USEUae.com

National ID cards – what do you need to know?

2011-01-02T21:06:00.001-08:00

National ID cards – what do you need to know?

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/national-id-cards-what-do-you-need-know–369506.html

Emiratis and expat residents were granted extensions last week on applying for Emirates identity cards, easing weeks of scramble caused by the original end-of-year deadline.

The new deadline for Emiratis is June 30, 2011, the Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA) has said. Expats, meanwhile, are now able to wait until they renew or apply for a residency visa before registering for the cards.

The news followed a number of warnings from Abu-Dhabi based EIDA, that people without ID cards would not be allowed to access certain government services and could face fines for late registration.

The EIDA has yet to clarify what fines, if any, will be faced by Emiratis that miss the June 31 deadline.

The move will ease the strain on the Emirates Identity Authority's typing centres, where for weeks people have been camped outside in queues as demand outweighed the services provided.

What are Emirates ID cards?

ID cards are required for all UAE residents. They contain personal data including address, photo, date of birth and fingerprints and can be used as official identification throughout the country.

Cards are valid for five years for nationals. For expats, the cards are linked to the duration of a residency visa and can be updated.

What is the deadline for applying?

The deadline for Emiratis has been pushed to June 30, 2011; a six-month extension. EIDA has yet to announce whether fines will be imposed on those that miss the deadline.

There is no fixed deadline for expats, as EIDA plans to link registration to the visa process. This would allow people to register for the card when renewing or applying for their residency visa. The scheme is currently being trialed in Umm Al Qawain and will be rolled out across the country by the end of 2011.

Eventually, registration will be handled at health centres that perform medical checks on foreign workers applying for visas, EIDA has said.

Why do I need it?

Emiratis can't get a driver's license or register/re-register their vehicles without a valid ID card. The card can also be used in lieu of a passport for travel to certain Gulf states, including Oman, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain.

Expats who are registering a vehicle for the first time or applying for a driving licence also need an ID card, though they are able to renew licences or car registrations using other forms of ID.

Over time, residents will require the card to access certain government services such as water and electricity and health services though this has not yet been brought into effect.

Mobile operators Du and Etisalat currently allow people to sign up for phone and internet services without an ID card. There is also no requirement from the UAE's major banks.

How do I apply for an Emirates ID card?

ID cards can be obtained by applying through any of EIDA's typing centres. New applicants can book an appointment by visiting emiratesid.ae.

Applicants then receive a text message with their appointment date and time.

At the registration centre, applicants are fingerprinted and photographed, and their information is taken down.

Those renewing cards don't need an appointment and can attend any replacement work station. Check the EIDA website for locations.

What's required for registration?

On the day of the appointment, Emiratis bring their passports, family book and (optional) parents' family book. Expats bring their passports and residence visas.

For GCC nationals, it's slightly more complicated – passport and a copy of an employment certificate or lease agreement to prove UAE residency.

Nationals will be asked to pay AED100 and an AED70 service charge. Expats will pay AED100 for every year of validity on their residence visas, and the AED70 service fee.

For Emiratis renewing an ID that's five years old, the price rises to AED120.

The cards will be couriered for AED20, which is included in the registration fee. The cards are expected to arrive within seven to ten days of being processed.

Where are the EIDA registration centres?

There are 17 permanent registration centres in the UAE, in addition to a number of temporary centres. The locations can be found on the website www.emiratesid.ae or by calling the hotline number 600 523432.

National ID cards – Emirates ID - Deadline and Procedure - the complete details

2011-01-02T02:45:00.000-08:00

National ID cards – what do you need to know?

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/national-id-cards-what-do-you-need-know–369506.html

Emiratis and expat residents were granted extensions last week on applying for Emirates identity cards, easing weeks of scramble caused by the original end-of-year deadline.

The news followed a number of warnings from Abu-Dhabi based EIDA, that people without ID cards would not be allowed to access certain government services and could face fines for late registration.

The EIDA has yet to clarify what fines, if any, will be faced by Emiratis that miss the June 31 deadline.

The move will ease the strain on the Emirates Identity Authority’s typing centres, where for weeks people have been camped outside in queues as demand outweighed the services provided.

What are Emirates ID cards?

ID cards are required for all UAE residents. They contain personal data including address, photo, date of birth and fingerprints and can be used as official identification throughout the country.

Cards are valid for five years for nationals. For expats, the cards are linked to the duration of a residency visa and can be updated.

What is the deadline for applying?

The deadline for Emiratis has been pushed to June 30, 2011; a six-month extension. EIDA has yet to announce whether fines will be imposed on those that miss the deadline.

Eventually, registration will be handled at health centres that perform medical checks on foreign workers applying for visas, EIDA has said.

Why do I need it?

Emiratis can’t get a driver’s license or register/re-register their vehicles without a valid ID card. The card can also be used in lieu of a passport for travel to certain Gulf states, including Oman, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain.

Expats who are registering a vehicle for the first time or applying for a driving licence also need an ID card, though they are able to renew licences or car registrations using other forms of ID.

Over time, residents will require the card to access certain government services such as water and electricity and health services though this has not yet been brought into effect.

Mobile operators Du and Etisalat currently allow people to sign up for phone and internet services without an ID card. There is also no requirement from the UAE’s major banks.

How do I apply for an Emirates ID card?

ID cards can be obtained by applying through any of EIDA’s typing centres. New applicants can book an appointment by visiting emiratesid.ae.

Applicants then receive a text message with their appointment date and time.

At the registration centre, applicants are fingerprinted and photographed, and their information is taken down.

Those renewing cards don’t need an appointment and can attend any replacement work station. Check the EIDA website for locations.

What’s required for registration?

On the day of the appointment, Emiratis bring their passports, family book and (optional) parents’ family book. Expats bring their passports and residence visas.

For GCC nationals, it’s slightly more complicated – passport and a copy of an employment certificate or lease agreement to prove UAE residency.

Nationals will be asked to pay AED100 and an AED70 service charge. Expats will pay AED100 for every year of validity on their residence visas, and the AED70 service fee.

For Emiratis renewing an ID that’s five years old, the price rises to AED120.

The cards will be couriered for AED20, which is included in the registration fee. The cards are expected to arrive within seven to ten days of being processed.

Where are the EIDA registration centres?

Blackberry subscribers won't be charged for use outside UAE: etisalat official

2009-07-06T21:19:00.001-07:00

http://www.gulfnews.com/business/Telecom/10328966.html

Dubai: Blackberry subscribers will not be charged for using their phones overseas, clafirfied a a senior official from etisalat.

Calling the email that alleged the company of charging its subscribers upon using their Blackberry overseas as a hoax, Essa Al Haddad, chief marketing officer at etisalat clarified that subscribers can use the Blackberry service and all its applications across 120 countries without at no additional charge.

He said that etisalat currently hold a roaming agreements with 330 international operators around the globe.

Al Haddad said etisalat is the only operator, which offers such a plan where customers can enjoy the Blackberry service with international roaming at no additional fee regardless of their usage.

Help at Hand : Phone Numbers for Abuse Assistance

2009-04-27T03:46:00.001-07:00

Help at hand:

Who to call -

02 5561000 Abu Dhabi Social Support Centre

02 8081999 Al Gharbia Social Support Centre

800111 Dubai Foundation for Women and Children

Source: Gulf News

Renew your driving licence online

2009-04-27T03:32:00.000-07:00

http://www.gulfnews.com/nation/Traffic_and_Transport/10307998.html

Renew your driving licence online

By Ashfaq Ahmed, Chief ReporterPublished: April 26, 2009, 23:10

Dubai: Motorists in Dubai can now renew their driving licences online, Gulf News has learnt.
"We have launched the online driving licence renewal service this week," Engineer Ali Al Jasem, Director of the Licensing Department at the Licensing Agency of the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), said.

He said the new service would help reduce road trips of motorists saving their time and money. Also, they do not have to wait in queues to get the job done.

Al Jasem told Gulf News that online driving renewal service was the latest addition to the e-service provided by the Agency to benefit the RTA customers.

Ahmad Bahrouzian, CEO of the Licensing Agency earlier said the RTA would also develop an online portal to help motorists renew their vehicle registration without making trips to the RTA offices. "The initiative will help customers complete many other services online service, including purchasing of number plates, vehicle ownership certificates and driving test appointments."

Al Jasem said that customers interested in renewing their driving licences will have to do their eye tests first and send details using the e-services on the RTA's website.

