Wayne and Coleen Rooney Should Head to Fujairah for Complete Refreshment

Wayne Rooney celebrated his birthday with his wife Coleen on a Dubai beach on Sunday after Sir Alex Fergusson had told him: “Get away, relax and come back refreshed.”

Sir Alex obviously is not aware that those in Dubai usually travel 90 minutes to Fujairah if they are really intent on refreshment.

The fact that Fujairah is not so well known as Dubai provides the clue to the anonymity that the Rooneys would enjoy in the eastern emirate.

Like Fergusson’s homeland, Fujairah is rugged, mountainous and the sensational sea views would provide the right tonic for a marriage yearning for enrichment.

If Sir Alex is shouting his champion football player and his wife this Middle Eastern holiday his Scottish frugality might relish knowing that everything in Fujairah is so much cheaper than in Dubai or the UAE capital.

Best wishes to Wayne and Coleen on their holiday in the Emirates.

They and all the Man U community should know that there’s a red carpet waiting for them in Fujairah.

Further
Wayne Rooney Heads to Dubai for Birthday Celebrations, Express.Co.Uk, 25 October 2010.

Geoff Pound

This article is also posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Image: Best wishes to Wayne and Coleen on their holiday in the Emirates.

Taxi Fares Increase in Fujairah UAE

Updated
Taking a Taxi in and from Fujairah
If you travel by taxi around Fujairah you will have noticed a slight fare increase (instituted on 11 October 2010).

When the driver turns on the meter it now starts at AED 3 instead of AED 2.5 in the daytime and for night rides it has gone up from AED 3 to AED 3.5.

The minimum fare is now AED 5.

The meter is now calibrated to cost passengers AED 1 for every 750 metres whereas previously one got 800 metres for each dirham.

The starting rate for inter-emirate trips is AED 10.

The increase does not appear to have resulted in a salary increase for the drivers, many of whom say that there are too many taxis in Fujairah (700 at the last count) for the number of people wanting to ride by taxi.

The taxi fares are still very cheap and Fujairah prices are at the lower end of the UAE fare spectrum.

Interesting to reflect that only a few years ago Fujairah taxis were white and generally small, drivers were not in uniform, meters were not installed and one could ride anywhere in Fujairah city for only AED 5.

Related
Going by Taxi in Fujairah UAE, FIF, 20 October 2010.
Fujairah Taxis, FIF, 13 August 2008.
Taxis in Dubai, Fujairah and Other Emirates, Experiencing the Emirates, 13 August 2008.

Geoff Pound

This article is also posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Image: Watching a Fujairah taxi meter ticking over faster this week.

Tears, Tributes and Talk of Francis Crippen in Fujairah, UAE

Update and Pictures at this link. Several positive things happened today in Fujairah following yesterday’s tragedy when American open water swimmer Francis Crippen died during a 10-kilometre Swimming World Cup event.

Flowers and Tears
Most of those who had participated the day before as swimmers, supporters and race officials returned to the scene at the Fujairah International Marine Club.

The staff at the Marine Club took the mourners to the site where divers had found Fran Crippen, 500 metres out from the land and in water 7-8 metres deep. After the three boats linked together Valerijus Belovas, Fina's Technical Director, called for a minute’s silence before people dropped white roses into the water.

Words seemed inappropriate at such a time but through flowers, tears and hugs this floating community of grief signalled their love, expressed their thanks and made their farewells.

Locals Express Their Grief
Major Ahmed Ebrahim Al Beloushi, the Managing Director of the Fujairah International Marine Club, was at the helm of one of the three boats and he gave a spontaneous statement from the heart.

Ahmed expressed his condolences to all present and acknowledged the grieving family and friends in the USA and around the world. “We are also sad and in grief,” he said. “We are deeply sorry that this has happened here in Fujairah.” He then extended the hope that people would return to the UAE: “If you or your loved ones return, especially to pay your respects, we will always make boats available for you to come out here on the water.”

This afternoon's gathering on the water was a thoughtful initiative by FINA and UAE Swimming. Its spontaneity and informality was appropriate to unite those in grief and give a measure of closure. Later this evening in the lobby of the Nour Arjann Rotana (the sponsoring hotel) in Fujairah’s main street, Valerijus Belovas, expressed the observation that many of the swimmers and their supporters were opening up and talking more.

Press Conference
A media conference was held this afternoon by FINA and UAE Swimming at the conference room of the Fujairah International Marine Club. Numerous stories had been posted and reposted over night and it was helpful to elucidate more facts and have some questions answered.

Here are some points that arose from the reports:
+ Francis Crippen appears to have gone missing in the fourth round of the course.

+ From the time the swimmer's absence was reported by his coach it took 1 hour 10 minutes to locate his body.

+ No exact position could be given as to where Francis was lost so coastguard divers had to scour a large area in their search.

+ Later the coach asked for a helicopter to join the search but before one could be cleared for take off the body of Francis Crippen had been found.

+ Major Ahmed said that the Fujairah location was a late decision of UAE Swimming and FINA when the organizers at Sharjah decided they were unable to stage the swimming event. Ahmed and his team had five days to ready the Fujairah course and facilities. The responsibility of the Fujairah International Marine Club was to provide logistical support, including the provision of jet skis, boats, buoys, pontoons, ambulances and doctors. “None of our staff were out on the water,” Major Ahmed stated. “Oversight of the running of the race, including matters of safety, was in the hands of FINA and UAE Swimming.” All these matters had been clearly stated at the Press Conference prior to the Fujairah swimming races.

Water Temps
When asked whether the water was too hot for the swimming of the race, Ayman Saad, Executive Director of UAE Swimming, said FINA had a minimum temperature (16C) below which the race could not be run but no maximum temperature.

