NEWS FROM THE UAE
Excerpts from UAE Dailies

RTA clears the air on Salik penalties

DUBAI — JUN 19: In an attempt to clear confusion over Salik, the new toll system in Dubai, Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) yesterday stated that people who pass through Salik gates without credit in their Salik cards will be exempted from penalty if they go in for a recharge within two working days. The toll system will come into effect on July 1.

Officials said the RTA was expecting an annual turnover of Dh600 million through Salik.

Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the RTA Board of Executive Directors, said, “There might be cases when people run out of balance in their accounts. They are bound to be fined while passing through a Salik gate. But we will give them two working days to recharge. If they do it, they will be exempted from the fine. But if they don’t recharge, they will have to pay up.”

Al Tayer added that the vehicles used by the institutions for people with special needs will not be charged.

“Also, the personal vehicles of individuals with special needs are exempt from the toll. But then they will have to provide a certificate from an accredited medical institution. If a person has got more than one car, he can fill one application form for the number of cars he has. But then each car will have a Salik card. The maximum limit of the toll fees will be Dh24 a day. Once the motorists reach the amount, they can have a free crossing for the rest of the day,” said Al Tayer.

The vehicles registered as military, police, ambulances, school and college buses and public buses are exempted. The taxis are not exempted and the passengers will have to bear the toll fees, provided they are willing to use the road where the toll gates are located.

“The passengers have the full liberty to choose the roads through and we are coordinating  with the taxi companies. The drivers should not act smart with the passengers. They will be under our supervision. There are many tourists coming to Dubai and they use the rent-a-car service. We have asked the companies to put Salik cards on their cars. It is the responsibility of the rent-a-car companies. With regard to the payment, the person taking the car on rent and the company can decide upon an agreement between themselves,” opined Al Tayer.

The official said the toll system is also applicable to motorbikes and other two wheelers. “The Salik card should be pasted in the windshield off the bike if it has got one. If a bike does not have a windshield, we will process the same through the registration number of the bike,” he added.

SALIENT FEATURES

The Salik card should be pasted 1cm below the front mirror of the car.

The price of the Salik card kit is Dh100. Dh 50 will be deducted as an initial cost for the account and the other half will be considered as credit. The motorists will be notified through SMS when their accounts need to be recharged. They will receive the first SMS when the credit is Dh30. and the second when the credit is Dh20. The third SMS will alert the motorists that the credit is zero. They will also receive an SMS in case they are fined. The motorists can check their accounts through the toll system dedicated website www.salik.ae or by calling 800-72545.

There will be two kinds of fines. The first one is for motorists who do not stick tags to the wind shield. The fine will be Dh100 for the first day, Dh200 for the second day and Dh400 for the third day. Any additional fine will not exceed Dh 400 limit. The second is for motorists who already having a tag but have run out of credit. They will be fined Dh50 for each entry. But then they can escape the fine if they recharge within two days and the Dh50 will be automatically transferred into the credit. In this case too, they will receive  the SMSs.

 If a tourist prefers to ride his own personal car and has to buy a tag, it will be activated for several years. In case the car window is not damaged, he can keep the credit of the car even if he comes back to Dubai after several years.

In the case of the sale of the car, the owner should remove the tag from the wind shield. People should call Salik customer service for deactivation.

The vehicle owner needs to pay up for a new tag if the existing tag is damaged or lost. The owner of the vehicle is responsible for any toll violation regardless of who was driving the vehicle.

KHALEEJ TIMES

Dhs 2m Sharjah robbery: Guard, two others held

SHARJAH — JUN 19: A security guard of Group 4 (G4) and two others were arrested by Sharjah Police yesterday for robbing Dh2 million from Wall Street Exchange in Sharjah. The police have returned the recovered money to G4 management.

The guard, who disappeared with Dh2 million, had been working in the company for just a month.

A police source told Khaleej Times that the security guard, identified as I. K, who was working in the cash transporting section, disappeared with Dh2 million which he should have transported from Wall Street Exchange in Al Arooba Street of Sharjah to a bank in the same area. When the G4 management realised the disappearance of its employee with the money they informed Sharjah Police. By tracking the mobile number with the help of Etisalat Sharjah, CID officers, with cooperation from Dubai Police, managed to arrest the guard along with his collaborators in Dubai.

