Dubai Informer
Information about Dubai in all aspects
Monday, February 19, 2007
World Islamic Economic Forum to discuss impact of Muslim countries on a globalized economy
Prominent leaders and opinion-makers in government and business to converge in Kuala Lumpur in May. The third World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF), a platform to explore business initiatives and cooperation among Muslim nations and between Muslims and non-Muslims, was announced yesterday (February 20, 2007) at press conference held at the Fairmont Hotel in Dubai. The WIEF will gather prominent personalities in government, business and the academia to discuss issues concerning Muslim identity, economic potential of the Muslim World, and stability and progress of Islamic nations at the PWTC in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on May 27-29 2007.
Speaking at the press conference, Dr. Dato Michael Yeoh, CEO, WIEF Foundation and Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute (ASLI), said, “The success of the WIEF underscores the need for cooperation and understanding to attain economic success. With the Muslim business community emerging as a global force in various industry sectors, it is important that this momentum is given a clear-cut direction that will promote peace in general, and the interest of developing Muslim countries. The WIEF is an ideal venue to achieve this vision, where global leaders and leading thinkers meet to discuss and devise ways to align economic initiatives with social issues to support sustainable development.”
The Forum seeks to define the Muslim World’s role in a globalized economy, and transform this knowledge into initiatives that promote sustainable development anchored on strategic partnerships between countries and regions regardless of denomination. For the third edition, WIEF will take a closer look at the fast emerging economies of China and India, which both have large Muslim minorities.
“The WIEF will be a venue to develop strategies for collaboration, finding ways to bolster economic partnerships with the West as well as the growing markets in China and India. China and India’s rapidly developing industries find increasing reliance to the Muslim World’s vast resources such as petroleum and edible oil. WIEF will provide the platform for Muslim countries to effectively capitalise on the new business opportunities offered by emerging markets,” said Syed Abu Baker, Trustee, WIEF.
WIEF has also leveraged its influence and extensive network to harness the potential of different segments of the society. During its inaugural forum in Malaysia in 2005, the WIEF established the World Islamic Businesswomen Network (WIBN) and the World Islamic Education Task Force (WIET), while the second edition in Islamabad, Pakistan last year stressed on cultivating young entrepreneurs through the creation of the WIEF Young Muslim Leaders Forum, which will be a regular event in conjunction with the WIEF.
“The energetic participation of Muslim states in the WIEF indicates their strong commitment to adopt peaceful means to achieve progress. This commitment is also manifested by the rising number of cross-border alliances between Muslim and non-Muslim countries to achieve mutual economic progress. WIEF is honoured to have helped forge many of these partnerships through its different programmes and the leverage it gains from its members,” said Jean Wong, CEO and Senior Vice President, Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute, which co-organized the event.
The WIEF, held annually and hosted alternately by the Malaysian Government and another country, is organised by the WIEF Foundation and co-organised by ASLI in association with the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade.
“WIEF 2007 aims to tackle the need for innovation and to accelerate trade and investments within and beyond Muslim countries. The underlying theme for this year's event is leveraging knowledge and education and unlocking creativity across the spectrum of government, business and job creation for the betterment of the Muslim global community,” said Shuckri Bundakji, Managing Director of DSL Exhibitions and Regional Director of WIEF.
Aside from the Forum, the WIEF Foundation also organizes regional meetings in Europe, Australia, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas to foster inter-denomination dialogues and cultivate the interest of Muslim entrepreneurs in non-Muslim countries.
Speaking at the press conference, Dr. Dato Michael Yeoh, CEO, WIEF Foundation and Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute (ASLI), said, “The success of the WIEF underscores the need for cooperation and understanding to attain economic success. With the Muslim business community emerging as a global force in various industry sectors, it is important that this momentum is given a clear-cut direction that will promote peace in general, and the interest of developing Muslim countries. The WIEF is an ideal venue to achieve this vision, where global leaders and leading thinkers meet to discuss and devise ways to align economic initiatives with social issues to support sustainable development.”
The Forum seeks to define the Muslim World’s role in a globalized economy, and transform this knowledge into initiatives that promote sustainable development anchored on strategic partnerships between countries and regions regardless of denomination. For the third edition, WIEF will take a closer look at the fast emerging economies of China and India, which both have large Muslim minorities.
“The WIEF will be a venue to develop strategies for collaboration, finding ways to bolster economic partnerships with the West as well as the growing markets in China and India. China and India’s rapidly developing industries find increasing reliance to the Muslim World’s vast resources such as petroleum and edible oil. WIEF will provide the platform for Muslim countries to effectively capitalise on the new business opportunities offered by emerging markets,” said Syed Abu Baker, Trustee, WIEF.
WIEF has also leveraged its influence and extensive network to harness the potential of different segments of the society. During its inaugural forum in Malaysia in 2005, the WIEF established the World Islamic Businesswomen Network (WIBN) and the World Islamic Education Task Force (WIET), while the second edition in Islamabad, Pakistan last year stressed on cultivating young entrepreneurs through the creation of the WIEF Young Muslim Leaders Forum, which will be a regular event in conjunction with the WIEF.
“The energetic participation of Muslim states in the WIEF indicates their strong commitment to adopt peaceful means to achieve progress. This commitment is also manifested by the rising number of cross-border alliances between Muslim and non-Muslim countries to achieve mutual economic progress. WIEF is honoured to have helped forge many of these partnerships through its different programmes and the leverage it gains from its members,” said Jean Wong, CEO and Senior Vice President, Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute, which co-organized the event.
The WIEF, held annually and hosted alternately by the Malaysian Government and another country, is organised by the WIEF Foundation and co-organised by ASLI in association with the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade.
“WIEF 2007 aims to tackle the need for innovation and to accelerate trade and investments within and beyond Muslim countries. The underlying theme for this year's event is leveraging knowledge and education and unlocking creativity across the spectrum of government, business and job creation for the betterment of the Muslim global community,” said Shuckri Bundakji, Managing Director of DSL Exhibitions and Regional Director of WIEF.
Aside from the Forum, the WIEF Foundation also organizes regional meetings in Europe, Australia, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas to foster inter-denomination dialogues and cultivate the interest of Muslim entrepreneurs in non-Muslim countries.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
The Dubai Thalassemia Center, the only one of its caliber in the Middle East, has been given high marks this week by visiting international medical experts.
Hosted in the emirate by Dr. Khawla Belhoul of the Dubai Thalassemia Center, Drs. Ali Taher and Maria Capellini are in Dubai to lecture before a large and impressive gathering of regional physicians and healthcare professionals.
They will spotlight the necessity, but also the availability, of a new breakthrough oral treatment for the removal of excess iron in thalassemia patients.
'The Dubai Thalassemia Center is of a world-class standard, both in terms of the professionals staffing the facility and in its advanced approach to therapy,' said Dr. Ali Taher who practices medicine in Lebanon and is Professor of Hematology & Oncology at the American University of Beirut Medical Center.
