I Know I’m Back in Fujairah UAE at Ramadan When…

I just got in to the UAE from Spain at 1.30 this morning.

I know I’m back in Fujairah at Ramadan time and in the heat of summer when:

* Every power pole and light post from Dubai to Fujairah is lit up with color to celebrate the festivity of the Ramadan season.

* The Lulu supermarket has changed its hours this month so it opens at 9.00am and closes at 1.00am!

* The supermarket plays extra loudly the call to prayer over its public address system.

* It is Date Festival time in the hypermarket and the fruit section is laden with fresh dates alongside a chart illustrating 80 different date varieties in the UAE.

* There’s no beer or wine in the supermarkets c.f. Barcelona where I have been staying the last eight weeks. Incidentally there’s more fruit and vegetable variety in the supermarkets here in Fujairah and as for other products, there’s everything we want including Australian Vegemite and Twinings English breakfast loose tea that seems from the packaging to have come via Russia.

* There’s no pork or pork products on the shelves. Another supermarket in town usually holds pork products in a walled-off section but they may not have much if any at the moment, since pork imports were banned into the UAE at the height of the swine flu frenzy.

* The supermarket trolleys are stacked high with groceries as Emiratis prepare for lavish and extensive hospitality each night. No wonder this month of fasting adds kilos to most worshippers.

* The supermarket car park sounds like a bee hive with cars left with their air conditioners going while their owners go inside and shop. This practice has been banned in Dubai (to combat global warming) but it seems to continue merrily in Fujairah.

* Cafes and restaurants are closed between sunrise and sunset.

* Our local shisha cafe is dressed up like an Arabian majlis (tent) and is still going strong when we pass it at 2.45 in the morning. The nicotine in the shisha must give enough of a kick to keep smokers sane during the daylight fasting (no-smoking) hours

* The TV is not working but its pointless trying to call a technician during Ramadan.

* I break out in sweat walking in the 44C degree heat from the house to the car.

* My glasses fog up on leaving the air-conditioned home and entering the high-humidity atmosphere outside.

* Some termites look as if they have been feasting on one of our doors since we have been away.

It is good to be back in Fujairah, especially at this time of high festivity.

On Related Sites
Ramadan Up in the Air, Experiencing the Emirates, 30 August 2009.

For UAE’s America’s Cup Venue Swing Past Camel Track Near Airport, America’s Cup in the UAE, 28 August 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Ask him for details about advertizing and links on his sites.

Image: “The fruit section is laden with fresh dates.”

Ships to Fujairah UAE Sometimes Have to Dodge Pirates

Popular Port
Fujairah is gathering popularity as a stopping point for cruise ships and the eastern emirate was recently made famous as the escape point for a French spy, dressed in a burqa heading for the United States via India!

With Fujairah being a significant trade port and the second biggest oil bunkering port in the world, some ships are encountering pirates on the way to Fujairah.

Incidentally, it is the other side of the UAE, on the Persian Gulf, that is known as the ‘Pirate’s Coast’ and this is the fitting venue of the next America’s Cup competition in February 2010.

Growing Pirate Threat
Maritime Journal reports this week:
“The piracy threat around the Gulf of Aden has been in the news for quite some time, and continues to make headlines with every next incident that occurs. There are many cases where ship owners and maritime service providers, or their officers and crew, do all they can to prevent hijackings.”

Going the Second Mile
“Preventive measures include alternative routes thousands of miles longer, just to stay clear of pirate activity, or careful planning and consultation to ensure escorts and other safety precautions. For ship delivery specialists Redwise of the Netherlands, staying safe has become a daily concern.”

Passage to the Emirates
“For the delivery of the split hopper dredger ‘Dravo Costa Blanca’ from Huelva in Spain to Fujairah in the UAE, Redwise chose a different option. The voyage was carefully planned and prepared to obtain an escort through the Gulf of Aden by Dutch navy frigate ‘HMS De Zeven Provinciën’, which was participating in the NATO operation Allied Protector. A dredger, being relatively slow and with a low freeboard, is extremely vulnerable to pirate attacks. Thanks to Redwise' preparations, this split hopper dredger was safely delivered to the Emirates.”

Read more on the creativity that is being employed by the shipping industry personnel at this link:

Ship deliveries detour the pirates, Maritime Journal, 27 August 2009.

