More Small and Medium Sized Enterprises Advocated for Fujairah

While Fujairah’s reputation is being built on big industries like refineries, oil bunkering and desalination, a number of speakers at the Fujairah Business International Forum encouraged city leaders to vigorously promote the creation of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs).

SME Defined

The SMEs were defined by Dr Tahir Akhtar, Chairman of Adams Holdings in the UK, as having less than 250 employees and less than an annual turnover of 250 mill. AED.

UAE Figures

Dr Akhtar said that 78% of all registered enterprises (230,000) in the UAE have less than 10 employees and that most of these are micro companies.

At this stage, in terms of GDP, SMEs in the UAE produce far less (20%) than their counterparts in European countries (50%).

Range of Sectors

SMEs in the UAE are distributed among the sectors of trade (60%), services (35%) and manufacturing (5%).

Dr Akhtar believes Fujairah has “a huge opportunity to enhance its trade and services sectors.”

Main Obstacles

In his address Dr Akhtar outlined the major obstacles that owners of SMEs face in setting up their businesses in the UAE. They are the following, from the mostly commonly cited to the least cited obstacles:

• Bureaucracy
• Financing
• Marketing
• Workforce Relationships
• Technical
• Managerial
• Information

Red Tape

Wading through the bureaucratic red tape was by far the biggest obstacle to owners seeking to set up their small or medium sized business in the UAE and the Gulf region. Here lies a challenge for the Fujairah Freezone and associated organizations such as the Fujairah Chamber of Commerce.

Cost

Dr Akhtar stated that the UAE was still one of the most expensive countries for owners to start up and incorporate their business. He said that a further challenge is for overseers of new business in Fujairah to become much more efficient and nimble in their dealings, processes and costs.

Go to the Ant

In encouraging Fujairah to be more intentional about encouraging new Small and Medium Sized Enterprises Dr Ahktar gave this analogy:

“SMEs are the ants in the ant hill rather than the more glamorous animals of the forest. You can’t see them because they are too small but their work is so substantial and their results can be seen by everyone.”

Related

International Business Forum Highlights Fujairah’s Assets and Opportunities, FIF, 4 April 2011.

Fujairah International Business Forum 2011 to Explore New Horizons, FIF, 13 March 2011.

Geoff Pound

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

Image: “SMEs are the ants in the ant hill…” (Photo courtesy of Wikipedia).

Hunger in Middle East for Democracy but the US Model Fails to Inspire

President Obama, in his ground breaking 2009 speech to a Middle Eastern audience, promoted the cause of democracy but he made it clear that “No system of government can or should be imposed by one nation by any other.”

Deep Yearnings

In Cairo he outlined his “unyielding belief that all people yearn for certain things: the ability to speak your mind and have a say in how you are governed; confidence in the rule of law and the equal administration of justice; government that is transparent and doesn’t steal from the people; the freedom to live as you choose.”

This is admirable and so far this year there has been a growing and sustained hunger for these aspirations to take root across the Middle Eastern region.

Marathon Campaign

President Obama was fast off the starting blocks this week when he officially launched his election bid. A 19 month campaign process will surely distract and divert the President from fulfilling so many of the promises he made not long ago.

Billions on Electioneering

Furthermore, how does a country that is so heavily in debt allow so much money, time and effort be spent on electoral campaigning? With Obama, as only one of several 2012 Presidential hopefuls, calling for a billion dollars with which to fuel his campaign, this American brand of democracy is not inspiring many onlookers here in the Middle East.

Geoff Pound

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

Image: President Obama, in his ground breaking 2009 speech to a Middle Eastern audience in Cairo, promoting the cause of democracy.

International Business Forum Highlights Fujairah’s Assets and Opportunities

Visitors to the Fujairah International Business Forum, which opened today (Monday 4 April 2011), were welcomed warmly and offered enticing cakes, chocolates and coffee as they registered at the Al Bustan Centre.

A very active exhibition was on display with the Fujairah Port, the Airport and most major industries having a booth and giving away environmentally-friendly show bags full of brochures, magazines, pens, coffee mugs and T-shirts.

