I have written earlier on this site about the need for more Emirati chefs and greater opportunity for UAE residents and tourists to experience Emirati food.
It was a pleasant surprise to discover the blog, ‘Arab Mania’ and today’s post entitled, ‘Tasting Emaraati Traditional Food’.
The blog writer, described as a ‘proud humble Muslim wife who enjoys what is good’, has brief descriptions and pictures of popular dishes served in the Emirates.
These dishes include:
* Raqaq (made from soft unleavened dough)
* Shobab (traditional Bedouin bread)
* Al Harees (meat and wheat dish)
And, so many more delicious dishes.
Thank you for the posting. Shukran.
Link Tasting Emaraati Traditional Food, Arab Mania, 30 September 2009.
Ask him for details about advertizing and links on his sites.
Image: Al Machboos, which is also called Al Makboos, has red meat as its main ingredient (which can be replaced by chicken or shrimp) and rice. It is similar to Biryani .
I am grateful to Hamptons International- Property Management Company for this Guest Editorial which provides a well-researched update on the changing property scene in Abu Dhabi.
The lately finished Cityscape Abu Dhabi did not have that big an effect on the Abu Dhabi property market. The regional freehold market is presently sluggish with few transactions taking place. There are numerous enquiries concerning real estate in Al Reem Island and Al Reef Downtown, but only a small number of deals were brought to a close as banks’ estimations are significantly lower than discussed prices resulting in buyers having to wait as they cannot pay the high down-payments. According to research carried out, freehold values are still in decline across Abu Dhabi, with some projects being resold at their initial cost in the secondary market. Indications are that prices will carry on diminishing over the approaching summer months though at a much decreased pace than in Q1 of this year. The anticipation is that prices should level out by the last quarter of 2009 or by the beginning of next year.
In contrast to Dubai, Abu Dhabi letting costs have not fallen as drastically as those in its surrounding emirates. The cost of apartments for rent in the city remains high and has barely lessened in central areas. The major reason for this is a scarcity of finished flats in the capital. On the providing side, Al Raha Gardens has just joined the market. It has been noted that there is a strong upward trend in people moving to Dubai to take advantage of the rent that is a great deal cheaper. Emigrants from all over the world are settling in houses that are located in less central areas of the city – for instance, in villa complexes such as the Shahama and Al Raba area. Another reason for emigrants to settle down in Dubai is to benefit from the superior freehold developments currently taking place in the city.
Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2009 the International Real Estate Investment and Development event, observed a low number of participants which had been anticipated by numerous property experts and exhibitors given the current situation. Nonetheless several serious shareholders were present who were considering buying real estate of appropriate value and which was on the verge of being finished.
All in all, the Abu Dhabi real estate market continues to face an imbalance in demand and supply. Available stock this year will be restricted to the Arabic districts in Al Reef Villas, Al Raha Beach and Al Reem Island in early 2010. The biggest difficulty that buyers are presented is still the massive down-payment needed to finalise a transaction caused by the disparity between banks valuations and settled selling prices. This circumstance should hopefully turn around once the local market stabilises. In near future, a rise in letting prices will certainly be dampened given that significantly cheaper rents are obtainable in Dubai. It will therefore probably diminish in the long run as large supplies begin to join the market at some point in the middle of 2011 to 2012.
Related UAE Property Set for a Modest Recovery, Fujairah in Focus, 29 September 2009.
Web Urbanist, which specializes in ‘sensational, educational, inspirational art, dynamic design and visual culture,’ has Abu Dhabi’s Capital Gate Tower at the top of its list of precarious-looking architecture.
It is being built 18 degrees out from the vertical while in comparison, Pisa’s famous tower leans at 3.99 degrees.
Arch Daily reported back in May 2009 that “Capital Gate, the iconic leaning building in Abu Dhabi, reached [the] halfway point.”
This article provides more detail on the architectural keys to how such a lean is possible, the chief features of the new building and some of the anticipated businesses that the tower will house.
Links Don’t Look Down: 10 Peculiarly Precarious Modern Buildings, Web Urbanist, 22 September 2009. See the other nine precarious-looking buildings.
In Progress: Capital Gate by RMJM, Most Leaning Building in the World, Arch Daily, 29 May 2009.
On Related Sites The Things that Jump Out of Fujairah Dumpsters, Fujairah in Focus, 28 September 2009.
