Fujairah Celebrates World Food Day

There were several Fujairah groups and schools that featured World Food Day this year but staff and students from Fujairah’s Abu Jandal School made a significant contribution on 15 October 2011.

The Abu Jandal School in Faseel is a UNESCO school and the students and staff who form the UNESCO Team developed several initiatives.

Breakfast Lesson

The UNESCO team prepared breakfast for students and staff to emphasize to the entire school the significance of World Food Day and the importance of each person in a community having healthy food and a balanced diet. Leader of the UNESCO Team, teacher Monther Burmawi, said that sharing breakfast together as a school gave tangible and tasty support to the proverb, “Sound body, sound mind.”

Preparing the Packages

After breakfast, students involved in the UNESCO Team packed up the fruit that they and their families had generously donated. The tables in their classroom looked colorful and were groaning under the weight of so much food.

After some photo opportunities the team got ready to make a number of visits to people who would benefit and enjoy the gifts of food.

Variety of Visits

The UNESCO Team visited laborers on their work sites and thanked them for their efforts to the community of Fujairah. They gave the workers food and water and talked briefly about the global importance of World Food Day.

Similarly, the team visited a kindergarten and gave the children and their staff food and water bottles. The team was welcomed and thanked for their generosity.

The team then went to the Fujairah Hospital. They met the head and staff of the Children’s Section and talked about the purpose of their visit and the objectives of the UNESCO Associated Schools in particular. They then visited children and in the ward, gave them fruit and water and wished them health and safety.

Big Impact

When asked about the effect that the day had had on the students and those that they visited, Monther Burmawi replied:

“The impact was very great. The UNESCO Team realized the importance of what they had done towards the patients, especially the children. The total experience engendered a sense of pride in being members of the UNESCO Team at the Abu Jandal School, which is one of the first UNESCO Associated Schools in the Emirate of Fujairah.”

“We strongly express our thanks to the school leadership, especially the support shown to the UNESCO Team by our Principal, Mr. Ali Mohammed Yousef, who has helped facilitate activities like World Food Day.”

UNESCO Schools

Founded in 1953, the UNESCO Associated School Project Network (commonly referred to as UNESCO Associated Schools), is a global network of more than 9000 educational institutions in 180 countries.

The project was established to educate schools on issues related to UNESCO’s “overarching goal of promoting peace and international understanding.”

Related

Abu Jandal Scool on Wikimapia.

Abu Jandal School

Al Faseel

P O Box 806

Tel: (09) 2222242

Fax: (09) 2224962

Website

Take a Look

Some photos taken of the Abu Jandal UNESCO Team preparing the food and visiting different people and institutions in Fujairah are posted in this photo album.

Geoff Pound

Image: Principal, Mr. Ali Mohammed Yousef, helps prepare the UNESCO Team of students at the Abu Jandal School as they visit groups around Fujairah in recognition of World Food Day.

More Fujairah news, information, resources and photos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Fujairah Chaplain Peter Chase Awarded Honorary Doctorate

The Rev. Peter Chase, Chaplain of Fujairah’s Flying Angel and vicar of the Fujairah Anglican Church (St Nicholas), was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree on 13 October 2011 from the Episcopal Graduate Theological Seminary, in Berkeley, California.

Rev. Chase received his degree along with two other priests—the Rev. Mary Frances Schjonberg, an editor with the Episcopal News Service in New York City and the Rev. David E. Pettengill, a retired priest in Mesa, Arizona—in recognition of their significant contributions to the Episcopal Church.

The degrees were presented as part of a celebration of the Holy Eucharist in the All Saints Chapel on the Church Divinity School of the Pacific (CDSP) campus.

Peter Chase

The news service of the CDSP reported this introduction:

“Chase received his Master of Divinity degree from CDSP in 1980, and since has served churches in California, Salt Lake City, Utah, and Massachusetts. He currently lives in Dubai [Fujairah], United Arab Emirates serving as Chaplain to the Mission to Seafarers, serving with the MV Flying Angel, which serves the second largest anchorage in the world. It is the world’s largest seafarer center with more than 20,000 seafarer visitors each year.”

