New commercial centre in Al Ain to open Jan 2007

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18 November - 24 November 2006 • Vol. 1 Issue 10 • www.alaintimes.ae • 2 Dhs
INSIDE THIS
ISSUE
Business
Money laundering
experts meet in Al Ain
P3
Opinion
Grow reading habits in
children
C I T Y, YO U R
L I F E
Proudly published every Saturday by Alpha Beta Publishers, Al Ain
New commercial centre in
Al Ain to open Jan 2007
YOUR STARS
INSIDE!
HIGH PRICES
AND UNHEALTHY
FOOD
LIVESTOCK MARKET, FODDERS, ARBORETUMS AND SOUQUE
TO TAKE SIX MORE MONTHS
Call hotline 8006565
P4
Education
Saudi academics visits
UAE University
P5
Charity
Fun day to raise funds
for children
P6
Feature
What do you like most
in Al Ain
P7
Lifestyle
How to dress during
pregnancy
P8
Cinema
Reviews on new
Hollywood and Bollywood
films
P9
Sports
Netball Club, The
Bridge Club and Cricket
tournament
P10
By: Salah Sulaiman
The residents of Al Ain
City and its outskirts are
promised a unique commercial
project due to be inaugurated
in January 2007. The new
scheme is said to be a big
surprise and a desired addition
in the world of shopping,
tourism and entertainment.
This was disclosed by Bashar
Tamimi, the General Manager
of Nael and Bin Harmal
Investment Company in a
press conference held last
week.
“A 50-year contract was
signed by the department of
municipalities and agriculture
in Al Ain and Nael and Bin
Harmal Investment Company
which authorises the latter
to capitalize on the area
commercially for the long
mentioned period,” said
Bashar Tamimi.
Built on a plot of 82
hectares or more, Southeast
of Al Ain town on Mezyad
Street, the commercial
destination is considered
a pioneer experience of its
kind in the area. It is also a
newly introduced method
of investment that meets
all the requirements of the
people currently dwelling
in the Southern-eastern side
of Al Ain represented in the
existing township of Mezyad,
Um Ghafa and Al Daher and
other villages of a current
population of 70,000 mainly
UAE nationals.
Over the next few years,
these zones will be developed
to accommodate an additional
population of 120,000
with associated modern
infrastructure of medical,
educational, administrative
and commercial facilities
to support the new Al Ain
township. The scheme is
designed according to the
Arabic Islamic architecture
that reflects the culture,
heritage and development
aspects of the region
simultaneously.
It composes more than 200
stores and souques including
a livestock market with 300
hutches, veterinary clinics,
and stores for agriculture,
arboretums and fodders. There
will also be a traditional
market that displays
fundamental commodities
Low salaried residents allowed
visa for immediate family
A Dubai newspaper has reported
from Abu Dhabi that Abu Dhabi
government is now issuing one-year
residence visa for the immediate
family of those with monthly salary
below Dh4,000.
facilitate uniting families by allowing
sons and daughters to join their
parents.
Daily Khaleej Times has quoted
Major Nasir Al Awadi Al Menhaly,
head of the Naturalizations and
Residency Department in Abu
Dhabi that decision was made to
“Each and every resident of the UAE
is allowed to obtain a residence
visa for “next of kin”, by paying a
guarantee amount of Dh5,000,
which will be refunded immediately
The decision was under the directives
of Major-General Shaikh Saif bin
Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Interior,
by Abu Dhabi Naturalization and
Residency Department after the
person being sponsored leaves
the country,” Khaleej Times
quoted Major Nasir as saying..
Earlier the visa was issued to
those with monthly salary of
Dh3,000 plus accommodation or
those with a minimum monthly
salary of Dh4,000 including
housing allowance.
and services in addition to
the internal and external
decorations, garden services
and a modern shopping centre
which is considered the
biggest in the region.
All these services are
distributed in a complimentary
way according to the nature
and type of activity and
linked with a network that
makes the accessibility to
these areas most convenient.
The commercial centre will
be provided with over 350
parking spaces which makes
the visit also more convenient.
The destination also
includes a tourist centre to
attract the tourists and make
them aware of the heritage
of the country. At this centre,
the tourists can eat traditional
food inside Bedouin tents,
ride camels as well as buying
handicrafts and more.
Bashar assured that the work
is in full swing and a big part
of the project will be ready in a
couple of months. The work in
the livestock market, fodders,
arboretums and the traditional
souque will take six months.
But the mall and other centres
are to receive the visitors by in
January 2007.
Do you have complains about
fake goods or high prices, or you
are not happy with the health
standards of eating places?
Call the hotline set up by the
Al Ain Municipality to register your
complaint - 8006565.
The complaint will be forwarded
to the Abu Dhabi Food Control
Authority that is the competent
authority to take action.
The Al Ain Times reported in its 20
October issue that authorities have
launched a crackdown on Al Ain
restaurants that do not follow the
health regulations.
They will be inspected and
violators will be given three
warnings before their license is
cancelled.
His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin
Zayed Al Nahyan, enacted the law
in August to protect the health
standards in the country that is
now enforced.
NOVEMBER 8 - NOVEMBER 24 2006 THE AL AIN TIMES
AL AIN TIMES
2
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NOVEMBER 8 - NOVEMBER 24 2006 THE AL AIN TIMES
3
BUSINESS:
‘Work together
to guarantee
bright future’
GENERAL SHEIKH MOHAMMED BIN ZAYED ADDRESSES CULTURAL FORUM IN AL AIN
The United Arab Emirates
will witness sweeping
changes during the next five
years as part of the plans
to enhance role of federal
remarks came during a
meeting held in Al Ain
as part of the 1st national
cultural forum, organized
by the Ministry of Culture,
expressed pleasure at meeting
with the intellectuals and
the cultural fraternity in the
country.
“The decision makers
arrive at the best possible
ways to enhance our country’s
image and to guarantee bright
future for the generations to
come,” he added.
its position as a pioneering
country in the fields of culture
and enlightenment.
They also stressed the
importance to address pressing
Minister of Labour, Maraym
Mohammed Khalfan Al
Roumi, Minister of Social
Affairs, Dr Hanif Hassan Ali,
Minister of Education, Dr
“What matters is that we, together, arrive at the best possible ways to enhance our country’s image”
entities and to achieve
highest growth rates in all
sectors, said General Sheikh
Mohammed bin Zayed Al
Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown
Prince and Deputy Supreme
Commander of the UAE
Armed Forces.
Sheikh Mohammed’s
Youth and Community
Development.
Sheikh Mohammed joined a
discourse with the participants
on the contemporary cultural
scene and the role played by
the federal and local cultural
organizations.
Sheikh Mohammed
always seek to adopt ideas
and initiatives put forward
by enlightened people
to bring about progress
and prosperity,” Sheikh
Mohammed said.
“It doesn’t matter if we
agree or disagree. What
matters is that we, together,
CONFERENCE URGED TO REGULATE AND
LEGALLY CONTROL THE CHARITY BUSINESSES:
World money laundering
experts meet in Al Ain
Later, the forum was
concluded with participants
issuing a note of thanks
to Sheikh Mohammed for
patronizing the event.
They called for a national
strategy on culture that aims
at protecting cultural identity
of the UAE and maintaining
issues such as demographic
imbalance, unemployment and
rising costs of living.