Readying Al Hamra Island for the America’s Cup in UAE 2010, America’s Cup in the UAE, 28 September 2009.
Many thanks to ‘Astrid in Dubai’ for shooting more film to give a progress report (16 September 2009) on the America’s Cup venue at Ras al Khaimah.
When I asked Astrid the $64 million question about whether the venue will be ready for the regatta, she replied:
“I am sure they will be ready in time, they have started the work on the island suddenly with lots of machines. And the Marina clubhouse is ready. Also the clubhouse of the golf course is up and running, plus the Al Hamra Fort hotel.”
When I asked Astrid how she became interested enough in the venue and the forthcoming event to take some video reports, this was her reply:
“My interest started with the surprise of having such a huge event in RAK in a development that we have passed by on many occasions when returning from a mountain biking trip in Wadi Bieh. We never thought that behind the Al Hamra Mall this whole development was ready. And then I found myself proud of having this sporting event coming to our Emirates.”
Earlier Footage Look at the Progress on the America’s Cup Venue at RAK, America’s Cup in the UAE, 10 September 2009 and originally posted on 6 September 2009.
Take a Look at the America’s Cup Venue at RAK, America’s Cup in the UAE, 31 August 2009 and originally posted on 14 August 2009.
Latest Footage
Link Astrid in Dubai, Al Hamra Island-America’s Cup 2010, YouTube, 16 September 2009.
Many articles have been written recently about the way that writing a cheque that bounces is considered a criminal offence in the United Arab Emirates.
In these hard financial times many in the Emirates report difficulties in dealing with their banks and quite possibly the angst cuts both ways.
This story about a woman’s creative and courageous dealing with her bank might stimulate some good ideas both for banks and their customers.
An elderly woman in England wrote this letter to her bank. The bank manager thought it amusing enough to have it published in The Times of London.
Dear Sir,
I am writing to thank you for bouncing my cheque with which I endeavoured to pay my plumber last month. By my calculations, three 'nanoseconds' must have elapsed between his presenting the cheque and the arrival in my account of the funds needed to honour it. I refer, of course, to the automatic monthly deposit of my Pension, an arrangement which, I admit, has been in place for only eight years. You are to be commended for seizing that brief window of opportunity, and also for debiting my account £30 by way of penalty for the inconvenience caused to your bank.
My thankfulness springs from the manner in which this incident has caused me to rethink my errant financial ways. I noticed that whereas I personally attend to your telephone calls and letters, when I try to contact you, I am confronted by the impersonal, overcharging, pre-recorded, faceless entity which your bank has become.
From now on, I, like you, choose only to deal with a flesh-and-blood person. My mortgage and loan payments will therefore and hereafter no longer be automatic, but will arrive at your bank by cheque, addressed personally and confidentially to an employee at your bank whom you must nominate. Be aware that it is an offence under the Postal Act for any other person to open such an envelope.
Please find attached an Application Contact Status which I require your chosen employee to complete. I am sorry it runs to eight pages, but in order that I know as much about him or her as your bank knows about me, there is no alternative. Please note that all copies of his or her medical history must be countersigned by a Solicitor, and the mandatory details of his/her financial situation (income, debts, assets and liabilities) must be accompanied by documented proof.
In due course, I will issue your employee with a PIN number which he/she must quote in dealings with me. I regret that it cannot be shorter than 28 digits but, again, I have modelled it on the number of button presses required of me to access my account balance on your phone bank service. As they say, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Let me level the playing field even further. Whenever you need to call me, press buttons as follows:
1-To make an appointment to see me.
2-To query a missing payment.
3-To transfer the call to my living room in case I am there.
4-To transfer the call to my bedroom in case I am sleeping.
5-To transfer the call to my toilet in case I am attending to nature.
6-To transfer the call to my mobile phone if I am not at home.
7-To leave a message on my computer (a password to access my computer is required. A password will be communicated to you at a later date to the Authorized Contact.)
8-To return to the main menu and to listen to options 1 through 8.
9-To make a general complaint or inquiry, the contact will then be put on hold, pending the attention of my automated answering service. While this may, on occasion, involve a lengthy wait, uplifting music will play for the duration of the call.
Regrettably, but again following your example, I must also levy an establishment fee to cover the setting up of this new arrangement.
May I wish you a happy, if ever so slightly less prosperous, New Year. Sincerely,
Your Humble Client.
Link In searching for a link to The Times I have been unsuccessful but an American version that claims to have been posted in the New York Times is found at this link. The banks are the same the world over!
