Magsaysay award winners to be felicitated

By KK Moidu

Dr Prakash Amte and Dr Mandakini Amte, winners of the prestigious Magsaysay Award 2008, will be felicitated at Al Nasr Leisureland, Dubai on Jan. I. Consul General of India, Venu Rajamony will be the chief guest at the function. Renowned musician Padmashri Padmaja Phenany-Joglekar will give a concert. Bollywood actor and social activist, Atul Kularni and Ajit Bhure, a well known film producer and journalist will also be present on the occasion.
The programme will start at 5.30pm with a prayer. The documentary Divine Messenger will be screened and there will be a talk show as well.

Dr. Prakash Amte

Dr. Mandakini Amte

The Magsaysay Award was constituted in the name of Ramon Magsaysay, the third president of the Republic of the Philippines after the World War II. The award is presented by the Ramon Magsaysay Foundation to individuals who address issues of human development in Asia with courage, creativity, integrity and selflessness and while doing so they make contributions in transforming their societies for the better.
Dr Prakash and Dr Mandakini were honoured this year with the award in recognition of their community leadership. The award is considered Asia's Nobel Prize.
The eminent doctors carry forward the great Baba Amte's legacy of compassion. The couple has been serving millions of tribal people, who are living in remote highlands and forests. For example, the Madia Gonds occupy 150 square kilometres of dense forest in eastern Maharashtra, bordering Andhra Pradesh and Chattisgarh states. They have been instrumental in setting up health-care and educational institutions, and transforming the tribal's life completely.
Their selfless service over the last three decades has now gained International recognition.

Unusual crowds expected at offices owing to long holiday

By KK Moidu


Government offices and schools are reopening today after about two weeks of holidays. Unlike previous Eid holidays, which used to be around one week along with weekly offs, this year the National Day, Eid and weekly offs combined together extended the holidays to two-weeks for government and educational institutes.
Most of the employees who had left for their native places to celebrate Eid with their dear and near ones have returned to the emirate. Many members of the expatriate community utilised the long holidays for a short visit to their parents and relatives.
The airlines made brisk business carrying passengers up and down. Shopping malls also recorded big business.
The private sector, including banks, resumed work much earlier.
However, those who preferred to stay back decided to go to parks, beaches and shopping centres.
Children probably would have the happiest, as they got a rare opportunity to be with their parents and enjoying the holidays together.
But, for the first few working days, heavy rush is expected at government departments, especially at labour, immigration departments and the municipality.
Adbul Rahman, an Indian expatriate, said, "I am waiting anxiously for the reopening of Ministry of Labour for renewing my computer card. Another expatriate, Muhammad Ashraf, said, "I have finished all the immigration typing works in advance for applying for a visa for my new-born daughter, expecting big rush at typing centres during the first week. "
Many fear heavy rush on roads and lengthy queues at government offices. A Sharjah resident, Hari Kumar, said, "I plan to leave my home at least 45 minutes early for my office in Dubai on Sunday, otherwise I won't be able to reach in time."

FIC launches Fox Sereis in the Middle East

By KK Moidu

Fox International Channels (FIC) announced in Dubai on Saturday the launch of its flagship channel Fox Series in the Middle East. The new channel is brought to the region through the strategic partnership between the media group, Rotana Media Services (RMS), which is owned by the media doyen Prince Al Waleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, (chairman of Kingdom Holding Company and Rotana Holding) and the Fox International Channels (FIC).

Speaking at the press conference held at Emirates Golf Club (Dubai), Ward Platt, president, FIC, Asia and Middle East, said, "Today's launch is yet another milestone for us in the Middle East. After the successful launch of FOX Movies earlier this year, today we find ourselves at the threshold of another success story with Fox Series, which is the region's first dedicated free-to-air series channel. We are confident that the channel through its vibrant, innovative and strong programming content will attract its own patron following that demands and believes in quality home entertainment." Ward told The Gulf Today that FIC will add more channels in the future but have no plans to make it a pay channel in the near future.

Nezar H Nagro, president of Rotana Media Services said, "Today's launch of Fox Series clearly reaffirms and demonstrates our commitment in providing the region's viewers the quality and the television watching experience that is unmatched anywhere in the Middle East. Fox Series adds one more important channel genre to our bouquet and enables RMS to provide an even more comprehensive solution to advertisers."

He assured that all the series airing on the channel would be edited keeping in view the family values. Fox Series will be telecast from Dec. 1. It will be the region's first free-to-air television series channel in the Middle East and North Africa offering viewers a line-up of award-winning television series, from the blockbuster series that have wowed audiences the world over like Desperate Housewives , Kyle XY , and CSI: Miami , to productions, which are never seen before in the region like Brothers and Sisters , Nip/Tuck , Crusoe and The Listener , and long-running popular smash-hits like The Simpsons and Stargate SG1.

