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.

Traditional Sword Competitions to be Held in Fujairah

New Initiative
The Fujairah Crown Prince, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, is working hard to preserve and promote the traditional sports of the Emirati people.

His Highness is sponsoring the inaugural Al Saif Traditional Sword Competition with the intention that this will be an annual event in the emirate of Fujairah.

Showcasing Traditional Sports
The sword sports have been practised for hundreds of years by the shihuh (highlander) tribes in the mountains of Fujairah, Ras al Khaimah and in neighbouring Oman.

Many city people are familiar with this tradition as frequently men from the highlands will demonstrate their sword skills as part of the entertainment at Emirati weddings.

Work In Progress
The details of the first annual Al Saif Traditional Sword Competition in Fujairah are yet to be finalised but at a sword skills demonstration this week at the Fujairah Fort some of the features became apparent.

Timetable
+ In the first week of October, announcements via the media channels will give notice of the competition and call for registrations. A call centre will be established to give information on the competition.

+ The qualifying rounds will commence by mid-October, to be held in smaller towns such as Masafi and Dibba as well as in the city of Fujairah. These competitions may be held at schools and at community events in order to generate interest in this first competition.

+ The semi-finals and finals are likely to be held in the grounds of the Fujairah Fort with the final scheduled for 10 December 2010.

Rules of the Competition
+ Because this is the first time the sword competition is being run the rules of the competition are still being formulated.

+ Thought is proceeding on the feasibility of holding team competitions in addition to contests between individuals.

+ The two aspects of the competition will be sword dueling and the throwing and catching of swords (the highest throw that is caught).

The Sword Experience
Along with the sword skills there are other attractive features, notably the dancing with the swords to the sound of traditional Emirati music.

The level of danger involved in the catching of the swords creates tension and contributes to the interest of the public. While the swords are not razor sharp they are pointed and they can do serious damage if they fall in the wrong place or are caught incorrectly.

Handsome Prizes
The generous prizes reflect the commitment of the Crown Prince to fostering the traditions of his people and showcasing them for others to enjoy.

The prizes will be formally announced in the next few days but organizers indicated these provisional details (N.B. this is subject to confirmation):

1st Prize
AED 100,000
Gold sword
Luxury car

2nd Prize
AED 60,000
Silver sword

3rd Prize
AED 40,000
Bronze sword

Other Prizes
Contestants who get one of the places from 4th to 10th spot will each receive AED 10,000.

Getting the Point
It is heartening to see the action of the Crown Prince in supporting a traditional sport that is specialized and conducted only in remote areas of the emirate.

Organizers are estimating that approximately 64 men will contest this inaugural Al Saif Traditional Sword Competition but giving it prominence each year through these annual competitions is likely to encourage many young people to take up the sport.

More details will be added to this article as they come to hand.

Take a Look
See pictures in this photo album of some highlanders demonstrating their sword dueling, dancing, throwing and catching.

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: Some of the ‘highlanders’ rose to great heights in the sword dueling which all added to the entertainment value.

Fujairah International Marine Club Extends Marina by 60 Berths

In addition to a new observation deck, the Managing Director of the Fujairah International Marine Club (FIMC) has announced the development of a new extension to the Fujairah marina.

Major Ahmed Ebraheim Alblooshi says that this marina extension will create another 60 berths—30 big boats and 30 smaller vessels—thus being able to moor a total of 120 boats (40 large boats and the rest a smaller size).

The project will be completed in 2 weeks, in time for the new season of marine sports which is soon to be announced.

Same Company
SF Marina in Dubai, which has its head office in Sweden, has once again won the new contract (Phase 2 & 3) after undertaking Phase 1 at the Fujairah marina two years ago.

This company specializes in manufacturing the full concrete floating pontoons which are installed on mooring systems of chains and anchors.

Timely Decision
Major Ahmed said that the cost of this extension is AED 4 million. He and his board decided to do it now because with the global recession and downturn in marina building they were able to negotiate significant savings of AED 650,000.

The Major said: “We already have several boat owners on a waiting list for new berths so this extension will make them happy as well as generating more revenue for the Marine Club and for Fujairah.”

Phase 4
Phase 4 of the marina is still in the planning. This will create a further 12 berths but moving ahead on this addition will depend on future demand.

New Marina for Dibba
One other plan that Major Ahmed is dreaming about is to create a new marina in Fujairah’s northern city of Dibba. This is a strategic location with its proximity to the hotels of Al Aqah and the marine activities of the Musandam Peninsula.

Dibba is also another traditional marine city in Al Fujairah and it has often hosted the boating competitions of the Fujairah International Marine Club.

