Searching for the Finest Coffee in Fujairah UAE

There are a few coffee shops that have opened recently in Fujairah and I am looking for the one that consistently serves the best brew.

My search is an important one because I am living in the region where coffee qahwa (قهوة) was first discovered. One would expect to be able to drink the best coffee in these parts.

My quest for the holy grail of coffee is also motivated by health, in which some researchers believe that coffee appears to ward off Alzheimer’s but also because I find the aroma and taste of a good coffee to be a total experience.

I am not looking for the most expensive coffee like the Civet coffee I tried in Indonesia. This is the ‘crap’ coffee made from beans swallowed and passed through the civet cat which is good right to the last dropping.

Fujairah Coffee Brands
The Fujairah Country Club had a Costa coffee shop in their premises but now this has gone and Costa has opened up two shops within the Fujairah Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT). Unfortunately these are not public cafés where anyone can roll in at any time and have a coffee.

The Hilton Hotel is serving Gloria Jeans coffee in their restaurant.

The new Fujairah Harbour Club within the marina has LavAzza coffee.

The even newer Faseel Café has a sign outside declaring, “We are proudly brewing Starbucks coffee.” The Faseel Café and Siji Hotel Apartment staff members are currently undertaking training.

Progress Report
In my search for the finest coffee I have tasted some very good coffee at different places but sometimes when I have returned I have been served a coffee that was weak, insipid and tasted like mud. One day I sent a coffee back saying it was too cold.

I am not looking for the one-off champion cup but coffee which is consistently superior and can be relied upon when you invite guests to join with you.

I am convinced that it is not just the coffee brand or coffee machine that is the key element (although good beans and tools are important) but the vital factor is the training of the baristas (coffeemakers).

Got a Recommendation?
Let me know if you have found the place where the best coffee is served in Fujairah. Better still, invite me to come and taste it with you.

Drinking fine coffee is all part of getting through the daily grind.

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Image: “The vital factor is the training of the baristas (coffeemakers).”

Fujairah Water Sports Calendar 2009-2010

The list of events has been posted by the Fujairah International Marine Club.

Many, if not all of the following activities will require plenty of time for people to train and for teams to be formed in order to participate together as members of your company or organization.

At the recent Fujairah Swimming Championships there were several people who asked for the dates of the next swimming competition so they could get into training and clear the decks for them to participate the next times these races are scheduled.

Here are the dates for your diary and for encouraging the participation of your organization to enter into the team events:

2009
13 November (Fri) 4.00pm Fujairah Crown Prince Al Shoosh Championships Heat 1
20 November (Fri) 10.00am-4.30pm Fujairah Fishing Competition Heat 1
17-18 December (Thurs.-Sat) World Cup F2000 Powerboat Championships
26 December (Sat) 4.00pm Fujairah Traditional Dhow Sailing Race 22ft

2010
08 January (Fri) 4.00pm Fujairah Crown Prince Al Shoosh Championships Heat 2
30 January (Sat) 4.00pm Fujairah Traditional Rowing Race 30ft
12-13 February (Thu-Sat) Fujairah Jet Ski Race
19 February (Fri) 4.00pm Fujairah Crown Prince Al Shoosh Championships Heat 3
05 March (Fri) 10.00am-4.30pm Fujairah Fishing Competition Heat 2
19 March (Fri) Fujairah Marathons and Raft Building Competition
19 March (Fri) Fujairah Family Day
25-26 March (Fri-Sat) X-Cat UAE Power Boat Championship
16 April (Fri) 10.00am-4.30pm Fujairah Fishing Competition Heat 3
TBC (Fri) Fujairah Regatta 2010
TBC (Fri) Dubai-Fujairah Offshore Sailing Race
23 April (Fri) 4.00pm Fujairah Crown Prince Al Shoosh Championships Heat 4 (Final)
TBC (Fri) Fujairah Basketball Championships
13 May (Thu) 2009-2010 Season Sponsor’s Ceremony

Please Check
Some of these fixtures are still to be confirmed. Please check dates, times and further details with the Fujairah International Marine Club Ph. (09) 222 11 66.

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Fujairah Corniche Undergoes Beautification but What is that New Building?

In this cooler season, Fujairah’s Department of Public Works and Agriculture is undertaking a tree and flower planting frenzy along the main road on the city’s waterfront.

Twenty-four date palms like the one pictured are being planted between the Fish Roundabout (location of the Fujairah International Marine Club) and the Rugaylat roundabout (the next roundabout moving south).

The supervisor said it should all be "finished by Tuesday in šā’ Allāh."

New palms have also been planted within the Marine Club property which will add colour and life amid all the concrete and paving.

It is good to see the Municipality spending money on these palms that come from a nursery in the town of Siji, Fujairah.

Flowers (marigolds, petunias etc) will be planted in the next stretch of road toward the Hilton Hotel.

The city will benefit from a little beautifying.

Question for Quiz Night
In this photo you can see excavations being undertaken for a new building between the boat storage area of the Marine Club and the Tourist Night Souk.

What is the future function of this two-storey building (one floor underground) and two more points for being able to describe the logo that will adorn its exterior?

