Fujairah Teacher to Participate in 3rd Abu Dhabi International Triathlon

Fujairah Triathlete

Sean James (pictured) teacher at the HCT—Fujairah Men’s College, is taking part in the long course (40-44 age group) of the Abu Dhabi International triathlon, this Saturday, 3 March 2012.

Blue Ribbon Event

There are a number of different distances to choose from but the hardest and the ‘Blue Ribbon’ event is The Long Course.

Competitors commence at the corniche with a 3 km swim in the sea.

After swapping goggles for bikes, they ride 200 kms on a route that crosses islands and turns around at the Formula One Track at Yas Marina to head back towards the Emirates Palace. This lap is done twice.

As the temperature climbs the competitors change their bikes for running shoes and run 20 kms to the finish.

Times

While many are happy to simply finish, which may take over twelve hours, the professional athletes are expected to take a little under seven hours.

In 2011, the men’s first and second places were taken by Belgian athletes. The top three were separated by less than 40 seconds over the entire distance.

In the women’s triathlon, the British competitors (see Chrissie Wellington, UK and World Champion pictured) have been dominant at all triathlon distances. At Abu Dhabi in 2011, they came first and third.

Big Purse! Big Names!

The Abu Dhabi International Triathlon has one of the largest purses in the sport and it always attracts big names. This year there will be 24 world champions competing. One of the favourites is Faris Al Sultan (his bike is pictured below), a resident of the UAE who lives and trains in this country. In 2005 he was World Champion at the Ironman Distance and he can often be seen riding around Dubai and Abu Dhabi with his strong team.

Follow the Action

If you can’t get to Abu Dhabi on Saturday, follow the action online, especially via social media. The first wave of Elite athletes enters the water at 6.40am.

Get behind Sean James as he represents Fujairah.

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Sean James in conversation with Fujairah in Focus.

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

Celebrating Peace and Harmony Through Classical Music in Fujairah

The 8^th Emirates International Peace Music Festival will hold a celebration of peace and harmony in Fujairah at 8pm on 4 April 2012, as part of this year’s Abu Dhabi Festival (11 March-6 April 2012).

Together with an elite group of international child virtuosos from the Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra along with the Youth Symphony Orchestra of Premiere Music College of Prague, Czech Republic and talented musicians from Korea, will tour Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Fujairah.

The tour will provide young musicians a performance platform and provide communities of the UAE access to quality classical music. Hopefully this will contribute to the growth of the practice and enjoyment of classical music in the UAE.

Details

The 8^th Emirates International Peace Music Festival will be held:

Date and Time: At 8pm on 4 April 2012.

Venue: The Cultural Centre at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development Centre in Fujairah.

More information and flyers will follow later from the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation.

Geoff Pound

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

Image: This picture is from an earlier Emirates International Peace Music Festival.

Concorde Fujairah Hotel Launches Wild Mountain Experience in Bithnah

The Concorde Fujairah Hotel has developed a partnership with a farm owner in Bithnah, Fujairah that will give to hotel guests, Fujairah residents and tourists the opportunity of enjoying an authentic Arabian experience in the wadi (valley) surrounded by soaring mountains.

Mountain Experience

Announcing this new partnership, Concorde’s General Manager, Mohamed Fekry said the Bithnah experience is a first for Fujairah and possibly the UAE. Fekry said, “There are many places in the UAE where people can go into the desert but the Bithnah partnership will give people a mountain experience.”

Bithnah is only 13 kilometres from Fujairah but, enveloped in the wadi by high mountains, one feels a thousand miles away from your everyday life.

Mountain Features

The owner of the farm property, Ali Musabah Al Kaabi (along with his family), has been developing new features in recent years. Being an Arabian horse enthusiast, he has a horse stud with riding facilities, camels kept mainly for racing, a gazelle and oryx enclosure and a number of birds such as doves, peacocks, chickens.

Ali is completing the construction of two bed and breakfast places made from the rocks in the wadi but with contemporary finishings, including a swimming pool out the front.

A number of ‘arish (huts made from palm trees) and sablah (shelters) are dotted around the property to give protection from the sun while offering wonderful views.

Tour Timings and Cost

The main tour (minimum of four people) will be of three to four hours duration with pick up time between 3.30pm-4.00pm at the Concorde Fujairah Hotel car park and drop off at the same location between 9.30pm-10.00pm.

Such a tour could include a visit (on the way) to the historic Al Bithnah Fort, a look around the gardens and orchard, the viewing and riding of the camels, the horses and other animals.