Take a Look
Pictures of the marina extension taking shape are posted in this public photo album.

Related
New Observation Deck to View Fujairah Marine Activities, FIF, 29 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 site.

Image: The long part of the jetty extension pointing towards the sea and from which the finger-like pontoons are being attached.

New Observation Deck to View Fujairah Marine Activities

Marine Views
There has been much activity over the summer months at the Fujairah International Marine Club (FIMC) to create new facilities for the upcoming season of marine sports.

One of the new features is the creation of an observation deck that gives a spectacular view over the Fujairah Harbour.

Major Ahmed Ebraheim Alblooshi, the Managing Director of the FIMC, said that when the first floor of his ship-shaped building was being renovated to accommodate a new Chinese restaurant it was decided to create an observation deck.

Many Functions
This high, large area will be a perfect viewing place, especially for VIPs to watch boat races on competition days. They will now have an outside viewing position as well as an inside area equipped with television sports channels.

When there is no racing the area will be used by the Chinese restaurant as an outside terrace for eating, drinking and shisha.

A staircase has been built to give external access to the observation deck without needing to enter through the building.

Major Ahmed said, “The substantial overhang will also be good for the Harbour Club Restaurant below by giving diners shelter from the sun. This could easily be glassed in and fitted with air conditioning to make it a comfortable all year round coffee spot with a fantastic marine view.”

Take a Look
Have a look at this photo album of the soon to be finished FIMC Observation Deck.

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: “One of the new features is the creation of an observation deck that gives a spectacular view over the Fujairah Harbour.” (This picture gives a special preview for readers of Fujairah in Focus before the deck has been cleaned and spruced up for use).

Historic First 360° Panorama Photos Taken of Fujairah

The first panorama photos have been created and posted of Fujairah city.

The Hungarian brothers who operate the 360emirates Virtual Tours, Frigyes Toth (manager) and Zsolt Toth (photographer), have been to Fujairah several times in the last few weeks to let businesses know of this resource and to start taking panoramas in the emirate of Fujairah.

360° Fujairah
From this main web link put ‘Fujairah’ into the SEARCH box to locate the growing number of Fujairah panoramas. Click on one of the Fujairah panorama virtual tours and see how the screen flies from the Burj Khalifa to Fujairah.

The first panorama posted on the Al Hajar Mountains at Masafi on 20 September had received 887 views by the 29th of the month.

The second panorama posted on the 24 September of the Incense Burner Roundabout had received 393 views at the time of writing.

The third panorama posted later on the 24 September of the Coffeepot Roundabout by 29 September had been viewed 369 times.

Fujairah History
On 28 September, the largest panorama of the city of Fujairah was posted and in a few hours had been seen more than a 100 times.

This has been taken by a camera with a capacity of a massive 1.33 Gigapixels which gives the panoramic photos clarity and great detail.

When viewers click on the Auto-Rotate button they get to see all around Fujairah and they can zoom in with a mouse click.

The city of Fujairah is ideal for taking these panoramas because it is encircled by the Hajar Mountains which provide ideal vantage points.

Next Steps
After several of these wide city shots are taken and stitched together, businesses, hotels, Colleges, schools and shopping malls can elect to have a red locator put on a Fujairah panorama to let the world know where they are.

The red dot comes with a panoramic photo either outside or inside your place or both and information details of your company can be placed so viewers know how they can get to you, aided by the associated SHOW MAP function.

Businesses can also elect to have a Virtual Tour to give viewers and prospective customers a look at the many facilities and products they have to offer.

Further
360° Emirates Panorama on Google Earth Comes to Fujairah, FIF, 21 September 2010.

Geoff Pound

N.B. I have a business interest in 360emirates. More on my disclaimer at the top of this article.

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.

Businesses and Apartment Towers in Fujairah Waiting for Power

Drive around Fujairah at night and you’ll quickly spot a number of apartment towers, hospitals and businesses that are standing in the dark without power.

Not Lovin’ It
Contrary to their advertising, McDonald’s in the UAE is not ‘lovin’ it’.

Managing Director for the UAE, Rafic Fakih, says the new McDonald’s in Fujairah has been ready and sitting idle for one year. It is waiting for power along with other fast food outlets on the ENOC property near to Fujairah’s Beach Motel.

Fakir says that every week he speaks with ENOC who in turn renew the request to the powers that be.

The Managing Director says:

“It is very frustrating. We are paying our rental to occupy the land. Our team for the McDonald’s in Fujairah has been appointed and they are waiting ready to go. Once the power is switched on it will only take us ten days to begin service.”

Extra Power
Some other first time businesses seeking a connection have been successful and are up and running but a greater supply from the power plant is needed to satisfy the growing need.

