UAE National Flag
Non- residential people who wish to apply for residency visas for the United Arab Emirates will be supposed to pass a test about the local culture before their application gets approved. The idea came after the Federal National Council (FNC) suggested that expats should be well aware of the culture and traditions of United Arab Emirates before their application for visa. According to the First Deputy Speaker, FNC, Ahmed Shabeeb Al Dhahiri, a sound knowledge about culture and traditions of the Arab Emirates would definitely be a prime importance for the people who want to apply for visa in the near future. According to him, a sound knowledge of the same will make the visitor more compatible with the environment and therefore avoid any confusion or violation of any laws.
In October, a new committee would be set up this year for the development of strategies in the same regard which will comprise of members from the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Interior, Youth community and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It will produce a series of easy questions that will be containing a test that expats will be required to go through and pass for the sake of getting residency visas.
DUbai Airport
According to Al Dhahiri, “Too many people do not know anything about our culture. There are many nationalities and every resident needs to know something about this country. The objective of the cultural test is to educate expatriates on the customs, traditions and culture of the UAE, which would enable them to interact better with Emiratis. The committee will also establish a guide to the country’s traditions that will be issued to local embassies and consulates while the support of the media would also be sought to raise cultural awareness levels among expats.”
What does the country’s flag look like? What is the official religion of the country? These are the two instances of the types of questions; expats will have to answer soon after law is passed
Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi, a UAE based businessman, told The Media Line said, “I agree with the suggestion. In the past few months we have had a series of incidents in which expatriate residents have been caught doing inappropriate things in public such as sexual intercourse on a public beach.”
Any one who is a non resident and plans to work in the UAE or these six countries that constitute the Gulf Cooperation Council – Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman, must apply for a residency visa in order to pursue their job in the UAE. The Gulf countries which possess oil based economy, heavily depend on expat employees working in the private sector in the United Arab Emirates, less than one percent of the population of the employees in such countries comprises of the locals.
The Gulf
Al Qassemi said, “A knowledge booklet or even a brief test would ensure that the local customs are adhered to. The Emirati national population can’t protect their identity considering the influx of foreigners without at least making them aware of the local sensitivities.”
A majority of the population of workers in the construction and real estate sector, flagship industries with continuous growth and new hiring with the growth of number and size of the projects, also comprises of the foreigners. However, due to the recent global recession, many expats decided to leave the country. This also laid a great impact on the real estate sector. It was estimated that by the end of this year, only one-third of the apartments being constructed in the UAE will be occupied. A huge population of foreigners mean that the use of the native language, Arabic, becomes less frequent. With the decreased use of Arabic, some issues developed in the Emirates. While the use of Arabic language has been replaced to a great extent by English, some locals have begun using a hybrid tongue that blends Asian languages with Arabic.
It is just hoped that the law is implemented in a non-intrusive and non-forceful manner and that children and the elderly are exempted from the test.
DSS 2009
For those who are waiting for some miracle to take place this summer, Dubai Summer Surprises have come up with an array of events by announcing its Signature Events as the summer extravaganza presents the twelfth edition this year from June 11 to August 14. This means 65 days of complete fun and frolic and the most happening places to hang out with the brand name, “ Surprising Dubai”.
A series of activities based on various themes constitute Signature Events, all conceptualized at the office of Dubai Shopping Festival as authentic ideas that have grown very popular. Dubai Summer Surprises for the year 2009 will comprise of nine signature events this year including Abaya and Sheila Fashion. As the Dubai Summer Surprises offer the core entertainment for every segment of the edition, this year it is offering stories, Middle East Junior Chef of the Year 2009, Min Bladi Al Emarat, Kids Fashion Week, Arts Oasis, Kids Olympic Games, the Photography Exhibition, The Collectors, Signature Events encapsulate the highest level of entertainment to offer to its visitors.
