Rape attempt ends in death

Ras Al Khaimah: An Asian tailor died of heart attack while he was trying to molest an Asian housemaid in her sponsor's home in Ras Al Khaimah, a police source said Wednesday.

The source told Gulf News that the 26-year-old tailor died last Friday as he attempted to rape the housemaid at her employer's house in Ras Al Khaimah.

"The incident took place around 1.00am, when the 28-year-old housemaid was sleeping in her room. She woke up terrified after seeing a stranger near her bed," the source added.

He said the tailor was working in a nearby shop in Al Ghab area in Ras Al Khaimah. The tailor had somehow managed to sneak into the housemaid's room.

"The maid felt a stranger next to her so she pushed him and ran, she was very afraid and hid in the bathroom for one hour," added the source.

Intruder

She was afraid she would be raped, the maid told investigators. She said she left the bathroom only after she felt the intruder had left the room, but to her surprise she found the man lying on the ground near her bed. The man was not moving, said the police source.

The maid promptly informed her sponsor about the incident who went to her room to find the intruder lying on the ground. He then informed the police.

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A limit on 'No-Limits' freediving

Dubai: Freedivers, keen to continue the sport in the UAE with hopes of holding international competitions in the Arabian Gulf, are planning to stop deep dives after the first professional Emirati diver was feared dead earlier this month during a 70-metre deep-dive attempt in Greece.

Breath-hold dives or apnea, known as freediving, involves reaching depths or travelling distances under water on just a lungful of air, without artificial breathing equipment.

"The 100-strong apnea community wants stricter measures applied to deep No-Limits freedives, which tarnishes the relaxing aspect of freediving and taints it as an extreme sport," said Sara-Lise Haith, 42, a freediving British instructor in the UAE.

During a No-Limits attempt, divers are dragged to a pre-defined target depth by means of a sled at a speed of around 2.5 metres per second. They come back up to the surface using a self-inflating balloon. Alternatively, in a Variable Weight dive, divers can choose to return to the surface using their own strength, with fins or by pulling themselves up a rope.

Pushing divers

"No-Limits is banned in competitions by the world federation for breath-hold diving, known as Aida [Association Internationale pour le Developpement de l'Apnee], but still open to record attempts, pushing divers to go deeper and deeper," said Haith.

"We teach people to freedive safely. But No-Limits is not freediving, it's a stunt," she said. "You should only dive to a depth you can swim up from."

Adel Abu Haliqa, 40, an Emirati from Abu Dhabi, did not resurface from a 70-metre No-Limits attempt in Greece on June 7, and is feared dead after search and rescue operations failed to recover his body.

Ratification

According to Haith, the continued ratification and recognition of No-Limits is severely hindering the development of more important sporting disciplines.

"Adel was a hero. He was much respected. I believe his death was unnecessary and could have been avoided," she said.

Marco Rettig, 36, a Dubai-based freediver from Germany, said he was very sceptical of sled-diving. "It puts you in utter dependency on a technology that, in the past, has more than once failed due to technical or human error or simply bad luck. Second, it allows you to overcome limits that your body and mind would otherwise not allow you to break," he said.

The idea to build a sled here was shelved based on the underwater conditions in the UAE such as currents and bad visibility.

Things can go wrong

"I can mention half a dozen things that can go wrong due the conditions here," Rettig added.

Secondly only a few people in the UAE would be capable of accompanying students on a sled on their way down.

"Going down on your own or being led by an instructor is a totally different thing — both mentally and with regard to safety," he said.

Investigation is still on — Aida president

Kimmo Lahtinen, president of Aida (Association Internationale pour le Developpement de l'Apnee), answers some questions on the recent freediving accident which involved a UAE national.

Adel Abu Haliqa, 40, from Abu Dhabi is feared dead during No-Limits training in Greece. Abu Haliqa, founder of Freediving UAE, worked hard to include the UAE as a member of Aida and hoped to conduct freediving competitions here in the future. The UAE was recently approved as an observer member.

Do you have a clear idea of what happened to Adel Abu Haliqa underwater?

