Portugal & UAE

New Visit

2010-09-16T09:34:00.000+01:00

GULF is preparing a new visit to UAE between 1st and 6th of October with new companies.

We continue working to help companies and persons that want open the Arab markets under the help of H.H. Sheikha Hind Al Qasimi, Member of Sharjah Royal Family and Chairwomen of Emirates Business Women Council.

Like the other times, we do those trips with small groups because we like to give all the attention for each company/person.

The people who have interest to participate on that trip can contact us to jdo@gulf.pt.

Best regards for all our followers.

José Oliveira
www.gulf.pt

New visit to UAE / New Site

2010-05-14T11:47:00.000+01:00

GULF and TROPICAL LINE are preparing a new visit to UAE with some companies. This visit will be between 4th and 8th of June. It is the last visit before the summer season because all most the decisions makers leave the country on this period.

I use this post to inform too that GULF have a new Website with all the informations about our activity.

Business Trip to UAE with Portuguese Companies

2010-03-26T18:13:00.001Z

GULF and TROPICAL LINE did a trip to UAE with two IT portuguese companies, Arturai and Present Technologies.

It was a successfull trip with meetings in ETISALAT, DU and INJAZAT companies.

We had too the opportunity to meet Dr. Sérgio Espadas, Director of AICEP in Dubai, H.H. Sheikh Mohamed Al Qasimi and of course, we was always with my partners and friends H.H. Sheikha Dr. Hind Al Qasimi, Suzan Ali Ahmed and Mohamed Hassan.

We are preparing new business trips because European companies are seeing the potential of Arab Markets and we are here to help their introdution on these countries.

Some photos of the visit:

Arabian Business downhill - Portugal Vs Mohamed Hassan

2010-02-15T14:55:00.001Z

TITLE IN AUDIÊNCIA NEWSPAPER: Arabian Business downhill

Click here to see all the article: The Newspaper

Translation of the initial part of the article:
"His name is Mohamed Hassan, he is Egyptian a businessman and partner of a society where also included Portuguese names and could have invested millions of dollars in our country if the bureaucracy had not demoted him.
Hotel units of four and five star, lands to urbanize and marinas had been in the investment intentions of the entrepreneur. To achieve them, Hassan only asked as grant a residence visa that it was not given by the Portuguese Government. Attempts to obtain such document have been held up many months, through the intermediation of the administrator of Edigaia, José Domingos Oliveira, who keeps a company in Dubai with Mohamed Hassan. Between phone calls and open letters directed to the highest governing bodies, Oliveira only regrets that "Portugal denies a resident visa to an investor, but give that for the Guantanamo detainees”."

The main phrase of José Domingos Oliveira: "From the part of José Domingos Oliveira, the trust, that, seems to be blind, "I promised to help, and is what I will continue to do", guarantees."

Interview of Mohamed Hassan to "Audiência Newspaper"

Audiência Newspaper: What are your plans for investment in Portugal?

Mohamed Hassan: My plan now in Portugal is work with my partner and friend in our Company GULF – Consulting & Investments and with Edigaia too. We have a lot of projects and we are doing everything to help Portuguese companies that want to invest in Arab Markets.
We are preparing too a possibility to work in sports with my company Master Sports with the support of GULF.

After that, and if I get the Resident Visa, like I told before, Portugal is a good opportunity for me and my investors.

AN: Can we talk about a considerable amount of money?

MH: We never can’t talk about quantity of money but I’m sure that me, my partners, friends and the people that I represent, can invest in Portugal some hundreds of million dollars.

AN: Do you really need a license for residence to accept investing in Portugal?

MH: It’s like a guaranty. I don’t know anything about Portugal… only Oliveira Family and some people in Lisbon. I trust all this people but I don’t want to bring people to invest in a country that don’t trust me. I work in Europe and I feel totally trust when I need to do something.

AN: Have you ever had any answer from the Portuguese government?

MH: My friend José Domingos Oliveira is the person that is helping me. I never talked with the Portuguese government but I’m available for that if necessary. If they don’t talk with a Portuguese guy how they could want to talk with me?

AN:We know you have businesses in European countries, like Germany or Austria. Was it so hard to have a license on those countries? (do you have one?)

MH: I just want a Portuguese Visa because in this country I have more than a company or investments. I have a family friends and I want to come here many times and pass here a lot of time. Sometimes I stay for example 6 months in Egypt; Why not stay in Portugal too if I can have companies and friends here?

I always get normal Visa every time I want to fly to Europe. I never had problems with that. I don’t want a Visa from other country but I already had an offer for that. I want a Portuguese Visa.

AN: Do you believe Portuguese authorities will someday “think” about your case?

MH: Really I don’t know. At this moment I lost the trust on that but I really believe that one day, maybe the Portuguese Government will understand what they lost.

AN: In what matter would your investments become favorable for our country?

MH: My investments are like all the others foreign investments. We are talking about development and money from exterior to Portugal. And If I’m not mistake, Portugal live a big economical crisis… how can your government say no to foreign capital and investments?

AN: Why to invest in Portugal?

MH: Like I told you before, Portugal is a place where I have good friends, trustable people and a country that I like very much… very quiet, pretty and with a culture of respect.

From other side, I really believe that GULF – Consulting & Investments could be an excellent business and could bring many people from Arab World to invest in Portugal with us.

AN: Do you considerer on giving up from businesses in our country, in case of not having the license?

MH: It is very difficult. I’m really angry with all that situation. I will continue helping and supporting my friend José Domingos Oliveira with GULF Company and Edigaia but I need to think very well if I’m available to invest in a country that don’t trust me.

AN:Is it true that you maintain strong relationships with royal families in Emirates and Egypt?

MH: I have a very strong relation with the royal family in Emirates and with the decision makers of the government in Egypt (it’s a republic country) but not only. I really have many friends all over the world, especially in Arab countries.

Mohamed Hassan in Portugal and our new company and site (www.gulf.pt)

2009-12-28T00:25:00.000Z

My friend and partner Mohamed Hassan was in Gaia on 22 and 23 of December to have some meetings with companies with interest in Arab markets.

Our companies, GULF - Consulting & Investments ( www.gulf.pt ) and Tropical Line Investments ( www.tropicalline.org ) are now very active and prepared to open the "gold doors" of Arab markets.

GULF - Consulting & Investment, Lda. is a newly formed company which provides management consulting and business development in the broadest sense of the term, since it covers different areas of expertise, but the focus on development of trade relations between Midle East masket and adjacent countries and the European market.

GULF, having been born as a spin-off group of large business, the result of an experience in business related to the constrution, energy, commerce and tourism developed in Arab markets over the past four years, intends to build on the experience acquired in the course of them, is the promotion of trade, business creation, assembly of consortia, establishment of personal relations of trust and business development, a set of very specific and difficult markets as are the Midle East markets.

Abel Xavier, portuguese football player, is now a Muslim

2009-12-22T17:36:00.000Z

Former Portuguese international player Abel Xavier has announced his conversion to be a Muslim.

Xavier held a press conference in the Ras Al Khaimah stadium in the UAE before a league match in which he announced his conversion and his new name – Faisal.

The former Benfica and Liverpool defender held the press conference in the presence of members of the local royal family and announced his official retirement from football. He is now set to take part in a humanitarian project which will benefit the lives of millions in Africa.

"It's an emotional goodbye and I hope to participate in something very satisfying in a new stage of my life," said Xavier. "In moments of grief, I have found comfort in Islam. Slowly, I learned a religion that professes peace, equality, freedom and hope. These are foundations with which I identify. Only after a thorough knowledge and an intense experience, I took this decision. I'd like to thank the royal family for its love and affection. They embraced me and made me feel special."

Christmas in DUBAI

2009-12-17T16:27:00.000Z

Christmas has arrived early and residents can now take their children along to celebrate the holiday cheer with Santa Claus.

Dozens of curious shoppers gathered outside the metro station at Mall of the Emirates to see Santa, along with his wife, Mrs Claus, who made their way to Ski Dubai on their sleigh on Wednesday night.

Accompanied by a dozen elves who sang "Santa's Coming to Town," Santa made a quick stop to light up the 13-metre high Christmas tree that is located at the Galleria.

Santa and Mrs Claus then went on their way to take up residence at Ski Dubai where they will be available until December 24.

"This place feels exactly like the North Pole and I am not home sick at all. It feels great and I cannot wait to meet all the good children in the UAE," said Santa.

Entertainment

Santa and Mrs Claus will be welcoming visitors at Ski Dubai from 2 to 10pm everyday, and guests can meet the jolly couple in front of the Christmas tree in the snow with Christmas Fairy Lou.

"This year is unlike any other because Santa, along with Mrs Claus, will be greeting children in the snow and they will also be offered lots of games and entertainment," said Mike Mahoney, General Manager of Ski Dubai. Every child entrance ticket into Snow Park comes with a complimentary photograph with Santa. Santa and Mrs Claus will also host a Christmas Carol stage show on Christmas Eve that will be performed along with the Dubai Choir and guests from the Dubai Centre for Special Needs.

As part of the festive season celebration, a number of activities will be held to raise funds for the Dubai Centre for Special Needs.

The main activities that will support the special needs centre including breaking the UAE record, where chefs today will be creating a 355 metre long Stollen at the Galleria.

Christmas on BURJ AL ARAB

Christmas or Christmas Day is a holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus, the central figure of Christianity. Aspects of celebration may include gift-giving, Christmas trees, display of Nativity sets, church attendance, the Father Christmas/Santa Claus myth, and family gatherings. Users of the Gregorian calendar observe the holiday on December 25. Some Eastern Orthodox Churches celebrate on December 25 by the Julian calendar, which currently corresponds to January 7 on the Gregorian calendar. These dates are merely traditional; the great majority of scholars agree that the actual birth date of Jesus is unknown. In Western countries and during the last few years, Christmas is the most economically significant holiday of the year, and is even celebrated by non-Christians. In Western culture, the holiday is characterized by the exchange of gifts among friends and family members, some of the gifts being attributed to Santa Claus (also known as Father Christmas, Saint Nicolas, Father Frost). Various International Christmas traditions are practiced in Dubai, due to the widespread influence of American and British Christmas motifs disseminated by film, popular literature, television, and other media.

UAE National Day Parade

2009-12-02T12:01:00.000Z

Click here to see "UAE National Day Parade" video

Eid in Dubai

2009-12-02T11:55:00.000Z

Click here to see Eid in Dubai video

Eid al-Adha

2009-11-26T12:02:00.000Z

Eid al-Adha (Arabic: عيد الأضحى‎) "Festival of Sacrifice" or "Greater Eid" is a holiday celebrated by Muslims (including the Druze) worldwide to commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.

Eid al-Adha is the latter of two Eid festivals celebrated by Muslims, whose basis comes from the Quran. Like Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha begins with a short prayer followed by a sermon (khuṭba).

Eid al-Adha annually falls on the 10th day of the month of Dhul Hijja (ذو الحجة) of the lunar Islamic calendar. The festivities last for three days or more depending on the country. Eid al-Adha occurs the day after the pilgrims conducting Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia by Muslims worldwide, descend from Mount Arafat. It happens to be approximately 70 days after the end of the month of Ramadan.

Traditions and practices

Men, women, and children are expected to dress in their finest clothing to perform Eid prayer (ṣalātu l-`Īdi) in a large congregation in an open area or mosque. Muslims who can afford to do so sacrifice their best domestic animals (usually sheep, but also camels, cows and goats) as a symbol of Ibrahim's sacrifice. The sacrificed animals, called uḍiyyah (Arabic: أضحية‎, also known as "al-qurbāni"), have to meet certain age and quality standards or else the animal is considered an unacceptable sacrifice. Generally, these must be at least a year old.

The regular charitable practices of the Muslim community are demonstrated during Eid al-Adha by the concerted effort to see that no impoverished person is left without sacrificial food during these days.

Distributing meat among people is considered an essential part of the festival during this period, as well as chanting Takbir out loud before the Eid prayer on the first day and after prayers through out the four days of Eid. (See Takbir in "Traditions and practices" of Eid el-Fitr.) In some countries families that do not own livestock can make a contribution to a charity that will provide meat to those who are in need.

Eid al-Adha in the Gregorian calendar

While Eid al-Adha is always on the same day of the Islamic calendar, the date on the Gregorian calendar varies from year to year since the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar and the Gregorian calendar is a solar calendar. The lunar calendar is approximately eleven days shorter than the solar calendar. Each year, Eid al-Adha (like other Islamic holidays) falls on one of two different Gregorian dates in different parts of the world, due to the fact that the boundary of crescent visibility is different from the International date line.

The following list shows the official dates of Eid al-Adha for Saudi Arabia as announced by the Supreme Judicial Council. Future dates are calculated according to the Umm al-Qura calendar of Saudi Arabia. The three days after the listed date are also part of the festival. The time before the listed date the pilgrims visit the Mount Arafat and descend from it after sunrise of the listed day. Future dates of Eid al-Adha might face correction 10 days before the festivity, in case of deviant lunar sighting in Saudi Arabia for the start of the month Dhul Hijja.

1427 (Islamic Calendar): December 30, 2006 announced (calculated date: December 31, 2006)

1428 (Islamic Calendar): December 19, 2007 announced (calculated date: December 20, 2007)

1429 (Islamic Calendar): December 8, 2008 announced (calculated date: same)

1430 (Islamic Calendar): November 27, 2009 announced (calculated date: same)

1431 (Islamic Calendar): November 16, 2010 (calculated)

1432 (Islamic Calendar): November 6, 2011 (calculated)

1433 (Islamic Calendar): October 26, 2012 (calculated)

1434 (Islamic Calendar): October 15, 2013 (calculated)

1435 (Islamic Calendar): October 4, 2014 (calculated)

1436 (Islamic Calendar): September 23, 2015 (calculated)

A Portuguese Women considered the "Woman of the Year" on UAE

2009-11-19T12:24:00.000Z

Maria da Conceição is a Portuguese with 32 years old living and working for six years in Dubai as a flight attendant in Emirates Airlines.

Last night, the Portuguese won the award for "Woman of the Year" in the United Arab Emirates.

Maria da Conceição won the "Humanitarian of the Year" with the creation in 2005 of the Dhaka Project, an initiative that aims to take from the cycle of poverty hundreds of children in a suburb of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh and was also elected in the maximum category with the award "Woman of the Year".

The categories and nominees in each for the 2009 Awards were:

The Achievers -- Business Category (Sponsored by Philips)

Mariya Kassam - The Dynamic Diva

Jelena Bin Drai - The Salon Success Story

Farah Foustok - The First Lady of Finance

Eileen Wallis - The PR Princess

Danielle Wilson - The Online Entrepreneur

Artists -- Art and Culture(Sponsored by The London Centre for Aesthetic Surgery)

Asmaa Al-Shabibi - The Design Diva

Nadine Knotzer - The Avant-garde Artist

Shivani Pandya - The Director's Cut

Sarah Belhasa - The Fashion Entrepreneur

Dalia Dogmoch - The Queen of Culinary Delights

Humanitarians -- Charity

Tala Dionisi - The Ambassadorial Angel

Isabelle Le Bon - The Queen of Hearts

Maria Conceicao - The Wings of Dhaka

Sonia Brewin - The Artist's Saviour

Dr Cathy Leibman - The Voice of Hope

Visionaries -- Lifestyle

Mariam Hareb - The Avid Environmentalist

Sahar Mekkauui - Lady of Luxe
Nicole Betts - Ms Movember

Lale Ansingh - The People Person
Padma Coram -- The Entertaining Philanthropist

CONGRATULATIONS MARIA DA CONCEIÇÃO!

Luís Ferreira Master Thesis about UAE Urbanism

2009-11-05T14:14:00.001Z

Luís Ferreira, an Architect that cooperate with Edigaia Architect Tânia Gama in the development of RAK Edigaia first project, did his Master Thesis based on UAE Urbanism and give it the title "Fresh Water Gulf".

I will post here the abstract of the thesis. Thank you Luís Ferreira for your collaboration in this blog.

