First Arabian Horse Show in Fujairah Judged a Great Success

Press Release

First for Fujairah

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, the front yard of Fujairah Fort witnessed last evening the launching of the Fujairah Liberty Class Show 2011, which is the first Arabian Horses show to be held in Fujairah.

One of Many

The one-day event was an associated activity of the Fujairah Crown Prince Award – Al Saif Championship. Fifty three horses participated in the show that aimed at highlighting the value and status of the horse in the Emirati and Arab heritage, encouraging the younger generations to own and breed Arabian Horses, and urging local breeders to keep and take care of their horses and better their production to be able to represent Fujairah in future international shows and competitions.

The show was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah and patron of the show, His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of the Ajman Executive Council, His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Chairman of the Fujairah Culture and Media Authority, His Excellency Salem Al Zahmi, Director of the Fujairah Crown Prince Office, and a number of officials and guests from Fujairah. In addition, a large number of Arabian horses owners and lovers were present.

Fifty-Three Horses

Fifty three of the best locally owned Arabian horses participated in the show that highlighted the characteristics of beauty, speed, refinement, endurance, and strength that the Arabian horse is famous for in its movement, especially the freestyle liberty class, where the horses show off their graceful moves on the tunes of Eastern music. The activities of the show were rich and diverse and they were divided into three rounds. One of them was for the participating Arabian horse from the Sheikhs’ royal stables. The second round was for the mares and the third round was for the stallions. They were all judged by the Judging Committee which consisted of the following International judges: Mr. Khalifa Al Forah, Mrs. Christine Chaselle, and Mr. Richard Pihlstrom.

Competition Results:

Sheikhs’ mare round (Liberty Class)

Official UAE Studs:

Dubai Arabian Horse Stud

First Place: Lumiar Bint Balzac

Second Place: D Crystal Moon

Third Place: D Jowan

UAE National Category:

First Place: Bint Fitna – Owner: Al Tamimi Stables

Second Place: Mary Nosa – Owner Rashid Obaid Khalfan

Third Place: Ablink – Owner: Sheikh Ahmad Ali Al Sharqi

Stallions Round:

First Place: Sparrtacus T O – Owner: Ajman Stud

Second Place: Preemium – Owner: Dubai Arabian Horse Stud

Third Place: Walhan – Owner: Sheikh Khalid Mohammad Khalifa Al Mualla

UAE Nationals Category:

First Place: Ruzaam AlSafinat – Owner: Arif Mohamed Ibrahim Hassan

Second Place: Latif Al Zobair – Owner: Ali Salem Mohamed

Third Place: Al Sobh – Owner: Rashed Obaid Al Yamahi

Great Success

Ali Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, praised the first Fujairah Liberty Class Show 2011’s success and thanked His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, for his generous support and patronage of the show which proves his highness’s belief in the importance of preserving the breed of Arabian horses and promoting its status. Al Kaabi stated that His Highness is a constant patron of all kinds of sports and cultural activities that aim at reviving the local heritage of the people of Fujairah. Al Kaabi also explained that the judging process in the show started with sorting the participating horses from the royal stables from the horses of young national breeders whether from Fujairah or the rest of the Emirates. This was done to give the horse breeder a greater chance to win and achieve positions in the beauty of movement competitions. Ali Al Kaabi said that, under His Highness the Fujairah Crown Prince’s interest of beautiful traditional sports, they are hoping to increase the level of competition in the next few years.

Khalid Al Suwaidi, from the Emirates Arabian Horse Society expressed his happiness with the great success of the first Fujairah Liberty Class Show 2011, which witnessed high attendance and interaction from the crowd that exceeded all expectations. Al Suwaidi was glad to observe the exceptional characteristics of the Arabian horses and praised the quality and number of the participating horses. He hoped that this success will lead to the continuation of the show in the future as it encourages owners and breeders to own and breed Arabian horses and take care of them.

