Middle East Aviation Boom Sets Context for Air Center Conference 2011 in Fujairah

The welcome speech by H. E. Mohamed Abdulla Sultan Al Salami, Chairman of Civil Aviation for the Government of Fujairah, was delivered by the Conference Chairman and General Manager of the Fujairah International Airport, Dr Khaled Almazroui.

The speech set the scene for a conference that was firmly set on promoting growth, change and innovation.

Here are the pertinent points made by the chairman:

Global Importance

Aviation is a very special industry. Almost $600 billion in revenues. We support 32 million jobs, facilitating the global village and $3.5 trillion in economic activity.

Effects of the Recession

For several years now, airlines and airports have been benefiting from robust demand for air travel in line with healthy global economic growth. Sadly, this pattern changed abruptly in 2008. Crippling high fuel prices and more recently a slowing global economy have proved extremely challenging for the aviation industry around the world.

Middle East Aviation Boom

Despite a worldwide slump, the aviation sector in Middle East region has boomed in contrast to the global trend. Thanks should go to the aviation community in the region for their support and endurance in navigating these difficult years.

The Middle East is growing. Over the last decade our carriers went from 5% of global passenger traffic to 11%.

Great Expectations

Planned purchases of $200 billion in aircraft over the next decade will continue to support growth. The region is expected to handle 400 million passengers by 2020 and has plans to invest US$ 100 billion in airports expansion projects over the next few years, which includes eight new runways in the Gulf region. In contrast, the UK debated for decades over a third runway for Heathrow and eventually decided against it.

Change Here to Stay

If there's one thing on which we all agree it's that we cannot sit back and rest on our laurels for a job well done. Change is a fact of life in today's world and new challenges are arriving all the time. The status quo simply will not suffice.

Our strategies and business models need a continuous re-look as the aviation scene is changing rapidly as a result of the global downturn, security issues, expansion of LCC's, growth in demand for allied services including MRO and ground handling, proliferation of undiscovered ancillary revenue strategies, shortage of skilled human resources, various types of consolidation and emergence of a new wave of technology. All this has led to market fragmentation and segmentation. We need to communicate closer, understand each other, and work together. The 'AIR CENTER' conference provides precisely for this.

Air Centre Conference

Dr. Khaled Almazroui added:

“Our vision for the Air Centre calls for the evolution of the Fujairah international Airport with multiple, diverse aviation-related activities. The concept is not easily duplicated at other airports. In these next two days of the conference we want to give an idea of our vision along with the core economic and environmental issues. We hope to expand on this vision.”

“Over the next two days, let’s meet with one another and let’s discuss ideas for moving forward, as we explore the power of partnerships.”

Air Center 2011 Conference Details

Between 200 to 300 delegates are meeting during 13-14 April 2011 at the Al Diar Siji Hotel in Fujairah.

Take a Look

Download a copy of the Air Center Conference booklet which contains the Chairman’s welcome, the schedule of meetings, the speaker biographies and the list of conference sponsors.

Geoff Pound

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

Image: The front page of the Air Center Conference booklet.

Why Visit the New Fortune Royal Hotel in Fujairah?

The Fortune Royal Hotel obtained its permission to operate from the Fujairah municipality two days ago and opened for business immediately.

The hotel opened with the sound of thunder, the flash of lightning and the rain which fell, all of which the management interpreted as signs of blessing!

The Fortune management in the UAE consists of Praveen Shetty (Managing Director of the Fortune Group in the UAE), Alok Narula (UAE Group Manager for the Fortune Hotels, UAE) and Walid Issa Baw (Manager of the Fujairah Fortune Residence Hotel Apartments and the new Fujairah Fortune Royal Hotel.

Why Visit the Fortune Royal Hotel?

Here are some reasons why people might visit the Fortune:

1. Location! Location! Location!

This city hotel is near the Fujairah Corniche and as such, it possesses magnificent views of the Arabian Sea as well as views of the city.

