| ....2000 11 27: MONDAY |
President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan returned home safely after recovering from a surgery he underwent in the United States. Sheikh Zayed was received at the airport by H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. Also present were Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Lt. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan, Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed al Nahyan, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mubarak bin Mohammed al Nahyan, Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Ruler's Representative in the Eastern Region and Deputy Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, Sheikh Saif bin Mohammed al Nahyan, Sheikh Surour bin Mohammed al Nahyan, Presidential Chamberlain, Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed al Nahyan, Sheikh Isa bin Zayed al Nahyan, Under Secretary of the Public Works Department, Major General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed al Nahyan, Interior Ministry's Under Secretary, Lt. Colonel Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed al Nahyan, Deputy Commander of the Emiri Guard, Sheikh Tahnoun Bin Zayed al Nahyan, Chairman of the President's Private Department, Sheikh Ahmed bin Zayed al Nahyan, Under Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Industry and Board Chairman of the Sheikh Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Works Organisation. Also present were Sheikh Falah bin Zayed al Nahyan, Sheikh Dhiyab bin Zayed al Nahyan, Director of Presidential Court, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al Nahyan, Minister of Information and Culture, Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa al Nahyan, Chief of the Crown Prince's Court, Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al Nahyan, Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan al Nahyan, Chief of Protocol and Guests Department, Sheikh Mohammed bin Butti al Hamed, Abu Dhabi Ruler's Representative in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Municipality and Town Planning Department, Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamed, President's Personal Advisor, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research. Sheikh Khalifa congratulated the President on his return in good health. The President's convoy then moved to Al Bahar palace where he was received by a lagre number of UAE citizens and residents as well as members of the UAE Women's Association and students from the Khawla bint al Azwar Military School. Arriving with Sheikh Zayed were Sheikh Saeed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Seaport Authority, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al Nahyan, Director General of the President's Office, Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed al Nahyan, Sheikh Omar bin Zayed al Nahyan, President's Military Aide-de-Camp and Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed al Nahyan. The Presidential Court thanked citizens and residents and asked them to postpone the celebrations for the President's return until the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Sheikh Zayed sent cables of greetings to leaders of Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Jordan and Bahrain while his plane was flying over their countries. (The Emirates News Agency, WAM)
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SULTAN HAILS ZAYED AS A GREAT LEADER
Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, praised President H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as a unique leader with insight calibre. '' The UAE, while celebrating the safe return of Sheikh Zayed, maker of the modern UAE, is living a rare moment of its glorious history under his prudent leadership,'' Sheikh Sultan said in a preface of a book entitled '' UAE joy at Sheikh Zayed's safety'' issued by the Zayed Centre for Co-ordination and Follow up. '' The Arab nation sees Sheikh Zayed as its voice, conscience and pulse,'' Sheikh Sultan said. Sheikh Sultan said that it is a historic moment that the sun rises with Sheikh Zayed among his sons and people. '' Sheikh Zayed's return will add a new momentum to the march of progress and prosperity,'' he added. The book is a true expression of happiness at the recovery and return of Sheikh Zayed at local, regional and international levels. The 91- page work is an expression of loyalty and allegiance of the UAE people to the visionary leader. (The Emirates News Agency, WAM)
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FNC STATEMENT ON ZAYED'S RETURN
The Federal National Council, FNC, thanked God for the recovery and safe return of President H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. In a statement its issued today on the occasion of Sheikh Zayed's return, the FNC praised the President for his unlimited support for the council. The statement wished Sheikh Zayed good health and long life. It also congratulated the UAE people on the occasion. (The Emirates News Agency, WAM)
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AJMAN RULER STATEMENT ON ZAYEDıS RETURN
H.H. Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, expressed his deep pleasure at the safe return home of President H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan after his recovery. The Ruler extended heart congratulations to their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Al Nahyan family and the UAE people. Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Ajman Crown Prince, thanked God for the recovery and safe return of Sheikh Zayed. '' The return of Sheikh Zayed, which coincides, with the advent of the holy month of Ramadan and the national day celebrations will bring joy to the whole people in the country,'' he said. (The Emirates News Agency, WAM)
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RULER'S REPRESENTATIVE STATEMENT ON
ZAYED'S RETURN
Sheikh Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, the Ruler's Representative in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Municipality and Town Planning Department, said that he was pleased with the safe return of President H.H. Sheikh Zayed Sultan Al Nahyan. '' Sheikh Zayed is a man of peace and staunch advocate for solidarity, co-operation and unity,'' Sheikh Mohammed said. He also congratulated their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates and H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, on the occasion. (The Emirates News Agency, WAM)