The new channel is aimed at providing the region's demanding young audience a compelling entertainment experience that is engaging, charismatic and exciting.

Mumbai attacks worry expats

by KK Moidu

Expatriates living in the UAE with close relatives or friends in Mumbai expressed worry about the situation in that city. Several residents said they could not reach their close ones as the telephone lines were jammed. Outbound flights from Mumbai's Chattrapati Shivaji Airport reportedly saw a flood of tourists trying to fly back home. Akbar Ahmed, who works as an engineer in Sharjah, said that Wednesday's attack in different parts of Mumbai city was the worst in its history. "But the people of Mumbai are quite brave and they know well to overcome such situations." He felt that the attack in Mumbai would badly affect the country's financial sector. "The central and state governments should take firm action to curb terrorism in the world's largest democracy." Hardev Bhatt, an accountant working in a private firm in Dubai, condemned the attack saying: "My pregnant wife is in Mumbai and I had planned to fly on Sunday. I am really worried about the situation and hope the city will return to normalcy soon." Robert D'Souza, who is working as a sales manager in a private firm in Dubai, said: "The attack is a cowardly act by a few individuals who are against peace not only in India but also the entire world. But the people of the country will stand united to fight against these kinds of actions." Some residents said they managed to reach their relatives on telephone and were relieved to hear that they were safe. A Sharjah resident, Rahul Anand, said: "After hearing about the incident, I called my sister in Mumbai and came to know that her family was safe. I felt relieved, but am sad about the loss of human life in Mumbai and worried about the hostages."

Switzerland to issue Schengen visas from UAE

by KK Moidu

Switzerland, a member of Schengen Space, will start issuing Schengen visas from the UAE from Dec.12, Swiss Counsel General Gerhard Bruegger announced on Sunday at a press conference held at Sheraton Creek Hotel, Dubai.
Swiss Consul Urs. Lustenberger, Joerg P Krebs, Director of Market of  Gulf Countries and Tawfik Melli, Market Manger GCC were also present at the press conference.
Bruegger said, "Swiss representation to issue Schengen visas in the UAE will be confirmed after a meeting of EU Minister Consuls on Nov.28. In case of any delay, it will begin on the first or second quarter of next year. Then also, the visitors will not miss the best tourist season which begins in June and remains till September."
Dubai will be the main centre for issuing visas in the UAE. Biometric visas will be issued in future after the EU decision, said Bruegger.


The main advantage of the Schengen Visa is that the traveller will have free movement in  the entire Schengen area. Territorial responsibility for visa procedures are main destination, purpose of journey, period of stay and first state of entry. The visa categories are: A, airport transit visa, B, transit visa, C, short term stay visa, D, national visa and D+C combines both.
The diversity of the landlocked mountains is the essence of Switzerland and it gives the country its unique identity. The country is best known for its financial institutions, watch making industry, its scenery and excellent network of public transportation, Swisspass, which enables the traveler to tour the whole country with a  single ticket. 

Tawfilk Melli said: "During the last nine months, more than 15 per cent of increase in tourists visiting Switzerland from the  Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE etc."
In order to attract more tourists from the Gulf countries, a workshop will be conducted in Saudi Arabia in February and Kuwait in May and at the ATM Dubai.

