ZonesCorp contributes with Statistics Centre Abu Dhabi in completing "Economic Survey" project

WAM Abu Dhabi, May 21st, 2012 (WAM) -- The Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones (ZonesCorp) has joined efforts with the Statistics Centre - Abu Dhabi (SCAD) in the latter's recently launched economic survey project and is set to cover the entire Emirate, including Al Ain and the Western Region.

ZonesCorp confirmed its support for the initiative, which aimed at accumulating latest figures and data for years 2010-2011 pertaining to seven key sectors: construction and building materials, retail and wholesale trade and maintenance of vehicles and motorcycles, transport and storage, Information and Communications, Finance and Insurance (banks, insurance companies, etc.), Services (hotels, restaurants, and companies providing services in property, healthcare, education, law, personal accounting, social initiatives, sports, etc.), and Mining and Manufacturing Industries- including the production and distribution of water, electricity and sewage systems.

Commenting on the recent joint initiative, Mohamed Hasan Al Qamzi, CEO of ZonesCorp said: "ZonesCorp is always working towards establishing itself as a key player in achieving the Emirate's 2030 vision, and we understand the importance of compiling a comprehensive, accurate statistical database in supporting decision making processes for the leaders of Abu Dhabi. This has led us to welcome this project with SCAD to facilitate communication channels with the largest number of factories working within our different zones, since we have extensive experience in organizing, licensing and overseeing economic and industrial operations within our areas and also within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi." As part of its cooperation, ZonesCorp will be providing a list of factories operating within its zones (ICAD I, II, '&' III and Al Ain Industrial Cities I '&' II) to SCAD, in addition to spreading awareness to factories and investors regarding the Economic Survey project and communicating the importance of providing accurate numerical data and figures. ZonesCorp will also be providing all the information related to this project to factory representatives and to clients, while encouraging them to cooperate with SCAD researchers in filling out necessary forms, in order to support this effort that is meant to enhance the Emirate's economy and achieve the Vision 2030.

Butti Ahmed Mohammed Bin Butti Al Qubaisi, SCAD's Director General, stated: "The Statistics Center Abu Dhabi is committed to supporting decision and policy makers in developing all areas in the Emirate, including the seven sectors found within this project, by providing them with the most accurate and updated information. Our aim is to actively contribute to the development of these industries and to ensure that they meet the best, professional global standards, due to their important role in developing our economy." ZonesCorp had signed a service level agreement with SCAD in 2011, to exchange information, data and figures, where it understood the positive effects of this cooperation on other sectors and on Abu Dhabi's economy.

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SCAD releases latest report on prices of building materials in the emirate of Abu Dhabi (final add)

WAM Abu Dhabi, Jan 14th, 2012 (WAM)--xxxx. Per cent. The average prices of fifteen commodity groups increased during Q4 2011 compared with Q4 2010. Increases ranged between 0.8 per cent for "Cement" and 30.7 per cent for "Transport equipment".

Among these commodities "Aggregates '&' Sand" increased by 19.9 per cent, "Tiles and Marble" by 13.5 per cent, "Wires for Residential Towers" by 13.4 per cent and "Waterproofing Products" by 11.8 per cent.

The average price for diesel stabilised during Q4 2011, compared with Q4 2010. Some other commodity groups showed a decline in average prices during Q4 2011, compared with Q4 2010. Prices of (PVC) Pipes fell by 8.0 per cent, Block by 6.4 per cent, and Natural Stone by 5.9 per cent.

WAM/MN

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Abu Dhabi is turning Victoria into a modern city, says Seychelles ambassador

WAM Victoria, Seychelles, Nov 9th, 2011 (WAM) -- Dick Patrick Esparon, Ambassador of Seychelles has said that Seychelles and UAE bilateral ties are developing thanks to the keenness of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and President of the Republic of Seychelles James Alix Michel.

In an interview with Emirates News Agency (WAM) he said, that Abu Dhabi government, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council are carrying out a strategic project to re-plan Victoria, capital of the Seychelles in order to solve the problems of traffic, housing, clean water, electricity and public services.

According to him the Government of Seychelles and "Masdar" will inaugurate before the end of this year the first wind farm near the port of the capital Victoria to generate electricity from wind and to overcome the energy shortfall in the Seychelles.

The ambassador said: " People of Seychelles and its leadership will always remember the support of President Khalifa for the development projects in Seychelles and the financing of housing construction, desalination plants and provision of drinking water, hospitals, roads and services for a population of about one hundred thousand people." The projects which have been implemented and those that are being carried out with the support of Abu Dhabi will provide Seychelles sustainable development and will improve the living standard of its people, he added.

