November page 2007

       
    

Emirati invents easy SMS for the deaf and dumb

http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/07/11/18/10168320.html

11/18/2007 12:19 AM | By Marten Youssef, Staff Reporter
Abu Dhabi: An Emirati man has invented a simple text messaging service (SMS) for the deaf and dumb and his main goal is not to make money but for this invention to become a mainstream project.
After seeing an urgent need for the deaf and dumb to participate in the mobile revolution, Fahed Jaber thought to use the universal sign language as a platform for his idea.
"I thought to myself, why should they be kept out of this necessary communication? I kept on thinking for a long time and then I started implementing it," Jaber, a graphic designer, said.

Idea sharing
The idea works the same as the regular text message, using each key to choose one of the assigned letters, but instead of the letters it chooses an alphabet from the sign language. For example, the letter A in sign language is a closed fist with the thumb to the side. To select the letter A, you would need to press the number one on your key pad only once. The revolutionary idea has sparked an incredible response, Jaber says, but he is determined that his goal is not to make money as much as it is to spread the message.
"When I first shared this idea, the word spread incredibly. People were encouraging me to register the idea so no one takes it but I thought let who ever wants to take it, to take it. That's the whole point," Jaber said.
While the idea may be genius, Jaber recognises that it will not get very far with out the backing of mobile phone companies.
"Mobile companies have the money to implement this idea and to invent on it further. Perhaps they can even create a new device for the deaf and dumb that would incorporate my idea," Jaber said.
His next step will be to directly contact the companies and propose this idea to them and he is certain some mobile companies will see the potential in this invention.

     The Burj Dubai - located in The Old Town (Dubais newest development, also called Business Bay or maybe they are two different areas next to each other. Who knows - things change so fast it's difficult to keep up). Construction is moving forward at an astonishing pace.
    
    
 

Dubai Metro : One of the most advanced urban rail systems in the world Taking Shape
June 7th, 2007 at 4:05 pm

A rapidly expanding population, plus increasing numbers of tourists (the target is 15 million annually by 2010) has placed great strain on Dubai’s transport infrastructure. Congestion is frankly horrendous. The Dubai Metro system, currently under construction, aims to ease this congestion and reduce passenger travelling time.

The Dubai Metro system, currently under construction, aims to ease this congestion and reduce passenger travelling time.4 Lines are being constructed:

The Dubai Metro will be one of the most advanced urban rail systems in the world and will be the catalyst for tourism, financial and economic growth. Investment costs for the full system have been assessed at a grand total of about AE$14.3bn, including civil works, stations, system fixed equipment, trains, engineering and financing.

    
    
    
    
 Syrian-born Muslim may be kingmaker in Danish poll (from Gulf News 11th November 07)

Copenhagen: A popular Syrian-born Muslim is set to play kingmaker in Denmark's elections next week, heralding a shift in anti-foreigner sentiment in the country.
Naser Khader's New Alliance party, which is just six months old, has already made a huge impact in the political spectrum of Denmark.
Khader was an 11-year-old boy when his father brought the family to Denmark in search of a better future. Although reluctant to leave Syria, he now says, "Denmark is my home country and my children's home country".
He said, "The more I go to the Middle East, the more Danish I become because I start to see things with Danish glasses, Danish eyes - no democracy, no freedom of speech."
Khader and his New Alliance party have drawn support by vowing to combat the influence of the anti-immigrant Danish People's Party, improve treatment of asylum seekers and cap income tax levels in Denmark.
Khader grabbed national attention when he led a moderate Muslim movement in 2006, urging calm after a Danish newspaper's publication of cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) sparked violent worldwide protests.

  This weekend we went to Abu Dhabi to see the Emirates Palace Hotel, the capitals answer to Burj al Arab.
"A new landmark for the Middle East, set within 100 acres of landscaped gardens, the Emirates Palace is built in the style of a majestically ornate Oriental palace rising from the sand, with the colours of the facade representing the nuances of the Arabian desert.
The palace houses the largest conference facilities in the region and is the most impressive hotel ever built."  From www.kempinski.com
    
The above pictures and the ones to follow are from www.emiratespalace.com
    
The blue saloon                                                                The caviar bar                                 view up to the grand dome
      
corridor of the east wing                                    entrance to Mezzaluna Restaurant            also Mezzaluna
 
 
And now for our own efforts: text will follow when I am sure I have the details right. At the hotel several exhibitions and coffee caught our attention