Taekwondo Seminar Concludes in Fujairah and Another Seminar Begins

The 10^th Refresher Session and 14^th Study Session for the Taekwondo Poomsae International Referees ended last night (14 February 2012) at the Concorde Fujairah Hotel.

The seminar, organized by the UAE Taekwondo and Karate Association and supervised by the World Taekwondo Federation, was held from 10-14 February 2012, with 160 referees attending from all over the world.

The chief lecturer was Mr. Kim Kyung, Vice President of the Poomsae Committee of the World Taekwondo Federation, assisted by Mr. Ku Min Juan.

New Technology

The referees were trained to use the new electronic Taekwondo Poomsae referee devices developed by Taekwondo Soft, (including Daedos), after the World Taekwondo Federation added some updates.

Thirsting for Knowledge

At the closing ceremony Kim Kyung thanked the Organizing Committee for their efforts and their commitment to making this seminar a success:

“This seminar is a step in the right direction. I have no doubt that all participants will benefit from it and will translate their theoretical knowledge into the practice of Taekwondo which is progressing and growing remarkably in many countries.”

“I commend the participating referees for their thirst for knowledge and practice.”

Great Value

Eid Fairuz Al Mesmari, the Director of the Arabic Junior Taekwondo Championship, commended the participants from all over the world. He expressed his happiness with the contribution of the international trainer and grand master, Mr. Kim Kyung Chan, who added great value to the learning experience. Once again Al Mesmari welcomed the guests of Fujairah and the United Arab Emirates.

I Have a Dream!

Al Mesmari said:

“I have always dreamt of a big gathering for taekwondo lovers, enthusiasts and referees in Fujairah and the dream has been realized with this seminar.”

“The dream will also be embodied in the Arab Junior Taekwondo Championship which will be held in the next few days under the generous patronage of His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, the Crown Prince of Fujairah. We are aspiring toward greater success with this international taekwondo championship which the United Arab Emirates is hosting in Fujairah.”

Mohammad Isaac, the General Coordinator of the Championship, praised the referees for their participation and said that the UAE association will continue to train and qualify those involved in taekwondo. He commended the participants in this seminar for their commitment and urged them to do their best to oversee their duty as referees with honesty and wisdom.

Awards

Shields and gifts were exchanged between the UAE Taekwondo and Karate Association and the World Taekwondo Federation and certificates were presented to all participating referees.

Rules Seminar to Follow

Following the referees seminar a further two days of instruction for referees will be held to make them more proficient in knowing and applying the international rules of taekwondo.

This seminar (15-17 February 2012) will also be held at the Fujairah Concorde Hotel.

Further

150 Taekwondo Referees Meet in Fujairah for International Training, FIF, 10 February 2012.

International Taekwondo Referees Seminar Hosted in Fujairah, UAE, FIF, 9 February 2012.

Palestinian Media Praise the Generosity of the Fujairah Crown Prince, FIF, 7 February 2012.

Arab Junior Taekwondo Championship to be Held in Fujairah, UAE, FIF, 2 February 2012.

International Training Courses for Taekwondo Referees Hosted in Fujairah, FIF, 31 January 2012.

Taekwondo is Growing Steadily in Fujairah, UAE, FIF, 14 June 2010.

Geoff Pound

Keep in Touch With Fujairah

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

Fujairah Tourism Looks to Develop Old Fujairah

Developing Old Fujairah

On 12 February 2012, the Fujairah Tourism and Antiquities Authority (FTAA) signed an agreement with Decapolis Consulting in Jordan to make a comprehensive and integrated study with a view to developing the old historical part of Fujairah around the Fujairah Fort.

The agreement aims at achieving the FTAA’s aspiration of highlighting the cultural and tourist features of Fujairah through developing, maintaining and restoring old Fujairah to place it among the most prominent of tourist destinations.

The development will enhance tourism and cultural awareness in the emirate while benefiting from the latest advances in archaeology and touristic architecture.

Decapolis Consulting will provide the design, consultancy and the technical supervision of the architectural and cultural features of the project.

Many Components

The plan includes preparing to build a stadium, an antiquities museum, a traditional museum, a new headquarters for the FTAA and a traditional souk. A new main entrance will be created in harmony with the historical nature of the area.

