Lily B. Libo-on

11 February 2012

SHARJAH - Sharjah Light Festival 2012 started with a dazzling display of 3D and laser light and sound show on Thursday evening with His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, launching it at Al Qasba in the presence of dignitaries and local and international media. The inaugural ceremony witnessed a masterful use of technology to celebrate Sharjah, its traditions, journey and landmark achievements over past 40 years.

After watching the 15-minute spectacular show, the Sharjah Ruler went on a cruise along the quiet Khalid Lagoon to inspect the 11 other locations of the Sharjah Light Festival (SLF).  The locations include Al Qasba (Internal façade and External façade), Sharjah Hisn (Fort), Palm Oasis Front, Cultural Square, Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Majaz Mosque, Courthouse Complex, Central Souq, Sharjah Consultative Council, Kuwait Square, Golden Mile and Sharjah International Airport.

Mohammed Ali Al Noman, chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), said at the opening ceremony that the latest in lighting and laser technology blended with the Arabs’ love of storytelling. “The European artists and technical wizards once again created magic on the walls of Al Qasba and other locations across the emirate.”

Al Noman said SLF 2012 celebrated Sharjah’s cultural journey and rich history in a never-before-seen fashion. “This is a testament to our continuous progress and development, moving in steady step and according to the vision of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan,” he said, thanking the Ruler for his constant support and guidance. Al Noman said Sharjah has put together a great template of cultural harmony, people’s empowerment and economic prosperity, which is a source of inspiration to others.

 lily@khaleejtimes.com

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Lily B. Libo-on

11 February 2012

SHARJAH - A permanent collection of over 300 Orientalist works from the 18th and 19th century embellished by artworks from renowned artists in the likes of David Roberts, Ludwig Deutsch and Elizabeth Murray has defined the Sharjah Arts Museum.

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ABU DHABI - General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, met with President of South Korea Lee Myung-bak at Emirates Palace here on Friday. Lee Myung-bak is currently on a visit to the UAE as part of a regional tour.

At the beginning of the meeting, which was held in the presence of Foreign Minister Shaikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince welcomed the Korean president and reiterated the keenness of the UAE under the leadership of the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to strengthen cooperation and develop joint work between the two countries serving their common interest. He also wished the people of South Korea continued progress and prosperity.

Shaikh Mohammed said the friendly relations between the UAE and South Korea have seen over the past years great development thanks to the interest and support of the leaders of both countries. This is a model for the strategic partnership that bolsters constructive cooperation for the welfare and interests of two countries and their peoples, he added.

President Lee Myung-bak asked Shaikh Mohammed to convey his greetings to Shaikh Khalifa, and asserted his country?s keenness to strengthen the bonds of friendship and bilateral relations between the two countries so as to meet the aspirations of both countries and their peoples.

He also said he looks forward to meeting with Shaikh Mohammed  in South Korea to attend the Nuclear Security Conference to be hosted by his country next month.

During the meeting, they also reviewed bilateral relations and the ways to enhance them. They also discussed the developments in the region and issues of mutual concern.

The meeting was attended by Shaikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Foreign Trade; Dr Jouan Salem Al Dhahiri Secretary-General of the Supreme Petroleum Council; Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority; and a number of other senior officials.

From the Korean side, the meeting was attended by Kim Sung-hwan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, a number of other ministers and Korean Ambassador to the UAE Kwon Tae-Kyun.

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ABU DHABI - Foreign Minister Shaikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan participated in the nationwide ?Desert Clean-up Campaign?, which he had called for earlier last month, in Ras Al Khaimah on Friday. Shaikh Abdullah had made this appeal to the country?s youth through Twitter.

?How about we all take part in cleaning up the desert? I?d like to participate if you agree on January 20,? he had tweeted.

The response was overwhelming, and the campaign continued beyond its set time. Several federal and local governments urged their employees to participate in the campaign and the call was received with cheer and fervour across various emirates.

Participating in the campaign in Ras Al Khaimah on Friday, Shaikh Abdullah praised the response of the national youth and their impressive participation in this initiative aimed at protecting the environment.

He toured various areas where the people were actively cleaning up the desert with support from various local bodies such as the Ras Al Khaimah Educational District. He hailed the volunteering as one of the noblest forms of charity.

Shaikh Abdullah was accompanied in his tour by Chairman of the Ras Al Khaimah Civil Aviation Department Shaikh Salem bin Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi and Deputy Chairman of the RAK Department of Economic Development  Shaikh Mohammed bin Kayed Al Qasimi.

A large number of institutions, authorities and volunteer organisations in Ras Al Khaimah took part in the Desert Clean-up Campaign.

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DUBAI - Ahmed Obaid Al Mansoori, Director-General of the Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST), has called for the creation of a Gulf federation of astronomy and space sciences to promote research and development in the sector. Lack of confidence and a culture of research and development is the main reason for the Arab world lagging behind in the space industry, he said while addressing a panel discussion at the 10th Arab Conference on Astronomy and Space Sciences in Oman.

Highlighting the achievements of the EIAST, especially in empowering the region’s youth to drive R&D in the space sector, Al Mansoori spoke about the challenges the region faces and the opportunities that abound in the industry. He said the space sector could make significant contributions to the different economic sectors, thus contributing to the overall development of the society.

It is important to invest in space research, while also building on the skills of talented young professionals, enabling them to become active participants in the sector. “Providing our youth with the right skills, imparting practical skills and driving their involvement in space research globally are imperative in boosting their confidence and involvement.” Reviewing the challenges in the space sector, Al Mansoori said countries with a highly evolved space industry have been limiting the growth of the space industry in the Arab world by regarding the region as a mere end-user of space technology.