Further
McDonald’s, Thai Express and Subway Coming to Fujairah, FIF, 16 June 2010.
The Good News and the Bad News about Fujairah Housing, FIF, 8 September 2010.
Power shortage in Fujairah leaves sparks flying, FIF, 26 August 2009.
Fujairah homes and businesses without power, switch to generators, FIF, 16 June 2009.
Power and water in short supply for Fujairah’s new buildings, FIF, 4 June 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.

Sheikh Mohammed Says the Whole UAE is Back

In a Bloomberg Television interview in Kentucky after the UAE team had won gold medal in the team equestrian 12 hour, 160 kilometre endurance race, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum spoke of the economic recovery and put Dubai in the context of the entire United Arab Emirates.

Recession
On the recession the Ruler of Dubai said:

“We take it as a challenge! Life would be boring if there was no challenge.”

Vision
The Sheikh did not speak of a changed vision but admitted some of the big projects might take six months to one year longer than their estimated completion date.

Lessons for Crown Prince
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed al Maktoum, who also was an integral part of the equestrian endurance race was 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.”

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

Financial Capital Between East and West?
When asked whether his vision for Dubai was for Dubai to be a financial capital of the Middle East and a financial transition point between East and West Sheikh Mohammed replied:

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

Link
Margaret Brennan and Zahra Hankir, Dubai Ruler Says ‘We Are Back’ After Debt Accord, Bloomberg, 27 September 2010.

Watch Video
Interview with HH Sheikh Mohammed and HH Sheikh Hamdan, Bloomberg Television, 27 September 2010.

Related
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.

Click on the above link and get Fujairah news and pictures coming onto your daily Facebook News Update.

Image: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum crosses the finishing line in second place riding Ciel Oriental in the Endurance Championship during the World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo courtesy of EPA)

Middle Eastern Breakfast at Al Meshwar in Fujairah

Middle Eastern
The Al Meshwar restaurant offers one of the best Middle Eastern breakfast menus in Fujairah.

Most of the international hotels in the city include some Middle Eastern dishes but these are usually part of their big and more expensive breakfast buffets which tend to encourage eating up large to make you feel you are getting your money’s worth (that sounds like a confession!).

I’ve been fed too much on the nutritionist’s advice to “eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper.”

For me breakfast is the best meal of the day and while most of the week I’m a creature of habit in regard to my breakfast menu, the weekend is a good time for breaking out and doing something different.

Al Meshwar Breakfast Menu
These are the items as printed on the breakfast menu along with the prices:

AED 15 Fateh with yogurt (some explanation of fateh)
AED 18 Fateh with sesame seed oil
AED 10 Foul Medammas
AED 12 Foul with sesame seed oil
AED 22 Hommos with meat
AED 22 Hommos with pine seeds
AED 20 Nashef, lamb
AED 20 Nashef, chicken
AED 20 Mushrooms with lamb
AED 12 Omelet
AED 10 Fried eggs
AED 10 Scrambled eggs
AED 14 Labneh

Remember that in time these prices are bound to change! So might the menu.

Breakfast begins with Al Meshwar’s classic puffed bread that comes hot from the oven.

A small salad and a plate of assorted olives accompany the order.

I have tried and enjoyed as the main dish the fateh with yogurt (pictured) that comes topped with pine nuts. It is ample especially if you’re eating it with the delicious bread.

The Al Meshwar Experience
With its distinctive architecture this restaurant has taken on an iconic status in Fujairah.

It commenced operations in 1998 and moved to its current location in 2003. With its massive size the restaurant can cater up to 800 people at one time.

Al Meshwar boasts four levels and an outdoor terrace:

Ground: A café with à la carte menu and shisha (and the place for breakfast)

Mezzanine: Café for families only with à la carte menu and shisha. This floor has a private area for families and special functions.

First Floor: Non-smoking area, main restaurant with à la carte offering three sections including general seating and eating, family sections and a private VIP room.

Roof Top: Built for shisha with beautiful fountains and waterfalls to make for a relaxed setting.

Terrace: Whenever the weather allows any meal and shisha can be enjoyed outdoors at the ground floor terrace surrounded by plants and landscaping.

More at Al Meshwar
There’s much more at Al Meshwar from their complete lamb meal (AED 750), seafood section, their huge Al Meshwar mixed grill (for meat lovers) to catering for special functions and free deliveries.

They open each day at 9.00am and finish at some unearthly hour.

Contact Details
Tel: 09 2231113
Fax: 09 2233667
Email: meshwar(at)emirates.net.ae

Location
Al Meshwar is on the main street of Fujairah on the right side as you drive towards Dubai.