Dubai Summer Surpries 2009
The Dubai Mall is going to be the star stop destination because of the smash hits by a popular Australian band that is coming full throttle to delight the visitors. To the roster of entertainment, the leading Australian group, Maske, has planned its visit to perform classical rounds of pop music on its Yamaha Silent Electronic Instruments. The band is going to please visitors with its unique musical tracks throughout the carnival. Around the whole world, Maske has delighted audiences including the most judgmental ones in the United States and Australia and this year, they are all set to rock the Dubai grounds by regaling the Dubai audiences exclusively at The Dubai Mall. Jessica, Rosanna and Suzie, the exceptionally talented trio is all set to entertain audience by their hot numbers of solo and group performances in their own versions of various soundtracks of movies including the most famous ones like Mission Impossible sequels and Jaws.
High adrenaline rushes brought to you by SEGA Republic
Dubai Summer Surprises
A hilarious series of adventures of the theme park awaits a number of families at The Dubai Mall, with the greatest ever SEGA Republic season in the Middle East to be launched in a short while. An exciting high ride, gaming and adventure zone, SEGA Republic was established in association with SEGA Corporation, a Japan based global leaders in the world of high tech entertainment.
The latest leisure attraction at the mall, the SEGA Republic, is currently progressing for an opening this year, and is on its way to compile the finishing work, for which 76,000 square feet have been set apart in The Dubai Mall across its two levels. Thrilling rides, an indoor roller-coaster and motion stimulators based on virtual reality, most of them being the desired adventures for Dubai, highlight the star studded event of SEGA Republic and give rise to an amazing appeal to all visitors or the members of the families.
Kids at Summer Surprises in Dubai
A number of key attractions will be featured by SEGA Republic which will include Halfpipe, Spin Gear, Canyon, Sonic Hopper, Storm-G and Outrun SP. With maximum attractions based on levels of skills, guests are guaranteed that none of the rides are ever the same, giving rise to a brand new and a unique experience every time. Spin Gear, the bespoke roller coaster, is set to become a rage amongst families. Half pipe Canyon, a snow boarding simulator that has tremendously gained popularity amongst the families is keenly awaited by them. Drifting fans can now make the most out of their thrilling experiences with Sonic Hopper and Initial D4, the 9–metre drop tower which also provides an exhilarating ride.
Jobs in Dubai
Call centre jobs in Dubai
There are several categories of jobs to be applied for in Dubai serving various professions. Placements have been on a constant rise as compared to the surrounding Emirates and countries for almost all streams. Now to get a job in Dubai, you need to be well versed with the sources of updates in the employment sector. To serve this purpose of hunting a job, there is a set of guidelines that needs to be followed.
They are as follows:
• The best way is to apply for a job online, either directly on to the website of the company or through headhunting of the talent requisition firm.
• Respond to the advertisements for jobs in the newspapers. These advertisements are published in local newspapers of various regions, published through the company which has a posting available or through some headhunting agencies.
• Hiring for jobs is also performed local recruiters on the behalf of the companies. This is an additional way to get a job in Dubai.
• If you have a relative who could sponsor your visa, or it is sponsored by the company, you can go to Dubai and apply locally for the jobs and attend the respective interviews. If you get hired, the company would also process the work visa.
The temporary job scenario in Dubai
Banking jobs in Dubai
The temporary job scenario in Dubai is thriving and good. As a matter of fact, there are ample of jobs available in the sector of temporary jobs. These jobs are basically contracts based on short term notices. They generally serve the purpose of migratory labor. At present, there are a number of temporary jobs available in the shipbuilding and repairs, construction industry, offshore sites for oil exploration, oil industry, hospitality industry, education and IT industry, etc.
Temporary workers in large number are hired from outside Dubai. On parent concern’s behalf, they are hired by local recruitment agencies. A majority of temporary workers constitute expatriate workers. They are hired for certain period of time on contracts for short-term. The contracts vary from a period of 3 months to a year. If a person gets hired for a project, then his tenure lasts as long as the project lasts. The salaries offered to the temporary workers are quite low and they also do not enjoy whole lot of benefits.