Who knows? This story might turn out to have the validity and the popularity of this story: Australia’s Best School Answering Machine Message, Stories for Speakers and Writers.
Related Alarm at High Number of Australians on Wrong Side of UAE Law, ETE, 28 July 2009.
Beware Bouncing Cheques in the UAE, ETE, 5 June 2008.
Stories on Other Sites My Name is ‘Sudany’. Let Me Take You for a Ride in Fujairah, Fujairah in Focus, 17 September 2009.
RAK Crown Prince Gives Inside Story on Winning America’s Cup Venue, America’s Cup in the UAE, 16 September 2009.
In this holy month of Ramadan Muslims fast from drinking water, eating food, smoking cigarettes and having sex during the daylight hours but what happens if the fast is broken?
People can find out from Fatwa sites like Islamweb where these questions are regularly asked and answered.
Daylight Sex The Fatwa Centre says:
“A person who has sex with his wife during the day of Ramadan, his fast becomes null and void [what about the woman?]. On the other hand, he is required to expiate his sin either by freeing a slave, failing that he should observe fast for two consecutive months, failing that he must feed sixty poor people. Moreover, he has to follow the mentioned order of expiation in case of falling short of doing any of the three ways. This is the opinion of the majority of Muslim scholars.”
It’s a difficult job at the Fatwa centre responding to complicated rejoinders such as, “If my wife and I have been in the sack during the day of Ramadan, how can my sin be expunged when I have no slaves to free and no money to feed sixty poor people.” There are answers for these FAQs and a host of others about getting expiation (that’s a great word) for failing to keep the Ramadan fast.
Celestial Referee The great religions portray God as the judge of all the earth but coming up with deeds to expiate the sin is in danger of turning God into a referee who blows the whistle, adjudicates and hands out the appropriate punishment.
How many wrongs do you have to do before you get a Yellow Card and can you get Red Carded and thrown out of the game?
On the flip side it is interesting that in the final week of Ramadan, there is a special night when believers are rewarded for being engaged in prayer? No one but God knows when this time is, so believers need to be active in worship in order to get credited with the extra merit points.
Keeping the Ramadan Fast Perfectly It is easy to identify visible breaches of the Ramadan Fast such as eating a sandwich, drinking a coffee or having sex but the fast goes much deeper than this, to the purity of a person’s thoughts and the intangible dimension of human motivation. Who can discern the rightness of our motives?
Who has kept the Ramadan fast this month? Who has been perfect in this holy month? No one keeps it perfectly but this is not cause for throwing out the practice and the benefits that surely come from a month of fasting.
The Scorekeeper If it is a matter of refraining from enough things or doing enough things to keep in God’s good books then this is to turn God, not only into a referee but into a scorekeeper.
The problem with this notion is that we are never certain whether we have earned sufficient points to win God’s favour.
Amazing Grace Ultimately there is no one who lives life perfectly. Yet God is revealed as a God of grace who keeps on with us despite our slipups and failings.
This truth turns a month or a life of law-keeping into a faith that is truly liberating.
Link Expiation for Sex During Ramadan, Fatwa Centre, Islamweb, 30 March 2002.
Ramadan Themes 1.6 Million Iftar Meals served During Ramadan in UAE, ETE, 2 September 2009.
Ramadan Around the World in 2009, ETE, 2 September 2009.
UAE Offers 10,000 Dirhams to Quit Smoking During Ramadan, ETE, 1 September 2009.
On Related Sites Abu Dhabi Has the Most Expensive Hotels in the World, Experiencing the Emirates, 16 September 2009.
RAK Crown Prince Gives Inside Story on Winning America’s Cup Venue, America’s Cup in the UAE, 16 September 2009.
Get Into the Frame with Alan Nambiar and His Fujairah 100 Photo Project, Fujairah in Focus, 16 September 2009.
Image: To many people the deliberate giving up of life’s pleasures can make a period of fasting appear negative and a miserable time of self-denial. Yet the truth behind a month of fasting is to be made aware of the things in life that truly nourish and refresh us and that which satisfies us with deep joy.
At a time when the cost of hotel rooms around the world has dropped significantly the price of a room in Abu Dhabi has increased 15% in the first six months of this year!
Abu Dhabi, the richest city in the world, now holds the world record for being the most expensive city in the world to stay; the average hotel room costing £173 or $285 a night.
