Partnership Between Residency and Foreigner Affairs and Fujairah Municipality

Press Release

New Agreement

Today (14 December 2011) at the Fujairah Municipality a partnership and cooperation agreement was signed between the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigner Affairs in Fujairah and the Fujairah Municipality.

The signatories were HE Mohammed Saif Al Afkham, Fujairah Municipality Director General and Colonel Mubarak bin Sinan, Director of Residence and Foreigner Affairs, Fujairah.

Purpose of Partnership

The agreement provides for strengthening the relationship between the two institutions, connecting on relevant business, keep each other up with new trends.

The agreement also aims to bring a concerted effort to upgrade services to serve the public interest and participation in advancing the progress of the emirate of Fujairah.

Municipality Viewpoint

Mr. Afkham said that signing the agreement is a positive step. This will help us to build bridges of cooperation in various areas and on issues of common concern. The joint cooperation should also lead to a greater integration of the work of the two departments.

Residency and Foreigner Affairs Perspective

Colonel Sinan said that both parties are seeking to deepen their partnership at this time when the emirate is booming. There is a desire to reduce the number of illegal residents and violators of the law as well as improve the conditions for legal residents in the way of security and economic development.

Signing Ceremony

The signing ceremony was attended by Captain Albert Mohamed Shihab Ahmed, Head of Strategic Development and Performance of the General Administration of Residency and Foreigner Affairs, Mr. Obaid Dhanhani, Office of the Director, Mr. Abdullah Khadim, Head of Engineering and Land in the Municipality of Fujairah, Ms. Asilah Abdullah Al Mualla, Chief of Health and Mr. Ahmed Amer, Head of Land.

Related

Fujairah Emirate First in Region to Go Completely 3D With Google Earth, FIF, 15 December 2011.

Fujairah Municipality Receives Mersin Delegation from Turkey, FIF, 11 December 2011.

Fujairah Joins Clean Up UAE Day, FIF, 8 December 2011.

G-Force Arts Rocks Fujairah With Sound, Light, Dance and Fireworks, FIF, 30 November 2011.

Fujairah Hosts First Forum in Urban Planning, Diversity and Integration, FIF, 29 November 2011.

Fujairah Municipality Celebrates UAE 40^th National Day, FIF, 28 November 2011.

‘Spirit of the Union’ Parade through the Streets of Fujairah, FIF, 17 November 2011.

Fujairah Studying Options for Integrated Waste Recycling Systems, FIF, 1 November 2011.

Fujairah Municipality Inspects Fast Food Restaurants this Month, FIF, 22 October 2011.

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

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

Fujairah Celebrates Arab Environment Day, FIF, 16 October 2011.

Fujairah Celebrates Bread with the World, FIF, 12 October 2011.

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

Geoff Pound

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

Protecting Fujairah’s Wadi Wurayah from Vandals

This week 7 Days has posted a story about ‘Vandals Spoiling UAE Beauty Spot’ with a photo (pictured) of graffiti sprayed over the rocks at Fujairah’s Wadi Wurayah.

This photo is rightly stirring up rage while some writers have said that the place has looked defaced and trashed for many years and that “today’s outrage is a tad overdue.”

Hopefully the rage at this time, even if overdue, might be transformed into some constructive solutions.

Here are two solutions to get public discussion flowing:

Cameras

There are lots of cameras that have been placed around Wadi Wurayah to photograph important species such as the Arabian leopard.

Why can’t a camera or two be strategically placed to catch the wild animals that are painting one of the great treasures of Fujairah and the UAE? This could appear to be an invasion of privacy but so are the speed cameras that line the roads.

Park Ranger

Most National Parks around the world have rangers who are stationed on location to fulfill a role of public safety, advisor, educator and enforcer of park rules.

On 16 March 2009 Wadi Wurayah was designated a protected area by a decree of the Ruler of Fujairah. While many plant and animal specimens have been protected it is time for the Fujairah Government to finish the job of protecting the area by placing several fulltime rangers in this 170 km2 area.

The presence of fulltime rangers at Wadi Wurayah, plus signs that declare that rangers are patrolling the area and cameras are on the alert, should go a long way to curbing the graffiti.

