Al Ain Aerobatics Show Thrills Spectators

26 Jan.- 8 Feb., 2008
Vol.2 Issue 41
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Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed announced
“$15bn for alternative Green Energy”
page 3
What’s New
Hashers give to Al
Ain centre for Care
& Rehabilitation
During the world future
energy summit held January
21-23 in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh
Mohammed Bin Zayed Al
Nahyan Crown Prince of Abu
Dhabi and Deputy Supreme
Commander of the UAE
Armed Forces, announced an
initial investment of $15bn in
future energy project (Solar,
Wind and Hydrogen Power;
Carbon reduction; sustainable
development; education;
manufacturing; and R&D).
Abu Dhabi’s energy company
Masdar will build an
alternative Energy City with
clean Technology for the
future. Abu Dhabi Government
commitment of $15bn for
alternative Green Energy is
the world’s largest single
government commitment to
future energy. It represents the
commitment of Abu Dhabi
- Al Ain Times
to continue its role to be an
important energy source to the
world in the future as it is now.
Zayed Future Energy
Prize
Masdar launches $2.2 Million
Annual Prize to honour
individuals and organizations
for their excellence in
the innovation, R&D and
implementation of sustainable
energy solutions.
The Zayed Future Energy
Prize will be awarded to three
individuals or organizations
that have made significant
contributions in the global
response to the future of
energy. The award is named
after UAE founding father
Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan
Al Nahyan who fostered
the UAE’s commitment
Photo by wam
to sustainability and
environmental responsibility.
The winner of the prize will
receive $1.5m; two additional
finalists will be awarded
$350,000 to take their ideas
and ambitions forward.
- more details on page 4
page 7
Al Ain Aerobatics Show Thrills Spectators
- Monique Holtzhausen
The 5th annual Al Ain Aerobatics
Show has been thrilling
spectators and visitors with
daredevil performances and
gravity defying stunts delivered
faultlessly by an international
Mom’s Kitchen
Libyan Kaak
crew of pilots.
Held under the patronage of HH
General Sheikh Mohammed
bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown
Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy
Supreme Commander of the
UAE Armed Forces, the four-day
Al Ain extravaganza – which
began on Thursday, the 24th of
January and will be concluding
on Sunday, the 27th of January
2008, has attracted over 110
page 8
Sport
Al Ain play Youth
Rugby Competition
Photograph by Carl Abrams
aircraft from 40 countries and
thousands of visitors and flying
enthusiasts from around the
globe. With a total purse of
US$100 000,00 in prize money
on offer, the pilots have been
going all out to ensure that they
impress the judges and crowds
alike with their breathtaking
performances.
“The Al Ain International
Aerobatics Championship is
seen as the curtain raiser to
the global air sports calendar
and has undoubtedly become a
must-see event that has gained
international popularity,” said
HH Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon
Al Nahyan, Chairman of the
Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority
(ADTA), which jointly
organizes the Al Ain showpiece
with the UAE Air Forces and
Air Defence, and in conjunction
with the World Air Sports
Federation.
Continued on page 2
2
www.alaintimesUAE.com
Issue 41
26 Jan.- 8 Feb., 2008
AL AIN TIMES NEWS
What’s New
Continued from page 1
AL AIN AEROBATICS SHOW THRILL
SPECTATORS
- Monique Holtzhausen
According to Al Nahyan,
close to a 130 000 spectators
have already passed through
the gates, making this year’s
event the largest to date.
“Since its inception, the Al
Ain International Aerobatics
Championship has evolved
into a truly global event,” Al
Nahyan says. “It has become
a benchmark event that brings
scores of the world’s best pilots
and spectators to the Garden
City of Al Ain.”
The Al Ain International
Aerobatics Championship 2008
has attracted a high-profile
sponsorship line-up including
Etihad Airways and ADNOC
Distribution as Platinum
sponsors; Pilatus, Etisalat, Al
Ain Mineral Water and Abu
Dhabi National Hotels as Gold
sponsors, and Al Ain Mall,
BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce
as Silver sponsors.
HOW THE JUDGING
WORKS:
Pilots are scored on innovation
and entertainment criteria. The
panel of international judges
rely on sensor-controlled
electronic timers as well as
their personally controlled
chronometers when judging the
individual performances and
deciding who will win the cash
prize of US$50 000,00 for the
competition’s best.
The pilots fly with a
combination of classic
aerobatics – a series of
unlimited classic maneuvers
performed against the clock,
known as Aerobatics Race
(AR) and a three minute
freestyle section referred to as
Aerobatics Freestyle (AF).
PARTICIPANTS
With a wealth of pilots and
teams from a host of different
countries, including Sweden,
the USA, Italy, the United
Kingdom, Turkey, Hungary,
Saudi Arabia, Jordan, South
Africa, Austria and Romania,
the 2007 Aerobatics Show
offers something for everyone.
