Data Collection in Fujairah is a Team Affair

The Fujairah ‘Data Updating for Population, Residences and Establishments’ is very much a process in teamwork.

Ruler’s Decree
When His Highness, Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and the Ruler of Fujairah, ordered an emirate-wide census to be staged in 2011, the Fujairah Statistics Center swung into action, led by the CEO, Dr. Ibrahim Saad.

Skilled and Trained
The statisticians have had to finalize the questions and the survey stages, the IT personnel have created software for the PDAs to receive and transfer the data, 29 surveyors thus far have been selected and trained on the process, supervisors have been readied to sort out local issues and the promotional experts have been letting the public know what to expect in their area.

Fujairah Residents
The most important players in the Tehdees ul Bayanat, (Project for Data Updating) are the residents of Fujairah. While Stage 1 (16 January to 15 February) and Stage 2 (6 March to 5 April) are about counting buildings, residences and establishments, the final stage (1 May to 31 May) will involve all residents giving information that will help the Fujairah Government to plan roads, bridges, houses and amenities for the future.

Take a Look
Some photos of some of the key players in Stage 1 of the Fujairah ‘Data Updating for Population, Residences and Establishments’ are posted in this photo album. Do you recognize any of them? One of them is currently counting buildings in your area.

Related
People Count in Fujairah, FIF, 16 January 2011.
Data Updating in Fujairah Conducted by Surveyors with PDAs, FIF, 29 December 2010.
Fujairah Ruler Orders Census in 2011, FIF, 26 December 2010.

Geoff Pound

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

Image: The ‘Data Updating for Population, Residences and Establishments’ is a real team effort of statisticians, marketers and IT personnel at the Fujairah Statistics Centre, under the leadership of Dr. Ibrahim Saad (seated in the front row before the water bottles).

Where’s the Beef in Fujairah?

Butcheries
Most of the large super and hypermarkets in Fujairah have their own butchery where you can ask for a special cut of meat as well as purchase pre-cut and plastic sealed pieces.

The largest and one of the oldest rows of butcher shops is strategically placed between Fujairah’s Fruit and Vegetable Souq (market) and the Fish Souq on Al Gurfa Road.

These are all small butcheries but they each have character and variety. The butchers tend to cooperate with one another to get you the meat of your choice.

International Butchers
The butchers come from different countries. Take the King Meat Shop as an example. The head butcher is Imran and he comes from Aleppo in Syria. He has worked in Fujairah for 5 years and he gets paid approximately 5000 AED a month.

Kosru, his assistant, hails from Sylhet near the hills of north east Bangladesh. He has less training and experience and he takes home 1,000 AED per month.

Meat of the World
The meat at all the butcheries is mostly imported from different parts of the world. The meat on sale at the King depends on what is in stock but recently New Zealand and Australian lamb was selling for AED 30 per kilogram and beef from Australia and Pakistan was on sale at 25 AED per kg (without bone) or 20 AED (with bone).

Variety
There’s plenty of beef, lamb and chicken available but you won’t find pork in these butcheries. It is available at some supermarkets such as Choitrams in Fujairah’s main street.

Hours
The King Meat Shop (like the other butcheries) opens at 8.00am. It closes about 2pm and reopens at 4.00pm for the evening session.

Take a Look
Some of the pictures of the King Meat Shop and surrounding butcheries are posted in this photo album.

Geoff Pound

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

Image: Imran (with the maroon fez) and Kosru giving a royal welcome to the King Meat Shop.

People Count in Fujairah

Census Starts Today
The ‘Data Updating for Population, Residences and Establishments’ or Tehdees ul Bayanat, starts today in the emirate of Al Fujairah.

Yesterday, 29 surveyors received their instructions and PDAs on which they will collect the data and from 4pm Sunday 16 January, the 2011 Fujairah census will commence.

Able Supervision
Each surveyor is working under an experienced supervisor who will help deal with problems, transfer the data each evening to a main server and conduct samples to ensure that the information collecting is being done accurately and efficiently.

Stage One
This first phase, from 16 January to 15 February, will involve the counting of buildings and establishments. The rate at which surveyors collect the information each afternoon will depend upon whether their survey area is urban or rural, how much travelling is involved between the buildings and the difficulty of getting access.

The target is for surveyors to count 50 buildings per day.

Related
Data Updating in Fujairah Conducted by Surveyors with PDAs, FIF, 29 December 2010.
Fujairah Ruler Orders Census in 2011, FIF, 26 December 2010.