Some Things Never Change

The forum got underway with the procession of sheikhs and VIPs accompanying His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi and the singing of the National Anthem.

Ms. Kate Sweeting, a journalist with the BBC, introduced speakers and added a personal touch. Ms. Sweeting said when she was about to leave the UK on Saturday she spoke with her grandfather who had lived in this region in the 1950s. He said to her:

“You will see lots of changes but some things never change—the tremendous hospitality and the generosity of the culture.”

Kate Sweeting said, “In my short time in your country I have already experienced something of what my grandfather remembered.”

Marhaba

A welcome address was given by Mr. Sharief Habib Al Awadhi, Chair of the Organising committee and Director General of the Fujairah Free Zone Authority. A representative of the Patron of the inaugural Fujairah International Business Forum, Sheikh Hamad Bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Fujairah gave some words on behalf of His Highness.

Leadership Forum

In addition to keynote addresses the conference is adopting the method of holding forums in which six or seven speakers are given 10 minutes each to address a common theme.

In the first forum Dean Monske, the Deputy Mayor of Toledo Ohio, drew comparisons between Toledo and Fujairah and encouraged the leaders of Fujairah to work hard at marketing its assets. He, like most international speakers, was effusive in his praise of Fujairah business leaders in taking the initiative to begin holding international business forums.

Why Fujairah?

From the words of welcome to the first forum it sounded like the conference was going to be a sustained selling of Fujairah and why not?

Many international investors were present and UAE speakers were quick to list the advantages of investing in Fujairah-based business.

Mr. Juma Mohammed Al Kait, Assistant Undersecretary of Foreign Trade Affairs in the UAE, sought to instill business confidence with these headlines:

• There is a general air of economic optimism in the region.
• The UAE has been recovering rapidly from the global recession.
• The UAE has one of the highest rates of economic growth—growth in GDP was one of the highest in the world in 2010.
• The UAE relies strongly on innovation.
• The UAE is a country that is most open to trade as it has trade relations in more than 202 countries of the world.
• The UAE is among the top 20 exporting countries of the world.
• The growth is attributed to the wisdom of the country’s leaders, its sound policies, free market policy and cheap export costs.
• The UAE has a wide range of investment opportunities.
• The UAE provides assistance to businesses wishing to set up in the country.

Fujairah Distinctives

As well as being part of an innovative country, the unique assets of Fujairah were highlighted including:

• The strategic location of being outside the Persian Gulf and having access to the Indian Ocean.
• The large multipurpose shipping port.
• Its status as one of the top three bunkering ports in the world.
• The new and growing infrastructure for the city and emirate.
• The Fujairah Free Zone Facilities.

Forum Programme

Participants at the Fujairah International Business Forum will be hearing more of the qualities of the UAE and Fujairah in particular.

On Tuesday (the second and final day) there will be four more forums, another ‘Business networking lunch’, further plenary meetings, a business tour and a concluding city sight seeing tour that winds up at 5pm.

Take a Look

Some photos taken of some scenes at the Fujairah International Business Forum are in this photo album.

Further

Fujairah International Business Forum 2011 to Explore New Horizons, FIF, 13 March 2011.

Geoff Pound

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

Al Shamaa: A Favourite Fujairah Restaurant and Cafeteria

Shawarma Favourite

In response to a Fujairah in Focus—Facebook question about which Fujairah eatery serves the best shawarma, the Al Shamaa Restaurant & Cafeteria was mentioned many times as a shawarma favourite.

Inside

Looking inside the restaurant, there is nothing distinctive or attractive. ‘Cafeteria’ may be the better word with which to describe Al Shamaa. The small interior is cluttered with drink machines and refrigerators. There are only three small tables which can accommodate a maximum number of 11 seated diners.

Outside

The constant tooting of car horns out the front of Al Shamaa indicates that many customers prefer their fried chicken via this modified ‘drive thru’ method. Al Shamaa workers rush out the front at the sound of a new horn and the orders and payments are all transacted through the car windows.

Everywhere

The two or three red Al Shamaa cars outside the restaurant provide another clue as to the popularity of this place. The free Home Delivery service to any home and business in Fujairah makes Al Shamaa very attractive.

