Elite and Academic Education Exhibition in Fujairah

Fujairah First

For the first time Fujairah is hosting the Education Exhibition for all emirates apart from Abu Dhabi. This regular event provides rich opportunities for tertiary institutions to display their unique advantages to secondary school students.

Details

• The Elite and Academic Education Exhibition is being held at the Fujairah Exhibition Center from 17-19 April 2011.
• An opening ceremony was held this morning (17 April) with speeches, cultural entertainment and a tour of the exhibition by VIPs and their entourage.
• The exhibition is being held by the Ministry of Education in cooperation with the Fujairah Education Council and a bevy of sponsors.
• Over 35 universities and tertiary Colleges and Academies are exhibiting.
• On the opening day more than 400 students were in attendance and the organizers are expecting between 3-4,000 students over the three days of the exhibition.

Decisions

Chocolates, sweets, pens, glossy brochures, interactive computers were all being used to woo prospective students to the display booths and then to the Colleges.

Students were eager to explore entrance requirements, tuition fees, residential possibilities, the availability of scholarships and laptops that were being sold at a reduced rate to students.

Big decisions confront the students and the rich choices often accentuate the complexity of the issue.

On the second and third days presenters from the universities will have 15 minutes to make their case from the stage about why students should come to their institution.

Deliberations

Some important factors for students to think about:

1. Seek to get the best education you can.

2. Increasingly people are changing their occupation up to four times in the course of their lifetime which may suggest the importance of getting a good all-round education rather than embarking on a specialized degree that will provide an immediate ‘meal ticket’.

3. How does one weigh up the worth of the different paths to walk? How does one know which vocation to embrace amidst the various options that might beckon?

Discernment

American author, Frederick Buechner helpfully addresses this question when he says:

“There are all different kinds of voices calling to you, all different kinds of work … By and large a good rule for finding out your vocation is to think about the kind of work (a) that you need most to do, and (b) that the world most needs to be done.”

“If you really get a kick out of your work, you’ve presumably met requirement (a), but if your work is writing TV deodorant commercials, the chances are you have missed requirement (b). [Buechner’s example suggests that he does not think deodorant serves a significant purpose!] On the other hand, if your work is being a doctor among leprosy patients, you have probably met requirement (b), but if most of the time you are bored and depressed by it, the chances are you’ve not only bypassed (a) but you probably aren’t helping your patients much either.”

“Neither the hair shirt nor the soft berth will do.”

Discovering Your ‘Deep Gladness’

Frederick Buechner concludes by saying that our vocation is usually discovered at the place where our deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”

(Frederick Buechner, Wishful Thinking)

Take a Look

Some photos are in this photo album of some of the people attending the first day of the Elite and Academic Education Exhibition in Fujairah and the types of display booths they were able to visit.

Geoff Pound

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

UNESCO World Heritage Day Celebrated at Fujairah Fort

18 April

UNESCO World Heritage Day is being celebrated on Monday 18 April but also for the next five days in Fujairah, concluding on Friday 22 April.

Each evening of this week, Monday to Friday, the display booths, cultural programme and traditional food stalls will be open from 5.00 to 10pm.

The formal programme will take place on the stage beneath the Fujairah Fort, where the Al Saif Sword Competition was held late in 2010. Display booths and food stalls will be open in the adjoining cultural village.

Official Opening

The World Heritage Day in Fujairah will be officially opened by the Fujairah Crown Prince, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad al Sharqi at a ceremony commencing on Monday 18 April 2011 at 5.00pm.

At this ceremony children will be dancing, along with the performance of other traditional activities and the Chairman of the Fujairah Tourism and Antiquities Authority, Ahmed Khalifa Al Shamsi, will be giving some words of welcome and explanation.

Traditional food will be available for purchase throughout the evening.

GCC Collaboration

In addition to the celebration of Emirati culture, the other GCC countries (Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia) will each have an exhibition booth in which to showcase their crafts.

Ahmed Al Shamsi said, “There is a cultural similarity between our neighbouring countries and this will be apparent at the display but each country will also seek to showcase some of their unique cultural treasures.”

Take a Look

Some photos at the Fujairah Fort today are in this photo album as the preparations were getting underway by members of the Fujairah Tourism and Antiquities Authority and staff of the Fujairah Tourism Department.

Geoff Pound

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

Exciting Plans Developing at the Fujairah International Airport

Today’s Operation at FIA

Dr Khaled Almazroui gave the opening address at the Air Center Conference 2011 in Fujairah (13-14 April) on the theme, ‘The Evolution of the Fujairah International Airport’.

In outlining the development of the Fujairah International Airport (FIA) he began by setting out the historical context.

Dr Khaled, like many speakers to follow, highlighted Fujairah’s strategic location, outside the bottleneck of the Strait of Hormuz. He mentioned that Fujairah’s advantageous location has been recently bolstered by the new oil pipeline that will bring a huge percentage of the UAE’s oil through Fujairah.

Advantage Fujairah

Other assets of the Fujairah International Airport include:

• Clear Skies
• Favourable Weather
• Excellent visibility
• Open 365 days

Upgrading Facilities

The Fujairah International Airport has been developed in recent years to achieve these goals:

• It is open 24 hours of the day
• It has all the facilities of a modern airport

• It can accommodate all aircraft types

• The airport leadership has developed the airport to meet all security and regulation requirements

Cargo and Passengers

Currently the FIA is chiefly a cargo airport with this component representing 90% of the airport’s work and the flow of passengers representing 10%.

Dr Khaled said that the FIA is aiming at changing the airport’s role so that the flow of passengers represents 40% of the airport’s business and cargo represents 60%.

