Movies, tree planting and corporate initiatives are taking place on Friday in the UAE to celebrate World Environment Day.
Movies, tree planting and corporate initiatives are taking place on Friday in the UAE to celebrate World Environment Day.
Time is running out and lifestyle changes need to be made promptly, said Habiba Al Marashi, Emirates Environment Group (EEG) Chairperson.
"We hope that environmental protection will be a top agenda among governments, companies and individuals. We have much to learn from indigenous peoples around the world who know that the extinction of forests would spell their own demise. The same fate awaits all of us if we continue the way we live today. We share the belief that the time to act is now," she said
The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is hosting activities from 2 to 6pm at Dubai Mall.
Emirates Diving Association (EDA) members will scuba dive in the Dubai Aquarium with a banner reading, 'Let the Ocean be our Aquarium,' tonight at 5pm and on June 7.
EDA will show a documentary at Mall of the Emirates Cinestar from the Journey to Planet Earth series, called The State of the Ocean's Animals which looks at why many marine species are disappearing. Tickets are on a first come basis.
In Sharjah the Al Qasba Development Project Authority is planning a two-day event which started with a clean up on Thursday and will continue on Friday at Abu Shagara Park from 5-7pm.
Other activities include an Art Out Of Waste competition, Save Energy campaign, and charity auctions where the proceeds will go to the Red Crescent. Two auctions will be held and paintings by local artists can be bought, from 9pm.
"The technologies we are developing, the massive production, usage and disposal of several items worldwide, are the main reason for destroying our own environment.
"From the UAE, we are uniting with the world to spread awareness of critical environmental causes such as global warming, waste disposal, desertification, water pollution, air pollution, and energy loss," said Dina Al Nakhi, Events Manager for the Al Qasba Development Authority.
The Emirates Marine Environmental Group (EMEG) will hold a scavenger hunt and mangrove planting as part of activities from 2 to 7pm at their Ghantoot reserve to address environment threats and educate children.
To attend the fun day by EMEG free of charge contact info@emeg.ae or call EMEG office at 04 363 0582 to register. EMEG is asking all participants to bring plastic bottles to the event in order to help make a giant Orca.
Friday, June 5, 2009
GOING PAPERLESS TO RAISE AWARENESS
The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) along with 12 other government institutions went paperless on Thursday to mark World Environment Day(June 5th).
10 tips
- Minimise and conserve paper by planning work carefully. Did you know that 1 ream of paper = 6 per cent of a tree = 12 pounds of Co2 and 17 reams of paper = 1 tree.
- Invest in printers that print on both sides n Use scanners instead of copying machines.
- Send electronic faxes instead of paper faxes.
- Store information electronically instead of in filing cabinets.
- Give friends, clients or vendors information on CDs or through email attachments instead of in bound folders.
- Do double-sided photocopying.
- Reduce the number of newspapers delivered to your home or workplace. Read the newspaper online.
- Train your employees to use the photocopier and printer properly so that paper is not wasted.
- Conduct a monthly paper audit to determine the kind and volume of paper that is being wasted and set a target to reduce the volume wasted the following month.
10 tips
- Minimise and conserve paper by planning work carefully. Did you know that 1 ream of paper = 6 per cent of a tree = 12 pounds of Co2 and 17 reams of paper = 1 tree.
- Invest in printers that print on both sides n Use scanners instead of copying machines.
- Send electronic faxes instead of paper faxes.
- Store information electronically instead of in filing cabinets.
- Give friends, clients or vendors information on CDs or through email attachments instead of in bound folders.
- Do double-sided photocopying.
- Reduce the number of newspapers delivered to your home or workplace. Read the newspaper online.
- Train your employees to use the photocopier and printer properly so that paper is not wasted.
- Conduct a monthly paper audit to determine the kind and volume of paper that is being wasted and set a target to reduce the volume wasted the following month.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
The Price is Right!!!!!!!--Travel
Great holiday destinations to suit every budget.
