Flexibility in Face of Economic Crises: The UAE Example

This is a guest editorial by Hamptons International- property management company.

The global economy meltdown led to a collapse of major sectors. None of them were spared. Real estate and property were no exception. Interest rates went down and property prices went further down, and there were no investors in sight.

However, certain regions played their cards well. While many property dealers in the UK almost went out of business, the UAE played their cards well. In spite of all major financial institutions acting harshly to property dealers, the UAE government decided to spend their liquidity on infrastructure, supporting the market and helping to bolster it.

The UAE boasts a major economy in the globalised world. Dubai real estate and property development is a major share of that economy. While oil and petroleum is generally considered the major economic contributor, the real estate and property sector is standing neck and neck with the oil and gas sector. A very interesting point needing mention here is the depletion of oil resources and the need of alternative energy sources.

A lot has been said about climate change and global warming. This has led the shift of the UAE economy into property market. Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Fujairah have emerged as the major property capitals in the UAE. Owing a property in Dubai is fashionable now, but there is a myth that needs to be broken. Dubai properties for sale are not as expensive as it is perceived. The key draw of this market is attracting people to a new lifestyle. There are no restrictions to the kinds of people and customers the sector is interested in. The word is “everyone is welcome!”

The dark tunnel of the financial crisis is coming to an end and things are starting to pick up again. Interest rates are competitive and available properties are on par with any luxurious property around the world. Dubai is set to be the new property capital and it has the capability to become the new economic force in the globalised world.

Related
Dubai the International Metropolis, Experiencing the Emirates, 31 October 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

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

Image: A new residence nearing completion in Fujairah, UAE.

Re-Registering Your Vehicle at Shamil in Fujairah UAE

Registering or re-registering your car is probably different in Fujairah from other cities where you have done this.

Here are some of the basics as they apply at the moment but be aware that the procedures and prices are bound to change.

Check with Shamil Fujairah on (09) 223 1968.

Where Do You Go?
The Shamil Vehicle Testing and Registration Center is the place you need to drive each year for your annual registration renewal although check the web site (link above for new testing places in al Fujairah).

Coming from Fujairah’s main street there is a major intersection 1.5 kms from the last roundabout (Toyota Car company) before heading towards Dubai.

Approaching the intersection the traffic is extremely heavy so it may be good to go early in the day. At the intersection where there are traffic lights you need to get into the left lane to turn left and where there are signs toward the ‘Al Hayl Industrial area’.

About 2kms along this road take the road going right (it has a sign indicating ‘Shamil’). The vehicle testing center is 0.5 kms and is at the end of the road on the left.

Testing Process
Drive up and into one of the 2 lanes. You will need:
* Current Car registration card
* To know the model of your car
* Old insurance policy papers

They will put your details into a machine and give you a Number which will later come up on the digital board inside telling you when your car is ready.

Leave your car running and take your Number into the air-conditioned waiting area.

The length of time it takes to test your car depends on the number of cars they are processing. On the previous day when I last visited they had tested 83 cars but they test up to 100 a day or as low as 60 cars. It took 10 minutes for them to test my car.

When the board indicates and sounds your number you go to the appropriate counter. If there is work to be done you take your list of things and get the car fixed before returning for retesting. Re-testing (I think) is free within 15 days and after that you have to pay a further fee.

If your car is OK you pay Dh60 for the testing services.

Insurance
There are agents for insurance companies within this facility where you can purchase comprehensive car insurance. You need to determine the value of the car and pay then and there. Their credit card facility had not working for weeks so you may need to take your debit card and use the ATM in this facility or take enough cash (this could be Dh1500-3000 etc depending on the value of the car).

One pays for 13 months of insurance and what you haven’t used is credited to your next year’s cover.

The form stating that your vehicle is insured for the next 13 months is essential for completing the process.

Update

The next few steps can all be accomplished at Shamil (a one-stop shop) rather than going down to the Police Station on the main road.

Registering at the Police Station
You go back down the road, turn right into the main road and within 0.6 kms on the right side is the Ministry of Interior Fujairah Police Station.

At the central information island you present your current car registration card and tell them you have come to complete the re-registration of your car.

You will be given another Number and asked to go on the left side for car registration (the right side of the building is for driver licensing). You may notice that some people come in with the two number plates from off their car as previously presentation of these was required to certify that this was your car.

When your number is called you go to the appropriate counter.

Payment of Fines?
The officer will check your car registration number and inform you whether you have any fines for speeding, running through red lights etc. There is a phone number you can ring to find this out anytime you think you have been clocked on a speed camera.

If you have fines you must pay these before you can complete the registration process. It might pay to take a stash of money!

Registration Sticker and Card
When this step is completed you pay Dh145, get a receipt and a sticker that you will need to apply to the rear number plate indicating when your car registration expires eg. ‘10/2010’.

You then proceed to the end of the building towards the road where a new car registration card is made. When you receive this you should get a message in Arabic and in English on your mobile phone saying: “UAE Traffic—The vehicle license of [your car number] Fujairah has been renewed on [date]. Thank you and we wish you safe driving. Sender—UAE Traffic.”

After such a process this is the best text message you will receive! Treat yourself to a coffee!

Dr Geoff Pound

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

Image: The Shamil Vehicle Testing and Registration Center, Fujairah.

Have You Tried The New Faseel Café in Fujairah?

The signage is up and the customers are walking in to the new Faseel Café on the ground floor of the Siji Hotel Apartments. There is public access from the street and hotel apartment access from within.

This new eating and drinking hole is on Al Nakheel Road across from the mosque and near the coffeepot roundabout. Check the map below for the location.

Attractive
Here are some of the attractive features:

* The ambience is clean, fresh and bright.

* It has a colourful, floral décor that is sure to pick people up in the morning.

* It is spacious with a versatility of seating and tables—7 tables that can seat 4 people, 2 tables to seat 2 people and at each end of the café there is an arrangement of sofa or lounge type furniture.

* It has newspapers (Arabic and English), two TV monitors (with CNN and BBC) and WiFi so people can connect with the world in whatever way suits. This is a good place to come with your laptop and get a free, fast Internet service while you are supping your coffee.

