Dear Friends,
I am starting a new thread which will contain brief information and links related to Life in the UAE and UAE Developments. As far as possible, I will cover immigration/visa, work-related, and any other industry-related developments which are of use to us on a day-to-day basis. This is also created to make sure you do not miss any useful information while you were away from here, either on business or for personal reasons.
You may also contribute news items of importance and relevance here and make it a collective effort to enhance our knowledge.
Regards, Ramesh Menon
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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4I am starting a new thread which will contain brief information and links related to Life in the UAE and UAE Developments. As far as possible, I will cover immigration/visa, work-related, and any other industry-related developments which are of use to us on a day-to-day basis. This is also created to make sure you do not miss any useful information while you were away from here, either on business or for personal reasons.
You may also contribute news items of importance and relevance here and make it a collective effort to enhance our knowledge.
Regards, Ramesh Menon
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Daily news brief: Wednesday, 2nd July 2008
Foreigners visiting UAE must undergo medical check-ups for contagious diseases
WAM Published: July 01, 2008, 18:56
Dubai: Foreigners who come to the UAE to live, study or work for a period not less than six months will now have to undergo medical check-ups for some contagious diseases, like HIV/Aids, Hepatitis-b and leprosy.
Humaid Mohammad Al Qutami, Minister of Health, has issued a new ministerial decree making it compulsory for all expatriates coming to the UAE to live, study or work to undergo the medical tests.
Insurance for low-income expats
By Dina El Shammaa, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS Published: July 02, 2008, 00:08
Abu Dhabi: Expatriates earning a salary of Dh5,000 or less will now be eligible to enrol for the basic health insurance plan due to high inflation rates in the UAE, said an official from the Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD).
The basic health insurance plan (BHIP) is subsidised by the government of Abu Dhabi for people with low monthly salaries. Up until June 1 more than 700,000 expatriates with a salary of Dh4,000 or less have been enrolled in the plan. Daman has more than a million health insurance members to date.
Under Law 23, the executive council of Abu Dhabi and HAAD agreed with the National Health Insurance Company (Daman) to keep the premium basic product stable at Dh600 for 2008. The employer bears all costs of the employee's basic plan.
Most companies sticking to midday break rule
By Wafa Issa, Fuad Ali and Nasouh Nazzal, Staff Reporters GULF NEWS Published: July 02, 2008, 00:08
Dubai/ Fujairah/Ras Al Khaimah: Ministry of Labour inspectors across the country went out two hours prior to the start of the midday break to spread awareness about the implementation of the rule while the majority of companies showed commitment on the first day of its enforcement.
Maher Al Oabed, head of the Inspection Unit at the ministry, said that the ministry's main focus this year was to educate companies and workers on the rule.
Mid-day respite for workers from today
By Riyasbabu and Ahmed Abdul Aziz (Our staff reporters)KHALEEJ TIMES 1 July 2008
DUBAI/ABU DHABI — Beginning today, the Ministry of Labour (MoL) will enforce the mid-day break rule for labourers, banning outdoor work between and 3pm daily during the months of July and August.
However, this year, work at construction sites, where concrete mix pouring is being done (which needs non-stop work for 10 hours), electricity and water maintenance in buildings, and other light activities under shade at workshops, will be allowed during the break time, the MoL yesterday clarified.
The mid-day break will also not stop work in emergencies on roads or disasters as well as at oil and petroleum companies.
Ministry organises awareness campaign for labourers in UAE
Staff Report GULF NEWS Published: July 01, 2008, 16:04
Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Labour in association with New Medical Centre (NMC) is organising an awareness campaign for labourers across the UAE from Tuesday.
The campaign will focus on educating the labourers about taking care of their health while working under the hot summer sun.
Complementing the midday break rule that came into effect on Tuesday, the campaign will educate the labourers on simple and practical measures to avoid dehydration and illness. A team of experts, including doctors from the New Medical Centre (NMC) hospital, will visit labour camps for the purpose.
You may visit the following links to read more on the above news:
Team 1 Dubai : Your e-Home for TQM & Positive Thinking: Life in UAE
Team 1 Dubai : Your e-Home for TQM & Positive Thinking: UAE Developments
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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Foreigners visiting UAE must undergo medical check-ups for contagious diseases
WAM Published: July 01, 2008, 18:56
Dubai: Foreigners who come to the UAE to live, study or work for a period not less than six months will now have to undergo medical check-ups for some contagious diseases, like HIV/Aids, Hepatitis-b and leprosy.
Humaid Mohammad Al Qutami, Minister of Health, has issued a new ministerial decree making it compulsory for all expatriates coming to the UAE to live, study or work to undergo the medical tests.
Insurance for low-income expats
By Dina El Shammaa, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS Published: July 02, 2008, 00:08
Abu Dhabi: Expatriates earning a salary of Dh5,000 or less will now be eligible to enrol for the basic health insurance plan due to high inflation rates in the UAE, said an official from the Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD).
The basic health insurance plan (BHIP) is subsidised by the government of Abu Dhabi for people with low monthly salaries. Up until June 1 more than 700,000 expatriates with a salary of Dh4,000 or less have been enrolled in the plan. Daman has more than a million health insurance members to date.
Under Law 23, the executive council of Abu Dhabi and HAAD agreed with the National Health Insurance Company (Daman) to keep the premium basic product stable at Dh600 for 2008. The employer bears all costs of the employee's basic plan.
Most companies sticking to midday break rule
By Wafa Issa, Fuad Ali and Nasouh Nazzal, Staff Reporters GULF NEWS Published: July 02, 2008, 00:08
Dubai/ Fujairah/Ras Al Khaimah: Ministry of Labour inspectors across the country went out two hours prior to the start of the midday break to spread awareness about the implementation of the rule while the majority of companies showed commitment on the first day of its enforcement.
Maher Al Oabed, head of the Inspection Unit at the ministry, said that the ministry's main focus this year was to educate companies and workers on the rule.
Mid-day respite for workers from today
By Riyasbabu and Ahmed Abdul Aziz (Our staff reporters)KHALEEJ TIMES 1 July 2008
DUBAI/ABU DHABI — Beginning today, the Ministry of Labour (MoL) will enforce the mid-day break rule for labourers, banning outdoor work between and 3pm daily during the months of July and August.
However, this year, work at construction sites, where concrete mix pouring is being done (which needs non-stop work for 10 hours), electricity and water maintenance in buildings, and other light activities under shade at workshops, will be allowed during the break time, the MoL yesterday clarified.
The mid-day break will also not stop work in emergencies on roads or disasters as well as at oil and petroleum companies.
Ministry organises awareness campaign for labourers in UAE
Staff Report GULF NEWS Published: July 01, 2008, 16:04
Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Labour in association with New Medical Centre (NMC) is organising an awareness campaign for labourers across the UAE from Tuesday.
The campaign will focus on educating the labourers about taking care of their health while working under the hot summer sun.
Complementing the midday break rule that came into effect on Tuesday, the campaign will educate the labourers on simple and practical measures to avoid dehydration and illness. A team of experts, including doctors from the New Medical Centre (NMC) hospital, will visit labour camps for the purpose.
You may visit the following links to read more on the above news:
Team 1 Dubai : Your e-Home for TQM & Positive Thinking: Life in UAE
Team 1 Dubai : Your e-Home for TQM & Positive Thinking: UAE Developments
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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Daily news brief: Thursday, 3rd July 2008
New policy unlikely to affect visa flights
By Zoe Sinclair and Adel Arafah (Staff reporterS/KHALEEJ TIMES)3 July 2008
DUBAI — Airlines offering "visa run flights" to expatriates renewing their visit visas expect minimal impact after a change in the visa policy, officials said yesterday.
A raft of visa changes will take effect from August 1, with one policy to end the practice of "visa runs" where expatriates leave the UAE to a neighbouring country usually only for a matter of hours before returning and renewing their visit visa upon entry.
Dubai Department of Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD) Director Major-General Mohammad Ahmad Al Marrihas said from August 1, Dubai's expatriates will have to remain outside the country for one month before returning on a visit visa.
This rule is already in effect in the other emirates in the UAE, according to Major-General Mohammed Salim bin Awaida Al Khaili, Director-General of the Naturalisation and Residency Department, Ministry of Interior.
Team 1 Dubai : Your e-Home for TQM & Positive Thinking: New policy unlikely to affect visa flights
Dubai launches HR Strategy
By a staff reporter KHALEEJ TIMES 3 July 2008
DUBAI — The government of Dubai yesterday launched a Human Resources (HR) Strategy to create a high performance culture, build the workforce capacity and capability and develop HR knowledge and expertise in order to achieve the government's excellence objectives set out in the Dubai Strategic Plan (DSP) 2015.
The eight-year HR Strategy was unveiled under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and was attended by Shaikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai.
The event was organised at the Madinat Jumeirah by the General Secretariat of Dubai Executive Council.
As part of the strategy, the focus would be on requirements of Dubai's fast paced economic and social development and hone the technical and leadership skills of nationals. From here on, reward and recognition systems will be linked to performance and subject to regular review, celebrating outstanding levels of contribution.
The thrust would also be on the availability of credible and accessible data to drive informed decision making.
Outlining the scope of the HR Strategy, Ahmad bin Byat, Secretary General of the Dubai Executive Council, said, "Some of the priority areas inbuilt into the HR Strategy will include a strategic and forward-looking policy, promoting accountability and a result-based culture, increasing efficiency, enhancing responsiveness and customer service, and empowering and motivating public sector employees."
Team 1 Dubai : Your e-Home for TQM & Positive Thinking: Dubai launches HR Strategy
For detailed reading, please visit:
Team 1 Dubai : Your e-Home for TQM & Positive Thinking: Life in UAE
Team 1 Dubai : Your e-Home for TQM & Positive Thinking: UAE Developments
Have a great day and great week-end.
Ramesh Menon
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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New policy unlikely to affect visa flights
By Zoe Sinclair and Adel Arafah (Staff reporterS/KHALEEJ TIMES)3 July 2008
DUBAI — Airlines offering "visa run flights" to expatriates renewing their visit visas expect minimal impact after a change in the visa policy, officials said yesterday.
A raft of visa changes will take effect from August 1, with one policy to end the practice of "visa runs" where expatriates leave the UAE to a neighbouring country usually only for a matter of hours before returning and renewing their visit visa upon entry.
Dubai Department of Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD) Director Major-General Mohammad Ahmad Al Marrihas said from August 1, Dubai's expatriates will have to remain outside the country for one month before returning on a visit visa.
This rule is already in effect in the other emirates in the UAE, according to Major-General Mohammed Salim bin Awaida Al Khaili, Director-General of the Naturalisation and Residency Department, Ministry of Interior.
Team 1 Dubai : Your e-Home for TQM & Positive Thinking: New policy unlikely to affect visa flights
Dubai launches HR Strategy
By a staff reporter KHALEEJ TIMES 3 July 2008
DUBAI — The government of Dubai yesterday launched a Human Resources (HR) Strategy to create a high performance culture, build the workforce capacity and capability and develop HR knowledge and expertise in order to achieve the government's excellence objectives set out in the Dubai Strategic Plan (DSP) 2015.
The eight-year HR Strategy was unveiled under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and was attended by Shaikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai.
The event was organised at the Madinat Jumeirah by the General Secretariat of Dubai Executive Council.
As part of the strategy, the focus would be on requirements of Dubai's fast paced economic and social development and hone the technical and leadership skills of nationals. From here on, reward and recognition systems will be linked to performance and subject to regular review, celebrating outstanding levels of contribution.
The thrust would also be on the availability of credible and accessible data to drive informed decision making.
Outlining the scope of the HR Strategy, Ahmad bin Byat, Secretary General of the Dubai Executive Council, said, "Some of the priority areas inbuilt into the HR Strategy will include a strategic and forward-looking policy, promoting accountability and a result-based culture, increasing efficiency, enhancing responsiveness and customer service, and empowering and motivating public sector employees."
Team 1 Dubai : Your e-Home for TQM & Positive Thinking: Dubai launches HR Strategy
For detailed reading, please visit:
Team 1 Dubai : Your e-Home for TQM & Positive Thinking: Life in UAE
Team 1 Dubai : Your e-Home for TQM & Positive Thinking: UAE Developments
Have a great day and great week-end.
Ramesh Menon
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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Daily news brief: Friday, 4th July 2008
Friday being week-end is the time for some relaxed reading. And I found something very interesting, particularly for HR - because Credit applications are getting into an alarmingly increasing rate these days. The report has some interesting statistics too.
Calls for credit ‘capping’ system
The National Last Updated: July 03. 2008
Mall of the Emirates’ expectation of a 40 per cent increase in sales during Dubai Summer Surprises has highlighted the need for a federal credit bureau to help tackle rising consumer debt.
Money owed on personal loans and credit cards in the UAE in the last three-month period alone was Dh40 billion – with 70 per cent of it owed in Dubai.
A draft law is being finalised at the Ministry of Justice, establishing a federal credit bureau to function as a national credit data-sharing structure to supervise banks’ lending policies.
The proposal is being backed by Visa, the credit card provider, and has received the support of some of the UAE’s banks. However, a recent investigation by The National found one bank was still prepared to offer four credit cards with one account.
Expatriates who earn more than Dh5,000 a month are offered up to 30 times their salary.
The general manager of the UAE’s largest credit collection service, CRCQ, also supports a national capping system to prevent excessive debt and backs government plans to introduce the federal credit bureau.
“It would be very beneficial to consumers to have a capping system,” he said.
“People are living beyond their means and feel social pressures to drive nice cars and wear nice clothes and so on. It’s globalisation but it is not helped by the fact that banks and financing companies make it easy for people to incur more debt.
“On the positive side, the economy here is booming and it’s a very prosperous society, but on the other, it means the consumers have no savings and high debts.”
Personal loans in the UAE increased by 39 per cent last year, reaching compared with Dh28bn in 2006.
Extracted from the THE NATIONAL
For the complete report, please visit:
Team 1 Dubai : Your e-Home for TQM & Positive Thinking: Life in UAE
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Friday being week-end is the time for some relaxed reading. And I found something very interesting, particularly for HR - because Credit applications are getting into an alarmingly increasing rate these days. The report has some interesting statistics too.
Calls for credit ‘capping’ system
The National Last Updated: July 03. 2008
Mall of the Emirates’ expectation of a 40 per cent increase in sales during Dubai Summer Surprises has highlighted the need for a federal credit bureau to help tackle rising consumer debt.
Money owed on personal loans and credit cards in the UAE in the last three-month period alone was Dh40 billion – with 70 per cent of it owed in Dubai.
A draft law is being finalised at the Ministry of Justice, establishing a federal credit bureau to function as a national credit data-sharing structure to supervise banks’ lending policies.
The proposal is being backed by Visa, the credit card provider, and has received the support of some of the UAE’s banks. However, a recent investigation by The National found one bank was still prepared to offer four credit cards with one account.
Expatriates who earn more than Dh5,000 a month are offered up to 30 times their salary.
The general manager of the UAE’s largest credit collection service, CRCQ, also supports a national capping system to prevent excessive debt and backs government plans to introduce the federal credit bureau.
“It would be very beneficial to consumers to have a capping system,” he said.
“People are living beyond their means and feel social pressures to drive nice cars and wear nice clothes and so on. It’s globalisation but it is not helped by the fact that banks and financing companies make it easy for people to incur more debt.
“On the positive side, the economy here is booming and it’s a very prosperous society, but on the other, it means the consumers have no savings and high debts.”
Personal loans in the UAE increased by 39 per cent last year, reaching compared with Dh28bn in 2006.
Extracted from the THE NATIONAL
For the complete report, please visit:
Team 1 Dubai : Your e-Home for TQM & Positive Thinking: Life in UAE
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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Daily News Brief: Monday, 7th July 2008
Over 90,000 Vehicles Hit the Road in Abu Dhabi
(WAM) Abu Dhabi:
Over 90,000 new vehicles hit the road in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, and over 28,000 driving licenses were issued in the first half of the year, according to Police figures.
Lt. Colonel Mohammed Al Kitbi, Director of Vehicle and Driver's Licensing Department, said 28,068 new driving licenses were issued, and 91,509 new vehicles were registered in the period from January to June in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
"The share of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and the Western Region of these licenses were 20,925, 4,975, and 2,168 respectively," he explained.
As for vehicle registration, he added new cars registered in Abu Dhabi numbered 67,722. Al Ain and the Western Region saw registration of 21,876 and 1,911 respectively in the same period.
DP World - UAE Launches Large-Scale Recruitment Drive for UAE Nationals
(WAM) Dubai:
DP World - UAE, the local arm of the global marine terminal operator DP World, has announced a major recruitment drive for UAE nationals in its various departments, mainly at DP World's flagship Jebel Ali Port.
The recruitment campaign is in line with the company's policy of providing an opportunity for national youth to join its workforce and contribute to its growth as well as that of Dubai and the country.
There are currently over 150 job vacancies in the various departments, including the Container Terminal, Commercial, Documentation, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Marine, Procurement, and Technical departments.
DP World - UAE has reserved vacancies exclusively for the UAE nationals who have sufficient experience and also for fresh national graduates holding high school certificates, diplomas, and university degrees.
Selected applicants will go through an intensive training program according to the respective department specialization. The aim is to prepare and qualify them to take up positions in DP World's UAE Region. Opportunities will also be available for many of the selected candidates to undergo training at other DP World ports around the globe.
For more detailed reading, please visit:
[Team 1 Dubai: Your e-Home for TQM & Positive Thinking: UAE Developments](http://team1dubai.blogspot.com/search/label/UAE%20Developments)
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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Over 90,000 Vehicles Hit the Road in Abu Dhabi
(WAM) Abu Dhabi:
Over 90,000 new vehicles hit the road in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, and over 28,000 driving licenses were issued in the first half of the year, according to Police figures.
Lt. Colonel Mohammed Al Kitbi, Director of Vehicle and Driver's Licensing Department, said 28,068 new driving licenses were issued, and 91,509 new vehicles were registered in the period from January to June in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
"The share of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and the Western Region of these licenses were 20,925, 4,975, and 2,168 respectively," he explained.
As for vehicle registration, he added new cars registered in Abu Dhabi numbered 67,722. Al Ain and the Western Region saw registration of 21,876 and 1,911 respectively in the same period.
DP World - UAE Launches Large-Scale Recruitment Drive for UAE Nationals
(WAM) Dubai:
DP World - UAE, the local arm of the global marine terminal operator DP World, has announced a major recruitment drive for UAE nationals in its various departments, mainly at DP World's flagship Jebel Ali Port.
The recruitment campaign is in line with the company's policy of providing an opportunity for national youth to join its workforce and contribute to its growth as well as that of Dubai and the country.
There are currently over 150 job vacancies in the various departments, including the Container Terminal, Commercial, Documentation, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Marine, Procurement, and Technical departments.
DP World - UAE has reserved vacancies exclusively for the UAE nationals who have sufficient experience and also for fresh national graduates holding high school certificates, diplomas, and university degrees.
Selected applicants will go through an intensive training program according to the respective department specialization. The aim is to prepare and qualify them to take up positions in DP World's UAE Region. Opportunities will also be available for many of the selected candidates to undergo training at other DP World ports around the globe.
For more detailed reading, please visit:
[Team 1 Dubai: Your e-Home for TQM & Positive Thinking: UAE Developments](http://team1dubai.blogspot.com/search/label/UAE%20Developments)
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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Daily News Brief: Tuesday, 8th July 2008
Bid to Curb Diesel Sales
Matt Chung for THE NATIONAL, July 07, 2008
ABU DHABI // Adnoc has been asked to restrict sales of diesel at its petrol stations on the island to reduce traffic congestion and accidents caused by vehicles queuing on main roads to take advantage of cheap prices.
The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company sells diesel for Dh8.60 (US$2.34) per gallon, less than half the cost of fuel at the Emirates National Oil Company (Enoc), Emarat, and Emirates Petroleum Products Company (Eppco) stations in Dubai and the northern Emirates, where it costs Dh19.25 (US$5.24) per gallon.
The price of diesel in the northern Emirates is said to have increased by 58 per cent this year.