Ready to flee

At the time of their arrest, they were preparing to flee the country.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, the Wall Street Exchange Managing Director Abdulla bin Ghalib, said: “Wall Street Exchange is committed to delivering highest level of security to its business. This was an unfortunate incident on account of a few irresponsible people who have no link with Wall Street Exchange.

“We are happy with the prompt action on the part of police.”

Hennie Uys, managing director for cash services, said the G4 which has been providing security services for nearly 100 years, is currently operating in 110 countries.

“In the UAE, G4 has 800,000 cash-handling services. This incident is just a solitary case. It happened because the cashier of G4 who was authorised to receive cash, neglected the safety procedure by giving the cash container to an escort officer, whose only job is to guard the cashier,” Uys added.

KHALEEJ TIMES

Confusion over new baggage rule remains

DUBAI — JUN 19: A large number of passengers were found confused over the new baggage security regulations on carrying liquids, aerosols and gels in hand baggage, which came into effect at the Dubai International airport on Sunday.

Several passengers were seen scrambling to find the sealable bags at the airport, with many of them complaining of being caught unawares as the airlines had failed to inform them in advance about the new baggage rules.

However, officials of some airlines clarified to Khaleej Times that most of the passengers were aware about the new rule. “We have made available printed copies of the new rule, which have been placed at all the sales, ticketing and airport check-in counters to help the travellers,” airline officials said.

The General Civil Aviation Authority has enforced the new rules at different airports across the world as specified by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the officials noted.

Some of the travellers Khaleej Times spoke to, however, expressed their discomfiture over the new measures.

Sumayya Ismail, who was to board a flight to Damascus said: “I was not aware of the new rule. It’s has put me in a lot of inconvenience, especially because I am flying with little children. I wonder how I shall feed the kids as the new rule permits each passenger to carry only 100ml liquid in a sealed plastic bag.”

Muhammed Taha, who was to board a flight to Jordan, said it was hard to travel with infants without carrying enough liquid, milk, water and other such things. “I am travelling with my wife and kids. I was surprised when they told me that I cannot carry more than 100 ml liquid.”

However, assuring all support to travellers, an official at the Dubai Civil Aviation said: “Packing facility is available at the airport check-in counters. If passengers arrive at the airport without the specified plastic bags, they can avail themselves of these bags at the check-in counters. Besides, these plastic bags are also available in all supermarkets in the emirate,” the official stressed.

An Emirates airline official said the airline’s flight departures from Dubai yesterday were not impacted by the new regulations. “Most travellers are clear about the new rules,” the official pointed out.

He added: “Plans to implement these new regulations were announced weeks ago, and were widely publicised by the authorities.”

KHALEEJ TIMES

Now, visa forms online

ABU DHABI – JUN 19: Companies can get the applications for Entry Permits and Residency online now after the launch of the new service yesterday at the Abu Dhabi Naturalisation and Residency Department (ADNRD).

The online service, however, will not include applications for permits for maids and government employees.

Sources at ADNRD said the decision was taken with a view to facilitating the formalities for the applicants, who can use the new e-service on the web site www.moieserv.ae.

KHALEEJ TIMES

ADIS 93-batch students reunite

ABU DHABI — JUN 19: In a reunion of sorts, 38 former students of Abu Dhabi Indian School (ADIS) met after 14 years at the school’s auditorium last Friday.

The 1993-batch alumni turned up with their families to rekindle memories of their school days and share some lighter moments with their former teachers who played a key role in grooming them.

The school management presented gifts to all of them and promised greater privileges to their children if they sought admission at ADIS.

Sunil K. Joy, who is working with Etisalat as marketing officer, played a key role in uniting the former batchmates from all emirates.

He says, “The idea came to my mind when I was passing by the school premises. On seeing the school, I stopped my car and entered the school. I got lost in memories of my school days. It was then that I resolved to reunite all batchmates.”