Some of the highlight
performances include:
­Zoltan Veres: one of the
most colourful names in
European aviation today. The
45 year old daredevil pilot
has accumulated more than
13,000 flying hours in more
than a 100 different types of
aircraft ranging from Russian
aerobatic radial engine single
seat aircraft to ultra-modern
Boeing airliners. Zoltan holds
every possible type license in
aviation including ATPL, float
planes, test pilot and is amongst
the very few pilots authorized
to fly surface level aerobatics.
He is one of the few Europeans
recently invited to fly major air
shows in the world. He earned
the title of “World Champion
Flying Ace” in 2005 and 2007
on Aero GP, becoming the
first “World Champion Flying
Ace” in aviation history. A
2-times Guinness World
Recorder, Zoltan established
a Guinness World Record in
Al Ain Aerobatic Show 2007,
executing 408 consecutive
Team Guinot - Photograph by Carl Abrams
rolls, and also a formation
World Record by his Extra300.
Proudly South African
Wizards: this aerobatic team
combines two different types
of aircraft, namely the Pitts
Special S2B from the 1960’s
with the Extra ES 300 from the
late 1990’s. Wizards deliver
aerobatic displays that highlight
the extraordinary aerobatic
capabilities of both aircraft
types and how these different
aircraft combine into an Ariel
display sequence that tests both
the pilots and aircraft aerobatic
capabilities. Their performance
incorporate the skills of two
world class skydivers who
perform the only dual inverted
parachute drop out of the Pitts
currently being performed in
the world today.
‘Saudi Hawks’: this team
was the first to arrive at Al
Ain International Airport to
participate in this year’s Al
Pilots greet the crowd - Photograph by Carl Abrams
Ain Aerobatic Show Prize.
As regular performers and a
crowd favourite, the team won
the first place in 2005 and will
be aspiring to retrieve their
title in this year’s event. The
Saudi Hawks use interesting
and entertaining flying
combination, including drawing
the official emblem of Saudi
Arabia (a palm tree and two
swords) in the sky with color
smoke columns of their jet
aircraft..
Peggy Krainz: aka the Wing
walker from Austria, has
been walking on the wings
of aeroplanes in more than
400 displays at airshows
throughout Europe. Daredevil
Peggy begins her performance
by sitting in front of the
cockpit before getting out and
climbing on the upper wing
and in-between the left wings.
Communication between
Peggy and her pilot takes
place through hand signals
and dependent on split second
timing and complete trust.
Royal Jordanian Falcons:
With great skill, mind-blowing
maneuvers and various eyecatching formations, they
once again take part in the Al
Ain International Aerobatic
Championship. The team
presents a competitive blend
of both formation and solo
aerobatic performances through
which they compete with the
world top aerobatic teams
every year. The Jordanian team
won the title of the Formation
Teams / Pistons competition at
the previous session ‘Al Ain
2006’, and was the winner of
the 2nd place at ‘Al Ain 2005’.
The team also won the Best
International Show Award at
Fairford Aerobatic Show in
England twice, in 1995 and
2002.
Team Guinot: from the United
Kingdom, the world’s only
formation wing-walking team,
are flying high after landing
the amazing opportunity of
displaying in this year’s event.
They have just completed
a successful summer of
more than 80 performances
delivered across Europe. The
team performed in Al Ain in
2004 and says it is delighted
to return. The Guinot wingwalkers will experience up to
4G as they loop through the
skies above Al Ain. To excite
the crowds the lead aircraft
will roll inverted while the
formation biplane moves
beneath and the two wing
walkers attempt to hold hands
as the perfect mirror image. For
their final fly-past the brave
girls will un-strap themselves
from their wing-riding rigs
to wave at the crowd from a
position between the cockpit
and the wing.
OTHER THINGS TO DO AND
SEE AT THIS YEAR’S EVENT:
Some of facilities for the 2008 show
have been increased to accommodate
the extra influx of spectators expected
over the four days. The children’s
play area has been expanded and the
restaurant zone has nearly doubled in
capacity.
­ rganizers of the event have also
O
allocated dedicated parking spaces for
visitors, sponsors and families to help
facilitate easier entry into the site.
I­ n a specialised educational initiative,
the Sharjah’s Al Mahatta Museum
will be participating in this year’s Al
Ain Aerobatic Show with a host of
historical models from the aviation
industry, giving a chronological
insight into the history of flight.
TICKET PRICES:
- Adults: AED 40
- Children (3-10 yrs old): AED 25
- Kids Under 3 years old: Free
- People with Special Needs: Free
- VIP: AED 300
AL AIN TIMES NEWS
Issue 41
26 Jan.- 8 Feb., 2008
www.alaintimesUAE.com
3
What’s New
Arts & Crafts Market opens
in Al Ain
- Lucky Mae F. Quilao
For a day, artists,
artisans and anyone
wishing to sell their
pieces of art and
secondhand goods could
do what they aspire. For
a day, everyone in Al Ain
could meet together in a
place and have fun.