Menu
For a café this has got a surprisingly extensive and varied menu (printed in Arabic and English). Here are the offerings (there is more detail on the menu card):

Garden Green Salad 15 AED
Chicken Caesar Salad 25 AED
Deluxe Star Sandwich 25 AED
The Club Siji 25 AED
Crunchy Chicken 30 AED
Croissant Sandwich 22 AED
Twin Tower Sandwich 22 AED
Flying Chicken Sandwich 22 AED
Grilled Bun Chicken Sandwich 22 AED
Beef/Chicken Burger 25 AED
Steak Sandwich 35 AED
Pizza Margarita 20 AED
Pizza Capricciosa 25 AED
Snake Bite 45 AED
(Deep-fried prawns stuffed with cheese, green chilli, served with coriander pesto and French fries)
Tex-Mex Chicken or Beef Fajitas 32 AED
Banana Split with Chocolate Sauce 22 AED
Ice Cream (two scoops) 18 AED
(This is the delicious Häagen Dazs ice cream and in addition to the usual flavours is the Green Tea ice cream that is really worth a try)

Cakes and Pastries
There is a selection of cakes and pastries which changes according to what the chef bakes. It includes (and the price is per slice):

Chocolate cake, Black Forest, Mango Mousse Cake, Praline Cake, Strawberry Cake 12 AED

Cheesecake & Tiramisu 18 AED

A selection of pastries (including croissants) and muffins 2.50 AED




Selection of Coffee
The signs say ‘We proudly brew Starbucks Coffee.’
Espresso 10 AED
Turkish coffee 10 AED
Freshly brewed coffee 11 AED
Nescafe, Decaffeinated Nescafe 10 AED
Decaffeinated coffee 11 AED
Cappuccino, Mochachino 12 AED
Café Latte 12 AED

Selection of Tea
Lipton 8 AED
Earl Grey 8 AED
English Breakfast Tea 8 AED
Chamomile Tea 8 AED
Japanese Tea 8 AED
Chinese Tea 8 AED
Green Tea, Lemon, Mint, Orange and Jasmine 8 AED
Fresh Mint with Lipton or Green Tea 9 AED
Moroccan Tea 10 AED

Hot & Cold Beverages
Hot/Cold Milk 8 AED
Hot/Cold Chocolate 10 AED
Iced Tea 10 AED

Fresh Juices
Orange, Lemon, Melon, Carrot 14 AED
Mango, Strawberry, Kiwi, Grapefruit 16 AED
Pineapple, Apple 18 AED

Chilled Juices
Orange, Mango, Apple, Pineapple 10 AED

Sparkling Juices
Apple 10 AED
Grape (white or red) 10 AED

Other Beverages
Fresh laban 10 AED
Vimto or Vimto diet 8 AED
Red Bull (original or sugar-free) 15 AED

Non-Alcoholic Beer
Moussy 10 AED
Barbican 10 AED
Holsten 10 AED

Soft Drinks
Cola, Diet Cola 8 AED
7-Up, Diet 7-Up 8 AED
Mountain Dew, Mirinda 8 AED
Soda Tonic 9 AED

Sparkling Water
Perrier (France) 10 AED
Apolinaris (Germany) 10 AED
Perrier (lemon or lime from France) 12 AED
San Pelegrino (Italy) 10 AED

Flavored Water
Masafi (strawberry, peach, lemon) 7 AED
Al Ain (lemon, lime, orange, passion fruit, apple, cherry) 7 AED
Volvic (natural lemon, natural orange from France) 12 AED

Still Water
Dibba 6 AED
Masafi 6 AED
Al Ain 6 AED
Evian (France) 10 AED
Volvic (France) 10 AED
Aqua Panna (Italy) 10 AED

All prices are in UAE dirhams and are subject to a 20 % service charge and tax.

Hours
Because of the menu range the Faseel Café is a good place for breakfast, brunch, lunch or an afternoon tea but it is also open until late.

The Faseel Café opens at 6.30am and closes at 1.00am.

Contact
The items and prices on the menu represent the details as at October 2009 but in time they are bound to change.

Contact the Faseel Café for up to the minute details, for more information or to make a group booking.

Tel: (09) 2053 347

Location

View Faseel Cafe in a larger map

Dr Geoff Pound

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

Changes to Application for Indian Visa in Fujairah UAE

People in Fujairah continue to be provided with a service for obtaining visas for India from the Consulate General of India-Dubai, but there are some changes.

New Office
A special Indian Passport and Visa Services office in conjunction with Empost has been established within the Indian Social Club (see this map for the Faseel location).

Abdul Aziz and Tojo Jestin work different shifts in the Empost Office which is open to the public between 8.00am and 8.00pm every day except Friday.

They can be reached on this Toll Free Number: 600522229

Documents Needed for Visa Application
UAE Nationals need to furnish the following:
* Completed visa application form (available from the office)
* Two recent passport size photos
* Passport copy

UAE Residents
* Completed visa application form (available from the office)
* Two recent passport size photos
* Passport (original not photocopy) with photocopies of relevant pages with the visa page)
* A No Objection letter from the sponsor

UAE Non-Residents
* Completed visa application form (available from the office)
* Two recent passport size photos
* Passport (original not photocopy) with photocopies of relevant pages with the visa page)
* Visitor’s Visa copy (original to be shown)
* Reference form for faxing with clear address in the home country

Apart from size (passport size), no details are given about the background colours but one would think the usual details for a passport photo apply.

Empost Form
An Empost Form now must be filled in that requests the following information:
Marital status
Spouse’s name
Father’s name
Mother’s name
Identification Mark
Profession
Previous nationality
Name of Sponsor
Address of Sponsor
Permanent address
Phone numbers-office and residence

Cost
A three month single entry visa is available at a cost of Dh240. Unfortunately no multiple visas appear to be issued to applicants in the UAE.

Accuracy
These details are accurate at the time of writing but applicants should consult the office to see if any details have altered.

Dr Geoff Pound

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

Image: Officers at Fujairah’s Indian Passport and Visa Services, Tojo Jestin (L) and Abdul Aziz (R).

Bus Services between Fujairah and Dubai

Stop Press:

Bus schedules, timetables and just about everything else keep changing by the month.

Even the Fujairah bus station has changed from the Perfume Roundabout to what is called 'the old bus station' which is on the way to Dubai, between the Toyota Roundabout and the next set of lights (look out for the sign and entrance on the right after the service station).

The best thing is to call the toll free number and ask for the current timetable for the day you want to travel (at the moment the Friday timetable is different from other days) and ask where the bus journey finishes (Some days it is at Al Ittihad or Union Square and other days it stops at Al Rashidiya Metro station). Good luck!

Ten air-conditioned buses are now providing a transport service between Dubai and Fujairah.

Fujairah to Dubai
The first trip starts at 6.30am, the last trip leaves at 9.45pm and buses depart every 45 minutes.

Looking toward Dubai on Fujairah’s main street, the Fujairah buses leave just beyond the Perfume Roundabout, the old Hindi Movie House and the main taxi stand.

The buses finish at Al Ittihad Square, Dubai without stopping on the way.

Dubai to Fujairah
Buses leave from Al Ittihad Square every 45 minutes commencing at 6.45am and continuing until 10.30pm.

Bus Times: Dubai to Fujairah
Here are the daily departure times from Dubai and arrival times in Fujairah:
6.45am to 8.45am
7.30am to 9.50am
8.15am to 10.35am

And every 45 minutes until

9.00pm to 11.00pm
9.45pm to 11.45pm
10.30pm to 12.30am

These times are taken from the RTA web site, Route E701. Check for any changes.

Fare
The fare for all these rides is 25 AED per trip. No information is given for children's fares.