Gulf Mappilappattu Awards

By KK Moidu
Winners of the prestigious Gulf Mappilappattu Awards 2008 (GMA) were announced at a press conference held at Sagar Hotel, Bur Dubai. The winners are selected by the jury committee headed by Khaleelulla Chemnad on the basis of thousands of SMS votes from the UAE audience. The cash awards and memento will be presented to the winners on Oct. 31, at Dubai Al Nasr Leisure Land, said one of the organiser Jamsheer C of Time Pass Entertainment. Other organisers and sponsors of GMA, Shamsudheen, managing director, Nellara Food Products, Razak Kochanoor, Dubai Gate managing director and chairman and Nasar Mannur were also attended at the press conference. The lifetime achievement award for senior male singers category will be given to two Mappilappattu veterans, Moosa Eranjoli and Peer Muhammad. Yesteryears leading female singer’s Ramla Beegam and Vilayil Faseela were chosen for the lifetime achievement award for the senior female singer’s category. Best lyricist and best music director awards went to Bappu Vellipparambu and Kozhikkode Abubaker respectively. Mappilappattu lovers have selected Kannur Sharif as the best male and Rahana as the best female singer. Nenjinullil Neeyanu is the most popular song and Snehamaanu Sundari is the popular audio album. The best newcomer male singer award was won by youngster’s favourite Shafi Kollam. The winners were selected through SMS votes from the UAE audiences for the first time in the history of Mappilappattu, said Khaleelullah Chemnad, chairman of the award committee. He also said “Mappilappattu is just five years older than the Malayalam literature itself but it has been neglected over the years and it couldn't achieve the expected progress. The GMA 2008 is playing an historic role by remembering the artistes and their favourite songs. These artistes played an important role in the high popularity of natural Mappilappattu.” Their valuable contributions will never be forgotten and GMA will honour the talents who sacrificed for finding the roots of Mappilappattu and its rich culture. GMA 2008 is directed by Basheer Changaramkulam. Dr BR Shetty and actor-director Cochin Haneefa will be the chief guests of the programme. The organisers guarantees the ishal night will be a different treat for the audience by the performance of prize winning artistes, violin maestro Bala Bhasker and a variety of entertainment programmes like Oppana, Kolkkali, Duffmuttu etc. GMA 2008 is only a beginning and the awards will be distributed in the coming years said the organisers.

European films to hit UAE screen

By KK Moidu

THE European Movies Eighth Season (2008/2009) offered by nine European embassies in the UAE will screen quality films from Europe at Grand Cinemas in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Al Ain. Andreas Maager, deputy head of Mission, Embassy of Switzerland, Abu Dhabi announced on Monday at a press conference held at the residence of Consul General of Switzerland in Al Barsha, Dubai. The last seven seasons were great success and the eighth season will have another feast of quality European films, the organisers say. The films also provide the audience with an opportunity to explore different areas of European cinema production and history. Under the patronage of Sheikh Suroor Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, the embassies of nine countries (Austria, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Spain and Switzerland), the organisers of the European Movies Eighth Season, are offering something more which would not be normally available in the region. Cine-goers will get an opportunity to watch 14 films of renowned directors from the past and the most recent releases produced in the nine European countries. The 14 films to be screened in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Al Ain are, Pas de Panique directed by Denis Rabaglia and Nordwand directed by Philipp Stolzl (Switzerland), the recently released Absurdistan, Die Fetten Jahre sind vorbei directed by Hans Wiengartner, Auf der anderen Seite directed by Faith Akin (Germany), superhit Le Petit Lieutenant and Mademoiselle directed by Philippe Lioret (France), Los Otros directed by Alejandro Amenabar and Lo que se de Lola directed by Javier Rebollo (Spain), Geboren in Absurdistan directed by Houchang Allahyari (Austria), Zelary directed by Ondrej Trojan (Czech Republic), Katyn directed by Andrzej Wajda (Poland), Simon directed Eddy Terstall (Netherlands), Mediterraneo directed by Gabriele Salvatores (Italy). The films will be screened in original languages with English subtitles and the screening schedules of Abu Dhabi Grand Cinemas, Abu Dhabi Mall every Sunday at 8pm, Dubai Grand Cinemas Mercato Mall, every other Tuesday at 8pm and Al Ain Grand Cinemas, Rotana, Oasis City, every other Saturday at 5pm and 8pm. Season tickets for 14 movies will cost Dhs 200 and can be purchased at the Grand Cinemas in Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi Mall), Dubai (Mercato) and Al Ain (Rotana). Tickets are also available at the Embassy of Switzerland in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of Switzerland in Dubai.

