D U B A I M O N I T O R
Job Vacancy in Qatar
Thiruvananthapuram May 4:Applications are invited for the post of Civil Foreman to a private contracting and trading company by O.D.E.P.C. Those who have Civil Engineering Diploma and more than 10 years experience as Foreman can apply for the post. Those who have work experience in Gulf are given special preference. The age should be 25-35. Those who are interested should appear for an interview at O.D.E.P.C office at Ambalamukku, Vanchiyoor, Thiruvananthapuram on 11th May at 12 noon along with orginals and copies of education, job experience, passport and detailed biodata and also 5 passport size photos. -Keralamonitor.com
Americans face terrorist threat in the Gulf, all over the world.
This Public Announcement is being updated to remind U.S. citizens of the continuing threat of terrorist actions and anti-American violence against U.S. citizens and interests overseas. This supersedes the Worldwide Caution dated March 23, 2004 and expires on October 23, 2004. The Department of State is deeply concerned about the heightened threat of terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and interests abroad. The Department is also concerned about the potential for demonstrations and violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas. U.S. citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.
The Department of State remains concerned by indications that Al-Qaida continues to prepare to strike U.S. interests abroad. Al-Qaida and its associated organizations have most recently struck in the Middle East and in Europe but other geographic locations could also be venues for attacks. Future Al-Qaida attacks could possibly involve non-conventional weapons such as chemical or biological agents as well as conventional weapons of terror. We also cannot rule out that Al-Qaida will attempt a catastrophic attack within the U.S.
Terrorist actions may include, but are not limited to, suicide operations, hijackings, bombings or kidnappings. These may involve aviation and other transportation and maritime interests, and may also include conventional weapons, such as explosive devices. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. These may include facilities where U.S. citizens and other foreigners congregate or visit, including residential areas, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels and public areas. U.S. citizens are encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.
U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert. These Facilities may temporarily close or suspend public services from time to time to assess their security posture. In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. Americans abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its consular information program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328.
Consular Section Hours of Operation
The Consular Section is open for American citizen services from 08:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday through Wednesday. The Embassy is located on Jameat A’Duval Al Arabiya Street, Diplomatic Area of Al Khuwair (Shatti al-Qurum) in Muscat. The Consular Section telephone number is (968) 698-989 extensions 294/216; fax (968) 699-189. For after hour emergency service involving United States Citizens call (968) 699-049. A duty officer is available 24 hours a day. The Embassy is closed on Omani and American holidays. For a list of holidays, visit the Embassy web page at www.usa.gov.om. For the latest on travel conditions in a country, please visit the Department of State’s web page at www.travel.state.govNew high tech Methods to fight Crime
Three-day event attracts official Middle East police delegations, Interior Ministry officials, security industry specialists
Dubai, UAE, 3 May, 2004: The second Middle East Police and Law Enforcement Exhibition (MEPLEX) opened today, with a major gathering of police forces, Interior Ministry officials, security industry suppliers and international experts assembling within the secured premises of Dubai Police Academy for the important three-day event.Held under the patronage of H.H.General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, UAE Defence Minister and Head of Dubai Police and Security, the event is organised by event management and marketing specialists Streamline Marketing,
Officially inaugurated this morning by the General Leader of Dubai Police, Lt General Mr Dahi Khalfan, MEPLEX is a major regional showcase and forum for the new tactics and technology being employed in the global fight against crime. Combining live displays and demonstrations, an exhibition, and a conference, it is allowing regional security agencies and police forces to exchange information with experts on security issues, examine the latest equipment and services, watch them being demonstrated, and then test them during workshops with suppliers.
Each of the main elements were highlighted in quick succession during this morning’s official opening schedule which began with a series of live demonstrations and displays of close protection, crowd control, special weapon and tactics (SWAT) responses, and advanced driving techniques .
These are being staged by elite Dubai Police teams for senior representatives of police forces and law enforcement agencies from across the Middle East . Among the official delegations attending the MEPLEX event are those representing the police forces of Bahrain , Oman , Iran , Saudi Arabia , Sharjah, Ajman , Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah , and Dubai , as well as Ministry of Interior officials from Qatar , Kuwait and the UAE.
Following the first series of live demonstrations, the official opening party moved on to inaugurate the exhibition, which is designed to provide international law enforcement suppliers with a unique platform to showcase their products and technological capabilities to the region’s police forces and security agencies. The exhibitor line-up includes manufacturers of body armour, ballistics, communications and crowd control equipment, cyber terrorism control, emergency reaction services, forensics, intelligence technology and police equipment. Also on show are the latest drugs and explosives detection equipment, counter-surveillance and radio detection, electronic facial identification programmes, handcuffs, thermal observation and protective footwear for specialist operations.