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Image: Palm trees and a new building for some prime real estate on the Fujairah corniche. CLICK ON THE PHOTO TO ENLARGE.

Taking My First Drink of Karkady

I was waiting at the Fujairah Hilton yesterday and I was served my first taste of karkady.

Mohammed at the desk is from Egypt and he told me that karkady/karkdhi is a very popular beverage in his country.

It is made from dried, dark red petals of the Hibicus flower and according to Mary Kay Radnich, the best karkady comes from Upper Egypt. Tourists are encouraged to bring home their petals from Aswan or Luxor.

Recipe
Mary Kay Radnich’s Recipe from the above link:

1 cup hibiscus petals
2 cups sugar

Pick over the dried petals, removing any stems or leaves. Soak the hibiscus petals in cold water to cover for 1-2 hours. Transfer the petals and water to a pot and bring to a boil. Remove the pot immediately and strain the liquid through filter paper. Return the petals to the pot, add fresh cold water to cover, and repeat as above. Repeat the process until the karkady loses its reddish hue. Then, discard the petals and sweeten the juice while it is still hot. Serve cold, although it is a pleasant drink when served warm in the wintertime.

She says: “It is possible to purchase hibiscus tea bags from other lands as a substitute, but the intensity of flavor will not be the same.”

Mohammed says that Fujairah residents can buy these petals from the Lulu Hypermarket in the dried fruit and nuts section.

Cheers! What a refreshing drink for any time of the day.

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Image: A half-drained glass of karkady at the Fujairah Hilton.

Scientist Names New Species of Fujairah Fish in Honor of Father

A new subspecies of the fish—Mozambique Tilapia of the genus Oreochromis (Pisces: Cichlidae)—has been discovered in the Wadi Al Wurayah pools of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates by zoologist, Dr. Norman Ali Bassam Khalaf-von Jaffa.

The new species Oreochromis mossambicus bassamkhalafi has been named in honour of Dr Khalaf’s father ‘Bassam Ali Taher Khalaf’ (Abu Ali) who was born in Jaffa, Palestine, on 10 March 1938, and who died in Rilchingen-Hanweiler, Germany on 17 February 2006.

Dr Khalaf explained the thought behind the tribute:

“My father was a saltwater and freshwater fish lover all his life. He always kept aquarium fish in our home, and his great hobby was deep sea fishing. I learned a lot from him, including my first animal knowledge and the need to live with love and respect for all the animals we share our planet with.”

What a fitting tribute to a man who passed on his love for nature to others in his family.

Read the Story of this Discovery:
Second Fish Sub-Species Discovered in Two Months in Fujairah UAE, Experiencing the Emirates, 1 November 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Images:
The new species Oreochromis mossambicus bassamkhalafi.

Bassam Ali Taher Khalaf. “I learned a lot from him, including my first animal knowledge and the need to live with love and respect for all the animals we share our planet with.”

Fujairah Swimming Championships and Future Hopes

The inaugural Fujairah Swimming Championships were held this weekend in calm waters. On Friday afternoon forty-five people took to the water, swimming 1500 meters from the Fujairah International Marine Club to the Hilton Hotel beach. [CLICK ON ABOVE PIC TO ENLARGE]

The event was held under the auspices of the UAE Swimming Federation, organized by the Fujairah International Marine Club and sponsored by the Hilton Hotel which provided refreshments for competitors and spectators after the event.

People competed as individuals and as teams. Winners of the gold medals and champion’s cups were Nabeel Ali (adult men division), Ali Khaleefa (youth—under sixteen) and Syqany Avumugam (women’s division).

The team competition was won by the Fujairah Swimming Club who beat the teams from the UAE Army, the Fujairah Police, Southern Discomfort (a group of expatriates from the southern hemisphere) and Le Méridien Hotel.

Medals were also awarded to Andrew Scholtz for being the oldest competitor (at the ripe young age of 55) and Abdulla Hassan (aged 11) for being the youngest competitor.

The recently refurbished Hilton Hotel beach was a scenic venue for hosting the award ceremony and the General Manager, Remco Werkhoven, judged it a successful event and expressed the hope that his hotel might continue to be strongly associated with this event.

The Managing Director of the Fujairah International Marine Club, Major Ahmed Ibrahim Mohamed Darak expressed his pleasure at this first Fujairah Swimming Championships event, noting the number of competitors and the substantial support from the community who cheered from the corniche and celebrated the participants at the finishing line.

“I want to host two annual swimming competitions in the future,” said Major Ahmed, “The annual Fujairah Swimming Championships for people from Kalba to Dibba and the UAE Swimming Championships for people from every emirate.”

The sport of swimming is at an early stage in the UAE and one of the difficulties for swimmers on the east coast is the lack of an Olympic-size swimming pool for training and competitions. Most of the competitors had trained in short swimming pools owned by hotels and clubs around the emirate of Al Fujairah.

Major Ahmed Ibrahim Mohamed Darak is keen that the Fujairah International Marine Club continues to work closely with the UAE Swimming Federation and in conversation he revealed one of his dreams: “In the next five years I would like to see a large swimming pool established on the Fujairah corniche that is of the highest standard and which is equipped with a school to provide training and coaching for our up and coming swimmers.”