It’s noteworthy to mention that the Emirates Arabian Horse Society supervised the implementation of the rules and standards of the Arabian horses beauty show and provided the international judges. The society presented the first Emirati international judge, Khalifa Al Forah.

Take a Look

Some photos of the horses arriving and being prepared for the Arabian Horse Show are posted in this photo album.

Some photos of the horse show taken by Fujairah photographer, Emily Ray, can be seen in this photo album.

Some photos of the qualifying round, the final round and the award ceremony are posted in this photo album.

A photo by Emily Ray of Emirati royalty attending the Arabian Horse Show is posted at this point.

Some photos of the Emirati royalty taking a stroll through the Fujairah Heritage Village at the Fujairah Fort are posted in this photo album.

More Information

More information and program details about the Arabian Horse Show, the Al Saif (traditional sword) Championship and the Fujairah Heritage Village at the Fujairah Fort can be gleaned from the Al Saif Competition Facebook Page.

Geoff Pound

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

From Fujairah Scott Ragsdale Begins His 7 Ironman in 7 Day Challenge

Just before 7am this morning on the Fujairah corniche, Scott Ragsdale said he was looking forward to getting going on his 7 Ironman events in 7 days. He’s been preparing for this adventure for 9 months.

I asked him why he does this crazy stuff swimming, cycling and running 12-15 hours over the next seven days and he said:

“Last year I turned 40 and I wanted to do something that would extend me so I swam the English Channel. Then I wondered what I could do this year that would take me further and I came up with the 7 Ironman events in 7 Day Challenge.”

On his blog post yesterday he wrote about the power of the mind and he challenged people to make their goals happen. Then he concluded:

“This week and this 9 month adventure comes down to this simple thought: finish or failure.”

At 7pm he began the first day’s schedule of swimming 3.86 kilometres. He changed in a tent, put on some sunscreen and took off on his cycle to travel 180.25 kilometres before running a marathon—42.195 kilometres.

He said he felt good after his swim within the ‘banana’ out from the Fujairah Corniche. “If anything,” he said, “I swam too fast.” Swimming is the best of his three disciplines so he said after emerging from the Arabian Sea, “It’s all down hill from here now!”

Many people were at his launch with their cameras and with best wishes. Scott Ragsdale is an inspiration for simply starting. Let’s hope he can finish his adventure in the seven emirates of the UAE.

Take a Look

Some photos from this morning’s start in Fujairah are posted in this photo album.

Geoff Pound

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

First Fujairah Forum on UAE Planning, Integration and Diversity

In the presence and under the patronage of His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, the Crown Prince of Fujairah, the Fujairah Municipality is holding its first forum on the theme, ‘UAE Planning, Diversity and Integration’.

Participants

People from different sectors of Fujairah life have been invited to attend and participate.

Mr. Mohammed Saif Afkham, Director of the Fujairah Municipality, says he wants “to continue ongoing [dialogue] between the institutions of society, the state and the media.”

Afkham (pictured below) added, “The forum aims to share experiences and provide an environment where dialogue can blend developments and proposals with the participation of a large group of specialists and experts in different sectors which are relevant to urban areas and construction.”

The Spirit of the Union

The publicity is billing the Fujairah Forum as a UAE 40^th National Day activity in Fujairah.

The theme of the Forum captures the ‘third pillar’ of the UAE National Day strategies entitled ‘Cosmopolitan Community’ and which is amplified with this commentary:

This great nation was created by a few with the prosperity of many.

It is now a nation that is made up of faces from different places, bringing with them important skills, culture and personalities from every corner of the globe.

Living side by side together, under one spirit, working to help the nation continue to prosper and grow.

The UAE today is truly at the heart of the globe, at the middle of the Middle East, and our people reflect this.

The success of the nation today and tomorrow has been and will continue to be through the collective strength of the many.

Mabrook!

Congratulations to His Highness, the Crown Prince and the Fujairah Municipality for scheduling this first Fujairah Forum, for bringing people together and encouraging a rich dialogue to shape positively the development of the emirate.