Experienced in Antiquities Tourism

The chairman of the FTAA, Ahmad Khalifa Al Shamsi, said about this proposal:

“Decapolis Consulting has been asked to develop this location because it has the expertise and knowledge in the field of tourism and antiquities and the ability to design, construct and offer studies of the area.”

“The FTAA will do its best to facilitate the work of the company by providing resources, supplying required data and holding meetings with researchers and specialists involved in Fujairah archaeology to exchange information.”

First of Many Projects

“This is the first step towards developing other historical areas such as Al Bidya Mosque, Al Hail Fort, Al Bithna Fort, Awhala Fort and Masafi Fort. We aspire to make Fujairah a unique and leading destination for tourism.”

Static Village to Bubble With Life

Prof. Ziad Al Saad, General Supervisor and Project Consultant said:

“The old Fujairah area is distinctive and different because of what is nestled inside it—a whole historical life and form. All we have to do is to turn it from a silent and static village to a historical centre that is bubbling with life.”

“We have been given the task of overseeing the restoration and maintenance in all the stages of the project, to carry out all the necessary field trips to evaluate the progress of the project and to make sure it conforms with the original vision. We will also be giving all the necessary technical observations and consultations in regard to this field during a period that doesn’t exceed eight months from signing the contract.”

Personnel

The signatories were His Excellency, Ahmad Khalifa Al Shamsi, Chairman of FTAA and Eng. Marwan Saeed Al Zubaidi, Director of Decapolis Consulting.

The signing took place in the presence of His Excellency, Saeed Al Samahi, Director of FTAA, Prof. Nadhir Abu Obaid, Dean of the College of Architecture and Design at the Jordanian University of Science and Technology and Prof. Ziad Al Saad, General Supervisor and Project Consultant.

Geoff Pound

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

Safe Driving Campaign Begins at HCT—Fujairah Women’s College

HCT Fujairah Women’s College launched its annual Safe Driving Campaign in an opening ceremony on Sunday 12 February 2012.

This is the third year in which HCT—Fujairah has run the campaign in response to several student fatalities caused by car accidents during 2008-2009. The week-long campaign offers a multi-faceted program for all Foundation students.

This initiative arose from a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Higher Colleges of Technology and the Dubai Prosecutor’s Office in 2007 to improve the standard of driving of HCT students and to make them more aware of the legal consequences of poor driving.

Mr. Brian Keenan, Associate Director of HCT—Fujairah (pictured at the lectern), stated in his opening remarks:

“The UAE has a small national population. Too many of our young people are killed or badly injured in road accidents that could be avoided. Safety Week is our commitment to helping our students and their families travel safely on the roads.”

In additional to instructional classes, the Emirates Driving Institute provided a Roll-Over car and the Seat Belt Convincer machine to allow students to experience a roll-over in a car and the effect of sudden braking at 10 kph, both when wearing a seatbelt.

Mr. Ahmed Ameen, Branch Coordinator of the Fujairah National Driving Institute, addressed the crowd of over 500 students, emphasizing the need for serious attention to safe driving in the United Arab Emirates.

Convinced of the seriousness of the issue, Applied Media student, Basma Ali Mohammed Al Mazrouee, addressed the audience by saying:

“This is my third year at FWC. During my Foundation year the College held a Safe Driving Campaign for us and brought the roll-over car and the Seat Belt Convincer machine. I tried both of them, and to be honest, at first we tried it for fun but after trying them, we came up with a bit of fear of what could happen if this was real. Please try them and think whenever you are driving your car, you are sitting in the machine.”

Thanks to Fatmah Obaid for sending this article and photographs.

Geoff Pound

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

Fujairah Men’s College (HCT) Establishes New Field Studies Course

Today at Fujairah Men’s College, students and staff gathered to witness the introduction of a new Field Studies course.

Field studies are an excellent way for students to learn ecological concepts and practices alongside their current core modules of Engineering and IT.

Central to this module is the concept of inquiry-based learning. Students are encouraged to foster ownership and cultivate enthusiasm for this most essential subject by observation, recording, analyzing and then telling others.

