I believe that all great achievements and success in life, and all changes for the better, have one powerful characteristic in common: The First Step. Take the first step, and the journey has a way of taking care of itself.”
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
അജ്മാലിന്റെ DNA ഇന്ത്യ പാകിസ്ഥാന് കൈമാറും
http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/malayalamContentView.do?articleType=Malayalam+Home&contentId=5039348&tabId=11&contentType=EDITORIAL&BV_ID=@@@
ഇക്കണക്കിനു പോയാല് ഉടന് തന്നെ ഒരു ഇന്ത്യയും പാകിസ്ഥാനുമായി ഒരു DNA റൂട്ടും നമ്മള്ക്ക് തുടങ്ങേണ്ടി വന്നേക്കാം.
ഇക്കണക്കിനു പോയാല് ഉടന് തന്നെ ഒരു ഇന്ത്യയും പാകിസ്ഥാനുമായി ഒരു DNA റൂട്ടും നമ്മള്ക്ക് തുടങ്ങേണ്ടി വന്നേക്കാം.
കണ്ണന്താനം മുഖ്യമന്ത്രിയായി 'കൂടാരത്തില്'
കണ്ണന്താനം മുഖ്യമന്ത്രിയായി 'കൂടാരത്തില്'
സിവില് സര്വ്വീസ് വിട്ട് രാഷ്ട്രീയത്തിലിറങ്ങിയ അല്ഫോന്സ് കണ്ണന്താനം എം.എല്.എ. വെള്ളിത്തിരയിലേക്ക്. ജില്ലാ കളക്ടര്, ടൗണ് പ്ലാനിങ് ഓഫീസര്, എന്ട്രന്സ് കമ്മീഷണര്, എം.എല്.എ. എന്നീ പദവികള് ഔദ്യോഗികജീവിതത്തില് വഹിച്ച കണ്ണന്താനം മുഖ്യമന്ത്രിയുടെ വേഷത്തിലാണ് സിനിമയില് അരങ്ങേറുന്നത്. വി.എസ്. പ്രൊഡക്ഷന്സിനുവേണ്ടി അനസ് ബി. സംവിധാനം ചെയ്യുന്ന 'കൂടാരം' എന്ന ചിത്രത്തിലാണ് അല്ഫോന്സ് കണ്ണന്താനം അഭിനയിക്കുന്നത്. സ്വന്തം തട്ടകമായ കാഞ്ഞിരപ്പള്ളിയിലെ ലൊക്കേഷനിലാണ് ആദ്യരംഗങ്ങള് ചിത്രീകരിച്ചത്. ധര്മ്മച്യുതിക്കെതിരെ പോരാടുന്ന നട്ടെല്ലുള്ളൊരു മുഖ്യമന്ത്രിയുടെ വേഷമാണ് അവതരിപ്പിക്കുക. അല്ഫോന്സ് കണ്ണന്താനത്തിനൊപ്പം ലാലു അലക്സ്, ടോണി, ജോബി, കെ.ടി.എസ്. പടന്നയില്, സോനാനായര്, കുളപ്പുള്ളി ലീല, കനകലത, ലെന, കാര്ത്തിക തുടങ്ങിയവരും വേഷമിടുന്നു. വി. സോമനാഥനും ഇ.കെ. മുഹമ്മദും ചേര്ന്നാണ് ചിത്രം നിര്മ്മിക്കുന്നത്. ചിത്രം മാര്ച്ചില് റിലീസ് ചെയ്യും.