Presentation

At the conferral the Rt. Rev Mark Hollingworth, Bishop of Ohio, presented Peter Chase and gave an extended account of his achievements. Here is a summary of his statement:

In Peter’s first appointment as an Associate Rector in California, he contributed not only to the parish but also to the diocese, especially in the areas of pastoral care, church planning and youth ministries.

As Rector of the Episcopal church in Salt Lake City, Utah, for almost a decade, Peter played a critical role in an ‘extraordinary ecumenical venture’ in which the church shared fellowship and service with five mainline denominations.

During Peter’s seventeen years of service as Rector of St. Mary’s Church in Newton, Massachusetts, his leadership gifts were relied upon in the church and community alike. A list of his accomplishments and leadership positions during this period is lengthy but is marked notably by his commitment to clergy vocational development and wellness. Peter served as co-President of the Massachusetts Episcopal Clergy Association, worked as a mediator with individuals and churches in conflict and acted as a mentor to young vicars.

His commitment to the ongoing support of the ordained leadership is reflected as well in his dedicated services to the CDSP alumni.

Retiring from fulltime parish ministry, Peter Chase has spent the last two years with the Mission to Seafarers in the Northern Emirates of the United Arab Emirates. There he serves as chaplain aboard the MV Flying Angel, the only boat of its kind, serving the second largest anchorage and the largest seafarer’s center in the world. As well he is vicar of the St. Nicholas Chapel in downtown Fujairah, a ministry to expatriates in the Anglican Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf.

As husband, father, priest, community leader, CDSP alumnus and Boston Red Sox fan, Peter has lived up to his name and his namesake, modeling fidelity and providing rock-solid leadership as a Christian and an Episcopalian.

Family and Friends

It was significant that the contribution of Peter’s family was recognized in the formal presentation and honor. Peter’s family—Abbie (wife), Gaelan and Benjamin—were all present in San Francisco to witness the joyous conferral, as were a number of alumni, former colleagues and friends.

Congratulations!

Congratulations are extended to Dr. Peter Chase upon receiving this honor and recognition for a lifetime of significant service.

Related

The Mission to Seafarers—Dubai and Fujairah.

The Angel Appeal, Mission to Seafarers.

Where does the Anglican Church Meet in Fujairah? FIF, 23 August 2011.

Peter Chase, Facebook. Send him a congratulatory message.

Geoff Pound

More Fujairah news, resources and photos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Images: Rev. Dr. Peter Chase; A trio of doctors in their academic gowns—from left to right, the Rev. David E. Pettengill, the Rev. Mary Frances Schjonberg and the Rev. Peter Chase; the MV Flying Angel.

Fujairah Municipality Inspects Fast Food Restaurants this Month

Surprise Visits

Sudden inspections of Fujairah’s Fast Food restaurants will be undertaken this month.

Thorough Inspection

The municipality’s Division of Public Health aims to check the following:

+ Provision of adequate lighting and ventilation in the kitchen.

+ Overall hygiene of the restaurant.

+ Hygiene of employees (gloves and head cover).

+ Ensuring that workers are free from disease (current health card).

+ Checking cleanliness of tools and equipment used in cooking and presentation.

+ Checking that food is kept in refrigerators at suitable temperature.

+ Checking that pest control certificates are up to date.

Public Appeal

Fujairah citizens and residents are asked to communicate with the municipality’s Division of Public Health where they suspect a breach of health and hygiene standards at any of Fujairah’s fast food restaurants and when they have doubts about the quality of food that is being served.

80036222

This is the toll free number for residents to call 24 hours a day.

Related

Fujairah Municipality Building Section Undergoes Evaluation, FIF, 19 October 2011.

Fujairah Continues Rigorous Health and Hygiene Campaign, FIF, 18 October 2011.

Fujairah Municipality Launches New Speedy Service, FIF, 12 October 2011.

