Dubai The Police Criminal Investigation Department has warned residents against resorting to so-called sorcerers.
Brigadier Khalil Ebrahim Al Mansouri, Director of the Criminal Investigation Department, said an Emirati woman filed a report against a self-proclaimed sorcerer she visited for a headache cure.
On her first visit the woman gave her a herbal blend for Dh3,000. On subsequent visits the price went up to Dh5,000, then Dh14,000.
She informed the police, who sent a policewoman masquerading as a patient. The police woman was asked for Dh14,000 for incense and herbs, and the accused sorcerer was arrested after she accepted the money, police said.
Brig Al Mansouri said the 50-year-old woman was convicted in absentia of similar charges in 2008 and was sentenced to jail and deportation. In 2011, there were 11 sorcery cases against 10 in 2010, he said, adding that most victims do not report cases.
Victim travelled from Bahrain
In a separate case, a woman came from Bahrain to seek help from an African sorcerer after her husband left her for another woman.
Instead, the self-proclaimed sorcerer threatened to make her very ill if she did not pay him. After losing huge sums of money she reported him, and he was arrested in February.
Earlier, an Arab student was arrested for trying to sell online products he claimed had magic powers.
Brig Al Mansouri said most victims in sorcery cases were Arab women, because many believed that using black magic would help them attract men, bring back husbands, to conceive or even to heal ailments.
“Unless we catch a sorcerer red-handed, it would be very hard to take him to court, as deciding on the court of jurisdiction, whether it was the court of misdemeanour of the court of first instance, as well as deciding on the charges, is very hard,” Brig Al Mansouri said.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Accused 'sorcerers' arrested in separate investigations
Accused 'sorcerers' arrested in separate investigations
The Police Criminal Investigation Department has warned residents against resorting to so-called sorcerers
Dubai The Police Criminal Investigation Department has warned residents against resorting to so-called sorcerers.
Brigadier Khalil Ebrahim Al Mansouri, Director of the Criminal Investigation Department, said an Emirati woman filed a report against a self-proclaimed sorcerer she visited for a headache cure.
On her first visit the woman gave her a herbal blend for Dh3,000. On subsequent visits the price went up to Dh5,000, then Dh14,000.
She informed the police, who sent a policewoman masquerading as a patient. The police woman was asked for Dh14,000 for incense and herbs, and the accused sorcerer was arrested after she accepted the money, police said.
Brig Al Mansouri said the 50-year-old woman was convicted in absentia of similar charges in 2008 and was sentenced to jail and deportation. In 2011, there were 11 sorcery cases against 10 in 2010, he said, adding that most victims do not report cases.
Victim travelled from Bahrain
In a separate case, a woman came from Bahrain to seek help from an African sorcerer after her husband left her for another woman.
Instead, the self-proclaimed sorcerer threatened to make her very ill if she did not pay him. After losing huge sums of money she reported him, and he was arrested in February.
Earlier, an Arab student was arrested for trying to sell online products he claimed had magic powers.
Brig Al Mansouri said most victims in sorcery cases were Arab women, because many believed that using black magic would help them attract men, bring back husbands, to conceive or even to heal ailments.
“Unless we catch a sorcerer red-handed, it would be very hard to take him to court, as deciding on the court of jurisdiction, whether it was the court of misdemeanour of the court of first instance, as well as deciding on the charges, is very hard,” Brig Al Mansouri said.
Source: Gulf News
Dubai taxi driver's spotless record wins accolades
Kuddos to you Abdul Rahman! We hope that all taxi drivers are like you.
Dubai taxi driver's spotless record wins accolades
Corporation's cabs, he has caused no accident, received no traffic fine and has had zero customer complaints.
Dubai taxi driver's spotless record wins accolades
Abdul Rahman believes every job has its own significance
Corporation's cabs, he has caused no accident, received no traffic fine and has had zero customer complaints.
He's also generated fairly high revenues.
"I'm extremely proud. There are so many drivers employed with Dubai Taxi…I'm very happy to be chosen for the award from amongst them," Rahman said.
He has lived in the UAE for the past 31 years and has worked as driver for two households before joining Dubai Taxi, 15 years ago.
His family — wife, two sons and a daughter — are all in India.
"When I mentioned about the award to them they were all very excited," he said.
He was also congratulated by Dubai Taxi for being a good driver earlier, he said.
"My manager nominated me mostly because so far there have been no complaints against me from customers. Also, during these years as a taxi driver I never caused any accident or got any traffic fines," he said.
He never thought he would ever be able to shake hands with His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. "That was a great moment for me," Rahman said.
"My heartfelt thanks to Shaikh Mohammad and to everyone who worked behind this award.
"People often pass by without a second thought and it is moments like this that make us proud of our job," he said.