The final part of today’s official opening schedule saw the inauguration of the conference, “Victims of Crime”, which is organised by Dubai Police Academy and will look at how crime claims victims, analyse the victims’ right to compensation and the legal process involved, examine security measures to prevent crime, and discuss the social and psychological effects of crime and how psychotherapy can help victims.
“In recent years, world events and trends have made public safety and security a top priority for Interior Ministries, police departments and law enforcement agencies of the Middle East,” said Nick Webb director of Streamline Marketing. “The majority of these security authorities have significant resources to invest in state-of-the-art equipment, and MEPLEX creates exceptional opportunities for suppliers of equipment and services to the law enforcement sector.”Among the huge range of products certain to command the attention of senior Middle East police officers and security agencies assembled at MEPLEX will be the latest additions to BMW’s range of armoured cars, as well as DAHAB’s Lenco armoured response vehicles, which are vital tools for defending national security and counter-terrorism and for combating riots. (keralamonitor.com)
$ 300 million Cost of the Project Nakheel & IFA Launch the Marketing of the "Golden Mile" Jumeirah
Dubai 3 rd May 2004 Nakheel, developers of The Palm, and IFA Hotels & Resorts, a subsidiary of Kuwait-based International Financial Advisors (IFA), will launch the highly-anticipated sale of its joint venture luxury, waterfront Golden Mile apartments on The Palm, Jumeirah in Dubai , United Arab Emirates at the Arabian Travel Market from 4 – 7 May. International demand for the exclusive, waterfront properties has been running at a premium since news of the joint venture project made global headlines two months ago. Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of Nakheel said “There has already been intense world-wide interest in the Golden Mile and we are confident of a swift response to this latest Palm, Jumeirah sales opportunity,
The Palm, Jumeirah will be an extraordinary residential and tourist development, it has developed at an incredibly rapid pace since construction began in 2001, and development of the Golden Mile reinforces the island’s standing as one of the world’s premiere living and vacation destinations. The Golden Mile is another world-class project which will significantly contribute to achieving Dubai ’s vision of building an inbound tourism arrivals target of 15 million tourists by 2010.”
The flagship Golden Mile – an international shopping and residential destination - will cover 60,000 square metres - one whole side of The Palm, Jumeirah’s trunk and will include a 1.5 kilometre waterside Corniche. Being developed at a cost of US $300 million it comprises 780 luxury apartments, in 10 waterside buildings and 220 upscale boutique shops and restaurants.
Jassim M Al-Bahar, Chairman and Managing Director of International Financial Advisors (IFA) stated that “The Golden Mile is targeted at a discerning audience which enjoys living an exclusive lifestyle in quality surroundings with the finest services. Due to the unique destination, we have received demand for this project from our existing clients in the Gulf keen to invest in this extraordinary development. Furthermore, we have also received interest from clients in the Gulf keen to visit our developments within the network spanning Portugal , Zanzibar , Lebanon and South Africa . The Golden Mile offers buyers a unique living environment as well as an outstanding investment as experienced by our clients who bought in our projects at the Palm Jumeirah. Shops, restaurants, apartments and penthouses will be supported by an international hotel company providing comprehensive property services. The Golden Mile will be an inclusive destination in its own right.”
The Golden Mile joins IFA’s extensive development portfolio for The Palm, Jumeirah. The company is also behind The Palm Hotel & Resort with 300 rooms, the five-star Palm Vacation Club on the island’s trunk, a 1,000 room five-star Palm Sun Hotel and Resort on the island’s crescent. In addition, IFA Hotels & Resorts is behind The Palm Residence, with luxury apartments in the twin Al Nabat and Al Haseer towers. The twin tower apartments are now fully committed with buyers earning a 30% premium on their investment over the past six months alone. A key selling point of IFA Hotels & Resorts’ properties on The Palm, Jumeirah has been the company’s full-service offering, a major influencer in Nakheel’s decision to partner the company in the Golden Mile project.
Wahid Attalla , Executive Director-Commercial & Operations, Nakheel declared “From first buying to later managing and maintaining their Golden Mile homes, buyers can expect an experienced and professional organisation that understands how important the purchase of a home is. The Golden Mile apartments will have stunning waterside views, iconic architecture, luxurious interior design and access to the beachside Palm Hotel & Resort. The apartments come complete with their own large, private patios and superb views”.