On February 8, the Al Ain
Rugby Club will host an
Arts & Crafts Fair and
Flea Market that would
not only give artists and
artisans to show their
masterpieces but also to
raise funds for the Al Ain
English Speaking School
(AAESS), and the Al
Ain Community Library,
among other charities.
“The artists that will be
participating would be
American, Australian,
British and Canadian.
But the fair is still open
to anyone who considers
himself as an artist or
artisans, or to those who
have second-hand goods
they want to sell. Even
those in Dubai can join
and anyone can come
too,” said Tim Rowland,
an English Teacher at
the UAE University and
the organizer of the Arts
& Crafts Fair and Flea
Market.
“I arranged this because I
wanted to do something.
I wanted to have a
community day that
would bring everyone in
the city together. Al Ain
is a small, quiet town but
there are a lot of people
here who would like to
meet one another in a
fair-like atmosphere,” he
added.
“It started first with the
idea of a flea market,
because I have a lot of
second-hand goods.
Then I thought that
we could also have an
art and craft fair. I just
feel good organising
this kind of activities.
It gives me a feeling of
accomplishment. I am
really hoping that this
would be successful.”
The Arts & Crafts Fair
and Flea Market will be
open to the general public
from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
There will be various
activities for children
and adults, and food and
beverage vendors on
location.
AGTHIA – Emirates Foodstuff & Mineral
Water Company PJSC Aquires
Al Ain Vegetable Processing & Canning Factory
Acquisition enables strategic move into fast growing tomato paste
and frozen vegetable category
Computer Gift To The Al Ain Private
Centre For Care And Rehabiltitation
- Al Ain Times
The Al Ain Hash House Harriers had
the pleasure recently, of presenting a
gift of a computer and screen to one of
the most deserving charitable causes in
Al Ain: the Al Ain Private Centre for
Care and Rehabilitation.
On their first ‘Rehydration Run’,
the Hashers of the Emirates raised a
sizable sum in their prize raffle, which
had been planned and orchestrated by
Georges ‘Marble’ Robehmed (one of
the longest standing hashers). Georges
was pleased to present the gift of a
computer to the General Manager of the
Centre, Saadi J. Dhaher, in time for the
Eid and Christmas celebrations during
this festive month of December.
The Al Ain Private Centre for Care
and Rehabilitation, established by
Nasser Ali Azez Al Sherafe, Chief
Executive,( a father of an autistic
child and a great humanitarian), was
inaugurated in January 1999, and
offers an invaluable service to both
mentally and physically impaired
children and young adults, both in the
Emirates and the Gulf Cooperation.
The Centre offers educational and
rehabilitation programmes for children
and young adults between the ages
of 3- 30+ and consists of two main
units, namely the Daytime School Unit
and the Physiotherapy and Medical
Rehabilitation Unit.
The current premises are a haven for
- Al Ain Times all the children and young adults that
AGTHIA - Emirates
Foodstuff & Mineral
Water Company PJSC
announced that it has
acquired the Al Ain
Vegetable Processing
& Canning Factory, a
leading Tomato Paste and
Frozen Vegetable brand
with it’s manufacturing
plant based Al Ain.
The company currently
distributes its products in
the UAE and throughout
the Middle East.
AGTHIA currently
controls Al Ain Mineral
Water Company, Grand
Mills for Flour & Animal
Feed Company, Ice
Crystal Water and is also
the exclusive distributor
for Mother Parkers Tea
& Coffee Inc. The Al Ain
Vegetable Processing
& Canning Factory will
be added to AGTHIA’s
portfolio as a stand-alone
division.
“We are extremely
pleased about this
acquisition which is a
strategic move enabling
us to enter the fast
growing Tomato Paste
and Frozen Vegetable
category not only in
UAE but internationally.
It also offers us the
platform to expand into
other Food and Beverage
segments” explained Ilias
Assimakopoulos, Chief
Executive Officer of
AGTHIA.
“The acquisition
definitely is a step
forward in terms of
diversification and
expansion of our product
portfolio,” commented
AGTHIA Chairman, H.E.
Rashid Al Hajeri.
are in need of support: as soon as
the gates are opened, the child is met
with an adventure play ground and a
plethora of murals depicting scenes of
joy and love and are welcomed there
by staff unconditionally. However,
given the burgeoning demand on the
centre, a new development has been
planned to meet the needs of the Centre
and beyond. The vision of the current
manager, Saadi J.Dhaher, is a ‘state of
the art’ building, and its construction,
in the Hili area of Al Ain, is soon to
commence in the New Year, offering
everything that a child/young person
with a disability, could wish for. This
is a hugely expensive endeavour and
is estimated to cost in excess of Dhs60
million.