സിവില് സര്വ്വീസ് വിട്ട് രാഷ്ട്രീയത്തിലിറങ്ങിയ അല്ഫോന്സ് കണ്ണന്താനം എം.എല്.എ. വെള്ളിത്തിരയിലേക്ക്. ജില്ലാ കളക്ടര്, ടൗണ് പ്ലാനിങ് ഓഫീസര്, എന്ട്രന്സ് കമ്മീഷണര്, എം.എല്.എ. എന്നീ പദവികള് ഔദ്യോഗികജീവിതത്തില് വഹിച്ച കണ്ണന്താനം മുഖ്യമന്ത്രിയുടെ വേഷത്തിലാണ് സിനിമയില് അരങ്ങേറുന്നത്. വി.എസ്. പ്രൊഡക്ഷന്സിനുവേണ്ടി അനസ് ബി. സംവിധാനം ചെയ്യുന്ന 'കൂടാരം' എന്ന ചിത്രത്തിലാണ് അല്ഫോന്സ് കണ്ണന്താനം അഭിനയിക്കുന്നത്. സ്വന്തം തട്ടകമായ കാഞ്ഞിരപ്പള്ളിയിലെ ലൊക്കേഷനിലാണ് ആദ്യരംഗങ്ങള് ചിത്രീകരിച്ചത്. ധര്മ്മച്യുതിക്കെതിരെ പോരാടുന്ന നട്ടെല്ലുള്ളൊരു മുഖ്യമന്ത്രിയുടെ വേഷമാണ് അവതരിപ്പിക്കുക. അല്ഫോന്സ് കണ്ണന്താനത്തിനൊപ്പം ലാലു അലക്സ്, ടോണി, ജോബി, കെ.ടി.എസ്. പടന്നയില്, സോനാനായര്, കുളപ്പുള്ളി ലീല, കനകലത, ലെന, കാര്ത്തിക തുടങ്ങിയവരും വേഷമിടുന്നു. വി. സോമനാഥനും ഇ.കെ. മുഹമ്മദും ചേര്ന്നാണ് ചിത്രം നിര്മ്മിക്കുന്നത്. ചിത്രം മാര്ച്ചില് റിലീസ് ചെയ്യും.
തോമസ് ഉണ്ണിയാടന് എം.എല്.എ. വെള്ളിത്തിരയിലേക്ക്
തോമസ് ഉണ്ണിയാടന് എം.എല്.എ. വെള്ളിത്തിരയിലേക്ക്
ഇരിങ്ങാലക്കുട: രാഷ്ട്രീയത്തില് നേടിയ വിജയം വെള്ളിത്തിരയിലും ആവര്ത്തിക്കാനുള്ള ഒരുക്കത്തിലാണ് തോമസ് ഉണ്ണിയാടന് എം.എല്.എ. സരയൂ മൂവീസിന്റെ ബാനറില് ബാബുരാജ് കടവില് നിര്മിച്ച് കൈലാസ് റാവു സംവിധാനം ചെയ്യുന്ന 'മൗര്യന്' എന്ന ചിത്രത്തിലൂടെയാണ് ഇരിങ്ങാലക്കുട എം.എല്.എ. നടനാകുന്നത്. ആദ്യചിത്രത്തില് പോലീസ് ഓഫീസറുടെ വേഷത്തിലാണ് ഉണ്ണിയാടന് എത്തുന്നത്. അഭിഭാഷകന്കൂടിയായ തോമസ് ഉണ്ണിയാടന് ഡിവൈ.എസ്.പി.യായാണ് വേഷമിട്ടിരിക്കുന്നത്. അബ്ബാസ്, കൊച്ചിന് ഹനീഫ, ഹരിശ്രീ അശോകന്, ഗീത, ഗീതു മോഹന്ദാസ്, മനോരമ, സുജ കാര്ത്തിക, കൊച്ചുപ്രേമന്, കലാശാല ബാബു, റിസബാവ തുടങ്ങിയവരും ചിത്രത്തില് അഭിനയിക്കുന്നു. പ്രിയദര്ശിനി ഇന്റര്നാഷണല് ഫിലിംസാണ് ചിത്രം തിയ്യറ്ററുകളിലെത്തിക്കുന്നത്.