It's the time of year when the UAE heat begins to drive everyone indoors. This is also generally the time of year when we begin to think about where in the world we want to venture to for our holidays.
In light of the current economic climate, more of us are becoming conscious of how much we spend and what we spend our hard-earned cash on. We've put together a guide to some of the best holiday deals available this year to suit three budgets, which will hopefully make the selection process that little bit easier. All prices are for a family of four.
Less than Dh10,000
In these uncertain times, it is still possible to enjoy a getaway on a reasonable budget. Air Arabia now offers holiday packages to destinations across the region and beyond — you can take a two-night break in the historic city of Athens from around Dh8,000, staying at the Oscar Hotel (bed and breakfast included). The price is inclusive of a half-day tour of the city and transfers to and from Athens airport.
Visit the Acropolis, to see the Parthenon in its splendour. Plaka, the old town area of Athens beneath the Acropolis, is also worth a visit, with its narrow streets and inviting tavernas. For the children, visit the Banaki Museum's Childhood, Toys and Games exhibition, which features 20,000 toys, games and childhood items.
If you'd prefer to stay slightly closer to home, you can opt for bustling Amman in Jordan — prices start at around Dh8,000 for a two-night stay at the Commodore Hotel, with a four-hour tour of the city and transfers to and from Amman Queen Alia International Airport. The city, which is built on seven hills, is one of the oldest in the world. Take a trip to the Dead Sea, where, due to the high salinity, you will float effortlessly on the surface. A trip to Madaba, the city of mosaics, where you will find Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics dating from the fifth to seventh centuries, is also a must.
Dh10,000 – Dh20,000If you have a bit extra to spend on your holidays this year, you may want to consider venturing further afield. Bangkok, Thailand's spiritual, cultural, political, commercial, educational and diplomatic centre, is a must-visit for those with slightly older children. For around Dh13,600 with Sharaftravel, you can enjoy a seven-night stay in a four-star hotel, with daily breakfast and return airport transfers by a private vehicle (also includes flights).
If you're looking for a destination the whole family can enjoy, try Kuala Lumpur. It offers an abundance of activities and sightseeing opportunities, ranging from adventure parks like the immense Sunway Lagoon Theme Park for the children, to landmarks such as the Petronas Twin Towers. For a little less than Dh14,000 you can stay in a four-star hotel for a week, with breakfast included. This also includes return flights and return airport transfers (Sharaftravel).
If you're a family of culture vultures, then consider Istanbul in Turkey. For Dh13,790 you can enjoy seven days in a five-star hotel, with daily breakfast (flights and return airport transfers included). The city itself has an abundance of important historic buildings and exciting new galleries. For children, a visit to the toy museum (Oyuncak Muzesi) is a must — its home is a lovely old wooden house, which could have come straight out of a fairy tale. More active youngsters can enjoy ice skating at the Galleria shopping mall in Atakoy.
If you need to be closer still, why not explore Abu Dhabi? Qasr Al Sarab is set to open next October. Taking shape amidst the towering dunes of the Rub Al Khali (Empty Quarter), this five-star desert retreat will be managed by Thai hospitality chain Anantara. It is just 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport, and the luxury get-away will feature 140 guestrooms, ten Royal Pavilion villas and 42 additional villas, a mix of one, two and three bedroom units, as well as a spa themed along the lines of the traditional Hammam baths.
More than Dh20,000
So you've decided to go all-out and splurge on this year's holiday. For Dh24,725 you can enjoy seven nights in a four-star hotel in Geneva (including daily breakfast, return airport transfers and flights). The city is small, lovely and has good public transportation.
The Patek Philippe museum was once a watch-making workshop, owned by a high-class Geneva watch-making company. A typical tour of the museum will reveal a horological library and audiovisual displays. For water park enthusiasts, a trip to Aquaparc is must, which boasts three worlds, all made up of water. Adults can enjoy ‘Paradise Land', which promises relaxation through Turkish baths, saunas and Jacuzzis.