Related Sites

Ride an Abra when You’re in Dubai, Experiencing the Emirates, 27 August 2009.

Harrison Ford Adds to the America’s Cup Drama, America’s Cup in the UAE, 23 August 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Ask him for details about advertizing and links on his sites.

Image: The split hopper dredger ‘Dravo Costa Blanca’ is seen under naval escort as it sails from Spain to Fujairah. (Photo courtesy of the Maritime Journal at the above link).

Power Shortage in Fujairah Leaves Sparks Flying

Hugh Naylor at The National contributes yet another report on the electricity shortage that is affecting Fujairah (and other northern emirates) and this sad story is making headline news:

Shortages
A chronic shortage of electricity in the northern Emirates is a serious economic and environmental threat, a government study has found.

The National was allowed exclusive access to parts of the study, carried out over the past year by a special Federal National Council (FNC) committee.

The report paints a picture of poor planning for growth in the northern Emirates by the Federal Electricity and Water Authority (FEWA), which is responsible for providing the bulk of power there.

Extent
Ajman, Fujairah, Ras al Khaimah and Umm al Qaiwain, known as the northern Emirates, lack their own electricity and water authorities and are essentially dependent on federal supplies. About 1,000 commercial buildings in the region are waiting to be hooked up to the federal power grid, including 500 in Ajman.

Practical Responses
In many cases, building owners have been waiting months or even years for electricity.

Some have resorted to noisy, expensive and environmentally unfriendly petrol-powered generators to make their buildings inhabitable.

The side effects of generator-produced electricity has persuaded local authorities in Fujairah to significantly curtail their use.

Sparks Flying
Read the rest of Hugh Naylor’s article to see how people are reacting to this problem and the trickle on effects.

Link
Hugh Naylor, Emirates Left in the Dark, The National, 26 August 2009.

On Related Sites
UAE relationship with America is Up in the Air, Experiencing the Emirates, 26 August 2009.

Harrison Ford Adds to the America’s Cup Drama, America’s Cup in the UAE, 23 August 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Ask him for details about advertizing and links on his sites.

Image: “This sad story is making headline news.”

Sheikh Mohammed Receives Fujairah Crown Prince and Well-Wishers

Ramadan Tradition
As part of the Ramadan tradition, the leaders of the emirates get together to talk and extend the season’s greetings.

Yesterday (Monday 24 August 209) it was Fujairah’s turn with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum receiving the Fujairah Crown Prince, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed al Sharqi, along with other dignitaries from the eastern emirate.

Video of Proceedings
A short video of the chief elements of the occasion has been posted on the personal web site of Sheikh Mohammed [link below].

The initial frames show the Dubai Crown Prince, Hamdan bin Mohammed (golden dishdasha), the Crown Prince of Fujairah and Sheikh Mohammed, sitting on a lounge suite together.

The footage has wonderful glimpses of the Zaabeel Palace in Dubai, the lavish lounge where men and women gathered, the nibbles for eating, the formal greeting and the men joining together for the Maghreb (the evening prayer that leads into the iftar banquet).

Links
Mohammed Receives Fujairah Crown Prince, Well-Wishers, Report, 24 August 2009.

Mohammed Receives Fujairah Crown Prince, Video and Photos, 24 August 2009.

On Related Sites
Can a Christian Learn from Ramadan? Experiencing the Emirates, 25 August 2009.

Harrison Ford Adds to the America’s Cup Drama, America’s Cup in the UAE, 23 August 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Ask him for details about advertizing and links on his sites.

Image: The Fujairah Crown Prince, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed al Sharqi.

Rare Fish Pulled Up in Fujairah

No details of the catch of this fish have been received but the photos on a web site seem to indicate this was the work of a Fujairah fishing boat team.

Details have been sought as to when this fish was caught and exactly where it was caught. These will be posted if and when they come to hand.

Any information from zoologists and fishing people about the name of this fish and whether other specimens have been found around Fujairah would be gratefully received.

Post Script

Dr Andrew McGowan, Principal of Melbourne’s Trinity College says: “It's a (critically endangered) sawfish, genus -Pristis-. All too rare indeed.”

Link

Check out the other three photos at this link:

Strange Big Fish in Fujairah, Image Gallery: Ceylon Super, 24 August 2009.

On Related Sites
Camels Slaughtered in Australia while Camel Festivals Held in the Emirates, Experiencing the Emirates, 24 August 2009.