Rahman's word of advice to everyone is to excel in whatever you do, without thinking of benefits, because every job had its own significance, he said.
Source: Gulf News
“ I'm extremely proud. There are so many drivers employed with Dubai Taxi…I'm very happy to be chosen for the award from amongst them”
Taxi fare rise... irate cabbies and unhappy commuters speak out
Taxi fare rise... irate cabbies and unhappy commuters speak out
Taxi users find the hike in fares for pre-booked taxi rides unreasonable as they are unsatisfied with taxi services in general.
While, the decision of Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) to hike the minimum charges for pre-booking a taxi during rush hours from Dh6 to Dh10 was received positively by taxi drivers, commuters are a disgruntled lot.[Click here to read about pre-booking fare hike]
Cabbies are of the opinion that there is a lot of improvement needed in the services offered to them. So rather than focussing on the syndicate, RTA should look into ways of improving services, they say.
However, customers beg to disagree. “Taxi drivers are a law unto themselves here. We will get the same abysmal service but we are now expected to pay more for it. The misuse of the service is by taxi drivers, not the public. I find the comments from both RTA & taxi drivers insulting in the extreme,” wrote a reader of 'Emirates24|7' in response to the announcement yesterday.
The new rule will, to a large extent, prevent misuse by customers who pre-book cabs, believe taxi drivers. Majority of cabbies say that most of the times when they reach a location in response to a request, they find the customer gone in another cab. Or they will find other taxi waiting for the same customer.
However, a frequent taxi user defends saying, "I do not see how this will prevent people from taking any taxi that comes first. Knowing that the taxi on its way will charge me Dh10 more than a regular one, I don’t think anybody will think twice to opt for the cheaper and quicker taxi that coincidently passes by,” says Kinana Homsi-Mardini.
Rather than focusing on the pre-booking service, RTA should look into the refusal of taxi drivers to pick up customers who want to travel short distances, voice many consumers.
“What about taxi drivers, who bluntly refuse to drop you to at your desired destination? It has happened to me several times, with my wife, too,” says an upset reader on the 'Emirates 24|7' website.
Indeed, some taxi drivers have developed their preferences in customer demand aiming to make the largest profit, especially at locations where the taxi-ride is needed most.
“The other day I was trying to hail a cab in front of Jumeirah Beach Park, where only a couple of bus routes lead you to very selective places in Dubai. For half-an-hour every taxi driver refused to take me to the nearest Metro station,” says Nawras Kurdi, a Syrian resident of Dubai.
As a result, illegal taxi practices pop up at such places as bees looking for honey. “I was offered many alternatives by suspicious looking blinded car drivers. For Dh30 they would drop me off right in front of the Metro station. A real taxi ride would not cost me more than Dh10," adds Nawras.
When the minimum taxi ride is Dh10, why does this situation happen so often, wonders another reader, who recently visited Dubai on a five-day trip. Frustration over the Dh10 minimum is great, especially among tourists who do not know about the rule and feel they are being ripped off. “The metre was at Dh6, and I had to pay Dh10! There was no way to negotiate with him,” wrote Nina Knaap, a Dutch.
With a customer paying a minimum Dh10 in any case, taxi drivers are somewhat protected against the unprofitability of the short distance ride. However, reports are abundant that drivers are simply refusing to take customers upon hearing the destination.
“It happened to me yesterday evening. I wanted to go from Stadium Metro station to Sahara Mall, because I can walk to Sharjah from that point, avoiding the extra fee for crossing emirates. A simple nod of the driver told me he was not happy with that request, and off he went,” says Marianne Kramer, another Dutch resident in Dubai.
Paying more for a taxi service is not the problem, but in exchange people should get equivalent service, writes a reader of this news site. “RTA should take this money and educate drivers and train them on basic manners and safe driving. I guess no one would mind paying for a better service.”
Source: Gulf News
While, the decision of Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) to hike the minimum charges for pre-booking a taxi during rush hours from Dh6 to Dh10 was received positively by taxi drivers, commuters are a disgruntled lot.[Click here to read about pre-booking fare hike]
Cabbies are of the opinion that there is a lot of improvement needed in the services offered to them. So rather than focussing on the syndicate, RTA should look into ways of improving services, they say.
However, customers beg to disagree. “Taxi drivers are a law unto themselves here. We will get the same abysmal service but we are now expected to pay more for it. The misuse of the service is by taxi drivers, not the public. I find the comments from both RTA & taxi drivers insulting in the extreme,” wrote a reader of 'Emirates24|7' in response to the announcement yesterday.
The new rule will, to a large extent, prevent misuse by customers who pre-book cabs, believe taxi drivers. Majority of cabbies say that most of the times when they reach a location in response to a request, they find the customer gone in another cab. Or they will find other taxi waiting for the same customer.