The meeting was attended
by Sheikh Nahyan bin
Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister
of Higher Education and
Scientific Research, Dr
Ali bin Abdullah Al Kaabi,
Anwar Mohammed Gargash,
Minister of State for Federal
National Council Affairs,
Abdul Rahman Mohammed
Al Owais, Minister
of Culture, Youth and
Community Development,
intellectuals and participants
in the forum.
About 14 Arab countries
and three Western nations
gathered in Al Ain for the
Middle East and North Africa
Financial Action Task Force
(MENAFATF) 4th Plenary
Meeting and Typologies
Workshop to talk about on
how they would combat
issues of money laundering,
drugs and terrorism while still
maintaining cooperation and
solidarity among them.
The meeting from November
12-16 held at the mountain top
Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet.
The conference laid down
legal frameworks to safeguard
the international community
against these crimes and enact
laws that would penalize them.
“This meeting is the best
way to this,” said Mahmoud
Abdel Latif, President of
MENAFATF.
“Sharing information,
attending all the meetings and
knowing other’s experiences
are the only ways we can
minimize them, for this happen
or can happen not only in one
country but in a continent.
It is just necessary to talk to
each other about these things
because it would lead us to
have more control. Proper
financing can put down the
pressure as well. The bottom
line here is to keep on moving
funds and create businesses to
front the criminal activities,”
he added.
MENAFATF declared
that it is ‘not exactly the
authority’ in policing these
crimes. “But we have people
from the executive authority
bodies. We have direct contact
with the United States. The
United Nations (UN), the
International Monetary Fund
(IMF), the World Bank, the
Egmont Group and other
international observers such
as United Kingdom and
France are supporting our
efforts as well. We also have
anti-money laundering units
across the world,” said Abdel
Latif.
Amidst the legal backing
MENAFATF has, Abdel
Latif thinks that they should
concentrate more on creating
and upholding a favorable
culture. “Culture is more
important that the law itself,
because if you have the law
but you do not know how to
apply it or you do not want
to implement it, then it is
useless. For this, our job is
to make sure that the culture
is there and the rules and
regulations are set, and to do
that, there should be training,
training and training.”
The “real” problem that
the MENAFATF and the
participating countries
are trying to solve is the
charity businesses. “Charity
businesses should be regulated.
They should be legally
controlled,” Abdel Latif said.
The Untied Arab Emirates
has taken explicit strategies
to stop the phenomenon. In
tandem with the MENAFATF,
it has held about 350 seminars
tackling about the country’s
and the region’s security.
The UAE Central Bank has
also given support for the
stabilization of MENAFATF.
The countries that attended
the meeting are Egypt,
Lebanon, Morocco, Qatar,
Oman, Iraq, Syria, Sudan,
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,
Yemen, Tunisia, Algeria,
Kingdom of Bahrain,
Palestine, United Kingdom,
United States and France.
Among the other things
discussed in the conference
are the financial assessment
in Bahrain and Syria, and the
succession of Jordan as the
leader of the group.
Founded two years ago and
headquartered in Bahrain, The
MENAFATF is voluntary and
co-operative in nature and not
derived from an international
treaty. It is independent of any
other international body or
organization and sets its own
work, rules and procedures
determined by a consensus
among its members who have
established it.
4
NOVEMBER 8 - NOVEMBER 24 2006 THE AL AIN TIMES
OPINION:
Grow reading habits in your child
COMPANY DETAILS:
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Chief Editor: Dr Fadwa Al Mughairbi
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Your Stars this week
ARIES
LEO
SAGITTARIUS
March 21 - April 20
July 23 -August 21
November 23 - December 22
Your best efforts will come through investments
concerning your home. Dig deep to find out how
costly a new venture will be before you sign on
the dotted line. Your lucky day this week will be
Tuesday.
Don’t let your anger consume you and don’t
allow important matters go unattended to. A
residential move may be in order. Your lucky day
this week will be Saturday.
Things at home may be somewhat rocky.
Problems with financial investments could make
you nervous. Use your better judgment before
you sign up for a costly venture. Your lucky day
this week will be Monday.
VIRGO
TAURUS
August 22 - September 23
April 21 - May 21
Uncertainties regarding relatives will make
situations uncomfortable if you attend a family
function. Don’t overreact to someone’s advances.
Your lucky day this week will be Friday.
Try to ease any disappointment by making
amends. You will have to be sure not to burn the
candle at both ends. Your lucky day this week
will be Monday.
LIBRA
GEMINI
September 24 - October 23
May 22 - June 21
CAPRICORN
December 23 - January 20
You may get upset with peers or relatives. Don’t
give your heart too readily. Social get-together will
bring you in contact with intelligent new friends.
Your lucky day this week will be Wednesday.
AQUARIUS
January 21 - February 19
Restrictions may be difficult for you to live with,
but try to do things by the book. You can expect
insincere gestures of friendliness this week. Your
lucky day this week will be Thursday.
You will do well with clients this week. You can
gain approval, get kudos, and ask for help if you
put a little heart into your speech or request.
Changes could be overwhelming. Your lucky day
this week will be Friday.
CANCER
SCORPIO
June 22 - July 22
October 24 - November 22
PISCES
Upgrading at this point is not a bad plan.
Someone important may be watching you from
afar. Your ability to take hold of a situation will
surely bring you popularity and leadership. Your
lucky day this week will be Friday.
Avoid disputes with family. Don’t count on
getting any help from those you live with. Spend
some time with people who can shed some light
on your personal situation. Your lucky day this
week will be Tuesday.
Find a way to consolidate. A new image can be
the result if you change your look. Your ability to
relate will close the generation gap. Your lucky
day this week will be Wednesday.
Changes at home might come fast and furious.
Don’t allow colleagues to put unreasonable
pressure on you. You can make excellent
purchases this week. Your lucky day this week
will be Sunday.
February 20- March 20
It’s good to read in opinion column (4 November) about developing the reading habit. The reading habit
needs to be developed in ones school days. This is a major issue in present times when children in schools and
homes are attracted to other more interesting things. Parents also sometimes neglect to motivate children’s
reading habits; forgetting family reading is the best way to grow reading habit in your child.
Child psychologists and counselors have stressed the importance of the reading habit in modern-day
children saying, “Impressionable minds can be nurtured and molded in ways more than one. But books and
the printed word are among the best tools used for reaching out to a child. Despite the deep penetrating reach
of the visual media, books have a definite edge over other mediums of communication and entertainment.”
However, many surveys in different parts of the world found book culture is on the decline. Parents need to
resurrect this habit as it adds multiple dimensions to a child’s growth.
A national reading campaign initiative of the National Literacy Trust in Britain has launched Reading
Connect: www.literacytrust.org.uk/readingconnects/ suggesting many ways to get children involved in
reading. The following are some suggestions:
1 -Whole school approach: A whole-school focus on reading for pleasure demonstrates to children that
reading has a place in the lives of the adults in the school, increasing the chances that children will see reading
as relevant to them. Providing a wide range of types of reading material is particularly important where boys
are concerned, as they often prefer to read non-fiction for pleasure. In addition, getting the whole school
reading offers opportunities for teachers and students to interact about mutual interests and hobbies, benefiting
pupil’s self-esteem and behavior, as well as pupil-teacher relationships.