New System Being Installed at Dubai Airport to Detect Fake Travel Documents
By Bassma Al Jandaly, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS Published: July 07, 2008
Dubai: The Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD) reinforced its employees' skills and ability to spot falsified documents and passports following extensive training on the Electronic Documentation Information System on Network (EDISON) for verifying various passport security features and the examination of questioned documents.
The system, currently implemented by DNRD at the Dubai International Airport terminals, assists passport control officers in detecting forged travel documents containing images of over 1,400 genuine and fake travel document samples from over 190 countries and is recognized as a global reference for testing the authenticity and validity of travel documents.
Abu Dhabi Announces Major Road Projects
By Binsal Abdul Kader, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS Published: July 08, 2008
Abu Dhabi: Major road projects, including the upgrade of the international highway and reconstruction of the Mafraq interchange, will have a huge impact on Abu Dhabi mainland, a senior official told Gulf News.
The projects will shift the focus from the city and will take development all over the emirate, in accordance with the 2030 plan of the Abu Dhabi Government, said Abdullah Al Shamsi, Director of Roads and Infrastructure at Abu Dhabi Municipality, in an exclusive interview with Gulf News.
The projects will support all upcoming developmental activity on the mainland, especially in Al Gharbia (the Western Region), which will attract large numbers of people to settle there, he said.
The projects will transform Abu Dhabi into "Greater Abu Dhabi" as envisioned in the Abu Dhabi government's 2030 plan.
Al Gharbia has a population of 120,000. The Abu Dhabi government has earmarked Dh98 billion for infrastructure, tourism, and economic development projects in the region.
Al Gharbia comprises seven main cities: Madinat Zayed, Mirfa, Liwa, Ghayathi, Sila, Ruwais, and Dalma Island, and is close to the borders of Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
For detailed reading, kindly bookmark and visit:
Team 1 Dubai: Your e-Home for TQM & Positive Thinking: UAE Developments
Team 1 Dubai: Your e-Home for TQM & Positive Thinking: Life in UAE
To create more interest in this thread and benefit from your casual visit/reading of this place, I will be adding one management tip each day. So, let us begin:
A good rule:
Improve meetings by creating and sharing this simple guideline: Everyone must respond out loud.
Reason: During discussions, you can never be sure what attendees' silence means. It could indicate agreement - but it could also indicate disagreement, confusion, serious reservations, or lack of interest. The only way you can know for sure is to ask all attendees to verbalize their reactions.
- Adapted from Who's Got the Ball? Maureen O'Brien, Jossey-Bass Publishers. www.josseybass.com
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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Bid to Curb Diesel Sales
Matt Chung for THE NATIONAL, July 07, 2008
ABU DHABI // Adnoc has been asked to restrict sales of diesel at its petrol stations on the island to reduce traffic congestion and accidents caused by vehicles queuing on main roads to take advantage of cheap prices.
The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company sells diesel for Dh8.60 (US$2.34) per gallon, less than half the cost of fuel at the Emirates National Oil Company (Enoc), Emarat, and Emirates Petroleum Products Company (Eppco) stations in Dubai and the northern Emirates, where it costs Dh19.25 (US$5.24) per gallon.
The price of diesel in the northern Emirates is said to have increased by 58 per cent this year.
New System Being Installed at Dubai Airport to Detect Fake Travel Documents
By Bassma Al Jandaly, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS Published: July 07, 2008
Dubai: The Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD) reinforced its employees' skills and ability to spot falsified documents and passports following extensive training on the Electronic Documentation Information System on Network (EDISON) for verifying various passport security features and the examination of questioned documents.
The system, currently implemented by DNRD at the Dubai International Airport terminals, assists passport control officers in detecting forged travel documents containing images of over 1,400 genuine and fake travel document samples from over 190 countries and is recognized as a global reference for testing the authenticity and validity of travel documents.
Abu Dhabi Announces Major Road Projects
By Binsal Abdul Kader, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS Published: July 08, 2008
Abu Dhabi: Major road projects, including the upgrade of the international highway and reconstruction of the Mafraq interchange, will have a huge impact on Abu Dhabi mainland, a senior official told Gulf News.
The projects will shift the focus from the city and will take development all over the emirate, in accordance with the 2030 plan of the Abu Dhabi Government, said Abdullah Al Shamsi, Director of Roads and Infrastructure at Abu Dhabi Municipality, in an exclusive interview with Gulf News.
The projects will support all upcoming developmental activity on the mainland, especially in Al Gharbia (the Western Region), which will attract large numbers of people to settle there, he said.
The projects will transform Abu Dhabi into "Greater Abu Dhabi" as envisioned in the Abu Dhabi government's 2030 plan.
Al Gharbia has a population of 120,000. The Abu Dhabi government has earmarked Dh98 billion for infrastructure, tourism, and economic development projects in the region.
Al Gharbia comprises seven main cities: Madinat Zayed, Mirfa, Liwa, Ghayathi, Sila, Ruwais, and Dalma Island, and is close to the borders of Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
For detailed reading, kindly bookmark and visit:
Team 1 Dubai: Your e-Home for TQM & Positive Thinking: UAE Developments
Team 1 Dubai: Your e-Home for TQM & Positive Thinking: Life in UAE
To create more interest in this thread and benefit from your casual visit/reading of this place, I will be adding one management tip each day. So, let us begin:
A good rule:
Improve meetings by creating and sharing this simple guideline: Everyone must respond out loud.
Reason: During discussions, you can never be sure what attendees' silence means. It could indicate agreement - but it could also indicate disagreement, confusion, serious reservations, or lack of interest. The only way you can know for sure is to ask all attendees to verbalize their reactions.
- Adapted from Who's Got the Ball? Maureen O'Brien, Jossey-Bass Publishers. www.josseybass.com
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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Daily news brief: Wednesdy, 9th July 2008
Dubai residents could soon cancel labour cards at residency department
Dubai: Labour Card cancellation could soon be done at the Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD) and at its offices in Dubai.
Those who need to cancel their labour cards can complete the procedure of cancellation at the DNRD without the need to visit the Ministry of Labour.
A team from DNRD and the Labour Ministry is studying the possibilities of implementing the new service.
Police call for compulsory fog lights
Matt Kwong for THE NATIONAL
ABU DHABI // Fog lights capable of penetrating dense early-morning haze should be mandatory for all vehicles to reduce the high accident rate, a new police report suggests.
“All cars in the UAE must have fog lights because we have this exceptional weather here,” said Yousif al Katheeri, a warrant officer who drafted the report. “Front fog lights should be in all cars, even Japanese ones. It doesn’t take much to install them and it could save so many lives and reduce so many accidents.”
Breast cancer in the UAE strikes girls as young as 17
Alison McMeans and Mitya Underwood for THE NATIONAL
ABU DHABI // Women are being diagnosed with breast cancer in their teens and 20s, in one case as young as 17, highlighting a need for greater awareness of the disease at an early age, say health professionals.
A leading expert has revealed that there are more cases of breast cancer among younger women in the UAE than in other parts of the world. Along with the 17-year-old, a woman of 19 was diagnosed with a disease more commonly associated with women in their 50s.
Late diagnosis often leaves women with little chance of a cure and doctors are calling for campaigns to alert schoolgirls and young women to the danger.
Women, afraid of the stigma still attached to breast cancer in Gulf states, often ignore warning signs and are reluctant to examine themselves. Younger women remain largely ignorant of the need to be aware of the disease from an early age. Dr Rawda al Mutawa, who was involved in the recent Break The Silence campaign, part of the Global Initiative for Breast Cancer Awareness, said: “Throughout the campaign and during the checks we performed on the younger women, many younger people were diagnosed with cancer who had no idea at all, including a 17-year-old.”
You may read all the above news in detail at:
Team 1 Dubai : Your e-Home for TQM & Positive Thinking: Life in UAE
Management tip of the day:
Overcome Stress by acknowledging it. If you let it build up, you are likely to explode. Instead, explain to others that you are feeling too much pressure and ask them to help you see a way out of your current stressful situation.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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Dubai residents could soon cancel labour cards at residency department
Dubai: Labour Card cancellation could soon be done at the Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD) and at its offices in Dubai.
Those who need to cancel their labour cards can complete the procedure of cancellation at the DNRD without the need to visit the Ministry of Labour.
A team from DNRD and the Labour Ministry is studying the possibilities of implementing the new service.
Police call for compulsory fog lights
Matt Kwong for THE NATIONAL
ABU DHABI // Fog lights capable of penetrating dense early-morning haze should be mandatory for all vehicles to reduce the high accident rate, a new police report suggests.
“All cars in the UAE must have fog lights because we have this exceptional weather here,” said Yousif al Katheeri, a warrant officer who drafted the report. “Front fog lights should be in all cars, even Japanese ones. It doesn’t take much to install them and it could save so many lives and reduce so many accidents.”
Breast cancer in the UAE strikes girls as young as 17
Alison McMeans and Mitya Underwood for THE NATIONAL
ABU DHABI // Women are being diagnosed with breast cancer in their teens and 20s, in one case as young as 17, highlighting a need for greater awareness of the disease at an early age, say health professionals.
A leading expert has revealed that there are more cases of breast cancer among younger women in the UAE than in other parts of the world. Along with the 17-year-old, a woman of 19 was diagnosed with a disease more commonly associated with women in their 50s.
Late diagnosis often leaves women with little chance of a cure and doctors are calling for campaigns to alert schoolgirls and young women to the danger.
Women, afraid of the stigma still attached to breast cancer in Gulf states, often ignore warning signs and are reluctant to examine themselves. Younger women remain largely ignorant of the need to be aware of the disease from an early age. Dr Rawda al Mutawa, who was involved in the recent Break The Silence campaign, part of the Global Initiative for Breast Cancer Awareness, said: “Throughout the campaign and during the checks we performed on the younger women, many younger people were diagnosed with cancer who had no idea at all, including a 17-year-old.”
You may read all the above news in detail at:
Team 1 Dubai : Your e-Home for TQM & Positive Thinking: Life in UAE
Management tip of the day:
Overcome Stress by acknowledging it. If you let it build up, you are likely to explode. Instead, explain to others that you are feeling too much pressure and ask them to help you see a way out of your current stressful situation.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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Daily news brief: Thursday, 10th July 2008
New visa rules come into effect
By Adel Arafah (Staff reporter/KHALEEJ TIMES) 10 July 2008
ABU DHABI — Lieutenant-General Shaikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Interior, has issued a decision amending certain provisions of the law of entry and residence of foreigners.
According to the amendments, which came into effect on July 5, a new type of visa, multiple entry visa, would be issued which allows the bearer to enter the country several times during the six months from the date of issue. The bearer will be able to stay for a maximum of 14 days after each entry into the country.
The Department of Naturalisation and Residency and the embassies and consulates of the UAE in foreign countries will have the authority to issue visas to the foreigners for visiting their relatives or friends who have legitimate resident visas in the UAE.
There will be two types of visit visas, both non-renewable. The first type, long-term visit visa, allows the holders to stay in the UAE for 90 days. The second type, short-term visit visa, allows the holders to stay in the country for 30 days.
For entry permits to visit the UAE, the request should be submitted in the prescribed application forms of the Ministry of Interior along with the documents required for each case.
A) If the purpose of entering the country is visiting a relative or friend, residing in the country legally, the following requirements should be fulfilled:
1. The visitor should be a spouse or one of the immediate relatives of the sponsor. An exception could be made for the second-degree relatives to visit the sponsor on approval by the Undersecretary of Ministry of Interior or his representative;
2. The sponsor should be a UAE citizen in case the visitor is a friend of the person who submits the application; and
3. Proof of consanguinity, marriage or justification for the visit must be furnished and the sponsor must stand as guarantees.
B) If a woman wants to visit her husband who is a citizen of GCC countries but living in the UAE, she must have a valid residence visa in the country of her husband.
In all circumstances, the beneficiary should have a health insurance cover and pay Dh1,000 as a financial guarantee that would be refunded upon departure.
The visit visa holder will be allowed to enter the UAE once within two months from the date of issue.
Visitors may be allowed into the country for studies and the holder of this type of visa will be allowed to enter the UAE once during the two months from the date of issue and they could stay for 60 days and may be extended for the same term twice.
One of the universities or institutes or educational or research institutions licensed in the UAE should provide the guarantee for the study visa. The beneficiary should have health insurance cover and deposit Dh1,000 as guarantee that would be refunded upon departure.
Visit visas may be issued for medical treatment. The holder of such a permit may enter the country once, within two months from the date of issue. The person could stay in the country for 90 days from the date of entry. Such permit may be extended only once for the same period. A hospital must sponsor the patient and a medical report must be furnished along with the refundable deposit of Dh1,000.
Visas for attending an exhibition, festival or conference will be only for a single entry within two months from the date of issue. The person could stay in the country for up to 30 days from the date of entry. This visa cannot be extended. The occurrence and timing of the event must be certified in a letter issued by an official department. A refundable deposit of Dh1,000 must be paid.
The holder of a tourist visa may enter the country once within two months from the date of issue. The person could stay for a maximum of 30 days in the country from the date of entry. Such visas could be extended once for the same period. The sponsor of the visitor must be the tourist agency or institution. A deposit of Dh75,000 must be paid when applying for an institution card.
A refundable deposit of Dh1,000 shall be paid for such a visa for people of certain nationalities to be specified by the decision from the Undersecretary of the Interior Ministry. The application should be submitted to the department concerned a week before arrival and the number of people for whom the visa is sought must not be more than 10. The itinerary should be attached with the application. An exception to the number of members of the group may be given by the Undersecretary of the Interior Ministry. The persons must have health insurance cover.
The UAE ambassadors and consuls abroad are also authorised to issue entry visas for public figures, dignitaries and alike. The condition of sponsor may even be dropped in such cases.
The beneficiaries, as per the bylaw, must, in all cases, have medical insurance.
Management tip of the day
Listen more, not less, to people who annoy you. When you tire of listening to a known complainer, don't start to ignore the person. Instead, ask for more information, detail, clarification or explanation. Often you will come to understand that person's perspective and situation.
A humble request:
Dear friends, I have been updating this thread regularly and am sure some of you are visiting it and reading it regularly. I would like to get responses from you whether it is proving to be useful or not. Objective from my side is to:
- provide information updates on visa/labour/immigration rules which are published in newspapers in UAE
- regular update means you or me never miss any important information if by chance you are not able to catch up with the daily news.
- provide a source of information for members from outside UAE to know what are the developments happening here.
Thanks to know your mind.
Regards,
Ramesh Menon
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
New visa rules come into effect
By Adel Arafah (Staff reporter/KHALEEJ TIMES) 10 July 2008
ABU DHABI — Lieutenant-General Shaikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Interior, has issued a decision amending certain provisions of the law of entry and residence of foreigners.
According to the amendments, which came into effect on July 5, a new type of visa, multiple entry visa, would be issued which allows the bearer to enter the country several times during the six months from the date of issue. The bearer will be able to stay for a maximum of 14 days after each entry into the country.
The Department of Naturalisation and Residency and the embassies and consulates of the UAE in foreign countries will have the authority to issue visas to the foreigners for visiting their relatives or friends who have legitimate resident visas in the UAE.
There will be two types of visit visas, both non-renewable. The first type, long-term visit visa, allows the holders to stay in the UAE for 90 days. The second type, short-term visit visa, allows the holders to stay in the country for 30 days.
For entry permits to visit the UAE, the request should be submitted in the prescribed application forms of the Ministry of Interior along with the documents required for each case.
A) If the purpose of entering the country is visiting a relative or friend, residing in the country legally, the following requirements should be fulfilled:
1. The visitor should be a spouse or one of the immediate relatives of the sponsor. An exception could be made for the second-degree relatives to visit the sponsor on approval by the Undersecretary of Ministry of Interior or his representative;
2. The sponsor should be a UAE citizen in case the visitor is a friend of the person who submits the application; and
3. Proof of consanguinity, marriage or justification for the visit must be furnished and the sponsor must stand as guarantees.
B) If a woman wants to visit her husband who is a citizen of GCC countries but living in the UAE, she must have a valid residence visa in the country of her husband.
In all circumstances, the beneficiary should have a health insurance cover and pay Dh1,000 as a financial guarantee that would be refunded upon departure.
The visit visa holder will be allowed to enter the UAE once within two months from the date of issue.
Visitors may be allowed into the country for studies and the holder of this type of visa will be allowed to enter the UAE once during the two months from the date of issue and they could stay for 60 days and may be extended for the same term twice.
One of the universities or institutes or educational or research institutions licensed in the UAE should provide the guarantee for the study visa. The beneficiary should have health insurance cover and deposit Dh1,000 as guarantee that would be refunded upon departure.
Visit visas may be issued for medical treatment. The holder of such a permit may enter the country once, within two months from the date of issue. The person could stay in the country for 90 days from the date of entry. Such permit may be extended only once for the same period. A hospital must sponsor the patient and a medical report must be furnished along with the refundable deposit of Dh1,000.
Visas for attending an exhibition, festival or conference will be only for a single entry within two months from the date of issue. The person could stay in the country for up to 30 days from the date of entry. This visa cannot be extended. The occurrence and timing of the event must be certified in a letter issued by an official department. A refundable deposit of Dh1,000 must be paid.
The holder of a tourist visa may enter the country once within two months from the date of issue. The person could stay for a maximum of 30 days in the country from the date of entry. Such visas could be extended once for the same period. The sponsor of the visitor must be the tourist agency or institution. A deposit of Dh75,000 must be paid when applying for an institution card.
A refundable deposit of Dh1,000 shall be paid for such a visa for people of certain nationalities to be specified by the decision from the Undersecretary of the Interior Ministry. The application should be submitted to the department concerned a week before arrival and the number of people for whom the visa is sought must not be more than 10. The itinerary should be attached with the application. An exception to the number of members of the group may be given by the Undersecretary of the Interior Ministry. The persons must have health insurance cover.
The UAE ambassadors and consuls abroad are also authorised to issue entry visas for public figures, dignitaries and alike. The condition of sponsor may even be dropped in such cases.
The beneficiaries, as per the bylaw, must, in all cases, have medical insurance.
Management tip of the day
Listen more, not less, to people who annoy you. When you tire of listening to a known complainer, don't start to ignore the person. Instead, ask for more information, detail, clarification or explanation. Often you will come to understand that person's perspective and situation.
A humble request:
Dear friends, I have been updating this thread regularly and am sure some of you are visiting it and reading it regularly. I would like to get responses from you whether it is proving to be useful or not. Objective from my side is to:
- provide information updates on visa/labour/immigration rules which are published in newspapers in UAE
- regular update means you or me never miss any important information if by chance you are not able to catch up with the daily news.
- provide a source of information for members from outside UAE to know what are the developments happening here.
Thanks to know your mind.
Regards,
Ramesh Menon
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Ramesh,
I came to know from the UAE official website that for obtaining the visit visa, the sponsor has to deposit an amount of 2000 dhs with effect from July 01, 2008. However, during June 2008, I read from Gulf News that the deposit amount will come into force only with effect from August 01, 2008. Please clarify.
PRABAKARAN
From India
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
I came to know from the UAE official website that for obtaining the visit visa, the sponsor has to deposit an amount of 2000 dhs with effect from July 01, 2008. However, during June 2008, I read from Gulf News that the deposit amount will come into force only with effect from August 01, 2008. Please clarify.
PRABAKARAN
From India
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Daily news brief: Sunday, 13th July 2008
Unserviceable debt drives more people to suicide
By Sunita Menon, Staff Reporter Published: July 11, 2008, 00:50
Dubai: Rising debt has led to a rising number of suicides among Indian expatriates, according to an Indian Welfare Trust.
According to the trust the main cause for suicide is because people are unable to pay off their debt.
Suicides among Indian expatriates have been on the rise since 2003, said K.V. Shamsudheen, chairman of the Pravasi Bandhu Welfare Trust.
The trust has an ongoing initiative “Sandwanam” (Consolation) that aims to reduce suicides among expatriate Indians. He said debt has trapped many low and middle income Indian expatriates in the UAE. A good number of Indian expatriates could not even pay interest to the lenders. Main sources of credit are bank loans, credit cards and individual illegal lenders.