They had tested the heat of the water at 8.30am at which time the temperature was 29C (85F). Twice during the race the temperature was checked and it had risen to 30-31C (86-88F). These temperatures appeared to the organisers to be acceptable for the staging of the swimming race.

Safety Team
Boats and jet skis were available for referees and organizers but the total number of people responsible specifically for safety was nine which included four divers on two boats and three certified life guards. Prior to the race UAE Swimming officials went through all safety procedures with FINA and concluded that all measures were in accordance with the regulations that govern races under the control of FINA.

Cause of Death
The death certificate in Arabic has yet to be translated into English but officials said that an examination of the body of Francis Crippen had revealed nothing wrong with him medically: "He was tiring as he swam around the course and he appeared to have lost control." According to the Public Prosecution of the Ministry of Justice in the UAE the death of Francis Crippen was due to “intense exertion.”

Tribute from Coach
Earlier in the day, Jack Fabian, the coach of Francis Crippen was reluctant to talk extensively with journalists, saying that official statements were the prerogative of USA Swimming.

When asked at what stage of the race Francis told him that he was unwell the coach said that he had not said this. He was on the pontoon with other coaches and supporters who were holding out food and drink for the swimmers and all that Francis said was, “I’m thirsty.” The coach said, “There was nothing unusual about this.”

When asked to describe Francis Crippen, Jack Fabian said, “He was wonderful—an exceedingly generous person.”

Take a Look
Some pictures of the memorial gathering in Fujairah waters and the press conference can be found in this photo album.

Geoff Pound

This article is also posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Image: Some of the swimmers and supporters sharing their grief and showing their love and respect for Francis Crippen.

Swordsmen Showcase their Skills in Fujairah

The public demonstration of the Al Saif traditional sword skills got under way tonight at three Fujairah locations—the Fujairah Corniche, the Masafi Cultural Centre and the Dibba Cultural Association.

The Fujairah city demonstration was conducted in two parts, firstly adjacent to the bull butting arena and later after prayers on the park alongside the Tourist Night Souq.

The demonstration, before a large and appreciative crowd, was preceded by games for the children and the not so young. It was good old fashioned entertainment designed to warm up the spectators for the main event.

The young swordsmen danced with their swords and were accompanied by older men doing the traditional Emirati dancing and stick waving.

The sword dancing was energetic and the music pulsating. Spectators got a good opportunity to witness the dueling and some sword throwing and catching.

The demonstration and training phase continues next Friday at the same time (5pm) and at the same three Fujairah locations.

After this demonstration phase the qualifying rounds will commence with the Al Saif Traditional sword competition culminating with the finals on 10 December at the Fujairah Fort.

Take a Look
Some pictures of the entertainment and sword demonstration at the Fujairah corniche.

Further
Al Saif Traditional Sword Demonstration and Training Commences in Fujairah, FIF, 20 October 2010.
Traditional Sword Competition to be Held in Fujairah, FIF, 30 September 2010.
بطولة السيف Al Saif Competition, Facebook Page.

Geoff Pound

This article is also posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Image: And so the sword dancing begins.

Al Saif Traditional Sword Demonstration and Training Commences in Fujairah

New Phase
The inaugural Al Saif Traditional Sword Competition moves into a new phase with the announcement of two public demonstration and training events.

Simultaneous Events
The first Demonstration and Training event will be held this Friday 22 October 2010 at these three Fujairah locations:

1. Fujairah Corniche (next to the bull butting arena)
2. Masafi Cultural Centre
3. Dibba Cultural Association

These events at the three locations will be held simultaneously commencing at 5pm and extending until approximately 9pm.

Take Two
On Friday 29 October 2010 these three events will be repeated at the same hours and locations in order to give the public more time to enjoy the sword entertainment and to give the competition contestants further practice and training before a live audience.

Next Phase
Following these two Fridays of demonstration and training the competition will get underway with the qualifying rounds. The organizing committee is due early next week to announce further details about the qualifying round locations, times and matchups.

Finals at the Fort
As previously reported, the semi-finals and final of the Al Saif competition are expected to be held in December against the backdrop of the Fujairah Fort with the final scheduled for 10 December 2010.

More Information
More information about the inaugural Al Saif Traditional Sword Competition, generously sponsored by the Fujairah Crown Prince, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Sharqi, can be found at these links:

بطولة السيف Al Saif Competition, Facebook Page.
(Click on LIKE to receive regular information)
Anna Zacharias, ‘Not Everybody Can Shake the Sword’, The National, 10 October 2010.
Traditional Sword Competition to be Held in Fujairah, FIF, 30 September 2010.

Geoff Pound

This article is also posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Image: Some of the men from the shihuh (highlander) tribes gathered recently at the Fujairah Fort to display their skills. Inset: The sponsor of the Al Saif Traditional Sword Competition, the Fujairah Crown Prince, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Sharqi, looking pleased with the development of this cultural and sporting event. (Photo courtesy of Al Saif Traditional Sword Competition Facebook Page)

Wael Al Sayegh Shares His Poetry in Fujairah

Wael Al Sayegh, the Emirati writer, visited Fujairah earlier this week.

Hosted by the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), Wael shared poems from his latest book, ‘There Is An Elephant in the Majlis’.

Having been born in Edinburgh, raised in Dubai, received his Masters degree from the University of Glasgow and now working as an inter-cultural consultant, Wael’s poetry reflects influences that are both local and international.

The medium this Emirati poet uses is free verse which allows readers and hearers to experience creativity and a prophetic voice that is particularly incisive when addressing issues to do with the Emirates and the Arab world.

Wael Al Sayegh formerly published two books of poetry in English—‘A Poet’s Oud’ and ‘I Often Wonder’—but ‘There Is An Elephant in the Majlis’ is written in both Arabic and English.

Taste an Elephant
Enjoy this poem from Wael’s latest collection:

The Prisoner of Tradition
Her black eyes
are a sea
of unexplored emotions.