Geoff Pound

More Fujairah news, information, resources and photos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Fujairah Municipality Building Section Undergoes Evaluation

Regular Scrutiny

Since the beginning of the year the Fujairah Municipality has instituted an integrated system of evaluation for all its departments and recently it was the turn of the Buildings Section to undergo assessment and scrutiny.

This was the first thorough assessment of the department.

The evaluation involved a different form of assessment for employees depending on whether they were engineers, technicians or administrators.

The assessment involved getting external input and feedback from consultants and engineers from various companies with whom the Municipality has been dealing.

Purpose

The purpose of the regular evaluation is:

+ To raise the overall performance of the employees and the team collectively.

+ To maintain health standards.

+ To ensure environmental safety.

+ To ensure compliance with current building regulations.

+ To keep pace with latest developments in the building industry.

Recognition

The culmination of this assessment took place in the Municipality Conference Hall convened by the Deputy Director, Abdulla Mohamed Alhantoubi.

The ceremony involved giving feedback from the overall assessment, honoring the entire team and the presentation of awards by Mr. Alhantoubi on behalf of the leadership of the Municipality.

Significance

Enhancing the performance of the building sector of the Municipality is of great importance as, in the next few years, there looks to be a great development of Fujairah city and the various towns and cities in the emirate of Al Fujairah.

Geoff Pound

More Fujairah news, resources, photos and videos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Images: Top-The ceremony involved the presentation of awards by Mr. Alhantoubi (left) on behalf of the leadership of the Municipality; Bottom-Some of the members of the Buildings Section of the Municipality meeting in the Conference Room at the ceremony to mark the completion of the formal evaluation.

Growing Trees and Shrubs for Fujairah

Ever wondered where all the trees and shrubs come from that you see around Fujairah?

Most of them have been raised in a nursery located behind the public gardens in Madhab.

This extensive area, sheltered by the Hajar Mountains, is divided into a number of sections—ground cover, ornamental bushes, thorn sap plants, trees, desert plants—and is probably one of the most comprehensive collections of trees and shrubs in Fujairah.

The nursery is headed up by Hossam Riead Hemdan, the Head of the Agriculture Division of the Department of Public Works and Agriculture, who came from Egypt to work for the Government of Fujairah more than 20 years ago.

Hossam oversees the 130 men who work at the nursery and around the emirate (there’s also another centre in Dibba) planting, sowing, fertilizing, pruning and treating trees and grasses for pests.

The Madhab nursery is part of the government department and it does not have a public sales division, although from the looks of things many Fujairah citizens visit the nursery to get a tree or two.

There are many mature trees around the property and Hossam and his staff are knowledgeable about varieties of trees and those that grow best in Fujairah conditions.

Take a Look

Some photos taken of the Madhab Nursery are in this photo album.

Contact

Agricultural Division

Department of Public Works and Agriculture

Government of Fujairah

P O Box 3339

Fujairah, UAE.

Tel: (09) 2244555

Fax: (09) 2229479

Email: pwad@emirates.net.ae

Location

Turn right at the Madhab Sulpheric Spring Park and keep rounding the outside of the park. Take the second entrance you come to. There is an office near the entrance. Open Sunday to Thursday from about 5.30am to 2.00pm.

Related

Gardening Becoming Popular in Fujairah and the UAE, FIF, 23 September 2011.

New Name and Facelift Needed for ‘Madhab Sulpheric Spring Park’ Fujairah, FIF, 2 May 2011.

The Flowering of Fujairah and the UAE, FIF, 12 February 2011.

Fujairah Getting Greener, FIF, 7 October 2010.

Geoff Pound

More Fujairah news, resources and photos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Fujairah Continues Rigorous Health and Hygiene Campaign

520 Tours

At the direction of Engineer Mohammed Saif Al Afkam (pictured), Director of the Fujairah Municipality, a food inspection campaign throughout September 2011 involved 520 inspection tours.

64 Violations

A total number of 1745 stores and restaurants were visited, resulting in the discovery of 64 violations of health regulations.

A further 154 businesses received warnings.

New Licenses

70 new licenses were granted to food shops and another 86 for general-purpose shops and offices.

