Banks, Companies, Hotels, Schools Involved in Fujairah Terry Fox Run

Individuals and Groups

While individuals are currently registering to participate in the 2^nd Fujairah Terry Fox Run, starting at 9am on Saturday 25 February, there are many corporate initiatives to get groups of people along the Fujairah Corniche.

The rules of the Terry Fox Foundation prohibit the sponsorship of a Terry Fox Run or individuals and companies profiting from the Terry Fox brand.

Many UAE and Fujairah companies, schools, social clubs and hotels, however, are rallying their staff to participate with the express purpose of corporately being engaged in this community event and as an act of solidarity in raising money for cancer research in the UAE.

Staff Encouragement

This is the second year that Hamad Jumah Al Ghashmy Zahmi (pictured) has been involved in the Fujairah Terry Fox Run. He has served on the Organizing Committee and as a National Bank of Fujairah (NBF) Branch Manager, Hamad has been encouraging his staff to run and walk.

Social Responsibility

Hamad explained:

“The NBF has a Committee for Social Responsibility and our branch has two members who serve as members of this national committee. Such a group focuses for staff the importance of being responsible for people in the community. We are actively encouraging our staff to be involved in the Fujairah Terry Fox Run as a way of giving and serving and doing something practical and significant.”

Leadership is Crucial

The leadership of CEOs and General Managers like Hamad’s example is crucial to mobilizing the staff to participate.

General Manager of the Concorde Fujairah Hotel, Mohamed Fekry, and General Manager of Le Méridien Resort at Al Aqah, Patrick Antaki, have encouraged their respective staff to participate on Saturday as a genuine expression of the way they see the service role not just in the hotel dining room but in the community.

Fujairah Terry Fox Run Details

The 2^nd Terry Fox Run/Walk/Ride horses/Rollerblade will commence at 9am on the Fujairah Corniche, over from the Sadaf restaurant.

The Corniche will be closed from 7.00am approximately.

Free registration can be undertaken online at this link as well as downloading a pledge form to get others to give while you run.

There is no pressure to walk more than a few steps but some will walk/run the short 3 km course, others the 5km course and still others the 10 kms course. See the courses illustrated.

T-shirts are available from Lulu and Carrefour Thursday and Friday (6-10pm) and will be available at the registration desk on Saturday morning. Further information and a photo.

If you have registered you may want to Check In and get a sticker to wear.

If you have a certificate from running last year or somewhere else, bring it along and get another sticker for it, otherwise you will be presented with a new certificate this year as your record of participation.

Children and pets are welcome and encouraged to participate. There will be face painting and other attractive activities.

Thanks to Takatof for having a team of people to serve as volunteers along with the HCT. There will be guides and drink stations.

More Information

More information or the opportunity to ask a question is posted on the Fujairah Terry Fox Run Facebook Page.

Geoff Pound

Image: Hamad Jumah Al Ghashmy Zahmi has been involved in the Fujairah Terry Fox Run in the last two years. He has served on the Organizing Committee and has given leadership to his staff as a National Bank of Fujairah (NBF) Branch Manager (Masafi).

Fujairah Municipality Launches ‘Our Mountains, Our Beaches, Our Responsibility’

Vital Campaign

Under the patronage of the Crown Prince of Fujairah, His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, the Department of Public Services and Environment—Health Section of the Fujairah Municipality is organizing a campaign entitled, ‘Our Mountains, Our Beaches, Our Responsibility’.

Campaign Leaders

The announcement was made at a press conference held 21 February 2012 at the Fujairah Municipality.

The gathering was attended by Mohamed Saif Al Afkham, Director General of the Fujairah Municipality, Salem Al Zahmi, Director of the Crown Prince’s Office, Abdulla Al Hantoubi, Deputy Director of the Fujairah Municipality, Salem Mokassah, Director of the Department of Works and Agriculture, Lt. Ahmad Saeed Al Hashimi, Head of the Community Police at the General directorate of the Fujairah Police, Aseela Al Mualla, Director of the Department of Public Services and the Environment and other heads of departments and sections at the municipality.