Her slender body
A dormant volcano of dreams and hopes.

She is the prisoner of tradition.
A slave to a people
who have long forgotten
the importance of the flesh.

The colour of her skin
is yellowed now
deprived of the kiss of the sun.

Books
Wael's books are available at Amazon or at any Magrudy's book store in the UAE.

Further
Wael Al Sayegh, Personal Website.

Related
UAE Nation of Poets, ETE, 26 August 2008.
Poems Give Most Revealing Glimpse of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ETE, 11 May 2009.
Poems from The Desert by Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, RBM, 11 May 2009.

Geoff Pound

This article is also posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Image: Wael Al Sayegh (courtesy of his website).

Renovating the Beaches of Fujairah City

A letter arrived recently posing these questions:

“Please can you tell me how far/how long are the beaches in Fujairah from the cruise terminal? Is it worth getting off the cruise ship? I have read conflicting reviews!”

There is much more that can be done to showcase Fujairah tourism and heritage sites especially for the significant number of cruise ship tourists who only spend a few hours in the emirate of Fujairah.

But how ready are the Fujairah city beaches, not only for temporary tourists who don’t have the time to get to the Al Aqah coastline but for holidaymakers and residents to enjoy?

Hilton Solution
One solution is for people to use the beach at the Hilton Hotel where the charge to use the beach and all recreational facilities (swimming pool, gym etc) for part or a whole day is AED 100 for an adult and AED 75 for a child.

Public Solution
As Fujairah is staking its tourism future on the magnificent coastline of the emirate it is timely to develop the public beaches for residents and tourists, keeping in mind the many activities that people like to enjoy on the sea and sand.

Why not begin by renovating a good length of the beach that runs parallel with Al Faseel Road from the private residences (north of the Hilton) that have beach access, towards the Beach Motel?

Attractive Features
Adapt the features that make the Khor Fakkan beach so popular with residents as well as tourists and then add some more:
+ Ample parking
+ Shops where people can buy water and refreshments
+ An abundance of grassy areas for picnics
+ Lots of large trees that give shelter for sitting and walking
+ Walking paths as well as a long beach to walk on
+ Barbeque areas for beach cooking
+ Changing rooms, toilets and showers
+ Play activities for children
+ A variety of tables and chairs, park benches
+ Good clean sand
+ A beach and park area that is thoroughly cleaned
+ Designated areas for swimmers and jet-skis
+ Opportunities for people to hire boats, ride on horses etc.
+ Umbrellas and deck chairs for hire
+ Other?

Enhance the Valuable Assets
We are more than half way there with the safe waters and the sensational views of the sea and the mountains.

To provide shelter from the searing sun, opportunities for refreshment and some basic equipment would enhance one of Fujairah’s most valuable assets and make it more accessible and attractive to all.

What would you recommend if you were in charge of developing this and other Fujairah beaches?

Take a Look
Have a look at these pictures from the popular beach at Khor Fakkan.

Related

Geoff Pound

This article is also posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Image: “These old tables and chairs have had their day. They are unsafe and have sunk into the sand to the point where they are unusable.”

Four Actions to Make Fujairah Residents Breathe Easier

Two recent articles and a reader’s poll in The National took my breath away.

Firstly, Anna Zacharias wrote about residents in the Fujairah quarry village of Tawaian in which numerous children and adults have developed asthma, apparently due to quarry dust.

Secondly, in another article Vesela Todorova reported the UAE statistic that “man-made air pollution may have been responsible for more than 600 deaths in 2007.”

Thirdly, a reader poll was established by The National (early October 2010) asking,

“Have you experienced problems with air pollution since moving to the UAE?”

This poll is not statistically accurate but its conclusions are sufficiently alarming:

YES, it is a major problem 65%
NO, it has not been a problem 20%
Sometimes, but it does not bother me 15%

Action Commended
The National articles were balanced in their reporting and recognized the important work that the Fujairah Municipality had done in its monitoring of dangerous quarry sites, its insistence that companies do more to contain the dust and its decisions in closing down businesses that failed to comply with the stricter regulations.

Action Required
To build upon the good work by the Fujairah Municipality these four measures might make Fujairah residents breathe more easily:

1. Regular independent evaluations of Fujairah quarries to monitor the emission levels of pollutants in the air. The independent nature of these reports is essential as the Fujairah Government has a vested economic interest in the quarry business. The evaluations would extend to the investigation of vehicle exhaust emissions, industrial chemicals, greenhouse gas emissions, desert dust and all forms of air pollutants, not just quarry dust.

2. Develop a comprehensive network of air monitoring stations on the ground and install the latest state of the art satellite systems to monitor pollution, detect unlawful polluters and effectively control our air quality.

3. Establish on the Fujairah Government web site a pollution gauge to allow people to check up-to-the-minute levels of air contamination. Devise a system of public alerts to warn people of days when there are hazardous atmospheric conditions.

4. Institute a major study as soon as possible that will work with the hospitals and all medical practitioners in the emirate to investigate the impact of air pollution on the health of Fujairah residents and to bring back its findings and recommendations to be made available to the public.

Sources
Vesela Todorova, Air Pollution a Factor in Hundreds of Deaths, The National, 7 October 2010.
Anna Zacharias, Move Us or Move the Quarries say Residents, The National, 7 October 2010.

Geoff Pound

This article is also posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Image: “These four measures might make Fujairah residents breathe more easily.”

Longing for a Swimming Pool Complex in Fujairah

Fujairah does not generally imitate other emirates but news of the opening of the multi-purpose Dubai Sports Complex stirs up yearnings for a swimming pool complex on the east coast of the UAE.

A set of Olympic-sized pools would encourage the many east coast swimmers and help prepare them for national and international competition.

As the new Dubai complex is soon to host the 10th FINA World Swimming Championships, a facility in Fujairah that meets international standards would also attract major competitions to the East Coast.