Heroic act rewarded
Savior of drowning man receives Heroism Award
On the 21st of January
2008, David J. Morton
was presented with a
Heroism Award by Martin
Quinn – Charge D’Affairs
of the US Embassy in
Abu Dhabi
On May 11, 2007, an
unidentified man was
attempting to swim from
one side of the fresh
water lagoon on Lulu
Island in Abu Dhabi to
the other. About half
way across the 250 foot
body of water he tired
and began to lose his
composure.
None of the life ring
throws by the life guards
was far enough to reach
the man. As the man
slipped under the water
for a third time David
performed a water rescue
in about 15 feet of water
in order for the drowning
man to gain a breath of
air. Mr. Morton began
to move the distressed
swimmer towards the
shore when another
swimmer moved a life
ring into his reach. Upon
reaching the beach the
crowd assisted the Indian
- Al Ain Times
national onto firm ground
where he coughed up a
great deal of water and
lay exhausted.
Mr. Morton placed
himself in peril in order
to save the drowning man
demonstrating unusual
heroism and life saving
skill.
The Daytime School Unit comprises
of various sections focusing on the
following mental health problems:
- Early Intervention (to develop
children from the age of 3-5 years,
with daily life, social, self-esteem,
linguistic and cognitive skills);
-Autistic and Behavioural Disorders
(to help autistic children overcome
their behavioural, communication and
social contact problems);
-Mental retardation (to develop daily
life, social, self-reliance, linguistic and
cognitive skills);
-Section of Deaf, Mute, Hearing
and Speech disorder (encouraging
their ability to communicate with
themselves and specialists);
-Vocational Rehabilitation (offered
to children 13 years old and above to
attain practical professions); and the
-Computers (to assist children in using
computers according to their ability).
Physiotherapy and Medical
Rehabilitation supervises the
rehabilitation of the physically
disabled, offering various treatments.
Any contribution for financial or voluntary help
would be gratefully received. Please contact the
General Manager, Saadi J. Dhaher to learn more
of how you could help:
Tel: 03 7676631
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.handicapped-alaincenter.sch.ae
4
www.alaintimesUAE.com
Issue 41
26 Jan.- 8 Feb., 2008
AL AIN TIMES NEWS
What’s New
Abu Dhabi hosts first energy meeting
Alternative sources of energy must be applied - UAEU researchers
A month after the United
Nations Conference on
Climate Change, the
UAE took on the lead
to propose ‘cleaner and
safer’ energy sources
that could annihilate the
environmental problem‫ز‬
Under the patronage of
His Highness Sheikh
Mohamed bin Zayed Al
Nahyan, Crown Prince of
Abu Dhabi and Deputy
Supreme Commander
of the UAE Armed
Forces, over 80 speakers,
5,000 delegates and 180
international exhibitors
participated in the World
Future Energy Summit
(WFES) to discuss the
Dr. Abbas Fardoun, Assistant
Professor of the Department of
Electrical Engineering , UAE
University
future of the energy
industry, protect the
stability of global energy
markets and emphasise
the need for alternative
energy.
A workshop on Cleaner
Technologies for
Economic Growth and
a Better Environment
organized by the World
Energy Council (WEC)
was also held after
the three-day summit,
January 24.
At the Forefront
Two researchers of the
UAE University attended
the event. “The UAE has
made the right decision:
to go with renewable
energy and combat
climate change.
said Dr. Abbas Fardoun,
Assistant Professor of the
Electrical Engineering
Department of UAE
University.
Dr. Muftah El-Naas,
Associate Professor
in the Chemical and
Petroleum Department
of UAE University,
also approved. “Global
warming is an important
issue, and the UAE
has always promoted
clean environment
and energy-efficient
systems. To depend only
on one energy source
is, eventually, to find
yourself lagging behind.
It is good to look onto
different sources.
Currently, the Abu
Dhabi government has
contributed $15 billion
to finance projects on
solar, wind and hydrogen
power; carbon reduction
and management;
sustainable development;
education; manufacturing;
and research and
development. The emirate
is also building the
‘world’s greenest city,’
where carbon, wastes and
cars emitting poisonous
gases would not be found.
“Masdar City will
question conventional
patterns of urban
development, and
set new benchmarks
for sustainability and
environmentally friendly
design… Masdar is an
example of the paradigm
shift that is needed,” Dr.
Sultan al Jaber, CEO
of Masdar, was noted
saying.
Still though, there is more
to be done. People in the
UAE still do not turn off
the lights or shut down
the A/C when no one is
using them. ” Dr. Fardoun
said.
The option
To develop alternative
sources of energy is
the only way the two
researchers deem could
restrain the environmental
problem. “We are
looking on how to treat
and refine wastewater.
UAE desalination plants
generate about 10 tons of
wastewater every second
which is usually sent back
to the sea. Dr. El-Naas
said.