Gulf Mappilappatu Awards to be distributed on Oct. 31

KK Moidu
The best talents in Mappilappattu (Muslim songs) will be honoured at a stage show "Gulf Mappilappattu Awards 2008", which will be held at Al Nasr Leisure Land Ice Rink, Dubai, on Oct. 31. The winners will be selected through SMS votes by the UAE audiences for the first time in the history of Mappilappattu. The fans of Muslim songs are getting an opportunity to select their favourite artistes, said Basheer Changaramkulam, Jamsheer and Nasser of Time Pass Entertainment, which is one of the organisers of the event. The awards will be given in different categories. The awards will be given to senior male and female singers for their valuable contribution to Mappilappattu. The other categories of the awards include the best lyricist, the best music director, the best male singer, the best female singer, the best male newcomer singer, the best popular song, the best audio album and the best song, said PT Saleem, managing director, Green Advertising and Shamsudheen Nellara, managing director, Nellara Food Products, which are the other organisers. Mappilappattu lovers can select the best senior male and female singers for their total contribution from the top ranking four singers. The male singers are Peer Muhammad, VM Kutty, Moosa Eranjoli and KG Sathar. The leading female singers are Kannoor Zeenath, Vilayil Faseela, Ramla Beegum and Sibila Sadanandhan. The best Mappilappattu lyricists will be selected from OM Karuvarakundu, Bappu Vellipparambu, Kanesh Poonoor and Baker Panoor. The top runners for the music director category are KV Abootty, M Kunhi Moosa, Kozhikode Abu Baker and Joy Vincent. The audience will have a tough time selecting the best male singer from Kannoor Sharif, MA Gafoor, Marcos and Ashraf Payyannoor, and the best female singer from Sindhu Prem Kumar, Rahana and Nazeem, said the organisers. The best newcomer male singer will be selected from four youngsters Afsal, Tajudheen Vadakara, Kollam Shafi and Salim Kodathur. The last date for SMS voting is Oct. 25 and the number is 7782 GM[space]. Businessman BR Shetty and actor-director Cochin Haneefa will grace the occasion as chief guests of the programme. The show will start at 7pm. Tickets are available at selected outlets in the UAE.

Dumping cleanliness instead of garbage

By KK Moidu

Residential areas in Sharjah have garbage bins placed at right locations and the municipality has put a system in place to clear them promptly. Surprisingly, carelessness on the part of some residents is leaving waste to be deposited around the garbage boxes, instead of inside them.

"A few people carelessly throw waste bags outside the garbage bins and their irresponsible act not only increases the workload of the cleaning workers who  empty the garbage boxes daily but also causes environment and health problems to the public," complained a resident at Al Wahda Street. 

A resident, living with his family at the ground floor of a building in the Yarmouk area in Sharjah said: "The garbage box is very near to my flat and I am watching everyday that several people are depositing the waste from their houses carelessly outside the box. Some families have left the task of throwing the garbage with their children. These children cannot put the garbage in the boxes and instead just leave the bags outside and disappear."

A cleaning worker from the municipality said: "Most of the people are dropping the waste bags in the boxes, but a few irresponsible people do not even close their waste bags properly and throw them strewing all wastes outside the boxes."

Though the municipality workers clean the area, it's of no use as the stinking waste dumped around the box makes the place greasy and difficult to walk.

The garbage boxes are seen overflowing with wastes on public holidays and weekends as some residents leave their old furniture and other unusable household goods outside the boxes.

Although the workers of municipality start their work early morning next day, more garbage after weekends and holidays increase their workload.

"It's time the residents understood their own responsibility and keep the area clean and green," said a longtime resident of Yarmouk area.

Night of power and time for contemplation

KK Moidu
The Holy Month of Ramadan is now in its last ten days and mosques all over the UAE are packed with believers, who taking part in special prayers and duas (supplications).
Although the whole month is full of blessings and rewards, the last ten days have a special status. Worshippers make long, sincere and deep duas during the last part of the odd nights, seeking forgiveness of their Creator.
Muslims, people of the world's fastest growing religion, offer more prayers in the last ten days of Ramadan than at any other part of Ramadan. It was common for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to pray the whole night during Ramadan. His family members profusely offered the night prayers.
Like Muslims all over the world, people in the UAE are also taking part in special prayers as Ramadan is drawing to a close. They seek Lailat Al Qadr (the Night of Power) on the last days of the Ramadan.
Lailat Al Qadr is better than 1,000 months (83 years and four months) and according to a tradition of the Prophet (PBUH), it falls on an odd-numbered night during the last ten days of Ramadan.
A majority of Muslims believe that the Holy Night falls on 27th of Ramadan.
Allah first revealed the Holy Quran to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on this night. Therefore, praying, reading Quran and remembering Allah abundantly on Lailat Al Qadr is advisable.
Doing special duas for forgiveness on the night of Lailat Al Qadr, making prayers longer, deeper and more meaningful by reciting big Surahs is also important. Another important ritual in the last ten days of Ramadan is Itikaf.
People stay in mosques, which is Allah's House, with the intention of becoming closer to Him by offering salat and reciting Quran. During the Itikaf period, going outside the mosque, except in case of emergency, is discouraged. Therefore the worshipper stays in the masjid.
However, it is not compulsory that Itikaf should be offered for ten days together. Worshippers can undertake Itikaf of shorter periods also -- one night or a day, or for a couple of days or nights.
This was the practice of the Prophet (PBUH), especially during the last ten days of Ramadan. The Sunnah (sayings and traditions of the Prophet) of the Prophet (PBUH), of Itikaf has no specific time limit.
Believers can stay in mosques with the intention of making Itikaf for a longer or shorter period of time. But ultimately the reward will be according to how long one stays in the mosque.

