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Tallest hotel to open this year in Dubai
posted on 09/02/2012
 Twin towers currently under construction are set to break the record as the world's tallest hotel, currently held by the Rose Reyhaan Rotana on Sheikh Zayed Road.
The 355-metre JW Marriott Marquis Dubai — located near Safa Park and a few blocks from the Burj Khalifa — which will open its doors to guests in the fourth quarter of this year, will surpass the 72-storey Rose Reyhaan Rotana, which has held the record as the world's tallest hotel since January 6, 2010.
"At a height of 355 metres, the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai is just 26 metres shorter than the Empire State Building in New York," the company said in a statement.
Owned and developed by the Emirates Group, the hotel will rise to 82 floors, 69 of which will be rooms and suites.
Each tower will feature an executive lounge spread across a full floor.
The hotel project was launched by Sheikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman and CEO of Emirates airline and Group, at a press conference at the Arabian Travel Market in 2005, when its announced construction cost was Dh800 million.
Arch Group, a Dubai-based design and construction consulting company, designed the project.
The twin towers will have 1,608 guest rooms — 804 in each — and around 25 per cent will be suites. The towers will have combined car parking facilities for 1,000 vehicles and 28 lifts.
Rupprecht Queitsch, general manager of the hotel, told Gulf News that the second tower will be opened a year after the first one. "Each floor will have only 14 keys and with each standard room spread across 55 square metres, we have a wonderful proposition to our guests," he said during a briefing yesterday.
‘Synergy'
The hotel is hiring 1,200 employees for the first phase to manage the property. "As we open the second tower, we will add more employees," he said. Currently 3,500 people are working on the site.
Emirates, the biggest supplier of tourists to Dubai's hotels, is a major contributor to the emirate's tourism industry. Queitsch added that leveraging the relationship would help to fill the hotel rooms.
"With Emirates' strong network of destinations from where it carries passengers, I'm sure there will be some synergy with us," he said.
Due to its close proximity to the downtown, central business district, the hotel is set to serve a growing number of business visitors, especially in the meetings, incentives, conference and exhibition (MICE) segment, Queitsch added.
"The hotel will fill a long identified gap in the market where groups, meetings and conventions of up to 1,000 people can meet, sleep and dine under one roof, in one location," he said. "There are businesses of this size choosing various cities around the world in which to meet, but until now, Dubai has not had a single location of this size to accommodate this type of group.
"In simple terms, we will establish Dubai on the global conference market landscape," he said.
The hotel will have more than 5,000 square metres of event space, nine restaurants and five lounges, along with a spa, health club and two ballrooms.
The new JW Marriott in Dubai will be the first JW branded property outside North America. – Gulf News
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Largest Abu Dhabi Ambassador Programme gets underway
posted on 09/02/2012
 Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) yesterday kicked off its largest edition yet in its annual Abu Dhabi Ambassador Programme - which has now entered its fifth year.
Some 600 representatives of the public and private sectors applied for places on the programme, which is a key part of Abu Dhabi tourism industry's Emiratisation drive and its desire to improve the visitor experience through interaction with locals, will run for 12 weeks and culminate in a gala graduation ceremony this summer.
From the 600 applications, 123 nationals aged between 20-35, were chosen for the programme with selection being based on their CVs, face-to-face interviews, language and communication capabilities as well as presentation skills.
"Demand for places has been nothing short of intense," said Nasser Al Reyami, Tourism Standards Director, ADTA. "This programme has come a long way in five years from small beginnings, when it launched with just 21 Zayed University students. The current demand is an indication of how far the destination has come and the greater understanding among the local community of the role the tourism industry plays in the economic diversification and future of this emirate.
The new Ambassador students represent some 50 public and private sector organisations - 34 of them are new to the programme." Some 200 Emiratis now rank among the Abu Dhabi Ambassador Programme's alumni since its 2007 launch. "Many of these initial graduates are now in challenging and satisfying careers throughout our vibrant tourism sector - some within the ADTA's own workforce," explained Al Reyami. "They have followed through on the programme's aim of delivering to customer-facing nationals the skills and knowledge to be exemplary ambassadors for our destination in their interaction with guests and visitors." The programme was launched yesterday at the newly-opened, five-star The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort '&' Spa, which was developed by Tourism Development '&' Investment Company (TDIC), a sponsor of the Ambassador programme.
"This was a highly apt choice of launch venue as it is indicative of the many strides the destination has made in its accommodation and attraction stock over the past 12 months," said Al Reyami.
Then new Ambassador recruits will now spend a day a week for 12 weeks undergoing an expanded curriculum. During the programme they will experience Abu Dhabi as a visitor and learn to appreciate, first hand, the skills of a tourist guide. They will also experience Abu Dhabi's heritage city of Al Ain with an Abu Dhabi-licenced guide and also experience the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the destination's key attractions, viewing it from a visitor and non-Muslim perspective by joining in a general public tour.