The hotel is within walking distance of the Fujairah souqs (markets) on the main street and a short taxi ride from the business community and the Fujairah International Airport. If the weather is cool (October to April) you can walk most places from this hotel. When it is hot or you’re feeling tired you can take a cab.

The hotel has a swimming pool (on the roof deck) and a fitness centre but you are only 1 minute away from Fujairah’s largest gym and aquatic centre—the Fujairah Corniche!

2. Options! Options! Options!

The hotel has had a ‘soft launch’, which means the management hasn’t prepared every facility and wants to make sure everything is in good working order before they wave the flags and cut the cake. They want to test out different facilities, leave their options open and see what their customers desire in a new hotel.

Here are some examples of the flexible options and functionalities:

There are four Nightclubs on offer:

1. Wanasah with an Arabic theme in its music and food.

2. Tarangini, a South Indian & Bengali club.

3. Sargam, a North Indian club.

4. Ratsky, a Filipino club (soon to open).

Of course people are free to visit wherever they want but these are some of the options that are increasing Fujairah entertainment possibilities. The managers are keen to set a high standard at the Night Clubs and the bands will turn over every three months.

Access to these clubs is via the side (northern entrance) rather than the main Al Gurfa Road entrance. Further details about location and hours are listed below.

Food is served in these clubs according to their distinctive flavour but in addition there is the Coffee Shop in the hotel foyer, Taravad, a fine dining restaurant, which when finished in a month, will have chefs fresh from Kerala. Diners will enjoy private and public dining options that look out towards the Hajar Mountains.

Freddy’s Restaurant is many things—the place where guests and Fujairah residents can come for breakfast in the morning, a restaurant for lunch and dinner where you can eat soups, sandwiches, burgers, bar food, continental dishes, tandoor samplers, Indian selections, Chinese food and some delectable desserts. Herman Francis, the Food and Beverage Manager, has done a good job with his menu selections.

Freddy’s also has the touch of an English pub where the beers and bar food are reasonably priced and can be enjoyed while watching the cricket, the football or the channel of your choice. Alternatively, you can look out the window and feast your eyes on the sea just to the right of the Fujairah Marine Club.

One further example of options is the Banquet and Functions Room on the eleventh floor. This is a huge area but can be made more personal for your Club Function, class reunion or child’s birthday party. Again, it has magnificent views over the Arabian Sea so if you get bored with the company you can enjoy some of the top views in Fujairah towards the sea or down Al Gurfa Road towards the Fujairah Port and business district.

Managing Director, Mr. Praveen Shetty, said the Fortune is a business person’s hotel with a business centre and desks in the bedrooms but if people come wanting to blob out, then their room can be arranged accordingly and their desk will be banished from sight.

3. Cost Effective

While the Fortune Royal Hotel has a 4 star accreditation, it does not cost a fortune to stay. The tariffs have been reasonably set and, as indicated above, the prices for the food and beverage are attractive.

Take a Look

Some pictures of the Fortune Royal Hotel are contained in this Photo Album.

Download the Food and Beverage Menus

(N.B. The menu items and prices are accurate as at April 2011. They will change but these lists are posted to give an idea of the variety of what is offered).

The Coffee Shop—in the main entrance on the ground floor: Download the Menu.

Freddy’s Restaurant and Bar: Download the Menu.

Taravad Restaurant for fine dining. This restaurant should be finished within a month. Download the Menu.

Sargam (Nth. Indian Night Club) on Mezzanine Level 1 from 9pm-3am: Download the Menu.

Tarangini (South Indian & Bengali Night Club) on Mezzanine Level 1 from 9pm-3am: Download the Menu.

Wanasah (Arabic Night Club on Mezzanine Level 2 from 9pm-3am: Download the Menu.

Ratsky (Filipino Night Club on Mezzanine Level 2 from 9pm-3am: This club should be finished within a month and the menu finalized.

Further

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

Update: Congratulations and Celebrations at Opening of Fujairah’s Fortune Royal Hotel, FIF, 20 May 2011.

