|
|
|
| |
| A comprehensive guide
to current and future events and exhibitions in the UAE |
|
Valuable concise reference source on the UAE,
covering political system, economy, business, history and heritage,
education, women, healthcare, tourism and environment. |
|
|
Natural history of the UAE,
covering all animals and plants recorded in the Emirates. |
|
|
Report by National US Arab Chamber of Commerce on the UAE. Vol XV, No 3, June 2007. Includes analysis of UAE economy. |
|
Cabinet condemns Israeli aggression on Gaza
posted on 06/01/2009
 The UAE cabinet has condemned the Israeli aggression on Gaza and expressed solidarity with the Palestinians affected by the war.
The cabinet meeting, which was chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, sought a peaceful resolution to the conflict and supported the Palestinian cause for an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital. It said the Israeli aggression "constituted an unequivocal violation of international laws that protect civilians and safeguard their rights during war.
The cabinet extended condolences and expressed its grief to families of the victims of the attacks which has killed hundreds of civilians.
It supported Arab and international efforts to reach a ceasefire for a just and comprehensive peace in the region. It also supported efforts by Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to boost peace initiatives through the Arab League.
Sheikh Mohammed also ordered a unified system for receiving complaints, suggestions and feedback from members of the public.
Sheikh Mohammed asked ministers to continue with their drive to improve the quality of services to the satisfaction of the public. "It should be our ultimate goal and our yardstick to measure government performance, he said. "Public satisfaction should hit around 70 and should reach its highest point in 2015.
The cabinet discussed a number of issues, including ways of applying best practices in government institutions to deliver quality services.
The cabinet also watched a presentation on quality assurance and approved the 2009 budget of the National Media Council. Emirates News Agency, WAM
RETURN TO TOP | WAM
UP TO THE MINUTE NEWS
Mohammed orders speedy delivery of houses to justices
posted on 06/01/2009
 HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai has ordered the authorities of the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme to expedite the delivery of houses to justices in the UAE judiciary.
In a statement by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak. Minister of Housing and Chairman of the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, the Minister explained that a number of residential villas have been handed over to their owners in the category of widows, orphans and teachers as per the earlier directives of Sheikh Mohammed. Some 20,000 villas have been handed over to owners, he said. Emirates News Agency, WAM
RETURN TO TOP | WAM
UP TO THE MINUTE NEWS
Mohammed bin Zayed receives Algerian official
posted on 06/01/2009
 General H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces received yesterday evening Major General Ahmed Sanhaji, Secretary General of the Algerian National Defence Ministry who is currently leading a delegation on a visit to the UAE.
The Algerian official was accompanied by Colonel Abdul Qadir bin Jalool, Director of the Medical Services at the Algerian National Defence ministry and Humaid Shubaira, Algerian Ambassador to the UAE.
Major General Sanhaji conveyed the greetings of President Abdul Aziz Bouteflika of Algeria to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his wishes of good health to him and progress and prosperity to the people of the UAE.
Sheikh Mohammed asked the Algerian official to convey greetings of Sheikh Khalifa to President Bouteflika and to the people of Algeria.
The meeting touched bilateral ties and cooperation in all fields between both public and private sectors in the two countries.
Major General Sanhaji said Algeria was keen to benefit from the UAE's pioneering experiment in medical and healthcare fields.
Sheikh Mohammed welcomed the Algerian desire to benefit from UAE experiment and referred to the great attention President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has been giving to the healthcare sector.
He also emphasised the need for the exchange of expertise between the two countries to help provide world-class services in the medical and healthcare fields. Emirates News Agency, WAM
RETURN TO TOP | WAM
UP TO THE MINUTE NEWS
Palestinians can legalise stay in UAE
posted on 06/01/2009
Palestinian nationals in the UAE can continue their stay and legalise their status in case their residency permits or visit visas have expired, a top official at the Ministry of Interior (MoI) told Khaleej Times on Monday.
"Also, they can renew their residency permits without paying fines. Palestinians staying in the country on visit visas can legalise their status if they find job offers without the need to leave the country, said Brigadier Nassir Al Awadi Al Menhali, Acting Director General of the Naturalization and Residency Department in the Ministry of Interior.