Geoff Pound

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

Image: A surveyor receiving his PDA, name badge and other resources from Fujairah Statistics Center staff, Mr. Anwar (blue shirt) and Mr. Ali (red shirt).

Dubai Photographers Shoot Fujairah and the UAE East Coast

Amazing dedication was on display when more than 20 Dubai photographers arrived in Fujairah at 5.30 in the morning last Friday.

The Friday Shoot Out (FSO) is a group drawn together only a few months ago by Lal Nallath. They have been averaging a dozen every Friday but the attractive East Coast location yesterday almost doubled the attendance.

Why arrive so early when it is dark and cold? These photographers know that the early morning light has a rare quality. They wanted to capture those magical 15 minutes before the sun came up over the Indian Ocean at 7am—the rich hues, especially the golden colours when the sun begins to beam on the Hajars.

After an enlightening talk in the dark by Fujairah photographer, Alan Nambiar, the tripods came out with the camera bags. The starting point was the estuary at Khor Kalba where the warm light lit up the mountains in spectacular fashion. The early morning was still so the reflections were true, the subjects were sharp and the distant landscape emerged with clear definition.

Among the photographers (only one woman) were amateurs who shoot scenes in their spare time and ad-agency professionals who use their best images to create a portfolio and showcase what they can do for a company. Some of them strolled in solitude while others shot in pairs or hunted in packs.

After a couple of hours the Dubai Friday Shooters gathered at Fujairah’s Malabar Palace for an Indian breakfast of dosa with sambhar, chapatti and chai. Lots of chatter, laughter and stories of prize-winning photos snapped.

For many this was their first or second visit to Fujairah and Sharjah’s East Coast. Judging by their reaction, they’ll be back. In fact the Dubai FSO has already scheduled a return visit next month. They loved the location—the combination of water scenes, the greenery and the mountains in what for many camera enthusiasts is an unexplored paradise.

Take a Look
If one picture is worth a thousand words see some of the action and learn some photo shooting lessons from these enthusiasts. Here is the link.

Geoff Pound

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

Image: A frenzy of photographers.

Fujairah Residential Market Outlook

Essa Al Mulla, the Lease Manager for Fujairah National Properties, has an interesting analysis of the residential market in the eastern emirate.

This report was created in 2010 but it is still relevant and Essa plans to write a new report when the outlook changes significantly.

Influences
According to Essa Al Mulla the residential property outlook for Fujairah is influenced by these main factors:

1. Population Increase
The Fujairah population last year was approximately 165,000 and it is growing by 7% meaning that 11,500 more people this year are hunting for homes. This puts pressure on the rental market.

2. New Marriages
The marriage rate of young people is increasing in Fujairah by 14% each year (approximately 680 weddings). Not all newly married couples will need to find a unit of their own in Fujairah but this factor is influential.

3. Increase in New Employment
Look at Essa’s analysis of the employment statistics and his forecasting.

Supply and Demand
Essa predicts the total demand for housing units, he makes a prediction of new homes that will be available on the basis of housing permits granted in recent years and then he estimates whether supply will satisfy the demand.

Power Switch
A further critical factor in this equation is how fast new housing units will be switched on to the electricity supply.

Good News
Check out Essa’s forecast that indicates that as the electricity is turned on in Fujairah and new housing units become available, rental prices across the board will drop significantly.

Read for Yourself
The link to the paper Fujairah Residential Market Outlook 2010.

Check out rental accommodation available from Fujairah National Properties.

Geoff Pound

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

Image: One of the rental apartment towers in Fujairah’s main street.

So Long Shankar and Family!

Shankar Bharadwaj, one of Fujairah’s identities, is soon to leave the emirate to launch a new hotel in Bahrain.

While serving in the hotel industry in Dubai for many years, Shankar and his family moved to Fujairah in 2002 where he became the Director of Sales and Marketing at the Al Diar Siji Hotel. During these years Shankar represented the manager in implementing the high quality standards laid out by the International Standards Operation (ISO) and he supervised the launching of the Siji Hotel Apartments in Faseel.

In 2009 Shankar joined Fujairah’s Coral Residence Tower, now renamed Coral Suites Hotel to become the Director of Sales and Marketing for this hotel and others in the Coral chain throughout the Northern Emirates.

The move to Bahrain involves being General Manager for projects associated with the Coral Hotels and initially overseeing the outfitting of a new 4 star business hotel.

People Person
Beyond his work with bookings and beds, Shankar Bharadwaj is a people person who has endeared himself to many people in Fujairah in this last decade. Warm, engaging, personable, Shankar has quickly got to know guests and members of the business community.