Campaign Aims

The campaign aims at cleaning the beaches of Fujairah and its suburbs of waste and environmental pollutants, instilling the value of cleanliness in society and encouraging the maintenance of a clean environment amidst the beaches and mountains of the emirate.

Mr. Afkham (pictured below) said at the media conference that the campaign is considered an opportunity to serve the local environment. Such a campaign can be an active contribution in creating a positive change to the marine and mountain environment in Fujairah and the UAE generally. He said that the focus was to remove pollutants and the waste that ruins the beauty of these areas and affects them negatively. The raising of public awareness is a crucial component of this campaign which will also aim to present practical solutions to overcome the dangers that threaten the safety of the local environment.

Crown Prince Initiative

Salem Al Zahmi (pictured below), Director of the Crown Prince’s Office, said he was pleased to be representing the Crown Prince, His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, at the launch of this campaign. It is well-known that the Crown Prince takes an active leadership in clean up campaigns and has initiated many other programmes to educate people and encourage greater care of the environment.

Those who gathered for the media conference were shown a brief visual presentation that illustrated the beauty of the mountain environment and the seascape of Fujairah as well as photos of the Crown Prince leading a group of divers (pictured below) to clean up the sea.

Campaign Approach

When?

The campaign will be held every Thursday for three weeks, commencing today, 23 February 2012.

Where?

+ It will cover most of Fujairah’s areas:

+ Fujairah—Al Rughailat beach, Al Faseel, Ain Ghamour, the area behind the Heritage Village.

+ Masafi, Mirbeh beach, Dibba Al Fujairah and Al Bidyah.

Who?

It is expected that the number of participants will exceed 500 people from different government and private bodies.

Equipment and Recording

Aseela Al Mualla (pictured below), Director of the Department of Public Services, Environment and Licensing at the Fujairah Municipality said that the Public Health Section is providing participants with all the necessary equipment to perform their cleaning tasks.

She added that they will also record the quantities of gathered waste and pollutants and will sort them according to their types to study the amount of pollutants that result from them.

Recyclable waste will be sent to the specialized places where they can be processed and reused.

Clean Up and Pay Up?

The question was asked as to whether this new ‘Clean Up’ campaign would also incorporate the policy of deterrence—instituting fines for dropping rubbish which are enforced through the surveillance of popular picnic spots.

Both Mohamed Saif Al Afkham and Salem Al Zahmi said the present campaign focuses on cleaning up but they added that this is a first step which indicates that further steps may well follow.

Campaign Programme

Download your copy of the programme at this link.

Some Recent Municipality Initiatives

Fujairah Explores Cooperation With Tongyeong, South Korea, FIF, 19 February 2012.

Fujairah Municipality’s First Employees Appreciation Day, FIF, 12 February 2012.

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.

Image: Top photo, from left to right: Salem Al Zahmi, Director of the Crown Prince’s Office, Mohamed Saif Al Afkham, Director General of the Fujairah Municipality, Abdulla Al Hantoubi, Deputy Director of the Fujairah Municipality.

Networking for Budding Entrepreneurs in Fujairah

The third LEQA (‘Get Together’ in Arabic) event is scheduled for 6pm on Wednesday, 22 February 2012 in the Multipurpose Hall of the HCT—Fujairah Women’s College.

Guest Speaker

Azza Al Qubaisi is UAE’s leading jewelry designer and maker. She is the founder and owner of the brand Arjmst: The Arabian Workshop for Jewelry and Gemstones in Abu Dhabi.

Azza graduated from London Guildhall University in 2002. She has held several exhibitions in various locations in the UAE as well as London and Helsinki.

She is regarded as a pioneer, a UAE national woman who has represented the country in the arena of art and culture. She is a Member of the Society of Designer Craftsmen in London since 2002.

