UAE National Day – Amazing Adventure

Celebrations for the 38th UAE National Day took place across the country. The country was awash with color, as parades, flags and brightly colored illuminations appear everywhere in the UAE. According to Gulf News report series of events took place in all of the major cities in the UAE on Wednesday, December 2, 2009. Patriotic fervor spilled on to the streets on Wednesday as UAE nationals and expatriates together celebrated to mark the UAE National Day. Many enjoyed a day off work at various places like parks, beaches, shopping malls and various other spots along with this car horns reverberated around popular residential districts as residents celebrated in style.

Parade of decorated cars in Abu Dhabi

Like most expats, Mr. Morlyn came to the UAE looking for something new yet familiar 3years ago. The Philippines-born saw Dubai as an exotic place to live that wasn’t too far off from his comfort zone, and now 3 years after his arrival, he reflects on his new life and adopted home. Looking at his spirit of celebrating UAE National Day, when asked what UAE National Day means to him he has to say “I enjoy the quality of life here for so many reasons, “You always feel safe in this country; whether it’s leaving your phone or wallet lying around or walking the streets at night.” “The place has a lot of potential, and it’s nice to say that you were here at the start,” he added.

Mr. Morlyn celebrates UAE National Day

Many expatriates away from their own homelands relish the essence of National Day by celebrating UAE National Day. “Abu Dhabi has been home to my family and I for the last 19 years,” says student, Sumaira Rafique. “We have a great social circuit, full of friends and expatriates families like us, and there’s very little space and time to get bored,” she added.

Miss Sumaira enjoying with freinds on National Day

The social aspect of the city is also very endearing to many expatriates; many learn patience in this part of world due to language barriers and many are happy learning about diverse cultures of expatriates living in UAE.

Mr. Tanveer relish the moment of patriotism

"This is important for us; every year we get a chance to stop and celebrate that we live in the best country in the world," says Mr. Tanveer, CEO of Al Batha Used Cars. Likewise many other expatriates were seen lined up on both sides of Abu Dhabi Corniche Boulevard to enjoy a parade marking 38 years of the Emirates' birth. From national policewomen on sports bikes to Emirati horsemen, the carnival was buzzing with UAE flags, its leaders' pictures and models of the country's landmarks.

Mr. Hakeem selling props on National Day

Along with the joyous celebrations UAE National Day proved a surplus business for small vendors. Mr. Hakeem, a Pakistani, selling props relating to UAE National Day says “I have visited this country just 2 years back and I’m earning very well compared to my homeland.” “Locals and expatriates are spending a lot on this extravaganza which is a good sign for me and I also get to enjoy their National Day”.

Life in Dubai has its ups and downs like anywhere some people take it roughly while others go smooth. But of course a comparison of expatriates homelands and Dubai would be incomplete if they don’t discuss the weather. Despite the often overwhelming humidity of the summer months, the year-round sunshine certainly beats the relentless rain that is characteristic of many homelands.

Eid Al Adha- A Global Occasion

Eid Al Adha in UAE celebrated on 27th of November 2009 marks the completion of the annual pilgrimage, known as the Hajj, which takes place in Kaaba, in Mecca, which, according to Quran, is the house of God and was rebuilt by Prophet Abraham. During the celebration of Eid al-Adha, Muslims commemorate and remember Abraham's trials, by themselves slaughtering an animal such as a sheep, camel, or goat.

Mohammed Laraib with his cow

Mohammed Laraib when asked about his feeling regarding the slaughtering of his animal, he said “I purchased my cow three days prior to Eid and I love taking care of it”, he also said “Allah has given us power over animals and allowed us to eat meat, but only if we pronounce His name at the solemn act of taking life and the meat is given to others especially to poor people which is a symbol of giving up our own bounties”.

Global Village, major attraction during Eid days

Apart from ritual act of slaughtering Eid celebrations in UAE were at its peak, one of the major attractions during the two days of Eid was Global Village which exuded a carnival atmosphere of non-stop fun and entertainment. Global village, welcomed its visitors warmly promising the complete package of entertainment and adventure through its various attractions.

Mr. Nitin shopping at china pavilion

Global Village’s shopaholic’s delight, the Pavilions are where craftsmen and tradesmen of the world come together to display and sell their wares. “Every penny I’m spending is worth because the most unique element of Global Village is the pavilions where I can buy merchandise of countries around the world without actually traveling there” says Mr. Nitin, a shopper at China Pavilion.

