Tag Archives: investments
‘Armed Forces’ progress is part of UAE’s development’
‘Armed Forces’ progress is part of UAE’s development’ (Wam) / 6 May 2013 General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has stressed that the development and modernisation plans that the Armed Forces is working on implementing is part of the march of comprehensive development being made by the UAE under the leadership of the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. On the occasion of the celebration of the Anniversary of the Unification of the UAE Armed Forces, General Shaikh Mohammed said that May 6 was a paradigm shift, which will remain a witness to the depth of the strategic vision for our founding fathers as well as proof of our strong will and determination, which is a milestone for nation-building and achievements. General Shaikh Mohamed issued a statement to ‘Dira’a Al Watan’ magazine on the 37 th anniversary of the Unification of the UAE Armed Forces and the following is the full text of the statement: “Today we celebrate the 37 th anniversary of the unification of the UAE Armed Forces which had and will be a symbol of loyalty, belonging and union, as well as a milestone to enhance the national identity and an industry of men and pride of the nation and citizens. The Unification of our Armed Forces in May, 1976, under one central leadership, one flag, and one slogan was a historical decision so as to became a milestone for the security of our country and its stability and a key support to preserve the progress of development and modernization in our dear country. “The Unification of our Armed Forces is considered as one of the achievements that expressed deeply on the will of unity, the strategic vision, that came from the efforts of the founding leader, our late father Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his brothers who were leaders of the UAE at that time and became a national institution over the years, a unique model, reflecting the meaning of belonging, loyalty and unity, cohesion and strength of the social fabric and components of our national culture and ancient civilisation . “The 6th of May will be a source to benefit from its lessons in our life and to remind our new generation of the efforts of loyal men who offered great sacrifices for the building of our country’s institutions and the Unification of our Armed Forces, which advanced to levels where we are proud of technical progress and training. “When we recollect this day, we may be proud of what has been achieved over the past thirty-seven years and we have also the right to encourage men of our Armed Forces who have made tremendous contributions to the Federal development march through the efforts of this prestigious institution and its honourable national roles and its contributions in supporting security and stability in brotherly countries, besides preserving peace, security and stability and provide support along with humanitarian relief in various regions of the world under the umbrella of the United Nations to be an example through excellence in carrying out these tasks. “Ideals and role models in our Armed Forces are of the noblest respective roles of modern armies, as members of our Armed Forces offer through their duties a bright image and a real model for the youth of the UAE and for such moral and humanitarian causes that has characterised our society. “The development and modernisation plans that the Armed Forces is working on its implementation is a part of the process of comprehensive development being made by the UAE under the leadership of the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. “Our achievements of development need a shield that protects and preserves them in order to achieve the desired goals through modernisation and development plans, both at the level of scientific training of individuals in the forms required by modern military science or the supply of armament systems and combat equipment to keep pace with the latest technology of the world’s defense industries. Thirty-seven years ago, the unification of the Armed Forces occupied the top priority of planning and efforts, bearing in mind that people are our greatest asset and our best investment for the future, and believe that the gains that we have made —and continue to make— were primarily designed to achieve the aspirations of our dear country. “This day is also an occasion to renew the covenant and loyalty to our wise leadership, led by His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, that to remain loyal soldiers, to protect the soil of this country, its sky and waters, and preserve the foundations of our nation united, working hard to keep our Armed Forces as a shield to protect the homeland as well as a symbol of national cohesion and the performance of duty, to carry out its responsibilities and remain supportive of brothers and helpful to friends and realise that belonging to this prestigious national institution remains always an honour, a duty and a right for all citizens. “In conclusion, I am honoured in my name and on behalf of the Armed Forces to congratulate the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and his brother His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and to their brothers, Their Highnesses Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates. I also congratulate the people of the UAE on this glorious day, praying to Allah to preserve our state, to remain always as a symbol of pride and progress, development and prosperity.” Continue reading
Westminster to remain open
