NEWS FROM THE UAE
Excerpts from UAE Dailies
Traffic jams cost a massive Dh4.6 billion
Dubai - Jun 17: The cost of Dubai’s traffic jams to the economy has been calculated at Dh4.6 billion in a single year.
The congestion was made worse by the current shortage of public transport, said Adnan Al Hammadi, director of construction at the Roads and Transport Authority’s Rail Agency.
The number of journeys made each day was 4.4 million – but this was expected to rise to 14.3 million by 2020.
Private vehicles made up 50 per cent of the total traffic, while public transport accounted for 30 per cent.
But the RTA has drawn up ambitious plans aimed at encouraging people to use public transport, he told the Rail Infrastructure Mena 2007 Conference in Dubai.
The metro network will be enlarged to 318km and the tram network would extend to 270km.
Bus services would be increased to cover 3,000km and the marine transport network would be extended to 210km.
It was expected that the number of journeys made each day on the metro would rise to 359,000 by 2020, while tram trips would reach 145,000 in the same year.
“The main challenge the RTA faces is tackling traffic congestion,” he said.
“Investment in road projects is currently worth more than Dh7 billion.
“There are plans to increase the length of road networks by about 500km, construct 95 new interchanges, amend 25 current interchanges, dedicate lanes exclusive for buses, increase pedestrian crossings and raise the number of crossings on the Creek from 19 to 47 in 2008 and to 100 by 2020.”
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Bitten by the humidity bug
DUBAI — JUN 17: High humidity levels over the past few days have been making life uncomfortable for residents, especially the labour force in the UAE.
The Met office at Dubai International Airport yesterday recorded a maximum humidity of 94 per cent and minimum of 45, said forecaster Amna Yaseen. “The normal average humidity in June is a maximum of 70 per cent and minimum of 45. But this year, it has gone up drastically,” Amna said. The temperature yesterday was a maximum of 38 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 29 degrees. On Friday, Met office recorded a maximum of 45 degrees and a minimum of 43 while humidity stood at a maximum of 85 per cent and minimum of 30. In the next two days, conditions are expected to be similar with high temperature and high humidity levels.
“North-westerly wind flow from the Gulf has brought moisture to the atmosphere sending humidity level higher,” the forecaster added. “We are expecting fog in the morning for the coming days. However, it will not effect visibility level too much.”
Meanwhile, health experts have cautioned people, especially those working in the open, about infections caused by exposure to excessive heat.
Dr Ahmed of Al Noor Polyclinic said: “People working outside are vulnerable to either heat stroke or heat exhaustion.” He advised people to drink as much water as possible and go for frequent breaks under the shades.
KHALEEJ TIMES
Asianet’s Kannada channel goes on air
DUBAI — JUN 17: Asianet, a leading Malayalam television channel, unveiled a fourth channel — Asianet Suvarna.
The 24-hour Kannada Television channel in the general entertainment category will be launched today at 7am. Asianet Suvarna’s launch is set to coincide with the occasion of Suvarna Karnataka (50 years), the state is celebrating.
“With the tag line of ‘24-Carat manoranjane’, AsianetSuvarna will be a wholesome family entertainment channel with the best of daily soaps and serials, game shows and talk shows, movies and movie-based programmes, news and current affairs,” said Asianet Communications.
Asianet Suvarna is backed by a strong in-house production outfit and discerning Kannadigas can look forward to well-produced programmes presented in a refreshing way. The channel will have over 80 per cent of programming produced in house. With innovative game and talk shows in the schedule, Asianet Suvarna will telecast one of the most memorable historical stories — ‘Sangolli Rayanna’ every week between Monday and Thursday on prime time.
K. Madhavan, Vice-Chairman & Managing Director of Asianet Communications Ltd said: “Asianet Suvarna is the answer to quality Kannada television. Suvarna is the perfect gift for Suvarna Karnataka.
The channel will broadcast live news bulletins five times a day.
With a straightforward and focused approach, Asianet Suvarna news will be hosted by young and zestful news anchors, making it the most qualitative news experience in Kannada television.