Coming from Dubai one can circle the roundabout adjacent to the Fujairah Tower and head up for a few metres in the direction in which you came until you see KFC. It is behind KFC, set off from the main street.

Al Meshwar on the Map

View Al Meshwar Restaurant Fujairah in a larger map

Take a Look!
More Pictures in this Photo Album.

Download the Menu
It is downloadable from here (this is a 6MB PDF File)

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.

Click on the above link and get Fujairah news and pictures coming onto your daily Facebook News Update.

Image: “I have tried and enjoyed as the main dish the fateh with yogurt (pictured) that comes topped with pine nuts.”

Wasta—What is it and How Do I Get Some?

I was intrigued with the above wasta questions on Dubai FAQs Information Guide and felt it was useful to repost the answers that were added to this forum site on 7 June 2009 under the heading, Wasta in Dubai and the UAE:

Defining Wasta
Wasta is a word often heard in Dubai and in the UAE.

It is Arabic and translates as something like authority, influence, political (or other) power, connections, or a combination of those terms. In practical terms it means that some rules can become more flexible if you have wasta, or know someone who has wasta. Also, a bit of wasta can smooth or speed up business transactions, bureaucratic issues, and other official procedures. At its best (or worst, depending on your point of view), a good dose of wasta could keep you out of jail or save you from other unpleasant consequences of dubious activities.

The common English expression "it's not what you know but who you know ... " is a rough equivalent of wasta.

Wasta Scale
On the wasta scale (not that there is an official one), things that can make a difference in the UAE are your nationality, your profession, who you work for, who you know, your political position in the country, your connections to people in positions of authority. Money and how long you have lived in the UAE don't usually directly affect your wasta level but indirectly they do since longer term residents may have built up a larger network of high-wasta friends, and rich people often associate with other rich people who may be high-wasta individuals.

Learning of Wasta
Many expat residents learn about wasta through a driving experience. In simple terms, the more wasta someone has, the less likely they are to cop a fine and/or be blamed if there's an accident.

Wasta can result in some unusual situations for example, green lights were actually red when you went through them because the person who crashed into you had enough wasta to change the color retroactively.

Signs of Wasta
Indications of higher levels of wasta on the road are dark tinted or mirror tinted windows (30% maximum is the law so anything more than that means it's likely they have enough wasta to get around this rule), number plates with fewer than 5 digits (but anyone can buy them now if they have enough cash so it's not as good an indication as in the past).

Viewing Wasta
Wasta is something that many expats, especially westerners, find difficult to come to terms with but you'll find it easier to enjoy Dubai if you get used to that rather than try to fight it. And of course it helps if you can elevate your own wasta level somehow.

Wasta and Bribery
Don't confuse wasta with bribery. If you try to bribe a government official, for example a police officer who has just pulled you up for driving though somebody's garden, you should expect to be punished fairly harshly for trying to bribe them.

And if the owner of the garden that you drove through has some wasta, then you'll probably be even worse off. In the business world, things may operate a little differently. Just as anywhere else in the world, the negotiation of business transactions and contracts is not always done on a level playing field, and bribes ... er gifts ... might be part of your discussions with interested parties.

Thanks to forum writers who contributed to this helpful.

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.

Click on the above link and get Fujairah news and pictures coming onto your daily Facebook News Update.

Image: “Number plates with fewer than 5 digits (but anyone can buy them now if they have enough cash).”

Will the Masdar Experiment Impact Fujairah and the Rest of the UAE?

Showcasing Masdar
The television stations are giving ample coverage to the UAE’s Masdar development as last week people began moving into the city to be part of this environmental development.

Moving Into Masdar
Masdar tourists are visiting the initial three acre block and Masdar scholars are poised to study the state of the art technology at the new Masdar Institute.

Masdar Technology
It is heartening to learn how Masdar designers are updating the traditional Arabian wind towers to cool the city, establishing solar panels, creating water treatment plants and banning oil-fuelled cars. But looking from across the UAE there is a yearning for at least some of this technology to be introduced outside the Masdar walls.

The more ‘Masdar World’ develops, the more it is being described as a gated-community that is set apart from ordinary life in the Emirates.

Nicolai Ouroussoff in his New York Times article, ‘In Arabian Desert, a Sustainable City Rises’ (25 September 2010) describes Masdar as “a self-sufficient society…outside the reach of most of the world’s citizens.”

Masdar Applied
Ultimately the impact of the Masdar model will be gauged by how well its lessons and technology are caught and implemented across the country to emirates like Fujairah.

It’s a challenge to create a model city on a small stretch of sand but it’s a greater task to apply the principles of sustainability and environmental excellence to the communities that already sprawl across the Emirates.