Interest rate
“The interest rate varies and depends on the source of the loan. While banks are charging up to 8 per cent for loans, on credit cards interest can be up to 30 per cent and individual lenders charge from 72 per cent to 120 per cent. The spending habits of expatriates and their dependents play a very important role in getting people into debt.
“Once a person becomes a non-resident Indian, the family back home will start spending lavishly without considering the financial situation of the breadwinner,” said Shamshudeen.
He said in expressing their love and affection for their families, Indian expatriates who fall in the middle income group try to meet all the financial needs of the family back home, sacrificing even basic necessities and taking out loans without regard for the consequences.
“If there is any possibility to get a loan from a bank that will be their first option. When they cannot pay back the bank loan they apply for credit cards and take loans from the credit cards. When both become overburdened they will take loans from individual lenders with exorbitant interest rates,” said Shamsudheen.
“In some cases the minimum payment on the credit cards is more than their monthly salary. Such cases are increasing day by day,” he added.
Shamsudheen has been spreading awareness on financial planning and frugality, cautioning people not to fall into the debt trap. “I have conducted 150 training sessions for more than 40,000 people all over the Gulf. The Government of India should also take the initiative to educate the dependents of expatriates to spend within the limit of their earnings, after saving for the future,” he said.
AD Municipality, MoL to implement new safety standards
By Ahmed Abdul Aziz (Staff reporter / KHALEEJ TIMES) 13 July 2008
ABU DHABI - The Abu Dhabi Municipality recently organised a one-day workshop on the occupational health and safety standards for representatives of more than 30 contracting companies in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, according to a senior official at the municipality.
'The workshop aimed at completing a survey on the work sites to ensure implementing the safety measures to save the workers' lives and protect their health,' said Ibrahim H. Baqer, Director of Safety and Quality Department at the municipality.
Baqer told Khaleej Times that the Head of Occupational Safety and Health at the Ministry of Labour (MoL) and directors from 31 leading construction and contracting companies in the emirate attended the workshop.
As usual for detailed reading, please visit:
Team 1 Dubai : Your e-Home for TQM & Positive Thinking: Life in UAE
Management tip of the day:
When someone asks you to make changes to a draft document, use a different color font to highlight those changes. That way, the person can easily scan the document and approve your corrections.
Have a great day,
Ramesh Menon
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Unserviceable debt drives more people to suicide
By Sunita Menon, Staff Reporter Published: July 11, 2008, 00:50
Dubai: Rising debt has led to a rising number of suicides among Indian expatriates, according to an Indian Welfare Trust.
According to the trust the main cause for suicide is because people are unable to pay off their debt.
Suicides among Indian expatriates have been on the rise since 2003, said K.V. Shamsudheen, chairman of the Pravasi Bandhu Welfare Trust.
The trust has an ongoing initiative “Sandwanam” (Consolation) that aims to reduce suicides among expatriate Indians. He said debt has trapped many low and middle income Indian expatriates in the UAE. A good number of Indian expatriates could not even pay interest to the lenders. Main sources of credit are bank loans, credit cards and individual illegal lenders.
Interest rate
“The interest rate varies and depends on the source of the loan. While banks are charging up to 8 per cent for loans, on credit cards interest can be up to 30 per cent and individual lenders charge from 72 per cent to 120 per cent. The spending habits of expatriates and their dependents play a very important role in getting people into debt.
“Once a person becomes a non-resident Indian, the family back home will start spending lavishly without considering the financial situation of the breadwinner,” said Shamshudeen.
He said in expressing their love and affection for their families, Indian expatriates who fall in the middle income group try to meet all the financial needs of the family back home, sacrificing even basic necessities and taking out loans without regard for the consequences.
“If there is any possibility to get a loan from a bank that will be their first option. When they cannot pay back the bank loan they apply for credit cards and take loans from the credit cards. When both become overburdened they will take loans from individual lenders with exorbitant interest rates,” said Shamsudheen.
“In some cases the minimum payment on the credit cards is more than their monthly salary. Such cases are increasing day by day,” he added.
Shamsudheen has been spreading awareness on financial planning and frugality, cautioning people not to fall into the debt trap. “I have conducted 150 training sessions for more than 40,000 people all over the Gulf. The Government of India should also take the initiative to educate the dependents of expatriates to spend within the limit of their earnings, after saving for the future,” he said.
AD Municipality, MoL to implement new safety standards
By Ahmed Abdul Aziz (Staff reporter / KHALEEJ TIMES) 13 July 2008
ABU DHABI - The Abu Dhabi Municipality recently organised a one-day workshop on the occupational health and safety standards for representatives of more than 30 contracting companies in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, according to a senior official at the municipality.
'The workshop aimed at completing a survey on the work sites to ensure implementing the safety measures to save the workers' lives and protect their health,' said Ibrahim H. Baqer, Director of Safety and Quality Department at the municipality.
Baqer told Khaleej Times that the Head of Occupational Safety and Health at the Ministry of Labour (MoL) and directors from 31 leading construction and contracting companies in the emirate attended the workshop.
As usual for detailed reading, please visit:
Team 1 Dubai : Your e-Home for TQM & Positive Thinking: Life in UAE
Management tip of the day:
When someone asks you to make changes to a draft document, use a different color font to highlight those changes. That way, the person can easily scan the document and approve your corrections.
Have a great day,
Ramesh Menon
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Dear Ramesh,
Good morning.
It's not that people don't appreciate. I am sure loads and loads of people watch this section on the forum without fail. But as they do this early in the morning, and mostly at work, they find it difficult to key in a few words. That's the reason why people do not type down. So, don't get demotivated and just keep up the good work.
Cheers,
Sajid
From United Arab Emirates, Dubai
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Good morning.
It's not that people don't appreciate. I am sure loads and loads of people watch this section on the forum without fail. But as they do this early in the morning, and mostly at work, they find it difficult to key in a few words. That's the reason why people do not type down. So, don't get demotivated and just keep up the good work.
Cheers,
Sajid
From United Arab Emirates, Dubai
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Abu Dhabi Contest for Painters and Photographers
WAM
Published: July 16, 2008, 00:01
Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition will hold a competition for painters and photographers. The artworks and photographs on hunting, as well as on equestrian and heritage issues, can be submitted. The works should reflect environmental concern and document traditional sports such as falconry and equestrian sport. The exhibition will be held from October 8 to 11. Artists can register through the exhibition's website at http://www.adihex.com.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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WAM
Published: July 16, 2008, 00:01
Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition will hold a competition for painters and photographers. The artworks and photographs on hunting, as well as on equestrian and heritage issues, can be submitted. The works should reflect environmental concern and document traditional sports such as falconry and equestrian sport. The exhibition will be held from October 8 to 11. Artists can register through the exhibition's website at http://www.adihex.com.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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Gulf banking sector faces acute human resource crunch
By Robin Wigglesworth, Financial Times
Published: July 21, 2008, 00:05
As if the geysers of oil were not sufficient, Gulf countries, and some hedge funds, are unexpected beneficiaries of the meltdown of the US subprime mortgage market. While US and European banks are shedding tens of thousands to shore up earnings, Gulf banks face a crisis of a different sort - an acute lack of human resources. Stories abound of entire trading desks in Dubai being lured away by competitors offering two-year guaranteed bonuses. According to one asset manager, the average time spent at a financial institution in the emirate is less than a year. The international financial services industry has cut about 83,000 jobs, according to reports. For Middle Eastern banks, this is quite an opportunity.
Jim Beck, head of human resources at Shuaa Capital, a Dubai-based investment bank, receives 20 to 30 applications a day. "Dealing with them all is a full-time job," he says. "When we advertised an analyst position, we received 45 applications on the first day." It is not only people who have lost their jobs who are looking to move. While house prices tumble and bonuses are cut, the pay packages of those still in work in the financial services industry may drop by as much as 20 per cent this year, according to an April survey by Smart Cube, a Chicago-based consultancy.
Bonuses
Not so in the Gulf, where bonuses are expected to remain attractive. "There are literally waves of people relocating," says Kristi Edwards of Hughes Castell, a legal recruitment company in London. "What is happening over here is quite scary, and the Middle East is booming." In the absence of taxes, salary packages have always been attractive. But until recently a job in the Middle East was seen as a hardship posting - or the result of an inability to hold down a job in a more dynamic financial center such as London or New York. Gulf states are investing billions of dollars in tourism, culture, and infrastructure. These investments are designed to attract not only tourists but also the accelerating inflows of expatriate professionals.
Attractive Dubai
Dubai is proving a particular draw. Since the start of 2007, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has more than doubled its number of members to 675. When the DIFC was being completed, it was hard to envisage how it would turn out, says Nigel Sillitoe of Thames River Capital. "There was a little Starbucks coffee shop and a few people walking around. It was like a ghost town." Now the situation is different. The corridors and hallways of the financial center are thronged with financial professionals. To meet demand for parking, the center is building a subterranean car park that will house 35,000 vehicles. It will be the world's biggest when completed in 2010.
But as much as the Gulf is booming while traditional financial powerhouses suffer, doubts persist whether there is enough business to go round. Stiff competition is bringing down fees, while the battle for staff is fueling wages and shaving margins. The promised listings of family-owned firms in the Middle East have largely been absent, mergers and acquisitions remain far and few between, and caps on foreign ownership in many equity markets limit the scope for capital markets earnings. Another drawback in the Gulf offering, as far as many mature professionals are concerned, is the limited number of places in high-quality schools.
From United Arab Emirates, Dubai
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By Robin Wigglesworth, Financial Times
Published: July 21, 2008, 00:05
As if the geysers of oil were not sufficient, Gulf countries, and some hedge funds, are unexpected beneficiaries of the meltdown of the US subprime mortgage market. While US and European banks are shedding tens of thousands to shore up earnings, Gulf banks face a crisis of a different sort - an acute lack of human resources. Stories abound of entire trading desks in Dubai being lured away by competitors offering two-year guaranteed bonuses. According to one asset manager, the average time spent at a financial institution in the emirate is less than a year. The international financial services industry has cut about 83,000 jobs, according to reports. For Middle Eastern banks, this is quite an opportunity.
Jim Beck, head of human resources at Shuaa Capital, a Dubai-based investment bank, receives 20 to 30 applications a day. "Dealing with them all is a full-time job," he says. "When we advertised an analyst position, we received 45 applications on the first day." It is not only people who have lost their jobs who are looking to move. While house prices tumble and bonuses are cut, the pay packages of those still in work in the financial services industry may drop by as much as 20 per cent this year, according to an April survey by Smart Cube, a Chicago-based consultancy.
Bonuses
Not so in the Gulf, where bonuses are expected to remain attractive. "There are literally waves of people relocating," says Kristi Edwards of Hughes Castell, a legal recruitment company in London. "What is happening over here is quite scary, and the Middle East is booming." In the absence of taxes, salary packages have always been attractive. But until recently a job in the Middle East was seen as a hardship posting - or the result of an inability to hold down a job in a more dynamic financial center such as London or New York. Gulf states are investing billions of dollars in tourism, culture, and infrastructure. These investments are designed to attract not only tourists but also the accelerating inflows of expatriate professionals.
Attractive Dubai
Dubai is proving a particular draw. Since the start of 2007, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has more than doubled its number of members to 675. When the DIFC was being completed, it was hard to envisage how it would turn out, says Nigel Sillitoe of Thames River Capital. "There was a little Starbucks coffee shop and a few people walking around. It was like a ghost town." Now the situation is different. The corridors and hallways of the financial center are thronged with financial professionals. To meet demand for parking, the center is building a subterranean car park that will house 35,000 vehicles. It will be the world's biggest when completed in 2010.
But as much as the Gulf is booming while traditional financial powerhouses suffer, doubts persist whether there is enough business to go round. Stiff competition is bringing down fees, while the battle for staff is fueling wages and shaving margins. The promised listings of family-owned firms in the Middle East have largely been absent, mergers and acquisitions remain far and few between, and caps on foreign ownership in many equity markets limit the scope for capital markets earnings. Another drawback in the Gulf offering, as far as many mature professionals are concerned, is the limited number of places in high-quality schools.
From United Arab Emirates, Dubai
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Daily news brief: Tuesday, 22nd July 2008
DEWA brings awareness campaign to malls and private companies
Staff Report KHALEEJ TIMES Published: July 21, 2008
Dubai: Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has launched a campaign to raise awareness of water and energy conservation among the public under the slogan "Now that you know, don't let it go."
The campaign is a sequel to the "Your Decision Campaign" that marked the introduction of a slab-based tariff system.
The new campaign, which will be implemented at government departments, private companies and shopping malls, seeks to educate the public on avoidance of wastage of water and power to conserve environment and natural resources.
The campaign focuses on behaviour of consumers when it comes to wasting water and electricity, through visual and written communications collateral, giving facts and explanatory messages on natural resources and the importance of saving them.
It uses various channels, including posters, to convey the message of water and energy conservation to governmental departments, private companies and in shopping malls.
DEWA is putting stickers on water taps and electric switches and distributing booklets and brochures to employees and visitors. Moreover, the campaign also uses portable advertising billboards showing its slogan and fact sheets.
The process of electricity production in Dubai requires 7,000 staff workers, 1,219 kilometres of overhead lines and 2,129 km of underground cables.
Water production needs 43 desalinating units and a 769 km pipeline to meet the consumers' daily demand.
Mission visa holders must leave and return on work visa
By Ahmed Abdul Aziz (KHALEEJ TIMES staff reporter)
ABU DHABI — Workers who enter the country on temporary work permit (mission visa) must leave the country and re-enter if their sponsors seek employment visas, according to a senior official of the Ministry of Labour (MoL).
This was stated yesterday by the Acting-General Manager in the MoL, Humaid bin Deemas, during the 'Open Day' in the ministry's office that was attended by nearly 100 people who sought to find solutions to their problems.
Bin Deemas rejected an application from a contracting company in the capital to apply for a permanent work permit to complete the formalities for issuance of employment residence visa to an engineer who had entered the country on mission visa.
"The engineer must leave the country because the mission visa was issued for three months and extended for three months. Hence, the worker must depart from the country and the company can then apply for an employment visa to bring him back and complete the formalities of either residence or employment visa," Bin Deemas clarified.
He added that the ministry allowed the companies to bring workers on mission visas for a period of three to six months.
The mission visa costs Dh600 (including Dh100 application fee) in addition to Dh3,000 refundable bank guarantee. This three-month mission visa is extendable at a cost of Dh600.
"The worker must leave the country and the company must produce a statement from the Naturalisation and Residency Department (NRD) confirming that the person had left the country," added Bin Deemas.
According to the Naturalisation and Residency Department instructions, there is no limit on the period that the worker should stay out of the country in case he had departed after the expiry of the mission visa until the issuance of fresh employment visa.
The ministry' strongly stressed that the companies shouldn't apply to bring in labourers who were banned from work in the country as these applications would be rejected and the firms would lose the Dh100 application fees.
There is no need to attest the academic certifications of the worker to get a mission permit issued, the ministry said.
Management Tip of the Day
Disagree agreeably. Express a differing opinion by saying " I see it differently" instead of "You're wrong" or "I disagree." That polite response is unlikely to offend others and often launches a productive discussion.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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DEWA brings awareness campaign to malls and private companies
Staff Report KHALEEJ TIMES Published: July 21, 2008
Dubai: Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has launched a campaign to raise awareness of water and energy conservation among the public under the slogan "Now that you know, don't let it go."
The campaign is a sequel to the "Your Decision Campaign" that marked the introduction of a slab-based tariff system.
The new campaign, which will be implemented at government departments, private companies and shopping malls, seeks to educate the public on avoidance of wastage of water and power to conserve environment and natural resources.
The campaign focuses on behaviour of consumers when it comes to wasting water and electricity, through visual and written communications collateral, giving facts and explanatory messages on natural resources and the importance of saving them.
It uses various channels, including posters, to convey the message of water and energy conservation to governmental departments, private companies and in shopping malls.
DEWA is putting stickers on water taps and electric switches and distributing booklets and brochures to employees and visitors. Moreover, the campaign also uses portable advertising billboards showing its slogan and fact sheets.
The process of electricity production in Dubai requires 7,000 staff workers, 1,219 kilometres of overhead lines and 2,129 km of underground cables.
Water production needs 43 desalinating units and a 769 km pipeline to meet the consumers' daily demand.
Mission visa holders must leave and return on work visa
By Ahmed Abdul Aziz (KHALEEJ TIMES staff reporter)
ABU DHABI — Workers who enter the country on temporary work permit (mission visa) must leave the country and re-enter if their sponsors seek employment visas, according to a senior official of the Ministry of Labour (MoL).
This was stated yesterday by the Acting-General Manager in the MoL, Humaid bin Deemas, during the 'Open Day' in the ministry's office that was attended by nearly 100 people who sought to find solutions to their problems.
Bin Deemas rejected an application from a contracting company in the capital to apply for a permanent work permit to complete the formalities for issuance of employment residence visa to an engineer who had entered the country on mission visa.
"The engineer must leave the country because the mission visa was issued for three months and extended for three months. Hence, the worker must depart from the country and the company can then apply for an employment visa to bring him back and complete the formalities of either residence or employment visa," Bin Deemas clarified.
He added that the ministry allowed the companies to bring workers on mission visas for a period of three to six months.
The mission visa costs Dh600 (including Dh100 application fee) in addition to Dh3,000 refundable bank guarantee. This three-month mission visa is extendable at a cost of Dh600.
"The worker must leave the country and the company must produce a statement from the Naturalisation and Residency Department (NRD) confirming that the person had left the country," added Bin Deemas.
According to the Naturalisation and Residency Department instructions, there is no limit on the period that the worker should stay out of the country in case he had departed after the expiry of the mission visa until the issuance of fresh employment visa.
The ministry' strongly stressed that the companies shouldn't apply to bring in labourers who were banned from work in the country as these applications would be rejected and the firms would lose the Dh100 application fees.
There is no need to attest the academic certifications of the worker to get a mission permit issued, the ministry said.
Management Tip of the Day
Disagree agreeably. Express a differing opinion by saying " I see it differently" instead of "You're wrong" or "I disagree." That polite response is unlikely to offend others and often launches a productive discussion.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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Daily news brief: Wednesday, 23rd July 2008
RTA legalizes car-pooling
By Alia Al Theeb, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS Published: July 22, 2008
Dubai: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has legalized carpooling by launching Sharekni, "a share your car service."
The move aims to give people a way to legally car-pool in Dubai and encourages motorists to share rides and cut traffic congestion.
Abdul Aziz Malek, CEO of the Dubai Taxi Agency at the RTA, announced the launch of the free service yesterday in the form of a dedicated website.
"The service comes after extensive field studies carried out by a specialist team in the Public Transport Agency (PTA) in collaboration with a global consulting firm, which found that car occupancy is 1.6 persons per one private car and this is one of the factors that is worsening the problem of traffic jams on the streets and roads of Dubai," he said.
Malek said those sharing cars with relatives and friends need not register. RTA inspectors check vehicles only if they suspect that someone is picking passengers up on the road or using their vehicle as an illegal taxi.
Database
He said those interested in carpooling should visit the RTA's website to register.
The website offers various options, which include a search to find drivers or passengers in a certain company or emirate.
The PTA will maintain a database of subscribers and car owners. Residents can log on to either one of the two websites, the dedicated website or the RTA's website, and register to acquire a six-month valid permit and be part of the carpooling service. Parties may agree on a fee between themselves or share costs.
Malek said the maximum number of passengers in one car is four, and all their names must be mentioned on the permit.
Currently, RTA inspectors issue a Dh5,000 fine to motorists for carpooling or running an illegal taxi. The fine is aimed at stopping people from using their cars as illegal taxis. But there have been numerous complaints of motorists being fined while sharing cars with friends and colleagues.
Mohammad Bin Fahad, Acting Director of Planning and Business Development at the PTA, said the initiative will help lower costs commuters incur by using one car for sole use in addition to reducing stress caused by traffic jams, especially during peak hours.