"We have added new modules based on participants' feedback," explained Mohammed Al Marzouqi, ADTA's Senior Emiratisation Executive. "We now have 12 modules with new additions covering Cross-Cultural Understanding; Leadership & Management and Abu Dhabi Past, Present and Future.' Due to the high level of demand ADTA says it is reassessing the programme and may consider adding an additional Class of 2012 later this year. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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UAE delegation attends 2012 Yeosu Expo prep meeting
posted on 09/02/2012
 Seoul - More than 300 representatives from the United Arab Emirates and 100 plus countries and nine multinational organisations gathered yesterday at Hotel Shilla in downtown Seoul to ensure smooth preparations for the 2012 Yeosu Expo scheduled for May 12 to Aug. 12, this year.
The Expo's steering committee hosted a three-day meeting in Seoul and Yeosu to review the overall preparation process and introduce guidelines for 11 issues including security, lodging, transportation and the establishment and operation of pavilions. Ibrahim Al Abed, Director General National Media Council is attending the meeting along with two other members of the Council.
The 93-day event will focus on oceans and their potential to tackle diverse climate and environmental challenges facing mankind in the 21st century.
The Expo, the first here since the 1993 Daejeon Expo, is expected to attract some 8 million visitors from around the world, according to the committee. It could generate about 12.2 trillion won (US$10.9 billion) worth of production and create about 5.7 trillion won in added value, as well as 80,000 jobs.
UAE is ready to take the centre stage of the Yeosu Expo 2012 as it did in the Shanghai Expo 2010 during which UAE Pavilion, a huge golden sand dune inspired by the country's desert with the outer covering of unique gold-collared stainless steel and undulating roof, looking as if it has been shaped by the wind, was in the limelight of media attracting public attention throughout the event. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Masdar Institute of Science and Technology produces animated clipping on the evolution of Abu Dhabi
posted on 09/02/2012
 Abu Dhabi's Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, a graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, yesterday announced its Earth Observation and Environmental Remote Sensing (EO-ERS) laboratory has produced an animated clipping on the evolution and the urban expansion of Abu Dhabi City over the past quarter a century.
Accessible on http://youtu.be/8gErC_tRAiY the animation marks one of the projects by EO-ERS at Masdar Institute to capture various stages of the growth of the emirate. The satellite data used for this animation was provided by NASA and the US Geological Survey Department (USGS).
The EO-ERS laboratory at Masdar Institute is currently involved in several research projects focusing on developing new satellite-based tools to forecast, detect and monitor different environmental hazards in the UAE and the GCC region.
Its research activities include coastal water quality monitoring from space; solar and wind potential mapping; real time dust detection; land cover monitoring; and thermal mapping of urban areas.
The EO-ERS lab is directed by Dr. Hosni Ghedira and presently includes a team of 3 postdoctoral researchers, one IT engineer and seven research assistants. Dr. Ghedira is also an Associate Professor of Water and Environmental Engineering at Masdar Institute.
Before moving to the UAE, Dr. Ghedira spent six years at the City University of New York as an Assistant Professor and Research Associate Professor. He also acted as director of the Environmental Remote Sensing and Image Processing Laboratory at the NOAA Cooperative Remote Sensing Science '&' Technology Centre in New York for more than four years.
The EO-ERS lab at Masdar Institute has been recently selected by NASA as one of seven global pre-launch test sites for a new Earth observation satellite SMAP, which is scheduled to be launched by NASA in 2014.
In collaboration with NASA, EO-ERS will jointly run a four-year pilot study on airborne dust estimation for this new satellite mission. The lab has its own satellite receiving station that receives real time satellite data from NASA and European Space Agency satellites as well as state-of-the-art software packages for satellite data processing and analysis.
Established in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Masdar Institute integrates theory and practice to incubate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, working to develop the critical thinkers and leaders of tomorrow.
With its world-class faculty and top-tier students, the Institute is committed to finding solutions to the challenges of clean energy and climate change. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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ENEC Board visits UAE Reference Plants in Korea
posted on 09/02/2012
 The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation's (ENEC) Board of Directors visited the Republic of Korea this week to receive an update on the construction of two nuclear reactors, Shin Kori 3 and 4, which are the reference plants for the UAE's first nuclear energy plant.
Chairman of the Board Khaldoon Al Mubarak and Minister of Foreign Trade and Deputy Chairman Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, were joined by Board Members Jasem Mohamed Al Zaabi, Mohammed Sahoo Al Suwaidi, and David Scott. Also in attendance were Vice Minister of the Ministry of Knowledge Economy of the Republic of Korea Seok Cho, Executive Vice President Jun Yeon Byun of Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), President and Chief Executive Officer Jong Shin Kim of Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Co, a KEPCO subsidiary, and ENEC's Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Al Hammadi.
