Posts Tagged ‘India’

Life in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the second largest city in the UAE and serves as a seat for UAE Government. It has grown to be a cosmopolitan city and is one of the most advanced cities in Arab today. Being the capital of UAE, it is the center of political, industrial, cultural and commercial activities of the country. The number of jobs in Abu Dhabi is huge and the lifestyle offered is excellent, thus, making it one of the best Gulf cities for expatriates to work in. It is always suggested that if one is planning to acquire a job in Abu Dhabi or in any other Gulf city, one should gather more information about the city’s culture and lifestyle. One needs to know about the kind of accommodation, transportation system, cost of living, education for children, city whereabouts, important locations, etc. before arriving in the city. It becomes more vital to be conscious of the know how of the city if one relocates with family, in order to settle down comfortably and adapt to the city’s requirements. Abu Dhabi has a great strategic importance in UAE and enjoys nearly 9% of world’s oil reserves.

The economy of the country is thus heavily dependent on oil and gas industry. Most of the people who wish to join a company in Abu Dhabi land up with a job in oil and gas sector. It being the largest of all industries, the foreign workforce has grown considerably in the last ten years. Employment options in other sectors are also coming up like jobs in banking, jobs in hospitality, jobs in IT and jobs in healthcare. A large number of trained and skilled personnel are hired in such industries from across the world, chiefly from countries like India, Philippines, UK and other European nations. The presence of varied nationalities in the city gives life in Abu Dhabi a cosmopolitan touch and an eclectic appeal. One can apply for Jobs in Abu Dhabi through Gulf news classifieds or even online through recruitment companies, consultants and agencies.

Abu Dhabi is a ninety minutes drive from Dubai but is much more peaceful than the Dubai state. It is a beautiful Middle Eastern city with a lot of vibrancy and dynamism. Abu Dhabi offers a welcoming atmosphere to the foreign workforce by presenting a modern yet culturally focused lifestyle. It is a perfect place to spend time with your family under warmth and luxury. The climate is generally pleasant and the bright sun can be seen throughout the year. Temperature is mildest from October to April with scorching heat and high levels of humidity in summers. The cities in Gulf like Abu Dhabi, Doha, Bahrain, etc are popular among expatriates for their lucrative jobs with high salaries and welcoming lifestyle. The cost of living in Abu Dhabi is not very high since facilities of accommodation and transportation are generally sponsored by the employer.

The only mode of travel in the city is by road, one has to either hire a cab or take a bus to reach other parts of the city. One can even buy own vehicles as buying and selling of cars is convenient in Abu Dhabi. The office PRO offers great help in providing details of the life in Abu Dhabi. For accommodation, the only option available to expatriates is of renting the property. This is because the government discourages the outsiders from buying property in the city unlike in Dubai. It is recommended that before taking up Abu Dhabi jobs, one must check if accommodation is paid or not as living on one’s own can turn out to be an expensive deal. Abu Dhabi is a safe city for women but they are advised to dress modestly to avoid inviting unnecessary attention. It, in fact, provides various sources of recreation with an active night life that lets one enjoy movies, clubbing, games or some other interests. The crime rate of the city is also very low. Abu Dhabi can be an ultimate place to live and work on one’s own term and conditions.

Dubai And Abu Dhabi’S Common Meltdown Woes

As the world awakens to its first recession in the 21st century, the two main business hubs of the Persian Gulf region, namely Abu Dhabi and Dubai, have also awakened to its repercussions in their own backyard. The two cities, which saw remarkable growth post-1990, do realize today, they will have to work for a common stake in the years to come. Neither Abu Dhabi nor Dubai could think of bracing through these testing periods without calling the other to join in. The two cities, with their commerce and landmarks, which include Abu Dhabi hotels and hotels in Dubai, are like two veins running the development through the whole of the UAE and Middle East. None of these could be separated or made to survive without the other.

These two cities have galvanized the ethnic Arabs and the expatriates alike into unitedly working for a common dream, thus paving a way for immense economic and urban development in the region, in the past two decades. Nothing could be predicted how much the present economic meltdown might affect the Gulf in years ahead, but the signs are ominous with a slowing down of the reality and tourism sectors. Abu Dhabi hotels and hotels in Dubai have recorded low occupancy in the recent months in contrast to their earlier bullish collections.