Described as ‘Desert Diamond’ by OK Middle East magazine, Azza draws inspiration for her designs from UAE’s desert environment and its deep-rooted traditions.

Jewelry for Azza is a means of self-expression, a means of conveying her thoughts, feelings and her love for her country.

More About Azza Al Qubaisi

Azza Al Qubaisi: A Jewel of an Emirati, The National, 11 September 2011.

The Hot Forty: Azza Al Qubaisi, GN, 30 November 2011.

More Details

Bring your business cards to aid networking with other budding entrepreneurs.

Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be provided.

LEQA Officials

Krystyna Krol

Chair, LEQA Organizing Committee

HCT—Fujairah

Dr. Dave Pelham

Director

HCT—Fujairah

Further

Second Meeting for Budding Fujairah Entrepreneurs and Business Developers, FIF, 15 January 2012,

HCT Fujairah Launches LEQA Business Network, FIF, 16 November 2011.

Geoff Pound

Image: Azza Al Qubaisi

Want to Keep in Touch With Fujairah?

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

Harley-Davidson Motorbikes Cruise into Fujairah on the Incense Route

Late yesterday afternoon (19 February 2012) about 50 motorbike riders on Harley-Davidsons cruised into Fujairah’s International Marine Club, accompanied by their sponsors, a doctor, a mechanic and other support crew in a truck that carries two spare bikes.

They are from ‘The Grand Lyon Harley Davidson Rally’ and they are currently riding the ‘Incense Route’ (La Rout de l’encens) which takes them through the United Arab Emirates and the Sultanate of Oman in eleven days (11-21 February 2012).

French-Based

They come from different parts of the world but the initiative comes from the ‘General’ (rally leader) who is based in France. Most of they tourists are French speaking but they have an official interpreter to aid communication.

Frenchman, Jean Pierre Guerard, was making his eighth tour, having previously visited Senegal, Gambia & Guinea, Burkina Faso, Turkey & Georgia, Algeria & Tunisia, Israel and Kenya & Tanzania.

BYO Bike

Guerard says there are different tours around the world, mainly sponsored by people in the USA and Australia, but he prefers this tour group because everyone brings their own bike rather than hiring vehicles.

“I prefer to ride my own bike,” Guerard said. “It is seven years old and has 112,000 kms on the clock. The tour costs me 6,000 Euros, which includes travel, the transportation of my bike, hotel accommodation and petrol. I simply bring enough money to pay for drinks, postcards and souvenirs.”

Joe Verboogen from Belgium is the tour’s cameraman. He rides with a helmet camera and carries a movie camera to shoot footage for Liberty TV.

Experiencing Emirati Hospitality

Major Ahmed Ibrahim Mohamed Darak, Managing Director of the Fujairah International Marine Club, welcomed the guests to Fujairah, saying it was a delight to welcome 50-60 people from all over the world. He said the tour gives the travelers a good opportunity to see Fujairah and experience the hospitality of the Arab people.

Indirect Marketing

Major Ahmed told Fujairah in Focus that out of this visit some of the guests will talk about Fujairah and maybe return with their family and friends.

Promoting Fujairah and the Emirates

The Major continued:

“One of our goals as a Marine Club is to market Fujairah. Sometimes we will do this on the water and other times we will do it on the land. At the end of the day we are here to promote Fujairah and the UAE.”

Refreshments

Arabic coffee, dates, cools drinks, and other morsels were provided and served by the Coral Suites Hotel in Fujairah led by Furqan Shah, Coral’s Director of Sales and Marketing.

Finale

The riders tooted their horns and raised their hands in appreciation as they departed the Fujairah International Marine Club heading for the Miramar Hotel in Al Aqah. There they will stay for two nights and enjoy a half-day boat ride out in the Fujairah waters from Dibba.

Tomorrow (21 February 2012) is their last day on the Incense Route.

Take a Look

Some photos of the riders and their Harleys can be viewed in this photo album.