ഇരിങ്ങാലക്കുട: രാഷ്ട്രീയത്തില് നേടിയ വിജയം വെള്ളിത്തിരയിലും ആവര്ത്തിക്കാനുള്ള ഒരുക്കത്തിലാണ് തോമസ് ഉണ്ണിയാടന് എം.എല്.എ. സരയൂ മൂവീസിന്റെ ബാനറില് ബാബുരാജ് കടവില് നിര്മിച്ച് കൈലാസ് റാവു സംവിധാനം ചെയ്യുന്ന 'മൗര്യന്' എന്ന ചിത്രത്തിലൂടെയാണ് ഇരിങ്ങാലക്കുട എം.എല്.എ. നടനാകുന്നത്. ആദ്യചിത്രത്തില് പോലീസ് ഓഫീസറുടെ വേഷത്തിലാണ് ഉണ്ണിയാടന് എത്തുന്നത്. അഭിഭാഷകന്കൂടിയായ തോമസ് ഉണ്ണിയാടന് ഡിവൈ.എസ്.പി.യായാണ് വേഷമിട്ടിരിക്കുന്നത്. അബ്ബാസ്, കൊച്ചിന് ഹനീഫ, ഹരിശ്രീ അശോകന്, ഗീത, ഗീതു മോഹന്ദാസ്, മനോരമ, സുജ കാര്ത്തിക, കൊച്ചുപ്രേമന്, കലാശാല ബാബു, റിസബാവ തുടങ്ങിയവരും ചിത്രത്തില് അഭിനയിക്കുന്നു. പ്രിയദര്ശിനി ഇന്റര്നാഷണല് ഫിലിംസാണ് ചിത്രം തിയ്യറ്ററുകളിലെത്തിക്കുന്നത്.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Invitation to Participate in Talent Share initiatives for January 2009
Invitation to Participate in Talent Share initiatives for January 2009
Act now and SHARE your child's creative talent to the world around. Send their works with the following details to team1dubai@gmail.com at your convenience:
Name:
Date of Birth:
Class:
School:
Place:
Parents Name:
Contact Telephone No(s):
Contact address : e-mail
Contact Address by Post:
Age group is from 04 to 15 years. However, all the others including Arts & Teachers are welcome to submit their creative contribution.
All participating children will get suitably rewards courtesy goodwill of some corporates who appreciate this initiative.
More parties who are interested to support the Talent Share initiatives may write to me at team1dubai@gmail.com.
Please note this is an initiative created to promote the creative talents of children and has no commercial motives.
Invitation to Participate in Talent Share initiatives for January 2009
Act now and SHARE your child's creative talent to the world around. Send their works with the following details to team1dubai@gmail.com at your convenience:
Name:
Date of Birth:
Class:
School:
Place:
Parents Name:
Contact Telephone No(s):
Contact address : e-mail
Contact Address by Post:
Age group is from 04 to 15 years. However, all the others including Arts & Craft Teachers are welcome to submit their creative contribution.
All participating children will get suitably rewards courtesy goodwill of some corporates who appreciate this initiative.
More parties who are interested to support the Talent Share initiatives may write to me at team1dubai@gmail.com.
Please note this is an initiative created to promote the creative talents of children and has no commercial motives.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Invitation to Participate in Talent Share initiatives for January 2009
Act now and SHARE your child's creative talent to the world around. Send their works with the following details to team1dubai@gmail.com at your convenience:
Name:
Date of Birth:
Class:
School:
Place:
Parents Name:
Contact Telephone No(s):
Contact address : e-mail
Contact Address by Post:
Age group is from 04 to 15 years. However, all the others including Arts & Craft Teachers are welcome to submit their creative contribution.
All participating children will get suitably rewards courtesy goodwill of some corporates who appreciate this initiative.
More parties who are interested to support the Talent Share initiatives may write to me at team1dubai@gmail.com.
Please note this is an initiative created to promote the creative talents of children and has no commercial motives.
Mind Speaks - Why on earth?
Today, I owe a public apology. The reason is very simple. It is just an article I wrote the other day with the title – Keep your eyes and ears open. And the after effect. I did not practise what I preach. It is not that I tried. I tried and still trying my best. But, I failed. Now I will come to the story. Long long ago, when I was in the school days, I had a good friend. Let me call him Balu – my favourite friend and name. One year senior to me. Those days, going to school was more fun and interesting as we followed the numerous bullock carts going to the famous Irinjalakuda Market. It was an advantage for us, i.e those who walk to school, to keep our bags – not that big as these days on the hangings behind of those bullock carts and walk freely. We were thick friends till 10th and then parted ways to different directions as life took it’s own sweet course. Last year, suddenly I got a call on my mobile, Ramesh, this is Balu, I am in Dubai, I have come here on visit visa from Kuwait and looking for a job. I was happy to hear him after a long time. We kept in touch occasionally. He was an IT expert and later on he informed me that he got a good job with a reputed bank which has opened business during last year. I was happy for him. Still we didn’t get a chance to meet in person, as like many of my friends. Life kept on moving in fast pace as ever. Recently when I went to Kerala on a short visit, as usual I went to the small temple in my village. This visit carries lots of significance as it is an opportunity to meet all old friends there in front of the temple under the huge Banyan tree. It was there, we grew up playing cricket, football and all other tricks to each other, irrespective of caste, creed, or social status. During the visit this time, my friends told me, hey, Balu is also on leave here, did you meet him. I said no. I didn’t get a chance to meet him in Dubai either. As usual I came back here, and then days went flying and suddenly on Thursday I realised about him and his visit and my missed chance to meet him at the native place. I thought of giving a call to him. On the phone with him I got a shocker. Balu said to me in a quiet voice, Ramesh, I am sorry, I didn’t call you. I am leaving tomorrow to India. Shocked as I was, he continued, I came back from leave the day after Christmas and I was told, I was no longer required in my service. The bank’s business is totally down and no lending happening and they are reducing the work force. I am just way down the line. There are so many seniors who have been terminated.
