Dubai bus shelters to get internet connectivity

RTA's pilot project seeks to set up Wi-Fi hotspots in some facilities by year-end. Dubai: 

In addition to the world’s first air-conditioned bus shelters, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will soon boast another first — Wi-Fi-enabled bus shelters.

A pilot project is being planned to have Wi-Fi connectivity at some of the 400 new AC bus shelters to come up at new locations by the end of this year.

“We are currently doing feasibility studies and working out the modalities of having Wi-Fi at new bus shelters. Several vendors have approached us with their ideas and we are looking at the best possible options,” said Mohammad Abdullah Al Ali, Director of Planning and Business Development at the RTA’s Public Transport Agency, in an exclusive interview with Gulf News.

Elaborating further on possible ways to access the internet at different locations he said that only people using public transport services would be able to access it.

Linked to Nol cards

“We are trying to work out the issue of accessibility, we don’t want unwanted people to come and crowd bus shelters just to access the internet. We are planning to link it to the Nol payment system and only those who are actually waiting for a bus will be able to use it after punching their Nol cards,” added Al Ali.

Initially, the project will be tried out at some of the most popular locations and a survey is being conducted to identify potential areas.

“AC bus shelters is the RTA’s pioneer project and Wi-Fi will add more value to it, I don’t think there are such services in bus shelters in any part of the world,” said Al Ali, highlighting some of the RTA’s landmark initiatives.

UAE property market begins slow recovery

Total value of land transactions in Dubai grew 21 per cent to Dh63 billion in the first half of the year. The UAE’s real estate market is showing signs of recovery – nearly four years after the sector faced the fallout of the worst economic crisis in September 2008 that nearly halted most of the development activities. Backed by a structured cash injection, careful re-engineering of major development companies and rescheduling of projects and debts, the sector is expected to rebound – although slowly, according to market experts.

“The overall residential market is seeing a positive trend with the villa market continuing to outperform the apartment sector in the second quarter of 2012,” real estate consultant, Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), said in a recent report.

Signs of improved investor confidence have flowed into the real estate sector, with continued demand for quality, well located and income producing assets, it said.

“Prime residential buildings in well established locations continue to see improved performance, but secondary locations are still suffering from rental and pricing declines,” the report stated.

Except for RAK Properties, all the publicly listed property developers have recorded solid growth during the second quarter of this year. Emaar Properties recorded a 45 per cent jump in net profits to Dh1.2 billion at a time when its revenue remained flat, while Abu Dhabi’s biggest developer, Aldar Properties, recorded a 228 per cent jump in net profits in the second quarter of the year – visibly recovering from the near bankrupt situation when it had to be bailed out by the Abu Dhabi government last year.

Sorouh Real Estate, meanwhile, recorded Dh259 million profit – a 29 per cent increase over the same period a year earlier, while its revenue jumped 247 per cent to Dh1.2 billion.

“Dubai’s real estate recovery appears to have continued in Q2,” according to a report by Emirates NBD Research.

And prices for almost all categories of housing rose April through June according to data from Cluttons. “Mid-range villa prices rose 18.5 per cent year-on-year last month, outpacing the 14.6 per cent year-on-year rise in high-end villa prices. Apartment prices rose more modestly, while price declines in the beleaguered low-end apartment sector have slowed,” the data revealed.

Total value of land transactions in Dubai grew 21 per cent to Dh63 billion in the first half of 2012, according to the Dubai Land Department. The department’s statistics reveal that a total of 18,953 transactions were recorded in the first half of the year, consisting mostly of sales, mortgages, land development, lease contracts and grants.

Sultan Bin Mejrin, director-general of Dubai Land Department, said these are important indicators of growth and strong performance of the market.

“The real estate market in the UAE is quite fragmented with Dubai already seeing greater stability and even growth in some cases for certain sub-sectors of the market. This trend is expected to continue for the remainder of the year,” Matthew Green, Head of Research and Consultancy, CB Richard Ellis (CBRE), Middle East, told Gulf News.

Echoing similar thoughts is Niall McLoughlin, Senior Vice President of Damac Properties. “Confidence is coming back to the Dubai market and investors are looking to capitalise on some great offers. We are set to see an increase in valuations throughout the rest of the year and into 2013,” he said.

Deflationary pressures are likely to persist during the second half of 2012 as new supply continues to outpace growth in demand and heightened competition aggravates already falling rents, CB Richard Ellis said in its latest report.