Details

The forum is being held at the Concorde Fujairah Hotel with the opening function commencing at 10.00am Wednesday 23 November and going until 1.00pm.

The forum continues tomorrow, Thursday 24 November between 10.00am and 1pm at the Concorde Fujairah Hotel.

More Information

Further information or questions about participation can be directed to the PR Department of the Fujairah Municipality (09) 2028231 or 050 799 7786; Pr.fujmun@hotmail.com

Geoff Pound

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

Images: Top photo used courtesy of Khaleej Times via the 40^th UAE National Day Strategy booklet, p16; Mr. Mohammed Saif Afkham, Director of the Fujairah Municipality: quote from the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan from the 40^th UAE National Day Strategy booklet, p17.

‘ENCOUNTERS’ Art Exhibition at Le Méridien Beach Resort Al Aqah Fujairah

Exhibition

On the occasion of the UAE 40^th National Day, Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort presents ENCOUNTERS: An Exhibition of Works from the Collection of the Liborius-Xu Art Gallery.

RSVP

You are invited to the opening reception at Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort on 2 December 2011, 7pm (RSVP 050 539 5973; 050 397 4950)

Press Release

Here is the information posted on the official press statement released to the media:

INTERNATIONAL ARTWORKS

FROM

THE LIBORIUS-XU COLLECTION

AT

LE MERIDIEN AQAH BEACH HOTEL

Dubai, November 2011 - In its first public event of the season, Liborius-Xu Art Gallery will show select pieces of its collection at Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Hotel this December under the title ‘Encounters.’ The exhibition, which is part of the UAE National Day celebrations at Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Hotel will feature works by renowned artists from the UAE, China, Japan, Indonesia, England, Bulgaria, Germany, Tunisia, to name a few. The exhibition will open on 2 December, UAE National Day and will last for one month.

Explaining ‘Encounters’

Susanne Liborius, Managing Partner at Liborius-Xu explains:

“‘Encounters’ embodies the harmonious coexistence between the products of different cultures and traditions, even different historical periods, on the soil of this ancient land. It celebrates the very values which underpin the success of the United Arab Emirates in the forty years of its existence.”

Highlights

Highlights of the exhibition include works by UAE artist Amnah Al Bloushi, Carol Smith’s Arabian Horses series, sculptures by celebrated Tunisian artist Mohamed Ben Damir, East-Coast inspired works by Boryana Korcheva, a collection of antique Japanese woodblock prints and lithographs and classic Chinese brush paintings.

About Liborius-Xu Art Gallery

Founded by German Susanne Liborius van der Kramer and Chinese Juan Xu in Dubai, Liborius-Xu combines the distant cultural backgrounds of its founders with their shared passion for art, business experience and international exposure. Having built up their own private art collections over the last twenty years Liborius and Xu decided to establish the gallery 2010 and have been serving a growing list of international collectors in the region.

The gallery represents both established and emerging artists from the Far East, Middle East and the West, offering a variety of styles, ranging from Pop Art to classic Chinese Brush Paintings.

Liborius-Xu operates out of Dubai, a crossroad between East and West and an international logistics hub, and possesses capabilities in several languages.

For More Media Information

Contact Boryana Korcheva

bk@liborius-xu.com

M: 050 5395973

N.B.

If you are planning to attend the opening reception at Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort on 2 December 2011, 7pm, please let them know you are coming (RSVP 050 539 5973; 050 397 4950)

Geoff Pound

Image: Darsana untitled.

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

Visit Inside the Fujairah Fort When You Attend the Al Saif Championship (English and Arabic)

Opening the Doors

Most people find the Fujairah Fort closed so they settle for photographs on the outside steps of the ancient structure but the Crown Prince is keen to open the fort and encourage people to enjoy its many features.

Visiting Hours

Normally if you go to the Fujairah Museum during office hours and ask to visit, they will arrange for the fort to be opened.

The Fort is now open every day from 9am-12 midday and 5pm-7pm until 17 December 2011.