In the future engineering and IT students from FMC will influence and impact the ecology of the UAE and our planet with their design processes and ideas. By studying ecology we discover how we can design our societies and its services to achieve a more sustainable fit with the ecosystems within which they are embedded.

Today after an introduction by Chair of Program, Michael Purcell, over 100 male and female students took charge of planting a variety of species of trees in the FMC grounds. More trees and plants are scheduled for the forthcoming weeks and students planting the trees will have their names and dates on a plaque beside the tree.

The intention is to develop the grounds further to allow study of ecosystems, biomes and environmental interactions at FMC.

Although the main focus of the course will be the East Coast of the UAE, classes will attend workshops and seminars in in Abu Dhabi and Dubai at world leading institutes such as Masdar, Jebel Ali Power Station, Kalba Mangroves, Wadi Wurayah and Fossil Rock.

In the future it is intended to bring other HCT institutes to Fujairah to study this vital but dynamic issue. As the UAE becomes more aware of the importance of sustainable concepts and moves towards the 2030 vision, FMC will be at the forefront of teaching and research. This in turn will give graduates huge benefits in their future careers.

Thanks to Sean James for sending this article and photos.

Geoff Pound

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

Reflections on the New Emirates Natural History Group in Fujairah

Moza Al Kendi is a student at the HCT—Fujairah Women’s College. She wrote this reflection on her attendance at the launch of the new Emirates Natural History Group (ENHG) in Fujairah.

Busy Start

1^st of February was a very busy day in the first week of my work placement with the Al Khaleej newspaper. My partner, Shaima and I, started the day by attending a press conference for the Taekwondo Championship at 11.00am and then we went to Tanmia (The National Human Resource Development and Employment Authority) to cover the open day for employment at Carrefour.

Exhausted but Energized

We were exhausted but excited to attend the inaugural meeting of ENHG-Fujairah at the Fujairah Men’s College. We were there as journalists to cover the meeting but we found ourselves interested in becoming part of this group and that could be because of the energy and commitment that we witnessed from the members of the group that day.

Encouraging Locals

Sheikh Abdulla bin Suhail made a good point about encouraging locals to be members of the ENHG and here is where I couldn’t stop myself from speaking during the meeting. The idea is not about encouraging locals to be part of this group but to encourage locals who are interested in the activities of this group to be a part of it. As locals we hesitate to participate in activities with expatriates because of the language barrier and sometimes because of the knowledge barrier. Many of us feel that expatriates have more knowledge than us, which is true in most cases. ENHG should be a good combination of expertise and the curiosity for knowledge and this could minimize the distance between locals and expatriates in Fujairah.

Always Amazed

I have always been amazed at the various colors of the rocks in the mountains but I knew nothing about geology and I’m always interested in taking photos of animals, birds and the landscape of mountains.

I know very little about the names of birds and animals compared to my husband Abdulla who is obsessed with the mountain environment in his unique way as a bird hunter. He has a philosophy as a ‘kind hunter’ because he doesn’t hurt rare birds or animals.

I do not know what the future holds for ENHG in Fujairah but I know for sure that it is a good start and everyone should be proud of it even if they are not part of it.

Thanks

We are thankful to Mr. David Edwards and all his colleagues for their dedication and hard work in establishing the ENHG-Fujairah.

Thanks to Moza for attending the launch of the ENHG-Fujairah and submitting this excellent article and photographs.

Take a Look

Moza writes: “I’m always interested in taking photos of animals, birds and the landscape of mountains.” Take a look at some of her photos in this photo album.

First Field Trip

Everyone is invited to attend the first Field Trip of the Emirates Natural History Group—Fujairah, which is this Friday morning at Bithnah. See this article for more information.

Further

Visit Bithnah on First Field Trip of New Fujairah Natural History Group, FIF, 13 February 2012.

Fujairah Chapter of Emirates Natural History Group is Launched, FIF, 4 February 2012.

Natural History Group Pledges to Show the Real Fujairah, The National.

Emirates Natural History Group—Fujairah Commences 1 February 2012, FIF, 25 January 2012.

Geoff Pound

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

Image: Old house in the mountain by Moza Al Kendi.

Fujairah Municipality’s First Employees Appreciation Day

A Fujairah First

Congratulations to the Fujairah Municipality for a new initiative in honoring its veteran employees on Friday evening (10 February 2012) at the first Employees Appreciation Day.