“On the flip side those situation in less desirable locations will continue to face challenges in maintaining occupancy rates and in attracting new tenants. For Abu Dhabi the development cycle is significantly behind Dubai, with the capital only now reaching the peak of its development cycle,” said CBRE’s Green. “As new supply emerges we expect to see further deflation of sales and leasing rates, although this will be moderate as compared to the declines that we have seen during 2009 and 2010, at the peak of the market downturn.”

According to a recent report, Dubai remains in the top performing 15 cities in global real estate sector and number one in the Middle East throughout the second quarter with buoyant Asian markets and resurgence in the main European capitals providing a stimulus for growth.

-By Saifur Rahman

 

On Top of the World

What does the world look like from 1483 feet? From the world's tallest building in the Dubai desert, travel photographer MITHUN BASAK brings these stunning images. 

The day is ending..

Anu's Diary: The day is ending..: Sunset in Abra Sunset in Ras Al Khore    Sunset in Safa On my way back home. The Sun has finished his duty serving us and...

Indians top list of foreign property buyers in Dubai

Buyers from India, Pakistan, UK account for majority of Dh22b invested in the property market.

Dubai: Foreign investors injected more than Dh22 billion in the real estate sector in Dubai, with Indian, Pakistani, and British buyers dominating the market, government data for the first half of 2012 showed.

Dubai’s Land Department, which issued its half-yearly report on Tuesday, says that the funds were used to buy 12,875 properties, including buildings, lands, apartments, and residential villas during the first half of 2012.

Indians purchased 2,153 properties at a value of Dh3.75 billion, followed by Pakistanis who bought 1,814 properties valued at Dh1.713 billion.

“The real estate sector performance is moving from strength to strength over the past two years. The market has been attracting more foreign investors, which reflects a solid national economy and its excellent growth potential,” Majida Ali Rashid, chairwoman of the Real Estate Investment Promotion and Management Centre, said.

She added that the increased investor confidence in Dubai properties and the growth in deals, both in terms of quality and quantity, are positive indicators for further growth.

Mohannad Al Wadiya, managing director of Harbor Real Estate, said that the real estate market in Dubai has shown high levels of flexibility in meeting investor requirements and trends during the first half of 2012, specially the new investors looking to benefit from the market’s price correction in the past two years.

“Moreover, these results should be considered a wake-up call for developers to finish their projects — and would encourage investors to get back into the market by creating a positive vibe,” he said.

This will also ensure openness and transparency in the market going forward, he added.

Majida said that foreign investors’ purchases in freehold projects in Dubai are still dominated by Indians who have consistently claimed the first spot since foreign ownership regulations were implemented.

She added that British investors bought a total of 1,564 properties worth Dh2,529 billion, ranking third in terms of the number of units purchased, while Russian and Iranian investors competed for the fourth and fifth spots, with Iranians buying 1,057 properties worth Dh1,515 billion while Russians purchased 694 properties at a total value of Dh1,438 billion.

According to the report, Saudi investors came in sixth after buying 416 units in the first half of the year at a value of Dh1,059 billion, followed by Americans with 415 properties valued at Dh694 million. Canadians came in eighth as they bought 329 properties worth Dh754 million.

Emiratis top the list

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) investors pumped in Dh12 billion in Dubai’s real estate sector, and Emiratis topped the list in the apartment segment.

Sultan Al Akraf, senior director of the real estate registration services at the department, said that the figures reflect an ongoing upside trend and a positive growth in the real estate market performance in the emirate.

Al Akraf added that the total value of real estate transactions has exceeded Dh63 billion during the first half of the current year, representing a 21 per cent growth over the same period in 2011.

According to the department’s figures, the biggest investment was in plots through sales accounting for 14,652 transactions worth Dh30.8 billion.

By Zaher Bitar

Where to Stay in Dubai?

A regular look at some of the finest hotels in the city

THE HARBOUR HOTEL

The Harbour Hotel comprises 261 luxurious fully-equipped suites. Guest have access to an exclusive spa, gymnasium, outdoor swimming pool and business centre. There are also some great dining options including the Mediterranean Spa Restaurant and Bar and the Signature Penthouse Restaurant which serves up world-class cuisine in stunning surroundings. Enjoy pre-dinner drinks at the Observatory on the 52nd floor and take in stunning views of the Palm Jumeirah, Burj al Arab and the waterways of the Dubai Marina.