More Information
Dubai Road and Transport Authority (RTA)
Tel: 800 90 90

Dr Geoff Pound

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

Image: One of the 10 luxury Mercedes and Volvo buses at the Fujairah bus station (and the Perfume Roundabout in the background).

Heritage Souk Established at Fujairah International Marine Club

In addition to the Tourist Night Souk on the southern side of the Fujairah International Marine Club, a small heritage souk is being established on the northern side of the Club House within the grounds of the Marine Club.

This is being created out of traditional materials with thatched roofing and it will comprise ten stalls from which heritage souvenirs, Arabic bread, Arabic sweets and coffee will be sold and served.

This is another initiative of the Managing Director of the Marine Club, Major Ahmed Ibrahim Mohammed Darak.

The heritage souk will be a great attraction, especially on the days when boating, fishing and swimming competitions are held by the Marine Club.

Dr Geoff Pound

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

Image: “A small heritage souk is being established on the northern side of the Club House…”

Get into Training for the Fujairah Swimming Championship

Date and Time
The annual Fujairah Swimming Championship sponsored by the Fujairah International Marine Club will be held on 30th October 2009 commencing at 4.00pm

Distance
The distance of the race is 1500 metres, starting at the Fujairah International Marine Club and ending at the Fujairah Hilton Hotel Beach.

Categories
The race will be swum in the following categories:
* Adults: Above 16th years of age.
* Youth: Under 16th years of age.
* Ladies Competition

The competition will start for all categories at the same time along the race course made visible by buoys and markers.

Prize Money
* Individual first position Dhs.1500 adults – Dhs.1000 young stage – 1500 women competition + Golden medal
* Individual second position Dhs.1000 adults – Dhs.500 young stage – 1000 women competition + silver medal
* Individual third position Dhs.500 adults – Dhs.300 young stage – 500 women competition + Bronze medal
* Prize of Dhs.500 for eldest competitor
* Prize of Dhs.500 for youngest competitor
* First position teams competition
* Second position teams competition
* Third position teams competition

Entry Forms
Entry forms are available from the Fujairah International Marine Club (contact details here to ask for forms to be emailed to you) but they require the following information:

Date
Competitor Number
Name
Date of Birth
Category
Address
Mobile no.
Identification
Nationality

I’m under signing hereby declared that all above information is correct and I'm in good health conditions to participate in this competition, and I will take all responsibility for my participation.

Read & Accepted
Approved by Organizing Committee
Documents required:
Any Identification copy
نادي الفجيرة الدولي للرياضات البحرية
بطولة الفجيرة للسباحة المفتوحة
طلب مشاركة
التاريخ
رقم المتسابق
الاسم
تاريخ الميلاد
الفئة
العنوان
رقم الهاتف
إثبات شخصية
الجنسية
أنا الموقع أدناه اقر وأتعهد بصحة جميع المعلومات السابقة وكذلك اقر بكامل صحتي ولياقتي البدنية التي تخول لي المشاركة في المسابقة واقر بان أتحمل كافة المسئولية نتيجة مشاركتي في المسابقة.
التوقيع
اعتماد اللجنة المنظمة
المستندات المطلوبة:
1. إثبات شخصية صورة عن جواز سفر صورة عن بطاقة العمل، صورة عن رخصة القيادة

Rents Fall in Fujairah

Business Intelligence Middle East (BI-ME) carried this news on 20 October 2009:

“Apartment rental rates in the Northern Emirates continued to fall in the third quarter of 2009 but at a slower rate than previously, according to a report by Asteco, the largest property services company in the United Arab Emirates.”

“The average decline in apartment rental rates has slowed considerably to 4% compared with 12% in the second quarter and 21% in quarter one of 2009,” says the Asteco Northern Emirates third quarter 2009 report.

“However, there has been limited activity in the market due to the summer holidays coinciding with Ramadan, both traditionally quiet periods.”

The report by Asteco, which carries out comprehensive property market analysis across the UAE, also found:

Fujairah recording the smallest decline of 2% to an average of AED29,625 per annum, making it the second most affordable place for apartments in the Northern Emirates.

Link to Read Entire Article:
Rents Still Falling in UAE’s Northern Emirates, BI-ME, 20 October 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

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

Image: “Fujairah… making it the second most affordable place for apartments in the Northern Emirates.”

Going by Taxi in Fujairah UAE

Calling a Cab
It shouldn’t take you long to get one of the distinctive yellow-coloured taxis in Fujairah as there are approximately 700 taxis circling around the streets of the city tooting their horns and looking for people to take for a ride.

But Murphy’s law often tends to reign: they are often nowhere to be seen just at the time you want to hail a cab as you stand on the footpath in the hot sun.

You can always book a taxi by calling the Fujairah Taxi Company on (09) 2233533.

Before getting into the taxi ask the driver if he knows how to get to your destination but most times they will say ‘Yes’ even if they don’t know, as they are keen to get the business.

Paying for a Taxi
A few years ago it used to be a standard Dh5 to go anywhere in the city but since they have replaced the old white cars with yellow cars and put the drivers in fresh uniforms they have also added a meter.

Normally the driver will switch the meter on as you hop into the car but if not, ask for it to be activated, otherwise you may pay a big price. Recently a tourist arriving at the Fujairah Port paid more than a 100 Euros to get the short distance to Fujairah’s main street. Fortunately rogue taxi drivers in Fujairah are rare.

When the meter is activated there appears a Dh2.50 municipality charge before the car moves forward.

The charge is Dh1 per kilometer so you will get a good distance around the city for Dh10.

Tipping is not required or expected but with so many taxis in the city and the wages so low the drivers will welcome you rounding your contribution to the next 10 dirhams.

Make sure you have plenty of change as taxi drivers will struggle if you give them a Dh100 or Dh200 note.

Taxis can take you to the airports in other emirates but there are rules which prohibit Fujairah taxis coming to pick you up from the same airports.

Taxi Driver Salaries
Taxi drivers get a proportion of the fares they make and it is worked out according to a sliding scale and incentives.

Most of the taxi drivers I have travelled with recently say they make Dh2000 a month but one said he only made Dh1500.

The cars are insured for accidents but if the police write in their report that a prang was the taxi driver’s fault then he will end up paying at least some of the costs. One taxi driver said recently that he was involved in an accident several months ago and ended up having to pay Dh800.

Dr Geoff Pound

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

Image: This is the colour of the taxis in Fujairah.

Fujairah Fishing Classic a Fantastic Success

Contestants at the inaugural Fujairah Fishing Classic lined up for photos yesterday afternoon and their faces told the story of accomplishment, the forging friendships and plenty of fish (many of which were consumed at the final banquet at Le Meredien, the chief sponsor of the event).

Bruce Fennessy, the tournament director, said the Fujairah Classic would become an annual fixture. He added, “I think I speak for everyone when I say that it’s been fantastic…We will see more big competitions in Fujairah and we will be back. It’s a great venue for an event like this.”