Best Shawarma

The shawarma is only one of a score of items on the Al Shamaa menu (In Arabic and English) and is offered as a shawarma plate (with three flavours) or in the traditional wrap for 3.50 AED or 4.00 AED. Shawarmas are only available after 6pm.

Fried chicken is the main feature of this cafeteria and they look to be giving KFC a run for their money.

20 Hours

Al Shamaa opens at 8am and closes at 4am and their free home delivery is in operation for these hungry 20 hours of the day and night.

Location

The menu says that the restaurant is on Park Road. It is within striking distance of the Ladies and Children’s Park but the road sign calls this Fahim Road. It is next door to a mosque and there are beautiful palm trees in the middle of this road. Another landmark is the Safeer Supermarket and Roundabout which is over and along the road from Al Shamaa.

See the location of Al Shamaa on Google Maps.

Contact Details

09 2225286, 2225328, 055 4580851

Menu

The menu items and prices are likely to change over the years but here is the Al Shamaa menu for download as at April 2011.

Geoff Pound

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

Foundation Laid and Walls Rising on the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Fujairah UAE

The foundational phase is complete and the walls and infrastructure are fast appearing on the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Fujairah, UAE.

800 Day Project

At the outset the builders said it would take 800 days for the mosque to be up and open.

This is what it looked like at the 20 day mark.

Check out the progress at the 130 day mark.

Further pictures have been added to this photo album at the 284 day mark (1 April 2011) when one third of the allotted construction time has been reached.

While one construction web site states that the Fujairah mosque will be finished by December 2011 the construction company is stating the completion date as August 2012.

Changing Skyline

The new mosque will certainly change the skyline of the Fujairah city says UAE journalist, Anna Zacharias, in her December 2010 article in The National. Some Fujairah residents, however, are bemoaning the fact that the structure will not be so awesome as it will be overshadowed by the row of skyscrapers and hotels that will surround it.

For certain, the ‘cathedral’ mosque will stand in stark contrast to the small, functional mosques that dot every neighborhood in the emirate.

Attracting Attention

From the number of visits to this Google Map to check the precise location, it appears that the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Fujairah is attracting lots of attention.

Related

Large Mosque Rising in Fujairah, UAE, FIF, 6 June 2010.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque of Fujairah, Google Map, 5 June 2010.

Check Out the Progress of Fujairah’s New Mosque, FIF, 28 October 2010.

Geoff Pound

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

Camel Milk Soap-an Authentic Arabian Gift from the UAE

“Where did you get this gorgeous soap?” asked my wife breaking the wrapper.

The handmade organic camel milk soap looked even better in reality than viewed on the new web site which launched recently in the UAE.

The soap arrived in gift wrapping and stamped with a camel picture label but what entranced us just as much as the sight was the delicious aroma and the lovely feel of the soap.

The accompanying information sent by Pure Indulgence spells out the ingredients and marketing affirmations:

“Made by hand with the finest organic oils and pure fresh, camel milk. A natural source of alpha-hydroxy acids known to plump the skin and smooth fine lines with its anti-ageing and antioxidant properties. Contains Vitamins A, B2, C and D.”

“Camel milk assists in organic essential oils and minerals. Provides a luxurious and healthy cleansing experience for all the family.”

Hypo-allergenic. Loves your skin. No chemicals or artificial additives. Not tested on animals.”

Soap Selection

In addition to the classic Handmade Camel Milk Soap there are other varieties to try—Black Cumin Seed Oil with Camel Milk, Bear Soap (that the children will love!), Cheesecake Slice Soap, Chocolate Bar Soap, Coffee Soap, Ginger Bread Man Soap, Iced Cookie Soap, Olive, Laurel Honey Soap and Black Seed Soap. If these don’t get the kids into the bath, nothing will.

Authentically Arabian

It is good to have another camel product in addition to the Camelicious (camel milk) and Al Nassma, the world’s first camel milk chocolates.

For centuries the people of the Arabian Peninsula have used camel milk as a health food with its unique vitamins and other properties that boost the body's immune system.