However, a frequent taxi user defends saying, "I do not see how this will prevent people from taking any taxi that comes first. Knowing that the taxi on its way will charge me Dh10 more than a regular one, I don’t think anybody will think twice to opt for the cheaper and quicker taxi that coincidently passes by,” says Kinana Homsi-Mardini.
Rather than focusing on the pre-booking service, RTA should look into the refusal of taxi drivers to pick up customers who want to travel short distances, voice many consumers.
“What about taxi drivers, who bluntly refuse to drop you to at your desired destination? It has happened to me several times, with my wife, too,” says an upset reader on the 'Emirates 24|7' website.
Indeed, some taxi drivers have developed their preferences in customer demand aiming to make the largest profit, especially at locations where the taxi-ride is needed most.
“The other day I was trying to hail a cab in front of Jumeirah Beach Park, where only a couple of bus routes lead you to very selective places in Dubai. For half-an-hour every taxi driver refused to take me to the nearest Metro station,” says Nawras Kurdi, a Syrian resident of Dubai.
As a result, illegal taxi practices pop up at such places as bees looking for honey. “I was offered many alternatives by suspicious looking blinded car drivers. For Dh30 they would drop me off right in front of the Metro station. A real taxi ride would not cost me more than Dh10," adds Nawras.
When the minimum taxi ride is Dh10, why does this situation happen so often, wonders another reader, who recently visited Dubai on a five-day trip. Frustration over the Dh10 minimum is great, especially among tourists who do not know about the rule and feel they are being ripped off. “The metre was at Dh6, and I had to pay Dh10! There was no way to negotiate with him,” wrote Nina Knaap, a Dutch.
With a customer paying a minimum Dh10 in any case, taxi drivers are somewhat protected against the unprofitability of the short distance ride. However, reports are abundant that drivers are simply refusing to take customers upon hearing the destination.
“It happened to me yesterday evening. I wanted to go from Stadium Metro station to Sahara Mall, because I can walk to Sharjah from that point, avoiding the extra fee for crossing emirates. A simple nod of the driver told me he was not happy with that request, and off he went,” says Marianne Kramer, another Dutch resident in Dubai.
Paying more for a taxi service is not the problem, but in exchange people should get equivalent service, writes a reader of this news site. “RTA should take this money and educate drivers and train them on basic manners and safe driving. I guess no one would mind paying for a better service.”
Source: Gulf News
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Pre-booked cab fares set to rise during peak hours
The new rates will be applicable to all taxis in Dubai, official says
- Image Credit: Atiq-Ur Rehman/Gulf News
- The fare revision is likely to minimise the number of complaints reported against taxi drivers over their refusal to pick up passengers, especially during peak hours.
Dubai: Pre-booked taxi fares during peak hours will rise in Dubai from April 15, as the flag-down rate will go up from Dh6 to Dh10, officials announced yesterday.
According to the Public Transport Agency of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) the increased flag-down rate — which is the fare shown on the taxi meter at the start of the journey — is only applicable during peak hours.
From Saturday to Wednesday, the flag-down rate will be Dh10 on pre-booked cabs from 7am to 10am and from 4pm to 8pm. On Thursdays, Fridays and public holidays such as Eid, and during official events, the revised fare will be applicable from 4 pm to 12 midnight.
The fare revision is likely to minimise the number of complaints reported against taxi drivers over their refusal to pick up passengers, especially during peak hours.
Eisa Abdul Rahman Al Dossary, CEO of RTA Public Transport Agency, said only 5 per cent of taxi users who pre-book their rides will be affected by the increase.
The new fares are in line with RTA's efforts to improve taxi services, he said.
"The revised flag-down rate aims to provide the highest level of service to the public by deploying as many cabs as possible, and ensuring their timely arrival to customers, especially during morning and evening peak hours," he said.
"Normal fare will apply during other times, as the hike will only apply to pre-booked taxis which accounts only for 5 per cent of total taxi users," he explained.
The fare revision is applicable to all taxis in the city, and will help increase the income of drivers, he said.
"On the other hand, the decision is set to minimise the reluctance of taxi drivers to pick up passengers, and accordingly achieve higher public satisfaction rating, and cater to the growing demand for taxi service," Al Dossary added.
The increase is a significant one, particularly for those who rely on taxis regularly, Kamaljit Kaur, a resident, said.
"The government should actually keep the fares of all modes of public transportation at the lowest so that people are not encouraged to buy or use their own vehicles," Kaur said.
Taxi drivers sometimes refuse to take passengers, Gokul Cherian said.
Malu, a frequent cab user, said since the hike is only applicable for pre-booked cabs the new fare won't be a burden for most.