Raed Dabbous and his winning team Sho Cho, (named about Raed’s popular restaurant in Dubai) said that while everyone wants to be competitive and win a prize the point of the whole exercise is lots if it is competition at all costs in which the fun goes out of the whole experience.

Team Sho Cho which won the prize for the largest fish—a 17.7 kg kingfish.

Many residents of Fujairah and friends of the contestants gathered each day for the weighing of the fish and the photo opportunities.

The Bin Habib team from Dubai with an 8.3 kg Dorado Caught on Day 3.

Major Ahmed Ibrahim Mohammed Darak, the Managing Director of the Fujairah International Marine Club was positive about sharing in the sponsorship of this tournament and stated another reason why he wants this annual event to be successful:

“It is important for Emiratis to connect with the ocean…The dhow and fishing have traditionally been at the basis of Emirati life. The aim of our marine club, backed by the government is to reunite Emirati youth with their roots.”

Major Ahmed Ibrahim Mohammed Darak at the helm.

Other Stories and Related Sites
See the Textile and Spice Souks of Dubai UAE, Experiencing the Emirates, 14 October 2009.

BMW Oracle Objection to RAK More About Light Winds than Iranian Dangers, America’s Cup in the UAE, 9 October 2009.

Inaugural Fujairah Fishing Classic is Al Luring, Fujairah in Focus, 16 October 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

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

Inaugural Fujairah Fishing Classic is Al Luring

Alluring Competition
Several boats are out today for the second of the three day inaugural Fujairah Fishing Classic, joined with some people fishing in kayaks.

The posters plastered around the city by organizer, Bruce Fennessey, adopt a play on some Arabic and fishing lingo when declaring that the competition is ‘Al Luring’.

Alluringly Tasty
Yesterday at the Harbour Club restaurant (located at the Fujairah International Marine Club), while waiting for the competitors to bring in their catch, I ordered this Fish Burger (pictured). This was fresh Fujairah fish called dorado (also mahi-mahi, dolphin fish). Absolutely delicious and it tastes better knowing it is so fresh.

Dorado (photo courtesy of Wikipedia).

Alluring Hospitality
The night before the competition I accepted the invitation to dinner from Raed Dabbous. He owns the Harbour Club Restaurant and to say he is a fishing fanatic is an understatement.

Raed had been out fishing earlier in the day (getting some practice for the Fishing Classic) and had pulled in some mahi-mahi and yellow-fin tuna. The chef cooked the fish in a spicy cachun style and it was served only a few hours after they had been swimming in the water. Ample servings and so tasty.

When the menu at the Harbour Club says ‘Fish of the Day’ there’s a good chance that the fish that is served on your plate has been caught on the very same day.

Alluring Catch

This is Raed or one of his team bringing a handsome fish into the boat (photo courtesy of Raed’s Facebook page).

Alluring Concepts
Tournament director, Bruce Fennessey, has established the rules of the Fujairah Fishing Classic.

Rather than ‘bottom fishing’ where you sit in a boat and let your line and hooks go to the bottom, this competition is about trawling where the boats move along and fish are attracted by the lure.

The eligible species for this competition are yellowfin tuna (and others associated with this family like bonito), dorado (mahi-mahi), trevally, kingfish and rainbow runners.

Bruce said they are focusing on the theme of sustainability. This is not a ‘catch and kill’ tournament for most fishing regions of the world are plagued with overfishing. Specifically they have set bag limits and quotas per boat. Only four tuna can be caught per boat each day and three of every other species.

The biggest fish caught on the first day of the event was an 8.5 kg kingfish pulled in by the Dibba-based team, ‘Team Bite Me’.

On Related Sites
See the Textile and Spice Souks of Dubai UAE, Experiencing the Emirates, 12 October 2009.

BMW Oracle Objection to RAK More About Light Winds than Iranian Dangers, America’s Cup in the UAE, 14 October 2009.

Fly to and From Fujairah by Seawings Seaplane, Fujairah in Focus, 11 October 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

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

Image: Fresh mahimahi served with Cajun spices at the Fujairah Harbour Club.

New Hotel Development along Fujairah Corniche

Among the positive signs are the many building developments in progress in the city of Fujairah.

One of these is the construction of a Five Star Hotel Building (ground plus 5 floors) which upon completion will have a stunning view of the Arabian Sea.

It is located on the Fujairah Corniche, to the northern (Hilton Hotel) side of the ENOC Petrol Station (Fish Roundabout). The ENOC station is in the bottom right corner of the photo.

From the photo looking down on the construction you can see that a considerable amount of land is being reclaimed to enable the hotel to extend towards the sea as well as along the shore.

Ground View

Here is a view from ground level at the junction of the L looking from the ENOC service station towards the Hilton Hotel, Coffeepot Roundabout and Siji Apartments.

On Related Sites
Ski the Snow Slopes at a Dubai Shopping Mall, Experiencing the Emirates, 12 October 2009.

BMW Oracle Objection to RAK More About Light Winds than Iranian Dangers, America’s Cup in the UAE, 9 October 2009.

Fly to and From Fujairah by Seawings Seaplane, Fujairah in Focus, 11 October 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

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

Images: Click to ENLARGE.

See How Rural is the City of Fujairah UAE

This picture was taken from the top of a high-rise apartment tower near the Fujairah waterfront.

I had my back to the Indian Ocean when taking this photo and was looking diagonally across Fujairah to the Hajar Mountains, which on this day were unfortunately shrouded in quarry dust.

The population of Fujairah is 130,000 and rising but it is noticeable how rural the city still is.

This picture looks across Al Nakheel (meaning date palm) Road to a date farm or two.

One usually goes down this road if you are travelling from Fujairah’s main street and commercial district to the corniche via the suburb of Faseel (Siji Apartments, Coffeepot Roundabout, Hilton Hotel etc.)

The compact nature of Fujairah, with date farms at your doorstep and the city sandwiched between mountains and sea, contribute to its charm and character.

On Related Sites
Ski the Snow Slopes at a Dubai Shopping Mall, Experiencing the Emirates, 12 October 2009.

BMW Oracle Objection to RAK More About Light Winds than Iranian Dangers, America’s Cup in the UAE, 9 October 2009.

Fly to and From Fujairah by Seawings Seaplane, Fujairah in Focus, 11 October 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

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

Image: Looking across Fujairah city.

Fly to and From Fujairah by Seawings Seaplane

New Fujairah Marina Base
One of the advantages of Fujairah’s new ‘banana’ breakwater is the protection that it gives to seaplanes like those belonging to the Seawings operation in the UAE.

While Seawings has been arriving and departing from a base near the Al Aqah beach the seaplane company had many of their staff in Fujairah last Friday (9 October 2009) to investigate the feasibility of developing the Fujairah Marina as an additional base and one that is central to the east coast city.

Canadian, Scott Macdonald captained the trial flight last Friday morning. The winds were unusually strong for Fujairah but Captain Scott gave the base the thumbs up saying that the ‘banana’ offered superb protection and created smooth waters for landing and taking off.