James Wilson, President and Chief Operating Officer, IFA Hotels & Resorts said “In line with our determination to provide a best-in-class service and value-added options, residents will benefit from an extensive range of services including owners’ reception and concierge, housekeeping, maintenance, security and excellent maid and childcare services. IFA’s commitment to deliver the highest-quality properties with exclusive, resort-style services now extends to the Golden Mile. This unique development now joins IFA’s extensive tourism network which spans world-class projects in Portugal , Zanzibar , Zimbali in South Africa and The Palm, Jumeirah.
Jassim M Al Bahar concluded by stating “This project and our partnership with Nakheel, is a further visible sign of our commitment to, and support of, the vision of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid, Crown Prince of Dubai, to transform Dubai into a world-class tourism, retail, real estate and commercial centre offering the finest facilities.” Nakheel is the uniquely focused property development company behind a variety of new landmark property developments in Dubai . Nakheel's goal is to implement unique, iconic and genuine solutions that have been conceived after detailed planning and research. Nakheel aims to redefine the concept of property development whether residential, tourist, commercial or retail. It has therefore placed great importance on examining the requirements of the different sectors of the community and developing its visionary projects around these findings. Nakheel’s portfolio currently includes The Palm, The World, Jumeirah Islands , The Gardens, The Gardens Shopping Mall, Jumeirah Lake Towers and International City . IFA Hotels & Resorts is a subsidiary of the Kuwait-based International Financial Advisors Company (IFA), with expanding tourism interests spanning Europe , the Middle East and Africa .
In South Africa , IFA is involved in a joint venture in the existing Zimbali Coastal Resort (www.zimbali.co.za) which covers 3.7 million square metres (370 Hectares) and the expansion of the resort will add a further 3.0 million square metres (300 hectares). It also recently agreed to purchase one of South Africa ’s most exclusive hideaway resorts – the Zimbali Lodge – from South African leisure operator Afrisun Kwa-Zulu Natal, which will continue to be managed by Sun International Management Limited. The move is further evidence of IFA’s commitment to build and position Zimbali as an exclusive destination for the discerning international traveller.
In the Middle East , IFA Hotels & Resorts is the largest investor in The Palm, Jumeirah, a man-made island offshore Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.. These include: The Palm Hotel & Beach Resort with 300-rooms, with its five-star Palm Vacation Club on the island’s trunk, a 1000 room five-star Hotel and Vacation Club on the island’s crescent. In addition, the company is behind The Palm Residence, with more than 1000 apartments in three buildings – Al Nabat, Al Haseer and The Palm Golden Mile.
The Golden Mile development, a joint-venture with Nahkeel, developers of The Palm, includes a shopping and residential complex which will cost US $300 million and will feature 780 luxury apartments as well as 220 boutique shops and restaurants. The project will overlook a 1.5 kilometre canalside Corniche which will transform it into one of the world’s most sought-after Corniche-style shopping destinations. The depth and strength of IFA places it in the forefront of companies engaged in the development of tourism projects, hotels and resorts in Europe , the Middle East and Africa . It is the force behind the management of the super-premium Sheraton Algarve Hotel and Pine Cliffs Resort in Portugal ; part of Starwood’s Luxury Collection, and behind the Zanzibar Beach Hotel and Resort – the largest destination resort on the historic spice island.
IFA Hotels & Resorts aims to link its resorts in The Palm, Jumeirah - Dubai , Zimbali-South Africa, Zanzibar and Portugal with future planned resorts in Lebanon . This will offer tourists in Europe , the Middle East and Africa a unique network linking the company’s respective hotels, resorts, timeshare and residence club destinations.
ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET REGISTERS ‘UNPRECEDENTED GROWTH’
OVER 1,400 EXHIBITORS FROM 55 COUNTRIES MAKE 2004 EVENT LARGEST IN SHOW’S 11-YEAR-HISTORY
DUBAI May 3, 2004 Arabian Travel Market, the Middle East’s premier travel and tourism show which gets under way at the Dubai World Trade Centre tomorrow, has registered unprecedented growth with 30% more occupied floor space than last year, over 1,400 exhibitors from 55 countries and a visitor pre-registration profile spanning 95 nations. The 11 th in the annual series and spanning some 11,800 square metres, Arabian Travel Market 2004 is the largest ever and organisers Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) say further growth is on the cards for next year.
“This year’s unprecedented growth is due to three factors, increasing stand space largely from Asian and Middle Eastern countries, a return to the show of Bulgaria, France, Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea, Nepal and Greece, all of which were missing last year in the wake of the SARS and Iraq crises and a flurry of new entrants, again largely from the Middle East,” said Tom Nutley, Chairman, RTE. “New to the show are first-time pavilions from Abu Dhabi and Iran and a host of new development projects from Dubailand to Emaar.