Great Gift Idea

“What a great gift idea,” said my wife. “It is so good to have a beautiful product like this from the UAE to use as gifts for family and friends.”

Contact Details

Pure Indulgence Handmade Camel Milk Soap Web Site.

Contact via the web site or by email: info@camelmilksoap.com

Geoff Pound

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

New Hotel in Fujairah Suburb of Faseel

In addition to the new hotels springing up on Fujairah’s main street is this hotel (pictured) under construction in Faseel.

It is located on the Al Faseel Road (the coastal road). If you are coming from Khor Fakkan the hotel is located approximately 300 metres from the Coffeepot Roundabout on a corner block.

When it is completed the hotel will boast a ground floor, two mezzanine floors and 19 floors of rooms and amenities.

Residents on the east side will have a fabulous sea view.

Owners

The sign board lists the owners:

Dr. Jauan Salim Al Dhahri

Sh. Mohammed Sultan Al Dhahri

More Fujairah Hotels Under Construction

110 New Rooms for Fujairah at the Fortune Royal Hotel, FIF, 14 February 2011.

Hotels and Apartments Springing Up in Fujairah City, FIF, 11 June 2010.

Geoff Pound

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

Why Expats Like Hearing the Call to Prayer in the UAE

Discussion Point

While trawling through UAE Internet forums to discover who people should talk to when the call to prayer from their mosque is too loud, it became apparent that expats and visitors overwhelmingly appreciate hearing the Call to Prayer (azaan).

In raising the matter expats were swift to recognize raising the matter to be a sensitive issue and repeatedly made the comment that “the last thing I want to do is to cause offence to anybody.”

Views on the Azaan

Here’s a sample of the reflections on the Call to Prayer when it is not beamed at a deafening volume:

“I don’t mind hearing it at any time of the day, as you say, it is all part of life in Dubai.”

“I love hearing the call to prayer. I think we must be fortunate as the mullah is quite musical to my ear.”

Written comment accompanying the posting of a video on YouTube: “Burj Dubai, world’s tallest building…the Call to Prayer started…so cool.”

“I do find the call to prayer comforting and it does remind you of where you are.”

“[It is] one of the things I love best about living here.”

“I am not a follower of Islam but the call to prayer reminds me several times each day of the important qualities in life that are beyond material things.”

“I leave our windows open because we want to make sure we CAN hear it.”

Hear and Understand

A travel writer has helpfully posted an article which provides a link for people to listen to one version of the Call to Prayer and read the words in English as well as Arabic.

Geoff Pound

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

Image: Calling the azaan in Egypt (Photo courtesy of this link).

Who’d Be an Imam in Fujairah?

According to Mr. Rashid Al Dhanhani, the Manager of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments in Fujairah, there are currently 287 imams in the emirate of Fujairah.

Most mosques have one imam but there are a handful of mosques that have a muezzin (caller) as well as an imam (mosque leader). More imams are needed as the hope is that eventually each mosque will have two imams in order to ensure adequate coverage when one is sick or on leave.

All imams in Fujairah are male and all are married.

Not Emiratis

Of the 280 imams in Fujairah only 8 are Emiratis! The rest come from Morocco, Pakistan, Bangladesh. Syria, Egypt, and other countries with a high number of Sunni Muslims.

When asked to explain the absence of Emiratis in the ranks of imams, officials at the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments in Fujairah gave several reasons.

An oft-stated reason is the low salary. Imams from outside of the UAE may start on 5,000 AED and each year this may increase to 7,000 AED plus a free residence.

Emirati imams start at 9,000 AED and they receive a free residence.

Tied to the Mosque

Another negative stopping Emiratis from taking up the imam vocation is that they feel they would be tied to the mosque. They are expected to be on the job five times a day and more on the day of worship. Emiratis value Friday as a family day and see that the responsibilities at the mosque as an imam would preclude much time spent with their family.

Others view the time commitments as being quite liberating saying that once early more prayers are over the imam has the whole morning to himself. While the Friday sermons are prepared at headquarters and are not written by local imams, there are mosque maintenance issues that must be attended to and certain pastoral functions.

