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."
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.