I pacified him and told him, this is nothing new in Dubai. Don’t worry, we will see something out. Do send me a resume of yours quickly to me. And I will work out whether something is possible or not. I know it was tough, but even then I gave him a ray of hope. It was Thursday evening and I started checking on all possible probabilities of a placement option for this good old school friend. By Friday morning, I found out there may be an opening suiting to his experience and that too in Abu Dhabi and forwarded his resume to them for a probable interview at the earliest. With the consolation that, he is going only Friday night and he has the option of a valid visa to come back at any time and also with the convenience of the reduced airlines rates to and from India, I picked up my phone in the evening to talk to my friend. Awaits, another shocker of my life. He is already at the airport. And when I told him all what happened with regards to my job hunt and consoling him that he may be able to come back soon, he replied to me in a soft voice. I am waiting for my PRO, as he is coming to the airport to collect the cancellation papers. I didn’t have words to speak for some time. Coming back to normal terms, I asked him, why did you cancel your visa, as it may be next to impossible to come back again on another visa at this time as employers may find several candidates who they can employ on transfer visa basis rather than bringing afresh. He continued, I tried several places and did not get any positive feedback and by the time the pressure was too much as the company wanted to clear as many files as they could. So, this was the only option. I had only words of good luck to him to keep the phone. May be it is an opportunity for him to find a new beginning away from this maddening world. However, somewhere down in some corner of my heart, I had a feeling, kaassh, why on earth I didn’t call him after coming back? Why on earth he didn’t call me as usual? Why on earth he didn’t tell me on the first instance his visa has been cancelled already? Why on earth his other friends who were close to him did not guide him properly? Questions in plenty, I changed my thoughts to the good old saying – Jo hotha hey acha ke liye hotha hey! And prayed for his success for a new and successful beginning in the coming days.
p.s. This is a true incident. As they say, don't keep any secret to doctors, lawyers (and now Team 1).
I pacified him and told him, this is nothing new in Dubai. Don’t worry, we will see something out. Do send me a resume of yours quickly to me. And I will work out whether something is possible or not. I know it was tough, but even then I gave him a ray of hope. It was Thursday evening and I started checking on all possible probabilities of a placement option for this good old school friend. By Friday morning, I found out there may be an opening suiting to his experience and that too in Abu Dhabi and forwarded his resume to them for a probable interview at the earliest. With the consolation that, he is going only Friday night and he has the option of a valid visa to come back at any time and also with the convenience of the reduced airlines rates to and from India, I picked up my phone in the evening to talk to my friend. Awaits, another shocker of my life. He is already at the airport. And when I told him all what happened with regards to my job hunt and consoling him that he may be able to come back soon, he replied to me in a soft voice. I am waiting for my PRO, as he is coming to the airport to collect the cancellation papers. I didn’t have words to speak for some time. Coming back to normal terms, I asked him, why did you cancel your visa, as it may be next to impossible to come back again on another visa at this time as employers may find several candidates who they can employ on transfer visa basis rather than bringing afresh. He continued, I tried several places and did not get any positive feedback and by the time the pressure was too much as the company wanted to clear as many files as they could. So, this was the only option. I had only words of good luck to him to keep the phone. May be it is an opportunity for him to find a new beginning away from this maddening world. However, somewhere down in some corner of my heart, I had a feeling, kaassh, why on earth I didn’t call him after coming back? Why on earth he didn’t call me as usual? Why on earth he didn’t tell me on the first instance his visa has been cancelled already? Why on earth his other friends who were close to him did not guide him properly? Questions in plenty, I changed my thoughts to the good old saying – Jo hotha hey acha ke liye hotha hey! And prayed for his success for a new and successful beginning in the coming days.
p.s. This is a true incident. As they say, don't keep any secret to doctors, lawyers (and now Team 1).