He said it will also contribute to reducing emissions from the large numbers of private cars, which means cutting pollution. "The service will also contribute effectively to reducing the phenomenon of illegal taxis, as all passengers in one car will have to be registered, and their names mentioned on the permit which the driver will carry."
For carpooling register at website www.sharekni.ae or the RTA's website www.rta.ae.
Stress buster
Residents said the service would not only ease traffic on roads but also minimize road rage. Almost all of them agreed it would also lessen the burden on their pockets.
Mohammad Rizwan, a Pakistani, currently carpools. He said: "Five of us travel from Sharjah to Dubai Media City. All of us hold valid UAE driving licenses and own a car. Each one of us takes turns to drive the rest of our colleagues to work every day. In my view, carpooling has lessened the stress level when driving in traffic and getting stuck. We all chit-chat and reach our office in a happy mood."
Avinash G., an Indian computer analyst who lives in Bur Dubai, uses carpooling to reach his place of work in Jebel Ali.
"There are four of us in the car. A couple of us get off on Sheikh Zayed Road while the rest get off in Jebel Ali. We are all charged Dh150 per month by the driver who runs this service. He is an office boy who after dropping us goes to work. He comes to pick us up after he leaves his work at 6.30pm. I have to wait half an hour after work for him, but it's worth the wait. I used to drive, and I hated the traffic. I only take my car out during weekends or to run errands," he said.
Raziya Kazmi, a Bangladeshi who works as a secretary, has no intention of getting a driving license of her own. She lives in Hor Al Anz and has been making use of a carpooling service run by an office boy. "I have been using the service for two years. I work in Rashidiya. We are charged as per the location of our workplace. For example, I pay Dh200 a month, a fellow passenger whose office is on Sheikh Zayed Road is charged Dh250. The public buses are so overloaded, and so I prefer carpooling. It is economical."
To register, log on to: www.sharekni.ae
New procedures for visit visas to start soon
By Bassma Al Jandaly, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS Published: July 22, 2008
Dubai: Applications can be filed starting next Tuesday for new visit visas which were revamped under a Federal ruling last June, a senior residency department official said on Tuesday.
The new fee schedule for the visas, which range from visit visas to visas for medical treatment should have started on August 1, according to an earlier announcement, but have been pushed forward due to the weekend holidays.
July 30 is an official government holiday. The rules apply to nationalities who currently have to get sponsorship before arriving in the country.
The Dubai Naturalization and Residency Department (DNRD) and the Economic Department will meet with representatives of hotels, tourist agencies, hospitals, and educational institutions on Wednesday to brief them on how the changes will be implemented.
Major General Mohammad Ahmad Al Merri, Director-General of DNRD, reiterated the fact that all visitors should have health insurance cover, and sponsors have to pay a Dh1,000 refundable deposit.
He said the visit visa holder will be allowed to enter the UAE once within two months from the date of issue of the visa. According to the amendments, there will be 16 new types of visas.
Residents can apply for a visa for their spouse or blood relative. Expatriates will not be allowed to sponsor friends. Sponsoring other blood relatives will require the approval of a senior officer.
Under the new rules, expatriates cannot apply for relatives who wish to come to the UAE for medical treatment; only hospitals can.
'No instructions given'
Typing centers still do not have a clue about what applications to fill out when new visa rules come into effect.
"We are aware new visa rules will be implemented soon, but we are still working on the same old visa and residency applications," said Mohammad, an employee at a typing center in Jafiliya, Dubai.
"So far, everything in our system is the same, including the online fees. So far, we have no instructions on the changes," said Ali at a typing center in Sharjah.
The Federal authorities announced 16 types of visas and new fees under the revamped rules earlier in June. These include visas for medical treatment to entry visas for students.
Under the rules, expatriates are not allowed to sponsor friends to visit the UAE.
New visa fees in Dhs
Short Entry (visit) Visa - 500 (1 month)
Long Entry (visit) Visa - 1,000 (3 months)
Multiple Entry Visa - 2,000
Entry Visa for Study - 1,000
Renewal of Study Visa - 500
Entry Visa for Medical Treatment - 1,000
Renewal of Medical Treatment Visa - 500
Entry Visa for Expos and Conferences - 100
Tourism Entry Visa - 100
Renewal of Tourism Visa - 500
Entry Visa for GCC State Residents - 100
Renewal of GCC State Resident's Visa - 500
Entry Visa for GCC State Resident's Companions - 100
Renewal of GCC State Residents Companions' Visa - 200
Mission Entry Visa - 200
Transit Entry Visa - 100
Source: B.A.J./GULF NEWS
Management Tip of the day
"When someone offers a less-than-stellar suggestion, don't tear the idea down or ignore it. Instead, use it as a building block. Say: 'That's interesting. Who can suggest a twist on that idea?'"
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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RTA legalizes car-pooling
By Alia Al Theeb, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS Published: July 22, 2008
Dubai: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has legalized carpooling by launching Sharekni, "a share your car service."
The move aims to give people a way to legally car-pool in Dubai and encourages motorists to share rides and cut traffic congestion.
Abdul Aziz Malek, CEO of the Dubai Taxi Agency at the RTA, announced the launch of the free service yesterday in the form of a dedicated website.
"The service comes after extensive field studies carried out by a specialist team in the Public Transport Agency (PTA) in collaboration with a global consulting firm, which found that car occupancy is 1.6 persons per one private car and this is one of the factors that is worsening the problem of traffic jams on the streets and roads of Dubai," he said.
Malek said those sharing cars with relatives and friends need not register. RTA inspectors check vehicles only if they suspect that someone is picking passengers up on the road or using their vehicle as an illegal taxi.
Database
He said those interested in carpooling should visit the RTA's website to register.
The website offers various options, which include a search to find drivers or passengers in a certain company or emirate.
The PTA will maintain a database of subscribers and car owners. Residents can log on to either one of the two websites, the dedicated website or the RTA's website, and register to acquire a six-month valid permit and be part of the carpooling service. Parties may agree on a fee between themselves or share costs.
Malek said the maximum number of passengers in one car is four, and all their names must be mentioned on the permit.
Currently, RTA inspectors issue a Dh5,000 fine to motorists for carpooling or running an illegal taxi. The fine is aimed at stopping people from using their cars as illegal taxis. But there have been numerous complaints of motorists being fined while sharing cars with friends and colleagues.
Mohammad Bin Fahad, Acting Director of Planning and Business Development at the PTA, said the initiative will help lower costs commuters incur by using one car for sole use in addition to reducing stress caused by traffic jams, especially during peak hours.
He said it will also contribute to reducing emissions from the large numbers of private cars, which means cutting pollution. "The service will also contribute effectively to reducing the phenomenon of illegal taxis, as all passengers in one car will have to be registered, and their names mentioned on the permit which the driver will carry."
For carpooling register at website www.sharekni.ae or the RTA's website www.rta.ae.
Stress buster
Residents said the service would not only ease traffic on roads but also minimize road rage. Almost all of them agreed it would also lessen the burden on their pockets.
Mohammad Rizwan, a Pakistani, currently carpools. He said: "Five of us travel from Sharjah to Dubai Media City. All of us hold valid UAE driving licenses and own a car. Each one of us takes turns to drive the rest of our colleagues to work every day. In my view, carpooling has lessened the stress level when driving in traffic and getting stuck. We all chit-chat and reach our office in a happy mood."
Avinash G., an Indian computer analyst who lives in Bur Dubai, uses carpooling to reach his place of work in Jebel Ali.
"There are four of us in the car. A couple of us get off on Sheikh Zayed Road while the rest get off in Jebel Ali. We are all charged Dh150 per month by the driver who runs this service. He is an office boy who after dropping us goes to work. He comes to pick us up after he leaves his work at 6.30pm. I have to wait half an hour after work for him, but it's worth the wait. I used to drive, and I hated the traffic. I only take my car out during weekends or to run errands," he said.
Raziya Kazmi, a Bangladeshi who works as a secretary, has no intention of getting a driving license of her own. She lives in Hor Al Anz and has been making use of a carpooling service run by an office boy. "I have been using the service for two years. I work in Rashidiya. We are charged as per the location of our workplace. For example, I pay Dh200 a month, a fellow passenger whose office is on Sheikh Zayed Road is charged Dh250. The public buses are so overloaded, and so I prefer carpooling. It is economical."
To register, log on to: www.sharekni.ae
New procedures for visit visas to start soon
By Bassma Al Jandaly, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS Published: July 22, 2008
Dubai: Applications can be filed starting next Tuesday for new visit visas which were revamped under a Federal ruling last June, a senior residency department official said on Tuesday.
The new fee schedule for the visas, which range from visit visas to visas for medical treatment should have started on August 1, according to an earlier announcement, but have been pushed forward due to the weekend holidays.
July 30 is an official government holiday. The rules apply to nationalities who currently have to get sponsorship before arriving in the country.
The Dubai Naturalization and Residency Department (DNRD) and the Economic Department will meet with representatives of hotels, tourist agencies, hospitals, and educational institutions on Wednesday to brief them on how the changes will be implemented.
Major General Mohammad Ahmad Al Merri, Director-General of DNRD, reiterated the fact that all visitors should have health insurance cover, and sponsors have to pay a Dh1,000 refundable deposit.
He said the visit visa holder will be allowed to enter the UAE once within two months from the date of issue of the visa. According to the amendments, there will be 16 new types of visas.
Residents can apply for a visa for their spouse or blood relative. Expatriates will not be allowed to sponsor friends. Sponsoring other blood relatives will require the approval of a senior officer.
Under the new rules, expatriates cannot apply for relatives who wish to come to the UAE for medical treatment; only hospitals can.
'No instructions given'
Typing centers still do not have a clue about what applications to fill out when new visa rules come into effect.
"We are aware new visa rules will be implemented soon, but we are still working on the same old visa and residency applications," said Mohammad, an employee at a typing center in Jafiliya, Dubai.
"So far, everything in our system is the same, including the online fees. So far, we have no instructions on the changes," said Ali at a typing center in Sharjah.
The Federal authorities announced 16 types of visas and new fees under the revamped rules earlier in June. These include visas for medical treatment to entry visas for students.
Under the rules, expatriates are not allowed to sponsor friends to visit the UAE.
New visa fees in Dhs
Short Entry (visit) Visa - 500 (1 month)
Long Entry (visit) Visa - 1,000 (3 months)
Multiple Entry Visa - 2,000
Entry Visa for Study - 1,000
Renewal of Study Visa - 500
Entry Visa for Medical Treatment - 1,000
Renewal of Medical Treatment Visa - 500
Entry Visa for Expos and Conferences - 100
Tourism Entry Visa - 100
Renewal of Tourism Visa - 500
Entry Visa for GCC State Residents - 100
Renewal of GCC State Resident's Visa - 500
Entry Visa for GCC State Resident's Companions - 100
Renewal of GCC State Residents Companions' Visa - 200
Mission Entry Visa - 200
Transit Entry Visa - 100
Source: B.A.J./GULF NEWS
Management Tip of the day
"When someone offers a less-than-stellar suggestion, don't tear the idea down or ignore it. Instead, use it as a building block. Say: 'That's interesting. Who can suggest a twist on that idea?'"
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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UAE New Visa Rules and List of Visa, Duration, and Cost
People of all nationalities can now enter the UAE on a tourist visa under new rules that come into effect from next week, a senior official from the Interior Ministry said on Wednesday.
Earlier, nationals from 79 countries in the subcontinent, Middle East, and elsewhere were not eligible for tourist visas and could come to the UAE only on a visit visa. "The new rules will encourage the tourism sector in the country," said Major General Mohammad Ahmad Al Merri, Director-General of Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD).
Al Merri announced the new rules after a meeting with hotel and tourist agency representatives yesterday. He said travel agencies will no longer be allowed to apply for visit visas. "Now these companies will only be allowed to apply for tourist visas," he said. "This will regulate the business and make the process of people traveling to the UAE easier and smooth, as tourism is a high priority for us."
Al Merri reiterated that people should apply only through licensed tourism agencies and hotels. Individuals cannot apply for the tourist visas, he added.
Short trips to the Iranian island of Kish, Oman, and other neighboring countries to change visit visas have also been stopped. "People wanting to apply for a new visit visa after the expiry of their visa must go back to their home countries or distant countries," he said. However, Al Merri did not elaborate on which countries would be considered distant.
"Nobody can now go on these visa runs. We don't want people to get stuck on these trips," said Al Merri. A visit visa will also not be converted to a work visa, he said. "Applicants will have to go back to their home country and wait for the work visa, which will be authorized by the Ministry of Labour," he said.
No Free Entry
The new visa rules will come into force from July 29, and all typing centers will get the software for the new online forms and fee payments by July 28, the official said. He added that those who apply before July 29 will be dealt with on the old system.
People applying for any visa will have to pay a refundable deposit of Dh1,000. Separate visas will be issued for various purposes such as medical treatment or studies. "We will know why each person is coming here for and the sponsor will be responsible for the visitor. This will address the issue of illegal overstayers," Al Merri said.
As per the new rules, 34 nationalities who earlier got a free visit visa for 60 days upon arrival in the UAE will now have to pay Dh100 for a 30-day visa.
Rules
--Tourist visas can only be applied for by a licensed hotel or a tourism agency.
--Residents can apply for a visa for their spouse or blood relative.
--Expatriates will no longer be allowed to sponsor friends, and all visitors should have health insurance coverage.
--Medical treatment visas can only be applied through licensed hospitals and clinics.
--Education visas can only be applied for by a licensed educational institution.
--Exhibition and conference visas can only be applied for by the organizers.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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People of all nationalities can now enter the UAE on a tourist visa under new rules that come into effect from next week, a senior official from the Interior Ministry said on Wednesday.
Earlier, nationals from 79 countries in the subcontinent, Middle East, and elsewhere were not eligible for tourist visas and could come to the UAE only on a visit visa. "The new rules will encourage the tourism sector in the country," said Major General Mohammad Ahmad Al Merri, Director-General of Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD).
Al Merri announced the new rules after a meeting with hotel and tourist agency representatives yesterday. He said travel agencies will no longer be allowed to apply for visit visas. "Now these companies will only be allowed to apply for tourist visas," he said. "This will regulate the business and make the process of people traveling to the UAE easier and smooth, as tourism is a high priority for us."
Al Merri reiterated that people should apply only through licensed tourism agencies and hotels. Individuals cannot apply for the tourist visas, he added.
Short trips to the Iranian island of Kish, Oman, and other neighboring countries to change visit visas have also been stopped. "People wanting to apply for a new visit visa after the expiry of their visa must go back to their home countries or distant countries," he said. However, Al Merri did not elaborate on which countries would be considered distant.
"Nobody can now go on these visa runs. We don't want people to get stuck on these trips," said Al Merri. A visit visa will also not be converted to a work visa, he said. "Applicants will have to go back to their home country and wait for the work visa, which will be authorized by the Ministry of Labour," he said.
No Free Entry
The new visa rules will come into force from July 29, and all typing centers will get the software for the new online forms and fee payments by July 28, the official said. He added that those who apply before July 29 will be dealt with on the old system.
People applying for any visa will have to pay a refundable deposit of Dh1,000. Separate visas will be issued for various purposes such as medical treatment or studies. "We will know why each person is coming here for and the sponsor will be responsible for the visitor. This will address the issue of illegal overstayers," Al Merri said.
As per the new rules, 34 nationalities who earlier got a free visit visa for 60 days upon arrival in the UAE will now have to pay Dh100 for a 30-day visa.
Rules
--Tourist visas can only be applied for by a licensed hotel or a tourism agency.
--Residents can apply for a visa for their spouse or blood relative.
--Expatriates will no longer be allowed to sponsor friends, and all visitors should have health insurance coverage.
--Medical treatment visas can only be applied through licensed hospitals and clinics.
--Education visas can only be applied for by a licensed educational institution.
--Exhibition and conference visas can only be applied for by the organizers.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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Those working on visit visas face Dh50,000 penalty
By Bassma Al Jandaly, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS
Published: July 23, 2008, 13:51
Dubai: People caught working on a visit visa will be fined more than Dh50,000 and banned from entering the UAE. Those employing them will face harsh penalties, a senior interior ministry official said on Wednesday.
He said companies can hire such people temporarily on a contract from the Ministry of Labour. Major General Mohammad Ahmad Al Merri, Director-General of Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD), announced the new visa changes which will be implemented on July 29 at a meeting with representatives of hotels and tourist agencies.
Under the new rules, each visa applicant will have to pay a Dh1,000 refundable deposit, Mohammad Ahmad Al Hammadi, Director of the Department of Entry Permits at the DNRD, said.
"Now everybody will need health insurance when they enter the country. People could be involved in a traffic accident or get a health problem," he said.
He said the new visa rules will have a positive impact on the tourism sector and the labour market as they will curb illegal overstaying. Al Hammadi said the 34 nationalities who earlier got a free visit visa for 60 days upon arrival will now have to pay.
These nationals can now get a visa on arrival for 30 days for a fee of Dh100. This visa can be extended for another 30 days for a fee of Dh600.
"These nationals are exempt from health insurance and from paying the Dh1,000 deposit," he added.
The Dh100 fee will affect citizens from the UK, France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Finland, Malta, Spain, Monaco, Vatican, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong and citizens of GCC states.
Resident expatriates who bring their spouses on a visit visa can change it to a residence visa, but they cannot work, he said. Each application will be studied carefully before issuing it, and the application should be logical.
Individuals and companies can apply for visit visas, he said. Tourist visas can only be applied for by licensed travel agencies and hotels. They cannot be submitted by individuals. The official said there would be no visa runs to nearby countries.
"People who go there from the UAE after the expiry of their visa will not be issued a new visa. It is best for them to go back to their country and wait for their visa to enter the UAE again," he said.
He said a visit visa holder will be allowed to enter the UAE once within two months from the date of issue of the visa.
Residents can apply for a visa for their spouse or blood relative. Expatriates will not be allowed to sponsor friends. Sponsoring other blood relatives will require the approval of an undersecretary of the Interior Ministry or their representative.
Details on the web soon
Brochures and booklets will be distributed to tourist companies describing the new rules.
All the new information will be available on the DNRD website from Saturday onwards. Typing centres will get new forms and new fees online from July 28 midnight.
Those who apply before July 29 will go through the old system, and the fees and the way of applying will not change for them, Al Hammadi said.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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By Bassma Al Jandaly, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS
Published: July 23, 2008, 13:51
Dubai: People caught working on a visit visa will be fined more than Dh50,000 and banned from entering the UAE. Those employing them will face harsh penalties, a senior interior ministry official said on Wednesday.
He said companies can hire such people temporarily on a contract from the Ministry of Labour. Major General Mohammad Ahmad Al Merri, Director-General of Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD), announced the new visa changes which will be implemented on July 29 at a meeting with representatives of hotels and tourist agencies.
Under the new rules, each visa applicant will have to pay a Dh1,000 refundable deposit, Mohammad Ahmad Al Hammadi, Director of the Department of Entry Permits at the DNRD, said.
"Now everybody will need health insurance when they enter the country. People could be involved in a traffic accident or get a health problem," he said.
He said the new visa rules will have a positive impact on the tourism sector and the labour market as they will curb illegal overstaying. Al Hammadi said the 34 nationalities who earlier got a free visit visa for 60 days upon arrival will now have to pay.
These nationals can now get a visa on arrival for 30 days for a fee of Dh100. This visa can be extended for another 30 days for a fee of Dh600.
"These nationals are exempt from health insurance and from paying the Dh1,000 deposit," he added.
The Dh100 fee will affect citizens from the UK, France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Finland, Malta, Spain, Monaco, Vatican, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong and citizens of GCC states.
Resident expatriates who bring their spouses on a visit visa can change it to a residence visa, but they cannot work, he said. Each application will be studied carefully before issuing it, and the application should be logical.
Individuals and companies can apply for visit visas, he said. Tourist visas can only be applied for by licensed travel agencies and hotels. They cannot be submitted by individuals. The official said there would be no visa runs to nearby countries.
"People who go there from the UAE after the expiry of their visa will not be issued a new visa. It is best for them to go back to their country and wait for their visa to enter the UAE again," he said.