Dr. Fardoun, sees
renewable energy as a
must. “Renewable energy
must be applied to resist
climate change as well as
to counter the increasing
oil cost. The UAE may
be an oil-rich country but
we could not know if it
would still be after 50
years. We have to prepare
for that.”
Renewable energy
is a ‘clean’ form of
energy where there is
no emission of carbon
dioxide. Developing it
could also replace limited
reserves of energy, which
currently comes mostly
from oil only.
Here in the UAE, we can
apply solar energy. We
have the sun for many
days of the year and it is
very practical. But, they
would have to pay more
for real estate.”
- Lucky Mae F. Quilao
Dr. El-Naas also thinks
the same way.
“The UAE is very small
country, but we generate
a lot of waste. If you
look at how much waste
we generate, we may
rank among the highest.
Everything is in plastic,
and they are just thrown
away.
last year we had a
hurricane in Oman.
This is one of the
consequences of global
warming; we should
not be passive and just
leave everything like
this. We are definitely
responsible.”
Dr. Muftah El-Naas, Assistant
Professor of the Department of
Chemical Engineering, UAE
University
WIRA launches awareness campaign on Rheumatoid Arthritis
If not treated, 60% of the patients will become disabled
“Rheumatoid Arthritis
(RA) can have tremendous
impact not only to
sufferers but also for their
families and the society at
large. Disability from RA
causes a major economic
impact, thus the great
need to raise awareness
and educate the public,
especially women”.
- Dr. Huda Al Suwaidi,
Family Medicine
Consultant for the UAE
Ministry of Health.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a
disease that affects more
women than men. And in
the UAE, 19,500 women
have it but are not aware
that they do.
the Ministry of Health
and the Health Authority
of Abu Dhabi supported
the Women’s Initiative
for Rheumatoid Arthritis
(WIRA), an organization
that seeks to spread
awareness on rheumatoid
arthritis. Patient groups,
medical societies and
private organizations
alike have also backed
the movement, such as
the Emirates Arthritis
Foundation, UAE
Rheumatology Club,
ENOC, Etisalat, Dubai
Electricity & Water
Authority (DEWA), Jeema
and Abbott.
“Today, people need
approximately Dh70,000
per year to cover the
cost of medication for
rheumatoid arthritis. Our
latest research shows that
only 50% of the patients in
the UAE can afford their
care,” revealed Dr. Cathy
Leibman, Director of
Operations at the Emirates
Arthritis Foundation.
Rheumatoid arthritis,
which is commonly
referred to as RA, is a
disease of the immune
system that attacks healthy
tissues, damages joints,
and causes disfigurement
and disability. It usually
occurs during the middle
years and can happen to
anyone – children or
adults. However, the
fact that it affects twoto three-fold times more
women than men makes
it generally a woman’s
disease.
Betty Leanderson,
Music Teacher at the
Sheikh Zayed Private
Academy for Girls and
25-year RA patient and
survivor testifies: “I was
in my late thirties when
I started to experience
stiffness and aches and
soreness in my joints
When I learned that I have
RA, I started treatment,
took my medicines,
exercised, ate good food,
took care of my health and
listened to my body. I try
to take care of myself the
best way I could, and rest
when I get tired.”
“RA is a disease that you
either get or do not. In my
understanding, it is not
something that triggers;
it is there, so there is
nothing to prevent it from
happening. But what you
can do is make sure that
you eat properly, exercise,
take good care of your
health, and consult a
doctor once you feel stiff
or sore or have aches in
your joints. Patients need
to be persistent, while
doctors need to be honest.
Knowledge is power, and
the key to that knowledge
is education.”
Presently, rheumatology
departments in the UAE
have advanced to the
point that they can detect
exactly where rheumatoid
arthritis can be found.
The Ministry of Health
has also accredited four
types of medications for
the disease. Meanwhile,
the Emirates Arthritis
Foundation, created
awareness programs
and support groups for
RA patients, and an
endowment fund for those
who cannot afford RA
treatments.
- Lucky Mae F. Quilao
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Redness, heat, swelling and pain (on a pair of
joints)
• Prolonged morning stiffness (on a pair of joints)
• Decreased range of movement
• Fever
• Weight Loss
• Fatigue
• Anemia
How to Manage RA
(As advised by Dr. Walid Al Shehi, Consultant
Rheumatologist)
• If there is stiffness for six weeks or more on a pair
of joint, consult a rheumatologist.
• Avoid doctor shopping, or visiting one doctor
and then another, because you might lose good
treatment.
• Have regular blood tests, especially if you have
the RA.
• Know more about your disease through research
and Internet – it is the patient and the doctor that
must be involved.
• Avoid taking medications prescribed to another
patients; some have infections that you do not have.
• Avoid herbal remedies; some of it can destroy the
liver and before you know it, you need a new liver.
• Remember: Diseases are part of your life, but do
not make your life about a disease.