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OVERJOYED CAPITAL BURSTS INTO A MILLION
LIGHTS
Abu Dhabi burst forth in a million lights on Saturday as the capital city awaited President His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan in heightened anticipation. To one flying into the capital, it would seem like a city wrapped up in glistening presentation paper. Every street worth its name and every building worth its reputation was lit up in a multitude of colour and design to celebrate the return of Sheikh Zayed after an absence of over four months during which he had a successful kidney transplant surgery in Cleveland, USA. While the Muroor Road, Salaam Street and Hamdan interjection sported a blaze of competing colours, lights, flags and picture portraits of the President, the Corniche stole a march with its twinkling glitter compounded by the holidaying people, honking cars and flag -draped four wheelers screaming past in jubilant procession. It was a spontaneous outburst of popular emotion spawned by a deep sense of love and loyalty for the President who they nation holds so dear. "We will be doing this well into midnight," exclaimed an excited Abdullah Sayegh, driving along a carload of friends, singing and clapping along the Corniche. This was his way of trumpeting the arrival of Sheikh Zayed, the fist year HCT student said. While the streets were traffic clogged, the pavements, shopping arcades and wayside shops overflowed with people in celebratory mode. Mobile traffic vans were seen at busy interjections streamlining traffic and directing people onto pavements. The Isha prayers saw major mosques packed with the faithful offering thanksgiving prayers and preparing for Ramadan. (The Gulf Today)
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FIVE NATIONALS FLY GIANT FLAG FOR ZAYED
Five nationals made the ultimate patriotic statement today by fixing and flying a 200-metre long UAE flag along Airport Road. Their effort was part of celebrations to mark both the safe return home of President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the occasion of the UAE National Day. Saeed bin Saif, one of the five nationals said that the idea was to make the largest UAE flag in the world and raise it high into the sky. He said the idea was put together by Read Al Shallal, Suliam Qublan Matter Nazhaan Al Bustan, Saud Al Fawaz Al Duanidish and himself. He added that the flag was also made to express gratitude and appreciation for Sheikh Zayed. Said said that when the words fail to express the happiness and joy of the UAE people for Sheikh Zayedıs recovery, a flag becomes the best alternative. The flag itself is 200 metres long and 100 metres wide and took 31 workers some 5,952 hours to make using 20,000 metres of cloth. Five hundred workers toiled continuously to make wooden boards with 84,000 nails and 12 tons of metal pillars to build a base upon which the flag could be fixed. The 2.2 ton-flag could be seen opposite the Ministry of Interior building. Saif also said that the flag would be registered for entry into the Guinness Book of World Records. (The Gulf News)
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SHARJAH SETS UP SUPREME COUNCIL FOR
FAMILY
H. H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, today issued an Emiri Decree No. 24 setting up Family Supreme Council of Sharjah, FSC. The council, which works in the development, protection and welfare of families, will be an autonomous department and will have its own budget and administration, the decree said. It added that the Council will have a board, a chairman and deputy chairman. Sheikh Jawaher bint Mohammed al Qasimi, Wife of Sharjah Ruler and Chairwoman of the Sharjah Girls Clubs, said that the FSC was established in line with the great attention paid by the Ruler to importance of family coherence and sanctity in our culture. Meanwhile, the Sharjah Executive Council met here today under the Chairmanship of Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah. The Council congratulated President H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan for his safe return to the country. It also cabled greetings to the President, Sharjah Ruler and other Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates on the advent of the holy month of Ramadan. The Council discussed a number of topics on its agenda and made appropriate decisions on them. (The Emirates News Agency, WAM)
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The Heritage Fort constructed by ADMA-OPCO, was inaugurated yesterday under the patronage of Yousef Omeir bin Yousef, Secretary General of the Supreme Petroleum Council and Chief Executive Officer, ADNOC. The Heritage Fort has been constructed to celebrate the safe return to the UAE of President H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the 29th anniversary of the UAE National Day, according to a press release issued today. The fort has become a popular attraction to company employees and families and also to Abu Dhabi residents. It has been built in traditional style and consists of various corners and exhibits depicting how life was in the pre-oil era. Visitors can tour the miniature village inside the fort, which includes an old souk, a traditional house and watch local craftsmen demonstrating their skills. This year's village includes an exhibition showing old photographs of ADMA-OPCO and a model of falajı (waterway). A large portrait of Sheikh Zayed has been out up in the Bait Al Shaarı (the tent like Arab house), while other attractions include an exhibition of handicrafts by the Abu Dhabi Women's Society, the release said. (The Emirates News Agency, WAM)
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ZAYED CHARITABLE ORGANISATION ANNOUNCES
PROJECTS