"ABSTRACT

Both architectural and urban practices in some Arab countries have been revealing an exponential growing way and also a degree of wonder that no one can disregard. Among all nations in the Arab League, a country emerge from its great achievements, especially in those fields - the United Arab Emirates.

With an oil sustained economy and ruled by a neutrality stance facing all conflicts that happen in its neighborhood, this 7 emirates federation reclaims its independence in 1971 and soon takes the economic growing path, supported by its natural resources wealth (oil and natural gas) and total openness to the rest of the world.

In a timescale of three decades, its territory sees itself dominated by the desire to show the world its wealth and potential, its cities build themselves at a frenetic pace, moved by the ambition of its governors in placing the Emirates on the global scene.

The adoption of the modern language in their cities was believed since its ruling origins as a requirement for its worldwide recognition and so for the external investment catching. Dubai, the most mediatic city, also known as a superlative city, becomes an oasis for the catching of that kind of investment, tax free and providing a familiar lifestyle to the occidental expatriate/tourist, tolerating his vices. Abu-Dhabi, the oil soaked capital, has a more contained development at a first stage, only recently joining Dubai in the mega development and commercial openness phase.

Today, the social and ecologic echoes of an exponential urban growth pace based on the adoption of architectural and urban languages alienated from the social and climatic country’s reality are being felt. Non criticized urban strategies and Guinness Book mega developments captivated world attention, but were also them (and their subjacent strategy) that contributed for the social segregation atmosphere that dominates the entire country’s territory.

Both in the labor or touristic field, the United Arab Emirates economy and development was since its origins supported by the expatriate population sector. Nowadays, the expatriates constitute somewhat 80% of total country’s population. The greater part comes in search for some wealth, staying always for a certain period of time. Likewise, the Emirates acquire a virtual demography condition – expatriate population will leave without looking behind at first sign of trouble.

The climatic context was also neglected, the generic modernism that rules great parts of these cities forces an unmeasured waste of resources – the excessive energetic spend on cooling spaces and the extreme water consumption that some structures require are components that place the Emirates on the top of the list of countries with the biggest ecological footprint, which leads to some alerts and reprehensions by the international community.

Recently, there’s a positive sign on engaging all those issues by the government, shown by planning approaching that includes the city’s whole and their different social layers, by probably more efficient economic diversification strategies and by serious incursions in the use of renewable energies.

Will the United Arab Emirates follow the path leading to its territory and regime sustainability?"

Information for Dubai expatriates

2009-10-06T14:48:00.000+01:00

A typical working day in Dubai

A typical day of an average Dubai expat starts with a jogging session or a visit to the gym. Then they go to work. Most of the Dubai expatriates have their own vehicles. It is very easy to buy a vehicle in Dubai. Anyone can apply for a vehicle loan. Interest is next to nothing.

Dubai is not a very big city. However, traffic can be an issue if you stay far from the working place. It is wise to select your accommodation closer to the working place.

Some expats prefer to go to the gym or go for a jog in the evening. Some will spend the evening hanging around in a shopping mall or a nightclub.

Restaurants in Dubai deliver food free of charge. Most of Dubai expatriates do not cook. They order food or simply walk to a restaurant. Restaurants can be found within walking distance in most of the areas.

Weekends

Friday is the weekend in Dubai. Usually nightclubs are crowded on Thursday and Friday nights. Some expats prefer to have a barbecue with their friends. There are plenty of places with barbecue facilities in Dubai. Parks and beaches are few of the places. Most of the Dubai expatriates are doing their weekly shopping on weekends. There are many mega malls in Dubai.

Fishing, going to a movie, go and relax in a beach or a park are few of other options available for Dubai expats.

Accommodation

Most of Dubai expats are living in apartments. The size and number of bedrooms will depend on the size of the family and the income. Apartments are the cheapest and the most popular accommodation type in Dubai. Most of the apartment buildings are nearly new and clean. There are furnished and non-furnished apartments.

High-paid Dubai expatriates are living in Villas. Usually, this is not affordable to an average Dubai expat.

Dubai does not have residential areas or suburbs. Many apartment buildings can be found among office buildings. Therefore most of the Dubai expats are living within a walking distance from the work place.

Dubai has few TV channels. Only one channel is showing foreign movies and good programs. Most of Dubai expats are using paid TV channels like Fox.

Type of Dubai expats

Dubai is full of expatriates. Majority of the Dubai expats are Indians and south Asian nationals such as Pakistanis, Sri Lankans and Bangladeshis. There are many Phillipine nationals also can be seen.

Majority of the Europeans are from UK. US, Canadian, South African and Australian are the other major nationals among vast variety of Dubai expatriates.

Lifestyle of expat woman Dubai

You can design your own lifestyle. It is up to you. If you like bars, pubs and nightclubs then there are plenty in Dubai. If you want to join a particular club (sports, hobbies etc) then there are many registered and unregistered clubs in Dubai. If you are addicted to shopping then there is no better place in the world than Dubai for shopping.

Religions and expat woman in Dubai

Islam is the main religion in Dubai. However, Dubai has limited number of churches (catholic and Christian), Hindu temples etc. There are also different religious groups that you can join and work with. They are organizing various activities for relevant communities.

Work life

There is no difference to any other western country. Expat women are allowed to work in any industry in Dubai. Some expat women in Dubai are holding very senior positions. There is no limit or restrictions as far as the country is concerned.

Sports for Dubai expat woman

Dubai has facilities to enjoy most of the main sports with latest equipment. Either it is Tennis or Bowling, you fill find a place to play just around the corner. Most of the new residential apartment complexes are equipped with swimming pools, Gym and Tennis courts.

TV and DVD

There are only few free English TV channels in Dubai. Most of the expats are using cable TV. There are many cable TV providers in Dubai. Some are providing country specific channels.

Video and DVD rentals are freely available in Dubai. If you are an expatriate woman Dubai and want to watch specific types of movies (either Hollywood or Bollywood) the shop is just a short stroll away.

There are world-class theatres in Dubai. Most of the major Hollywood movies are shown in Dubai as soon as they were released in USA.

What you can do on weekends?

There are plenty of weekend activities available for Dubai expat women. The most popular among expats is having a barbecue in a beach or in a park. Barbecue facilities are commonly available in parks and beaches.

You can go to a beach and have a nice sea bath and relax. Jumeirah beach has enough space to accommodate a lot. Satwa, Al Mamzar, Jebel Ali are other popular beaches in Dubai. You can wear bikinis and general swimwear in Dubai beaches.

There are many attractions in Dubai that you can visit during the weekend. Visit Dubai short break page for a list of places to visit and things to do in Dubai.

Important information for expat woman Dubai

· Remember, alcohol is prohibited in public places.

· Do not drink and drive. Fines in Dubai are ruthless.

· Do not eat or drink anything (including smoking) outside during the Ramadan fasting period.

· Understand the law in Dubai very well. Ask if you do not know about a specific subject. If you are working then the PRO of your office is the best person to ask.

· Respect the local Arabic culture and religion. This is the most sensitive subject in Dubai. Do not cross the limit.

You won’t feel a big difference when you become an expat woman in Dubai. The Dubai community is comprises of many nationalities. You are not a stranger to Dubai. I am sure you will feel the same.

Top Five International Schools in Dubai

There are International schools in Dubai to cater expatriates from various countries. The cost can vary dramatically depending on the standard of the school. Here is a review of top five Dubai international schools.

Nowadays most countries have international schools that provide educational facilities to the children of foreigners in their country. In the same way, Dubai also has many international schools. The number and size of the international schools depend on the population of the expatriates and the number of local students enrolled in these schools.

Both expatriates and the local children willing to be enrolled are in large numbers in Dubai. This is the reason Dubai is witnessing mushrooming of international schools. Some of the famous international schools of this city are Dubai British School, Raffles International School, United International School, Varkey International Private School, Wellington International School, American School and so on.

Dubai British school

Dubai British School is located on the hills of Emirates. It’s a co-educational school for children of age between 3 to 18 years. To be a faculty in this school one should have at least two years of teaching experience. The curriculum of this school is same as that of Britain and Wales. The school takes care of the different stages of the children and there is a standard assessment test for the children to maintain the quality of the school. There is a provision of foundation course to match with the standard of the British school.

British English School

One more school in British pattern of education is British English School founded by Sheikh Rashid to fulfill the requirement of international schools in Dubai. It is a non-profit school for the children of expatriates and outsiders. A Board of Governors governs the school and the children of this school are given diverse opportunities and experiences in different fields. It provides opportunities to develop not only academically, but also create an ambience for all round development of the child.

Wellington International School

Based in the Al Sufouh of Dubai, this is one of the most famous international schools. It enrolls children between age group of 3 to 18. The school provides advanced educational facilities. Some of the facilities available in this school are large sports hall, health and fitness club, gym, swimming pool, dance club, tennis and basket ball courts and running tracks.

The capacity of this school is more than 1500 students. Students are provided virtual learning environment with all hi- tech facilities. This school also follows national curriculum of England.

Etisalat

Etisalat is the only company in Dubai, which is authorized to provide telecommunications and Internet services in the United Arab Emirates. Established in 1976, it has built up state-of-the-art telecom infrastructure and taken a leadership position of innovation and reliability among regional and international operators.

The Middle East magazine has ranked Etisalat first in the United Arab Emirates and fourth in the Middle East among the top 100 companies, based on its financial performance and capital growth. It was ranked as the 6th best performing Arab company by ‘Forbes Arabia’ magazine for the year 2006, which included more than 1600 Arab joint stock companies in various sectors.

American School of Dubai

This school is co-educational and follows national curriculum of America. It is located in the suburban area of Dubai. The textbooks of USA are provided in this school. This school is facilitated with e- governance and all the instructions are on computers. To be faculty of this school it is necessary to have at least four years of teaching experience in America.

Apple International School in Dubai

Established in year 1994, the Apple International School follows the British national curriculum. The school has divided its classes in three different stages called kindergarten, junior and senior level. In addition to the academic part, the school has excelled itself in providing all the sports and cultural activities to its students.

Thus, foreigners working in Dubai don’t have to worry about the future of their children. Dubai is well versed with all necessary infrastructural requirements for the expatriates. The variety of international schools in Dubai will help to find a fit for your child.

EDIGAIA Blog

2009-09-30T10:49:00.000+01:00

I created a new blog that will be only to show Edigaia Group traject in last 24 years. In February of 2010 we will do 25 years. It is the resulf of profissionalism, dedication and quality.

Thanks for all that helped in the grow up of Edigaia Group.

You can visit the new blog on http://edigaia.blogspot.com

2009 Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup - UAE face Portugal in opener

2009-09-29T17:12:00.000+01:00

Joan Cusco (left), member of the FIFA Futsal and Beach Soccer Committee, UAE beach soccer player Bakhit Sa'ad (second from left), Spanish player Ramiro Amarelle (third from left) and former French footballer Christian Karembeu at the draw for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Dubai 2009.

The UAE will take on Portugal in their opening match of the 2009 Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup to be played at the Jumeirah Beach from November 16-22.

The draw ceremony, held at the Dubai World Centre late on Thursday, saw the hosts being drawn to face the European runners-up in their opener at 7.30 pm on November 16.

The draw was witnessed by Shaikh Mansour Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and was conducted by Joan Cusco, member of the Fifa Futsal and Beach Soccer Committee, with assistance from the UAE’s Olympic gold medalist Shaikh Ahmad Hasher Al Maktoum; 1998 French World Cup star Christian Karembeu; Spanish star striker and 2008 adidas golden ball winner Ramiro Amarelle and UAE skipper Bakhit Saad.

Some of the top dignitaries present were Mattar Al Tayer, Deputy Chairman, Dubai Sports Council (DSC), Mohammad Khalfan Al Rumaithi, President, UAE Football Association, Salah Tahak, Tournament Director and Dr. Ahmad Saad Al Sharif, Secretary General, DSC.

“This is going to be one huge challenge, but one that we are ready and willing to face before our home crowd,” Saad remarked after the draw.

Despite being drawn in a tough group, Marcelo Mendes, the UAE’s Brazilian coach was confident of making at least the semifinals of the week-long competition. “I trust my players and I am confident in their abilities to deliver when it matters most. We have been training together for the past two years and the players have gained adequate experience playing in some tough matches and competitions during our build-up to this event,” Mendes noted.

Mohammad Khalfan Al Rumaithi spelt out that the promotion of beach soccer in the UAE is one of the priorities before the UAEFA. “The UAE are the Asian champions and this will be their second time at a World Cup,” Al Rumaithi stated.

Spain’s Ramiro Amarelle, who went on to win the adidas golden ball in Marseille last year, saw the UAE among the prime challengers for a place in the knockout stages of the competition. “It’s a tough group for them [UAE], but the spectators will benefit by seeing some exciting matches,” Amarelle stated.

Karembeu, who flew in especially for Thursday’s draw ceremony, hoped to see European champions Spain take on three-time and defending world champions Brazil in the November 22 final. “A final like this will be great for the sport and Dubai,” Karembeu said.

The beach soccer tournament originated from the fabled Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil as the Beach Soccer World Championship way back in 1994. However, in 2004, Beach Soccer Worldwide aligned itself with Fifa to create the current competition.

After the first three editions held in Brazil, the competition moved for the first time to Marseille, France (2008), where Brazil went on to be crowned world champions for a third straight time. And hosting the 16-team event here will be the first time for an Asian country to organize the Beach Soccer World Cup.

Groups:

Group A: UAE, Portugal, Uruguay, Solomon Islands

Group B: Spain, Asia 1, Cote d'Ivoire, El Salvador

Group C: Russia, Costa Rica, Argentina, Italy

Group D: Brazil, Nigeria, Switzerland, Asia 2

Egypt - Fantastic Country, Excelent People

2009-09-29T12:15:00.004+01:00

Because my partner and good friend, Mohamed Hassan, is Egyptian, and because I love that country, I would like to post here something about Egypt too.

The government of Egypt consists of a semi-presidential republic, whereby the President of Egypt is the fact both head of state and head of government, and of a system dominated by the National Democratic Party. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the People's Assembly.

Background
Egypt has been a republic since 18 June 1953. Since the declaration of the republic, four Egyptians have served as presidents. The first President to take office was President Mohamed Naguib. The fourth and incumbent president is Mohamed Hosni Mubarak who has been the President of Egypt since October 14, 1981, following the assassination of former President Mohammed Anwar El-Sadat. Mubarak is currently serving his fifth term in office. He is the leader of the ruling National Democratic Party. Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif was sworn in as Prime Minister on 9 July 2004, following the resignation of Atef Ebeid from office.

Legislative branch
Parliament meets for one eighth-month session each year; under special circumstances the President of the Republic can call an additional session. Even though the powers of the Parliament have increased since the 1980 Amendments of the Constitution, the Parliament continues to lack the powers to balance the excessive powers of the President.

The People’s Assembly (Maglis El-Sha’ab)
People’s Assembly is the principal legislative body. Out of the assembly’s 454 deputies, 444 are directly elected while no more than 10 may be appointed by the President (article 87 of the Constitution). The Constitution reserves fifty percent of the assembly seats for ‘workers and peasants’. The assembly sits for a five-year term but can be dissolved earlier by the President. All seats are voted on in each election. Four hundred seats are voted on using proportional representation while the remaining forty-four are elected in local majority votes.

The People’s Assembly may cause the resignation of the executive cabinet by voting a motion of censure. For this reason, the Prime Minister and his cabinet are necessarily from the dominant party or coalition in the assembly. In the case of a president and assembly from opposing parties, this leads to the situation known as cohabitation. While motions of censure are periodically proposed by the opposition following government actions that it deems highly inappropriate, they are purely rhetorical; party discipline ensures that, throughout a parliamentary term, the government is never overthrown by the assembly.

The Consultative Council (Maglis El-Shura)
The Shura Council is the 264-member upper house of Parliament created in 1980. In the Shura Council 176 members are directly elected and 88 members are appointed by the President of the Republic for six-year terms. One half of the Shura Council is renewed every three years.
The Shura Council's legislative powers are limited. On most matters of legislation, the People’s Assembly retains the last word in the event of a disagreement between the two houses.