What sort of a record is this? The news is being relayed on London’s Telegraph and recounted on CNN International but most people couldn’t sleep soundly if they had to part with that money for a bed.
What does this say about Arab hospitality that traditionally accepted people into their tents free of charge for three days without asking where they had come from, what is their business and where they are going?
It is all very well to have the Emirates Palace with its extravagant price tags but the shortage of rooms is giving license to all Abu Dhabi hoteliers to jack up their prices and rort the system.
So Abu Dhabi becomes the city for the rich, and ordinary people will give its cultural delights as well as its hotels a miss and head for Dubai, Sharjah, RAK and the costal resorts of Fujairah.
Link Nick Trend, Worldwide Hotel Rates Fall by Nearly a Fifth, Telegraph, 15 September 2009.
Related Atlantis Hotel Extravagance at Grand Opening, ETE, 1 December 2008.
Atlantis Hotel and that Aquarium, ETE, 20 November 2008.
It offers an amazing view of the richness of art that has been inspired and nourished by Islam.
Posted on this site are thousands of high quality, free pictures of motifs, patterns and architectural structures, including mosques.
The pictures have been collected and posted in slide shows and archives and are supported by a host of background material and links to published material.
Growing International Collection These pictures are drawn from many parts of the world but its major weakness is an absence of art that comes from the Emirates! (There are some from Qatar!)
This is where readers come in as the author of the site has travelled extensively, photographing the pictures and offering them to be enjoyed in what can only be described as a labor of love.
He is keen to be contacted in order to receive pictures of Islamic patterns that might extend this visual feast.
Emergence I asked the author and collector of this site, David Wade, how he got to develop Pattern in Islamic Art and what he has in mind in the way of goals for this gallery.
David said: “I have been fascinated by Islamic decorative art since the 1960's, particularly in its geometrical aspects. I don't know why this is, it just appeals to me.”
“I went on to produce a book on the subject back in 1976, to coincide with a major exhibition on Islamic Art in London at that time (extracts from which are featured in the 'Drawings, Diagrams & Analyses' section of the PiIA website).”
“I carried on visiting Islamic countries, and photographing patterns etc., over the next 30 years, accumulating a fair collection of images out of this purely personal interest. With the advent of the internet however, and with considerable help from friends, I was able to make much of this material available to those with similar interests - and I have to say that it has been a great success, far exceeding my expectations.”
Prospects “As for my goals - I can honestly say that I have none, although, since putting up the site it has snowballed a bit, with others wanting to link and contribute to it. I imagine that this will continue in a low-key sort of way, but I have no real ambitions in this direction and I'm very happy with the site as it is.”
Contribution “As you might expect, the majority of those visiting the site are from non-Muslim countries. So, as an incidental effect, I feel I'm doing my bit in promoting a more positive view of Islamic culture -much needed these days, unfortunately.”
“Do let me know if you come across any images suitable for PiIA (I'd be very interested in those from Mecca or Medina of course).”
Appreciation Thanks to David Wade for this magnificent site. Designers and art-lovers will appreciate the 4000+ pictures and will want to keep returning to see the old and new art treasures.
A recent article reported on a new government directive that each day the UAE is to be hoisted at every school and the national anthem is to be sung by the students.
This daily routine may help serve to instill a sense of national pride and patriotic fervor but are there more creative ways to achieve the same end?
Emirati Biscuits and Cake The recent Sydney International Food Festival has cooked up a theme on national flags (see dishes pictured).
This suggests some food ideas for the Emirates. Could some chefs come up with a cake or biscuit recipe (halal and low calories) that portrays the flag of the UAE and instills a sense of patriotism every time it is consumed. This might take on among people in the UAE as ANZAC biscuitsare enjoyed by Australians and New Zealanders.
It may also become the ‘taste of the Emirates’ that you buy as a gift when travelling to meet relatives and friends in other countries
Buckle Up for Your Country A recent post reported that the idea was being discussed of creating safety belts bearing a Gucci or Armani label in order to encourage drivers and passengers in the Emirates to wear their seat belts when travelling in cars.
Perhaps the government could design and make available free of charge safety belts that bear the UAE flag or some UAE symbols. Every time children and adults get into a car they will stretch their belts across their hearts and symbolically buckle up for the love of their country.
Creative Juices Flowing What creative ideas do you have that might serve some practical needs and be a way of inspiring an appropriate regard for the country?
