Thursday declared official holiday for private sector to mark Mawlid an-Nabi

Thursday, 12th of Rabi' al-awwal, corresponding to 20th of March will be an official holiday for the private sector in the United Arab Emirates to mark the Mawlid an-Nabi (birthday of Prophet Mohammed PBUH), according to a circular by Minister of Labour Saqr Ghobash.

Ghobash congratulated President H.H Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Their Highnesses Rulers of UAE emirates on the advent of the prophet's birthday.

The minister expressed his best wishes for the UAE and Arab and Muslim Nations.(WAM)

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Holiday for Govt. departments on Thursday

The Civil Service Bureau has announced that Thursday, Rabia Al Awal, 12, corresponding to March 20, will be official holiday for ministries, public departments and institutions nationwide, to mark the birthday of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), according to the decision issued by Dr Khalifa Bekhit Al Flasi, state minister and head of civil service council.

On this occasion, Al Flasi congratulated President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Their Highnesses Rulers of UAE emirates, on the advent of the prophet's birthday, The civil service congratulated the Arab and Muslim nations and UAE people in particular, on this great occasion. (WAM)

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Dubai schools to reopen tomorrow

All schools will reopen tomorrow, according to an announcement by the Dubai School Agency (DSA).
This announcement is based on a process of extensive consultation and evaluation which has taken place between the DSA and the schools.

The excessive rains last week created difficult transportation conditions and caused damage in many schools across the country, forcing the Ministry of Education and KHDA to close schools in Dubai.

The ministry also ordered closure of schools in Sharjah and the Northern Emirates to ensure the safety of students and allow the required maintenance work to take place at schools.
DSA has been communicating with all public and private schools to assess the damage done by the record rainfall.

Fatma Al Marri, CEO of the DSA, said, “DSA has followed up with all schools through Administrative Services Unit (ASU) to check on the maintenance process with the administrators of all the schools.”

“The reports we have confirmed that most of the schools in Dubai are already set to resume work tomorrow and maintenance teams are continuing their final mopping-up operations. Preventive maintenance is also under way to ensure against any leakage in case of severe rain in the future,” she added.

“We will work closely with the schools to make up for the classes that the students have missed due to the extraordinary couple of days the UAE went through lately,” she concluded.

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Schools in Dubai, N. Emirates closed for 2 days

The Ministry of Education (MoE) has announced a two-day holiday for all government and private schools in Dubai, Sharjah, and the northern emirates. The schools will remain closed on Wednesday and Thursday, Abdullah Ali Musabeh, chief executive officer of the MoE, said.

However, the public and private schools in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the western region will remain open, Ali Musabeh said.

Yesterday also, several schools and colleges were forced to close early because of low attendance due to the incessant rains and water-logged roads.

Several universities and colleges also closed yesterday cancelling the scheduled fall semester examinations.

“We’ll announce the new dates of the exams later,” said an official of a university in Sharjah.

Meanwhile, parents were engaged in making desperate calls to schools and bus drivers in the hope of getting information about their wards who were stuck in Dubai-bound traffic, and traffic within Sharjah as well, for a major part of yesterday morning.

Several buses with children turned back without reaching schools after spending hours on the road. The traffic situation was worse in Sharjah.

An official of Australian International School (AIS), located in the industrial area of Sharjah, confirmed that staff and class attendance was low.

“We allowed buses to head home early. Classes were postponed yesterday and schools will be off today so that children do not have to suffer in traffic,” said the official.

Shobhana Varghese, principal of Our Own English High School in Dubai said, “We are doing the best for our children. We can allow children to leave early because the parents may not be at home to receive them.

“I was hesitant to send my child to school in the morning after seeing the traffic conditions but then I thought my child would miss important classes. However, my child never made it to school as the school bus got stuck in water and traffic,” said a distraught parent, adding, “It has been tough for the children as they have been up since early morning and are travelling for the major part of the day.”

In Sharjah and Ajman, the water level in the tunnels and exit bridges reached up to 40cm, which badly hindered traffic movement. Source

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Public Holiday Announced for Monday, 14 January 2008

City residents have been urged to stay indoors to avoid any inconvenience as all main roads will be closed from 6am to 4pm during US President George W. Bush’s visit Dubai on Monday, according to official government sources.


A public holiday has been declared for all sectors on Monday, according to Wam and the office’s media relations officials.

“All main roads will be closed for several hours,” an official said.