Greece's coast guard has done their investigation on the accident already and Aida will do its own when the search is over. After this we may be able to estimate this accident better.

Was Adel prone to disconnecting from his safety lanyard? Is this an usual No-Limits behaviour?

Nowadays in deep No-Limits dives the lanyard is used. It will be attached above the sledge, connecting the diver to the dive rope where the sledge moves, and it should be kept there during the dive. This time it was not connected to the dive rope when the sledge came back to the surface. And we do not know the reason for that at the moment.

Who was his diving buddy?

Sled diving is often done alone.

What is the general procedure during such accidents?

Deep water searches are done normally with the help of the side-scan sonars and Remotely Operated Vehicles.

What training does Aida offer for No-Limits diving?

AidaA has sled diving safety guidelines and some divers use sledges regularly for deep training. Aida's sled diving safety guidelines can be found on the Aida website.

Should No-Limits be stopped?

There are no competitions in sled-assisted freediving in Aida. Some top freedivers have been setting records which have been validated by Aida.

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Green lifestyle event with an educational twist

Dubai: A lifestyle event with an educational twist is taking place at Dubai Mall until Friday showing off all kinds of innovative products available in the UAE that give shoppers more sustainable choices.

More than 70 exhibitors have set up booths and kiosks around the ground and lower ground floor as part of Epic Dubai Sustainable Living Expo.

"To be more sustainable people need to consume less but that is never ever going to happen. We want to help people put their dollars where their values are," said Nancy Wright, vice president of Vancouver-based Globe Foundation, the organisation behind Epic events. "We can make choices as consumers not to buy more, but to buy smarter," she said.

A series of live cooking demonstrations with organic produce and talks on environmental matters will also take place today and tomorrow.

Guiding principles

Around 75 per cent of the exhibitors are local and regional companies. All are vetted and allowed to exhibit if their products or guiding principles are in line with environmental policies. Greenwashing, a term for falsely claiming to have environmental policies is not uncommon among unscrupulous businesses hoping to attract consumers that seek cleaner, healthier products for them and the planet.

"All kinds of companies that want to take part in these events often have no environmental credentials. We can't open it up to them because we cannot compromise the Epic brand," said Wright.

Tarnish companies

"Companies will always greenwash and tarnish other companies that are taking steps towards sustainability. I am hoping that governments will crack down on greenwashing and give environmental credentials more meaning," she said.

"I think we have passed the peak of greenwashing and today there is less, due to increased education."

Visitors can donate Dh20 at the Goumbook stand to plant a ghaf tree, drop off their mobile phones at the Nokia stand to be recycled and try charging their phone on an exercise bike.

"A good thing about health and beauty products is that the price compared to ordinary products are competitive from a price point. It makes it an easier choice," said Wright.

Epic talks

Bee'ah, Sharjah's waste management company at 3pm

Organic Foods and Café at 4pm

Dubai Police and Lootah Group at 5pm, Goumbook at 6pm, Dubai Municipality at 8pm and Dewa at 9.30pm

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UAE and Turkey to conduct counter-piracy naval exercises

Dubai: The UAE and Turkey will conduct counter-piracy naval exercises on Sunday to promote security and stability at sea, while contributing to the world's peace, a top naval official has said.

"Our mission is a counter-piracy operation, to deter the piracy at sea in the Gulf of Aden in the internationally recognised transiting corridor and Arabian sea and in the Indian ocean and conducting naval diplomacy," said Rear Admiral Sinan Ertugrul, Commander of the Turkish Task Force.

Speaking on board the Turkish warship TCG Barbaros docked at Mina Zayed, Rear Admiral Ertugrul praised the Emirati navy as, "very capable and very powerful. And we believe that we can enhance the level of interoperability between the navies of the two countries."

Hijacked ship

Special forces from the UAE stormed a hijacked ship in the Arabian Sea, east of Oman, in early April, rescuing the crew and capturing all of the pirates who had seized the vessel only a day before.

The operation was conducted in co-ordination with the Bahrain-based US 5th fleet.