Held at the Siji Al Diyar Hotel, the event was attended by H.E Eng. Mohamed Saif Al Afkham, Director General of the Fujairah Municipality, Mr. Abdulla Al Hantoubi, Deputy Director of the Fujairah Municipality, heads of departments and sections in the municipality and a large number of employees.

Pros and Cons

The Employees Appreciation Day aims at celebrating the achievements and successes of the previous year and assessing the negatives and problems that the municipality and its branches face, in order to improve performance and achieve greater success.

Creative Work Environment

H.E Eng. Al Afkham commenced the ceremony by thanking all the employees of the municipality and explaining that the purpose of the event was to realize the vision of His Highness, Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, the Ruler of Fujairah and comply with his directives to create an active and creative work environment in which every employee feels satisfied and secure.

Towards the Vision

Afkham added that the event is designed to recognize all the efforts made since the establishment of the municipality in order to achieve its vision towards a sustainable and comprehensive urban environment that relates to the ambitions of Fujairah in building a thriving and modern emirate with an integrated infrastructure.

Integral to this objective was the desire to honor the long-serving employees of the Fujairah Municipality.

Achieving Job Satisfaction

Al Afkham expressed his firm belief in achieving job satisfaction for the municipality’s employees through establishing a positive and open work environment that rewards (morally and financially) hardworking individuals after training and qualifying them. This can reflect positively on increasing work efficiency and providing better services for all their customers, whether they are individuals or institutions.

H.E Abdulla Al Hantoubi, Deputy Director of the Fujairah Municipality, gave a detailed presentation that highlighted the most significant achievements of the municipality, its tasks and the role it aspires to at both the internal and external levels. He said that the Employees Appreciation Day was an opportunity to motivate employees and spur them towards greater achievement and progress.

Al Hantoubi pointed out that the municipality spares no effort in improving and refining the skills of its employees through education and training to maintain the level of their outstanding performance.

Good Spirit

The Dean of the Employees, Mr. Mohammed Oun, gave a speech in which he affirmed the good spirit of the employees inside and outside the municipality workplace. He urged the staff to uphold these beautiful qualities that reinforce the culture of excellence and the recognition of hard work.

Accomplishments and Plans

Representatives of the IT, Health, Licenses and Environment Departments gave a presentation about their accomplishments and their plans for the year.

Happiness and Pride

Employees expressed their happiness and pride in attending the event that affirmed the good initiative and faithfulness of the management. They testified to the depth of the relationships between the staff and management and expressed their gratitude to the director and deputy-director for their generous and thoughtful gesture that will stimulate them further in their performance and commitment to the task.

Certificates and Rewards

Certificates of appreciation and rewards for veteran and model employees were presented at the ceremony.

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.

Visit Bithnah on First Field Trip of New Fujairah Natural History Group

Why Bithnah?

The Acting Chair of the Emirates Natural History Group—Fujairah, David Edwards, has selected Bithnah as the first place to visit on a Field Trip.

It is only 13 kilometres from the city of Fujairah along the old Fujairah-Dubai road.

It is not a strenuous outing for a first field trip.

It is a very pleasant wadi landscape, surrounded by towering mountains that make you feel you are thousands of kilometres away from your familiar everyday life.

It’s an ideal outing for children and families, with the chance to engage in some of these fun, heritage experiences:

+ Visit a working market garden that supplies fruit and vegetables to the Fujairah souqs and see some of the ancient ways in which local people have irrigated their farms for centuries.

+ Watch or ride an Arabian horse and see why Arabs have marveled for centuries at their beauty. There are some placid horses, some frisky ones and a couple of ponies for the young children to ride.

+ Go into the camel enclosure to see the various types of camels, some of which are used for camel racing. There may well be an opportunity to ride a camel and see some newly born camels.

+ Get inside the enclosure to see the gazelle and the Oryx.

+ Enter other enclosures or have a look from the outside at the doves, hens, peacocks etc.

+ Go for a mountain walk if you’re feeling energetic and see the remains of the ancient fortifications that patrolled the east-west trade route that came through this valley.

+ Sit in a majlis (tent) in the valley or an areesh (shelter) on a higher plateau and drink in the sensational view.