Find a better job with sponsor’s help
Media jobs in Dubai
Any tourist, foreigner or expatriate must have a local sponsor to visit Dubai, stay there and find a suitable job. A sponsor is just like a guardian who also represents as a guarantee for important stuff such as paperwork for applying for a resident visa or a visit visa, whichever is required. The tenant agreement is also required to be co- signed by the sponsor along with the help in opening a bank account, etc. Not necessarily, the sponsor is an individual; it could also be a company, an organization, etc. In case of employment by a company, the visitor is sponsored by the company which hires. It fulfills the entire requirement related to the visa of the person.
Business is the greatest reason for a majority of people that attracts them to Dubai. In such cases, they are generally sponsored by a partner in their business or dealings. This set up is a very useful way of regulation of immigration as all the responsibility is shouldered by the sponsors in the situation or crisis when everything goes wrong. If one gets sponsored, he or she can directly seek a job in Dubai.
The working hours in Dubai
Marketing jobs in UAE
The range of the work hours in Dubai are between 40 – 48 hours per week. The working hours also depend upon the respective policies of the companies. The daily office timings are between 8.30 am the morning to 5.30 in the evening. The working hours are the same throughout the year except during the month of Ramadan, when they are reduced to 6 hours but only for Muslims in general because they are fasting in this month. Friday is a considered to be a special day for religious purpose and so the official weekly off is on Friday.
Mercedes Benz E Class Coupe
Dubai has established its status with the whole UAE earning name to be the biggest market for Mercedes –Benz with more than 114 vehicles delivered last year as compared to the previous year. Saudi Arabia continued to grow with the deliveries up over by more that 25% during the same period of time. C – Class deliveries have also gone up by over 30 % from 375 to 490.
For launching its biggest showroom and workshop for Mercedes-Benz, Abu Dhabi was chosen as the prime location. The brand new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupé will hit the showrooms across the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Oman from July 2009, with stupendous range of options in engine.
The Director of Sales and Marketing for Mercedes-Benz cars in the Middle East, Frank Bernthaler, said,” 3,818 cars were sold across the region, a 20 per cent drop compared with the first quarter of last year. Of those, about 1,400 cars were sold in the UAE, outselling sales in all other countries in the region. We’re down in the GCC in basically all markets, But the UAE is the most important one in terms of volume, and we’re keeping our market share.”
Mercedes Benz F700
EMC (Emirates Motor Company), Abu Dhabi’s general distributor of Mercedes-Benz and Al Ain and an auxiliary of Al Fahim Group, got 881 cars sold out in the initial three months of this year, a 15 per cent drop from the first quarter of last year, said the general manager, Irfan Tansel,.
“We were slightly down from last year but we were higher than 2007,” Tansel said. Selling of cars across the Emirates has decreased since the last year’s fourth quarter, as buyers have begun to restrict their expenditures and banks have increased requirements for minimum salary and down payments for car loans.
“People tend to have more spending power in Abu Dhabi, and at the same time, given the fact that the local economy has not been slowed down as Dubai has been, that is also reflected in the slowdown of the car business,” Laurent-Patrick Gally, a retail analyst at Shuaa Capital said.
Mercedes Benz
New Mercedes service centre and showroom of Al Fahim group has over 250 work bays and covers 93,000 square metres , in sync with the positive outlook of the company, as mentioned by Rashed Al Fahim, its managing director. The group is through with its final stages of establishment of Daimler Finance, a joint venture and an esteemed project between Daimler Gargash Motors and Al Fahim Group, to arrange a provision of financing to customers.
Abu Dhabi has also invested in the German car maker. Aabar investments, an Abu Dhabi government –linked company, contracted to buy a Dh9.73 billion (US $2.64 bn) stake in Daimler that owns Mercedes-Benz. This contract in turn made Aabar, the biggest stakeholder of the company at 9.1% and is a part of the strategy of Government to develop domestic industry in partnership with popular brands of the West. Dr Schmidt said that Daimler was in dialogues with Aabar for future business enterprises, but he would not reveal the details of the timeline or projects.
