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Shake a Dubai taxi
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced at the Gitex exhibition that it is all set to become a “smart” experience by year-end.
Passengers can expect the ability to do everything from “shaking” down a taxi to checking flights on board and paying by credit or NoL cards.
To begin with, a potential passenger needs to download the Smart Taxi app on his smartphone. It’s a free application, the first of its kind in the region, that allows him to book and track taxi orders in real time.
Once downloaded, a unique “shake-a-taxi” concept will allow the customer to fetch a cab by merely shaking his cellphone. The idea stems from the same gesture as waving your hand to flag down a taxi.
The customer would need to enter his contact number and the application will automatically look for available taxis nearest to him. When the cab is identified, the driver will confirm the pick-up and notify the customer in real time along its journey. “The customer will get all the details about the taxi, including the name and picture of the taxi driver by the time it reaches him.”
Instead of the current guessing work that is done to find out if a taxi is vacant, new smart taxi signs will leave no room for doubt. Every taxi on the road will have a message that clearly states if it is vacant, hired or booked, according to which it will show a green, red or orange light.
Once inside the taxi, the passenger can feel a difference. All taxis will have Wi-Fi, so the passenger can make the most of it. We will be installing LCD screens on which he can get flight information, make check-ins, find out about events and do a variety of other tasks.
The screens will be installed in phases and the Dubai Taxi fleet of 3,500 vehicles will be the first to get them. When the journey is over and it’s time to pay, the passenger can select three modes of payment: cash as is the current case, credit card or a smartphone-enabled NoL card. This is expected to be particularly beneficial to tourists who may not be carrying cash or the local currency. Passengers will also be able to rate the drivers’ performance on a five-star-scale when they disembark.
In addition to taxi bookings, the application allows passengers to schedule a taxi at any date or time. If the customer is near a taxi park, walking directions to the taxi will also be provided.
- Inputs from Xpress/Gulf News.
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Giant duck row in Dubai
It may all seem a bit silly in the first place. Even the whole idea might seem rather ridiculous to some. But there are some real issues in this matter that deserve a word or two.
A giant yellow duck that visited Dubai earlier in the week and was launched on the creek on Sunday is a major infringement of the work of a Dutch artist, Florentijn Hofman, the artist behind a similar giant duck which has toured the world claims. The duck was commissioned by Dubai-based carwash firm GeoWash in China to raise awareness of water consumption, the company said, whilst at the same time promote the company's own "green and mobile" carwash systems.
The award-winning Dutch artist created his duck as a "global artwork" and it has visited numerous harbours around the world including Amsterdam, Sydney, Osaka, Sao Paulo and Pittsburgh. Reportedly, more than a million people have visited the duck.
In a press released to local and regional media, GeoWash stated that this was the duck that had visited just those places thus implying that it was in fact the Dutch artwork being displayed on Dubai Creek. They also made intensive use of social media such as Facebook and Twitter.
When Mr. Hofman contacted the company, their tweets were deleted and the Facebook page removed.
According to 7Days, Hofman is currently seeking legal counsel over the infringement of his rights which he feels GeoWash have violated. Hofman says he was already in talks with people in Dubai about having his duck visiting, plans which he now had to cancel.
The CEO of GeoWash, Abdullah Al Shehi, said that Hofman had been "mistakenly" claimed by GeoWash to be the designer of and the artist behind the duck. The company bought the duck in China and it was towed to Dubai directly from there. It did not visit any other ports, Al Sheni claimed.
Problems with infringement of copyright and other rights is a major problem in the UAE and foreign companies and right-owners face a hard time pursuing and enforcing claims against violators based in the emirates. I am personally in the process of trying a claim against a local solicitor who has been using one of my photos for advertising purposes and I have come to realise that unfortunately fighting for your rights can be very much an uphill battle in the emirates.
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UAE National Day - Car Celebrations
Every year on 2nd December it's UAE National Day to commemorate the date of the signing of the union between 6 of the 7 Emirates (Ras Al Khaimah joined a bit later). It's a public holiday and it is marked in different ways, i.e. by fireworks, posters and decorations throughout the emirates and laser-light displays on prominent landmark buildings. It's all very nice.
In the month prior to the occasion, the supermarkets, car dealers and petrol stations are full of UAE-branded merchandise to dress up one's vehicle for the event. That seems to be what most locals and some expats really do on their own: pimp their ride Emirati style.
For a nation that has come such a long way since it was founded only 42 years ago, it seems that it is the car that best symbolises the wealth and prosperity of the Emirates. Some would even say that the UAE went from camel to Cadilac in 25 years, so perhaps it is indeed very appropriate that patriotic affection for one's country be shown through the appearance of one's means of transport. One thing is certain: cars mean the world to most people in the emirates.
Some people and companies do it modestly: a flag mounted on a pick-up or a poster in the rear window. Others go the full monty and spend thousands of Dirhams doing their car up with everything from complete body wraps to posters of Emirs and Crown Princes to really show their love for the ruling royals.
