Tag Archives: dubai
Grand Imam of Egypt’s Al Azhar: relations with UAE very strong
Grand Imam of Egypt’s Al Azhar: relations with UAE very strong (WAM) / 27 April 2013 The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, Sheikh Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayyib, who was named the Cultural Personality of the Year by the 2013 Sheikh Zayed Book Award earlier this month, has arrived in Abu Dhabi starting a visit to the UAE. In statements upon arrival, Sheikh Al Tayeb thanked the President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice – President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and General Shaikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces for inviting him to visit the UAE. He also hailed “the very strong relations between the Al Azhar Mosque and the UAE” and “the intimate relationship between the two peoples and the two countries.” “These relations are reflected by projects such as the Zayed Institute for Teaching Arabic for Non-Native Speakers, sponsored by the UAE’s Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, to serve thousands of students from Asia, Europe, America and China Sheikh Al Tayeb was received at the Airport by Dr. Hadef bin Jowan Al Dhahiri, Minister of Justice, Tamer Mansour, Egypt’s ambassador to the UAE, and a number of senior officials. “In fact, the honor of being personally named the Cultural Personality of the Year by the UAE’s Sheikh Zayed Book Award also goes to Egypt, Al Azhar and the Muslim World as Al Azhar is not Egyptian but an Arab, Islamic and international institution which has been the Ummah’s (nation) guardian of the moderation of this religion for more than one thousand and fifty years now and will continue to serve the interests of Islam and Muslims,” the Grand Imam of Al Azhar said. “I pray to Allah Almighty to enable me to be up to their expectations. I am proud of this honor which I consider as an honor to the Al Azhar as an Islamic authority in Egypt and the Muslim World.” “We appreciate the support extended by the UAE to the Al Azhar as an international institution. The UAE’s contributions to the Al Azhar are countless. I thank the leadership of the UAE and the board of trustees of the Award,” Sheikh Al-Tayeb added. The Sheikh Zayed Book Award is presented every year to outstanding Arab writers, intellectuals, publishers as well as young talents. The Cultural Personality of the Year category honors a prominent Arab or international figure (or organization) for contributing to the advancement of the Arabic culture, embodying tolerance and promoting peaceful coexistence. Continue reading
Pedalling to a greener future
Pedalling to a greener future (Staff Reporter) / 27 April 2013 DUBAI – Cycling enthusiasts in the emirate have a good reason to cheer about with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) approving a plan to construct additional cycling tracks stretching 52km across 11 residential districts in Dubai at a cost of Dh40 million. “The construction of the cycling tracks is part of a master plan developed by the RTA to provide dedicated cycling spanning the entire Dubai Emirate in a bid to encourage the use of bikes as an environment-friendly transit means, as well as for the benefit of cycling enthusiasts. It also comes in implementation of RTA’s vision of safe and smooth transport for all as the advanced countries are focusing on raising the proportion of pedestrian and cyclists since they involve traffic, health and environmental benefits,” said Mattar Al Tayer, RTA chairman. Th e cycling tracks are part of RTA master plan to encourage the use of bicycles as an environment-friendly transit.— KT photo by Shihab The cycling tracks plan will cover Al Barsha, Al Khawaneej, Al Warqa, Al Qouz, Al Safouh Road, Al Mamzar Park, Mushrif Park, Hor Al Anz East, and Mirdif. The selection of these districts was based on a number of parameters including the tourist and aesthetic nature of the area and its attraction to cyclists and residents of the neighbourhood, public transport stations, suitability of the site, traffic safety, and the appeal to pedestrians. The design of the track was tailored to ensure the security and safety of bikers. The plan will extend from this year until 2016. “In 2008 the RTA developed a Cycling Master Plan that included charting routes for bikes within the rights-of-way as well as separate lanes. The Plan detailed the specifications and standards of separating cycling tracks from pedestrian pathways, and addressed the intersection points with cycling tracks, provision of biking tracks in general and at the public transport stations in particular, cycling lanes in entertainment areas, materials to be used in the construction of cycling tracks, and the signage for bikes and tracks,” elaborated Al Tayer. There are now more than 100km-long cycling tracks, including 25km-long cycling lane on Jumeirah Road and about one km-long lane near the Mall of the Emirates station. Other tracks by private entities are at Al Mizher and Al Mamzar Park. “The RTA is currently constructing a 4.5km-long track in Bur Dubai, and has completed the designs of four tracks linking Jumeirah Road with 4 metro stations on the Shaikh Zayed Road. Additionally, the RTA has completed the construction of 1,400 bike tracks around the metro stations,’’ Al Tayer said. news@khaleejtimes.com Continue reading
Dubai set to be ultimate destination for summer
Dubai set to be ultimate destination for summer (Staff Reporter) / 27 April 2013 DUBAI – Summers will never be the same again with Dubai set to become the ultimate destination for the season. To communicate its position as the ultimate summer destination, Dubai is launching ‘Summer is Dubai’, a three month campaign from June 7 to September 7. The objective of ‘Summer is Dubai’ is to demonstrate to residents and visitors from around the world the extensive leisure and tourism Dubai have to offer, showcasing the city as a summer destination that offers more than any comparable city in terms of the scope of its events, world class infrastructure, hassle free entry to the country and ease of transportation. With its air conditioned hotels, transportation facilities, shopping malls, water parks, climate controlled indoor entertainment and even indoor skiing, the city has been designed to ensure that visitors have the most comfortable experience compared to many other destinations when the weather hots up. The ‘Summer is Dubai’ campaign aims at attracting millions of visitors to the emirate during an eventful three month period featuring the festivities, special occasions and celebrations that are a feature of Dubai’s annual summer season including Dubai Summer Surprises and Modhesh World, as well as a number of other events, before the season moves into Ramadan in July and finally Eid in August. These key phases of Dubai’s summer will blend seamlessly, thanks to the combined efforts of the government and private sectors to collectively promote the emirate’s uniqueness as a family destination. Director-General of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) Helal Saeed Almarri commented: “Summer is Dubai’ is in line with the vision of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to position the city as the region’s ultimate family tourism destination throughout the year, and especially during the summer season. The unique attractions, rich diversity and range of events and entertainment, world-class infrastructure, facilities and services, and enticing shopping offers are complemented by the attractive value for money offered by hotels and restaurants, making Dubai the ideal summer destination for visitors from around the region and the world.” This summer, in addition to the hugely popular Dubai Summer Surprises and Modhesh World, a wide range of world-class events including Dubai Sports World and the Dubai Rock Festival will provide activity and event options. Visitors and residents will also be able to take advantage of many exciting promotions and value for money offers, for example leading hotels in Dubai will reward families who check in for a minimum 3-night stay with an unbeatable offer that gives a maximum of two children under the age of 12 the opportunity to stay at the hotel for free, including complimentary breakfast, lunch and dinner. Laila Mohammed Suhail, CEO of Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment (DEPE), an agency of DTCM said: “We are committed to offering events that cater to the aspirations of residents and visitors during the summer and our range of exciting offerings will reflect the campaign line ‘Summer is Dubai’.” “Furthermore, by utlising the network of DTCM international offices, the marketing and communication activities of DEPE will reach a wider audience and new market. We are gearing up for a campaign that will not only stimulate an increase in visitor numbers but also ensures that at the end of their holiday our guests leave the city with many wonderful memories.” news@khaleejtimes.com Continue reading