Contact Details

Fortune Royal Hotel

Al Gurfa Road

P O Box 7119

Tel: +971 9 2238886

Fax: +971 9 2238889

Email: contact@fortunegroupofhotels.com

Web Site: www.fortunegroupofhotels.com

Manager of Fujairah Fortune Royal Hotel and Fujairah Fortune Residence Apartments: Mr. Walid Issa Baw.

Geoff Pound

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

Michel Roggo’s ‘Desert Water’ Photo Exhibition of Wadi Wurayah in Fujairah, UAE

Photographs of Wadi Wurayah, live music and fine food all combined to make for a superb community event at the Fujairah Women’s College (HCT) this week (11 April 2011).

The central part of the evening was the viewing of the photographic exhibition entitled ‘Desert Water’ by the Swiss photographer, Michel Roggo.

Not to be outdone, HCT students undertaking a photographic class this semester added to the exhibition with their recent photos taken of Wadi Wurayah.

Preliminaries

Dr Dave Pelham, Director of HCT Fujairah, held the informal programme together.

Dr Pelham paid tribute to the patronage of His Highness, Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, the Ruler of Fujairah and Member of the UAE Supreme Council, not only for his patronage of the exhibition but his consistent and generous support of events that strengthen the community spirit of Fujairah and conserve the emirate’s beauty and environmental treasures.

The Consul General of the Swiss Council of Dubai noted the beauty of the Hajar Mountains in Fujairah and introduced Michel Roggo to the many people in attendance.

Swiss Photographer

Michel Roggo was born in Switzerland and he is an award winning photographer who has published over 10,000 pictures from many parts of the world.

His accolades have included the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2004, 2008 and 2010 and he was runner-up as European Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2009.

Roggo specializes in subjects related to fresh water fauna, flora and fish. Most of his projects have been developed over long periods of time and many of the images have been taken under water.

Focus on Fujairah

On the invitation of the Emirates Environment Agency in Abu Dhabi, Michel Roggo worked in the UAE in November 2010 on ‘The Freshwater Project’ in Wadi Wurayah (Fujairah) and Wadi Shawka (Ras al Khaimah). The goal was to produce a photographic documentation of some important freshwater environments in the UAE as part of a larger global project.

Capturing pictures in different biospheres of underwater worlds and landscapes, the element of water has always been central to Roggo’s attention.

Exhibitions in the Emirates

The Embassy of Switzerland and the Emirates Wildlife Society-WWF, in association with the Environment Agency, Abu Dhabi, have organized two simultaneous exhibitions, one in Fujairah and the other in Abu Dhabi.

Each exhibition includes 40 pictures by Michel Roggo and a video presentation with photos from Rub’ al Khal and Wadi Wurayah.

Fujairah Exhibition

The Fujairah exhibition of ‘Desert Water’, which includes pictures of Wadi Wurayah by the HCT photographic students, is open to the public and will continue to be displayed in the Multi Purpose Hall of the Fujairah Women’s College until 17 April 2011.

In Abu Dhabi the exhibition is in the Ghaf Art Gallery until 16 April.

Take a Look

Some of the photos of Wadi Wurayah taken by Michel Roggo can be viewed in this Photo Album.

See the 10 minute video presentation entitled Desert Waters which captures the beauty of Rub’ al Khal and Wadi Wurayah. This was enjoyed at the HCT exhibition.

Learn more about Michel Roggo and view his photographic albums on this web site.

Learn more about the Desert Waters Project in the UAE.

Some photos taken on the night of the Fujairah exhibition are posted in this photo album.

Some photos of Wadi Wurayah by the HCT photographic students will be posted (inshallah) in this photo album.

Further

Visiting Fujairah’s Wadi Wurayah During and After Storms and Floods, FIF, 18 April 2011.

Michel Roggo’s ‘Desert Water’ Photo Exhibition of Wadi Wurayah in Fujairah, UAE, FIF, 13 April 2011.

