04/14/2009 02:39 PM | By Siham Al Najami, Staff Reporter
Dubai: The Dubai Police chief expressed surprise at the response of Doha Centre for Media Freedom in condemning Dubai Police’s request to restrict access to pornographic materials on the internet.
The Doha Centre for Media Freedom stated in a press release that they sent an open letter to the internet giant Google “warning it not to give in to calls for censorship [by Dubai Police].”
Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Chief of Dubai Police, said: “I did not request Google representatives to block pornographic materials uploaded on YouTube from Qatar internet services, but asked them to take this into account in the UAE.”
He was responding to a press release released by the Doha Centre for Media Freedom in which they condemned the Dubai Police for calling for a campaign to restrict electronic content that is pornographic, mocks religions, strengthens atheism, fosters a feeling of insecurity or is unsuitable for young children.
YouTube, a video sharing website, was the focus of a much-debated discussion reported earlier in Gulf News between Major-General Khamis Mattar Al Muzainah, Deputy Chief of Dubai Police and Giselle Hescuk, Google’s head of development for Europe and the Middle East.
The press release incorrectly stated that Lieutenant-General Dahi drew up a censorship plan with Hescuk, “which the UAE authorities said would maintain religious harmony and prevent any infringements of religious and ethnic integrity in the light of local culture and traditions.”…
04/11/2009 10:54 PM | By Mariam M. Al Serkal and Dina El Shammaa, Staff Reporters
Dubai/Abu Dhabi: Beaches were on the alert last week as the red tide passed through the Gulf waters, stirring the curiosity of residents as to where it was going to hit next.
The Environment Agency at Abu Dhabi (EAD) said that the red tide did not affect the capital, as its usual life cycle is about 3 to 4 days.
Last week red tide was spotted along the Dubai coastline, which prompted Dubai Municipality to close the beaches near the Burj Al Arab and Umm Suqueim Park.
Residents were also warned to avoid eating seafood that had been collected from the algal bloom area since it may be contaminated. City Talk took to the streets and asked residents if they are worried about the red tide and how this has affected them.
Mohammad Al Taweel, 27-year-old sales developer, Saudi Arabia, said: “I was planning to go to the beach [at] the weekend but have cancelled the plan now just to be safe. I read about it in the newspapers and am aware of the red tide phenomena, although I am not exactly sure what side effect it has on humans. But that has not stopped me from eating fish.”
Sibtain Hirji, real estate manager from the United Kingdom, 48, said: “The red tide is supposed to be harmless but it does give you rashes. I have seen that many beaches are empty now but think that people are only scared about it this week, and people will start going to the beach again soon. I have read that it is dangerous to eat fish that are affected by it, so I am not eating it and will wait a couple of weeks before buying it again.”
Jelena Bundesmann, German manager, 45, said: “I spend a lot of time on the beach, and have noticed that the water is milky and that there is less visibility and marine life. There are also more algae on the shores but that is not going to stop me from going to the beach and swimming, unless I see that reddish-brownish colour around me in the water. I will not stop eating fish unless they prove to me that the red tide has an impact on it until then, I have to assume that they only catch fish in good areas in the sea since fish only survive in good water conditions.”…
Dubai: The Union Square station of Dubai Metro in Deira is the world’s biggest underground metro station in terms of covered area, said a senior official.
“The Union Square underground metro station which spans an area of 25,000 square metres is the biggest metro station. The station is 230 metres long, 50 metres wide, has three levels and is 18 metres deep,” said Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)…
The Sharjah corniche road basked in a crimson glow of the setting sun, wooden dhows anchored bumped against each other with each incoming waves. It is celebration week.
Seagulls flew in patterns, the streets looked busy as always, and the air was filled with bhukoor (Arabic incense) and the aroma of freshly fried luqeimat (crispy dumplings dipped in honey or date syrup) that wafted from the adjacent heritage site in Shuweihan.
Amid the din of the usual evening traffic, the sound of faint rhythmic beats of the drums and a rustic chorus could be heard.
As the evening wore on, older decorative lights in green, yellow, blue and red draped the heritage area where people from all walks of life had gathered to witness the week-long celebration.
Stalls selling colourful jalabiya (traditional long dress worn by women), Kandoora (traditional long dress worn by men), Khaizarana (stick with a carved holder), bhukoor, honey, Jifeer (baskets made of the date palm leaves) and pottery lined up the area. Young and old flocked to the area where luqeimat and rigaag (bread) were being prepared by kohl-eyed women with golden and black burqa’ covering their faces. Freshly fired luqeimat topped generously with honey and date syrup seemed to be an instant hit among children and tourists who were seen going back for more. Children played musical chairs on a large stage in the middle of the area while their parents applauded…SOURCE
04/07/2009 11:48 PM | By Rayeesa Absal and Sunita Menon, Staff Reporters
Abu Dhabi/Dubai: Beaches of Abu Dhabi are on “red tide” alert, officials said on Tuesday, while those in Dubai were clear of the menace.