Aircraft Movements

There are on average 55 aircraft coming in or out of the airport each day and sometimes this number increases to 70 per day (see picture below indicating the growth over the years).

35-40 of these are commercial flights and the rest are the activities of the Fujairah Aviation Academy.

Increasing Cargo

The FIA is working to increase the cargo flow through the airport but it is challenged by these factors:

• An uneven annual increase in cargo tonnage.
• Balancing security and regulatory requirements against other important factors such as the speed of operation and flexibility of movement.
• Change management as prescribed by policies, procedures and manuals: Dr Khaled noted the excellent work of his team with emergency drills and the implementation of other procedures making Fujairah one of the best airports in the region on many counts.
• The increasing numbers of aircraft parked for maintenance.

Towards 2025

The General Manager said that he and his team are working intentionally toward goals that have timelines extending to the year 2025.

In terms of aircraft movements the airport is ahead of the forecast as set out in the master plan.

Specific Plans Include:

• A new passenger terminal
• Expanding the apron of aircraft parking and creating a bigger parking space
• Further training for fire fighting and other safety procedures
• Additional maintenance workshops and facilities
• Extending the runway to 1,200 metres
• Expanding to accommodate 68 airline offices (see picture below)

• Developing a dedicated training room
• A new Maintenance, Repair and Outfitting (MRO) Hangar will be ready in a few months (see picture below)

• Establishing a new Luxury Plane Hangar (see picture below)

• A new Executive Aviation Terminal (see picture below) has been completed offering the latest technology and comfort. Dr Khaled mentioned that the UAE had become either first or second country in the world in terms of the movement of business jets. In this regard, FIA wants to capture a percentage of the market with flights to Fujairah and technical flights.

• New commercial hangars (see pictures below). In all, the airport is building 12 new hangars of different sizes. 80% of the new hangar space has been reserved and this will be available within three months.

Geoff Pound

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

Arab Proverb: “A Chameleon Does Not Leave One Tree Until…”

“A chameleon does not leave one tree until he is sure of another.”

-Arab Proverb.

Geoff Pound

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

Cultural Caravan Showcases Emirati Life and Culture in Masafi, Fujairah

Recently (14 April 2011), a Cultural Caravan staged a celebration of national life and culture at Al Khailaibia (Al Khalabeyah), on the outskirts of Masafi, Fujairah.

This was an initiative of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development and was a creative response to a call from His Highness, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, to boost national identity and social solidarity.

The cultural caravan was held in cooperation with various organisations that had display booths. These included the HCT and other education institutions, the Red Crescent, the Fujairah Municipality and a safe driving campaign.

There were a number of cultural activities both on stage and off which included play acting, choral singing, poetry reading, traditional dancing, cooking, traditional craft work, the making and repairing of fishing nets, displays of shark jaws, coral, swordfish bills and a private museum collection.

Crown Prince Commendation

The Fujairah Crown Prince, His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, was full of praise for this venture. He stressed the significance of the cultural convoys, and the way they foster a healthy collaboration between public institutions and private corporations to achieve positive social and economic goals for the emirate of Fujairah.

Take a Look

Many thanks to Fujairah HCT, manager and teacher, Andrew Scholtz, for his photographic album of the event which includes scenes of the art of net making, items from the Tayeb Museum, a drum-major leading his pipe-band and a young bard reciting poetry.

Here is the link to Andrew’s photo album.

Geoff Pound

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

Image: An Emirati fisherman demonstrating the art of making nets and the crucial value of the big toe in such a craft!

One of the many photographs in ‘The Cultural Caravan’ Photo Album by Andrew Scholtz.

‘African Mystique’ Art and Photo Exhibition at Le Méridien, Fujairah

Glimpse of Africa

Fujairah-based artists, Amnah Al Bloushi and Alan Nambiar are collaborating to exhibit their art and give people a taste of Africa.

Host

The art and photos are being exhibited in the main reception café area of Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort in Fujairah.

Dates and Times

You’re invited to view the public exhibition of ‘African Mystique’ throughout the days and evenings, from Wednesday, 20 April to Monday, 2 May 2011.

Amnah and Alan will be present at certain days and times to mingle with visitors.

Monday 18 April is the official press launch which includes a cocktail evening for guests of Le Méridien Beach Resort.

Tuesday 19 April is the official opening from 7-9pm and this event is by invitation only.

View and Purchase

The limited edition art work and photos on an African theme will be on sale for Le Méridien guests and UAE residents.

Prices vary (Dh500-Dh2,500) and these will be given upon enquiry at Le Méridien. Special arrangements can be made to negotiate prices with the artists.

Amnah Al Bloushi

Amnah is an Emirati artist from Fujairah.

She did her Bachelor of Education in English Language Teaching at the Fujairah Women’s College (HCT) during 2005 and 2009. Amnah is currently working as a math teacher at the FWC.

Amnah’s major artistic medium is painting with coloured pencils, pastels and acrylic. Many of her art pieces have an African theme.

Her hobbies include fashion designing, playing the piano, solving puzzles, playing soccer, basket ball and travel.

Alan Nambiar

Alan is a South African photography and math lecturer/teacher at Fujairah’s HCT. He is also a freelance photojournalist.

He was born in Durban where he worked for most of his career as well as in Capetown. He has photographed most regions of South Africa as well as major events such as the FIFA World Cup.

Alan’s photographic specialties include travel and documentary photography, culture, lifestyle, people, international sports, weddings and events.

His hobbies include music, sport, reading and travel.

Geoff Pound

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

Image: ‘Mr. Patience’, one of the photographs in the ‘African Mystique’ Exhibition, contributed by Alan Nambiar.

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)