Swedish Princess and Emirati Prince Make a Right Royal Visit in Fujairah, FIF, 20 January 2011.

The Royal Treatment for Wadi Wurayah, Fujairah, FIF, 19 January 2011.

Resources for Visiting Wadi Wurayah in Fujairah, UAE, FIF, 17 May 2010.

How Do We Get to Wadi Wurayah? FIF, 19 May 2009.

Geoff Pound

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

Images: Michel Roggo, looking for a good picture on one of his trips in the Amazon. (Photo under copyright to and posted courtesy of Michel Roggo)

The UAE’s Sustainable Fish Cookbook Includes Recipes from Fujairah

Your Copy

The first Sustainable Fish Recipes Book from the UAE has been launched and you can download your copy at the link below.

The downloadable version means that you can open up your laptop on the kitchen bench and start cooking.

Zain!

• The text is in Arabic and English.
• 20 ‘sustainable fish’ recipes means that cooking and eating the fish specified we will not be depleting the fish that are in short supply. These endangered fish are listed in this free book for download: Choose Wisely.
• The recipe book is published by the Emirates Wildlife Society in association with WWF. Congratulations on the publication and congratulations on the awards!
• The magnificent photos will have you drooling while you cook up a storm in your kitchen.

Fujairah Recipes

The book includes 20 recipes created by UAE residents which give it a local touch.

Here are three recipes by Fujairah (by-the-sea) residents to whet your appetite:

• Debra Rein-Tourenq (who has cooked fish fresh from the ocean at Sydney, Australia) offers Deb’s Divine Faskar which flavours the fish with a large mouth-watering mango.

• Maral Khaled Shureiqi (from the principal Syrian seaport of Latakia where Maral’s ancestors have been cooking fresh fish for thousands of years) presents Maral’s Mediterranean Fish Delight.
• Christophe Tourenq (who earned his epicurean credentials in the south of France by cooking fish fresh from the Mediterranean Sea) has created Shaari Je t’ Adore. This French chef notes that his dish can also be made with other fish viz. Souli Je t’ Adore, Kofar Je t’ Adore and Faskar Je t’ Adore.

Download

More information from this page where you can also download your copy of the book.

Geoff Pound

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

Images: “The magnificent photos will have you drooling while you cook up a storm in your kitchen.”

Most Fujairah Tradesmen Prefer to Work on the Ground

Forget the work bench within the workshop against a wall where all the tools are hanging in their rightful place.

Most Fujairah tradesmen prefer to operate on the floor or outside their shop on the dirt or concrete.

Walk around the streets of Fujairah and you’ll see motors being taken apart on the ground, new bicycles and office furniture being assembled in front of the shops and steel welded on the footpaths.

It may be due to a lack of space inside or the sunny weather conditions outside but Fujairah workmen are amazing adept and content at plying their trade in the most ordinary and cramped conditions.

Geoff Pound

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

Images: Workmen practicing their trade on Al Gurfa Road, Fujairah.

Thunder, Lightning and Flooding in Fujairah

Sound and Light Show

The sky put on a sound and light show in Fujairah last night (10 April 2011) as the lightning flashed and the thunder rumbled so soon afterwards.

The rain was steady throughout the night and for those who slept through it, the evidence was on all Fujairah roads this morning.

There are no storm water drains on Fujairah streets so even when the sun shines again it will take days for the water to depart.

Water, Water, Everywhere

Motorists had to negotiate flooded roads aplenty today and some storekeepers lost business due to the huge pools between the road and their front doors.

It’s fascinating to see the delight that Fujairah residents take in the rain. Little rain falls in this country so that when it does, it is generally viewed as a blessing and welcomed with pleasure.

Urban Dams

There must be some innovative ways in a city like Fujairah to capture the rain and put it to good use. What about tanker trucks with a huge vacuum and able to drive around the streets sucking up the water?

Rain Threatening

While the heavy rain has stopped, on Monday morning (11 April) the skies are grey, the clouds are moist and it is spitting off and on.