They will have to pay Dh110 as renewal fees. On receiving a complete online application, the licence will be posted to the applicant within four working days.

According to the RTA's statistics, around 1.2 million people in Dubai hold driving licences while an average of 12,000 licences per month were issued during the course of last year.

"All these people have to go to the RTA offices to get service and have to wait in queues. The new online services will help reduce the rush," he added.

Eye tests: RTA signs agreement

The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed an agreement with Al Jaber Optical Centre and Al Yateem Optician for conducting eye tests of applicants who apply for driving licences. Any one applying for a new driving licence or renewing a licence can go to any shop of Al Jaber and Al Yateem opticians in Dubai to have their eyesight checked - a prerequisite to obtain a driving licence.

The eyesight test will cost Dh25. Din Raj, an administrator at Al Yateem, said that their shops have already started conducting the tests and the online service will be available within a week's time.

Customers need to bring two photographs, a passport copy or any other proof of identity. A customer can either take a certificate of the test results and submit the application in person or the optician can send the results directly to the RTA.

UAE laws translated into English

2009-04-24T04:43:00.000-07:00

http://thenational.ae/article/20090424/NATIONAL/704239817/1138

UAE laws translated into English

Marten Youssef

* Last Updated: April 23. 2009 11:53PM UAE / April 23. 2009 7:53PM GMT

ABU DHABI // In a major step towards improving transparency in the legal system, the Ministry of Justice yesterday announced that every federal law passed since the UAE’s founding in 1971 has been translated into English and will soon be available online.

The ministry has also begun translating 1,500 federal court decisions, 500 international treaties signed by the UAE and 2,000 official fatwas issued by UAE muftis, to create a centralised, easily accessible body of case law and statutes in both Arabic and English.

The Government says the translations will give legal practitioners, businesses and scholars unprecedented access to the country’s lawbooks. The aim is to improve understanding of the UAE’s laws and legal system internationally, as well as foster the transparency sought by international companies and investors.

“There are more people that speak English than Arabic in the UAE and our goal is to make the laws available to them,” said Abdulla al Majid, the Minister’s Adviser and the director of the translation project.

All the documents will be posted online at www.elaws.gov.ae. The website will initially be free for public access for three months, but the ministry is contemplating eventually charging users a subscription fee.

“We are looking for feedback at this stage from the public to wage which direction we will go. We are considering creating different levels of memberships, such as academics and corporations,” Mr al Majid said.

More than 80 people working in the US, Lebanon and the UAE, including various ministries and courts, have worked on the project for two years so far.

“This is a three-step programme. First we had to gather all the relevant laws, then put them on the website in Arabic and then translate them in an ongoing programme,” Mr al Majid said.

The programme also aims to centralise the federal laws, treaties and fatwas and decisions taken by the Federal Supreme Court.

“Our goal was to get every single law created and amended since 1973,” Mr al Majid said.

Although the country was founded in 1971 with the passage of the Constitution, the first federal laws were not passed for another two years.

“This is clearly a wealth of information that for the first time is available to the public directly from the Ministry of Justice and not from a law firm,” Mr al Majid said.

“The best feature about this is the search engine which allows you to find even one word amid a sea of legal documents. That changes the face of research for academics, lawyers, judges, businesses and the public. You can imagine the kind of impact this will have on the overall justice system.”

The English translations are just the beginning, Mr al Majid said.

“We are also considering translating them into other languages, and translating specific laws within each emirate. At this point our focus is on English. This opens new doors for us and boosts our credibility further.”

He said the UAE’s diverse population meant that English had become the language of business. The project “will encourage people to learn more about our values and law even from their own countries before they come here,” Mr al Majid added.

Several sources have already translated many UAE laws.

The most prominent effort has been undertaken by a company called Affinitext, which has translated more than 3,000 laws and made them available in Arabic and English on the internet for specialised users.

The project was initially an undertaking for DLA Piper, one of the largest law firms.

“There are over 3,000 laws with no central repository,” said Graham Thomson, founder of Affinitext.

“Each law resides with a different area: free zones, ministries and so on. To collate just the Arabic is a major logistic challenge. Then translating it, then putting it on the best available programme on the internet,” He said.

However, the translations by Affinitext are available online for a license fee for companies and law firms, and are not meant for private use.

myouseef@thenational.ae

Etisalat warns customers of phone call scam

2009-02-01T08:17:00.000-08:00

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/545274-etisalat-warns-customers-of-phone-call-scam

Etisalat warns customers of phone call scam

by Joanna Hartley on Sunday, 01 February 2009

PRIZE SCAM: Etisalat customers are being targeted by a Pakistani phone scam. (Getty Images)

Etisalat has issued a warning to its customers of a scam that involves fraudsters posing as its employees who tell customers they have won cash prizes, it was announced on Sunday.

The Abu Dhabi-based telecommunications company has said the scam asks people for their personal information so they can claim the prize, which is then used to rip them off.

The company has confirmed it is not running any prize schemes at present.

And is urging customers not to give out any confidential information such as bank account details, PINs, eVouchers or recharge card numbers to unknown callers who contact them via phone, SMS or email.

Many convenient ways of paying traffic fines in Abu Dhabi

2009-01-31T20:27:00.000-08:00

From the Gulf News article

Many convenient ways of paying traffic fines

By Rayeesa Absal, Staff Reporter
Published: January 30, 2009, 23:33

Abu Dhabi: There are several ways in which motorists may pay traffic fines imposed on their vehicles. Penalty charges may be paid directly at the traffic departments or more conveniently, online.

Other modes of payment include over the phone by calling the 24-hour hotline of the Federal Traffic and Licensing System and paying through automated teller machines.

The Abu Dhabi Police's website www.adpolice.gov.ae provides electronic enquiry and traffic fines payment system for motorists across all the emirates, helping residents to save time and effort.
Visit the bilingual website and click the electronic services tab to enquire about the fines. The enquiry may be made using the Federal Traffic Code (Traffic ID) or with the plate number of the vehicle or through the driver's licence number.

Using the Traffic Federal code for the inquiry will help find fines on all the vehicles registered in the persons name unlike the plate number which only brings up fines on particular vehicle.

In order to pay online, select the fines to be paid, and complete the payment process by keying in your credit card details. The system provides quick and secure service with data being updated in less than five minutes.

To pay in person, go to the 'Violations Section' of Traffic and Licensing Department. Submit the vehicle ownership form or the driver's licence. Pay the fine and collect a receipt.

The office is open from Sunday to Thursday from 7:30am until 2:30pm.

To pay over the phone, call the traffic hotline 8003333.

Details about traffic violations can be obtained in three ways - using the traffic ID, plate or licence number. Payment can be made by credit card. The system will send a fax message afterwards, to confirm payment of fines. Another way of clearing the traffic penalties is to use automated payment machines. These machines, which have touch screens and provide multiple services to customers. The services include inquiry on fines and other services of the police department.

Payment can be made by credit cards or in cash at these machines. They also provide information such as maps, pharmacies, weather and contact details of police stations. Also, complaints, suggestions and security information may be entered.

It is mandatory that all traffic fines on a vehicle are cleared before the registration of a vehicle can be renewed. To be on the safe side, keep all the receipts.

Website offers job search by mobile phone

2009-01-26T21:46:00.000-08:00

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/544705-website-offers-job-search-by-mobile-phone

CareerJunction Middle East has announced it has launched an innovative mobile application that allows job seekers to search and apply for jobs using their mobile phones.

http://www.careerjunctionme.com

Gulf News publishes an Interactive Map: Dubai Rental Index

2009-01-21T23:20:00.000-08:00

A map of average residential rental prices in Dubai according to the Dubai RERA's first Rental Index.

Weekly Menu - Snack and Meal Deliveries to Dubai Internet City, Media City and Knowledge Village

2009-01-20T20:03:00.000-08:00

Cafe Net has been faxing their weekly menu around. Putting this up for DIC and KV workers. Do comment on your experiences with Cafe Net food..

Click image below to enlarge:

Etisalat goes live with voice directory service

2009-01-20T20:02:00.000-08:00

http://www.itp.net/news/544069-etisalat-goes-live-with-voice-directory-service

After months of in-house tweaking and testing, Etisalat has launched its voice directory service in an effort to reduce response times.

Initially available only to landline customers calling ‘181’, the service will soon be made available to Etisalat’s mobile customers as well.