The imam has one day off a week but he cannot be off duty on a Friday or Saturday.

New imams start with 45 days of holiday each year and after a few years this increases to 60 days of annual leave.

Ongoing Training

It is difficult to establish how much training is required to become an imam for this varies according to the formal education received prior to beginning imam training. Some College or University training is preferred and then there are several years engaged in the study of the Koran and theology.

Once a month all the imams in Fujairah are rounded up where they meet at a mosque to talk about common issues and receive ongoing training. Older, more experienced imams play a role in encouraging those who are more junior.

Accountability

The head office of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments is based in Abu Dhabi. There the policies are established and the formal training is conducted. Orders are disseminated to the different emirates and the Fujairah authority is a branch of the headquarters in the capital.

Most policy and practical issues are sorted out by the Fujairah manager, who in turn has Emirati managers responsible for a number of imams in different parts of the emirate.

The imams are paid out of the Fujairah office which also oversees the movement of imams to and from Fujairah, including the determination of when it is appropriate for an imam to move on. This is done in consultation with the needs and preferences of the imam and his family.

Geoff Pound

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

Image: Photo courtesy of UAE Pics from the article Mosques in the UAE.

When the Call to Prayer from the Mosque is Too Loud in Fujairah

Where do you go in Fujairah when the call to prayer increases in volume to such an extent that it becomes deafening and even painful? Does one seek help from the Islamic Guidance Centre or take the matter to the imam in question?

The Manager of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments at the Fujairah Branch is the appropriate person to visit.

Many people visit Mr. Rashid Obaid Ali Al Dhanhani with concerns about the high volume of loudspeakers from Fujairah mosques. In his capacity as General Manager, Mr. Al Dhanhani is welcoming and he seeks to take immediate action to rectify genuine problems.

Mr. Al Dhanhani said that noise problems occur for a number of reasons such as a new mosque with amplifiers incorrectly modulated, loudspeakers being turned in a new direction or because of a new imam who gets overly excited. Sometimes the entire service is broadcast at a high volume because an imam holds the microphone too close to his lips but Mr. Al Dhanhani said he counsels the imams in the emirate to keep their microphone a good six inch distance from their mouths.

Location

From the Fujairah Tower one heads towards the airport on Al Sharqi Road. Turn right at the Falcon Roundabout onto Airport Road so you are travelling parallel to the airport. After lots of empty space it is the second building on the right. A prominent sign is on the outside of the building but one has to enter from the rear entrance and climb the stairs to get to the General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments—Fujairah branch. Take a Look!

Issue of Volume

Search the Internet and you will discover that this issue crops up in every emirate. Other people, Muslims and those not Muslims have asked the same question. This isn’t a matter of having the call to prayer silenced as expats as well as citizens usually enjoy the regularity and sound of the azan (call to prayer). It’s simply an issue about excessive volume.

Contact Details

Rashid Obaid Ali Al Dhanhani

Manager of Authority Office in Fujairah

Tel: 09 2224490

Fax: 09 2227790

Dir: 09 2222142

Mob: +971 50 6496610

P O Box 179

Fujairah, UAE

Email: rashid_alobid@hotmail.com

Geoff Pound

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

Image: A view of the building and office from Airport Road; the main entrance at the rear of the building.

Earth Hour 2011 in Fujairah with Arabic Jazz and Chinese Lanterns

Saturday Night Live

The spot lights had the historic Fujairah fort spruced up in the colours of the rainbow—red, blue, gold, purple…—with fascinating patterns shone onto the stone. [Take a look]

It was a balmy night in Fujairah and Master of Ceremonies, Maral Shuriqi, kept the programme flowing with remarks in Arabic and English. The winds from the west made the lighting of the chinese lanterns a challenge and some lanterns suffered burn out on the launch pad. Many more ascended quickly and flew for a long time over Fujairah and out to the sea.

The Arabic fusion music presented by Kamal Masallam and his international band was a superb choice but it was a pity that more were not present to enjoy their sights, sounds and rhythm.