2 - Family involvement: Parents are the key to a child’s education. Recent research discovered that children
whose parents were involved in their education when they were 7 were still achieving more highly at age 20,
than those whose parents weren’t involved in their education. Another recent study found that children who
read to their parents improved their reading more than those who were getting extra support from a teacher in
school. The study also found that it didn’t matter if the parents couldn’t read English or read at all.
3 - Events, reading groups: This section includes suggestions for building on existing reading events or
creating your own reading events.
4 - Community involvement: There are many ways that schools can create links with the local community
to aid with the development of a whole school reading ethos. Adult volunteers from the community can be
trained to support reading or members of the local community could be invited to give talks to pupils. Both of
these measures are steps towards building a well-developed community-based volunteer reading scheme.
Parents and teachers really need to make an extra effort to get the benefits of reading habits of their children
and students. See some of the following benefits of preferring books over other learning tools:
• As books are good portable friends, which have the potential of engaging a child’s mind, they can broaden
the sphere of experience. The variety in the book reading is bound to reflect in the child’s knowledge.
• Reading sharpens the thought processes of a child. It increases his or her attention span. It gives him the
faculty of thinking and understanding.
• Language is a gift for a child and books give this gift in abundance. Reading a book aloud can be a good
exercise not just for memorization but also for improvement of speech and vocabulary.
• Bedtime reading is considered the best quality time spent with a kid. Psychiatrists feel that bedtime
reading helps to build strong bonding with the child.
It is never too late for your child to start reading. Preferably, catch the child young. Bring him other colorful
books, so that reading becomes a favorite pastime.
A concerned mother, Jimmi, Al Ain
The Don
I haven’t seen Jaan-e-Man of Salman Khan but went to see Don to rekindle the old flame of Amitabh
Bachan’s younger days. Shahrukh Khan did well in his own rights but a classic should not be redone. Now
Umrao Jan is coming and I will never find courage to go and look at Ashwarya Rai as new Umrao. Rekha is
painted right here in my heart as Umrao and could never be replaced even by a very beautiful Ashwarya.
Hakim Khan, Al Jahili
Don or Jaan-e-Man?
Of course Don!
Kimmi, Al Ain
The astrological forecast should be read for entertainment
(Views expressed in this column may not be shared by Al Ain Times)
Email your opinion to editor@alaintimes.ae or fax: (03) 764 4104. Your contribution
should not exeed 300 words and may be edited for reasons of clarity and space
INFORMATION GUIDE:
Al Ain Weather this Week
Mon
max.
min.
30 15
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Students from Al Ain education zone Red Crescent charity campaign a hand.
Photo by: Asif Hussain
Tue
max.
min.
28 15
Wed
max.
min.
28 14
Thu
max.
Fri
min.
27 15
Emergency numbers
Flight Inquiries
Ambulance 998
Civil Defence 997
Police 999
Electricity 991
Water (03) 763 6222
Phones (complaints) 171
Evision 800 6666
Al Ain
Abu Dhabi
Dubai
max.
Sat
min.
26 15
max.
min.
28 16
Sun
max.
min.
27 15
Hotels
(03) 785 5558
(02) 505 5555
(04) 216 6666
Hospitals
Al Ain Hospitals
Al Jimmi
(03) 763 5888
Tawwam Hospital (03) 767 7444
Al Ain Rotana Hotel
(03) 754 5111
Hilton Al Ain
(03) 768 6666
Intercontinental Resort
(03) 768 6686
Mercure Grand Hotel
(03) 783 8888
NOVEMBER 8 - NOVEMBER 24 2006 THE AL AIN TIMES
5
Education
Former British diplomat talks of olden days
Julian Walker was the last British
political agent in the Gulf
Al Ain Times report
The group of Saudi academics with the Vice Chancellor UAEU Dr. Hadif Al Dhahiri
28-member delegation of Saudi
universities visits UAEU in Al Ain
Julian Walker is addressing the audience at Zayed Center.
Sharing stage with him is Brien Holmes, Chairman Natural
History group Al Ain chapter.
Al Ain Times report
A delegation of Saudi
academics and scholars from
the major Saudi universities
visited the UAE University in
Al Ain this week and toured
different colleges at the
university.
The 28-member delegation
headed by Dr. Osama
Abdel-Aziz, a leading Saudi
mathematician, was on one
week’s visit to the United Arab
Emirates and also went to
visit other universities in Abu
Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman.
In Al Ain, Dr. Hadif Bin
Jouan Al Dhahiri, Vice
Chancellor of the UAE
University, hosted lunch in
honor of the delegation that
was also attended by Dr.
Abdullah Khanbashi, Provost
of the UAEU, and other high
officials and faculty members
of the university.
Dr Al Dhahiri and Dr. Osama
Abdel-Aziz, head of Saudi delegation
exchanges souvenirs
Professor George Carruthers, Dean of the Faculty of
Medicine and Health Sciences briefing the delegation
Earlier the delegation
visited the Faculty of
Medicine and Health Sciences
where Professor George
Carruthers, Dean of the faculty
received the delegation and
accompanied them to the
different departments and labs.
The delegation also visited
the Colleges of Sciences
and Engineering. The Dean
of Faculty of Science also
made a presentation about
the academic and research
activities of the College.
Members of the delegation
include Dr. Ihsan Bin Saleh
Almataz from Um Alqura
University, Dr. Hussein Bin
Sherif Al Afifi from the Islamic
University of Medina, Dr.
Hessa Bint Abdul Aziz, from
King Saud University, Dr.
Hamoud Al Shahrani from
King Khalid University, Dr.
Mohamad Al Tamimi from
King Faisal University, Dr.
Turki Al Sudairi from the
University of King Saud
and Professor Saleh Ali
Mohammed Bawazier from the
University of Al Tayev.
A former British diplomat
who served in the Gulf region
almost 50 years ago talked
fondly about his time in the
area and rekindled some of
his past memories while he
served as the British Assistant
Political Agent in the 50’s.
Julian Walker, who has also
written his memoirs, was the
guest of the Zayed Center of
Heritage and History in Al Ain
and talked about the economic
and social conditions and the
composition of the population
in those days and his fond
memories during the time he
served the region.
He also talked about his
close relationship with the
elders of the area including
the Late Sheikh Zayed Al
Nahayan, the founding father
of the country.
Dr. Hassan Hassan Naboudah, Director Zayed Center,
presenting souvenir to Mr. Walker
Julian Walker recently
retired from HM Diplomatic
Service. At the outset of his
career, as Assistant Political
Agent in Dubai in 1954,
he was assigned the task of
settling the internal boundaries
of the Trucial States. He was
to spend years travelling in
the desert, researching among
political papers, enquiring
on the ground from ‘Bedu
sages’ as he put it, mapping,
recording, and negotiating
with and on behalf of the
Emirates Rulers.
In 1961, Mr Walker was
seconded to represent the
Ruler of Abu Dhabi and the
Sultan of Muscat and Oman
with the UN’s de Ribbing
Mission to Saudi Arabia. A
decade later, as Bahrain, Qatar
and finally the Trucial States
gained independence; Julian
Walker was the last British
political agent in the Gulf,
staying on until 1972.
In 1972 he took a sabbatical
year in Cambridge to write a
history of the Trucial States.
After other diplomatic
posts in Europe as well as
the Middle East, in the 1980s
Mr Walker served as HM
Ambassador to the Yemen
Arab Republic and to Qatar.