You may want to consider heading south to Australia; Sydney is a city for all ages and tastes. To keep the children happy you can head to the Sydney Aquarium, which is one of the largest in the world. The aquarium features two underwater tunnels beneath the seal and shark tanks. Feed the little ones' inexplicable fascination with insects at the Butterfly Farm Activities Resort, which houses all kinds of moths, beetles, scorpions and insects. There's also an Indy 800 kart track and water skiing on offer at the park. Etihad holidays offer packages to Sydney – please contact your nearest agent for individual pricing.
It's the time of year when the UAE heat begins to drive everyone indoors. This is also generally the time of year when we begin to think about where in the world we want to venture to for our holidays.
In light of the current economic climate, more of us are becoming conscious of how much we spend and what we spend our hard-earned cash on. We've put together a guide to some of the best holiday deals available this year to suit three budgets, which will hopefully make the selection process that little bit easier. All prices are for a family of four.
Less than Dh10,000
In these uncertain times, it is still possible to enjoy a getaway on a reasonable budget. Air Arabia now offers holiday packages to destinations across the region and beyond — you can take a two-night break in the historic city of Athens from around Dh8,000, staying at the Oscar Hotel (bed and breakfast included). The price is inclusive of a half-day tour of the city and transfers to and from Athens airport.
Visit the Acropolis, to see the Parthenon in its splendour. Plaka, the old town area of Athens beneath the Acropolis, is also worth a visit, with its narrow streets and inviting tavernas. For the children, visit the Banaki Museum's Childhood, Toys and Games exhibition, which features 20,000 toys, games and childhood items.
If you'd prefer to stay slightly closer to home, you can opt for bustling Amman in Jordan — prices start at around Dh8,000 for a two-night stay at the Commodore Hotel, with a four-hour tour of the city and transfers to and from Amman Queen Alia International Airport. The city, which is built on seven hills, is one of the oldest in the world. Take a trip to the Dead Sea, where, due to the high salinity, you will float effortlessly on the surface. A trip to Madaba, the city of mosaics, where you will find Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics dating from the fifth to seventh centuries, is also a must.
Dh10,000 – Dh20,000If you have a bit extra to spend on your holidays this year, you may want to consider venturing further afield. Bangkok, Thailand's spiritual, cultural, political, commercial, educational and diplomatic centre, is a must-visit for those with slightly older children. For around Dh13,600 with Sharaftravel, you can enjoy a seven-night stay in a four-star hotel, with daily breakfast and return airport transfers by a private vehicle (also includes flights).
If you're looking for a destination the whole family can enjoy, try Kuala Lumpur. It offers an abundance of activities and sightseeing opportunities, ranging from adventure parks like the immense Sunway Lagoon Theme Park for the children, to landmarks such as the Petronas Twin Towers. For a little less than Dh14,000 you can stay in a four-star hotel for a week, with breakfast included. This also includes return flights and return airport transfers (Sharaftravel).
If you're a family of culture vultures, then consider Istanbul in Turkey. For Dh13,790 you can enjoy seven days in a five-star hotel, with daily breakfast (flights and return airport transfers included). The city itself has an abundance of important historic buildings and exciting new galleries. For children, a visit to the toy museum (Oyuncak Muzesi) is a must — its home is a lovely old wooden house, which could have come straight out of a fairy tale. More active youngsters can enjoy ice skating at the Galleria shopping mall in Atakoy.
If you need to be closer still, why not explore Abu Dhabi? Qasr Al Sarab is set to open next October. Taking shape amidst the towering dunes of the Rub Al Khali (Empty Quarter), this five-star desert retreat will be managed by Thai hospitality chain Anantara. It is just 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport, and the luxury get-away will feature 140 guestrooms, ten Royal Pavilion villas and 42 additional villas, a mix of one, two and three bedroom units, as well as a spa themed along the lines of the traditional Hammam baths.