Discussion

What are your ideas to combat the trashing of Wadi Wurayah?

How is the Environmental Department of the Fujairah Municipality responding to this challenge of prevention, apart from their very helpful sponsoring of Clean Up Days?

Related

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

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

Photo Shooting Fujairah’s Wadi Wurayah, FIF, 19 April 2011.

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

Geoff Pound

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

Image: Wadi Wurayah defaced. (Photo courtesy of 7 Days)

Ministry of Culture Signs MOU with Fujairah Crown Prince Award

Developing Cooperation

In the presence of His Highness, Sheikh Mohammad bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Community Development and the Fujairah Crown Prince Award signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the aim of developing cooperation between them to strengthen national identity, instill patriotism and introduce the new generations to the non-material heritage, which achieves the strategic goals of the Federal Government of the United Arab Emirates and serves both parties.

Signatories

The memorandum was signed at the Fujairah Crown Prince’s Office in Fujairah by Musabeh Al Mesmari, Assistant Supervisor of the Crown Prince Award and Abdulla Al Nuaimi, Director of the Coordination and Initiatives Department at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development.

The signing was in the presence of H.E. Bilal Al Budour, Assistant Undersecretary for Culture and Art on behalf of the Ministry, and a number of Directors and Heads of Departments at the Ministry and the Crown Prince Office, in addition to Ahmad Al Dhanhani, Head of the Heritage Department.

Crown Prince’s Leadership

For his part, H.E. Bilal Al Budour praised the leading role of H.H. Sheikh Mohammad bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, in the cultural sector in the Emirate of Fujairah, and his hard work and continuous support for culture and heritage in all fields.

He also praised the role that the Fujairah Crown Prince Award plays in maintaining and promoting national identity, introducing non-material heritage and reinforcing the originality that distinguishes the cultural heritage of the United Arab Emirates.

Combined Effort

Al Budour stated during the signing that the Ministry believes that the cultural heritage is a human legacy and keeping it requires the combined efforts of all government and private institutions. That is why the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Community Development is devoted, within its strategic directions, to support and cooperate with cultural and heritage institutions in the UAE.

Heritage Strategy

Al Budour explained that the memorandum comes as part of the Ministry’s 2011-2013 strategy to promote national identity, instill patriotism, introduce non-material heritage and raise the level of cultural and social awareness.

He pointed out that the memorandum aims at consolidating partnership between the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Community Development and the Fujairah Crown Prince Award to achieve the strategic goals for both sides through full cooperation that will help them perform their functions in promoting culture and the developing community.

The memorandum is also an embodiment of the spirit of cooperation between the Ministry and the Award considering that we’re all work for a common goal, and are guided by one compass which is the UAE’s Union compass.

Opening the Door

Al Budour added that the memorandum of cooperation opens the door for the implementation of activities and joint projects, conferences, seminars and specialized training courses between the Ministry and the Award in the field of culture and heritage.

This cooperation is aimed at strengthening national identity and achieving cultural and social development in the UAE through various means and methods, in addition to cooperation and coordination between the two sides in preparing and presenting programs for the rehabilitation of national human forces. These programs include specialized training programs in the field of culture and heritage between the two parties in relation to the support and development of work in the field of culture and heritage.

Stimulating Initiatives

The memorandum also included providing initiatives and programs that are proposed by either one of the two parties in all possible means to achieve the goals of the memorandum and the mutual benefit of the appropriate facilities, halls and buildings that both parties have, and benefiting from experts, technicians and specialists in various disciplines in relation with the memorandum, and the preparation and distribution of versions related to the promotion of national identity and cultural and social development to achieve the overall community development.

Cooperation Online and In Marketing

Al Budour added that the two parties agreed on sharing a link of the other party’s website in both their websites and displaying their logos on all shared publications, advertising material and all activities and statements in relation with the memorandum which is valid for five years.

Note

This article has been prepared by Shaikha Al Mesmari, Head of Communications, Fujairah Crown Prince’s Office. The signing took place on 8 December 2011.

Image: H.H. Sheikh Mohammad bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah is at the right behind the signatories, standing with H.E. Bilal Al Budour, Assistant Undersecretary for Culture and Art on behalf of the Ministry.