A game of volleyball is one of the sporting activities on offer before enjoying a sumptuous meal, a shisha, henna painting and the wearing of traditional Emirati clothing (for photo opportunities). Apart from these activities, people may well want to sit and relax or go for a strenuous mountain walk to the top of the ridge to catch a magnificent view.

The all-inclusive price for this tour is 175 AED per person.

Other Excursions

The versatility of the Bithnah property is immense and in addition to the above tour there could be many other possibilities such as the following:

+ Daytime picnics for families, cultural clubs, businesses

+ Overnight camping

+ Serious mountain climbing

+ Retreats for management and staff, leadership teams

+ School and College visits to learn about Emirati culture, Fujairah landscape, history that goes back to the Iron Age

+ Photographer’s excursions

The sky is the limit. Dream about how you and your group might avail yourself of the benefits of Bithnah’s wild mountains. Present your proposal to the Concorde.

Fujairah Enterprise

Earlier this year, His Highness, Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, the Crown Prince of Fujairah, visited this Bithnah farm and was impressed with all the new features aimed at introducing residents and tourists to the ancient Emirati heritage.

The partnership between Bithnah Wild Mountains and the Concorde Fujairah Hotel is a creative one and an expression of the entrepreneurial spirit that is alive in Fujairah.

Take a Look

Some pictures to give an idea of what to see and do on a Bithnah tour are included in this photo album.

More About the Concorde Fujairah Hotel

Take a Look at the Concorde’s Friday Brunch, Queen of Shisha, Pasta Night, Rodeo Grill Night, Seafood Fiesta Night, the Swimming Pools, the Walkway to the Wedding Hall and more, the Belle View Restaurant, the Samakino Seafood Restaurant

Meet the Concorde Fujairah Hotel Staff

Take a Look at the Concorde Fujairah Hotel Spa and Fitness Centre

First Impressions are Vital at the Concorde.

Concorde Fujairah Hotel: Location! Location! Location!

The New Dubai to Fujairah Express Road and the Concorde Fujairah Hotel.

Concorde Kitchen Turns into a Classroom for Fujairah Children.

Check out the Concorde Fujairah Hotel Web Site.

Developing the Staff at the Concorde Fujairah Hotel.

Contact Details

Concorde Fujairah Hotel Facebook Page for daily news and happenings.

Concorde Fujairah Hotel Web Site

Phone: +971 (9) 224 9000

Email: info@concordefujairah.com

Geoff Pound

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

HCT—Fujairah Hosts Events With Significant Community Focus

HCT—Fujairah has announced (28 February 2012) some important community events.

Olympics in Fujairah

On Wednesday 29 February, HCT—Fujairah is hosting the ‘Olympics of the Mind’ for teams from several local high schools.

The students will engage in an Engineering Challenge and a General Knowledge Quiz before having a tour of the College and working on some team building exercises.

Over 80 students are expected to attend the ‘Olympics of the Mind’ at the following places and times:

Fujairah Men’s College: 8am-1pm on Wednesday 29 February (today!)

Fujairah Women’s College: 8.30am-2pm on Wednesday 29 February (today!)

Open Day—Thursday 1 March

The annual HCT—Fujairah event this year will celebrate the HCT—Fujairah community.

All faculty, staff, students, family members, community board members, prospective students and their families are invited to attend and inspect their College.

The event has been so named to highlight and foster the growing partnership between the HCT—Fujairah Colleges and the community.

There will be displays, activities for children, HCT—Fujairah entertainment, tours, a light supper, Program Choice information and door prizes.

Fujairah Men’s College: 5pm-8pm on Thursday 1 March 2012

Fujairah Women’s College: 4pm-7pm on Thursday 1 March 2012

Program Choice Fair—Sunday 4 March

The annual HCT—Fujairah Program Choice Fair gives all Foundation students at both campuses the chance to peruse individual program booths, a variety of displays and some classrooms in order to understand the benefits of each program of study and the topics that they cover.

Fujairah Men’s College: 12pm-2pm on Sunday 4 March 2012

Fujairah Women’s College: 12pm-4pm on Sunday 4 March 2012

More News from HCT—Fujairah (which reflects the community spirit)

HCT—Fujairah Students Explore Life in East Coast Wadis, FIF, 26 February 2012.

Networking for Budding Entrepreneurs in Fujairah, FIF, 20 February 2012.

Safe Driving Campaign Begins at HCT—Fujairah Women’s College, FIF, 14 February 2012.