The reference plant concept is a fundamental part of ENEC's construction and operations strategy. It ensures that KEPCO will construct a plant that is essentially the same as the reference plants, but supplemented with changes required to adapt to the specific conditions of the UAE environment and any specific requirements of the UAE's nuclear energy industry regulator, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation.
The reference plants provide the UAE program with an effective blueprint for licensing, construction and operations, helping ENEC to achieve the highest standards of safety, quality and efficiency.
The Shin Kori units 3 and 4 reference plants are progressing on schedule, with unit 3 scheduled to start operations in 2013. The reactors are being constructed and operated by KEPCO. A Korean team led by KEPCO was awarded the Prime Contract for the UAE nuclear energy program. Under the contract, KEPCO is responsible for the design and construction of the plants, and also to provide support for operations. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Abu Dhabi International Airport launches region's first airport mobile website
posted on 09/02/2012
 Abu Dhabi International Airport (ADIA) operated by Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) announced yesterday the launch of its new mobile website, http://m.abudhabiairport.ae.
The mobile website is the first of its kind in the region and is designed to make it easier and quicker for passengers on the move to access the latest information via their handheld smart phones.
Through the new mobile website, passengers can enter their flight details to receive a personalised experience providing flight information, flight status updates, terminal info, as well as personalised listing of duty free shops. Passengers can also locate available parking spaces, and enjoy the many other online services available on the traditional airport website.
The new mobile website is formatted using the latest technology, which can be easily accessed on any smart phone. Developing the site using this new technology offers a richer user experience, with all features available on all smart phones that support HTML5.
Hamed Al Hashimi, Head of Information and Communication Systems of ADAC commented: "We know that smart phones are heavily used by our passengers and represent 59% of connections to our Free WiFi service, and 17% of visits to our websites. In response to this growing trend, ADAC decided to launch a highly sophisticated and practical mobile website that would exceed customer expectations and enhance travellers experience at the Capital's airport." To complement this new innovation, the mobile website has also introduced a personalised SMS and email alert to communicate any flight changes directly and quickly to passengers.
"The introduction of the mobile site is part of a wider strategy to improve passenger's access to information through utilising the most advanced tools and methods of communications, and comes as a second step following the recent launch of the brand new airport website www.abudhabiairport.ae. Both new websites introduce a range of innovative features designed to deliver a highly personalised and tailored experience to each and every passenger and visitor at Abu Dhabi International Airport," Al Hashimi concluded.
Adam Cukrowski from Indivirtual said: "ADAC and Indivirtual designed the new Abu Dhabi International Airport mobile website to create a solution targeting people on-the-go. The focus of the site is to provide up-to-date information and is specifically adapted for people using smart phone devices. Indivirtual worked closely with ADAC to create this region's very first interactive airport mobile site which is utilising the latest HTML5 standards that offer a richer user experience. We are proud to be engaged with ADAC on this innovative mobile site and we look forward developing this site to reflect the latest trends in customer usage." Passengers flying through Abu Dhabi International Airport can now access the new mobile website by visiting http://www.abudhabiairport.ae via any smart phone which will automatically link them to the mobile site http://m.abudhabiairport.ae to enjoy the latest technologies provided by an internationally leading airport. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Flydubai launches service to its 50th destination
posted on 09/02/2012
 Low-cost airline Flydubai has announced that it has started flights to its 50th destination in less than three years since launching operations in 2009.
The carrier reached the half century mark when its inaugural flight to Bishek in the Kyrgyz Republic landed at Bishkek International Airport this morning.
The flight expanded the fast-growing carrier's operational route network to 28 countries across the GCC, Middle East, North Africa, Indian sub-continent, Asia and Central and Eastern Europe.
Flydubai's CEO, Ghaith Al Ghaith, said yesterday's flight illustrated the airline's strategy to open up destinations that were previously underserved by direct air links to the UAE. "This inaugural flight represents an important moment in flydubai's illustrious growth. When we started operations in June 2009, we made a conscious decision to expand as quickly as possible, adding aircraft and destinations at a rapid pace in order to offer more choice and attract more passengers, thereby creating a sustainable and profitable business model for the future," he said.
Announced by the Government of Dubai in March 2008, the vision for the airline was to provide a low cost alternative on already popular routes from Dubai, such as Beirut, as well as to open up destinations that were underserved by direct air links to the UAE, such as Tbilisi, Georgia.
Flydubai has forged new trends by targeting destinations that did not previously have international flights such as Abha, Gassim and Yanbu in KSA and become the first to offer direct flights to destinations such as Samara in Russia and now Bishkek in the Kyrgyz Republic.