He said a visit visa holder will be allowed to enter the UAE once within two months from the date of issue of the visa.
Residents can apply for a visa for their spouse or blood relative. Expatriates will not be allowed to sponsor friends. Sponsoring other blood relatives will require the approval of an undersecretary of the Interior Ministry or their representative.
Details on the web soon
Brochures and booklets will be distributed to tourist companies describing the new rules.
All the new information will be available on the DNRD website from Saturday onwards. Typing centres will get new forms and new fees online from July 28 midnight.
Those who apply before July 29 will go through the old system, and the fees and the way of applying will not change for them, Al Hammadi said.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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Dh1,000 deposit for issuing UAE visa could be waived for certain nationalities
By Samir Salam, Associate Editor GULF NEWS
Published: July 27, 2008, 15:18
Abu Dhabi: Deposits for issuing visas could be waived for certain nationalities, said a top official on Sunday.
The Dh1,000 mandatory deposit for issuing visit, transit, and some other types of visas could be waived for certain nationalities, said Brigadier Nasser Al Awadi Al Minhali, Acting Director-General of the Federal Naturalization and Residency Department.
The criteria for waiving the deposit depend on the adherence to rules and regulations by the visa-seeking nationalities; the less the violation of rules, the more the chances of deposit waiver, said the official.
Records will be kept and monitored after the implementation of the new visa rules come into force on July 29, 2008.
Concerning visit visas for friends, Brigadier Al Minhali said residents will not be allowed to bring in friends on visit visas. Only Emiratis will be allowed to sponsor friends on visit visas, which is also conditional, said the official.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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By Samir Salam, Associate Editor GULF NEWS
Published: July 27, 2008, 15:18
Abu Dhabi: Deposits for issuing visas could be waived for certain nationalities, said a top official on Sunday.
The Dh1,000 mandatory deposit for issuing visit, transit, and some other types of visas could be waived for certain nationalities, said Brigadier Nasser Al Awadi Al Minhali, Acting Director-General of the Federal Naturalization and Residency Department.
The criteria for waiving the deposit depend on the adherence to rules and regulations by the visa-seeking nationalities; the less the violation of rules, the more the chances of deposit waiver, said the official.
Records will be kept and monitored after the implementation of the new visa rules come into force on July 29, 2008.
Concerning visit visas for friends, Brigadier Al Minhali said residents will not be allowed to bring in friends on visit visas. Only Emiratis will be allowed to sponsor friends on visit visas, which is also conditional, said the official.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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International health insurance can cover visitors
By Asma Hamid, Ahmed Abdul Aziz & Mary Nammour KHALEEJ TIMES 28 July 2008
ABU DHABI - Visitors entering the country on visit visas from tomorrow can be covered by international health insurance policies, according to Brigadier Nassir Al Awadi Al Minhali, Acting Director-General of the Federal Naturalisation and Residency Department (FNRD) in the Ministry of Interior (MoI).
He explained that if this health insurance policy is internationally certified and covers the UAE, it would be approved for all types of visit visas.
Meanwhile, Major Mohammad Al Hammadi, Director of the Entry Permit Department at the Department of Naturalisation and Residency in Dubai (DNRD) announced that from next week, special counters of health insurance companies will be set up on its premises to provide medical insurance covers for visa-seekers.
“We will be signing agreements with some health insurance companies soon to ensure the insurance service is made available to applicants at the DNRD. He, however did not disclose the fees and service costs.
Al Hammadi clarified that sponsors could also seek medical insurance cover for the visa-seeker through any renowned health insurance company in the emirate, or in the UAE.
“Private companies applying for visas for their workers should provide them with medical insurance. The same applies to the tourism companies. In case the tourism companies already have the insurance cover in their packages offered to the tourists, we will not be asking for that condition.”
According to Major Al Hammadi, the international medical insurance policies will be valid in the UAE. “The insurance should be valid as long as the visa-holder is going to stay in the UAE.”
The local insurance companies are making all preparations to meet the new demand. Speaking to Khaleej Times, Wesam Ibrahim, head of the Department of Life and Medical Insurance at Al Wathba National Insurance Company (AWNIC), said the company already has a plan that can accommodate visitors in accordance with the new visit visa requirements.
“We will find out the exact details of the new visit visa requirements by the end of this month. At this point of time, we have no plans to develop a new plan,” he said.
Ibrahim explained that AWNIC’s existing visitor plan only covers inpatient emergency cases, and covers healthcare services of up to Dh100,000. Clients can be insured for either a month or three months, but the company has no insurance policy for visitors staying for less than a month. The cost of the plan ranges from Dh130 to Dh150 per month. “We do not think that much will change for our company after the new visit visa law is enforced,” he added.
A reliable source at the National Health Insurance Company (Daman) said the health insurance will cover the categories that would be defined by the Naturalisation and Residency Department in the Ministry of Interior.
According to the current rules in Daman, the health insurance for mission visas (six months) costs Dh420 for those above 51 years of age, and Dh 240 for those between 16 and 50 years.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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By Asma Hamid, Ahmed Abdul Aziz & Mary Nammour KHALEEJ TIMES 28 July 2008
ABU DHABI - Visitors entering the country on visit visas from tomorrow can be covered by international health insurance policies, according to Brigadier Nassir Al Awadi Al Minhali, Acting Director-General of the Federal Naturalisation and Residency Department (FNRD) in the Ministry of Interior (MoI).
He explained that if this health insurance policy is internationally certified and covers the UAE, it would be approved for all types of visit visas.
Meanwhile, Major Mohammad Al Hammadi, Director of the Entry Permit Department at the Department of Naturalisation and Residency in Dubai (DNRD) announced that from next week, special counters of health insurance companies will be set up on its premises to provide medical insurance covers for visa-seekers.
“We will be signing agreements with some health insurance companies soon to ensure the insurance service is made available to applicants at the DNRD. He, however did not disclose the fees and service costs.
Al Hammadi clarified that sponsors could also seek medical insurance cover for the visa-seeker through any renowned health insurance company in the emirate, or in the UAE.
“Private companies applying for visas for their workers should provide them with medical insurance. The same applies to the tourism companies. In case the tourism companies already have the insurance cover in their packages offered to the tourists, we will not be asking for that condition.”
According to Major Al Hammadi, the international medical insurance policies will be valid in the UAE. “The insurance should be valid as long as the visa-holder is going to stay in the UAE.”
The local insurance companies are making all preparations to meet the new demand. Speaking to Khaleej Times, Wesam Ibrahim, head of the Department of Life and Medical Insurance at Al Wathba National Insurance Company (AWNIC), said the company already has a plan that can accommodate visitors in accordance with the new visit visa requirements.
“We will find out the exact details of the new visit visa requirements by the end of this month. At this point of time, we have no plans to develop a new plan,” he said.
Ibrahim explained that AWNIC’s existing visitor plan only covers inpatient emergency cases, and covers healthcare services of up to Dh100,000. Clients can be insured for either a month or three months, but the company has no insurance policy for visitors staying for less than a month. The cost of the plan ranges from Dh130 to Dh150 per month. “We do not think that much will change for our company after the new visit visa law is enforced,” he added.
A reliable source at the National Health Insurance Company (Daman) said the health insurance will cover the categories that would be defined by the Naturalisation and Residency Department in the Ministry of Interior.
According to the current rules in Daman, the health insurance for mission visas (six months) costs Dh420 for those above 51 years of age, and Dh 240 for those between 16 and 50 years.
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Visit visas to be issued in 10-15 minutes
By Ahmed Abdul Aziz & Mary Nammour 28 July 2008 KHALEEJ TIMES
ABU DHABI - From tomorrow, applicants approaching the naturalisation and residency departments countrywide with the required documents could get visit visas within 10 to 15 minutes without any extra fees, according to a senior official at the Ministry of Interior (MoI).
Brigadier Nasir Al Awadi Al Minhali, Acting Director-General of the Federal Naturalisation and Residency Department (FNRD) in the MoI, told reporters in the capital yesterday that the documents required include passport copies, photographs of the visitor and the data of the visitor including his/her address in his/her home country.
The health insurance certificate of the visitor will have to be submitted after the approval of the application.
“The cabinet resolution has created 16 types of visas, including visas for medical treatment and education, with the aim of stamping out illegal residency,” Brig Al Minhali said.
He predicted that by next December, the UAE will be free of illegal residents.
According to Brigadier Obeid bin Suroor, Deputy Director of the Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Departmen (DNRD), the new visa rule aims at streamlining the process. "The rule aims to provide better service to people rather than imposing a burden on them. It was the outcome of a thorough study by the authorities concerned.”
The NRDs across the country will distribute the application forms for the new visas to the typing offices during the coming hours.
There will be no change in the procedures. However, the sponsors and public relation officers (PROs) of firms have to provide the home country addresses of the persons who will enter the country.
Applying online for visas is currently a service provided to only companies and typing offices. However, the MoI is examining the viability of extending the service to the public.
“We are studying the ways by which our applicants across the country could enjoy more facilities and save their time and efforts. We have contracted a leading IT company for preparing online applications for individuals as well,” said Brig Al Minhali.
Under the new visas rule, the applicant must provide the health insurance certificate to the NRD as a major document for all types of visas, including tourist visas.
Colonel Rashid Sultan Al Khider, Director of the Legal Department in the MoI, said that the applicants have to pay a refundable guarantee of Dh1,000. This guarantee should be paid to cover all types of visit visas, including tourist visas.
Brig Al Minhali said the MoI is surveying the nationalities and communities and more nationalities could be included in the list of 34 countries, whose citizens do not need to pay the guarantee deposit of Dh1,000, in case their communities comply with the NRD instructions. "The change is possible", said Brig Al Minhali.
Orientation for typing staff
Typists who were briefed by NRD officials in various emirates yesterday said they now understand their tasks and are ready to implement the new visa rule
Representatives of over 200 typing offices from Dubai attended the gathering held at the DNRD headquarters in Jaffliya. They were briefed on the guidelines to follow under the new visa rule once it comes into effect.
Habib from Shad Typing Office said he was not worried about the new system. “It will not be that different. They have only changed the fees and introduced new types of visas. We will get used to it with time,” he said.
Abdulghaffar from Al Musalla Star Typing Office in Dubai said that he was not yet sure what kind of problems they might be facing with the inception of the new system.
Sameh from Eden Star for Documents Clearance in Dubai underscored the need for typists to be very careful when typing the information of the applicants. “The new rule will have zero tolerance regarding any misleading information, however, irrelevant it may look like. So we have to be very vigilant,” he said.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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By Ahmed Abdul Aziz & Mary Nammour 28 July 2008 KHALEEJ TIMES
ABU DHABI - From tomorrow, applicants approaching the naturalisation and residency departments countrywide with the required documents could get visit visas within 10 to 15 minutes without any extra fees, according to a senior official at the Ministry of Interior (MoI).
Brigadier Nasir Al Awadi Al Minhali, Acting Director-General of the Federal Naturalisation and Residency Department (FNRD) in the MoI, told reporters in the capital yesterday that the documents required include passport copies, photographs of the visitor and the data of the visitor including his/her address in his/her home country.
The health insurance certificate of the visitor will have to be submitted after the approval of the application.
“The cabinet resolution has created 16 types of visas, including visas for medical treatment and education, with the aim of stamping out illegal residency,” Brig Al Minhali said.
He predicted that by next December, the UAE will be free of illegal residents.
According to Brigadier Obeid bin Suroor, Deputy Director of the Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Departmen (DNRD), the new visa rule aims at streamlining the process. "The rule aims to provide better service to people rather than imposing a burden on them. It was the outcome of a thorough study by the authorities concerned.”
The NRDs across the country will distribute the application forms for the new visas to the typing offices during the coming hours.
There will be no change in the procedures. However, the sponsors and public relation officers (PROs) of firms have to provide the home country addresses of the persons who will enter the country.
Applying online for visas is currently a service provided to only companies and typing offices. However, the MoI is examining the viability of extending the service to the public.
“We are studying the ways by which our applicants across the country could enjoy more facilities and save their time and efforts. We have contracted a leading IT company for preparing online applications for individuals as well,” said Brig Al Minhali.
Under the new visas rule, the applicant must provide the health insurance certificate to the NRD as a major document for all types of visas, including tourist visas.
Colonel Rashid Sultan Al Khider, Director of the Legal Department in the MoI, said that the applicants have to pay a refundable guarantee of Dh1,000. This guarantee should be paid to cover all types of visit visas, including tourist visas.
Brig Al Minhali said the MoI is surveying the nationalities and communities and more nationalities could be included in the list of 34 countries, whose citizens do not need to pay the guarantee deposit of Dh1,000, in case their communities comply with the NRD instructions. "The change is possible", said Brig Al Minhali.
Orientation for typing staff
Typists who were briefed by NRD officials in various emirates yesterday said they now understand their tasks and are ready to implement the new visa rule
Representatives of over 200 typing offices from Dubai attended the gathering held at the DNRD headquarters in Jaffliya. They were briefed on the guidelines to follow under the new visa rule once it comes into effect.
Habib from Shad Typing Office said he was not worried about the new system. “It will not be that different. They have only changed the fees and introduced new types of visas. We will get used to it with time,” he said.
Abdulghaffar from Al Musalla Star Typing Office in Dubai said that he was not yet sure what kind of problems they might be facing with the inception of the new system.
Sameh from Eden Star for Documents Clearance in Dubai underscored the need for typists to be very careful when typing the information of the applicants. “The new rule will have zero tolerance regarding any misleading information, however, irrelevant it may look like. So we have to be very vigilant,” he said.
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Office rents rise 14% in Abu Dhabi
By Haseeb Haider, KHALEEJ TIMES, 28 July 2008
ABU DHABI - Demand for office space in the capital continues to be high as rents have increased by 14% in the second quarter of the year, a report said.
According to the property management company Asteco, villas and residential compounds are being converted to offices to absorb some of the demand, most notably in the Khalidiyah area. Under the circumstances, businesses have no other option but to set up their offices in Al Ain or in the outskirts of Dubai.
"Over the last three months, office rental rates have increased across the board by nearly 14%," the company said.
Asteco said Defence Street witnessed the highest increase of 31% with rents between Dh1,200 and Dh3,000 per square meter. This area, previously a military zone, is currently being re-developed with residential villas, offices, and supporting retail.
Khalidiyah is also showing an increase of 28% from the last quarter. Rental rates in this area start from Dh1,500 reaching Dh3,500 per square meter, depending on the quality of the building and its facilities. However, similar to the residential market, landlords are pushing prices up to take advantage of the lack of supply regardless of the standard of the offices, the report said.
"The Khalidiyah area is likely to see rents continue to rise due to new commercial buildings being developed," it added. One particular example is an inverted pyramid building with 7,900 square meters of office space, which will offer quality offices and facilities.
Meanwhile, another property management company said the present trend of tight office space is likely to continue for another two to three years.
Rebekah Savage, manager at Foundation Property Management Company, told Khaleej Times that the present scenario of squeezing the availability of office space is likely to persist in the coming days.
According to estimates of Abu Dhabi Commercial Properties (ADCP), Ms. Savage said that there are 250 buildings in and around Abu Dhabi City Centre that are due to be knocked down. She further said 750 buildings to be built in and around Abu Dhabi and Al Ain; however, there are no estimates for the creation of more commercial space in the capital.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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By Haseeb Haider, KHALEEJ TIMES, 28 July 2008
ABU DHABI - Demand for office space in the capital continues to be high as rents have increased by 14% in the second quarter of the year, a report said.
According to the property management company Asteco, villas and residential compounds are being converted to offices to absorb some of the demand, most notably in the Khalidiyah area. Under the circumstances, businesses have no other option but to set up their offices in Al Ain or in the outskirts of Dubai.
"Over the last three months, office rental rates have increased across the board by nearly 14%," the company said.
Asteco said Defence Street witnessed the highest increase of 31% with rents between Dh1,200 and Dh3,000 per square meter. This area, previously a military zone, is currently being re-developed with residential villas, offices, and supporting retail.
Khalidiyah is also showing an increase of 28% from the last quarter. Rental rates in this area start from Dh1,500 reaching Dh3,500 per square meter, depending on the quality of the building and its facilities. However, similar to the residential market, landlords are pushing prices up to take advantage of the lack of supply regardless of the standard of the offices, the report said.
"The Khalidiyah area is likely to see rents continue to rise due to new commercial buildings being developed," it added. One particular example is an inverted pyramid building with 7,900 square meters of office space, which will offer quality offices and facilities.
Meanwhile, another property management company said the present trend of tight office space is likely to continue for another two to three years.
Rebekah Savage, manager at Foundation Property Management Company, told Khaleej Times that the present scenario of squeezing the availability of office space is likely to persist in the coming days.
According to estimates of Abu Dhabi Commercial Properties (ADCP), Ms. Savage said that there are 250 buildings in and around Abu Dhabi City Centre that are due to be knocked down. She further said 750 buildings to be built in and around Abu Dhabi and Al Ain; however, there are no estimates for the creation of more commercial space in the capital.
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Good effort Mr Ramesh U get time to update all these in ur busy schedule keep doing well ......... :-)
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Ex-Google workers launch 'Cuil' search engine
Agencies Published: July 29, 2008, 10:29
San Francisco: A group of former Google engineers have launched a rival Internet search engine Cuil this week, calling it an improved version of the world's most popular web-scouring tool.
Cuil's founders include former Google staffer Anna Patterson. Patterson intends to upstage Google, which she quit in 2006 to develop a more comprehensive and efficient way to scour the Internet.
The end result is Cuil, pronounced "cool." Backed by $33 million in venture capital, the search engine began processing requests for the first time on Monday.
Cuil had kept a low profile while Patterson, her husband, Tom Costello, and two other former Google engineers — Russell Power and Louis Monier — searched for better ways to search.
Cuil's search index spans 120 billion Web pages. Patterson believes that's at least three times the size of Google's index, although there is no way to know for certain. Google stopped publicly quantifying its index's breadth nearly three years ago when the catalog spanned 8.2 billion Web pages.
Cuil won't divulge the formula it has developed to cover a wider swath of the Web with far fewer computers than Google. And Google isn't ceding the point: Spokeswoman Katie Watson said her company still believes its index is the largest.
After getting inquiries about Cuil, Google asserted on its blog Friday that it regularly scans through 1 trillion unique Web links. But Google said it doesn't index them all because they either point to similar content or would diminish the quality of its search results in some other way. The posting didn't quantify the size of Google's index.
A search index's scope is important because information, pictures and content can't be found unless they're stored in a database. But Cuil believes it will outshine Google in several other ways, including its method for identifying and displaying pertinent results.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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Agencies Published: July 29, 2008, 10:29
San Francisco: A group of former Google engineers have launched a rival Internet search engine Cuil this week, calling it an improved version of the world's most popular web-scouring tool.
Cuil's founders include former Google staffer Anna Patterson. Patterson intends to upstage Google, which she quit in 2006 to develop a more comprehensive and efficient way to scour the Internet.
The end result is Cuil, pronounced "cool." Backed by $33 million in venture capital, the search engine began processing requests for the first time on Monday.
Cuil had kept a low profile while Patterson, her husband, Tom Costello, and two other former Google engineers — Russell Power and Louis Monier — searched for better ways to search.
Cuil's search index spans 120 billion Web pages. Patterson believes that's at least three times the size of Google's index, although there is no way to know for certain. Google stopped publicly quantifying its index's breadth nearly three years ago when the catalog spanned 8.2 billion Web pages.
Cuil won't divulge the formula it has developed to cover a wider swath of the Web with far fewer computers than Google. And Google isn't ceding the point: Spokeswoman Katie Watson said her company still believes its index is the largest.
After getting inquiries about Cuil, Google asserted on its blog Friday that it regularly scans through 1 trillion unique Web links. But Google said it doesn't index them all because they either point to similar content or would diminish the quality of its search results in some other way. The posting didn't quantify the size of Google's index.
