Tag Archives: opinion
Mamzar Beach flies flag of excellence
Mamzar Beach flies flag of excellence Sajila Saseendran / 7 July 2013 It is official now. Dubai’s Al Mamzar Beach has become the first public beach in the emirate, and the second in the country, to fly the Blue Flag, an international symbol of excellence in safety and quality. Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director-General of the Dubai Municipality, hoisted the Blue Flag at Al Mamzar Beach Park on Saturday morning. Though two public beaches operated by the Dubai Municipality — Al Mamzar and Jumeirah Open Beach — have already received the coveted status awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), the hoisting of the Blue Flag took place first in Al Mamzar. Dubbed the world’s biggest eco-label, the flag will be flown on the Jumeirah Open Beach in the coming days. Lootah said the Blue Flag is one of the benchmarks in the field of environment protection, cleanliness and safety which the civic body has committed to excel in. “The programme increases the chances of sustainable environmental development, the concept of eco-tourism and attracting more tourists to the country, highlighting what we are doing to protect the environment.” A mock drill of lifeguards and paramedics rescuing a drowning swimmer was conducted as part of the educational activities arranged at the beach. Officials distributed environmental awareness materials as well. Otherwise seen in Emirati attire, Lootah sported beachwear and swam over to the deep side of the shore to check in person the measures in place. The international quality mark is awarded to beaches and marinas which comply with 32 high standards in water quality, environmental education, eco-friendly management, and safety and services, said Mohammed Al Noori, Director of the Corporate Marketing and Relations Department. “It was a challenging job to meet certain criteria at the Jumeirah Open Beach, the entry to which is not restricted through a park, unlike in Mamzar,” said Al Noori, who also heads the Environment Centre for Arab Towns (ECAT) with which the municipality had collaborated to carry out the Blue Flag programme. Complying with the prerequisites of the Blue Flag, the municipality has strengthened the safety measures and services for the beach users. According to Head of Public Parks Mohammed Al Fardan, eight lifeguards are now on duty at Al Mamzar Beach and three at Jumeirah Open Beach. “We have already fixed 50 beach parasols and 10 showers in Mamzar. We will increase the numbers as we are expecting more visitors due to the Blue Flag status,” he said. Access to people with special needs is another criterion met by the Blue Flag beaches, the water quality of which must fully comply with set standards. The ban on barbecuing and walking pets on the beaches are also strictly observed to maintain the status. If the criteria are not fulfilled during the season or the conditions change, the Blue Flag may be withdrawn. To date, 3,203 beaches and 646 marinas are awarded the Blue Flag worldwide, according to the website of the Blue Flag programme which completed 25 years in 2012. In total, 60 countries have been granted the Blue Flag, including Europe, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, New Zealand, Brazil, Canada, the Caribbean, Jordan and the UAE. The UAE is the first and only country in the GCC to have Blue Flag beaches and marinas. So far, eight beaches and four marinas in the country have become eligible to fly the prestigious symbol of safety and standards. Most of them are private properties. Abu Dhabi Corniche Beach was the first public beach to fly the Blue Flag in the UAE. sajila@khaleejtimes.com Continue reading
July 4th special: Experiencing US flavour
July 4th special: Experiencing US flavour Sarah Young / 6 July 2013 A mechanical bull, Creedance Clearwater Revival, and plenty of red, white and blue confetti helped the American community in Dubai celebrate the 237th anniversary of their country’s independence, as trade relations with the UAE continue to grow. Consulate General of the USA political-economic station chief Tanya Spencer said the 4th of July event, attended by about 600 people, not only marked the US declaration of independence, but also the success of the American business community in the UAE. Trade value figures were up 33 per cent year-to-date, compared with the January to May period last year, and this was on top of a record-breaking performance last year, she said. “Where economic ties are, others are sure to follow.” Council president Ramsey Jurdi said the US was increasingly focusing on exports, as traditionally about 90 per cent of US companies had focused on the home market. Last year, US companies exported products worth more than $22.5 billion to the UAE, while in early 2013 UAE exports to the US increased by 40 per cent. Jurdi said council membership, sitting at more than 500, was steadily growing following a slight dip during recession, and it was estimated there were about 900 US businesses operating in the UAE. This was the largest gathering of US citizens during the year. “It’s about tradition … it’s nice when you get that flavour of home here in Dubai.” Karam Noufal, who came to Dubai from Chicago two years ago, said the event was important to ensure his children kept their ‘bond’ with the US. “It’s good to belong to somewhere. “It’s fun for the kids and they can get to know their culture.” Arabian Gas general manager Robinson Leiva attended with his wife Alejandra Sanchez, and their three children, two of whom are studying in the US. Leiva said it was a big deal for the family, who came to Dubai two years ago from Florida, but were originally from Chile, “because we are (US) citizens by choice.” “It’s about family time really. Our kids are visiting and we don’t see them that often.” Kevin Crosby, from Missouri, said the principles behind the celebration were still relevant. “Lots of folks in this part of the world are looking for something different, the same idea our founding fathers had in mind. They’re definitely trying to find their own voice.” The dinner, held at the Meydan Hotel, featured entertainment from the Yale Whiffenpoofs, America’s oldest collegiate a cappella group, who were in Dubai as part of a 26-nation tour. sarah@khaleejtimes.com Continue reading
Female Oud star sets out to conquer Japanese hearts
Female Oud star sets out to conquer Japanese hearts Caitlyn Davey / 6 July 2013 Excitement and nervousness are the two emotions Sherine Tohamy is feeling about her overseas tour. The Abu Dhabi-based Arabic Oud professor and performer is jetting to Japan, for a week, to showcase her musical talents on July 9 and 15. Tohamy released the first female Oud solo album and was the first female graduate of Bait Al Oud (House of Oud). The Egyptian, who has lived here for eight years, is now a professor at the Abu Dhabi campus of the music school. She was the first female Arabic Oud player to perform in Malaysia and now is going to Tokyo. Despite her impressive resume, the high-achiever remains modest about her tour. “I am a little nervous…they may not like me,” she said. “I am excited to visit Japan because this is the first time for me to see Tokyo and the first time for an Arabic female Oud soloist to visit Japan.” The tour will include a collaborative performance with Japanese singer Karen Tokita and a Brazilian band as well as a performance for Tohamy’s native Egypt’s embassy in Japan and a solo concert for Japanese students of Oud including a workshop. Tohamy said: “It’s a different culture and a different audience to Abu Dhabi, but I think Japanese people are really interested in Arabic music and culture, especially the Oud.” Encouraging everyone to try Oud, Tohamy hopes to inspire other women to have a go. “It’s not just for men, some people think it is; but I hope women will try and see how wonderful it is. We even make smaller-sized Oud for ladies.” news@khaleejtimes.com Continue reading
