Tag Archives: horse-racing
A stunning virtual tour of ‘Vertical City’
A stunning virtual tour of ‘Vertical City’ (Staff Reporter) / 25 June 2013 The stunning detail of Burj Khalifa came to life on Google with the launch of a new 360-degree street view imagery of the world’s tallest building. The new visuals were unveiled on Monday by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Shaikh Mohammed praised the project as he said: “Burj Khalifa is a landmark not only for the people of the UAE but for people from all over the world, and it is the right of everyone on this globe to get an opportunity to see and experience for themselves this global landmark.” The project to capture images from inside Burj Khalifa was done by Google in partnership with Emaar Properties. High-resolution 360-degree images were captured using a trekker device suspended from building maintenance units. Courtesy: Youtube.com/Sheikhmohammed.ae The launch is part of the ‘Street View Collections’ project by Google presents global landmarks through its mapping applications which are accessible to more than one billion people around the world. The iconic Burj Khalifa will feature as a ‘Vertical City’, being the first skyscraper to be part of the project, according to a Press release issued by the Government of Dubai Media Office. Shaikh Mohammed praised the results of the project and the imagery that provides a striking virtual tour of the tower. “We do not look at Google as a commercial body but as a knowledge-based organisation that has played an active role in linking civilizations to people and cultures, and in the UAE, we highly value the importance of such a role,” Shaikh Mohammed said. Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman, Emaar Properties, said: “We commend Google for this remarkable initiative, which will enable people around the world to experience this fascinating architectural marvel that positions the world-class city of Dubai.” He called Burj Khalifa a ‘pride of the United Arab Emirates’ and a ‘true icon’ underlining strength of global collaborations. The pictures were taken over a period of three days and they include interior and exterior portions of Burj Khalifa including the surrounding grounds, the entrance from The Dubai Mall to ‘At the Top, Burj Khalifa’, the world’s highest observation deck with an outdoor terrace on the 124 th floor, as well as the residential and commercial entrances. Stunning external pictures were also taken from the 160 th floor, providing an outstanding virtual experience. The iconic Burj Khalifa becomes the first skyscraper to be part of Google’s ‘Street View Collections’ project. — Wam The capture also takes users on a journey through the high-speed elevators, sky lobbies, corporate suites, and meeting room facilities, as well as breathtaking views from inside suspended building maintenance units giving users jaw-dropping views of the city and Burj Khalifa. Mohammad Gawdat, Vice-President, Google in Mena stated: “We are so proud that Google has selected Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa for its first skyscraper — the images are breathtaking and the Burj Khalifa is a beaming example of the vision and achievements of this nation.” By bringing the technology to remote and restricted places around the world, the Street View project allows a global audience to marvel at urban masterpieces demonstrating the depths which Google will go in its ongoing quest to build the perfect, most comprehensive map. The virtual tour of Burj Khalifa can be experienced by visiting Google site maps at www.google.ae/streetview muaz@khaleejtimes.com Continue reading
UAE releases 93 endangered falcons into the wild in Kazakhstan
UAE releases 93 endangered falcons into the wild in Kazakhstan Staff Reporter / 24 June 2013 The UAE, under the Shaikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme (SZFRP), has released 93 endangered falcons this year in Kazakhstan. This takes the number of the bird of the culturally emblematic birds released into their natural habitat in the wild, since the programme started in 1995, to 1,554, the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) said in a statement. The programme, under the patronage of the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is now in its 19th successive year and indications are that the numbers of falcons in the wild are growing as a result of the work being done by Abu Dhabi to restore a bird crucial to local heritage, the statement said. The first falcon release programme, under the directives of late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan, was launched in Pakistan’s Balochistan province with 100 birds of prey, all tagged for identification and tracking. After another release again in Balochistan, the third was launched in Pakistan’s Northern Area of Gilgit-Baltistan and then a large number of releases in Central Asia, particularly the Kazakh region. This year’s release carried out from May 16-18 included a total number of 46 Peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) and 47 Saker falcons (Falco cherrug) in Kurchum, Eastern Kazakhstan for the fifth consecutive year. “In the words of our father, the late Shaikh Zayed, our ancestors left us a legacy of traditions we are proud of. Our mission is to maintain and develop them as assets of the nation for future generations. Abu Dhabi’s work to preserve this cultural icon is both unified and international and reflects our commitment in making a real difference to both global conservation and for the preservation of our culture,” said Mohammed Al Bowardi, Managing Director of EAD. The Republic of Kazakhstan is an ideal location to release falcons due to its mountains and plains situated within the falcons’ migration range (that spreads through Russia, China, and Mongolia). Out of the 93 falcons, five Peregrine falcons and five Saker falcons were fitted with solar battery-powered satellite transmitters to monitor their flight paths and to gather scientific data about their survival rates. The programme uses cutting-edge technology to study the migration patterns of falcons, which inform the breeding and releases of falcons to provide a better chance for the birds’ survival. On-site observation and continuous monitoring through SZFRP have indicated the programme is increasing the number of falcons in the wild in Kazakhstan. “This research helps us spread awareness amongst the locals in the release areas in Kazakhstan. Falconers visit universities and schools and appear on Kazakh TV stations to show videos about releasing falcons and talk about falcons and falconry. By spreading the conservation message of this programme and getting local people to help the local government, we have a better chance of protecting these falcons,” added Al Bowardi This year, the UAE delegation for the releases included Dr Mugheer A Khaili, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Education Council and a member of the Board of International Fund for Houbara Conservation (IFHC). Al Bowardi, who is also Deputy Chairman of IFHC, added the programme shows the UAE’s commitment to protecting falcons and their prey, and is a continuation of the country’s efforts to preserve other endangered species, such as the Asian Houbara, which is the preferred prey of falconers. “By releasing them into the wild in their normal habitat, we give them the chance to reproduce and for populations to expand. This in its turn will help sustain the culture and heritage of falconry which has been important for thousands of years,” he explained. news@khaleejtimes.com Continue reading
Homes of needy Emiratis to undergo face-lift
Homes of needy Emiratis to undergo face-lift Ahmed Shaaban / 24 June 2013 Two charity societies in the emirate of Umm Al Quwain have allocated Dh7 million for maintaining, constructing and furnishing old houses. Deputy Director of the UAQ Charity Society, Khalfan bin Yukha, has specified Dh2 million for maintaining and constructing the utilities of the 23 houses. A special committee at the society has provided the utilities needed for five houses. Meanwhile, the Dar Al Ber Society in UAQ finished maintenance works on 20 houses in the emirate at a cost of Dh2 million. ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com Continue reading