It is reported now that up to three fourth of Dubai’s key developments might either be delayed or shelved due to the ongoing meltdown of the world commerce. Dubai’s freehold properties have taken the brunt of this causality, and many of those who earlier bought luxurious villas and apartments to make quick returns are now counting their losses and the time it might take them to break-even. Large scale job cuts have added to this spiraling woe and a frenzied disinvestment by the small yet noticeable number of expatriates leaving the city is adding to further confusion. With reality going down, the hospitality sector is not unaffected either, which includes Abu Dhabi hotels and hotels in Dubai.

Dubai may feel the heat more as compared to Abu Dhabi, if the recession deepened any further worldwide. Two factors might work in Abu Dhabi’s favor here: First, its moderate opening to construction mania as compared to Dubai, and second, its larger oil-reserves, which it can turn back to anytime during hardships. What experts foresee as a result, is the possibility of Abu Dhabi becoming Dubai’s savior, if the meltdown worsened further. The latter might have to take the brunt of the slowdown due to its massive expansion in the real estate – which includes villas, apartments and hotels in Dubai – and duty-free commodities, both having been hit worldwide now. Abu Dhabi’s real estate, which consists of an equally impressive array of apartment blocks, villas and Abu Dhabi hotels, is not as much overheated as it might be in its sibling’s case.

As the recession takes its toll further, a section of the expatriates may have to return back to their native countries, but others will stay on and face the crisis together with the ethnic Arabs, one hopes. Interestingly, many used to stay in Dubai hotels and other freehold properties and travel daily to Abu Dhabi for their vocations. While the overall mood for staying in the UAE may have been hit adversely due to recession, the cash counters for Abu Dhabi hotels have not yet dried up as abundantly as in the case of hotels in Dubai. Abu Dhabi hotels continue to enjoy a favorable business from many travelers even today.

Zayed Book Award honours Sultan Al-Qasimi as Cultural Personality of the Year

Abu Dhabi, 3rd March 2010 His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, was honoured today by the Zayed Book Award as the Cultural Personality of the year 2010 in its fourth edition.

The Award honours prominent figures for their unique contributions to the advancement of the Arab culture, and for works that portray tolerance and promote peaceful coexistence.

Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, honoured Sheikh Sultan in a glittering award-giving ceremony held at the Emirates Palace.

The accolade was in recognition of His Highness’s generous contributions in promoting the Arabic culture and nourishing the Arabic Literature in the the Arab World. Throughout three decades, Sheikh Sultan has formulated the cultural scheme of the Emirate of Sharjah driven by the fundamental role of culture in the development of the community, and ordered the establishment of several cultural institutions in view of fulfilling his vision. The massive cultural projects in the Emirate of Sharjah support conservation of cultural heritage and active interaction with other cultures. In addition, His Highness has written several books in history, social sciences and humanities.

The award-giving ceremony was attended by Sheikh Suktan bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH), HE Mohammed bin Dhaen Al Hamili, Minister of Energy, HE Abdul Rahman Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, Mugheir Khamis Al Khaili, Director of Abu Dhabi Education Council and Mohammed Khalaf Al Mazrouie, Director of ADACH.

A galaxy of Sheikhs, Arab and foreign diplomats, intellectuals, writers, thinkers and artists were also present.

About Dr. Al Qasimi

Sheikh Sultan bin Mohamed Al-Qassimi III was born on 2 July 1939 in Sharjah. He is the Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and current ruler of Sharjah. He is the third ruler of Sharjah to bear this name. He has ruled Sharjah since 1972, apart from a 6-day period in 1987 (17 June 1987 – 23 June 1987).

His most recent book, entitled “Sard Al That” سرد الذات, details the Sharjah Ruler’s life, from the 1940s to the 1970s. It documents historical events and provides information on major milestones in the emirate of Sharjah, the Persian Gulf and the Arab World including the spread of Arab nationalism, and the fast cultural and educational progress of the emirate. “In sharing my autobiography, I hope readers will get to relive my experiences vicariously, and know more about that historical period. The vast legacy of heritage and the people’s attachment to special landmarks like Sharjah Fort did not only help them define their personality but has given Sharjah a unique cultural identity,” remarked His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan on Sard Al That سرد الذات.

He has also written a book titled “The Myth of Arab Piracy in the Gulf” (1986) in which he argues that the East India Company was determined to increase its share of Persian Gulf trade by all possible means and principally by the accusation of piracy and the need to fight it. In his book, structured in five sections, the Persian Gulf in the eighteenth century, the accusations of ‘Piracy’ (1797-1806), the attack by the British on Rās al-Khaimah (1809), negotiations and treaty (1814) and the destruction of the Qawāsim (1819), Al-Qāssimī places emphasis on the machinations of Captain, rising to Brigadier General, John Malcolm envoy of the then Governor General of India 2nd Earl of Mornington and Captain David Seton the British Resident in Muscat and at one point discusses Malcolm’s proposal for a base in the Persian Gulf first raised in 1800 and then again in 1808.