“As a result, knowledge transfer, training and empowerment are not prioritised. The EIAST is addressing this gap by focusing on knowledge transfer and empowering our human resources through their active involvement in all projects. More than the ability to buy a satellite or set up a telescope, what really matters is that our youth must be able to build these projects, which, in turn, will enhance their confidence in their abilities to become active participants in space research.”

On the lack of a culture of research and development and the need to link space sector with other key areas of development, Al Mansoori said the model of ‘horizontal globalisation’ with the focus on expansion and proliferation pursued by countries with a highly evolved space industry must give way to ‘vertical globalisation’ that emphasises exchange of expertise and transfer of knowledge.

To address these concerns, Al Mansoori said the creation of a Gulf federation of astronomy and space sciences must be accelerated, clearly outlining its vision, objectives, scope of work and legalities.

He also underlined the importance of selecting key strategic partners and cooperating with them to accomplish leading technology initiatives. He proposed the formation of a special committee to review and finalise commitments by all member states and to formulate a plan for setting up a funding programme to promote R&D in the space sector.

He spoke of the  successful launch of DubaiSat-1 and the launch preparation of DubaiSat 2. The success achieved by the EIAST is the result of the continuous support extended by the UAE’s leadership, and the organisation’s focus on fostering creativity and innovation in the youth, by continuously investing in their capabilities and potential.

news@khaleejtimes.com

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Alvin R. Cabral

11 February 2012

DUBAI - Engines are ready to roar and luxury is being taken to a new level as Big Boys Toys 2012 continues to herald itself as Dubai?s premiere lifestyle spectacle, much to the delight of those ?who want it all?. With a throng of visitors flocking the event on its first open-to-the-public day on Friday, an air of excitement and anticipation complemented the best and brightest display off exclusive products and services in adventure, aviation, driving, fashion, lifestyle, marine, off-road, riding and wellness ? fit for those who want to take fun several levels up.

And while the event?s title implies a ?manly? flavour, it really doesn?t do justice to it; Big Boys Toys is for everyone, it?s that simple. Women and children make up a good chunk of visitors, eager to get into the latest and the best.

Khaleej Times has short-listed some of the very interesting products on display.

Ruluxpro Russian luxury products: Who says weapons are just for mangling each other? Combine a sword?s craftsmanship with jeweller?s art and you?ll be an elite collector up there with the wealthiest celebrities, politicians, government establishments and the largest museums. Starts at Dh37,000, by the way. Chessboards also included.

CXC Simulations Motion Pro II racing simulator: Just reading the comments from real-life professional race drivers tells it all. Full-motion technology, force feedback and state-of-the-art control systems are more than enough to make you feel ready enough to challenge Sebastian Vettel and the rest of the pack.

Seadunes marine boats:Tired of all those usual cruises at the Marina? Then get yourself one of these. A Southland pontoon boat will extend your personal space in to the water, while a Duarry boat will make you assert your ?undisputedcauthority? while sailing. Wow!

Ultimate Heli remote-controlled toys:  Toys? Betcha not; we?d rather call them mean machines. You can consider this heaven for RC enthusiasts, professionals, and your regular garden-variety man on the street. Engines alone border a thousand dirhams, so make sure you know what you?re doing when you start assembling your best flier.

Lito Sora superbike:  Everyone?s saying that being green and environment-friendly cancels out sleekness. Don?t tell that to Lito, because their Sora superbike is ?unique, different and (most of all) electric?. Full-throttle cornering, explosive acceleration and phenomenal torque. This bike?s for you.

Bozzies custom bikes: So a Harley-Davidson is stylish enough, right? How about one of those given a bespoke customisation? That?s what you get with Bozzies. Mind you, riding on one will make you the bozz, er, boss of the road ? as long as you have at least Dh675,000.

Nissan GT-R VVIP: Nope, you?re not cross-eyed; it is VVIP. Very, very sleek. The GT-R has always been up there with the best, and now Nissan has been able to come up with the answer to this question: ?Can we satisfy our driver?s every wish and every command?? Hop on one and find out.

Hulme CanAM Spyder: Eye-popping is just one word to describe this 7,000cc, 600HP V8-engined monster. It?s a fitting tribute to Denny Hulme, New Zealand?s only F1 and double CanAM champion. It is just so cool.

Esse Designs mobile luxury: So you?ve spent enough for your really expensive phone or tablet. Want to spend more? Get in touch with Esse Designs and have them mess up your phone with gold and diamonds. Also prepare to shell out an additional of at least Dh9,800 for the makeover.

There are lots more eye-catching toys over at the event at Atlantis The Palm. But hurry up, as the show concludes today.

alvin@khaleejtimes.com

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DUBAI ? A 21-year-old Sri Lankan driver molested a six-year-old schoolgirl while playing a ?vampire game? with her, the Court of First Instance heard on Thursday. The driver allegedly kissed the girl and bit on her cheeks, neck and thighs in July last year.

The British girl said during the Public Prosecution investigation that she asked the defendant to play with her. The accused then chose to play the vampire game, during which he bit and kissed her cheeks, neck and thighs.

The girl?s 27-year-old mother, who had left the daughter at her father?s house, filed a police complaint after spotting marks on her child?s body.

The mother, a saleswoman, called her husband and enquired whether he had seen what happened but he said he had not. The mother then learnt from the girl that the incident happened while her father was away. She tried to enquire more about it the following day but could not get more details, so filed a complaint.

The physician, who examined the girl at the paediatric clinic of a local hospital two days after the incident, spotted marks and bruises on her cheeks, neck and thighs. He said the marks could have resulted from kissing and biting.

The defendant admitted to kissing the girl but claimed it happened as he was playing with her.

mary@khaleejtimes.com

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