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| A comprehensive guide
to current and future events and exhibitions in the UAE |
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Valuable concise reference source on the UAE,
covering political system, economy, business, history and heritage,
education, women, healthcare, tourism and environment. |
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Natural history of the UAE,
covering all animals and plants recorded in the Emirates. |
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Mohammed bin Rashid inaugurates Art Dubai 2010
posted on 17/03/2010
 Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has officially inaugurated Art Dubai, the most extensive contemporary art event to be held in the Middle East.
Viewing the various works put on display, Sheikh Mohammed expressed satisfaction at the participation of elite artists at the event hosted by the UAE stressing that it is a manifestation of cultural and human rapprochement which the UAE top leadership is keenly interested in establishing with the rest of the world.
"Art provides the strongest and most friendly tool to initiate communication and harmony among cultures and communities because, unlike politics, it is easier for people to assimilate." He noted that works by great artists are immortalized and unforgettable and still feature in palaces and houses all over Arab countries and the rest of the world.
Open to the public from Thursday, 17 March until Saturday, 20 March, Art Dubai brings together artists, gallerists, curators and collectors from around the world to experience over 80 separate exhibitions presented by leading international galleries and institutions and featuring more than 500 artists, including solo exhibitions, installations, performances, talks and screenings.
Art Dubai's organizers are anticipating a substantial increase in its 2009 attendance figure of more than 14,000 visitors, reflecting the growing enthusiasm in the arts from all sectors of the local community, as well as a worldwide international following and a programme that is designed to appeal equally to the first time visitor as well as the seasoned art professional.
Highlights of Art Dubai include artworks created by the winners of the 2010 Abraaj Capital Art Prize. The hotly-anticipated pieces are History of a Myth: The Small Dome of the Rock by artist Kader Attia and curator Laurie Ann Farrell; Myths '&' Legends Room: The Mural by artist Hala Elkoussy and curator Jelle Bouwhuis; and The Feast of the Damned by artist Marwan Sahmarani and curator Mahita El Bacha Urieta. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Late Sheikh Zayed's Role deserve documentation, Sharjah Ruler
posted on 17/03/2010
 Cairo - His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah has said that unification of UAE Federation and Late Sheikh Zayed's great role deserve documentation for the coming generations.
The book "Sard Al That" is the first step in that direction to document a specific time period that I have witnessed and participated in its events, other steps will follow this in which I will present experience of a life, a leadership, and a nation because the experience of the UAE unity and the role of Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan deserve documentation for future generations, he added.
He said this at a ceremony held last night at Grand Hyatt Hotel in Cairo, Egypt, on the occasion of signing the Egyptian version of the book "Sard Al That", organized by Al Qasimi Publishing in cooperation with Dar Al Shurooq in Egypt.
Dr. Sultan expressed his pleasure over the meeting in Cairo which brought him together with his instructors, school friends, colleagues with mutual cultural interests. He lauded Egypt's important role in supporting education and spreading culture in the Gulf Region especially in Sharjah. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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US-UAE relations are prosperous
posted on 17/03/2010
 A prosperous and cooperative relationship is expanding between the UAE and the United States, according to a senior official.
US Ambassador to the UAE Richard Olson grabbed everybody's attention in a lecture titled "US-UAE Relations: Past, Present and Future". The lecture took place yesterday at Zayed University Abu Dhabi campus and lasted around an hour and was followed by the students' questions.
The top US diplomat drew an optimistic future for the two countries. The strength of the alliance between the UAE and the United States spreads beyond economical interdependence, he said.
He said an increasingly dense commercial relationship has developed with "over 30,000 Americans living and working in the UAE, and over 750 American companies doing business, too."
Strength in business is not just "in traditional sectors such as oil and gas and defence, but also [there is] rapid growth in civil aviation and innovative business partnerships, including GE's relationship with Mubadala, and Boeing's cooperation with Masdar, to name a few," Olson noted.
"In the education field, American universities such as New York University and Michigan State University have opened landmark campuses" and "the Embassy and Consulate General have returned to issuing student visas at the same level as in 2001."
Relations between the two continue to grow with the United States taking part in the UAE visions and future plans notably in the future of energy domain. – Gulf News
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Situation in world oil market doesn't call for change in output ceiling: UAE
posted on 17/03/2010
 Current levels of oil prices in the range of 70-80 dollars per a barrel are 'acceptable and reasonable' for both producers and consumers, H.E. Mohammed bin Dhaen Al Hameli, Minister of Energy, said today.