Dubai residents and tourists were seen having a good time on the beaches yesterday.
Civic officials in both cities are keeping a constant watch of the waters for the potentially poisonous algal bloom.
“We are monitoring the situation closely. So far it has not entered the capital but it depends on factors like wind direction and water salinity”, said Thabit Al Abdessalaam, Director of Biodiversity Sector – Marine Environment at Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD). “It is unlikely that it will spread to Abu Dhabi because today it [red tide] is very much dissipated and was not seen in its original intensity. Its usual life cycle is about 3 to 4 days”, he noted.
EAD, along with the Dubai authorities, inspected water bodies on Monday to find that the red tide had spread until the Jebel Ali area. “The fact that it stopped raining is also helping us, because rain would cause draining of more nutrients into the sea which triggers red tide.” The winds are also not in the easterly direction, he added.
EAD is coordinating with the Abu Dhabi Municipality as well as authorities in Dubai to make sure all precautionary measures are taken, Abdessalaam said.
The last time the emirate witnessed a major red tide problem was in 2003, when fish kills were recorded in Mussafah Channel.
04/06/2009 10:41 PM | By Shakir Husain, Staff Reporter
Dubai: Defying the economic downturn, Dubai on Monday launched a new low-cost airline, flydubai, which will start flights in June with Beirut and Amman as initial destinations.
The move to launch flydubai as scheduled is expected to boost Dubai’s tourism sector and help residents travel at low cost. The airline will also bolster the emirate’s plans to become a hub for international air traffic as it begins to fly to more regional destinations…
04/06/2009 09:48 PM | By Ashfaq Ahmed, Chief Reporter
Dubai: After pink taxis and air conditioned bus shelters, Dubai will also become the first city in the region to introduce buses for female passengers.
“The ladies-only bus service will start on April 10 to accommodate the increasing number of female passengers,” said Mohammad Abu Bakr Al Hashimi, director of Planning and Business Development at the Public Transport Agency of the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
He said seven buses would operate on one route from Muhaisnah (near Lulu Village) to Satwa via Muraqqabat Road, Deira City Centre, Karama and World Trade Centre Interchange….
04/07/2009 09:09 AM | By Sunita Menon, Staff Reporter
Dubai: Beaches near Burj Al Arab and another one located close to the Umm Suqeim Park have been closed by the Dubai Municipality as traces of Red Tide in these two beaches have surfaced again.
Mohammad Abdul Rehman Hassan, the head of the marine environment and wildlife section, told Gulf News that there were no traces of Red Tide found on Dubai shores in the morning during water testing.
Red tide is the result of an influx of a type of algal bloom; it is so named because it turns the water a reddish colour.
“They have surfaced again and so we have decided to close the beaches to ensure the safety of beachgoers. People are advised not to venture into these two beaches. They should make no contact with the water, nor consume the dead fishes that are washed ashore. Care should also be taken not to inhale the air after a wave hits the shoreline. This can prove hazardous to health,” he said.
Hassan did not rule out the possibility of shutting down more beaches if the Red Tide continues to frequent the area.
Dubai: The Dubai Department of Finance said it has appointed Rothschild to advise on the establishment of a financial support fund for which $10 billion of five-year bonds have already been issued.
The fund will be wholly owned by the Dubai Department of Finance and controlled by the Supreme Fiscal Committee of Dubai.
It will provide targeted financial support and liquidity to certain state-affiliated entities across the Dubai economy while facilitating the reforms necessary to protect stakeholder value and the long-term viability of these entities.
Further details of the principles for qualification, disbursement, monitoring and recovery of the fund will be provided in due course… SOURCE
Some background on the Rothchilds
…However, in 1882 Edmond cut back on his purchases of art and began to buy land in Palestine. He became a leading proponent of the Zionist movement, financing the first site at Rishon LeZion. In his goal for the establishment of a Jewish homeland, he promoted industrialization and economic development. In 1924, he established the Palestine Jewish Colonization Association (PICA), which acquired more than 125,000 acres (506 km²) of land and set up business ventures.
Edmond de Rothschild also played a pivotal role in Israel’s wine industry. Under the supervision of his administrators in Palestine, farm colonies and vineyards were established, and two major wineries were opened in Rishon LeZion and Zichron Yaakov.[1]
It is estimated that Edmond de Rothschild spent over $50 million dollars in supporting the settlements, and backed research in electricity by engineers and financed development of an electric generating station. In a 1934 letter to the League of Nations, Edmond de Rothschild stated that “the struggle to put an end to the Wandering Jew, could not have as its result, the creation of the Wandering Arab.”…
For his Jewish philanthropy Baron Edmond became known as “HaNadiv HaYadu’a”, (Hebrew for “The Known Benefactor” or “The Famous Benefactor”) and in his memory his son bequeathed the funds to construct the building for the Knesset.