An African performer

Along with these major attractions there were many performances which represented their respective cultures. The most energetic and dynamic performance was done by African performers attracting large population at global village by celebrating African culture as a whole through music, dance and costume - an exhilarating addition to the entertainment program.

Mouth watering cuisines from the world

How can one go without trying the flavors of the world with large amount of restaurants, cafes, and kiosks scattered all over the venue. The most populated restaurants were Indian and Pakistani restaurants offering their most famous spicy and mouth watering kababs and various other delicious cuisines.

Well the day is celebrated with families, relatives and friends. Dressing up in new apparels, giving gifts to young ones and preparing sweets at home are the marks of celebration of this prosperous occasion. Eid celebrations does not only brought a joyous festive for Muslims but also a good break from everyday routine to for every individual of UAE.

Finny Knits

Previously, many large women found it difficult to get a simple plus size dress that they could wear to a party or even for a simple get together. Today, times have changed and it is no longer difficult to find the right plus size dress. These dresses are well-designed and offer the required fit that women look for. Every woman has different body; some may require plus size on the waist others may require plus size in the bust. Now there are varieties of material available along with an array of tailoring shops in every locality of UAE.

The tailoring shops plays home to hundreds of plus size dresses or evening gowns where one of a kind and inexpensive gowns can be made. Working for almost 20 years, Mr. Amjad is no less than a professional gown designer. When he first moved to UAE with little experience of stitching and providing little fine knits requires for any dress he then kept on struggling for professionalism in the art of making long elegant gowns to fit any type of body structure. He now owns his own tailoring shop called “Nazek Tailoring”, giving training to young tailors as well as skillfully designing gorgeous and striking gowns for all kinds of occasions.

Mr. Amjad working on a design of a gown

“The first step in having a perfect gown for yourself is to consult us about the material which will suit your body”, says Mr. Amjad. He also says that “many of my customers are local chics and they are larger in size, finding themselves feeling a little insecure. Plus size women have had a hard time finding striking or reasonably priced evening gowns but the good news for them is that we create beautiful, feminine and sexy gowns for women of all ages and sizes. These strategies will make it easier for full-figured women to attain the best eveningwear for them”.

Gowns made by Mr. Amjad

Mr. Amjad usually takes 2-3 for designing these gowns, for him his one of the favorite task it to give fine cuts in the gowns which have particular names in Arabic language like “Klosh” is used for sleeves style and “Kastrat” is used for waist styles. When asked about the special machinery or needles used for gowns Mr. Amjad said, “There are no special equipments involved, everything is made with standard apparatus but the only special thing which is required is the tailor”, he adds with a laugh.

Mr. Amjad believes that plus size dresses and gowns are designed for comfort and style and are suitable for women of all sizes. He says, “The key to finding the right dress is to make sure that you choose material like satin, chiffons and hareer, an Arabic material which sets the body perfectly and should have right pattern and color. For example horizontal stripes on dresses will make women look larger, so they can buy a material which has either no stripes or has vertical stripes”.

Comfortable plus size gown

Exquisitely styled gowns or dresses which are either designed either floor length or knee length, are on the wish list of every woman. “Gowns in vibrant hues, with bands of glistening diamantes, sheaths of leopard prints, glittering stones, ribbon and lace embellishments, are just some of the designs which are demanded by every women but making them look good on them is the art which is modestly followed by us”, says Mr. Amjad. “Gowns are priced according to their designs, embroidery, fabric, etc. Es-Taras, a type of Swarovski crystal, are commonly used as a dress embellishment”, adds Mr. Amjad.

Gown designed with Diamantes

Searching for a plus size dress will be difficult but searching for a perfect tailor might require less effort. Never give up until you find what appeals you and trust the tailor that makes you look marvelous even in the simplest of material chosen by you.

Heart of Deira – Naif Road

Start with the Deira Corniche, the Hyat Regency parallel to Corniche which is the heart of Deira. Towards its mouth, on the east side is the cluttered Naif Road with jam-packed traffic. The word Naif is derived from Arabic Language meaning excessive or surplus. Well the name fits right to the road due to the excessive traffic and furniture shops.

New Kuwaiti Building

Being the resident of New Kuwaiti Building located between the Emirates Petrol Station and Futtaim Mosque which is the major landmark of history I happen to enjoy the hustle and bustle of this street. Opposite to New Kuwaiti is the rambling Mr. Majid Al Futtaim villa, the founder and president of Majid Al Futtaim group in Dubai which is again the famous attraction for the explorer.