More than Dh20,000
So you've decided to go all-out and splurge on this year's holiday. For Dh24,725 you can enjoy seven nights in a four-star hotel in Geneva (including daily breakfast, return airport transfers and flights). The city is small, lovely and has good public transportation.
The Patek Philippe museum was once a watch-making workshop, owned by a high-class Geneva watch-making company. A typical tour of the museum will reveal a horological library and audiovisual displays. For water park enthusiasts, a trip to Aquaparc is must, which boasts three worlds, all made up of water. Adults can enjoy ‘Paradise Land', which promises relaxation through Turkish baths, saunas and Jacuzzis.
You may want to consider heading south to Australia; Sydney is a city for all ages and tastes. To keep the children happy you can head to the Sydney Aquarium, which is one of the largest in the world. The aquarium features two underwater tunnels beneath the seal and shark tanks. Feed the little ones' inexplicable fascination with insects at the Butterfly Farm Activities Resort, which houses all kinds of moths, beetles, scorpions and insects. There's also an Indy 800 kart track and water skiing on offer at the park. Etihad holidays offer packages to Sydney – please contact your nearest agent for individual pricing.
Get away from it all
For some sun, sand and surf, head down to these idyllic beach destinations .
While we are fortunate in the UAE to live in a country with a varied landscape, including plenty of beautiful beaches, sometimes you need to make the trip to the airport and get on a plane to really feel you're going somewhere. Here are a few not-too-distant beach destinations to tempt you.
Maldives
With endless white sandy beaches, secluded villas and little to do but relax, the Maldives is the perfect holiday destination for honeymooners, couples and those who really want to get away from it all.
Arriving into the Maldives is a treat in itself — as the aircraft banks towards Malé, the capital, you'll get glimpses of clear turquoise water studded with tiny piles of pure white sand and hundreds of remote islands decorated with lush greenery.
Transfers to resort islands, scattered throughout the north and south atolls, are by speedboat or seaplane depending on distance and your preference. With one resort per island, accommodation options vary between rustic cottage-style villas and luxury boutique or international hotels. For the ultimate ocean view, go for an over-water bungalow and drift off to sleep to the sounds of waves lapping.
The atmosphere in most resorts is laid-back, casual and somewhat reminiscent of Robinson Crusoe, with guests encouraged to forget their everyday worries and take advantage of the isolation. Sand between your toes underneath your dinner table is the norm, and some resorts forgo contact with the outside world to the extent of banning the internet and newspapers.
Monsoon season is from May to November, but even in these months the sun shines most of the time. Temperatures remain warm even during storms and torrential rain, which can arrive at a moment's notice and disappear just as fast.
Goa
The western coast of India boasts perhaps the country's most famous beach destination,
Goa — popular with those who want sunshine by day and a party atmosphere by night.
Watersports abound along the shoreline. Choose from snorkelling and diving, kayaking, parasailing, water skiing, surfing and yachting, or take a trip inland and try out some river rafting. Or, as Rebecca Wicks, 29, suggests; "Hire a moped and head out to other beaches – the scenery on the way is incredible. You'll see cashew and mango trees, fields of rice and the greenest greenery you've ever laid eyes on."
When the sun goes down, the party begins. Start with dinner of the freshest seafood at a beach café — try the Goan prawn curry — then move on to the south side of Palolem Beach.
Cyprus
For those planning a getaway with family, the search need extend no further than Cyprus, the legendary island of Aphrodite.
A jewel in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus has miles of unspoilt coastline for visitors to enjoy and a multitude of activities for even the most demanding tourists.
Fig Tree Bay, a stunning beach in Protaras on the east coast, boasts plenty of lifeguards, a choice of conveniently located cafés and restaurants and a variety of watersports with options for younger participants.
Venture further than your hotel or resort and you'll see Cyprus has more than beaches and good food to offer. Recent developments have added several top-quality golf courses on which to test your skills, while outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to amuse them on a trip to the Troodos mountains.
Young ones (and the young at heart) will have hours of fun at one of the three waterparks — Waterworld in Ayia Napa, Watermania in Limassol and Paphos Aphrodite on the west coast.