He noted that government of Abu Dhabi has set up an advanced infrastructure in the Seychelles, during a short period of time and contributed to solving the problems of electricity and desalination of water. " Abu Dhabi government has funded in construction of Seychelles Coast Guard Headquarters, and have supplied five gun boats to strengthen defense against pirate activities and protecting country's coast. The headquarters will cost around $ 15 million and will be opened at the end of November".

He added that Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council is working with the Government of Seychelles to establish sustainable environment, improving the lifestyle of the population and preserving the identity and social integration as well as infrastructure development and revitalization of existing areas of central cities.

He pointed out that opening of the first embassy of Seychelles in Abu Dhabi last month is a confirmation of the keenness of President James Alix and his government to develop friendly relations and cooperation with the UAE in various fields.

Ambassador Esparon highlighted the importance of commencing Etihad Airways flights to Seychelles, which will contribute in increasing trade with the UAE and encourage businessmen to invest money in the Seychelles, especially in the fields of tourism, fisheries and agriculture.

Seychelles Chamber of Commerce '&' Industry is working on signing trade cooperation agreements with chambers of commerce in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah in the coming period to stimulate economic activities.

WAM/ES/AM

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Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority teams up with Disney for training programmes

WAM Abu Dhabi, Oct. 10th. 2011 (WAM) -- Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) has teamed up with Disney Institute - one of the world's most recognised leaders in professional development - for a series of seminars aimed at inspiring industry leadership, improving service quality and better management of the sector's human resources.

The seminar programme, which runs at the Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri in Abu Dhabi from October 31 to November 2, is being subsidised by ADTA to encourage strong partner take up.

UAE national participants will be offered places on a complimentary basis.

"This initiative lives up to our commitment to deliver best practice across our stakeholder engagement programme," said Nasser Al Reyami, Tourism Standards Director, ADTA.

"The seminars are rare opportunities to learn from a company that has consistently led the way in the hospitality, tourism and entertainment industries. We hope that, in the spirit of Disney, our stakeholders will be inspired to deliver world-class employee and customer satisfaction, memorable experiences and improved bottom-line results." Those wishing to register for the seminars can do so online by logging on to ADTA's corporate website - www.abudhabitourism.ae.

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Video: Rescued animals find solace in Abu Dhabi shelter

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Abu Dhabi in need of intensive-care doctors

Hala Khalaf

ABU DHABI // The emirate desperately needs more intensive and critical-care doctors, and more emergency-care beds.

The shortages remain despite a 17 per cent overall growth in doctors hired and significant strides to plug gaps identified in 2009 in almost every medical speciality, a new report says.

More emergency-care doctors, cardiologists, psychiatrists and neonatal intensive care specialists are also needed, and "a reduction in the number of clinicians licensed" in those four specific fields is the reason for the gap, according to the Health Statistics 2010 report released yesterday by the Health Authority-Abu Dhabi.

This year's report provided a "clearer, more detailed, more transparent and more accurate picture of what is going on right now in the emirate," said Dr Philipp Vetter, the authority's head of strategy. It revealed that there are 139 dermatologists, 124 opthalmologists and 805 dentists in the emirate, but only 90 emergency medicine specialists and 71 cardiologists.Emergency room doctors reported the biggest loss, from 117 in 2009 to 90 in 2010. The number of ER doctors must at least double in the next 10 years, the report says.

It remains unclear whether the decline is due to a decrease in the number of doctors applying for positions or being recruited, a decrease in the number of those meeting the licensing requirements or a need for Haad to re-address those stringent requirements.

Last year there were gaps in almost every speciality, including paediatrics, gynaecology, orthopaedics and family medicine.

Private hospitals and clinics were primarily responsible for closing the gaps, with a 75 per cent growth in healthcare services and bed capacity. Private hospitals gained 4 per cent of the outpatient market in 2010.

About 875 doctors - a 17 per cent increase - were recruited and licensed in 2010, which resulted in significant growths of physicians practising general medicine, dentistry, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynaecology, general surgery, pathology, dermatology, orthopaedics and family medicine. The result was a reduction in waiting time in all specialities.

Paul Hetherington, the head of planning at Haad, said that this was a result of encouraging investment in health care, in both sectors, and especially in the areas where a shortfall was apparent.

"Through discussions that arose from the data we have been gathering in 2009 and 2010, what we have seen is more services in things like general medicine, ENT [ear nose and throat], internal medicine and endocrinology, which all showed a big increase in the amount of recruitment. However, we have also found that there are still gaps in other areas, which is why we are encouraging hiring."

The report says: "Based on positive experiences in the region and here, we want private operators to provide most health care and add any required new capacity. Private facilities generally build and operate more efficiently than Seha, and are also generally more responsive to Haad quality audits."

Haad will be setting up task forces to address the major needs in health care revealed by the report, such as nursing, neonatal and intensive care, and emergency medicine.