Information

The Al Saif Organizing Committee has prepared a large glossy brochure in Arabic and English. This gives information about the Al Saif (Traditional Sword) Championship but also has details on the history of the fort, it’s building and building material and its special features.

The brochure also comes with a floor plan which indicates the uses of the various areas, and a map (with legend) of the surrounding old village with information about its houses, courtyards and trees.

This information brochure is available from the office at the Fujairah Heritage Village or inside the door of the Fort.

Old Fujairah

As the Al Saif Championship in 2011 is closely aligned to the UAE 40^th National Day celebrations, several old photographs and pictures are on display in one of the rooms of the fort.

Guards at the Fort

Several young men will stand sentry at the Fort, each holding an old rifle. These guns are not loaded but the guards will add to the drama and the sense of remembering what the fort used to be.

قم بزيارة قلعة الفجيرة من الداخل عند حضورك لفعاليات بطولة السيف

فتح الأبواب

يجد الزائر لقلعة الفجيرة أبوابها موصدة في معظم الأوقات فيقوم بالتقاط الصور التذكارية خارج أسوار هذا الصرح التاريخي العريق، ولكن جائزة سمو ولي عهد الفجيرة تحرص على أن يتمتع الزائر للبطولة بجمال القلعة ومعالمها من الداخل والخارج عن طريق فتح أبوابها للزوار وتشجيعهم على التعرف على جميع تفاصيلها.

ساعات الزيارة

يقوم متحف الفجيرة بتنظيم الزيارات للقلعة طوال السنة، وكل ما عليك القيام به هو الذهاب لمتحف الفجيرة خلال ساعات الدوام الرسمي وطلب زيارة القلعة.

أما جائزة سمو ولي عهد الفجيرة، فقد قامت بفتح أبواب قلعة الفجيرة يومياً خلال الأوقات التالية في الفترة من 11 نوفمبر وحتى 17 ديسمبر 2011: من الساعة التاسعة صباحاً وحتى الثانية عشر ظهراً، ومن الساعة الخامسة إلى السابعة مساءاً.

المعلومات

جهزت اللجنة المنظمة لجائزة سمو ولي عهد الفجيرة منشورات تتضمن معلومات عن بطولة السيف وعن تاريخ قلعة الفجيرة ومعالمها والمواد التي استخدمت في بنائها، وتمت طباعة المنشورات باللغتين العربية والانجليزية.

كما تتضمن المنشورات مخططاً لمبنى القلعة يوضح استخدامات جميع مرافقها، وخريطة للقرية المحيطة بها تحتوي على معلومات عن المنازل والأفنية والبساتين الموجودة فيها.

ويمكن الحصول على هذه المنشورات من مكتب بطولة السيف في قرية التراث أو من متحف الفجيرة.

الفجيرة القديمة

وحيث أن بطولة السيف 2011 تتزامن مع احتفالات الدولة بالعيد الوطني ال40 ، فإن العديد من الصور الفوتوغرافية القديمة يتم عرضها حالياً في إحدى غرف القلعة.

حراس القلعة

يقف عدد من الشباب عند أبواب القلعة للحراسة حاملين في أيديهم بنادق قديمة مفرغة من الرصاص في منظر يعيد للأذهان ذكريات الماضي الجميل ويذكّر بما كانت قلعة الفجيرة تبدو عليه وتمثله في ذلك الوقت.

‘Spirit of the Union’ Parade through the Streets of Fujairah

The ‘Spirit of the Union’ Parade commenced this morning at 8.30am.

It started from the Fujairah Municipality and went to the Fujairah Centre for the Ministry of Culture Youth and Community Development.

There was participation in the parade from all the official departments in Fujairah’s Municipality and the Emiri Court but overwhelmingly it was a parade of children who looked cute and resplendent in their national colours.

All the Fujairah elementary schools (Grades 1-6) participated and loved the chance to walk on the streets.

The Fujairah Police were at the parade and their marching band provided the music and some drama.