Parliamentary elections
There currently exist eighteen recognized political parties from across the political spectrum. The formation of political parties based on religion is prohibited by the Constitution. The official opposition and political pressure groups, like the Muslim Brotherhood, are active in Egypt and make their views public. They are represented at various levels in the political system. However, power is concentrated in the hands of the President of the Republic and the National Democratic Party which retains a super-majority in the People's Assembly.

The November 2000 Parliamentary Elections are generally regarded to have been more transparent and better executed than past elections. This is due to the new Law put into force establishing universal judicial monitoring of polling stations. On the other hand, opposition parties continue to lodge credible complaints about electoral manipulation by the government. Moreover, many Egyptians feel their votes are being monitored by poll workers, and could face retribution for their votes. There are significant restrictions on the political process and freedom of expression for non-governmental organizations, including professional syndicates and organizations promoting respect for human rights which have been greatly loosened up in the past five years.

Below the national level, authority is exercised by and through governors and mayors appointed by the central government and by popularly elected local councils.

Political parties and elections
According to the Egyptian Constitution, political parties are allowed to exist. Religious political parties are not allowed as it would not respect the principle of non-interference of religion in politics and that religion has to remain in the private sphere to respect all beliefs. In addition, political parties supporting militia formations or having an agenda that is contradictory to the constitution and its principles, or threatening the country's stability such as national unity between Muslim Egyptians and Christian Egyptians.
Today, there are 18 political parties in Egypt.

Civil society
Egyptians have been living under emergency law since 1967, except for an 18-month break in 1980. Emergency laws have been continuously extended every three years since 1981. These laws sharply circumscribe any non-governmental political activity: street demonstrations, non-approved political organizations, and un-registered financial donations are formally banned. Nonetheless, since 2000, these restrictions have been violated in practice. In 2003, the agenda shifted heavily towards local democratic reforms, opposition to the succession of Gamal Mubarak as president, and rejection of violence by state security forces. Groups involved in the latest wave include PCSPI, the Egyptian Movement for Change (Kefaya), and the Association for Egyptian Mothers.

Substantial peasant activism exists on a variety of issues, especially related to land rights and land reform. A major flash point was the 1997 repeal of Nasser-era land reform policies under pressure for structural adjustment. A pole for this activity is the Land Center for Human Rights.

Political pressure groups and leaders
The Muslim Brotherhood currently constitutes Mubarak's most significant political opposition; Mubarak tolerated limited political activity by the Brotherhood for his first two terms, but has moved more aggressively in the past six years to block its influence (arguably leading to its recent rise in public support). Trade unions and professional associations are officially sanctioned.

Foreign relations
Main article: Foreign relations of Egypt
The permanent headquarters for the League of Arab States (The Arab League) is located in Cairo.The Secretary General of the League has traditionally been an Egyptian. Former Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa is the present Secretary General of the Arab League. The Arab League briefly moved out of Egypt to Tunis in 1978 as a protest at the peace treaty with Israel, but returned in 1989.

Egypt was the first Arab state to establish diplomatic relations with the state of Israel, after the signing of the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty at the Camp David Accords. Egypt has a major influence amongst other Arab states, and has historically played an important role as a mediator in resolving disputes between various Arab nations, and in the Israeli-Palestinian dispute. Most Arab nations still give credence to Egypt playing that role, though its effects are often limited.
Former Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister Boutros Boutros-Ghali served as Secretary General of the United Nations from 1991 to 1996.

A territorial dispute with Sudan over an area known as the Hala'ib Triangle, has meant that diplomatic relations between the two remain strained.

President of Egypt
Muhammad Hosni Mubarak: since 14 October 1981
Residence: Abdeen Palace, Cairo, Egypt
Term length: Six years, renewable
Website: www.presidency.gov.eg

Prime Minister: Ahmed Nazif

The President of the Arab Republic of Egypt is the elected Head of State of Egypt. Under the Constitution of Egypt, the President is also the Commander-in-chief of the armed forces and head of the Executive branch of the Egyptian government.

The first President of Egypt was Muhammad Naguib, one of the leaders of the Egyptian Revolution of 1952, who took office on 18 June 1953, the day on which Egypt was declared a republic.

The fourth and current President of Egypt is Hosni Mubarak. His first term began on 14 October 1981 and As of September 2005[update] is serving his fifth term in office. There is no constitutional limit upon the number of terms that any one individual can serve as President.

Presidential powers
Under the system created by the 1980 constitutional amendments, the President is the pre-eminent executive figure, who names the Prime Minister of Egypt. During martial law, the President also anoints deans of faculties and majors, and can also fire or hire people in the private sector. Egypt has been under martial law since 1981. When the President's political party or supporters control the Parliament, the President is in effect the dominant player in executive action, choosing whomever he wishes for government, and having it follow his political agenda. However, should the President's political opponents control Parliament, the President's dominance would be severely limited, as he would have to select a Prime Minister and Cabinet reflecting the majority in Parliament. By convention, the President controls foreign-affairs and defence related issues of the state, while the Prime Minister manages the day-to-day affairs including the economy.

In the late 1970s Egypt had several cohabitation governments which proved to be unstable, due to the struggle arising between the President and the Prime Minister. However, since 1981, the National Democratic Party has maintained a majority in the People’s Assembly and held the Presidency.

Best Time to Travel to Dubai

2009-09-04T10:35:00.004+01:00

A vacation trip to Dubai indicates sun, sand, beach and shopping. The best time to go to the scorching hot city is during its cooler months i.e. in between November and April, when the hot sun is at a bit rest and cool winds are blowing in the evenings and night time. Even if you go during the rest of the months, the air-conditioned hotels, malls and other complexes are well-equipped to keep off the heat. Avoid visiting Dubai for a holiday that involves lots of shopping, dinning and fun during the months of Ramadan when the strict rules of Islam are applied against smoking, drinking and eating.

The tourist season boosts up in between November and April when the temperatures are in between 24-35 ºC keeping the evenings warm and nights cool. November, December, January and February observe cool evenings with temperature going down till 13 ºC. Also, you can enjoy the rain if you tend to visit the city somewhere in between December and March. By April, the temperature tends to rise up till 30 ºC indicating the onset of hotter season that is to come in May.

The months in between June and September should be avoided if planned for an enjoying vacation. Though the air-conditioned buildings keep off the heat, you would not be able to glee much of the outdoor activities, except for the nightlife. Desert Safaris, Camping and Camel riding would be a bit difficult to enjoy, whereas sun bathing or playing at the beach can be revered in between April and October with the temperatures going up till 40 ºC.

Ramadan is observed according to Islamic calendar. Muslims fast for a month during this time and the festival is strictly followed all over UAE. Though the rates of almost all the hotels drop down up to 70% during this time, you are requested to follow the rules of the festival by avoiding smoking, drinking and eating in public places during the day time. If you want to eat during the day time then you are requested to eat somewhere indoors or else to close the windows of the restaurants and cafes while having food.

To make your holiday a bit more interesting try catching up the Dubai Camel Racing is also a worth watch and is held every Thursday and Friday somewhere in between October to April at the Nad Al Sheba racetrack and the Dubai Rugby Sevens is hosted in December. If you love to shop then you can plan your vacation somewhere in between January to March to grab on the Dubai Shopping Festival that runs for around 4 weeks.

THE PORTUGUESE IN THE ARABIA PENINSULA AND IN THE PERSIAN GULF

2009-09-03T12:09:00.005+01:00

North Wall, Portuguese Fort, Bidyah, United Arab Emirates

The town of Bidyah in the United Arab Emirates, is found midway along the coast between Fujairah and Dibba. According to the Portuguese souces, the Portuguese had in the area a fort called Libidia. A team consisting of Australian and local archaeologists excavated the area in 1999. The site of the fort at al-Bidyah (25°26' N, 56°21' E) consists in a large square enclosure constructed with large boulders at the foundation level and smaller mountain and wadi rocks used for the successive courses. The forts walls are each around 60 metres in lenght. Excavation was concentred on the north western tower and both the northern and western fort walls. During the excavation were located the remnants of the north western and north eastern towers.

The Portuguese forts in the Gulf and in Oman (1500-1650)

The Portuguese, shortly afterwards theirs arrival in the Eastern Seas, decided to prevent the Arab's trade, with the Ormuz conquest. For his strategical position dominating the entrance to the Persic Gulf, Ormuz was one of the two strategical stronghold on the trade routes between the Arab world and Asia (the other being Aden near the strait of Bab el Mandab). The city of Ormuz (Hormuz), was one of the most important trade centers of the whole East, in its market were exchanged Persian horses and pearls. The town was placed on a dry and barren island, near the Persian mainland at the entrance of the Persic Gulf.For nearly 150 years Portugal ruled the Persic Gulf area. Ormuz was regarded by Albuquerque as the third key of the Portuguese Empire in Asia (the others two were Goa and Malacca).

BOOKS ON PORTUGUESE PRESENCE IN THE PERSIC GULF:

- Al-Khalifa, Shaikh Abdullah Bin Khalid and Abahussain, Dr. Ali "Bahrain Through The Ages - Vol.2"

- Al Maamiry, Ahmed Hamoud "Omani - Portuguese history"

- Andrada, Ruy Freyre de "Commentaries of Ruy Freyre de Andrada"

- Barendse, R. J. "The Arabian Seas, 1640-1700"

- Boxer, Ch. R. "Anglo-Portuguese Rivalry in the Persian Gulf, 1615-1635"

- Costa, Paolo M. "Historical interpretation of the territory of Muscat"

- Dias Farinha, Antonio "Os Portugueses no Golfo Persico 1507-1538"

- Dinteman, Walter "Forts of Oman"

- Gonçalves, Julio "Mascate, Albuquerque e os sultanatos do Oman 1507-1659"

- Kervran, Monik (ed.) "Bahrain in the XVI Century. An Impregnable Island"

-Kervran, Monique "Bahrain in the Sixteenth Century. Political and Military Events"

-Moreira, Rafael "Inofre de Carvalho: a Renaissance Architect in the Gulf"

- Kervran, Monik; Negre, Arlette; Michele Pirazzoli "Excavation of Qal'at al -Bahrain 1st Part (1977-1979)"

- Muir, J. "Reminiscencias Portuguesas na Arabia Oriental"

- Ozbaran, Salih "The Ottoman Turks and the Portuguese in the Persian Gulf (1534-1581)"

- Ozbaran, Salih "The Ottoman response to European Expansion. Studies on Ottoman-Portugese relations in the Indian Ocean and Ottoman administration in the Arab lands during the Sixteenth Century"

- Risso, Patricia "Oman and Muscat: an early modern history"

- Serjeant, R. B. "The Portuguese off the South Arabian Coast: Hadrami chronicles. With Yemeni and European accounts of Dutch pirates off Mocha in the seventeenth century"

- Slot, B. J. "The Arabs of the Gulf 1602-1784"

- Vine, Peter; Casey and Vine, Paula (eds.) "Oman in history"

- Ziolkowski, Michele "Al Bidyah excavations, 1999"

Luso-Arab Institute

2009-09-02T12:20:00.002+01:00

The Luso-Arab Cooperation Institute was established in 1985, as a result of the will expressed by a group of Portuguese individuals issued from academies, politics and business.

To know more visit http://www.luso-arabe.org/en/index.html .

Qur'an in Portuguese

2009-08-31T18:58:00.002+01:00

Click on title to see the Qur'an in Portuguese.

The 99 Names of Allah

2009-08-31T16:56:00.006+01:00

The 99 Names of Allah, also known as The 99 Most Beautiful Names of God (Arabic: أسماء الله الحسنى‎ ʾasmāʾ allāh al-Ḥusnā), are the names of God (specifically, attributes) by which Muslims regard God and which are traditionally maintained as described in the Qur'ān, and Sunnah, amongst other places. There is, according to hadith, a special group of 99 names but no enumeration of them. Thus the exact list is not agreed upon, and the names of God (as adjectives, word constructs, or otherwise) exceed 99 in the Qur'ān and Sunnah.

#
Arabic
Transliteration Translation (can vary based on context)

1
الرحمن
Ar-Rahmān; The All Beneficent, The Most Merciful in Essence, The Compassionate, The Most Gracious
2
الرحيم
Ar-Rahīm; The Most Merciful, The Most Merciful in Actions
3
الملك
Al-Malik; The Owner, The Sovereign, The True and Ultimate King
4
القدوس
Al-Quddūs; The Most Holy, The Most Pure, The Most Perfect
5
السلام
As-Salām; The Peace and Blessing, The Source of Peace and Safety, The Most Perfect
6
المؤمن
Al-Mu'min; The Guarantor, The Self Affirming, The Granter of Security, The Affirmer of Truth
7
المهيمن
Al-Muhaymin; The Guardian, The Preserver, The Overseeing Protector
8
العزيز
Al-ʿAzīz; The Almighty, The Self Sufficient, The Most Honorable
9
الجبار
Al-Jabbār; The Powerful, The Irresistible, The Compeller, The Most Lofty, The Restorer/Improver of Affairs
10
المتكبر
Al-Mutakabbir; The Tremendous
11
الخالق
Al-Khāliq; The Creator
12
البارئ
Al-Bāri'; The Rightful
13
المصور
Al-Muṣawwir; The Fashioner of Forms
14
الغفار
Al-Ghaffār; The Ever Forgiving
15
القهار
Al-Qahhār; The All Compelling Subduer
16
الوهاب
Al-Wahhāb; The Bestower
17
الرزاق
Ar-Razzāq; The Ever Providing
18
الفتاح
Al-Fattāh; The Opener, The Victory Giver
19
العليم
Al-ʿAlīm; The All Knowing, The Omniscient
20
القابض
Al-Qābiḍ; The Restrainer, The Straightener
21
الباسط
Al-Bāsiṭ; The Expander, The Munificent
22
الخافض
Al-Khāfiḍ; The Abaser
23
الرافع
Ar-Rāfiʿ; The Exalter
24
المعز
Al-Muʿizz; The Giver of Honour
25
المذل
Al-Mu'thell; The Giver of Dishonour
26
السميع
As-Samīʿ; The All Hearing
27
البصير
Al-Baṣīr; The All Seeing
28
الحكم
Al-Ḥakam; The Judge, The Arbitrator
29
العدل
Al-`Adl; The Utterly Just
30
اللطيف
Al-Laṭīf; The Gentle, The Subtly Kind
31
الخبير
Al-Khabīr; The All Aware
32
الحليم
Al-Ḥalīm; The Forbearing, The Indulgent
33
العظيم
Al-ʿAẓīm; The Magnificent, The Infinite
34
الغفور
Al-Ghafūr; The All Forgiving
35
الشكور
Ash-Shakūr; The Grateful
36
العلي
Al-ʿAliyy; The Sublimely Exalted
37
الكبير
Al-Kabīr; The Great
38
الحفيظ
Al-Ḥafīẓ; The Preserver
39
المقيت
Al-Muqīt; The Nourisher
40
الحسيب
Al-Ḥasīb; The Bringer of Judgment
41
الجليل
Al-Jalīl; The Majestic
42
الكريم
Al-Karīm; The Bountiful, The Generous
43
الرقيب
Ar-Raqīb; The Watchful
44
المجيب
Al-Mujīb; The Responsive, The Answerer
45
الواسع
Al-Wāsiʿ; The Vast, The All Encompassing
46
الحكيم
Al-Ḥakīm; The Wise
47
الودود
Al-Wadūd; The Loving, The Kind One
48
المجيد
Al-Majīd; The All Glorious
49
الباعث
Al-Bāʿith; The Raiser of The Dead
50
الشهيد
Ash-Shahīd; The Witness
51
الحق
Al-Ḥaqq; The Truth, The Real
52
الوكيل
Al-Wakīl; The Trustee, The Dependable
53
القوى
Al-Qawwiyy; The Strong
54
المتين
Al-Matīn; The Firm, The Steadfast
55
الولى
Al-Waliyy; The Protecting Friend, Patron and Helper
56
الحميد
Al-Hamid; The All Praiseworthy
57
المحصى
Al-Muḥṣi; The Accounter, The Numberer of All
58
المبدئ
Al-Mubdi'; The Producer, Originator, and Initiator of All
59
المعيد
Al-Muʿīd; The Restorer, The Reinstater Who Brings Back All
60
المحيى
Al-Muḥyi; The Giver of Life
61
المميت
Al-Mumīt; The Bringer of Death, The Destroyer
62
الحي
Al-Ḥayy; The Ever Living
63
القيوم
Al-Qayyūm; The Self Subsisting Provider of All
64
الواجد
Al-Wājid; The Perceiver, The Finder, The Unfailing
65
الماجد
Al-Mājid; The Illustrious, The Magnificent
66
الواحد
Al-Wāḥid; The One, The Unique, Manifestation of Unity
67
الاحد
Al-'Aḥad; The One, the All Inclusive, The Indivisible
68
الصمد
Aṣ-Ṣamad; The Self Sufficient, The Impregnable,The Eternally Besought of All, The Everlasting
69
القادر
Al-Qādir; The All Able
70
المقتدر
Al-Muqtadir; The All Determiner, The Dominant
71
المقدم
Al-Muqaddim; The Expediter, He Who Brings Forward
72
المؤخر
Al-Mu'akhkhir; The Delayer, He Who Puts Far Away
73
الأول
Al-'Awwal; The First (Alpha)
74
الأخر
Al-'Akhir; The Last (Omega)
75
الظاهر
Aẓ-ẓāhir; The Manifest, The All Victorious
76
الباطن
Al-Bāṭin; The Hidden, The All Encompassing
77
الوالي
Al-Wāli; The Patron
78
المتعالي
Al-Mutāʿali; The Self Exalted
79
البر
Al-Barr; The Most Kind and Righteous
80
التواب
At-Tawwāb; The Ever Returning, Ever Relenting
81
المنتقم
Al-Muntaqim; The Avenger
82
العفو
Al-ʿAfuww; The Pardoner, The Effacer of Sins
83
الرؤوف
Ar-Ra'ūf; The Compassionate, The All Pitying
84
مالك الملك
Mālik-ul-Mulk; The Owner of All Sovereignty
85
ذو الجلال والإكرام
Dhū-l-Jalāliwa-l-'ikrām; The Lord of Majesty and Generosity
86
المقسط
Al-Muqsiţ; The Equitable, The Requiter
87
الجامع
Al-Jāmiʿ; The Gatherer, The Unifier
88
الغني
Al-Ghaniyy; The All Rich, The Independent
89
المغني
Al-Mughni; The Enricher, The Emancipator
90
المانع
Al-Māniʿ; The Withholder, The Shielder, the Defender
91
الضار
Aḍ-Ḍārr; The Distressor, The Harmer, The Afflictor
92
النافع
An-Nāfiʿ; The Propitious, The Benefactor
93
النور
An-Nūr; The Light
94
الهادي
Al-Hādi; The Guide
95
البديع
Al-Badīʿ; The Incomparable, The Originator
96
الباقي
Al-Bāqi; The Ever Enduring and Immutable
97
الوارث
Al-Wārith; The Heir, The Inheritor of All
98
الرشيد
Ar-Rashīd; The Guide, Infallible Teacher and Knower
99
الصبور
Aṣ-Ṣabur; The Patient, The Timeless.