In the evening, take the family for a stroll to one of Cyprus's many villages for dinner at a traditional taverna and you'll find friendly locals, eager to welcome you and explain the intricacies of Cypriot cuisine. Or make use of the kids' club and babysitting service offered at many hotels and leave your little treasures to enjoy activities or drop off to sleep as you explore some of Cyprus's many lively bars and restaurants.
Oman
A short hop down the Arabian Peninsula will land you in Oman, one of the oldest civilisations in the region. The cities of Muscat and Salalah make ideal beach holidays, with Salalah benefiting from the added advantage of a more temperate climate than its neighbours, and both resorts offer plenty for tourists looking for more than just a suntan.
Muscat lies on the northern coast of the peninsula with its beaches gently sloping into the Arabian Sea. A host of museums such as the Museum of Omani Heritage, the Oman Natural History Museum and the Sultan's Armed Forces Museum mean those interested in the history and culture of the country won't be disappointed.
The striking Western Hajar Mountains run through the northern outskirts of the city, offering stunning scenery and plenty of challenging hikes or abseils. Camping is also an option, depending on the weather.
Further down the coast lies Salalah, with its pale sandy beaches and warm turquoise waters. The city boasts a tropical climate for much of the year, with the summer months bringing the south-western monsoon and welcome relief from the oppressive heat of the rest of the region.
Local attractions include the fortified ruins of the town of Sumharam, the resting place of the prophet Ayoub Job at Jabal Gadu and the ruins of the ancient frankincense trading port of Zafar.
While we are fortunate in the UAE to live in a country with a varied landscape, including plenty of beautiful beaches, sometimes you need to make the trip to the airport and get on a plane to really feel you're going somewhere. Here are a few not-too-distant beach destinations to tempt you.
Maldives
With endless white sandy beaches, secluded villas and little to do but relax, the Maldives is the perfect holiday destination for honeymooners, couples and those who really want to get away from it all.
Arriving into the Maldives is a treat in itself — as the aircraft banks towards Malé, the capital, you'll get glimpses of clear turquoise water studded with tiny piles of pure white sand and hundreds of remote islands decorated with lush greenery.
Transfers to resort islands, scattered throughout the north and south atolls, are by speedboat or seaplane depending on distance and your preference. With one resort per island, accommodation options vary between rustic cottage-style villas and luxury boutique or international hotels. For the ultimate ocean view, go for an over-water bungalow and drift off to sleep to the sounds of waves lapping.
The atmosphere in most resorts is laid-back, casual and somewhat reminiscent of Robinson Crusoe, with guests encouraged to forget their everyday worries and take advantage of the isolation. Sand between your toes underneath your dinner table is the norm, and some resorts forgo contact with the outside world to the extent of banning the internet and newspapers.
Monsoon season is from May to November, but even in these months the sun shines most of the time. Temperatures remain warm even during storms and torrential rain, which can arrive at a moment's notice and disappear just as fast.
Goa
The western coast of India boasts perhaps the country's most famous beach destination,
Goa — popular with those who want sunshine by day and a party atmosphere by night.
Watersports abound along the shoreline. Choose from snorkelling and diving, kayaking, parasailing, water skiing, surfing and yachting, or take a trip inland and try out some river rafting. Or, as Rebecca Wicks, 29, suggests; "Hire a moped and head out to other beaches – the scenery on the way is incredible. You'll see cashew and mango trees, fields of rice and the greenest greenery you've ever laid eyes on."
When the sun goes down, the party begins. Start with dinner of the freshest seafood at a beach café — try the Goan prawn curry — then move on to the south side of Palolem Beach.
Cyprus
For those planning a getaway with family, the search need extend no further than Cyprus, the legendary island of Aphrodite.
A jewel in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus has miles of unspoilt coastline for visitors to enjoy and a multitude of activities for even the most demanding tourists.