The Spirit of the Union

The broad theme of the 40^th UAE National Day activities is the ‘Spirit of the Union’. Today’s celebration was an opportunity to rejoice in the spirit that ties us all together in the United Arab Emirates.

In the writings of the 40^th National Day Organizing Committee this spirit enables millions of people to coexist and build their lives together.

This spirit:

* Comes in part from the late Sheikh Zayed and his vision and legacy.

* Binds together all the faces and places that make up this wonderful country.

* Connects us all under one banner, one flag, but with many voices.

* Celebrates our culture and heritage.

* Shapes our future.

* Is even stronger after 40 years as a nation.

+ It connects our history with our future.

+ It is as relevant today as it was 40 years ago.

+ It has lived for 40 years and it will continue to live on.

+ It is a spirit that can be shared across our cosmopolitan community and a spirit that everyone can play a role in sustaining.

+ Each person defines, shapes and shares this spirit in their own way.

-40^th UAE National Day Strategy, page 11.

Take a Look

Some photos snapped on the streets of Fujairah by those parading are posted in this photo album.

Further

The entire program (Arabic and English) of the UAE 40^th National Day activities in Fujairah can be downloaded from links on this page.

Geoff Pound

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

Image: “Overwhelmingly it was a parade of children who looked cute and resplendent in their national colours.

Arabian Horses Add to Fujairah Heritage and UAE National Day Festivities (English & Arabic)

History Past and Present

A new feature of this year’s Al Saif Traditional Championship and Fujairah Heritage Festival is the showing on three occasions of some of the best Arabian horses in the land.

This will also signify history in the making because it will be the first festival of Arabian horses in the emirate of Fujairah.

The Arabian horse has been an essential part of local heritage in the UAE and the Arabian Peninsula for thousands of years. It’s speed, beauty, endurance, strength, good nature and swiftness to learn has led to it to be exported and prized all over the world.

Local Committee

Local horse owner and trainer, Ali Musabah Al Kaabi (pictured), has formed an Organizing Committee of 10-12 people.

Great Interest

Ali Al Kaabi said that since the Fujairah events have been publicized much interest has been shown from owners around the UAE.

More than 40 owners will be bringing their horses to the new Fujairah Fort showground. Some of the horses will come from distinguished Arabian horse studs including those from stables owned by His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, the Crown Prince of Fujairah.

Three Main Events

There will be three main opportunities to see the Arabian Horses in Fujairah:

On Friday 18 November, commencing soon after 6pm, there will be the first horse show. Approximately 10 horses from the UAE’s East Coast will display their steps around the showground. Riders will be presented in the traditional dress for riding Arabian horses.

A major Arabian Horse Exhibition is scheduled for Friday 25 November. It will commence with a photo session at 4pm and the actual show will start soon after 6pm. It will include judging and the awarding of generous prizes.

More than 50 horses will be exhibited coming mainly from the UAE east coast as well as from Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman and Abu Dhabi.

Ali Al Kaabi said that many of the horses coming to Fujairah have won prizes in international shows, notably in the United Kingdom.

The third and final Arabian Horse Show is timed for Friday 2 December, commencing soon after 6pm. It will be similar in format to the 18 November show but it will be more informative and educational as owners and commentators speak about the qualities and values of the Arabian horses.

Enquiries

For more information and any query relating to the Arabian horse events in Fujairah please phone or email. Contact details at the following link.

الخيول العربية .. إضافة رائعة لاحتفالات إمارة الفجيرة التراثية والوطنية

خلفية تاريخية

تعتبر عروض الخيل العربية الأصيلة التي ستقام خلال ثلاثة أيامٍ مختلفة من أهم فعاليات بطولة السيف ومهرجان الفحيرة التراثي لهذا العام، ويعتبر هذا الحدث الأول من نوعه في إمارة الفجيرة التي لم يسبق أن أقيم بها عروض أو مسابقات للخيول العربية الأصيلة.