Subsequently, he worked
as special adviser on Syria
and Iraq in the Foreign and
Commonwealth Office.
Julian Walker remains
involved in consultation on
boundaries in the Gulf region
and was recently Adviser to
the Kuwaiti Representative in
the UN Iraq-Kuwait Boundary
Demarcation Commission.
HCT prepares students to be entrepreneurs
By Lucky Mae F. Quilao
Under the sponsorship of the
Work Readiness Programme, the
Higher Colleges and Technology
of Al Ain Women’s Colleges
let their graduating students
build their own “company” and
experience how it is to be in the
business world.
“This project would help them
operate their own businesses in
the future, the students were the
ones who did everything from
creation, marketing and sales.
They have worked on this for five
to six weeks now. Each company
consists of almost 20 persons
and appoint roles such as the
Director, Manager, Treasurer and
salespeople,” said Tonia Michael,
Public Relations Officer and
Supervisor of HCT Student’s
Affairs.
About 227 students belonging
to six classes participated in
the project, resulting in seven
businesses. The companies are
Styley, which sells bags, stuff
toys, body lotions and gift boxes;
Violet, which sells laptop covers;
Al-Howra, which sells perfumes;
Sweet 4U, which sells candies,
chocolates and other sweets;
Bazzar Khammas which sell
sweetened dates; Al Mazyoona,
which sells accessories; and
Arabian Coffee, which sells
traditional Arabic food.
“At first, some students were
hesitant about the idea. It is a
new thing to be conducted in the
school and some students were
afraid of doing customer service
things. But eventually, they get
to like it. Some students are even
planning to set up their own
market because they find opening
a shop easy,” said Bassam
Alkhatid, one of the teachers at
HCT.
“This mini-market prepared
me for the real market and
dealing with people in the
future,” commented Miriam El
Esay, representative of the Violet
Company.
Teachers would evaluate
the projects at the end of the
semester. This would be based
on the company’s business plan,
the student’s organization, and
the comments and feedbacks of
the other students and visitors.
They would also look into their
financial statements to see if they
have earned or loss money. “From
their evaluation, we would qualify
into which sector the students
could work for their training for
eight weeks,” Alkhatid explained.
A MESSAGE TO AL AIN BUSINESSES
Sale
40%
OFF
Seven businesses formed to give students hands on experience in
customer service
If you want to reach expatriates
and nationals in our great city then
the Al Ain Times has a great deal
for you, call 03 7644 102
6
NOVEMBER 8 - NOVEMBER 24 2006 THE AL AIN TIMES
When
having
fun is
doing
charity
Fun Day to help
children of conflicts
around the globe
Al Ain Times report
RCS launches
diabetes test
campaign
Red Crescent, in coordination with the de Vere & Partners
P.I.C. and Al Ain Hilton, organized a family fun day to raise
money for the Red Crescent/ Red Cross societies to help
children of conflict around the globe.
“This is for the kids,” said Craig Musgrove, Consultant of the
de Vere & Partners P.I.C., when asked why he thought of the
event. “And it turned out to be very fun-tastic,” he added.
“This is the first time we had this event,” said Mikael
Petersson, Food and Services Manager of Al Ain Hilton. “But it
was fun. We will see if we could have this again,” he added.
There were about 40 activities such as the Bouncy Castle,
water side, dunk the teacher, tug of war and five-a-side,
prepared for the participants, which were estimated to be 600.
There were raffles and prizes awarded by the sponsors. Grand
prize winner Rose Smith won an open destination round trip
ticket from Etihad while the other 25 winners won one-year
membership to Hiltonia Recreation, overnight stay to Hilton
hotels in Ras Al Kaimah, Fujairah, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, a
weekend trip on a Mercedes-Benz, and a behind-the-scenes trip
to Al Ain Zoo.
“This is nice. There are plenty of games. My kids really have
fun,” said Nadin Matta, a mother of two. “It really is a lot of
fun. It’s just sad that not all in Al Ain knew of this event,” said
Assefeh Fartash, another mother of two.
Proceeds will all be donated to Red Crescent, as well as
clothes and toys collected in the donation boxes displayed on
the hotel’s entrance. Leftover prizes that were not won from the
stalls will also be given away.
ABU DHABI,
NOV.5, 2006
(WAM)
The Red Crescent Society (RCS)
has launched 25 kiosks in Abu
Dhabi and Al Ain for testing for
diabetes as part of its effort to
reach out to underprivileged
categories and control the
increasing cases of diabetes
among the population.
Sanaa Darwish Al Kutbi, RCS
Secretary General, said the
initiative which was inaugurated
last Thursday aims at educating
members of the public about
the dangers of diabetes and
conducting a field survey on the
disease in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain
with the purpose of establishing
a data base to help devise future
combat strategies.
She added that around 50
medics had been trained to run
the project.
Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Deputy
Secretary General, said the
RCS plans to conduct 60,000
diabetes tests at a nominal
price of Dh 5.
Fathia Al Nazar, Head of
Ambulance and Community
Safety Section, said the launch
of the project coincides with
the World Diabetes Day on
November 14.
‘’The project is part of the tenyear strategy of the RCS,’’ she
added.
World wide, there were 194
million patients of diabetes and
the number is likely to jump to
333 million by 2025.
In the UAE, she noted the figure
reached 700,000 patients
accounting for 24 per cent of
population. (WAM)
NOVEMBER 8 - NOVEMBER 24 2006 THE AL AIN TIMES
7
FEATURE:
LIKES AND DISLIKES OF AL AIN RESIDENTS
A big ‘little’ city...
and so beautiful!
Lynn Petrie,
Hospital Employee
Stephanie Woodworth,
Hospital Employee
Al Ain resident for 16 years
What I like in Al Ain: “Al
Ain’s a nice place to be…
What I don’t like in Al Ain:
“But it needs more shops, shoe
stores, clothe boutiques and
book stores. It will also be nice
to have a music shop and an
electronic store.
What I like in Al Ain: “Al
Ain is very green. It has lots
of flowers and trees.”
What I don’t like in Al Ain:
“Well, I do not really have
problems. But I heard stories
from my friends complaining
about the housing market
here. Aside from the fact that
houses are oftentimes substandard, they have a difficult
time sizing up the rising costs
of houses with their low
salary. I think that’s an issue
that should be addressed to.”
People like greenery, lower cost of living, friendly people and relax lifestyle
Single residents complain not many fun places to go to
Miriana Lazaroba,
School Teacher
By Lucky Mae F. Quilao
Just what makes Al Ain residents feel so good living in Al
Ain, the Garden City of the Gulf? Or what are the aspects in
the city that make them uncomfortable? Al Ain Times went
to find out.
“Al Ain is a big, little city. You know, it’s a unique
city and though small as compared to Dubai and to other
big cosmopolitan cities of the world, it is very beautiful
and green. The people here are very friendly, warm and
receptive,” said Michael Heindel, Chief Executive Officer of
Tawam Hospital, who has been living in the city for almost
three months.
Dubai resident Nidal Abou Zaki agrees. “I like the
atmosphere here in Al Ain. It’s very green and quite relaxing.
The climate is very dry and not humid…the place is also
filled with history. Al Ain is, indeed, unique in all elements.
When people hear of Al Ain, they think of resorts where they
could relax and enjoy.” As a Managing Director of Orient
Pearl, Zaki goes to Al Ain only whenever he has business
transactions here.