During his five-day visit, Admiral Ertugrul will have talks with his Emirati counterpart Commander of the UAE Naval Forces, Staff Brigadier Ebrahim Salem Al Beloushi to promote the ability of the two countries to work together and share intelligence and expertise.

Admiral Ertugrul stressed piracy was a threat to peace and prosperity not only in the region but worldwide because piracy had a great effect on maritime trade and security.

Well organised

"We coordinate all the activities we conduct with all the forces in the area, it is not national, it is very well organised and coordinated," he said.

As part of its global anti-piracy mission, Turkey is deploying four frigates, which conducted joint exercises with Oman.

Similar joint training exercises will be conducted with Qatar, Pakistan, India, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.

The four warships are part of the Turkish Maritime Task Group (TMTG), which was set up as part of the Turkish Navy's expansion plans.

Supporting treaty

Admiral Ertugrul said the grant objective of TMTG exercise was to support the ongoing United Nations and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation operations worldwide, and ensuring maritime security.

"Given the threats to global security, especially maritime security, Turkey's drive assumes greater significance and is meant to promote security at the seas and contributing to world peace."

In a bid to boost the anti-piracy efforts, the Turkish Maritime Task Group will be providing naval escorts to Turkish and non-Turkish flagged vessels passing through the Gulf of Aden.

We don't discriminate

Admiral Ertugul said: "We don't discriminate, we protect whoever joins us in the convoy operation.

"This is international courtesy. Other nations are also doing the same. Some Turkish flagged vessels are now escorted by other friendly countries. The nations are very interested in coming together to find common solutions to the issue of piracy.

Traffic: busy trading route

Around 33,000 merchant ships navigate annually through the Gulf of Aden, Suez Canal, and Red Sea that have great significance on global sea trade.

The value of the freight of the transiting ships is almost equal to 14 per cent of world merchant shipping (approx Dh6.6 trillion), 26 per cent of world petroleum shipping and 30 per cent of European Petroleum consumption.

Around 30 Turkish merchant ships that navigate monthly in the area.

Nato is conducting counter-piracy activities in full cooperation with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and with actions against piracy initiated by others, such as the European Union.

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District Feature: Sharjah's Al Sharq has a rich history

Dubai: Every Dh5 note has a picture of the Salem Al Mutawa mosque located in the Al Sharq area. Once the heartbeat of Khor Fakkan city, today you can barely feel its pulse.

Al Sharq area overlooks Khor Fakkan Corniche and more than 30 years ago, was the hustling bustling neighbourhood in the city, as traders, arriving at Khor Fakkan Port, used to flock to its souq among shops, which sold everything from fabrics to groceries to food.

Choosing the mosque, located in this area, as a symbol for one of the denominations of the national currency shows the significance of Al Sharq area and the major trading role it played long ago.

It is said that the mosque on the five dirham note was built some 200 years ago using gravel and palm tree trunks. The mosque was renovated in March this year and the residents living in that area now pray there. It has recently also been named after Salem Al Mutawa, a late resident of that area, who never missed any of the five prayer times at the mosque. A well which was dug in the mosque for ablution still provides sweet water. The sea is 20 metres away from this mosque.

The Al Sharq area currently houses several hundreds of people, mostly shopkeepers who work at the old style souq, which still stands alive to tell the tales of bygone years.

Thirty years ago, Al Sharq area was inhabited by Emiratis mostly and some Arabs. After the UAE became one federation in 1971, and as the country and its cities developed, the old area of Al Sharq became almost abandoned by Emirati families as they moved to live and work in the new city developments. Old Emirati residents still remember the first clinic in Khor Fakkan, which was located in the Al Sharq neighbourhood. Today, that clinic structure has become a shop for car polishing.

The Al Sharq area also had the first Khor Fakkan municipality building, which has also been abandoned. It also has a building which housed a branch of the British Bank, the first bank at that time. However, old residents of the area say the branch was closed after the security guard there was killed in that building long ago.

