhabi Bus routes and it's progresss

Dear all,

The link below is the best suitable for keeping track of the progress of Abu Dhabi Bus.
The National Newspaper

Careers at THE NATIONAL

What an interesting progress by THE NATIONAL. From today onwards, they have a Careers page on Tuesday and Thursday. With the network and reach I am sure job seekers will have plenty of potential and real job openings in the region listed. Good going and keep coming out with more specials

Expats Prefer Sending Money Home over New Year Bash

Expats Prefer Sending Money Home over New Year Bash
Lily B. Libo-on KT photos by Mukesh Kamal 29 December 2008

DUBAI - In normal times, expatriates here would have loved to celebrate the New Year.However, these are not normal times. The impact of the recession on the UAE has made them think twice before spending their hard-earned money on festivities.

So, they are sending money home.

Lorie, a 25-year-old Filipino, is living with her entire family in Sharjah. But, she said her family took a painful decision of not celebrating the holiday 
season. “We always celebrate Christmas and New Year. But, two of my brothers have lost their jobs due to the economic crisis creeping into the UAE companies. We need to save a lot for the coming days. We have to send money home for their young kids to continue schooling. This is a bad year for us.”

Daya, a 50-year-old Sri Lankan expatriate who has been working in Dubai for 14 years, says she would forego her usual annual buying of new clothes and jewellery for the New Year celebration.

“I will not even celebrate by preparing food for friends and families because my husband is down with cancer. He has been in the hospital for the past three months. I am on my way to my brother’s house to pass on medicines and cash to be hand-carried to Sri Lanka by his mother-in-law. My husband needs this more than the exotic food and new clothing,” she said tearfully.

She spoke highly of her Indian employers because of their understanding of her situation.

They increased her salary and, even bought her medicines. “I am so thankful I have this kind sponsor,” she added.

Mohammed Hassan, 31, said he preferred to send money to his family back home.

“Even if I wanted to celebrate, I could not do it. My family needs the money more than me. What is the use of celebrating if your family will be starving back home? This is not the time to buy new clothes and excellent food to celebrate. Things have changed. Food is costly now. Rents are rising. I have to save,” he stressed.

Similarly, Wiji, 50, said his family back in Sri Lanka always celebrate the New Year by going to the Buddhist temple, preparing food for friends and families, and buying new sets of clothes to wear specially on New Year. “But, here, it is not important anymore because my family is not with me,” Wiji said.

Daya, Hassan, Wiji and Lorie belong to different backgrounds and traditionally, they celebrate New Year. But, now, all are in unison saying, family comes first, before celebration.