Another resident, Andrew Hare, also welcomed the decision, saying that taxi drivers deserve the extra income for their hard work.
Dubai
Day (6am - 10pm) Dh3; Night (10pm - 6am) Dh3.5
Pre-booking rates from April 15
Dh6 during non-peak hours; Dh10 during peak hours (Sat -Wed- 7am to 10am and 4pm to 8pm. Thu, Fri, public holidays, official events - 4pm - 12am); Meter fare per kilometre - Dh1.6; Minimum fare - Dh10
Abu Dhabi (silver cabs)
(New fares effective from May 1)
Day (6am -10pm) - Dh3.5; Night (10pm - 6am) - Dh4; Meter fare per kilometre - Dh1.6; Minimum charge Dh10 after 10pm; Booking fares - Dh3 (during day), Dh4 (at night)
Sharjah
Day (6am -10.59pm) - Dh3; Night (11pm - 5.59am) - Dh4; Meter fare per kilometre - Dh1.5; Booking fare - Dh5; Minimum fare - Dh10
According to the Public Transport Agency of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) the increased flag-down rate — which is the fare shown on the taxi meter at the start of the journey — is only applicable during peak hours.
From Saturday to Wednesday, the flag-down rate will be Dh10 on pre-booked cabs from 7am to 10am and from 4pm to 8pm. On Thursdays, Fridays and public holidays such as Eid, and during official events, the revised fare will be applicable from 4 pm to 12 midnight.
The fare revision is likely to minimise the number of complaints reported against taxi drivers over their refusal to pick up passengers, especially during peak hours.
Eisa Abdul Rahman Al Dossary, CEO of RTA Public Transport Agency, said only 5 per cent of taxi users who pre-book their rides will be affected by the increase.
The new fares are in line with RTA's efforts to improve taxi services, he said.
"The revised flag-down rate aims to provide the highest level of service to the public by deploying as many cabs as possible, and ensuring their timely arrival to customers, especially during morning and evening peak hours," he said.
"Normal fare will apply during other times, as the hike will only apply to pre-booked taxis which accounts only for 5 per cent of total taxi users," he explained.
The fare revision is applicable to all taxis in the city, and will help increase the income of drivers, he said.
"On the other hand, the decision is set to minimise the reluctance of taxi drivers to pick up passengers, and accordingly achieve higher public satisfaction rating, and cater to the growing demand for taxi service," Al Dossary added.
The increase is a significant one, particularly for those who rely on taxis regularly, Kamaljit Kaur, a resident, said.
"The government should actually keep the fares of all modes of public transportation at the lowest so that people are not encouraged to buy or use their own vehicles," Kaur said.
Taxi drivers sometimes refuse to take passengers, Gokul Cherian said.
Malu, a frequent cab user, said since the hike is only applicable for pre-booked cabs the new fare won't be a burden for most.
Another resident, Andrew Hare, also welcomed the decision, saying that taxi drivers deserve the extra income for their hard work.
New fares
Dubai
Day (6am - 10pm) Dh3; Night (10pm - 6am) Dh3.5
Pre-booking rates from April 15
Dh6 during non-peak hours; Dh10 during peak hours (Sat -Wed- 7am to 10am and 4pm to 8pm. Thu, Fri, public holidays, official events - 4pm - 12am); Meter fare per kilometre - Dh1.6; Minimum fare - Dh10
Abu Dhabi (silver cabs)
(New fares effective from May 1)
Day (6am -10pm) - Dh3.5; Night (10pm - 6am) - Dh4; Meter fare per kilometre - Dh1.6; Minimum charge Dh10 after 10pm; Booking fares - Dh3 (during day), Dh4 (at night)
Sharjah
Day (6am -10.59pm) - Dh3; Night (11pm - 5.59am) - Dh4; Meter fare per kilometre - Dh1.5; Booking fare - Dh5; Minimum fare - Dh10
Shoes for hire outside Philippine consulate - Dubai
Shoes for hire outside Philippine consulate
Illegal cabbies cash in on rule that forbids visitors from entering the consulate in flip-flops by offering shoes for hire. Rentals start from Dh20
- Image Credit: Jay B. Hilotin/XPRESS
- Pairs of shoes in the car boot of an illegal private cab outside the Phillipine consulate in Dubai and, inset, an XPRESS reporter wearing the ‘hired’ trainers.
- Image Credit: Jay B. Hilotin/XPRESS
- A visitor, left, being denied entry for wearing flip flops and the dress code, right.
DUBAI: A little-known rule requiring visitors to the Philippine Consulate in Dubai to be dressed appropriately — no shorts and flip-flops — is generating windfall profits for illegal private taxi operators who rent out shoes for between Dh20 and Dh50 for the duration of the visit.