Lorena, persoanl assistant at Debaj Furniture

Adjacent to the Futtaim Mosque lays the hubbub of interior decorators selling curtains, carpets, wallpapers and other house hold decors. The famous Debaj Furniture set its foot in 1995. “We deal in curtains, sofa, majlis, wall papers, laminated flooring and other household decors. We have 8 branches running in Dubai situated in Satwa, AL Qusais and AL Warqa. The amount of variety for house decors you will not be able to find anywhere else in Dubai except on Naif Road” says Lorena, personal assistant of Managing Director.

Mr. Alan

Approximately there are 25 furniture traders are located in this road all of them dealing in similar stuff. When asked about the business to the manager of Al Faris Furniture Mr. Alan, he said, “The older shops are till now very famous and the customers trust us. They compare the quality and prices and find few designs which are unique and are not available everywhere.”

Famous for its splendid designs of carpets and curtains which are equally well-known among Asians and locals are in demand because for its cheap rates and humongous amount of choices, yet the eventful Naif street terrorizes drivers as it is crammed with cars on both side of the road allowing vehicles to move on a very petite speed. The main reason of traffic on this street during peak hours is that the road from north connects to Bur Dubai and from the south wing connects the Sharjah road.

Along the end of the Naif Road another famous landmark situated was Naif Park which acquired its name after the popularity of the road. The Park which was the main attraction for small children during theisis evenings was unfortunately demolished during the start of the Metro Project for building the station. Ahead of Naif Park, is the Naif Police Station, it is the main headquarter and controls the management of different police stations in Deira. Behind the police station was the old famous Naif Souq was the main shopping spree for the tourist was burned down a year ago and shattered the dreams of many traders due to the heavy loss faced by them.

Reaching to the heart of Deira – Naif Road was not difficult 20 years ago but now with the growing development of street made the situation worst to travel on this road. Cab drivers are never ready to board the passengers who want to reach Naif Road. Seeing this condition Public Transport Agency at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) launched two new bus routes to Naif road, according to Khaleej Times report on 24th September, 2007.

The first one, called C1, links Zabeel Park area with Dubai International Airport (Terminal 2), and the other one, called X25, links Dubai Marina with the new headquarters of Public Transport Agency. Making the life easier for travelers the recent Metro station known as Union Station is situated only about 2 kilometers from Naif Road, so that anyone could reach easily.

Bus No X25 at Naif road

Well being the most historic in the history of Dubai, Naif road still have not lost its gleam and popularity among the tourist as well as its local and expat population and constraint of everything which is on the wish list of every traveler ranging from a small cafeteria to Dubai’s dazzling gold souq located few kilometers ahead of Naif Road.

Making the Home Both Love

The dream for most newly married couples is buying their own home. Home ownership brings pride of ownership, a place of your very own, and the freedom of being able to decorate and landscape as you please. But the story is different if you are planning to be a resident in UAE, many expats could not afford to buy a house in this part of the world so renting an apartment or villa is the only option left for them. But if one is ready to take this first vital step, then there are considerations that they must make to determine if they can financially afford the price of renting an apartment.

Mr. & Mrs. Paresh

Blessed the stars were for Mr. & Mrs. Paresh when they just got married and shifted to UAE with big dreams but limited salaries one month ago. Both couples are earning and leading a satisfied life now. When asked about their experience about their setting up a new home in this part of world they said “It was a kind of nightmare at the beginning but then it gradually faded away as many of the problems were getting solved as days were passing.”

The biggest hurdle for newly married couples is coming up with a down payment for a new home. After deciding which flat to rent the first step Mr. & Mrs. Paresh took was to apply for loan from the bank which was again very difficult for them to get in limited salary. “We had to take help from our respective companies while applying for loan and then we were able to sign the one year contract for renting a flat”, says Mr. Paresh.

The next big consideration for the prospective home buyer is the cost of running the home. Utilities, such as gas and electric, cable and telephone etc. “Although many renters often have these items figured into their rent payments but there is no such hard and fast rule in this part of the world. This expense can be a large part of the family budget” says Mr. Paresh. Overlooking this important detail is often the reason people go into foreclosure. Remember, these utilities are not a fixed rate, and can only go up over a period of time.

Another important aspect that demands the attention of couple is decorating their home. Many at times both have different ideas and tastes but blending them caused no harm to them and keeping in minds that budget should not exceed. “I mostly buy my house decors and other furnitures from IKEA because we trust the brand and it is long lasting as investing over and over in such things imbalances the budget” says Mrs. Paresh. Well a very smart and well thought move which not helps them saving their income but also gives a versatile touch to their home.