100th Name

Mahdi
Other such hadiths, which vary according to different Shi'a sects of Islam, suggest that the 100th Name will be revealed by the Mahdi.

According to Islamic tradition, a Muslim may not be given any of the 99 names of God in the exact same form. For example, nobody may be named al-Malik (The King), but may be named Malik (King).

However the names/attributes of God can be combined with the word "‘Abd -" which means "servant/slave" (of God) and are commonly used as personal names among Muslims. For example ‘Abd ar-Raḥmān ("Servant of the Most Compassionate/the Beneficent"). The two parts of the name may be written separately (as above) or combined as one transliterated name; in such a case, the vowel transcribed after ‘Abd is often written as u when the two words are transcribed as one: e.g. Abdurrahman, Abdul'aziz, "Abdul-Jabbar," or even Abdullah ("Servant of God"). (This has to do with Arabic case vowels, the final u vowel showing the normal "quote" nominative/vocative case form: ‘abdu.)

Some Muslim people have names resembling those 99. Examples include:
Ra'ouf, such as Ra'ouf Mus'ad.
Salam, such as Salam Fayyad.
Kareem, such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

The fasting of a Catholic

2009-08-31T11:30:00.002+01:00

On 28th of August, on the SOL - Portuguese Newspaper - I saw an article with the title "The fasting of a Catholic".

Ana do Carmo, public diplomacy advisor, started the Ramadan like a Muslim. For that, she asked help to Mr. Omar Suisse. teacher of Arabic Studies.

In this article she reported the first six days and all the difficulties.

I want to say that I liked very much the article and I think that it is time to understand more about the Arabic culture and Muslim principles.

Congratulations Ana do Carmo for your courage.

I need to talk about Mourinho (the Portuguese coach of Inter of Milan) too. He was threatened with death because the Italian Press told that he didn't respected the faith of a mouslim player. I saw the interview and he didn't told that. The Iman of Islamic Community in Italy already said that he believes that Mourinho respect the Islamic Religion.

Otherwise, I need to recognize that sometimes Mourinho don't say the things by the best way.

I know that the fasting can make the person physically weaker but I know too that the faith move mountains and that it is more strong than the fasting.

Ramadan Kareem.

A Living Legend

2009-08-31T11:02:00.006+01:00

Ramadan Kareem,

After a short holidays with family, I'm working again and ready to strart again with the blog.

My engineer, Carlos Rocha, sent me a PDF with a great tribute to His Highness Sheikh Saqr Bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, father of our partner in RAK Edigaia, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Saqr Al Qasimi.

More than a tribute, this PDF show an interview of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed talking about his father. In my opinion, this interview shows who is H.H. Sheikh Mohamed Al Qasimi as a man, as a businessman and as a friend.

I already did a tribute to H.H. Sheikh Saqr Al Qasimi on this blog but now I will post here the interview of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed.

The longest reigning ruler in the Middle East, HH Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi has completed 60 years of rule and is the pride of the UAE.

People Come First

“Sheikh Saqr asked his people if they wanted to be a part of the UAE Federation or function as an independent country. Based on their consensus for unification, he joined the Federation. It was almost electoral”.
My memories of my father are divided into two sections – my interaction with him as a son and as an employee in his government.

When I was 7-8 years old, I was sitting in his majlis while he was presiding over a land dispute.

There were two groups of the same tribe who had a issue over land and they were seated in two separate rows. An elderly man from the end of the first row, who, perhaps, more agitated than the rest, unleashed his sword and ran to strike my father but was overpowered by his own tribesmen. While most of us in the majlis were shocked, all along, I saw my father unperturbed. He sat where he was and didn’t move from his place. While most of us thought he would imprison the man for his misconduct, Sheikh Saqr simply pardoned him, because he always believes power has to be used in the right place. Ruling Ras Al Khimah, which has a host of tribes each different than the other, would need a special way of governance, and my father had the acumen. He believes that being a Ruler is a power bestowed upon him by God and that is why, it has to be used correctly.

After I completed my studies in Philosophy from the Cairo University, I joined the Courts Department in Ras Al Khaimah in 1979. Unlike other departments that usually deal with locals, the courts deal with a cross-section of people of all nationalities.

My father always taught me to keep my cool, be silent and be impartial while imparting judgement. He told me, “Many people will cry but their tears could be false, many people laugh but they needn’t necessarily be happy. Close your eyes to the person’s age, nationality, gender, colour or religion. We must discover who is right and who is wrong.” However, he was extremely judicious too. Once, an expatriate child, who had been abroad for studies, was returning home to Ras Al Khaimah when his parents realised his visa had expired. It was 2am in the night and the family came knocking on Sheikh Saqr’s door. He was up and solved the problem immediately.

His involvement in the emirate’s welfare is so intense that he is loved and revered by all his people. In times of crisis, people have travelled down from the mountains and deserts to safeguard him. When there was word about the Federation, he addressed his people in an open majlis. I was there too, and I remember there were hundreds of people, from all strata and vocations who had assembled there. He asked them if they would consent that Ras Al Khaimah join the Federation, and asked Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Humaid Al Qasimi, to count the number of hands that went up. When there was a majority, he consented that RAK join the Federation. It was nearly electoral.

Holidays and Ramadan

2009-08-18T14:56:00.003+01:00

The Ramadan is starting.

I would like to express my public respect to all Muslim people because I know that it is a great and important moment fot them.

It's time to think about the past year, since the last Ramadan, and think about the next year. It's time to live a different month with strong feelings. Allah, or my God, respect the poor and the rich people. It is a good time for all of us start doing the same because what we can see in our world in our days, especially in ocidental countries, is exactly the opposite.

I wish a great holidays for everyone and a Ramadan Kareem for the Muslims but a special Ramadan for my friends in UAE.

UAE, Arab people and my relation with them

2009-08-14T18:02:00.006+01:00

(On picture: Me and my friend Mohamed Hassan in Burj Al Arab)

First time I was in UAE, I was received like a king.

H. H. Sheikh Mohamed Al Qasimi, our partner, sent his people to receive us in the airport with all kind of attentions.

I stayed on Ras Al Khaimah, in Hilton Resort with my father and all Edigaia team. It was a great time and I meet the entire Emirate guided by driver of His Highness, Mr. Majid.

It was a pleasure sign a Memorandum of Association with His Highness and start thinking about business in UAE. More than the money, the country is beautiful and the people are very friendly.

I thought in that time that I found my second country. For me, UAE is a great place to live and to work.

I started meeting people like my friend and my partner Mohamed Hassan and after H.H. Sheikha Hind Al Qasimi and others. It was a great pleasure start a company with them too.

Mohamed Hassan showed to me what are an Arab and a Muslim and I was delighted. I really feel that I have some Arab blood in my veins. The social concern and the respect for the others is something that we can see all the time especially between the Sheikhs.

(On Picture: My father, H.H. Sheikh Mohamed Al Qasimi, H.H. Sheikh Sultan Al Qasimi and Me in F.C.Porto Stadium)

A lot of people say that we can’t talk about religion, Catholic God or Jesus. Mohamed Hassan, H.H. Sheikh Mohamed and others showed me the opposite. For them, my God is their God; there is only one! For them Jesus is a prophet like Mohamed and others. Talk with them about religions and religious principles are like talk with someone else; I need to respect their principles and they respect mines.

Because I love to write, I did a small text about UAE, Arab people and my relation with them:

UAE means United Arab Emirates but could very well mean Union, Awesome (spectacular) and Elegant. They live for the others. They use their Union to show to the world than is possible do good things when we are perseverant and we work all with the same finality. They are Awesome or Spectacular; they build and they do what nobody did ever in the world. They are Elegant; they are friendly, they have respect for all, they are correct in all occasions.

The national lifestyle of UAE is strictly conditioned by strong affiliation to Islamic tradition. However, the country is highly tolerant towards expatriates who are given a great degree of religious freedom. The government spares no efforts to safeguard the religious and traditional interests of the country. In the country, one hears the regular prayer calls five times a day and sees all the people sincerely observe the religion.

Nobody feels bad in that country. Is a country with a strong culture but open to the occidental world. The people are intelligent and curious; open to new things and new ideas that improve the country development.

Women's rights highlighted

2009-08-13T09:29:00.002+01:00

Abu Dhabi: The UAE General Women's Union (GWU) will launch a "Know Your Rights" programme next October to educate women about federal and local legislations addressing and dealing with issues of concern to women.

The awareness drive is part of the GWU's efforts to implement the National Strategy for the Advancement of Women, launched by Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairperson of the General Women's Union and President of the Family Development Foundation. The strategy aims at activating the role of women and ensuring their positive participation in eight key areas: Education, economy, media, social work, health, legislations and environment as well as political and executive fields.

The campaign seeks to heighten awareness among women about their rights which are guaranteed by the constitution and build their capacities to defend their legal rights.

Under the programme, the first phase will see holding of 12 workshops and four training task forces.

Through the training workshops, women will learn about international conventions and laws regarding women's rights.

Distance from Lisbon to Abu Dhabi

2009-08-12T17:56:00.002+01:00

Distance from Lisbon to Abu Dhabi is 6106 kilometers or 3794 miles or 3297 nautical miles.

The distance is the theoretical air distance (great circle distance). Flying between the two locations airports can be longer or shorter, depending on airport location and actual route chosen.

Heading from Lisbon:

Latitude:
38° 42' North
Longitude:
9° 05' West
Initial heading:
85.2° East
Final heading:
121.3° Southeast by east

Heading from Abu Dhabi:

Latitude:
24° 27' North
Longitude:
54° 23' East
Initial heading:
301.3° Northwest by west
Final heading:
265.2° West

Map - Shortest path between Lisbon and Abu Dhabi

(Click on image to see bigger)

O Location for Lisbon

O Location for Abu Dhabi

The map is using a projection that makes land and oceans much wider near the south and north poles. The heading/course/bearing during a flight varies in most cases. Map based on image from NASA.

The 5 Pillars of Islam and the 10 Commandments of Catholic

2009-08-12T15:16:00.005+01:00

The 5 Pillars of Islam

The Five Pillars of Islam (Arabic: أركان الإسلام) is the term given to the five duties incumbent on every Muslim. These duties are Shahada (Profession of Faith), Salah (prayers), Zakah (Giving of Alms), Saum (Fasting during Ramadan) and Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca). These five practices are essential to Sunni Islam; Shi'a Muslims subscribe to eight ritual practices which substantially overlap with the five Pillars. Twelvers have five fundamental beliefs which relates to Aqidah.

The concept of five pillars is taken from the Hadith collections, notably those of Sahih Al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim. The Qur'an reveals the “five pillars” of Islam, the five ritual expressions that define orthodox Muslim religious belief and practice. Wudu is a washing in Salah and it is the first that is done for Salah.

Shahada
Shahadah is a statement professing monotheism and accepting Mohammad as God's messenger and there is no god but God. The shahadah is a set statement normally recited in Arabic, translated as: "[I profess that] There is no God but Allah, and Mohammad is the Prophet of Allah."

Salat
The second pillar of Islam is Salat, the requirement to pray five times a day at fixed times during the day. The times of day to pray are at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and night. Each salat is performed facing towards the Kaaba in Mecca. Salat is intended to focus the mind on Allah; it is seen as a personal communication with Allah, expressing gratitude and worship. According to the Qur'an, the benefit of prayer “restrains [one] from shameful and evil deeds”.[Qur'an 29:40]

Salat is compulsory but there is some flexibility in body and clothing. Nonetheless, the place of prayer must be cleaned.

All prayers should be conducted within the prescribed time period (waqt) and with the appropriate number of units (raka'ah). While the prayers may be made at any point within the waqt, it is considered best to begin them as soon as possible after the call to prayer (that comes from a muezzin on minarets) is heard. The prayers are essentially expressions of adoration of God, but the worshipper may add his own personal request. The most commonly repeated prayer is the short first Sura, or Section of the Qu'ran, beginning, 'Praise be to Allah, Lord of Creation, the compassionate, the merciful'.

Zakat
Zakat or alms-giving is the practice of charitable giving by Muslims based on accumulated wealth, and is obligatory for all who are able to do so. It is considered to be a personal responsibility for Muslims to ease economic hardship for others and eliminate inequality. Zakat consists of spending 2.5% of one's wealth for the benefit of the poor or needy, including slaves, debtors and travellers. A Muslim may also donate more as an act of voluntary charity (sadaqah), in order to achieve additional divine reward. There are two main types of Zakat. First, there is the kajj, which is a fixed amount based on the cost of food that is paid during the month of Ramadan by the head of a family for himself and his dependents. Second, there is the Zakat on wealth, which covers money made in business, savings, income, and so on. In current usage Zakat is treated as a 2.5% collections on most valuables and savings held for a full lunar year, as long as the total value is more than a basic minimum known as nisab (three ounces or 87.48g of gold). As of 20 September 2008, nisab is approximately $2,640 or an equivalent amount in any other currency. Many Shi'ites are expected to pay an additional amount in the form of a khums tax, which they consider to be a separate ritual practice. There are four principles that should be followed when giving the Zakat:

1. The giver must declare to God his intention to give the Zakat.
2. The Zakat must be paid on the day that it is due. If one fails to pay the Zakat, people think he is refusing to fulfill God's wishes.
3. Payment must be in kind. This means if one has a lot of money then he needs to pay 2.5% of his income. If he does not have much money, he needs to pay in a different way. For example, if he has a lot of cattle, then he pays in cattle instead of money.
4. The Zakat must be distributed in the community from which it was taken.