Israel’s 1982/5742 Independence Day coin is dedicated to the memory of Edmond de Rothschild and marks the centenary of his first projects in Israel. From 1982 until 1986, the Bank of Israel used his portrait on the 500 Israeli sheqel note.[2]
Rothschild Boulevard in Tel Aviv is named after him, as well as various localities throughout Israel which he assisted in founding. Rishon LeZion, the city which he helped to found named one of the central streets Rothschild Street, and in 1996 Rothschild Mall was built…
Dubai: Emirates airline yesterday announced that it has decided to offer unpaid leave to its cabin crew.
“After a careful review of our operational requirements, we have decided to offer our cabin crew staff the opportunity to apply for unpaid leave on a purely voluntary basis, starting from May 2009. In anticipation of our growing fleet, Emirates’ recruitment efforts over the past 12 months have been highly successful in meeting our operational requirements. Combined with a sharp drop in cabin crew attrition, we now find ourselves in a position to be more flexible as an employer,” an Emirates spokesperson said in a statement.
“We believe some of our staff will welcome the opportunity to take time off to pursue personal interests such as: further studies, hobbies, or simply to spend time with family and friends,” the airline said.
Cabin crew may opt for unpaid leave from a period of one month up to a maximum of six months. “While on leave they will still be employees of the airline, and continue to be eligible for various benefits including paid accommodation and travel concessions.”…
04/02/2009 08:46 AM | By Samir Salama, Associate Editor
Abu Dhabi: Authorities are planning to introduce road-toll system in Abu Dhabi to reduce the number of cars on the road.
The toll will be propositional to the volume of congestion, Abu Dhabi Department of Transport announced on Wednesday.
The congestion charge will go up during peak hour and go down when there is less traffic, said officials.
Also, according to officials, parking lots, accommodating between 5,000 to 7,000 vehicles, will built at the planned metro stations to encourage residents to use public transport…
The metro stations are expected to be built by 2011.
Tolls are NEVER are proper solution to traffic problems. If it is taxes that are wanted, then put in a VAT.
03/19/2009 10:05 AM | By Jumana Al Tamimi, Associate Editor
Dubai: After nearly 30 years of functioning out of Dubai’s Trade Center Tower (which is part of the World Trade Center complex), the US consulate is planning to relocate and join many diplomatic missions overlooking the Creek of Dubai, a senior US diplomat said on Wednesday.
“By early winter 2011,” Paul Sutphin, Consul General of the United States of America in Dubai said, the “US consulate is expected to relocate after 28 years of operating” out of the 39-floor square white landmark building of Dubai.
“The US$ 126 million dollar project” of the new consulate is being built next to the Saudi and British consulates on the Creek in Bur Dubai, he said, adding that the move was necessitated by the “need to more space and dedicated facilities.”
Dubai: Speed radars and Salik toll gate cameras will be able to detect unregistered vehicles and issue fines automatically, the Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai said.
“This is a good opportunity to remind all vehicle owners of the need to ensure timely vehicle registration, which is now assisted by the RTA sending a reminder SMS to each owner two weeks prior to registration expiry,” said Ahmad Bahrouzian, CEO of RTA Licensing Agency.
The number of vehicle owners who don’t bother to renew their vehicle registration and insurance certificates on due dates is on the rise, thus making themselves vulnerable to multiple risks and fines…
03/13/2009 09:46 AM | By Bassam Za’za’, Senior Reporter
Dubai: An intoxicated couple, from Myanmar, were given a reduced jail term after being convicted of having sex on Jumeirah Beach and committing an indecent act in public.
The couple, a 26-year-old salesman and a 20-year-old saleswoman, had earlier admitted having sex on the beachside and pleaded for leniency before the Dubai Court of Appeal, which Thursday overturned the initial ruling.
Presiding Judge Adnan Al Farra granted the couple a reduced punishment when he awarded them three months for having consensual sex in public and committing public indecency. The judge awarded then an additional month in jail for having liquor.
The two will be deported after serving their sentences
The Appeals Court on Thursday overturned the primary verdict – one year in jail for consensual sex and public indecency and one month in jail for consuming liquor – delivered by the Dubai Court of First Instance.
“I did consume liquor and have consensual sex with my partner, but I didn’t commit any indecency in public& there was no one watching us when we had sex on the beach,” said the salesman, L.Z…
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) justified the part ban imposed on YouTube content in an official statement released yesterday.
The content on the popular video sharing website came under the scanner when a cartoon, hurting religious and nationalistic sentiments uploaded on the site, resulted in heated public debate across the country.
Earlier in February, the TRA banned access to the cartoon clip, citing breach of prohibited content categories stipulated by them.
“The Internet Access Management (IAM) policy, published by the TRA clearly identifies prohibited content categories, which both UAE Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have published on their websites. Therefore, no content on the internet is blocked unless it breaches IAM policy”, reads the statement…SOURCE
underground metro station in terms of covered area, said a senior official.
clear of the menace.
Dubai Municipality as traces of Red Tide in these two beaches have surfaced again.
