Lankans from Libya go home

By PMA RASHEED

The Gulf Today, 8 March 2011

ABOUT 138 stranded Sri Lankan expatriates from troubled Libya arrived in Dubai International Airport a couple of days ago in a special chartered flight, were taken to Colombo on Monday by the Sri Lankan Government and their missions in the UAE. 

The Sri Lankan professionals, labourers and their families living in Libya were stranded in Tripoli for days. The government adopted prompt measures to evacuate them from the tumultuous land immediately via Dubai, a spokesperson of the Sri Lankan Consulate told The Gulf Today.

Consul General of Sri Lanka in Dubai MM Abdul Raheem said that the Sri Lankan expatriates, who were living and working in Libya, arrived in Dubai by a charter flight on March 5, and sent back to Sri Lanka on Monday.

“They will be received by the officials from the Ministry of External Affairs and the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo,” he added.

“The Sri Lanka Embassy in Libya and the Ministry of External Affairs coordinated with Sri Lankan missions in the UAE for the safe return of these Sri Lankans via Dubai to reach their motherland,” Raheem noted.

“Officials from the Consulate General of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lankan Airlines in Dubai met the visiting Sri Lankans at the Dubai Airport and facilitated their smooth transit to Colombo,” he said.

“Previously another batch of 54 and 35 Sri Lankans, who fled from Libya and went to Malta and Greece, arrived in Dubai airport and the officials of the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai assisted them for their early return to Colombo,” he elaborated.

According to Raheem, the Sri Lankan Missions in the UAE and Libya will be in contact with their capital to expedite further evacuation of Sri Lankans affected by the Libyan crisis.

‘Food prices may increase at 10% this year’

By PMA RASHEED 

1 March 2011, The Gulf Today

The prices of food items in the UAE might further shoot up this year at an estimated rate of 10 per cent, if necessary strategic measures and policies haven’t been implemented on a strong platform to ensure food security and sufficient stocks in the market, warns a top player in the industry.

The food sector in the Gulf region is facing extremely critical challenges in terms of escalating prices, coupled with the mounting issues on food security and availability of sufficient foodstuff stocks, chairman of Al Ghurair Foods Essa Abdulla Al Ghurair said.
“Prices of grains have been constantly affected by the mounting prices of crude oil in the international markets. The food shortage indications should inspire governments to implement strategic measures to ensure food security,” he added.
“We can expect a better crop harvest season this year to boost our food storage and ensure the food security, unless there’s a drought as happened in Russia last year or the heavy rains flooded the Australia fields,” he added.
While talking on the sidelines of Gulfood 2011, the boss of Al Ghurair Foods expressed his concerns over the political implications for the shortage of food stock and increase in prices.
“We have been implementing numerous projects by enhancing its capacity to ensure sufficient food security in the UAE and the region, in addition to encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle within the region,” he elaborated.
The region’s giant player in the food sector also has recently reopened its canola crushing plant in Jebel Ali, the largest of its seed crushing unit in the Mena region. The present product portfolio of Al Ghurair Foods includes flour, edible oils, pasta, grains, oats and poultry.
Essa indicated, “The facility will increase the group’s production capacity of canola oil up to 4,500 tonnes daily, which was 3,000 tonnes earlier, in addition to a soya crushing capacity of 2000 tonnes.”
“A new wheat storage facility is being developed by Al Ghurair Foods, the region’s pioneer player in the food sector, in tandem with the government of the UAE,” he said.
“The massive storage facility will be unveiled within a couple of years. Al Ghurair’s 300,000-tonne-capacity silos have been allotted to the government’s strategic food reserves until the project is finished,” Essa added.
“The group has plans to widen its GCC reach and expand operations to more Middle Eastern and North African countries. In the near future, we plan to venture out with more projects in Saudi Arabia, by establishing plants capable of crushing 4000 tonnes of Soya bean and 3000 tonnes of canola per day.”
“Other projects in pipeline include launching of a new product and expansion programmes in the North African region. The new wheat silo in Algeria has a storage capacity of 140,000 tonnes. The project has already been commissioned and the loading and unloading of ships will begin very shortly.”