Further Do You Know the Words and Tune of the UAE National Anthem? Experiencing the Emirates, 13 September 2009.
Recognize It? Chances are you may not recognize the tune if the UAE National Anthem is played and most people are unlikely to be able to sing along with the words in Arabic or know what they mean in English.
Heard It? The American National Anthem has been played at least 930 times at the summer Olympics while the UAE Anthem has only been played once, back in 2004 in Athens when Ahmed al Maktoum took the gold medal in the Men’s Double Trap, shooting event.
Things Are About to Change The UAE news agency WAM has reported (1 September 2009) that all government and private schools in the UAE must hoist the national flag and sing the national anthem at the beginning of the day’s activities effective from the current academic year 2009-2010.
The measure is to help instill the spirit of nationalism and patriotism among school students, the report said.
Reactions The writer of Buj al Arab (1 September 2009) says of this decision:
“I think this is a fantastic step. I went to a private school and we used to do this everyday. Taabor al Saba7 we used to call it. It was fun sometimes or boring or both but we felt like a country back then, and we all felt together. I loved the national anthem. I am a dying breed because not many people now know the words of the anthem, but what you learn as a kid will stay with you all through your life. It's such a beautiful anthem.”
Some wonder how appropriate it will be when the majority of school pupils who will sing the anthem in the UAE are expatriates. However, when our family lived in the USA while our children were young, my Kiwi son sang the American national anthem in elementary school every morning with his hand over his heart and he was as patriotic as the rest of his class mates.
Flagging Nationalism An earlier article gave commentary on the meaning of the UAE flag and its colours. It is interesting to see these initiatives at a time when many countries have dispensed with the mandatory anthem singing at schools, sports matches and picture theatres.
Singing the Anthem Often the UAE anthem is only played rather than sung as it did not have words from the time it was adopted in 1971 until 1996.
The tune, written by Mohamad Abdel Wahab, has been described as a ‘classic example of the style of anthem known as ‘Arab Fanfare’.
If the new directive requires singing each day it is important to get to know the words and lyrics as well as the tune.
The words were penned by Dr Aref Al Shaikh Abdullah Al Hassan who says he is a poet rather than a songwriter. In a National article (4 September 2009), he tells the story of how he was commissioned to write the anthem for the UAE.
Words and Tune The tune of the UAE National Anthem—‘Ishy Bilady’ (Long Live My Nation)—can be heard and downloaded at this link along with the words in English and Arabic.
Anthem in English According to Dr al Shaikh the essence of the anthem is in these simple yet powerful words:
May you live for a people, Whose religion is Islam, and whose guide is the Quran, May I strengthen you in the name of God, O homeland, My country, My country, My country, My country.
A longer version in English is posted at this link along with the Arabic script.
Listen In Perhaps the best way to learn the national anthem is to listen to it being played and sung. It only takes 50 seconds but it is amazing how quickly the rousing music grows on you.
Different Versions For patriotic visuals replete with Emirati symbols watch this version.
For a stirring rendition with a brass band accompaniment, listen to this version:
Here is the same band but with some patriotic images produced by HCT
If you are ready to hear the words as well as the tune, listen to these young boys.
‘Dubai is Sound’ In a New York Times article (8 September 2009) entitled, ‘Dubai to Be More Careful in Wake of Crisis, Ruler Says,’ Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum said that “financial headwinds were easing on the cash-strapped state and that Dubai was sound.”
‘No Mistakes’ “I don't think we made any mistakes,” he told reporters at a briefing. “Our strategy will be really the same but things will change a little bit because of this crisis and we will be more careful now.”
Dubai Debt The article reported the magnitude of Dubai’s debt saying the emirate and state-linked firms have outstanding debt of about $80 billion (48 billion pounds), much of it incurred during a drive that saw Dubai expand activities in logistics, financial services, real estate and luxury retail and tourism.
Dubai raised $10 billion in emergency cash from the UAE central bank early this year and plans to follow that with another $10 billion to fund obligations still pending.
Response to Personal Debt A second New York Times article this week (11 September 2009) looks at the very different approach that the UAE takes toward personal debt.
The article by Robert F Worth entitled, ‘For a Bounced Check, the Penalty Can Be Years in Jail’, reports on the numbers [no tally has been given] of Dubai executives who have been arrested and charged for corruption and fraud.
