Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), the  Government of Dubai Authority with a mandate to establish Dubai as the global gateway for commodity trade and enterprise, has chosen the name ‘Burj 2020’ for the world’s tallest commercial tower in honour of Dubai’s Expo 2020 win.

To be held for the first time in the Middle East, the Dubai Expo 2020 themed ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ will further drive Dubai’s position as more than just a transfer point between East and West, and truly support the vision of the leadership of Dubai to become the new economic centre of the world.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, DMCC, said: “Few can imagine the impact the Dubai of 2020 will have on the Expo and how it will connect people, their ideas and aspirations.

"DMCC would like to congratulate His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and the people of the UAE. We are honoured to dedicate the world’s tallest commercial tower to this historic win by naming it ‘Burj 2020’.”

The naming of the ‘Burj 2020’ follows DMCC’s announcement earlier this year (July) to build the world’s tallest commercial tower as part of its Free Zone Business Park expansion plans (107,000 square metres) catering to the increased global demand from multi-nationals and regional corporates for large scale commercial space in Dubai.

The master plan for the ‘Burj 2020’ is currently in its final stages; architects are to be appointed in 2014; with ground breaking planned for 2015. DMCC will be engaging with partners and stakeholders such as the Dubai Municipality (DM), the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and the Dubai Electricity and Water Association (DEWA), in early 2014 to ensure a successful and timely delivery of the ‘Burj 2020’ and the DMCC Business Park.

DMCC has been a strong supporter of Dubai’s bid for the Expo 2020. It has hosted UAE Expo 2020 Ambassadors at Almas Tower on a number of occasions this year to learn about DMCC’s role in cementing Dubai’s role as a global commodities and trading hub.

With 66 mixed-use commercial and residential towers and over 220 retail outlets in operation, there are currently over 80,000 people working and living within the DMCC Free Zone in Dubai. With an average of 200 companies choosing to join DMCC each month and a 94% retention rate, DMCC remains the UAE’s largest and fastest growing free zone.

Huge crowds were witnessed outside numerous Baskin Robbins outlets across Dubai.

The ice-cream speciality shop had announced free scopes of ice-cream for every customer between 1pm and 3pm to celebrate Dubai's win at the Expo2020 bid.

Residents quickly tweeted images and their experience after spotting the "ice-cream mob".

"I heard a commotion thinking it was an accident but when I looked across the road, kids were running towards BR for their free ice-cream," informed resident Natasha D'Souza.

"That's when I took a pic and tweeted it, my mentions are filled with awe of the crowd of people for their free ice cream."

"Right now finding an empty Baskin Robins is like finding water on Mars. Sigh,” tweeted another resident.

Last night, just before the winner of the Expo2020 was announced, Baskin Robbins tweeted their unique celebration if Dubai won.

"We would like to remind you all that we will be giving out free ice-cream at our UAE parlors tomorrow (Thursday) from 1pm tp 3pm if Dubai wins the Expo2020 bid tonight," they tweeted through their official handle.

All schools in the UAE will be closed todady (Thursday), November 28, to celebrate the UAE's win to host the World Expo 2020 in Dubai as well as the upcoming UAE National Day celebrations.
 
The holiday for schools and educational institutions was ordered by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
 
That means that schools in the UAE will be closed from tomorrow [Thursday November 28] until Tuesday December 3 - six days.

"A national holiday has been declared for schools and universities for Thursday Nov.28 - enjoy the long weekend!" said Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai in a tweet.
 
Many schools in the UAE have announced a two-day extended weekend to mark the 42nd UAE National Day, which falls on Monday (December 2), while some have given an additional day off making it a three-day break,  Emirates 24|7 Senior Reporter Sneha May Francis added earlier.
 
Some Dubai schools have altered their school calendar and shifted the holidays from December 2-3 to December 1-2, in line with the public sector holidays.
 
They will resume duties on December 3.
 
“As you are all aware, we have a school calendar that has announced December 2 and 3 as holidays. But we, Star International School, will follow (His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai) Sheikh Mohammad's directive,” read the newsletter from Star International School at Al Twar.
 