AL AIN TIMES NEWS
Issue 41
26 Jan.- 8 Feb., 2008
www.alaintimesUAE.com
Education & Culture
Al Ain Women’s College Students
Deliver Training Session at Al Ain
Police Department
- Ekram Youssef
For the second year
running, three students
from 3rd Year Business
Mariam Al Baloushi,
Joukha Al Ameri, and
Latifa Al Asri from Al
Ain Women’s College
(AAWC) have delivered a
successful training session
to Al Ain Police and the
Ambulance and Rescue
Services. The training
session which focused on
Stress Management was
given to staff, supervisors,
and a number of high
ranking officers. The
successful session was
attended by over 65
people and is part of a
project that the business
students prepare for their
Training and Development
class.
college delivered two
other successful training
sessions one, on the
subject of Customer
Service and Ethics, was
given to nurses and staff
from Tawam Hospital
while an informative
session on Leadership
and Time Management
was presented to Al Ain
Airport employees.
The students developed
a special movie for the
purpose and created a
professional set of slides
about the major causes
and effects of stress and
recommended techniques
to relieve stress at
work. In what was an
interactive session, the
audience appreciated the
information presented by
the students and asked for
other training sessions in
the future.
To illustrate further Al
Ain Women’s College
business students
growing involvement
in the community, 3rd
year students from the
AL AIN PUPILS VISIT
SWITZERLAND
Students from Al Ain
English Speaking School
(AAESS) recently
returned from a fun-filled
skiing trip to Verbier,
Switzerland.
Upon their arrival, the
group was greeted by
a sustained downfall
of snow which boded
well for the week ahead.
Students and staff alike
were in awe of the
impressive scenery of
the snow-covered Swiss
Alps and were eager
to experience the snow
conditions first-hand.
The students had the
chance to master the
- Al Ain Times
art of skiing and / or
snowboarding and worked
hard throughout the week.
Thanks to their tenacious
efforts and the excellent
level of instruction they
had received, the pupils
were able to make their
way down some of the
more challenging runs
Verbier had to offer.
- Silver medals went to
Scout Woodford (skiing)
and Sean Patterson
(snowboarding)
On the penultimate day
students competed in races
against students from
other schools. Despite
coming from a desert
country, the team brought
home several medals:
activities such as ice
skating, a disco, karaoke
and the inevitable endless
snowball fights! Pupils
and staff alike say they
had a wonderful time
and are certainly looking
forward to repeating the
experience next year.
- Gold went to Harry
Shaw (skiing)
- Bronze went to James
Muirhead (snowboarding)
In addition to the skiing
and snowboarding, the
pupils were also engaged
in a range of evening
A new Nursery in AL AIN:
SUNFLOWER is « blooming » !!
By: Regina Vallez
A new Nursery in AL
AIN: SUNFLOWER is «
blooming » !!
SUNFLOWER Nursery,
a new quality child care
centre is opening in
February in Falaj Hazza
district, in the schools
area (a purple building on
10th street on the road to
the Police station).
The nursery will provide
a safe, healthy and
respectful environment,
where children, parents
and staff (English,
Arabic, French, Spanish,
Urdu, Danish…..
speaking), feel welcome
and appreciated. The
ground floor nursery will
be opened five days a
week from 8 am to 2 pm
and will offer two types
of service:
• the “Halte Garderie”
(coming from the French
system) provides the
ultimate in flexibility. It
is available to children
from 8 months to 2 years
and is payable by the
hour. You may use this
service on an occasional
basis or make a regular,
weekly booking. Whether
you would like one hour
or a full morning we
can accommodate your
needs. Take some time
for yourself, do your
shopping peacefully or
attend an appointment
while our dedicated,
tender and professional
staff looks after your
little one.
• A Day Care system
(3 or 5 days per week),
based on the British
curriculum and a childcentred approach to
learning. The children
are organised into agespecific groups (from 18
months to 4 years) and
each child is encouraged
to develop and learn at
their own pace.
The children’s selfesteem and love of life
are encouraged and
nurtured by experienced
teachers and assistants,
as they explore the
warm and stimulating
environment of the
nursery.
The Halte garderie and
the Day Care’s spacious
and bright classrooms
are complemented by
a wonderful shaded
outdoor play area and a
large gymnasium. These
are equipped for a variety
of activities designed to
develop the children’s
physical confidence,
autonomy and motor
skills.
At Sunflower Nursery
we value all areas of a
child’s development:
intellectual, social,
physical and creative.
We are dedicated to
empowering each
child, no matter how
young, to reach their
full potential in all these
areas through playing,
laughing, singing,
sharing, observing,
listening, discovering,
communicating and
learning…with hands,
head, body.
Under the Al Ain sun,
watch your little ones
grow from tiny toddlers
to confident children as
they are cared for and
nurtured at Sunflower
Nursery.
Sunflower Nursery will
also be looking for more
staff in the near future.