"The current levels of oil prices will enable OPEC member states to secure investment for boosting crude oil output capacities in the years to come to catch up with pace of economic growth, the UAE minister told WAM yesterday a head of the OPEC meeting in Vienna on Wednesday to review the situation in the world oil market.
The minister, who will head the UAE delegation to the 156th OPEC ministerial meeting, said it is not natural to predict the resolution the OPEC meeting will make on production ceiling in the coming period, however, current data in the oil market do not invite a change in the targeted output level by the group in the next period.
He indicated that OPEC has revised up its projection for growth in the world oil demand for 2010 from 810,000 bpd to 880,000 bpd based on indicators showing recovery of global economy.
Al Hameli assured the market that OPEC would continue to provide enough crude oil supplies in case the demand goes up. OPEC has additional output capacity to meet that demand.
He believed that the world oil market might see a decline in world demand in the second half of the year for seasonal factors at a time when global oil inventories were rising over standard rates seen in the past five years, putting a pressure on prices.
The UAE energy minister also noted that the relatively improvement in oil prices 'has nothing to do with supply and demand fundamentals' and primarily attributed to the dollar exchange rate against other international currencies and indicators of economic growth.
Highlighting the importance of producer-consumer dialogue for entrenching stability in the oil market, the UAE minister said joint meeting in Cancun, Mexico, later this month will have special significance as it comes at a time when the global economy is still reeling under the influence of the international financial crisis. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Saif bin Zayed calls for higher standardisation of UAE team for search and rescue
posted on 17/03/2010
 HH Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, has called for taking necessary procedures to raise the ranking position of the UAE Search and Rescue Team as per heavy weight team ranking level of the United Nations International Authority for Search and Rescue.
He underlined that the UAE was looking forward to year 2013 to be ranked and classified as a heavy weight team in the field of search and rescue.
Major Mohammad Abdul Jalal Al Ansari, UAE liaison officer at the UN and Regional Chairman of the International Authority for Search and Rescue, for Europe, Africa and the Middle East sector, said that necessary procedures have been taken to achieve the accredited standards of the international Authority to benefit from the international experiences in this field to promote the abilities of the UAE team of search and rescue.
Al Ansari added that to promote the abilities of the UAE team of search and rescue, the UAE delegation visited Japan to acquaint themselves with the Japanese experience in this field.
He added that the visit to Japan included attending the international preparatory meeting for search and rescue, which is regarded as the first meeting that will be held by the United Nations in Japan from 14 to 16 September to discuss this issue.
Al Ansari reiterated that Sheikh Saif has been supporting the Emirati team for search and rescue to enhance its performance internationally. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Hamdan bin Zayed launches two new ferries to Delma Island
posted on 17/03/2010
 Ruler's Representative in the Western Region HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan inaugurated today two new state-of-the-art ferry vessels between Delma Island and the Jebel Al Dhanna in the Western Region. The new ferries will enormously enhance sea transport between the island and the mainland.
The Launching ceremony was attended by Sheikh Nahyan Bin Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan and a large number of senior officials.
Upon arrival at the ceremonial site, Sheikh Hamdan took a tour around the interiors of the vessels and was briefed by the Executive Director of the Department of Transport (DoT) Mohammed Bin Harib Al Yusuf, who said that the vessels were selected by the DoT to meet the highest standards of safety, speed and comfort, allowing them to withstand tougher weather conditions and offer more reliability for over 200 passengers and 50 vehicles per journey. The vessels are also designed to provide people with special needs with added comfort and mobility.
Sheikh Hamdan assured the citizens the keenness of the government for the development of the region in realisation of the directives of President HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan for achieving sustainable development and enhancing the role of UAE on the regional and international levels.
He also said that such projects are graced with the follow-up from HH General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi and deputy supreme commander of the UAE Armed Forces to improve the capability of the Department of Transport in Abu Dhabi and raising the efficiency of its organizational and operational structures. This is with a view to improve the institutions and facilities in the transport sector ensuring the highest standards of safety, security and environmental protection.
He also asserted that the government of Abu Dhabi is seeking to promote economic growth and tourism in the Western Region and the development of an integrated infrastructure in line with Vision Abu Dhabi 2030.