Take a Look

Some pictures of the flooded Fujairah roads are in this photo album.

Geoff Pound

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

Image: “Motorists had to negotiate flooded roads aplenty today.” (King Fayssal Road, Faseel)

Coffeepot Roundabout in Fujairah but Don't Forget the Cups

The coffeepot (dallah) roundabout is one of the most distinctive landmarks in Fujairah but unfortunately by such a name the coffee cups (finjaan) are usually overlooked.

The cups at the Fujairah roundabout are nicely crafted, Arabic in style (without the handles) and they are as essential to the coffee ritual in Arabia as the pot.

There are seven cups at the Faseel roundabout, perhaps depicting the hope of fulsome hospitality in each of the emirates of the UAE.

Further

Discover What Fujairah is about from its Roundabouts, FIF, 3 September 2010.

Geoff Pound

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

Image: Don’t forget the finjaan!

Map of Fujairah Industrial Zones and New Dubai-Fujairah Freeway

One of the features of the new book, ‘Doing Business in Fujairah’ is the fold up map that is inside the back cover.

Unfortunately this map is not contained in the downloadable PDF version.

The map indicates the Industrial and Business Zones of Fujairah (existing and proposed) as well as being one of the first maps to indicate the proposed Dubai-Fujairah Freeway, which is scheduled to open in July 2011.

A photo snapshot is pictured with this article and the yellow boxes from top to bottom and from right to left indicate the following places:

• Fujairah Free Zone Phase 1
• Fujairah Free Zone Phase 1
• Sakamkam Commodities Zone
• Fujairah City
• Fujairah Police
• Proposed Dubai-Fujairah Freeway
• Ahfara Free Zone (or what has often been referred to as Al Hayl)

Dubai to Fujairah Freeway

This snapshot indicates where the freeway enters Fujairah. The higher road is the existing entrance to Fujairah from Dubai and Sharjah.

Geoff Pound

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

New Book Launched: ‘Doing Business in Fujairah’

The new book, ‘Doing Business in Fujairah’ was launched at the recent Fujairah International Business Forum.

Authors

The 33 page book was compiled and designed by Morison Menon Corporate Services after undertaking an analysis of the business landscape of Fujairah and talking with government officials in order to ensure accuracy of information and gain the verification of the legal consultants for Fujairah.

Purpose

According to the Foreword written by Director General of the Fujairah Free Zone, Sharief Al Awadhi, ‘Doing Business in Fujairah’ was written for these purposes:

“[It] shall guide entrepreneurs and be a ready reckoner in understanding the business characteristics of Fujairah. It represents the recommended communication medium between the investor and the licensing authorities.”

The book is the first edition and it appears to be a manuscript that will be updated as information changes and new thoughts arise.

Table of Contents

Here are the chapters to give an idea of the bases that this book covers:

• Foreword
• Facts about UAE
• Fujairah-General Introduction
• Government agencies who support Fujairah’s Growth
• Banks in Fujairah
• Trading Regulations of Fujairah
• Regulating Laws for Commercial and Industrial Activity in Fujairah
• Department of Civil Defense
• Setting up business entities in Fujairah
• Creative City
• Fujairah Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Tourist attractions in Fujairah
• Hotels in Fujairah
• Government Departments and Offices of Fujairah
• Immigration Rules
• Fujairah Free Zone

Introduction & Refresher

While designed as a marketing resource for prospective business players in Fujairah, ‘Doing Business in Fujairah’ will serve as a refresher and a source of information for those already residing and doing business in the north-eastern emirate.

Availability

A hard copy of the book may be ordered from this address:

Fujairah Free Zone Authority

P O Box 1133

FUJAIRAH, UAE

Tel: +971 9 222 8000

Fax: +971 9 222 8888

Email: freezone@eim.net.ae

Web Site: www.fujairahfreezone.com

Downloadable

‘Doing Business in Fujairah’ is available online at this link.