The inexpensive lifestyle here in Al Ain makes it an
ideal dwelling place. “The cost of living here is cheaper as
compared with the other emirates,” commented Rose Dreu, a
hospital employee who has lived in Al Ain for six years. She
also pointed out the opportunities Al Ain can offer. Working
in Dubai for almost four years, Dreu moved to Al Ain with
a promise of a better job, better working environment and
better salary. “I prefer living here. My friends and colleagues
from Saudi were also here and that makes me more
comfortable with the place.”
The other side
But as always, there are two sides of a coin. Some
respondents of the survey found other aspects too. “Some
people here do not live for today. They instead live for
tomorrow. They are always dreaming about their lives. They
do not live in reality,” said Miriana Lazaroba, a schoolteacher
who resides in Al Ain for 15 years. “But I still like Al Ain
because this is where I lived. I like my friends and my lovely
pupils who are also living here.”
Hospital employee and Al Ain resident for 16 years Lynn
Petrie shares her frustration on the lack of good shops and the
amount of information about the city. “Al Ain’s a nice place
to be but it needs more shops, shoe stores, clothes boutiques
and book stores. It will also be nice to have a music shop
and an electronic store. I also wish to have a park that really
has something in it. More information about the city is also
needed. Big newspapers do not contain useful information
about Al Ain. I have visitors coming over but I cannot tell
them much about Al Ain because I myself do not know much
about it.”
Public Relations Account Executive Rendala Majdalani
of Orient Pearl also complains the same thing. “The city is
familiar and friendly to me. [But] There’s nothing much to
do here. It’s a good place for people with families but it’s not
ideal for single persons like me.”
There are others who don’t have time to look around. “I
am always working and I cannot really see around.” Working
overtime also hinders Mujeebrahman Rakman, a fish vendor,
from touring the city no matter how much he likes it. “I am
asked to work past my 8-hour shift. I don’t like that.” Syed
Eliyaz, a salesman, has the same concern. “We have no
holidays and offs and the wage is so low!”
What they said
Nidal Abou Zaki, Managing
Director of Orient Pearl
Rose Dreu,
Hospital Employee
Al Ain Resident for six years
Coming from Dubai where
I worked for four years, I
transferred in Al Ain first
because I want to have
a change in my working
environment. I like this new
challenge. Second, the salary
and benefits offered here are
much higher than in Dubai.
We have yearly vacation
where the ticket is given by
the hospital; we have housing
accommodation where we do
not have to share houses with
others. I like the lifestyle.
Rendala Majdalani,
Public Relations Account
Executive of Orient Pearl
Al Ain resident for six months
What I like in Al Ain: “The
city is familiar and friendly to
me.”
What I don’t like in Al Ain:
“There’s nothing much to
do here. It’s a good place for
people with families but it’s
not ideal for single persons
like me. The activities here are
designed for them. There are
also lizards in my house and
it’s pretty scary when you’re
living by yourself.”
Dubai resident but often visits Al Ain
due to business transactions
Al Ain is a quiet city. I like
the atmosphere here. It’s very
green and quite relaxing. The
climate is very dry and not
humid; the heat here is lesser
than Dubai. The place is also
filled with history. Al Ain is,
indeed, unique in all elements.
What I don’t like in Al Ain?
Actually, there is nothing to
dislike here in Al Ain.”
Kenneth Guevarra
Al Ain resident for nine months
What I like in Al Ain: “I like
Al Ain because it is quiet. The
place is also beautiful, like the
ones we see in videokes.”
What I don’t like in Al
Ain: “It is very hot here.
Sometimes, I cannot take a
bath because even the water
is hot.”
Dounia Helou,
School Teacher
Mujeebrahman Rakman,
Fish Vendor
Al Ain resident for 19 years
What I like in Al Ain: “It is
a quiet city. There are a lot of
green areas.”
What I don’t like in Al Ain:
“Nothing. As I said, I like it
here.”
Al Ain resident for two years
What I like in Al Ain: “I like
the setting here.”
What I don’t like in Al Ain:
“I am overworked. We have an
8-hour shift here. After that, I
don’t like to work anymore.”
Syed Eliyaz, Salesman
Al Ain resident for three months
What I like in Al Ain:
“Everything seems to be full
here. I like the city but I think,
Dubai has more fun.”
What I don’t like in Al Ain:
“We have no holidays and
paid only DH600!”
Michael Heindel,
CEO of Tawam Hospital
Al Ain resident for three months
“I describe Al Ain as a big,
little city. You know, it’s a
city of its own standards, but
compared to Dubai and to
other cities of the world, it
still has to grow. But it is very
beautiful. The people here
are very friendly, warm and
receptive.”
What I don’t like in Al Ain:
Well, my complaint is not
really negative. Al Ain, as I
said, is a small town compared
to Dubai, Bangkok and Las
Vegas and I am still adjusting
to it. The other thing that I
don’t like is the drive from
here to Dubai and vice versa. It
is oftentimes traffic.”
Al Ain resident for 15 years
What I like in Al Ain:
“I like Al Ain because this
is where I lived. I like my
friends and my lovely pupils
who are also living here.”
What I don’t like in Al Ain:
“Some people here do not
live for today. They instead
live for tomorrow. They are
always dreaming about their
lives. They do not live in
reality.”
Praseeta Prakash,
Saleslady
Al Ain resident for two years
What I like in Al Ain: “I
like most the greenery here.”
What I don’t like in Al
Ain: “Nothing. I am always
working and I cannot really
see around.”
A MESSAGE TO AL AIN BUSINESSES
Your customers
read the
Al Ain
Times
If you want to reach expatriates
and nationals in our great city then
the Al Ain Times has a great deal
for you, call 03 7644 102
8
NOVEMBER 8 - NOVEMBER 24 2006 THE AL AIN TIMES
Life style
LIVING WITH DRY EYE?
Maternity Clothes -
USE ARTIFICIAL TEARS! Honoring the Pregnant Body
LOOKING BEAUTIFUL DURING
YOUR PREGNANCY
Today’s maternity clothes bring out the best in
every expectant mother. Ranging from casual to
formal wear, classic to trendy cuts and pastel to
vibrant colors, there are maternity clothes for every
occasion. Many pregnant women use their husband’s
shirts as alternatives to fashionable maternity
clothing, which may not be a bad idea during
the transitional phase. Maternity clothes become
increasingly necessary during from the latter half of
the second trimester.
If you have been diagnosed as having Dry Eye, don’t worry.
By Dr. Mohammed Nizam and Sitara Waseem
It only means that your eyes may not be making enough tears or that the tears which are being produced are of poor quality.
Artificial tears can be used to keep your eyes moist and healthy, and alleviate the gritty, burning sensation you are experiencing.
The more you understand about your condition the easier life will be.
What is Dry Eye?
How often should I use my artificial tears?
Dry Eye is a collective term for a number of Eye conditions arise form on
imbalance natural tears on the eye. The normal function of tears is to keep the
surface of the eye wet and lubricated so any shortage of tears or reduction in
their quality can produce a gritty, burning sensation of the eyes.
You may need to use your drops about every 2 hours for the first few days.
After this use your drops less frequently but always use them enough to stop
the dry feeling from coming back. New viscous gel artificial tear drops can
last much longer, up to 6 hours. It is important to use your artificial tear drops
regularly as instructed by your doctor.