The illegal cabbies offer the service to male visitors applying for passport renewal or getting documents authenticated.
Rod, a Dubai-based Filipino aviation executive, alerted XPRESS about the practice after a visit to the consulate on Thursday.
"These people are minting money off people who are unaware about the dress code," said Rod, who came to the consulate in his BeachWalk slippers. Rod, however, grabbed the Dh30 rental offer to save time and money: it would cost more to bring his own shoes from his Al Baraha flat.
To check the complaint, this reporter wore white sandals on Monday, but was barred from entering the consulate gate at 9.45am. One of the Nepalese security guards said I could rent a pair of shoes from one of the "guys" outside the gate. He called a certain "boy". Then the haggling began. It turned out that the rent depends on the distance between the consulate and the customer's house and day of the week. "So where do you live?" ‘boy' asked me. "Al Quoz," I said. "Then it's Dh25," he said. "No, Dh20," I tried haggling. "OK. I'm just trying to help you. Just return the pair to the car after you're done, even if I'm not here."
Further probing revealed a whole bunch of shoes-for-hire men working outside the consulate. They keep the pairs ready in their car boot parked in a nearby sand patch. Over two days, XPRESS saw numerous Filipino men wearing slippers being flagged down at the gate. The guards point to an overhead notice that says "shorts and slippers are not allowed".
Benito Valeriano, the Philippine Consul General to Dubai, told XPRESS that their dress code simply follows the rules of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). "I've observed that some Filipinos who come to the consulate have complete disregard for the institution," said Valeriano. "They come in ‘Puruntong' (Bermuda shorts) and flip-flops. They wouldn't wear that kind of dress while visiting other government institutions."
The dress code, posted on DFA's website, was first implemented in Manila in May 2010. Reports have it that women who come in sleeveless or spaghetti-strap tops are barred from entering DFA's Manila facility.
Nhel Morona, an official of the Migrante NGO group, said private guards must face disciplinary action if their ties with the illegal cabbies are proven. "Even if the dress code rule was posted on the DFA website, not everyone has access to the web. And Filipinos in the UAE only go to the consulate once or twice a year; so it's not easy to get updates," he said.
Matt Bagunu, acting head of the Filipino Community (Filcom), which groups 60 organisations in the UAE, said: "We accept that a public office needs a dress code... But that's more of an appeal, rather than an absolute rule. It's one thing to have a dress code, but it's quite another if it's being enforced strictly for private gain."
As for the shoes-for-hire guys, Valeriano said: "For security reasons, only those with legitimate business are allowed inside the consulate compound."
Source: Gulf News
Friday, April 6, 2012
Sharjah Police arrest 720 'illegal' residents
Sharjah Police arrest 720 'illegal' residents
- Image Credit: Courtesy: Sharjah Police
- The illegal residents were picked up from industrial areas by police in the first week of April as part of a year-long campaign to target those responsible for crimes such as the sale of counterfeit goods.
Sharjah: Police have arrested more than 700 illegal residents during the first week of April, it was announced Thursday.
The arrests were made as part of Sharjah Police's year-long campaign to round up illegal residents who have either run away from their sponsors or overstayed their visa. Up to 720 people were arrested in the city's industrial areas. A senior police official said the majority of illegal residents carry out illegitimate business practices, such as selling counterfeit goods or pornographic films.
"The people we arrested were living in abandoned buildings, workshops, dilapidated houses and sites that were under construction. We are taking strict action against such offenders of the residency rule because they are threatening the security of our society, and are most likely to carry out crimes," said Brigadier Abdullah Mubarak Al Dukhan, Deputy Director of Sharjah Police.
The police campaign, which is being carried out in coordination with the Sharjah Naturalisation and Residency Department, was launched last January in a bid to curb crime in the emirate. Last February, Sharjah Police arrested 117 housemaids over a two-day raid that targeted residential neighbourhoods, including 65 women who lived in one building, in the area of Al Qasimia and Maysaloon.
Source: Gulf News
Hundreds march in Dubai for world peace
Hundreds march in Dubai for world peace
- Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News
- Heralded by sky divers, the march started from the Dubai World Trade Centre and went up to the Mall of the Emirates before returning to a welcome from the Dubai Police.
-
- Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News
- Shaikh Mansour Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum led the march that included thousands of motorcycles, cars, mounted police as well as school children and families.
- Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News
- A policeman gives flowers to participants.
Dubai Hundreds of people took part in the first ever Peace March held in Dubai Friday.
Led by Shaikh Mansour Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the march included a rally of thousands of motorbikes, cars, mounted police as well as school children and families.
Under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the march was organised as a prelude to the second Dubai International Peace Convention (DIPC), which starts on Thursday.