Boots and All
Shankar has been active in the Fujairah Indian Social Club, holding just about every position on offer. On 29 January, Shankar and his family will be thanked and farewelled by the local Indian Community.

The Fujairah Toastmasters is the other group that has benefited from Shankar’s speeches, leadership and encouragement. One of his last contributions has been to create the space at the Coral Suites Hotel for the regular meetings of the Toastmasters to be held on these premises.

By getting involved ‘boots and all’ in these two social and service organizations, Shankar has demonstrated one of the chief ways that expatriates can soon feel at home in a new country and enjoy the satisfaction of making a significant contribution.

Farewell
The move to Bahrain is this time not a move to another city but a move to another country. Shankar says he and his family will miss their friends and life generally in Fujairah but they are grateful for a new opportunity and hopeful that friendships will continue.

We thank Shankar, Shreevidya and their children for the contribution they have made to the community of Fujairah and we wish them well in their new life in Bahrain.

Geoff Pound

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

Images: “Shankar has demonstrated one of the chief ways that expatriates can soon feel at home in a new country and enjoy the satisfaction of making a significant contribution.”

Postscript
If you haven't got his email, here is Shankar's Facebook contact through which you can send him a message and book a very cheap hotel room when you visit Bahrain!

Roundabout Renovations in Fujairah

The roundabouts are a distinctive feature of the Fujairah roadscape and a key to understanding the essence of the local culture.

Some of the roundabouts have recently been through a beautification process with new grass and flowers being planted within the circle.

The roundabout near the new entry to the Fujairah Fort has had nothing short of a complete overhaul in the last few days.

Drivers coming down Moh’d Bin Matar Rd (with its car showrooms and Dana Plaza) will have noticed that the roundabout is radically different. All the trees have gone and with them the grass cover.

Watch This Space
The total extraction of the trees gives to drivers a much clearer view of cars approaching from the roads that flow into this circuit.

The absence of the tall trees now brings the Fujairah Fort into much greater prominence, day and night, which may be the chief reason that prompted the overhaul.

There is no word yet on what this refurbished roundabout will look like or whether it will be the subject of some novel roundabout architecture which has been proposed in an earlier article.

Further
The Falcon Roundabout in Fujairah Reminds People of High Values, FIF, 31 October 2010.
It’s Time for the New Date Roundabout in Fujairah, FIF, 18 September 2010.
Fishing Lures People to Fujairah and Still They’re Getting Hooked, FIF, 14 September 2010.
Discover What Fujairah is about from its Roundabouts, FIF, 3 September 2010.

The.Roundabout Architecture of Dibba-Fujairah, FIF, 19 December 2010.

Geoff Pound

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

Images: “The roundabout near the new entry to the Fujairah Fort has had nothing short of a complete overhaul in the last few days… The absence of the tall trees now brings the Fujairah Fort into much greater prominence, day and night.”

Business, Free Zones and the Real Estate Market in Fujairah

Arabian Business has posted three recent articles focusing on the emirate of Fujairah.

The articles look at how Fujairah has fared in the global recession, the successes and weaknesses of the UAE free zone policy, how Fujairah has approached the real estate market and what the eastern emirate is doing to become a region on the rise.

There is some overlap in themes and content among the three articles but the common denominator is the conversation between Gavin Davids of Arabian Business and Sharief Habib Al Awadhi, the Director General of the Fujairah Free Zone.

Links
The three articles and the links:

Gavin Davids, UAE Free Zones Must Adapt to Survive, Arabian Business, 30 December 2010.
Gavin Davids, Fujairah Eyeing Real Estate Upturn in 2011, Arabian Business, 2 January 2011.
Gavin Davids, Fujairah Rising, Arabian Business, 9 January 2011.

Geoff Pound

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

Image: Fujairah on the rise: a row of new hotels and apartment towers in Fujairah’s main street.

But it’s in the Contract!

How many times have UAE residents uttered these words when discovering that some employment benefit that was written into a contract was being ignored or a clause about the final payout will no longer apply?

It’s easy to conclude that contracts in the UAE are not binding even when they’ve been signed and sealed.

Jeremy Williams in his guide for living in the Gulf (Don’t They Know It’s Friday?) throws light on this issue (p77):

Contractual Obligations v. Personal Trust
Most matters are forever negotiable in Arab eyes. Nothing is really concluded, not even if set out in a signed legal contract, freely negotiated beforehand.

For an Arab, it is said, friendship and personal trust are more important than legal papers and man-made laws (but never God's law, the Shariah).