The Fujairah Marina satisfies all the criteria necessary to function as a Seawings base and this flying company is appreciative of the invitation and support that has been given by the Fujairah International Marine Club through its Major, Ahmed Ibrahim Mohamed.

Fly to Fujairah and/or Back
For Abu Dhabi and Dubai-based residents and tourists thinking of coming to Fujairah for the weekend by seaplane, check out the features and rates for the Tours to the East Coast.

If you wanted to return by plane, visit the page entitled Tours from the East Coast.

Fujairah Aerial Tour
If you reside in Fujairah or will be staying in the eastern emirate for the weekend Seawings provides the East Coast Pearl Experience which is a 30 minute flight. This gives you the opportunity to see and take aerial pictures of Fujairah’s scenic coastline and get a bird’s eye view of the magnificent Hajar Mountains.

The flights leave from the Fujairah Marina (free car parking available) and return to the same location so the new Harbour Club (located in this facility) is a great place to get a coffee before you leave and celebrate with the drink of your choice upon your return.

At the moment these flights are available on Fridays and Saturdays but as demand picks up Seawings could be available on other days.

Ready for Take Off
Get a small group together, make an enquiry and place a booking at this link. Individual bookings are fine and you don't have to put a group together.

There are a variety of Seawings packages from and to different places around the UAE (Abu Dhabi, Ras al Khaimah etc.) so check these out or come up with your unique proposal for a chartered flight.

Current Rates
The current rate for the 30 minute East Coast Pearl Experience around Fujairah is Dh795 for an adult and Dh675 for a child.

Special Deal—5% Discount
When you book with Seawings tell them you saw this article about their flights on Fujairah in Focus and/or Experiencing the Emirates and you will receive a 5% discount. Do this by phoning Seawings at +971 (0)4 8070708 or emailing at this address: reservations@seawings.ae

Get a Taste of the Seawings Experience
Check out this short video on the Seawings web site or follow this link for the Seawings YouTube Channel to see footage of flights around Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras al Khaimah among the increasing number of videos.

Other Stories and Related Sites
BMW Oracle Objection to RAK More About Light Winds than Iranian Dangers, America’s Cup in the UAE, 9 October 2009.

UAE’s Gulf News Web Site Gets a Makeover, Experiencing the Emirates, 11 October 2009.

Have You Seen the New ‘Banana’ at Fujairah UAE? Fujairah in Focus, 10 October 2009.

Hugh MacLeod on the Key Element in the Best Stories, Stories for Speakers and Writers, 8 October 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

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

Image: Seawings plane arriving on its trial flight with Captain Scott Macdonald in the cockpit. The new Fujairah base with the distinctive ship-shaped marina building is in the background.

Have You Seen the New ‘Banana’ at Fujairah UAE?

Rock Curve
Over the last few months the rock port, at the Kalba end of the Fujairah corniche, has been extended.

It has been lengthened and widened considerably and is being made to curve around in line with the Fujairah marina.

The curve has caused some to refer to this as the ‘banana’.

The purpose of this bent rock structure has not been publically explained but the talk is that there may be an apartment development jutting out into the water from the bottom of Fujairah’s main street. The ‘banana’ would give this a necessary ‘breakwater’.

It is uncertain whether the financial recession will cause a delay or a cancellation to this project but whereas Dubai has ‘The Palms’ and ‘The World’, Fujairah could be looking at growing a ‘Banana’ or at least this might provide the protection for a Banana Tree apartment development.

Banana Appeal
There may be plenty of benefits created by this artificial structure but one drawback is the diminishing of a limitless view of the ocean along the Fujairah corniche and coastline.

How many people like to come down to the Fujairah corniche and look out across the Indian Ocean and think wistfully of loved ones in India, Pakistan and Australia? With the ‘Banana’ and other hotel developments along the beach there will be fewer places where one can get such a vista.

Hopefully the public will have free access to walk out on the ‘Banana’ (without slipping) and get a view not only of the ocean and the horizon but a retrospective view of the city of Fujairah nestled against the Hajar mountains.

Other Stories and Related Sites
BMW Oracle Objection to RAK More About Light Winds than Iranian Dangers, America’s Cup in the UAE, 9 October 2009.

Review of New Book: Dubai: The Story of the World’s Fastest City, Experiencing the Emirates, 9 October 2009.

Closer Look at Fujairah Suburb Al Faseel, Fujairah in Focus, 10 October 2009.

Hugh MacLeod on the Key Element in the Best Stories, Stories for Speakers and Writers, 8 October 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

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

Image: Looking across the marina and Fujairah International Marine Club (enclosed by a smaller breakwater to Fujairah’s sprouting ‘Banana’.

Closer Look at Fujairah Suburb Al Faseel

Anna Zacharias has written an article and posted a photo gallery on Al Faseel, a suburb of Fujairah.

This is a popular suburb that has a beach, hotels (Hilton, Siji Apartments), mosques, schools and shops.

She writes:

“You could be forgiven for thinking that Al Faseel is a sleepy neighbourhood. Under dark skies and a white crescent moon, a handful of boys play football on a sand pitch near one of Al Faseel’s mosques. Otherwise, the streets are empty.”

“But don’t be deceived; the silence of its streets hides the commotion and merriment that takes place behind garden walls. Al Faseel may seem quiet, but it is loved by the families who live there.”

In summary
Anna concludes:
“And this is the essence of Al Faseel: a place for family and friends to relax and enjoy life.”

Read the Entire Article and enjoy the photos
Anna Zacharias, Al Faseel: Family Friendly, The National, 10 October 2009.

Other Stories and Related Sites
BMW Oracle Objection to RAK More About Light Winds than Iranian Dangers, America’s Cup in the UAE, 9 October 2009.

Said of Obama: ‘He’s Not a Muslim. He’s a Good Man’, Experiencing the Emirates, 7 October 2009.

Thanks to the Many who Serve in Fujairah UAE, Fujairah in Focus, 8 October 2009.

Hugh MacLeod on the Key Element in the Best Stories, Stories for Speakers and Writers, 8 October 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

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

Image: A Kerala hairdresser in his Faseel saloon (they are called ‘saloons’ here not ‘salons’!)

Thanks to the Many Who Serve in Fujairah UAE

Meet Iqbal (left) and Mohammed (right).

They are expats from Pakistan and they work for the Fujairah Municipality using Ride On mowers to cut grass around the city.

They start work at 5.30am, stop for breakfast and morning tea at 9.00am and finish at 2.30pm after which they have lunch.

They work every day of the week apart from Friday.

They get a monthly salary of Dh1200 plus their accommodation is provided by the municipality.

This week Iqbal and Mohammed were cutting the grass near the Fujairah corniche along with other workers from Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The team from the municipality who cut grass, plant shrubs, water trees and clean up rubbish, work extremely hard, often in hot and unpleasant conditions.

They deserve our appreciation for what they do on behalf of the residents of Fujairah.

Well done!