Al Ghurair Foods, the only private sector food manufacturer in the UAE, shares about 35 per cent of the UAE’s flour market and 20 per cent of the animal feed products.

45,000 residents to join ‘Yalla Walk’ in Dubai

By PMA RASHEED 

28 Feb 2011, Th Gulf Today

DUBAI’S public walking tracks will receive over 45,000 residents, as part of the Emirate’s largest health awareness campaign, ‘Yalla Walk,’ which will run between March 5 and 19.
Dubai Municipality (DM) has developed 23 walking tracks at different public parks across the Emirate, and the Yalla Walk campaign will introduce these tracks to the general public, according to DM officials.

Announcing the campaign on Sunday, the DM’s Director General Hussein Nasser Lootah said the programme would raise awareness among people on the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
“The Yalla Walk campaign will be launched at Safa Park on March 5 at 5pm, followed by activities on Sunday at Al Mamzar Park, Al Khawaneej Walking Track, Zabeel Park and Al Barsha Park. The closing ceremony of Yalla Walk will be at Al Mamzar Park on March 19 at 5pm,” Lootah added.
A DM spokesperson said the registration process for the campaign would be from March 1-6. Residents can also register through the special web portal, www.yallawalk.ae. Participants will be provided with a coding number through e-mail, upon registering online.
“The registration number must be printed on the badge to get entry to the contest. People can also register directly or the parks or at Fitness First branches. The participants will be provided with a badge, in addition to a wristband containing a barcode. The barcode must be scanned on the device, provided at the beginning of each track, and the badge should be swiped on the device again when a participant has completed the walk,” he elaborated.
“This is for calculating electronically the distance walked by each participant, who can also visit the website and access the page devoted to him to get all the details and distances. The campaign will also include medical examinations and various events for children,” added the DM official.
Lootah noted that the civic body set up walking tracks in various areas in order to enhance community health supporting tools in the Emirate. The walking tracks will positively change behaviour, thinking and lifestyle of thousands of residents from different nations and at different ages, he pointed out.

According to him, the walking tracks project is one of the most important and vital projects in the Dubai. “The DM does not target a particular age group or specific segment of the society through this campaign. The focus is on the promotion of the walking tracks for people from all walks of life,” he added.

“The Municipality also has kept numerous gift hampers and prizes in store for residents to attract them to the walking tracks, where various activities and contests will be conducted during the campaign period,” he concluded.

DM Healthcare to open third speciality hospital this year

By PMA RASHEED

27 Feb 2011, The Gulf Today

The DM Healthcare group, one of the region’s major healthcare service providers, will open a specialised surgery hospital in Dubai by the end of this year.

Dr Azad Moopen, Chairman of the DM Group, said that the group’s third hospital will specialising in advanced ortho, neuro and spinal surgical procedures will be first of its kind health facility in the UAE

“The Medcare Speciality Hospital, which is presently under construction close to the Sheikh Zayed road, will have innovative surgical specialities with a cluster of advanced operational theatres,” said Dr Moopen.

“The hospital will handle cases of hip or arthroscopic surgeries with the most advanced procedures that will enable patients to leave the hospital within one day,” he indicated.

Dr Moopen was speaking on the occasion of launching its new corporate headquarters in a strategic location in the heart of new Dubai on Thurday.

Indian ambassador to India M K Lokesh inaugurated the integrated corporate headquarters at Executive Towers on Business Bay near Burj Khalifa in the presence of Sanjay Verma, Consul General of India in Dubai.

“The new headquarters will consolidate all senior level non-medical professionals under one roof. Hundreds of healthcare establishments and facilities of the DM Healthcare service network will have a unified management and operational platform with the unveiling of the new strategic headquarters,” elaborated Dr Moopen.

He added that the DM Healthcare group is in the midst of expansion in the GCC and India with the number of units set to grow to 300 by the year 2015.