Friday, January 16, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Abu Dhabi sky this morning
I was really freaking out this morning. The weather and the sky. Very rarely one gets to get these type of morning settings here in Abu Dhabi. The different colors, moods, changes etc - what a feeling it created within me. Come out a few minutes earlier these days and share the joy with me at your own expenses.
Keep track of Abu Dhabi Bus routes and it's progresss
Dear all,
The link below is the best suitable for keeping track of the progress of Abu Dhabi Bus.
The National Newspaper
The link below is the best suitable for keeping track of the progress of Abu Dhabi Bus.
The National Newspaper
Careers at THE NATIONAL
What an interesting progress by THE NATIONAL. From today onwards, they have a Careers page on Tuesday and Thursday. With the network and reach I am sure job seekers will have plenty of potential and real job openings in the region listed. Good going and keep coming out with more specials
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Urgent Call for Action to Help the Children of Gaza
Dear Volunteer,
Dubai Cares is joining a united front of UAE-based relief and charitable organizations to pledge humanitarian assistance and mobilize the UAE community to help alleviate the suffering of children in Gaza. There are approximately 275,000 students of primary school age in Gaza and Dubai Cares is asking for your help to support them in this time of need.
Here’s how you can help. Dubai Cares is currently recruiting volunteers to help package 50,000 basic school kits and 50,000 hygiene kits for the Children of Gaza. Approximately 150 participants are needed each day for this event as we are aiming to assemble approximately 10,000 kits a day. We would be honored if you could join us.
Dubai Cares will supply all of the items required for the kits and we need your help to pack and prepare them for shipping to the children of Gaza.
Date: Wednesday, January 14 through January 20, 2009
Venue: DIFC (Emperor Hall)
Timing(s):
· Weekdays: 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
· Friday January 16, 2009: 2:00 -6:00 p.m.
· Saturday January 17, 2009: 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
You are welcome to join us anytime. Please bring your friends and family to the venue during our working hours and we will put you to work. You can also help us spread the word by forwarding this email to others who you believe may want to help. We will have snacks and beverages available.
Should you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at Gaza@dubaicares.ae .
We hope you will be able to join with us to show solidarity for the children of Gaza.
Sincerely,
The Dubai Cares Team
Dubai Cares is joining a united front of UAE-based relief and charitable organizations to pledge humanitarian assistance and mobilize the UAE community to help alleviate the suffering of children in Gaza. There are approximately 275,000 students of primary school age in Gaza and Dubai Cares is asking for your help to support them in this time of need.
Here’s how you can help. Dubai Cares is currently recruiting volunteers to help package 50,000 basic school kits and 50,000 hygiene kits for the Children of Gaza. Approximately 150 participants are needed each day for this event as we are aiming to assemble approximately 10,000 kits a day. We would be honored if you could join us.
Dubai Cares will supply all of the items required for the kits and we need your help to pack and prepare them for shipping to the children of Gaza.
Date: Wednesday, January 14 through January 20, 2009
Venue: DIFC (Emperor Hall)
Timing(s):
· Weekdays: 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
· Friday January 16, 2009: 2:00 -6:00 p.m.
· Saturday January 17, 2009: 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
You are welcome to join us anytime. Please bring your friends and family to the venue during our working hours and we will put you to work. You can also help us spread the word by forwarding this email to others who you believe may want to help. We will have snacks and beverages available.
Should you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at Gaza@dubaicares.ae .
We hope you will be able to join with us to show solidarity for the children of Gaza.
Sincerely,
The Dubai Cares Team
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
No News edition 12 dt 12 Jan 09 - A journey through lines, pages and screens
For a pdf of No News, please email to me at team1dubai@gmail.com
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Dubai Ruler promotes Lootah as director general of municipality
Dubai Ruler promotes Lootah as director general of municipality
By Ashfaq Ahmed, Chief Reporter GULF NEWS Published: January 07, 2009, 12:30
Dubai: The Quran Park, shaded walkways and rooftop greenery are some of the new projects approved by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Shaikh Mohammad approved the projects after his visit to Dubai Municipality where he was given a presentation on the projects by the civic body's chief engineer Hussain Nasser Lootah.
Shaikh Mohammad also promoted Lootah, Acting Director-General of Dubai Municipality, to Director-General.
Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, was present on the occasion.
Lootah explained the components and targets of the vital projects including the Quran Park in Khawaneej. Shaikh Mohammad issued instructions to commence the implementation of the projects. He also approved the development of markets in remote areas.
Shaikh Mohammad expressed satisfaction with the efforts of the municipality and its capable Emirati employees.
The promotion came as a reward for the sincere efforts and constructive ideas of Lootah, who contributed to enhance the standard of civic services and oversaw the implementation of several ambitious projects.
Lootah expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the trust placed in him by Shaikh Mohammad.
He vowed that he would spare no effort to serve the nation and people. He noted that the municipality would go ahead and implement its development and service projects in the best interests of the nation.
As acting director-general of the Municipality, Lootah unveiled a strategic plan for the civic body (2007-2011) which was coordinated with the Dubai Strategic Plan for 2015.
His accomplishments during this period also included signing of twinning or partnership agreements with several cities worldwide including Barcelona (Spain), Busan (South Korea), Qingdao (China), and Lyon (France). He also signed strategic deals with local and federal agencies.
Works of impact
- Quran Park: The park to be built in the Khawaneej area will be the first educational cultural park of its kind. The 65-hectare park will be designed in a traditional way with pedestrian and cycling paths.
- Al Nahda and Al Mamzar Corniche developments: A pedestrian bridge will connect Al Nahda and Mamzar parks.
- Shaded pedestrian walks: The project aims to provide cool walkways for pedestrians on a number of open roads and markets.
Able administrator
Engineer Hussain Lootah has been appointed Director-General of Dubai Municipality.
As Acting Director General, Lootah managed the civic body, helped by a team of six assistants, who heads sectors consisting of 20 departments. Three departments and an independent office and section reported to him directly.
A civil engineering graduate from the US, Lootah began his career as an engineer with the Federal Ministry for Electricity and Water. He joined the municipality in 1985 as assistant head of a section, and was later promoted Drainage Department head.
He was appointed assistant director-general for Environment and Public Health Affairs with the departments of Public Health, Environment, Public Parks and Horticulture and Drainage and Irrigation reporting to him. In 2004, he was made the assistant director-general for Planning and Building Affairs to look after departments of the Planning and Survey, Building and Government Housing, Geographical Information Systems Centre and Statistics Centre.
Personal Note:
As a person who regularly participate in the HAVE YOUR SAY programme of Dubai Municipality and having been selected for the award from them for the last two years consecutively, I personally have very high regards for the efficient Administrative style and Innovative approach of Mr. Lootah. I wish him achieve many maure laurels in the coming years.
Ramesh Menon
08 01 2009
Visa medical centres witness big rush
Visa medical centres witness big rush
By Dina El Shammaa, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS Published: January 07, 2009
Abu Dhabi: Disease Prevention and Screening Centres in Abu Dhabi and Musafah under the Abu Dhabi Health Services (SEHA) are experiencing long queues of applicants after announcing that medical checkups for visas will be done by them only.
They will offer extra services to keep up with an average of 3,000 people a day since they opened on January 5, Gulf News was told.
The first day witnessed a long queue of approximately 3,000 visa seekers and the number increased the next day to 3,200.
Dr Zainab Khazaal, the centres' manager, said that new and important steps are underway to ensure a smooth and fast experience for applicants.
One step is an express line for an extra Dh100 which will enable applicants to move rapidly through the process and this is due to begin in a few weeks.
Mobile clinics
"The procedure of taking the blood test, an X-ray and a general examination shouldn't take more than half an hour in the express line," she said.
Mobile clinics will also be introduced between June and September which will perform medical tests at a person's doorstep.
The long queues in the last few days were due to the time of the year, said Zainab. "It's the beginning of January, the beginning of the week and after a long vacation when both private and public companies were off, the large volume numbers were expected."
Hours
Before introducing medical checkup options for visa applicants, the centre operated from 7am to 3pm five days a week.
The timings increased from 7am to 6pm by November and again an extra hour was introduced in January (from 7am to 7pm six days a week, and on Saturdays by appointment only).
Ramesh Menon, who works in his company's paperwork legalisation process, said one of his co-workers arrived at the centre at 9am on Monday and waited in line without success.
"The next day she made it a point to reach the centre at 6.30am...she managed to finish everything by 11am, which given the pressure the centre is undergoing, is perfectly understandable," Menon said.