Mercedes Benz Sl600 Swarowski
The ground-breaking C280, chosen by the Dubai Police Department for its performance and cutting edge technology has been exclusively personalized by Mercedes-Benz Engineering in Stuttgart, Germany to achieve the goals of the force and meet its requirements. It has a powerful 2.8-liter V6 engine and the first seven-speed automatic transmission of the industry, the C280 presents superior performance in terms of acceleration and responsiveness, as well as dynamic fuel efficiency.
This dynamic automobile is also equipped with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), which provides braking pressure to each wheel to enhance stopping power, resulting in safer and precise braking. It also features an extended range of technological refinements for dynamic driving and optimal safety. The C280 characterizes the promise of the Mercedes-Benz brand: Stability, Comfort, Innovation and Safety.
Mercedes Benz Emblem
On the other hand, the MCV C120 Low Entry bus demonstrates the most advanced technology with respect to security and safety. It had been specially designed in accordance to the needs and requirements of disabled passengers with a special entrance and an exclusive area within the bus in addition to the system of kneeling. Additionally, the bus features an environment- friendly engine of the Mercedes Benz brand, GPS, automatic transmission, closed compartment for the driver to ensure a comfortable, fuel efficient and a safe ride and electronic destination board.
The Waterfall at the Dubai Mall
The latest leisure and shopping destination in in Dubai, The Dubai Mall, has come up with a brand new spectacular feature, The Waterfall, and it offers a The Dubai Mall, the city’s newest shopping and leisure destination, has opened The Waterfall, a spectacular water feature that offers a quality point of meeting for visitors who access the mall. Located next to The Grove, a vital component of The Dubai Mall, The Waterfall opens to scenic views of Burj Dubai, The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai and the Dubai Fountain on the 30 acre Burj Dubai Lake.
The length of The Waterfall encompasses the complete height of the mall traversing all levels of the mall and is also embellished with beautified human sculptures of divers made of fiberglass to present a lively visual spectrum that harmonizes the rhythmic water flow. Two cylindrical structures are comprised by The Waterfall which measure 30 metres in diameter and 24 metres in length, with a reservoir overhead, feeding the recycled water. With fabulous light effects during the night and sunlight reflecting during the day, the cascading feature of falling water offers a unique esteemed feature for retailers.
According to the General Manager, of The Dubai Mall, Mr. Yousif Al Ali, “As the flagship mall development of Emaar Malls Group, The Dubai Mall has evolved as a sought-after shopping and leisure destination. The Waterfall in the mall is a perfect complement to the Dubai Fountain, which is currently being developed on the adjacent Burj Dubai Lake. These highlight the historic preference of the region for aesthetic water features, and add to the appeal of the mall as a family destination.”
- Beautiful view of The Waterfall
Mr Al Ali explained also explained: “The Waterfall has been specifically designed to give visitors significant extras that enhance the lifestyle experience. Along with Dubai Aquarium & Discovery Centre – one of the most popular leisure attractions in the mall – The Waterfall is poised to become a meeting point for families.” A choice of retail kiosks and coffee shops overlook The Waterfall, providing visitors a comforting and a relaxing milieu to meet. A number of palm trees are also planted and set up to replicate the desert oasis ambience, and various in-mall activities will take place around The Waterfall to hold visitors’ interest. Two fountains are already featured by The Dubai Mall at the area of the food court, and sustained the attention of visitors for quite a long time. The Waterfall will further enhance the attractions based on water themes that are specifically appealing for the visitors
Designed and constructed by architects based in Singapore, The Waterfall will be an entryway which will feature several restaurants at the waterfronts that are being planned along the Burj Dubai Lake, which will in turn feature the Dubai Fountain, a world class light and water spectacle, and larger that even The Bellagio Fountain in Las Vegas in area. Opened in November, 2008, The Dubai Mall received a great visitor turnout, with Dubai Ice Rink and Dubai Aquarium and Discovery Centre being the favorites. Rambling over 12 million sq ft, with 5.9 million of an internal floor area and a gross leasable area of 3.77 million sq ft, The Dubai Mall will also shortly open the Fashion Avenue, a committed haute couture zone with as many as 70 signature stores.