Sawm during Ramadan
Many Muslims traditionally break their fasts in Ramadan with dates (like those offered by this date seller in Kuwait City), as was the recorded practice (Sunnah) of Muhammad.

Three types of fasting (Sawm) are recognized by the Qur'an: Ritual fasting,[2:183–187] fasting as compensation or repentance,[2:196] and ascetic fasting.[33:35]

Ritual fasting is an obligatory act during the month of Ramadan. Muslims must abstain from food, drink, and sexual intercourse from dawn to dusk during this month, and are to be especially mindful of other sins.

The fast is meant to allow Muslims to seek nearness to Allah, to express their gratitude to and dependence on him, to atone for their past sins, and to remind them of the needy. During Ramadan, Muslims are also expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam by refraining from violence, anger, envy, greed, lust, harsh language, gossip and to try to get along with people better than normal. In addition, all obscene and irreligious sights and sounds are to be avoided.

Fasting during Ramadan is obligatory, but is forbidden for several groups for whom it would be very dangerous and excessively problematic. These include pre-pubescent children, those with a medical condition such as diabetes, elderly people, and pregnant or breastfeeding women. Observing fasts is not permitted for menstruating women. Other individuals for whom it is considered acceptable not to fast are those who are ill or traveling. Missing fasts usually must be made up soon afterward, although the exact requirements vary according to circumstance.

Hajj
The hajj to the Kaaba, in Mecca, is an important practice in Islam.
The Hajj is a pilgrimage that occurs during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah to the holy city of Mecca, and derives from an ancient Arab practice. Every able-bodied Muslim is obliged to make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime if they can afford it. When the pilgrim is around 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from Mecca, he must dress in Ihram clothing, which consists of two white sheets. Both men and women are required to make the pilgrimage to Mecca, as the Hajj is mandatory for both males and females. After a Muslim makes the trip to Mecca, he/she is known as a hajj/hajja (one who made the pilgrimage to Mecca).[21] The main rituals of the Hajj include walking seven times around the Kaaba, touching the Black Stone, travelling seven times between Mount Safa and Mount Marwah, and symbolically stoning the Devil in Mina.

The pilgrim, or the haji, is honoured in their community. For some, this is an incentive to perform the Hajj. Islamic teachers say that the Hajj should be an expression of devotion to Allah, not a means to gain social standing. The believer should be self-aware and examine their intentions in performing the pilgrimage. This should lead to constant striving for self-improvement. A pilgrimage made at any time other than the Hajj season is called an Umrah, and while not mandatory is strongly encouraged.

The 10 Commandments of Catholic

The Ten Commandments, or Decalogue, are a list of religious and moral imperatives that, according to Judeo-Christian tradition, were authored by God and given to Moses on the mountain referred to as "Mount Sinai" (Exodus 19:23) or "Horeb" (Deuteronomy 5:2) in the form of two stone tablets. They are recognized as a moral foundation in Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

In Biblical Hebrew, the commandments are called עשרת הדברים (translit. Aseret ha-Dvarîm) and in Rabbinical Hebrew עשרת הדברות (translit. Aseret ha-Dibrot), both translatable as "the ten terms." The English name "Decalogue" is derived from the Greek translation δεκάλογος dekalogos "ten terms", found in the Septuagint at Exodus 34:28 and Deuteronomy 10:4.

The phrase "Ten Commandments" is generally used to refer to similar passages in Exodus 20:2–17 and Deuteronomy 5:6–21. Some scholars distinguish between this "Ethical Decalogue" and a different series of ten commandments in Exodus 34:11–27 that they call the "Ritual Decalogue". Although Exodus 34 contains ten imperative statements, the passages in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5 contain fourteen or fifteen. However, the Bible assigns the count of ten to both lists. Various denominations divide these statements into ten in different ways, and may also translate the Commandments differently.

1. You shall have no other gods before me

This commandment is to believe in the existence of God and His influence on events in the world, and that the goal of the redemption from Egypt was to become His servants (Rashi). It prohibits belief in or worship of any additional deities.

2. You shall not make for yourself an idol

This prohibits the construction or fashioning of "idols" in the likeness of created things (beasts, fish, birds, people) and worshipping them.

3. You shall not make wrongful use of the name of your God

This commandment is to never take the name of God in a vain, pointless or insincere oath.

4. Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy

The seventh day of the week is termed Shabbat and is holy, just as God ceased creative activity during Creation. The aspect of zachor is performed by declaring the greatness of the day (kiddush), by having three festive meals, and by engaging in Torah study and pleasurable activities. The aspect of shamor is performed by abstaining from productive activity (39 melachot) on the Shabbat.

5. Honor your father and mother

The obligation to honor one's parents is an obligation that one owes to God and fulfills this obligation through one's actions towards one's parents.

6. You shall not kill

Murdering a human being is a capital sin.

7. You shall not commit adultery

Adultery is defined as sexual intercourse between a man and a married woman who is not his wife.

8. You shall not steal

According to Rashi, this is not understood as stealing in the conventional sense, since theft of property is forbidden elsewhere and is not a capital offense. In this context it is to be taken as "do not kidnap."

9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor

One must not bear false witness in a court of law or other proceeding.

10. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife

One is forbidden to desire and plan how one may obtain that which God has given to another. Maimonides makes a distinction in codifying the laws between the instruction given here in Exodus (You shall not covet) and that given in Deuteronomy (You shall not desire), according to which one does not violate the Exodus commandment unless there is a physical action associated with the desire, even if this is legally purchasing an envied object.

ARABIAN and LUSITANO Horses

2009-08-12T14:52:00.004+01:00

ARABIAN

The Arabian horse is a breed of horse that originated in the Middle East. With a distinctive head shape and high tail carriage, the Arabian is one of the most easily recognizable horse breeds in the world. It is one of the oldest horse breeds, with archaeological evidence of horses that resemble modern Arabians dating back 4,500 years. Throughout history, Arabian horses from the Middle East spread around the world by both war and trade, used to improve other breeds by adding speed, refinement, endurance, and good bone. Today, Arabian bloodlines are found in almost every modern breed of riding horse.

The Arabian developed in a desert climate and was prized by the nomadic Bedouin people, often being brought inside the family tent for shelter and protection. This close relationship with humans has created a horse breed that is good-natured, quick to learn, and willing to please. But the Arabian also developed the high spirit and alertness needed in a horse used for raiding and war. This combination of willingness and sensitivity requires modern Arabian horse owners to handle their horses with competence and respect.

"The Versatile Arabian" is a slogan of the breed. Arabians dominate the discipline of endurance riding, and compete today in many other fields of equestrian activity. They are one of the top ten most popular horse breeds in the world. Arabian horses are now found worldwide, including the United States and Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, continental Europe, South America (especially Brazil), and its land of origin, the Middle East.

Arabian horses have refined, wedge-shaped heads, a broad forehead, large eyes, large nostrils, and small muzzles. Most display a distinctive concave or "dished" profile. Many Arabians also have a slight forehead bulge between their eyes, called the "jibbah" by the Bedouin, that adds additional sinus capacity, believed to have helped the Arabian horse in its native dry desert climate. Another breed characteristic is an arched neck with a large, well-set windpipe set on a refined, clean throatlatch. This structure of the poll and throatlatch was called the mitbah or mitbeh by the Bedouin, and in the best Arabians is long, allowing flexibility in the bridle and room for the windpipe.

Other distinctive features are a relatively long, level croup and naturally high tail carriage. Well-bred Arabians have a deep, well-angled hip and well laid-back shoulder. Most have a compact body with a short back. Some, though not all, have 5 lumbar vertebrae instead of the usual 6, and 17 rather than 18 pairs of ribs. Thus, even a small Arabian can carry a heavy rider with ease. Arabians usually have dense, strong bone, sound feet, and good hoof walls. They are especially noted for endurance.

Some people confuse the refinement of Arabians with having weak or too-light bone. However, the USEF breed standard requires Arabians have solid bone and correct conformation, and the superiority of the breed in endurance competition clearly demonstrates that well-bred Arabians are strong, sound horses with good bone and superior stamina. At international levels of FEI-sponsored endurance events, Arabians and half-Arabians are the dominant performers in distance competition worldwide.

Another misconception confuses the skeletal structure of the sacrum with the angle of the "hip" (the pelvis or ilium), leading some to assert that the comparatively horizontal croup and high-carried tail of Arabians correlates to a flat pelvis and thus they cannot use their hindquarters properly. However, the croup is formed by the sacral vertebrae. The hip angle is determined by the attachment of the ilium to the spine, the structure and length of the femur, and other aspects of hindquarter anatomy, not necessarily the angle of the sacrum. Thus, the Arabian has conformation typical of other horse breeds built for speed and distance, such as the Thoroughbred, which properly includes the angle of the ilium being more oblique than that of the croup, the hip at approximately 35 degrees to a croup angle of 25 degrees. The proper comparison of sacrum and hip is in length, not angle. All horses bred to gallop need a good length of croup and good length of hip for proper attachment of muscles, and the two do go together as a rule. The hip angle, on the other hand, is not necessarily correlated to the line of the croup. Thus, a good-quality Arabian has both a relatively horizontal croup and a properly angled pelvis with good length of croup and depth of hip (length of pelvis) to allow agility and impulsion. Within the breed, there are variations. Some individuals have wider, more powerfully muscled hindquarters suitable for intense bursts of activity in events such as reining, while others have longer, leaner muscling better suited for long stretches of flat work such as endurance riding or horse racing.

The breed standard for Arabian horses, as stated by the United States Equestrian Federation, describes the Arabians as standing between 14.1 and 15.1 hands (57 to 61 inches (145 to 155 cm)) tall, "with the occasional individual over or under." Thus, all Arabians, regardless of height, are classified as "horses," even though 14.2 hands (58 inches (147 cm)) is the traditional cutoff height between a horse and a pony. A common myth is that Arabians are not strong because of their size. However, the Arabian horse is noted for a greater density of bone than other breeds, short cannons, sound feet, and a broad, short back; all of which give the breed physical strength comparable to many taller animals. Clearly, for tasks where the sheer weight of the horse matters, such as farm work done by a draft horse, or team roping, any lighter-weight horse is at a disadvantage, but for most purposes, the Arabian is a strong and hardy breed of light horse able to carry any type of rider in most equestrian pursuits.

Arabians are noted for both intelligence and a spirited disposition.

For centuries, Arabian horses lived in the desert in close association with humans. For shelter and protection from theft, prized war mares were sometimes kept in their owner's tent, close to children and everyday family life. Only horses with a naturally good disposition were allowed to reproduce. The result is that Arabians today have a temperament that, among other examples, makes them one of the few breeds for which the United States Equestrian Federation allows children to exhibit stallions in nearly all show ring classes, including those limited to riders under 18.

On the other hand, the Arabian is also classified as a "hot-blooded" breed, a category that includes other refined, spirited horses bred for speed, such as the Thoroughbred and the Barb. Like other hot-bloods, Arabians' sensitivity and intelligence enable quick learning and greater communication with their riders. However, their intelligence also allows them to learn bad habits as quickly as good ones, and do not tolerate inept or abusive training practices.

Some people believe that it is more difficult to train a "hot-blooded" horse such as the Arabian, Thoroughbred, Barb and Akhal-Teke. However, most Arabians have a natural tendency to cooperate with humans, but when treated badly, like any horse, can become excessively nervous or anxious, though seldom become vicious unless seriously spoiled or subjected to extreme abuse. On the other hand, romantic myths are sometimes told about Arabian horses that give them near-divine characteristics.

Arabians are versatile horses that compete in many equestrian fields, including Horse racing, the horse show disciplines of Saddle Seat, Western Pleasure, and Hunt seat, as well as Dressage, Cutting, Reining, Endurance riding, Show jumping, Eventing, youth events such as equitation, and others. They are used as pleasure, trail riding, and working ranch horses for those who are not interested in competition.

LUSITANO

The Lusitano is an ancient Portuguese horse breed, that until the 1960s shared its registration with the Spanish Andalusian horse. Both are sometimes called Iberian horses, as they originated from the Iberian peninsula. They were developed for military purposes, and later used for dressage and bull fighting. In America, Lusitanos and Andalusians are registered together under the International Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Association (IALHA.)

The Lusitano derives its name from lusitania, the name which the ancient Romans gave to the part of the Iberian peninsula that corresponds roughly to modern Portugal and part of modern Spain. Lusitanos and Andalusians originally were registered together under the Spanish Stud Book, but the breeds separated in 1960. At that time Portguese breeders sought to strengthen the breed and re-emphasize the distinct qualities of the Lusitano. Famous Portuguese breeders named several notable lines, including the Andrade and Veiga.

In the 17th century the Spanish ceased fighting bulls from horseback. At that time they began to selectively breed horses for riding and for parade, with a flashy gait, strong bones and a powerful presence. The Portuguese continue to fight bulls from horseback and thus kept these distinct historic characteristics in the modern Lusitano.

Temperamentally, the Lusitano has a reputation for courage, with a tendency to move forward toward that which threatens, combining calmness with great fire while under saddle. Lusitanos are reputed to be intelligent, to possess a sensible, levelheaded temperament and tendency to bond strongly with humans. They have great balance, and are said to have very comfortable gaits.

The Lusitano often has a convex profile, (Roman nose,) a trait that has been found to be tied genetically with an aptitude for "La Gineta," the ancient equestrian art defined by the necessities of mounted single combat or its contemporary replacements: bull fighting, dressage, jumping. They are compact, with powerful hindquarters, some with high-stepping action, and a thick mane and tail. They also have a sloping croup and low-set tail, as well as short backs. They have a low set cresty neck, a broad chest, well-sprung ribs. They are extremely powerful and strong, due to their muscular hindquarters and strong, long legs.

Many Lusitanos turn gray with age. They come in a variety of solid colors and usually stand 15 to 16 hands. Palomino, buckskin, and cremello are the rarest hair coat colors, and most sought after.

Lusitano are proficient at the high levels of dressage. They also compete in show jumping.

"Tropical Line Investment" and "GULF - Consulting & Investments" website

2009-08-11T10:18:00.002+01:00

It's ready the "Tropical Line Investment" and "GULF - Consulting & Investments" website.

www.tropicalline.org

Guantanamo Vs Mohamed Hassan - The Visas

2009-08-10T11:40:00.008+01:00

Portugal will receive 2 Syrians detained in Guantanamo under a special visa.

The number 1 of the article 68.º of the Portuguese Law 23/2007 of July 4th, say:

"For humanitarian reasons or national interest, recognized by order of the Minister of the Interior, may be granted a special visa for entry and temporary stay in the country to foreign citizens who do not meet the legal requirements required for this purpose."

Luis Amado, Minister of Foreign Affairs, when asked about the duration of the special visa for humanitarian reasons attributed to these two Syrians, said that this will last "until justified".

I thought that the investment in Portugal of hundreds of Millions of Euros was a national interest. But I was wrong. It is more important bring people who cost money to our country and leave the people who wants to invest.

I'm not against help the USA to close the Guantanamo prision and bring two, three, for or ten prisoners to our country. I'm against do that and don't do the same with potential and/or real investors.

It is a disappointment live in a country that does not support itself.

Mohamed Hassan on 24 Horas Newspaper (Click on image to see bigger)

2009-08-09T14:06:00.004+01:00

(Click on image to see bigger)

The title of the article:

Mohamed Hassan wants to invest in Real Estate but is missing... the Visa.