The Media Relations Manager of Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Eyad Ali Abdul Rahman, said considerable planning and coordination among various departments had gone into on Monday’s arrangements.

“From our department, the Heritage Village by Shindagha tunnel will be closed for a couple of hours,” he said. “We’ve informed all our tour operators and their tourists have been transferred to other tours for the day. Dubai is always organised and has very good planning for VIP visits.”

The public holiday and road closures in Dubai were only declared late yesterday but the US Consulate-General posted a news alert on its Web site several days ago that it would be closed on Monday for “administrative purposes.”

“The US Consulate-General will be closed to the public on Thursday, January 10 in observance of Islamic New Year, and also on Monday, January 14 for administrative purposes,” the statement detailed.

However, the US government has not changed its travel advisory for the UAE and a notice posted after May last year continues to recommend “high-level vigilance.”

The Abu Dhabi International Airport was closed for about an hour when President Bush arrived there yesterday.

Some flights experienced minor delays, including five Etihad flights that were held up for nearly an hour, according to the airline’s spokesperson, Thomas Clarke.

The Dubai International Airport did not have any significant flight delays or any diversions, according to Dubai Department of Civil Aviation Senior Press Officer Zaigham Ali.

“Dubai airport will function normally on Monday,” Ali said.

Airlines, including Emirates and Air India, said there were no changes to on Monday’s flight schedules and urged passengers to allow plenty of time to reach the airport.

Spokespersons also referred passengers to their respective airline’s Web sites for flight schedules.

Meanwhile, pre-fixed schedules went awry after the Dubai Government announced a sudden holiday for the public and private sector, including schools, on Monday.

Major events and happenings in the city have been either cancelled or postponed for until tomorrow, amidst chaotic arrangements following the government’s holiday announcement citing the closure of major tunnels, flyovers, bridges and roads of the city as a reason for the holiday.

With confusion prevailing, organisers of several events said they were in a state of confusion after the sudden announcement.

However, organisers of some major ongoing events and exhibitions in Dubai World Trade Centre said they would continue as normal.

Organisers of the major crowdpuller, Global Village, said the venue was closed for the public yesterday due to the weather and would also remain closed on Monday on account of the public holiday.

Organisers of the ongoing two-day event Intersec (Civil Defence Security and Safety Exhibition) said the event would continue as normal. “We know that it might be difficult for visitors and exhibitors to reach the venue if all major roads are closed, but we are still going on,” said the organisers.

“We were anyway considering postponing some scheduled events due to traffic problems but now that the official holiday has been announced, we will officially postpone the events for until a day after,” said staff of a public relation company.

Most consulates, banks and other public sectors also confirmed that they would remain closed owimg to public holiday. Hospitals, will, however, function as normal.

The Chairman of Dubai Shopping Malls Group, Essa Adam Ibrahim, said that shopping malls would remain open as usual.

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Stock markets in UAE to take a break on Thursday

All stock markets in the UAE will take a break on Thursday, which has been declared a public holiday on the occasion of the Hijri New Year, it was announced today by the Emirates Securities and Commodities Authority (ESCA).

The bourses will reopen for business on Sunday morning, January 13, 2008.

The ESCA's decision was prompted by the ministry for public sector development's announcement today that Thursday, January 10, 2008 is to be observed by both the public and private sectors a national holiday. (WAM)

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Thursday is holiday for UAE private sector

Tuesday, January 10, 2008 has been declared holiday for all employees of the UAE private sector on the occasion of the Hijri New Year, according to a circular issued by the minister of labour, Dr. Ali bin Abdullah Al Ka'abi.

The minister seized the opportunity to congratulate President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE vice president and prime minister and ruler of Dubai, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Their Highnesses members of the Supreme Council, rulers of the emirates, as well as UAE citizens and expatriates on this happy occasion.

He prayed to Allah for more progress and prosperity for the UAE, the Arab and Islamic nations.
(WAM)

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RTA Waives Parking Fees during New Year Holiday

Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) announced that motorists will be exempted from parking fees during New Year holiday which falls on Tuesday 1st January 2008.

