Tag Archives: technology
Federer trounces Berdych to clinch sixth title in Dubai
Federer trounces Berdych to clinch sixth title in Dubai Alex Leach / 2 March 2014 Roger Federer came back from a set and a break down against Tomas Berdych to clinch his sixth Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship title here on Saturday night. Federer broke in the third game of the first set as Berdych netted a forehand, but he lost his own service game immediately thereafter with similarly sloppy play off the same wing. The Swiss was broken again when a poor second serve sat up nicely for his 28-year-old opponent, whose forceful return could only be directed back into the net by Federer. Berdych thus had the initial impetus and he kept that momentum for the remainder of the opener, winning it with a characteristically strong serve to Federer’s backhand that meekly found the net. The Rotterdam Open winner then looked to be honing in on his second tournament win in succession as another wayward Federer forehand coughed up another break of service. However, just as Federer’s challenge looked to be cruelly falling short at the final hurdle, he retaliated with two breaks to force a crunch third-set decider; Berdych’s backhand and forehand misfiring at the crucial moments respectively. Another long Berdych forehand in the fourth game there handed the perennial winner and all-time record holder here a two-game cushion and he didn’t look back from that point on. Berdych’s failure to capitalise on some crucial break point opportunities in the seventh game perhaps adversely affected his service game in the subsequent eighth as Federer scented victory. He still staved off two championship points to make Federer serve for the half dozen, which he did with typical aplomb to close it out 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 in an hour and 58 minutes. “I’m really happy with my game tonight and for the week,” the 17-time Grand Slam champion said. “It has been tough match clearly and Tomas had the advantage. He could — and maybe should — have brought it home. “I guess I got a little lucky at times out here tonight, but I fought well and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome at the end of course. I stayed calm and then, once I was I got back on even terms, I really started to play better. “I really enjoy playing against Tomas. He’s a great player and he’s had a great streak as well, what with winning in Rotterdam and reaching the semis of the Australian Open, so I wish Tomas all the best for the coming weeks as well.” This win in the emirate was the 78th on the ATP Tour for Federer, who moved above John McEnroe in the all-time list to outright third behind Ivan Lendl (second, 94) and Jimmy Connors (first, 109). It also places Dubai among the Swiss’ happiest hunting grounds alongside the Barclays ATP Tour Finals (six), Halle (six) and — of course — Wimbledon (seven). Federer collects $465,830 and 500 Emirates Airline ATP Ranking points as a consequence, whereas Berdych pockets $210,020 and 300 Emirates Airline ATP Ranking points for his runner-up finish. alex@khaleejtimes.com For more news from Khaleej Times, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/khaleejtimes , and on Twitter at @khaleejtimes Continue reading
Star Rating is open to local, foreign governments: Shaikh Mohammed
Star Rating is open to local, foreign governments: Shaikh Mohammed Staff Report / 2 March 2014 The Star Rating Initiative intends to bring about a quantum leap in the efficiency of government services as per global standards. His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has invited UAE’s local governments and other foreign governments to join the Star Rating Initiative for Customer Service Centres, which is similar to the hotel industry’s ratings. Launched last week, the Star Rating Initiative intends to bring about a quantum leap in the efficiency of government services as per global standards. Shaikh Mohammed announced earlier that the Star Rating system is obligatory and will be applied on 400 Federal Government’s service centres. The new rating system will give a number of stars from two stars to seven stars based on world’s private sector standards to indicate the level of service to the clients with the participation of foreign evaluators. Minister of Cabinet Affairs Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi said that the UAE Government has received several inquiries about the project from other governments. Accordingly, Shaikh Mohammed has issued his directives to promptly provide all the detailed manuals, guidelines, assessment handbooks and technical support to all local UAE governments and other foreign governments. Al Gergawi explained that the Star Rating Initiative project contains many technical details related to service quality assessment, customer relations management, human resources and technical applications; and all patents and copyrights are officially registered for the UAE Federal Government and approved by the Arab League as standardised specifications for customers’ services. The project aims at changing the concept of the government sector’s services in general in order to be more competitive with the private sector in addition to meeting the needs of the clients. It also establishes a new and transparent model in customer service as well as manages the expectations of the public when dealing with the centres for government services. So far, 75 Federal Government services centres had been evaluated. The classification is based on a comprehensive and integrated operational evaluation processes. By the end of each evaluation, the centre receives detailed recommendations to improve and enhance its services in eight standards: strategic alignment, customer centricity, services, service delivery channels, customer experience, service efficiency & innovation, people and technology. (With inputs from Wam) news@khaleejtimes.com For more news from Khaleej Times, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/khaleejtimes , and on Twitter at @khaleejtimes Continue reading
Throwing light on history of Islam: The Clusters of Light
Throwing light on history of Islam: The Clusters of Light Staff Reporter / 27 February 2014 The Clusters of Light show to kick off celebration on Sharjah winning Islamic Culture Capital title Celebrating the selection of Sharjah as the Islamic Culture Capital of the Arab region 2014, the emirate is all set to host the world’s greatest oratorio about the story of Islam called ‘The Clusters of Light’. The show will be performed from March 26 to April 5 at the Dh120-million Open Majaz Island Theatre, marking the inauguration of the festivities on winning the title. Shaikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Executive Committee Chairman for the Sharjah Capital of Islamic Culture 2014 celebrations, said that five epical performances will dramatise the journey back to the times of darkness, struggle and challenges that led Muslim believers to the beginnings of Islam and tell the story of its great early accomplishments. “It will be a gift from Sharjah to the entire world that celebrates Islam and its history,” Shaikh Sultan said. “We are confident that the audience will witness a show so spectacular that it will remain in their memories forever.” He said that this ground-breaking performance is the culmination of the vision of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to celebrate human values of Islam. ‘The Clusters of Light’ is a monumental artistic theatrical display through which the Emirate of Sharjah seeks to provide a true picture of Islam, and its human values that promote peace and love,” he added Shaikh Sultan bin Ahmed announcing the programme. Termed as the largest theatrical and musical production ever to be made, the oratorio includes the use of a choir, soloists, an ensemble, various distinguishable characters, and arias. It was written by Saudi poet Dr Abdul Rahman Al Ashmawi, and composed by Bahraini artiste Khalid Al Sheikh. More than 200 performers from around the world will participate in this musical composition led by four Arab stars, Hussien Al Jasmi, Lotfi Bouchnak, Ali El Hajjar, and Mohammed Assaf. The oratorio will include a narration of the biography of Prophet Muhammad, Peace Be Upon Him, from his birth until his demise. A short film about the display’s production, which will include filming tours in several Arab and foreign countries, will also be shown. The Sharjah Capital of Islamic Culture 2014 celebrations include more than 24 heritage, tourism, cultural, and construction projects, as well as more than 100 activities throughout the Emirate over the year. The Open Majaz Island Theatre, the first of its kind in the region, is the official venue for the celebrations. It is a semi-circular theatre, reminiscent of ancient Roman designs, covering an area of over 7,200 square metres. It can accommodate up to 4,500. A Dh13-million bridge between the man-made island and Khalid Lagoon Street serves as an easy access for visitors to the Open Majaz Island Theatre. lily@khaleejtimes.com For more news from Khaleej Times, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/khaleejtimes , and on Twitter at @khaleejtimes Continue reading