Can Dry Eye be cured?
Dry Eye can be associated with advancing age and once the ability to produce
tears is lost, it is rarely recognized. New treatments can improve the quality of
the tear film going effective relief for up to 6 hours.
Take your Eye drops with you if you are going away from home. Always keep
a spare pack in a cool place so that you have a constant supply and cannot
run out. Throw away each pack of eye drops after 4 weeks even if the drops
haven’t all been used up. This helps to insure that your eye drops are always
fresh and hygienic.
How is Dry Eye Treated?
Always wash your hands before putting drops in your eye.
Artificial tears are prescribed to restore the balance of the tears film and to
improve patient comfort.
Will my Eye sight be affected?
If your eyes are kept moist with regular use of artificial tear drops, there
should not be any harm to your eye sight. If you experience severe pain,
redness or other symptoms that worry you, Please make an urgent
appointment to see your doctor.
New designs:
Butterfly Pallu Saree
The butterfly pallu sarees have a new range available in markets and
online with some dashing colors:
• Orange color silk with beautiful contrast scalloped border and butterfly
pallu embellished with zardosi, sequins and kundan work.
• Butterfly pallu half saree in georgette and in dark peach, turquoise
and brick colors with beautiful embroidered sequins and stonework
floral motif on the shoulder.
• Golden brown color silk saree with beautiful contrast scalloped border
and butterfly pallu (sareeworld.com)
It requires specialist designers who know about the
changing contours of an expectant mother’s body
to create and design maternity wear. These clothes
use soft, breathable and stretchy fabrics for comfort.
Their cuts ensure that they fit your new shape.
Bottoms have cuts that are longer in the rise, and
fuller through the hips giving you room to grow.
With so many options on the market, clothes for
pregnant women have become affordable, while remaining stylish and comfortable.
Designers are constantly innovating to style clothes that last from the early stages until
the end of your pregnancy.
Stock Your Wardrobe with Essentials
he first thing to do is to analyze your lifestyle. If you
re a working person, buy more formal or career
ear. This would include shirts, blouses, pants and
kirts. Casual wear is an essential for any maternity
ardrobe. Buy T-shirts of all types - loose, fitting, long,
hort and those with smart statements.
Buy it Right
e careful to buy maternity clothes of the right properly.
he safest way is to buy your pre-pregnancy size for the
rst two trimesters. In your third trimester, you should
pt for one size bigger than your usual size.
nstead of buying many clothes, go for shirts, tops,
ants, and skirts that you can mix and match. You will
nd up having a number of options that you can wear,
ll of which keep you comfy while looking beautiful
uring your pregnancy! (Courtesy: MediLexicon
nternational/Michelle O’Connor)
ONLINE GIFT SHOPPING
LAUNCHED
A new concept in gift shopping, www.bonkers.ae, launched online by a
Dubai based company to deliver hundreds of gifts, fancy dress costumes,
cool gadgets and a whole world of weird, wacky and wonderful products
found nowhere else in the UAE, door to door via a 2 day delivery service.
Customers can browse a wide range of gifts at their leisure – from their
home or their office - and shop securely online following a very simple and
safe registration process. From fab gifts, fancy dress and accessories for
children and adults, to cool gadgets, crazy games, and just loads of stuff to
make life a bit more fun.
Co-Director Richard Cartwright says, “Not only does www.bonkers.ae offer
a more convenient, cost-effective and time saving shopping experience.
Everything we have is fun and we guarantee you’ll find something you would
love to have yourself or give to someone else.”
For more information Pascale de Jong – Phishface could be contacted on
(04) 3903659.
NOVEMBER 8 - NOVEMBER 24 2006 THE AL AIN TIMES
9
ENTERTAINMENT:
CINEMA:
NEW RELEASES AL AIN THEATRES
REVIEWS/SYNOPSIS
SNAKES ON A PLANE:
A GOOD DISASTER-Y THRILL RIDE
Story: Maybe you’re concerned Snakes on a Plane isn’t going to live up to the
hype. Stop worrying. Those fanatic Internet bloggers, who’ve been raving about
the movie just from the snippets they’ve seen, pegged the movie to a tee. SoaP
is everything its cracked up to be and more, a monster movie and disaster flick
rolled into one.
Granted, the plot is wafer thin: FBI Agent Neville Flynn (Jackson) has to
transport a key witness, Sean (Nathan Phillips), from Hawaii to L.A. so he
can testify against a nasty mob boss, who, in turn, hatches such a diabolical
plan to dispose of the witness that even James Bond would be impressed.
That’s right. Said nasty mob boss arranges the release of several varieties of
poisonous snakes on the flight so either a) Sean will get bitten and die and/or
b) the plane crashes. End of story. How can you go wrong with that?
Acting: Jackson is one smart cookie. He heard the title of this movie and
said yes immediately--despite the objections of his agents--recognizing the
brilliance of a title so obvious, it’s foolproof. “My agents have finally figured out
that I’m going to do what I want,” the actor told Entertainment Weekly.
Direction: In the words of Indiana Jones, “Snakes. Why does it have to be
snakes?” There’s a distinct phobia in the air whenever you mention those
particular reptiles, so that’s why the “monster” part of SoaP is even more
horrifying--and changing the rating from PG-13 to R makes a world of
difference. I mean, um, OUCH. That’s basically what I was mumbling through
the harrowing parts, watching through splayed fingers. Director David R. Ellis
even goes as far as to give you a snake’s perspective as it zeroes in on its next
victim. Shiver.
CLASSMATES (MALAYALAM):
NOT A SUGAR CANDY ROMANCE
Murali (Naran aka Sunil) with his golden voice is the doyen of the college
campus. P. Sukumaran (Prithviraj) is a firebrand student leader with leanings towards the left. Satheesan (Jayasurya) leads the opposite faction. Vasu
(Vijeesh) is his trusted crony. Pius (Indrajith), a rich and spoiled brat and son of
Gulf settled parents, is the campus Romeo.
Thara Kurup (Kavya Madhavan) is the daughter of the local MLA and a danseuse who wins numerous awards for the college with her performance. Koshy
(Jagathy Sreekumar) is the hostel warden.
It was Murali’s dream that these classmates should have a reunion ten years
from graduation. But Murali dies under mysterious circumstances. His parents
Prof. Iyengar (Balachandra Menon) and Lakshmi Teacher (Shobha Mohan) who
both teach at the college decide to fulfill their departed son’s dream and bring
his classmates together for a reunion. Sukumaran is now a diamond dealer in
Mumbai. Satheesan is now an MLA. Vasu continues to be his sidekick. Pius is
now settled in the Gulf. Thara, still unmarried, now runs a dancing school.
The coming together of these classmates is an occasion for the participants to
regurgitate the past and go nostalgic. Though Classmates is a campus based
movie, this is not going to be sugar candy romance. Lal Jose’s intention is to
throw in emotion and suspense as well as the colour and gaiety of campus life
and to make a movie in the manner of Ulkkadal, Shalini Ente Koottukaari and
Sarvakalaasaala. The campus scenes are shot at CMS College, Kottayam. The
film is slated to be released on August 25, 2006.
AL AIN MALL GRAND CINEPLEX
SYNOPSIS
UMRAAO JAAN (URDU):
A MOVIE WITH HEART BUT TOO LONG
There are fewer reasons for why you should not watch Umraao Jaan than why
you should watch. If you’re looking for a movie with heart, then this is the one.