102 cars that convey food were inspected and had licenses renewed.

Monthly Tours

The Fujairah Municipality said that the aim of the monthly tours is to improve health conditions for the protection of consumers and to preserve the integrity of the members of the community.

The work of the department is one of awareness raising, tightening the legal action against violators and to generally intensify inspections campaigns to regulate food and non-food items.

Geoff Pound

More Fujairah news, resources and photos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Images: Engineer Mohammed Saif Al Afkam, Director of the Fujairah Municipality; A variety of feta that has passed the test.

Al Saif Committee Announces Fujairah Sword Competition for 2011

Announcements

The Organizing Committee of the Al Saif (Traditional Sword) Championship 2011 held a press conference today (17 October 2011) at the Fujairah Concorde Hotel to announce details of the competition in its second year.

Those who addressed the press conference were Ahmad Hamdan, the Assistant Controller, Rashid Al Yammahi, Chairman of the Training Committee, Sultan Melaih, Chairman of the Jury Committee and Mohammad Al Hammadi, Chairman of the Marketing Committee.

Inspired by Crown Prince

The annual Al Saif Championship was inspired by His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, the Crown Prince of Fujairah, as an initiative to revive traditional Arab heritage and to promote Emirati culture.

His Highness believes that the championship promotes the link between citizens and their country’s heritage and introduces them and expatriates to this beautiful sport from Emirati heritage. This ancient art, which has been practiced in the mountains of the UAE for centuries, has a greater chance of enduring and being appreciated by many if it is demonstrated in an annual competition on the saif (sword) arena before the Fujairah Fort.

Committee members today referred to the constant interest and follow up of the Crown Prince who is vitally involved in the Committee’s work to ensure they attain the desired results and achieve the objectives that he established for the championship.

Critical to the great success of the inaugural Al Saif Championship last year was the coordinating work of Sheikh Abdulla bin Saif Al Sharqi (pictured below with the Crown Prince). He drew together the committee and 27 volunteers and in only three short weeks, established the objectives and rules of the Championship, prepared the arena, a road and parking area, and developed the heritage village and its associated programme. Sheikh Abdulla was in attendance today and he continues in the key role of general overseer and coordinator of the Championship.

Key Dates

The Committee revealed today that the commencement date for the Al Saif Championship is 11 November 2011 and the final night will be on 16 December 2011. The associated Heritage Village may get underway a day or two before the championship begins.

New Features

The Organizing Committee is working on several new features that were disclosed at today’s conference:

+ The sword arena will be expanded (lengthened and widened).

+ The grand stands will be extended to accommodate greater numbers in the audience.

+ The heritage village will be developed with more stalls in order to enrich the total experience and the showcasing of Emirati culture.

Generous Prizes

Assistant Controller, Ahmad Hamdan, stated that the prizes will take the form of generous cash awards, granted by the Patron, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi.

Prizes will be given to all winners in the finals from first to eighth place.

Mr. Hamdan praised the Crown Prince’s ongoing support for Emirati heritage through keeping traditional sports alive.

Training Programme Keeps the Art Alive

Rashid Al Yammahi, Chairman of the Training Committee, revealed the establishment of a training programme that will introduce members of the younger generation to the traditional art of the saif.

The training programme will be for young men 14 and above and will be held in the Saif Arena with the cooperation of the Fujairah Educational Zone.

Trainees will learn the basics of holding and using the sword, how to be creative and artful and the important values behind the Al Saif tradition.

If trainees excel this year, they may well apply to enter the championship next year or sometime in the future.

Rules of the Competition

Sultan Melaih, Chairman of the Jury Committee, explained the conditions for participation, how the judges grade each swordsman, the specifications for the safety of the sword and other details relating to points for creativity and excellence in the use of the sword. These rules are outlined in the Al Saif booklet.

Mr. Melaih says that the committee expects a big increase in the number of participants this year because of the success in the inaugural year of the Championship. More participants will mean that more qualifying rounds will need to be conducted before the competition proper commences.