'In particular, we were impressed to learn that the Dubai Thalassemia Center, under Dr. Belhoul's direction, is the first center in the Middle East to dispense the Exjade iron chelation drug, as this is the primary treatment option about which we will be lecturing to regional physicians this week.'
Exjade(deferasirox), which can be taken in a drink, removes excess iron from key organs including the liver replacing the use of the cumbersome infusion pump which is needed by patients for up to 12 hours a day, five to seven days a week.
Iron chelation is often necessary to prevent potentially life-threatening complications of excess iron being stored in patients who receive regular blood transfusions for diseases such as thalassemia, myelodysoplastic syndromes, sickle cell disease and other anemias.
Blood disorders are quite prevalent across UAE and the Middle East, and patients needing regular blood transfusions used to undergo lengthy and painful iron chelation treatment.
A single dose of Exjade (deferasirox)works throughout the day, removing excess iron including highly toxic labile plasma iron, from key organs such as the liver.
The body has no inherent mechanism to remove excess iron, so iron chelation is used as an effective treatment for transfusion related iron overload. In iron chelation, an agent binds to iron in the body and tissues and helps remove it through the urine and/or faeces.
Exjade(deferasirox), is currently the only oral iron chelator approved by the FDA, and has been approved in most of the Midlle East countreis including Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar, KSA ,Lebanon and Jordan.
Hosted in the emirate by Dr. Khawla Belhoul of the Dubai Thalassemia Center, Drs. Ali Taher and Maria Capellini are in Dubai to lecture before a large and impressive gathering of regional physicians and healthcare professionals.
They will spotlight the necessity, but also the availability, of a new breakthrough oral treatment for the removal of excess iron in thalassemia patients.
'The Dubai Thalassemia Center is of a world-class standard, both in terms of the professionals staffing the facility and in its advanced approach to therapy,' said Dr. Ali Taher who practices medicine in Lebanon and is Professor of Hematology & Oncology at the American University of Beirut Medical Center.
'In particular, we were impressed to learn that the Dubai Thalassemia Center, under Dr. Belhoul's direction, is the first center in the Middle East to dispense the Exjade iron chelation drug, as this is the primary treatment option about which we will be lecturing to regional physicians this week.'
Exjade(deferasirox), which can be taken in a drink, removes excess iron from key organs including the liver replacing the use of the cumbersome infusion pump which is needed by patients for up to 12 hours a day, five to seven days a week.
Iron chelation is often necessary to prevent potentially life-threatening complications of excess iron being stored in patients who receive regular blood transfusions for diseases such as thalassemia, myelodysoplastic syndromes, sickle cell disease and other anemias.
Blood disorders are quite prevalent across UAE and the Middle East, and patients needing regular blood transfusions used to undergo lengthy and painful iron chelation treatment.
A single dose of Exjade (deferasirox)works throughout the day, removing excess iron including highly toxic labile plasma iron, from key organs such as the liver.
The body has no inherent mechanism to remove excess iron, so iron chelation is used as an effective treatment for transfusion related iron overload. In iron chelation, an agent binds to iron in the body and tissues and helps remove it through the urine and/or faeces.
Exjade(deferasirox), is currently the only oral iron chelator approved by the FDA, and has been approved in most of the Midlle East countreis including Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar, KSA ,Lebanon and Jordan.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Feng Shui is about energy or “Chi” and how it moves through our environment. The fact that we all connect with each other is not a “fad” nor is it a “new age thought”. It is a scientific fact proven through physics. However, for some reason many of us still have problems accepting this basic principal. I am sure there are times in everyone’s lives when someone cheerful and full of optimism have visited and you have felt their positive vibe spill over into your life and home whilst you are in their company. This is because we are all in a constant energy exchange throughout the day.
The primary purpose of Lotus Designs in Dubai is to create an environment utilizing Feng Shui principals in your home that will enable you to relax, unwind and retreat into what you can call “your personal haven”.
If you are just beginning to explore Feng Shui and what it can do for you, then here are some basic steps from Lotus Designs that you can follow:
The primary purpose of Lotus Designs in Dubai is to create an environment utilizing Feng Shui principals in your home that will enable you to relax, unwind and retreat into what you can call “your personal haven”.
If you are just beginning to explore Feng Shui and what it can do for you, then here are some basic steps from Lotus Designs that you can follow:
Firstly, decide exactly what you want from your home environment. Do you need a room for total relaxation enabling you to recharge your batteries when they need revitalizing, a room to work in and inspire your mind when creativity is required or perhaps you would like a wonderful family home that is filled with love, joyful memories and optimism. Take the time to designate a specific function and what type of environment you would like to create for your home.
Secondly, look around your home and begin to do what all Feng Shui consultants preach – DE-CLUTTER. Clutter literally blocks chi from entering your living space. De–cluttering your home, will ensure that you push away the old stagnant energy and make room for the new energy to flow into your life.
Feng Shui has many different rules and theories that a Consultant will follow when commencing an Audit on your home. One theory in particular follows the principals that each part of your home is connected to a specific section of your life i.e.: Southwest of your home represents relationships, Matriarch and love, North is your career, Northwest represents Patriarch and mentors etc… Therefore, by de-cluttering your home you are ensuring that there is always movement and positive energy flowing through your home and life.
Finally, one must always remember that behind Feng Shui are 3 philosophies that must be entwined together to fulfil our lives. They are Tien Chai, Ti Chai and Ren Chai.
Tien Chi is created when one is born; it is preordained and cannot be changed. It is commonly known as “Heaven Luck”. In laymen’s terms its “being born in the right place and at the right time”, this type of luck can influence the rest of our lives. Ti Chai is known as Earth Luck. This type of luck is manifested from our surroundings and environment and can be enhanced through Feng Shui principals.
So far Feng Shui sounds like the answer to everybody’s prayers. However, we must not forget the last of the 3 lucks, Ren Chai. This is the good luck that one establishes for themselves in the world. Translated means basically go for your goals, always be determined and keep a positive attitude.
Therefore, Feng Shui is not magic, nor is it a spiritual practice. Feng Shui means the ability to live harmoniously within ones environment thus ensuring a more positive life bringing about prosperity and health.
Or as Baltasar Gracian the great Spanish Philosopher wrote in 1615 “It is a great piece of skill to know how to guide your luck even while you are waiting for it.”
Feng Shui balances the elements of your surroundings and allows the invisible energies of the earth and environment to work with you, enhancing your good fortune, protecting against illness and ensuring a generally good life.