Parks get more entertaining during Ramadan

BY KK Moidu


THE arrival of the Holy Month of Ramadan and the end of summer season is attracting more visitors to parks. Parks like Al Majaz, Al Jazeera, Itihad etc. in Sharjah are fully crowded with families, especially during weekends. People, spending leisure time with kids and other family members in the parks, have increased in Ramadan because of the less working hours. The variety of entertainment programmes in the parks and other areas like Al Buhaira Corniche, Al Qasba etc. as a part of Sharjah Ramadan Festival is a new experience for the visitors.
Sharjah Ramadan Festival started on the first day of Ramadan is organised by Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry has arranged variety of surprise for the visitors. The beautifications, additional lights on the lamp posts, big banners and cut out make the parks more beautiful in the night.
Parks in the emirate also have special Ramadan programmes, especially for children and installed new playing equipments. The kids are enjoying different kinds of games and rides in the parks and family sits and talks on the benches and green lawns.
The Mini Train service at Al Buhaira Corniche is one of the main attractions of the people. Many families enjoy the beauty of corniche by a train journey and watch the Ramadan programme. The train with three boggies and an engine are encaged in service and some families book a full compartment for privacy.
Families are coming to the park with preparations of a picnic by carrying blankets, foods, juices and enjoys themselves underneath the cool shade of trees. They spend their time by participating in games along with children, discussing serious issues of international politics and also sharing jokes.
Some families are also using the parks as a venue for get-together. Jamal Babu, a visitor at Corniche Park Sharjah said, "we came to the park with food, juice and water. We break our fast and stay here for a long time. Instead of arranging an Iftar party at home or hotel, it is very convenient and economical. All of us prepare food from our home and eat in the park together. The main advantage of the get-together in park is the kids to get more freedom and can enjoy being engaged in differnet activities." During the Ramadan weekends, our family groups are joining in different parks for Iftar party and stay here until late night, says Jamal.
The families were spending their free time earlier in shopping malls. Muhammed Ashraf, father of two and a regular visitor at Al Majaz park in Ramadan said, "visiting parks are better than going to the shopping malls. A visit to a shopping mall will definitely harm the pocket because each and everything is charged in malls". Parks of the emirates are not only beautiful but also neat and clean and are fully maintained by the local authorities. A visit to the park is a best way to entertain the entire family and everybody wants to control their expense in the circumstances of increased cost of living. This is another reason for increasing the number of visitors in parks.

Renovation closing leaves Rolla Park deserted

KK Moidu

THE closing of the always-crowded Rolla Park for renovation has left the place deserted, especially during Ramadan. This popular landscape has been one of the favourite places for the public during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
The Ramadan fair at the park used to be the main attraction for the crowds in the evenings. It used to look brilliant in the nights with the colourful illumination of the area.
The area not only provided entertainment but also allowed the visitors to buy everything at a discounted price. The Asian Village at the park was the prior choice of people for shopping.
The commercially vibrant area filled with shops, exchanges, hotels, etc. becomes more active in Ramadan days with extra shops built at the park during Ramadan. Now the crowds are very less compared to yesteryears during this season and it is also affecting the business, says shop owners.
Rolla Park was known as a favourite meeting point for expatriate labourers and other low-income group from all over the UAE. People working in other emirates come to the park on Friday evenings to meet their friends and relatives. They enjoy the evening with their relatives and friends discussing every matters under the Sun, sharing good food and a small shopping before returning home late night.
These get-togethers make the surrounding cafeterias, money exchanges, electronic shops, cargo, saloons etc busy until midnight.
But now closing of the park for renovation has stopped these people from coming to the area.
Although residents in the surroundings were disturbed by the shopping and socialising of these crowds on weekends, they also agree that the closing of the park has made Rolla "life-less," especially during Ramadan.