Currently, the network consists of 118 establishments, providing primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare with management and consultancy service. “The headquarters will function with seamless connectivity with its administration offices, hospitals, clinics diagnostic and pharmacy verticals which are recently consolidated under a single brand Aster,” noted Dr Moopen.

Speaking about the DM group’s expansion plans in other GCC countries, Dr Moopen said: “Our next major plan is happening in Saudi Arabia with a chain of projects for tens of health facilities, including hospitals, clinics and pharmacies under the ASTER and Medcare brands.”

“An estimated Dhs300 million will be invested in the KSA in the next three years, in partnership with local Rashid Al Rashid Group,” he added.

Ras Al Khaimah gears up for 2nd annual Terry Fox Run

By PMA RASHEED 

23 Feb 2011, The Gulf Today

THE second edition of annual RAK Terry Fox Run will be staged at the Ras Al Khaimah Corniche on March 4, aimed at raising funds for cancer research in the UAE. 

The RAK Terry Fox Run is the newest of the four Terry Fox Runs in the UAE and the inaugural run last year had been a tremendous success, organisers said.

Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member of the UAE and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah will inaugurate the charity run, which will start off at 9am at the RAK Corniche near the Sheikh Zayed Mosque opposite the Al Safeer market area.

Kris Panday, Canadian Consul General in Dubai, said that the initiative will set the stage for a broader public participation this year to create awareness on a wider canvas and raise funds for cancer research programmes in the UAE. 

“The Terry Fox Run is a great example of how a community like in Ras Al Khaimah can work together towards a common goal and in this case it is about joining hands for a worthy cause of raising funds for cancer research,” he noted.

According to him, all the proceeds from this year’s run will be donated to the UAE University Hospital in Al Ain where a number of ongoing and impressive cancer research projects are being conducted. 

Jane Shaw, Member of the RAK Terry Fox Organising Committee, said the event will feature a five kilometre distance aimed at runners and joggers and a three kilometre distance for adults, children and families to walk, run, and skateboard or rollerblade, jog or even push the baby stroller in this non-competitive event.

“The track is accessible for wheelchairs. However pets and bikes are not allowed due to safety reasons. The registration procedures and submission of sponsorship forms will begin at 7.30am on March 4,” she added.

“Numerous institutions, schools, government departments, social organisations and private establishments in the emirate have already extended significant support for the charity run. About 1200 people are expected to take part in the run, which will be a fun-filled day for families and residents,” elaborated Shaw.

“The scenic setting at the RAK Corniche will provide a wonderful backdrop for the Friday morning event. The funds are being raised either through direct donations or by individual sponsorship sheets available online at www.premiermarathons.com/rakterryfoxrun,” she said.

“We are currently arranging presentations on Terry Fox at various schools and educational institutions to promote the charity run,” she added.

Shaw urged the public to contact the committee via email at terryfoxrak@gmail.com or get updates through the online platform RAK Terry Fox Run group on Facebook.

Terry Fox was a young Canadian amputee who attempted to run across Canada in 1980 to raise awareness on the need for more money and effort to be given to cancer research. 

Sadly, Terry's bone cancer returned during his run and he died shortly after at the age of just 22. His dream to further cancer research, however, lives on and Terry Fox Runs are held around the world every year to bring communities together to raise money for cancer research.

According to www.terryfoxrun.org, about $500 million has been raised to date worldwide for cancer research in Terry's name.

The inaugural RAK Terry Fox Run held last year had attracted around 700 participants and collected over Dhs65,000 in funds.

Dubai Municipality makes green wheels shift

By PMA RASHEED 

23 Feb 2011, The Gulf Today

VEHICLES belonging to Dubai Municipality (DM) will soon hit the roads powered by natural gas. This move is expected once all the phases of the civic body’s comprehensive plan is completed to switch to a fuel that causes less negative impact on the environment. 

Aimed at reducing the CO2 emissions from vehicles, the municipality on Tuesday launched the first phase of its project converting five of its vehicles to natural gas usage.