Other Documents

Further Morison Menon booklets are available for down load:

Doing Business in the UAE and UAE Free Trade Zones-1

Doing Business in the UAE and UAE Free Trade Zones-2

List of Other Publications

Related Articles on Doing Business in Fujairah and UAE

Fujairah Challenged to Set Up Course and Certificate in Islamic Banking, FIF, 8 April 2011.

More Women Urged to Establish and Manage Businesses in Fujairah & UAE, FIF, 7 April 2011.

More Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Advocated for Fujairah, FIF, 6 April 2011.

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.

Don’t They Know It’s Friday? RBM, 6 June 2008.

Establishing a Business in the UAE, ETE, 1 August 2009.

Setting Up in Dubai, RBM, 26 December 2007.

Geoff Pound

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

Postscript

One of the great benefits of getting a hard copy of the book, ‘Doing Business in Fujairah’, is the map that indicates the industrial zones and the Dubai-Fujairah Freeway. See this review of the map.

Carnival Atmosphere at the Air Show on the Fujairah Corniche

Up In the Air

Friday afternoon (8 April 2011) marked the third and final ‘Open Day’ for the UAE Air Force and Defense Force.

The Desert Falcons were up in the air again wowing the crowds with their formation exercises and solo antics. They looked much better against the blue sky than the grey backdrop that had dominated the proceedings earlier in the week.

The sky divers again hit their targets and each was clapped at their landing to an appreciative and relieved crowd.

Painting an Aerial Theme

Children worked on mats and at easels seeking to paint a competition-winning masterpiece. In the end, every artist came away with a prize, even if it was a show bag donated by the Fujairah Aviation Academy.

International Game

The international game of musical chairs was the activity that drew the greatest applause of the afternoon. It was played by boys and girls of different ages to the chants of ‘Yalla! Yalla!’ (Go! Go!) and ‘Tayaran! Tayaran! (Aviation! Aviation!) until one chair was left and the winner beamed like royalty on their throne.

Splash and Dash

People hired jet skis from the Marine Club and while they were not officially part of the air show they added colour and atmosphere. The drivers needed little encouragement to show off their skills and their splash to the hundreds that lined the Corniche.

Flags Down

This morning (Saturday), all the UAE flags that had lined the road and the Corniche were taken down and put into storage until the next event designed to instill a fresh dose of national patriotism.

Shukran Jazeelan

Well done and thanks to the UAE Defense Force, the UAE Air Force and the Fujairah Aviation Academy for putting on some great entertainment for the crowds this last week.

Take a Look

Some pictures of the Aerial Show on Friday are posted in this photo album.

Further Stories and Photos

Aerial Displays Over Fujairah this Week, FIF, 7 April 2011.

Geoff Pound

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

Image: “The international game of musical chairs was the activity that drew the greatest applause of the afternoon. It was played by boys and girls of different ages.”

Fujairah Challenged to Set Up Course and Certificate in Islamic Banking

One of the suggestions that emerged at the Fujairah International Business Forum 2011 this last week was for Fujairah to establish a certificate course in Islamic banking to train people working in the banking and services sectors.

The chairperson of the forum, Dave Bradley, gave a welter of statistics to illustrate the international growth in halal products and the dramatic rise in Islamic financial products and services.

Ms. Farah Spencer, a representative of Green Alternatives Development Group in Saudi Arabia, said there was an opportunity for Fujairah to create an Islamic Banking Certificate to train bankers and workers in financial institutions in the UAE and the Middle East. She said, “It would save people from this region from having to go to Paris or London to get qualified.”

When asked in the Question and Answer time what type of institution would be needed, Ms. Spencer indicated that it may be best to have a private College running the training as currently happens in the UK. It would need to be set up in conjunction with the government and Shariah scholars.

Related

More Women Urged to Establish and Manage Businesses in Fujairah & UAE, FIF, 7 April 2011.

More Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Advocated for Fujairah, FIF, 6 April 2011.

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 in the Fujairah in Focus—Facebook Page.

Image: A sample certificate in Islamic Banking.