The service works with the help of an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system that uses automatic speech recognition to distinguish commands in both Arabic and English, regardless of caller accent or dialect.

As the service is only in its first phase, it can presently only provide listings for five main categories – finance, travel, hotels, restaurants and healthcare. Other categories will be included at a later stage.

Customer service agents at Etisalat, who previously handled directory enquiries, will now provide support for other categories and requests that the system can’t handle.

Interesting Events - Al Ain Acrobatic Show & Dubai Food Festival

2009-01-19T06:37:00.000-08:00

Order healthy lunches online

2009-01-19T00:14:00.000-08:00

LunchBoxes.ae

sounds good - hope its priced right!

Dubai offers free public parking until December 11

2008-12-01T01:35:00.000-08:00

Dubai offers free public parking until December 11

Staff Report
Last updated: December 01, 2008, 00:46

Dubai/Sharjah: Celebrations have begun in the country ahead of UAE's 37th National Day on Tuesday.

Public parking in Dubai will be free of charge from tomorrow to December 11 in view of the National Day and Eid Al Adha holidays. However, parking in prohibited areas and parking in areas designated for special needs individuals will attract fines.

Complete Gulf News article

Free-of-charge book lending service in Al Ain

2008-11-07T04:43:00.000-08:00

Join the Al Ain free book lending google group:

http://groups.google.com/group/alainbookclub

Gulf News story

Free-of-charge book lending service attracts many readers in Al Ain

By Aftab Kazmi, Bureau Chief
Published: November 06, 2008, 23:23

Al Ain: Two expatriate women have pooled their efforts to promote the reading habit, offering hundreds of books to readers through an online booking reading club.

The free-of-charge book lending service has attracted dozens of people in the city with some of them now also willing to share their personal libraries for the community service.

Stephanie Shimko, an American teacher, and Humairah Irfan, a Pakistani IT professional, are even spending money from their own pockets on taxi fares to reach a book dispensing point. "This is our way of returning something we can to the society," said Shimko and Humairah.

Full Gulf News story

How to prevent ATM fraud - good practices to follow

2008-09-11T13:32:00.000-07:00

Received a SMS from my bank this evening, asking me to change my PIN number from the nearest bank ATM....thought it would be useful to post these precautions to take while using a ATM:

From the Gulf News article today:

- Watch out for hidden devices (in the ATM card insertion slot), but do not try to remove them. Contact the bank if something out of the ordinary is observed.

- Do not let people stand close behind you when using the machine, in order to safeguard PIN number

- Shield with your hand while entering PIN numbers

- If the machine retains your card, contact the bank.

- Never enter your PIN at the suggestion of others.

- Do not write down your PIN, memorise it.

Free Movie Workshop. Tuesdays - 7pm

2008-06-18T00:11:00.000-07:00

http://www.istyle.ae/

If you fail a driving test, you can appeal...

2008-06-16T22:55:00.000-07:00

Log your complaint

Learner drivers who fail driving tests, can appeal against the decision by filing a complaint on the RTA's website www.rta.ae, call customer service number 8009090 or go to any Licensing Agency office to file an appeal.

The complaint will be referred to the committee, which investigate and take action.

Full Gulf News story

Home Security Service in Dubai when you're on vacation

2008-06-16T00:36:00.000-07:00

Major General Khamis Mattar Al Mazeina, Dubai Police's Deputy Commandant General, inspected Bur Dubai Police Station as part of the annual inspection.

He called on the public to register for the home security service while they spend their holidays outside the country. He pointed out that the home security service is one of the free services offered by Dubai Police to protect homes from thefts and robberies while the owners are away.

The public may register for the service on Dubai Police's website www.dubaipolice.gov.ae or send an email on homesafety@dubaipolice.gov.ae or visit the nearest police station.

Gulf News Story

Online Map of Dubai Embassies

2008-06-16T00:32:00.000-07:00

Gulf News has a google powered map of all the consulates in Dubai:

http://www.gulfnews.com/nation/General/10179109.html

Time and Steps required for Dubai Work Visa Processing

2008-06-16T00:08:00.000-07:00

Posted in the dubai_expats yahoo group by Bilal in response to a query:

After application for new work visa:

1) 2 weeks - required for labour approval from application date

2) After paying the bank guarantee, labour fee and other fees you can get the Visa from DNRD within 2 days after labour approval.

3) After getting work visa from DNRD, go for status change if the person in emirates on visit visa- will not take more than one hour or day.

4) Go for "Medical" (test) after status change and one can get the report in 3 days easily.

5) After getting the "Medical" (test) done, you can go for visa stamping - will require only one day.

6) Along with visa stamping, you apply in post for Labour Card and Labour agreement - will require only one day if the salary is above 4k and if below then u need to wait till 14 working days to get this in post from labour department.

Note: Above listing is only for Dubai work visa processing.

Should you have any further query write to me directly (Bilal).
Regards
Bilal

Actor training seminar in Dubai

2008-06-10T01:08:00.000-07:00

Khaleej Times Article

Actor training seminar
By a staff reporter

10 June 2008

DUBAI — Residents of Dubai will have an opportunity to participate in an intensive actor training seminar in Dubai from June 12 to June 14.

Participants of ‘Act Now with Tom Todoroff ’ seminar will receive one-on-one training from acting trainers and consultants.

The three-day workshop is exclusively designed for both beginners and established actors.

The Dubai workshop will run from 3pm to 10pm on Thursday, June 12 and 9am to 10pm on Friday, June 13 and Saturday, June 14 at The Wellington International School, near Dubai Media City.

Limited seats for participants are still available, and are priced at Dh2,932. Observation seats are also available and are priced at Dh1,100.

Suggest name for fountain, win Dh100,000

2008-06-10T01:05:00.001-07:00

Khaleej Times article

Suggest name for fountain, win Dh100,000
By a staff reporter

10 June 2008

DUBAI — UAE residents can suggest names for an upcoming fountain and the one whose suggestion is finally chosen can walk away with Dh100,000.

Emaar Properties yesterday announced the cash prize to the winner of a competition to name the world-class water, light and music spectacle in the Burj Dubai Lake.

The permanent water fountain to be operational by early 2009 is one of the finest water features in the world and is larger than The Fountains at Bellagio in Las Vegas.

The competition will be open to all UAE residents and will be held from July 1 to September 15. Each individual can suggest one name that must be submitted online at www.emaar.com. The portal will have a dedicated web-page for submissions, which will be operational by July 1. The winner will be selected by a panel of judges.

Mohamed Ali Alabbar, chairman, Emaar Properties, said, "Emaar has launched this competition to name the fountain, one of our prestigious community projects, as part of the company's commitment to involve members of the public and strengthen the spirit of community living."

Parking at Bur Juman Mall no longer free - Memo

2008-06-01T23:30:00.000-07:00

World Mate Mobile Travel service

2008-05-29T03:14:00.000-07:00

Etisalat to introduce World Mate Mobile Travel service
(WAM)

28 May 2008

ABU DHABI - Corporate executives and businessmen challenged by their busy lifestyle and constant travel plans can now find a solution to managing their travel itinerary with Etisalat announcing plans to introduce the World Mate Live application which operates on BlackBerry Smart phones.

World Mate Live is a first-of-its-kind mobile travel service empowering frequent fliers with travel information in real-time. World Mate Live acts as a personal Travel Assistant by automatically delivering valuable content and services to a customer’s Blackberry device removing stress and paperwork from their travel experience while saving them time and money. The application pushes context-aware features such as flight alerts, flight notifications and meeting notifications. It also features flight schedules, car rentals, maps, world clocks and a currency converter.

"The introduction of the World Mate Mobile Application for Blackberry will transform a user’s Blackberry device into an extremely versatile tool so that users can plan their travel itineraries in time through a very convenient and intuitive method, said Abdulla Hashim, VP, Enterprise Solutions, Etisalat. "We would like to support our local community of Blackberry users by empowering them with such innovative applications and we will look to add more value added applications in the near future".

World Mate Live can start tracking a user’s itinerary in real-time, showing details and suggestions when required. For example, when a flight is delayed or cancelled, a user can be notified immediately and then presented with alternative flights for the desired destination. Upon arrival, they will be greeted with a message outlining the next few items on their itinerary, along with the local time and weather, as well as maps and directions to their next destination.

World Mate Live will be supported on all Etisalat offered Blackberry Smart phones. Etisalat currently offers Five Models of Blackberry Smart phones, 8700, 8100, 8310, 8800 and 8820.

