2008

Gulf News March 23rd 2008 

In the first international conference of its kind, delegations from 32 countries are discussing the relationship between federal and local courts, the challenges to judicial systems in the 21st century and the application of Sharia law as a legal system.

Three major issues including Sharia law as a judicial system are being discussed in a two-day conference that will gather presidents and delegations of Supreme Courts worldwide. Several justice systems are presented at the conference including common law, civil law, Latin and Anglo-Saxon law. Although very different from one another, the diverse representation in judicial systems is meant to create a culture of understanding among the attendees.
 

WAM
Published: March 24, 2008, 00:43

Abu Dhabi: Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, opened the Anglican Church in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

The church inauguration coincided with Easter day celebrations. He congratulated Christians on Easter day and the inauguration of the church, adding that "the new building will be a worship place and an important centre for the Anglican sect in Abu Dhabi."

"The inauguration of the Anglican Church building in Abu Dhabi reflects ... that the UAE is tolerant and respects beliefs of others under the wise leadership of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan," Nahyan said.

   

Staff Report
Published: March 26, 2008, 08:00

Dubai: A huge fire has been seen in the Al Quoz industrial area early on Wednesday.

A large black cloud of smoke could be seen billowing into the air following what witnesses say was a large explosion which shook windows in the surrounding area.

Police sources say the fire occurred in a firecracker warehouse in the Al Quoz industrial area, although this has yet to be confirmed.

There are injuries, but it is not clear how many.

Residents nearby said they had heard a large explosion nearby which shook windows.

It is still unclear what has caused the fire.

           
           
       
 The UAE has changed its logo from one featuring the old Dhow (traditional arab wooden ship) to a more contemporary design featuring the UAE flag
      

Theatres, opera house and cultural institutes to adorn banks of Dubai Creek

Staff Report
Published: March 26, 2008, 13:41

Dubai: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Wednesday launched the 'Khor Dubai' Cultural Project, which aims to transform the banks of Dubai Creek into the cultural hub of the city.

The ambitious 20 kilometre project was announced at the Shaikh Saeed Al Maktoum house in Al Shindagha by Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, head of the Culture and Arts Authority, in the presence of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and Prince Agha Khan, head of the Ismaili sect.

Khor Dubai will include 72 new cultural icons that will be added to the other attractions of the creeks: the old souqs in Deira and Bur Dubai, the dockyard and the abra. Ten thematic museums will be created on the banks of the creek, starting from the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) Museum that was announced recently, museums of culture, heritage and contemporary arts and science.

Nine public libraries will also be set up, dedicated to poetry, music and literature. The project will also include thirteen theatres, an opera house, galleries, cultural and artistic institutes, besides workshops for local and foreign artists as well as residents.

In line with the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015, the project comes fifty years after the extension of the creek by the late ruler of Dubai Shaikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum in 1958. The project will create "a unique area that will combine the past and the present to lay down the foundations for the future, merging the cultures of the world with icons of literature, art and creativity," said Shaikh Majid.

"As your new initiative, the 'Khor Dubai' cultural project will make the creek the most comprehensive cultural destination in the world, where trade and tradition will prosper alongside each other," Shaikh Majid said.

The launch of the cultural project comes in the wake of the decree issued by Shaikh Mohammad establishing Dubai’s Culture and Arts Authority. The authority has been mandated to help create a new model for the future of culture and arts in the world by fusing Dubai’s strong Emirati heritage with its large, diverse expatriate culture.

       Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, head of the Culture and Arts Authority
 

Abu Dhabi appoints first ever female judge

WAM
Published: March 26, 2008, 13:48

Abu Dhabi: The emirate of Abu Dhabi has appointed its first ever female judge, WAM reported.

The appointment of Khuloud Ahmad Al Dhaheri as a judge in the court of first instance was announced in a decree issued by His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan,
President of the UAE, Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Ruler of Abu Dhabi.

According to WAM she is the first ever female judge in the history of the UAE.

The decree comes within the process of comprehensive development taking place at the judicial institutions in Abu Dhabi and also underlines the governments keenness to allow women to participate in the development process of the country, WAM said.

 The beach in Liseleje on a windswept day - 8 dgrC, the sun is shining and the sky is blue

    
     
 3rd March 2008 - Happy "Spring"!    
 12th March and Spring is really here    
     
 New access for the handicapped to the beach at Liseleje - close to the Tourist Information and the "Modebager" for those of you who know the area.    
     
 Martin, Marc and Poul in Marcs flat.  Klaus, Poul, Shefali and Claus at the opening reception for B&W MAN's new offices and workshop in Port Rashid  Martin managed to come back to Dubai with us for a short Easter break. The rest of the picturea are lost in cyberspace, annoying!