Harrison Ford Adds to the America’s Cup Drama, America’s Cup in the UAE, 23 August 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Ask him for details about advertizing and links on his sites.

Image: Rare fish in Fujairah.

Fujairah Ruler Extends Ramadan Greetings

Ramadan is a rich time of meeting and greeting and the emirate of Fujairah is alive with this spirit led by His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi.

WAM news agency reports (22 August 2009):

“His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, UAE Supreme Council member and ruler of Fujairah received today at his palace in Madhab well-wishers who extended greetings on the advent of the holy month of Ramadan.”

“Ramadan greetings were offered to Sheikh Hamad by Sheikhs, senior officials, dignitaries, citizens and residents.”

“Present were H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Saif Al Sharqi, Deputy Ruler of Fujairah, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, Sheikhs and officials.”

Link
Fujairah Ruler Receives Well-Wishers, WAM, 22 August 2009.

On Related Sites
Sheikh Mohammed Pardons 595 prisoners on First Day of Ramadan, Experiencing the Emirates, 22 August 2009.

America’s Cup Makes History Today, America’s Cup in the UAE, 22 August 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Ask him for details about advertizing and links on his sites.

Image: His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi (left) welcomes a guest at a special occasion.

Ramadan 2009 Prayer Timings for Fujairah UAE

CLICK TO ENLARGE PICTURE

Timings
The Prayer Timings (pictured) for the Holy month of Ramadan are calculated for Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Source
Calculations are provided courtesy of Islamic Finder.Org

Adjustments
Adjustments for regional locations in relation to Dubai timings:

Abu Dhabi: + 5 minutes
Sharjah: - 1 minute
Fujairah: - 4 minutes
RAK: - 4 minutes

Consult Local Authority
Accurate calculation methods have been employed but people are advised to consult with their local mosque for accurate timings in a certain location.

Translations
Fahr: Dawn
Dhuhr: Noon
Asr: Afternoon
Magrib: Sunset
Isha: Nightfall

Fasting
Fasting hours are in bold—between fahr and magrib.

Suhur
Some charts also provide times for suhur (pre-dawn breakfast), which is usually taken 15 minutes prior to fahr.

Link
Ramadan 2009 Prayer Times Schedule, Dubai-UAE, Islamic Finder.Org.

On Related Sites
Experiencing the Emirates Random Reflections from Everyday Life in the Emirates.

America’s Cup in the UAE UAE perspectives on the competition, February 2010.

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Ask him for details about advertizing and links on his sites.

Photo Blogging Fujairah

Fujairah Photos
I recently spotted a Photo Blog with some delightful photos of the UAE, including some of Fujairah.

These pictures, with very little text, reminded me of how much beauty and truth can be expressed through pictures.

There are photos of the desert sand, the Hajar Mountains, the cracked mud in a dry Fujairah dam and the markets.

This one (pictured) is of a tree with the Hajars in the background and is taken where Fujairah joins with Sharjah (Kalba) on the east coast.

Photo Blogger
The photos are taken by former community organizer and current freelance photo journalist, Carolina Contreras.

Carolina graduated in May 2009 from Ursinus College in Pennsylvania, USA, with a double major in French and Peace & Justice Studies.

She was born in the Dominican Republic and is planning to return there for two months this September to see the country through adult eyes and through the lens of her camera.

Passions
Carolina is passionate about helping others, learning languages and culture, writing poetry (in French and English) and photography.

UAE Internship
In the month of August Carolina has been undertaking a photo internship and she tells how she got the opportunity in this article.

Camera
Carolina’s ‘third eye’ is her Nikon D60 (DSLR) camera with two different lens, 18-55 and 55-200mm.

Carolina says, “A picture can definitely say a lot…I really enjoy expressing myself through my pictures.”

Check out Carolina’s blog site which is constantly growing with new photos, articles and poems.

Link
Mis Aventuras/My Adventures

On Related Sites
Looking Down on Abu Dhabi, Experiencing the Emirates, 19 August 2009.

Will the Cat Have the Advantage over the Trimaran at the America’s Cup? America’s Cup in the UAE, 19 August 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Image: This photo is originally posted at the link, entitled, Sharjah and Fujairah. Thanks to Carolina for permission to post her photo.