Trading port

Ali Abdullah Al Mirza, an 81-year-old Emirati trader and fisherman, who was a former resident of Al Sharq area, said it (the area) was the heart of Khor Fakkan city years ago because it overlooked the sea.

"It was a very busy area because ships, carrying goods and traders from around the world, would arrive to the city's port for trading purposes. It also helped the people of this city to travel to various destinations which helped open up their minds and learn a lot," said Al Mirza, who lives in another neighbourhood not far from the Al Sharq area.

Talking about how Al Sharq area looked in those days, Al Mirza said: "There were around 300 houses in this area at that time with the majority being [of] Emirati families and some Arabs. The houses were built of palm tree trunks and stones and were close to each other. The two most famous families who lived in the area were Al Naqbi families and Al Hammadi families,"

Al Mirza said although he moved to another neighbourhood, his fondest memories are of the Al Sharq area, where he spent most of his youngdays.

Sulaiman Al Naqbi, another Emirati who lived in the Al Sharq area, said: "The old souq, which has kept its old style in terms of the structure and the use of wooden doors and big locks, is a distinct feature of the area."

According to him, this souq still has some old shops, which are no longer commonly seen in other parts of the country because they have been replaced by modern developments.

"One of the shops which I am certain may not be found easily now are the shops which repair old TV sets. You can find the large boxy TV sets lying in these shops for maintenance," he said.

Umm Mahmoud, an Egyptian who was entering her flat in the only tall structure in the area, said she still loves living in the area.

"I moved to Khor Fakkan 20 years ago after my marriage. My husband and I lived in this neighbourhood and saw the changes it has gone through as years passed. I still love this area and don't think of moving away because to me everything seems close. I buy my groceries from the grocery in the old souq, which is only walking distance. The mosque is very close by for my husband. We often go walking on the corniche which is a road away from here. I do miss what was once the busy nature of this area, but I have got used to the quietness," she said giggling.

Building lives

Mohiuddin, a grocer at Kirla Supermarket, said he witnessed the massive changes the Al Sharq area has gone through.

"I arrived here from Bombay [Mumbai] in 1971 and since then has been working in various shops in this souq. The shops were small boxy shops owned by Emiratis. I started working in this supermarket in 1978. This area was a mountainous area which overlooked the sea. There were no roads and the only vehicle which would move here was the old Land Rover," he recalled.

Another shopkeeper, Azad, working at Al Rayan shop, which sold everything from handbags, watches, perfumes, clothes and other things, said, although he has been working in this shop for three years, it [the shop] has been there for 32 years and has evolved with time.

"Of course, now the business is not as strong as it used to be, as my other colleagues who have been working in this shop tell me, but we still get elderly Emiratis who especially come looking for old style stuff," he said.

Al Sharq area now may not be as busy or as appealing as it used to be, but a visit there is sure to shed light on its rich history and culture. The area is filled with stories of how its inhabitants lived simply, yet comfortably despite their struggles.

HIGHLIGHTS

1 Salem Al Mutawa Mosque
The structure adorns the back of the the Dh5 note. The mosque still maintains the traditional style in which it was built and is a must-see if one is visited Al Sharq.

2 Al Sharq old souq
It houses several stores ranging from a supermarket, shops selling miscellaneous goods and shops repairing old TV sets. Even today when the shops close, the large wooden doors are locked with big metal locks.

3 Al Sharq Fort
It stands magnificently atop a a mountain. A visit to this imposing structure will reveal the rich history of the Al Sharq area.

Al SHARQ'S LOCATION
Al Sharq area is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Khor Fakkan city. It overlooks Khor Fakkan Corniche. More than 30 years ago, it was the hustling bustling neighbourhood in the city, as traders, arriving at Khor Fakkan Port, used to flock to its shops, which sold everything from fabric to groceries to food.

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Emirates ID cards mandatory for members to vote in FNC elections

Abu Dhabi: Voters must have an Emirates Identity card to take part in the upcoming Federal National Council (FNC) elections. The card, which is equipped with a chip will be used for the first time to ensure the identity of the holder.