Beyond Earth Hour

Lots of lanterns were lit up on the steps to the fort in the shape of a ‘60’. Every one who attended received a biodegradable bag courtesy of the Emirates Wildlife Society (EWS-WWF).

The bag contained a 12 watt energy efficient light bulb (thanks to sponsors Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority) with an encouragement to join Heroes of the UAE.

A Morjan key ring came as a gift from the Fujairah Municipality Environmental Protection Section.

A EWS-WWF coffee mug states, “I have done the Enviro-Spellathon.” Give it a go.

Sheets of information were distributed suggesting to people what they can do to go beyond the sixty minutes of Earth Hour. This information is on the Earth Hour web site and there is also an opportunity to sign up to an ongoing commitment and share creative ideas through a photo competition as well as by posting these on the Beyond the Hour site.

Reduce Our Footprints

The ecological footprint we share as the UAE nation is large but the way we can transform this situation is by playing our part—businesses and industries, schools and Colleges, governments and municipalities, as well as households and individuals.

Shukran Jazeelan

Thanks to the staff of the EWS-WWF, the Fujairah Municipality and the sponsors of Earth Hour 2011 in Fujairah. It was good to do something creative and entertaining together rather than ponder the issues alone at home in the inky darkness.

Geoff Pound

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

Have You Tried Cupping Therapy in Fujairah?

Have you noticed the way many Fujairah medical centres are advertising ‘cupping therapy’ and ‘female cupping therapy’?

According to one doctor at Al Eman Medical Centre, cupping therapy (Al Hijama) is becoming increasingly popular in Fujairah, UAE.

Cure All?
People request cupping therapy for respiratory illnesses (common cold, pneumonia, bronchitis etc.), chronic diseases, muscular pain, joint pain, migraines and hypertension. It looks like it is used as a ‘cure all’.

The therapy is said to aid blood circulation and give a boost of energy.

Treatment
Glass or plastic cups are applied with suction to create localized pressure. This vacuum draws the blood to the area to create a better energy flow and activate the lymphatic system. The suction causes the body tissue to release toxins, clear the blood vessels and stimulate the skin. There is a variety of treatments including one process when before or after the cupping the skin is scratched or cut to extract the blood and presumably the toxins.

The cups can be applied to a specific area where there is pain but more often they are placed on the back to give a general spurt of energy to the whole body.

According to the Faseel doctor, those with chronic pain are recommended to come for treatment every three weeks while those who undergo the therapy as a preventative measure are advised to have it every six months.

One treatment takes 20 minutes and costs approximately 300 AED. There is likely to be a variation in the cost of a cupping treatment in Fujairah and throughout the UAE.

The Faseel doctor said that patients usually feel relaxed and feel invigorated at the conclusion of the treatment.

It is said to be totally painless although it can leave temporary unsightly marks on the skin and there is also a small risk of burns.

Ancient Medicine
While this therapy is popular today it has been practised by Egyptians, Chinese and Greeks as early as 1550 BC.

Islam has encouraged cupping therapy by putting its stamp of approval on the practice when the Prophet Mohammed declared, “There is a cure in it.” (M K Abdul Samad, ‘Book of Scientific Inimitability of Holy Quran and Sunnah’)

Commendations from celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow have also been responsible for boosting the popularity of cupping therapy.

Disclaimer
This article does not have any medical authority and it is not advocating or dissuading people from this therapy. The author has never experienced cupping or witnessed a cupping treatment. This posting was stimulated by passing signs (like the one pictured) every day and simply being curious to learn what this therapy is about!

Geoff Pound

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

Fujairah Celebrates Earth Hour 2011 with Chinese Lanterns and Arabic Fusion Music

Fujairah is joining the globe in style to recognize Earth Hour by flying Chinese lanterns and enjoying Arabic fusion music.

Fujairah Flavour
This free event for residents and visitors will take place at the Heritage Village in front of the Fujairah Fort.

Chinese lanterns powered by candles will be distributed as people arrive between 7.00-7.30pm.

A short video will raise awareness about climate change and inspire people to reduce their personal carbon footprint by simple things such as turning off unneeded lights.

Kamal Musallam and his group will play before and after the countdown to the hour (8.30pm) and the launching of the lanterns.