Fujairah Men’s College (HCT) Establishes New Field Studies Course, FIF, 14 February 2012.

Geoff Pound

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

Image: HCT staff addressing yesterday’s Press Conference.

Fujairah Mosque Influenced by Istanbul’s Süleymaniye Mosque

The Sheikh Zayed Mosque being constructed in Fujairah is influenced greatly by the design of Istanbul’s Süleymaniye Mosque in terms of its size, tall and slender minarets, the many domes and spacious courtyard.

The original Süleymaniye Mosque (it was ravaged by fire in 1660) was ordered by Sultan Süleyman who saw himself as a ‘second Solomon’, through his building of such a magnificent place of worship.

At this stage of the construction in Fujairah, although the minarets and domes are incomplete, one can appreciate their style and get a good idea of the mosque’s characteristic features.

Take a Look

Some photos of the mosque taken on 28 February 2012 are posted in this photo album, along with earlier pictures.

Further

Latest Photos and Report on Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Fujairah, FIF, 28 October 2012.

Check out the Progress of Fujairah’s New Mosque, FIF, 28 October 2011.

Foundation Laid and Walls Rising on the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Fujairah, UAE, FIF, 2 April 2011.

Large Mosque Rising in Fujairah, UAE, FIF, 6 June 2010.

Geoff Pound

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

Image: A photo taken this week (28 February 2012) of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Fujairah.

Fujairah Terry Fox Run a Personal Experience of Loss and Hope

The 2^nd Fujairah Terry Fox Run on Saturday 25 February was a fund-raiser and a community-builder but for many it was an intensely personal experience.

Riyad Kamato, who lost his wife to cancer and Giscard Zghaib, who proudly wore a picture of his mother who died from cancer in 2007, both came from Lebanon to join the Fujairah Terry Fox Run.

Khalid Farid, who lost a kidney and part of his hip to cancer, walked the Fujairah Terry Fox Run on crutches.

Moza Al Kendi, HCT—Fujairah student, currently doing work experience with the Al Khaleej newspaper, reflects in this article on what the Fujairah Terry Fox Run meant to her:

I was happy to see the second Terry Fox Run in Fujairah for I love the idea of organizing an activity for cancer research. Such activities happen regularly in other countries but they are rarely found in Arab countries. Why?

In 2004 my beloved father passed away because of cancer and less than two months before his death he attended a funeral of one of our relatives who also died of cancer. I saw a terrible sadness in his eyes after his return from the funeral, as he knew that he would follow soon and he didn’t want to die.

When my father was diagnosed with cancer I remembered my grandfather who died of cancer. He died years before my father and mother married so we grew up not knowing our grandfather.

Accepting the idea of my father’s death was not easy to handle and on the day he died my faith almost did not exist. It took me years to get my faith back. You could never feel normal about your father’s death because it is impossible. Hearing the word ‘cancer’ brings fear and we all wait for the day when cancer will be a minor sickness that can be treated very easily.

Terry Fox knew that he was coming to an end in this life but he thought about the future that he would not be part of. His consideration for people made his idea globally practiced. For those who believe in God, you can know when God loves a person and Terry Fox is an example of a blessed guy who’s going to be remembered by people around the world. For those who believe in humanity, you can see that making good for all people without any preference is totally better than the hypocrisy of making good for some people and ignoring the rest of them, based on certain political or religious reasons.

Take a Look

Some photos taken by Moza Al Kendi at the Fujairah Terry Fox Run are posted in this photo album.

More From Moza

Reflections on the New Emirates Natural History Group in Fujairah, FIF, 13 February 2012.

More on the Fujairah Terry Fox Run 2012

Fujairah Terry Fox Run Raises Money for Cancer Research and Builds Community, FIF, 25 February 2012.

Making a Statement of Hope on the Fujairah Terry Fox Run, FIF, 24 February 2012.

Banks, Companies, Hotels, Schools Involved in Fujairah Terry Fox Run, FIF, 23 February 2012.

Image: Moza Al Kendi’s photograph of Giscard Zghaib, who proudly wore a picture of his mother who died from cancer in 2007 and Riyad Kamato, who lost his wife to cancer, walking in the 2^nd Fujairah Terry Fox Run.

HCT—Fujairah Students Explore Life in East Coast Wadis

Article and photos submitted by Sean James, staff member at HCT—Fujairah.

Recently the men and women of the Field Studies course at the Fujairah Men’s College spent a day discovering what life existed in the wadis of the UAE East Coast.

At first glance these dry valleys seem devoid of life but as you look closer you find a whole new world.