E-voting is considered to be one of the most efficient in ensuring a safe, effective and convenient election process, said Dr Ali Al Khouri, director-general of the Emirates Identity Authority and member of the National Election Committee (NEC). The election is scheduled to be held on September 24, officials said Tuesday.

The electronic voting system, he said, has been adopted in many countries across the world and the UAE was the first Arab country in the region to implement such an advanced system in 2006.

The UAE adopts best international practices in using e-voting systems. Leading e-voting solutions provider Logica Business and Technology has been chosen for the FNC elections this year.

Electoral base

The electoral base for this year's elections has been expanded to ensure larger public participation, but the electoral rolls for the seven emirates will be announced on July 11, said Tariq Hilal Lootah, Undersecretary of the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs and a member of the NEC.

Indications are that more than 80,000 people named by Rulers' courts in the seven emirates will elect 20 representatives to the council.

"Preparations for the elections are proceeding to plan and in keeping with the vision of the UAE leadership," Lootah told a news conference. Since the FNC's inception in 1972, its members were appointed by the Rulers' courts in different emirates.

Members appointed

Elections were introduced in the FNC's 13th legislative session of 2006 to implement the directives of the Supreme Council of the Federation and the President's decision to elect 50 per cent of FNC members directly from 6,595 people who formed the electoral colleges in the emirates. The rest of the members were to be appointed by the Rulers.

"The Election Management Committee has an integrated action plan which takes into account the larger representation expected in the Electoral College. Polling centres will be opened in various locations based on the number of Electoral College members and accessibility, and there will be more than one polling station in some emirates, to make it convenient for voters," Lootah said.

The National Election Committee has also launched a call centre and website on the FNC Elections 2011 as part of increasing public awareness and facilitating procedures associated with the elections. The initiative is in line with the educational plan designed to educate Electoral College members on all aspects of the election process.

"The call centre aims to provide Electoral College members and the public with all the necessary information concerning voting and nomination as well as to answer all election related questions. The website will also facilitate members' access to important information."

Women candidates

"We have tried to build a comprehensive website that includes information related to the election process, schedule of elections and information on the NEC, FNC as well as the various committees, subcommittees and executive instructions," Lootah added.

Women entered the FNC for the first time in the 2006 council, but they were appointed by the Rulers, except for one member, who was elected.

Enfranchised Emiratis have increased more than 12 times compared to the 6,595 people who voted in 2006.

Schedule

July 11: Announcement of electoral rollsAugust 14 to 17: Registration of candidatesAugust 20: Announcement of the preliminary list of candidatesAugust 28: Announcement of final list of candidatesSeptember 4 to 21: Campaigning periodSeptember 24: Election day and announcement of results after initial screeningSeptember 28: Adoption of the final list of winners (in the absence of by-elections)October 6: Adoption of the final list of winners if by-elections are held. This occurs if more than one candidate receives equal votes or if an election is cancelled at any centre.

Information

For enquiries on the electoral process and procedures dial 600566661 or visit the website www.uaenec.ae

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Graduates in work versus further studies dilemma

Dubai: Mona Arif, an international studies major at the American University of Sharjah (AUS) who is graduating this year, is facing a tough decision. As her college years come to an end, Arif must decide: should she continue with her education and pursue a master's degree, or should she get a job and join the workforce?

Like many other students, she is uncertain.

"I've gone through periods of being convinced that I should do a master's straight away. At other times… I decide to take a year off and get some [work] experience," she said.

But while some like Arif are still busy weighing the pros and cons of each choice, for others, the decision comes more easily.

Ravza Altuntas Cakir graduated from AUS last term with a bachelor's degree in international studies. Now she lives in Sharjah with her husband, studying Arabic while preparing to leave for the United Kingdom to attend graduate school.

Pros and cons

Although she considered working in Dubai before continuing her studies, she found that there were few jobs available, especially in the aftermath of the 2008 economic crisis.

That is not the only reason behind her decision. In today's increasingly competitive job market, Cakir feels that an undergraduate degree simply will not give her the kind of opportunities she's looking for.