Flydubai was also the first low cost carrier to start operations to airports such as Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, Yerevan in Armenia and Baku in Azerbaijan.
The carrier recently also recently upgraded its in-flight entertainment (IFE) system, offering more movies, TV programmes and audio than any other carrier in its class.
The airline, which is now the second-largest carrier operating out of Dubai International Airport, currently operates a fleet of 21 Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Emirates allays A380 safety fears
posted on 09/02/2012
 Emirates airline, the world's fastest growing carrier and the biggest customer for Airbus A380, said on Wednesday that the aircraft remain fully airworthy and pose no risk to flight safety as European air safety regulators ordered inspections of the entire fleet of the superjumbo jets for tiny cracks in a wing component.
Responding to an airworthiness directive issued Airbus and the European Aviation Safety Agency, the Dubai-based carrier said it had inspected four of its A380s and that the new directive doesn't affect operations.
On Wednesday, airlines were ordered to inspect all operating A380 aircraft, as Europe's air safety regulator escalated required checks after the wings of the double-decker superjumbo developed cracks. The directive by the European Aviation Safety Agency addresses all 68 A380s in operation, after the watchdog had initially targeted only the 20 most heavily used airliners in a previous request. Carriers must report their inspections to Airbus, which said the plane remains safe to fly.
"In response to the updated airworthiness directive issued on February 8, 2012 by aircraft manufacturer Airbus and the European Aviation Safety Agency Emirates is fully complying,” the airline said in a statement to Khaleej Times.
"To date, we have inspected four aircraft. The directive poses no impact on Emirates operations. The aircraft remain fully airworthy and pose no risk to flight safety as affirmed by EASA and Airbus. The safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority.”
Emirates has ordered 90 of the US$375 million jetliner, and already operates 20 in its fleet. Qantas Airways is the second-largest customer for the A380, with 12. The Australian carrier pulled one A380 out of service today after finding the fissures in the wings.
The hairline cracks stem from an assembly process that Airbus has said it knows how to fix. The company is seeking to protect the reputation of its flagship aircraft, whose popularity with passengers has yet to translate into profitability for the manufacturer. Singapore Airlines, the first operator of the aircraft in 2007, said it has repaired most of the 10 jets in its fleet and put them back into service.
The discovery of the cracks is linked to an incident in November 2010, when an engine on a Qantas A380 exploded in mid flight and sent shrapnel through the wing. Inspections of the aircraft later revealed the existence of tiny cracks in the wing, prompting Airbus to advise a review of other planes.
"This condition, if not detected and corrected, may lead to reduction of the structural integrity of the aeroplane,” Cologne-based EASA said in its directive. The wings for the A380 are built in Broughton in the UK, where Airbus employs more than 5,000 people. The structures are partly made from carbon fibre material and are transported by road and river to the sea from where they are shipped to the Airbus headquarters in Toulouse for final assembly. – Khaleej Times
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Abu Dhabi Fund for Development provides Dh55 million for a vital developmental project in Kirgizstan
posted on 09/02/2012
Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has signed an agreement to provide AED 55 million as a concessionary loan to Kirgizstan's government.
The fund will be used in financing Bishkek-Torugart highway. This initiative came as a part of ADFD's ongoing efforts to support stability and the development process in developing countries as well as, ensuring the decent life for the local community there.
The loan agreement was signed by His Excellency Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Acting Director General of ADFD and Sultanov Kalykbek Imanalievich, Minister of Transport and Communications in Kirgizstan. The signing ceremony was held in the Minister of Transportation in Kirgizstan.
The project which ADFD finances 22% of its total value, aims to support the Kirgizstan's economic through the improvement of the road and transportation sector.
Commenting on the event, Director General of ADFD said that "the highway will play an essential role in connecting the capital Bishkek in the north with various parts of the country in the south and southwest up to the borders with China. Moreover, the road will raise the economic, social development, facilitating the movement of people and goods and improves the traffic safety in that region".
The ADFD's initiative in contributing to finance this vital project reflects the leadership's visionary directives to help developing countries and ensuring better living necessities to their people, and to activate the process of social and economic growth there.
Highlighting the importance of the road in Kirgizstan's developmental, Al Suwaidi add that, "the signed agreement embodies the commitment that ADFD has toward the developing world by providing the needs of sustainable development, especially in areas of low development rate.
Sultanov Imanalievich noted that the initiative launched by ADFD toward his country through providing the financial assistance for the implementation of the project will help to supplement the living and social needs of the community who has suffered from the devastating effects of the war in the past years. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Sharjah Media Centre launches bilingual website for Government Communication Forum
posted on 09/02/2012
 Sharjah Media Centre, the communications arm of the government of Sharjah, has launched a bilingual (English and Arabic) website for the Government Communication Forum.