Sheikh Nahyan congratulated the residents of the Delma Island, as the launch of the new ferry vessels is a quantum leap in Maritime Transport in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. He asserted that the coming period will witness increased surface travels and cruises between the mainland and its islands.
He stressed that the Western Region has an appropriate investment climate, and urged the private sector and the businessmen to exploit the available investment opportunities and facilities offered by the region.
His Highness pointed to a number of future projects that will be launched in the region, including the railway line which links between Abu Dhabi and Ghwaifat.
Commenting on the launch of the new ferries, Abdulla Rashid Al Otaiba, Chairman of the Department of Transport in Abu Dhabi said: "The purchase of the two state-of-the-art ferries is a clear indication of the DoT's commitment to enhancing transport services between Delma Island and the mainland. By offering more public transportation options, we help provide residents with more employment and business opportunities, while raising the role of the island as one of tourist potential, all of which are major factors in stimulating economic growth". - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Europe-Abu Dhabi Tourism prospects rebound ITB signposts industry upturn
posted on 17/03/2010
 Abu Dhabi's tourism industry looks set for a resurgence of interest from European markets after its most successful showing at ITB Berlin - one of the world's leading travel fairs.
Abu Dhabi mounted its largest ever ITB pavilion with 53 companies from the emirate demonstrating huge expansion of the destination's tourism proposition. Abu Dhabi's product line up at the pavilion was 10% bigger than last year and comprised hotels, transport providers and tour operators.
"The results justified the investment," said Mubarak Al Nuaimi, International Promotions Manager, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), which spearheaded the pavilion. "We are convinced we have made significant headway in achieving our 2010 target of 1.65 million hotel guests by the end of this year." At the show Lufthansa German Airlines, which currently operates a daily Frankfurt-Abu Dhabi service, said it's investigating the feasibility of stepping up its frequency to twice-daily while Swiss International Airlines says it's considering launching a service from Zurich to the UAE capital.
And the German Travel Association, which includes the Who's Who of the country's travel '&' tourism industry, said it's considering Abu Dhabi as the host destination for its annual general meeting in 2012. Meanwhile, the world's largest tour operator, TUI, expressed interest in bespoke tours to Abu Dhabi and Al Ain for members of its elite Porsche Travel Club, which would include a track day at Yas Marina Circuit.
The Al Ain Wildlife Park '&' Resort, which used ITB for its international trade fair debut, reported strong interest from tour operators. "We generated a lot of positive response for our planned desert safari wildlife park, and believe the development will open up increased MICE activity," said Nabil Zakhour, Advisor PR and Media Communication, Al Ain Wildlife Park '&' Resort. "Operators are really interested in alternative and unusual venues for conferences, meetings and incentives and we've also had inquiries from small boutique travel groups now wanting to include the 'Oasis City' of Al Ain on itineraries for the Middle East." Confirming the German market is back online, Sinan Bozkurt, Assistant Director of Sales for the Shangri-la Qaryat Al Beri, said that ITB was filled with good appointments with existing clients: "Thanks to the pro-activity of ADTA in raising the destination's profile and key events such as the F1 and FIFA World Cup UAE, we are seeing increased bookings from our established contacts as awareness of the destination continues to grow." Danat Hotels focussed heavily on its newly-opened desert and beach resort of Tilal Liwa with targeted packages of five night stays created specifically for the German, Swiss and Austrian markets. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Health Authority - Abu Dhabi hosts U.S. - Middle East Partnership for Breast Cancer Awareness and Research summit
posted on 17/03/2010
 The Health Authority - Abu Dhabi (HAAD), the regulatory body of the healthcare sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, hosted an international Partner Summit of the U.S.-Middle East Partnership for Breast Cancer Awareness and Research.
Uniting leaders from across the Middle East, North Africa and their American partners, including ICF International and Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the Summit was recently held at HAAD premises in Abu Dhabi.
The purpose of the summit is for international partners to develop a long-term strategy for sustainability of this unique public private partnership model of health advocacy. The meeting occurred just four years after the First Lady Laura Bush of the United States visited the region to launch the initiative.
The U.S.-Middle East Partnership for Breast Cancer Awareness and research is model public-private effort funded by the U.S. Department of State Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) uniting breast cancer researchers and advocates to enhance clinical research, medical and advocacy training, community outreach, and women's empowerment initiatives. The nature and scope of partnership activities vary from country to country, based on local program and partner needs.