Circumstances change, therefore what was once true and agreed is no longer true and can be changed and especially if it brings benefit….

However, it would be the height of folly for the Westerner to assume that this friendly 'jam tomorrow' approach works in both directions: Western contractual failure to provide goods or services on time usually means that the Arab organisation concerned will quickly invoke the relevant contract penalty clauses.

Seen in a Person’s Eye
Jo Tatchell in her book, A Diamond in the Desert, includes this story on the same theme, about a meeting between Edward Henderson (distinguished British diplomat in the Gulf) and Sheikh Zayed before he became the ruler of Abu Dhabi:

Neither Edward nor Zayed mentioned the trunk. The quarterly payment from the oil company sat unguarded on the passenger seat of the pick-up, awaiting its rightful turn in the proceedings. When it was eventually stood before Zayed, he acknowledged it with a mere tilt of his head. He did not look at the money inside. As far as Edward knew, no one ever checked the amount. On this occasion, though, he had been instructed to ask for a signed receipt. As the payments had soared, Head Office had demanded paperwork. Zayed roared with laughter when Edward opened the envelope and passed him the piece of paper. “A receipt! Do they no longer trust you, bin Hender?”

Out on the sands, good faith was seen in a man's eye. An official document meant nothing. Zayed looked at Edward, shrugged and called for a pen. “If this is how it must be now, I will sign their paper.” At that moment both men knew that the old ways would not do in the advancing era of wealth and commerce.

Related
“…and it is culturally insensitive to ask an Emirati whether…” FIF, 31 August, 2010.
Check out Fines Before You Spit, Litter, Urinate or Abandon Items on UAE Streets, ETE, 15 July 2009.
Men, Leave Your Jewellery at Home when you Visit the Emirates, ETE, 22 July 2009.
What to Wear in the UAE? ETE, 24 November 2007.
Etiquette in the Emirates, ETE, 21 February 2008.
Drug Laws in the UAE: Travellers Beware! ETE, 4 March 2008.
The UAE and the Law, ETE, 30 December 2007.
UAE Information: Essential Guide for New Residents to the Emirates, ETE, 1 January 2008.
Dubai Malls Join Anti-Indecency Campaign, Gulf News, 7 August 2009.
Don’t they Know It’s Friday by Jeremy Williams, RBAM, 6 June 2008.
Are you ready to come to the UAE? ETE, 6 June 2008.

Geoff Pound

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

Fascinating Combinations in Fujairah

Dates and Dried Fish
The Rashid Dates Shop is in a row of date shops on the northern side of the Fujairah Fish Souq.

There are so many varieties of dates in this shop and the vendor is eager to let you taste them with the thought that once you sample one you won’t want to leave his shop without a kilo or two.

What caught my attention were the sacks of dried fish standing outside the date shop. They had such a pungent smell and the shopkeeper mentioned that the fish had been caught in Fujairah waters and then dried on the beach.

I had never thought of dates and fish together in a shop, on a menu or on the meal table but maybe this is one of Fujairah’s fascinating combos.

Dates and Wheat
There’s a new shop being established near the roundabout where Moh’d Bin Matar Rd connects, diagonally across from where the large mosque is being built, opposite K.M. Trading and on the road that leads down to the old Fujairah suburb of Madhab.

One of the new shops in this row has the beautiful sign, Dates and Wheat. The shop does not appear to be ready for business but it has a web site in the making. Dates and wheat! This is another interesting Fujairah combination.

Geoff Pound

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

Lesley Hazleton on Reading the Koran

As the Middle East is the place where many religious writings were revealed and written, residents of this region, regardless of their convictions, might well do to suspend their judgment, shun the stereotypes and read the holy books for themselves.

This is what agnostic Jew Lesley Hazleton did with the Koran and in this fascinating TED Talk, she tells of the experience and shares what she discovered.

Accidental Theologist
A psychologist by training and Middle East reporter by experience, British-born Lesley Hazleton has spent the last ten years exploring the intersections of politics and religion, past and present.

Journalist and ‘accidental theologist’ Lesley Hazleton is the author of ‘After the Prophet: The Epic Story of the Shia-Sunni Split’.

Exploding the Myths
TED Talks says in the introduction:

“Lesley Hazleton sat down one day to read the Koran. And what she found—as a non-Muslim, a self-identified ‘tourist’ in the Islamic holy book—wasn't what she expected. With serious scholarship and warm humour, Hazleton shares the grace, flexibility and mystery she found, in this myth-debunking talk.”