- The Dubai Mall
- Spectacular View of The Waterfall at the Dubai Mall
Chairperson- RERA
According to an announcement made this week by Dubai’s Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA), it would be looking forward to expand its horizons internationally and emerge as a global ‘real estate reference point’. This extended unit will be called as Menares, the North Africa and the Middle East Real Estate Society. Its self-proclaimed goal will be to give air to education and encourage studying and other good performances in the sector.
The association of the group has also taken place with several global real estate reference, valuation organization and regulatory in its proposal to heighten its integrity internationally. The esteemed associates include the Asian Public Real Estate Association, the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, the World Association of Valuation Organization, the Urban Land Institute and the International Real Estate Federation. The only member from the Middle East region to be a part of the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials is also Rera.
‘Dubai’s membership in such international real estate entities…is considered a qualitative move towards global standards, since the Dubai Land Department is the region’s pioneering real estate reference, said Marwan Bin Ghalita, the CEO of Rera.
Unified Databse
Rera Development
‘We are in the final stages of establishing Menares. We are aiming to build a professional real estate market and are serious about being first, globally,’ was said by Mahmoud Al Burei, Director of real estate sector development, Rera during the announcement.
Menares will be ‘happy to assist’ regional states in building property regulatory framework but it will primarily serve as a reference body. The action follows the signing of an agreement in the beginning of this month between the Ajman Real Estate Regulatory Agency (Arra) and Dubai’s Rera, wherein both the parties would cooperate on a list of issues. This comprises of requirements and necessities for the development to monitor and organize real estate agencies, developers, property management companies and brokers – including the employees of these companies and centers around the design of their joint database.
‘The agreement will regulate the work of brokers…between the two emirates to be along with the laws and regulations in Dubai and Ajman, by establishing a unified database with all the information and data relevant to the brokerage business, real estate management or real estate development,’ said Bin Ghalita.
Clarifications of Payments
The Dubai Land Department (DLD) will also be replaced by Dubai Rera as the new escrow signing authority, overlooking the property payment management trust accounts in agency-approved banks. The new contract will also delineate a body whereby funds for escrow can be shifted from one Rera sanctioned holding bank to another- while the developers will still not be authorized to make a transfer of the funds out of the accounts except in regulated increments related to construction milestones. An alteration to Article 11 of Law 13, Law 9 of 2009, concerning the compensation owed for the execution of purchase and sale contracts, including the amount that developers can keep in the event of the defaults of investors and it has also been elaborated by the senior legal counsel at the Dubai Land Department in a session of question and answer with Lovells, a legal firm. It was previously stated by Law 13 that developers would be allowed to have a maximum of 30% of the shares paid up to the point in the incident of a termination of agreement.
Rera Creation
‘Under Law 9, the developer will be entitled to damages strictly according to the progress of construction for the project, regardless of what has been agreed in the sale and purchase agreements. There are five categories of damages, ranging from no damages (where the developer refunds all the monies received), in cases where Rera cancels the developer’s project, to entitlement to retain all monies received and recover any shortfall if the developer has completed 80% or more of the construction. It is important to note that, although a developer may be entitled to resell a unit, it must account to the purchaser for any surplus monies it receives once it has received any damages it is entitled to, i.e. the developer cannot be unjustly enriched,’ said Emad Farouq.
FlyDubai Boeing
The very first low cost carrier of the Dubai emirate, (LCC), received its first of 50 generation next Boeing 737-800s. Although the traffic in summer is estimated to be low the present year because of the diminished spending of the consumers, the chief executive of the airline, Gaith Al Gaith said, “the booking right now is better than expected” for the this summer. The first flight of the airline will be to Lebanon, Beirut, on 1st June, and by the end of the year, there will be an addition of 14 to 16 destinations as well. Some more destinations that are confirmed are Jordan, Amman, Syria, Egypt, Damascus and Alexandria. Gulf News was been told by Al Gaith that the Indian sub- continent and Gulf Cooperation Council will be looked upon as new destinations by the airlines. ‘This region’ will always be the focus, according to him.