In a rush of making comic, action and exotic foreign locale movie, this movie
is the answer to all those who think the only way of making a good movie is by
going to foreign counties and spending big cash with a exaggerated larger than
life image to the movie.
So what is bad about this movie. Well just one fact that the movie is a bit too
long and one easily loses patience till he reaches the end. Expect for those
dozing heads in the theatre I saw, I must say it is a film I really like and though
musical classics is not really my cup of tea, this one is. If I slightly compare
it with Devdas, I see Umraao Jaan has got a bit drier texture as Devdas was
juicier.
The production values of the film are quite good. The sets are opulent, the
costumes and jewellery exquisite. While the film is a visual delight, the objective
of recreating 19th century Lucknow is not achieved. Nawab Sultan dons a
Pathani look, Faiz Ali is more Afghani, and despite J.P Dutta’s best effort, the
Rajasthani element ends up making brief, yet damaging appearances in the
art decoration.
I think J.P Dutta got carried away and completely forgot that a slow film need not
be boring. Some of the sequences are so long drawn out that one loses interest
after a while. The film is so long that by the time the film ends, it seems that
you’ve been sitting at the theatre for ages.
Aishwarya looks stunning as Umrao Jaan. And it is also evident that she has
worked hard on her performance and dialogue delivery. I always considered her
as a beautiful face with no acting talent. But in Umrao Jaan she is quite good, if
only by her standards. Sadly, Abhishek disappoints big time. The only actor who
is consistently good in the film is Shabana Azmi (what else did you expect?)
The film’s biggest drawback is its script. The main problem with Dutta’s script
is that most characters have either not been properly developed or altered
significantly. Gauhar Mirza (Puru Raj Kumar), Bismillah (Divya Dutta), Khursheed
(Ayesha Jhulka), Faiz Ali (Suneil Shetty) – all had significant roles to play in the
literary Umrao’s life, but in the film all except Faiz Ali get very marginal roles,
almost as if their presence was only incidental.
On the whole, while J.P Dutta’s Umrao Jaan has some positive aspects to it, it
doesn’t come across as a genuine attempt at recreating Ruswa’s novel. And the
length of the film just kills it!
CASINO ROYALE:
James Bond’s first 007 mission takes him to Madagascar, where he is to spy
on a terrorist Mollaka. Not everything goes as planned and Bond decides to
investigate, independently of the M16 agency, in order to track down the rest of
the terrorist cell.
Following a lead to the Bahamas, he encounters Dimitrios and his girlfriend,
Solange. He learns that Dimitrios is involved with Le Chiffre, banker to the world’s
terrorist organizations. Secret Service intelligence reveals that Le Chiffre is planning
to raise money in a high-stakes poker game in Montenegro at Le Casino Royale.
M16 assigns 007 to play against him, knowing that if Le Chiffre loses, it will
destroy his organization. ‘M’ places Bond under the watchful eye of the beguiling
Vesper Lynd. At first skeptical of what value Vesper can provide, Bond’s interest
in her deepens as they brave danger together--and even torture at the hands of
Le Chiffre.
In Montenegro, Bond allies himself
with Matthis, M16’s local field
agent, and Felix Leiter, who is
representing the interests of the
CIA. The marathon game proceeds
with dirty tricks and violence, raising
the stakes beyond blood money and
reaching a terrifying climax.
TEL: 03 751 1228
Casino Royale ....................................................................................... 12:00/ 03:00/ 06:00/ 09:00/ 12:00
Wesh Egram ..............................................................................01:00/ 03:10/ 05:20/ 07:30/ 09:40/ 11:50
Snakes On the Plane ...................................................... 12:00/ 02:00/ 04:00/ 06:00/ 08:00/ 10:00/ 12:00
Casino Royale .................................................................................................. 02:00/ 05:00/ 08:00/ 11:00
GRAND ROTANA CINEMAS
Your customers
read the
Al Ain
Times
TEL: 03 754 4447
Casino Royale ...............................................................................................12:00/ 3:00/6:00/ 9:00/12:00
Wesh Egram-Arabic.......................................................................... 12:00/ 02:20/ 4:40/ 7:10/ 9:30/11:50
Casino Royale ............................................................................................ 10:30/ 01:30/ 4:30/ 7:30/10:30
Snakes on the Plane.................................................................. 10:50/01:00/ 3:10/05:20/7:30/9:40/12:00
CLUB CINEMA
A MESSAGE TO AL AIN BUSINESSES
TEL: 03 722 2255
Classmates (Malayalam)............................................................................................ 1:45/4:45/7:45/11:30
If you want to reach expatriates
and nationals in our great city then
the Al Ain Times has a great deal
for you, call 03 7644 102
10
NOVEMBER 8 - NOVEMBER 24 2006 THE AL AIN TIMES
SPORT:
Al Ain Netball Club: seeded
among top 8 in the Gulf
Al Ain take on leaders
Al Wasl in crucial encounter
By: Salah Sulaiman
Al Ain Netball Club
(AANC) is a sporting
organization made up of
many nationalities living and
working in and around Al Ain.
It began in January 2004
when, for the second year
running, after a 22 year history,
the Inter-Gulf tournament
was cancelled in Bahrain.
Michaela Milne, who had
just moved to Al Ain, decided
that Al Ain would be the
place to ensure the Inter-Gulf
tournament went ahead. All
other clubs were invited to
attend and accepted.
So, within only three short
weeks, (when most clubs
spend a year organizing this),
and cooperation from the Al
Ain Hilton Hotel, the Al Ain
Netball Club was formed.
A small netball committee
organized courts, nets and
over 25 eager players, which
allowed for three teams to be
entered into the competition.
In March 2004, 22 teams
took part in the first Al Ain
Inter-Gulf Tournament and
it was a tremendous success
for all. Since then Al Ain has
participated at Inter-Gulf in
Muscat and Abu Dhabi where
the A team was seeded in the
top 8.
It is the beginning of the
fourth season for the club
and this season brings the
opportunity for members who
wish to train seriously to do
so with the help of our coach
ex Sri Lankan National Team
player Renuka who also has
support from Sugath. There
are two serious sessions a
week on a Sunday and a
Tuesday night at 7.00pm and
a social session on a Tuesday
night at 8.00pm. All sessions
take place at the Hilton Tennis
Courts.
AANC has been lucky
enough to have more support
with sponsorship than ever
before. Among our sponsors
are Al Fara’a, Al Ain Rotana,
Global Eye, Wild Wadi, Hard
Rock Café, Tour Dubai and
Planet Holywood.
The regular players are
Aurelie, Michelle, Zianca,
Cath, Sandy, Madeliene,
Nirvana, Nicola, Angie,
Andreya, Carissa, Karen,
Nathalie, Roxanne, Carol,
Meghan, Caroline and Martina.
We also have huge support
from non-playing committee
members Kath and Kal.
Thsose interested to join
may contact Aurelie (050 753
1950), Michelle (050 839
7105) or Cath (050 789 1566)
(The content for this article
provided by the Club)
Al Ain football squad
will conclude their warm up
programme today when they
conduct on Saturday evening
18th of November their last
training session at Khalifa
pitch. The president’s cup
holders are due to take on
Dubai’s Al Wasl in the seventh
round of Etisalat premier
league in a crucial encounter
which kicks off on Sunday
19th of November at 4:45pm.