So elaborate are some of these festive decorations that Dubai Police has found it necessary to issue a Decree to ascertain that road safety is not jeopardized too much by the bling.
Congratulations UAE on this 42nd anniversary of the union - and have fun with the celebrations. Just be careful, please.
It's real, It's from Karama
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Dubai awarded World Expo 2020
Today, Dubai has won the World Expo 2020 after a vote in Paris.
Congratulations to Dubai and its people on the win.
The venue will be located near the Jebel Ali Equestrian facilities and a huge, purpose-built, sustainable exhibition centre will be constructed to house the event.
By orders of Sheikh Mohammed, all schools are closed for the next 6 days from tomorrow to celebrate the World Expo award and the UAE NAtional Day on 2nd December.
Bringing the Dubai Expo 2020 theme to life | GulfNews.com
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Signs in the UAE - Part 2
For years, I have had it as a hobby to collect photos of funny and/or strange signs whenever I came across one. Dubai and the rest of the UAE is one of the easiest places I have been to spot them. The multi-ethnicity and cosmopolitan nature of the city and its inhabitants from literally all corners of the world makes it difficult not to loose things in translation from time to time when trying to convey an otherwise appropriate warning or message in English.
Here are some examples from different parts of Dubai and a couple from Sharjah too:
No public, straight parking.
Tecom Area.
Sharks not allowed either.
Dubai Metro.
Nudes only.
Union Coop Hypermarket, Al Barsha Mall.
No flashy cameras.
DWTC.
Meet the birds up for sale
Sign on Al Rashadiya Road.
4991.5 graduates later...
Exiting Dubai Emirate on Sheikh Zayed Road.
All you need for furnishing the tent of your nomadic bride.
Al Khan area, Sharjah.
Poor lift!
Sharjah Aquarium.
Frisking coming your way.
Near Jebel Ali Club.
The company returns in 3 days.
Al Noor Tower 2, Tecom.
"Waste" clothing charity collection bin.
Discovery Gardens.
You can see more strange and funny signs from around the UAE in my previous post:
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Construction of Dubai Frame to begin
The latest of the long range of ambitious, Dubai-build-projects will soon be launched.
The Dubai Municipality announced on Wednesday that it will start construction-work on the iconic Dubai Frame project adjacent to the Stargate theme park in Zabeel Park next month. The Director-General of the Dubai Municipality, Hussain Nasser Lootah, said: “We have opened tenders and will be giving the assignment to the apt contractor according to our plan.”
The implementation of the Dh120 million project, a window-shaped structure that will give panoramic views of old and new Dubai from a 150 feet-high glass bridge, was ordered in July 2012 with a plan to complete it by this year end.
In May this year, the municipality said the project would be completed by the end of 2014. However, the civic body on Wednesday said the unique structure was expected to be ready by the second half of 2015, after a one-year delay from the last announcement made six months ago.
In the latest statement, the municipality also gave the exact location of the tower at Zabeel Park. Lootah said the Dubai Municipality conducted extensive studies and research to identify the most ideal location for the project. “It was after an (intense) study and extensive consultation that the (location) was decided — near the Stargate of Zabeel Park — which is a famous point for visitors and tourists,” he said in a media statement.
Stargate, an edutainment theme park, is located near the Gate 4 of Zabeel Park in the heart of Dubai. The image released by the Dubai Municipality on Wednesday showed the tower with transparent glass walls in dusk bronze colour.
"Dubai Frame will become one of the most attractive tourist destinations of Dubai, which will bring around 2 million visitors per year from across the globe. We are looking forward to a unique architectural landmark that matches to the global status of Dubai. We expect it will bridge the past and future of Dubai and may become a name linked to Dubai like Burj Khalifa and Burj Al-Arab,” Lootah said - although it is a bit unclear how that number has been calculated, i.e. compared to the number of visitors who go to Burj Khalifa yearly.
The conceptual design proposal of the tower by Fernando Donis of the Netherlands was among 926 entries for the 11th ThyssenKrupp Elevator Award and had won $100,000.
As Dubai awaits a positive result for its bid to host the World Expo 2020, it is observed that projects like the Dubai Frame will boost Dubai’s status among other global cities. As the Frame is a unique concept with splendid aesthetic and architectural charm, it is expected to contribute to the tourism economy of the emirate.
- from Al Khaleej Times
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Relief efforts underway as UAE hit by worst storm in years
It's the season in the UAE where you can expect a bit of rain, which, due to lack of proper drainage can cause some disruption of traffic. Like every 5th year or so. People might have to take their car to the car wash an extra time when the drizzle stops.
Boozy Friday brunches may even have to move indoors.
Our thoughts are with you all in this dark hour...
Read more about this breaking news story:
Relief efforts underway as UAE hit by worst storm in years | The Pan-Arabia Enquirer
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Miss Camel 2013
A dusty track in the remote western region of the United Arab
Emirates, on the verge of what is known as “The Empty Quarter” of the country
is one of the last places you'd expect to find a beauty competition.