Fujairah the Scene of a Fantastique Spy Escape

Just when you thought Fujairah was a dusty town at the back of beyond, where nothing exciting happens, news has been broken by Arabian Business that Fujairah was the location of a French spy escape out of the Emirates.

It is a story of a Frenchman escaping to Florida via India from a UAE prison sentence for alleged fraud.

He makes his escape from Fujairah in a rubber dingy dressed in an abaya and burqa!

The story in Arabian Business and the comments from readers suggest there is much more to the story than is on the surface and the Frenchman is writing his account in what he hopes will be a bestseller. I wonder if one of the chapters will be called ‘Escaping Fraud Follies from Fujairah’?

The latest sensational segment in the story of Fujairah, UAE.

Link
Elsa Baxter, Dubai Fraudster Fled City Dressed as a Woman, Arabian Business, 18 August 2009.

Richard Spencer, With Scuba Gear Under a Burqa, French Spy Herve Jaubert Made His Escape from Dubai, Telegraph, 23 August 2009.

On Related Sites
Preparing for Ramadan in the United Arab Emirates, Experiencing the Emirates, 17 August 2009.

Putting Culture into 33rd America’s Cup by Racing in Arab Dhows, America’s Cup in the UAE, 17 August 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Ask him for details about advertizing and links on his sites.

Image: Herve Jaubert in the UAE desert (Photo courtesy of Google images).

Branding Fujairah, UAE

Highlighting the Richness
An article this week in The National, discussing the challenge of branding Ras Al Khaimah and the America’s World Cup in February 2010, got me thinking about branding the emirate of Fujairah.

This is not idle thinking, it is a major task for the governments and tourism agencies of Fujairah and Sharjah as they contemplate combining their efforts to showcase the richness offered on the UAE’s east coast.

Distinctive Marks of Fujairah
People around the world are familiar with the Nike swoosh and the byline ‘Just Do It! At this stage, Fujairah has no distinctive feature for which it is well known. It does not have a nickname like ‘The Big Apple’, it does not have an iconic feature like Dubai’s Burj al Arab, nor at this stage is it known by a slogan like Al Ain—‘The Garden City’.

Need to Be Intentional
According to Julia Winfield-Pfefferkorn in The Branding of Cities, a common feature of cities that have strong and attractive brands is that they have been intentional over time about projecting their brand. If this is not high on Fujairah’s agenda it will continue to be known as ‘Hicksville’, ‘the Back of Beyond’ or people will recall the sarcastic line about rural obscurity—“Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”

One of the most recent backhanders made about the UAE’s eastern city was illustrating the big America’s Cup prize handed to insignificant Ras al Khaimah. Craig Barnett wrote in his article, “In sporting terms this is the equivalent of the FIFA World Cup being played out in Fujairah.”

Beaches, Mountains, Blobbing Out
Several years ago Fujairah Tourism set goals to project to UAE and the world its mountain scenery, relaxing beaches and resorts where tired people might go to retreat or ‘blob out’.

More recently the Ruler of Fujairah has restated his goals, coupling these scenic delights with the emirate’s heritage treasures.

The natural beauty and mountain wonderland are key features to showcase although frequent oil spills in Fujairah waters and quarry scars have tarnished this attractive image.

As I have thought of Fujairah and its natural beauty, bush, mountain, sea and rich history I have been reminded of New Zealand and the way it has effectively branded itself as ‘100% Natural’.

The Fujairah Brand
What do you think are the distinctive marks of Fujairah and the things it can or might offer to tourists?

How can the Fujairah brand be identified and clarified to set it apart in a tantalizing fashion?

And, realizing that a brand must be realistic rather than husk, what does Fujairah have to do to provide amenities and package its offerings in an attractive manner?

On Related Sites
What They are Saying about RAK, the New America’s Cup Venue in UAE, America’s Cup in the UAE, 13 August 2009.

Sheikh Mohammed Called ‘Sheikh Mo Mentum’ at the US Horse Racing Sales, Experiencing the Emirates, 13 August 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Write to him about advertizing details and getting links for this and his other sites.

Images: “How can the Fujairah brand be identified and clarified to set it apart in a tantalizing fashion?”

Powerful News for Fujairah

Fujairah is short on power.

There are many new apartment towers that are not in use because they are waiting for a power supply.

Some businesses and householders have resorted to using diesel generators for their daily use.