Other Stories and Related Sites
Said of Obama: ‘He’s Not a Muslim. He’s a Good Man’, Experiencing the Emirates, 7 October 2009.

See Alinghi Settling into Base at Ras al Khaimah UAE, America’s Cup in the UAE, 7 October 2009.

See Why This Fujairah Resident Has a Smile on His Face, Fujairah in Focus, 7 October 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

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

Image: Iqbal and Mohammed: Well done!

See Why this Fujairah Resident Has a Smile on His Face

This man is Zammel Ezzeddine and he is smiling because he had a superb opening last night at The Harbour Club—Restaurant and Bar.

Zammel is the manager of The Harbour Club which is located in the Fujairah International Marine Club building on the corniche.

He comes from Tunisia and he has been living in the UAE for the last four years studying every step in the hospitality industry. For the last five months he has been living in Fujairah appointing staff and building the team.

Zammel’s team was run off their feet last night as hundreds of people were present to celebrate this new addition to the range of bars and restaurants and this new feature designed to build a sense of community in Fujairah.

Drinks and finger food were ‘on the house’ between 6 and 9 last night and the restaurant was buzzing. As the place has been open for a few weeks there were many that looked part of the ‘Club’. Musicians did their bit to enhance the party atmosphere and some on the bar were showing off their skills as they spun the bottles and poured the drinks.

The first impressions were overwhelmingly positive. People commented on the versatility of the place with the different types of tables, seats and settings. While it was too hot for sitting outside, people could see how good the outside area will be as the weather cools.

One or two thought the prices for drinks and food were a bit steep but they reckoned if they drove to Dubai to enjoy places of similar quality they would be forking out much more in transport.

Zammel has established a Happy Hour (two hours between 6-8) every evening and a Quiz Night on Fridays at 8.00pm. He is eager to develop the ‘Terrace Bar’ outside and is already taking bookings from companies and private guests to use the ‘Function Room’. No wonder he has a smile on his face.

Further
To read more about the facilities and the menu follow this link:
Try out The Harbour Club Bar and Restaurant, Fujairah in Focus, 1 October 2009.

Other Stories and Related Sites
Back to the Future Art Museum in Dubai, Experiencing the Emirates, 6 October 2009.

Watch First Western Media Report from Ras al Khaimah, America’s Cup in the UAE, 7 October 2009.

Rental Property Update in Fujairah UAE, Fujairah in Focus, 5 October 2009.

Ricky Gervais Speaks of Being ‘Born Again’ to the Joy of Work, Stories for Speakers and Writers, 4 October 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

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

Image: “Why this Fujairah Resident Has a Smile on His Face.” Zammel Ezzeddine, manager of The Harbour Club. Contacts details:
Phone: +971 09 223 3424
Mobile: +971 50 292 5629
Email: harbourclb@gmail.com

This Will Be One of the Highest Swimming Pools in Fujairah UAE

The pool is in the making but on the 33rd floor of a beach-side apartment tower this might be the highest place for a cool-off in Fujairah.

It is not a lengths pool where you could practice for the Dubai 2020 Olympics but it is certainly spacious and deep enough to be refreshed.

And the most tantalizing feature for my money is the way you can look out across the Arabian Sea or look down to see how your 40-foot yacht is doing at Fujairah’s marina.

Soon I will be writing to you, “Come in! The water’s fine!”

Other Stories and Related Sites
Your Business is My Business and My Business is Your Business in the UAE, Experiencing the Emirates, 6 October 2009.

Americans Claim RAK Unsafe While Alinghi and Locals Highlight Peaceful Haven, America’s Cup in the UAE, 5 October 2009.

Rental Property Update in Fujairah UAE, Fujairah in Focus, 5 October 2009.

Luxury Pen to Commemorate Gandhi’s Birthday is Not Write, Stories for Speakers and Writers, 4 October 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

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

Image: Looking down into the pool in the making and looking out to India.

Rental Property Update in Fujairah UAE

I wrote recently about one of a number of apartment towers that are rising in Fujairah.

Building construction and cranes are good signs which build confidence and help to defy the financial recession.

But apartment towers in the making do not help people who are searching for a place to live right now or in the near future.

I spoke to some key players in the Fujairah property market recently, both representatives of those who manage rental properties and those who work on behalf of people to find a place to rent.

Some Gleanings
* Rental property has become quite expensive in the last two years in Fujairah.

* In one popular group of villas a company negotiated a deal several years ago on behalf of its employees to pay Dh60,000 a year for each home. Now new rental deals in this same estate start at Dh120,000 and some (they are all pretty much the same size and character) are even going for Dh180,000.

* The price hike is attributable to several factors:

+ The new villas and apartments being built cannot keep pace with the demand so it is a hard job finding a place.

+ There is a huge problem with electrical supply in Fujairah. Currently (no pun intended!) there are 4,000 ‘units’ (villas, apartments, factories, shops etc.) waiting for a connection. One representative said that with the lack of electricity in Fujairah, rental companies can set the rental price at whatever level they want.

* The good news is that Fujairah is expecting a diversion of electrical supply from Abu Dhabi by the end of October 2009. This is a temporary measure until the new power plant is built at Quidfa (Fujairah) and generates local supply (completion dates vary but the optimistic date is by the middle of 2010).

* With significant electrical supply to Fujairah by the end of this month, villas, apartments and businesses will be connected and ready for rent. This will not only ease the rental property pressure but it is likely to drop the price of rental apartments and villas by as much as 50% (Dubai’s rental prices have dropped by 40% due to the exodus of renters, not problems with its electrical supply).

* Fujairah villas tend to come in two classes: high standard and very low standard. There seems to be a shortage of moderate quality villas.

* Apartments tend to be less expensive than free-standing villas with 2 bedroom apartments being in the vicinity of Dh55,000-60,000+.

* If you are coming to Fujairah for work it is most helpful to have your company working hard to find you a home and helping to negotiate the price. They have the knowledge and the languages necessary for effective communication.

Other Stories and Related Sites
Emirates Pilots Speak of Fatigue and Safety Issues but Airline Slams the Report, Experiencing the Emirates, 3 October 2009.

See Alinghi’s Arrival in UAE while BMW Oracle Wants Valencia Venue, America’s Cup in the UAE, 3 October 2009.

Luxury Pen to Commemorate Gandhi’s Birthday is Not Write, Stories for Speakers and Writers, 4 October 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

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

Image: From the apartment tower adjacent to the Fish Roundabout, this is the view north (towards the Fujairah Port). Most of the dwellings in this area of Al Gurfa and looking down to Faseel are stand-alone villas. In the centre of the picture you can see the high twin towers of the Siji Apartments in Faseel (with a mosque in front and the Coffee Pot Roundabout to the right and before the Hilton Hotel which is circled by trees). CLICK TO ENLARGE. [I haven’t ‘Photo shopped’ this image in order to give an idea of the haze that often exists in the Fujairah skies].

Room With a View in Fujairah UAE

This guy and his colleagues must have the best view of any workplace in Fujairah.