Wadi Creation

Wadis are caused by natural processes such as the movement of the surface of the earth and erosion by wind and water. They often follow watercourses and, as a result, are a source of sustainability for people living in rural areas and many species of plants and fauna can be found such as oleander.

Use of Wadis

A traditional use of the wadi is as a travelling route between towns and villages and as a result, important archaeological remains can be found. Wadi Hayl is a site of national importance for its petrolglyphs which are carvings or lines on a rock, possibly made by prehistoric people.

The impact of humans is also very evident with water being controlled by falaj or irrigation channels. It is to these wadis that our classroom laboratory has relocated for the next couple of weeks.

Field Education

Over 40 students visited Hayl Fort and Al Bithnah farm to observe firsthand what their country is all about and some of its history. What they found both surprised and excited them.

The opportunity to learn and have fun outside of the classroom environment is new to many of the students but equipped with their FMC Ecology workbooks they unearthed many new skills that are clearly transferable to their engineering studies.

Introduced as a new key module this semester, Field Studies—Ecology of the UAE’s East Coast is proving very popular and successful at the Fujairah Men’s College. In addition to the increase in energy and motivation of students, links with other subjects such as English, Information Systems and Business make it a vital part of the integration process to produce well-rounded graduates from the HCT system.

More HCT News

Networking for Budding Entrepreneurs in Fujairah, FIF, 20 February 2012.

Safe Driving Campaign Begins at HCT—Fujairah Women’s College, FIF, 14 February 2012.

Fujairah Men’s College (HCT) Establishes New Field Studies Course, FIF, 14 February 2012.

Geoff Pound

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

Images from top to bottom: Female students learning about their heritage; Male students from FMC exploring Wadi Hayl; The old palace at Hayl; Fun at Al Bithnah Fort.

Fujairah Terry Fox Run Raises Money for Cancer Research and Builds Community

This is a press release issued in Arabic and English by the Organizing Committee of the 2nd Fujairah Terry Fox Run.

Patron and Partners

Under the patronage of His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, the Crown Prince of Fujairah, the Higher Colleges of Technology—Fujairah in collaboration with community partners, organized the second annual Terry Fox Marathon of Hope in Fujairah, UAE.

The event was held on Saturday 25 February 2012. Registration took place online but a registration desk also opened at 7.30am. The run/walk/ride commenced at 9.10am after speeches and warm up exercises to loosen the limbs.

Welcome

HCT—Fujairah Director, Dr. Dave Pelham, welcomed people to the gathering as well as two special guests who made brief speeches: Kris Panday, the Canadian Consul General from Dubai and Dr. Frank Branicki, of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at the UAEU in Al Ain.

Increase in Groups

The Organizing Committee was pleased with the increased participation from volunteer groups and businesses, many of whom donated refreshments for the hungry participants at the finishing line.

Strong Community Spirit

Families with children and baby strollers, children and adults with skateboards, rollerblades and bicycles all participated. Children enjoyed having their faces painted and many women had their hands hennaed. The Fujairah Media had arranged lively music to help create a vibrant atmosphere. There was a strong sense of community and a delight in doing something positive about cancer.

Statistics

This year nearly 700 people participated in the run, which represents a 64% increase over last year’s inaugural event.

Thus far 50,000 AED has been received (individuals and groups may still make their donations), which represents an increase of 68% over last year’s contributions.

Thanks

The HCT—Fujairah, who supplied the chief organizers, extends thanks to all partners: Fujairah Port, Fujairah Media, Fujairah Municipality, Fujairah Police, Fujairah Medical District, Fujairah Refinery Company LTD, National Bank of Fujairah, Fujairah Rotana Resort and Spa, Hilton Fujairah, Fujairah Asia Power Company, Fujairah in Focus and Fujairah Observer for their active role in making this event possible.

Shukran

Appreciation is given to those who provided support, assistance and refreshments: Coral Suites Hotel, Anamel, Takatof, Subway, Grab n’ Go, Oasis Water, The Community Police Department and individual volunteers.

Shukran Jazeelan

Special thanks once again to the Fujairah General Headquarters of Police and the Traffic Department for their wonderful coordination and for ensuring the security of the area and the safety of the people.

Take a Look

Some photos taken by Jovin Job C, IT staff worker at HCT—Fujairah, have been posted in this photo album.

Other news and photos can be found in the Fujairah Terry Fox Run Facebook Page.

Further

Making a Statement of Hope on the Fujairah Terry Fox Run, FIF, 24 February 2012.