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Images from top to bottom:
Competitors entering the water (Photo by Alan Nambiar)
Nabeel Ali
Ali Khaleefa
Syqany Avumugam
Andrew Scholtz
Abdulla Hassan
Remco Werkhoven (Hilton)
Major Ahmed Ibrahim Mohamed Darak (FIMC) in interviewed by race commentator Mohammed Al Badri (Fujairah Media)
Team from the UAE Army
Captain Adnan (Coach of the Fujairah Swimming Club)
Timekeeper and referee at the finishing line.

Flexibility in Face of Economic Crises: The UAE Example

This is a guest editorial by Hamptons International- property management company.

The global economy meltdown led to a collapse of major sectors. None of them were spared. Real estate and property were no exception. Interest rates went down and property prices went further down, and there were no investors in sight.

However, certain regions played their cards well. While many property dealers in the UK almost went out of business, the UAE played their cards well. In spite of all major financial institutions acting harshly to property dealers, the UAE government decided to spend their liquidity on infrastructure, supporting the market and helping to bolster it.

The UAE boasts a major economy in the globalised world. Dubai real estate and property development is a major share of that economy. While oil and petroleum is generally considered the major economic contributor, the real estate and property sector is standing neck and neck with the oil and gas sector. A very interesting point needing mention here is the depletion of oil resources and the need of alternative energy sources.

A lot has been said about climate change and global warming. This has led the shift of the UAE economy into property market. Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Fujairah have emerged as the major property capitals in the UAE. Owing a property in Dubai is fashionable now, but there is a myth that needs to be broken. Dubai properties for sale are not as expensive as it is perceived. The key draw of this market is attracting people to a new lifestyle. There are no restrictions to the kinds of people and customers the sector is interested in. The word is “everyone is welcome!”

The dark tunnel of the financial crisis is coming to an end and things are starting to pick up again. Interest rates are competitive and available properties are on par with any luxurious property around the world. Dubai is set to be the new property capital and it has the capability to become the new economic force in the globalised world.

Related
Dubai the International Metropolis, Experiencing the Emirates, 31 October 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Image: A new residence nearing completion in Fujairah, UAE.

Re-Registering Your Vehicle at Shamil in Fujairah UAE

Registering or re-registering your car is probably different in Fujairah from other cities where you have done this.

Here are some of the basics as they apply at the moment but be aware that the procedures and prices are bound to change.

Check with Shamil Fujairah on (09) 223 1968.

Where Do You Go?
The Shamil Vehicle Testing and Registration Center is the place you need to drive each year for your annual registration renewal although check the web site (link above for new testing places in al Fujairah).

Coming from Fujairah’s main street there is a major intersection 1.5 kms from the last roundabout (Toyota Car company) before heading towards Dubai.

Approaching the intersection the traffic is extremely heavy so it may be good to go early in the day. At the intersection where there are traffic lights you need to get into the left lane to turn left and where there are signs toward the ‘Al Hayl Industrial area’.

About 2kms along this road take the road going right (it has a sign indicating ‘Shamil’). The vehicle testing center is 0.5 kms and is at the end of the road on the left.

Testing Process
Drive up and into one of the 2 lanes. You will need:
* Current Car registration card
* To know the model of your car
* Old insurance policy papers

They will put your details into a machine and give you a Number which will later come up on the digital board inside telling you when your car is ready.

Leave your car running and take your Number into the air-conditioned waiting area.

The length of time it takes to test your car depends on the number of cars they are processing. On the previous day when I last visited they had tested 83 cars but they test up to 100 a day or as low as 60 cars. It took 10 minutes for them to test my car.

When the board indicates and sounds your number you go to the appropriate counter. If there is work to be done you take your list of things and get the car fixed before returning for retesting. Re-testing (I think) is free within 15 days and after that you have to pay a further fee.

If your car is OK you pay Dh60 for the testing services.

Insurance
There are agents for insurance companies within this facility where you can purchase comprehensive car insurance. You need to determine the value of the car and pay then and there. Their credit card facility had not working for weeks so you may need to take your debit card and use the ATM in this facility or take enough cash (this could be Dh1500-3000 etc depending on the value of the car).

One pays for 13 months of insurance and what you haven’t used is credited to your next year’s cover.

The form stating that your vehicle is insured for the next 13 months is essential for completing the process.

Update

The next few steps can all be accomplished at Shamil (a one-stop shop) rather than going down to the Police Station on the main road.

Registering at the Police Station
You go back down the road, turn right into the main road and within 0.6 kms on the right side is the Ministry of Interior Fujairah Police Station.

At the central information island you present your current car registration card and tell them you have come to complete the re-registration of your car.

You will be given another Number and asked to go on the left side for car registration (the right side of the building is for driver licensing). You may notice that some people come in with the two number plates from off their car as previously presentation of these was required to certify that this was your car.

When your number is called you go to the appropriate counter.

Payment of Fines?
The officer will check your car registration number and inform you whether you have any fines for speeding, running through red lights etc. There is a phone number you can ring to find this out anytime you think you have been clocked on a speed camera.

If you have fines you must pay these before you can complete the registration process. It might pay to take a stash of money!