The flagship event of Sharjah Media Centre, the first Government Communication Forum (GCF 2012) will be held from 26 - 27 February at the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI). The event is envisioned to benchmark the emirate's government communication standards against global best practices and examine ways for infusing fresh methodologies into the communication mechanism among government departments in Sharjah.
The newly launched GCF portal offers details on the forum's two-day agenda and lists speakers that will headline the sessions. The itinerary and biographies of the guest speakers are also available on an event-specific brochure that can be printed and downloaded. The portal will continually post updates about the Government Communication Forum, which can be accessed through browsing the Media Centre tab that is linked to a fully integrated library featuring press releases, images and videos related to the event.
The creatively designed website offers easy navigation options. In addition to featuring a countdown interface in the run up to the forum, the website displays an interactive map to the event's venue, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI). - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Sky News Arabia ready for broadcast
posted on 09/02/2012
 Sky News Arabia, the Arabic TV news station scheduled for launch this spring, has moved into its Abu Dhabi studio and says rehearsals will begin this month.
More than 100 tonnes of broadcast equipment have been installed in the studio and all editorial staff are in place, the channel said.
"All the journalists, technical and studio staff have been recruited, and they're testing the equipment and studio," said Nart Bouran, the head of Sky News Arabia. "We're almost ready to start rehearsing."
Mr Bouran said that the launch of the free-to-air station, set for the spring, was on track. He declined to specify a date, although industry sources say the channel is likely to begin broadcasting in April.
The 24-hour station - which will broadcast in both standard and high-definition - is based at twofour54, the Abu Dhabi media hub.
Mr Bouran said that all editorial staff were in place, with only another 70 back-office staff required.
"We have 300 people on board at the moment," he said. "We're aiming to reach about 370 by launch."
The line-up of 22 presenters will be announced soon - and will include some well-known names, he added. "There are some household names, some fresh faces, and some well-known faces. It's a good mix of people from all over … the Arab world," Mr Bouran said.
Sky News Arabia will vie for audience share and advertising revenues with the two incumbent news stations, Al Jazeera and Al Arabiya.
It will also compete with Alarab, a station being launched by the Saudi Arabian billionaire Prince Al Waleed bin Talal, which is set to launch in December and will be based in Bahrain.
The four news stations will compete for advertising in a crowded TV market worth a total of just US$1 billion (Dh3.67bn).
Mr Bouran said that the expected launch of Alarab had not affected the launch plans of Sky News Arabia. "The whole strategy of what we're doing and how we're doing it has been consistent," he said.
Sky News Arabia is a joint venture between Abu Dhabi Media Investment and British Sky Broadcasting, which owns the Sky News brand.
The Arabic-language station will have 12 dedicated bureaus, in cities such as Cairo, London, Washington, Beirut, Baghdad, Islamabad and Gaza.
"Sky News Arabia has 12 bureaus, but we also have nine Sky UK bureaus that we're connected with," Mr Bouran said. "We do have earmarked a bureau in Damascus as well, at some point. We'll need to see how we can set it up, and when we can set it up. It's a very important story, and we will try to be on the inside in Syria." – The National
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Salaam Street and Tunnel wins project of the year at Middle East Electricity awards
posted on 09/02/2012
 Abu Dhabi Municipality and Ruud Lighting Arabia were the standout winners at the Middle East Electricity Awards, taking home the Project of the Year Award for their joint collaboration on the Salaam Street and Tunnel project in the UAE capital.
Contested by 29 departments, teams and organisations across six different categories, the awards were a new addition to Middle East Electricity, which opened yesterday (7 February) at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, and concludes tomorrow (9 February).
Ruud Lighting Arabia supplied the municipality with 5,016 interior zone LED luminaires which were installed along the 2.6km Salaam Street Tunnel to replace existing High Pressure Sodium (HPS) lights. The new fixtures reduce energy consumption by 60 per cent and deliver 80,000 of burning hours compared to 10,000 burning hours of the incumbent HPS fixtures.
Other notable winners of the evening included global leaders in power and automation technologies ABB Power for their ABB Transmission & Distribution project in the CSR Initiative of the Year category; and CIMCON Software for their LightingGale Intelligent Streetlight Management System' in the Best Innovation or Technology of the Year category.
CIMCON's LightingGale is an automated, intelligent street light management system that automatically adjusts lighting for traditional and LED lights where and when it is needed, thereby reducing carbon dioxide emissions by up to 30 per cent and saving 50 per cent on maintenance costs. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Department of Economic Development issues 14,360 licences In 2011
posted on 09/02/2012
Key economic sectors and economic activity in Dubai remained stable and growing in 2011, with the Department of Economic Development (DED) issuing 14,360 business licenses during the year. The professional services sector, at seven per cent, accounted for the most number of licenses in 2011 followed by the tourism sector at five per cent.