ومنذ آلاف السنين، والحصان العربي يحتل حيزاً هاماً من التراث الشعبي لدولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة وكافة بلدان شبه الجزيرة العربية. فقد أدت سرعة هذا الحصان وجماله وتحمله، وقوته وطبيعته وسرعة تعلمه إلى تصديره والحرص على اقتنائه في جميع أنحاء العالم.

لجنة محلية

شكّل علي مصبح الكعبي، الذي يقتني عدداً من الخيول ويقوم بتربيتها وتدريبها، لجنة تنظيم من 10-12 شخصاً، وتتضمن هذه اللجنة شخصيات ذات خبرة عالية في مجال الخيول العربية الأصيلة.

اهتمام كبير

صرّح علي الكعبي بأن مالكي الخيول في دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة أبدوا اهتماماً كبيراُ ورغبة في المشاركة بعد الإعلان عن الفعاليات الخاصة بالخيول والمقامة في إمارة الفجيرة، وسوف يقوم أكثر من 40 مالكاُ للخيول بجلب خيولهم إلى ميدان العرض في قلعة الفجيرة. ومن ضمن الخيول المشاركة خيول عربية أصيلة من اسطبلات صاحب السمو الشيخ محمد بن راشد آل مكتوم، نائب رئيس الدولة رئيس مجلس الوزراء حاكم دبي، وسمو الشيخ محمد بن حمد الشرقي، ولي عهد إمارة الفجيرة.

ثلاثة فعاليات رئيسية

ستقام عروض الخيل العربية الأصيلة خلال ثلاثة أيام مختلفة:

العرض الأول للخيول يوم الجمعة 18 نوفمبر بعد الساعة السادسة مساءاً، حيث سيتم عرض ما يقارب 10 خيول من الساحل الشرقي لدولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة في ميدان العرض، وسيقوم الفرسان بارتداء الزي الشعبي الخاص بركوب الخيل.

مسابقة جمال الخيول العربية الأصيلة ستقام يوم الجمعة 25 نوفمبر، وسيبدأ العرض بجلسة تصوير في الساعة الرابعة مساءاُ بينما سيكون العرض الرئيسي بعد الساعة السادسة مساءاً، وسيتخلله التحكيم وتوزيع جوائز سخية على الفائزين. يشارك في العرض أكثر من 50 خيلاً معظمها من الساحل الشرقي بالإضافة إلى خيول دبي والشارقة وعجمان وأبوظبي.

وقال علي الكعبي بأن الكثير من الخيول التي تنتمي لإمارة الفجيرة سبق وفازت بجوائز عالمية وبالأخص في المملكة المتحدة.

سيقام ثالث وآخر عروض الخيل العربية الأصيلة يوم الجمعة 2 ديسمبر، بعد الساعة السادسة مساءاً، وسيكون مشابهاً للعرض المقام بتاريخ 18 نوفمبر ولكن بشكل تعليمي أكثر حيث سيتحدث مالكو الخيول ومدربيهم عن جودة وصفات الخيول العربية الأصيلة.

الاستفسار

للمزيد من المعلومات وللاستفسار حول فعاليات الخيول العربية الأصيلة في قلعة الفجيرة، يرجى الاتصال بمكتب بطولة السيف على الرقم 0501919190 أو عبر البريد الالكتروني info@mhm.ae

HCT Fujairah Launches LEQA Business Network

Press of the Button

With a press of the button Dr. Dave Pelham, Director of the Higher Colleges of Technology-Fujairah, launched ‘LEQA’, a new business network initiative for the eastern emirate.

‘LEQA’ has two meanings: In Arabic it means ‘Get Together’ so this is a group that will meet monthly to connect experienced entrepreneurs with young, hopeful entrepreneurs to “inspire their minds and ignite their desire to start a business and network with the business community.”

‘LEQA’ is also an acronym—Learning from Entrepreneurs through Questions and Answers—which indicates the interactive format of the upcoming networking events.

Entrepreneurship Expressed

The gathering at the HCT’s multipurpose hall this evening (16 November 2011) was initiated, hosted and led by students of the Women’s College.