Registration Sticker and Card
When this step is completed you pay Dh145, get a receipt and a sticker that you will need to apply to the rear number plate indicating when your car registration expires eg. ‘10/2010’.

You then proceed to the end of the building towards the road where a new car registration card is made. When you receive this you should get a message in Arabic and in English on your mobile phone saying: “UAE Traffic—The vehicle license of [your car number] Fujairah has been renewed on [date]. Thank you and we wish you safe driving. Sender—UAE Traffic.”

After such a process this is the best text message you will receive! Treat yourself to a coffee!

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Image: The Shamil Vehicle Testing and Registration Center, Fujairah.

Have You Tried The New Faseel Café in Fujairah?

The signage is up and the customers are walking in to the new Faseel Café on the ground floor of the Siji Hotel Apartments. There is public access from the street and hotel apartment access from within.

This new eating and drinking hole is on Al Nakheel Road across from the mosque and near the coffeepot roundabout. Check the map below for the location.

Attractive
Here are some of the attractive features:

* The ambience is clean, fresh and bright.

* It has a colourful, floral décor that is sure to pick people up in the morning.

* It is spacious with a versatility of seating and tables—7 tables that can seat 4 people, 2 tables to seat 2 people and at each end of the café there is an arrangement of sofa or lounge type furniture.

* It has newspapers (Arabic and English), two TV monitors (with CNN and BBC) and WiFi so people can connect with the world in whatever way suits. This is a good place to come with your laptop and get a free, fast Internet service while you are supping your coffee.

Menu
For a café this has got a surprisingly extensive and varied menu (printed in Arabic and English). Here are the offerings (there is more detail on the menu card):

Garden Green Salad 15 AED
Chicken Caesar Salad 25 AED
Deluxe Star Sandwich 25 AED
The Club Siji 25 AED
Crunchy Chicken 30 AED
Croissant Sandwich 22 AED
Twin Tower Sandwich 22 AED
Flying Chicken Sandwich 22 AED
Grilled Bun Chicken Sandwich 22 AED
Beef/Chicken Burger 25 AED
Steak Sandwich 35 AED
Pizza Margarita 20 AED
Pizza Capricciosa 25 AED
Snake Bite 45 AED
(Deep-fried prawns stuffed with cheese, green chilli, served with coriander pesto and French fries)
Tex-Mex Chicken or Beef Fajitas 32 AED
Banana Split with Chocolate Sauce 22 AED
Ice Cream (two scoops) 18 AED
(This is the delicious Häagen Dazs ice cream and in addition to the usual flavours is the Green Tea ice cream that is really worth a try)

Cakes and Pastries
There is a selection of cakes and pastries which changes according to what the chef bakes. It includes (and the price is per slice):

Chocolate cake, Black Forest, Mango Mousse Cake, Praline Cake, Strawberry Cake 12 AED

Cheesecake & Tiramisu 18 AED

A selection of pastries (including croissants) and muffins 2.50 AED




Selection of Coffee
The signs say ‘We proudly brew Starbucks Coffee.’
Espresso 10 AED
Turkish coffee 10 AED
Freshly brewed coffee 11 AED
Nescafe, Decaffeinated Nescafe 10 AED
Decaffeinated coffee 11 AED
Cappuccino, Mochachino 12 AED
Café Latte 12 AED

Selection of Tea
Lipton 8 AED
Earl Grey 8 AED
English Breakfast Tea 8 AED
Chamomile Tea 8 AED
Japanese Tea 8 AED
Chinese Tea 8 AED
Green Tea, Lemon, Mint, Orange and Jasmine 8 AED
Fresh Mint with Lipton or Green Tea 9 AED
Moroccan Tea 10 AED

Hot & Cold Beverages
Hot/Cold Milk 8 AED
Hot/Cold Chocolate 10 AED
Iced Tea 10 AED

Fresh Juices
Orange, Lemon, Melon, Carrot 14 AED
Mango, Strawberry, Kiwi, Grapefruit 16 AED
Pineapple, Apple 18 AED

Chilled Juices
Orange, Mango, Apple, Pineapple 10 AED

Sparkling Juices
Apple 10 AED
Grape (white or red) 10 AED

Other Beverages
Fresh laban 10 AED
Vimto or Vimto diet 8 AED
Red Bull (original or sugar-free) 15 AED

Non-Alcoholic Beer
Moussy 10 AED
Barbican 10 AED
Holsten 10 AED

Soft Drinks
Cola, Diet Cola 8 AED
7-Up, Diet 7-Up 8 AED
Mountain Dew, Mirinda 8 AED
Soda Tonic 9 AED

Sparkling Water
Perrier (France) 10 AED
Apolinaris (Germany) 10 AED
Perrier (lemon or lime from France) 12 AED
San Pelegrino (Italy) 10 AED

Flavored Water
Masafi (strawberry, peach, lemon) 7 AED
Al Ain (lemon, lime, orange, passion fruit, apple, cherry) 7 AED
Volvic (natural lemon, natural orange from France) 12 AED

Still Water
Dibba 6 AED
Masafi 6 AED
Al Ain 6 AED
Evian (France) 10 AED
Volvic (France) 10 AED
Aqua Panna (Italy) 10 AED

All prices are in UAE dirhams and are subject to a 20 % service charge and tax.