Al Ain team are in the tenth
place after collecting only five
points in six weeks as they
drew twice , beaten thrice and
won only against Dubai, the
new qualifying team to the
first division this season. Al
Ain and their opponents Al
Wasl played their last round
matches against Al Nasr and Al
Wahda respectively and both
teams were held to a 1/1 draw
.The lone point helped Al Wasl
much to stay on top of the
table with 12 points and at the
same time made things more
complicated to their rivals.
Al Ain’s Romanian coach
Jordanesco stated that he could
not pick up a single reason that
led his boys to demonstrate
poor performance in the last
games more than their kick off
in the AFC league champions
recently.
“Being out of the contention
was the only problem that
ACA INVITATION LEAGUE:
Al Faraa Blues upsets
favorite Mughal in the
opening tie
Man of the match Bilal shines for
Ghantoot against Al Faraa Greens
By Dr. Ahmad Tariq Ansari
The 15-year old
Al Ain Bridge Club
The Al Ain Bridge Club has
been running now for well
over 15 years and we consider
ourselves a truly international
group. Our players come
from countries far apart as
Pakistan, Greece, Lebanon,
UK, Romania and North
America. This makes for an
interesting mix of bidding
styles. Some players have
many years experience of
playing in clubs in their home
country, but others are casual
bridge converts.
Game begins at 8:15
p.m. every Monday at the
Intercontinental and is
normally finished by 11:00
p.m.
The Club likes to think
as being a place where
members can spend an
enjoyable, relaxing evening in
comfortable surroundings. The
Intercontinental provide tea
coffee and water and food and
beverages may be ordered if
required. Players are charged
only for the rent of the room
and the refreshments at a cost
of less than AED 15 per player
per week.
Normally the duplicate
game is played, where the
same boards are played by
different pairs and the results
are compared to arrive at an
overall winner. The Bridge
Club welcomes all players who
would like to try their hand. If
they are new to the duplicate
game, this will be the gentle
introduction they are likely to
get. It is not necessary to have
a regular partner – the Club
will fix new players up with a
partner when they arrive.
The Club aims to provide
opportunities for all our
members to enjoy playing
and learning bridge, no matter
at what level - beginner or
international. (Yes the Al
Ain Bridge Club has had
international players in the
past!!)
New members, beginners or
professionals, are encouraged
to join and may cal Carl (050
743 0133) or Hannan (050 713
9197).
Al Faraa Blues produced
the first upset of the
tournament as they beat the
favorites Mughal CC in a
sensational last ball finish by
one wicket in the ongoing
ACA Invitation League played
over the week-end in Al Ain.
Al Faraa Blues, chasing
a challenging 193 and their
last pair batting were down
at 178/9, still requiring 15
to win. But Santhil played a
courageous knock with tailenders. He was well supported
by Manoj and hit the winning
runs on the last ball to stun an
over-confident Mughal CC in
their opening tie.
In other matches, Ghantoot
CC were challenged by a
confident Al Faraa Greens as
they managed to cruise home
with a 23-run win. Ghantoot
CC 250 was built around good
knocks by Shaukat (74) and
Bilal (54) as Kulvender took
three wickets. Dita (67), For
Al Faraa Greens, Raju (49)
and Ram Singh (45) played
spiritedly to reach 227/6.
Bilal earned man of the match
for his all round display for
Ghantoot CC.
Earlier, in their previous
outing, Al Faraa Greens
had an easy win over Imran
Coaching beating the later
by four wickets. Having
bowled out Imran Coaching
for a paltry 135, the Greens
surpassed the meager total
with ease in 15 overs with
Raju hitting 51.
Recovering from their
defeat at the hands of Al Faraa
Greens in the opening game,
Imran Coaching thrashed the
newly formed Baloch CC by
nine wickets. Navneet scored
an unbeaten 73 in his team’s
win.
Bin Saqr ended up as losers
in both their outings. In their
first match against Al Faraa
Blues, Bin Saqr were bowled
out for just 94, the lowest total
of the tournament so far. Nilesh
(4/21) and Manoj (3/25) shared
seven wickets among them to
cause Bin Saqr’s misery. The
Blues easily reached the meager
total in 13th over as Chetan hit
an unbeaten 50. Though Bin
saqr showed improvement in
their next match piling 192/9
against Pakhtoons but Kashif’s
quickfire unbeaten 79 (7x4s,
7x6s) stole the show as Bin
Saqr were helpless to stop his
assault as they lost by five
wickets to Pakhtoon.
made the spirits of the players
go down. We need a single win
to come out of this dilemma and
I hope the players will make it
this time,” he said.
The league championship
was stopped for ten days
following the sixth round to
pave the way for the National
team to get ready for their
last preliminary stage game
in the Asian qualifiers against
Pakistan which was played
last Wednesday. Jordanesco
benefited much of the ten-day
stoppage to reorganize his
team in a better form. Al Ain
has become now physically,
technically and morally fit for
the match
Summarized scores:
Mughal CC lost to Al Faraa
Blues by one wicket
Mughal CC 192/7 in 25 overs
(Amanat 54, Ayub 55, Imran 21
n.o., Jasbeer 3/33, Abdul Wahab
2/30, Manoj 2/43) Al Faraa CC
196/9 in 25 overs (Cheetan 29,
Santhil 37 n.o., Abdul Wahab 23,
Tariq 3/35) Man of the match:
Santhil of Al Faraa Blues
Baloch CC lost to Imran
Coaching by nine wickets
Baloch CC 141 in 24.3 overs
(Rehmat 42, Ali 3/24, Jauti
2/22, Jasim 2/27, Nilesh 2/29)
Imran Coaching 143 in 18 overs
(Navneet 73 n.o., Ali 31 n.o.)
Man of the match: Navneet of
Imran Coaching
Bin Saqr CC lost to Pakhtoon
by five wickets.
Bin Saqr 192/9 in 23 overs
(Ghalib 21, Faisal 25, Shah
Alam 33, Akbar 3/28, Nabeeb 2/
31) Pakhtoon 193/5 in 18.1 overs
(Nabeeb 45, Awad 39, Kashif 79
n.o.) Man of the match: Kashif
of Pakhtoon
Ghantoot CC beat Al Faraa
Greens by 23 runs.
Ghantoot CC 250 in 23 overs
(Shahid Butt 25, Ashfaq 42,
Shaukat 74, Bilal 52, Kulvender
3/32) Al Faraa Greens 227/6
(Dita 67, Budika 37, Ram Singh
45, Raju 49, Bilal 2/42, Arshad
2/45) Man of the match: Bilal of
Ghantoot CC
Bin Saqr lost to Al Faraa Blues
by seven wickets.
Bin Saqr 94 all out in 18 overs
(Nilesh 4/21, Manoj 3/25) Al
Faraa Blues 96 in 12.4 overs
(Chetan 50 n.o.) Man of the
match: Nilesh of Al Faraa Blues
Imran Coaching lost to Al
Faraa Greens by four wickets.
Imran Coaching 135 /25 overs
(Navneet 47, Ravi 40, Kulvender
3/12, Ramsingh 2/22, Kashif
2/14) Al Faraa Greens 140/6 in
15 overs (Raju 51, Allah Ditta 26
n.o., Jasim 3/32)