The RTA decision to waive of parking fees, in the new year holiday, comes in line with the Strategy of the RTA to take part in community events, and reflects its efforts to provide every convenience to residents and visitors of the emirate during the holiday, in a manner that practically demonstrates the vision of the RTA to provide "Safe & Smooth Transport for All", and highlights the sense of responsibility assumed by the RTA towards residents of the emirate. (WAM)

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New year holiday for private sector

Private sector employees will get one-day holiday for the new year on Tuesday, January 1, 2008, according to a circular issued by Dr Ali bin Abdullah Al Ka'abi, minister of labor. (WAM)

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Tuesday announced new year holiday for public sector

Federal ministries and departments will observe next Tuesday, January 1, as holiday to mark the new year 2008, the Ministry of Governmental Sector Development announced on Tuesday.

The new year off resolution, issued by Minister Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, said that public employees will resume work on Wednesday, January 2, 2008. (WAM)

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24 per cent discount at Dubai Duty Free today

Dubai Duty Free is offering 24 per cent discount for 24 hours to travellers on its 24th anniversary today.
The anniversary day, which has coincided with the Eid Al Adha period this year, offers travellers the chance to avail of this one-off offer of 24 per cent discount across a wide range of merchandise.

The discount offer began at midnight yesterday and would end at midnight today.
Colm McLoughlin, managing director of Dubai Duty Free, said: “The anniversary discount offer, which began with Dubai Duty Free’s 20th anniversary in 2003, has proved to be so popular that we have decided to continue this offer once again this year.
“We see this as our way of saying thank you to our customers who have helped Dubai Duty Free to achieve such fantastic sales results over the years.”
Traditionally a busy sales day for Dubai Duty Free, the offer would undoubtedly result in a new daily sales record, he said.
With sales running at 26 per cent higher than 2006, the operation is well on track to achieving annual sales in excess of US$850 million.
“In 2006, when we offered 23 per cent discount to mark our 23rd anniversary on December 20, our sales soared to US$8.2 million so we are expecting even higher sales on the anniversary day this year,” added McLoughlin.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, Dubai Duty Free will ensure a party-like atmosphere throughout the retail operation on that day.
Plans are in place to conduct a Millennium Millionaire, a Finest Surprise Luxury Car draw and a series of other promotional activities that will involve travellers and staff.

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Hospital timings during Eid holidays

The Ministry of Health (MoL) has issued a circular to the directors of the Primary Healthcare Department (PHC) on the work timings of health centres and hospitals during the Eid Al Adha holidays.

Dr Abdul Ghafar Al Ghafoor, assistant under-secretary of the Ministry of Health for Therapeutic Medicine Affairs, said the timings had been fixed as per the instructions of Minister of Health Humaid Mohammed Obaid Al Qutami to ensure a smooth functioning of health services during Eid.

While trauma centres will work round-the-clock during Eid holidays, work (on rotation) will also continue in the nursing, radioactive scan and pharmacy departments. Essential staff, including doctors and technicians, will not travel abroad without a prior approval from both the director of the hospital and director of the Medical Zone.

They will also not be allowed to travel outside the emirate’s jurisdiction unless an alternative is made.

The timings are as follows: Dubai Medical Zone, Hor Al Anz Health Centre will be open from 9am to 12 noon and from 5pm to 9pm; Sharjah Medical Zone, Sharjah Health Centre will remain open from 8am to 12am and 5pm to 12pm; Madam, Al Fali, Maliha, Diba Al Hesn Nahaw, Wadi Al Helo health centres will remain open on the first and third days of Eid from 8am to 12pm and 5pm to 9pm; and on the rest days of the holidays, the centres will work round-the-clock on a summon basis.

Al Luluiya Health Centre will work on the first and third days of Eid from 8am to 12pm, and will be working round-the-clock on “on call” for the rest days of the holidays.
In Ajman Medical Zone, the Al Madina Health Centre will remain open on all days from 7.30am to 1pm and 5pm to 11 pm.
Mushiref and Mizira Health Centres will be open on all days from 7.30am to 1pm and 5pm to 10pm, except the first day of Eid and on Friday.
Manama Health Centre will remain open on all days from 7.30am to 1pm except the first day of Eid and on Friday.

In Umm Al Quwain Medical Zone, Kazan and Salma Health Centres will remain open on all days from 9am to 1pm and 5pm to 9pm, and will have an evening shift on Friday.
Falaj Al Mualla Health Centre will open on all days from 8am to 1pm and 4pm to 11pm and will also have an evening shift on Friday.

In Ras Al Khaimah Medical Zone, Ras Al Khaimah Health Centre will function on all days from 7.30am to 1am.