A search index's scope is important because information, pictures and content can't be found unless they're stored in a database. But Cuil believes it will outshine Google in several other ways, including its method for identifying and displaying pertinent results.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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Municipality issues new construction safety rules
Praveen Menon THE NATIONAL Last Updated: July 29. 2008
The high number of construction workers being killed or injured after falling from buildings has sparked the introduction of a new set of on-site safety rules.
The municipality yesterday announced all building industry firms will have to meet new standards and that any who fail to do so will be fined.
The major area of change is the safety requirement for workers on tall buildings with four chapters of a new rule book dedicated to this area.
Essa al Maidour, Assistant Director General for Planning and Building Affairs at Dubai Municipality said the new manual was launched following “great concern for safety issues and a need to introduce future standards for the same.”
According to municipality statistics, workers falling from high rise buildings constituted forty-five per cent of the 865 accidents that occurred between 2004 and 2007.
Last year alone, nearly 48 per cent of work site accidents were due to workers falling from buildings.
“We have dedicated four chapters in our new safety manual to this particular issue. This is a serious concern for us and we believe that the consultant as well as the contractor is responsible for these deaths,” said Mr Maidour.
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Praveen Menon THE NATIONAL Last Updated: July 29. 2008
The high number of construction workers being killed or injured after falling from buildings has sparked the introduction of a new set of on-site safety rules.
The municipality yesterday announced all building industry firms will have to meet new standards and that any who fail to do so will be fined.
The major area of change is the safety requirement for workers on tall buildings with four chapters of a new rule book dedicated to this area.
Essa al Maidour, Assistant Director General for Planning and Building Affairs at Dubai Municipality said the new manual was launched following “great concern for safety issues and a need to introduce future standards for the same.”
According to municipality statistics, workers falling from high rise buildings constituted forty-five per cent of the 865 accidents that occurred between 2004 and 2007.
Last year alone, nearly 48 per cent of work site accidents were due to workers falling from buildings.
“We have dedicated four chapters in our new safety manual to this particular issue. This is a serious concern for us and we believe that the consultant as well as the contractor is responsible for these deaths,” said Mr Maidour.
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Oman Bars Hiring Foreigners in Some Sectors
Reuters Published: July 27, 2008, 15:58
Muscat: Oman said on Sunday that a number of jobs have been put off-limits to foreign workers under new rules aiming to provide more employment opportunities to Omanis.
The Ministry of Manpower has begun implementing the restriction by not issuing permits for private sector companies operating businesses such as import and export and clothing to hire foreign workers.
"These jobs are reserved for Omanis to provide job opportunities to nationals and reduce reliance on foreign labor," Minister of Manpower Juma Bin Ali Bin Juma told Reuters.
The ban does not apply to banks or oil companies. Like other Gulf Arab oil-exporting nations, non-OPEC Oman relies on foreign workers mainly from Asia and other Arab countries.
According to official statistics, about 25 percent of Oman's total population of 2.8 million people are foreign workers.
The Economy Ministry has allocated 275 million rials ($714.3 million) in the 2008 budget as a grant to the private sector to train nationals.
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Reuters Published: July 27, 2008, 15:58
Muscat: Oman said on Sunday that a number of jobs have been put off-limits to foreign workers under new rules aiming to provide more employment opportunities to Omanis.
The Ministry of Manpower has begun implementing the restriction by not issuing permits for private sector companies operating businesses such as import and export and clothing to hire foreign workers.
"These jobs are reserved for Omanis to provide job opportunities to nationals and reduce reliance on foreign labor," Minister of Manpower Juma Bin Ali Bin Juma told Reuters.
The ban does not apply to banks or oil companies. Like other Gulf Arab oil-exporting nations, non-OPEC Oman relies on foreign workers mainly from Asia and other Arab countries.
According to official statistics, about 25 percent of Oman's total population of 2.8 million people are foreign workers.
The Economy Ministry has allocated 275 million rials ($714.3 million) in the 2008 budget as a grant to the private sector to train nationals.
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Abu Dhabi and Dubai among world’s most pricey cities
Vivian Salama THE NATIONAL Last Updated: July 26. 2008 8:26PM UAE
ABU DHABI // Abu Dhabi and Dubai remain among the world’s most expensive cities, though at a lower ranking than last year, a new cost-of-living survey has revealed.
This year Dubai ranks as the 52nd most expensive city, down from 32nd place last year, while the capital is number 62, down from 45th, according to Mercer, the international human resources company that conducts the annual survey. The cities rank second and third in the Middle East respectively, behind Tel Aviv, which ranked 14th. Conversely, a number of European cities have risen in the ranks and dominate the top of the list.
Yvonne Traber, a principal and research manager at Mercer, attributed much of the change to exchange rate fluctuations. “Current market conditions have led to the further weakening of the US dollar which, coupled with the strengthening of the Euro and many other currencies, has caused significant changes in this year’s rankings,” she said.
The survey, covering 143 cities in six continents, is designed to help multinational companies and governments determine compensation allowances for their expatriate employees. It charts the cost of more than 200 everyday items, from clothing and footwear, to groceries, personal care needs, transport costs and dining out, as well as the cost of renting a high quality two-bedroom furnished flat.
The cost of living in many European cities has grown more rapidly than in Abu Dhabi and Dubai because, in addition to inflation, the cost of goods is denominated in euros, which have strengthened against the dollar.
On the other hand, soaring oil prices and the rapid growth of GCC economies has fuelled inflation in the Middle East this year at a faster rate than in Europe and the US.
UAE inflation accelerated to a 20-year high of 11.4 per cent last year and will rise slightly to 11.8 per cent this year, a Reuters poll last month showed. Food, beverage and tobacco accounted for 11 per cent of that rise and, according to the Emirates Consumer Protection Society, a division of the UAE Ministry of Economy, food inflation could rise as high as 40 per cent this year.
“The saying goes that Emirates Hills is now more expensive than Beverly Hills,” said Mary Nicola, an economist with Standard Chartered Bank in Dubai. “Day-to-day expenses in terms of groceries and such have become more expensive here.”
Soaring rent prices have also become a burden for UAE residents. A report released by the Abu Dhabi Department of Planning and Economy (DPE) estimated that rents during the first quarter alone increased by 18 per cent.
A recent survey found that rents in the capital had risen by an average of 49 per cent since June of last year and, in some cases, almost doubled since the beginning of the year despite a Government cap of five per cent. The survey by Asteco, a UAE property services company, found that rent for two-bedroom apartments in the Muroor and Tourist Club areas increased by 80 per cent or more in the 12 months from last June.
The annual rent for two-bedroom apartments ranged from Dh180,000 (US$49,000) to Dh194,400 in Hamdan Street, on the Corniche, in the Tourist Club area, Salam Street, Muroor and Khalifa Street. The average rent for one-bedroom apartments throughout the city ranged from Dh110,000 to more than Dh140,000, depending on the quality and location of the unit, the survey found.
In comparison, the UK estate agent Foxtons is offering two-bedroom flats in the fashionable districts of Kensington or Notting Hill for Ł2,167 (Dh15,843) a month, or Dh190,838 a year. A similar two-bedroom apartment in the Financial District of New York was advertised by the CitiHabitats agency for $4,350 (Dh15,977) a month, or Dh192,000 a year.
Ms Traber said that multinational companies were attracted to countries with a high rate of economic growth. “Companies may assign high priority to expansion in these economies but may have to deal with inflationary pressures due to competition for expatriate-level housing and other services,” she noted.
Ms Nicola said inflation would have an impact on attracting new people to the GCC.
“Businesses trying to set up shop and attract new talent have to fork out more money,” she said.
Worldwide, Moscow ranked as the world’s most expensive city for the second year running, followed by Tokyo, and London. The only US city in the top 50 is New York, which is down from 15th place last year to 22nd this year, due to the weakness of the dollar.
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Vivian Salama THE NATIONAL Last Updated: July 26. 2008 8:26PM UAE
ABU DHABI // Abu Dhabi and Dubai remain among the world’s most expensive cities, though at a lower ranking than last year, a new cost-of-living survey has revealed.
This year Dubai ranks as the 52nd most expensive city, down from 32nd place last year, while the capital is number 62, down from 45th, according to Mercer, the international human resources company that conducts the annual survey. The cities rank second and third in the Middle East respectively, behind Tel Aviv, which ranked 14th. Conversely, a number of European cities have risen in the ranks and dominate the top of the list.
Yvonne Traber, a principal and research manager at Mercer, attributed much of the change to exchange rate fluctuations. “Current market conditions have led to the further weakening of the US dollar which, coupled with the strengthening of the Euro and many other currencies, has caused significant changes in this year’s rankings,” she said.
The survey, covering 143 cities in six continents, is designed to help multinational companies and governments determine compensation allowances for their expatriate employees. It charts the cost of more than 200 everyday items, from clothing and footwear, to groceries, personal care needs, transport costs and dining out, as well as the cost of renting a high quality two-bedroom furnished flat.
The cost of living in many European cities has grown more rapidly than in Abu Dhabi and Dubai because, in addition to inflation, the cost of goods is denominated in euros, which have strengthened against the dollar.
On the other hand, soaring oil prices and the rapid growth of GCC economies has fuelled inflation in the Middle East this year at a faster rate than in Europe and the US.
UAE inflation accelerated to a 20-year high of 11.4 per cent last year and will rise slightly to 11.8 per cent this year, a Reuters poll last month showed. Food, beverage and tobacco accounted for 11 per cent of that rise and, according to the Emirates Consumer Protection Society, a division of the UAE Ministry of Economy, food inflation could rise as high as 40 per cent this year.
“The saying goes that Emirates Hills is now more expensive than Beverly Hills,” said Mary Nicola, an economist with Standard Chartered Bank in Dubai. “Day-to-day expenses in terms of groceries and such have become more expensive here.”
Soaring rent prices have also become a burden for UAE residents. A report released by the Abu Dhabi Department of Planning and Economy (DPE) estimated that rents during the first quarter alone increased by 18 per cent.
A recent survey found that rents in the capital had risen by an average of 49 per cent since June of last year and, in some cases, almost doubled since the beginning of the year despite a Government cap of five per cent. The survey by Asteco, a UAE property services company, found that rent for two-bedroom apartments in the Muroor and Tourist Club areas increased by 80 per cent or more in the 12 months from last June.
The annual rent for two-bedroom apartments ranged from Dh180,000 (US$49,000) to Dh194,400 in Hamdan Street, on the Corniche, in the Tourist Club area, Salam Street, Muroor and Khalifa Street. The average rent for one-bedroom apartments throughout the city ranged from Dh110,000 to more than Dh140,000, depending on the quality and location of the unit, the survey found.
In comparison, the UK estate agent Foxtons is offering two-bedroom flats in the fashionable districts of Kensington or Notting Hill for Ł2,167 (Dh15,843) a month, or Dh190,838 a year. A similar two-bedroom apartment in the Financial District of New York was advertised by the CitiHabitats agency for $4,350 (Dh15,977) a month, or Dh192,000 a year.
Ms Traber said that multinational companies were attracted to countries with a high rate of economic growth. “Companies may assign high priority to expansion in these economies but may have to deal with inflationary pressures due to competition for expatriate-level housing and other services,” she noted.
Ms Nicola said inflation would have an impact on attracting new people to the GCC.
“Businesses trying to set up shop and attract new talent have to fork out more money,” she said.
Worldwide, Moscow ranked as the world’s most expensive city for the second year running, followed by Tokyo, and London. The only US city in the top 50 is New York, which is down from 15th place last year to 22nd this year, due to the weakness of the dollar.
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From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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New visa system launched
The National Staff
Last Updated: July 29. 2008 11:18PM UAE / July 29. 2008 ABU DHABI/DUBAI // The new visa system was inconsistently applied on day one, with some officials saying they did not have key information about the new rules.
The changes, which mainly affect non-exempt people from countries such as India, Pakistan, the Philippines and Russia, came into effect yesterday, but staff at Abu Dhabi International Airport and a major embassy said they had not received official notification of the new regulations, and were still working under the old rules. At Dubai International Airport officials said the rules were applied, although some requirements – such as compulsory health insurance – were waived because the necessary infrastructure was not in place.
People entering the UAE now must apply for a tourist visa, through a registered tourist company or hotel, a visit visa sponsored by a direct relative living in the UAE, or one of 14 other visa types, such as a conference or a medical visit visa.
Anyone wanting to work in the UAE needs a work permit sponsored by an employer. The regulations also require people to leave the country when any existing visa expires, and those seeking to re-enter immediately are unlikely to be granted another visitor visa.
The rules, from which 33 nations are exempted, are intended to give officials better information about people entering the country, including the specific reason they are here. A Ministry of Interior official said immigration departments had implemented the new system nationwide. “It has been applied across the board,” he said.
However, officials at centres affected by the changes such as embassies and airports said they had been unable to implement the new rules fully.
It was “business as usual” at Abu Dhabi airport, said an airline official who did not wish to be named because he was not authorised to comment. Airline staff, responsible for checking the validity of passengers’ visas before they board a plane, were not given clear instructions about the visa changes. The official said no one at the airport knew what the new policies were or whether immigration or airport staff should be collecting fees for tourist visas.
He also questioned whether immigration staff had installed the infrastructure for the changes.
“Whilst these proposed changes are well-intentioned, the way they have been communicated to date could certainly have been better. There appears to be an information vacuum regarding exactly when the changes come into force and, critically, what airport processes are being put in place to make them run smoothly,” he said.
“Clarification is urgently required on these matters so that the airport authorities and airlines can best advise passengers of how these changes will affect them.”
All passport systems at Dubai Residency and Naturalisation Department (DRND) border points were shut down for 10 minutes for the system changeover at 11.50pm on Monday.
Brig Obaid bin Suroor, the acting director of the DRND, said: “We supervised the transition at the Dubai International Airport departure and arrival passport control counters to ensure the switch was completed smoothly. The systems were switched off at exactly 11.50pm and restarted at 12.00am to handle the large number of passengers on both sides.”
According to the DRND, the main offices and centres also had a smooth transition to the new visa regime. “There were no issues to mention. We continue our campaign to raise awareness amongst the public and offer an overview of the requirements to our key strategic partners about the new amendments and the list of visas and prerequisites.”
The DRND assigned 44 extra IT staff to supervise and follow the transition process of the new system. Brig Suroor also formed a team of senior officers to answer queries from individuals, corporations and public relations officers about the new visa regulations.
The Indian Embassy said yesterday it had not received any official letter from the immigration office about the new visa rules. A spokesman said the only information it had was from media reports.
Travellers said they were largely unaffected by the changes and many passed through immigration on visas arranged under the old system. But some said they were concerned about the impact when the rules were fully implemented.
Tarik Shehzad, who was waiting with his family at the entrance to Abu Dhabi airport, said: “I haven’t a clue what is changing or what is going on.”
Another visitor, Mr Jai from India, said: “I came on a tourist visa expecting lots of problems but I walked through with no problems, which surprised me. My uncle applied for me a few weeks ago, so it was all organised for my arrival.”
A man representing a Jebel Ali-based electrical company who was waiting for 90 men to start work for the company in the free zone said there had been no difficulties getting them into the country.
“About half of them are out already,” he said outside the arrivals gate. “None of them have said anything about problems passing through. Our company’s HR department organised all their work visas. There are no problems if the paper work is in order.”
It was calm at the Al Hili border crossing between Al Ain and Buraimi in Oman. Hundreds of people made visa runs across the border before today, according to a hotel operator in the area.
“Daily, I normally have around 150 guests in the hotel, staying to change their [UAE] visas,” said Jamal al Safar, the manager of the Al Salam Hotel in Buraimi. “But, in the last few days, I have had around 250 people trying to change their visas before [yesterday].”
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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The National Staff
Last Updated: July 29. 2008 11:18PM UAE / July 29. 2008 ABU DHABI/DUBAI // The new visa system was inconsistently applied on day one, with some officials saying they did not have key information about the new rules.
The changes, which mainly affect non-exempt people from countries such as India, Pakistan, the Philippines and Russia, came into effect yesterday, but staff at Abu Dhabi International Airport and a major embassy said they had not received official notification of the new regulations, and were still working under the old rules. At Dubai International Airport officials said the rules were applied, although some requirements – such as compulsory health insurance – were waived because the necessary infrastructure was not in place.
People entering the UAE now must apply for a tourist visa, through a registered tourist company or hotel, a visit visa sponsored by a direct relative living in the UAE, or one of 14 other visa types, such as a conference or a medical visit visa.
Anyone wanting to work in the UAE needs a work permit sponsored by an employer. The regulations also require people to leave the country when any existing visa expires, and those seeking to re-enter immediately are unlikely to be granted another visitor visa.
The rules, from which 33 nations are exempted, are intended to give officials better information about people entering the country, including the specific reason they are here. A Ministry of Interior official said immigration departments had implemented the new system nationwide. “It has been applied across the board,” he said.
However, officials at centres affected by the changes such as embassies and airports said they had been unable to implement the new rules fully.
It was “business as usual” at Abu Dhabi airport, said an airline official who did not wish to be named because he was not authorised to comment. Airline staff, responsible for checking the validity of passengers’ visas before they board a plane, were not given clear instructions about the visa changes. The official said no one at the airport knew what the new policies were or whether immigration or airport staff should be collecting fees for tourist visas.
He also questioned whether immigration staff had installed the infrastructure for the changes.
“Whilst these proposed changes are well-intentioned, the way they have been communicated to date could certainly have been better. There appears to be an information vacuum regarding exactly when the changes come into force and, critically, what airport processes are being put in place to make them run smoothly,” he said.
“Clarification is urgently required on these matters so that the airport authorities and airlines can best advise passengers of how these changes will affect them.”
All passport systems at Dubai Residency and Naturalisation Department (DRND) border points were shut down for 10 minutes for the system changeover at 11.50pm on Monday.
Brig Obaid bin Suroor, the acting director of the DRND, said: “We supervised the transition at the Dubai International Airport departure and arrival passport control counters to ensure the switch was completed smoothly. The systems were switched off at exactly 11.50pm and restarted at 12.00am to handle the large number of passengers on both sides.”
According to the DRND, the main offices and centres also had a smooth transition to the new visa regime. “There were no issues to mention. We continue our campaign to raise awareness amongst the public and offer an overview of the requirements to our key strategic partners about the new amendments and the list of visas and prerequisites.”
The DRND assigned 44 extra IT staff to supervise and follow the transition process of the new system. Brig Suroor also formed a team of senior officers to answer queries from individuals, corporations and public relations officers about the new visa regulations.
The Indian Embassy said yesterday it had not received any official letter from the immigration office about the new visa rules. A spokesman said the only information it had was from media reports.
Travellers said they were largely unaffected by the changes and many passed through immigration on visas arranged under the old system. But some said they were concerned about the impact when the rules were fully implemented.
Tarik Shehzad, who was waiting with his family at the entrance to Abu Dhabi airport, said: “I haven’t a clue what is changing or what is going on.”
Another visitor, Mr Jai from India, said: “I came on a tourist visa expecting lots of problems but I walked through with no problems, which surprised me. My uncle applied for me a few weeks ago, so it was all organised for my arrival.”
A man representing a Jebel Ali-based electrical company who was waiting for 90 men to start work for the company in the free zone said there had been no difficulties getting them into the country.
“About half of them are out already,” he said outside the arrivals gate. “None of them have said anything about problems passing through. Our company’s HR department organised all their work visas. There are no problems if the paper work is in order.”
It was calm at the Al Hili border crossing between Al Ain and Buraimi in Oman. Hundreds of people made visa runs across the border before today, according to a hotel operator in the area.
“Daily, I normally have around 150 guests in the hotel, staying to change their [UAE] visas,” said Jamal al Safar, the manager of the Al Salam Hotel in Buraimi. “But, in the last few days, I have had around 250 people trying to change their visas before [yesterday].”
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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New visa rules: the facts
Last Updated: July 29, 2008 12:18AM UAE / GMT from THE NATIONAL
Exempted countries
Citizens of 33 countries are exempted from any visa fees, regardless of the purpose of their trip, and will be granted an entry visa free of charge at airports, seaports, and border crossings. Such visas are valid for one month and can be renewed for another month for Dh500. Those wishing to stay more than two months can apply for a long-term visit visa, which is valid for three months. These are issued by the Ministry of Interior and UAE embassies and consulates. Nationals of exempted countries are not required to pay deposits or have health insurance.