Heralded by a group of sky divers, who jumped from helicopters at 4pm, the vehicles, ranging from Camaros and Hummers to Harleys and BMWs, started from the Dubai World Trade Centre and paraded to Mall of the Emirates. They returned to Road 312, where they were welcomed by police officers with yellow roses.
Mohammad Sahl, aged 20, best exemplified the spirit of the evening. The wheelchair user took part in the march aided by his father, shouting slogans for global peace.
Speaking to Gulf News the young man said: "I'm happy to be part of this march today and I'm willing to do whatever I can to achieve peace in the world."
Overwhelming scenes
Sameer Ahmad, 14, a student from Pakistan Academy said global peace is something every individual should work for. "If everyone strives for peace individually and collectively, I think we can achieve peace everywhere."
The initiative was organised by Al Manar Centre for Quran Studies, in association with Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for World Peace and the organisers were impressed by the response.
"The response has been overwhelming. We were expecting 500 bikes and more than 1,000 participated today, there were hundreds of pedestrians as well. Our idea is to involve more and more people and spread the message of peace," said Dr Omar Al Khateeb, Chairman of Dubai International Peace Convention (DIPC).
He hoped to get a similar response for DIPC, being held on April on 12-14, which the Grand Imam of Makkah Abdur Rahman Sudais is expected attend.
Source: Gulf News
Real sportainment in RAK
Real Madrid resort - Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
Spanish club Real Madrid will combine sports and entertainment when they open the world’s first ‘sportainment’ destination on the Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah in 2015.
Spanish club Real Madrid will combine sports and entertainment when they open the world’s first ‘sportainment’ destination on the Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah in 2015.
The $1 billion Real Madrid Resort Island plans to have a 10,000-seat football stadium, sports clinic, museum, yacht club and resorts.
While unveiling the details at a press conference held on the site of the development on Al Marjan Island, His Highness Shaikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, said the 50-hectare resort will be the flagship of the Al Marjan Development.
Shaikh Saud, Shaikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah, soccer star Zinedine Zidane and Florentino Pérez Rodríguez, President of Real Madrid Club at the launch of Real Madrid Resort Island in Ras Al Khaimah on Thursday. — KT photo by Shihab
“We aim to attract one million visitors a year when it is completed in January 2015. We are enthusiastic about the potential of this venture,” he said.
The sports theme park project on the man-made island of 430,000 sq meters will include Real’s Attraction park which will be the world’s first football theme park.
The park will be at least 12 hectares and is being created for fans, families, and couples. It will feature a roller coaster, a water park, a submarine circuit, and a holographic football experience.
The one-sided beachfront football stadium would be one of the top attractions when the 430,000sqm project starts its operations in 2015. The stadium will be a half moon shape with the open end towards the sea. Florentino Pérez Rodríguez, president of Real Madrid said: “Just a few days ago, in Santiago Bernabeu’s stadium, we witnessed the exciting links we have established to make an extraordinary dream possible; a fascinating project that becomes a reality today.
“The Real Madrid Resort Island will boost our international development strategy. The travelling time to the island is less than three hours from India, only six or seven hours from Europe or China and Japan. This great sports and leisure resort will offer 50 acres that combine sport, health and entertainment.
“Here we’ll have an extraordinary stadium, several football fields, a sports clinic, etc.
Former France international Zinedine Zidane, who is now director of football at Real Madrid, and Emilio Butragueno were also present during the function.
Louis-Armand de Rouge, CEO of RAK Marjan Island Football, the entity behind the project, said: “Dubai is the fourth airport in the world with over 47 million passengers in 2010 and it stands 45 minutes away from the Real Madrid Resort Island. Around two billion people are within a four hour radius. Besides, football is the world’s most popular sport and Asia is the world’s fastest growing sports market,” he pointed out.
He also said Real Madrid has the highest global fan base in the world: 300 million, including 160 million in Asia.
Source: Khaleej Times
Taxi fares to go up in Abu Dhabi from May 1
Taxi fares to go up in Abu Dhabi from May 1
Picture by: SAEED DAHLAH
Taxi fares in Abu Dhabi will increase from next month, said a senior official
on Thursday.
Mohammed Hussain Al Tosani, Director of TransAD Franchise and Licensing, the
government taxi regulator, said the starting fare has been increased by 50 fils
to Dh3.50 in the day; while stating night fare has been raised by 40 fils to
Dh4. The day time fares are in effect from 6am to 10pm.
He told media that the tariff has been raised only for silver taxis in Abu
Dhabi from May 1.
Al Hosani said the running meter charge will increase by 27 fils per
kilometre in the day and 36 fils per kilometre during the night.
TransAD also set a minimum fare of Dh10 for the night travel which would help
increase availability of taxis at night.
Passengers will have to shell out 50 fils per minute for waits of more than
five minutes for waits in rush or any traffic jams.