The signatories at the Fujairah Crown Prince’s Office in Fujairah: Musabeh Al Mesmari, Assistant Supervisor of the Crown Prince Award (left) and Abdulla Al Nuaimi, Director of the Coordination and Initiatives Department at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development (right).

Fujairah Municipality Receives Mersin Delegation from Turkey

Press Release

Mersin Delegation

An official delegation recently visited (8 December 2011) the Fujairah Municipality from the city of Mersin, Turkey.

They included Mr. Mast Ozkan (Mayor of Mersin), Mr. Hassan Basri (Governor of the city of Mersin), Mr. Serafitin Asot (Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce), Mr. Abdul Qader (Secretary General, Mersin Chamber of Commerce) and Mr. Krtber, (member of the Chamber of Commerce).

The delegation was received by HE Mohammed Saif Al Afkham, Director of the Office of the Director of the Municipality, Mr. Obaid Dhanhani and a number of heads of departments including Major Mohammed Ahmed Ibrahim, Executive Director of the Fujairah International Marine Club.

Purpose and Goals

During the visit the talks focused on identifying potential areas for cooperation and an exchange of experiences on economic issues, tourism and infrastructure projects.

It was stated that it was important for the Turkish delegation to know and see the vital projects in the emirate of Fujairah and consider the most important means and the significant possibilities for attracting Turkish investment in Fujairah.

In this regard, Mr. Mohammed Saif Al Afkham (pictured below) mentioned the strategic location of Fujairah near the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman and its role in the Arab economy.

Fujairah Director’s Speech

Afkam said in his speech to the delegation:

“The Fujairah Municipality has been able, thanks to careful planning and clear strategies, to move forward steadily towards achieving the visions of the wise leadership of the emirate of Fujairah.”

“We are delighted today to be hosting the delegation of the Turkish city of Mersin, which represents one of the world leaders in many areas. We are sure that our talks today and future relationships will help the sharing of experiences, the exchange of experiences and the possibility of investment opportunities in Fujairah.”

Mayor of Mersin

Mr. Mast Ozkan, the Mayor of Mersin, spoke on behalf of the visitors:

“We are pleased to thank the Fujairah Municipality for their interest expressed in our delegation. There is no doubt that the progress and achievements of the municipality are cause for admiration and appreciation. We are confident that these discussions will pave the way for the possibility of cooperation and investment in the exchange of experiences, leading to strong ties between Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.”

Further

"Mersin is a large city and busy port on the Mediterranean coast of southern Turkey. The metropolitan area has a population of 982, 429 (2010) making it Turkey’s tenth most populous city.... Mersin is important for Turkey’s economy and Turkey’s biggest port is located there. (Wikipedia)

Geoff Pound

More Fujairah news, resources, information and photos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page. Click LIKE to stay in touch with news about Fujairah.

Images: Photos taken by the Fujairah Municipality of the Turkish visit.

Talk to ‘Saif’ the Animated Character at the Fujairah Fort

New Mascot

New features keep on appearing at the Al Saif Championship and Fujairah Heritage Village and one of the latest innovations is an animated character and mascot, appropriately known as ‘Saif’.

Interact with Saif

You can talk with Saif, the Emirati swordsman, when you arrive through the main entrance of the Fujairah Heritage Village. On the left you will see a television screen and Saif may call out to you, ‘As-Salamu Alaykum’, ‘Hullo’ or a greeting in your language.

Exchange greetings and enter into conversation with him. Some visitors have appeared surprised to see and hear Saif greet them and they’ve been shy to talk back to the cartoon character. You’ll quickly warm up into the experience.

Information Officer

It may appear gimmicky and a little entertaining but talk more with Saif and you will see that his role is also to give information and even serve as an educator on things to do with the Al Saif Competition, the Fujairah Fort and the Heritage activities. After all he is sitting in the Fujairah Heritage Village Information Centre.

Cartoon Characters

These cartoon characters, or Interactive Animation Systems, are becoming an increasingly popular means for businesses and organizations of combining the latest technology with a marketing strategy.

Hover around the entrance to the Fujairah Heritage Village and you will see old people and young children talking with Saif, who will quickly become the symbol and marketing voice of the Al Saif Championship for the Crown Prince Award.

