Tag Archives: technology
UAE hails 98.1 % yes vote in Egypt referendum
UAE hails 98.1 % yes vote in Egypt referendum (AP, Wam) / 19 January 2014 Egypt’s High Election Commission says 38.6 per cent of the country’s more than 53 million eligible voters took part in the two-day poll. Egypt’s election committee said 98.1 per cent of voters have approved a new, military-backed constitution in the first vote since a coup toppled the country’s president. Egypt’s High Election Commission said on Saturday that 38.6 per cent of the country’s more than 53 million eligible voters took part in the two-day poll. That’s 20.5 million voters casting ballots. UAE Foreign Minister Shaikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan congratulated the Egyptian people on the success of the referendum on the constitution. “The move is major milestone towards the roadmap for the future which will usher sisterly Egypt into the aspired stability and development,” Shaikh Abdullah said, expressing his pleasure at the huge turnout of voters and their landslide approval for the new constitution, reflecting in a clear way the will of the Egyptian people and their support for the framework which will govern the state and society. Shaikh Abdullah also expressed his confidence that this step would contribute to enhancing stability and confidence in the future of Egypt, promoting its regional and international standing and delivering stability, development and prosperity to the Egyptian people. This was the first vote since the military removed Egypt’s first freely elected president, Mohammed Mursi, following massive protests in July. Officials view the vote as key in legitimising the country’s military-backed interim government and its plan for parliamentary and presidential elections. — AP, Wam For more news from Khaleej Times, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/khaleejtimes , and on Twitter at @khaleejtimes Continue reading
‘Park and Ride’ to ease traffic on Capital roads
‘Park and Ride’ to ease traffic on Capital roads Staff Reporter / 19 January 2014 The initiative allows commuters to park their vehicles outside the city and travel within the city in buses free of charge. In order to tackle the ever-increasing vehicular traffic in the capital, the Department of Transport (DoT) has rolled out a ‘Park and Ride’ initiative, allowing commuters to park their vehicles outside the city and travel within the city in buses free of charge. The DoT said the scheme has been designed for motorists coming from Abu Dhabi’s suburbs and other emirates, as they can park their vehicle for free in the 600 parking bays available at Zayed Sports City, and commute free of charge for unlimited times on the same day to various areas in Abu Dhabi. A bus shuttle service launched from Zayed Sports City will see a bus travel every 15 minutes at peak hours and every 30 minutes at normal hours of the day. The initially free service for car parking at Zayed Sports City and commuting to and from the city is available from 6am till 8.30pm, Sunday to Thursday. Special tickets are available at the booth on site at Zayed Sports City. The ticket, which will be free to the driver and a maximum three passengers of the vehicle, is valid for one full day and can be used for unlimited bus journeys in Abu Dhabi. The aim of the Park and Ride scheme is to enable drivers to park their vehicles for free in a safe and secure environment while continuing the rest of their journey on the public transport network. It has many advantages such as reducing parking demands downtown; reducing road congestion and the need to build more road capacity; minimising environmental impacts; and reducing costs for motorists’ fuel. Director of the DoT’s Integrated Transport Planning (ITP) Badr Al Qamzi, said: “Park and Ride is one of the key strategic initiatives undertaken by the DoT in 2012 in the Corniche area as a pilot project to enable a larger number of motorists to park their vehicles and continue their journey to other parts of the city for free. Finding a parking space for their vehicles or arriving at a certain time can consume a lot of time and efforts, especially in congested areas downtown. The availability of Wifi (free internet) on board Park and Ride public transport buses ensures an added value to commuters.” news@khaleejtimes.com For more news from Khaleej Times, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/khaleejtimes , and on Twitter at @khaleejtimes Continue reading
On a cultural trail at Global Village’s Yemeni pavilion
On a cultural trail at Global Village’s Yemeni pavilion Staff Report / 1 January 2014 The Yemeni pavilion is turning into a main attraction for all those wanting to experience tradition and hospitality. It’s a honey trap at the Yemeni pavilion at Global Village which also abounds in spices, dried fruits and nuts. Visitors can find fantastic deals for the wonderful treats that are sold in this pavilion. The smells that arise from the barrels filled with spices, honey, dried fruits and nuts, simply makes the Yemeni Pavilion a fantastic cultural experience. The Yemeni pavilion has always been one of the most popular at the Global Village, and this year it is turning into a main attraction for all those wanting to experience tradition and hospitality. The knowledge the vendors possess makes for an educational and entertaining visit. A culture trip The culture of Yemen is rich and diverse. It is a country that holds dear to the values of their forefathers which is why visitors will see the pavilion stall owners sporting the traditional Yemeni Jambiya, a curved knife. The beautiful curved knives, and their bejewelled scabbards are just one of the many culturally significant items on sale at Global Village, as the pavilion also has a wide selection of Yemen’s national dress. The Yemeni Pavilion has, year on year, become renowned for the high quality of its honey. Visitors who talk with the knowledgeable vendors will find out that the honey being sold is remarkably good. The quality, taste, and colour of the honey can all change depending on the weather, time of year, and the type of flower that has been used by bees to make the honey. Some of the honey has nuts and seeds added to it for additional nutritional benefits, others have honeycomb in it to add a different texture. Spice up your life Heading over to the spice shops of this pavilion will bring you face to face with a uniquely sculpted Burj Khalifa, made entirely of spices. While sampling the fantastic honey around the Yemeni pavilion, visitors will notice their sense of smell tingling as aromas from the spice bins waft around the pavilion. Stocking up the pantry with some high quality spices and herbs is the best reason to visit the Yemeni pavilion. Amateur chefs will love the dried onion, fennel, cumin, and even frankincense, among many more high quality products. Vendors can also help visitors find out which of the all-natural oils — there are over 80 to choose from — is the best for them. The oils can be good for a number of ailments affecting the hair and skin, or the digestive system. Antique jewellery The Yemeni pavilion also has a large pieces of jewellery decorated with precious stones and pearls. The vendors prove themselves to be fonts of knowledge and offering in-depth information on the antique rings and bejeweled necklaces. Many of the rings and necklaces have Yemeni produced Agate stones and Onyx set into them, with the beautiful colours of these natural Yemeni-found stones standing out against the copper and silver pieces. Experience one of the oldest cultures in the world and sample a traditional way of life through the exquisite art of honey making, spice selling and, fabulous pieces of jewelry made out of natural materials. news@khaleejtimes.com Continue reading