Power Supply On Line
A report by Proactive Investors (UK) about international power trends had this final paragraph that will delight readers in Fujairah:

“In the UAE, the construction programme for the 2,000 MW Fujairah F2 project is well underway. All five GT26 gas turbines are now in place, and the project is on schedule to reach full commercial operation in 2010.”

Link
International Power Interim Operating Profit Up, Business Performing in Line, Proactive Investors UK, 11 August 2009.

Related
Power and Water in Short Supply for Fujairah’s New Buildings, FIF, 4 June 2009.
Fujairah Homes and Businesses Without Power Switch to Generators, FIF, 16 June 2009.

On Related Sites
Distances Between Ras al Khaimah and Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Abu Dhabi… America’s Cup in the UAE, 11 August 2009.

Global Oil Supplies Diminishing Fast—Implications for the UAE? Experiencing the Emirates, 12 August 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Ask him for details about advertizing and getting links on his sites.

Fujairah a Great Base for Getting to the America’s Cup Venue at RAK

CLICK ON THE DIAGRAM ABOVE TO MAGNIFY

In a recent article on the new and increasingly popular site ‘America’s Cup in the UAE,’ I posted the above Distance Diagram to illustrate the short distances between anywhere in the UAE and especially between the various cities and towns and the 2010 America’s Cup venue at Ras al Khaimah (RAK).

Fujairah and RAK
Tourists in the Emirates for the America’s Cup will undoubtedly be staying in RAK, yet the hotels in this small emirate will be filling up fast, if they haven’t filled up already.

Check out the distances between RAK and the main cities in the other emirates. I have listed them below:

Distances Between RAK and Other Cities
Look at the short distances (in kilometers) between RAK and the main cities in the other six emirates of the UAE:

Dubai 105
Sharjah 85
Ajman 70
Fujairah 110
Abu Dhabi 250
Uum al Quwain 55

Fujairah Factors
Fujairah city is little further than Dubai to RAK and as I said elsewhere, distance is only one indicator. The time it takes to get to RAK from other places will depend on speed limits, road conditions, the time of day, traffic congestion, accidents etc.

The cost of living, including the cost of accommodation, is much more reasonable in Fujairah than in the larger centres.

My Choice
These factors make Fujairah, the coastal city on the Arabian Sea, a rather attractive place for tourists to make their base. It will certainly be my choice as a base for the 2010 America’s Cup.

On Related Sites
Nissan’s First Electric Car Could Be in UAE by 2010, Experiencing the Emirates, 11 August 2009.

Distances Between Ras al Khaimah and Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Abu Dhabi… America’s Cup in the UAE, 11 August 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter. Do ask about advertising details on this or any of the above sites.

Image: Distance diagram of the UAE (courtesy of Keluarga Wahyu di Qatar, which has one of the most detailed descriptions of a road trip between the UAE, Oman. Check out this site to plan your trip).

CLICK ON THE DIAGRAM ABOVE TO MAGNIFY

Visit Al Bidya Mosque—the Oldest Worship Place in the Emirates

The Al Bidyah Mosque is the oldest worship place in the United Arab Emirates and is a popular stopping off place for residents and tourists.

Women as well as men can visit although it is advisable for women to take a scarf or similar covering for the head and shoulders.

Take some time to see the castle above the mosque. This is an important archaeological site in the UAE.

Construction
Al Bidyah Mosque is built of stone and mud bricks and is coated in many layers of whitewashed plaster.

Architecturally, Al Bidya Mosque is unique in the UAE and the engineering features are considered a major accomplishment for the period of construction. Its distinctive roof with its four pointed domes is supported by an internal pillar and is unusual for religious architecture in the region.

The prayer has a small mihrab (the niche in the wall that indicates the direction of Mecca) and a simple minbar (the pulpit which is usually situated to the right of the mihrab and consists of a raised platform reached by a set of steps).

History
According to a radiocarbon analysis, the date of the construction of the Al Bidyah Mosque is thought to be as early as 1446 AD. The mosque is named after the town in which it is located and it is also known as the Ottoman Mosque, after the man who built it.

Location
Al Bidya (spelt Al Badiyah on the map below) is approximately 35 kms north from Fujairah city before one gets to Fujairah’s Al Aqqah hotels and beach resorts.


View Larger Map

Watch Videos
Bidya Oldest Known Mosque in the UAE, GNTV, 6 August 2009.
Sunset Prayer at Bidya Mosque, GNTV, 6 August 2009.