"A master's degree is a must for our generation," she asserts. She quotes her uncle, a business adviser in Turkey, as saying that employers today are asking not only for a graduate degree but for proficiency in foreign languages as well.

But does a master's degree really pay off? Some, such as Huzaifa Haidar, do not think so. Haidar recently graduated from the University of Wollongong in Dubai with a bachelor's in commerce and is currently looking for a job.

He said he has no intention of pursuing a master's degree. Instead, he wants to apply for a British accounting certification programme, which he says will give him an edge a master's degree will not when applying for a job later.

Master's not worth it

A master's degree is simply not "worth the money or time", Haidar says. "So many [cousins] are doing MBAs and master's and are still jobless."

He may be on to something. According to Liz Weston, a personal finance columnist, in a New York Times "Room for Debate" article, published in 2009, Weston wrote that a master's degree's costs tend to outweigh its benefits, especially in the liberal arts and social sciences. In other words, it costs most people more money to get the degree than is made up for through the salaries of careers in those fields. Weston noted that while there are many factors to consider besides the cost, the financial investment involved is certainly enough to make a person pause.

Money is not the only sacrifice graduate students may have to make. Dr Stephen Keck, Head of the Department of International Studies at AUS, said that going to graduate school can involve more sacrifices than some students realise. It requires a significant amount of time during which students may have to put off other plans, such as getting married or starting a family. If students are planning to travel abroad, they will be separated from family and friends during their years of study.

Once they finally hold their graduate diploma, students may find that their sacrifices will not immediately pay off. Keck points out that as graduate degrees become more and more common, they are not "a magic wand that will open doors with great riches behind them". In fact, a master's cannot even guarantee a job, he says.

It may make more sense for students, both personally and financially, to get a job on graduation, even if it is not exactly what they're looking for.

"The safe thing is always to get the job," Keck says. Students who have work experience will do better in graduate school because they have had the chance to develop professional skills, he said.

Taking a few years off from education to get some work experience not only gives students the chance to earn their tuition fees, he said, it also allows them to relax and really think about what it is they want to do in their careers.

More credible

David Van Over, dean of the School of Business at the American University in Dubai, agrees, pointing out that some MBA programmes, including the one at AUD, require two years work experience. He also says that such experience makes it easier for students to understand concepts taught in master's programmes.

However, Van Over points out that in many jobs, "bachelor's degrees are the equivalent of a high school diploma 20 or 30 years ago".

A graduate degree helps job applicants stand out, he said. Keck agrees, saying that not only do graduate degrees help students look more credible in front of potential employers, they also help students throughout their careers. A master's degree is something "[that] will continue to pay off as the skills you learned in graduate school are useful to the organisation that hires you," he says.

Van Over says that the decision to pursue a graduate degree "depends on what your job aspirations are".

This is especially true for Rana Abdul Fatah, who will be attending her senior year at York University in Canada in the fall. Rana said she wants to pursue a master's in communications so she can avoid an entry-level job on graduation.

Rana has done an internship and volunteer work in public relations, and says she is given administrative jobs she does not enjoy. The degree she plans to purse is one with practical applications, with the added advantage of being a one-year programme, and will give her a "competitive edge in the corporate world", she said. But Keck also points out that the decision to go to graduate school is a personal one, and many factors are involved in the decision.

For Mona, who is preparing an application to a Middle Eastern studies graduate programme, motivation to pursue graduate studies comes from wanting to be part of the changes currently occurring in Egypt. Cakir looks forward to using her master's degree, also in Middle Eastern studies, in working with the Organisation of Islamic Conference in their Istanbul office. For them, the decision is made.

Of course, they could always change their mind.

— The writer is a student at the Amerian University of Sharjah

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Reader's issue raised

Excursion ticket

I read with keen interest and fully agree with Ms Beverley D'Cruz's letter (‘Travel travails', Gulf News, April 12, 2011). I have a similar unresolved grievance against Emirates. Please allow me to explain.