A multi-purpose water complex in Fujairah would boost competitive swimming and diving and become an attractive amusement asset, both for residents and tourists to the east coast.

Related
Fujairah Swimming Championships and Future Hopes, FIF, 1 November 2009.

Geoff Pound

This article is also posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Fujairah Drive-In Cinema Delay Due to Expansion

The drive-in cinema being built in the mountains of Fujairah had been planned to open at 10pm on the 10th day of the 10th month in ’10.

The reason given for the delay was “to increase its capacity.”

In an interview with the National some new details were revealed while others “remain a closely guarded secret.”

The Fujairah drive-in is now due to open ‘within a year’.

Will it now open at 11pm on the 11th day of the 11th month of ’11?

Anna Zacharias, Drive-in Cinema for Fujairah Delayed, The National, 11 October 2010.

Further
Drive-In Cinema Opens in Fujairah at 10pm on 10/10/10, SFS, 2 June 2010.

Related
Cinema Complex at Fujairah’s Lulu Shopping Complex, FIF, 15 June 2010.
Shooting of the Film ‘DAM 999’ in Fujairah, FIF, 16 May 2010.
The Dubai Film ‘City of Life’, FIF, 12 May 2010.

Geoff Pound

This article is also posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page upon which many more articles and links are posted than on this blog.

New Chinese Restaurant Puts Karaoke on the Fujairah Menu

The new Chinese restaurant, the Zhonghua Huiguan, opened for business a few weeks ago but the eating areas and the Night Club were officially opened (see report and photos) on 8 October 2010.

Facilities Offered
Here is a summary of the many new facilities of this new Chinese eating and entertainment establishment that is occupying the first floor of the Fujairah International Marine Club.

Restaurant
+ Five private dining rooms (of different sizes) equipped with ‘lazy Susan’ in the middle of the round tables.

+ A public dining area with four tables (each with four chairs), most of which have a wonderful view over the Arabian Sea.

+ All up the restaurant can serve 70 people at one time.

+ The items on the menu (see links below) are predominantly traditional Chinese dishes, along with other Asian delights.

+ The restaurant has been stylishly decorated with traditional Chinese wall paper and there is a centrally placed chandelier for lighting.

+ Each private room comes with a karaoke music system that has a screen, speakers, microphones and a computer from which you can select the song you would like to sing to other guests in whatever language you desire.

+ In the restaurant there is an extensive drinks menu (see link below) which are served from a small bar. The menu includes popular international beers, traditional Chinese drinks and spirits with which to help you to sing with gusto!

Bar and Night Club
Through the swinging doors (and going in the direction of the stern of the ship) one enters the Night Club which can easily accommodate 100 people. This consists of the following facilities:

+ A huge bar

+ A stage for the band and dancers

+ A sizeable dance floor

+A seated area to the starboard side of the ship

+ Two karaoke rooms (large and smaller size) off each side of the Night Club for a more private singing and dance experience under coloured lights.

+ The kitchen for the restaurant and Night Club is off the Night Club on the port side.

Coffee Bar
Going further to the back of the ship beyond the Night Club is a coffee bar. On the port (left) side one can exit to an outside barbeque. On the starboard (right side) this goes out to a coffee drinking area.

Al Fresco Dining and Balcony Views
Going beyond the external coffee area with intimate nooks one comes to the huge balcony area. This will be great in the cooler months for outside dining and shisha and it doubles as an observation deck that will be used by the Fujairah International Marine Club on race days.

All in All
There are many parts to this new eating and entertainment establishment in Fujairah. It has places for public and private dining, a Night Club with entertainment but many smaller rooms and areas for a more intimate experience.

Take a Look
Check out some of the photos in this photograph album.

Download the Menus

Take a look and download the food menu and the drinks menu from the Zhonghua Huiguan Chinese Restaurant and Night Club but be aware that the items and prices will change. Some of the names of the dishes get lost in translation.

Location and Contact
The Zhonghua Huiguan Restaurant and Night Club is located on the first floor of the Fujairah International Marine Club.
P. O. Box 2099
Tel: 971 (0)9 2249718
Fax: 971 (0)9 2249318

Geoff Pound

This article is also posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page upon which many more articles and links are posted than on this blog.

Image: One of the dining tables in the public eating area which has sensational sea views.

New Chinese Restaurant and Night Club Opens in Fujairah

The formalities were few last night (8 October 2010)—the traditional dragon or lion dance, the cutting of the ribbon by the Manager of the Marine Club, Ahmed Ebraheim Al Blooshi and then the joyful walk to the restaurant, up the external stairway that was lined with colourful flower displays and red balloons.

After inspecting the various areas of the Zhonghua Huiguan, guests enjoyed a buffet and a range of beverages.

A feature of the decorations on Friday night was the ice sculptures (designs of birds and fish) and sculptures etched from pumpkin.

A bigger than usual team of waiters and kitchen hands roved the restaurant obviously delighted to have got the establishment officially launched.

A group of Emirati dignitaries were present at the opening which was marked by large numbers of the Chinese community from Fujairah and throughout the UAE.

After people had enjoyed the food the entertainment got underway in the Night Club. Singers (mainly in Chinese) and dancers generated a happy atmosphere amid the flashing colours and strobe lights.

Proverb and Pictures
As the Chinese proverb goes, ‘One Picture’s Worth a Thousand Words’, take a look at some pictures from the opening of the Zhonghua Huiguan Restaurant and Night Club.

Congratulations to the manager, Youzeng Bao and his team on the opening of the Zhonghua Huiguan in Fujairah.

Location and Contact
The Zhonghua Huiguan Restaurant and Night Club is located on the first floor of the Fujairah International Marine Club.
P. O. Box 2099
Tel: 971 (0)9 2249718
Fax: 971 (0)9 2249318

Geoff Pound

This article is also posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page upon which many more articles and links are posted than on this blog.