No more public smoking in Sharjah

2008-05-29T02:51:00.000-07:00

From the Khaleej Times article

"...The Sharjah Municipality yesterday announced a ban on smoking in public places from June 1..."

"...The places where smoking will be prohibited include buses, taxis, public rest rooms, amusement centres, hospitals and health facilities, waiting areas in facilities, hotels, hotel apartments, enclosed shopping malls, restaurants and coffee shops, enclosed entertainment places like cinemas and theatres, enclosed parking spaces, stores, exhibition areas, beauty and hair-cutting salons, health clubs and assembly halls and conference rooms.

Violation of the ban will attract fines of Dh1,000 for individuals and Dh10,000 to Dh20,000 for establishments like hotels and salons that allow smoking.

The civic body will instal signboards in public areas where smoking is banned which will display a telephone number on which people can report violation by anybody...."

Read the full article

Beach Precautions - 'If the red flag is up, don't swim'

2008-05-27T00:57:00.000-07:00

From Gulf Today article

"...

Aquaventure Waterpark operations director Stewart Hodsoll said: "Don't swim after sunset."

He pointed out four reasons: the absence of a lifeguard on duty, the possible roam of sea creatures and sea vessels, the poor visibility and the changes in the water levels...."

Read the full article

New Dh200 note to be issued from tomorrow

2008-05-26T00:09:00.000-07:00

Keypoints from the Khaleej Times article:

"...The amended Dh200 currency note with new security features will go into circulation from May 27, 2008..."

"....The overall design and other specifications of the note are the same as on the currency note currently in the circulation, but additional security elements have been added, which can be seen only under ultraviolet light...."

Read the full article

The first online school in the UAE

2008-05-23T21:26:00.000-07:00

Highlights from 'The National' article

The first online school in the country is looking to recruit pupils for the next academic year.

K12 International Academy has so far attracted 17 students to its home schooling courses and hopes to increase this to 200 by the start of the 2008-09 academic year.

The school is the first overseas branch of K12 Inc, a US-based online school that has tens of thousands of pupils in America.

Read the full article

Free wi-fi for Abu Dhabi airport passengers & New Car Park Rates

2008-05-20T20:42:00.000-07:00

Highlights from the Gulf News article:

"... Free wi-fi access to the internet will be made available for passengers at Abu Dhabi International Airport from June 1..."

"...In the last twelve months the airport has operated 12 Internet kiosks, each offering 15 minutes of free access per user. In response to the demand from customers for such services ADIA has chosen to introduce free access for all passengers across its three terminals. ..."

"...From 1 June an hourly rate of Dh10 will apply to Terminal 1 car park users and Dh5 per hour for users of the Terminal 2 car park. Short-stay visitors simply dropping off family or friends and leaving within 15 minutes will still have access to both parking facilities free..."

Read the full Gulf News article

If you are staying in a shared villa...

2008-05-19T21:55:00.001-07:00

Only one family can live in a villa: DM

By Joy Sengupta (Our staff reporter)

20 May 2008

DUBAI — In what could come as a major blow to the many families with limited income, especially families of expatriates, the Dubai Municipality has stated that only one family can live in a villa.

Officials of the Building Inspection Department of the civic body said that they have already launched a crackdown on those villas which housed more than one family.

Read the full article here

No more 9 to 5?

2008-05-19T21:48:00.000-07:00

From today's Khaleej Times

RTA proposes flexible hours

By Joy Sengupta (Our staff reporter)

20 May 2008

DUBAI — Flexible work timings in both private and government offices is the new mantra being advocated by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to control the increasing traffic rush in Dubai.

Abdul Mohsen Younis Ibrahim, CEO of the Strategy and Corporate Governance Sector at the RTA, said flexible timings at all public and private organisations would play a very important role in easing the present traffic situation.

"The idea of flexible timings for work places could be of great help. At present, most of the offices have the same opening and closing times. With everyone going to work and coming back at the same time, traffic snarls are the order of the day. We are studying the different aspects of the flexible timings and would refer the proposal to the government for implementation," he said.

Read the full article here

Now you can carpool in Dubai!

2008-05-19T21:42:00.000-07:00

RTA allows carpooling; signs pact with big firms

EMPLOYEES from the same company have been allowed to use the same vehicle while going for work, a scheme known as carpooling which is aimed at pulling people away from using private cars to mass transportation

The arrangement shall be licenced by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) which is "soon loading the procedure on to the agency's website, www.rta.ae," said the Director of Planning and Business Development at Public Transport Agency, Khalid M. Hashim.

Read full Gulf Today article

School Bus Locator & 'Child-now-in-School' SMS Informer

2008-05-19T03:31:00.000-07:00

After the death of a 4-year old left behind in a school bus in Abu Dhabi, 2 software companies have developed software to help track the school bus and to inform the parents by SMS once the child reaches the school. Read the full Gulf News article here.

Great idea! I hope the RTA also implements such a display board at all bus stops to let us know exactly at which stops the buses are on and how long it would take to reach this particular stop. Software companies, are you listening?

Free Tech Check Up

2008-05-16T06:08:00.000-07:00

A Doctor at your Doorstep in 1 hour - Now how useful is that?

2008-05-16T06:02:00.000-07:00

Book Exhibition - Bargain Books - Grand Sale 2008 - May 15 to May 19

2008-05-16T01:12:00.000-07:00

Book Exhibition - Bargain Books - Grand Sale 2008 - Al Boom Tourist Village, Dubai

Discover Scuba Diving at Jumeirah Beach for just Dhs.100

2008-05-13T00:14:00.000-07:00

Got this through an email forward from a friend

"The Royal Scuba Divers International (RSDI) will hold its 3rd Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) on May 23, 2008, Friday at Jumeirah Open beach (see details attached). We invite you to participate in this exciting event and see if diving is for you. I guarantee you that your life will never be the same again!

My friend wrote back asking for more information...and this was their reply:

Thank you for the interest. Discover Scuba Diving is your opportunity to try scuba diving and allows you to experience the excitement and thrill of diving under the safe supervision of a PADI professional. During your adventure, you will master some of the basic concepts and skills in scuba diving. No, this is not the actual course but you will be given the opportunity to experience diving underwater. An orientation will be conducted prior to the actual diving on the same day. The fee of AED100 is inclusive of all diving gears, fins, mask, air tank, BCD, regulator, everything. All you have to do is be in your bathing suit.

Sounds cool...at Dhs.100..should be a great intro to scuba diving.

Waterbus on the Creek will now run after midnight

2008-05-02T22:19:00.000-07:00

Waterbus on the Creek will now run after midnight

Gulf News Staff Report
Published: May 03, 2008, 00:06

Dubai: The Waterbus between Dubai Old Souq and Al Sabkha stations will now run from midnight to 6am as well, the Roads and Transport Authority announced.

The ferry service runs every 30 minutes and the fare is Dh4. A senior RTA official said Dubai is a city that never sleeps.

"The service is tailored to meet the requirements of people commuting across Dubai Creek at night," he said.

2008-04-26T03:25:00.000-07:00

Single Water Bus trip for 3 stations
By a staff reporter

26 April 2008

DUBAI — A new service for Water Bus passengers to travel to three stations in a single trip was launched by the Marine Agency at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) recently.

The service being offered on Line B3 aims at easing congestion at Bani Yas Road, an RTA Press release said.

According to Ahmed Mohammed Al Hammadi, Director of Operations & Performance Department at RTA Marine Agency, the trip, which begins at Al Seef Station and terminates at Al Sabkha Station, is designed to meet requirements of customers shuttling between these stations across Dubai Creek.

“The service starts at 6.00am and continues up to 11pm, with 15 minutes headway. The trip takes three minutes from Al Seef Station to Bani Yas Station, and three minutes also from Bani Yas Station to Al Sabkha Station, with five minutes waiting time in each station. The fare is fixed as Dh4 for shuttling between Al Seef Station, Bani Yas Station and Al Sabkha Station (two trips at a cost of one trip),” stated Al Hammadi.

He pointed out that re-routing of B3 Lines has been done to keep pace with the new developments in marine transport. This comes as part of the policy of the RTA to integrate and link marine transport with other public transport modes such as buses, taxis and Metro.