If you would like to know more about Feng Shui in Dubai for your home or office then please contact Kerri Dann
(Certified Master Practitioner – Feng Shui)from Lotus Designs on 050 6338579
Labels: Dubai, Properties, Society
Friday, February 16, 2007
Nakheel, the UAE’s leading developer, has unveiled a revised design for the trunk of The Palm Jumeirah masterplan incorporating major waterfront leisure facilities, including marinas, beachfront hotels and shoreline clubhouses, that have been announced since the original concept design was revealed in 2001.
In order to achieve a better balance between waterfront leisure and recreational facilities and also provide valuable community space for residents, a landscaped park will now become the focal point at the centre of the trunk.
In order to achieve a better balance between waterfront leisure and recreational facilities and also provide valuable community space for residents, a landscaped park will now become the focal point at the centre of the trunk.
The 7.8 hectare park will include a wide range of facilities including a large water element with pools and fountains being key features. The park will also be an experiential feature, creating attractive, useable space. Residents will not only have beautiful park side views, but also the opportunity to enjoy the space physically.The new design will enhance the community of the trunk as one continuous destination, as opposed to a number of separate, disconnected developments. Residents will be able to walk from their apartment to anywhere on the trunk – from the clubhouses to retail at The Golden Mile, and from hotels on the trunk to the luxury retail centre.
Chris O’Donnell, Nakheel Chief Executive, said: “In evolving The Palm Jumeirah into one of the world’s premier resorts for living, tourism and leisure we are constantly looking at ways to add to the amenity of life on the island. It is vitally important that The Palm Jumeirah is not a series of disjointed developments, but works as a cohesive community; the park will unify the east and west sides of the trunk and create a lively space for residents to engage, play and relax whether that’s a leisurely stroll through the park or a picnic with the family.”
Check out the cool videos from Nakheel
Labels: Construction, Dubai, Holiday, Hotel, Palm Dubai, Properties
Sunday, February 11, 2007
The hi-tech Hawk-Eye system will be used in the upcoming Dubai Tennis Championships, which runs from February 19 to March 3, the tournament's official website reported on Wednesday.
The state-of-art line-calling system has been used in television coverage of several major tennis tournaments, including Wimbledon, the U.S. Open, the Australian Open, the Davis Cup and the Tennis Masters Cup.
Hawk-Eye will use a number of dedicated cameras around the court to track the ball with great accuracy, with the ability to determine if a ball is in or out to within a couple of millimeters.
Players must challenge immediately if they think a ball is in or out, and once a player challenges, the official review will be provided simultaneously to the television broadcast and in-stadium video boards, allowing the players, chair umpire, on-site fans and television viewers the opportunity to see the live results of a player challenge.
To avoid frivolous challenges, the number of challenges that a player can make was limited in the recent Australian Open to two in each set, with an extra challenge allowed if the set went to a tiebreak. However, if the players challenge was correct, that challenge was not deducted from their allowance.
Hawk-Eye has been welcomed by most of the players, as they can relax in the knowledge that they have not been denied an important point by a bad call from the lines-person or umpire.
"I think positive of it," the report quoted Maria Sharapova, world number one and Dubai Women's Open 2006 runner-up, as saying.
"I think a majority of the players, and the fans, enjoy it. If you don't want to use it, you don't have to use it. It's your choice. But if there's a doubt in your mind and you want to challenge a call, why not? It's there for you."
The 3 million U.S. dollars Dubai Tennis Championships is owned and organized by Dubai Duty Free and comprises a WTA Tier ll tournament played back-to-back with an ATP World Series Gold tournament.
In 2006, the event attracted some of the world's leading players, including Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Maria Sharapova and Justine Henin-Hardenne.
The state-of-art line-calling system has been used in television coverage of several major tennis tournaments, including Wimbledon, the U.S. Open, the Australian Open, the Davis Cup and the Tennis Masters Cup.
Hawk-Eye will use a number of dedicated cameras around the court to track the ball with great accuracy, with the ability to determine if a ball is in or out to within a couple of millimeters.
Players must challenge immediately if they think a ball is in or out, and once a player challenges, the official review will be provided simultaneously to the television broadcast and in-stadium video boards, allowing the players, chair umpire, on-site fans and television viewers the opportunity to see the live results of a player challenge.
To avoid frivolous challenges, the number of challenges that a player can make was limited in the recent Australian Open to two in each set, with an extra challenge allowed if the set went to a tiebreak. However, if the players challenge was correct, that challenge was not deducted from their allowance.
Hawk-Eye has been welcomed by most of the players, as they can relax in the knowledge that they have not been denied an important point by a bad call from the lines-person or umpire.
"I think positive of it," the report quoted Maria Sharapova, world number one and Dubai Women's Open 2006 runner-up, as saying.
"I think a majority of the players, and the fans, enjoy it. If you don't want to use it, you don't have to use it. It's your choice. But if there's a doubt in your mind and you want to challenge a call, why not? It's there for you."
The 3 million U.S. dollars Dubai Tennis Championships is owned and organized by Dubai Duty Free and comprises a WTA Tier ll tournament played back-to-back with an ATP World Series Gold tournament.
In 2006, the event attracted some of the world's leading players, including Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Maria Sharapova and Justine Henin-Hardenne.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Dubai Land Department reports that land prices went up by nearly 64 per cent, the department’s price index reveals that 2006 was a bumper year for land purchases in Dubai. However all may not be what it seems with analysts suggesting that land bought in prime areas may be responsible for the huge leap in average land prices. Land prices in Dubai were seemingly inflated by property sales in Emirates Hills, Barsha and Mirdiff.
In an interview with GulfNews Mohammad Thani, development and marketing director for the Dubai Land Department said “In 2004, people were looking for vacant residential land. In 2005, they were looking for residential buildings to purchase. In 2006, we found out that investors are now looking for built commercial buildings because the return on investment is faster,"
Overall, the average land transaction has risen over the past three years. In 2004, the average purchase price for a property was Dh4.3 million, but that rose swiftly to Dh6.4 million in 2005 and jumped again to Dh7.3 million last year.
The department's year-end review found that land sales grew 18 per cent to reach Dh18.64 billion mark overall with the highest volume of sales recorded in Emirates Hills, Barsha and Mirdiff. The value of mortgages also rose to 170 per cent above the year before, to Dh40.59 billion.
The Dubai Land Department recently announced a move toward greater regulation with a new bylaw that will ban uncertified brokers from registering transactions. The Department will no longer register transactions carried out by real estate brokers who have not been certified under its new scheme. The Department now certifies all local real estate brokers in its bid to control a fully professional framework for transactions involving Dubai land.
Damac Properties confirmed how active the Dubai property market is as it announced that it has sold 75% of La Residence at the Lotus, the company's first residential tower in Dubai's Business Bay in less than two months since it was launched. The 58 storey tower will contain one, two and three bedroom apartments
In an interview with GulfNews Mohammad Thani, development and marketing director for the Dubai Land Department said “In 2004, people were looking for vacant residential land. In 2005, they were looking for residential buildings to purchase. In 2006, we found out that investors are now looking for built commercial buildings because the return on investment is faster,"
Overall, the average land transaction has risen over the past three years. In 2004, the average purchase price for a property was Dh4.3 million, but that rose swiftly to Dh6.4 million in 2005 and jumped again to Dh7.3 million last year.