Hours
Because of the menu range the Faseel Café is a good place for breakfast, brunch, lunch or an afternoon tea but it is also open until late.

The Faseel Café opens at 6.30am and closes at 1.00am.

Contact
The items and prices on the menu represent the details as at October 2009 but in time they are bound to change.

Contact the Faseel Café for up to the minute details, for more information or to make a group booking.

Tel: (09) 2053 347

Location

View Faseel Cafe in a larger map

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Changes to Application for Indian Visa in Fujairah UAE

People in Fujairah continue to be provided with a service for obtaining visas for India from the Consulate General of India-Dubai, but there are some changes.

New Office
A special Indian Passport and Visa Services office in conjunction with Empost has been established within the Indian Social Club (see this map for the Faseel location).

Abdul Aziz and Tojo Jestin work different shifts in the Empost Office which is open to the public between 8.00am and 8.00pm every day except Friday.

They can be reached on this Toll Free Number: 600522229

Documents Needed for Visa Application
UAE Nationals need to furnish the following:
* Completed visa application form (available from the office)
* Two recent passport size photos
* Passport copy

UAE Residents
* Completed visa application form (available from the office)
* Two recent passport size photos
* Passport (original not photocopy) with photocopies of relevant pages with the visa page)
* A No Objection letter from the sponsor

UAE Non-Residents
* Completed visa application form (available from the office)
* Two recent passport size photos
* Passport (original not photocopy) with photocopies of relevant pages with the visa page)
* Visitor’s Visa copy (original to be shown)
* Reference form for faxing with clear address in the home country

Apart from size (passport size), no details are given about the background colours but one would think the usual details for a passport photo apply.

Empost Form
An Empost Form now must be filled in that requests the following information:
Marital status
Spouse’s name
Father’s name
Mother’s name
Identification Mark
Profession
Previous nationality
Name of Sponsor
Address of Sponsor
Permanent address
Phone numbers-office and residence

Cost
A three month single entry visa is available at a cost of Dh240. Unfortunately no multiple visas appear to be issued to applicants in the UAE.

Accuracy
These details are accurate at the time of writing but applicants should consult the office to see if any details have altered.

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Image: Officers at Fujairah’s Indian Passport and Visa Services, Tojo Jestin (L) and Abdul Aziz (R).

Bus Services between Fujairah and Dubai

Stop Press:

Bus schedules, timetables and just about everything else keep changing by the month.

Even the Fujairah bus station has changed from the Perfume Roundabout to what is called 'the old bus station' which is on the way to Dubai, between the Toyota Roundabout and the next set of lights (look out for the sign and entrance on the right after the service station).

The best thing is to call the toll free number and ask for the current timetable for the day you want to travel (at the moment the Friday timetable is different from other days) and ask where the bus journey finishes (Some days it is at Al Ittihad or Union Square and other days it stops at Al Rashidiya Metro station). Good luck!

Ten air-conditioned buses are now providing a transport service between Dubai and Fujairah.

Fujairah to Dubai
The first trip starts at 6.30am, the last trip leaves at 9.45pm and buses depart every 45 minutes.

Looking toward Dubai on Fujairah’s main street, the Fujairah buses leave just beyond the Perfume Roundabout, the old Hindi Movie House and the main taxi stand.

The buses finish at Al Ittihad Square, Dubai without stopping on the way.

Dubai to Fujairah
Buses leave from Al Ittihad Square every 45 minutes commencing at 6.45am and continuing until 10.30pm.

Bus Times: Dubai to Fujairah
Here are the daily departure times from Dubai and arrival times in Fujairah:
6.45am to 8.45am
7.30am to 9.50am
8.15am to 10.35am

And every 45 minutes until

9.00pm to 11.00pm
9.45pm to 11.45pm
10.30pm to 12.30am

These times are taken from the RTA web site, Route E701. Check for any changes.

Fare
The fare for all these rides is 25 AED per trip. No information is given for children's fares.

More Information
Dubai Road and Transport Authority (RTA)
Tel: 800 90 90

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Image: One of the 10 luxury Mercedes and Volvo buses at the Fujairah bus station (and the Perfume Roundabout in the background).

Heritage Souk Established at Fujairah International Marine Club

In addition to the Tourist Night Souk on the southern side of the Fujairah International Marine Club, a small heritage souk is being established on the northern side of the Club House within the grounds of the Marine Club.

This is being created out of traditional materials with thatched roofing and it will comprise ten stalls from which heritage souvenirs, Arabic bread, Arabic sweets and coffee will be sold and served.

This is another initiative of the Managing Director of the Marine Club, Major Ahmed Ibrahim Mohammed Darak.

The heritage souk will be a great attraction, especially on the days when boating, fishing and swimming competitions are held by the Marine Club.

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Image: “A small heritage souk is being established on the northern side of the Club House…”

Get into Training for the Fujairah Swimming Championship

Date and Time
The annual Fujairah Swimming Championship sponsored by the Fujairah International Marine Club will be held on 30th October 2009 commencing at 4.00pm

Distance
The distance of the race is 1500 metres, starting at the Fujairah International Marine Club and ending at the Fujairah Hilton Hotel Beach.