Yet the chief interest of the article is the way that personal debt is being addressed:
“A rising number of businesspeople have been sent to jail for going into debt. Bouncing a check is a criminal offense here. That fact has begun raising questions about the fairness of Dubai’s laws, especially among the foreigners who make up about 90 percent of the population.”
Legal System Wanting The article looks at the ‘overall uncertainty of Dubai’s legal system’ which has caused many expatriates to flee and claims that the risk of arrest for debt is driving away potential new investors and businesspeople at exactly the time when Dubai is struggling to rebuild business and investor confidence.
Robert Worth quotes analysts who claim that “Dubai’s legal structures [based on Shariah law] have not kept pace with its frenetic development….and are often found wanting.”
Constructive Conversation While many international journalists have contributed to negative and uninformed ‘Dubai-bashing,’ the most perceptive and prophetic articles continue to emerge from outside the Emirates, as UAE laws prohibit the criticism of the government and its leaders.
The high interest in UAE affairs, as evidenced by the number of articles in the New York Times and the Economist this week, suggests the importance of leaders and commentators in the Emirates tackling these issues and participating fully in this conversation.
Links ‘Dubai to Be More Careful in Wake of Crisis, Ruler Says,’ New York Times, 8 September 2009.
Robert F Worth, ‘For a Bounced Check, the Penalty Can Be Years in Jail’, New York Times, 11 September 2009.
A Metro for the Emirates…All that Glistens, The Economist, 10 September 2009.
Other Stories and Sites Look at the Progress on the America’s Cup Venue at RAK, America’s Cup in the UAE, 10 September 2009.
Fujairah for Blue Skies, Beaches and Diving, Fujairah in Focus, 11 September 2009.
Ted Kennedy’s Inspiring Last Letter to President Obama, SFS, 11 September 2009.
Remembering the Heroes Today I reacted strongly to a Facebook Status Update that began: “Let us remember the Fallen Heroes and the Thousands who died at the hands of the Muslim Terrorists…”
‘It’s Only Words’ I wrote to my new Facebook Friend saying that I was joining him in remembering the heroes but I asked him whether he would use the term ‘Christian Terrorists’ if the doers of evil had Christian allegiances.
Evil in the Name of Religion It appears that the 9/11 attacks originated from al-Quaeda which states that it is the God-given duty of every Muslim to kill Americans everywhere. Furthermore, after the horrors of that day in the US, video footage circulated around the world showing some Palestinians celebrating these acts of terror.
But overwhelmingly Muslim organizations in the USA and around the world condemned the attacks of 9/11 and they contributed their skills and resources to help alleviate the sufferings and the loss of those affected.
Unhelpful Stereotyping Following the events of 9/11 numerous incidents of harassment, attacks on mosques and hate crimes were waged on Muslims around the world and people of ‘Middle Eastern’ appearance.
The repeated coupling by the media of the words, ‘Muslim terrorists’ has perpetuated the stereotype that Islam is a religion of terror and that all Muslims are people of hate and therefore to be feared.
I am grateful to be living in the UAE and to count many Muslims as my friends. Far from celebrating the ongoing hurt of thousands of Americans on a day like this, the understanding of their faith leads them to be concerned and to demonstrate a practical commitment to peace-making.
Day for Perspective The constant replays of the terrorist attacks on 9/11 and the rescue scenes that followed have etched this event into our minds forever. We do not want to forget this day. The power of the media, however, has led to a loss of perspective.
September 11 was already a day for remembering the coup d'état that occurred in Chile in 1973 when President Allende died. In the months and years that followed, thousands of Chileans who were seen to resist the dictatorial regime simply disappeared. The tragedy on this 9/11 in 1973 and the ongoing pain have been overshadowed by the 9/11 of 2001 but both events should be remembered and honored as the stimulus for acts of freedom, justice and peace.
Day for Peace This day in the Emirates is not only a time for remembering the events in Chile and the United States but resolving to work for peace wherever we live. This may be as simple and as practical as conveying a message of sympathy to a friend in America or Chile.
Peace/salaam is an active word that involves taking the initiative in reaching out to people just as we actively make our greeting—As-Salāmu `Alaykum or as we intentionally respond—`Alaykum As-Salaam.
Peace/salaam is an all-encompassing word with rich personal, social, spiritual and environmental dimensions. It is about personal wellbeing but it works at righting relationships, restoring unity among families and groups and fostering healthy ties between nations, cultures and people who are different from us.