The inauguration of the first Boeing 737-800 for the FlyDubai airlines of Dubai was done at Dubai International Airport by H.H Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum. The special guests at the occasion were Sheikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Group, Dubai Police Commander Lt. General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Chief Executive of FlyDubai, Ghaith Al Ghaith and a bunch of other senior officials. Light was thrown on the technical specifications of the aircraft in a presentation made during the ceremony.
FlyDubai Cabin Crew
In March 2008, establishment of FlyDubai was made as a low budget airline with a cost of Dh250 million. It is completely owned by Government of Dubai. It will be functioning between various cities in the Middle East and Dubai and beyond, according to the Emirates News Agency, WAM. Six aircraft deliveries of the aircraft would be taken by the airline this year, including the aircraft of the inaugural. Another one is expected this month, two in July, one in October and one more in December. Last year, an order of 50 more aircrafts was placed by the airlines at Farnborough for $4 billion (Dh14.69 billion) and officials mentioned that by 2016, all the deliveries will be taken.
Considering the funding for the aircraft, Al Gaith said, “it would be on airline’s own resources, plus from local an international institutions. We will finance them as they come”. The model of the airline is said to be “less complex, less stressful and less expensive”. All taxes and hand baggage allowance of 10 kg will be included in the ticket price. Passengers will have to pay a separate charge of Dh40, for an additional 32 kg. “People should not pay for others’ baggage,” Al Gaith said, relating the detach fee charge as “fair”.
The Runway: Dubai International Airport
The base of the airline will be in the Dubai International Airport, and according to the chief executive, it is quite probable for its base to be moved to Al Maktoum Airport in Jebel Ali once the construction gets completed the next year. He said that the focus would be laid on the UAE as a base and there are no plans so far of a second hub to expand its horizons outside of its region. According to the chief executive, the needs of other low cost and traditional carriers of the UAE will be complimented by the airlines. The airline has now become the first direct competition from within the UAE to the region’s first LCC, Air Arabia. The President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and CEO of Emirates Group, which is the parent company of FlyDubai, Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, said during the promotion of the innovative aircraft, that because the nation relies heavily on air transport, it is imperative for Dubai to boast its own low-cost carrier.
Dubai Trade and Business
The negative wave of latest discouraging articles in the worldwide press regarding Dubai’s response to the global economic slump has effected in a drape of criticism from local media, making even the Government of Britain to remote itself from the reports. But the point is that how adversely it has affected those looking to visit Dubai for business or for business, in the emirate. Great companies, planning to do business in Dubai are implausible to be persuaded by media coverage.
In a latest online meeting at town hall, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, His Highness and Dubai’s ruler, has reverted to the criticism by stating that the Emirate has come under suppression by US and UK press by saying that Dubai would not be reviewed on the basis of rumors, but judged on the basis of its actions.
‘Dubai’s success in introducing a unique developmental model has gained remarkable international recognition. As you know, success implies a certain burden that cannot be avoided,’ Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed replied as an answer to the questions of the journalists.
Dubai Business hub
‘The international focus on Dubai is absolutely normal. During crises, people turn their attention to those that have a successful track record. The current crisis has brought Dubai’s developmental model with all its successes into a tough test. It is truly sad to find international publications that have usually boasted about factual and precise reporting issuing articles based on rumors and baseless speculation…When a city or country decides to integrate itself as an effective international player, it should not expect an easy journey full of roses and good wishes.’
Business fallout
Apart from the depressing reports generated on how adversely the financial slowdown has affected economic zones of Dubai, especially the market of the real estate in Dubai that had been the driving force behind the rapid growth of the emirate. Analysts say that companies from abroad looking forward to set up business in Dubai will probably will not be affected.