Categories
The race will be swum in the following categories:
* Adults: Above 16th years of age.
* Youth: Under 16th years of age.
* Ladies Competition

The competition will start for all categories at the same time along the race course made visible by buoys and markers.

Prize Money
* Individual first position Dhs.1500 adults – Dhs.1000 young stage – 1500 women competition + Golden medal
* Individual second position Dhs.1000 adults – Dhs.500 young stage – 1000 women competition + silver medal
* Individual third position Dhs.500 adults – Dhs.300 young stage – 500 women competition + Bronze medal
* Prize of Dhs.500 for eldest competitor
* Prize of Dhs.500 for youngest competitor
* First position teams competition
* Second position teams competition
* Third position teams competition

Entry Forms
Entry forms are available from the Fujairah International Marine Club (contact details here to ask for forms to be emailed to you) but they require the following information:

Date
Competitor Number
Name
Date of Birth
Category
Address
Mobile no.
Identification
Nationality

I’m under signing hereby declared that all above information is correct and I'm in good health conditions to participate in this competition, and I will take all responsibility for my participation.

Read & Accepted
Approved by Organizing Committee
Documents required:
Any Identification copy
نادي الفجيرة الدولي للرياضات البحرية
بطولة الفجيرة للسباحة المفتوحة
طلب مشاركة
التاريخ
رقم المتسابق
الاسم
تاريخ الميلاد
الفئة
العنوان
رقم الهاتف
إثبات شخصية
الجنسية
أنا الموقع أدناه اقر وأتعهد بصحة جميع المعلومات السابقة وكذلك اقر بكامل صحتي ولياقتي البدنية التي تخول لي المشاركة في المسابقة واقر بان أتحمل كافة المسئولية نتيجة مشاركتي في المسابقة.
التوقيع
اعتماد اللجنة المنظمة
المستندات المطلوبة:
1. إثبات شخصية صورة عن جواز سفر صورة عن بطاقة العمل، صورة عن رخصة القيادة

Rents Fall in Fujairah

Business Intelligence Middle East (BI-ME) carried this news on 20 October 2009:

“Apartment rental rates in the Northern Emirates continued to fall in the third quarter of 2009 but at a slower rate than previously, according to a report by Asteco, the largest property services company in the United Arab Emirates.”

“The average decline in apartment rental rates has slowed considerably to 4% compared with 12% in the second quarter and 21% in quarter one of 2009,” says the Asteco Northern Emirates third quarter 2009 report.

“However, there has been limited activity in the market due to the summer holidays coinciding with Ramadan, both traditionally quiet periods.”

The report by Asteco, which carries out comprehensive property market analysis across the UAE, also found:

Fujairah recording the smallest decline of 2% to an average of AED29,625 per annum, making it the second most affordable place for apartments in the Northern Emirates.

Link to Read Entire Article:
Rents Still Falling in UAE’s Northern Emirates, BI-ME, 20 October 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Image: “Fujairah… making it the second most affordable place for apartments in the Northern Emirates.”

Going by Taxi in Fujairah UAE

Calling a Cab
It shouldn’t take you long to get one of the distinctive yellow-coloured taxis in Fujairah as there are approximately 700 taxis circling around the streets of the city tooting their horns and looking for people to take for a ride.

But Murphy’s law often tends to reign: they are often nowhere to be seen just at the time you want to hail a cab as you stand on the footpath in the hot sun.

You can always book a taxi by calling the Fujairah Taxi Company on (09) 2233533.

Before getting into the taxi ask the driver if he knows how to get to your destination but most times they will say ‘Yes’ even if they don’t know, as they are keen to get the business.

Paying for a Taxi
A few years ago it used to be a standard Dh5 to go anywhere in the city but since they have replaced the old white cars with yellow cars and put the drivers in fresh uniforms they have also added a meter.

Normally the driver will switch the meter on as you hop into the car but if not, ask for it to be activated, otherwise you may pay a big price. Recently a tourist arriving at the Fujairah Port paid more than a 100 Euros to get the short distance to Fujairah’s main street. Fortunately rogue taxi drivers in Fujairah are rare.

When the meter is activated there appears a Dh2.50 municipality charge before the car moves forward.

The charge is Dh1 per kilometer so you will get a good distance around the city for Dh10.

Tipping is not required or expected but with so many taxis in the city and the wages so low the drivers will welcome you rounding your contribution to the next 10 dirhams.

Make sure you have plenty of change as taxi drivers will struggle if you give them a Dh100 or Dh200 note.

Taxis can take you to the airports in other emirates but there are rules which prohibit Fujairah taxis coming to pick you up from the same airports.

Taxi Driver Salaries
Taxi drivers get a proportion of the fares they make and it is worked out according to a sliding scale and incentives.

Most of the taxi drivers I have travelled with recently say they make Dh2000 a month but one said he only made Dh1500.

The cars are insured for accidents but if the police write in their report that a prang was the taxi driver’s fault then he will end up paying at least some of the costs. One taxi driver said recently that he was involved in an accident several months ago and ended up having to pay Dh800.