Beside all these expenses you should bank 5% of your income to manage any needed repairs on your home. AC can leak; pest control and you may become infested with mold due to pipe leakage. Fixing all these things is expensive, and not figuring this expense in is foolhardy for the first time borrower.

Whenever you consider buying a home for the first time, be aware of all the things that should be considered before you attempt to buy. It will make the home buying process much easier for you.

Recession Shattered Dreams of Many

It has many euphemisms: “laid off,” “downsized,” “let go.” But there’s no turn of phrase that can soften the blow when you feel more like you’ve been “fired,” “canned,” “terminated” or “axed.” Unfortunately, job loss is a common challenge in these economically strained times. Dubai's rapid expansion in recent years provided jobs for millions. But the global financial meltdown has abruptly ended the dream for many people as more and more firms sack staff to cut costs.

Everyone wants one. Most people have had at least one. But every so often, some people lose one. No, it’s not about the ideal partner. It’s about jobs. Expats form most of the population in Dubai and with residency permits linked to employment many of the people who are losing their jobs face the added upheaval of leaving the country. People are losing jobs everywhere, everyday and in almost every career. Same is the case with Mr. Mansoor Ali; he was working for Al Yousuf Group for the last 9 years and on august 28th he was terminated and was told that situations are difficult for the company. “It was too quick to face a situation as such, I have been in UAE working for the last 10 years and I’m continuing to look for a job though I have cut down my expenses and have sent my family back home”, says, Mr. Mansoor Ali.

Mr. Mansoor Ali

It is devastating when one is being fired. It is even more devastating when the one who is being fired has a family to feed. More people are losing jobs thanks to the recession. Every day, there is news about companies firing people to save cost. He also states that "I don't feel that I was wronged. This is business... But I would have preferred a cut in my salary rather than being sacked".

But even in this situation Mr. Mansoor is still looking on the bright side of everything that falls on him. His visa has not been cancelled and he still is looking for jobs. He says that I have been granted with 6 months of visa extension by the government allowing me to hunt for a suitable job to continue my living in UAE.

Mr. Mansoor looking for jobs

When spoken about returning back to home land, with heavy heart and a little moist in his eyes Mr. Mansoor said, leaving this country is a course of depression, ups and downs do occur everywhere but it will be very difficult to get accustomed and adjust in home country as there is no security of one’s self and after enjoying the sophisticated life of UAE it is really a great deal to leave everything and return”.

Well job loss for people does not only hit them economically but also emotionally. The cycle of depression stirs up and shatters the dreams of many staying in UAE for years. Yet people strong enough to face such crises have still not lost hope and is looking for jobs and on the other hand there are many companies who have vacancies but with very little pay to offer.

Reading Newspaper Ranks Lowest

Examining the relationship between newspaper exposure as a student and current newspaper readership patterns, we find that there is a very strong relationship. Individuals with a high level of newspaper exposure as students are much more likely to be current regular readers of a newspaper.The impact of newspaper involvement in elementary, middle and high school separately is average. High involvement is associated with higher adult readership for every level of school. However, the impact appears to be slightly greater at the middle and high school levels. The impact of exposure to newspaper involvement programs appears strong among 21+.
Today’s teens don't really consume any of what we could call "traditional" media. They don't read newspapers because why bother reading "pages and pages of text" when they could instead "watch the news summarized on the internet or TV?"
“Being a working girl I cannot take out much time to read newspaper and flip pages but I make sure whenever I get time I read online newspaper which is very convenient and easy to read” says jasmine, 22 year old.

Jasmine, reading online newspaper

This increasing focus on the reading habits of children and teens underscores the importance of understanding adolescent newspaper use in the context of a contemporary environment full of media choices. When asked most of the teens said that their favorite sections are comics, sports, entertainment, and horoscopes and on the other hand they neglect broadsheets.
“I only read newspaper on weekends because I don’t get time and even if I do get little time in working days I prefer playing games on cell phones or computers,” said Huzaifa, 19 year old, college student.

Huzaifa

When sitting around the house with nothing to do, many teenagers instinctively reaches for their joysticks - in fact, playing video games is one of the most favorite ways teens spend an evening. Well the idea of picking up a newspaper never strikes their head. By chance if they happen to read anything it will be sports or entertainment as expected. Teens report reading magazines and newspapers just about as often as they report reading books. If roughly taken the percentage it will be near 25% that teens report reading newspaper.

Teenagers neglecting newspapers

Newspaper readership is not a priority to the majority of early teens. Given the importance of cultivating future generations of newspaper readers, it may make more sense for the newspaper industry to focus their efforts on developing readers at the elementary level, rather than middle- or high-school level.