Promotion

Mohammad Al Hamadi, Chairperson of the Marketing Committee, stated that the echoes of the first year of the Al Saif Championship successfully introduced the competition to departments, businesses and the general public within Fujairah and throughout the Emirates and the Gulf.

The establishment of two Guinness World Records during the Al Saif Championship in 2010 was also a wonderful means of promotion.

Mr. Al Hamadi said that the Committee is currently securing sponsors for this year’s Championship. The successful sponsors will be announced at a future Press Conference as well as being advertised on the television channel that is broadcasting this major event in the UAE.

Further Information

To keep up to date with developments for the Al Saif Traditional Sword Championship 2011, stay tuned to these sites and links:

* Al Saif Traditional Sword Competition Web Site.

* Al Saif Competition Facebook Page—Click LIKE to keep in touch.

* Al Saif e-Booklet with competition details, historical background etc.

* Al Saif—Check this site to indicate that You Are Attending.

Al Saif Organizing Committee 2011

Ahmed Hamdan

Abdulaziz Al Abdouli

Ali Obaid

Ali Yaeesh

Badriah Al Hosanny

Ghada Al Zaabi

Humaid Al Yammahi

Jasim Al Jasmi

Khadijah Al Hindi

Maryam Al Saadi

Mohammed Al Hammadi

Mosabbah Obaid

Mustafa Thanikkai

Ohood Abdulaziz

Rased Al Yamahi

Saeed Al Samahi

Sheikha Al Mesmari

Sultan Mohammed

Tariq Abdulla

Some of the Al Saif Organizing Committee Members meeting with His Highness, the Crown Prince.

Relive the Al Saif Championship of 2010

Watch this 3 minute video of the Al Saif Competition to see how it is a total experience.

To learn more about what happened in the Al Saif Traditional Sword Competition in its inaugural year, go to this article and follow the links.

Geoff Pound

More Fujairah news, resources and photos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Images: The three photos of the swordsmen in action at the Fujairah Fort were taken by Michele Ziolkowski. Most other photos and logos are used courtesy of the Al Saif Championship.

Fujairah Power and Desalination Plant

Big Project

At the France-Fujairah Forum, Fujairah Municipality Chief Engineer, Sohail Iqbal, spoke briefly about the new power and desalination plant as a further project that might bolster the confidence of French investors in the eastern emirate.

Here were the key points that Iqbal mentioned:

F1

The Fujairah 1 Power and Desalination Plant (F1).

+ Location: Qidfa, Fujairah, about 10 kilometres north of Fujairah city.

+ Owner: Emirates Sembcorp Water and Power Company.

+ Operator: SembCorp Utilities.

+ Commissioned: In operation since June 2004 by UWEC. Emirates Sembcorp took over operation in September 2006.

+ Total capacity: 86 megawatts (MW) of electricity; 100 million imperial gallons per day (MIGD) of desalinated water.

+ Components: 4 gas turbines producing 94 MW each; 2 steam turbines generating 137 MW each.

F2

The Fujairah 2 Power and Desalination Plant (F2).

+ Location: Alongside the existing F1 plant in Qidfa.

+ Owner: Fujairah Asia Power Company.

+ Commissioned: May 2011.

+ Total capacity: 2000 MW of electricity; 130 MIGD of desalinated water.

Further Information

Fujairah Power and Desalination Plant, Wikipedia.

F1: Emirates Sembcorp Water and Power Company (ESC)

F2: Fujairah Asia Power Company (FAPCO)

Other Major Fujairah Projects

Fujairah Northern Land Reclamation Project—Latest News, FIF, 16 October 2011.

The Abu Dhabi Crude Oil Pipeline Project in Fujairah—Latest News, FIF, 10 October 2011.

The Fujairah Oil Industry Zone-Latest News, FIF, 9 October 2011.

The Developments at the Fujairah Port—Latest News, FIF, 8 October 2011.

Strategic Grain Terminal in Fujairah—Latest News, FIF, 6 October 2011.

Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Highway Between Dubai and Fujairah-Latest News, FIF, 5 October 2011.