Tel: 04 3194000

AL MAHA DESERT RESORT

Al Maha Desert Resort is set in 225 square kilometres of pristine desert landscape just 45 minutes from Dubai. Al Maha lies within an award-winning conservation area and visitors can experience the true beauty and majesty of the desert and observe the indigenous wildlife. The resort has a range of Arabesque suites ranging from the Beduion suites to the ultra-luxurious Presidential Room.

Tel: 04 3034222

TULIP INN

Tulip Inn Hotel is located in Knowledge Village within walking distance of Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City. It is also close to Ibn Battuta Mall and Mall of the Emirates.The hotel consists of 51 luxurious spacious fully-equipped rooms and suites  with high-tech communication facilities.

Tel: 04 3671222

FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON –SHAIKH ZAYED ROADThis hotel’s prime location on Shaikh Zayed Road makes its ideal for both business and leisure travellers. It is close to the World Trade Centre and Exhibition Centre. Leisure travellers are only a few minutes away from Jumeirah Beach, Dubai's old souqs and all the major shopping malls. The hotel comprises 385 contemporary guest rooms, featuring internet access, TV, electronic safe and 24-hour room service.

Tel: 04 3230333

KARAMA HOTEL

Karama Hotel’s downtown location allows access to the main commercial and  entertainment hotspots of the city. The threestar hotel has 130 spacious rooms,  equipped with safety deposit boxes, satellite televisions and a mini bar. There is also a range of multi-cuisine restaurants, entertainment clubs and lounge bars at the  establishment.

Tel: 04 3366607

CHELSEA TOWER HOTEL

Chelsea Tower offers guest excellent views of Dubai towards the Arabian Gulf on one side and Dubai city on the other side. It is conveniently located on Shaikh Zayed Road opposite the Dubai International Financial Centre and Expo Centre, providing easy access to major shopping malls, tourist attractions and the beach. The modern  hallways are marbled and lead to spacious one, two and three bedroom apartments offering short and long stay options.

Tel: 04 3434347

HOTEL IBIS AL BARSHA

This budget hotel is just minutes from the Mall of the Emirates, 25km from Dubai International Airport and 15km from the Dubai International Convention Centre. The hotel offers 480 comfortable and modern rooms, a  trendy restaurant, a cafe and two bars.All rooms are equipped with a practical workspace, international direct dialling, highspeed internet, Wifi access and satellite TV, making it ideal for the business traveller.

Tel: 04 3996699

The Gold Rush

An amazing night view of the Sheikh Zayed Road Intersection in Dubai... Love the selective colour in golden.. Photography © by Karim Nafatni aka Gost Ridr.

Want to visit Dubai?

A visitor needs to get a new entry permit to re-enter the country once he or she leaves the country for any destination. The new entry permit will be issued only after one month from the date the visitor leaves the UAE

Dubai: Visas for visit, transit and tourism are valid only for a single entry into the UAE, said a senior official at the Ministry of Interior, adding that visitors cannot return using the same permit even after a trip to a neighbouring country.

Major General Mohammad Ahmad Al Merri, Director-General of the Dubai General Department for Residency and Foreigners Affairs, told Gulf News: "A visitor needs to get a new entry permit to re-enter the country once he or she leaves the country for any destination. The new entry permit will be issued only after one month from the date the visitor leaves the UAE."

Major General Al Merri was responding to a question about visitors who face difficulties in returning to the UAE after a short sightseeing trip to Oman or after leaving in a hurry for a meeting in Bahrain. They cannot re-enter the UAE immediately since a new visa will be issued only after a gap of at least one month.

The rule applies even if the visitors leave the country before the expiry of their entry permits, he said. "They have to wait for one month before applying for another entry permit."

Major General Al Merri said this happens to some people who arrive on tourist or visit visas to see family or friends or visit the country as tourists.

"They stay here for few days and then decide to go to Oman, Bahrain or any nearby country. These people believe they can return to the UAE using the same entry permit as they stayed here only for a few days.

"They think the entry permit is still valid since they did not use it till the expiry date," he said.

Major General Al Merri said the department, however, could take into consideration any exceptional circumstances pertaining to a particular visitor. But such a decision is taken on case-by-case basis.

"We want to make it easy and enjoyable for people who want to visit our country. But they should adhere to the rules," he said.

Multiple entry

Multiple entry visas are an option for businessmen who are frequent visitors to the UAE and who have a relationship with a reputable company here.

This visa is valid for six months from the date of issue and costs Dh1,000. However, each visit must not exceed 30 days.

Visit, tourist and transit visas are only for single entry.