Report dangerous drivers in Dubai

2008-04-22T23:58:00.000-07:00

Call 8004353 to report dangerous drivers in Dubai. You need to give the correct number plate details ( the number, colour, the emirate, and for Dubai any alphabet.) They will ask you details about the offence and where it happened, and the make of the car.

(excerpt from Readers Comments in 7Days.ae)

Commuters on the streets can now hail taxis by SMS

2008-04-19T21:58:00.000-07:00

http://www.gulfnews.com/nation/Traffic_and_Transport/10207031.html

Commuters on the streets can now hail taxis by SMS

By Ashfaq Ahmed, Chief Reporter
Published: April 20, 2008, 00:34

Dubai: Passengers in Dubai no longer have to go through the daunting task of hailing a taxi on the road as they can now call one by just sending an SMS from their mobile phones, said a senior official.

The service has been designed for passengers who want to order taxis while waiting by the road, said Abdul Aziz Malek, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dubai Taxi Agency at the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

He said the taxi agency is installing small boards with location code numbers and a taxi sign on them by the side of the road. A passenger can send an SMS to 4774, mentioning the area code on the taxi board.

The customer will have to wait in the same location until the taxi arrives. Once the commuter sends the SMS, it will reach the booking terminal of Dubai Taxi Agency and the booking supervisor will send the nearest taxi to the customer.

The booking terminal will also send the taxi reservation number to the customer, which he needs to show to the taxi driver before boarding.

The starting fare for taxis booked via SMS will be Dh6 during the day (from 6am to 10pm) and Dh7 at night (from 10pm to 6am).

In addition to the new service, Dubai Taxi Agency will continue to offer reservations via telephone and the internet.

"The new service has been launched after complaints from commuters about hailing a cab while waiting by the roadside," said Malek.

Currently, Dubai has around 6,500, taxis including 3,200 run by Dubai Taxi Agency.

Booking taxis

Website: www.dubaitaxi.ae
Call centre: 2080808

Useful Phone Numbers - Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah

2008-04-05T20:37:00.000-07:00

GulfNews.com is providing a downloadable PDF with useful phone numbers in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.

Essential telephone numbers in UAE

Staff Report
Published: March 02, 2008, 10:27

Dubai: 999, the emergency number in the country, is one of the busiest numbers in the country, naturally, but often for all the wrong reasons.

Click here to download the Gulf News essential numbers guide for Dubai and Abu Dhabi (pdf)

Click here to download the Gulf News essential numbers guide for Sharjah (pdf)

Many residents call 999 seeking a taxi or to find out the traffic situation. Hundreds of trivial and inane calls are made to 999 every day, hindering the work of police on emergency duty.

A staggering 573,471 calls were made to 999 in 2007 and these were not emergencies. Most were enquiries on speed limits on roads, location of certain departments, traffic fines, transactions related to the Naturalisation and Residency Department and complaints against taxi drivers.

Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Chief of Dubai Police, recently said: "Nobody knows the amount of effort that goes into answering calls on 999. Therefore, people should only call 999 in case of emergencies which require the immediate presence of security or rescue personnel," he said.

In an attempt to offer easy access to information, Gulf News has compiled some of the important telephone numbers in the country.

We have compiled some of the essential numbers, including traffic, transport and hospital numbers, which are in an easily downloadable PDF format. We will be adding to the list as and when we get and verify essential telephone numbers

etisalat gears up to offer mobile remittance services

2008-04-02T01:15:00.000-07:00

etisalat gears up to offer mobile remittance services

By Nadia Saleem, Gulf News Staff Reporter
Published: April 02, 2008, 00:01

Dubai: etisalat is poised to start offering mobile remittance services in June this year, a move that promises to help millions of expatriates send money in seconds instead of queueing at the exchange houses every month.

etisalat officials on Tuesday said it has started the mobile remittance pilot project to India in partnership with mashreq, Tata Communications, Idea Cellular and HSBC India.

It expects 350,000 users to avail the services next three years. Nearly 80 per cent of the UAE's more than five million population are expatriates, the majority of whom remit money regularly.

Complete story

The Junior Rock Challenge - Participate now!

2008-04-01T20:40:00.000-07:00

Schools and children who are interested in participating in the Rock Challenge can contact Aysel Duman - 050 873 3900 email: aceduman@yahoo.com.

The Junior Rock Challenge will take place on May 16 at the DUTAC Theatre in the Mall of the Emirates and tickets cost Dhs.80.

Source: 7Days.ae

Feline Friends Book Sale this weekend!

2008-04-01T20:29:00.000-07:00

From 7Days.ae

The Feline Friends Book Sale will be held at Uptown Mirdif, bottom of Spinneys escalators. Friday 4th April, 9am-4pm.

Lots of bargain books, CDs, videos and DVDs. PLease bring any books you wish to donate also. Tel: 050 4510058.

Recycling Centres in Dubai

2008-04-01T20:22:00.000-07:00

From a letter in 7Days.ae

Collective effort needed to improve recycling

To answer the suggestion for recycling in today’s edition, I am glad to tell you that there are some recycling centres and if you are one of the employees in the free zone: Internet City, Media City etc, you have two recycling centres very close to you. You may drop there your paper, plastic, cans and glass. May be the recycling Is not widely spread in the Dubai but a collective effort is a good start. Do it and tell your friends to. Location of the centers: parking of Knowledge village, Al Sofouh road and behind Althuraya building. BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD.

Kaoutar

Dubai

MTV Arabia looking for local hip-hop artists!

2007-11-06T02:18:00.000-08:00

Magrudy's Warehouse Sale this Friday to Sunday!

2007-11-06T01:23:00.001-08:00

UNICEF Junior Video Workshop sponsored by DIFF

2007-11-06T01:14:00.001-08:00

Sounds interesting! Deadline for submission today (6th Nov). Hurry!

Abu Dhabi International Airport - Liquids Guidelines for Passengers

2007-10-30T03:17:00.000-07:00

It's a good thing that medications, dietary and baby foods are exempted!

TRA Public Announcement - Mobile Coverage and Quality

2007-08-06T23:22:00.000-07:00

USEful Devices - m-Drive - In car Navigator

2007-07-27T02:40:00.001-07:00

You got a fast car
And I got a plan to get us out of here
- Tracy Chapman's Grammy winning song 'Fast Car'

RTA - Motorbike Service

2007-07-26T12:19:00.000-07:00

Rev..Rev..rev a bike
Down Shk. Zayed Road
Merrily merrily merrily
Breakdowns and jams -worry no more!

Find your way with Sharjah Call Centre

2007-07-26T10:20:00.001-07:00

DEWA - eRecruitment

2007-07-10T23:47:00.000-07:00

DEWA advertises their online recruitment system. Click to enlarge and read the features offered:

(Emirates Today, 10/07/07

CreativeMumz.com

2007-06-23T16:50:00.000-07:00

Found this interesting article in Emirates Today. Something USEful to do for stay-at-home and even working mums in Dubai and Sharjah:

From their website : "

Creative Mumz is a group for mums living in Dubai and Sharjah, willing to share their skills and creativity. We meet with the motive of optimizing our creative energies and so indulge in interesting activities, presentations, art and craft demonstrations and workshops. All mums living in Dubai and Sharjah are welcome to join Creative Mumz meet ups to explore their talents. Even if you are not a mum yet, and would like to spend time with a bunch of creative and happy ladies, do join us in our up coming meeting.

The 10 Commandments for the 21t Century (according to Tea Makipaa)

2007-06-21T03:20:00.000-07:00

ICE - In Case of Emergency

2007-06-21T02:40:00.000-07:00

You know I love acronyms...and ICE is a great life saving idea! Use it in your mobiles!

Emirates Today givesaway free UAE University & College Guide 2007

2007-06-21T02:32:00.001-07:00

Dubai Airport - New Security Rule for Hand Baggage, Effective 17th June 2007

2007-06-21T02:03:00.000-07:00

Received the Hand Luggage flyer through email from a friend:

More on Salik (Dubai Road Toll)

2007-06-07T12:20:00.001-07:00

Here are two more useful stuff on Salik: 1) Salik Cards 2) Special Salik Installation Instructions for cars that I received from a friend:

http://www.7days.ae/showstory.php?id=51882

1) Dubai - Salik cards go on sale

Last Updated : Tuesday 05 Jun, 2007

Dubai - Salik road toll system tags are now available at 287 outlets in Dubai including petrol stations, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced yesterday. Motorists can purchase the tags at 180 Emarat petrol stations, 70 EPPCO/ENOC stations and 37 branches of Dubai Islamic Bank across Dubai. The Salik welcome kit costs dhs100.