+ Visit the Bithnah Fort (thought to have been built in the 18^th century) and ponder the fact that this fort was chosen as the representative image for the emirate of Fujairah on the inaugural five dirham note, printed in 1973.

+ Hopefully we will get to see where French and Swiss archaeological teams have excavated and discovered several graves (including the Long Chambered or T-shaped tomb), pottery and stone vessels that date back to the Iron Age. They have uncovered more recently an old temple that was the centre for snake worship.

Details

+ Meet at the Fujairah Men’s College at 9am on Friday 17 February 2012.

+ David will have a disclaimer form to fill in (see the Membership Form) and will explain convoy procedures and supervision of the children.

+ Cars can negotiate the wadi (although the road is a little rough). It may be better to go in 4WD vehicles or take your car to Bithnah and then get a lift.

+ Everything will finish by 12.30pm but people are free to drift away earlier

+ David Edwards is getting a list together of field trip equipment to bring.

RSVP

+ This is a public event, open to all, whether you’re living in Fujairah, Al Ain, Dubai etc. We simply need to have a response for the sake of good planning and careful logistics.

+ David Edwards has sent an invitation email to those who gave their email addresses at the launch of the ENHG-Fujairah launch. You can reply by responding to his email or sending him a new letter at: dedwards@hct.ac.ae

+ Alternatively, David has created an ENHG-Fujairah’s First Field Trip’ Event (link on Facebook) which has a map with directions, an opportunity to indicate that you are going, maybe or not going and a button by which you can ‘Invite Friends’.

FAQs

If you have questions to ask, write this on the Facebook Event Page (link above).

Don’t hesitate to call David on: 050 1920 634

Get Involved

If you have not filled in a Membership Form (no fees until later in 2012) download your copy at this link and email it to David Edwards: dedwards@hct.ac.ae

Indicate the topics you would like to hear about at the regular monthly meetings and the places you’d like to visit after downloading the Interest Form at this link. Again please email your completed form to David Edwards: dedwards@hct.ac.ae

Link

Check out the various pages and resources of the Emirates Natural History Group.

Further

Fujairah Chapter of Emirates Natural History Group is Launched, FIF, 4 February 2012.

Natural History Group Pledges to Show the Real Fujairah, The National.

Emirates Natural History Group—Fujairah Commences 1 February 2012, FIF, 25 January 2012.

Geoff Pound

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

Image: View from Bithnah Fort across the wadi and to the mountains.

150 Taekwondo Referees Meet in Fujairah for International Training

Gathering in Fujairah

Approximately 150 taekwondo referees from all over the world arrived at the Concorde Fujairah Hotel last night and the opening ceremony and seminar got under way this morning (Friday 10 February 2012).

This event is being held under the patronage of His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, the Crown Prince of Fujairah.

Seminar Leadership

The Taekwondo Poomsae International Referees Seminar will run for four days (10-14 February 2012) under the leadership of Grand Master Kyung Chan Kim, a World Taekwondo Federation International Poomsae Referee Instructor and Vice Chairman of the WTF Poomsae Committee. Kim is regarded as something of a legend among the taekwondo community. The Grand Master is assisted by Dr. Jung-Heon Kim, Professor and Chair of the Department of Taekwondo at Korea’s Yongin University.

The Grand Master welcomed the delegates to the seminar and then they stood in groups, according to their taekwondo ranking and introduced themselves and the country that they represented.

Welcome to the UAE!

At the opening ceremony, Fakhruddin Abulmajid, Secretary of the UAE Taekwondo and Karate Association, welcomed guests to the UAE and wished them a successful seminar.

He also presented a gift to seminar leader, Grand Master Kyung Chan Kim from Mr. Nasser Abdul Razzaq Al Marzouqi, President of the UAE Taekwondo and Karate Association.

Welcome to Fujairah!

Eid Fairuz Al Mesmari, the Manager of Fujairah Boxing and Taekwondo, extended guests a special welcome to Fujairah and expressed the hope that they might not only have a successful training event but also get the time to enjoy the delights of this eastern emirate.

Practical Instruction

As the seminar got under way in one-third of the Concorde’s Layalina Ballroom, through the sliding doors in this spacious facility, the mats were being laid in preparation for the instructors to be able to give some practical training.