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Image: This is the colour of the taxis in Fujairah.

Fujairah Fishing Classic a Fantastic Success

Contestants at the inaugural Fujairah Fishing Classic lined up for photos yesterday afternoon and their faces told the story of accomplishment, the forging friendships and plenty of fish (many of which were consumed at the final banquet at Le Meredien, the chief sponsor of the event).

Bruce Fennessy, the tournament director, said the Fujairah Classic would become an annual fixture. He added, “I think I speak for everyone when I say that it’s been fantastic…We will see more big competitions in Fujairah and we will be back. It’s a great venue for an event like this.”

Raed Dabbous and his winning team Sho Cho, (named about Raed’s popular restaurant in Dubai) said that while everyone wants to be competitive and win a prize the point of the whole exercise is lots if it is competition at all costs in which the fun goes out of the whole experience.

Team Sho Cho which won the prize for the largest fish—a 17.7 kg kingfish.

Many residents of Fujairah and friends of the contestants gathered each day for the weighing of the fish and the photo opportunities.

The Bin Habib team from Dubai with an 8.3 kg Dorado Caught on Day 3.

Major Ahmed Ibrahim Mohammed Darak, the Managing Director of the Fujairah International Marine Club was positive about sharing in the sponsorship of this tournament and stated another reason why he wants this annual event to be successful:

“It is important for Emiratis to connect with the ocean…The dhow and fishing have traditionally been at the basis of Emirati life. The aim of our marine club, backed by the government is to reunite Emirati youth with their roots.”

Major Ahmed Ibrahim Mohammed Darak at the helm.

Other Stories and Related Sites
See the Textile and Spice Souks of Dubai UAE, Experiencing the Emirates, 14 October 2009.

BMW Oracle Objection to RAK More About Light Winds than Iranian Dangers, America’s Cup in the UAE, 9 October 2009.

Inaugural Fujairah Fishing Classic is Al Luring, Fujairah in Focus, 16 October 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Inaugural Fujairah Fishing Classic is Al Luring

Alluring Competition
Several boats are out today for the second of the three day inaugural Fujairah Fishing Classic, joined with some people fishing in kayaks.

The posters plastered around the city by organizer, Bruce Fennessey, adopt a play on some Arabic and fishing lingo when declaring that the competition is ‘Al Luring’.

Alluringly Tasty
Yesterday at the Harbour Club restaurant (located at the Fujairah International Marine Club), while waiting for the competitors to bring in their catch, I ordered this Fish Burger (pictured). This was fresh Fujairah fish called dorado (also mahi-mahi, dolphin fish). Absolutely delicious and it tastes better knowing it is so fresh.

Dorado (photo courtesy of Wikipedia).

Alluring Hospitality
The night before the competition I accepted the invitation to dinner from Raed Dabbous. He owns the Harbour Club Restaurant and to say he is a fishing fanatic is an understatement.

Raed had been out fishing earlier in the day (getting some practice for the Fishing Classic) and had pulled in some mahi-mahi and yellow-fin tuna. The chef cooked the fish in a spicy cachun style and it was served only a few hours after they had been swimming in the water. Ample servings and so tasty.

When the menu at the Harbour Club says ‘Fish of the Day’ there’s a good chance that the fish that is served on your plate has been caught on the very same day.

Alluring Catch

This is Raed or one of his team bringing a handsome fish into the boat (photo courtesy of Raed’s Facebook page).

Alluring Concepts
Tournament director, Bruce Fennessey, has established the rules of the Fujairah Fishing Classic.

Rather than ‘bottom fishing’ where you sit in a boat and let your line and hooks go to the bottom, this competition is about trawling where the boats move along and fish are attracted by the lure.

The eligible species for this competition are yellowfin tuna (and others associated with this family like bonito), dorado (mahi-mahi), trevally, kingfish and rainbow runners.

Bruce said they are focusing on the theme of sustainability. This is not a ‘catch and kill’ tournament for most fishing regions of the world are plagued with overfishing. Specifically they have set bag limits and quotas per boat. Only four tuna can be caught per boat each day and three of every other species.

The biggest fish caught on the first day of the event was an 8.5 kg kingfish pulled in by the Dibba-based team, ‘Team Bite Me’.

On Related Sites
See the Textile and Spice Souks of Dubai UAE, Experiencing the Emirates, 12 October 2009.

BMW Oracle Objection to RAK More About Light Winds than Iranian Dangers, America’s Cup in the UAE, 14 October 2009.

Fly to and From Fujairah by Seawings Seaplane, Fujairah in Focus, 11 October 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Image: Fresh mahimahi served with Cajun spices at the Fujairah Harbour Club.

New Hotel Development along Fujairah Corniche

Among the positive signs are the many building developments in progress in the city of Fujairah.

One of these is the construction of a Five Star Hotel Building (ground plus 5 floors) which upon completion will have a stunning view of the Arabian Sea.

It is located on the Fujairah Corniche, to the northern (Hilton Hotel) side of the ENOC Petrol Station (Fish Roundabout). The ENOC station is in the bottom right corner of the photo.

From the photo looking down on the construction you can see that a considerable amount of land is being reclaimed to enable the hotel to extend towards the sea as well as along the shore.