“While the show is now the fastest-growing in the RTE portfolio, normally registering between 10-15% annual increase in floor space – this year is a one-off. We do however, anticipate continued growth for next year, but at the more usual level.” RTE says the scale of demand this year surpassed all expectations and has sent a clear signal that the travel and tourism industry globally is bouncing back from last year’s doldrums. “We have had to turn down requests for additional space from some Dubai projects, Oman and Saudi Arabia – so the prospects for next year are healthy,” said Nutley . “The sheer scale and scope of demand is evidence, if any is needed, that this industry is exceptionally resilient.
“It is also encouraging that the exhibitor profile has expanded and this year also features extensive representation from adventure tour operators, well being clinics, spas, golf resorts, ferry companies and island hideaways. Many of these are new to the market and the business opportunities on offer are more expansive than ever.” RTE is also anticipating its highest visitor turnout with this year’s pre-registrations some 35% up on the same time last year.
“Two heartening factors have emerged from the pre-registrations,” said Nutley . “Firstly, visitors have pre-registered from 95 countries –whereas the entire visitor turnout last year represented 84 countries. This suggests that we are now reaching new markets and a good many of those registered are visiting the show for the first time.Arabian Travel Market 2004, which is held under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and under the auspices of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Government of Dubai, will run at the DWTC until May 7. The show will feature a full, free-to-attend programme of educational and informative seminars sponsored by Travel Trade News and TradeArabia.com. The seminar programme will run from Wednesday, May 5 – Thursday, May 6 and will tackle some ground-breaking subjects.
World of Events will give delegates an outline on ‘Organising World Class Events in the Gulf;’ Market Vision Research and Consulting will outline ‘Trends In Outbound Travel From Saudi Arabia;’ Destination Services for Expedia Inc. will explore how ‘E-Commerce Is Not The Future, It Is The Present;’ Dar Al Manasek and waytoumrah.com will present ‘E-Umrah Made Easy;’ while the International Meeting Professionals Association will provide an outline on ‘Smart Packaging – Meetings-2-Go.’
VVIPs due to attend Arabian Travel Market 2004 include: His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, of the UAE President’s Office; His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon, Chairman of Al Ain Economic Department and Tourism Promotion Authority; His Excellency Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Chairman of Royal Jet, Chairman of the Department of Civil Aviation, Abu Dhabi; His Excellency Sheikh Tariq Bin Faisal Al Qassimi, Chairman of Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority; Photis Phoutiou, Chairman of the Cyprus Tourism Organisation; Mrs Nabila Al Anjari, Kuwait’s Undersecretary for Tourism and Bill Marriott, owner of Marriott Hotels.
Meanwhile, 70 of the world’s leading travel buyers from within the GCC and the international Meetings, Incentive, Conventions and Events (MICE) sector are being hosted to Arabian Travel Market. Many will fly in with Emirates, the show’s official airline and they will stay at the J.W. Marriott Hotel in Dubai , the official hosted buyer property for 2004. The hosted buyers will meet Arabian Travel Market exhibitors on the first day of the show in an appointment-setting session. RTE says it has already begun work on Arabian Travel Market 2005, which will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 3-6 next year.“We are currently in negotiations with the DWTC for additional space and we expect to deliver a show of more than 13,000 square metres nett,” said Nutley .
“We are optimistic of reaching this target and achieving even more growth because of the seemingly endless number of projects being developed in the Middle East and because of airlines from the region opening up new routes – such as Emirates imminently due to fly to the US and China. We will then be better able to access these markets.”
BBC World, the BBC’s commercially funded 24-hour international news and information channel, is the ‘Official Broadcast Partner’ for Arabian Travel Market 2004. A BBC World crew will be at the show to film interviews for the channel’s Middle East Business Report and FASTTRACK programmes. Arabian Travel Market 2004 will be open to trade visitors only on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. On Thursday evening and Friday evening, the show will also be open to the public. This year a charge of Dhs5 will be levied on adults visiting during the public sessions, while youngsters under the age of 16 will be allowed in free, providing they are accompanied by an adult. Visitors producing a Visa card, will also be allowed free entry.
Opening times of Arabian Travel Market 2004 are as follows:
Tuesday, May 4 11.00 – 18.00 Meridian Club & Trade Visitors
Wednesday, May 5 10.00 – 18.00 Meridian Club & Trade Visitors
Thursday, May 6 10.00 – 20.00 Meridian Club & Trade Visitors
17.00 – 20.00 Public
Friday, May 7 16.00 – 21.00 Meridian Club/Trade & Public