KHALEEJ TIMES
Dubai - Family destroyed
Dubai - Jun 17: A woman who lost her two sons and her daughter-in-law in an accident as they walked home from a church service has been admitted to a psychiatric ward of a hospital overcome with grief. The Filipina mother, Elvira de San Jose, was informed of the death of her children shortly after Thursday night’s accident in Al Ain.
She was told that her sons JR, 20, Emmanuel, 22 and his wife Sharmaine, 22, had all been fatally injured in the town after being struck by a speeding vehicle. The three were returning from mass when a 4x4 vehicle ran into them as they crossed the road. Police are investigating the speed at which the car was being driven at at the time of the collision.
The 19-year-old Emirati driver is being treated in hospital for injuries and is currently under police guard. He had only recently obtained his driving licence, sources confirmed. A friend of the Filipino family told 7DAYS: “The mother has shown some suicidal tendencies so they are currently trying to calm her down in hospital. She was heard telling the nurses on duty, 'What shall I do with my life now that my children are all gone?' She is not well at the moment.”
A woman who shared accommodation with the bereaved mother said yesterday: “They were a really nice and pleasant family. The youngest boy had only recently arrived in the country on a visit visa and was looking for jobs here. It is terrible news for everyone.” The Philippine Embassy is now ensuring that the necessary documentation is processed in order to proceed with the repatriation of the bodies, according to Libran Cabactulan, Philippine Ambassador to the UAE.
He said: “Our officers from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration have visited the mother at the hospital. We will inform the relatives in Manila through our foreign affairs department. We will likewise work on the victims' compensation following this incident.”
SEVEN DAYS
Indian expatriates hail Pratibha’s candidature
DUBAI — Jun 17: Indian expatriates in the UAE hailed the move of ruling alliance in India to propose a woman, Pratibha Patil, as its presidential candidate, saying that it would uplift the country’s image.
A cross-section of Indian community members who spoke to Khaleej Times opined that the decision showed respect for women in India.
B.R. Shetty, prominent businessman in the UAE, said, “It is always good for women to be in the forefront. It always good for the image of the country.”
He added: “Pratibha Patil has already proved to be a good leader and this move will help to empower women in India.”
Kiran Sangani, member of governing board of Indian Business Promotion Council, said, “India is already known for its respect to women. Pratibha Patil is an ideal candidate as she already has a proven record as a leader.”
Biju Ninan, marketing head of Grey Matter Consulting Company, hailed the United Progressive Alliance government’s decision saying that Pratibha’s candidature is a sensible decision which will boost the country’s image. “India can be proud if she is elected as president,” he added.
KHALEEJ TIMES
Abu Dhabi to ban smoking in malls soon
ABU DHABI — Jun 17: The Abu Dhabi Municipality is planning to ban smoking in the capital’s shopping malls soon.
A draft law to this effect is currently being studied by municipality officials and it might take a month to complete the procedure, a municipality official told Khaleej Times yesterday.
According to the draft under study, shopping malls would have to designate a ‘smoking zone’ and people found smoking outside the ‘smoking zone’ in shopping malls would be fined Dh500 on the spot.
Shopping malls would be expected to put up ‘smoking not allowed’ signs to caution people against smoking.
According to the draft law, cafes, food outlets and restaurants in the malls, too, would have to designate areas for smokers. The municipality’s Public Services Section will monitor implementation of the rule.
“We will also issue advertisements in the media and put out posters and stickers cautioning people about the effects of smoking,” said Mohammed Zaytoun, senior architect in the City Image Section of the municipality.
A ban on smoking in beauty salons for men and women, and in health clubs is already in force since February. Any owner found violating the ban, is liable to pay Dh5,000 fine.
“However, we have not detected any violation in beauty salons and health clubs. Our inspectors regularly inspect these places,” said Omer Mohamed Al Hashmi, head of City Image Management Section in the municipality.
KHALEEJ TIMES
Impaired vision does not stop joyful Joel
DUBAI — Jun 17: Seventeen-year-old Joel Varghese looks like any other happy-go-lucky youngster. Bubbling with enthusiasm and always smiling, he seems content with life and comfortable with his surroundings.