On this memorable day, let us say As-Salāmu `Alaykum, Paz, Shalom, Pace, Paix, Pax and Peace in every language—to the people of Chile, the United States of America and to all countries, including people here in the Emirates.
Dr Geoff Pound
Image: “Let us say As-Salāmu `Alaykum, Paz, Shalom, Pace, Paix, Pax, Peace and in every language.”
The reason for the meeting between President Obama and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces and what they talked about has been the substance of an earlier post.
This photo is a beauty with Abraham Lincoln listening in over the Sheikh’s shoulder.
Nice that the White House Photo of the Day has an Emirati connection.
Link White House Photo of the Day, Fox News, 10 September 2009.
Other Stories and Sites Hana, Catherine, Rebecca & Faisal Tell BBC about New Dubai Metro, Experiencing the Emirates, 11 September 2009.
Look at the Progress on the America’s Cup Venue at RAK, America’s Cup in the UAE, 10 September 2009.
Ted Kennedy’s Inspiring Last Letter to President Obama, SFS, 11 September 2009.
Image: The caption at the original post: President Barack Obama meets with His Highness Crown Prince General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi in the Oval Office (WH Photo).
With Dubai opening the Arabian Peninsula's first urban train network on Wednesday in a bid to ease congestion local residents of the United Arab Emirates discuss the impact of the project and whether people will be willing to give up their cars.
People are generally positive about the metro which will eventually become the world’s longest driverless train system but how might a metro system change the Emirati car culture where residents love their cars as much as they love their camels?
Link Will Metro Change Dubai Car Culture, BBC, 11 September 2009.
Other Stories and Sites Obama Congratulates UAE’s Lead on Renewable Energy, Experiencing the Emirates, 11 September 2009.
Fujairah for Blue Skies, Beaches and Diving, Fujairah in Focus, 11 September 2009.
Look at the Progress on the America’s Cup Venue at RAK, America’s Cup in the UAE, 10 September 2009.
Ted Kennedy’s Inspiring Last Letter to President Obama, SFS, 11 September 2009.
It is dated at 1973 and can be spent to purchase Dh1000 but it will have a higher value due to its rare condition.
The note which is under auction at the time of writing has been viewed 520 times.
I have got nothing to do with the sale of the note apart from thinking that it would sit nicely in my wallet.
With my surname being ‘Pound’, my father being a retired bank manager nicknamed ‘Buck’, my father-in-law was called 'Bob', my auntie is named ‘Penny’ and my son is called ‘Mark’, I take a little interest in things financial.
The vendor is located in Fujairah, UAE. I wonder if he/she needs some cash to spend at Fujairah’s Great Night Souk?
The current bid is Dh4, 555.00 and the auction has, at the time of writing, 1 day and 4 hours to run. To keep an eye on this note, here is the link.
Yesterday (10 September 2009) President Barack Obama met at the White House with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed.
According to an AFP report, the two “discussed ways to deepen the strong political, security and economic relationship” between the United States and the UAE, as well as ways to “bolster regional security, and advance Israeli-Arab peace efforts.”
Of special note is that President Obama “congratulated the Crown Prince on the UAE's leadership on renewable energy and on being chosen to host the new International Renewable Energy Agency.”
Read the full report at this link: Obama Meets with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, AFP, 10 September 2009.
On Related Sites What they are Saying about Dubai Metro in LA, DC and London, Experiencing the Emirates, 10 September 2009.
Look at the Progress on the America’s Cup Venue at RAK, America’s Cup in the UAE, 10 September 2009.
Ted Kennedy’s Inspiring Last Letter to President Obama, SFS, 11 September 2009.
Los Angeles Meris Lutz in a LA Times article (10 September 2009) entitled, ‘Dubai Unveils $7.6 Billion Mass-Transit Rail System’, is highlighting the luxuriousness of the transport system with its VIP cars:
“The system will include VIP cars with fares equivalent to $3.55, more than seven times the lowest-cost ticket.”
Lutz reports that authorities are highlighting the grandeur of the rail system over its convenience in an effort to lure people from their precious cars.
“There’s a lot of emphasis on this being a luxurious public transport system which will distinguish Dubai from New York or London,” said Tabitha Decker, a Yale University researcher and a visiting scholar at the Dubai School of Government who is writing her dissertation on the development of the metro.
The article uncovers the truth that the system is opening 80% over budget and it raises the query that many are pondering—‘Will people use the new transport system?’