Further

The Fujairah International Marine Club Website.

The Fujairah International Marine Club Facebook Page.

6 Reasons Why the X-Cat Powerboat Race in Fujairah Will Be Well Worth Watching, FIF, 8 February 2012.

One Dirham a Day at Fujairah Marine Club Gets All These Benefits, FIF, 1 May 2011.

Geoff Pound

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

Fujairah Explores Cooperation With Tongyeong, South Korea

His Excellency, Eng. Mohamed Saif Al Afkham, Director General of the Fujairah Municipality, today (19 February 2012) welcomed an official delegation from the South Korean city of Tongyeong.

Korean Delegation

The five-person delegation is comprised of Mr. Dongjin Kim, Mayor of Tongyeong, Mr. Jang-geun, City Councilor of Tongyeong, Mr. Sang-young Kim, Chief of the Regional Development Task Force at the Municipality of Tongyeong, Mr. Jong-keun Yoon, Head of the Market Development Section at the Municipality of Tongyeong and Ms. Geum-sun Kim, Coordinator at the Municipality of Tongyeong.

Purpose of the Visit

During the visit from Sunday to Tuesday (19-21 February 2012), discussions will seek to identify potential opportunities for cooperation and exchanging expertise in economic and infrastructure projects.

The Korean delegation will be briefed on recent and current projects in Fujairah as well as hearing about the future plans of the local Municipality.

Mr. Abdulla Al Hantoubi, Deputy Director of the Fujairah Municipality and other Heads of Departments welcomed the Korean delegation to the emirate of Fujairah.

Fujairah Moving Towards Visions

His Excellency, Eng. Al Afkham, expressed his happiness at the visit of the Korean delegation, stating that South Korea is one of the leading countries of the world in a number of fields. He said that the Fujairah Municipality had “managed through careful planning and clear strategies to move steadily toward the accomplishment of the visions of the emirate’s wise leadership.”

Characteristics of Tongyeong

Mr. Dongjin Kim, Mayor of Tongyeong, gave a presentation in which he informed staff of the Fujairah Municipality about his city—its location, tourist attractions, nature spots and its industrial and commercial aspects. He said that the area of Tongyeong approximates the emirate of Fujairah with a population of 140,000. Tongyeong is famous for its modern factories, the building and maintenance of ships, fisheries, oyster ranching as well as annual sports and arts events.

Strengthening the Ties

Mr. Dongjin Kim, Mayor of Tongyeong said:

“We thank the Fujairah Municipality for the efforts they have made to welcome our delegation. There is no doubt that the progress and achievements of your municipality are worthy of our admiration and appreciation. We are confident that these discussions will pave the way for the exchange of business, thereby strengthening the close ties that already bind South Korea and the United Arab Emirates.”

Exploring Fujairah

The delegation went on a tour of the Municipality’s departments and sections before exchanging gifts and shields.

This afternoon the Korean delegation began their tour of Fujairah visiting the Fujairah Fort, the Heritage Village, the Fujairah Museum and the Fish Souk.

Tomorrow (Monday), the team will visit the Fujairah Freezone, meet the leadership of the emirate and see the sights along the northern coast, including the town of Dibba.

On Tuesday, further discussions will take place with groups such as the Chamber of Commerce before the team concludes their Fujairah visit.

More on the Fujairah Municipality

Fujairah Municipality’s First Employees Appreciation Day, FIF, 12 February 2012.

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.

First Field Trip of Fujairah Natural History Group Visits Bithnah

Fujairah First

On Friday 17 February 2012, more than forty adults and ten children went on the first field trip organized by the Fujairah chapter of the Emirates Natural History Group (ENHG).

Most were expats, about six were Emiratis and one tourist from Argentina who had visited the Tourism Department Office to enquire about Fujairah tours and was encouraged to go on the Bithnah tour.

People gathered at the HCT—Men’s College before traveling in convoy to the village of Al Bithnah, 13 kms away on the old Fujairah to Dubai road.