PORTUGAL DISCART MILLIONS FROM ARABS

On the right, we can read the interview to Mr. Mohamed Hassan. I'll writing here in English:

Mohamed hassan told to 24horas that he is still waiting an answer from the national authorities to his wish of obtain a resident Visa.

24horas: Why you want a residence visa and not only an entry visa?
MH: What I want is to have availability to buy and sell, invest in safety and have warranties. If I have only an entry visa I will not be allowed to make any kind of financial application, because Portuguese law does not allow. Only with the residence Visa I could make such investments.

24horas: Have you had the same problem with other countries?
MH: No, no. The issue is that I already invested in many countries. I don't know why this is happening in Portugal. A first problem is that Portugal has no embassy here in the Emirates. Everything is handled through the embassy of Spain.

24horas: You can abdicate of Portugal because of these difficulties?
MH: There aren't any investor who likes to be confronted with bureaucratic difficulties of this kind. If I encounter difficulties in terms of documentation and other procedures, I assume that I can forget the country permanently. I just ask a warranty, a safety so I can invest in Portugal and I can come and go without problems. I would like, basically, to be well received.

24horas: It is a chance that Portugal should not miss?
MH: I can not evaluate it, but the Portuguese government. I can, perfectly, do those applications in any other country in the world. We have business in Germany, Austria, France, Holland, Dubai, ... But I still hope for a solution to facilitate all necessary procedures.

24horas: What is the volume of investments that we are talking about?
MH: We run, here in the Emirates, many and large businesses. Speaking about Portugal, we can talk about numbers in the order of hundreds of millions of dollars.

Tribute to Raul Solnado

2009-08-09T11:26:00.000+01:00

Died one of the best Portuguese Comedian. A tribute for him.

Raul Solnado (born Lisbon, 29 October 1929 - 8 August 2009) was a popular Portuguese actor and comedian. He was born in Lisbon's Madragoa neighborhood, and first appeared on stage there. In his long career, he developed many comic pieces that have become classics.

His humour was, at the time (especially considering

Portugal was still under the dictatorial Salazar regime), both unexpected and fresh. It included a lot of nonsense, and stories making fun of daily life.

He often played an ingenuous poor man, whose life was neither good or bad. He portrayed characters with conviction and humor. His best material included pieces written by him, such as "Ida ao médico" ("At the doctor"), and others based on Spanish comedian

Miguel Gila’s material: (“A guerra de 1908” / “The war of 1908” and “História da minha vida” / “The story of my life”).

Solnado hosted Portugal's first talk show, in 1969, alongside Carlos Cruz and Fialho Gouveia. The show, called Zip Zip is still considered a landmark in the history of Portuguese television.

He died in

8 August 2009 of heart disease.

His best phrase: "Do the favor of being happy".

Maktoum Brothers - A Tribute to H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum

2009-08-07T16:43:00.002+01:00

Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who has died in Australia at the age of 62, presided over the transformation of the small Middle East kingdom into a thriving modern state.

Sheikh Maktoum was also vice-president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates, a federation of seven Gulf states.

His brother, Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, succeeded him as ruler of Dubai.

Internationally, he was known as co-owner of Dubai's Godolphin stables, which competes in major horse races.

Shy
Born in the family home near the mouth of Dubai Creek in 1943, Sheikh Maktoum was the eldest and most shy of the four sons of the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid Al Maktoum.

He was appointed heir apparent to his father in October 1958, and was educated at Cambridge University in the early 1960s as part of his grooming for the role.

Racing grieves for Sheikh Maktoum
Sheikh Maktoum served as the UAE's prime minister for most of the 1970s following the formation of the federation in 1971.

But during the 1970s, concern grew in Dubai about the increasing dominance of the largest emirate, Abu Dhabi.

Its ruler Sheikh Zayed, the president of the UAE, had been working towards greater centralisation of government.

Sheikh Maktoum handed over his post as prime minister to his father in 1979 to boost Sheikh Rashid's powers.

He succeeded Sheikh Rashid as ruler of Dubai and UAE prime minister when his father died on 7 October 1990.

Development
While Sheikh Maktoum was the ruler of Dubai, his younger brother Sheikh Mohammed was the driving force behind the astonishing pace of on-going developments in Dubai.

Dubai has successfully married development and Islamic traditions
With the Gulf state's oil reserves fast running out - they now account for just 6% of the emirate's gross domestic product - Sheikh Mohammed has most recently been overseeing the construction of a huge business and leisure park.

It will involve a city of 10m people, compared with the current population of 1.5m and full-scale replicas of the Eiffel Tower and the Great Pyramid of Giza - all part of the legacy in which Sheikh Maktoum played a part.

His family's hold over all significant developments in Dubai is absolute. Members of the royal family occupy all the state's top official positions.

Horse racing
Sheikh Maktoum and his brothers grew up racing horses, and he had a considerable effect on the sport of kings.

Many credit the family with revolutionising racing throughout the world, and their annual Dubai World Cup, the world's richest horse race, helped put kingdom on the map.

As a co-owner of the renowned Godolphin stables, Sheikh Maktoum employed top horse trainers and had a host of big-race winners. He was also the owner of Gainsborough Stud in Newmarket.

Though the brothers have not always enjoyed a harmonious relationship with the racing world - with Sporting Life arguing in 1988 that their influence had become suffocating - there has been a greater appreciation of their contribution in recent years.

24 Horas Newspaper - Saturday - Millions to Portugal

2009-08-06T17:09:00.003+01:00

On next Saturday, 8 of August, the Portuguese Newspaper "24 Horas" will publish an article about our partner, Mr. Mohamed Hassan, and the problem of his Resident Visa.

I need to thank to 24 Horas and to journalist Joaquim Melo Oliveira the attention that they gave to our problem.

I ask to everyone who read this blog to buy this newspaper on Saturday to help who search the truth and provide a good service to the country. It will be a good article with exclusive

words from Mr. Mohamed Hassan.

Thank you 24 Horas and Joaquim Melo Oliveira.

Quran ( القرآن‎ )

2009-08-06T10:25:00.004+01:00

The Qur’an (Arabic: القرآن‎ al-qur’ān, literally “the recitation”; also sometimes transliterated as Quran, Qur’ān, Koran, Alcoran or Al-Qur’ān) is the central religious text of Islam. Muslims believe the Qur’an to be the book of divine guidance and direction for mankind, and consider the original Arabic text to be the final revelation of God.

Islam holds that the Qur’an was revealed to Muhammad by the angel Jibrīl (Gabriel) over a period of approximately twenty-three years, beginning in 610 CE, when he was forty, and concluding in 632 CE, the year of his death. Followers of Islam further believe that the Qur’an was written down by Muhammad's companions while he was alive, although the primary method of transmission was oral. Muslim tradition agrees that it was fixed in writing shortly after Muhammad's death by order of the caliphs Abu Bakr and Umar, and that their orders began a process of formalization of the orally transmitted text that was completed under their successor Uthman with the standard edition known as the "Uthmanic recension." The present form of the Qur’an is accepted by most scholars as the original version authored or dictated by Muhammad.

Muslims regard the Qur’an as the culmination of a series of divine messages that started with those revealed to Adam, regarded in Islam as the first prophet, and continued with the Suhuf Ibrahim (Sefer Yetzirah or Scrolls of Abraham), the Tawrat (Torah or Pentateuch),the Zabur (Tehillim or Book of Psalms), and the Injeel (Christian Gospel). The contents of the aforementioned books are not physically affixed within the Qur’an, but are recognized therein.

The Qur’an also refers to many events from Jewish and Christian scriptures, some of which are retold in comparatively distinctive ways from the Torah and New Testament respectively, while obliquely referring to other events described explicitly in those texts.

The Qur'an itself expresses that it is the book of guidance. Therefore it rarely offers detailed accounts of historical events; the text instead typically placing emphasis on the moral significance of an event rather than its narrative sequence. Muslims believe the Qur'an itself to be the main miracle of Muhammad and a proof of his prophethood.

The text of the Qur’an consists of 114 chapters of varying lengths, each known as a sura. Chapters are classed as Meccan or Medinan, depending on where the verses were revealed. Chapter titles are derived from a name or quality discussed in the text, or from the first letters or words of the sura. Muslims believe that Muhammad, on God's command, gave the chapters their names. Generally, longer chapters appear earlier in the Qur’an, while the shorter ones appear later. The chapter arrangement is thus not connected to the sequence of revelation. Each sura except the ninth commences with the Basmala, an Arabic phrase meaning (“In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful”). There are, however, still 114 occurrences of the basmala in the Qur’an, due to its presence in verse 27:30 as the opening of Solomon's letter to the Queen of Sheba.

Each sura is formed from several ayat (verses), which originally means a sign or portent sent by God. The number of ayat differ from sura to sura. An individual ayah may be just a few letters or several lines. The ayat are unlike the highly refined poetry of the pre-Islamic Arabs in their content and distinctive rhymes and rhythms, being more akin to the prophetic utterances marked by inspired discontinuities found in the sacred scriptures of Judaism and Christianity.

The actual number of ayat has been a controversial issue among Muslim scholars since Islam's inception, some recognizing 6,000, some 6,204, some 6,219, and some 6,236, although the words in all cases are the same. The most popular edition of the Qur’an, which is based on the Kufa school tradition, contains 6,236 ayat.

There is a crosscutting division into 30 parts, ajza, each containing two units called ahzab, each of which is divided into four parts (rub 'al-ahzab). The Qur’an is also divided into seven stations (manazil).

The Qur’anic text seems to have no beginning, middle, or end, its nonlinear structure being akin to a web or net. The textual arrangement is sometimes considered to have lack of continuity, absence of any chronological or thematic order, and presence of repetition.

Fourteen different Arabic letters form 14 different sets of “Qur’anic Initials” (the "Muqatta'at", such as A.L.M. of 2:1) and prefix 29 suras in the Qur’an. The meaning and interpretation of these initials is considered unknown to most Muslims. In 1974, Egyptian biochemist Rashad Khalifa claimed to have discovered a mathematical code based on the number 19, which is mentioned in Sura 74:30 of the Qur’an.

In šāʾ Allāh (إن شاء الله)

2009-08-06T10:12:00.001+01:00

In šāʾ Allāh (إن شاء الله) is an Arabic term evoked by Indonesian, Arabic, Malay, Spanish, Wolof, Persian, Bosnian, Albanian, Turkish, Cypriot Greek, Urdu, Hausa, Bengali and many Muslim English, German, and French speakers to indicate hope for an aforementioned event to occur in the future. The phrase translates into English as "God willing" or "If it is God's will", sometimes spoken as DV; the Latin abbreviation for Deo volente or simply "hopefully". In Arabic speaking countries the term is used by members of all religions; meaning the term in and of itself does not denote a religion, but simply means "God willing."

The term is also related to another Arabic term, Mā šāʾ Allāh (ما شاء الله), which means "God has willed it".

This word is often used to indicate a desire to do something that you wish may occur, or to indicate that you want God's blessing for what you are about to do. For example, if you want to do something in particular if you know that it is very hard to achieve, you invoke God's blessing before it occurs or before you set out to do it.

Usage of Insha'Allah derives from Islamic scripture, Surat Al Kahf (18):24: "And never say of anything, 'I shall do such and such thing tomorrow. Except (with the saying): 'If God wills!' And remember your Lord when you forget...'"

The triliteral of šāʾ is š-y-ʾ "to will", a doubly weak root in Arabic grammar.

Historical reference
Muslim scholar Ibn Abbas stated that it is in fact obligatory for a Muslim to say Insha'Allah when referring to something he or she intends to do in the future. If carelessness leads to the omission of the phrase, it may be said at a later time upon the realization of the omission.
A similar phrase, law šāʾ Allāh, means "if God willed it" or "if God wished it". In šāʾ Allāh is used for the execution of real actions (I'm going to the store if God wills it); law šāʾ Allāh is used to express a wish or desire one cannot fulfill.

Similarity to Spanish ojalá, and Portuguese oxalá
The Spanish phrase, ojalá (que), and the Portuguese phrase, oxalá (que), both meaning "I hope (that)," "would (that)," "would to God (that)," etc., are both derived from the Arabic law šāʾ Allāh.[1] This phrase is an example of the many words borrowed from Arabic due to the Muslim rule of some areas of the Iberian Peninsula from the eighth to fifteenth centuries.

List of Portuguese words of Arabic origin (Click on pictures to see bigger)

2009-08-06T09:41:00.007+01:00

Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs

2009-08-05T09:29:00.003+01:00

I was contacted yesterday by Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Dr.ª Paula Mascarenhas, advisor od Foreign Affairs Minister, called me to know exactly what is happen with the Visa for my partner Mr. Mohamed Hassan.

After a long phone talk I felt that I was talking with a trust person, with willingness to have a better country and to solve one more problem.

My problem is not solved yet but now, I have what I always asked: one answer, one contact.

I want to thank Dr.ª Paula Mascarenhas the friendliness and availability showed in our phone call.

Congratulations to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and to Minister Luís Amado to have someone so dedicated and professional working in this Ministry.

Portugal - Finding the way to change

2009-08-04T15:36:00.003+01:00

I found an article on http://www.uaeinteract.com :
Lubna, Portuguese Economy Minister discuss cooperation
posted on 06/06/2009

UAE Foreign Trade Minister and Portuguese Economy and Innovation Minister Manuel Pinho, discussed the trade, investment and economic ties and ways of bolstering them between the two countries. The two officials also discussed the broadening of joint cooperation through setting up joint projects to boost sustainable economic growth in the UAE and Portugal. Sheikha Lubna stressed the importance of the relations between the UAE and Portugal, adding that there was a need to effect mechanism to increase the trade exchange between the two countries, which stood at Dh457 million last year. She called on Portugal to benefit from the UAE strategic location and the-state-of-art infrastructure to boost the trade. The Portuguese official said that his country was keen to boost the cooperation with the UAE in all fields in the best interest of the two countries. He stressed that his government was prepared to enhance cooperation with the UAE in the areas of environment and renewable energy. â€“ Emirates News Agency, WAM .

I need to tell that all of that is very strange. We have two companies in UAE and one in Portugal only with the intention of help Portuguese companies and people to export and/or establish a company in UAE. We don't have any support of our government and we are never informed about anything that Portugal do with the UAE. We know because we read the Gulf newspapers and we have partners of Royal Family that know that things.

We are working with very big companies from Portugal and Europe and we have good contacts in UAE... but our government don't care about it. We are trying to get a resident Visa for a potential investor in Portugal and we don't receive any answer from our government. That investor have investments in Egypt, Libanon, Austria, Germany and more, but the Portuguese Government don't need that. We invite Mr. Mohamed Hassan and H.H. Sheikha Dr. Hind Abdul Aziz Al Qasimi (Chairwoman of Emirates Business Women Council) to be our partners in a Portuguese company (like we are in Dubai) and they accept... but the Portuguese Government don't need that.

We did that blog to show more about UAE and Portugal... Unforntly I can show more good things in UAE than in my country. I will do everything to change it and I promise here: If I change something I will tell by the same strong way like I'm doing now.

Open Letter to the Portuguese Government

2009-08-04T15:10:00.000+01:00

We did an Open Letter to Mr. President of Portuguese Republic, to Mr. Prime Minister, to some Ministries and to the Press.

We sent some E-mail's to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and to Prime Minister asking about the possibility to have a Residence Visa to Mr. Mohamed Hassan, our partner in UAE. He is Egypsian and he need Visa to come to Portugal. I explained that Mr. Mohamed Hassan and H.H. Sheikha Dr. Hind Al Qasimi, our partners in Tropical Line (in Dubai), will be our partners in Portugal in the Company GULF - Consulting & Investment and that could be a good opportunitty to open doors for foreign investment in Portugal to help us in this crisis momment.

We never received an answer! We consider it as a Diplomat Incident because we have two partners in UAE that are members of Royal Family: H.H. Sheikha Dr. Hind Al Qasimi in Dubai and H.H. Sheikh Mohamed Al Qasimi in Ras Al Khaimah.

