UAE Women Take the World by Storm! Monday, May 5 2008

In recent times, women from the United Arab Emirates have made their mark in socio-political and economic sectors both on the national and international levels. The country known for its conservative roots has developed itself to the point where there is no discrimination based on gender. In fact, women are held vital in their contribution towards the progress of the nation as they extend their roles in various fields.

Recently, there have been events in Dubai that marked outstanding women leaders in the country. Women have been projected as role models for the generations to come.

One Response »

 

Camel Festival Debut in the Emirates Thursday, Mar 27 2008

UAE will soon have its share of the ship of the desert in the days to come. The first ever Mazayin Dhafra Camel Festival is being held at the Western Region in April. This is in continuation with the age old importance camels have been holding in Arab culture. A highlight of the event is the Camel Beauty Contest that will be organized from April 2 to April 10, 2008 at the Zayed City.

The Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) is organizing the camel festival which in turn is being sponsored by General Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The event is a part of efforts aimed at furthering local folklore and culture. Organizers hope that the event will become UAE’s annual date with some of the best camels in the world. 

Some eligibility criteria for the participating camels:

• The participating camels have to be pure-bred.
• The participating camels must not have any contagious diseases.
• The participating camels have to have proven ownership.

The camels will be divided as per age groups. An individual can participate with more than one camel as long as the ownership has valid proof.

Around 2,000 competitors have already registered themselves for the event. The number is expected to rise. Winners will get cash prizes worth 35 million AED along with 100 cars being given away as well.

No Responses »

 

Prophet Mohammad’s Birthday (PBUH) to be celebrated on March 20, 2008 Thursday, Mar 20 2008

There will be an official holiday for the public and private sectors in the UAE on Thursday, March 20, 2008. This is to mark Prophet Mohammed’s birthday.

On the occasion, postal services will be available only during set timings at the main post offices only. The post offices that will operate are given below. These will stay open between 9 am to 1 pm:

@ Abu Dhabi:

• Abu Dhabi Central Post Office
• Al Butain
• Hamdan
• Musafah
• Beni Yas
• Nadi Al Seyahi
• Al Ain Main Post Office

@ Dubai

• Dubai Central Post Office
• Al Khor
• Jumeirah
• Satwa
• Rashidiya
• Hor Al Anz
• Deira Main Post Office
• Jebel Ali

NOTE: Post offices in Dubai that are located in shopping malls will remain open between 5 pm to 9 pm.

@ Sharjah

• Sharjah Central Post Office
• Al Corniche
• Al Ghuwair
• Khorfakkan
• Kalba
• Al Dhaid
• Muwaileh

@ Ajman

• Ajman Central Post Office

@ Umm Al Quwain

• Umm Al Quwain Central Post Office
• Sanaiyah
• Al Souq

@ Ras Al Khaimah

• Ras Al Khaimah Central Post Office
• Al Nakheel
• Al Uraibi

@ Fujairah

• Fujairah Central Post Office
• Dibba Al Fujairah

All other branches of the Emirates Post will remain closed. The collection of mail from post boxes will remain functional as usual.

At the given post offices, the collection and delivery of mail will continue as well.

No Responses »

 

UAE in need of more blood donors Friday, Mar 7 2008

As per the health department of the country, UAE will be in need of more blood donors this year. This year about 2,000 more blood units are going to be needed as compared to last year’s consumption. The increase in the demand of blood units is directly proportional to the increase in the number of accidents and the rise in cases of diseases like blood pressure and diabetes.

The safety of the donated blood is also taken care of whereby it is ensured that the donor is in good physical health. For this, lab tests are undertaken to check blood pressure, temperature, weight and hemoglobin level of the blood donor. 

No Responses »

 

Motorists in the UAE Come Under Stricter Law Monday, Feb 25 2008

The federal traffic law in the emirates has been amended recently whereby there will be stricter penalties in place for motorists from March 1, 2008. In particular, motorists who drink and drive will be strictly punished.

In addition to jail term, drunk drivers will invite a penalty of not less than 20,000 AED. The same punishment will be imposed on motorists who flee after getting involved with an accident.

Motorists who drive without a licence will be fined a sum not less than 5,000 AED along with a jail term of up to three months.