Fig Tree Bay, a stunning beach in Protaras on the east coast, boasts plenty of lifeguards, a choice of conveniently located cafés and restaurants and a variety of watersports with options for younger participants.
Venture further than your hotel or resort and you'll see Cyprus has more than beaches and good food to offer. Recent developments have added several top-quality golf courses on which to test your skills, while outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to amuse them on a trip to the Troodos mountains.
Young ones (and the young at heart) will have hours of fun at one of the three waterparks — Waterworld in Ayia Napa, Watermania in Limassol and Paphos Aphrodite on the west coast.
In the evening, take the family for a stroll to one of Cyprus's many villages for dinner at a traditional taverna and you'll find friendly locals, eager to welcome you and explain the intricacies of Cypriot cuisine. Or make use of the kids' club and babysitting service offered at many hotels and leave your little treasures to enjoy activities or drop off to sleep as you explore some of Cyprus's many lively bars and restaurants.
Oman
A short hop down the Arabian Peninsula will land you in Oman, one of the oldest civilisations in the region. The cities of Muscat and Salalah make ideal beach holidays, with Salalah benefiting from the added advantage of a more temperate climate than its neighbours, and both resorts offer plenty for tourists looking for more than just a suntan.
Muscat lies on the northern coast of the peninsula with its beaches gently sloping into the Arabian Sea. A host of museums such as the Museum of Omani Heritage, the Oman Natural History Museum and the Sultan's Armed Forces Museum mean those interested in the history and culture of the country won't be disappointed.
The striking Western Hajar Mountains run through the northern outskirts of the city, offering stunning scenery and plenty of challenging hikes or abseils. Camping is also an option, depending on the weather.
Further down the coast lies Salalah, with its pale sandy beaches and warm turquoise waters. The city boasts a tropical climate for much of the year, with the summer months bringing the south-western monsoon and welcome relief from the oppressive heat of the rest of the region.
Local attractions include the fortified ruins of the town of Sumharam, the resting place of the prophet Ayoub Job at Jabal Gadu and the ruins of the ancient frankincense trading port of Zafar.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Summertime Sizzles
Swim with the sharks
What Get ready for one of Dubai's most exhilarating and spine-tingling activities as Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo at The Dubai Mall launches Shark Dives as part of the Festival@The Dubai Mall. The first of its kind in a shopping mall in the Gulf region, the shark dive is thrilling, and an opportunity of a lifetime to swim amongst 33,000 aquatic animals within the 10 million litre tank at Dubai Aquarium. Divers will explore the 51m x 20m x 11m aquarium, which is one of the largest in the world, and will come face-to-face with resident Sand Tiger sharks, Reef sharks, Leopard sharks, Giant Groupers and Stingrays. Shark Dives are open to all! Even non-certified divers can participate after attending a short course provided by Al Boom. Diving qualified dive masters and instructors from Al Boom Diving will be present throughout the diving experience.
When During Festival@The Dubai Mall and all year round
Where Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, The Dubai Mall
How Advance booking is required. For more details, call 04-342 2993 or visit www.thedubaiaquarium.com
What Get ready for one of Dubai's most exhilarating and spine-tingling activities as Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo at The Dubai Mall launches Shark Dives as part of the Festival@The Dubai Mall. The first of its kind in a shopping mall in the Gulf region, the shark dive is thrilling, and an opportunity of a lifetime to swim amongst 33,000 aquatic animals within the 10 million litre tank at Dubai Aquarium. Divers will explore the 51m x 20m x 11m aquarium, which is one of the largest in the world, and will come face-to-face with resident Sand Tiger sharks, Reef sharks, Leopard sharks, Giant Groupers and Stingrays. Shark Dives are open to all! Even non-certified divers can participate after attending a short course provided by Al Boom. Diving qualified dive masters and instructors from Al Boom Diving will be present throughout the diving experience.
When During Festival@The Dubai Mall and all year round
Where Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, The Dubai Mall
How Advance booking is required. For more details, call 04-342 2993 or visit www.thedubaiaquarium.com
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