I held a confirmed Emirates excursion ticket (Dxb-Fra-Dxb). On February 3, 2011, I arrived at the Emirates check-in queue at Terminal 3 of the Dubai International Airport at 12pm. After waiting in line and meeting with the person at the counter, I was redirected to counter B57, and the representative there asked me to wait as he believed that the flight was overbooked and I would not be allowed to board the flight.

An argument followed wherein I insisted that I needed to board the flight.

I also informed him that I had not eaten and was thirsty and intended to have lunch after entering the airport. All the while I was not offered even a sip of water, in spite of me asking for one.

After waiting for over an hour, I called the Emirates contact centre on 04-2144444 at 1.05pm. After explaining my plight, I handed over my mobile phone to the person at the counter so that they could speak with each other and assist me.

Thereafter, even though I was promised that they would put me on the flight in "a few minutes", it didn't happen. It was only at 1.45pm that I was redirected to yet another counter when my boarding pass was finally issued. Consequently, I didn't have the time to have a meal.

I wrote to Emirates complaining about this appalling experience. Their threat to offload me and the ensuing behaviour, was preposterous, to say the least.

I categorically asked them to address the following questions:

Why did they threaten to bump me off the flight, considering the fact that I was a full-fare paying passenger with a confirmed seat? Additionally, I had also arrived in good time at the check-in counter at the airport.Does Emirates not believe in arranging for even drinking water for its passengers, considering you have been the cause for holding back a passenger?

Repeated reminders to customer.affairs@emirates.com finally resulted in a baseless, erroneous and superfluous response. May I request Gulf News to intervene, not only on my behalf but also on behalf of Emirates' entire passenger base and demand an explanation from Emirates.

I also urge you to print my letter highlighting my plight as well, to inspire others to share their experience with Emirates.

From Mr Nikeel Idnani
Dubai 

An Emirates spokesperson responds: Emirates thanks Mr Idnani for his letter to Gulf News. Our Customer Affairs team are already in direct contact with him regarding this matter. 

Mr Idnani responds: Please note that Emirates has been in touch with me no doubt, but without any solution/commitments. 

Editor's note: The follow-up letter was forwarded to Emirates for further comments. However, its management said that they had nothing further to add.

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Scholarship scheme set up for Pakistani students

Dubai: A Dubai-based university established by the late Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto has announced an offer of 80 scholarships to Pakistani students who cannot afford to attend university.

"This is a birthday gift from our university for the Pakistani community in the UAE," said Dr Fiaz M. Ishaq, head of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Institute for Science and Technology (SZABIST) — based in Dubai International Academic City.

He was speaking at a function organised by the university to mark the 58th birthday of Benazir Bhutto, who was the founding chancellor of the university and established its off-shore campus in Dubai in 2003.

Dr Ishaq said that some 20 scholarships would be given to Pakistani students in Pakistani schools in the UAE who pass their higher secondary school exams. Every year 20 more scholarships will be added and a total of 80 students will get scholarships within four years.

Fund committee

"[The] university will waive 25 per cent of the tuition fee while some 50 per cent [of the] fee will be paid from the scholarship fund to be established by the university whereas 25 per cent fee will be paid by the student," he explained.

The scholarship fund committee will comprise members of the university, Pakistani schools, Pakistani missions and prominent community members.

"Our aim is to help provide higher education to poor students who cannot afford to continue their studies and forced to quit education," Dr Ishaq said.

He said the university would also provide vocational and skilled training to poor students after high school.

"We will help them get jobs and will also help them get their degrees studying as part time students," he added.

The university's community initiative was well received by Pakistan Ambassador Jameel Ahmad Khan and the community members who attended the function.

"We are ready to support the university for the noble cause," said Khan.

Earlier, rich tribute was paid to Benazir Bhutto, who was born on June 21, 1953 and assassinated on December 27, 2007 during an election campaign in Pakistan.

Supporters of Bhutto from all over the UAE gathered to offer prayers in her memory. Many were in tears as they recounted instances of their interaction with Bhutto during her eight years self-exile in Dubai.