Image: Some of the guests who celebrated in one of the five private rooms in the restaurant.

Why Sheikh Mohammed Visited Fujairah this Week

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, made quite a splash when he visited Fujairah on Wednesday of this week.

The excitement was palpable at the news of his visit. Cleaners, gardeners and teachers worked overtime to ready themselves for his arrival.

Why did he come and why does he spend his valuable time visiting the remote and little known emirate of Fujairah?

1. Fujairah is His Patch
His Highness is not only the Ruler of Dubai, he also serves as Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE. Fujairah is part of the overall territory for which Sheikh Mohammed has some responsibility.

In a recent interview in Kentucky, Sheikh Mohammed sought to convey to international viewers that the UAE is more than Dubai. He said:

“When I talk about Dubai I talk about the whole UAE. The whole UAE is the country.”

When the Dubai Ruler visits Fujairah he is giving substance to this conviction and declaring that Fujairah is an integral part of the United Arab Emirates.

2. Transacting Business
Some aspects of Fujairah life are the responsibility of the federal government of the UAE, under the authority of the Supreme Council.

One purpose of Sheikh Mohammed’s visit was to inspect the growth of the Higher Colleges of Technology, to see first-hand the development of the two Fujairah colleges and to consider the proposal for an extension to the Women’s College. This decision is a work in progress but the favourable inspection by the UAE Vice President and Prime Minister must be a significant step in this process.

3. Encouraging those Doing Valuable Work
The visit of His Highness to the Centre for Rehabilitation of People with Special Needs of the Ministry of Social Affairs in Fujairah was consistent with the example of other UAE Rulers in highlighting the value to society of those who are especially challenged.

Sheikh Mohammed met one of the Emirati teachers at the Centre, Salma Al Ka’abi, who had not allowed blindness to prevent her from gaining a degree and being trained to teach children with special needs.

His Highness recently told an American journalist, in relation to the global recession, “Life would be boring if there was no challenge.” He saw Salma this week as a person who had encountered many challenges and had overcome them to achieve her ambitions.

Sheikh Mohammed called Salma an “example for every young Emirati citizen” and addressed her in these personal words:

“Salma, you are an example not only for blind girls, but for all young people in the UAE in their ambition and their will and determination to succeed. I admire your spirit and your power. This is the spirit we want in all the youth in our country.”

4. Learning from the Children
Sheikh Mohammed went to the classrooms of the Centre for Rehabilitation of People with Special Needs and observed the children demonstrating their skills.

Many of the photos of His Highness in his photo albums show him with children—not just his own but the many youngsters that he meets around the UAE.

He once made the counter-cultural statement, “I learn from the youngest and [I] am still at the beginning of the road with no arrogance.”

The special needs children in Fujairah last Wednesday would have heartened the Sheikh in terms of their development and their humility to learn.

5. Monitoring the Investment in Education
From the videos and the reports of the teachers, His Highness saw a wide spectrum of the educational life of the Fujairah Colleges, including the new engineering educational initiatives.

A consistent study of his speeches and decisions illustrate the Sheikh’s commitment to education and his desire to restore Arabs to the historic position of international prominence that they once held.

Since becoming a leader of the Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed has invested in infrastructure, business, property and tourism but he has talked about his most critical focus:

“Investment in education means investment in the lasting peace and security, which our people undoubtedly deserve.”

6. Making His People Happy
His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed, has become known as the visiting Sheikh. The popular 60 Minutes Video depicts him as an approachable person, often rolling up in his Mercedes 4WD at one of his projects without scores of bodyguards.

He likes to meet people where they live and work. He delights in arriving at remote places unannounced so as not to create anxiety with days of preparation and as a way of showing his genuine concern for ordinary people.

His Highness expressed his conviction that:

“The first responsibility of a leader is to make his people happy and then to provide them with the required security, stability, comfort, progress and development.”

Judging by the smiles on the faces of the children at the Centre for the Rehabilitation of People with Special Needs, the warmth of the handshakes and the cameras clicking at the HCT Colleges, it was obvious that Sheikh Mohammed made many Fujairah people happy this week.

7. Catching Up With His Family
The Maktoum and Al Sharqi families are closely connected. His Highness, Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, the Ruler of Fujairah, is married to Sheikha Fatima bint Thani Al Maktoum.

Furthermore, Sheikh Mohammed, the Crown Prince of Fujairah, is married to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s daughter—see this video that captures the gathering of the clans at this important event in 2009. The Dubai Ruler now has a grandson in Fujairah, thus giving him a further reason to visit.

The Crown Prince of Fujairah accompanied his father-in-law on Wednesday’s visit to the north-eastern emirate so this would have been a good opportunity to re-warm family ties.

8. Enjoying the Beauty of Fujairah
From his statements and the photos of Sheikh Mohammed it is evident that he has a soft spot for Fujairah. A photo on his web site shows him with other UAE leaders swimming in the Fujairah waters in a break between meetings held in this emirate.

Sheikh Mohammed travelled in a helicopter to Fujairah this week, not only to save travel time but to allow him and his team to enjoy the sensational mountain views. Pity about the hazy skies last Wednesday but the helicopter hovered over the Fujairah coastline before coming in to land.

9. Mentoring His Successor
Sheikh Mohammed’s son, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, accompanied his father to Fujairah this week. From photos and videos it is obvious that he was curious to learn from people and to encourage those that he met.

Sheikh Hamdan doesn’t just ‘come for the ride’. He serves in significant ways in his own right but he is also undergoing an intentional mentoring period knowing that one day he is likely to be Ruler of Dubai, most probably with UAE-wide responsibilities.

When asked what it had been like to watch the recession affecting Dubai and what he had learned, Sheikh Hamdan replied:

“I think it’s a great opportunity to sit with my father and see the decisions that he takes in this difficult time. It helps me a lot for the future and I think it is important for me.”