France—Fujairah Forum

Several articles have been posted on this France-Fujairah business forum, held in Fujairah on 29 September 2011. Go to this article and follow the links that it includes.

Geoff Pound

More Fujairah news, information, photos and videos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Images: The points and map are drawn from Sohail Iqbal’s Powerpoint Presentation and are used with thanks.

The top photo of the water processing at F2 is used courtesy of the Fujairah Asia Power Company.

Fujairah Celebrates Arab Environment Day

Environmental Awareness

The Fujairah Municipality, represented by the Department of Environmental Protection and the General Services Administration, marked Arab Environment Day (14 October) with the establishment of a planting campaign at the Sakamkam School for Basic Education.

The awareness day for the students involved training and practice in the art of landscaping, the planting of trees and ornamental plants and the removal of garden waste.

A lesson was presented to the students on the impact of plastic on the environment. Brochures were distributed to reinforce the message about maintaining a sustainable environment and this was followed by a clean up of plastic waste around the school.

Arab Environment Day

This year’s slogan and emphasis revolved around ‘Cleanliness: A Collective Responsibility’.

The annual environment day is a celebration among Arab countries, aimed to encourage cooperation on environmental awareness and action.

The Arab Environment Day was first instituted in 1986, by a meeting of Arab Ministers responsible for the environment, in Tunisia.

Related

Fujairah Municipality Fosters Community Service Among Students, FIF, 20 June 2011.

Geoff Pound

More Fujairah news, information, photos and videos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Images: Photos of students, teachers and representatives from the Fujairah Municipality, ‘kicking some goals’ for the environment.

Fujairah Northern Land Reclamation Project—Latest News

Another Big Project

At the France-Fujairah Forum, Fujairah Municipality’s Chief Engineer, Sohail Iqbal, gave a keynote address on Fujairah’s big projects that are fuelling the emirate’s expansion.

An important part of the jig-saw puzzle is the Fujairah Northern Land Reclamation Project (FNLRP). Here are the basic pointers:

Basics of the Project

Location: Fujairah, UAE, north of the Fujairah Port.

Client: The Government of Fujairah.

Date of Completion: Phase 1-August 2011.

MUC Role: Consultant and Supervisor.

Contract Value: AED 1.013 billion.

Area

The reclamation and coastal protection of 224 ha. of land will stretch 500m from the coastline into the sea.

Purpose

The reclaimed area will be used for oil storage facilities, expansion of the port and other industrial developments.

Timetable

There are two phases to the project and three parts to the second phase.

FNLRP—Phase 2/Lot 1

This phase is to be completed by May 2012.

FNLRP—Phase 2/Lot 2

This part of the project is to be completed by December 2012.

FNLRP—Phase 2/Lot 3

This part of the project is to be completed by December 2012.

Other Major Fujairah Projects

The Abu Dhabi Crude Oil Pipeline Project in Fujairah—Latest News, FIF, 10 October 2011.

The Fujairah Oil Industry Zone-Latest News, FIF, 9 October 2011.

The Developments at the Fujairah Port—Latest News, FIF, 8 October 2011.

Strategic Grain Terminal in Fujairah—Latest News, FIF, 6 October 2011.

Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Highway Between Dubai and Fujairah-Latest News, FIF, 5 October 2011.

France—Fujairah Forum

Several articles have been posted on this France-Fujairah business forum, held in Fujairah on 29 September 2011. Go to this article and follow the links that it includes.

Geoff Pound

More Fujairah news, information, photos and videos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Images: The points and photos are drawn from Sohail Iqbal’s Powerpoint Presentation and are used with thanks.

Free Public Wi-Fi Hotspots in Fujairah

High tourist cities like New York have big plans to increase the number of Wi-Fi hotspots in the city.

People can connect online at hotels but New York’s five-year digital initiative is designed to establish free Wi-Fi to 26 parks around the city.

In addition to parks, New York is rolling out Wi-Fi to subways, limo services and high tourist centres such as Times Square.

Fujairah Wired

In addition to Colleges, hotels and restaurants in Fujairah it would be good to see some more free Wi-Fi hotspots.