Dream Come True

Asked how he felt at seeing the Fujairah conference centre filled with taekwondo personnel from all over the world, Eid Fairuz Al Mesmari said:

“This is like a dream come true. For years I have had a dream of having the international taekwondo community seeing my emirate of Fujairah. It is a small thing having 150 taekwondo referees in my home emirate but this seminar is a start. The UAE is a central, accessible place for people coming from Europe, Asia or Africa and Fujairah is a wonderful and economical centre in which to hold conferences and championships. I hope there will be more and more events like this in Fujairah in the days to come.”

Making Contacts and Sharing Ideas

Eid Mesmari also said he was excited for his own players and coaches in the UAE for having the chance to meet many people from the Taekwondo community from all over the world. He added:

“This gives to them valuable contacts, significant friendships, important experience and the opportunity to learn from one another. It helps them to feel that they are part of something much bigger than their own club or federation.”

Paying Tribute

Mesmari paid tribute to the patron, His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, for extending the warm hospitality of this emirate to the international visitors and for his generosity that makes possible the holding of this event.

Take a Look

Some photos from the opening morning are posted in this photo album.

Further

International Taekwondo Referees Seminar Hosted in Fujairah, UAE, FIF, 9 February 2012.

Palestinian Media Praise the Generosity of the Fujairah Crown Prince, FIF, 7 February 2012.

Arab Junior Taekwondo Championship to be Held in Fujairah, UAE, FIF, 2 February 2012.

International Training Courses for Taekwondo Referees Hosted in Fujairah, FIF, 31 January 2012.

Taekwondo is Growing Steadily in Fujairah, UAE, FIF, 14 June 2010.

Geoff Pound

Keep in Touch With Fujairah

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

International Taekwondo Referees Seminar Hosted in Fujairah, UAE

Taekwondo Seminar

Referees are arriving in Fujairah from all over the world to participate in the Taekwondo Poomsae International Referees Seminar that is being held at the Concorde Fujairah Hotel, 10-14 February 2012.

High UAE Interest

The seminar, which is organized by the UAE Taekwondo and Karate Association and Supervised by the World Taekwondo Federation, is attracting lots of interest from local referees in the UAE who are seeking to be qualified to referee international competitions.

International Input

The Fujairah seminar will have a great deal of international input with lectures and seminars that will be taken by approximately 150 referees who are arriving from different parts of the world.

The guest list includes, K. Kim, Secretary of the International Referees Committee, Kim Kyung, Vice President of the Poomsae Committee at the World Taekwondo Federation and Ku Min Juan, who will supervise the lectures.

Schedule

Lectures and seminars commence on Friday 10 February at 9.30am and will continue until 14 February 2012.

Friday’s opening session will be attended by Mr. Nasser Abdul Razzaq Al Marzouqi, President of the UAE Taekwondo and Karate Association, along with other members of the association.

Venue

All lectures, seminars and workshops will be held in the Layalina Ballroom of the Concorde Fujairah Hotel.

Related

Palestinian Media Praise the Generosity of the Fujairah Crown Prince, FIF, 7 February 2012.

Arab Junior Taekwondo Championship to be Held in Fujairah, UAE, FIF, 2 February 2012.

International Training Courses for Taekwondo Referees Hosted in Fujairah, FIF, 31 January 2012.

Taekwondo is Growing Steadily in Fujairah, UAE, FIF, 14 June 2010.

Geoff Pound

Keep in Touch With Fujairah

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

6 Reasons Why the X-Cat Powerboat Race in Fujairah Will Be Well Worth Watching

At a Press Conference this week, several reasons were given as to why 12-13 April in Fujairah should be marked on your calendar and kept free for watching the X-Cat Powerboats do battle out from the Fujairah Corniche.

Reason #1: History

While the Fujairah International Marine Club is well experienced in hosting boat races, this is the first time that Fujairah is hosting one of the heats for the X-Cat series (formally known as Class III). Be part of history in the making!

Reason #2: Final Race

The heats will already have been decided in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah but Fujairah has the honour of hosting the crucial final heat.