Asianet TV airs Onam Programme

KK Moidu
Asianet TV channel has started airing a two weeks special Onam programme with an entertaining bouquet of interviews, films, special programmes and music based shows. The mind-blowing programme was started on September 2 and will continue till September 14.
On the Uthradam day on September 11, the channel will show two superhit films Classmates and Prajapathi. The other attraction of the day is Navya Nair's Navyame Sallapam. The other programme is Special Athithi, in which actress Kalpana visits poor homes with Onam gifts in this film. The other programmes of the day are Musical Chat Show (Super Star Mohan Lal with Idea Star Singers 2007) and mega stage show Ponnonam 2008, an event with full of dance, songs, skit and celebrity performance to be held at Dubai Al Nasr Leisureland for celebrating the 30 years of Superstar Mohanlal in silver screen.
The Thiruvonam day on September 12, starts with an interview with Meera Jasmine. The superhit films to be aired on that day are Keerthi Chakra, Balram vs Tharadas and Anachantham. Other special Onam programmes of the day are Onam with Kalabhavan Mani, the comedy skit by Cinemala Team, a humorous skit Onathinidayil Putuukachavadam by leading comedy/mimicry artistes of Malayalam cinema along with the second part of mega stage show Ponnonam 2008. Besides there will be an interview with Megastar Mammootty on that day.
On the third of Onam, on September 13, Dilip starrer Chess and Mammootty starrer Thuruppugulan will be screened. Interviews with Namitha and Kadhal fame Sandhya and a musical fusion with famous keyboard player Stephan Devasy Me Music Magic are the other attractions. A comedy talk show hosted by Kalpana with leading comedy artistes will telecast on the day.
On the last Onam day on September 14, the Asianet TV channel will air Jagathiyile Abmilikkala, a free wheeling chat show with leading comedy character artiste Jagathy Sreekumar. Mohanlal and Laila starrer Mahasamudram will be also premiered on that day. An interview with national award winning actress Priyamani Angeekarathinte Niravil and Sasneham with the laughing beauty Sneha will definitely grab the audience. The mega stage show Onanilavu 2008 features leading contestants of Idea Star Singer 2007 and musical fusion Me Music Magic are the other programmes to be aired on the day.
Asianet News Channel will also air special programmes for the harvest festival. Besides there will be Onam celebrations in different regions of Kerala.
Asianet Plus Onam interview with leading heroines like Meena, Sona, Mohini, Rasika etc are the highlight of the programme menu. The bouquet of programmes include comedy shows Onam de Pinneyum Vannu, music programme Pranamam, Sundarikalude Onam, 300th day celebrations of programme Crazy TV and many more.

Abra service gathers pace in Sharjah

by KK Moidu

ABRAS are increasingly becoming a popular mode of transportation in Sharjah. The abra service, which started three decades ago in Sharjah’s, Al Mareija Corniche area, is the primary means of transportation between the two sides of the creek. Many people depend on the boat service for going to the Sharjah Court and Department of Sea Ports and Customs.
Rolla resident Abdul Wahab said, “I used Sharjah Abra for the first time for going to the court. It was very easy and comfortable than driving the car in traffic congested roads. Although I am a Sharjah resident for nearly a decade, I was not aware about the boat service.
“When I asked my friend working in a legal firm for the location of the court, he told me to use the boat service. I have a driving licence and own a car but I prefer boat service than driving. I parked my car near the Al Zahra Mosque and used the abra service to reach the other side. The abra service is time saving and if I go by road it will take an hour for going and coming back. If enough parking spaces are not available, then it will be another problem and I will go to the other side next time only on abra.”
Employees working on the other side in factories, oil companies and construction sites also utilise the water transport daily.
Many companies who have factories and sites on the other side drop their labourers near the mosque in the morning. These labourers cross the creek using the abra service. Buses pick them back in the evening.
Loading and unloading labourers are going up and down several times each day by using the abra. Talib from Pakistan, a loading and unloading worker said, “I go for work on the other side and use the abra service on a daily basis. If the boat service is not available here it will be very difficult for us to go for duty on the other side. Since I am a low-income earning loading worker, I can’t afford the huge amount for taxis.”
The boats pick passengers from Al Mareija Corniche area near the Al Zahra Mosque and drop on the other side in front of the Department of Sea Ports and Customs. More than 50 medium-sized single-engine craft with a capacity of more than 15 passengers are being operated by a single operator and are chugging up and down in day and night.
Around 1000 passengers are using the abra facility everyday and most of the drivers are from the sub-continent. The service is available round-the-clock. Although they work on alternate days, the boat drivers spend their full time in the boat in hot and cold weather conditions. They don’t rent rooms but eat and sleep in their boats.
Passengers are using the abra as an alternative to vehicles to reach the other side. Commuters prefer the abra service to reach the destination fast and save themselves from the traffic rush. The abra service not only saves time but also is economical.
The charge of the abra for a one-way trip is currently only one dirham and it takes less than five minutes to reach the destination.
The abra service in Sharjah was introduced nearly three decades earlier with a 25 fils fare and then doubled before twenty years as 50 fils. The new revised fare of one dirham was implemented in last November 2007.
Indian national Poonja Kera from Gujarat, Jamnagar, who is running the boat for the last five years, says, “I start my work at 4am in the morning and earn Dhs1,000 monthly after the diesel and sponsor fees. Around 15 trips on each working days costs Dhs80 for diesel and pays Dhs1200 to the owner of the boat every month.”
Another boat driver Indian National Bharath Raja from Gujarat, Jamnagar says, “I am operating the boat for the last six years. After the diesel expense, sponsor charge and food, the monthly saving is only Dhs500.”
“The number of boats are increasing but passengers are declining and that makes the situation worse. The boat services in this area are not used by tourists and the collection of public holidays and weekly off days are very less,” says Bharath.
The coast guards are monitoring the area all the time. They are fully equipped for providing immediate help in emergency conditions. The authorities conduct test of the engines and overall conditions of abra at the time of yearly renewal and make sure of the safety.
A grocery owner in the area said, “The area becomes busier during the evening from around 5pm to 7pm with passengers.” However, he is not benefitted from the abra service by getting more customers because his shop is not in front of the passenger picking point.