Sheikh Ahmed bin Zayed al Nahyan, Chairman of the Sheikh Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Works Organisation, ZCHWO, has announced a number of projects to be carried out by the organisation in a number of countries around the world. Chairing the 15th session of the organisation's Board of Directors, Sheikh Ahmed said that the Board and staff of the organisation were delighted by the safe return of President H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan to the UAE. Sheikh Ahmed also congratulated the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates on the President's return and the advent of the holy month of Ramadan. He extended similar congratulations to H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. Sheikh Ahmed said that the organisation decided to launch a new humanitarian project on the occasion of the safe return of Sheikh Zayed. Called ³Zayed's benefaction springs². The project will implemented in five years and will cover a number of African countries south of the Sahara. He said that other projects approved by the meeting included a Dh43 million Diabetes Centre to be built in the UAE. The centre will be the first of its kind in the region to provide necessary medical treatment and advice to diabetic patients the number of whom have increased in the country over the years. He added that it was reported that 15% of the UAE people suffer from the disease which is a major cause of other health calamities such as blindness and kidney failure. Sheikh Ahmed added that the organisation also allocated US$ 1 million to be distributed to needy people in the country. He said that an assistance of US$35,000 will be extended to a number of African universities and research centres, particularly those which fall under the umbrella of the Organisation of Islamic Conference. The organisation also approved Dh1 million for the maintenance of Al Mashhad Mosque in Yemen, which was built by Sheikh Zayed in 1992. A total of US$774,000 was also passed for fifty welfare centres in the country. The organisation also approved US$2.5 million for relief projects in a number of world countries including Bosnia-Herzegovena, Kosovo and others. Sheikh Ahmed also announced the completion of three mosques in Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah. The mosques are the largest in the UAE with each holding 3400 worshippers at a time. Projects completed by the organisation abroad include a mosque in Britain and a girlıs school in New Zealand. Sheikh Ahmed thanked Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Khalifa for supporting the organisation in all its activities. He also thanked the associations, Departments and firms which had contributed to all the projects implemented by the organisation. (The Emirates News Agency, WAM)
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ZAYED AWARD BY END OF RAMADAN
Dubai Crown Prince and UAE Defence Minister General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum expressed on Sunday his satisfaction at the academic and intellectual level of the chairman and members of the jury of Sheikh Zayed International Prize for the Environment. Sheikh Mohammed, who made his remarks during a meeting with the international experts, praised the efforts made by the jury to select the three winners of the $1 million award. Chairman of the jury Dr Klaus Toepfer, who is also executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme, briefed Sheikh Mohammed on the jury's report on the method of selecting the first three winners out of 20 eligible nominees. Award sources said the names of the winners would be announced by the end of Ramadan. (The Emirates News Agency, WAM)
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DH300M TOURIST COMPLEX TO BE SET UP
IN AL AQQAH
A Dh300 million tourist complex will be set up in the Al Aqqah area in Fujairah, following the signing of a contract between the Fujairah Tourism Bureau and the Tui Group of Hotels of Germany. The project will be located on 200,000 square metres near Al Aqqah village, and may include more than three hotels and related leisure facilities. Construction is expected to start at the end of 2001. The first 4-star hotel of this project, with 500 rooms, will be built at a cost of around Dh120 million. It is expected to be completed in two years. The whole project is expected to cost around Dh300 million. The Al Aqqah area is around one million square metres with a charming landscape and an attractive sandy beach. The area will have different hotels including the Le Meridien Fujairah Hotel at a cost of Dh150 million; a hotel to be built by the Rotana Group at a cost of Dh60 million; and another to be built by Abu Dhabi National Hotels at Dh70 million. Two more will also be built in the same area by Al Fahim Group and the Al Mulla Group, who already possess the land. (The Gulf News)
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E-VISION TIES UP WITH DEVELOPMENT BOARD
E-Vision, the wholly owned ETISALAT subsidiary will provide residents of buildings owned and managed by the Dubai Development Board with cable television and multimedia services. The two signed a memorandum of understanding, the first by E-Vision with another government body. The new buildings include five or six finished within the last three months and sixty-five under construction. All necessary technical specifications and requirements needed for installation of service connections are ready in the new buildings. E-Vision will be responsible for laying and maintaining the required equipment and providing the service to residents in association with ETISALAT. The Development Board will provide all necessary assistance to E-Vision for timely fulfilment of the project. By June, E-Vision plans to provide a total of 20,000 units in Dubai and Abu Dhabi 10,000 each with the services. E-Vision has 65 channels, with a childrenıs movie and documentary channels to be included in the near future. An electronic programmes directory and games will also be introduced within the coming two months. The network provides analogue and digital programming, interactive audio/video and pay per view services. (The Gulf News)
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Department External Information Ministry of Information and Culture P.O. Box 17, Abu Dhabi E-Mail: mininfex@emirates.net.ae Tel: 009712-4452922 Fax: >009712-4450458
PLEASE NOTE: The items covered in this bulletin do not necessarily reflect the official view of the UAE Government. Rather, they form a UAE-related digest of reports from the local press and publication