Traditional Men's Dress of Middle east

The ubiquitous kandora has evolved over the years. And changing trends and fashions does not mean it should be stuck in a time warp. Here’s are tips on how to update it and how best to wear and with what, no matter the occasion. 

Below it shows how they wear as per the country..

Dubai’s Longest Jogging Track?

According to Gulf news Xpress; Residents excited as the Dh20 million Palm Jumeirah Park – the city’s latest fitness and leisure destination – nears completion.

DUBAI The new Palm Jumeirah Park could emerge as a favourite destination for joggers and health buffs after a Dh20-million park opens there soon.

Or it can be just a new family-outing destination where kids can play, dads can chill, mums can shop and nannies can chat.

“ 

This will be a surefire hit winter-walk destination. I’ve seen it take shape from nothing. It’s quite a lot — what they have done

”

Dave, Shoreline Apartments resident

The final landscaping touches are being put in place at the Palm Jumeirah Park, which runs beneath the monorail line.

The 2.5-km long strip forms part of a “trunk” of the iconic reclamation project, with a jogging track that stretches for about 5km (Zabeel Park: 4.3km, Safa Park: 3.4 km).

Residents can’t seem to hide their excitement.

“This will be a surefire hit winter-walk destination,” said Dave, a Briton who lives in Shoreline, Apartments which borders the northern end of the park. “I’ve seen it take shape from nothing. It’s quite a lot — what they have done.”

Builders said the park will have four main bridges over water features and 18 smaller bridges over meandering wadi-like landscaping in the middle.

Already completed is a maroon-coloured rubberised jogging track, dotted with public exercise machines and play areas for children installed at several points along the parallel track.

There’s plenty of room for shops on the ground floor of the low-rise Golden Mile buildings on its southern plank. The construction, in its fourth month, has about 400 people working in two shifts to complete the park, said a site engineer.

“We’re doing double shifts — working until midnight — to complete this in about four weeks,” a site engineer told XPRESS, but asked not to be named.

A Nakheel source confirmed that construction was being ramped up for opening before the winter season.

“It’s designed for both residents and visitors. This will rival The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) and the Marina — but with much more generous greenery,” said the Nakheel staff.

How are people from outside going to get in and out of the park?

There are a number of options — the first is to use the monorail, though it is probably an expensive option. One station is smack in the middle of this park, while another is located on its western end. Walking from the main Jumeirah beach road on the Media City site is another way to get there. For those who drive, there will be two parking lots — also now in the final stages of completion — enough for 500 cars. “It is about 90 per cent complete and will be ready real soon,” said the site engineer.

The park’s unhurried vibe and greenery are sure to add to Dubai’s family-friendly destinations.

Even in summer, people can take a walk in mid-day under the long stretch of shade provided by drooping leaves of eight-metre high Narra (Pterocarpus indicus) trees on the Shoreline side.

The park is currently being fitted with hundreds of garden and underwater lights, according to a site engineer.

The landscaping includes thousands of Aloe Vera plants and about 350 date palm trees.

A Japanese housewife who lives on The Palm, said: “We can’t wait for it to open.”

Olena, a Russian Shoreline resident, said, “It will be a welcome addition to our life here.”

Night Life

BEAUTIFUL Sheikh Zayed Road in Downtown Dubai at Night. AMAZING Dubai cityscape view!!! Photography © by Sebastian Opitz 

Hottest July in 9 years

The UAE had the hottest July this year after 2002 as the temperatures shot up to 50.4 degree Celsius, the highest in nine years.

According to the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology, this temperature was recorded on July 20, a few days before 50.3 degree Celsius was registered in the Western Region.

Still it’s less than the highest temperature registered by the centre since its inception; 52.1 degree Celsius on July 30, 2002, and from 2003 to 2011 mercury rose up to a maximum of 47.9 degree Celsius.

According to the centre, the rise in temperature is caused by the South Easterly winds, which lies under the influence of the Red Sea depression or the Sudanese depression.

Thermometers installed in motor vehicles show three degrees more than the real measurement, depending upon the place where the temperature is measured and type and colour of the vehicle.

The centre however said it follows international standards for measuring temperature and monitoring weather.

The soaring heat felt during the last few days were because of the increase in humidity level which went up to an average of 89 per cent, while in some suburban areas it reached 98 per cent.

The centre had conducted 27 sorties for cloud seeding, which resulted in rains in some parts of the Eastern and Western regions.

Prices of food items increase

According to Khaleej times; Food prices are increasing during Ramadan, according to figures from the Statistics Centre-Abu Dhabi (SCAD).