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Dubai Media city
‘I don’t see there being any direct effect from these articles in the New York Times or Wall Street Journal or UK,’ said Philippe Dauba-Pantanacce, Mena Senior Economist in Standard Chartered’s Global Markets division said.
‘There are two levels of international market player; investors who are on the stock markets short term or financing bonds, and the big companies from Asia, the EU and the US. The first may react to media coverage, but it is unlikely – and difficult to pinpoint whether it is due to this or the general downturn. For the latter, if you are a big firm you will look beyond press coverage at the situation on the ground and then make an informed decision, you would not base any decision just on reports.’
Emigrant workforce
As a person, however, you are much probable to be impacted by pessimist and demoralizing insights of the media. Mike Hynes, Managing Partner at Dubai-based recruitment firm Kershaw Leonard, says that the results would be on the basis of how far developed their plans and strategies actually are even while the professionals are coming to look for work in the United Arab Emirates.’It has to have had a certain impact,’ said Hynes. ‘People tend to believe very much in what they read in the papers. People who have committed to come will still come, but people who were thinking about it may do more research now. The reports are exaggerated, but some parts may be true – on the other hand you would have to have a very strong moral compass not to come because of that.’
- Dubai Business Meetings
Effect of tourism
Apparently, the division is most probable to feel a head on effect from the depressing articles in the tourism industry, which has banked to a certain limit on tourists from the UK for the sake of boosting numbers. To some point, the effects felt by the industry have been cancelled by more depressing concerns, that include financial stress being experienced in those regions and the super fast updates in exchange rates, which have resulted in the UAE evolving as an expensive proposition than before.
UAE has gradually evolved as the biggest market for Rolls Royce cars across the world, leaving behind Dubai and Beijing in terms of sales last year. Dubai and Abu Dhabi dealerships of Rolls Royce has achieved the second highest and the highest sales respectively, according to Frank Tiemann, The communication manager, Rolls Royce for the Middle East and Europe. Beijing and London followed at the third position, and Beverly Hills in the United States followed at the fourth place. “This is a very impressive development for Abu Dhabi,” said Mr. Tiemann yesterday. “It has been top five for the past three years.”
Sales, on the whole rose in the Middle East by 48 percent last year, up from 40 per cent in 2007, he mentioned. Phantom was the most famous and the sought after model of Rolls Royce for the buyers in Emirates last year which costs around Dh1.46 million equals to US$400,000, is a four door limousine and all this in a package that does not contain any customized features, according to Mr. Tiemann.
Throughout the world, Dubai and Abu Dhabi had the range of requests for customization from the requests related to colors or exclusively positioned buttons and knobs, he said. “In the UAE, each single car was a bespoke Phantom, which can easily double the cost,” he also mentioned. Tiemann did not mention what count of Rolls Royces has been sold in Dubai or Abu Dhabi- which throughout the Emirates, happen to be the only two dealerships- but mentioned that the numbers were in the range of three digits last year. He also said that the numbers were in the range of three digits in 2007 as well, with the dealership rankings of Abu Dhabi being the second-best in sales and Dubai holding the fifth rank.
According to Tiemann, the increase in sales in the Emirates evolved from the increasing growth of wealth in the region. “The sales shares we see in the different regions are based on the allocation of wealth around the globe,” he said. “There is no secret of success from my point of view.” The latest car dealer to announce growth in sales last year throughout the Middle East is Rolls Royce, which is an incredible achievement as the whole last year was crunched in the global slump.
Toyota recently dethroned General Motors (GM), and has emerged as the global top-selling car maker, underwent an increase of 19 per cent in sales last year here. General Motors sold a record 144,485 cars last year across the Middle East. Mercedes- Benz witnessed a sales growth similar to GM, delivering a record of 19070 vehicles, up by 13 per cent from the previous year. The German collaboration delivered 2,959 cars in Abu Dhabi, exhibiting an 18 percent increase from last two years. Mercedes- Benz, in Dubai delivered 4,792 cars, which resulted in an increase of 12.8 per cent from the sales in the previous year. However, dealers have reported that the sales have shown a slowdown in the past few months because of difficult requirements for financing of cars including a higher minimum salary and greater minimum rates of interests.