The department's year-end review found that land sales grew 18 per cent to reach Dh18.64 billion mark overall with the highest volume of sales recorded in Emirates Hills, Barsha and Mirdiff. The value of mortgages also rose to 170 per cent above the year before, to Dh40.59 billion.
The Dubai Land Department recently announced a move toward greater regulation with a new bylaw that will ban uncertified brokers from registering transactions. The Department will no longer register transactions carried out by real estate brokers who have not been certified under its new scheme. The Department now certifies all local real estate brokers in its bid to control a fully professional framework for transactions involving Dubai land.
Damac Properties confirmed how active the Dubai property market is as it announced that it has sold 75% of La Residence at the Lotus, the company's first residential tower in Dubai's Business Bay in less than two months since it was launched. The 58 storey tower will contain one, two and three bedroom apartments
Labels: Construction, Dubai, Properties
Emaar Properties is offering a collection of elegant waterfront homes located in Marina Promenade, Marina Quays and Park Island residential projects at Dubai Marina at its central sales centre located in the Emaar Business Park.
'The response to the launch of Emaar's final three projects within Dubai Marina has been overwhelming,' said Ms Bahiya Kayed, Assistant Director of Sales, Emaar Properties. 'The homes open to spectacular views of the marina and will be particularly appealing to marine enthusiasts. All homes have distinctive architectural elements, which take into consideration the unique waterfront location.'
Dubai Marina completed three years of its successful roll-out last year. Emaar has six residential projects in Dubai Marina, which is the largest of its kind waterfront development in the region. The 50 million sq ft development offers 11 km of marine frontage, and will have five marinas with clean, modern berths that can handle over 500 vessels.
Three of Emaar's projects - Majara, Al Sahab and the Dubai Marina Towers - have been completed and handed over to residents. Work is progressing on Marina Promenade, Marina Quays and Park Island.
'Dubai Marina brings in a new lifestyle concept to Dubai,' said Ms Kayed. 'Residents can enjoy several amenities at Dubai Marina including access to the marinas and elegant eateries that line the waterfront. There are health and fitness facilities, children's play areas and retail outlets making Dubai Marina one of the vibrant lifestyle communities in Dubai.'
Potential homeowners can visit the Emaar Sales Centre located at Emaar Business Park, Building 1 for more details. They can also call toll-free 800-EMAAR.
Situated near the Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Knowledge Village, the Emaar Business Park, American University in Dubai and Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai Marina enjoys a significant location advantage. Residents and visitors can also enjoy a charter service of 45 minutes tours through the waterways, waterskiing and fishing excursions.
'The response to the launch of Emaar's final three projects within Dubai Marina has been overwhelming,' said Ms Bahiya Kayed, Assistant Director of Sales, Emaar Properties. 'The homes open to spectacular views of the marina and will be particularly appealing to marine enthusiasts. All homes have distinctive architectural elements, which take into consideration the unique waterfront location.'
Dubai Marina completed three years of its successful roll-out last year. Emaar has six residential projects in Dubai Marina, which is the largest of its kind waterfront development in the region. The 50 million sq ft development offers 11 km of marine frontage, and will have five marinas with clean, modern berths that can handle over 500 vessels.
Three of Emaar's projects - Majara, Al Sahab and the Dubai Marina Towers - have been completed and handed over to residents. Work is progressing on Marina Promenade, Marina Quays and Park Island.
'Dubai Marina brings in a new lifestyle concept to Dubai,' said Ms Kayed. 'Residents can enjoy several amenities at Dubai Marina including access to the marinas and elegant eateries that line the waterfront. There are health and fitness facilities, children's play areas and retail outlets making Dubai Marina one of the vibrant lifestyle communities in Dubai.'
Potential homeowners can visit the Emaar Sales Centre located at Emaar Business Park, Building 1 for more details. They can also call toll-free 800-EMAAR.
Situated near the Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Knowledge Village, the Emaar Business Park, American University in Dubai and Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai Marina enjoys a significant location advantage. Residents and visitors can also enjoy a charter service of 45 minutes tours through the waterways, waterskiing and fishing excursions.
Labels: Construction, Dubai, Properties
Friday, February 09, 2007
Emirates, an Dubai based international airline, will begin offering non-stop service between Houston and Dubai on Dec. 3.
The flight will initially operate three times a week, increasing to a daily service beginning Feb. 1, 2008.
Currently, Dubai-based Emirates has three daily flights to Dubai from JFK Airport.
The new non-stop service from Houston further expands the airline's North American presence, adding a key component to its rapidly growing global route network by making service to Dubai easily accessible from the Southwest, West Coast and Midwest regions of the U.S.
Nigel Page, Emirate's senior vice president of commercial operations, says the non-stop service from Houston will provide Americans, especially business travelers, with shorter flight times to Dubai and many destinations beyond.
"A second hub within the U.S. is necessary and vital to Emirates growth," he says. "Houston has extremely important links with the Gulf."
On the Dubai-Houston route, Emirates' 777-200LR aircraft will offer in-flight amenities including eight private suites in first class, 42 lie-flat seats in business class and space for 216 passengers in economy class.
The Houston-Dubai service will be one of Emirates' longest flights at just over 15 hours flying time, while the return trip will be at least 17 hours flying time.
Emirates' global route network currently spans 87 cities in 59 countries across Africa, Europe, the Far East, Indian Subcontinent and North America.
The flight will initially operate three times a week, increasing to a daily service beginning Feb. 1, 2008.
Currently, Dubai-based Emirates has three daily flights to Dubai from JFK Airport.
The new non-stop service from Houston further expands the airline's North American presence, adding a key component to its rapidly growing global route network by making service to Dubai easily accessible from the Southwest, West Coast and Midwest regions of the U.S.
Nigel Page, Emirate's senior vice president of commercial operations, says the non-stop service from Houston will provide Americans, especially business travelers, with shorter flight times to Dubai and many destinations beyond.
"A second hub within the U.S. is necessary and vital to Emirates growth," he says. "Houston has extremely important links with the Gulf."
On the Dubai-Houston route, Emirates' 777-200LR aircraft will offer in-flight amenities including eight private suites in first class, 42 lie-flat seats in business class and space for 216 passengers in economy class.
The Houston-Dubai service will be one of Emirates' longest flights at just over 15 hours flying time, while the return trip will be at least 17 hours flying time.
Emirates' global route network currently spans 87 cities in 59 countries across Africa, Europe, the Far East, Indian Subcontinent and North America.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
New UAE telecom operator du finally lifted the lid on its mobile phone packages and tariffs in Dubai, yesterday.