The brains and hard work to create the successful event was attributed to some entrepreneurial students in the FWC Bachelor Year 4, Accounting Class—Alanoud Al Manaseer, Amnah Saif Al Bedwawi, Khadeyh Abdouli, Mozah Yammahi, Amna Essa Massoud, Khadeijah Al Kendi and Mozah Obaid Yammahi.

In his welcome and introductory remarks, Dave Pelham acknowledged and congratulated the women for working hard to develop tonight’s event and establish the new business network.

Entrepreneurial Story

Mr. Qais Sedki was the guest speaker who addressed the inaugural LEQA meeting.

He chose not to tell his story of how he founded a publishing business (Pageflip Publishing), why he threw in his safe job in IT for the risky world of writing and publishing classical Arabic novels in Japanese manga style or how he survived to tell the tale.

He decided to concentrate on his audience and stated that the success of his speech would be determined by “one person starting to get the wheels moving and saying to themselves, ‘I never thought about this before. Maybe there’s something in this entrepreneurship for me’.”

Sedki shot holes in the rich entrepreneurial stereotype and defined an entrepreneur as one who is prepared to take risks in order to focus on doing what they are absolutely passionate about.

In the Q & A time after his speech he was asked what might be the best business to commence if you had Dhs 5,000 to invest. Qais wisely said that the money is one of the last things that should determine the nature of your new business. “Better,” he said, “to picture that you have a blank cheque and that you start with what you are passionate about and then develop a business plan that will include having the necessary money to fund the new business.” In his own experience he has been motivated not by the aim of starting a thriving business but by doing something that will bring positive change to the world.

In his frank and confessional style Sedki stated that entrepreneurs need to take baby steps while taking the long view to get their business up and running. “It’s about failure and falling,” he said. “We must value shortcomings. If we believe wholeheartedly in what we are doing we will carry on despite our failings and regardless of the negative comments that others will inevitably make.”

Successful Night?

Tonight could be judged a successful start if measured by the numbers who attended, the food that was enjoyed, the mailing list that was established and the networking that happened around the tables.

But only time will tell if the launch of LEQA meets the Sedki Success Test—if one young woman or man declares ‘Maybe there’s something in this entrepreneurship for me’ and goes on to follow their passion, opt for the uncomfortable route and establish a business that will change the world and make a positive contribution to humankind.

Mabrook!

Congratulations to HCT-Fujairah on the launch of LEQA and gifting this networking initiative to the emirate of Al Fujairah.

Mark Your Calendar

The next meeting of LEQA is on 18 January 2012 with guest speaker, Mayor Greg Fisher. Mayor Fisher is an entrepreneur, businessman and philanthropist who was elected Louisville’s 50^th Mayor on 2 November 2010.

Mayor Fisher is the founder of SerVend International, Iceberg Ventures, bCatalyst. He is host of a television series called ‘Intro to Entrepreneurship’.

Geoff Pound

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

Image: Qais Sedki, not in his own terms a ‘successful entrepreneur’ but a self-confessed risk taker who is intent on having fun while changing the world.

Remembrance Day Service at Dhadnah, Fujairah

Twenty-four members of the Royal Air Force, plus a padre and a couple of reporters joined yesterday (15 November 2011) in a memorial service down an unmarked dusty road in a remote area north of Dhadnah, Fujairah, United Arab Emirates.

No one who gathered around the grave knew the serviceman personally for he was the navigator on a Wellington bomber that crashed on this site almost 70 years earlier.

Squadron-Leader Chris Jackson had arranged this brief memorial service as part of the annual Remembrance Day commemorations for his team that is currently based in the UAE.

The service led by a RAF chaplain was simple yet significant at the gravesite between the sea and the rugged Hajar Mountains. The ceremony had stories, scripture readings, prayers, silence, the strains of the bugle, poetry, the laying of a group wreath, the placing of the symbolic poppies and the taking of photos.