It is hard to guess that this student from Our Own Indian School in Dubai, can hardly see what is ahead of him. In fact, Joel is able to see only faint images of the people around him, and can only recognise them by their voice. Joel, who is now in Grade XI, had poor vision from birth and gradually lost his sight over the years. “Till Grade VIII, I could read big letters and even wrote my own exams. But slowly, things got worse and now I can see mere shadows. I can’t recognise people,” he says.
For his SSLC exams, Joel needed special permission to use the help of a scribe to write his exams and interestingly, the boy scored an astounding 90 per cent in his board exams. His mother, Annie Varghese, is Joel’s biggest support. Apart from helping him memorise his lessons from photostat copies and a tape recorder, she writes his school exams, with, of course, the permission of the school’s management.
He has been in OOIS from the kindergarten stage and says his teachers, friends and the principal have always been encouraging and supportive of his endeavours.
While he did learn Braille, Joel feels it is not practical to use it in board exams because it would take longer to write his exams.
Joel’s optic nerves have not developed fully, says his father C.C. Varghese, and the family has been to the best doctors in India but no one has been able to restore his vision.
Joel’s parents are often pained by the small joys of life his son is missing out on, including playing cricket. “When we see such realities, we feel our son is entitled to be a part of all this. We sometimes feel he can’t cope with others just because of his eyesight.
“It is our fear that he might be hurt, makes us hold him back sometimes,” they say. However, his father concedes that Joel’s enthusiasm is hardly dampened by these thoughts. The youngster loves music and occasionally plays the piano in a church in Dubai, apart from practising the drums.
He also keeps a close tab on politics by listening to talk shows. While in school and at home, Joel does not need help to move around as they are extremely familiar surroundings.
However his classmates guide him when he has to board his school bus, or in the playground.
Interestingly, Joel volunteered to be a prefect this year and so far has shouldered his responsibilities well. “I have the determination to take on responsibilities and try my best to live up to the expectations of the people around me,” he says earnestly.
Even the school authorities are extremely happy to be associated with him. “His achievements inspire other children to look beyond their limitations. It teaches us that we can break away from our limitations,” says Aziz Akhtar, principal of OOIS.
The principal concedes that it is challenging for the school and the teachers as they have to make special arrangements for every exam and his notes. “However, he has gone beyond our expectations and he has proved that nothing is impossible,” Akhtar adds.
Joel’s ambition is to become a missionary and do his bit for the society. After he completes his schooling, he plans to return to India and pursue Arts in a regular college.
He is also hoping to learn to use the computer and get a grasp of special software that could aid him in his lessons in the future.
KHALEEJ TIMES
AC can’t be switched off to harass tenants
ABU DHABI - Jun 17: Landlords are not supposed to disconnect central air-conditioning or decline to carry out maintenance work with the objective of compelling tenants to accept an increase in rent, Jumaa Al Mansouri, director of the Rental Division at the Department of Social Services and Commercial Buildings-Abu Dhabi, told Khaleej Times.
Al Mansouri said UAE laws give tenants the right to demand appropriate compensation from the landlord in the event of suffering losses or harm to patients and children as a result of disconnection of air-conditioning, particularly during the summer season.
Meanwhile, Dhabi Ibrahim Furaihat, secretary of the Rent Disputes Settlement Committee, said, “The committee had received complaints with regard to non-functioning of AC in a bid to compel the tenants to accept the rise in rent.”
Once the committee receives a complaint, it informs the police, who force the landlord to turn on the AC, he added.
The committee, Furaihat said, is committed to the legal annual hike in rent which shouldn’t be more than 7 per cent.
A few days ago, the occupants of a building in Abu Dhabi had lodged a joint complaint with the Rent Disputes Settlement Committee about the breakdown of central AC system. The committee alerted the police which forced the landlord to put the AC in order.
KHALEEJ TIMES
Lucky number 7 fetches Dh11 million
ABU DHABI — Jun 17: The second auction of car number plates at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi yesterday, 52 distinguished numbers fetched a total of Dh45.5 million, according to Colonel Abdulrahaman Al Kamali, head of the Privatisation and Investment Department in the Abu Dhabi Police Headquarter.
