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.

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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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