Al Hosani said this decision was made after financial and analyses studies
were conducted last year, also keeping in mind demand for taxis, service
enhancements, drivers’ working hours and wages.
He also revealed that retired and people with special needs will get half
discount which will be subsidised by the Abu Dhabi government.
Thsi is the second hike by TransAD since the company was created nearly six
years ago.
But company officials have earlier spoken of plans to raise fares because of
costlier petrol, which has risen by at least 30 per cent in five years.
TransAd, a pool of several private sector transport firms, is managing a
fleet of more than 7,000 sliver taxi cabs which replaced the while-and-yellow
cars that had dominated Abu Dhabi transport services for decades.
The company was set up in 2006 to carry out a replacement plan under the
Transport Department’s supervision. It manages seven taxi operators, including
Tawasul Transportation Company, Cars Taxi, National Transportation Company, Al
Ghazal Transport, Q-Link Transport, Emirates Taxi and Arabia Taxi.
In 2010, TransAD decided to raise fares to Dh1 for every 750 metres covered
against the former rate of Dh1 for every 1,000 metres. It said the increase was
prompted by the recent fuel price hikes.
“This increase in fares is the minimum limit that allows the operating
companies to maintain a profit margin…despite this rise, the taxi fares in Abu
Dhabi are still below those in other UAE cities and other countries,” it said in
2010.
“We approved that increase following complaints by the operating companies
that they could suffer from losses because of the fuel price hike….this hike
also means that drivers will now be able to make a reasonable income.”
Source: www.emirates247.com
Source: www.emirates247.com
Dh400m Fujairah City Centre opens
Dh400m Fujairah City Centre opens
MAF Properties’ shopping mall will create
1,200 jobs
Fujairah City Centre (SUPPLIED)
Dh400-million Fujairah City Centre opened its doors today with more than 100
stores ready for shoppers on day one.
The new centre introduces a diverse mix of new and internationally renowned
brands, plus state-of-the-art entertainment and a wide range of food and
beverage options to the UAE’s East Coast. Following special VIP tours for
Fujairah’s government and guests, thousands of shoppers are expected to visit
the mall in its first week of opening to experience amazing performances,
fireworks, and other exciting family entertainment activities, while enjoying
special in-store offers.
Majid Al Fahim, Senior Mall Manager for Fujairah City Centre, told Emirates
24l7 last month that Fujairah City Centre “will create over 1,200 permanent job
opportunities once open, contributing to the long-term sustainability of the
surrounding community. The mall will boost the economic landscape of the emirate
through job creation and by attracting retail, development and tourism
opportunities into Fujairah.”
Fujairah City Centre is the sixth strategic shopping mall in the UAE for
Majid Al Futtaim Properties and the company’s 11th mall in the region. Today’s
milestone marks Majid Al Futtaim Properties’ continued effort to introduce
integrated lifestyle concepts into growing communities across the Middle East
and North Africa.
“For more than two decades, Majid Al Futtaim Properties has delivered
world-class shopping and tourist destinations to the Middle East, pioneering the
concept of pairing premium retail brands with compelling leisure attractions,”
said Peter Walichnowski, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Properties.
“Fujairah City Centre embodies this vision and reflects the customer-centric
approach and design excellence of the ‘City Centre’ brand. This premium
development reflects the growing residential and tourism aspirations of
Fujairah, creating more than 1,200 jobs for the community, and highlighting the
further customer demand for shopping and entertainment destinations in the
UAE.”
Fujairah City Centre was completed six weeks ahead of the original target
opening date, with 99 per cent of its 105 retail stores and food and beverage
outlets trading on the first day.
Source: www.emirates247.com
Al Habtoor Motors announces dozens of vacant positions
Al Habtoor Motors announces dozens of vacant
positions
Group looking to fill positions of technical
managers, administrators, salesmen and other blue-collar vacancies
Al Habtoor, exclusive distributor of some of the world’s leading automobile
firms including Mitsubishi, Bentley, Aston Martin and TEMSA vehicles in the UAE,
is particularly looking for workers specializing in maintenance of Japanese
vehicles.
The group has advertised for the posts of petrol & diesel mechanics, technical manager, auto electricians, service advisors, warranty administrators, road testers, diesel foreman, technicians for its workshops.
For the body shop, it’s looking for automotive estimator, body shop service advisor, denter, painter, body shop supervisor and fabricator.
The group is also looking for parts counter salesman, parts administrators, parts supervisor and warehouseman-cum-driver.
Ex-auto agents could also apply for the vacant jobs. Workshop/body shop candidates must have up-to-date competencies in all aspects of modern motor repair works and diagnostic tests especially for the Japanese models.