For more information
on enrolments or job
opportunities you can
call:
Mobile: 050 833 3040
Or email to :
[email protected]
5
Tel: +971 3 7557506 Fax: +971 3 7557508 Email: [email protected]
6
www.alaintimesUAE.com
Issue 41
26 Jan.- 8 Feb., 2008
AL AIN TIMES NEWS
Issue 41
AL AIN TIMES NEWS
26 Jan.- 8 Feb., 2008
www.alaintimesUAE.com
Lifestyle
Mom’s Kitchen
- by Amal Rahuma Tatanaki
Libyan Kaak
Ingredients:
1 cup olive oil
1/2 cup water
3/4 cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp sesame
1/2 tsp aniseed
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla
4 – 5 cups flour
Method:
Mix all ingredients together except for flour and
baking powder. Add flour and baking powder
gradually until the dough is firm but moist (not
dry).
Take a small piece of dough and roll into an
oblong shape approx 7-8 cm and then twist into
a circle and press overlapping ends onto each
other.
Place the dough circles onto a baking pan
and bake at medium heat in an oven for
approximately 1/2 hour or until the kaak is a
light golden colour on both sides.
Serve with coffee or tea.
Al Ain Animal Friends Needs A Home For Phoebe And Gigi
Al Ain Animal Friends, the local charity organization which is run and managed entirely by a group of committed
volunteers who are working to improve the plight of stray or injured animals in our city, is desperately looking for a
home for Phoebe and Gigi, two dogs that have been fostered by the organization for the past few months.
Phoebe,
is a 9 month old DesertDoberman mix, sterilized
female. She is a small
black and light brown
dog with really sweet
shy manner. She is timid,
but is very approachable
once she gets to know
you.
Phoebe is special because
she can be picked up and
loves to be cuddled on
your lap! She loves to
play with other dogs and
is not food aggressive.
Phoebe is looking for a
loving family or couple
(preferably not with
young children). With a
bit of love and security,
she’ll make a devoted
companion.
Gigi
Gigi is Phoebe’s best friend and is an
11-month Desert-Terrier mix, sterilized
female. She is smallish, black with a
white spot on her chest and matching
white socks on her feet. Gigi is very
sociable and loves to play with
other dogs and people. She’s
happiest when giving and
receiving love and attention.
in groups and speeding cars. She has
greatly improved with barking at night
when she stays out overnight, but she
rarely barks when she’s inside. Gigi
is
looking for a loving family with
children and preferably one other sweet
dog.
She walks very well on a lead
and stays by your side and
doesn’t pull! According to
AAAF, she is also not food
aggressive, but is afraid of men
To offer a home to these animals or if you are interested in becoming involved PLEASE, HELP US HELP THEM!!
in AAAF, Contact us as 050-831-6343 or pass this information on to family
Visit our website on www.
and friends. We have other pets needing homes too and an extra pair of hands alainanimalfriends.com for more
are always welcome!
information.
7
8
www.alaintimesUAE.com
Issue 41
26 Jan.- 8 Feb., 2008
AL AIN TIMES NEWS
Sports
NAEL Cement Products Youth Rugby Competition
AA Under 16s vs Dubai Exiles
A break in the recent
stormy weather made for
near perfect conditions for
this non league ‘Friendly’
game. As always, Dubai
Exiles arrived well
prepared and with strong
support. Although not
fielding their full ‘A’ side,
they are able to draw on
a large reserve of very
capable players. AAA
U16s have not enjoyed
great success so far this
season, so the task ahead
was a daunting one.
Barrie van Zyl (U16s
head coach) has made
to gain control over the
game. Another try from
AAA won the first quarter
for them at 12 - 0.
The second quarter
continued at the same
pace. Dubai settled
down and adjusted to the
onslaught and were able
to reply with a try. A loss
of temper saw a player
from each side sent to the
‘sin bin’ for five minutes
to cool off. Both sets of
backs produced slick and
entertaining ball play,
with inside centre Ian
Murphy showing why he
- Steve Arnott
It appeared that weeks of
training and preparation
were about to amount to
another stinging defeat,
but Barrie van Zyl gave
the team a stirring speech
reminding them of their
responsibilities. The team
visibly lifted and went into
the final quarter with a
steely eyed determination
not previously witnessed.
The final quarter
proceeded with a bruising
performance from two
very determined sides.
Towards the final stages
of the fourth quarter the
provided the relief needed
and allowed the AAA
backs to break out. The
resulting try gave a more
comfortable lead and the
boot of young Marais
secured the conversion
as the final whistle blew.
Final score - AAA 26,
Dubai Exiles 17.
AA vs Bahrain
There were double
victories for both the
Ai Ain Ramblers Mini
(Under 10’s) and Midi
his strategy clear to the,
still very inexperienced,
team and refuses to accept
anything less than 100%
commitment from the
players. The pieces were
in place for a thrilling
encounter.