Endless Possibilities

The technology has boundless applications as Saif can respond to visitors with appropriate eye gestures and arm movements and maybe he might be able to do some sword dancing and sword throwing!

There’s also provision for allowing visitors to appear on the screen with Saif, giving them an unforgettable experience, especially if they receive a CD recording of the conversation to replay later and show to their friends.

Entertainment and Education

Because this is a live experience between visitors to the Fujairah Heritage Village and Saif, the on-screen cartoon character, this has the potential to become a useful means of education, especially with the younger generations who are attending the Fujairah Fort with their families and schools.

Further

‘Saif’ has been created by members of the Al Saif Championship Organizing Team in conjunction with ECB Animalive, Dubai.

More information is posted on the Al Saif Competition Facebook Page and contact details are listed on this web page.

Fujairah Joins Clean Up UAE Day

Clean Up Fujairah

Staff of the Fujairah Municipality have gathered on Fujairah’s Umbrella Beach this morning to support Clean Up UAE in the Eastern Emirate.

Between 300-500 school children are involved in the programme this morning (8 December 2011)which involves registration, T-Shirts, speeches (in the tent pictured below), sand castles, morning refreshments and cleaning rubbish from the beach.

On the 12 December there is a similar exercise at Wadi Wurayah with companies participating instead of schools.

It’s a pity that the clean ups are not happening on a weekend when ordinary citizens can come along and participate in these worthwhile community events.

Need for Deterrence

It is an exercise in cleaning and education, prevention and cure.

It is good to have occasions to do some Spring cleaning and the educational aspect is important, however Fujairah has not yet introduced measures to deter people from littering, especially in public places like the beach.

Most householders pay for domestic helpers to do the cleaning in their homes and this mentality carries over into public places whereby people think, “Let’s leave our trash on the beach because we have Municipality workers who are paid to pick up our mess in the morning.”

Tough Fines and Policing

Dubai has introduced some steep fines for littering and Fujairah needs both tough fines and vigilant policing.

The paper, plastic and broken glass left on the beaches during the recent Eid holiday was both a disgrace and a safety hazard.

More photos are posted in this photo album.

Geoff Pound

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

Pakistani Isthiraha Restaurant in Fujairah

Strategic Location

About three years ago the Isthiraha Restaurant opened on Fujairah’s new bypass, the long, four-lane, Kuwait Road. It seemed an unlikely choice of location on what looked a deserted road but in three years a long row of tall commercial and apartment buildings have sprung up along Kuwait Road and it is a quick walk from the ‘Opening Shortly’ Century Mall with Carrefour.

The place was almost full when we dined in this restaurant for lunch the other day.

Unfortunately, the restaurant seems to be a mainly male dining precinct with female diners being something of a rarity.

The name ‘Isthiraha’ means something like a resting station. The décor is basic, the food is tasty and, according to those from the homeland, it is authentic Pakistani food.

The television permanently glued to the cricket channel is a telltale sign that it is a Pakistani restaurant!

Wider Range

To attract a wider range of diners Isthiraha offers Chinese food and Fast Food (burgers, nuggets, hotdogs and sandwiches).

The Faseel restaurant was started by an ex-banker, who is planning to open another restaurant in Norwich, England.

Details

Isthiraha Restaurant and Cafetaria

Kuwait Rd, Faseel

P O Box 5169

Fujairah

Ph: (09) 2282001; (09) 2228289

Coming from the city down Kuwait Road towards the Beach Motel Roundabout, the restaurant is soon after the driveway to the HCT-Fujairah Women’s College and before the road going up the side of the Century Mall. It is very close to a mosque.

You cannot drive directly into the restaurant parking so you have to take the next turn right and double around towards the Kuwait Rd.

Check the Map

View Pakistani Isthiraha Restaurant in Fujairah in a larger map

Check the Menu

Remember that a restaurant will change its menu and its prices. This menu is accurate as at December 2011. Let me know if and when the menu changes. It can be downloaded from this link.

Take a Look

Some pictures of the restaurant and some dishes we enjoyed are posted in this photo album.

Geoff Pound

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