But the leggy, doe-eyed lovelies on parade here
are of the four-legged variety.
The Al Dhafra Camel Festival held every year is
a celebration of the ancient bond between humans and the "ships of the
desert," which have traditionally provided Bedouins with food, clothing
and transportation.
The highlight of the event, which draws more
than 1,500 camel owners and 25,000 camels from all over the Arabian Peninsula
to Al Dhafra, about 150km west of Abu Dhabi, is the Camel Beauty Contest.
The judges in this high-stakes
contest rate the animals - the females of which are considered better looking - on criteria including firmness of ear, straightness of leg and the size of
their toe cleft.
“The big size of the bones, the
big foot, the height of the camel, the neck," explains one of the judges,
listing the most desirable attributes.
"The smoother the neck the
better, the longer the neck the better."
It's a job he takes seriously, as the spoils of
victory can be significant.
The festival is an important auction market for
purebred camels, and as well as commanding high prices, award-winning specimens
can confer immense prestige on their owners it’s a competition between tribes
as well. Everybody wants the prettiest camel to be owned by their tribe –
preferably by themselves.
According
to the rules laid down in the festival program, owners are required to swear
religious oaths that the stated age and lineage of their animals is correct.
As well
as the beauty contest and auctions, the festival also has contests in
traditional pursuits such as camel racing, camel milking, falconry and date
packaging. There is also racing of purebred Arabian salukis, the slender
sight-hound that is one of the world's most ancient breeds of domesticated dog,
as well as handicrafts displays.
While
the SUV has replaced the camel as a means of transportation in the modern
Emirates, it's clear the animal retains an important place in the nation's
heart.
In a
country about which it is often said that it went from riding camels to driving
Cadillacs in 25 years, the younger generation seems aware of the importance of
preserving the culture of their forefathers where camels were equal to wealth
and status.
May the
most beautiful camel win.
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New Dubai rent dispute centre open
If you are having a dispute with your Landlord in Dubai over the size of your rent there may be new hope for you.
From this week, things should be easier, authorities have promised, as a new forum to resolve disputes about rent commences operations.
The Dubai Land Department (DLD) on Saturday confirmed its new Rental Disputes Settlement Centre is to begin operations on Sunday, operating out of the department’s headquarters.
The centre will handle all disputes arising between leaseholders and tenants located in the emirate, including its free zones, a DLD statement said. Either side of a dispute can file a claim at the centre and request temporary judgment or interim relief. However, the rulings of the DLD can be tested in court.
Sultan Butti bin Mejren, director general of DLD, said the centre “will allow us to address disputes occurring from real estate issues in a timely and professional manner consistent with the department’s highest standards”.– bin Meiren said to 7Days.
The Rental Disputes Settlement Centre will aim at providing transparent resolution services that have been designed to help all parties to work and live in Dubai in an environment governed by clear rules, according to bin Meiren.
An experienced Dubai Court judge will chair the centre and parties will be able to appeal decisions made by the centre.
Licensed to Speed
New dedicated high-speed road suggested in the UAE
In spite of countless empirical studies over the years finding that speed kills and regardless of most other countries having put a maximum speed limit for road traffic, the head of Dubai Traffic Police has suggested making a specially dedicated road in the UAE for cars that want to drive at 200kph.
The force said the luxury highway is just an idea at this stage but a study
would be conducted to see how viable it is. The road would be between Abu Dhabi
and Fujairah and only those wanting to drive at high-speed could use
it. General Mohammed Saif Al Zafeen said: “The idea can become a true
reality. Maybe we need a road for motorists with powerful cars who want to
drive 200kph. It would also be good for people who drive on a daily basis
between UAE cities.” - he was quoted as having said to 7Days.
He added: “There are studies saying that high speeds can’t make accidents unless there are other factors. Accidents can happen when a car driving with 140kph and then surprised with a car in front of it with 60kph.”
Al Zafeen’s suggestion came during the launch of the second year of the white points system which rewards drivers who have not committed any traffic offenses during the year for their good behaviour.
He said that the highway would need certain specifications and four lanes in two directions.
The speed-savvy Police General was also the driving force behind the recent acquisition by Dubai Police of a number of Lamborghinis and Ferraris to join the force's fleet of patrol cars for high-speed pursuit purposes.
He added: “There are studies saying that high speeds can’t make accidents unless there are other factors. Accidents can happen when a car driving with 140kph and then surprised with a car in front of it with 60kph.”
Al Zafeen’s suggestion came during the launch of the second year of the white points system which rewards drivers who have not committed any traffic offenses during the year for their good behaviour.
He said that the highway would need certain specifications and four lanes in two directions.
The speed-savvy Police General was also the driving force behind the recent acquisition by Dubai Police of a number of Lamborghinis and Ferraris to join the force's fleet of patrol cars for high-speed pursuit purposes.
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