The first quarter saw AAA
storm out of the starting
blocks and take command
of the game. An early try
boosted their confidence
and the quarter continued
with ferocious rucking and
mauling from both sets
of forwards attempting
was AAA’s Man of the
Match. The quarter ended
at 12 - 5.
History has demonstrated
that the U16s’ fitness has
been a problem, and the
team usually starts to fade
towards the later stages of
the game. This was even
commented on by some
of the Dubai supporters.
As the third quarter
progressed, AAA began to
flag, conceding two quick
trys and allowing Dubai to
deservedly take the lead at
12 - 17.
game appeared to be lost,
but some very good back
line play opened up the
resolute Dubai defence
and AAA scored to bring
the points level. A well
placed kick by fly half
Quihen Marais took the
extra two points and AAA
had a tenatative two point
lead. The game was not
over yet; Dubai stormed
back and applied immense
pressure, forcing AAA
back into their 22m area.
Dogged defence and quick
ball from the forwards
(under 11’s) teams against
a squad from Bahrain at
the weekend. The under
10’s began on Friday with
a spirited victory against
the Bahrain minis to win
15 points to 5 and scored
a total of eight tries in the
repeat match on Saturday
to win by 40 points to 5.
The Al Ain under 11’s
produced an outstanding
display of teamwork in
their victory over Bahrain
on Friday, with a score
of 20 points to 10 and
again dominated play
on Saturday to complete
the double victory with a
score of 30 points to 10.
Regardless of whether
they have played before
or not, boys and girls of
all age groups interested
in playing rugby are
encouraged to come to
the training sessions at
the Palm Sports Resort on
Sundays and Tuesdays at
4.30 until 6.00 pm.
photographs submitted by Steve Arnott
AL AIN TIMES NEWS
Issue 41
26 Jan.- 8 Feb., 2008
www.alaintimesUAE.com
Under the Patronage of HH SheikhTahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan,
Ruler's Representative in the Eastern District
A Performance by
THE ENGLISH CONCERT
One of Europe's Leading Chamber Orchestras
Thursday, 31st January 2008
Sheikh Khalifa Auditorium, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences UAEU
Tawam Medical Campus, Al Ain, UAE
The English Concert is hosted by The Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and heritage
The English Concert
If you are interested in attending the concert, please contact the House of Arts at
the address below to collect your admission card:
House of Arts: [email protected], 03 - 762-6651
Space is limited and applications for admission card will be dealt with on a first
come first serve basis. Admission card will be required to access the auditorium.
For more information please visit www.theengfishconcertuae.com
Generously sponsored by
9
10 www.alaintimesUAE.com
Issue 41
Entertainment
S
UDOKU!
A Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid which has been
subdivided into 9 smaller grids. The aim of the game is that
each column, row and box must contain each of the numbers;
one to nine. Meaning you cannot use the same number twice
in any column, row or box!
U
26 Jan.- 8 Feb., 2008
AL AIN TIMES NEWS
pcoming Films
- Reviewed by Ola Salem
P.S. I Love You
A moving film based on Cecilia Ahern’s bestseller
about a woman trying to survive as a widower
and get back on her feet following the death of
her husband, the man she ‘loved too much’. With
the help of her husbands plan she slowly begins to
recover. Fans of the novel may be disappointed by
the amount of changes and parts that have been left
out, but it is still a good watch and will keep you
hooked ‘till the end and will certainly leave you
grabbing for the tissue box.
Contains sexual references and brief nudity.
Peaceful Warrior
Gymnast Dan Millman is living the life; he has
the grades, the looks, the girls and a lot of money.
Unfortunately for him he gets injured after a
motorist accident and loses hope of ever reaching
his dream of competing in the Olympics, but
with the help of a man he encountered before, he
slowly gets back on track. The whole spiritual
transformation may seem to be rather inspiring,
however it tries too hard to deliver its message,
which is a shame as this makes it lose its touch.
Photo of the week
Contains sexual references.
Rambo
John Rambo has gone to northern Thailand where
he is living a private and peaceful life in the
mountains and jungles when a group of human
rights missionaries search him out to guide them
into Burma to deliver medical supplies. When the
aid workers are captured by the Burmese army,
Rambo decides to venture alone into the war zone
to rescue them. A great action film, one not to be
missed.
Contains strong violence, language and sexual
assaults.
Even Money
Dubai Drowning
photograph by Tina Doshi
Al Ain Times published by :
Alpha Beta Publishers & Media Consultants
Chief Editor : Dr. Fadwa Al Mughairbi
P.O.Box : 15229 - Al Ain - U.A.E.
Tel.: 03 - 7557506 - Fax : 03 - 7557508
E-mail : [email protected]
www.alaintimesUAE.com
SOLUTION:
Gambling addiction brings the story of three
otherwise unconnected people together as it
destroys each of their lives in this adult-drama.
Nothing new here, but well acted, plotted and
some good suspense keep the movie going.
Contains violence and sexual content.