Banks, Companies, Hotels, Schools Involved in Fujairah Terry Fox Run, FIF, 23 February 2012.

Image: Participants limbering up before the run along the Fujairah Corniche. (Photo by Jovin Job C)

Making a Statement of Hope on the Fujairah Terry Fox Run

Many residents from Fujairah and the other emirates will be participating in the 2^nd Fujairah Terry Fox Run along the Fujairah Corniche tomorrow (25 February 2012) but two people from Lebanon have arrived to join in this event.

Riyad Kamato (father of Rodolphe Kamato, Sports and Activities Coordinator at HCT—Fujairah Men’s College) lost his wife (Rodolphe’s mother) to cancer in early 1999 after a 20-year battle with cancer.

Giscard Zghaib, (Rodolphe’s good friend), lost his 65 year old mother to cancer in 2007 after a long struggle.

These two men have come from Lebanon to be part of this charity and they will be wearing their names on their shirts.

While Riyad and Giscard have lost loved ones, their participation in the Fujairah Terry Fox Run is a statement of hope, that one day, scientists will find the cure to this disease.

With all the money raised tomorrow going to fund cancer research in the UAE, every dirham that’s given and every step that is taken are small, yet significant signs of hope.

Are You Running/Walking/Rollerblading?

It’s not too late to participate in the Fujairah Terry Fox Run that starts at 9.00am at the Hilton Hotel end of the Fujairah Corniche.

Fujairah Terry Fox Run Details

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

+ The Corniche will be closed from 7.00am approximately. Parking details.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More Information

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

Further

Banks, Companies, Hotels, Schools Involved in Fujairah Terry Fox Run, FIF, 23 February 2012.

Geoff Pound

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

Image: (from left to right) Riyad Kamato and Giscard Zghaib, who have come from Lebanon to participate in the Fujairah Terry Fox Run. Look out for them tomorrow and extend to them your ‘salaams’.

Hundreds Participate in Fujairah Clean Up Campaign

The ‘Our Mountains, Our Beaches, Our Responsibility’ campaign that was launched in Fujairah on Tuesday got underway today (Thursday 23 February 2012) in many locations around the emirate.

Our Mountains

Bus loads of school students, teachers and workers from the Fujairah Municipality disembarked in Madhab, beyond the Ruler’s Palace and the Heritage Village and at the foot of the majestic mountain environment.

All participants were issued with a logoed cap, a coat, a pair of gloves and a spacious bag.

Our Beaches

After 30-45 minutes the buses went to Umbrella Beach to undertake a beach clean. Other groups were further along the corniche, just south of the Fujairah International Marine Club.

Our Responsibility

A bus for Municipality staff and media travelled to Ain Ghamour for a final clean up before having lunch. This area is regularly cleaned by municipality workers but the visit to this area signaled that cleaning up is our responsibility whenever we enjoy its beauty and benefits.

Hands-On Education

It’s one thing to have lectures on environmental care but it is another, more effective strategy, to get people active in a hands-on capacity. The experience today confronted participants with the stunning beauty of the Fujairah mountains and beaches and the tragedy of seeing such landscapes littered.

It was impressive to see such a number of government officials, municipality directors and staff members picking up rubbish, along with the children, and silently leading by example.

Ongoing Campaign

The campaign started today but it will continue in different Fujairah locations over the next two Thursdays.

The weather was so sensational today that students and municipality staff might be hoping that every Thursday morning is scheduled as a clean up time!

Check the Future Programme

Download your copy of the programme at this link.

Further

Fujairah Municipality Launches ‘Our Mountains, Our Beaches, Our Responsibility’, FIF, 23 February 2012.

Take a Look

Some photos of Fujairah’s beautiful landscape and willing Clean Up participants are posted in this album.

Geoff Pound

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

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

Individuals and Groups

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

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

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

Staff Encouragement

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

Social Responsibility

Hamad explained:

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

Leadership is Crucial

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

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

Fujairah Terry Fox Run Details

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

The Corniche will be closed from 7.00am approximately.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More Information

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

Geoff Pound

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

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

Vital Campaign

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

Campaign Leaders

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

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

Campaign Aims

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

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

Crown Prince Initiative

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

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

Campaign Approach

When?

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

Where?

+ It will cover most of Fujairah’s areas:

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

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

Who?

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

Equipment and Recording

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

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

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

Clean Up and Pay Up?

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

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

Campaign Programme

Download your copy of the programme at this link.

Some Recent Municipality Initiatives

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Geoff Pound

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

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