Sports
DHA breaks record in ‘medical marathon’
DHA breaks record in ‘medical marathon’ Staff Reporter / 27 January 2014 More than 690 medical professionals took part in the Dubai Marathon 2014 breaking the earlier Guinness World Record of 2012 when 619 medical professionals took part in a marathon in Singapore. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) broke the existing Guinness World Record for the largest number of medical professionals to take part in a marathon on Friday. More than 690 medical professionals took part in the Dubai Marathon 2014 breaking the earlier Guinness World Record of 2012 when 619 medical professionals took part in a marathon in Singapore. A representative from the Guiness World Record was present during the marathon. Essa Al Maidoor, Director-General of the DHA, who led his team in the marathon record bid said: “Leading an active life is essential to protect oneself from the onset of several chronic diseases, most of which are triggered by unhealthy and inactive lifestyles. Healthcare professionals often have hectic routines and therefore we wanted to use this opportunity to remind them to take time out for themselves and participate in the marathon. We are hopeful that they will continue exercising regularly, even after the marathon is over.” Al Maidoor who is an avid sports enthusiast said it is unfortunate that people do not find 30 minutes in a day for themselves so that they can take part in any sport or exercise. More than 1,255 employees from the DHA ran on Friday for the Dubai Marathon 2014, this includes administrative staff from the authority as well. “This is the largest participation from a government organisation in a sporting event in the Middle East and North Africa region,” said Dr Moin Fikree, medical director of the Trauma Centre, Rashid Hospital. Fikree said that there are several parks, jogging tracks and beaches in Dubai where people can take part in outdoor activities during the winter months. “As healthcare professionals, it is upsetting to see young people being brought into the hospital for heart attacks and other chronic diseases often caused by obesity, lack of exercise and tobacco consumption.” Dr G Y Naroo, specialist in emergency medicine at Rashid Hospital’s Trauma Centre, who took part in the 42km run along with his eight colleagues said: “Heart attacks take place 10 years earlier in this region compared to many western countries, strokes take place at least 20 years earlier in the UAE as compared to many other countries. These statistics are alarming. There is a direct link between expanding waist lines and these illnesses, therefore, it is time to educate our youth to lead active lifestyles and as the health authority for the emirate of Dubai, we felt, it was important for us to spread this message through our participation in such an important sporting event.” asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com For more news from Khaleej Times, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/khaleejtimes , and on Twitter at @khaleejtimes Continue reading
Mohammed sets up Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Trade Marketing
Mohammed sets up Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Trade Marketing (Wam) / 26 January 2014 The new corporation will become the entity responsible for promoting the emirate as a prime destination for tourism, entertainment, and events. His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, issued a law on Sunday, establishing a new body, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM). The new corporation is an affiliate of the Dubai Government’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and will become the entity responsible for the promotion and marketing of the Emirate of Dubai. The decree states that the corporation will have a mandate which includes promoting the emirate as a prime destination for tourism, entertainment, and events; promoting the emirate’s credentials for global business, with the essential facilities, infrastructure, events and expertise required to facilitate trade; and attracting regional and international businesses to establish offices in the emirate. The corporation will be responsible for establishing effective partnerships with public and private sector organisations whose work relates to the tourism and commerce sectors in the emirate and for fostering trade relations with local, regional and international companies within relevant industries, with a view to increasing inbound travel and trade. With responsibility for promoting the Dubai brand, the corporation will establish and operate representative offices in key markets around the world, taking responsibility for the commercial marketing of the emirate and its tourist facilities, resorts, products and services through advertising, event organisation, festivals, exhibitions, entertainment and commercial shows, social media, digital marketing and other means of communications. Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of DTCM, said: “The establishment of the new Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, will ensure that there is an entity dedicated to working with private and public sector entities to market and promote Dubai s position as a leading international city around the world. “In the lead up to 2020, there is a need for us to continue to develop and enhance our tourism and trade marketing and compete as peers with the world’s leading global cities. The creation of the corporation and the focus it will provide to the marketing and promotion of Dubai will enhance coordination of activities and help to amplify our efforts to promote the strengths and diversity of our city globally. This in turn will attract more visitors and businesses and help to expand Dubai’s economy.” The corporation will be given an annual budget by the government, and will also be funded through proceeds from commercial sponsorship, promotional campaigns conducted by the corporation, subscription to events it organises, establishing branches, installing show platforms for public and private entities, and through other related services conducted by the corporation. Additionally, a fee named the Tourism Dirham will be levied on a per night basis on stays in hotels, hotel apartments and other short-term stay facilities. The corporation will also establish a new tourist information centre within the city to complement the current visitor information centres at Dubai International Airport and Dubai Cruise Terminal. The Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing will be headquartered in Dubai, and will operate offices around the world to help facilitate its work. The corporation will report to, and will operate as an affiliate of DTCM, which remains the authority responsible for the planning, development, supervision and regulation of the tourism sector. For more news from Khaleej Times, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/khaleejtimes , and on Twitter at @khaleejtimes Continue reading
Projects to improve roads in Godolphin and Zabeel areas
Projects to improve roads in Godolphin and Zabeel areas Staff Reporter / 26 January 2014 Directives issued to rename Al Khail First Road as Al Saadah Road. The Al Saada Road extends about 7.5km linking Shaikh Rashid Road and Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard Road. — Supplied photo Inspired by the nature of the district, Al Khail First Road has been renamed Al Saada Road which means happiness in Arabic. His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has also ordered improvement of two parallel road projects in the Godolphin and Zabeel areas costing about Dh1 billion, according to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The now Al Saada Road extends about 7.5km linking the Shaikh Rashid Road and the Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard Road and is inspired by the nature of the district which harbours towering facilities including the Executive Council of Dubai, Dubai World Trade Centre, Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall in addition to an array of hotels and tourist attractions. Starting from a point nearby the World Trade Centre, Al Saada Road passes by the Dubai Financial Center and stretches up to the downtown Burj Khalifa. “These vital facilities bring welfare and happiness to citizens, residents and tourists alike,” said Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of RTA. “This classifies the UAE as one of the happiest countries on earth,” Al Tayer said that the Parallel Roads Improvement Project in Godolphin area would be undertaken in the last quarter of this year. “It requires about 30 months to complete and costs about Dh900 million,” he added. The project comprises construction of several roads, bridges and tunnels to ensure smooth traffic flow on the parallel roads and alleviate congestions in the neighbourhood. “It is considered an extension to Al Asayel Road and Al Saada Road aimed to support the existing roads in the Business Bay district improve the traffic services and provide entry and exit options for the area stretching along the Shaikh Zayed and Al Khail Roads besides linking with the surrounding communities such as Al Qouz, Zabeel and Jumeirah,” continued Al Tayer. The eastern Parallel Roads Project at Zabeel will be an extension of the Al Asayel Road and will cost about Dh100 million. Work on the project is set to start as early as February 2014 and will continue for 210 days. “The project links the Business Bay district with the existing Oud Metha Road through the underpasses of the Financial Centre Road and Zabeel 2 Road. This new road extends 3km and comprises three lanes in each direction,” said Al Tayer. “In future it will be linked with the Shaikh Rashid bin Saeed crossing through a bridge passing over Oud Metha Road to link Bur Dubai with The Lagoons, Al Warqaa, Nad Al Hammar and the International City. The project works include ceramic cladding and lighting of the underpasses of the Financial Centre Road and Zabeel Road,” he added. news@khaleejtimes.com For more news from Khaleej Times, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/khaleejtimes , and on Twitter at @khaleejtimes Continue reading