He is one of the many workers who are constructing a 33 floor apartment tower overlooking Fujairah and he is taking time out from his work to look out over the Arabian Sea from the highest point.

The tower is sandwiched between Al Gurfa Road and the Corniche Road and you can look straight down on the Fish Roundabout near the Fujairah International Marine Club.

It looks like there will be 3 or 4 floors of parking and then the rest will be much needed apartments for Fujairah when it opens in 2011.

Going up in the cage it takes 5 minutes for the workers to reach the top of the building. The views are stupendous from every side of the tower.

It is on the beach. It is convenient for walking the corniche every morning. When you get a yacht you could tie it up at the front door. It is over the road from a fabulous new bar and restaurant. It is just a few minutes walk from Fujairah’s Fruit, Vegetable and Fish markets. What more do you want?

More pictures soon.

Other Stories and Related Sites
Emirates Pilots Speak of Fatigue and Safety Issues but Airline Slams the Report, Experiencing the Emirates, 3 October 2009.

See Alinghi’s Arrival in UAE while BMW Oracle Wants Valencia Venue, America’s Cup in the UAE, 3 October 2009.

Luxury Pen to Commemorate Gandhi’s Birthday is Not Write, Stories for Speakers and Writers, 4 October 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

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

Image: “This guy…must have the best view of any workplace in Fujairah.”

Keeping Cool in Fujairah

These two men come from the same city of Peshawar.

There are many Pakistani expatriates in Fujairah, employed driving taxis and trucks, gardening and in various trades.

These men are currently working in the Fujairah suburb of Faseel and they are relaying paving stones.

Now in October it is still very warm but one notices that the temperatures have dropped significantly.

Most outdoor workers wear a head covering, often continually doused in water to keep their heads cool.

While they are both Pashtun people, the man on the left has a traditional Pashto hat while the man on the right is wearing a ghutrah غترة which is called a keffiyeh كوفية‎ in Palestine where it has become a powerful symbol of identity.

Most Emirati men in Fujairah wear a plain white ghutrah that is worn in different styles.

Other Stories and Related Sites
Try Out the Harbour Club Bar and Restaurant in Fujairah UAE, Fujairah in Focus, 1 October2009.

It’s a Wonderful World in Dubai, Experiencing the Emirates, 2 October 2009.

BMW Oracle Rejects UAE Venue Citing Consent and Safety Issues, America’s Cup in the UAE, 2 October 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

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

Image: Do you like my headdress?

The National Newspaper Seeks Readers in Fujairah

For the last two days a complimentary copy of The National has been delivered to homes in Fujairah.

The Abu Dhabi-based newspaper is seeking readers all over the nation and to tantalize customers, Fujairah residents are being made this offer:

“Subscribe (or renew) to The National and we’ll reward you with a Montblanc Writing Instrument.”

The subscription fee is Dh300 for the home delivery of the paper for every day of the year.

Pictured is Hussain, delivering my free copy of The National this morning. Hussain comes from Kerala, India and he is one of a team of five delivery people who work for the Abu Dhabi Media Company (which owns The National). Papers arrive from Abu Dhabi via Dubai at 5.30am and the papers are delivered to the gate in the hours shortly after.

If you want The National and would like to write to your friends with a Montblanc Generation Ball Point writing instrument here are the contact details:

Call 800 2220
SMS 'sub' to 2999 (Etisalat) or 9104 (du)
Email subscriptions@thenational.ae
Visit www.thenational.ae/subscribe

Other Stories & Related Sites
Try Out the Harbour Club Bar and Restaurant in Fujairah UAE, Fujairah in Focus, 1 October2009.

It’s a Wonderful World in Dubai, Experiencing the Emirates, 2 October 2009.

BMW Oracle Rejects UAE Venue Citing Consent and Safety Issues, America’s Cup in the UAE, 2 October 2009.

Dying to Work or is Work Killing You? Stories for Speakers and Writers, 2 October 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

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

Image: Hussain delivering The National; Subscription offer.

Try Out the Harbour Club Bar and Restaurant in Fujairah UAE

If you were familiar with the former restaurant in the Fujairah International Marine Club (the one that is in the shape of a ship) you will be surprised when you visit the new restaurant in the same place but now called The Harbour Club.

Opening Next Tuesday
The Harbour Club has had a soft opening with limited hours over Ramadan but next Tuesday evening, 6 October 2009, is the grand opening.

Between 6.00-9.00pm appetizers (finger food) will be served and the bar will be open. The food and the drinks will be free. This is a great opportunity to see the new facility and to celebrate with the owners, directors, manager and staff.

You’re Invited Anytime
At the moment the Harbour Club opens from 12 (midday) and closes at 2 (in the morning).

The directors and manager have a host of ideas and sometime this month they may be introducing the Friday brunch.

A Happy Hour is held every day between 6-8pm during which time if people pay for three drinks (beers) they will get one free.

Unique Features
The innovations are a pleasant surprise with these main features a stand-out:

The Huge Bar
This is the striking feature which hits you when you enter in by the main door at the stern of the building. Is this the biggest bar in the Emirates? It has 50 chairs all the way around and you can not only get a drink (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) but you can have your meal there. The six television monitors (three on either side) mean you can drink and eat as you watch the football, rugby, cricket or motor car racing.

Multipurpose Bar and Restaurant
Some hotels have the dining room or restaurant as the main or only feature while in other places the bar is central. The Harbour Club has both with much more. Beyond the 50 stools around the bar there are about 10 semi-circular enclaves (on the port or left side), each catering for 4-6 people while on the starboard (right side) there are many conventional dining tables. The bar goes through to a large restaurant dining room that has a diversity of tables and seating areas. A staff party could easily be staged in one part of this room without the noise annoying private diners.

The door on the seaward side takes you outside to a terrace which has a varied combination of uses—in the direction of the Fujairah port is a large number of couches and coffee tables where people can drink and smoke shisha and toward the Night Souk there is a large outside bar and a host of tables and chairs under sun umbrellas. As the weather cools, the terrace will be a popular place.

At the stern of the restaurant there is a private room (with a comfortable capacity of 45 people) where people can eat and functions can be held along with equipment such as a screen and a data projector.

Technology
The sound system is top class with music beamed inside as well as on the terrace.
Television monitors are stationed at regular intervals in the bar and main restaurant area.

Directors and Staff
The owners and directors are American or American Lebanese who have significant expertise in developing restaurants in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The manager, Zammel, comes from Tunisia where his thoughts about the hospitality industry have been shaped by the mix of Arabic, French and Italian influences.

The American influence is reflected in the menu (huge burgers, American whiskeys, bar stools) but the British influence is evident in such things as the spelling of the name (Harbour rather than harbor), some English dishes and the Irish drinks. Yet no one cultural strain dominates.

The staff seems eager, knowledgeable, courteous and proud of what they are offering to the UAE.