Check it Out
Check out the new site America’s Cup in the UAE.

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Image: Al Bidyah (or Al Bidya) Mosque—the oldest worship place in the United Arab Emirates.

Towels and Bath Robes in Fujairah Hotels are Not Gifts to Take

Interesting story in Xpress News about the amount and range of stuff in Fujairah and UAE hotels that goes walking and how much it costs hotels each year.

Link
Danesh Mohiuddin, Not for Sale: Hotel Souvenirs, Xpress News, 6 August 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Some Fujairah Quarries a Hazard

Further to reports about evaluations of Fujairah quarries being conducted is an article in The National (5 August 2009) by Anna Zacharias on the ‘Sickly Side of the Quarrying Boom’.

Excerpts:
“Five years ago, Jerief was an idyllic village in a quiet Fujairah wadi. Now the village, about 20km from the Ras al Khaimah airport, is blanketed by dust from the nearby quarries. New buildings have huge cracks in their walls, palm groves are covered in thick layers of dust, and residents cannot sleep through the night because of health problems that they say are caused by poor air quality.”

“For many families, life in Jerief has become a nightmare…”

“Last month, the Ministry of Environment and Water shut down several quarries in RAK, Fujairah and Ajman for failing to comply with the guidelines.”

“Residents and health officials say there have been some improvements but believe that the situation overall has worsened in the past year. Children are considered most vulnerable to respiratory problems.”

Read the rest of this revealing report:
Anna Zacharias, ‘Sickly Side of the Quarrying Boom’ The National, 5 August 2009.

Link

Emmanuelle Landais, Pollution from Cement Factories and Quarries Fall, Gulf News, 21 August 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Image: Damage to homes is only part of the problem being caused by quarry blasting and emissions. (Photo thanks to Jeff Topping and The National).

New UAE Web Site for History Making America’s Cup 2010

Old Race
According to Wikipedia, the America’s Cup is the most prestigious regatta and match race in the sport of sailing.

Old Cup
The cup is the oldest active trophy in international sport, predating the Modern Olympics by 45 years.

New Venue
The 33rd racing of the America’s Cup yacht race was widely expected to be held in Valencia but history was made with the announcement today that the competition would be held in the little known emirate of Ras al-Khaimah, the United Arab Emirates.

New Blog
An old competition holding an historic regatta in the young country of the Emirates warrants the establishment of a site that has America’s Cup news from a UAE perspective.

Blog writer, Geoff Pound, is based in the United Arab Emirates, but he hails from New Zealand which has featured prominently in the recent history of the America’s Cup. As a young person he had an undistinguished career as a yachtsman with the Howick Yacht club in Auckland, the ‘City of Sails’. His career started in P Class yacht racing but unfortunately, he made his mark more under the water than above.

Other Sites
His other blog sites which have a UAE flavor are:
Experiencing the Emirates: Random reflections on everyday life in the Emirates.

Fujairah in Focus: News, views and issues from Fujairah, UAE.

New Site
Here is the link to America’s Cup in the UAE.

Advertising
Do contact me for information about advertising on these sites.

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Image: The America’s Cup—or affectionately known as the ‘Auld Mug’.

Evaluating Old Quarries of Fujairah UAE

Cracking Down
The leadership of Fujairah said they would crack down on quarries in the emirate that had become hazardous and now Emirates 24/7 is reporting that “about seven quarries, which account for 10 per cent of total quarries in Fujairah, have been closed until they commit to environment standards and improve production conditions.”

An inspection of quarries in the emirate was conducted 29 July 2009 by Fujairah Natural Resources Authority (FNRA) to monitor the extent of their commitment to decisions related to the protection of environment and reduction of harmful emissions.

Chairman Mohammed Saif Al Afkham instructed all quarries to commit to all environment conditions and decisions.

Evaluating Quarries
How do you evaluate a quarry? Do you need the training of a dentist to spot cavities, or weak areas that have the potential for the structure to collapse? What instruments are needed to give a quarry the once over?

The report says that a number of quarries were inspected on the one day which appears to be a superficial look rather than an extended examination. How long does it take to give a quarry a thorough evaluation?

International Standards and Local Features
What criteria are involved in an evaluation and do these have to conform to an international standard? Are there any features of a quarry assessment that would be unique to the UAE or specifically to Fujairah and the Hajar mountains?