Interested candidates can send their resume to jobs@habtoormotors.com
Source: www.Emirates247.com
The group has advertised for the posts of petrol & diesel mechanics, technical manager, auto electricians, service advisors, warranty administrators, road testers, diesel foreman, technicians for its workshops.
For the body shop, it’s looking for automotive estimator, body shop service advisor, denter, painter, body shop supervisor and fabricator.
The group is also looking for parts counter salesman, parts administrators, parts supervisor and warehouseman-cum-driver.
Ex-auto agents could also apply for the vacant jobs. Workshop/body shop candidates must have up-to-date competencies in all aspects of modern motor repair works and diagnostic tests especially for the Japanese models.
Interested candidates can send their resume to jobs@habtoormotors.com
Source: www.Emirates247.com
200 Job Vacancies at Yas WaterWorld Aqua Park, Abu Dhabi
YAS WATERWORLD AQUA PARK, in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates, is destined to be the “best waterpark in the world”, once it opens to the public, in the fourth quarter of 2012.
Located directly across from Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the waterpark will be spread over 15 hectares and it will contain over 40 rides, slides, and attractions, including four one-of-a-kindattractions, that will set this park apart from any ever built. In order to create a truly immersive experience, the waterpark is being developed from a unique storyline that is representative of the local Emirati culture and heritage.
Farah Leisure Parks Management, LLC. is now recruiting for a diverse and multi-cultural team of colleagues who live the core values of the company, by creating laughter and smiles, creating trust through actions, continuously improving and taking pride and ownership in the work of the waterpark, in order to provide Guests an “Out Of This World” experience. The company offers colleagues various Training & Development Programs, Recognition & Reward Programs, sports competitions, social events, career growth opportunities and most of all, a fun and entertaining place to work!
Interested applicants may apply at Chesham Recruitment Inc., a POEA-licensed agency, which has an excellent track-record, in relation to both overseas employers and Overseas Filipino Workers. Chesham has been in the industry since 2004 and is one of the best agencies, with integrity and is well known for sending Filipino workers to prestigious employers abroad. No placement fee will be collected from applicants and the processing fees are minimal.
· Below is the listing of job openings at Yas Waterworld Aqua Park:
· 14 Attendants
· 5 Cashiers
· 11 Ambassadors
· 3 Entertainers
· 9 Tellers
· 3 Finance Purchasing Assistants
· 16 Cashiers
· 20 F and B Attendants
· 16 Commis
· 4 Laundry Assistant
· 2 Tailors
· 52 Technicians
· 6 Photographers
· 30 Sales Associates
· 46 Attendants
· 142 Lifeguards
· 4 Storekeepers
· 1 Admin Coordinator
· 43 Team Leaders
· 38 Assistant Managers
Applicants who will pass the initial telephone screening will be invited to a free seminar and personal agency interview, before the employer’s arrival onApril 21-22, 2012, for the final interview.
Application is now on going! For applicants who have a WorkAbroad account may apply directly here or send your latest resume (Word-format) with latest picture, position you’re applying for, previous work experience and employment record at info@cheshamrecruitment.com.ph
Chesham Recruitment Inc. (POEA: 241-LB-081208-R)
Suite 219, The Peninsula Court
Makati Avenue, corner Paseo de Roxas
Makati City 1226, Metro Manila
Tel. numbers:
750-0640
750-0641
750-0642
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Consular Services by FilCom Dubai & Northern Emirates on April 20, 2012
Dear All,
Please be advised that the Governing Council has been assigned by the Philippine Consulate General to conduct Consular Services on 20th April 2012, from 8am till 5pm. Hence, kindly note the following:
ü 150 passport renewals/applications/extensions for the entire day
o 80 in the morning
o 70 in the afternoon
o Renewal Fee: AED 240.00 / Extension Fee: AED 120.00
ü 400 Passport Releases
o Please make sure that your passports are ready for pick-up (check its availability in the tracking service)
o 50 passports will be released per hour (a.m. 8-9, 9-10, 10-11, 11-12 / p.m. 12-1, 1-2, 2-3, 3-4 and 4-5)
ü Overseas registration will be open from 8am till 5pm also
ý No Notary applications
For registration on any of the above services, please e-mail your names and contact numbers at matilynbagunu@yahoo.com / matilynbagunu@gmail.com / matilyn.bagunu@filcomdne.org. It will be a first-come-first-served basis so I'll give an update from time to time.
Best regards,
Matilyn "Matt" Bagunu
St. Mary's Filipino Community Choir (SMFCC)
050-2131481
St. Mary's Filipino Community Choir (SMFCC)
050-2131481
FilCom Dubai and the Northern Emirates
Governing Council 2011-2012
VP (Chair for PR & Communications)
Governing Council 2011-2012
VP (Chair for PR & Communications)
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