Bithnah Fort

First stop was the Bithnah fort, outside which acting chair, David Edwards, gave an introduction about the fort and this significant east—west trade route.

David said:

“We had the pleasure of coming out here on a paved road that took us minutes to traverse. In the not too distant past, Wadi Ham was the route to reach Fujairah and it took six hours to travel to Dubai by 4X4 and longer by the 4 footed and 2 footed.”

This wadi has often been a battle ground over the centuries. The Bithnah fort may have been constructed between 1745 and 1808. Up on the mountain ridges are the remains of a number of lookouts and watch towers that would have added to the protection of the village.

This is a rich area archaeologically with many excavation teams discovering graves, temples and household items that go back beyond the Pre-Islamic period to the Iron Age.

The group spent 45 minutes exploring the rooms, the turrets of the fort and enjoying the amazing views of Wadi Ham and the Bithnah township.

There was discussion about the pros and cons of renovating old structures like the fort including the challenge of restoring old sites without destroying their original features or adding new aspects that never existed!

Bithnah Farm

The rest of the time was spent walking the farms that belong to members of the Al Kaabi family. This included an Arabian horse stud (watching the beauty of the Arabian horses and getting the chance to ride), viewing gazelle and oryx in a large mountain enclosure, enjoying peacocks, doves, chickens and generally breathing in the mountain air and feasting the eyes on the scenery.

There was a chance to view some camels, which are used largely for racing in the town of Dhaid, and walking around an old market garden and date farm where old and modern methods of cultivation are being deployed.

Take a Look

Many people took photos and some are posted in the following photo albums for people to enjoy.

Photo album by Karla Castle

Photo album by Moza Al Kendi

Photo album by Jovin Job

Photo album by Geoff Pound

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

Further

Brien Holmes Talks About the Emirates Natural History Group in Fujairah, FIF, 16 February 2012.

Visit Bithnah on First Field Trip of New Fujairah Natural History Group, FIF, 12 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

Image: The Bithnah fort may have been constructed between 1745 and 1808.

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

Taekwondo Arab Junior Championships in Fujairah—Full Programme

There have been three taekwondo events held in Fujairah this month and the Arab Junior Championships, held this week, is the last international taekwondo event in the emirate for the foreseeable future.

While the first two events focused on the training of referees and the updating of their skills, the event this week concentrates on the players and their competition on the mat.

Patron

His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, the Crown Prince of Fujairah, has been the patron of these three taekwondo events and his generosity, especially in funding the Palestinian team to make it possible for them to travel to Fujairah has hit the news headlines in the Arab world.

His Highness will be attending the Opening Ceremony of the Arab Junior Taekwondo Championship.

Programme

The national teams from many different Arab countries are arriving at the Concorde Fujairah Hotel on Saturday and Sunday (18th-19th).

On Monday (20^th) there are the technical meetings with referees and the weighing in of players (females and males).

Play gets underway on Tuesday (21^st) with the Opening Ceremony scheduled for the evening.

On Wednesday competition continues and by the evening will finish with final matches, the awards ceremony, the formal dinner and the exchange of shields.

Thursday is a day to tour the emirate of Fujairah while on Friday the teams will depart Fujairah.

Marhaba!

Welcome to all players and match officials to the emirate of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates. May your stay be one of fun and challenge as you compete in the taekwondo championship.

Full Timetable and Programme

Download your copy of the programme (in Arabic and English) for the Taekwondo Arab Junior Championships in Fujairah for 2012, including the programme for the Opening Ceremony, at this link.

Location

The players and officials are staying at the Concorde Fujairah Hotel and the competition is being played at the Sports Stadium in Mirbeh.

Further

International Taekwondo Referees Undertake Refresher Course in Fujairah, FIF, 18 February 2012.

Taekwondo Seminar Concludes in Fujairah and Another Seminar Begins, FIF, 15 February 2012.