These countries are: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Vatican City.
Tourist Visas
The tourist visa is initially issued for one month for Dh100. It can be renewed for another month for Dh500. Nationals of all countries are eligible to apply for tourist visas. The visas are issued directly by travel agencies and companies involved in the tourism industry such as hotels.
Expatriates
Expatriates living in GCC countries can obtain a one-month entry visa for Dh100. The visa can be renewed for a second month for Dh500.
Deposit and Insurance
Financial deposits and health insurance are prerequisites for obtaining any of the 16 types of visas to gain entry into the UAE, including tourist visas, except for citizens of the exempted countries.
Visit visas
There are two types of visit visas. Short-term ones, issued for one month, are non-renewable and cost Dh500. Long-term ones, issued for three months, are also non-renewable and cost Dh1,000. The new law allows residents to sponsor their spouses and direct relatives. Distant relatives can only be sponsored after obtaining approval from the Ministry of Interior’s under secretary. Only Emiratis are permitted to sponsor friends. A visit visa does not permit visitors to work in the country. If a person happens to find a job while visiting, they should fly to their home country before entering on a work permit, which the employer should secure. Officials say they will not grant visit visas to those who reapply for one immediately after leaving. The same applies to other types of visas.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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Last Updated: July 29, 2008 12:18AM UAE / GMT from THE NATIONAL
Exempted countries
Citizens of 33 countries are exempted from any visa fees, regardless of the purpose of their trip, and will be granted an entry visa free of charge at airports, seaports, and border crossings. Such visas are valid for one month and can be renewed for another month for Dh500. Those wishing to stay more than two months can apply for a long-term visit visa, which is valid for three months. These are issued by the Ministry of Interior and UAE embassies and consulates. Nationals of exempted countries are not required to pay deposits or have health insurance.
These countries are: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Vatican City.
Tourist Visas
The tourist visa is initially issued for one month for Dh100. It can be renewed for another month for Dh500. Nationals of all countries are eligible to apply for tourist visas. The visas are issued directly by travel agencies and companies involved in the tourism industry such as hotels.
Expatriates
Expatriates living in GCC countries can obtain a one-month entry visa for Dh100. The visa can be renewed for a second month for Dh500.
Deposit and Insurance
Financial deposits and health insurance are prerequisites for obtaining any of the 16 types of visas to gain entry into the UAE, including tourist visas, except for citizens of the exempted countries.
Visit visas
There are two types of visit visas. Short-term ones, issued for one month, are non-renewable and cost Dh500. Long-term ones, issued for three months, are also non-renewable and cost Dh1,000. The new law allows residents to sponsor their spouses and direct relatives. Distant relatives can only be sponsored after obtaining approval from the Ministry of Interior’s under secretary. Only Emiratis are permitted to sponsor friends. A visit visa does not permit visitors to work in the country. If a person happens to find a job while visiting, they should fly to their home country before entering on a work permit, which the employer should secure. Officials say they will not grant visit visas to those who reapply for one immediately after leaving. The same applies to other types of visas.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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Debts to death
2 August 2008 KHALEEJ TIMES.
The number of suicides by Indians in the UAE has been increasing steadily since 2003, thanks debt traps they are falling in. The high cost of living and increasing financial commitments back home force expatriates to go for loans from banks, moneylenders, and credit cards, reports RIYASBABU
The Gulf dream of Indian expatriates is turning sour and sometimes deadly too. The good old days when one could come to the Gulf countries, make money, give a decent life to one's family and retire with contentment are over.
Now, an increasing number of Indian expatriates are falling into huge debt traps leading them to commit suicide.
For instance, 92 Indians committed suicide in Dubai and the Northern Emirates so far this year, according to an official of the Indian Consulate in Dubai.
The statistics available in the consulate reveal that 109 Indians in these emirates took the extreme step in 2006 and 118 in 2007.
The number of suicides by Indians, in fact, has been rising steadily — 40 in 2003, 70 in 2004 and 84 in 2005.
Indian expatriates have been flocking to the UAE since the 1970s when oil was struck and approximately 1.5 million Indians are living in the country now.
Social organisations blamed the financial institutions for trapping the less fortunate people by providing them credit cards and loans on easy terms and conditions.
K. V. Shamsudheen, chairman of the UAE-based Pravasi Bandhu Trust that launched an initiative called "Sandwanam" (Consolation) in 2006 to help the Indian expatriates get over depression and suicide tendency, said, "We are getting two calls on an average everyday from people who are in deep depression. As much as 75 per cent of the cases coming to us are of deep depression due to financial crisis and lack of opportunity to share their feelings to others." Most of the callers have taken loans in India to pay the recruiting agents. After coming to the Gulf, they are again forced to take loans from banks and private lenders and make purchases on credit cards, he said.
The research carried out by Sandwanam reveals that depression linked to accumulated debts was the main reason behind 75 per cent of the suicide cases. Fifteen per cent of the suicides were due to family issues and 10 per cent job-related stress.
"The low and middle income Indian expatriates in the UAE falling into debt traps have become quite common. A good number of Indians could not pay even the interest to the lenders. The main sources of loans is banks, credit cards and illegal lenders," said Shamsudheen.
The interest rates vary depending on the source of the loan. While the banks are charging up to 8-9 per cent, the credit card companies charge up to 30 per cent and private lenders anything between 72 per cent and 120 per cent.
"The spending habits of the expatriates and their dependents are playing a very important role. Once one person becomes a non-resident Indian (NRI), the family back home will start spending lavishly without considering the financial situation of the breadwinner," he pointed out.
"As the cost of living has increased drastically in the GCC countries over the last three-four years, they could save less. In the same period, the Indian rupee appreciated which meant the money they remit to India would fetch fewer rupees. Besides, the cost of living has gone high back in India too, forcing the families to demand more money from the hapless NRI. These are the three circumstances compelling them to take loans to meet the financial requirements," Shamsudheen said.
Joseph Bobby, a volunteer with the Valley of Love, another social organisation supporting people in distress in the UAE , also said the main reason behind most of the suicides by Indians in the country is financial crisis.
The cost of living has been increasing in the UAE day by day. However, the salaries remain the same. These make a lot of people struggle to make both ends meet. Financial institutions capitalise on this situation by providing such people with easy loans and credit cards which later trap them in a mountain of debts," he said.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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2 August 2008 KHALEEJ TIMES.
The number of suicides by Indians in the UAE has been increasing steadily since 2003, thanks debt traps they are falling in. The high cost of living and increasing financial commitments back home force expatriates to go for loans from banks, moneylenders, and credit cards, reports RIYASBABU
The Gulf dream of Indian expatriates is turning sour and sometimes deadly too. The good old days when one could come to the Gulf countries, make money, give a decent life to one's family and retire with contentment are over.
Now, an increasing number of Indian expatriates are falling into huge debt traps leading them to commit suicide.
For instance, 92 Indians committed suicide in Dubai and the Northern Emirates so far this year, according to an official of the Indian Consulate in Dubai.
The statistics available in the consulate reveal that 109 Indians in these emirates took the extreme step in 2006 and 118 in 2007.
The number of suicides by Indians, in fact, has been rising steadily — 40 in 2003, 70 in 2004 and 84 in 2005.
Indian expatriates have been flocking to the UAE since the 1970s when oil was struck and approximately 1.5 million Indians are living in the country now.
Social organisations blamed the financial institutions for trapping the less fortunate people by providing them credit cards and loans on easy terms and conditions.
K. V. Shamsudheen, chairman of the UAE-based Pravasi Bandhu Trust that launched an initiative called "Sandwanam" (Consolation) in 2006 to help the Indian expatriates get over depression and suicide tendency, said, "We are getting two calls on an average everyday from people who are in deep depression. As much as 75 per cent of the cases coming to us are of deep depression due to financial crisis and lack of opportunity to share their feelings to others." Most of the callers have taken loans in India to pay the recruiting agents. After coming to the Gulf, they are again forced to take loans from banks and private lenders and make purchases on credit cards, he said.
The research carried out by Sandwanam reveals that depression linked to accumulated debts was the main reason behind 75 per cent of the suicide cases. Fifteen per cent of the suicides were due to family issues and 10 per cent job-related stress.
"The low and middle income Indian expatriates in the UAE falling into debt traps have become quite common. A good number of Indians could not pay even the interest to the lenders. The main sources of loans is banks, credit cards and illegal lenders," said Shamsudheen.
The interest rates vary depending on the source of the loan. While the banks are charging up to 8-9 per cent, the credit card companies charge up to 30 per cent and private lenders anything between 72 per cent and 120 per cent.
"The spending habits of the expatriates and their dependents are playing a very important role. Once one person becomes a non-resident Indian (NRI), the family back home will start spending lavishly without considering the financial situation of the breadwinner," he pointed out.
"As the cost of living has increased drastically in the GCC countries over the last three-four years, they could save less. In the same period, the Indian rupee appreciated which meant the money they remit to India would fetch fewer rupees. Besides, the cost of living has gone high back in India too, forcing the families to demand more money from the hapless NRI. These are the three circumstances compelling them to take loans to meet the financial requirements," Shamsudheen said.
Joseph Bobby, a volunteer with the Valley of Love, another social organisation supporting people in distress in the UAE , also said the main reason behind most of the suicides by Indians in the country is financial crisis.
The cost of living has been increasing in the UAE day by day. However, the salaries remain the same. These make a lot of people struggle to make both ends meet. Financial institutions capitalise on this situation by providing such people with easy loans and credit cards which later trap them in a mountain of debts," he said.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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Three types of health policies announced by Dubai for visit visa seekers to the UAE
By Anjana Sankar, Senior Reporter, GULF NEWS
Published: August 12, 2008
Dubai: The Department of Naturalisation and Residency in Dubai (DNRD) has announced a mechanism to offer mandatory health insurance coverage to visitors, ending speculations among insurance providers, tour operators, and residents regarding the new system.
Ministerial decision number 322 for the year 2008 makes health insurance mandatory to obtain any type of visit visa to the UAE. The new rule came into effect from July 29.
Brigadier Obaid Bin Surour, Acting Director of DNRD, announced yesterday that the department has concluded an agreement with two insurance companies; Oman and Aman to issue health insurance policies for visitors to Dubai with a minimum coverage of Dh150,000 per person per visit.
As per the agreement, the two insurance companies will offer three different types of health policies according to the visit periods. Prices start from Dh40 for short-term visas valid for 30 days; Dh90 for visas valid for 90 days; and Dh185 for multiple entry visas valid for 180 days. Bin Surour explained that these policies will cover accidents and emergencies during the visitor's stay in the country.
The agreement implied that the beneficiary will receive treatment in a shared hospital room in case of emergencies. It indicated that the two companies will cover 100 percent of services to be offered to the patient through a network covered by insurance companies in the country.
The agreement also obligates the insurance company to return the body of the insured person to his country in case of death, paying up to Dh7,000 of the costs incurred.
Bin Surour added that the agreement does not cover medical treatment outside the health services providers' network, except in the case of emergency life-threatening cases.
The policy also does not cover chronic illnesses and it will include treatment of serious complications of already existing chronic illnesses in the emergency room only. It also does not cover pregnancy, delivery, and ophthalmology or dental treatment.
Health insurance policies for visitors can be obtained from special counters to be set up at the Dubai Naturalisation and Residency's headquarters in Bur Dubai, and other branches in Abu Hail, the Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai Airport, DNATA office on Shaikh Zayed Road, Umm Suqeim, Jebel Ali, and Bin Souqat Centre in Rashidiya.
Electronic link
Bin Surour added that the system will be linked electronically with the DNRD main electronic online services soon.
When asked why the two companies were selected by the department, Bin Surour said, "The department received a number of proposals from several companies and appointed the companies that offered the most suitable offers and quality of services in order to streamline the procedures for all visitors and ensure a comfortable stay in the country."
However, he added that health coverage policies issued by other companies will also be accepted provided they meet the same criteria including the minimum limit of Dh150,000 and the types of services offered like emergencies and repatriation of bodies.
Meanwhile, visitors who are already covered under an international insurance policy need not take local coverage. Likewise, companies and tour operators that bring in visitors should arrange for health insurance policies for their guests.
Meanwhile, the National Health Insurance Company (Daman) has announced it will offer three schemes valid for 30, 60, and 90 days at premiums of Dh40, Dh70, and Dh90 respectively.
This covers emergency medical treatment at Daman's UAE network, with the upper limit being Dh100,000 per person. The coverage would exclude outpatient consultations and services such as dental care and child delivery.
By Shakir Husain, Staff Reporter
Dubai Insurance companies said yesterday they are well-prepared to offer health coverage to foreign visitors but want official guidelines on the subject in order to better design their policies.
They welcomed the introduction of compulsory travel health insurance requirement for people entering the country.
Good system
"We think it is a good system because the country relies a lot on tourism. We have visitors [annually] more than the population of the country, so it is also good for insurance companies," said Saleh Bin Rashid Al Daheri, vice-chairman of Emirates Insurance Association, an industry group representing 50 insurers.
The UAE receives about 10 million tourists a year and their numbers are growing with the rapid expansion in local tourism infrastructure.
He said most insurance companies have the necessary experience in providing medical coverage and would be able to deliver products to visitors as required by the new visit visa regulation.
Al Daheri, who is a board member of Al Dhafra Insurance Company, however, regretted that the industry was not consulted before the government introduced the scheme.
This led to some confusion in the market about the financial limit of the coverage, premiums, and legal requirements.
"We are hoping that the authorities concerned will issue guidelines to all insurance companies in this regard soon," said Mustafa Vazayil, secretary-general of the Insurance Business Group under the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Vazayil, who is also managing director of Gargash Insurance, said the local insurance was already providing medical and travel coverage to outbound travelers.
Rules: Dh1,000 deposit
* Tourist visas can only be applied for by a licensed hotel or a tourism agency.
* Residents can apply for a visa for their spouse or blood relative.
* Expatriates are no longer allowed to sponsor friends, and all visitors should have health insurance cover.
* People applying for any visa will have to pay a refundable deposit of Dh1,000.
* Medical treatment visas can only be applied through licensed hospitals and clinics.
* Education visas can only be applied by a licensed educational institution.
* Exhibition and conference visas can only be applied for by the organizers.
* Visitors have to go back to their home country to renew the visit visa.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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By Anjana Sankar, Senior Reporter, GULF NEWS
Published: August 12, 2008
Dubai: The Department of Naturalisation and Residency in Dubai (DNRD) has announced a mechanism to offer mandatory health insurance coverage to visitors, ending speculations among insurance providers, tour operators, and residents regarding the new system.
Ministerial decision number 322 for the year 2008 makes health insurance mandatory to obtain any type of visit visa to the UAE. The new rule came into effect from July 29.
Brigadier Obaid Bin Surour, Acting Director of DNRD, announced yesterday that the department has concluded an agreement with two insurance companies; Oman and Aman to issue health insurance policies for visitors to Dubai with a minimum coverage of Dh150,000 per person per visit.
As per the agreement, the two insurance companies will offer three different types of health policies according to the visit periods. Prices start from Dh40 for short-term visas valid for 30 days; Dh90 for visas valid for 90 days; and Dh185 for multiple entry visas valid for 180 days. Bin Surour explained that these policies will cover accidents and emergencies during the visitor's stay in the country.
The agreement implied that the beneficiary will receive treatment in a shared hospital room in case of emergencies. It indicated that the two companies will cover 100 percent of services to be offered to the patient through a network covered by insurance companies in the country.
The agreement also obligates the insurance company to return the body of the insured person to his country in case of death, paying up to Dh7,000 of the costs incurred.
Bin Surour added that the agreement does not cover medical treatment outside the health services providers' network, except in the case of emergency life-threatening cases.
The policy also does not cover chronic illnesses and it will include treatment of serious complications of already existing chronic illnesses in the emergency room only. It also does not cover pregnancy, delivery, and ophthalmology or dental treatment.
Health insurance policies for visitors can be obtained from special counters to be set up at the Dubai Naturalisation and Residency's headquarters in Bur Dubai, and other branches in Abu Hail, the Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai Airport, DNATA office on Shaikh Zayed Road, Umm Suqeim, Jebel Ali, and Bin Souqat Centre in Rashidiya.
Electronic link
Bin Surour added that the system will be linked electronically with the DNRD main electronic online services soon.
When asked why the two companies were selected by the department, Bin Surour said, "The department received a number of proposals from several companies and appointed the companies that offered the most suitable offers and quality of services in order to streamline the procedures for all visitors and ensure a comfortable stay in the country."
However, he added that health coverage policies issued by other companies will also be accepted provided they meet the same criteria including the minimum limit of Dh150,000 and the types of services offered like emergencies and repatriation of bodies.
Meanwhile, visitors who are already covered under an international insurance policy need not take local coverage. Likewise, companies and tour operators that bring in visitors should arrange for health insurance policies for their guests.
Meanwhile, the National Health Insurance Company (Daman) has announced it will offer three schemes valid for 30, 60, and 90 days at premiums of Dh40, Dh70, and Dh90 respectively.
This covers emergency medical treatment at Daman's UAE network, with the upper limit being Dh100,000 per person. The coverage would exclude outpatient consultations and services such as dental care and child delivery.
By Shakir Husain, Staff Reporter
Dubai Insurance companies said yesterday they are well-prepared to offer health coverage to foreign visitors but want official guidelines on the subject in order to better design their policies.
They welcomed the introduction of compulsory travel health insurance requirement for people entering the country.
Good system
"We think it is a good system because the country relies a lot on tourism. We have visitors [annually] more than the population of the country, so it is also good for insurance companies," said Saleh Bin Rashid Al Daheri, vice-chairman of Emirates Insurance Association, an industry group representing 50 insurers.
The UAE receives about 10 million tourists a year and their numbers are growing with the rapid expansion in local tourism infrastructure.
He said most insurance companies have the necessary experience in providing medical coverage and would be able to deliver products to visitors as required by the new visit visa regulation.
Al Daheri, who is a board member of Al Dhafra Insurance Company, however, regretted that the industry was not consulted before the government introduced the scheme.
This led to some confusion in the market about the financial limit of the coverage, premiums, and legal requirements.
"We are hoping that the authorities concerned will issue guidelines to all insurance companies in this regard soon," said Mustafa Vazayil, secretary-general of the Insurance Business Group under the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Vazayil, who is also managing director of Gargash Insurance, said the local insurance was already providing medical and travel coverage to outbound travelers.
Rules: Dh1,000 deposit
* Tourist visas can only be applied for by a licensed hotel or a tourism agency.
* Residents can apply for a visa for their spouse or blood relative.
* Expatriates are no longer allowed to sponsor friends, and all visitors should have health insurance cover.
* People applying for any visa will have to pay a refundable deposit of Dh1,000.
* Medical treatment visas can only be applied through licensed hospitals and clinics.
* Education visas can only be applied by a licensed educational institution.
* Exhibition and conference visas can only be applied for by the organizers.
* Visitors have to go back to their home country to renew the visit visa.
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I found this site very useful for getting stock market news. Check it out Indian Stock Market News: buzzing stocks, bonus issues, rights issues, stock splits, stock market investment, equity investments, sub-division of shares, stock tips, stock trading, mutual funds, multi-baggers, stake sale.
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Life Lessons from Michael Phelps
At 23, Michael Fred Phelps has become an international sporting sensation. The young American swimmer has smashed seven world records and won eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics, the first athlete ever to secure first place so many times at a single Olympic Games.
Given his success, it's easy to slot Phelps into the 'born achievers' category -- at 23, he's established a glorious career doing what he loves best, he's a millionaire, a world record-holder, and the pride of his nation. But hold on a minute -- is Michael Phelps really a born achiever? He may beg to differ.
At the age of seven, Phelps, the youngest of three children, was diagnosed with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). For those not familiar with the condition, ADHD is a childhood condition characterized by constant activity, impulsive behavior, and the inability to focus one's attention for a short span of time. ADHD is treated with therapy and medication but is not classified as curable -- as per information on the website WebMD.com, about 60 percent of afflicted kids carry the condition into adulthood.