Hussain Nasser Lootah, director general of the DM, said the initiative will achieve significant environmental benefits by reducing the rate of carbon emissions by 70 per cent in each vehicle when using natural gas.

“The project will be implemented in several stages. During the second phase, commercial vehicles and medium-sized vehicles such as pickups, numbering around 438 vehicles, will be included, provided that natural gas is available through our partners,” he added.

Lootah pointed out that the project entails economic benefits — achieving around Dhs2.3m a year in estimated fuel savings in the event of 400 vehicles taking to the new fuel.

“The DM has become the first government body in the Emirate in converting its vehicles to natural gas. The initiative will preserve the environment by reducing the negative impacts of the traditional fuel used in vehicles,” he added.

Humaid Al Marri, director of Transportation Department at the DM, vouching for natural gas, said it is lighter than air and in case of leakage it is vapourised in the atmosphere, emphasising that it is non-toxic. 

“The conversion of the vehicles to natural gas, require approvals to be obtained from authorities concerned. The components and elements of technical parts will be used according to the technical specifications and requirements of the transportation,” he added.

According to Al Marri, the natural gas is widely used currently in major countries as it is one of the environmentally-friendly resources.

“The total number of vehicles operating with natural gas around the world amounts to more than three million vehicles in as many as 60 countries. Some of the manufacturers of vehicles have begun manufacturing vehicles that operate on natural gas as it is most abundant and widespread than crude oil,” he elaborated.

“The use of natural gas is considered one of the most secure sources to use as this system was tested by the approved bodies for leakage of gas and strong frame with standard specifications will be placed around the gas cylinder for its protection in the event of any accident,” he noted.

Al Marri continued, “The screw valve on the cylinder closes automatically in the case of pressure becoming lower than the specified level as a result of any leak within the system. In the case of an accident it opens automatically like a repellent gas valve and as a safety gas evaporates in the atmosphere.”

“The gas cylinders can withstand pressure up to 350 lb/inch as the operating pressure is 220 lb/inch,” he concluded.

Abu Dhabi reopens fresh local produce outlets

By PMA RASHEED 

23 Feb 2011, The Gulf Today

THE Abu Dhabi Farmers’ Services Centre (ADFSC) has reopened three outlets of fresh local produce in Liwa, Al Sila and Al Muroor areas, bringing the total number of such outlets currently functional to five.

The ADFSC will reopen all 23 outlets during the current year, to further strengthen the Emirate’s agricultural sector by promoting local produce and improving national food security, according to a top official.

The UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, had established the fresh local produce stores 25 years ago aimed at selling high quality fresh food varieties at affordable prices for the residents in Abu Dhabi.

Christopher Hirst, CEO of the ADFSC indicated that the reopened outlets constitute the first phase of a comprehensive programme, comprising a wide network of 23 stores across the Emirate.

“The stores have recommenced trading after the completion of extensive maintenance work. The remaining stores are presently under renovation and will be reopened during the current year. The other two stores that are now functional are located at Al Mina and the Delma Island, the former being a temporary one,” he added.

“The reopening of the centres marked a crucial phase in the ADFSC’s efforts at enhancing the market share of local farming produce. Restoration of this service under the ADFSC will help local farmers market their produce effectively and profitably,” Hirst elaborated.

According to him, the consumers will also benefit substantially since the centres will supply locally-sourced quality produce at affordable prices,” he said.

Mohamed Jalal Al Reyaysa, director of Communication and Community Service at the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA), said the local products in the markets guarantee better food security. 

“Several tests carried out by our laboratories confirmed that local vegetables and fruits are on par with the best imported products in terms of quality and nutrition. Besides, they are fresher than imported products, as the time gap between production and sale is considerably less. Moreover, they have an edge over others in terms of price” he pointed out.

Earlier this month, the ADFCA had called upon all trade centres and sales outlets selling vegetables and fruits to strengthen the sale and marketing of local farm products.