The top ten business activities in Dubai accounted for 12,527 - 24.8 per cent - of the 50,589 activities for which licenses were issued in 2011, compared to a share of 11,733 in a total of 46,287 licensed activities in 2010. General trade led the list of the top 10 licensed activities in the commercial category with 1,799 licences issued in 2011, compared to 1,543 licenses in 2010. Dyes '&' paints; carpentry and flooring '&' tiling were the other business activities that showed significant growth last year.
The total number of amended licenses' in 2011 was 58,129, an 18 per cent increase over 2010, while the total number of renewed licences grew four per cent to reach 97,355. The total number of transactions rose 25 per cent to 503,792 in 2011, from 402,081 in 2010.
The total number of commercial permits issued in 2011 was 39,898, while the total number of trade names reserved reached 52,136, a 15 per cent increase. DED also conducted 82,916 random and organised inspection visits in 2011, three per cent more compared to 2010. The number of trademarks protected by DED was 132 in 2011, a 30 per cent increase compared to 2010. Meanwhile, the number of commercial agencies that has been protected was 22 in 2011, an increase of 45 per cent over 2010.
The number of licenses issued to companies according to legal status and for investing in Dubai reached 14,361 in 2011. Limited liability companies topped the list of companies at 8,787 and a growth rate of 17%. There was also a 33 per cent increase in simple partnership firms and 300 per cent increase in government liaison offices.
The total number of licenses issued to the top ten foreign nationalities among investors in Dubai was 58, or 73 per cent of the total licenses issued (80) in this category during 2011, compared to 51 in 2010. British nationals topped the list with 14 licences in 2011, followed by Saudi Arabians, Indians and Bahrainis in that order. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Ministry of Interior launches English 999 magazine
posted on 09/02/2012
 The UAE Ministry of Interior (MoI) has launched the English 999 magazine, the first society and security monthly for non-Arabic speakers in the UAE and in the Middle East.
The new publication aims to create a strong bond between the police force and the public based on trust and integrity, and create an effective and vibrant channel of communication with non-Arabic speakers in the UAE.
The contents of the English 999 are comprehensive and varied, covering all the issues that are important to UAE residents' daily life. The magazine is focused on highlighting crucial security issues as part of the ministry's mission to ensure that the UAE remains a safe and progressive country.
The English 999 magazine is part of the Strategic Plan of the Ministry of the Interior to provide media coverage for the activities and efforts of the ministry and Abu Dhabi Police. It also aims to encourage the public to contribute to the reduction of crime in the UAE. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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SEHA wins European Award for Best Practices 2011 in the Gold Category
posted on 09/02/2012
 In recognition of its extraordinary achievements in customer satisfaction and outstanding results in quality management, Abu Dhabi Health Services Company PJSC (SEHA) won the European Award for Best Practices 2011 in the Gold Category. The recognition attests to SEHA's commitment to improve its quality management system by implementing the ESQR Quality Performance Model.
The award selection process was based not on self-nomination but rather a recommendation process lead a group of specialists and managers appointed by the European Awards Committee, who consulted with embassies and public sector bodies to nominate suitable candidates.
The ceremony was held in Brussels, Belgium, and was attended by Sulaiman Hamid Al Mazroui, Ambassador of the UAE to the Kingdom of Belgium. Renowned business leaders from different countries, academic experts and quality professionals participated in the convention. During its presentation at the ceremony, SEHA highlighted key achievements in the field of healthcare quality and customer service, including the implementation of transparent reporting systems, uniform standards throughout SEHA's network of healthcare providers, and open channels for feedback and customer suggestions.
The ESQR Quality Performance Model offers guidelines to organisations to achieve excellence in performance, and offers nine principles to meet customer expectations. These include Continuous Improvement, Leadership, Human Resources, Training, Process Management, Environment, Data Analysis, Strategic Planning, and Quality Control.
The ESQR Quality Performance Model implementation will allow SEHA to better research customer needs and increase effectiveness in the use of available resources to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty, motivate and involve employees in the process of continual improvement, to measure the capabilities of key activities and evaluate risks, and reduce costs while achieving predictability in excellence.
SEHA is committed to the development of a system of world-class healthcare in Abu Dhabi, and has implemented a number of initiatives to achieve that goal. The organisation has already received ISO 9001 certification for its quality management system, and has been recognised for consistency in excellence in several international forums. SEHA is also initiating transparent systems of reporting and benchmarking across its network of healthcare providers, and has implemented outreach campaigns to create open channels of customer feedback. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Cleaning campaign in Lulu Island
posted on 09/02/2012
 In cooperation between the Centre of Waste Management - Abu Dhabi and Critical National Infrastructure Authority, a massive cleaning campaign was launched yesterday in Lulu Island, which targeted and emphasised the importance of preserving the cleanness and safety of the local environment and especially the tourists' attractions locations.