Children demand, parents adjust

Traders set to benefit as Ramadan, school reopening coincides

by KK Moidu

THOUGH parents are worried about the hiked school fees and high prices of school bags, water bottles, dresses and stationeries at the time of re-opening of schools, they are ready to compromise on their children's choices in school items.
Retail outlets, on their part, are gearing up with displays and shopping offers with their back to school promotions.
As a coincidence, the reopening of school and Ramadan, is together and hence the leading outlets in Sharjah like Ansar Mall, Al Falah Plaza, Al Wafa etc. all have plenty of offers for the customers.
The advertisers target school children and parents for buying items latest and popular. The students' choices of super heroes such as Spiderman, Superman, Barney, Ninja Turtles, Winnie and Barbie are visible on their school bags, lunch boxes and water bottles.
Ambika Rajan, a housewife and mother of two, said, "bags and water bottles were purchased with pictures of their favourite cartoon characters on them at the beginning of the academic year in April, but the children are now demanding new bags and water bottles with pictures of super heroes they happen to see with their friends. They also demand branded items to show their friends that they are using the best."
Muhammad Fawaz, a KG I student at Sharjah Indian School has his own choice for school bag and water bottle. He started his school at the beginning of this academic year with a branded bag bought from a shopping mall. Now at the time of reopening of the school he is asking for another new bag and a water bottle.
The reason: He didn't get his Spiderman backpack bag of his favourite colour last time because it was not available in the market. This time he wants to go to school with his newly purchased bag in his favourite colour and water bottle with the picture of his favourite cartoon character.
Asma Jahangir, a Pakistani housewife living in Sharjah for the last eight years came to the shopping centre to buy a bag, water bottle and stationary for her nine-year-old daughter who is studying in the fourth standard. She says, "prices of bags, water bottles and all other items have increased exorbitantly. The bag which I bought for Dhs35 two years ago now cost Dhs60 and the water bottle of Dhs12 is now Dhs19.
If I had known that the prices had gone up like this, I wouldn't have brought my children to the shopping mall. The children insist on buying items of their choice without knowing the high prices and I don't want to disappoint them."
She adds, "We are already affected by the high rent and the increased cost of living. This year Ramadan and school reopening are coming together and it will definitely affect the family budget."
Although most of the retailers have attractive back to school offers for the customers ranging from computer to colour pencil, the National Bonds', the Sharia-compliant national savings scheme of the UAE, recently launched back-to-school rewards programme is different and attractive.
If a bond holder makes a minimum investment of Dhs500 before Aug.31, in his/her child's name, he/she may win Dhs 50,000 worth of tuition fees.
Six year old Ayesha's parent says, "I deposited Dhs500 in National Bonds on my child's name. I was thinking earlier also to deposit in National Bonds because of more than 25000 attractive monthly prizes. The back to school rewards programme is an addition to the prizes and I used the opportunity by depositing in National Bonds on my child's name."
Although promotions and draws are fascinating people, yet everybody can't be a winner. Except few lucky ones, all others, especially the low and middle-income groups will have an expensive month ahead.