We intent to work very clear with our partners and I'm sure that I will find a way to get all the efforts of my Goverment to help the people feels well and invest in Portugal.

Unfornatly, we don't have any help of our Municipality (Gaia) and that's why we are preparing a fantastic office in the city of Porto. We born in Gaia, all our companies are in Gaia, we put the name of Gaia in our first company in UAE (RAK EDIGAIA), but it's time to change and choose a place that we can trust and have all support.

Our office is in the middle of the most Historic place in Porto, is a building with 500 square meters of floor area; Is an historic building too.

I want to thank here to all that send us messages giving support to our battle to bring investment to Portugal and Europe. I think that we are not the only ones thinking about that and I'm sure that all Europe need something more to overcome that world crisis.

Women in the United Arab Emirates

2009-08-04T15:05:00.000+01:00

Our Example

Our Partner in Tropical Line Investment (in Dubai) and in GULF – Consulting & Investment (in Portugal) is the Chairwoman of the EMIRATES BUSINESS WOMEN COUNCIL – H.H. Sheikha Dr. Hind Al Qasimi (from Sharjah). She is, certainly, one of the most influent women in the Emirates and one of the most success women in Arab countries. Her intelligence and dedication are a big example for all women in the world.

Meet H.H. Sheikha Dr. Hind Al Qasimi

Name: H.H. Sheikha Dr. Hind Al Qasimi
Occupation:

Chairwoman of Emirates Business Women Council

Chairwoman of Tropical Line, LLC (Dubai)

Member of the Board of GULF - Consulting & Investment, Lda. (Portugal)

Educational expert in the Technical office of His Excellency Minister of Education.
Class Education:
1976-1980: License of arts (sociology) Kuwait University.
1988-1992: Ma. Of Sociology- Ain Shams University/ Egypt.
1992-1996: PhD- Ain, Shams University/ Egypt.
Personal Recognition:
1980-1981: Sociologist
1981-1982: Deputy School Headmistress
1982-1984: School Headmistress
1986-1988: Head Of Coordination in library Administration Ministry of Education.
Achievement :
AbuDhabi Women Union Associating Member (setting up a special report concerning) Women and Education in the UAE.
Board member of consultation council- sociology Department/ Sharjah University.
2000-2005: Member of executive committee of Sharjah business women council.
2000-2003: Educational expert- planning and developing office/ Ministry of Education.
2003- present: Educational expert in the technical office of H.E. Ministry of Education.
Professional Participation :
2006: Member of consultative committee of emirates writer union.
2006: Board of director member of UAE business women.
2005: Participation certificate in Int. Women Day/ Higher College of Technology- Dubai and Emirates University.
2004: UAE Women Sport Committee Member.
2003: Member of scientific and technical committee of the 2nd educational activities conference titled "Arts and its impact on the educational process".
21.3.2003: Member of national committee of environmental strategy and lasting development.
1.7.2002: Member of continuous committee of conferences.
April 2002: Member of national committee of continuous development.
March 2002: Team work member of the suggested Regional centre for educational planning.
Feb.2001: Member of referees of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for distinguished Academic performance.
9.2.2002: Committee member of estimating institution strategic performance.
27.6-3.10.2001: Member of High Committee for Educational Researches.
2001: Committee member of central administrations for plans coordination and following up.
15.10-3.11.2001: UAE delegation member to UNISCO general conference/ session31.
31.3-25.6.2001: Participation in the executive and supervisory leadership training projects.
9.2.2002: Technical committee member of statistic data base developing project in association with UNISCO.
16.5.2001: Scientific committee member of education technical development conference.
31.3.2001: Chairwoman of special committee for women progress national strategy project.
22.11.2000: Participation in national report production of UAE education development.
1998-1999: A Survey Study production titled "School Buses extent benefit for students".
9.3.2005: Chairwoman of Gulf Women Social Session in the occasion of women Day/ UAE University.
6.2.2005: Participation in educational out put seminar at the 2nd educational symposium/ RAK.
3-5.10.2004: A training program about educational project planning.
29-31.5.2004: Participation in the course of " woman and sport in the UAE"
21-23.4.2004: Participation in the 3rd Afro-Arab Businesswomen Conference.
24-26.1.2004: Participation in institutions performance assessment session /Administration development institute.
29.4.2003: Seminar of "The role of family in society improvement / Sharjah University.
22.4.2003: Member of board of referees of post graduated researches sharjah University.
12-16.4.2003: Producing of women leadership courses/ Administrative development institute / Ministry of Labour.
7-16.10.2002: Strategic Management Course/ Administrative development institute.
20-21.4.2002: Strategic performance Assessment Course.
31.3-1.4.2002: Participation in future experts conference.
13-15.3.2001: The 1st national conference of talented students.
26.9.2000: Arab 1st annual conference of leadership / Dubai-Arabic Organization for administrative development.
1986: A course of administrative development.
1985: A secretary of sharjah Ladies club.
21.3.2001: Conference of "Administration in the concept of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Published books:
1993/1994: " The effects of education and work on women in decision taking".
1996/1997: " Constancy and variability of UAE Women Education.

U.A.E. & Women

The role of women in the United Arab Emirates has advanced greatly in recent years, making the UAE a leader in women's rights in the Arab world. Though there were few opportunities for women outside the home before 1960, the discovery of oil led to advancement in women's position. The UAE constitution guarantees equality between men and women in areas including legal status, claiming of titles, and access to education. The General Women's Union (GWU), established by HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak wife of then President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, remains a strong component of the State's and participating organizations' various initiatives. In the 2007/2008 United Nations Development Programme report, the UAE ranked 29th among 177 countries in the Gender Empowerment Measures, the best rating received in the Arab World. UNDP’s Millennium Development Goal No. 3, to “Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women” has reached its targeted levels of female participation in primary education and continues to increase.

History

The role of women in UAE society has gradually expanded since the discovery of oil. Before 1960 there were few opportunities for them outside the realm of home and family. The late president, Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, acknowledged the validity of women participating in the work force as well as in the home. Zayed's wife, Sheikha Fatima, heads the Women's Federation and promotes training, education, and the advancement of the status of women. In the early 1990s, there were five women's societies promoting various issues of importance to women, including literacy and health.
Women constituted 6.2 percent of the work force in 1988. A study by the Administrative Development Institute found that a majority of female workers who are UAE citizens work under the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health. In 1988 they accounted for 82 percent of UAE national employees in these ministries. As of the late 1980s and early 1990s, women graduates outnumbered men by a ratio of two to one at United Arab Emirates University.

Education

The 2007 report on the progress of MDGs in the UAE states, “the proportion of females in higher education has risen remarkably at a rate that has not been achieved in any other country in the world. During the years 1990 to 2004 the number of female university students has grown to double that of male students. This is the result of the promotion and encouragement of women’s education by state and family.” The ratio of literate females within the 15- to 24- year age group rose from 100.5% in 1990 to 110% in 2004, reaching 90% literacy overall in 2007. Upon completion of high school, 77% of Emirati women continue on to higher education and comprise 75% of the student population at the Al Ain national university. According to Dubai Women’s College, 50-60% of its 2,300 students proceed to seek employment upon graduation.

Employment

Comprising 49.3% of the national population, women account for 1-2% of the UAE’s high executive positions, 20% hold administration positions, 35% are in the national workforce, and 80% are classified as household workers. Female graduates in the UAE are employed within historically male-dominated professions of government, engineering, science, computer technology, law, commerce, and the oil industry. Within the business sector, the UAE possess the largest number of businesswomen in the region where entrepreneurship is becoming increasingly popular, providing desired social flexibility between a woman’s traditional role in the home and widely emerging career aspirations. At the nine year old Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, women constitute 43% of its investors while the city’s Businesswomen’s association boasts 14,000 members. At the forefront of Emirati women in business is Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid bin Sultan al Qasimi, appointed Minister for Economy and Planning in November of 2004 and subsequently promoted to her current post as Minister of Foreign Trade. Sheikha Lubna holds the distinction of being the first woman to hold a ministerial post in the country. Promoting trade relations throughout the world on behalf of the UAE, her efforts have led her to be rated within the Forbes Magazine’s 100 Most Powerful Women.

Politics and government

Within the public sector, governmental employment for Emirati women has increased from 11.6% in 1995, 22% in 2005 and 66% as of June 2007. Thirty percent of the diplomatic service, ministerial posts and senior administrative positions within government are represented by women – a confidence best exhibited by recent prestigious appointments. In September 2008, Hassa Al Otaiba and Sheikha Najla Al Qasimi became the UAE’s first female ambassadors, serving Spain and Sweden respectively.
Only a month later, these strides were preceded by swearing in of the Emirates’ first female judge, Kholoud Ahmed Juoan Al Dhaheri. The following month, Fatima Saeed Obaid Al Awani was appointed the country’s first female registrar. In a region where the testimony of a woman is widely questioned to have equal value to a man’s, the UAE became only the second Arab country with a female marriage registrar after Egypt. By 2006, women have accounted for over 22% of the Federal National Council.

Military

The most significant accomplishment towards gender equality in the UAE, and even the region, is most visible through women’s participation in the military. Pursuant the 1991 Gulf War, Emirati women expressed a desire for preparation in defending their country. Subsequently, the Gulf region’s first military college for women – the Khawla bint Al Azwar Training College was established along with women’s corps within the Armed Forces. Females are granted the same training and responsibilities as their male counterparts including serving as fighter pilots, but are prohibited from serving in front line combat. The Dubai Police College, promotes the highest-ranked graduates of a six-month training course to the VIP Protection Corps where twenty women have thus far been accepted.

International involvement

Exceeding standard international obligations as a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the UAE regularly participates and hosts international conferences on women’s issues. Among the most recent have been the Women’s Global Economic Forum in Abu Dhabi during November 2007 and the Arab Women’s conference in November 2008. Often under the patronage of Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, participation and agendas are frequently conjoined with local initiatives such as the Dubai Shelter for Women and Children (founded in 2007); the Social Support Center (affiliated to Abu Dhabi Police and Human Rights Care Department); Dubai Women Establishment (initiated in November 2006 under the presidency of HH Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum); the National Strategy for the Advancement of Women, a joint initiative with the United Nations Development Fund for Women; and the Family Development Foundation (established in 2006).

UAE Rally Team of Yayha Al-Helai and Khaled Al-Kendi was in Portugal

2009-08-04T15:04:00.000+01:00

The UAE Rally Team of Yayha Al-Helai and Khaled Al-Kendi was in Portugal preparing for the gruelling 2009 Transiberico Rally, the final round of the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies. The event started in Estoril, near Lisbon, on Thursday, June 18th and finished on Sunday, June 21st. The UAE driver is bidding to become the second ever UAE driver to win the prestigious FIA World Cup and will line-up at the start in Portugal at the wheel of a powerful Nissan Patrol that has been prepared by the Dubai-based company, Powertec Performance Engineering.

Al-Helai also holds second overall in the FIA T2 Production category - a mere four points behind Russian Artem Varentsov - and has the possibility of a superb winning double in Portugal. He is a veteran of numerous UAE Desert Challenge events and has finished second overall on the region’s most punishing long-distance rally, but he knows that he will need to be on his best form to clinch the FIA World Cup. The Emirati lies third in the points’ standings and nine points behind Frenchman Guerlain Chicherit from the professional BMW team. Chicherit won this year’s Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge and scored points in the Tunisian round of the series and starts as the favourite to give the X-raid team a second successive title. But Al-Helai would dearly love to follow in Khalifa Al-Mutawei’s footsteps and bring the world title back to the UAE.

"I know it will not be easy to win the race and take more points than the BMW, but the team at Powertec have done a great job with the car and we are all raring to go," said a determined Al-Helai.

Powertec spokesman Ian Davies confirmed that nothing has been left to chance in their preparations for the Transiberico event, which runs for four days over rural terrain in Portugal and western Spain. "Yayha is a very talented driver and he is looking forward to the challenge," said Davies. "We flew the Nissan out to Portugal in good time and will be focused in our preparations over the coming days, both for the World Cup and the T2 title."

The official event timetable kicks off with scrutineering, documentation and the ceremonial started on Wednesday, June 17th. Teams then leave Estoril in the direction of Castelo Branco on June 18th and tackle a short special stage and a longer timed selective section, before reaching the overnight halt. Day two takes crews from Castelo Branco across the border into Spain to the overnight halt at Merida. En route, X-raid crews will tackle two further selective sections of approximately 150km each with a service stop scheduled in Valverde del Fresno. The third leg leaves Merida en route to Beja and included two slightly longer selective sections with a service stop in Mora. The fourth and final leg on Sunday, June 21st toke place between Beja and Estoril and included two sections of approximately 180km apiece, with the ceremonial finish in Estoril’s Casino Gardens bringing the official timetable to a close from 6pm.

H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founder of the UAE

2009-08-01T11:56:00.003+01:00

TRIBUTE TO H.H. SHEIKH ZAYED BIN SULTAN AL NAHYAN
(click on the title to view a good tribute to His Highness)

His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan served as President of the United Arab Emirates since the formation of the Federation on 2 December 1971 and as Ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi since 1966.

Understanding the UAE is impossible without understanding the life of Sheikh Zayed and his deep religious faith, his vision, his determination and hard work, his generosity at home and abroad, and the way in which he devoted his life to the service of his people and the creation of a better world.

Born around 1918 in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed was the youngest of the four sons of Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler of Abu Dhabi from 1922 to 1926. At the time Sheikh Zayed was born, the emirate was poor and undeveloped, with an economy based primarily on fishing and pearl diving and on simple agriculture in scattered oases inland.

Life, even for members of the ruling family, was simple. Education was generally confined to lessons in reading and writing, along with instruction in Islam from the local preacher. Transport was by camel or boat, and the harshness of the arid climate meant that survival itself was often a major concern.

Through the late 1920s and 1930s, Sheikh Zayed’s thirst for knowledge took him into the desert with Bedouin tribesmen to learn all he could about the way of life of the people and the environment. He later recalled with pleasure his experience of desert life and his initiation into the sport of falconry, which became a lifelong passion.

In 1946, Sheikh Zayed became Ruler’s Representative in the Eastern Region of Abu Dhabi, centered on the oasis of Al Ain. The job involved administering six villages and an adjacent desert region. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, Sheikh Zayed established his clear vision of what he wished to achieve for the people of Al Ain, and as someone who led by example.

Despite few government revenues, Sheikh Zayed succeeded in bringing progress to Al Ain, establishing basic administration, personally funding the first modern school in the emirate and coaxing relatives and friends to contribute towards small-scale development.

He revised local water ownership rights to ensure a more equitable distribution, which led to agricultural development and re-establishment of the oasis as the predominant market center. His city planning in Al Ain helped ensure that today, the city is one of the greenest in Arabia.

In August 1966, Sheikh Zayed became Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with a mandate to develop the emirate as quickly as possible. His years in Al Ain had given him valuable experience in government and time to develop a vision of progress. With the export of the first cargo of Abu Dhabi crude in 1962, he could rely on oil revenues in the service of the people, and a massive construction program for schools, housing, hospitals and roads was underway.

In 1968 the British announced their intention of withdrawing from the Arabian Gulf by the end of 1971. Sheikh Zayed, with the late Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, took the lead in calling for a federation that would include not only the seven emirates that made up the Trucial States, but also Qatar and Bahrain.

Eventually seven states followed Sheikh Zayed in establishing the UAE, which formally emerged on the international stage on December 2, 1971. While his enthusiasm for federation was a key factor in the formation of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed also won support for the way in which he sought consensus and agreement among his fellow rulers.

Sheikh Zayed was elected by his fellow rulers as the first President of the UAE, a post to which he was successively re-elected at five-year intervals.

One foundation of his philosophy as a leader and statesman was that the resources of the country should be fully used to the benefit of the people, including the women of the UAE who benefited of his vision of education, employment and equality.

In governing the nation, Sheikh Zayed drew from Arabian Bedouin traditions of consensus and consultation. At an informal level, that principle has long been practiced through the institution of the majlis (council) where a leading member of society holds an “open-house” discussion forum, at which any individual may put forward views for discussion and consideration.