His father confirmed the closeness of their relationship:

“We work together…and he knew what I was going to do because he’s the Crown Prince. He has to be hands-on.”

10. Fujairah Matters
One of the many endearing qualities that Sheikh Mohammed possesses and for which he has been recognized, is his down-to-earth personality and the way he does not let titles (including his own) get between him and people.

Many times he has affirmed this conviction, “It does not matter what your title is, it’s about what you do.”

This statement relates not only to the way Sheikh Mohammed sees people but the way he views regions and countries.

No matter how Fujairah is perceived by its citizens and by others, the main message that His Highness conveyed this week is that Fujairah is a significant place. Fujairah matters.

More on the Fujairah Visit
Mohammed bin Rashid Tours Fujairah, WAM, 7 October 2010.
Mohammed Tours Fujairah, Meets Citizens, Photos, Emirates 24/7, 7 October 2010.
Mohammed Takes Stock of Educational Programmes, Gulf News, 7 October 2010.
Mohammed Tours Fujairah, HH Sheikh Mohammed’s Web Site, 6 October 2010.
Mohammed bin Rashid Tours Fujairah, UAE Interact, 7 October 2010.
Shaikh Mohammed Orders Plan to Create Jobs for Graduates, Khaleej Times, 7 October 2010.
10 Min. Video, Arabic Commentary, HH Sheikh Mohammed’s Web Site, 6 October 2010.
4 Min. Video, Music Background, HH Sheikh Mohammed’s Web Site, 6 October 2010.

Related
Sheikh Mohammed Says the Whole UAE is Back, FIF, 27 September 2010.
Sheikh Mohammed on the United Arab Emirates, FIF, 31 August 2010.
Sheikh Mohammed Called ‘Sheikh Mo Mentum’ at the US Horse Racing Sales, ETE.

More on Mohammed the Facebooking Twittering Sheikh of Dubai, UAE, ETE.
Make Sure to Connect with Sheikh Mohammed’s Correct Facebook Page, ETE.

Sheikh Mohammed Gets Public Page on Facebook and Thousands of Fans, ETE.

Sheikh Mohammed Showered With Birthday Greetings and Facebook Gifts, ETE.

Connect With Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid on Facebook, ETE.
Sheikh Mohammed Gains Too Many Friends on Facebook, ETE.
Follow Sheikh Mohammed of Dubai on Twitter, ETE.
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Judged One of the 75 Most Influential People of the 21st Century, ETE.
Poems Give Most Revealing Glimpse of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid al Maktoum, ETE.
Sheikh Mohammed Hailed as Most Powerful in Horse Racing Industry, ETE.
Sheikh Mohammed Pays Record Price for Aussie Horse Racing Deal, ETE.
Sheikh Mohammed’s Ambitions for Middle East, ETE.
Sheikh Mohammad Models Rare Style of Leadership, ETE.
Sheikh Mohammed’s Leadership is Honoured, ETE.
New Website for H H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ETE.
Dubai and Sheikh Mohammed on 60 Minutes Video, ETE.

Geoff Pound

This article is also posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page upon which many more articles and links are posted than on this blog.

Image: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is interviewed by Sindiya Ibrahim at Fujairah’s HCT Women’s College. (Photo courtesy of WAM)

Abu Dhabi—Fujairah Oil Pipeline Better Late than Never

The Abu Dhabi Crude Oil Project was reported as recently as 25 September 2010 to be gushing black gold into Fujairah bunkers by the end of 2010.

Reuters has now been told by ‘sources close to the project’ who ‘did not want to be named’ that the pipeline has a snowflake’s chance in hell (or words to that effect) of being finished in 2010 and that the second or even the third quarter of 2011 was a more realistic date.

Reasons for the Slow Down
The delay of the 370 km pipeline is due to design changes, the need to incorporate additional oil metering facilities and because the technology is new, it is taking longer to effectively operate the whole shebang.

There is no word about whether or not there were lateness penalties to pay.

Further
Abu Dhabi to Fujairah Pipeline to Be Finished End of 2010, FIF, 25 September 2010.
Abu Dhabi Banks on Fujairah Amid Threats from Iran, FIF, 16 September 2010.

Geoff Pound

This article is also posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page upon which many more articles and links are posted than on this blog.

Image: The delay of the 370 km pipeline is due to design changes…

Fujairah Getting Greener

It is heartening to see new palm trees being planted on Fujairah’s Al Faseel Road, on the stretch that runs parallel with the beach, between the Hilton Hotel and the Beach Motel.

This continues the Fujairah Municipality’s tree planting programme and the replacement in many parts of the concrete and pavers with grass and gardens.

The Going Green project is most apparent along the Fujairah waterfront but trees are still needed between the Hilton and the Marine Club to provide adequate natural shelter and to get rid of the plastic-looking trees that look like they were commissioned when Sheikh Mohammad bin Hamad was Ruler of Fujairah.

The provision of shelter is a necessity along the beach areas in Fujairah’s extreme heat but to see life, colour and beauty adds to the joy of residents and travelers and is beneficial to the environment.

Take a Look
Some pictures of the tree planting going on this week are in this photo album.

Related
The Beautification of Fujairah, FIF, 2 June 2010.
Does Fujairah Need a Makeover or Reconstructive Surgery? FIF, 20 May 2010.
Fujairah Corniche Undergoes Beautification but What is that New Building, FIF, 2 November 2009.
Thanks to the Many Who Serve in Fujairah UAE, FIF, 8 October 2009.

Geoff Pound

This article is also posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page upon which many more articles and links are posted than on this site.

Those Lazy Hazy Crazy Days in Fujairah

Lazy Days
I wonder if Nat King Cole sang the 1960s hit song, ‘Those Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer’ for days like this in Fujairah.