Chinese Sights
Sometimes in the evening one can see Chinese lanterns being lit on the Fujairah corniche before they rise high into the night sky. Children will love to do this at the fort.

Here’s a video on how to fly a Chinese lantern:


Middle Eastern Sounds
Kamal Musallam is from Kuwait who turned his back on a career in architecture to devote himself fully to music.

He has spent time in Lebanon, France and other European countries and he is now based in Dubai where he works as a performer and producer. Kamal is known as an Arabic Fusion guitarist who combines Arabic sounds with jazz. On Saturday night he will be in Fujairah with one of his three bands, the Kamal Musallam Group.

Get into the mood by hearing his music at this link.

All the Details
Here is a rundown of Saturday night’s programme.

Thanks and shukran to the organizers—EWS-WWF, the Fujairah Municipality, the Fujairah Media….

Thanks to the Crown Prince, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi and Sheikh Abdulla bin Saif Al Sharqi for their dream and work in turning the Fujairah Fort into a place where people can gather to celebrate, to compete, to enjoy entertainment and to observe important events like Earth Hour.

Join the World
You might be living in a remote part of a small country in the Middle East but look at the fun you can have in joining the largest volunteer action on the planet:


Geoff Pound

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

Cut Speeding in Fujairah by Setting Speed Cameras at Lower Limits

The Fujairah Police are installing more speed cameras to reduce deaths and injuries but in their current review of radar equipment it would be good to look at setting the cameras to click at lower speeds.

Currently the fixed and mobile cameras in Fujairah give a generous measure of grace to speeding drivers.

According to a speed camera operator on Faseel Road (between the Hilton Hotel and the Beach Motel) where the limit is 80 kph, the camera doesn’t click until you are driving at 91 kph.

Another operator, who had hidden his camera behind a rubbish bin on Hamad bin Abdulla Street (Fujairah’s main street), said that his camera takes the picture when a car goes 91 kph even though the speed limit is 60 kph. What a big margin for error! He mentioned this soon after clocking one car at 118 kph hurtling down Fujairah’s main street towards the corniche!

Current Remedies
Installing more cameras seems to be the answer all around the UAE and installing them on every major highway at two kilometer intervals.

Some years back it was declared that every effort would be taken to hide cameras in order to catch ‘arrogant drivers’.

The strategy to move around mobile cameras is being tried to catch those who customarily speed and slow down when they come to a fixed camera.

More Effective Cameras
A further way to try and curb speeding has been to install a new model of camera.

A brochure advertising the highly sensitive and precise Sensys SSS speed cameras says that the cameras only flash at night or in low light. They are so effective that they can track a car from 150 metres away so braking just before and after passing a camera does not work. It ‘sees’ you before you can see the camera and say ‘Cheese’!

These new cameras also capture vehicles on both sides of a road and can monitor trucks and cars separately.

The cameras are linked to the control room and such is the clarity of their photos that the police can see whether or not the speeding driver is wearing a safety belt. It does not pay now to drive without a safety belt and speed at the same time.

Amazing Grace
On the Abu Dhabi—Dubai road the speed limit has been stated as 120 kph but the oral tradition is that the cameras only take a picture at 140 kph.

Similarly, on the accident prone Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai where the limit is 100 kph, it is stated that a 20 kph grace limit operates so that the picture is taken at 121 kph.

In New Zealand where a motorist was clocked by a speed camera driving at 55 kph in a 50 kph zone he appealed saying that there should be an 8 kph tolerance allowance. The judges threw out his appeal and maintained the fine saying that “as a matter of law, there was no tolerance to driving in excess of the speed limit.”

Limited Grace
A tolerance allowance of 20 or 30 kph on Fujairah roads seems excessive in light of car accidents being the number one cause of death in the emirate.

Show grace by all means but 5 kph is sufficient!

Geoff Pound

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

Image: A conventional fixed speed camera on Faseel Road (parallel to Fujairah's Umbrella Beach) going toward the Beach Motel; a mobile speed camera on Faseel Road designed to catch speeding motorists heading towards the Hilton Hotel.