2) Special SALIK Installation Instructions

New Library in Dubai

2007-06-07T11:28:00.000-07:00

I love libraries! Here is the link to the under construction Dubai Municipality library website : www.libraries.ae (a bookmark might be useful in the future).

Dubai - New library is unveiled

Dubai - Dubai Municipality yesterday opened a new dhs10.4 million library in Al Towar. Mohammed Jassim Al Eraidi, head of Public Libraries Section at the municipality, said the new building, the seventh library in the city, covers 2,300 square metres and contains nearly 18,000 books.

http://www.7days.ae/showstory.php?id=51938

For whom the bell tolls- Salik is here!

2007-06-03T21:07:00.000-07:00

Well, the wait is over...I heard that the road tolls start from June 15th...but will this stop road trolls on the Dubai roads? The Gulf News reports today....

First toll gate installed near Garhoud
Bridge

By Daniel Bardsley, Staff Reporter

Dubai: The toll gate that will charge motorists when they cross Garhoud Bridge going towards Sharjah has been installed by Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority.

The RTA is currently installing a second toll gate at the bridge for those travelling in the opposite direction.

And toll gates are also being introduced close to Interchange Four of Shaikh Zayed Road near Mall of the Emirates, ready for the system to go live on July 1.

Once the system, which is called Salik, is activated, motorists will have to pay Dh4 each time they pass through a toll gate.

Tags to go on sale

The toll gates will be tested before July 1 to ensure that they work properly, Maitha Obaid Bin Udai, chief executive of the Traffic and Roads Agency at Dubai Roads and Transport Authority, said yesterday.

Cool Software for 'use' locally!

2007-06-03T21:01:00.001-07:00

Now, can they extend this concept to shopping and other local information services? This would be a great hit if the cost of mobile browsing drops even further!

Software keeps moviegoers updated

By Aftab Kazmi, Bureau Chief

Al Ain: Cinema buffs will soon be able to keep abreast of film schedules through their Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) with the help of a software developed by a group of Emirati students.

The mobile application has been designed to update the latest information and services from a preferred movie theatre or all theatres in a given area with a single touch of the PDA.

The group, studying at the College of Information Technology (CIT) of UAE University, has yesterday displayed the application at the annual IT Senior Exhibitions in Al Ain.

Students involved in the development of the software are Alia Darmaki, Asma Falasi, Haifa Beloushi, Mariam Kaabi, and Shamma Ketbi who worked under the supervision of Dr Adel Serhani.

Explaining how the new software works, the students said it integrates the information systems of different cinemas through a web services technology. It has been given the name of Eivom Mobile Cinema Guide.

"The application can be considered an extension of the current web based systems that provide users with such information online," said the group.

It, however, provides an additional value over conventional web systems as it plays an intermediary role between users and different cinema applications, in addition to providing users with some customised services that match their preferences.

Road closed till October next year

2007-06-03T20:57:00.000-07:00

USEful info for regular users of Al Ittihad road from today's Gulf News:

Published: 04/06/2007 12:00 AM (UAE)

Road closed till October next year

By Daniel Bardsley, Staff Reporter

Dubai: Motorists have predicted they will face extra headaches from the end of this month when further diversions are introduced on Al Ittihad road, which links Sharjah and Dubai.

Two weeks ago the stretch of the road between Al Mulla Plaza and the Al Qiyadah Interchange was closed off in the Dubai to Sharjah direction.

Afterwards, many drivers were stuck in congestion for several hours and some were left unsure as to which roads to take.

One big crawl

A similar situation is likely to affect those going from Sharjah to Dubai from the end of this month when diversions in that direction are introduced.

Motorists say the changes - which will allow for the expansion of the road - will further increase delays, especially at peak times. "For those who come from Sharjah to Dubai in the morning, it will be one big crawl. It will mean more delays," said an Indian who resides in Sharjah and commutes to Dubai along Al Ittihad Road.

"It is always bad between about 6 and 11 in the morning and it will be worse because of this."

However, he added that at least schools would be closed by the time the diversion was introduced, so the full effect on people who have to drop off their children would not be felt for a few months. "It is a blessing that the work is starting when the schools will be closed," he said.

Another Sharjah-to-Dubai commuter said: "I always avoid peak times on Al Ittihad road - it's very bad then. It will mean more delays and more time on the road." The details of the Sharjah to Dubai diversions were revealed by Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority yesterday.

The diversions are scheduled to remain in place until work to expand the road as part of the Expressway project is completed, scheduled to be in October 2008. The size of the road is being increased to cope with heavy growth in the amount of traffic.

Authorities warn against using some toothpastes

2007-06-03T20:51:00.000-07:00

Found this article in today's Gulf News....definitely USEful info!

Nation

Health

Published: 04/06/2007 12:00 AM (UAE)

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday in its advisory had warned consumers to avoid using tubes of toothpastes labelled as made in China.

Authorities warn against using some toothpastes

By Sunita Menon and Abbas Al Lawati, Staff Reporters

Dubai: Consumers have been warned against using certain brands of Chinese toothpaste as the concerned authorities here were busy passing the buck.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday in its advisory had warned consumers to avoid using tubes of toothpastes labelled as made in China, and issued an import alert to prevent toothpaste containing the poisonous chemical diethylene glycol (DEG) from entering the US. The FDA has raised concerns that the products may contain - diethylene glycol or DEG or diglycol stearate, used in solvents.

While the Ministry of Health here said the responsibility of controlling a consumer product like toothpaste lies with the municipalities, a senior official from the General Secretariat of Municipalities (GSM) said a public warning is issued after it receives a notification of safety concerns about a particular product from the Ministry of Health.

Responsibility

Dr Eisa Al Mansouri, director of the Department of Drug Control at the ministry, said the chemical found in the Chinese toothpastes, diethylene glycol (DEG) was indeed poisonous and "could cause harm to those who ingest it".

He said the responsibility of issuing a warning does not lie with the department since toothpastes are a consumer product which municipalities are responsible for.

Dr Ameen Yousuf, a food and safety consultant at the GSM, said public warnings are issued after it receives a list of products about which the Ministry of Health has safety concerns. He said: "The Ministry of Health has not forwarded us any notification on these toothpastes."

Yousuf said there are hundreds of the products in the market which fall in the grey area - they are neither categorised under pharmaceuticals nor in food.

He said: "Usually we receive a list of such products from the ministry. We issue a public warning and then get the products off the market. Currently there is no specific body established to approve or disapprove products that fall in the grey area."

Caution: FDA identifies Chinese brands

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has identified the following brands of toothpaste from China that contain DEG and are included in the import alert: Cooldent Fluoride; Cooldent Spearmint; Cooldent ICE; Dr. Cool, Everfresh Toothpaste; Superdent Toothpaste; Clean Rite Toothpaste; Oralmax Extreme; Oral Bright Fresh Spearmint Flavor; Bright Max Peppermint Flavor; ShiR Fresh Mint Fluoride Paste; DentaPro; DentaKleen; and DentaKleen Junior.

- Source: FDA News

New rules on hand baggage liquids at Dubai International Airpot

2007-05-24T12:43:00.000-07:00

Received this through email from a friend where it was circulated in his office. Click the flyer image to enlarge

New rules on hand baggage liquids at DIA
Decision in line with GCAA’s implementation of ICAO regulations in UAE

DUBAI – Dubai Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) will implement new security regulations on hand baggage liquids, aerosols and gels at Dubai International Airport starting June 17, 2007. The announcement follows a recent decision by the General Civil Aviation Authority to enforce rules as specified by the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) for its member states.

Under the new security rules passengers are allowed to take small quantities of liquids in their hand luggage provided these are in separate containers with a maximum capacity of 100 millilitres each. Passengers are required to pack all such containers in one transparent, re-sealable plastic bag of not more than one litre capacity per individual. In addition passengers must present all liquids being carried to the screeners at security checkpoints for examination.

Since the new rules only affect what can be carried as hand luggage, passengers can still pack liquids in bags that are checked in. Medicines and dietary requirements, including baby foods, can be carried in hand luggage, without being sealed in a clear plastic bag, for use during the journey, but passengers may be asked to prove these are needed.