Washington DC Adam Schreck in a Washington Post (9 September 2009) article entitled, ‘New Dubai Driverless Metro Makes Room for VIPs’ emphasizes the historic nature of the opening of the first metro system on the Arabian Peninsula.
He recognizes that the opening on the catchy date (09/09/09) was a ploy to attract the world’s attention, ‘whether the sleek system is fully ready to go or not.’
Schreck also highlights the VIP or Gold Class for high-paying customers who don’t want to mix with the great unwashed.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum features prominently in all the international articles and for DC readers they discover the Sheikh’s desire that this metro might become a vital piece of infrastructure to revitalize the city in a similar way that airlines and airports have done in the past:
“It’s the start of something,” he told reporters on the eve of the project’s launch. ‘It is like when the first plane flew for Emirates (airline) and the first container ship arrived in port.”
This article expresses scepticism as to whether wealthy residents will give up their beloved Hummers and Toyota Land Cruisers to ride the public transport system.
London Richard Spencer in a Telegraph article entitled, ‘Dubai to Get Gulf’s First Metro System’ similarly highlights the unique class features of the metro—first class, standard class and a carriage for women and children.
Spencer believes that the metro is being billed as a beacon of economic hope and is soon to be followed by another recovery booster—the opening of the Burj Dubai, the world’s tallest building.
Links Meris Lutz, ‘Dubai Unveils $7.6 Billion Mass-Transit Rail System’, LA Times, 9 September 2009.
Adam Schreck, ‘New Dubai Driverless Metro Makes Room for VIPs’, Washington Post, 9 September 2009.
Richard Spencer, ‘Dubai to Get Gulf’s First Metro System’, Telegraph, 8 September 2009.
On Related Sites Ride the New Metro with Sheikh Mohammed,ETE, 8 September 2009.
Fujairah Night Souk Opens with a Whimper, Fujairah in Focus, 9 September 2009.
Dates Clustering in Culture Dates cluster in the cultures of the Middle East and surrounding regions.
At this harvest time, here is a sample of the way dates are used to illustrate everyday wisdom.
I hope these delicious dates don’t stimulate temptation for those who are fasting, rather, let this picture of dates, recently purchased from UAE’s Al Hashmia Date Farms, provide food for thought.
Bunch of Date Wisdom “From little date seeds, great things are born.” Namibian proverb.
“How can the eater of dates forbid the eating of dates?” Arab proverb.
“If heaven drops a date, open your mouth.” Chinese proverb.
“The fruit of silence is tranquility.” Arab proverb.
“The tree of silence bears the fruit of peace.” Arab proverb.
“Don’t show me the palm tree, show me the dates.” Afghani proverb.
“Mock the palm tree only when the date harvest is over.” Ethiopian proverb.
“Cheaper than dates in Basra.” Arab proverb.
“He has fallen from the donkey, but has found a date.” Iranian proverb.
Got any more date proverbs to add to this bunch?
On Related Sites Sun Rising over Fujairah, UAE, Fujairah in Focus, 9 September 2009.
Opening of Metro The long awaited Metro in Dubai opens on the 9th of the 9th of ’09, which might be a touch of Emirati numerology.
Interestingly VIPs get to ride it on the 9th (will they ever ride it again) and the general public can begin to ride on the Metro from the 10th.
Sheikh Mohammed on the Metro If you are feeling impatient, perhaps the best option is to watch this video of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum riding the Metro and giving it his stamp of approval.
His Highness posted this 1 minute video on his public Facebook page at this link:
Reforming the KSA
-
The UK’s The Telegraph newspaper runs an interview with Prince Mohammed bin
Salman, Deputy Crown Prince and Minister of Defense. It’s certain
wide-ranging ...
If you want max profits
-
If you want max profit Reason on the margin Come on baby find the Q
[Alternative lyrics for last line: Come on baby find the price] She sits
alone waiting ...
It’s International waffle day!
-
People of the Planet Earth will unite today on International Waffle Day!
Who doesn’t like a waffle? Americans and Saudis both indulge in this divine
food. ...
Fujairah in Focus—The Last Post
-
This is the last posting for *Fujairah in Focus* on this web site and the *Fujairah
in Focus Facebook Page*.
I started *Fujairah in Focus* five years ago...
I have written earlier on this site about the need for more Emirati chefs and greater opportunity for UAE residents and tourists to experience Emirati food.