Lazy in Fujairah? Last week I asked one of the Fujairah Municipality heads about the progress of one of his projects and he replied, “You know what it’s like in Fujairah—
Shway! Shway! (Slowly! Slowly!) That may be par for the course in some departments and companies but it is not always the way across the board.

Hazy Days
It has been very hazy in the Fujairah skies this week. The Hajar Mountains can only be seen faintly and the city skyscrapers look as if they are in clouds of smoke.

Morning temperatures have been in the early 30s but the humidity that has climbed to 75+% has made it feel like the temperatures are in the early 40s. The afternoon temps have been rising to the late 30s this week but the humidity drops each day to about 45%.

Crazy Days
After the sluggishness of Ramadan many Fujairah businesses and Colleges are cranking up the pace. Hotels and tourist operators are planning for the cooler months and looking forward to a bumper crop of tourists visiting the UAE’s East Coast.

Sometimes the Fujairah seas get hot and filled with stinging jelly fish. At the moment the temperature of the sea is perfect, swimming in the salt water is most refreshing and the jelly fish don’t seem to be around.

It just might be lazy, hazy crazy days but it is a good time to be visiting Fujairah.

Take a Look!
Here are some pictures of Fujairah today in this album.

Geoff Pound

This article is also posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page upon which many more articles and links are posted than on this site.

Le Méridien Fujairah Chef Crowned Sous Chef of the Year

Good News
Congratulations to David Miras of Le Méridien, Fujairah, for winning the Sous Chef of the Year category at the recent Caterer Middle East Awards.

Le Méridien’s fine chef was praised at the recent Park Hyatt Hotel Dubai ceremony for his innovation, organizational skills, his mentoring of others and his special magic in turning local seafood into delicious dishes.

In accepting the prestigious award, David paid tribute to the many chefs who have inspired him and the great team at Le Méridien, led by the General Manager, Patrick Antaki.

Sad News
David told those gathered the news of his imminent departure from Fujairah and the Middle East:

“Since being nominated I have decided to move to the Philippines to work as an executive chef, so this is a great award to take away with me.”

This is a loss for Le Méridien and Fujairah as David has been with the Al Aqah hotel since its launch.

We extend congratulations to David Miras on receiving this culinary crown and we wish him all the best as he moves to a new role in the Philippines.

Source
Sous Chef of the Year Crowned, Hotelier Middle East.Com, 28 September 2010.

Geoff Pound

Image: David Miras with trophy in hand.

How Do you Like Your Karkady in Fujairah, UAE?

I’m a great fan of karkady, this refreshing Middle Eastern drink.

They often serve karkady as a cold drink to guests and visitors at the Fujairah Hilton Hotel.

On the Iberotel Concorde rooftop in Fujairah's main street they may ask you whether you like your karkady hot or cold.

The hot option is a good non-addictive alternative to tea and coffee.

How do you like your karkady?

What is your preferred drink in the UAE?

Further
Taking My First Drink of Karkady, FIF, 2 November 2009.

Geoff Pound

Image: “They often serve karkady as a cold drink to guests and visitors at the Fujairah Hilton Hotel.”

What to Do at a Car Accident in Fujairah and the UAE

High Car Accident rate
With the UAE’s high incidence of car accidents and sadly 600 people killed in car accidents each year (24 killed per 100,000 people), there’s a good chance we may find ourselves one day at the scene of an accident.

The UAE police must be notified not only if there is an accident involving a couple of vehicles but even if your car receives a dent while it is parked at the supermarket.

Accident Procedures
A page on Dubai FAQs to do with driving in Dubai is helpful and almost completely transferable to the car accident procedures to follow. I am indebted to those who have contributed to that forum in making this ‘What To Do List’.

Please note: This is not an official statement and some of the things listed are at variance with other advice.

+ Make sure you have your phone to contact the police (999 is the emergency number in the UAE) and wait for them to arrive. They might ask if the cars are obstructing traffic or endangering other cars, in which case they might tell you to move the cars if it is possible. If people are injured and need help, ensure that the police have sent out a call to the ambulance service.

+ Make sure you have a camera with you for if the cars need to be moved it is useful to have a record of where the cars were at the time of the accident.

+ Make sure you have some water and refreshments for if it is a minor accident you could be waiting for a long time.

+ Make sure you have your car registration card with you and driver’s license. Sometimes Fujairah residents involved in car accidents have also had to submit their passports until everything is sorted out.

+ Normally the police listen to the different drivers and passengers involved in an accident and if it is straightforward the police will make a judgement and write an accident report on the spot.

+ If the accident is major, particularly if there are people severely injured or killed or if the witness accounts are in dispute, it is likely that those involved will have to go to the police station and they may be detained until everything is resolved.

+ Make sure you have the mobile phone number of your employer and preferably someone with wasta who can speak Arabic. Often a helpful CEO or Director will give to new employees at their ‘welcome to Fujairah’ interview their mobile phone number, ‘just in case you end up in jail’. Most Fujairah Police will know some English but non-Arabic speaking people involved in accident disputes have found that a lack of Arabic is a major disadvantage.

+ To get a copy of the accident report (different coloured paper depending on who is at fault and who is innocent) is essential for this has to be submitted to your insurance company and to the mechanics and panel beaters who will fix your car.

+ If you hit a lamp post and do even minor damage to your car or if you discover that your car has been dented while it was parked, you need to call the police and wait there until they come or they may ask you to drive to the accident section of the police station which is at the back of the Fujairah police station where you register your car.

+ Receiving an accident report (no matter how small the dent is) from the police is necessary both for insurance claims and for getting your car repaired. You might think that the damage is so minor that you won’t bother getting the dent fixed but you may well fail to get your car re-registered until the damage has been repaired. Car workshops face stiff penalties if they repair cars damaged in an accident without receiving the police accident report.