However, some schools have stuck to the original school calendar and will give an additional day-off on December 1 (Sunday), turning it into a five-day-long weekend.
 
“Our school will be closed on December 1, 2 and 3,” confirmed a staff at GEMS Wellington Primary school.
 
JPS and Emirates International School have also followed the same holiday pattern.
 
The school newsletter had stated that it will be closed for three days to mark the 42nd UAE National Day, a parent from JPS informed. “It was in the newsletter,” she added.
 
In Abu Dhabi, most of the schools that Emirates24|7 contacted informed that they have matched the two-day format set for the public sector.
 
Al Rawafed Private School, GEMS Cambridge International School and Belvedere British School will be closed for two days – December 1 and 2.
 
Even in Sharjah most schools have announced two days off.
 When the website called Australian International School and Brilliant International Private School they informed that December 1 and 2 were marked holidays.
 
A staff at the Delhi Private School in Sharjah informed that they had not officially announced the dates yet, but “most likely” it would be December 1 and 2.

With over 45 million flowers this season, Miracle Garden in Dubailand is all set to open its door to the public today.

Click to see gallery of Dubai's Miracle Garden in full flower

In the second season, Miracle Garden will have a UAE floral flag, a floral clock, a butterfly park, an aromatic garden and an edible garden, Akar Landscaping Services & Agriculture, the developer’s of the garden, said in a statement emailed to Emirates 24l7.

“Nearly 700,000 people visited our garden during the first season (February 14 to May 18, 2013). In this new season, we are expecting the numbers to cross a million,” the company said.

A floral UAE flag

Miracle Garden will open in two phases. The first phase, opening today, will have huge structures of sunflowers, seven flower hearts, seven stars and huge stunning flowers made with 3D art design.

The garden will have seven pyramids, including a huge one with the UAE flag designed by flowers. There will be two flower arch pathways shaded by hanging flower baskets, adding a romantic vibe to the garden. Besides, there will be also an umbrella pathway, a flower tunnel, Lilium flower lamps and a birthday corner made with 3D design.

A Ferrari car with driver decorated by flowers, a vertical buried cars zone, flower apple structures, artificial animals, flower boats and an  Islamic Arch Design will also be part of phase one.

Floral clock

For the first time in Dubai, there will a floral clock, around 13 meters in diameter, made out of real plants and flowers with changeable design for every season (twice a year). The clock will have a small bird house with the bird tweeting every 15 minutes.

Colorful peacocks

There will be three colorful peacocks with two of them with a large fanlike opened tails, 12 meters in diameter, and one with closed tail, around 13 meters in length, designed with colored flowers posed on the Green floor.

Butterfly Park

Phase 2, which will open in January, will have the Butterfly Garden, which will be a round shape garden designed in 3D and decorated with flowers.

There garden will be nine domes, spread across 1,800 square meters, with each dome filled with different color, sizes and species of butterflies.

“Between these domes, we will have an alluring butterfly museum and butterfly flower park. All the designs will be built consistently on the butterfly garden theme,” the company added.

Aromatic Garden

Visitors will be able to see and smell natures most powerful aromatic and medicinal plants from over 200 countries. One can touch, smell and even make his own cup of tea, fresh from the garden.

“We will have seating areas and service counters to provide cups and seats for the visitors comfort,” according to the company.

There will be an Edible Plants Garden where visitor will be allowed to pluck vegetable or fruits. A Strawberry Garden will also be part of phase 2.

Located in Dubailand, Miracle Garden's entrance fee is Dh20 per adult while disabled and kids three years and below will allowed free of charge.

Dubai Miracle Garden will be open all through the week - 9am to 9 pm on weekdays and 9 am to 11 pm/12 am during weekends.

Dubai Crown Prince Fazza's' message to the world goes viral

Celebrating the success of the UAE in winning the global bid to host the World Expo 2020 in Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, raised the UAE national flag at the top of the spire of Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.

In an inspiring video that has become an online sensation and posted on his Facebook page, Sheikh Hamdan is seen waving the national flag from the highest point of Burj Khalifa, 828 metres (2,716.5 ft) high, a celebratory moment that also coincides with the UAE’s 42nd National Day celebrations.