Mr Hetherington said Haad would look at licensing issues in hopes of a more streamlined process.

Based on projected population growth, at least 3,100 more doctors and 5,800 more nurses will be needed by 2020 to meet demand in Abu Dhabi emirate. The transience of the expatriate population means that 15 per cent of doctors and 13 per cent of nurses leave each year, requiring at least 1,400 doctors and 1,600 nurses be recruited each year, according to the report.

To address these needs, the 2010 report included a new dimension: a healthcare masterplan that should give Haad a better indication of what "services should look like in the future", said Dr Vetter.

There are 4,757 doctors and 8,221 nurses in Abu Dhabi, working in 1,211 licensed healthcare facilities. These include 33 hospitals with a capacity of 3,579 beds, 674 centres and clinics and 468 pharmacies.

The number of facilities offering health care has grown by 14 per cent in 2010, with 174 additions in clinics, centres and pharmacies. However, at least 2,600 hospitals must be added by 2020 to meet demand. Next page

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More villa schools to close in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain

Afshan Ahmed

ABU DHABI // Six more private villa schools in Abu Dhabi have been ordered to close, three in the capital and three in Al Ain, affecting about 3,250 children.

The schools will move their operations to three government buildings in Abu Dhabi, Baniyas and Al Ain from the beginning of the new academic year in September.

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The closures are part of a phased programme by Abu Dhabi Education Council (Adec) to shut down all schools operating in residential buildings by 2013, for health and safety reasons.

Last year 21 villa schools were closed. Among their shortcomings, the buildings were crowded and lacked basic resources and proper emergency exit routes.

This year a further 10 villa schools were warned that they faced closure. Adec officials say they took action on six – Al Ekhlass, Badr Al Kobra and Baraem Al Aqsa private schools in Abu Dhabi and Al Amal, International and Zaharat Al Madain private schools in Al Ain – because the schools posed particular health and safety issues and because there was enough spare capacity to accommodate the displaced pupils.

All six schools mostly follow the Ministry of Education curriculum.

Yousif Al Sheryani, head of the private schools and quality assurance department at Adec, said there was a surplus of 3,000 school places in Al Ain. “Parents here should not have a problem, as the fees are also within the same range.”
He said from prior experience not all parents considered the options offered by the authority. “Between 30 and 40 per cent will apply at other schools,” he said.

“It is understandable that some parents may not choose the school in Baniyas, because of its distance, but they can look for other schools.”

Dr Makarim Mobarak, headmistress of the International Private School in Al Ain, said most parents had opted to send their children to the school’s new site, the former Al Sarrooj government school near by.

“It has been a smooth transition and we are working closely with the authority to accommodate all pupils,” she said.
“Also, priority will be given to those children who were at the other schools in Al Ain that have shut down.”

Pierre Scottorn, section manager of the private school improvement department at Adec, said the council had not yet made a decision on the remaining schools warned of possible closure.

“As these schools end their academic year at a different time, those decisions will be made at a later date.”

Two government school buildings are being held in reserve to accommodate additional closures, he said.

Parents whose children attend any of the closing schools will have priority placement in the new schools until July 31, when registration will open up to other children.

Adec sent letters home with children to parents telling them how to register at the new schools. Additional information sheets can be collected from Adec’s headquarters building on Airport Road, regional offices in Khalidiya or the Ministries area in Al Ain.

aahmed@thenational.ae

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Abu Dhabi Police call for alertness on part of all road users

Abu Dhabi: Police investigations in the capital have revealed that an accident in which a woman was killed instantly while crossing the busy Hazza Bin Zayed Street on Monday occurred due to mistakes made by both the driver and the victim.

Although the driver of the SUV was speeding at over 80 kph on one of the capital's busiest roads, the pedestrian — who was described by police as likely to be of Arab origin — had surprisingly decided against using a nearby pedestrian underpass or a designated crossing, Major Abdullah Al Suwaidi, director of accidents and investigations at the Abu Dhabi Police, told Gulf News.

"The underpass was located just 50 metres away from where the victim tried to cross the road, and these pedestrian crossings are built for residents' safety. The driver was also speeding on an extremely busy street where you often have to drive much slower than the specified limit of 60 kilometres per hour to be safe," Major Al Suwaidi said.

Major Al Suwaidi said that the driver had also probably been distracted at the time of the accident. "We found no skid marks on the road, which would have indicated that the driver had tried to slow down on spotting the victim ahead of him."

However, although there were mistakes on the victim's part, the driver will still have to pay blood money to her family. Police are still trying to establish the victim's nationality.

"She was not carrying any identity documents with her at the time of the accident, and we have not yet been contacted by her family. So we are still trying to determine who she is."

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