The proceeds of the auction will go to Road Accidents Fund and projects for people of special needs. Local businessman Talal Khourywas bought number plate ‘7’ for Dh11 million. He also bought the number plate ‘50’ for Dh3 million. “I came today to participate in the event to help people with special needs and victims of road accidents,” Khoury said.
Among the 52 customised car plate numbers which went under the hammer were 7, 23, 97, 69, 50, 66, 38, 777, 150, 120, 600, 111, 1000, 2020, 8333, 4444, 33333, 10101, 23000 and 90000.
Youngest auctioneer
The youngest bidder at the auction was nine-year-old Abdullah bin Omair bin Yousef, who bid for numbers ‘97’ and ‘23’. Abdullah said, “I am very happy to help the victims and the children with special needs. Moreover, I succeeded in buying the two plates for Dh5,650,000.”
Saifee Rupawala, CEO of EMKE Group, bought the number plate ‘786’. Commenting on the participation, Rupawala said, “We are participating in this auction because it was held for a noble cause and we want to support the initiative taken by the government for helping road accidents victim and people with special needs. Also it is a very good chance to get your favourite number plate.”
“The two auctions in this season have generated Dh121.5million. All the amount will go towards charity works. The next auction will be held during the next holy month of Ramadan,” said Abdullah Al Manaaie, director of Emirates Auctions.
The auction was supported by the Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters and sponsored by the Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank and Emirates Palace.
KHALEEJ TIMES
Vacationers worried about homes safety
DUBAI, SHARJAH & AJMAN - Jun 17: Residents of Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman planning to go on summer vacation have expressed concern about the safety of their apartments and villas, following a large number of burglaries reported in the three emirates last year.
In Dubai last year, several complaints were lodged with various police stations by people who found their villas burgled in their absence. A series of robberies also took place in several apartments in Sharjah, including Al Nahda, Rolla, Al Qasimia and Buhaira Corniche areas.
Last year, Ajman Police reportedly busted a gang involved in thefts in several areas of the emirate.
Omer Al Matroushi, a resident of Al Hazan, Sharjah, who is planning to travel overseas with his family for the holiday period, said he was worried about the safety of his villa while he will be away.
Ibrahim Al Hamadi, a resident of Al Jarf area in Ajman, voiced similar concerns, alleging that last year several villas in his area were burgled by an African gang. The gang had created panic among residents, but it was later busted by Ajman Police, he pointed out.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Brigadier Abdul Jalil Mehdi, Deputy Director of Preventive Security Department of Dubai Police, said thieves target houses during summer months as many people go on vacation.
He said owners of houses should contact the nearest police station or inform the department through the Dubai Police website about their absence so that the police could keep an eye on their properties.
“This service is free of charge and anybody can apply. Home owners can submit their applications online or they can get hard copies in English or Arabic from any police station,” he said. “You can log on to www.dubaipolice.gov.ae and click on the key logo.”
He said burglaries made up only three per cent of the crimes committed during the last year.
Brig. Mehdi noted if the people took preventive measures they could prevent burglaries. Owners of houses should keep their houses locked properly when they travel so that burglars would find it difficult to break into the houses.
Besides, people should keep their valuables in banks or secured places. In addition, relatives or friends should also be alerted on their travel plans to keep a watch on their homes.
The police, he assured, will keep round-the-clock surveillance to monitor the area for any suspicious movements.
Brig. Mehdi said: “Sooner the police are informed about a theft the better, and it improves the chances of nabbing the thieves.”
Brig. Ali Alwan, Director-General of Ajman Police, said the new operations room, which began functioning recently, is equipped with most advanced cameras that could monitor all parts of the emirate.
The department is currently studying home security services during summer vacation and is planning to make the service available soon by linking houses and villas to the operations room.
The Anjad patrols in Sharjah, too, will be intensified in the residential areas to ensure security and prevent crimes during summer vacations, police said.
KHALEEJ TIMES
Jobs offered to ‘regularised’ workers
ABU DHABI — Jun 17: Sawaed Manpower Company (SMC) yesterday announced that it would accept workers who regularise their status during the three-month amnesty period, for recruitment in other companies.