Road facelift changes traffic scene

KK MOIDU
The closure of Al Wahda Road for two years for the construction of road has virtually changed the scene of the locality. The motorists, residents and shop owners in the area are to face this situation for a specific period of time.
According to reports more than 200,000 vehicles were passing each day on Al Wahda Road and it is one of the busiest road in the United Arab Emirates.
Although authorities have arranged alternate diversions and installed new traffic signals in the area for the convenience of motorists, it is not enough to control the huge traffic. Some drivers' ignorance of the traffic rules may create problems.
The King Abdul Aziz Road was partially closed a couple of months back, and the residents in the surroundings as well as the motorists used the Al Wahda road as an alternative. The situation has changed after the closure of Al Wahda Road. The residents and motorists are unanimously complaining about the traffic congestions.
The closure of Al Wahda Road has increased the traffic rush in other areas like Al Qassimiya Roundabout (Old Spinney's Roundabout aka Mobile Roundabout), Al Khan Bridge and Mothercat Bridge. However the rush in Al Ittihad Road has decreased and the people staying in Al Nahdah and Al Taawun areas is enjoying a traffic free drive.
Sajeevan, a Sharjah resident, said, "Earlier I was taking half-an-hour from Gold Centre signal to Kuwait roundabout (Etisalat Roundabout) and now it took me more than one-and-a-half hour. Because the vehicles coming from industrial areas and alternative diversions of Al Wahda Road increases the traffic in the Al Qassimiya Roundabout. "It is a vacation time, and the traffic situation may not be so easy once the people will return after vacation and the school will re-open within a couple of weeks," says Sajeevan.
Mary Fernandez working in Dubai and living in King Faisal Street Sharjah said, "I reach upto Al Khan bridge in Sharjah without much traffic hurdle but the rush started after the beginning of Al Wahda and long queue of vehicles were in the mother cat bridge to reach King Faisal Road. It took me a long time to reach in my house after the closure of Al Wahda Road."
People leave early from their home and return late in the evening from their workplace. Most of the people living in Sharjah are working in Dubai, because of the high rent in Dubai compared to Sharjah. Although they are forced to spend their valuable time on the road, low and middle income earners are forced to choose Sharjah as their living place.
Sharjah located in the centre of the United Arab Emirates and people from northern Emirates like Ajman, UAQ, RAK, Fujairah are using Emirates road to reach in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for fear of the rush in Al Wahda Road.
However, a resident staying in Al Wahda near Liberty signal said, "She has to walk from the liberty signal to King Faisal Road to take a taxi to go to her office in Al Khan. Since I didn't usually join the morning rush hour and leaves home between 9.30am and 10am everyday, I had not been trapped in a traffic snarl which I noticed was too heavy on Saturday morning, the first working day after the closure of Al Wahda Road. She adds, otherwise it has been smooth-sailing so far up almost zero traffic to her office on Al Khan Road."

Gold glitters as prices plunge

BY KK MOIDU
BY KK MOIDU
PLUNGING prices of gold
have helped retailers see an
increase in the sale of the
yellow metal. The price of
22 carat gold is Dhs 88.75
and 24 carat is 94.25.
A price decrease of
Dhs15 compared to last
year’s lowest price is attracting
budget-conscious
buyers.
Jewellery outlets in
Sharjah were crowded during
the weekend evenings
and more people were seen
buying gold.
Basheer TA, salesman of
Atlas Jewellery Sharjah,
Gold Centre branch said:
“The sale of gold ornaments
has increased more than 50
per cent after the sudden
decrease in the price charts.
For the last few days the
price of gold is reducing everyday.
The low income
groups from India and Pakistan
are utilising this
golden opportunity to buy
ornaments.”
A sudden steep fall in
the price of gold is rare and
people are considering it as
an apt opportunity to go
for their sought-after models.
“Although our sales promotion
started in June
2008, the sales volumes
were not good last month
because of high gold prices,”
says Basheer TA.
“But after the price of
gold started plunging, more
and more customers are
coming.”
The high price of gold
along with increased cost of
living had discouraged
many low-income groups
from buying jewellery. Only
the much-needed people
were opting for it.
Yousuf PK, a Keralite
from the Southern part of
India, said; “I am buying
gold for my daughter’s marriage
in December. I will be
going on leave for Eid Al
Fitr in the end of September
2008, but I am buying
gold because I fear the price
will again go up.”
Liyaqat Ali from Pakistan,
who was purchasing
gold ornaments for his wife,
said: “For the last couple of
years, I didn’t buy gold because
it was unaffordable. I
do not want to wait more
time because there are various
reasons behind the
gold price ups and downs
like oil and dollar. The price
of gold ten years before was
around Dhs30 per gramme
and now the price is nearly
Dhs90 per gramme. I think
after sometime the price of
gold will again increase and
that is why I am buying
now.”
Shameema Muhammed,
a housewife from Kerala,
said: “I did not buy gold last
time when I went for vacation
because of the high
prices, but now I can afford
it. I went to the jewellery
shop last week in The Gold
Centre Sharjah and the big
rush in shop made me postpone
my purchase. But the
price has come down again
for the last few days and I
am buying gold for cheaper
price than my friends purchased
last week.”