“Considering the current market conditions, some of the [luxury] brands are likely to see lower growth rates or even negative sales in 2009,” he said. “Purchase of such cars does not just depend on the need, but on a whole host of factors, which include even factors like the exchange rate of the currency. Currently, customers are definitely more cautious about their purchases.” Tiemann said Rolls-Royce had not been immune to the effects of the economic slowdown in all regions and “sales have been suffering a bit”. He said it was premature to make predictions for the current year, but the company was well into a position in the region. “The Middle East made a tremendous result [in 2008], and stands for nearly 20 per cent of the worldwide figures,” he said. “We’ve got a very solid basis to looking into the future.” – The National.
It has been confirmed by the Formula 1 Management that a Formula 1 Grand Prix will be hosted in Abu Dhabi from 2009. Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has commented that.” A Formula 1 Grand Prix is one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events, in the same category as an Olympic Games or World Cup, and is unrivalled in terms of continuous global resonance. That is why this new partnership is such an exciting one for Abu Dhabi and the entire UAE.”
The race track is under construction currently by the ALDAR properties which happens to be a renowned owner and constructor for many Abu Dhabi property locations. The race track will be structured and designed by Hermann Tilke, a renowned Formula 1 track designer. It will be constructed on Yas Island, east coast of Abu Dhabi and just a few minutes away from Abu Dhabi’s International airport. Bahrain Grand Prix’s head has stated that the second Middle Eastern Grand Prix is good news. However, it is believed by some people that the second Middle East Grand Prix will take away some of the honor and prestige from the Bahrain event, but Martin Whitaker, General Manager is worried. “A second Formula 1 race will be good for the sport, for the economy of the two countries, and the profile of the sport in the entire region.”
There has been an exclusivity clause in the contract of Bahrain which states that all across the Middle East; Bahrain is the only region that can host a Formula 1 weekend, however, this clause, ends in 2009- the year in which Abu Dhabi can join the calendar. However, it has been estimated that the Abu Dhabi race will be hosted by the approaching end of this year, probably within September and October, whilst the race in Bahrain will be held towards the beginning of the session. In the mean time, Bernie Ecclestone also restated his aspiration this weekend to witness 20 Formula 1 races by 2009. “At the moment we have five countries waiting to see if we can put a race there,” he clarified. Russia, Greece, India and Singapore are the countries assumed to be Ecclestone’s preferential countries for new races as Ecclestone tries to restore the poise and make sure more rac
es are run outside of Western Europe. The 2007 calendar had 17 races planned, down from 19 races in 2005 which is a decreased number.
The bosses of Abu Dhabi Grand Prix are taking into account, to run their race at night in the rouse of the triumph of first under-lights event of Formula One last weekend in Singapore. A big thumbs-up was given to the inaugural Singapore Grand Prix by the fraternity of F1 , as the organizers of the race presented an event that has portended anew dawn for the sport, as believed by many people. Although some flyaway race events, like Australia and Malaysia, are shying away from shifting their start times to make them take place at night, it is been seriously taken care by Abu Dhabi whether it should practice the route – even though it is not demanded by their time zone.
It is expected that the bosses of Abu Dhabi will unveil the schedule and plans for their 2009 race in the week between the Chinese and Japanese Grand Prix and, apparently, not declaring any confirmation of the events whether they would take place at night or not, they have not denied it to be a possibility either. The boss of the race, Philippe Gurdjian stated to Autosport: “The more unique you are in the future, the more you will be successful.”When enquired about the prospects of the same being a night race, he mentioned: “You will know very soon. We will present the project and you will see what we are doing.”Being the season’s finale next year, Abu Dhabi race would mean that the event will be broadcasted during the primetime evening slot on Sunday.