Among its four core prepaid and monthly services, two are aimed specifically at the business world. Further products will be launched in the second half of the year, say du officials.
du CEO Osman Sultan says the 0.5 fils per second rate for calls to mobiles and landlines is the main feature separating it from rival etisalat, which charges an initial rate of 50 fils per minute for similar calls, but plans to switch to a per second scheme.
"This new billing concept will allow a precise charging methods for mobile calls and has set us apart in a changing UAE telecom market," said Sultan.
Other highlights include the Me&Mine package, which allows discounted calls to two specified numbers, as well as payment and recharge options using the handset and a portal on du Sims offering features such as news and sport, games and ringtones.
In addition to the Pay As You Go and Monthly Plan packages, du unveiled its pre-paid Business Pay As You Go Plus and the post-paid Business Mobile Connect services.
Dedicated managers
The packages offer an International Preferred Destination service, where calls to a specified country are discounted by 10 per cent, and the Business Calling Circle, which knocks 25 per cent off calls within a specified company or group of business people.
du says it will provide dedicated account managers who will offer enterprises solutions to tele-communication problems, as well as a du business helpdesk.
"We understand the importance of businesses and their specific telecom needs," said Sultan. Starting from Sunday, customers who have booked their numbers with du can pay online and confirm their numbers.
As soon as the Sim cards are delivered, which Sultan said could take "a few weeks" due to expected logistical problems, customers will be able to activate their accounts. Another option from February 25 onwards is to collect Sim cards from du distribution channels, including nine dedicated shops and 90 authorised dealers.
Sultan also said customers should expect "a few months" of coverage problems, but said the company would monitor and fix technical glitches. du's coverage will initially cover 85 per cent of the UAE.
du officials are targeting a 30 per cent market share in three years of operation and say the company will become profitable by the end of the decade.
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du
Among its four core prepaid and monthly services, two are aimed specifically at the business world. Further products will be launched in the second half of the year, say du officials.
du CEO Osman Sultan says the 0.5 fils per second rate for calls to mobiles and landlines is the main feature separating it from rival etisalat, which charges an initial rate of 50 fils per minute for similar calls, but plans to switch to a per second scheme.
"This new billing concept will allow a precise charging methods for mobile calls and has set us apart in a changing UAE telecom market," said Sultan.
Other highlights include the Me&Mine package, which allows discounted calls to two specified numbers, as well as payment and recharge options using the handset and a portal on du Sims offering features such as news and sport, games and ringtones.
In addition to the Pay As You Go and Monthly Plan packages, du unveiled its pre-paid Business Pay As You Go Plus and the post-paid Business Mobile Connect services.
Dedicated managers
The packages offer an International Preferred Destination service, where calls to a specified country are discounted by 10 per cent, and the Business Calling Circle, which knocks 25 per cent off calls within a specified company or group of business people.
du says it will provide dedicated account managers who will offer enterprises solutions to tele-communication problems, as well as a du business helpdesk.
"We understand the importance of businesses and their specific telecom needs," said Sultan. Starting from Sunday, customers who have booked their numbers with du can pay online and confirm their numbers.
As soon as the Sim cards are delivered, which Sultan said could take "a few weeks" due to expected logistical problems, customers will be able to activate their accounts. Another option from February 25 onwards is to collect Sim cards from du distribution channels, including nine dedicated shops and 90 authorised dealers.
Sultan also said customers should expect "a few months" of coverage problems, but said the company would monitor and fix technical glitches. du's coverage will initially cover 85 per cent of the UAE.
du officials are targeting a 30 per cent market share in three years of operation and say the company will become profitable by the end of the decade.
----------------------------------------------
du
Pay as you Go
Sim Pack Dh155
Calls to all national
mobiles and landlines 0.5 fils per second
National SMS 18 fils per message
International SMS 60 fils per message
Multi Media Message (MMS) 45 fils per 50kb message
Video Calls 1 fils per second
---------------------------------------------
du
Monthly Plan
Monthly Plan
Sim Pack Dh125
Monthly Fee Dh30
Calls to all national
mobiles and landlines 0.5 fils per second
National SMS 18 fils per message
International SMS 60 fils per message
Multi Media Message (MMS) 45 fils per 50kb message
Video Calls 1 fils per second
---------------------------------------------
du
Business
Tariff
Business
Tariff
Activation Fee Dh125
Monthly Fee Dh20
National Calls
(all mobile & landlines) 0.5 fils/second
Video calls (within du) 1 fils/second
National SMS 18 fils/message*
International SMS 60 fils/message*
Data usage 1 fils/KB
Extra Benefits
Preferred Destination 10 per cent discount
Business Calling Circle 25 per cent discount
Tariff
Activation Fee Dh155
Yearly renewal fee Dh100
Initial Credit Dh10
National Calls
(all mobile & landlines) 0.5 fils/second
Video calls (within du) 1 fils/second
National SMS 18 fils/message*
International SMS 60 fils/message*
Data usage 1 fils/KB
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
du, the new telecommunication operator in the UAE, today announced the start of its mobile services launch nationwide on 11 February.
People who have booked their mobile numbers will be able to confirm and pay online for their du number from 11 February. du also revealed their four core products - Monthly Plan (Postpaid) and, Pay As You Go (pre-paid) for their personal customers; du Business Pay As You Go Plus (prepaid) and du Business Mobile Connect (post-paid) for small, medium and large enterprises.
Addressing a press briefing, Osman Sultan, Chief Executive Officer of du, also provided details of du's introductory range of products, including specific offers for consumers and businesses.
Commenting on this milestone announcement, Sultan said: 'du is coming to life. The launch of our mobile services starting from 11 February marks a very exciting start for us. We thank all our valued customers and people of the UAE for their continued support and encouragement thus far. We look forward to getting closer to our customers and adding quality to their lives through our easy to use and innovative range of products and services.'
A comprehensive advertising campaign providing information on products and services and tariff plans will be rolled out on the 8 February, as a lead up to the launch.
du's services include Pay by the Second, Me&Mine, Mobile Payments, MyWorld, and Next Generation Mobile Services (NGMS). These are available on both the Monthly Plan and Pay as you Go packages for personal customers.
For business customers, the value proposition includes Dedicated Account Managers, Fair And Transparent Billing, Business Helpdesk, and Tailored Business Solutions as per the business
requirements of a company. (Please refer to Press Release titled 'du Rolls Out Special Products And Services for Businesses' for further details).
Starting 11 February, people can pay online at www.du.ae to confirm and pay for their du numbers, booked through the Number Booking campaign. In a tangible gesture from the start on how far du will go for the convenience of it's customers, du SIM cards will be couriered free of charge to those who confirm and pay for their numbers online. Large enterprise customers will be contacted directly by their dedicated Account Managers.