Attractive Atmosphere
The vision of The Harbour Club is to offer something to Fujairah, visitors from other emirates and tourists something that goes beyond meals and drinks. This elusive quality is the atmosphere that gives people a place to which they will want to return. The diversity of areas around the bar, in the dining room and out on the terrace means that people will not quickly tire of this facility. Beyond this is a massive upstairs space and ideas are percolating about how this might be used in the future. Perhaps the word ‘club’ captures the culture and sense of belonging that the owners and management want to cultivate.

Current Menu
Much thought has gone into the components and overall range of the menu which is likely to change with the seasons and the customer feedback.

The prices are neither cheap nor ‘through the roof’ but they are consistent with the high standard and the fine service that The Harbour Club is offering.

The Harbour Club Menu (prices in UAE dirhams)
Appetizers/Starters
Calamari-market fresh, lightly buttered, served with tartar sauce and marinara-38
Spinach and artichoke dip- a classic, served with fresh tostada chips-35
Bruschetta-tomato, basil and fresh olives spread-30
Fried pickles-straight from New Orleans, lightly battered, served with tartar dressing and marinara-29
Nachos-classic cheese nachos with all the fixin's-add chicken 5 aed-36
Stuffed mushrooms-with feta and parmesan cheese, lightly fried-35
Honey mustard chicken skewers-marinated in our honey mustard dressing and grilled-35
Quesadillas-mixed cheeses, vegetables, served with all the fixin's. add chicken 5 aed-39
Fish cakes-made with hammour and spices, pan-seared-37

Salads
The Harbour Club salad-mixed greens, grilled chicken, carrots, coriander with honey lime and peanut dressing-44
Caesar salad-romaine lettuce, croutons and parmesan with Caesar dressing. add grilled chicken 5 aed-44
Grilled tuna salad-mixed greens, grilled tuna, potato, green beans, tomatoes with balsalmic vinaigrette-42
Rocket salad-rocket, cherry tomatoes, toasted pinenuts with balsalmic vinaigrette-33

Soup of the Day
Chef’s choice-made fresh daily-28

Gourmet burgers & sandwiches-freshly prepared and served with french fries
Classic burger-fresh ground beef, toasted roll, with mustard, lettuce, tomato, red onion slice and dill pickles-43
Classic burger with cheese-swiss, cheddar, American-45
Hickory burger-our classic burger topped with aged cheddar, and our special hickory sauce-47
Grilled chicken sandwich-served with lettuce, tomato, swiss cheese and honey mustard-42
The harbour "club"-smoked turkey, mozzarella cheese, egg, lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise, triple-decker style-38
Vegetarian burger-served with lemon mayo, lettuce and tomato-36

Main courses/entrees
Fish of the day-chef's choice or hammour, served with sautéed vegetables and mash potatoes-48
Ribeye steak-seasoned and grilled, served with sautéed vegetables and mash potatoes-90
Filet-seasoned and grilled, served with sautéed vegetables and mashed potato-90
Herb marinated chicken-served with sautéed potatoes and grilled vegetables-42
Southwestern chicken-grilled chicken, topped with barbecue sauce, melted cheeses and served with grilled veges and mashed potatoes-48
Fajitas-a south of the border classic, beef or chicken, served with guacamole, sour cream, mixed cheeses and pico de gallo-60
Fish & chips-just the way you remember it!-45
Spaghetti bolognese-a traditional favorite-42
Omelet-Swiss cheese and vegetables, served with sautéed potatoes-33

Sides
French fries-15
Veggies-grilled, sautéed or steamed. (bell peppers, sweet peppers, broccoli, carrots, mushrooms)-22
Mash potatoes-17
Green beans-15
Mixed green salad-15

Pizza Menu
Margherita-homemade pizza sauce and fresh mozzarella-28
Choice of toppings:
+ black olives, mushrooms rocket, grilled veggies, fresh basil, artichokes, anchovies, capers, sweet capsicum 2 aed per topping
+ parmesan cheese, feta cheese, gargonzola cheese, extra mozzarella cheese 3 aed per topping
+ beef pepperoni, grilled chicken 5 aed per topping

All prices are inclusive of 10% municipality fee and 10% service charge

Beverages
Champagnes & Sparkling Wines
Moet et chandon brut imperial, France-505
Jacob's Creek pinot noir, Australia-272

White wine
Jindalee chardonnay, Australia-26/132
Chablis moreau et fils, France-350
Frascati classico, Italy-188
Mouton cadet Bordeaux blanc, France-440
Piesporter Michelsberg riesling, Germany-188
Gavi di gavi Cosseti, Italy-327
Pinot grigio riff, Italy-217
Jacob's Creek chardonnay, Australia-212

Red wine
Jindalee cabernet sauvignon, Australia-26/132
Barrel select semilion, France-290
Valpolicella bonacosta-masi, Italy-230
Rioja tinto crianza-cune-rioja, Spain-212
Jacob's Creek shiraz, Australia, 212
Mad Fish shiraz, Australia-230
Wynd Estate. Bin 888, Australia, 170

Rose
Mateus Rose, Portugal-182

Bottled Beer
Heineken-22
Amstel light-22
Budweiser-22
Sol-22
Bulmers-35
Tiger-22

Draught Beer
Heineken-27
Bitburger-30
Murphys-27
Heineken ice-30
Amstel light-27
Strongbow-27
Budweiser-27
John Smith-30
Amstel-27

Cocktails
Fresh peach billini-36
Mimosa-36
Sangria-55
Mojito-33
Caipirinha-30
Manhattan-28
Mai tai-30
Pina colada-30
Planters punch-30
Melon cooler-30
B.M.W.-30
Flirtini-36

Mocktails
Feeling Fruity-24
Smoothie Classico-24
Sirena Enamorada-24
Fruit Punch-24
Cranberry Lips-24
Pina Cool-24
Milk Shake-24

All prices are inclusive of 10% municipality fee and 10% service charge

Taste and See
Give the Harbour Club in Fujairah a try. There is a car park within the grounds of the marina. The Harbour Club is on to something important as they identify some gaps in the restaurant range in Fujairah and seek to complement and provide what residents and tourists are seeking.

Dessert
You will notice that no desserts are listed on the menu. This was a disappointment for one who always feels the need to ‘top off’ a meal with something sweet. When I asked I discovered that there is Chocolate Cake offered. What a generous serving. I was not disappointed.

Contact

The Harbour Club Restaurant & Bar

Fujairah International Marine Club

P O Box 2099

FUJAIRAH, UAE.

Tel: +971 09 222 2125

Fax: +971 09 224 3103

Email: harbourclb@gmail.com

Web: www.theharbourclub.ae

Manager:

Zammel Ezzeddine

Mob: +971 50 2925629

Email: zammel.ezzeddine@gmail.com

On Related Sites

Tasting the Emirates, Experiencing the Emirates, 30 September 2009.

Readying Al Hamra Island for the America’s Cup in UAE 2010, America’s Cup in the UAE, 28 September 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

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

Image: Scenes of The Harbour Club.