+ The police and medical personnel will advise on procedures when there are accident injuries or a worse scenario.

+ If someone dies in an accident and you're deemed to be responsible, you'll likely have to pay diya or blood money (Dh200,000) to the family of the victim as a form of compensation. Your insurance company should cover this cost which is one of the reasons why getting a comprehensive car insurance in the UAE is essential. If you are involved in the accident and it is determined that you have been under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs this is even more serious and the fine print in your insurance policy might well say that it will not cover you for diya under these circumstances.

+ If you see or approach the scene of an accident, you could stop and offer to act as a witness but there are differences one needs to consider. Depending on your wasta levels and those of the participants in the accident, it is possible that you become named as one of the causes of the accident.

+ If there are injured people and you decide to assist, be aware that if one of the victims dies and you were the last person to touch them, you will probably be held (in jail) responsible for their death, at least until it is clear that you did not cause the death, which may take days.

Phone Numbers for Reporting Accidents given by this official link
Emergency: 999
Abu Dhabi: 02 4196666 ext 208 or 259
Dubai: 04 2692222
Sharjah: 06 5381111 / 5512222
Ajman: 06 7424999
Umm al-Qaiwain: 06 7666666
Ra’s al-Khaimah: 07 2351111
Fujairah: 09 2229884
Al Ain: 03 7073555

Geoff Pound

This article is also posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page upon which many more articles and links are posted than on this site.

Concorde Fujairah Opens Seafood Restaurant with a Splash

Seafood Centre of the UAE
With Fujairah being a fishing village for hundreds of years one would think the city today would need to have a large seafood restaurant.

There are restaurants in town that have a seafood section on the menu but with the formal opening of the Concorde Hotel’s Samakino Restaurant, Fujairah has acquired an eating place that is intended to be the seafood centre of the UAE’s East Coast.

Cutting the Cake
On 30 September 2010, local hoteliers, hospitality representatives from the UAE and Fujairah dignitaries gathered in the new restaurant to taste the best and the freshest seafood that the Samakino has to offer.

Resident Manager of the Concorde Fujairah, Mr. Ayman Ashor, beamed with delight at seeing his guests enjoying the Samakino experience.

The cutting of a large cake iced with the words ‘Samakino’ was the only formal part of the programme, plus the inevitable photo opportunities.

What’s In a Name?
The name ‘samakino’ comes from the Arabic word ‘samak’ meaning fish. While ‘samakino’ is not an Arabic word, the ‘kino’ has been added to mean things to do with fish.

Decor
The entrance to the Samakino on the second floor of the Concorde has a fish and maritime glass feature and a presentation of fish and seafood. The pillars of the large restaurant are painted with an underwater theme.

The restaurant has full length windows through which diners can look out over the city of Fujairah to the airport and the Hajar Mountains.

Music to Set the Mood
Instead of piped music with a maritime flavour guests were treated to a live Middle Eastern experience with Maxcin playing the oud and singing Arabic songs.

Maritime Menu
Diners at the opening were served a selection from the entire seafood menu. Here’s what was sampled on the opening night to give you a foretaste of what you can enjoy when you visit.

Starter
Hummus
Babaganoush
Fattoush
Seafood salad with roasted peppers
Rocket salad with onion and garlic dressing

Soup
Seafood soup with fresh cream

Main Course
Seafood Platter (Grilled local prawn, crumbed prawn, hammour brochettes with pepper, seafood cake, mussels, stuffed squid, fried won ton and a spring roll)
Seafood biryani rice
Seafood fajitas

Dessert
Balsamic marinated strawberry
Dark and white chocolate mousse
Peach tart
Fresh sliced fruit

Not a Seafood Lover?
“But what if someone comes along in a group and doesn’t like seafood?” I asked Anurag the head chef of the Concorde.

Anurag, who has cooked in India, Oman and the UAE, says that he has another all day restaurant upstairs, the Belle View, from which a large range of international food can be ordered from the Samakino.

Variations in the Cooking
The Concorde is offering a spectrum of Arabic, Indian and international food.

Anurag said that Arabs generally don’t like their food too spicy so if you enjoy more spice you can relay this request to the chef via the waiter.

Much More to Come
While the entire hotel is yet to be officially opened, Ayman Ashor is opening various sections at different times.

Stand by for the opening of the Fitness Centre & Health Clubs (women’s and men’s), both fully equipped gyms and wellness centres with saunas, spas, steam rooms, Jacuzzis and massage rooms.

Stay posted for the official opening of the sumptuous and extensive Royal Ballroom that comfortably holds up to 900 people and is an ideal venue for large scale conferences, exhibitions or grand scale wedding receptions. This has huge parking facilities underneath.

The splash pool on the roof of the wedding hall tower has one of the most idyllic settings where people can swim, lie or look over the city of Fujairah encircled by the Hajars.

At one end on the rooftop is a shisha tent that is air conditioned in the hotter months and fitted with television monitors.

Mabrook!
One of the striking things at the opening of the Samakino was the pleasant, courteous and hard-working staff who attended to their guests and topped off a wonderful dining experience.

Congratulations to Ayman Ashor and his staff on the opening of the Samakino! Mabrook!

Taste and Sea!
It’s good for a city to have a range of eating experiences so the Samakino with its signature seafood restaurant is a welcome addition to the range.

Contact Details
Concorde Fujairah
P.O. Box 3588
Fujairah,
UAE
Tel: +971 9 2249000
Fax: +971 9 224 9990
Website: www.concordefujairah.com
Email: info@concordefujairah.com

Here It Is!

View Iberotel Concorde Fujairah in a larger map

Take a Look
Some pictures from the opening night of the Samakino are posted in this photo album.

Geoff Pound

This article is also posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page upon which many more articles and links are posted than on this site.

Image: A presentation of samak to greet guests on arrival at the Concorde’s Samakino Restaurant.