He said the decision had come from the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The decision also allows the Palestinians to enter the country on visit visa without paying charges.
Palestinians can also transfer their sponsorships without paying the charges at the naturalisation and residency departments in the country, Brig Menhali said.
According to the Abu Dhabi Naturalization and Residency Department (ABNRD), a total of 1,477 visit visas were issued to Palestinians in 2008.
Meanwhile, Khaleej Times has learnt that the Ministry of Labour is studying the option of helping the Palestinians to transfer their sponsorships for a third time. The normal limit allows for two transfers. Khaleej Times
RETURN TO TOP | WAM
UP TO THE MINUTE NEWS
Zayed Future Energy Prize jury selects final winners
posted on 06/01/2009
 The Zayed Future Energy Prize jury has selected two finalists to be the first-ever recipients of the award.
The prize was launched in January 2008 at the World Future Energy summit by General Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to honour the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
It aims to recognise outstanding individuals, companies, and organisations that have made significant contributions in the global response to the future of energy.
The seven-member jury, chaired by Nobel laureate Dr. R.K. Pachauri, selected two winners from a pool of 204 applicants.
Submissions were received from over 50 countries in every region of the world including the UK, the US, Australia, China and Bangladesh. The pool of 204 submissions demonstrated innovative and inspirational leadership in presenting solutions to future energy challenges.
The individuals and companies that submitted proposals represent a range of achievements including advancements in the commercialisation of renewable technologies and innovative research in alternative energy technology.
The two finalists represent the best from an exceptional group of forward-thinking individuals and companies.
The first winner will receive a cash prize of US$1.5 million (Dh5.5 million) and the runner-up will receive US$350,000 at a ceremony to be held on January 19 which marks the opening of the world future energy summit. Emirates News Agency, WAM
RETURN TO TOP | WAM
UP TO THE MINUTE NEWS
Non-UAE nationals in Ajman local military service to get pay rise
posted on 06/01/2009
Non-UAE nationals serving in the Ajman local military will get a pay rise from January 1, 2009, thanks to directives by Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, H.H. Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al-Nuaimi. The pay increase will range from 50% to 110% based on beneficiary's military rank.
According to Decree no. 91 of 2008, issued by Sheikh Ahmed bin Humaid al-Nuaimi, Ajman Ruler's Representative for Administrative and Financial Affairs, non-UAE nationals serving in Ajman local military will get annual allowance ranging between 4% - 8% of their basic salary, depending on the evaluation of their annual performance in the previous year. The decree also calls for promotion of non-UAE nationals in military ranks, something that is, hitherto, not practicable.
A special committee will be set up to look into the issues of housing, salaries and complaints for non-UAE nationals serving in the local military.
Sheikh Ahmed has expressed profound gratitude to the Ruler for the kind gesture. Emirates News Agency, WAM
RETURN TO TOP | WAM
UP TO THE MINUTE NEWS
Abu Dhabi International Airport receives first advanced airport classification in Middle East region
posted on 06/01/2009
 Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) yesterday announced that Abu Dhabi International Airport has received regulatory approval for enhanced low visibility operations.
This approval, the first of its kind in the Middle East, allows for aircraft to be able to safely maneuver in low visibility conditions when previously aircraft would have stopped operating.
The newly operational second runway is planned to be CAT III B approach rated in 2009. Today's announcement reflects the upgrading of the airport's original runway which can now be utilized when visibility falls below 200m.
Widely expected to help reduce delays associated with weather conditions, such as heavy fog, the new classification puts Abu Dhabi International Airport up among a select number of airports in the world.
A key feature of the upgrade is the ability of the airport to operate during very low visibility.
Under the previous classification (CAT II) and General Civil Aviation Authority regulations, Abu Dhabi International Airport was unable to allow for takeoff or landings if visibility fell below 200m. With CAT IIIB status, visibility can drop below this level and aircraft can still safely arrive and depart the airport.