Brave leader

"She was a brave leader and was symbol of hope and struggle," said Ambassador Khan who also recited one of Bhutto's favourite poems. Mein Baghi Houn, Mein Baghi Houn (I am revolutionary).

On a different note, supporters of Bhutto such as Chaudhry Zafar Iqbal demanded that the Pakistan government track down the murderers of Bhutto.

"It is very disappoint[ing] for us that our government has not yet arrested those involved in our leader's murder," he said.

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Dubai parents, schools urged to report drug abuse

Dubai: Schools can play a major role in spreading awareness against drug abuse among school children and youth, a Dubai Police officer has said.

"We expect schools to cooperate by reporting any suspected cases of drug abuse among students or if anyone is attempting to promote narcotics among them by calling toll-free number 800400400," said Major General Abdul Jalil Mahdi, Head of Dubai Police's Anti-Narcotics Department.

"Our main concern right now is narcotic pills which a school child may receive for free once or twice, and once he becomes addicted he would have to pay for them," Maj. Gen. Mahdi said, adding that sometimes these pills are passed on from one student to the other, or given to them by drug dealers.

"We always stress that we need the cooperation of families and we ask parents to monitor their children and report any suspicious change in behaviour or habits, which may indicate that the child is using a prohibited drug," he said.

Target

"When a family reports that their child is taking drugs, we take care of the youngster and treat them, but we also go after the dealer who sold him the drugs, which is our main target," he said.

"After the treatment is completed, we ask the recovering addict to start a new life and not look back, and to get busy in sports and other activities that occupy their time and absorb their energy," he added.

Maj. Gen. Mahdi highlighted the role of sports clubs which can educate the youth and more importantly, keep them off the roads and away from bad company. "We also benefit from them and their ideas and seek their contribution to develop our work," he said, adding that he was satisfied with the awareness campaigns that helped achieve a positive change among the public.

Maj. Gen. Mahdi was speaking from the anti-drug awareness tent organised by the Anti-Narcotics Department at Mamzar Beach, which hosts a three-day exhibition, cultural and sports activities, as well as free medical tests.

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Awareness drive helps cut pedestrian deaths in Dubai

Dubai: Pedestrian death toll continues to decline on Dubai roads, with a 35 per cent drop in fatalities during the first three months this year as compared to last year, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced Tuesday.

Statistics show a huge improvement in pedestrian safety over the years, Hussain Al Banna, director of Traffic at the RTA's Traffic and Roads Agency said.

During the first three months of this year, 11 pedestrian fatalities were recorded as compared to 17 during the same period last year, he said.

Over 67 per cent of the accidents took place in the night, Al Banna said.

Further drop

"We will continue with our awareness efforts this year and expect a further drop in pedestrian fatalities; which already dropped from 78 cases in 2009 to 43 in 2010."

Last year, the pedestrians killed in traffic accidents hit a record low in a decade with 2.8 cases per 100,000 of population. In 2001, five cases were recorded per 100,000 of the population.

The number climbed steadily going from 6.8 in 2004 to an all time high of 9.5 in 2009. The number has been dropping since 2009.

In 2008, seven cases were recorded and 4.4 cases in 2009.

Positive trend

Al Banna attributed the positive trend to awareness campaigns organised by RTA to enhance pedestrian safety, particularly among workers, as well as the building of foot bridges across the city.

"The awareness campaign carried out by the RTA this year started off at the workers' accommodation at Sonapur and covered Al Quoz, Jebel Ali, Al Barsha, Al Ghusais schools complex and RTA customer service centres."

Be attentive

It focused on educating workers on the importance of being attentive and making sure the road is clear of traffic before crossing the road.

Earlier, the RTA had identified seven areas where the most number of accidents involving pedestrians took place — including Al Quoz, Al Wasl, and the service roads of Shaikh Zayed Road.

But this year, so far, the accidents were not concentrated in certain areas, but rather spread out.

"RTA has been successful in reducing the number of fatalities caused by traffic accidents during the last three years, and the situation improved year after year.

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