Al-Qāssimī states that Malcolm based his argument to his superiors not only on the necessity of a base for trade purposes but also as a defensive measure to protect India against European that is French plans.

For the Centenary of World Scouting, and the Golden Jubilee of UAE Scout Movement, HRH wrote the book “The Genesis of the Scout Movement in Sharjah”, been himself a dedicated Scout as so a regular sponsor of groups and different gatherings and activities, (i.e. the 2008 International Gathering of Scouting and Humanitarian Actions[1]. In this book, as a conclusion he said: “(…) To the leaders of all Scout movements worldwide, who have kept their promise, we say: “You are doing one of the noblest and influential jobs by providing constructive education to young people”.

42 Million date palms planted in UAE to change the color of the desert landscape

Al Ain, 3 March 2010 Under the towering leadership of H.H. The President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahayan, there have been continued efforts to increase UAE dates productivity in order to make better use of the date palm industry and to produce an agricultural leap that has changed the face of the UAE desert. This will be point of special attention at the Fourth International Date Palm Conference which will illustrate the special attention and priority given by His Highness to this important economic sector.

The International Date Palm Conference is the fourth one in a series of international conferences organized by UAE during the last 11 years. The previous conferences were held in March 08 -10, 1998, & March 25 – 27, 2001, and 19 – 21 February 2006.

Date palm scientists, experts, and senior official! s from around the world will be able to exchange their know-how and experiences. The Honorable Ministers of Agriculture of the GCC member states will be invited to attend the conference in order to disseminate the up-to-date knowledge and recommendations at the official level.

Nearly 300 participants from 40 countries and several international organizations have already confirmed their participation to the Fourth International Date Palm Conference. Interesting abstracts are being submitted by participants from the following countries: Albania, Algeria, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Canada, Costa Rica, Egypt, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Jordan, K.S.A, Kuwait, Libya, Malaysia, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Spain, Sudan, Syria,, Tunisia, Turkey, U.A.E, U.K, U.S.A and Yemen.

The objective of the conference is to provide an opportunity for updating scientific information on different aspects of the date palm production chain from farm to consumers. It is also a forum to compare the recent experiences in the United Arab Emirates with those of other date growing countries. Above all it is to foster international technical cooperation on different aspects of date palm production chain.

The theme of the conference is to explore new dimensions and challenges for sustainable date palm production under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahayan, President of UAE.

The conference will be in the international limelight due to the renowned speakers who will be attending the conference from all over the world. Besides there will also be senior officials from different date growing countries. A wide range of scientific subjects related to all aspects of date palm production will be presented. What makes this event much awaited event in haloed circles is: the scientific input from many countries of the world; innovative approach to scientific sessions; informational exhibition; and tours to the various sites of technical or tourist interest around United Arab Emirates.

The Conference has been slated to start from 15th of March at the Emirates Palace Hotel, Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi. The main subjects that will come under debate will be as follows: Current Status of Date Palm Cultivation in the World; UAE date palm cultivation experience; Impacts of date culture on the environment and desertification control; Date Palm Research and Development; Molecular and genetic engineering; Germplasm and propagation; Improved date palm cultural practices; Date palm protection – focus will be on the most important diseases, pests and major diseases of date palm; and physiological disorders.

With a view of enhancing the production and proliferation of date palm research in the UAE and rewarding those individuals and institutions that have contributed substantially to it – The Khalifa International Date Palm Award was set up.

The Award mission is to encourage people involved in cultivation of date palms: researchers, growers, exporters, whether individuals or institutions, and to honor figures engaged in the date palm industry at the local, regional and international levels.

The conference and the award are some of the radical steps that the government has undertaken to make UAE’s landscape abundant in more ways than one by bringing the desert soil alive with the ever-increasing date palm development. Earning a Guinness Book Award for planting the most number of date palms was no surprise last year for UAE.

More Details about the 4th International Date Conference

Proposed Duration & Venue

Duration: Monday – Wednesday 15 – 17 March 2010.
Venue: The Conference will be held in Abu Dhabi City.

Content

• Current Status of Date Palm Cultivation in the World,
• Molecular and genetic engineering,
• Germplasm,
• Propagation,
• Cultural Practices,
• Pests and Diseases Management,
• Post Harvest and Processing Technologies,
• Nutrition and Health
• Economics and Marketing,
• N.B: Several round tables and brainstorming meetings will be organized.
VII. Who Should Attend

The Fourth International Date Palm Conference is open to all people interested in date palm industries. The conference provides a forum for updating on current issue importance to this industry as well as information on new products and services. Participants will be from the public and private sectors who deal with the aspects of the date palm from producer through consumers.