Availability
List of personnel
Staff members in the Abu Dhabi and Musafah Disease Prevention and Screening Centres:
- 15 screening physicians
- 13 X-ray technicians
-32 blood collection and laboratory staff
-30 clerks
By Dina El Shammaa, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS Published: January 07, 2009
Abu Dhabi: Disease Prevention and Screening Centres in Abu Dhabi and Musafah under the Abu Dhabi Health Services (SEHA) are experiencing long queues of applicants after announcing that medical checkups for visas will be done by them only.
They will offer extra services to keep up with an average of 3,000 people a day since they opened on January 5, Gulf News was told.
The first day witnessed a long queue of approximately 3,000 visa seekers and the number increased the next day to 3,200.
Dr Zainab Khazaal, the centres' manager, said that new and important steps are underway to ensure a smooth and fast experience for applicants.
One step is an express line for an extra Dh100 which will enable applicants to move rapidly through the process and this is due to begin in a few weeks.
Mobile clinics
"The procedure of taking the blood test, an X-ray and a general examination shouldn't take more than half an hour in the express line," she said.
Mobile clinics will also be introduced between June and September which will perform medical tests at a person's doorstep.
The long queues in the last few days were due to the time of the year, said Zainab. "It's the beginning of January, the beginning of the week and after a long vacation when both private and public companies were off, the large volume numbers were expected."
Hours
Before introducing medical checkup options for visa applicants, the centre operated from 7am to 3pm five days a week.
The timings increased from 7am to 6pm by November and again an extra hour was introduced in January (from 7am to 7pm six days a week, and on Saturdays by appointment only).
Ramesh Menon, who works in his company's paperwork legalisation process, said one of his co-workers arrived at the centre at 9am on Monday and waited in line without success.
"The next day she made it a point to reach the centre at 6.30am...she managed to finish everything by 11am, which given the pressure the centre is undergoing, is perfectly understandable," Menon said.
Availability
List of personnel
Staff members in the Abu Dhabi and Musafah Disease Prevention and Screening Centres:
- 15 screening physicians
- 13 X-ray technicians
-32 blood collection and laboratory staff
-30 clerks
UK scholarship for maid’s daughter
UK scholarship for maid’s daughter
Kiran Wadhwa, Hindustan Times Mumbai, January 08, 2009
Varalaxmi Pillai can probably be the best brand ambassador for Mumbai as the city of dreams. This 21-year-old’s luggage occupies quite a bit of her tiny Kanjurmarg house.
She is preparing for her first trip abroad. She will be flying to London to start her one-year masters programme in international management, something that no one in her family had ever dreamed of. Her father, a factory worker, passed
away when she was five and her mother worked as a domestic help.
Two months ago she filled out an application for the University of Westminster with her qualifications and wrote out an essay with her goals. “All through my study years I had to depend on others for my textbooks and occasionally even clothes but now I my dreams have been realised,” she said.
After her father’s death, Meher Moos, India’s intrepid traveller now a consultant with Thomas Cook, became her guardian and helped get her funds for her education. They were borne largely by the Thodumal Shahani Trust and other beneficiaries.
She is also one of the first to receive the Sheriff’s Scholarship, which was instituted by Sheriff Indu Shahani in collaboration with universities in the UK and US.
Kiran Wadhwa, Hindustan Times Mumbai, January 08, 2009
Varalaxmi Pillai can probably be the best brand ambassador for Mumbai as the city of dreams. This 21-year-old’s luggage occupies quite a bit of her tiny Kanjurmarg house.
She is preparing for her first trip abroad. She will be flying to London to start her one-year masters programme in international management, something that no one in her family had ever dreamed of. Her father, a factory worker, passed
away when she was five and her mother worked as a domestic help.
Two months ago she filled out an application for the University of Westminster with her qualifications and wrote out an essay with her goals. “All through my study years I had to depend on others for my textbooks and occasionally even clothes but now I my dreams have been realised,” she said.
After her father’s death, Meher Moos, India’s intrepid traveller now a consultant with Thomas Cook, became her guardian and helped get her funds for her education. They were borne largely by the Thodumal Shahani Trust and other beneficiaries.
She is also one of the first to receive the Sheriff’s Scholarship, which was instituted by Sheriff Indu Shahani in collaboration with universities in the UK and US.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
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