We Will Remember Them

The service guided by the padre involved:

+ Remembering Sgt. William Donnelly who did not survive when the plane crashed on its way between Sharjah and Karachi. (His story is told in detail at this link.)

+ Remembering the fragility and transient nature of life.

+ Remembering the crew that buried Billy, their anxiety in waiting four days to be rescued and the gift of mateship.

+ Remembering that war is made up of individual acts of service and sacrifice, as epitomized in the story of Sergeant Donnelly.

+ Remembering that whether we are memorialized or our contribution goes unnoticed, we are never forgotten by our Creator.

+ Remembering to live fully and conscious of the legacy that we are leaving behind.

Joining With Others

The padre helped the small group who gathered at Dhadnah to forge a link with the great host of others around the world who remembered the fallen on Armistice Day (11 November) as he shared these lines from ‘The Ode of Remembrance’:

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

We will remember them.

Take a Look

Some photos taken at the memorial service are posted in this photo album.

Further

Remembering Sgt. William Donnelly in Dhadnah, Fujairah, FIF, 10 November 2011.

Geoff Pound

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

Image: Squadron-Leader, Chris Jackson (far right) gathering his team for the service of remembrance at Dhadnah, Fujairah, UAE at 11.00am on 15 November 2011.

Fujairah Photo Contest Has Heritage and UAE National Day Theme

Snaffle a Prize

Everybody with a modern phone is a photographer these days and the cameras were out aplenty for the opening weekend of the Al Saif Championship and Fujairah Heritage Festival.

So why not submit some of your photographs into the photo contest and see whether you can snaffle one or two of the generous prizes donated to winners by His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, the Crown Prince of Fujairah?

Submit in Three Categories

This year you can submit up to seven photos into each category:

1. Al Saif Sword Championship

2. Arabian Horse Show

3. General Emirati Heritage and Culture

You cannot get more than one place in each category but you could get first in each category or a first, second and a third!

What the Judges Might Look For

This year with the Al Saif Championship and heritage activities being strongly linked with the UAE 40^th National Day you would think the judges would be looking, especially in photos related to the third category, for photographs that depict something of our UAE national identity, pride and passion.

Children Get Clicking

The festival is very much focused on children and on their performance and participation so children should be in the forefront when it comes to this photographic competition.

More Information

For all the details relating to the rules of the photographic competition download these documents in Arabic or English.

For more on the Al Saif Championship and Fujairah Heritage Festival go to the Facebook Page for the latest info.

Geoff Pound

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

Image: Photography is a family affair in the Nambiar household. Here at the Al Saif Championship last weekend, Alan Nambiar is trying to get a better angle while Kitana is checking to see the photo she has just taken.

New Networking Event in Fujairah for Entrepreneurs and Business People

Press Release from Fujairah’s Higher College of Technology

Launch of LEQA

HCT-Fujairah is excited to announce details of the launch of its entrepreneurship event, 'LEQA', that takes place on Wednesday 16^th November 2011 at 6pm at Fujairah Women's College.

Taking place during Global Entrepreneurship Week, the event will provide new and experienced entrepreneurs alike with the opportunity to network with each other and listen to an array of public speakers and presentations.

Get Together

LEQA is Arabic and stands for "get together". Its acronym translates into "Learning from Entrepreneurs through Questions & Answers." With this in mind, HCT-Fujairah is thrilled to welcome Mr. Qais Sedki as guest speaker for the evening. As the founder and managing director of Pageflip Publishing, an independent Dubai-based publishing house with both national and international acclaim that focuses on producing original content classical Arabic graphic novels in traditional Japanese manga format; Mr Sedki brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Networking Event

Above all, the aim of the event is to encourage successful entrepreneurs to discuss their own experiences of the business environment and industry and engage in a question and answer session. A networking activity follows where entrepreneurs can meet to share, inspire, energize and ignite new business ideas.

LEQA events will feature regularly at HCT-Fujairah, with the next event scheduled for January 18^th 2012.

Open Invitation

This evening is open to all—new and experienced business people who look forward to participate in networking.

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