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.

Click on the above link and get Fujairah news and pictures coming onto your daily Facebook News Update.

Image: The Masdar Institute, September 2010 (Photo Courtesy of Brian’s Blog)

Abu Dhabi to Fujairah Oil Pipeline to Be Finished End of 2010

Mohamed Al-Hamli, the UAE’s oil minister, said that the new Abu Dhabi to Fujairah oil pipeline would be finished this year.

“The $3.3 billion pipeline to the UAE’s easternmost emirate, Fujairah, aims to ‘bypass’ the Strait [of Hormuz] and will carry about 1.5 million barrels of oil a day, Al-Hamli said in an interview in Washington.

An earlier Bloomberg article gave reasons for the need to create the UAE pipeline which is principally designed to overcome the chokepoint at the mouth of the Persian Gulf when Iran threatens to block the Strait.

While the UAE is confident the Strait will remain open to tankers, the purpose of the pipeline is “to really not put too much pressure on the ships coming into the Gulf,” Al-Hamli said.

Link
Simon Lomax, Oil Pipeline Bypassing Strait of Hormuz to be Finished This Year, Bloomberg, 23 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.

Click on the above link and get Fujairah news and pictures coming onto your daily Facebook News Update.

Image: ‘The new Abu Dhabi to Fujairah oil pipeline would be finished this year.”

Recycling Waste in Fujairah Shouldn’t Be Rubbished

One day these rubbish carts [pictured] will be a thing of the past—something we will only see in the Fujairah Museum.

One day we will take our children and grandchildren to the museum and say:

“We used to throw out together all our paper, glass, plastic, tins, food and garden waste into rubbish carts like this.”

“It took a long time but eventually the authorities latched on to the idea that if residents had separate bins near their house—one for plastics, one for paper, one for glass and so on—then trucks could come and take these off to be recycled.”

“We eventually realized that this was not only much better for the environment but that recycling actually made money so that picking up the waste in this way turned out to be cheaper than the old way of dumping it and using it for landfill.”

One day…

Related
Region’s First Bottle-to-Bottle Recycling Facility, ETE, 13 November 2009.
Looking Forward to a Recycling Service at Every Door in Fujairah, FIF, 5 June 2009.
Oman Leads UAE in Recycling by Using Fujairah Facility, FIF, 13 October 2008.
Fujairah Women’s College Takes the Lead, ETE, 18 April 2007.
Municipal recycling Facilities in Fujairah: I’d Like to See That! FIF, 7 November 2007.

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.

Click on the above link and get Fujairah news and pictures coming onto your daily Facebook News Update.

Image: One day these rubbish carts will be a thing of the past—something we will only see in the Fujairah Museum.

Take a Dhow Cruise on the Fujairah Seas

The Barracuda Diving Center is now based at the ship-shaped Fujairah International Marine Club.

They offer many water-based activities and services including:
+ Diving Trips
+ Fishing Trips
+ Snorkeling
+ Marine Activities
+ Equipment Sales
+ Equipment Rentals
+ Diving Courses
+ Boat Rentals

Details of Dhow Cruises
Joanne, who manages the bookings, gives these details about the cruises:

Numbers
Minimum 10 people, maximum 20 people.

Timings
7-11 am
12-4 pm
5-9 pm

Duration
Regular dhow cruises go for approximately four hours.

Direction
There is flexibility but a basic cruise would explore the coast from the Fujairah Corniche to Khor Fakkan, Dibba and back to the Fujairah International Marine Club Marina.

Supplies
+ Drinks are included (water, juice, coffee, and tea).
+ TV and stereo inside.
+ One bathroom onboard and small kitchen. You can bring your own food.
+ Snorkels and fishing rods can be supplied according to your wishes.

Ideas
The dhow cruise is a great idea for birthday parties, work parties, fishing trips or occasions of any type. Cruises can be tailored according to your specific needs.

Cost
The normal cost of the dhow cruise is AED 250 per person, based on a minimum of 10 people.

Take a Look
Pictures of the dhow are posted in this photo album.

Further
More information is available from the Barracuda Diving Center Facebook Page or by contacting in these ways:

Barracuda Diving Center
Fujairah International Marine Club
Tel: +971 (0)9-2225580
Fax: +971 (0)9-2225508
Email: bdcfuj(at)emirates.net.ae

Related
Things to See and Do Along the Fujairah Corniche, FIF, 20 June 2009.
Fishing Lures People to Fujairah and Still They’re Getting Hooked, FIF, 14 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.

Click on the above link and get Fujairah news and pictures coming to your daily Facebook News Update.