Hazardous to Human Health and Buildings
Some of the Fujairah quarries are located far too close to human communities and when the wind is blowing the dust is thick and harmful to one’s health. What are the other harmful emissions apart from flying rocks?

What about the level of noise pollution and the potential damage that can be done by blasting and the vibration of the ground?

Does the evaluation involve a human health survey to insure that the health risks from Fujairah quarries are removed?

Is there an assessment of the damage to the flora and fauna and the risks to the archaeological and heritage significance of the area?

Environmental Standards
What specifically are the environmental standards that are applied in an evaluation of quarries? Is there a limit to the number, size and density of quarries in a particular area? Does it also involve assessing the degree to which quarries deface the beauty of the environment?

Independence
Who is undertaking the evaluation of the Fujairah quarries and how is objectivity assured in this process?

How often should quarries be surveyed and evaluated?

Digging for Details
Could the FNRA supply us with more details on the criteria against which Fujairah quarries are evaluated?

Can international quarry experts who observe quarries or engage in evaluations give us more details?

Link
Fujairah Team Inspects Quarries, Emirates 24/7, 30 July 2009.

Related
Fujairah Crown Prince Committed to Environment Around Quarries but How? FIF, 7 October 2008.
It’s Boring in Fujairah but Sometimes It’s a Blast, FIF, 11 June 2009.
Federal Laws to Safeguard Against Quarries, FIF, 18 June 2009.
Visit Fujairah for the Hajar Mountain Drive, FIF, 10 September 2008.

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Image: Aerial view of quarries in the Hajars near Jabal Siji in the emirate of Fujairah (Photo courtesy of Google Earth). CLICK TO ENLARGE.

Quarry Update 16 August 2009-08-16

WAM reports:

Quarries are responding positively to cabinet resolution: minister

2009-08-16

WAM Dubai, 16th Aug. 2009 (WAM) -- The quarrying and mining industries in the northern emirates are responding positive to regulations introduced recently by the government for protection of the environment, H.E. Dr. Rashid Ahmed bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water, said today.

''We have sensed substantial response and cooperation from quarrying firms in regard to rectifying their status to fall in line with standards set out by the ministry, ''he the minister said following a surprise tour of rock crushers to inspect their commitment to the relevant regulations.

He announced that air quality had been assessed by advanced mobile sensors and that dust emission were at the minimum level.

He explained that commitment of quarries in Fujairah rose to 73 per cent this month from 41 per cent in January. Quarries in Ras Al Khaimah have made remarkable improvments with the percentage rising to 97 from 63.

Dust will be analysed to identify its physical and chemical properties in order to establish a relevant data base.

On efforts made by the ministry to implement the cabinet resolution no 20 of 2008 for regulating quarries, the minister outlined a series of measures in that respect including holding of workshops and setting up of a technical office at Massafi.

''Measures are being taken to close down 13 quarries this month for failing to introduce required conditions after the grace period given to them were expired,'' the minister added.

Waitress Puts Magic into People’s Lives at Fujairah’s Le Méridien

There is a great story about Le Méridien waitress Rona Tupaz who seeks to brighten up the lives of guests at the Fujairah Al Aqah Beach Resort.

How to find meaning in the ordinary, everyday work that we do is a challenge.

Rona says, “One lesson I’ve learned from this experience is how with a little creativity we can turn mundane experiences into happy moments for our guests.”

Well done Rona!

Read her story
JJ, Magic Pots-Creating Happy Moments for Guests, Young Hotelier, 2 August 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Image: Rona and her magic pots (Photo courtesy of Young Hotelier at the above link).

Take Your Passport When You Check in at a Fujairah Hotel

This blog writer tells about a relaxing Fujairah holiday that almost didn’t begin because she and her friends did not take full ID.

She writes:

“Once we got there, all tired, we were told at the front desk we could not check in because we did not have our passport.”

It all ends up happily ever after relaxing on Fujairah sands but this is an important reminder.

Question
Would Fujairah hoteliers tell us whether this is the standard practice for tourists and UAE residents—is a Passport essential or is another form of ID OK (a driver’s licence)?

Link
Fujairah Getaway, Carine in the Sand Pit: Diary of a Travel Addict, 1 August 2009.
Thanks for telling your Fujairah travel story!

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Image: Fujairah Getaway (Photo courtesy of Carine from her blog at the above link).