CEO of HAAD HE Engineer Zaid Al Siksek, , said: "To date, the Abu Dhabi local program has enabled more than 4,000 advocates to directly benefit from the Partnership's advocacy and medical capacity-building and consultative services, resulting in outreach to over 25,000 community beneficiaries." "The partnership has grown from initiatives launched in five countries including Jordan, Morocco, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates to a network that includes more than 200 organizations in 15 countries including the United States, Middle East and North Africa," H.E. added.
Dr. Oliver Harrison, Director, Public Health and Policy in HAAD said, "HAAD developed a resource toolkit on initiating a breast cancer program and the documentary 'Healing '&' hope' which will be shared with other countries in the Region and will continue supporting and sharing its resources in this field with all other partners." Partnership supporters include: Government representatives; breast cancer advocates; doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals; educators; and business leaders.
Worldwide, breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths in women. The U.S. - Middle East Partnership for Breast Cancer Awareness and Research represents the first collaborative effort to assist countries in the Middle East and North Africa in heightening awareness about the disease, striving to increase early detection, and improving treatment and information for those diagnosed with breast cancer. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Abu Dhabi's Seha receives Mideast's first-of-its-kind mobile clinic
posted on 17/03/2010
 Ambulatory Healthcare Services (AHS), a member of Abu Dhabi Health Services Co. (Seha), announced that it received the biggest and first-of-its-king mobile clinic in the Middle East. It also revealed that it has been named as 'Mobile Clinic Solutions'. The aim of AHS in launching this clinic is to increase the coverage of medical care by reaching-out with healthcare service at the community-level in Abu Dhabi, while offering the residents the best care and more convenience. AHS plans to conduct primary medical tests in some remote areas and school of Abu Dhabi.
Mobile Clinic Solutions (MCS) is equipped with high-quality medical technology as well as latest equipment and devices, as used by the best internationally. Taking into consideration the need for easy access to medical information and ease in communication, the clinic has internet, fax and access to the AHS network of centres.
The length of MCS is 20.3, height is 4.20 m and the area is 52 sq mt, while its capacity is 250 - 350 per day. The clinic specializes in providing healthcare services in remote areas and large events for sports, entertainment and the like across Abu Dhabi and UAE. It has a list of specialized healthcare services that it presently offers which include dental clinic, laboratory, X-ray and general examination. Additionally, it also has a reception area, waiting area and bathrooms.
MCS will contribute significantly to offering medical care across a wider area and provide better coverage. The presence of such an advanced clinic with modern medical equipment and experienced specialists will effectively promote the AHS motto of 'Healthy family. Healthy community'. AHS offers a wide range of healthcare services that meet the needs of the community. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Emal wins MEED's first Aluminium Leadership Award
posted on 17/03/2010
 Emirates Aluminium (EMAL) has won the first ever MEED Middle East Aluminium Leadership Award. The award was received by Vice Chairman Abdulla Kalban and EMAL's CEO, Saeed Al Mazrooei on behalf of the Chairman H.E. Khaldoon Al Mubarak.
The award was set up by MEED to recognise achievements in the Middle East aluminium industry once a year. It was presented on the first morning of MEED's Middle East Aluminium 2010 Conference, held from 16 - 17 March, at The Address Hotel in Dubai Marina.
"This is a remarkable achievement; so much is happening in the aluminium industry here in the region. To be selected as a stand out in such a dynamic market is truly an honour and a tribute to the hard work of everyone at EMAL," said Saeed Al Mazrooei, the CEO of EMAL.
"In just three years EMAL moved from construction to operations; it's a remarkable achievement, made even more remarkable by the fact that they managed to stay on budget and start operations ahead of schedule," said Edmund O'Sullivan, the Chairman of MEED Events After the award ceremony EMAL hosted a networking lunch that allowed representatives from EMAL to meet with other primary aluminium producers as well as upstream and downstream businesses.
"Primary aluminium production is a growing phenomenon in the GCC," said Mazrooei. "All aluminium producers in the region have a vested interest in ensuring that there is a growing downstream market for our product. There is much we can work together on to improve." One of the primary focuses of the MEED Middle East Aluminium 2010 Conference will be on building a sustainable downstream sector for the region's industry. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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