Khalifa bin Mazrouei, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports Company, said: "Safety is the number one priority for ADAC and is something we look to reflect across all our operations. The classification of Abu Dhabi International as CAT III B compliant demonstrates our commitment to offering safe and convenient travel experiences to all our passengers and our airline partners.
We are proud to join a select few other airports worldwide on this classification and to be one of the first in the region to be classified as such." Emirates News Agency, WAM
RETURN TO TOP | WAM
UP TO THE MINUTE NEWS
RTA Air-Conditioned Bus Shelters Project Bags Gulf Engineers Excellence '&' Creativity Award
posted on 06/01/2009
 Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) won Gulf Engineers Excellence '&' Creativity Award presented in the 12th Gulf Engineering Forum held under the banner "Gulf Engineer and the Challenges of Sustainable Development" hosted by Qatar during 21-23 December 2008. The award winning project was the distinguished RTA Air-Conditioned Bus Shelters; the first of its kind worldwide.
The Award was received on behalf of H.E. Mattar al Tayer - Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA and Chairman of UAE Society of Engineers - by Essa Abdul-Rahman Al-Dossari, CEO of RTA Public Transport Agency.
Gulf Engineers Excellence '&' Creativity Award aims to meet two main objectives; namely highlighting the joint Gulf engineering work and realizing the objectives of Gulf Engineering Forums, and rekindling the spirit of competitiveness '&' creativity in various fields of engineering profession.
Al Tayer was delighted with this Award which adds to the impressive record of RTA achievements embellished with a fine array of vital projects '&' strategic initiatives. "Such achievements are bound to enhance the profile of the UAE as a whole and the emirate of Dubai in particular at the regional and Gulf levels. They also motivate others to redouble their efforts and make most of the existing projects" he said.
"The air-conditioned bus shelters, modeled after the crescent shape, are the first ever worldwide. They are made of quality materials, and painted with heat '&' dust-resistant material so as to offer convenient and excellent service to bus commuters during the blazing heat of summer. These shelters are provided with a package of services and facilities such as ATM, and vending machines of newspapers, snacks and soft drinks in addition to three rubbish-recycling units (for paper, glass and metals). Project implementation is progressing according to the approved plan and so far about 500 shelters have been operated at various areas of the emirate, and the number is set to hit 1500 shelters by 2010" added Al Tayer.
The CEO of RTA Public Transport Agency Essa Abdul-Rahman Al-Dossari said: "Winning this prestigious Award would not have been possible without the wise directions and ongoing support of H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA. It is also a product of the incessant efforts of RTA site work teams attending to delivering this vital Project, which is one of the key pillars of achieving the intended integration and increasing public transport ridership". Emirates News Agency, WAM
RETURN TO TOP | WAM
UP TO THE MINUTE NEWS
Increase in Dubai buses to complement metro
posted on 06/01/2009
 Dubai is to triple its bus service amid concerns people will not use the new metro system if they have to walk to stations.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) yesterday said it would increase its bus fleet to 2,000 from 600 by the time the Red Line opened in September. It will also raise the number of bus stops to 1,500 from 500 by 2010, putting every resident within a stone's throw of an air-conditioned shelter.
The RTA acknowledges people are unlikely to use the Dh15.5 billion (US$4.2bn) driverless metro system if they had to walk more than a few minutes to a station, particularly in summer months.
"People say they like the idea of the metro, but that they live far away from it and do not want to walk a long time, especially in the summer, an RTA spokesman said yesterday. "We have planned it so that from anywhere in Dubai you will be no more than 400 metres from an air-conditioned bus stop, which is walkable in any temperature. The structure of public transport will be like the skeleton of a fish, with the metro as the backbone and the bus routes as the bones coming away from it.
People living in Dubai said they would be wary of giving up their cars for the metro if the additional bus routes were not in place.
"I live more than a kilometre from the metro line and it would be too far to walk in the summer, said Dylan Reedie, 32, who lives in Al Barsha.
"If there's a bus every five minutes I'd definitely consider it, as the traffic can be really bad getting to work, but I'll probably wait and see how smoothly it all fits together before giving up the car for good.