Further free public Wi-Fi Hotspots would:

+ Indicate that Fujairah is Serving its Tourists. Hotels and restaurants are quick to indicate the Wi-Fi features to its customers as a sign of their comprehensive service—see this web page of ‘Wi-Fi Wireless Internet Hotels Near Fujairah Airport’.

Free and public hotspots around the city would also convey the same message from the city leaders to all tourists. Web sites like this one indicate that the Wi-Fi service is a selling point and something that prospective visitors are looking for.

Some of the frequently asked questions online include these ones:

? Where are the places to stay with Internet/WiFi in Fujairah?

?? Where do I find free Wifi hotspots in Fujairah?

??? Are there Internet Cafes around Fujairah Port? (asked in cruise ship reviews)

+ Reduce the Remoteness of Fujairah. There’s a widely held perception among residents and tourists in Dubai and Abu Dhabi that Fujairah is way out in the boondocks. The new and fast Dubai to Fujairah highway will lessen the tyranny of distance but to be a city and emirate that is effectively wired will connect Fujairah more closely with the world.

+ Enhance Fujairah’s Technological Sophistication. Fujairah is commonly perceived as being slow (shway, shway) and behind the times. In truth, many Fujairah residents don’t want their emirate to be a photocopy of another emirate and they are keen for Fujairah to be itself. This doesn’t mean, however, that Fujairah should ignore the advances of technology and having an improved Internet service including Wi-Fi hotspots will bring e-benefits to tourists and residents.

+ Underscore Fujairah’s Great Outdoors Status. The New York five-year digital plan indicates the importance of the parks to the ‘Big Apple’.

Similarly, the rolling out of more Wi-Fi hotspots in parks and on the Fujairah Corniche would highlight the importance of the coast and the beaches for tourists and residents alike. It would allow people to remain connected while they are outside and enjoying the Great Outdoors of the emirate.

Fujairah Wi-Fi Hotspot Locations

The Etisalat Wi-Fi locator for 9 public hotspots in Fujairah would appear to be an incomplete list:

* Abu Dhabi Securities;Fujairah (next to National Bank of Abu Dhabi)

* Al Meshwar Restaurant

* Fujairah International Airport

* Fujairah International Marine Club-café

* Fujairah Tower

* Gefsi Restaurant and café

* Ozone Café

* Oceanic Hotel Khor Fakkan

* Emirates Springs Furnished Apartments

Du Wi-Fi only lists a service at the Fujairah Airport.

Wi-Fi Hotspot Hopes

Can you add to the list above, more free Wi-Fi Hotspot locations around Fujairah?

In which Fujairah locations would you like to see a free Wi-Fi hotspot?

Geoff Pound

More Fujairah news, resources and photos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Opening of First e-University in Fujairah

Making History

Earlier in October, the first e-University in Fujairah was opened in a ceremony at the Concorde Hotel.

VIPs

Distinguished guests included His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Hamad bin Saif Al Sharqi, Chairman of the Fujairah Free Zone, Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al Kindi, Minister of the Environment and Water, Dr. Faris Al Bayati, University President, Dr. Khalid Omari, the Minister of Education and Higher Education and former President of the University of Jerash (Jordan), Sharif Al Awadi, Director General of the Fujairah Free Zone and Abdulla Alhantoubi, Deputy Director of the Fujairah Municipality.

Hopes

Sheikh Saif Al Sharqi expressed his wishes that the university would be a beacon of science and a symbol of knowledge and scientific services.

Dr. Faris Al Bayati thanked Sheikh Al Sharqi for his efforts in helped to establish the university. He noted that the university was founded as the first Arab online university, led by Arab experts and academics and he expressed the hope that the university and its students would have a global presence.

More Details

No more details are at hand at the moment, as to basic things such as location, list of academics, languages of instruction and the commencement of classes.

This article is based on an article drawn from a report in Arabic published by Al Khaleej.

Geoff Pound

More Fujairah news, resources and photos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Image: Photo of the opening ceremony (courtesy of Al Khaleej).