Fifty students from Khadija Al Kubra School and 3 supervisors participated in the cleaning campaign. Environmental friendly bags and gloves were distributed to participants who collected around 1 ton of waste.
Participants expressed their delight with what they have accomplished which in turn emphasised their sense of belonging and social responsibility towards what they have practiced as a social behaviour that motivates a lot of stakeholders in the society to follow their steps, in order to preserve the beauty of the city and the safety of its environment.
The Centre of Waste Management has expressed appreciation and gratitude to all the volunteers who demonstrated the extent to which they want to interact positively with their community and their desire to drive their city to the highest levels possible to protect the environment, whilst sending a message to the public spending their holidays in these areas, not to litter in order to keep the environment clean and preserve the general appearance of the city. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Desert clean-up gets new impetus
posted on 09/02/2012
 The Desert clean-up campaign which was scheduled for last month but postponed in view of the mourning period announced after the death of the Sharjah Ruler's brother will be held tomorrow.
The campaign has been organised following a call by Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, on twitter to clean up the desert.
Organisers said that Sheikh Abdullah's call has touched the hearts of many people and has prompted many organisations to do their bit to protect the environment.
The desert is an important part of the UAE's culture and heritage and is home to hundreds of species of animals, reptiles, insects and plants. As such, it is of utmost importance to protect the desert and its ecology, the organisers said.
"The environment has several biomass or ecosystems that interact with each other, and the desert is one of those; so, any change in one will impact the other. We need to pay attention to all ecological receptors," Dr Fares Mohammad, professor of Environmental Sciences at Abu Dhabi University told Gulf News.
Recreational activities also leave unsightly residues. "Plastic bags, illegally dumped tyres, car batteries, and other forms of solid wastes cause the most damage. They are generally non-biodegradable," Dr Mohammad said.
Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi, and Chairman of Environment Agency — Abu Dhabi (EAD), launched a desert clean-up campaign last month.
Nine areas across the UAE are targeted for the clean-up campaign. At least 30 volunteers will be in charge of each area. – Gulf News (http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/environment/desert-clean-up-gets-new-impetus-1.978002)
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Four eland antelopes make their debut at Al Ain Zoo
posted on 09/02/2012
 Animal lovers are in for a treat after Al Ain Zoo took delivery of four eland antelopes from east and southern Africa.
Eland antelopes are considered to be among the slowest in the species but they make up for their sluggish nature with a remarkable ability to jump up to heights of 2.5 metres.
"We are delighted to announce the addition of four eland antelopes to the diverse array of African wildlife in the African Mixed Exhibit," an Al Ain Zoo spokesperson said.
Eland antelopes are spiral-horned and live in the savannah and plains of east and southern Africa. They are the largest antelopes on the African continent.
The African exhibit is one of the zoo's most popular exhibits, with a total of eight mammal species, which include the Nubian giraffe, the Southern White rhinoceros, Grant's zebra, the fringe-eared Oryx, the Mhorr gazelle, the Dama gazelle, the Thompson gazelle, as well as two bird species, that is, the marabou stock and ostrich. All animals roam freely on more than five hectares of open landscape.
Majid Al Qasimi, Al Ain Zoo assistant associate veterinary, said the addition of these antelopes provides an exciting opportunity for animal lovers across the country to encounter this beautiful species first-hand.
"Mixed species' exhibits are an excellent way to educate the public on the complexity of the interactions among different animal species of specific ecosystems," he added.
Elands are herbivores and usually eat grass, branches and leaves. They tend to be inactive during day because of the heat.
They feed for long periods of time at night, even in hot weather and sleep for long periods during the day. They can also conserve water by increasing their body temperatures.
Al Qasimi said eland antelopes are not endangered but their numbers are gradually decreasing owing to a loss of habitat loss — caused by expanding human settlements and poaching for their superior meat. – Gulf News
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WWE Raw World Tour hits Abu Dhabi
posted on 09/02/2012
 If you're looking for a rollercoaster ride packed to the rafters with rough and raw action in the ring, then look no further than the WWE Raw World Tour, on the rampage through Abu Dhabi for the first time ever this Thursday through to Saturday.
This is your chance to see moves such as an Anaconda Vise in action; the sheer madness of a Lie Detector as it crumples a steely man to the floor; and to see one guy make another Go To Sleep. These are wrestling moves not to be messed with, and ones that you'll see up close over the coming days.
The matchcard each night, which will feature a handful of WWE Superstars past and present is packed with muscle, mischief, and a whole lot of heavy metal to guarantee that whether you're a fan or not you'll be in for a hair-raising treat.