The design of the crescent-shaped bus shelters, which feature vending machines, ATMs, and a button allowing passengers to signal to the bus driver that they are inside without having to step out of the air-conditioning, was recently commended at the Gulf Engineering Forum in Qatar, where the RTA was given the Gulf Engineers Excellence and Creativity Award.
"They are designed to keep in mind the heritage of the region, but the award was not just for how they look it is for all the other aspects which will help encourage people to use them, the RTA spokesman said.
"They and the buses have been specifically designed for Dubai to make them convenient for users some will have coffee shops and wi-fi access. They are state-of-the-art.
"This is a public-private partnership; the land is owned by the RTA but the shelters are being built and operated by private companies. We are starting to do a lot more of our projects in this way, both to help stimulate the economy and to involve the private sector more in the development of Dubai.
The metro's 52km Red Line, which stretches the length of Sheikh Zayed Road between Al Rashidiya and Jebel Ali, is expected to carry about 27,000 passengers an hour in each direction on 42 trains, stopping at Burj Dubai and Internet City among other stations. The National
RETURN TO TOP | WAM
UP TO THE MINUTE NEWS
UAE Stocks Shed 57 Per Cent in 2008; Market Cap Put at Dh388b
posted on 06/01/2009
 UAE's two stock markets recorded a compounded annual growth rate of 36.76 per cent in combined market capitalisation despite a plunge of 57 per cent in 2008, according to an equity research firm.
Morningstar, Inc., a leading provider of independent investment research base, said on Monday the combined market capitalisation of UAE markets had seen a rise from US$8.67 billion at inception in 2000 to the current US$105.93 billion (Dh388 billion, as of December 21, 2008), at a compounded annual growth rate of 36.76 per cent per annum.
While the Dubai Financial Market recorded the steepest fall of 73 per cent in 2008, far worse than its 44 per cent correction in 2006, the Abu Dhabi market shrank by 49.9 per cent, another study by TAIB Research shows. Worldwide, stock markets recorded losses of US$29 trillion in 2008.
Shehab Gargash, CEO of Daman Securities, the brokerage arm of the Dubai-based asset management firm Daman Investments, said the rapid growth rate and deepening global interest in the UAE markets had created an equally fast paced, growing demand for transparency and knowledge-based investments.
Speaking at the launch of a new service for clients in partnership with the Chicago-based Morningstar, Gargash said the new service was well suited to meet that demand for specialised, objective investment planning tools. "It will provide qualified analysis on UAE investment offerings including stocks, mutual funds, and similar vehicles, he said.
As the DFM bounced into the New Year with a 7.8 per cent gain on the first day of 2009 trading on Monday, Gargash warned that he was still more cautious than optimistic about the year ahead. "I don't know if we have hit bottom, he said.
Gargash said UAE stock markets to bounce back, a lot of confidence building measures should be initiated.
"It is a systemic issue reflecting a bigger crisis in the economy, liquidity and confidence. But stocks are the first thing to reflect problems and also the first to register solutions. We are waiting for stern and resolute action by the government, government entities and even investors. We are still at a junction and not sure which way it will go.
He said the tie-up with Morningstar was to provide unbiased and impartial research not linked in any way to the broker's own book.
"What sets Morningstar apart from other firms is its strong methodology and insightful, well-written analyst reports, which will provide an unbiased and objective international perspective on our equities markets. Morningstar's research is consistently high-quality and concise, which our analysts and clients will certainly welcome when making suitable investment decisions, he said.
Pat Dorsey, director of equity research for Morningstar, said independent analysis of a broad range of publicly traded companies around the world would help bring transparency to the markets. As we continue to expand our services internationally, we are looking forward to working with Daman to make our research available for the first time in the Middle East.
The reports will be available starting January 18, 2009 with the publication of six initial reports, to be followed by additional reports released on a regular schedule.
He said two funds launched by Daman had been showing negative growth while its speculative fund was up four per cent. The Dh200 million Daman Speculator Fund that focuses on the UAE and GCC equity markets was launched in July. Khaleej Times
RETURN TO TOP | WAM
UP TO THE MINUTE NEWS
| |
Home