Find out Yourself
Alan Klein adds this comment about the value of listening to Hazleton’s talk:

“Very interesting perspective. Her talk has motivated me to read and learn more about the Koran and make up my own mind rather than get second hand information filled with hate.”

Listen to the Talk



Geoff Pound

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

Image: Lesley Hazleton (Photo courtesy of the Female Chaplin)

Commemorating the Accession of HH Sheikh Mohammed as Ruler of Dubai

Fast Forward
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was not wallowing in the adulation that was coming his way this week but the fifth anniversary of his accession as Ruler of Dubai on 4 January 2011 was simply a stimulus to press on.

In this celebratory week he was still giving expression to the statement he made 16 years ago (4 January 1995) when he became Crown Prince:

“I do not know if I am a good leader, but I am a leader. And I have a vision … I take decisions and I move fast. Full throttle.”

Compassionate Leader
His Highness is a visionary and decisive leader, yet one who makes time to show compassion. For example, this week saw him extending sympathy to members of the Al Tayer family on the tragic death of Mohammed Ahmed Humaid Al Tayer, meeting with a group of orphaned children at the Babs Al Shams Resort, opening two new health centers and ordering a comprehensive study toward the establishment of a hospital for the treatment of cancer patients.

Interviewed by Children
At the Babs Al Shams Resort the children asked His Highness some interesting questions which were able to draw from him some information not previously disclosed.

Emirates 24/7 reported:
“Sheikh Mohammed encouraged the young children to arm themselves with education to face the future, before adding that they should seek knowledge, wisdom and patience from the elderly, as well as a love for their homeland.”

“Responding to the children's questions concerning his family and pastimes, Sheikh Mohammed said that his eldest daughter's name is Hassa and that his passions are horse riding, hunting, reading and writing poetry. He went on to tell the assembled children that his favourite colour was blue and that he enjoyed driving 4WD vehicles and visiting friends and relatives.”

“On being asked about his childhood ambitions, Sheikh Mohammed said that rather than being focused on becoming a ruler or vice president, he was more interested in pleasing his father, while obeying and learning from him.”

Tributes Flowing In
The tributes have been many, thus illustrating the significance of Sheikh Mohammed’s contribution and the esteem in which he is held.

Here is a selection of the tributes:
For Dubai and the World, a Leader’s Legacy, The National, 4 January 2011.
Five Years of ‘Respect and Humility’, The National, 4 January 2011.
Boy who had the Perfect Mentors, The National, 4 January 2011.
Strengthening the Business Environment, Emirates 24/7, 3 January 2011.
Nationals, Expatriates Extol Mohammed’s Leadership, Khaleej Times, 4 January 2011.

More on Sheikh Mohammed
What Did Sheikh Mohammed Mean by Calling Fujairah ‘The Lungs of the UAE’? FIF, 14 December 2010.
Why Sheikh Mohammed Visited Fujairah This Week, FIF, 8 October 2010.
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: “Meeting with a group of orphaned children at the Babs Al Shams Resort.” (Photo courtesy of Sheikh Mohammed’s Media Office)

The Kerkusha and Other Aspects of Emirati Male Fashion

Jo Tatchell in A Diamond in the Desert frequently discusses Emirati identity. Toward the end of the book she writes about Emirati men’s attire, including the kerkusha, that “stringy piece of fabric that hangs like a tie from his neck and is peculiar to the Emirates.” (p277)

Who knows about the origins of this tassel (sometimes called a tarbush) that has been likened to a tie, particularly the Texan style bolo (also called bola or bootlace) tie? It appears to have little purpose other than serving as a fashion statement and a linen toy that Emirati men can play with?

Omani men have a similar frill called a furakha and in this statement the writer says it can be impregnated with perfume to give to the wearer and those he meets a pleasant fragrance.

Further
Here are two useful articles by Mariana and Grapeshisha on the garments and fashion features of Emirati men and women.

Geoff Pound

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

Image: “The kerkusha, that “stringy piece of fabric that hangs like a tie from his neck and is peculiar to the Emirates.”

Orascom CEO on Recession, Human Rights and Fujairah UAE

Egyptian businessman and billionaire, Samih Sawiris, is becoming a well-known identity in the UAE and he has a special connection with Fujairah.

Business
Samih Sawiris is chairman and CEO of Orascom Development which has a clutch of companies under this umbrella.

As head of property developer Orascom Hotels & Development, bought land in the Swiss mountain village of Andermatt, where he is developing a world-class tourism destination according to the highest environmental standards. He not only successfully won the trust of the locals but also received an exemption from Switzerland’s property laws, which forbid foreigners to own land.