Westminster to remain open 6 May 2013 The Westminster School, which was threatened with closure last year, will remain open according to education authorities. The school operator Gems Education has withdrawn its application to the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) to close The Westminster School. The British curriculum school initially applied for closure in August 2012, after it was unable to increase fees above the permissible limits stipulated by KHDA’s fee framework. However, after further reviewing the situation, Gems officials have reversed this decision, ensuring the school’s 5,000 students do not have to seek admission elsewhere. The group announced that there would be no change in the fee structure for the academic year of 2013-14 as well. Also, parents who have paid registration fees for other Gems schools for the next academic year will have their fees refunded if they wish to remain at The Westminster School. “As a regulatory body, our job is to assure quality and accessibility throughout the education system in Dubai,” said Mohammed Darwish, Chief of Regulations and Compliance Commission at KHDA. “The initial application to close Westminster school was a business decision made by Gems and was processed in line with KHDA regulations. Following a secondary review, the organisation has withdrawn the application to close and the school will stay open.” The Qusais-based school, which attracts 60 per cent of its students from Sharjah and neighbouring emirates, amassed huge support from parents, teachers and pupils keen to keep the school open. According to a statement issued by Gems, the school operators said that they are very pleased to announce that it has decided to keep The Westminster School open. The statement said: “Gems would like to acknowledge the parents and students of the school for understanding and support over the past few months. The passion they have displayed for their school has been extraordinary. In consultation with the KHDA, the Westminster School will continue operations with no change to tuition fees for the academic year 2013/14.” Bushra Ali, a member of the school committee who has been actively campaigning to keep the school open, said that the student and parent community of the school were ecstatic about the news. “We are very happy and overjoyed about the whole thing. The best part is the announcement that there will be no fee hikes,” she said. “Our campaigning definitely had a hand in letting the authorities know that we want to be heard. It is a great thing that the school is staying open especially since the Dubai market for schools are saturated at the moment. Parents would have found it very hard to find new schools for their kids.” dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com Continue reading
Justin left high and dry
Justin left high and dry Amanda Fisher and Amira Agarib / 6 May 2013 Dubai authorities made a “special rule” allowing underage Justin Bieber into a top nightclub, but the pop sensation promptly left after being denied alcohol, performing an ‘illegal’ car manoeuvre on his way out, according to the club. Bieber, in town for concerts on Saturday night and last night, left club Movida, located in the Radisson Royal Hotel along Shaikh Zayed Road, in dramatic fashion about 2.15am on Friday morning, surfing on the rooftop of an SUV as it rode away, club manager Richard Haddon said. “There were a lot of people who were outside (watching)…he obviously knows how to get publicity.” In accordance with Dubai traffic laws, riding an SUV is an offence. But a Dubai police official denied knowledge of the incident involving the singer at the nightclub and his alleged stunt on the road, which he said was a violation. “Laws are applicable to all residents and visitors; only residents can obtain an alcohol licence,” he said. Most clubs do not ask for proof of age, the police official said and confirmed that 21 was the minimum drinking age in bars, nightclubs and restaurants. Haddon said while he did not witness Justin’s manoeuvre, and could not comment on how dangerous it was, he “wouldn’t recommend it” to other patrons. The 19-year-old, who is two years too young to enter clubs or drink alcohol, in line with Dubai rules, has been implicated in a string of unfavourable incidents in recent months, including repeatedly playing concerts late — again beginning his first Dubai show two hours late, prompting concerns from some parents — trying to smuggle a capuchin monkey into Germany, and getting photographed smoking what appears to be marijuana. Bieber arrived in Movida about 1.30am with an entourage of about 20, including his security, Haddon said, and seemed in good spirits. “He enjoyed himself.” Haddon said Bieber had spent some time in the middle of the club as he walked through to use the washroom. “The crowd loved it, normally with celebrities they tend to go straight to the (VIP) table.” However, he did not interact with other club-goers, as “he had four decent-sized security guards around him all night,” Haddon said. Movida, which also has a club in London renowned for drawing in A-list celebrities, had attracted big names such as 50-Cent, Usher and Nicki Minaj to the Dubai club in the year it had been open, he said. Haddon would not reveal which authority had given the exemption, though he said it was the first time such a move had ever been taken by Movida. When contacted, the Dubai Municipality and Dubai Events and Promotion Establishment also denied being the authority that had authorised the move. “Part of the stipulation was (Bieber) wasn’t allowed to consume alcohol…and that was the reason why in the end he left,” Haddon said. Bieber had started off on soft drinks, but left after three quarters of an hour when he was denied alcohol. “It was a bit of a surprise (he left). The rest of the people in his group were all over 21 and they were drinking.” Haddon said Bieber’s management, who appeared to be trying to keep the increasingly volatile teen heartthrob on a “short leash”, were made aware of the no-alcohol policy well in advance of the evening. “He’s obviously one of those people who his management don’t find easy to control.” Haddon said celebrity appearances were organised through contacts in concert promotion, with Movida cornering the “celebrity market” in Dubai. “Whenever they’re bringing big stars into town, they generally let us know in advance if they’re looking to party.” A spokeswoman for Done Events, the company looking after Bieber’s Dubai trip, said she could not comment on his antics outside the show. “Anything he did he did was on his own accord.” It would be difficult to tell the songster to avoid going out while in Dubai, “because he’s Justin Bieber”, but the company would have given him advice to avoid hot water had he asked, she said. “We obviously can’t control him and if he wants to go out and sightsee we can guide him in the general direction…but things like clubbing etc, we don’t promote and we didn’t offer for him to do that. “He is free to do what he wants.” news@khaleejtimes.com Continue reading