Mamoura Centre will work all days from 7.30am to 2.30pm and 4pm to 11 pm.
On Friday, there will only be an evening shift.

Daqdaga and Qadrah Health Centres will remain open from 8am to 1pm on all days except on the first day of Eid and on Friday, while Jazira and Manaie Centres will be open 24 hours.
In the Fujairah Medical Zone, Madina Health Centre will be open on the first and second day from 5pm to 10pm and on other days, from 8am to 1pm and 5pm to 12 pm.

Mirbeh and Bidia Health Centres will function on the first, third, and fifth days from 8am to 1pm.

Halawa and Towbin Centres will remain open on the third and fifth days from 8am to 1pm. Massafi and Seigi Centres will work on the third day of the holidays from 8am to 1pm. Source

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Zayed Mosque to open for Eid Al Adha prayers

The President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, will offer Eid Al Adha prayers tomorrow at Shaikh Zayed Mosque, the third largest mosque in the world.
With a capacity of 40,000 worshippers, Shaikh Zayed Mosque shall be open for Eid Al Adha prayers on Wednesday, Engineer Khawla Al Sulaimani said.

The mosque is all set to receive worshippers, particularly in the three main prayer halls, which can accommodate 7,000 males and 1,000 females. The third hall, which is specified for daily prayers, is to accommodate 1,200 worshippers. The corridors and mosque courtyard can accommodate 30,000 worshippers, Al Sulaimani said.

Meanwhile, two ‘imams’ and ‘muezzins’ have been chosen for offering prayers at the mosque. The centre for unified ‘azaan’ is also to be transferred to the mosque, Dr. Mohammed Matter Al Kaabi, Director-General of the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Auqaf (GAIAA), said.
Dr. Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, head of the GAIAA, has ordered that 10,000 copies of the Holy Quran be endowed to the mosque.

The mosque is an awesome Islamic milestone that helps spread Islamic culture, concepts, teachings, and sciences everywhere.
The mosque consists of 57 domes covering the outside yards, main and side entrances. This includes the largest dome in the world, with a height of 83 metres. The dome, which is 35.8 metres in diameter, weighs 1,000 tonnes.

All the domes of the mosque are decorated with white marble and verses from the Holy Quran. The interior decor was made of white gypsum.

A further astounding feature of the mosque is its grand carpet measuring 5,627 square metres, the largest in the world.

Some 1,200 weavers, 20 technicians, and 30 workers took part in making this large hand-made masterpiece.

The carpet, which weighs 47 tonnes - 35 tonnes of wool, and 12 tonnes of cotton - is unique in its designs and colours.

It has a total of 2,268,000 knots.

Source

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No parking fees during Eid

Dubai motorists are to enjoy free parking throughout the Eid Al-Adah holiday, the Roads & Transport Authority announced yesterday.

Fees will be waived between December 18-21, and reinstated on Saturday December 22, the authority said.
Engineer Metha bin Adai, CEO of the RTA’s Traffic & Roads Agency urged road users to park responsibly, and not occupy spaces for extended hours, particularly in heavily congested areas. Source

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ESCA announces Eid holiday for local bourses

Local stock markets will be off trading from next Tuesday, December 18th to 22nd to mark the Eid Al Adha,the Emirates Securities and Commodities Authority (ESCA) announced on Wednesday.

According to an ESCA statement, trading will resume on December 23rd. (WAM)

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Public sector employees to enjoy five-day holidays for Eid Al Adha

Public sector employees will have five days Eid Al Adha holiday with effect from the 9th to 13th of Dhul Hijja, which coincides with December 18 to 22. Work will be resumed on December 23, according to a circular issued by Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Government Development Sector.

Al Mansouri seized the opportunity to congratulate President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, their Highnesses Members of Supreme Council and Rulers, UAE people and the Muslim world, on the advent of Eid Al Adha. (WAM)

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Eid Al Adha holiday for private sector

Employees of private sector will get three days holiday for Eid Al Adha with effect from Arafat Waqfa day, the first and second day of Eid, according to a circular issued by Dr. Ali Abdullah Al Ka'abi, Minister of Labour.
The three days' holiday will be payable for the employees of private firms, who will work during Eid holiday.

Ka'abi congratulated President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice-President, Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, their Highnesses Members of Supreme Council and Rulers, UAE government and people, on the advent of Eid Al Adha. (WAM)
Eid Al-Adha is the Muslim feast of sacrifice marking the end of annual Haj pilgrimage.