In addition to motorists, there are laws and directions in place for pedestrians as well. They are permitted to cross roads only at specified points and are not allowed to do so on roads where the speed limit for vehicles is 80 km per hour.

The Traffic Department will also impose a fine not less than 20,000 AED and prison term on people who imitate or use the number plate of other cars, or add to/ delete from the plate number without the permission of the traffic authorities.

If people, who have been ordered by law not to drive due to certain violations, are found driving, they will be fined a sum of not less than 5,000 AED or three month jail term.

Motorists, who furnish false personal details to the traffic department in order to avert punishment, will be fined anything between 2,000 AED to 5,000 AED, or a jail term of three months.

The stipulations are as per Article 49 of the federal traffic law.

2 Responses »

 

Private sector holiday on New Hijri 1429 Wednesday, Jan 9 2008

Employees of private sector companies across the UAE will have a holiday on January 10, 2008 to mark New Hijri 1429. Public sector will also observe a holiday.

Read earlier post: Holiday to mark New Hijri 1429

No Responses »

 

A few must-know labour laws for employees in the UAE Wednesday, Jan 9 2008

With the United Arab Emirates having the status of a popular choice for exploring job opportunities, especially in the Third World countries, there are some labour laws that existing and prospective employees in the country should know. Here’s an overview:

• Federal Labour Law, Article 74 and Article 81: There are some official holidays every employee is entitled to (with full wage). These are:

o One holiday on New Year Day as per the Gregorian calendar
o One holiday on New Year Day as per the Islamic calendar
o Two holidays on Eid Al Fitr
o Three holidays on Eid Al Adha and Arafat Day
o One holiday on the National Day
o One holiday on the Israawal Meraj
o One holiday on Prophet Mohammed’s birthday

If work circumstances compel an employee to work full time or part time on an official holiday, s/he must be compensated with a leave and a compensatory extra 50 percent of the full wage. In the event of non-compliance with this rule, the employee will be paid 150 percent of the basic wage for the work days.

• Federal Labour Law, Article 83: During the probation period, an employee is not entitled to a paid sick leave. After the end of the probation period, if an employee falls ill on completion of more than three months in continuous service, s/he is entitled to continuous or interrupted 90 days’ leave per year.

The salary for the paid sick leave will be calculated on the following basis:

o First 15 days: full wage
o Next 30 days: half wage
o Following period: no pay

3 Responses »

 

Holiday to mark New Hijri 1429 Monday, Jan 7 2008

Work in public sector offices across the UAE will remain off on January 10, 2008 (Thursday) in order to mark New Hijri 1429. Federal ministries, institutions, departments along with the financial markets come under the same. The holiday has been declared by the Ministry of Governmental Sector Development.

The New Hijri is the beginning of the New Year as per the Islamic calendar.

One Response »

 

First Air Sports Event of the Year in Al Ain Saturday, Jan 5 2008

Al Ain will host the Al Ain International Aerobatics Championship from January 24, 2008 to January 27, 2008. This is going to be the first air sports event of the year on the global level.

Attractions:

• Breathtaking air shows
• New and returning teams in the aerobatics competition
• Flying shows by Bleriot XI
• Royal Jordanian Falcons
• Saudi Arabian Green Hawks
• Italy’s Pioneer Team

Al Ain International Aerobatics Championship is renowned all over the world for its showcase of fascinating displays and skills. Over 110 aircrafts from across the globe will compete in this year’s event which has been jointly organized by the UAE Air Force and Air Defence and the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority. The organizers have coordinated with the World Air Sports Federation as well.

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the patron of the event.

Last year’s chapter of the event saw over 100,000 spectators. And this year is expected to have a better turnout of visitors.

Enjoy!

No Responses »

 

New Year’s Eve Bash in Al Ain Friday, Dec 28 2007

So you’ll be in Al Ain on December 31, 2007… Have a look at the following options to have a New Year’s Eve bash:

Arabesque
@InterContinental, Al Ain

International buffet at 150 AED per head

Luce
@InterContinental, Al Ain

Five-course Italian feast with live entertainment at 290 AED per head

Ballroom
@InterContinental, Al Ain

Fire and Ice party, grand seafood buffet, live band, dancers and DJs

Charges:

• 888 AED per couple
• 450 AED per head

2 Responses »