From the 25th February, SIM cards can also be collected from du distribution channels, including nine du shops and 90 premium dealers.
'Half a million customers opted to book a du mobile number with the 055 prefix during the Number Booking campaign, and we are confident our tariff plans, products and services will meet with their expectations. However, I would like to emphasise that all those who confirm their numbers will not receive the SIM card the same day due to the unprecedented logistical operation facing the courier services. The entire exercise will take a few weeks. However, the du network can be accessed as soon as the SIM cards are received,' added Sultan.
du also announced details of the 'Thank you' offer for all those who opted for du numbers ahead of launch. A special 'thank you' initiative will also be extended to existing fixed services customers in areas that are already covered by du.
du mobile services will be available in 85 percent of the populated areas in the UAE. The remaining 15 percent, comprising remote villages and deserts, will be covered by national roaming facility where customers can switch to the etisalat network, if available.
'We will be optimising and expanding our network everyday as we ramp up our capacity. We will also share network coverage maps to our customers indicating the progress of our coverage,' said Sultan.
At launch, du will offer 171 international roaming destinations, one of the most extensive for any telecom operator to provide at the time of launch.
People who have booked their mobile numbers will be able to confirm and pay online for their du number from 11 February. du also revealed their four core products - Monthly Plan (Postpaid) and, Pay As You Go (pre-paid) for their personal customers; du Business Pay As You Go Plus (prepaid) and du Business Mobile Connect (post-paid) for small, medium and large enterprises.
Addressing a press briefing, Osman Sultan, Chief Executive Officer of du, also provided details of du's introductory range of products, including specific offers for consumers and businesses.
Commenting on this milestone announcement, Sultan said: 'du is coming to life. The launch of our mobile services starting from 11 February marks a very exciting start for us. We thank all our valued customers and people of the UAE for their continued support and encouragement thus far. We look forward to getting closer to our customers and adding quality to their lives through our easy to use and innovative range of products and services.'
A comprehensive advertising campaign providing information on products and services and tariff plans will be rolled out on the 8 February, as a lead up to the launch.
du's services include Pay by the Second, Me&Mine, Mobile Payments, MyWorld, and Next Generation Mobile Services (NGMS). These are available on both the Monthly Plan and Pay as you Go packages for personal customers.
For business customers, the value proposition includes Dedicated Account Managers, Fair And Transparent Billing, Business Helpdesk, and Tailored Business Solutions as per the business
requirements of a company. (Please refer to Press Release titled 'du Rolls Out Special Products And Services for Businesses' for further details).
Starting 11 February, people can pay online at www.du.ae to confirm and pay for their du numbers, booked through the Number Booking campaign. In a tangible gesture from the start on how far du will go for the convenience of it's customers, du SIM cards will be couriered free of charge to those who confirm and pay for their numbers online. Large enterprise customers will be contacted directly by their dedicated Account Managers.
From the 25th February, SIM cards can also be collected from du distribution channels, including nine du shops and 90 premium dealers.
'Half a million customers opted to book a du mobile number with the 055 prefix during the Number Booking campaign, and we are confident our tariff plans, products and services will meet with their expectations. However, I would like to emphasise that all those who confirm their numbers will not receive the SIM card the same day due to the unprecedented logistical operation facing the courier services. The entire exercise will take a few weeks. However, the du network can be accessed as soon as the SIM cards are received,' added Sultan.
du also announced details of the 'Thank you' offer for all those who opted for du numbers ahead of launch. A special 'thank you' initiative will also be extended to existing fixed services customers in areas that are already covered by du.
du mobile services will be available in 85 percent of the populated areas in the UAE. The remaining 15 percent, comprising remote villages and deserts, will be covered by national roaming facility where customers can switch to the etisalat network, if available.
'We will be optimising and expanding our network everyday as we ramp up our capacity. We will also share network coverage maps to our customers indicating the progress of our coverage,' said Sultan.
At launch, du will offer 171 international roaming destinations, one of the most extensive for any telecom operator to provide at the time of launch.
With du gearing up for the start of its nationwide launch of mobile services starting 11 February, the UAE's new telecommunication operator today announced exciting new products and services to provide consumers with optimum value and convenience.
The services, which include Pay by the Second, Me&Mine, Mobile Payments, MyWorld, and Next Generation Mobile Services (NGMS), will be available on both Monthly Plan (postpaid) and Pay as you Go (prepaid) tariff packages.
Osman Sultan, Chief Executive Officer of du said:
'We have introduced a broad range of products and services, from the very onset of our launch, to provide maximum value, convenience and entertainment to our customers. At du, our commitment is to ensure that our consumers experience a whole new world of telecommunications that will also set a new precedent in the UAE telecoms sector.'
Pay by the Second is a new, precise and fair method of charging for calls made from the UAE using a du mobile. For example, a call lasting 10 seconds will be charged only 10 seconds and not one minute. With du all mobile calls are charged by the second and not rounded up to the next minute. This provision will allow customers to make more calls for less cost and gain more talk time. Pay by the Second will be available on all national and international voice and video calls that are made from the UAE.
'We believe it's only fair that we offer all our customers a simple and transparent pricing structure from the very beginning. This new billing concept will allow a precise charging method for mobile calls, providing more value to our customers. Such an initiative has set us apart in a changing UAE telecom market. All du customers can take advantage of Pay by the Second, which will be available across all our mobile packages,' said Sultan.
Me&Mine will bring customers closer to those people they call regularly - loved ones, friends and colleagues. With Me&Mine, customers can enjoy a 10 per cent discount on all their calls to two international and two national numbers of their choice during both peak and off-peak hours.
Adding to all this, is Mobile Payments which will provide customers with a simple and easy way to pay du bills and recharge directly from their du mobile. Customers just need to register their credit card with du to take advantage of the convenience that Mobile Payments offers.
With MyWorld, du's provides a unique portal on every SIM that will allow customers to use their mobile phones to download the latest news and sport, get ringtones, find restaurants, play games and much more. These services are unique to du only and are available automatically to all its customers. du's SIM card can store up to 1000 numbers and 100 short messages.
With du's Next Generation Mobile Services, seeing on the move is now a reality in the UAE. Customers can enjoy the very latest in communication with mobile TV, video calls, video mail and mobile broadband. du customers will have the capability from the very first day of launch, enabling them to enjoy up to 20 channels of mobile TV.
With integration and customization being the cornerstones of du, the introduction of these convenient services will provide ease of communication to customers of all ages.
The services, which include Pay by the Second, Me&Mine, Mobile Payments, MyWorld, and Next Generation Mobile Services (NGMS), will be available on both Monthly Plan (postpaid) and Pay as you Go (prepaid) tariff packages.
Osman Sultan, Chief Executive Officer of du said:
'We have introduced a broad range of products and services, from the very onset of our launch, to provide maximum value, convenience and entertainment to our customers. At du, our commitment is to ensure that our consumers experience a whole new world of telecommunications that will also set a new precedent in the UAE telecoms sector.'