In a recent interview with CNN Marketplace Middle East Sawiris spoke about beating the recession in the region. (The interview commences at the 2.30 mark)




Freedom
Sawiris has had a long-standing commitment to social justice and more recently he has been a major contributor in the fight against human trafficking in the Middle East. Along with Richard Branson, Sawiris teamed up with H. E. Mrs. Suzanne Mubarak in their recent End Human Trafficking Now! Campaign.

Fujairah Fun
The largest boat (143 feet) moored at the Fujairah International Marine Club is the black, Wellesand (pictured), owned by Sawiris.

A fulltime staff looks after the Wellesand and every now and again Sawiris flies to the Fujairah International Airport and within a few minutes is out on his boat enjoying life on the Fujairah waters.

But for how much longer will Sawiris have the Fujairah connection? Judging by this advertisement, his boat is up for sale at a price of just over $1.3m.

Geoff Pound

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

Image: Samih Sawiris is chairman and CEO of Orascom Development which has a clutch of companies under this umbrella. (Photo courtesy of Orascom)

‘A Diamond in the Desert’ by Jo Tatchell

The author of this fascinating book on Abu Dhabi is no blow in—blow out social commentator on the Emirates. Jo Tatchell’s early years of growing up in the nation (she is the same age as the UAE) and regular return visits have given her affection for the country and a depth of understanding. Her time away from the UAE has given to her writing objectivity and perspective.

This book is colourful, personal and evocative. Tatchell has a way with words as she recalls as a child, “the shuffling squeak of sandals across the sand” or “watching the women in black, huddled in groups like tight-budded flowers as they made turns through the pandemonium of the souk.”

Residents and observers of the Emirates will appreciate the way Tatchell captures the expatriate life in Abu Dhabi and the UAE—the feeling of being a guest in someone else’s country and the temporary nature of living from one work visa to the next, knowing that one can never gain permanent residence.

Readers wishing to learn more about Arab and Emirati culture will find intriguing statements and stories that will enhance their understanding of UAE nationals. Tatchell writes tantalizingly about such things as the ways of wasta, the lubricating influence of baksheesh, the peculiar blend of English, Arabic and Urdu that one hears in the UAE, the ongoing impact of Sheikh Zayed, the Emirati love of building and the importance of meeting people face to face to get things done.

Writing as a Londoner outside the Emirates enables Tatchell to boldly probe the walls of wealth and point up the underbelly of Abu Dhabi society. The sub-title ‘Behind the scenes’ suggests that this book is an attempt to lift up some rocks and describe some of the life that scurries away from the light. In this vein she writes about:

+ The growing number of European prostitutes that have superseded the earlier dominance of Indian dancing girls and Filipino sex workers
+ The persisting racial inequalities
+ The effort and the money that goes into beautification
+ The lifestyle of the rich that so often do as they please
+ The ample flow of illegal booze in the Emirates
+ The loss of the Arabic language and with it Gulf folklore, traditional stories, songs and medicinal remedies

Journalist Jo Tatchell sets out to chronicle the many changes in the spheres of religion, the role of women, the place of education and the development of Emirati art and culture. She does this through interviewing old identities, distinguished citizens as well as a number of ordinary people she encounters. Her task is made difficult by certain cultural barriers—the way Arabs do not want to hear and bear bad news and the discomfort of locals about going on public record for fear that they will get it wrong or be seen to be an inappropriate spokesperson on a particular issue.

When she turns to the archives Tatchell comes up against the lack of public access to information and a press that has not been allowed to write critically about the government and its leaders.

Tatchell’s return to research this book revealed a surprise at the rate of modernization and a disappointment at the loss of that which she deemed to be essentially Emirati or of Abu Dhabi. Rather than venting her anger and turning the book into a tirade about the country’s leaders Tatchell has taken the constructive route of asking important questions like these:

1. What is being Emirati all about?
2. How might the crisis of national identity be addressed?
3. What is the history of the Emirates if it is being refashioned to create a new national identity?
4. If the identity of modern Abu Dhabi is being consciously redefined what role will Islam play?
5. How does one understand the ‘current fad’ of Emirati heritage fade as “the past, is to many [Emiratis], an extraordinary reminder of the struggles, the poverty and their insignificance?”
6. How do planners develop Abu Dhabi with palatial air-conditioned dwellings and modern malls while still retaining the essence and soul of the city?
7. While Emirati women have moved along the spectrum of liberation, will this journey lead to true equality?