In 1970, recognizing that Abu Dhabi was embarking on a process of rapid development, Sheikh Zayed formalized the consultation process and established the National Consultative Council, bringing together the leaders of each of the main tribes. A similar body was created in 1971 for the entire UAE: the Federal National Council, the state’s parliament.

The conservation of natural environment and wildlife was critical to Sheikh Zayed. He believed that the character of the Emirati people derives, in part, from the struggle to survive in the harsh and arid local environment and worked throughout his life on preserving such species as the Arabian Oryx and the sand gazelle. The World Wildlife Fund recognized his contribution with the prestigious Gold Panda award.

Sheikh Zayed was a firm opponent of harsh dogmas and intolerance. In an interview in 2002, he said, “Muslims stand against any person of Muslim faith who will try to commit any terror act against a fellow human being. A terrorist is an enemy of Islam and of humanity, while the true Muslim is friendly to all human beings and a brother to other Muslims and non-Muslims alike. This is because Islam is a religion of mercy and tolerance.”

Sheikh Zayed applied his ideals of consensus and tolerance more broadly. Within the Arabian Gulf region, and in the broader Arab world, the UAE has sought to enhance cooperation and to resolve disagreement through a calm pursuit of dialogue and consensus.

In the 1990s he also recognized that the UAE could play a more active role in international peacekeeping operations. The UAE Armed Forces participated in the Arab Deterrent Force that sought to bring to an end the civil strife in Lebanon, and in UNISOM TWO, the United Nations peacekeeping and reconstruction force in Somalia.

In early 1999, Sheikh Zayed was among the first world leaders to express support for the decision by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to launch its aerial campaign to force Serbia to halt its genocidal activities against the people of Kosovo. From late 1999 to 2001, the UAE contingent serving with the UN’s KFOR peacekeeping force was the largest from any of the non-NATO states, and the only one from an Arab or Muslim country.

While ensuring that the UAE should increasingly shoulder international responsibilities, however, Sheikh Zayed also made it clear that the UAE’s role is one that is focused on relief and rehabilitation.

In the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries, the policy adopted by the UAE clearly reflects the desire of Sheikh Zayed to apply the good fortune of his country to those less fortunate. Through bodies like the Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, established by Sheikh Zayed before the foundation of the UAE, as well as through institutions like the Red Crescent Society, the country now plays a major role in the provision of relief and development assistance worldwide.

Sheikh Zayed died in 2004, in his late eighties.

Thank You

2009-07-30T17:33:00.002+01:00

I want to say a public "Thank You" to the people who read this blog and write messages about my articles.

That's why I want to continue doing this blog and showing to the people what I see and consider important between Ocidental countries and Arab countries.

Thanks.

Tribute to H.H. Sheikh Saqr Bin Mohamed Al Qasimi

2009-07-30T16:58:00.004+01:00

Sheikh Saqr bin Mohamed Al Qasimi became the ruler of the Sheikhdom of Ras Al Khaimah on 17 July 1948, after a bloodless takeover from his uncle and father-in-law Shaykh Sultan bin Salim al-Qassimi who was exiled to the Sheikhdom of Sharjah. Shaykh Saqr appointed his oldest son, Sheikh Khalid bin Saqr Al Qasimi, as the Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah in 1974. Shaikh Khalid was replaced by Shaikh Saud bin Saqr on 28 April 2003, and Khalid chose the Omani capital Muscat for his unconditional exile. The elderly Shaykh Saqr is one of the longest serving rulers in the world today, but no longer actively rules Ras Al Khaimah because of poor health. Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr currently plays the most active role in ruling Ras Al Khaimah.

Shaikh Saqr refused to permit Ras Al Khaimah to join the

United Arab Emirates (UAE) when it was formed on 2 December 1971, because he claims Iran had invaded two Ras Al Khaimah islands and one Sharjah island on November 30, 1970, and Shaikh Saqr wanted guarantees from the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan and the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum of Dubai that the new UAE Federal Government would not relinquish claim to those islands (Abu Musa & the Greater and Lesser Tunbs). When the guarantee was granted, RAK joined the Federation of the United Arab Emirates on 24 February 1972.

After the 1948 coup, Sheikh Saqr had to gather the whole people of Ras Al Khaimah under his rule, and deal with the Bedouins (the People of the Deserts) from the south, the low land Mountaineers from the east, and a combination of Highlands Shihuhs and other tribes from the north, who had disagreed with the coup. This resulted in Sheikh Saqr's followers fighting those who opposed his rule. During that period, many people died fighting without knowing whom they were fighting against, as they did not know that Shaikh Sultan Bin Salem Al Qassimi had been exiled to Sharjah.

After Shaikh Saqr gained complete control on the whole country of Ras Al Khaimah, and in order to avoid further bloodshed among the tribes, he appointed Shaikhs (heads of tribes) in each tribe to keep each people within their area. The tribal Shaikh was the coordinator between the Ruler and the people of Ras Al Khaimah, and none of the tribes had the right to meet with the Ruler without the permission of its Shaikh. This system was set up to ease previous tensions and facilitate the affairs of the tribes. While the influence of the tribes has weakened since Ras Al Khaimah joined the United Arab Emirates in 1972 (the last country to join), the local Government still respects the Shaikhs of each tribe for their loyalty.

I have only one sure: Ras Al Khaimah is now a great place to live and to Invest and could be one of the best places in the world for tourism. That's why we did a company there called RAK EDIGAIA with H.H. Sheikh Mohamed Bin Saqr Al Qasimi as partner.

Thanks for exist His Highness Sheikh Saqr Bin Mohamed Al Qasimi.

Ramadan

2009-07-29T16:36:00.005+01:00

I found an interview with a good explication about Ramadan. I post here to explain to European people what is this month for the Muslims.

Last week local teenager Salam El-Merebi joined Suzanne Quintner and Kelly Higgins-Devine in the 612 ABC Brisbane studio to explain the Muslim holy month of fasting and spiritual cleansing.

Ramadan is an Arabic word that comes from the root word 'Ar-Ramad' which means dryness or heat and is the fourth pillar of Islam. The month of fasting, in the ninth month of the Hijri (lunar) calendar, begins with the sighting of the new moon and ends with the waning crescent. Because the lunar calendar is 11 or 12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, Ramadan is 10 to 11 days earlier each year.

The main physical implication of Ramadan is fasting, which means no eating or drinking from dawn until sunset. Depending on your region and the season, this could be anywhere from 12 to 17 hours each day. The object of fasting is to attain taqwa- a consciousness of God and self discipline.

But there is more to Ramadan than not eating. "It doesn't only [apply] on water and drinks, it [applies] on thoughts as well. So you're not supposed to think bad of others, you're not supposed to speak behind each others' backs. You have to treat everyone good and equally and nicely. All these things that a religion already asks but in Ramadan it is a must, you know, no matter what. You're not supposed to swear, all of that. It's like purifying your soul as well, and mind," Salam explains.

Children are excluded from fasting until they reach puberty, but may participate if they want to. All practising adult Muslims are expected to participate in Ramadan but Salam says there are some exceptions. "There's a lot of circumstances. A pregnant woman, she doesn't have to do it if she doesn't want to. Anyone who cannot do it for a reason like being mentally or physically unable, then they don't have to do it. For a female who's going through her monthly period, she doesn't have to do it as well, just for the seven or eight days that she has the period." People travelling long distances and women who are breast-feeding are also excluded.

Fasting is said to help Muslim's understand the hardship of being poor and hungry. "You would say 'I have no idea how people can survive with no food'. There's a lot of villages that don't have water as well, that's one of the reasons why we don't have water, to understand. At the end of the day we'll know that we'll have that food and that cup of water sitting there waiting for us, but they know that they are not going to have it. So it's actually also a feeling [of being] poor."

Despite Kelly's concerns about the difficulty of not eating all day, Salam claims it is not particularly hard and that the body does get used to it.

Ramadan ends with the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr, a day of celebration and gratitude which Salam likens to Christmas in some ways.

Salam El-Merebi was a finalist for the Community Services Award in the Queensland Young Achiever Award.

New Election to Her Excellency Sheikha Dr. Hind Bint Abdull Azziz Al Qassimi

2009-07-29T16:15:00.002+01:00

The Mother of the UAE Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, the Honorary Chairwoman of the UAE Business Women Council, received a telegram of thanks and gratitude from the members of the UAE Business Women Council at the conclusion of their first meeting that was held at the UAE FCCI offices in Dubai.. The members thanked her Highness for her generous support of the UAE woman in all aspects of life.

The members elected for the UAE Business Women Board of Directors for the third session 2009-2011 elected her Excellency Sheikha Dr. Hend Bint Abdull Azziz Al Qassimi chairman of the Board of Directors of the UAE Business Women council and her Excellency Fatima Obeid Al Jaber, first deputy, her Excellency Kaltham Abdullah, deputy to the Chairwoman. The election process embodied the success of the election that was carried out to elect the members of the board on the 12th of January.

Mrs. Fatima Al Merri, the General Coordinator of the Council, inaugurated the first meeting of the board of directors with a welcoming speech. She welcomed the new members who were elected and wished them success in highlighting the role of the Council. Al Merri also lauded the efforts that were exerted by the former board Business Women council for the session 2005-2008 and particularly the efforts of Dr. Rawdha Abdullah Al Mutawa. She reiterated that the UAE business women ,thanks to the unlimited support of the UAE leadership and the support of her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak (Mother of the UAE , the Honorary Chairwoman of the UAE Business Women Council, have become equal to their brothers the men in all rights and privileges. The council have played a major role in making this possible as is seen by its founding principles.

The members of the UAE Business Women council board are volunteers and will shoulder the burden of serving our beloved country and highlight the bright image of the UAE business women. Al Merri added that the UAE Business Women Council, operating under the umbrella of the UAE FCCI, is a special authority that includes a diverse but harmonious texture of members in terms of the age group and business interests but are all marked with a determination to work and serve the country.

Portugal and Emirates - Our Business, Our Land

2009-07-27T11:07:00.006+01:00

EDIGAIA and the Emirates Business

Portugal - Beautiful Country

José Oliveira with H.H. Sheikh Mohamed Al Qasimi in the signature of RAK Edigaia contract

José Domingos Oliveira with H.H. Sheikha Dr. Hind Al Qasimi and Mr. Mohamed Hassan in the signature of Tropical Line Investment contract

Sheikh Mohamed Al Maktoum in 60 Minutes

2009-07-24T14:56:00.007+01:00

Sheikh Mohamed Al Maktoum rarely gives interviews but in these videos he offers a glimpse into his life, work and dreams for Dubai and his Emirati people.

Sheikh Mohamed Al Maktoum: Interview to GULFNEWS in October 17, 2007

Dubai: Dubai should be "number one," not only in the region but in the world, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has said.

"I want to be number one in everything, higher education, health, housing," he told the US television network CBS in an interview aired on Sunday.

Shaikh Mohammad promised to provide the highest standards of living to people in the UAE. "Why not? If you can have it in New York, why can't we have it here?" he said.

In the wide-ranging interview onn the famous 60 Minutes show, the Vice-President discussed the extraordinary rise of Dubai and his vision of the emirate for the future. Asked why he was in a hurry to achieve for Dubai in five years what most would try to achieve in a lifetime, Shaikh Mohammad indicated that the emirate could not afford to wait. "I want my people to live better now ... not after 20 years."

He also criticised US foreign policy, especially the invasion of Iraq - which he said was a mistake. He said he loved everything about America, "except the foreign policy a little bit".

Ahmed bin Majid and Vasco da Gama

2009-07-24T11:40:00.004+01:00

Ahmed bin Majid (أحمد بن ماجد‎), was an Arab navigator and cartographer born in 1421 in Julphar, which is now known as Ras Al Khaimah. This city makes up one of the seven Emirates of the United Arab Emirates, but at that time it was classified as the coast of Oman. He was raised with a family famous for seafaring; at the age of 17 he was able to navigate ships. He was so famous that he was known as the first Arab seaman. The exact date is not known, but bin Majid probably died in 1500. He became famous in the West as thenavigator who has been associated with helpingVasco da Gama find his way from Africa to India using an Arab map then unknown to European sailors.

Ahmad ibn Majid was born in Oman, probably in 1432, the year Zheng He’s junks docked at Jiddah. The last of his approximately 40 known compositions, a poem on the heavens, is dated 1500, the same year Pedro Álvares Cabral discovered Brazil on his way to India by way of the Cape of Good Hope—thus linking Europe, the New World, Africa and Asia in a single voyage. Ibn Majid must have died soon after that date, his life spanning the most critical century in the history of the ocean whose currents, winds, reefs, shoals, headlands, harbors, seamarks and stars he spent a lifetime studying.

Vasco da Gama’s epochal voyage around the Cape of Good Hope in 1498 has often been presented as the irruption of a dynamic, technologically advanced western power into an essentially static and backward Asia. Yet the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean worlds in the late 15th century were both responding to common historical forces. When Vasco da Gama’s ship landed in Calicut in 1499 and the two worlds met, it was the visitors from the West who were at an economic and cultural disadvantage, only partially offset by their superior weapons. The Zamorin of Calicut, when showed the gifts brought by the Portuguese—the little bells and beads and the rough cloth—concluded that the Portuguese came from a poor and backward country, and advised them that, next time, they should bring gold. This they did—but even that came not from Portugal, but from Africa.

Tropical Line / Gulf

2009-07-21T10:21:00.001+01:00

TROPICAL LINE INVESTMENT, LLC (in Dubai) and GULF – Consulting & Investment, Lda. are companies that emerges from the good relation of trust between Oliveira’s family from EDIGAIA (in Portugal) and some influent people from United Arab Emirates like H.H. Sheikh Mohamed Al Qasimi, son of the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah (H.H. Sheikh Saqr Al Qasimi), H.H. Sheikha Hind Al Qasimi, Chairwoman of Emirates Business Women Council (from Sharjah), Mr. Mohamed Hassan, Businessman in Dubai and Cairo, and Chairman of Master Sports company. With their help giving the right and influent contacts and with our good team of economists, attorneys, engineers, architects and businessmen, with a long and good experience, specially in Portugal, Switzerland and Arab countries, we can provide a full service from the beginning till the end.

The Middle East, one of the most strategic regions of the world, has started looking beyond oil and gas, which has opened up several economic opportunities – urbanization, tourism, trade, industrialization, social infrastructure and others. “TROPICAL LINE INVESTMENT” and “GULF – Consulting & Investments” are set up with the objective of providing General Trading and/or a complete domain of business consulting services to enterprise and entrepreneurs in GCC countries, Egypt and other Arab countries but especially on United Arab Emirates. The Company aims to provide international standard services through an extremely capable team having long experience in Emirates and abroad. The company is also desirous of making positive contribution in the development of the country by working closely with both public as well as private entities.

Our objective is help European people to establish a company, invest or export to GCC countries, Egypt and other Arab countries, especially to the Emirates, and help people from those countries to establish a company, invest or export to Europe, especially to Portugal.

Therefore, we are already working in the establishment of Real Estate companies, construction companies, Sports consulting, brands representation for selling materials in Arab countries, Cement, Iron, Steel, Clothes, Hotel Linen and equipment, Heavy Machinery, Kitchen furniture, Room furniture, Office Furniture, Foodstuff and Beverages trading and implementation of new technologies for mobile systems and intelligent home systems.

RAK Edigaia

2009-07-21T10:18:00.004+01:00

Rak Edigaia had is constitution on 27th May 2008 in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah - U.A.E. - between H.H Sheikh Mohammed Al Qassimi and José Oliveira.

This company pretends be a way for the sustain development of Ras Al Khaimah and it´s people.

That’s why we choose our slogan: “If a wind blows, ride it” For RAK EDIGAIA this slogan means “If a chance comes, take advantage of it”. That’s our company politic: help the country and people development.

We pretend do the Ras Al Khaimah the greatest place in the World for people who don’t know RAK because it already is for the people who already came here!