Examples of the participants are:
• Date Palm Growers
• Executive Management of Grower Organizations
• Market Managers and International Traders
• Scientists of all aspects of Dates and Date Palm Cultivation
• Government Agencies and Departments
• Specialized Research and Development Centers
• Processors and Agro-industrialists
• Suppliers of Packages, Transport Operators, Chemicals, Fertilizers, Planting Material, Farm Equipment and Requisites
• Nutrition and Health Specialists
• Biotechnologists, Regulators and Consumers.

Booths

The following booths will be organized during the Conference:

1. Date Palm photo gallery with pictures and photos of the organized International competition.
2. Date Products and by-products.
3. Date Palm Extension Program illustrating modern cultural practices.
4. Control of the Red Palm Weevil.
5. Date palm research program in various fields.
6. National handicrafts made from date palm leaves and other by-products.
7. Modern Agricultural Machinery dealing with Date Palm Cultivation.
8. Date Palm Tissue Culture Propagation.
9. Date Palms and Food Security.

Conference Committees

High Committee

Dr. Abdulla Al-Khanbashi, Vice Chancellor of UAEU, Conference’ Chair.
Prof. Ghaleb Ali Alhadrami, Dean College of Food and Agriculture (UAEU). Chair Scientific Committee.
Prof. Abdelouahhab Zaid, Chief Technical Advisor, Director, UNDP-UAE University, Chair, Organizing Committee.

Scientific Committee

Prof. Ghaleb Ali Alhadrami, Dean, CFA, UAEU, Chair.
Dr. Mohammed Abdul Muhsen Salem, CFA, UAEU.
Prof. Mahmoud Abdulrahman Alafifi, CFA, UAEU.
Dr. Mohamed Gheblawi, CFA, UAEU.
Dr. Wissam Ibrahim, CFA, UAEU.
Dr. Ibrahim Omer Mohamed, CFA, UAEU.
Dr. Shyam S. Kurup, CFA, UAEU.
Prof. H. Hughes, Colorado State University, USA.
Dr. E. Blumwald, University of California Davis, USA.
Dr. E. Arias, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Italy.

Organizing Committee

Prof. Abdelouahhab Zaid, Director, DPRDU-UAEU, Chair.
Eng. Mouza Nasser Al Shamisi, DPRDU-UAEU.
Dr. Salih Abdu Al Sharaby, CFA, UAEU.
Dr. Ibrahim E.H. Belal, CFA, UAEU.
Dr. Abdel Wahed Husni Al-Amouri, CFA, UAEU.
Eng. Ali Mohamed Ali Antali, CFA, UAEU.
Eng. Galaleldin A. Ibnaouf, CFA, UAEU.
Eng. Aisha Al Jabri, CFA, UAEU.
Mr. Fadil Mohamed Al Amri, Director, Community Relations Dept., UAEU.
Mr. Salem Al Kaabi – Director, General Service Department, UAEU.
Mr. Mohamed Dissawi, Office of the Finance Auditor, UAEU.
Mr. Jihad K. Jihad – Printing Department, UAEU.
Mr. Mamdouh Haikal – Centre for Educational Technology (CET), UAEU.
Mr. Faraj Kotb Faraj – Centre for Educational Technology (CET), UAEU.
Mr. Moamar Abdel Ilah, Purchasing Dept., UAEU.
Mr. Yaqoob Yousuf, Community Relations Dept., UAEU.
Mr. Ali Mohamed Fadil, Community Relations Dept., UAEU.

Language of the Conference

Arabic and English.

Post Conference Tours

• The Emirates Date Factory – Al Saad
• Al Ain Date Oasis
• UAE University and Date Palm Tissue Culture Laboratory
• Other important sites and historic places.
The participation in these post conference tours will be on a voluntary basis and will take a full day (Thursday 18 March, 2010).

Conference Sponsors

United Arab Emirates
UAE University
Khalifa International Date Palm Award
Arab Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology.
Date Palm Friends Society
Date Palm Global Network
Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
United Nations Development Program
and other Organizations to be announced.

More details can be had from the following contact details.

Mr. Abdul Rasheed (Tel: +971 50 583 83 76 (mobile), +971 3 783 23 34 (Ext. 207) (office), Fax: +971 3 783 24 72, E-mail: rasheed.e@uaeu.ac.ae