“The large number of labourers who want to transfer their sponsorships will be acceptable to SMC,” said Obaid Saif Al Khemari, CEO of SMC, after signing of an agreement yesterday with SESCO, a Singaporean company for security, for the training of security personnel in the UAE.
The agreement will help SMC absorb workers locally instead of letting them go to their respective countries.
The company will supply manpower to two housing projects, one in Al Mafraq which requires 7,000 wokers, and the other in Mussafah that will accommodate about 25,000 workers.
KHALEEJ TIMES
Cinemas fully booked as UAE sways to the magic of Rajini
Dubai - Jun 17: Rajinikanth mania swept across the UAE yesterday, as fans of the South Indian film megastar flocked to cinemas screening his latest blockbuster.
Sivaji the Boss has already shattered box office records in India. At Dh72 million it is the most expensive film ever made in the country.
Tamil idol Rajinikanth, who began his career as a bus conductor, is the highest paid Indian actor. The hype and media coverage for the new film have reached fever pitch around the world.
Cinemas showing the movie in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah are fully booked for two weeks.
Many fans who flocked to the Galleria Complex in Dubai and Sharjah’s Concorde Theatre were unable to obtain tickets because of the soaring demand.
“I am lucky to have watched Sivaji the Boss on the first day of its release in Sharjah,” said resident Shekhar Ramamoorthy, 34, who is originally from Tamil Nadu.
“I got a ticket from a company that sponsored the first showing. The theatre was full and the ticket queue extended up to the main road.
“The Concorde was full of Rajini fans – children, ladies, youths and the elderly. Everybody in our family, including my brother’s three-year-old daughter, liked it. The second part of the movie is excellent.” Another fan, Venkat Iyer, 38, a resident of Dubai, said: “I wanted to watch the movie on Friday but I couldn’t get a ticket. My friends who saw it, said it is great. I will wait for two weeks to watch it.” Sathish Kumar, 32, a Sharjah resident, said: “I tried to get a ticket because it is always nice to watch Rajinikanth movies on the first day.
“I am driving down to Abu Dhabi to watch the movie and have planned my weekend accordingly.” Soma Arun, 25, from Dubai, said: “I have enquired at all the theatres and they are fully booked for two weeks. I will watch the movie as soon as I can.” And Sethu Madhavan, 44, from Ajman Port, said: “I could not see the movie but I will definitely watch it next weekend.” The demand for tickets in the UAE is particularly high because the film is being show at only a limited number of cinemas.
Tickets sold out in 518 movie theatres across Tamil Nadu, and it has created a similar sensation among Indian communities in the United States, Japan, SouthEast Asia and Malaysia.
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Dubai - New rules for liquids on aircraft start today
Dubai - Jun 17: The Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) has urged passengers to be prepared for new rules concerning hand baggage and liquids that will start today. New security rules allow passengers to take only small quantities of liquids in their hand luggage. These liquids have to be in separate containers with a maximum capacity of 100 millilitres each.
Passengers are required to pack all such containers in one transparent, re-sealable plastic bag of not more than one litre capacity per individual. In addition passengers must present all liquids being carried to the screeners at security checkpoints for examination.
The DCA however confirmed that the new rules only affects hand luggage and passengers can still pack liquids in bags that are checked into the hold. Passengers can also buy liquids such as perfumes or drinks on board an aircraft or at Dubai Duty Free.
Medicines and dietary requirements, including baby foods, can be carried in hand luggage, without being sealed in a clear plastic bag, for use during the journey, but passengers may be asked to prove these are essential.
SEVEN DAYS
Abu Dhabi - Tackling cyber crime
Abu Dhabi - Jun 17: A conference on combating e-crimes in the GCC will get under way today at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. The conference has been organised by the Institute for Judicial Training and Studies in association with Microsoft under the patronage of Mohammed bin Nakhira Al Dhahiri, Minister of Justice.
Dr Mahmoud Al Kamali, Director General of the Institute, said prominent judicial figures from the GCC will be present to discuss ways of fighting cyber-crimes at regional level.
“The UAE has managed to forge strong synergies between government departments and private companies with the aim of creating a favourable business climate that doesn't tolerate the easy spread of e-crimes,'' Al Kamali said.
SEVEN DAYS