Passengers can still buy liquids such as perfumes etc. on board an aircraft or at Dubai Duty Free. Here the liquids will be sold packed in 2-litre security tamper-evident bags, which passengers are advised not to open before they are screened or risk confiscation of the item at the checkpoint. All these liquids are additional to the quantities mentioned for re-sealable bags.

Almost all airports worldwide follow the same regulations.
Referring to the new rules, Mohammed Bin Ahmed Al Tayer, Director of Aviation Unit at DCA, said, “The UAE is an ICAO member state and as such the GCAA, the UAE’s federal civil aviation authority, and through it all local civil aviation authorities across the country, follow safety and security standards set by the organisation. It translates into greater security for the passengers, and should therefore be welcomed by one and all.”

People are being made aware of the new regulations to ensure passengers are already well-adjusted to the system. “Information on the new rules is available on DIA’s website, and will be published in our various internal and external newsletters.” Al Tayer said.

For more information, passengers are advised to check with their travel agents and airline offices.

Liquids Included
Water and other drinks, soups and syrups
Creams, lotions and oils
Perfumes, sprays
Gels, including hair and shower gels
Contents of pressurised containers, including shaving foam, other foams and deodorants
Pastes, including toothpaste
Liquid-solid mixtures
Mascara
Any other item of similar consistency

Useful mobile camera service - Etisalat pips du to the post

2007-05-22T22:13:00.000-07:00

I had posted yesterday about Du's newly launched Mobilecam service. Etisalat too has launched at the same time:

Etisalat pips du to the post

Last Updated : Tuesday 22 May, 2007

Etisalat has launched the 3G MobileCam, a service that provides video access of a user’s home via a mobile phone. To use MobileCam, customers need to purchase a 3G MobileCam device, priced at dhs799 from any of the company’s business centres or key retailers across the UAE. They also need to buy a prepaid or postpaid 3G SIM card for the MobileCam.

A user will then need to call the camera from a 3G or 3.5G-enabled handset to activate the device. There are no subscription charges, no installation fees and no subscription charges for 3G customers.

The announcement comes on the heels of a similar announcement from rival du, which said that it would offer a ‘HomeCam’ service in the next few months

Source: 7Days

Useful Service from DU

2007-05-21T01:15:00.000-07:00

Clipped this from today's Emirates Today. Du launches a neat service that can help you monitor your home and office through a camera and your mobile! Wonder how much the service would cost and looking forward to see if Etisalat can follow suit with a better offer....the benefits of competition!

Useful Stuff for your Cooking - Nonions!

2007-05-21T00:59:00.000-07:00

Having helped peel and chop onions at home for both my mom and wife, I know for a fact that onions can cause a teary eyed relationship between mother-in-law and a daughter-in-law.
So, NOnions comes as a breath of fresh air to many a kitchen. Definitely a time-saver!

Found the Nonions flyer lying at my doorstep yesterday evening.

The new road toll system in Dubai - Salik

2007-05-21T00:56:00.000-07:00

Here is a news clipping about the new road toll system...Salik.

Useful Hobbies/Skills to acquire during Dubai's Summer

2007-05-20T02:52:00.000-07:00

Today's 7Days.ae carried an interesting feature on the activities and hobbies one can learn in Dubai. Have scanned that article below:

Top of the class

Last Updated : Sunday 20 May, 2007

When asked about your hobbies and interests are you able to reel off a list of intriguing activities - or do your favourite TV shows, bars and beaches spring to mind? Instead of cursing these balmy days, spend some time getting good at something or learn a skill that you can take through life and maybe even use to smarten up your CV....full article

BargainsOnBook.com Book Fair 2007 - May18-22 - Al Boom Marine Village, Dubai

2007-05-17T13:11:00.000-07:00

Book lovers rejoice!

DEWA - Different ways of paying your DEWA bill

2007-05-17T12:45:00.000-07:00

RTA - Change in Drivers Licensing Department Fax No.

2007-05-17T12:40:00.000-07:00

May 10, Gulf News

Earn fame and even money through your home videos and photos!

2007-05-15T00:32:00.000-07:00

The UAE media is now giving its readers and viewers opportunities to get their 15 minutes of fame and even money by sharing their videos and photos. I even saw Dubai's One TV asking viewers to send in their videos and stories during their 7:30 pm local news program.

Here are a few of the ads advertising these opportunites to would be citizen journalists:

1) 7 Days

2) Emirates Today

3) Shoof TV

Useful Pocket-size Tools - Carrefour & Day2Day-Karama

2007-05-14T23:38:00.000-07:00

Last week, was at the popular mall - Deira City Centre. Was helping some visitors from India shop around at Carrefour. My eyes fell upon these tiny tools priced at Dhs.9.50/- each.

A sucker for pocket-sized tools, I instantly grabbed them up....I also photograped the entire package and contents to share them with you:

1) DIY of Chicago Tools - 6-in-1 Screwdriver set

2) 5-in-1 Mini Multi Tool

This tool came with a neat little pouch and key ring. Wish the 6-in-1 came with a key ring too!

3) 9 Function Stainless Steel Pocket Knife

Picked this up at the Day 2 day Dime (Dhs.2/-) shop at Karama. Yup...this costs just Dhs.2/- at piece. There was one more bigger one with 13 functions - preferred the smaller one though.

Useful Stuff at the Japan Home Centre, Khaleej Centre, Bur Dubai

2007-05-08T01:52:00.000-07:00

The new Japan Home Center caught my eye as I walked out of the Etisalat Business Centre at the Al Khaleej Centre, Bur Dubai after paying my phone bill. Remembering Daiso at the Lamcy Plaza, I was curious to see how different the JHC was.

Most of the products seemed to be original Japanese with prices starting from Dhs.5 onwards. Found some interesting stuff too but I leave it upto you to visit them and judege. Picked up their flyer (scan below) which has their location map. Also took a photo of the store.

Today I tried googling them and found their Hong Kong website. They seem to be focusing more on quality and niche products rather than Daiso's Walmart approach.

[Contests] Red Bull Flug Tag - Flying Contest at the Dubai Creek Park

2007-05-01T02:55:00.000-07:00

On 23rd November 2007. Lots of time. But Red Bull shows that they plan ahead by starting an early campaign. From their website:

"Flugtag, which means “flying day” in German, challenges creative genius and team spirit with friends, coworkers or neighbors in a attempt to design and construct their own human-powered flying machine and on the day attempt to fly it. "

[Delivery Menu] Shaikha Cafeteria, Jumeir Dubai Media CIty

2007-05-01T02:44:00.000-07:00

[Delivery Menu] Quiznos Sub, Dubai Media CIty

2007-05-01T02:17:00.000-07:00

Dubai Municipality - Pocket sized Contact Card

2007-04-23T07:52:00.000-07:00

On display at the Dubai Municipality office in Deira, this business card / pocket sized card contains their Contact Center numbers and contact numbers of all their branches throughout Dubai:

Etisalat - Useful Info behind Bills

2007-04-23T07:50:00.000-07:00

Supermarket - Tamil Sandhai - Niche supermarket for the Tamil community

2007-04-23T07:45:00.000-07:00

The Tamil community (an ethnic group from the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu) is a burgeoning one in the UAE. This could be seen by Etisalat's off peak call rates to Tamil Nadu announced on the Tamil New Year day on April 14. Tamil Sandhai is a niche supermarket catering entirely to the Tamil community in the UAE.

DEWA - Customer Voice

2007-04-23T07:22:00.000-07:00

Dubai Electricity & Water Authority reminds us of their toll free number and other feedback options through this flyer-bill insert:

Hippopotamus Restaurant at Dubai Marina

2007-04-13T22:13:00.000-07:00

The Free Children's Dessert offer is only upto April 15th.

[BIZ CARD] Gerald - Finance House, Dubai

2007-04-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

In the Dubai world of bank eats bank credit card offers, here's a new one on the scene with a better interest rate and hopefully better deals and service since they are new. I got in touch with Gerald for balance transfers on cards from big banks with killing interest rates. Finance House's low interest rates will keep my head above choppy credit waters for awhile.

Etisalat Global Friends and Family Service

2007-04-06T13:19:00.000-07:00

You can choose 3 of the most frequently dialled international numbers and get a 20% discount on calls made during peak and off peak hours. A monthly subscription of Dhs.20/- is applied. Click to enlarge the image below and get all the details.

Do leave a comment if you have found this service to be useful or otherwise.