Pay by the Second is a new, precise and fair method of charging for calls made from the UAE using a du mobile. For example, a call lasting 10 seconds will be charged only 10 seconds and not one minute. With du all mobile calls are charged by the second and not rounded up to the next minute. This provision will allow customers to make more calls for less cost and gain more talk time. Pay by the Second will be available on all national and international voice and video calls that are made from the UAE.
'We believe it's only fair that we offer all our customers a simple and transparent pricing structure from the very beginning. This new billing concept will allow a precise charging method for mobile calls, providing more value to our customers. Such an initiative has set us apart in a changing UAE telecom market. All du customers can take advantage of Pay by the Second, which will be available across all our mobile packages,' said Sultan.
Me&Mine will bring customers closer to those people they call regularly - loved ones, friends and colleagues. With Me&Mine, customers can enjoy a 10 per cent discount on all their calls to two international and two national numbers of their choice during both peak and off-peak hours.
Adding to all this, is Mobile Payments which will provide customers with a simple and easy way to pay du bills and recharge directly from their du mobile. Customers just need to register their credit card with du to take advantage of the convenience that Mobile Payments offers.
With MyWorld, du's provides a unique portal on every SIM that will allow customers to use their mobile phones to download the latest news and sport, get ringtones, find restaurants, play games and much more. These services are unique to du only and are available automatically to all its customers. du's SIM card can store up to 1000 numbers and 100 short messages.
With du's Next Generation Mobile Services, seeing on the move is now a reality in the UAE. Customers can enjoy the very latest in communication with mobile TV, video calls, video mail and mobile broadband. du customers will have the capability from the very first day of launch, enabling them to enjoy up to 20 channels of mobile TV.
With integration and customization being the cornerstones of du, the introduction of these convenient services will provide ease of communication to customers of all ages.
Motorists intending to leave their cars to use Dubai Metro will have three major car parking lots reserved for them.
According to the Dubai Roads and Transport official, although every metro station will have facilities for parking, taxi and bus stands, there will be three main car parking lots for metro users.
The biggest one will be near Al Ghusais station with capacity for 6,000 cars.
There will be one in Rashidiya with 2,700 parking slots and near Jumeirah Islands on Shaikh Zayed Road with a parking facility for 1,700 cars.
Parking will be free for metro users because they will only be allowed to use parking lots with their smart cards, which will be issued for metro travel.
According to the Dubai Roads and Transport official, although every metro station will have facilities for parking, taxi and bus stands, there will be three main car parking lots for metro users.
The biggest one will be near Al Ghusais station with capacity for 6,000 cars.
There will be one in Rashidiya with 2,700 parking slots and near Jumeirah Islands on Shaikh Zayed Road with a parking facility for 1,700 cars.
Parking will be free for metro users because they will only be allowed to use parking lots with their smart cards, which will be issued for metro travel.
Labels: Construction, Dubai, Dubai Metro
The interior design of train compartments for Dubai Metro is based on water and air theme. Each train will have five compartments, said a senior official.
"The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has finalised the interior design of trains - which will be built in Japan - to be used for Dubai Metro," said Abdul Redha Abu Al Hassan, Director of Planning and Design of Dubai Metro at the RTA.
The manufacturing of trains will start this month in Japan and the first train will reach Dubai by March 2008.
"Initially, we will receive 44 trains for the Red Line which will be complete by September 2009. A total of 87 trains, including 62 for the Red Line and 25 for the Green Line, will be used for the Metro," said Al Hassan.
Mohammad Al Ruwaishid, Rail Design Manager at the RTA, said each train would cost Dh500 million. The total cost for the 87 trains will be around Dh4.35 billion.
Each train will consist of five compartments with maximum capacity of 897 passengers in peak hours. It has been designed to accommodate four passengers per square metre.
Every train will have three classes - the Golden Class, the Women and Children Class and the Silver Class. The Silver Class, which is economy class, will be given three out of five compartments while the other two will use one compartment each.
The interiors of all compartments will be coloured blue while the exterior of the train is blue and silver.
The Golden Class [open to all but for an extra charge] will have luxurious interiors with leather seating. The Women and Children compartments will have plenty of space for strollers and bags to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for women and children. They are also free to use other compartments of their choice.
The Silver Class has been finished in a combination of blues and greens. Seating is arranged in a variety of ways, giving passengers the choice between admiring views from the windows or discussions with friends. Great safety measures have been taken for both seated and standing passengers.
All compartments will have reserved wheelchair spaces for special needs people.
There will be policy of priority seating for the elderly, injured, special needs people and pregnant women.
Train compartments will be equipped with audiovisual devices. Visual and audio announcement facilities will be available to serve different categories, especially those with special needs.
Clear signage will show the route map of the metro and other directions for passengers.
"The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has finalised the interior design of trains - which will be built in Japan - to be used for Dubai Metro," said Abdul Redha Abu Al Hassan, Director of Planning and Design of Dubai Metro at the RTA.
The manufacturing of trains will start this month in Japan and the first train will reach Dubai by March 2008.
"Initially, we will receive 44 trains for the Red Line which will be complete by September 2009. A total of 87 trains, including 62 for the Red Line and 25 for the Green Line, will be used for the Metro," said Al Hassan.
Mohammad Al Ruwaishid, Rail Design Manager at the RTA, said each train would cost Dh500 million. The total cost for the 87 trains will be around Dh4.35 billion.
Each train will consist of five compartments with maximum capacity of 897 passengers in peak hours. It has been designed to accommodate four passengers per square metre.
Every train will have three classes - the Golden Class, the Women and Children Class and the Silver Class. The Silver Class, which is economy class, will be given three out of five compartments while the other two will use one compartment each.
The interiors of all compartments will be coloured blue while the exterior of the train is blue and silver.
The Golden Class [open to all but for an extra charge] will have luxurious interiors with leather seating. The Women and Children compartments will have plenty of space for strollers and bags to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for women and children. They are also free to use other compartments of their choice.
The Silver Class has been finished in a combination of blues and greens. Seating is arranged in a variety of ways, giving passengers the choice between admiring views from the windows or discussions with friends. Great safety measures have been taken for both seated and standing passengers.
All compartments will have reserved wheelchair spaces for special needs people.
There will be policy of priority seating for the elderly, injured, special needs people and pregnant women.
Train compartments will be equipped with audiovisual devices. Visual and audio announcement facilities will be available to serve different categories, especially those with special needs.
Clear signage will show the route map of the metro and other directions for passengers.
Labels: Construction, Dubai, Dubai Metro
Thursday, February 01, 2007
A leading cinema operator in the UAE has said it plans discussions with government officials over the demand from the Ministry of Economy for a cut in ticket prices.