"WWE is the biggest name in family entertainment today,” said Patrick Talty, General Manager of the Zayed Sports City. "Their superstars are some of the most talented performers in the world. The fans will not be disappointed when they get to experience all the WWE excitement live and in person. We are proud to be hosting their inaugural trip to Abu Dhabi.”
"Awesome One” The Miz, who hopes to again defend his skull-crushing title at the event this weekend sold the show to us best: "You can expect the unexpected. WWE is one of those types of brands where you never know what's going to happen and you know you're going to get a great show all three nights.
"You can expect to see just an amazing show of these larger-than-life characters, these soap opera-like storylines, a cross between a rock concert, an improved comedy show and an athletic sport all wrapped up into one mega event, and it is going to be an incredible show, and it's going to be fun.”
He will be joined by other major WWE performers the ‘Dr. of Thuganomics' the mighty John Cena, who will no doubt whip out his signature finishing move the ‘Attitude Adjustment'; United States Champion R Truth, bringing along high-octane offence and crazy rap stylings; Chicago born-and-bred WWE Champion CM Punk; Dolph Ziggler; Kofi Kingston; Jack Swagger; Kane; Mason Ryan and more, plus a special appearance by WWE veteran, musician and radio and TV personality Chris Jericho. – Sports 360°
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Dubai World Cup hopefuls get ideal Meydan workout
posted on 09/02/2012
 Dubai World Cup hopefuls Bold Silvano, Prince Bishop, Master Of Hounds and Dubai Prince are among the horses in action at Meydan this evening as the Dubai World Cup Carnival steps up a gear.
The Group 2 Maktoum Challenge II, over 1900m on Tapeta, is the Thoroughbred feature and all eyes will be on Godolphin's Dubai Prince making his UAE debut and only the third start for Mahmood Al Zarooni.
Unbeaten at two, when trained in Ireland by Dermot Weld for HH Sheikh Mohammed, he switched to Godolphin for 2011 but only ran twice after an injury ravaged season.
He won well on his first start in a Newbury conditions race but was never dangerous in the Group 1 Champion Stakes subsequently.
This will be his first start since, but he has the services of Frankie Dettori in the saddle from five runners trained by Godolphin handlers.
Stable companion Biondetti will be ridden by Mickael Barzalona, and Al Zarooni said: "Biondetti was a Group 1 winner for us in 2010 but only ran twice last year, as did Dubai Prince. They are both nice horses and two we are really looking forward to running at this year's Carnival.”
Fellow Godolphin handler Saeed bin Suroor has saddled the winner of this race seven times, including with subsequent Dubai World Cup winner Moon Ballad in 2003. He has three runners this time with Prince Bishop, 10th in the 2011 Dubai World Cup, looking the main hope under Silvestre De Sousa.
Dettori was in the saddle when the 5yo was the ultra impressive winner of a handicap on his return three weeks ago and the Italian has been in the saddle when stable companion Mendip has won on four occasions locally, so Dettori riding Dubai Prince does look significant.
South African Mike De Kock has a tremendous Carnival record since its inception in 2004, but one race he has not won is the Dubai World Cup. He relies on Master Of Hounds in this race and the 4yo looks a serious World Cup prospect after chasing home stable companion Musir in Maktoum Challenge I over an inadequate 1600m.
De Kock won this race last year with Bold Silvano, who makes his first start since in the Group 3 Firebreak Stakes over 1600m. Sadly ruled out of last year's World Cup through injury, De Kock is looking forward to getting him back on course and said: "We have always thought he was a genuine World Cup horse and it was a big shame he missed the race last year. Hopefully, we will get a chance this year to show just how good he is, and this is the first step.”
Like the Firebreak Stakes, the UAE 2000 Guineas is also over 1600m on Tapeta but restricted to the Classic generation (3yos). De Kock's Mickdaam makes plenty of appeal and Godolphin are again well represented with Kinglet and Rassam, but all three were behind Dark Matter in the trial over 1400m. Trained by Steven Burridge from Singapore, Dark Matter has also won a 1400m turf handicap since and Ted Durcan, in the saddle on both occasions, maintains the partnership.
The first race on a cracking card is the only Purebred Arabian contest, the 2400m Group 1 Maktoum Challenge II. HH Sheikh Hamdan has three runners with his first jockey Richard Hills choosing to ride the progressive Takaamul. Sahib Du Clos looks a big danger if recovered from his exertions from Abu Dhabi last Sunday but Albar Lotois looks the one to beat for trainer Eric Lemartinel who saddled Nieshan to win HH The President's Cup at Abu Dhabi last Sunday. – Sports 360°
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O Anuário completo dos EAU de 2008 em inglês e francês em formato pdf. Informação abrangente e actualizada sobre todos os aspectos dos EAU.