7Days, 4 Apr 07

Participate in the Ministry of Labour and Du Online Labour Survey

2007-04-06T13:07:00.000-07:00

Should employers give priority to Nationals? Share your opinion at www.UaeLabourLaw.net

If you ask me, yes...as this is their country!

Emirates Today, 5 April 2007

Emirates Today Weekly Photo Contest -Dhs.3,000/- worth of prizes

2007-04-06T12:25:00.000-07:00

I know a friend who has splurged more than Dhs.6,000/- on a Nikon Digital SLR and accessories. He has already upgraded his camera once and still intends to get more powerful Nikon versions. He calls his obsession - NAS - Nikon Acquisition Syndrome, a term coined by Nikon enthusiasts.

Well, this weekly Emirates Today competition could be a way to get a return on his investment.

A tip: One doesnt have to spend a fortune..for as little as Dhs.250/- to Dhs.500/- one can get 6 megapixels and above digital cameras of the Touchmate, Yashica variety and they serve the purpose beautifully too! My friend has found the daylight picture quality of my Dhs.250/- Touchmate 6MP digital camera to be the same as his Dhs.6,000 Nikon. So go ahead, if you have the interest and inclination for photography...you dont have to let it hurt your pockets!

Emirates Today, 5 April 2007

Rolls Royce in Burgers?

2007-04-06T12:09:00.000-07:00

Gourmet Burger Kitchen at Uptown Mirdif & DIFC

7Days, 3 Apr 2007

Central Perk at Dubai Marina

2007-04-06T12:04:00.000-07:00

Central Perk opens at the lobby of Tower B, the Waves at Dubai Marina

Emirates Today, 5 Apr 07

Find a univeristy and course of your choice - GETEX, Dubai

2007-04-06T11:50:00.000-07:00

Gulf Education and Training Exhibition...over 500 institutions, 45+ countries and over 20,000 courses on offer...ideal place to land a great course for you or your child! April 11th to 14th at the Zabeel Hall, Dubai International Exhibition Centre.

KT, 5 Apr 07

The Body - Buy 1 Get 1 Free Incentive Guide

2007-04-06T11:41:00.000-07:00

Looks like a good incentive guide for those interested in health and fitness services.

7 Days, 3 April 2007

End of March USEful stuff!

2007-04-02T23:08:00.000-07:00

1) E*Trade Financial - Should be great for online investors and home based stock traders.

www.uae.etrade.com

Emirates Today, 29th Mar 07

2) IKEA - One cannot resist falling in love with their deals...looking for some tables to turn at home?...then the IKEA offer below should do the trick!

Gulf News, 28th March 2007

3) Emirates Airlines Online Booking - April 2007 fares

Emirates.ae

Emirates Today, 27 March 2007

4) Etisalat Weyak - Live World Cup Cricket action on your mobile phone -

Emirates Today, 27 March 2007

5) Free Child Safety Book from Babyshop - Good corporate responsibility and great marketing!

Emirates Today, 29 March 2007

6) Young Entrepreneurs Competition, Dubai - Reef Mall, Deira - April 3rd to April 5th

A chance to catch something creative and interesting!

Emirates Today, 29th march 2007

A treat for Book lovers! - Abu Dhabi International Book Fair

2007-04-02T22:47:00.000-07:00

The annual Abu Dhabi Book Exhibtion is on and should be a treat to book lovers as well as those looking to picking up some useful titles. Though the ad below says the fair is until April 7th, a related article that I read in today's (3rd April 2007) Emirates Today states that the fair will be till April 13th...could have been extended due to the response and demand.

I remember attending my first Abu Dhabi Book Fair in 1999 at the Cultural Foundation when starting out a career in web content development...I picked up an O'Reily book - Web Navigation .

Gulf News, 28 Mar 2007

A taste of Pakistan in Dubai

2007-03-29T02:46:00.001-07:00

On 24th March, Gulf News had a Pakistan supplement

It had an article on Pakistani food along with a list of restaurants in Dubai famous for their Pakistani cuisine along with their contact nos. :

It had missed out 2 restaurants that I had seen in Karama - Nirala Sweets and Daily Restaurant.

SecretDubai had mentioned Daily Restaurant's Bihari kebabs on her blog.

Will post the contact nos. of Nirala and Daily when I get them.

Ministry of Labour - New Toll Free Helpline - 800 665

2007-03-29T02:20:00.000-07:00

With the construction blitzkrieg happening in Dubai, there are bound to be labour problems. Good of the Ministry of Labour to start a helpline.....hmm..looks like this is more for the companies...there was also a toll free for labour...

...in tandem with the above post, I am posting the low res scan of the booklet for UAE Labour printed last year...the toll free for labour is 800 9119.

Cover:

Pg 1, 2

Pg 3, 4

Pg 5, 6

Pg 7, 8

USEUae.com

National ID cards – what do you need to know?

National ID cards – what do you need to know?

National ID cards – Emirates ID - Deadline and Procedure - the complete details

National ID cards – what do you need to know?

Blackberry subscribers won't be charged for use outside UAE: etisalat official

Help at Hand : Phone Numbers for Abuse Assistance

Renew your driving licence online

UAE laws translated into English

Etisalat warns customers of phone call scam

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/545274-etisalat-warns-customers-of-phone-call-scam

Etisalat warns customers of phone call scam

Many convenient ways of paying traffic fines in Abu Dhabi

Website offers job search by mobile phone

Gulf News publishes an Interactive Map: Dubai Rental Index

Weekly Menu - Snack and Meal Deliveries to Dubai Internet City, Media City and Knowledge Village

Etisalat goes live with voice directory service

Interesting Events - Al Ain Acrobatic Show & Dubai Food Festival

Order healthy lunches online

Dubai offers free public parking until December 11

Dubai offers free public parking until December 11

Free-of-charge book lending service in Al Ain

Free-of-charge book lending service attracts many readers in Al Ain

How to prevent ATM fraud - good practices to follow

Free Movie Workshop. Tuesdays - 7pm

If you fail a driving test, you can appeal...

Home Security Service in Dubai when you're on vacation

Online Map of Dubai Embassies

Time and Steps required for Dubai Work Visa Processing

Actor training seminar in Dubai

Suggest name for fountain, win Dh100,000

Parking at Bur Juman Mall no longer free - Memo

World Mate Mobile Travel service

No more public smoking in Sharjah

Beach Precautions - 'If the red flag is up, don't swim'

New Dh200 note to be issued from tomorrow

The first online school in the UAE

Free wi-fi for Abu Dhabi airport passengers & New Car Park Rates

If you are staying in a shared villa...

No more 9 to 5?

Now you can carpool in Dubai!

School Bus Locator & 'Child-now-in-School' SMS Informer

Free Tech Check Up

A Doctor at your Doorstep in 1 hour - Now how useful is that?

Book Exhibition - Bargain Books - Grand Sale 2008 - May 15 to May 19

Discover Scuba Diving at Jumeirah Beach for just Dhs.100

Waterbus on the Creek will now run after midnight

Waterbus on the Creek will now run after midnight

Report dangerous drivers in Dubai

Commuters on the streets can now hail taxis by SMS

Commuters on the streets can now hail taxis by SMS

Useful Phone Numbers - Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah

etisalat gears up to offer mobile remittance services

The Junior Rock Challenge - Participate now!

Feline Friends Book Sale this weekend!

Recycling Centres in Dubai

Collective effort needed to improve recycling

MTV Arabia looking for local hip-hop artists!

Magrudy's Warehouse Sale this Friday to Sunday!

UNICEF Junior Video Workshop sponsored by DIFF

Abu Dhabi International Airport - Liquids Guidelines for Passengers

TRA Public Announcement - Mobile Coverage and Quality

USEful Devices - m-Drive - In car Navigator

RTA - Motorbike Service

Find your way with Sharjah Call Centre

DEWA - eRecruitment

CreativeMumz.com

The 10 Commandments for the 21t Century (according to Tea Makipaa)

ICE - In Case of Emergency

Emirates Today givesaway free UAE University & College Guide 2007

Dubai Airport - New Security Rule for Hand Baggage, Effective 17th June 2007

More on Salik (Dubai Road Toll)

New Library in Dubai

For whom the bell tolls- Salik is here!

First toll gate installed near GarhoudBridge

Cool Software for 'use' locally!

Software keeps moviegoers updated

Road closed till October next year

Road closed till October next year

Authorities warn against using some toothpastes

First toll gate installed near Garhoud
Bridge