The SCAD recorded a 0.3 per cent increase in the prices of food commodities during the third week of Ramadan compared with the second week due to rise in prices of some food groups including fruits (3.9 per cent), fish and seafood (2.7 per cent) and vegetables (0.9 per cent).

Meanwhile, some key groups showed a decrease in prices over the same period. Sugar, jam, honey, chocolate and confectionery fell by 1.3 per cent, followed by coffee, tea and cocoa by 1.1 per cent.  Meat was also down by 0.9 per cent.

Comparing with food prices in the first week of the holy month, SCAD noted an overall increase of 0.8 per cent during the third week.  Meat increased 4.3 per cent followed by sugar, jam, honey, chocolate and confectionery by 0.9 per cent. Oils and fats were also up by 0.7 per cent while mineral water, soft drinks, and fruit and vegetable juices were up by 0.5 per cent. The centre also reported a rise of 3.5 per cent in food prices during the third week compared with the week preceding Ramadan, reflecting an increase in the prices fish and seafood (8.2 per cent), meat (7 per cent), vegetables (6.3 per cent) and coffee, tea and cocoa (6 per cent).

According to the centre, the data was based on the studies of 308 food items that make up the ‘food and non-alcoholic beverages’ expenditure sub-group.

Price data are collected from sources selected through field visits by the inspection team. Sources were selected to ensure that they are representative of a broad segment of consumers in the city of Abu Dhabi during the month of Ramadan.

Lighting in Burj Khalifa - Dubai

A lightning storm in Dubai. Such an AMAZING capture!!! Electrifying Photography © by Alisdair Miller. The lightning storm ignites exactly to the top of the Burj Khalifa, world's tallest tower.

Dubai Metro

The Dubai Metro is the longest driverless metro network in the world.

The Dubai Metro has made it to the Guinness Book of World Records, as the longest driverless metro network in the world, spanning 74.695 kilometers, officials announced on Tuesday.

The record has been set taking into account the combined length of the metro's Green and Red Lines.

The achievement is an addition to the one already made by the Dubai Metro Red Line in September 2011, when it set a new record as the longest driverless metro line in the world at 52 km.

Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), received the Guinness Certificate from Talal Omar, Regional Director of Guinness Book of World Records in the Middle East, at the RTA headquarters on Monday. 

Al Tayer dedicated the achievement to His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who is the driving force of the Dubai Metro project.

"The implementation of the Dubai Metro project is a true testament to the vision of Shaikh Mohammed in uplifting the infrastructure of Dubai. He has been closely monitoring and directing all phases of the work progress in the project, and endorsed the suitable route from several alternatives presented," he said.

"He envisioned using the metro as a backbone linking various parts of Dubai city enabling commuters smooth mobility while enjoying a panoramic view of the city's landmarks," he said.

Parts of the track have been selected to be underground and others elevated to support this vision and to suit the urban layout of Dubai.

Shaikh Mohammad aimed to make the Dubai Metro the best in the world, since its inception. Cutting-edge technology in the rail industry was used, including an air-conditioning system in stations and trains.

All trains are operated by an integrated electronic system enabling the exercising of enhanced control and setting trip timings in a highly accurate format. The metro stations feature a creative and distinctive architectural design pattern, and are been fitted with the latest safety and security techniques. Parking lots have been allocated for private vehicles and public buses in each station, he said.

The total length of the Green and Red Lines add up to 74.694 km, of which 52 km are on the Red Line, and 22.694 km are on the Green Line. The metro has a total of 47 stations of which 29 stations are on the Red Line and 18 stations are on the Green Line.

The two lines intersect twice; first at the Union Station which is the biggest underground metro station in the world spanning an area of 25,000 square meters, and second at Khalid Bin Al Waleed Station; which is one of the most stunning metro stations in the world, thus enabling users smooth transfer between the two lines through these two stations.

A big Hi from Dubai!

Dear Readers!

Dubai is a lovely City in UAE! Its so safe, friendly and beautiful. But the weather is not at all friendly in Summer. It's so hot! some area's temperature goes till 49 degree. After all, Dubai is a heaven in the Winter!

Since I live in Dubai, thought to share my experience about living in Dubai. I hope to post day to day news which comes in various news papers so you can read all in one place. Plus I will update this regularly with the current status of Dubai.

Please leave your comments and suggestions so I can improve this blog. :)

Image is taken by me, this a view of the most popular and famous high way of Dubai which calls Sheikh Zayed Road from Ras Al Khor Road.