While commending the love and affection of the former students for the school and the teachers, ADIS principal V.K. Mathu said, “This is really a very touching moment for me and my wife.”

A senior teacher, K.P Tripathy, the teacher of 1993 batch, applauded the initiative of the former students by saying, “This has filled my heart with emotion, love and compassion for you. Whenever you come here all the members of the school will always welcome you.”

Thomas Joseph, who studied at ADIS from Ist standard till 12th, said, “It really filled my eyes with tears to be here on such an occasion.”

Jameer Wahab said, “The major change which I noticed today is the number of students. There were 1,000 students in 93 but the number now has reached up to 5,000 students.”

Ciny Joy, who attended the event, was very happy to meet old friends after a long time.

Ramkumar Ramesh, head of the current batch of students, said, “This is the first alumni meet and we will take it as an initiation from our seniors and try to maintain it afterward.”

One of the former students, Mastan Adam, came from India for the occasion.

KHALEEJ TIMES

ISC may move to new building partly

ABU DHABI —JUN 19: The India Social and Cultural Centre (ISC) is seeking permission from Abu Dhabi Municipality to partly move to its new building on July 1 as the 18-month extended contract to use the existing building is expiring on June 30.

According to the honorary president of ISC, Joy Thomas John, the community had been carrying out its social and cultural activities in the old building for the past 40 years. The building is now due for demolition. “We are trying to seek permission from the municipality to allow us to settle in one or two rooms of the new building until September when the new Dh30 million five-storey building is scheduled to be completed. Then, we will formally start our activities,” said John.

Apart from various sports facilities such as courts for badminton, squash, tennis, snooker and table tennis rooms, the centre will have a large multi-purpose auditorium with a seating capacity of 1,500 people, seminar halls, swimming pool, health club, business centre and restaurants etc,  John said.

The new premises can accommodate 3,500 members and their families, he added.

“As of now, we have 1,100 members while 150 new members have been registered as yet. But we expect 1,000 new members in a month’s time. The new building will be a place where all Indian families can meet and interact”, said John.

ISC charges a membership fee of Dh2,000, a refundable security deposit of Dh1,000 and annual subscription Dh360 from its members. The centre was established in 1967 as a socio-cultural club.

KHALEEJ TIMES

Box office invasion of the ‘third’ kind

DUBAI — JUN 19: Grab the popcorn and take a seat. This summer, moviegoers will be treated to a host of offers and promotions, as well as exciting summer blockbusters that promise to keep them flocking to their nearest cinemas.

Currently, UAE cinemas are enjoying the magic of three. These third “instalments” of famous franchises have proven to be worldwide box office hits, from ‘Spiderman 3’ and reigning UAE box-office king, ‘Pirates of the Caribbean 3’ (POC3), to recent releases like ‘Ocean’s 13’ and ‘Shrek The Third’. Promotions for POC3 have been the most aggressive so far, with Visa teaming up with Disney, to host the movie’s UAE premiere and erect pirate-themed Visa kiosks for lucky draws.

Additionally, CineStar Cinemas “Star Club” members receive Dh5 discounts on adult tickets to POT3 before 6pm.

Current promotions for Shrek are based largely on meal combination offers where moviegoers at Grand Cinemas can purchase “green-themed” meals, while those purchasing “value combo meals” at Cinestar Cinemas receive collectable Shrek character cup-toppers.

But now, cinemas are gearing up for what they believe to be the biggest line-up of blockbusters they have ever had. Grand Cinemas, for example, are looking forward to a busy summer at the box office this year, with 14 major releases. “We have the longest string of summer titles we’ve ever had this year, starting from ‘Spiderman 3’. Transformers, which comes out on July 5, is expected to be our biggest summer hit. In the UAE, it’ll be released just one day after its release in the US, and we believe that everyone is eager to watch it,” said Carly Ramia, marketing manager, Grand Cinemas.

She also mentioned that ‘The Bourne Ultimatum’, the third sequel based on Robert Ludlum’s Bourne novels, will be a big hit on its release on August 9.