Gulf Film, which operates the Grand Cinemas chain, said it was keen to explain its position after the ministry issued a circular yesterday demanding prices be cut from Dh35 to Dh30.
Salim Ramia from Grand Cinemas, which has 16 cinemas in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Al Ain, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah, said: "Why should we reverse now? When you are staying in Dubai and they increase your rent, are you able to do anything?
"We have to talk to the ministry and see what's the situation. We have to see the content and take it to the ministry."
As well as asking cinema companies to reverse their ticket prices, the Ministry of Economy circular also advised them against putting up food and drink prices.
The statement said the ministry is acting because some cinema houses had put up food and drink prices while not allowing customers to bring in these items from outside.
It went on to say that cinema operators should not form cartels that are against the interests of consumers.
"The ministry will take measures against those that increase prices through such cartels," the circular added.
Several cinemas yesterday confirmed that they had received the circular, although the price of a standard ticket at these theatres remained at Dh35 when Gulf News went to press.
When it increased the cost of a standard ticket from Dh30 to Dh35, Grand Cinemas defended the move by saying it was the first ticket price rise for six years and was made amid increases in rents and other operating expenses.
CineStar, which has two cinemas in Dubai, one in Ajman and one in Abu Dhabi, made a similar point at the time, saying that up until the recent increase it had not put up ticket prices since beginning operations in the UAE in 1999.
Toni Al Masih, regional cinema manager for CineStar, yesterday afternoon said he had not yet seen the circular, while officials at the company's head office would not speak to Gulf News.
Not every cinema put up its ticket prices to Dh35 a few weeks ago, with at least two cinema complexes in Abu Dhabi, National and Eldorado, charging less than Dh30 for a ticket.
A ticket at National costs Dh25 and one at Eldorado sells for Dh20, with both complexes showing Indian and English movies, targeting in particular low-income workers.
How often do you go to the movies? Are you happy with the quality of service offered by the cinemas in the UAE? What suggestions do you have for improvement?
Gulf Film, which operates the Grand Cinemas chain, said it was keen to explain its position after the ministry issued a circular yesterday demanding prices be cut from Dh35 to Dh30.
Salim Ramia from Grand Cinemas, which has 16 cinemas in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Al Ain, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah, said: "Why should we reverse now? When you are staying in Dubai and they increase your rent, are you able to do anything?
"We have to talk to the ministry and see what's the situation. We have to see the content and take it to the ministry."
As well as asking cinema companies to reverse their ticket prices, the Ministry of Economy circular also advised them against putting up food and drink prices.
The statement said the ministry is acting because some cinema houses had put up food and drink prices while not allowing customers to bring in these items from outside.
It went on to say that cinema operators should not form cartels that are against the interests of consumers.
"The ministry will take measures against those that increase prices through such cartels," the circular added.
Several cinemas yesterday confirmed that they had received the circular, although the price of a standard ticket at these theatres remained at Dh35 when Gulf News went to press.
When it increased the cost of a standard ticket from Dh30 to Dh35, Grand Cinemas defended the move by saying it was the first ticket price rise for six years and was made amid increases in rents and other operating expenses.
CineStar, which has two cinemas in Dubai, one in Ajman and one in Abu Dhabi, made a similar point at the time, saying that up until the recent increase it had not put up ticket prices since beginning operations in the UAE in 1999.
Toni Al Masih, regional cinema manager for CineStar, yesterday afternoon said he had not yet seen the circular, while officials at the company's head office would not speak to Gulf News.
Not every cinema put up its ticket prices to Dh35 a few weeks ago, with at least two cinema complexes in Abu Dhabi, National and Eldorado, charging less than Dh30 for a ticket.
A ticket at National costs Dh25 and one at Eldorado sells for Dh20, with both complexes showing Indian and English movies, targeting in particular low-income workers.
How often do you go to the movies? Are you happy with the quality of service offered by the cinemas in the UAE? What suggestions do you have for improvement?
The world's tallest tower, the $900 million Burj Dubai, is months off schedule after its cladding work timetable was thrown into disarray last year, officials admitted.
Current work on what will become the world's tallest building is "a couple of months" behind schedule, due mainly to the bankruptcy of Swiss-based curtain walling giant Schmidlin last year, the parent company of Schmidlin LLC, which was contracted to install exterior cladding on the still-exposed concrete tower.
"We had a problem with one of our partners on our curtain wall cladding and this had an impact on the site," said Greg Sang, Emaar's assistant director of projects and the man overseeing the entire $20 billion Downtown Burj Dubai development.
"We've got a new contractor on board and they are working very hard to catch up. At the rate they are making progress they should be able to do this."
Sang denied that construction would be complete up to a year later than its scheduled fourth quarter 2008 delivery date.
"We've got probably a couple of months in delay, but the final completion date is unchanged. We're still on schedule for the end of 2008," he said.
The Burj Dubai's exterior cladding not only has to protect the tower from Dubai's scorching temperatures and high dust levels, but also has to withstand strong winds, said Sang.
"Wind management is probably the most critical engineering challenge that we face. We have to minimise the movement so it's not uncomfortable. At most it will move 1.5 metres at the top," he said.
The final floor count of Dubai's mega project is still unknown, with project developers Emaar Properties refusing to comment on rumours that design changes have altered the final height of the building.
"We decided the final floor count but it's still confidential.
"We're currently at 103 floors and all we're saying is that it will be more than 160 floors when finished," said Sang.
Current work on what will become the world's tallest building is "a couple of months" behind schedule, due mainly to the bankruptcy of Swiss-based curtain walling giant Schmidlin last year, the parent company of Schmidlin LLC, which was contracted to install exterior cladding on the still-exposed concrete tower.
"We had a problem with one of our partners on our curtain wall cladding and this had an impact on the site," said Greg Sang, Emaar's assistant director of projects and the man overseeing the entire $20 billion Downtown Burj Dubai development.
"We've got a new contractor on board and they are working very hard to catch up. At the rate they are making progress they should be able to do this."
Sang denied that construction would be complete up to a year later than its scheduled fourth quarter 2008 delivery date.
"We've got probably a couple of months in delay, but the final completion date is unchanged. We're still on schedule for the end of 2008," he said.
The Burj Dubai's exterior cladding not only has to protect the tower from Dubai's scorching temperatures and high dust levels, but also has to withstand strong winds, said Sang.
"Wind management is probably the most critical engineering challenge that we face. We have to minimise the movement so it's not uncomfortable. At most it will move 1.5 metres at the top," he said.
The final floor count of Dubai's mega project is still unknown, with project developers Emaar Properties refusing to comment on rumours that design changes have altered the final height of the building.
"We decided the final floor count but it's still confidential.
"We're currently at 103 floors and all we're saying is that it will be more than 160 floors when finished," said Sang.
Labels: Burj Dubai, Construction, Dubai
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