Ground View

Here is a view from ground level at the junction of the L looking from the ENOC service station towards the Hilton Hotel, Coffeepot Roundabout and Siji Apartments.

On Related Sites
Ski the Snow Slopes at a Dubai Shopping Mall, Experiencing the Emirates, 12 October 2009.

BMW Oracle Objection to RAK More About Light Winds than Iranian Dangers, America’s Cup in the UAE, 9 October 2009.

Fly to and From Fujairah by Seawings Seaplane, Fujairah in Focus, 11 October 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Images: Click to ENLARGE.

See How Rural is the City of Fujairah UAE

This picture was taken from the top of a high-rise apartment tower near the Fujairah waterfront.

I had my back to the Indian Ocean when taking this photo and was looking diagonally across Fujairah to the Hajar Mountains, which on this day were unfortunately shrouded in quarry dust.

The population of Fujairah is 130,000 and rising but it is noticeable how rural the city still is.

This picture looks across Al Nakheel (meaning date palm) Road to a date farm or two.

One usually goes down this road if you are travelling from Fujairah’s main street and commercial district to the corniche via the suburb of Faseel (Siji Apartments, Coffeepot Roundabout, Hilton Hotel etc.)

The compact nature of Fujairah, with date farms at your doorstep and the city sandwiched between mountains and sea, contribute to its charm and character.

On Related Sites
Ski the Snow Slopes at a Dubai Shopping Mall, Experiencing the Emirates, 12 October 2009.

BMW Oracle Objection to RAK More About Light Winds than Iranian Dangers, America’s Cup in the UAE, 9 October 2009.

Fly to and From Fujairah by Seawings Seaplane, Fujairah in Focus, 11 October 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Image: Looking across Fujairah city.

Fly to and From Fujairah by Seawings Seaplane

New Fujairah Marina Base
One of the advantages of Fujairah’s new ‘banana’ breakwater is the protection that it gives to seaplanes like those belonging to the Seawings operation in the UAE.

While Seawings has been arriving and departing from a base near the Al Aqah beach the seaplane company had many of their staff in Fujairah last Friday (9 October 2009) to investigate the feasibility of developing the Fujairah Marina as an additional base and one that is central to the east coast city.

Canadian, Scott Macdonald captained the trial flight last Friday morning. The winds were unusually strong for Fujairah but Captain Scott gave the base the thumbs up saying that the ‘banana’ offered superb protection and created smooth waters for landing and taking off.

The Fujairah Marina satisfies all the criteria necessary to function as a Seawings base and this flying company is appreciative of the invitation and support that has been given by the Fujairah International Marine Club through its Major, Ahmed Ibrahim Mohamed.

Fly to Fujairah and/or Back
For Abu Dhabi and Dubai-based residents and tourists thinking of coming to Fujairah for the weekend by seaplane, check out the features and rates for the Tours to the East Coast.

If you wanted to return by plane, visit the page entitled Tours from the East Coast.

Fujairah Aerial Tour
If you reside in Fujairah or will be staying in the eastern emirate for the weekend Seawings provides the East Coast Pearl Experience which is a 30 minute flight. This gives you the opportunity to see and take aerial pictures of Fujairah’s scenic coastline and get a bird’s eye view of the magnificent Hajar Mountains.

The flights leave from the Fujairah Marina (free car parking available) and return to the same location so the new Harbour Club (located in this facility) is a great place to get a coffee before you leave and celebrate with the drink of your choice upon your return.

At the moment these flights are available on Fridays and Saturdays but as demand picks up Seawings could be available on other days.

Ready for Take Off
Get a small group together, make an enquiry and place a booking at this link. Individual bookings are fine and you don't have to put a group together.

There are a variety of Seawings packages from and to different places around the UAE (Abu Dhabi, Ras al Khaimah etc.) so check these out or come up with your unique proposal for a chartered flight.

Current Rates
The current rate for the 30 minute East Coast Pearl Experience around Fujairah is Dh795 for an adult and Dh675 for a child.

Special Deal—5% Discount
When you book with Seawings tell them you saw this article about their flights on Fujairah in Focus and/or Experiencing the Emirates and you will receive a 5% discount. Do this by phoning Seawings at +971 (0)4 8070708 or emailing at this address: reservations@seawings.ae

Get a Taste of the Seawings Experience
Check out this short video on the Seawings web site or follow this link for the Seawings YouTube Channel to see footage of flights around Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras al Khaimah among the increasing number of videos.

Other Stories and Related Sites
BMW Oracle Objection to RAK More About Light Winds than Iranian Dangers, America’s Cup in the UAE, 9 October 2009.

UAE’s Gulf News Web Site Gets a Makeover, Experiencing the Emirates, 11 October 2009.

Have You Seen the New ‘Banana’ at Fujairah UAE? Fujairah in Focus, 10 October 2009.

Hugh MacLeod on the Key Element in the Best Stories, Stories for Speakers and Writers, 8 October 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Image: Seawings plane arriving on its trial flight with Captain Scott Macdonald in the cockpit. The new Fujairah base with the distinctive ship-shaped marina building is in the background.