To help release his pent-up energy and to emulate his older sisters who were also accomplished swimmers, Phelps took up swimming, starting to outshine his peers right from the start. At the age of nine, Michael's parents divorced. His mother brought up all three children single-handedly, encouraging them to follow their dreams at all costs -- one middle-school teacher even told Michael's mother he would never be a success.
But successful Phelps is, and how. Yes, there are the occasional setbacks. Like the time back in 2004 when Phelps, then 19, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. He was under the legal drinking age limit of 21 in any case and to top it he was driving in an inebriated state. A repentant Phelps pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 18 months probation, saying in court, "I recognize the seriousness of this mistake. I've learned from this mistake and will continue learning from this mistake for the rest of my life."
So who is Michael Phelps? He was a regular kid who struggled with an irregular condition and the divorce of his parents. He's young, he excels at what he does, and like the rest of us, slips up once in a while. And what life lessons do his struggles and successes hold for us?
Deal with your own issues effectively -- Michael certainly dealt with ADHD and his parents' divorce that way. His mother helped him cope up with his condition and channeled his energy into what he loved.
Cut out the drama -- Michael's story is inspirational but at the same time, neither the young man nor his family have exploited their experiences to sensationalize his life. They've told it like it is.
Zero in on your strengths and overcome your weaknesses -- He was less than an average student at school, but Michael was a passionate and dedicated student of his sport. The young swimmer is known to have studied tapes of his races over and over, zeroing in on mistakes and working towards bettering himself constantly. Excellent is still not good enough.
Remain focused on your goals -- At the Athens Olympics back in 2004, Phelps was beaten by teammate Ian Crocker in the 100m butterfly. He put up a poster of Crocker in his room to motivate him and keeps a list of his career goals beside his bed.
Pursue what you love with passion and put in a genuine effort -- Phelps' dedication to swimming was apparent back when he was nine and began to break national records in his age group. His commitment to what he does has grown with him. It's not just his career and his unbelievable performance at the Olympics that classify Phelps as a winner -- it's his story of inspiration that makes him a real champion, a youth icon, somebody to look up to.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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At 23, Michael Fred Phelps has become an international sporting sensation. The young American swimmer has smashed seven world records and won eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics, the first athlete ever to secure first place so many times at a single Olympic Games.
Given his success, it's easy to slot Phelps into the 'born achievers' category -- at 23, he's established a glorious career doing what he loves best, he's a millionaire, a world record-holder, and the pride of his nation. But hold on a minute -- is Michael Phelps really a born achiever? He may beg to differ.
At the age of seven, Phelps, the youngest of three children, was diagnosed with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). For those not familiar with the condition, ADHD is a childhood condition characterized by constant activity, impulsive behavior, and the inability to focus one's attention for a short span of time. ADHD is treated with therapy and medication but is not classified as curable -- as per information on the website WebMD.com, about 60 percent of afflicted kids carry the condition into adulthood.
To help release his pent-up energy and to emulate his older sisters who were also accomplished swimmers, Phelps took up swimming, starting to outshine his peers right from the start. At the age of nine, Michael's parents divorced. His mother brought up all three children single-handedly, encouraging them to follow their dreams at all costs -- one middle-school teacher even told Michael's mother he would never be a success.
But successful Phelps is, and how. Yes, there are the occasional setbacks. Like the time back in 2004 when Phelps, then 19, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. He was under the legal drinking age limit of 21 in any case and to top it he was driving in an inebriated state. A repentant Phelps pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 18 months probation, saying in court, "I recognize the seriousness of this mistake. I've learned from this mistake and will continue learning from this mistake for the rest of my life."
So who is Michael Phelps? He was a regular kid who struggled with an irregular condition and the divorce of his parents. He's young, he excels at what he does, and like the rest of us, slips up once in a while. And what life lessons do his struggles and successes hold for us?
Deal with your own issues effectively -- Michael certainly dealt with ADHD and his parents' divorce that way. His mother helped him cope up with his condition and channeled his energy into what he loved.
Cut out the drama -- Michael's story is inspirational but at the same time, neither the young man nor his family have exploited their experiences to sensationalize his life. They've told it like it is.
Zero in on your strengths and overcome your weaknesses -- He was less than an average student at school, but Michael was a passionate and dedicated student of his sport. The young swimmer is known to have studied tapes of his races over and over, zeroing in on mistakes and working towards bettering himself constantly. Excellent is still not good enough.
Remain focused on your goals -- At the Athens Olympics back in 2004, Phelps was beaten by teammate Ian Crocker in the 100m butterfly. He put up a poster of Crocker in his room to motivate him and keeps a list of his career goals beside his bed.
Pursue what you love with passion and put in a genuine effort -- Phelps' dedication to swimming was apparent back when he was nine and began to break national records in his age group. His commitment to what he does has grown with him. It's not just his career and his unbelievable performance at the Olympics that classify Phelps as a winner -- it's his story of inspiration that makes him a real champion, a youth icon, somebody to look up to.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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SHARE 2008 - An online global talent hunt for children between 4 to 15 years
URL: https://www.citehr.com/121422-share-2008-online-global-talent-hunt-children-between-4-15-years.html
Please let me know if you need any further assistance.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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URL: https://www.citehr.com/121422-share-2008-online-global-talent-hunt-children-between-4-15-years.html
Please let me know if you need any further assistance.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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Order Lunchboxes Online, Get Them in Classrooms
Preeti Kannan for KHALEEJ TIMES
16 September 2008
Dubai — A number of parents have started ordering their children's lunchboxes online and choosing menus that are healthy and nutritious for their wards.
Nearly 400 parents in Dubai choose from a range of sandwiches, salads, snacks, and drinks from lunchboxes.ae, which delivers the meals right up to the classrooms every morning.
The online initiative, launched in December last year, provides parents and pupils over 180 menu options every day to make their own "balanced, wholesome" meals, in a bid to combat obesity and diabetes among children in the UAE. The lunchboxes are then delivered to students' classrooms by 8 am, usually even before the child reaches school.
Sharon Ogden, whose four children have been selecting their lunch menu for nearly a year, says the service is hassle-free, cost-effective, and her children like choosing their menu. "There is so much variety, and it is convenient knowing there is a good mix of food available for them every day. My four-year-old girl loves the fresh salads and the sliced fruits they send, making it easy for her to eat them. It saves me a lot of time in the mornings, and it is like a surprise for the children when they open their lunchboxes every day," says the mother, whose children study at the Royal Dubai School.
The online service enables parents to register their details, log in once a week with their child, and then create healthy lunchboxes. The child can pick a salad or a sandwich with two fillings, a drink, fresh fruits, and two snacks to keep them going throughout the day. If children order foods like mini pizzas more than twice a week, parents are notified immediately by text messages. Parents also say that children do not waste food anymore since they enjoy the meals they opt for. "They (delivery people) never fail to reach the school on time, and that is very advantageous. Having three children at home and making snacks for them every day can be very difficult. Besides, it is not very expensive," says Patrice Thomas, a parent, whose children study at King's College, Dubai.
Lester Owencroft, Managing Director of lunchboxes.ae, notes that they launched the service after realizing that parents were under constant pressure thinking about how to create tasty, healthy lunches for their kids.
"We interviewed 800 parents who said they spend a lot of time thinking about how to motivate their kids to eat. So we decided to launch this community initiative. Our menus are reviewed by a nutritionist, and we encourage parents and pupils to tell us what they want," says Owencroft. "We provide a fully balanced meal so that we can try to reduce the cases of obesity and diabetes among children. Lunchboxes.ae also brought down its prices recently to encourage more parents to use the service."
He adds that their priorities are also to provide lunchboxes to local schools. Due to the increasing demand from parents in Dubai and Sharjah, the online culinary service plans to add another 12 schools by the end of next year and hope to cater to more than 1,000 children by the end of this academic year.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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Preeti Kannan for KHALEEJ TIMES
16 September 2008
Dubai — A number of parents have started ordering their children's lunchboxes online and choosing menus that are healthy and nutritious for their wards.
Nearly 400 parents in Dubai choose from a range of sandwiches, salads, snacks, and drinks from lunchboxes.ae, which delivers the meals right up to the classrooms every morning.
The online initiative, launched in December last year, provides parents and pupils over 180 menu options every day to make their own "balanced, wholesome" meals, in a bid to combat obesity and diabetes among children in the UAE. The lunchboxes are then delivered to students' classrooms by 8 am, usually even before the child reaches school.
Sharon Ogden, whose four children have been selecting their lunch menu for nearly a year, says the service is hassle-free, cost-effective, and her children like choosing their menu. "There is so much variety, and it is convenient knowing there is a good mix of food available for them every day. My four-year-old girl loves the fresh salads and the sliced fruits they send, making it easy for her to eat them. It saves me a lot of time in the mornings, and it is like a surprise for the children when they open their lunchboxes every day," says the mother, whose children study at the Royal Dubai School.
The online service enables parents to register their details, log in once a week with their child, and then create healthy lunchboxes. The child can pick a salad or a sandwich with two fillings, a drink, fresh fruits, and two snacks to keep them going throughout the day. If children order foods like mini pizzas more than twice a week, parents are notified immediately by text messages. Parents also say that children do not waste food anymore since they enjoy the meals they opt for. "They (delivery people) never fail to reach the school on time, and that is very advantageous. Having three children at home and making snacks for them every day can be very difficult. Besides, it is not very expensive," says Patrice Thomas, a parent, whose children study at King's College, Dubai.
Lester Owencroft, Managing Director of lunchboxes.ae, notes that they launched the service after realizing that parents were under constant pressure thinking about how to create tasty, healthy lunches for their kids.
"We interviewed 800 parents who said they spend a lot of time thinking about how to motivate their kids to eat. So we decided to launch this community initiative. Our menus are reviewed by a nutritionist, and we encourage parents and pupils to tell us what they want," says Owencroft. "We provide a fully balanced meal so that we can try to reduce the cases of obesity and diabetes among children. Lunchboxes.ae also brought down its prices recently to encourage more parents to use the service."
He adds that their priorities are also to provide lunchboxes to local schools. Due to the increasing demand from parents in Dubai and Sharjah, the online culinary service plans to add another 12 schools by the end of next year and hope to cater to more than 1,000 children by the end of this academic year.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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Visit Visa on Arrival can be Extended for One Month
Staff reporter KHALEEJ TIMES 15 September 2008
Dubai — Expats from 33 countries who receive visit visa on arrival at any UAE airport, can now stay in the country for a period of one month extendable by another month on payment of a fee of Dh610, a DNRD official said.
The DNRD on Sunday clarified that under the new visit visa rule which came into effect on July 29, all foreign nationals from the 33 countries that are exempted from applying for visas prior to entry into the UAE can stay in the country for one month with a further extension of another month.
Nationals of the 33 countries are provided visas upon entry at the airport, he noted. A national of these 33 countries, including UK, USA, and Australia, can extend his one- month visa by paying a fee of Dh610.
“Earlier, these nationals could stay in the UAE for a period of two months. But now the duration of the visit visa for British and other foreign expatriates of these countries has been reduced from two to one month.”
The official addressed the concerns raised by some residents seeking visit visa for their British relatives. “I used to know that the visit visa for British nationals lasts for two months.
“But, I was surprised to learn recently that it is valid for one month only,” said a resident who was inquiring about his British daughter’s visa status.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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Staff reporter KHALEEJ TIMES 15 September 2008
Dubai — Expats from 33 countries who receive visit visa on arrival at any UAE airport, can now stay in the country for a period of one month extendable by another month on payment of a fee of Dh610, a DNRD official said.
The DNRD on Sunday clarified that under the new visit visa rule which came into effect on July 29, all foreign nationals from the 33 countries that are exempted from applying for visas prior to entry into the UAE can stay in the country for one month with a further extension of another month.
Nationals of the 33 countries are provided visas upon entry at the airport, he noted. A national of these 33 countries, including UK, USA, and Australia, can extend his one- month visa by paying a fee of Dh610.
“Earlier, these nationals could stay in the UAE for a period of two months. But now the duration of the visit visa for British and other foreign expatriates of these countries has been reduced from two to one month.”
The official addressed the concerns raised by some residents seeking visit visa for their British relatives. “I used to know that the visit visa for British nationals lasts for two months.
“But, I was surprised to learn recently that it is valid for one month only,” said a resident who was inquiring about his British daughter’s visa status.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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Paid Parking in Abu Dhabi Likely Soon
Adel Arafah for KHALEEJ TIMES 16 September 2008
abu dhabi -— Paid parking system is likely to be implemented in the emirate of Abu Dhabi soon.
The Municipal Affairs Department of Abu Dhabi has submitted its report on paid car parking system to the emirate’s Executive Council for approval and implementation.
Abu Dhabi Municipality has already signed a contract with an international company for installing and operating the new car parking machines in the capital, Engineer Jumaa Mubarak Al Junaibi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Municipality told Khaleej Times.
The implementation of the system will be gradual and will be done in phases, he said.
Elaborating further, he said the paid car parking machines would be initially installed in specific areas, including Tourist Club, Al Khalidiya, Madinat Zayed, Airport Road and Al Muroor Road. The system can be easily used by motorists, who can pay the charges through their mobile phones, credit cards, pre-paid car park cards, bank notes and coins.
The charges will vary according to the locations, but the normal charges have been fixed at Dh1 per hour, Al Junaibi noted.
Abu Dhabi Municipality will monitor the collection of charges and issuing of tickets against violators.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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Adel Arafah for KHALEEJ TIMES 16 September 2008
abu dhabi -— Paid parking system is likely to be implemented in the emirate of Abu Dhabi soon.
The Municipal Affairs Department of Abu Dhabi has submitted its report on paid car parking system to the emirate’s Executive Council for approval and implementation.
Abu Dhabi Municipality has already signed a contract with an international company for installing and operating the new car parking machines in the capital, Engineer Jumaa Mubarak Al Junaibi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Municipality told Khaleej Times.
The implementation of the system will be gradual and will be done in phases, he said.
Elaborating further, he said the paid car parking machines would be initially installed in specific areas, including Tourist Club, Al Khalidiya, Madinat Zayed, Airport Road and Al Muroor Road. The system can be easily used by motorists, who can pay the charges through their mobile phones, credit cards, pre-paid car park cards, bank notes and coins.
The charges will vary according to the locations, but the normal charges have been fixed at Dh1 per hour, Al Junaibi noted.
Abu Dhabi Municipality will monitor the collection of charges and issuing of tickets against violators.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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Smart Radars to Catch Errant Drivers
Amira Agarib for KHALEEJ TIMES 16 September 2008
dubai — New sophisticated mobile radars will be introduced on Dubai roads soon after Eid Al Fitr, according to a senior police official.
These radars will be mounted on police vehicles to monitor speed limits, Major Saif Muhair, Deputy Director of General Department of Traffic, told Khaleej Times on Monday. It is for the first time that these radars, equipped with advanced technogly, will be introduced in this region. Maj Saif said that the new ‘smart radar’ could be fixed on any vehicle and would be able to detect all speed violations.
He said that the smart radar would be on trial for one month after which it would be deployed on all Dubai roads. These new smart radars differ from other such monitoring equipment, he said.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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Amira Agarib for KHALEEJ TIMES 16 September 2008
dubai — New sophisticated mobile radars will be introduced on Dubai roads soon after Eid Al Fitr, according to a senior police official.
These radars will be mounted on police vehicles to monitor speed limits, Major Saif Muhair, Deputy Director of General Department of Traffic, told Khaleej Times on Monday. It is for the first time that these radars, equipped with advanced technogly, will be introduced in this region. Maj Saif said that the new ‘smart radar’ could be fixed on any vehicle and would be able to detect all speed violations.
He said that the smart radar would be on trial for one month after which it would be deployed on all Dubai roads. These new smart radars differ from other such monitoring equipment, he said.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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TALENT SHARE 2008 - An online global talent hunt for children between 4 to 15 years Entries open: 14th September 2008 Entries close: 30th September 2008
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From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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Suicides increasing due to Credit Card Debts - How many CARDS? A valid question to be discussed amongst HR authorities.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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DEBT WOES LEADING TO MENTAL PROBLEMS... The story continues as the city grows.
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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It's a rainy rainy day in Abu Dhabi.
Team 1 Dubai: Your e-Home for TQM & Positive Thinking: At Abu Dhabi - It's a rainy rainy day (16 Nov 2008)
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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Team 1 Dubai: Your e-Home for TQM & Positive Thinking: At Abu Dhabi - It's a rainy rainy day (16 Nov 2008)
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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Dear Friends,
I need a job in UAE. Please help me out. How can I go about it? You can refer me to any consultancies in India. I have around 6 years of experience in HR but don't have a management degree. Is there any preference given to it? All your advice and help will be highly appreciated.
Thanks,
Hariprasad
From India, Madras
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I need a job in UAE. Please help me out. How can I go about it? You can refer me to any consultancies in India. I have around 6 years of experience in HR but don't have a management degree. Is there any preference given to it? All your advice and help will be highly appreciated.
Thanks,
Hariprasad
From India, Madras
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Dear Friends,
For the first time ever, an official public figure in the UAE has revealed data related to the nationality split in the country. With the latest update on the census (2007), the total UAE population is touching 6.5 million people. This represents an increase of almost 70% against the preliminary results (3.8 million) that were published back in 2004.
It was not a secret that the Emiratis represent a small portion of the population; the previous estimations were always between 15% and 25%. The data below shows that it is even lower than the estimations at only 13.5%.
Details of the nationalities are as follows:
Nationality Absolute population %
Emirati 875,617 (13.5%)
Arab Expat 823,633 (12.7%)
Indian 2,367,732 (36.5%)
Pakistani 822,914 (12.7%)
Bangladeshi 589,545 (9.1%)
Filipino 279,602 (4.3%)
Sri Lankan 104,623 (1.6%)
Iranian 100,309 (1.5%)
Nepali 93,469 (1.4%)
Chinese 32,637 (0.5%)
Other Asian 151,234 (2.3%)
Other African 72,453 (1.1%)
Europe and Australia 134,630 (2.1%)
North American 41,354 (0.6%)
South American 4,177 (0.1%)
Total 6,493,929 (100.0%)
The above details were published in Al Bayan newspaper on 29th of October; For more details, you can refer to the link below (in Arabic):
ae/servlet/ Satellite? c=Article&cid=1223993414930&pagena me=Albayan/ Article/FullDeta il
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
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For the first time ever, an official public figure in the UAE has revealed data related to the nationality split in the country. With the latest update on the census (2007), the total UAE population is touching 6.5 million people. This represents an increase of almost 70% against the preliminary results (3.8 million) that were published back in 2004.
It was not a secret that the Emiratis represent a small portion of the population; the previous estimations were always between 15% and 25%. The data below shows that it is even lower than the estimations at only 13.5%.
Details of the nationalities are as follows:
Nationality Absolute population %
Emirati 875,617 (13.5%)
Arab Expat 823,633 (12.7%)
Indian 2,367,732 (36.5%)
Pakistani 822,914 (12.7%)
Bangladeshi 589,545 (9.1%)
Filipino 279,602 (4.3%)
Sri Lankan 104,623 (1.6%)
Iranian 100,309 (1.5%)
Nepali 93,469 (1.4%)
Chinese 32,637 (0.5%)
Other Asian 151,234 (2.3%)
Other African 72,453 (1.1%)
Europe and Australia 134,630 (2.1%)
North American 41,354 (0.6%)
South American 4,177 (0.1%)
Total 6,493,929 (100.0%)
The above details were published in Al Bayan newspaper on 29th of October; For more details, you can refer to the link below (in Arabic):
ae/servlet/ Satellite? c=Article&cid=1223993414930&pagena me=Albayan/ Article/FullDeta il
From United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)Looking for something specific? - Join & Be Part Of Our Community and get connected with the right people who can help. Our AI-powered platform provides real-time fact-checking, peer-reviewed insights, and a vast historical knowledge base to support your search.
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