Although the first official day of the Eid Al Adha begins on Wednesday, December 19, employees have been given the preceding day off as well to celebrate Arafat Waqfa Day, the day that pilgrims journey to the Arafat Mountain area to worship before making their way down at sunset.

News of the holiday comes a day after Saudi Arabia officially announced that Eid Al-Adha will begin on December 19.

According to the statement released by Saudi Arabia's Supreme Judicial Council, Monday was the first day of the month of Dhul Hijja, meaning Arafat Waqfa Day will fall on December 18 and Eid Al Adha on December 19.

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No parking fee on Dec. 2-3

Users of public parking lots will be exempted from parking fees on December 2 and 3, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced yesterday.

Engineer Maitha bin Adai, CEO of RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency, said the decision to exempt public parking users from fees during the National Day holiday will be applicable on Sunday and Monday. However, exemption does not cover Saturday, December 1, which is a normal working day.
Engineer Maitha urged public parking users not to misuse the parking spaces during the exemption period and cooperate with the RTA to enable visitors and residents of the emirate to benefit from the decision. Source

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Public warns of weather’s mood swings

The Fujairah Police have issued a cautionary advisory informing residents and visitors about possible changes in weather on the UAE National Day and urged them to be careful when going to the beaches or picnicking in the desert or hilly areas.

The law-enforcement agencies here are on full alert to meet with any untoward situation, Fujairah Police Director-General Lt-Col. Mohammed Ahmed bin Ghanem said yesterday.
“I do call upon all visitors to be more cautious about weather changes. Should they need help or face any problem, they should not be hesitant, and immediately call the Operations Room on 999 or seek help from any police station or patrol,” Lt-Col. Bin Ghanem stated.
All the necessary procedures to ensure safety, stability and security during the celebrations have been undertaken and measures have also been taken to keep the flow of traffic smooth, he said.
The emirate mostly attracts hordes of visitors during the National Day holidays, he added. More security and traffic patrols have been pressed into service at tourists and heritage sites, particularly the Fujairah Corniche and Dibba, Lt-Col. Bin Ghanem said.
In Abu Dhabi, the Met office predicted that the National Day will be slightly warmer than normal and the skies will be partly clouded.
The temperature on the National Day is likely to rise by two to three degrees with the maximum being 32-34 degrees Celsius and the minimum 24-26 degrees.
As a result of powerful winds, the seas will remain rough till Saturday morning and fishermen have been advised to keep away, Met official Mohammed Ikram Quraishi said yesterday, adding that there is nothing to worry for beach-goers.
The north-westerly wind will blow at 8-14 knots in the plains from Friday till Monday, and 15-20 knots over the seas today, but on Saturday it will come down to 10-16 knots over the seas.
Source

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Fun events planned at parks in Dubai to mark National Day

The public parks in Dubai will witness a variety of activities on the occasion of the 36th National Day. The Public Parks and Horticulture Department of Dubai Municipality has planned a host of activities for this year’s celebration in orderto attract a good number of visitors to the parks.

The highlight of the activities at Zabeel Park is a stage show called Ars Al Majd, with the participation of 120 professionals from all over the Arab world. In addition to this, traditional troupes will be performing in the park throughout the day.
A People’s Parade will be held in the park with the participation of people of different generations, who will be carrying the UAE national flag. The parade will also feature traditional dances.
In the Creek Park, different activities will be organised with the cooperation of the Ministry of Education. The activities will include stage shows by traditional troupes and patriotic songs performed by a group of artistes. The song performance will start at 9pm and will last until midnight.
On the second day, there will be performances by Syrian, Indian and Filipino troupes from 9pm to midnight.
The park will also host heritage activities, including House of Poetry and traditional food, which will be distributed free to the public throughout the National Day celebrations.
Other parks, including Mamzar and Mushrif parks, will also witness shows by traditional troupes throughout the occasion.
Meanwhile, the Children’s City is all prepared to celebrate the 36th National Day. A host of activities have been lined up this year, including the biggest UAE national flag that stretches all the way from Gate 1 of Creek Park to the gate of Children’s City.
There will be a Unity Parade symbolising the care, prosperity, development and advancement witnessed by the country. The events will start at 10am on December 2 and end by 7.30pm.
Helium balloons will also be released in front of the visitors at the Children’s City. Source

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