As they say in sport and in many other spheres, ‘It’s not over ‘til the fat lady sings’! Anything can happen, especially in extreme sports, so there’ll be lots of national and international interest to see who wins the final heat and the overall X-Cat Powerboat World Series Championship 2012.

Reason #3: Ocean Race

When asked at the press conference what is distinctive about the Fujairah race, Managing Director of the FIMC, Major Ahmed Ibrahim (pictured below), immediately responded: “This race is being held in the ocean!”

“Racing in the ocean is completely different from racing in the Gulf. The conditions are different and perhaps more challenging and unpredictable.”

Reason #4: Fujairah Personality

Mr. Mohammed Hareb (pictured below), Race Supervisor at the Dubai International Marine Club, said that every venue has its own personality and Fujairah, with its distinctive mountains and seascape, makes for a wonderful environment in which drivers and spectators can have an enjoyable two days of sport. Powerboat drivers enjoy the Fujairah conditions and the Fujairah hospitality.

Reason #5: Spectator Access

Head of logistical requirements, Mr. Pascoali (pictured below), from Lake Como in Italy, said the 5 nautical mile course in Fujairah has been arranged so that the drivers will have a variety in terms of water in the ocean and water within the ‘banana’. He said, “The water is always rougher in Fujairah than on the other courses so this will be different for drivers and more exciting for the spectators.”

The Fujairah course (pictured) extends from the Marina down to the Hilton Hotel so spectators will be able to line up all along the corniche. They will get superb views of the boats as they reach speeds of 120 mph, they will certainly hear the throaty sounds of the motors and will possibly get a strong whiff of the petrol fumes!

When asked if spectators will be able to get a view from the breakwater that encircles the ‘banana’, Major Ahmed said they are seeking permission from the Fujairah Police to do this.

Reason #6: Spectator and Driver Security

Mr. Sid Ahmed, the General Secretary of the World Professional Powerboat Association (pictured below), said about the issue of seating the public around the ‘banana’, that there is a fine balance between giving superb spectator viewing and ensuring spectator security. “We have to bring sport to the public,” said Mr. Ahmed, “but we need to do this without lowering the high standards that we have established over the years in terms of security.”

Mr. Sebastiano, Safety Officer for the series (pictured below), added:

“The race must be absolutely safe. We will have qualified rescue teams on hand and all aspects of the race course have been studied in detail to ensure that it is as safe as it can be for driving teams and spectators.”

Further

More details and photographs, as they come to hand will be posted on the following pages:

X-Cat Fujairah 2012, Facebook Page.

Fujairah International Marine Club, Facebook Page.

X-Cat Fujairah 2012 on Twitter.

X-Cat Fujairah Web Site.

Geoff Pound

Keep Up with Fast-Changing Fujairah

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

Palestinian Media Praise the Generosity of the Fujairah Crown Prince

Many Palestinian media outlets and sporting communities commended the Fujairah Crown Prince, His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, for paying the full expenses of the Palestinian team to participate in the Arab Junior Taekwondo Championships, to be held in Fujairah from 20-23 February 2012.

After a recent media conference at the Concorde Fujairah Hotel, in which Eid Fairuz Al Mesmari, the Manager of the Fujairah Boxing and Taekwondo, paid tribute to the practical support of the Crown Prince, including this generous gesture to the Palestinian team, an article printed by a Fujairah News was republished by local and Arab media, including many in the Palestinian media.

The article entitled, ‘Fujairah Crown Prince Takes Care of All Expenses of the Palestinian Junior Taekwondo Delegation and Honors Them’, was reprinted, along with commendations of the Fujairah Crown Prince, by Al Quds, the Ma’an web site, Palgoal sports website and others, many of which printed the news on their front pages.

Further

Arab Junior Taekwondo Championship to be Held in Fujairah, UAE, FIF, 2 February 2012.

International Training Courses for Taekwondo Referees Hosted in Fujairah, FIF, 31 January 2012.

Taekwondo is Growing Steadily in Fujairah, UAE, FIF, 14 June 2010.

Timetable

Download your copy of the timetable for the Taekwondo Championships and related events from this link.

Geoff Pound

Image: News about the generosity of the Fujairah Crown Prince has appeared in newspapers and website like this one: PALGOAL.COM

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