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

Image: Eid Fairuz Al Mesmari, Manager of Fujairah Boxing and Taekwondo and Director of the Arab Junior Taekwondo Championship, deserves a medal (along with his Organizing Committee), for the organization of these three major events in the emirate in this month of February.

Keep in Touch With Fujairah

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

First Ever Tweetup in Fujairah Gets Off to a Festive Beginning

The first ever ‘tweetup’ in Fujairah took place on Thursday evening (16 February 2012) at the popular Curryhouse Restaurant.

What’s a Tweetup?

A ‘tweetup’ (probably originating from the words ‘Twitter meetup’) is an event where people who ‘tweet’ using Twitter (social media) come together in person.

Someone takes the initiative, comes up with a venue (preferably with food and drinks) and sends out a request to those on their Twitter network (and other social media), who may in turn retweet to those on their network. People can attend whether they are on Twitter or not.

Sometimes a Tweetup has lots of planning, other times it is a meeting called with absolute spontaneity.

Gathering of Nerds?

One cynic defined a Tweetup as “a gathering of nerds attempting social contact, likely for the first time. Usually disintegrates into everyone running to the nearest computer to type to one another.”

Ubiquitous

In the USA Tweetups are common and are hard to escape. They provide an opportunity to communicate face to face and use more than 140 characters. It may be for casual conversation, the rewarming of friendships, a networking opportunity or to enhance your career or business prospects. Sometimes people will exchange business cards or there will be a speaker to kick off discussion. The most important thing is to have an enjoyable time.

Fujairah First

Prolific tweeter, Paul Castle (pictured tweeting at the Fujairah Tweetup), decided to schedule a Tweetup in Dubai, to celebrate his birthday. He chose a regular Tweetup location (Aroos Damascus Restaurant) for his Dubai celebration and in his invitation it was a case of ‘No presents, just your presence.”

Dubai has been home to many Tweetups so at the last count there were 16 who said ‘Yes’ and a few who indicated ‘Maybe’. According to Paul, these Dubai gatherings can get up to 30-40.

As Paul and his wife, Karla, now live in the eastern emirate, he called a Birthday Tweetup in the heart of Fujairah. It was a small gathering but a historic beginning with conviviality and delicious food (see the egg appam pictured below).

As more Fujairah people get on Twitter the Tweetups in the eastern emirate are bound to become a regular feature.

Want to Organize a Tweetup?

Tweetups have become popular around the world and are used and promoted by such companies as Google, CISCO, Verizon, McDonald’s, Rockspace etc. Different tools have been created to schedule a successful event.

One of these is called ‘twtvite’ which helps organizers to schedule a Tweetup, post a map and gives the people invited the opportunity to indicate their response. Here’s an example of the twtvite.

See How it Works

Twtvite Intro from 63 Squares on Vimeo.

Geoff Pound

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

International Taekwondo Referees Undertake Refresher Course in Fujairah

The 81^st Refresher Course for 156 international taekwondo referees was held at the Concorde Fujairah Hotel, on 15-17 February 2012.

Input

Mr. Shaker Shalbat, Head of the Referees Committee in the World Taekwondo Federation, was the key speaker.

Participants learnt about the many changes and developments in the international rules of taekwondo in this course that was aimed at improving the level of international referees.

Great Devotion

At the end of the course Mr. Shalbat expressed his delight at “the participants’ commitment in attendance and their devotion to perfecting their skills and improving their ability.”

Eid Fairuz Al Mesmari, Director of the Arab Junior Taekwondo Championship, commended the referees for their attendance at this refresher course while Mohammad Isaac, General Coordinator of the championship, stressed the importance of updating knowledge and skills. He renewed the commitment of the UAE association in providing ongoing training and opportunities for keeping up the accreditation of the referees.

Mementoes

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.

Further

Taekwondo Seminar Concludes in Fujairah and Another Seminar Begins, FIF, 15 February 2012.

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.