The title of this book, A Diamond in the Desert, indicates the positive view of the author and the worth she attributes to Abu Dhabi, past and present. The book is not a final judgement on the Abu Dhabi dream but the author believes that ‘the world’s richest city’ has a responsibility and it is on notice!

This is an important book to read as it is a case study of a city of the east wanting to dominate the west and an Islamic people who are reframing their religious principles for a modern context while earning international praise. Jo Tatchell contends that Abu Dhabi is on a course, not only of erecting structures to inspire wonder but a path of intellectual and culture empire building. Tatchell asks whether the Emirati mindset will be able to change enough to achieve this dream.

Tatchell’s provocative insights and penetrating questions will certainly draw the reader into a dialogue and stimulate rigorous debate.

Details
Jo Tatchell, A Diamond in the Desert: Behind the Scenes in Abu Dhabi, the World’s Richest City Black Cat: New York, 2009.

Further
Foreign Companies Needing UAE Partner is One Hell of a Business Model, FIF, 13 December 2010.
Living in the Emirates Insh’Allah, FIF, 9 December 2010.
Stuck in a Velvet Rut in the Emirates? FIF, 2 November 2010.

Geoff Pound

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

Image: Front cover of A Diamond in the Desert.

Outpouring of Affection in Fujairah for President of UNITED Arab Emirates

Prior to the New Year eve fireworks display in Dubai, Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi was asked by Dubai Media hosts to identify some of the major themes of 2010 in the UAE.

Sultan mentioned the important contribution last year of the UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The social commentator observed that 2010 had commenced with the highest building in the world being named in the President’s honour (‘Burj Khalifa’). He also spoke of being invited to Al Ain along with scores of sheikhs to welcome President Khalifa back to the UAE after recent surgery and the tangible show of affection that was evident for their leader.

Buildings and Pipelines
This esteem was also reflected in Fujairah last year. Representatives of Sheikh Khalifa’s emirate of Abu Dhabi are increasingly investing in Fujairah (e.g. the newly opened Concorde Hotel, the emerging hotel on the site of the Marine Club and the tall apartment tower at the bottom of the main street) and this year the capital has strengthened its connection with the new oil pipeline and associated oil infrastructure emerging in the north-eastern emirate.

Portraits and Flags
Recently a large portrait of His Highness, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, was posted on the side of Fujairah’s busy Kuwait Rd. This special area also incorporates a UAE flag on a high flagpole and a plaque that conveys a national theme.

UNITED
The pipelines and poles, portraits and plaques are all visible reminders that Fujairah is part of a UNITED Arab Emirates led by a President who is honored for his role and widely loved for his personal care and generous leadership.

Take a Look
Link to some photos of the area created alongside the Fujairah city bypass to recognize the role of the UAE President and serve as a kind of national glue.

Geoff Pound

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

Image: “Recently a large portrait of His Highness, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, was posted on the side of Fujairah’s busy Kuwait Rd.”

Commencing the New Year in Fujairah

After lots of parties last night, the pace was noticeably slow around Fujairah on the morning of the first day of 2011.

See some of the sights and the activities Fujairah people got up to as portrayed in these photos.

Geoff Pound

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

GCC Cycling Race Series Finishes in Fujairah on New Year’s Day

Perfect weather and the beauty of the Fujairah Corniche provided the ideal setting for the final race of the six leg GCC Cycling Series 2010-2011 on New Year’s Day 2011.

Here is the story in photos.

Geoff Pound

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

Some Highlights of Fujairah 2010 and Hopes for Fujairah in 2011

Everybody will have their own bundle of highlights in Fujairah for 2010 and hopes for the New Year but here are some headings to spark your memory:

Highlights
+ That fish that were caught in the fishing capital of the UAE and the lure of fishing.
+ The emergence of the UAE film industry with movies like City of Life and DAM 999.
+ The first fashion exhibition in Fujairah.
+ The maturing of the UAE’s fashion industry.
+ The greening of Fujairah, its beautification and Green Globe for Miramar Hotel.
+ Fujairah’s population reaches 165,000.
+ Enjoying the UAE’s wonderland at Wadi Wuruyah.
+ The building of hotels and apartment towers and more, plus shops in the north.
+ Attending the Digital Consumer Channel Conference.
+ The emergence of Fujairah on 360 Panoramas and more and more.
+ Witnessing the growth of Fujairah’s oil industry with new terminal, new oil pipeline from Abu Dhabi.
+ The upswing in hotels, opening of Iberotel Concorde, Le Méridien Chef honored.
+ Fujairah in Focus on Facebook.
+ Biggest Land Reclamation Project in the UAE.
+ Fujairah’s role in rock exporting.
+ Children star in dancing and Christmas musical.
+ Fujairah photographer shoots at the FIFA World Cup in SA.
+ Drive In Cinema is announced to open on 10/10/10 @10pm but will it open now @11pm on 11/11/11?
+ Fujairah reveals the secret to Lionel Messi’s success.
+ The building of the largest mosque in Fujairah.
+ New Muslim Pen reads the Quran the write way.
+ The rise of taekwondo in Fujairah.
+ New mall for Lulu and other malls coming.
+ Maktoum Championships stage Ramadan Tournament at Tennis Club.
+ Pakistan floods trigger overflow of compassion in Fujairah.
+ Establishing the most scenic shisha site in the UAE.
+ Electricity shortage easing.
+ Growing variety of eating places—Yemeni mandi, Middle Eastern, Samakino for seafood, Chinese (with night club and karaoke), more Chinese, a renovated KFC, the opening of McDonald’s, Thai Express, Subway and more.
+ Dhow cruises from Fujairah.
+ Fujairah and UAE emerging from recession.
+ Sheikh Mohammed (Dubai) has good news for Fujairah and more plus he gives Fujairah a new name.
+ Renovations at Marine Club with observation platform, extended marina, new brochure, fishing competition.
+ Al Saif sword competition inaugurated by Crown Prince, with new rules and prizes, heritage crafts, traditional food, two world records, keeping alive traditions and new beginnings for the Fort.
+ Emirati poet visits Fujairah.
+ Taxi drivers get a rise.
+ Improved transparency in business.
+ Nurturing traditional culture with shasha (boats).
+ Developing creativity, new pursuits like birding, fishing.
+ The rise of the inexpensive mass wedding, the new type of palm tree.
+ Celebrating the graduation of Sheikh Rashid.
+ National day car dressing, heritage exhibition, Social Development Centre crafts.
+ New census ordered to assist in more effective planning.

Hopes for Fujairah
+ Getting a makeover for the emirate.
+ Achieving wise balance between economic and environmental interests.
+ Lightening Fujairah’s ecological footprint
+ The upgrading of education starting with preschool, primary and secondary.
+ Purifying the Fujairah air and new air pollution controls to overcome respiratory illnesses.
+ Developing the Fujairah Corniche and including a new swimming pool complex plus renovating this beach area.
+ More roundabout architecture—the date roundabout and a fort roundabout.
+ Residential recycling facilities.
+ The Masdarization of Fujairah.
+ Fulfilling its tourist potential and captures cruise ship tourist potential.
+ Fujairah becomes a green city and emirate.

Thanks to His Highness, the Ruler of Fujairah, for his family and city leaders. Best wishes for a peaceful new year in Fujairah and the United Arab Emirates.

Geoff Pound

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

New Photos of the Fujairah Royal Family

One of the distinctive features of life in the UAE is the many photographs in hotels, businesses, schools, colleges and restaurants of the President, Rulers, Crown Princes and members of the royal families.

The photographs are not as prominent as the life-size portraits of the King in Thailand but they are much more evident than photographs of political leaders in most western countries.

Residents of the UAE seem to like this tradition as the photos do not seem to be posted to remind the masses of who is in power but more to convey and nurture a mutual affection between royalty and residents.

The photos are always male only, in accordance with Emirati custom. One wonders if and when there will be a day when female family members are also pictured and recognized for their contribution.

New Photos in Fujairah
There are some new photos of the Royal Family that have appeared recently around the emirate of Fujairah.

On the exterior of the Fujairah International Marine Club the old photograph of the Fujairah family in their regal cloaks (bisht) has been replaced with a new one (pictured).

The sons standing with His Highness, Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi (from right to left: His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Sheikh Rashid bin Hamad Al Sharqi and Sheikh Maktoum bin Hamad Al Sharqi), appear more mature and bewhiskered in this new photograph.

The background is shaded with the red, white, black and green with which the Fujairah and UAE flags are coloured.

The Arabic caption to the photograph may be translated as: “Wise leadership for a bright future.”

Fujairah Football Club Photo
In keeping with the major renovations that have been taking place at the Fujairah Football Club, a new photograph (pictured) of the Fujairah Royal Family has appeared out the front.

The purple tones conform to the decorative appearance of the renovated club complex and the heritage imagery calls to mind the cultural treasures that the emirate of Fujairah possesses.

Take a Look
More pictures have been placed in this photo album.

Geoff Pound

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