Indian cinemas also expect a large turnout this summer with a mixture of big summer releases. ‘Jhoom Barabar Jhoom’ is definitely our biggest release this June,” said Amit Masand, who works for the Advertising department at Lamcy Cinemas.

Another theatre showing Indian movies in Dubai doesn’t plan to offer any promotions this summer. However, the theatre management feels that their prime location, together with the influx of kids on vacation, will help fill their seats. “We are continually looking to bring in the best movies. Movie piracy has definitely affected our ticket sales, but it affects all theatres equally. We are confident that the authorities are taking action to curb this,” said Raju, a spokesperson for the theatre.

KHALEEJ TIMES

TINT NO MORE
 
 
DUBAI - JUN 19: Tinted windshields will soon be a thing of the past after the RTA enforces Salik next month.

To avoid fines, motorists need to display a special sticker below the rear view mirror of their vehicles. As the tag is attached inside the windscreen, the glass has to be free of any tint for the system to operate.

EXEMPTED VEHICLES
  
 
Disabled people will not have to pay the Dh4 charge, the Roads and Transport Authority said yesterday. The exemption will also apply to vehicles belonging to special needs clubs.
Also exempt will be military vehicles and those belonging to the rescue agencies and police, public buses and school and college buses.

EMIRATES TODAY

Dubai - Cops arrest trio on vice charges

Dubai - Jun 19: Police have swooped to arrest three people accused of forcing a woman into prostitution, but remain on the hunt for a fourth suspect. The trio - two men and a woman - are alleged to have forced a Filipina into the flesh trade as soon as she arrived in the country in March last year.

They are now being held at Muraqqabat Police Station while officers continue their investigation. A fourth man, who is believed to be the ringleader, is still being sought by police.

A source close to the case said the Filipina, who is 28 years old, testified to Dubai Public Prosecution last week. “She testified that an Indian man forced her into prostitution for three months,” the source added. The Filipina managed to escape last month while the men were with their boss at a hypermarket in Hor Al Anz.
She faces charges of illegal entry and overstaying in the country.

SEVEN DAYS

Dubai - Anti-drugs man awaits fate

Dubai - Jun 19: A Canadian anti-narcotics official, on trial for posessing drugs at Dubai Airport, has admitted his confusion at the charges he faces in an open letter released yesterday. He claims he was carrying two dried poppy flowers, which cannot be used in the production of drugs, after serving in Afghanistan with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

“I handled hashish and other substances regularly in Afghanistan as part of my role as a counter-narcotics official,” he says. A judgment will be issued in the man’s trial today.

SEVEN DAYS

Rise in fee fails to put the brakes on licence seekers

 
Dubai - Jun 19: Despite a recent hike in fees, students are still lining up to take classes at the Emirates Driving Institute, a company representative said yesterday.

The Dh5 increase has only been applied to classes for automatic cars, which now cost Dh60 per hour, while students who want to learn to drive a manual car are still charged Dh55.

But if multiplied by 40 – the minimum number of classes most students are required to take – the increase means applicants have to pay Dh200 extra for the course. “It has helped to maintain a balance between classes for manual and automatic cars,” said Fatima Raees, the company’s marketing manager.

She explained that prior to the increase in fees, most students were opting for the automatic car licence.

The increase in charges was introduced because of the huge demand for classes for automatic cars, which had caused long waiting lists of applicants keen to start their classes at the institute, Raees said.

The problem mainly affects female students interested in learning to drive automatic cars. While male candidates had to wait between one and two weeks to start a course, female applicants were facing waiting periods of up to two months, Raees added. Besides the large number of applicants, the delay in getting a licence is also caused by a new rule, introduced at the end of last year, where students who fail in their driving test have to wait one month before retesting.

For many applicants, the regulation has extended the period of time needed to obtain a driving licence, with many students taking three to four months.

Raees said despite the increase in charges, the business of the institute has not been affected.

Fees at other major driving schools in Dubai have remained unchanged.

Staff at both Belhasa Driving Centre and Dubai Driving Centre said a class there still costs Dh50.

EMIRATES TODAY