In his message, Sheikh Hamdan said: “We congratulate our wise leadership and the people of our beloved country on this achievement. Winning the bid is proof of UAE's leading status globally in competing on events of this magnitude. We draw success from the spirit of the union that dwells deep within our people."

Sheikh Hamdan scaled the spire, took position on its outer core before unfolding the National Flag that fluttered at the highest man-made point on earth. The crowning touch of Burj Khalifa, the telescopic spire is over 200 metres (700 ft) high, and is an integral part of the tower’s overall design.

The Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens gets underway today at The Sevens with matches in the Invitation Tournament on what promises to be a terrific day of action – and free admission.

Matches in the invitation tournament will be taking place on pitches two to seven throughout the day, with the IRB Women’s Sevens World Series getting underway on Pitch One at 1pm, when Canada face France in Pool C.

Also in Pool C is Brazil, the South American flag wavers in the women’s event, who open against Australia. Beatriz Muhlbauer, who is sidelined this weekend through injury, says it is for Brazil to perform well in Dubai so fans will come and support them when the country hosts a round of the Series for the first time in February.

“We need to show we are continuing to improve and increasing our level of rugby because we want to stay on the Women’s Sevens World Series,” she said. “We’re hosting a leg for the first time in February so we need to do well in Dubai as that will encourage people to come and watch, and cheer for, us.

“We need to improve our position in the rankings too because we have slipped from 10th to 13th in the period between the two Rugby World Cup Sevens. We need to fight against teams in and around us in the rankings, sides like China and France.”

There are 18 Pool Matches on Pitch One throughout the afternoon and evening, with defending Dubai, and overall World Series champions New Zealand, making their first appearance of the weekend in a Pool A game against Fiji at 1.44pm. USA and Ireland complete this Pool.

England, who were runners up in the overall standings after the first season of the IRB Women’s Sevens World Series, open against Tunisia in Pool B, before facing Spain and Russia – the side that stunned them in the pool stages of Rugby World Cup Sevens in Moscow back in June.

“There are very few ‘easy’ games in Sevens now so each game requires a performance,” said England’s captain Michaela Staniford. “Russia obviously stick out as a challenge, they performed well at the Sevens World Cup and have grown with their core squad over the past few years.

“Spain are also a smart rugby nation and a team that have become more and more threatening with the ball.

“We really need to focus on performance game to game, gelling as a team and getting the best possible start to the Series.”

Other than the world class action of the IRB Women’s Sevens World Series, one of the most intriguing clashes of the day comes in the Invitation Tournament’s International Veteran’s section, when Joining Jack face J9 Legends.

That match is on Pitch Four at 11.20am this morning, with Joining Jack represented by legends of English rugby league, including Andy Farrell, Dennis Betts and Martin Offiah.

They are playing in Dubai for the second year running, to raise funds for, and awareness of, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, an incurable illness from which former England player Andy Johnson's five-year-old son Jack was diagnosed with two years ago.

Up against them will be some of the most famous names in recent rugby union history representing The J9 Foundation.

This is a charity set up to raise awareness of the debilitating motor neurone disease, set up by the South African legend Joost van der Westhuizen, who was diagnosed with it two years ago.

And wearing the J9 colours will be a team of former internationals - including Carlos Spencer of New Zealand, Stephen Larkham of Australia and Colin Charvis of Wales – with a combined 500 international caps between them.

This year, up to 100,000 visitors will once again visit the Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens to support 16 teams taking part in the second round of the men’s HSBC Sevens World Series tournament, and 12 in the opening round of this season’s IRB Women’s Sevens World Series, according to the organisers.

A record breaking 213 teams are taking part in the event’s Invitation Tournament, making it the biggest and best ever.

In the HSBC Sevens World Series, defending overall champions New Zealand set the standards for this season’s campaign with victory at the Gold Coast opening round last month. But England were in great form too, finishing third, and with four Dubai titles to their credit are now eyeing number five under new coach Simon Amor.

“After making a promising start to the series in Australia, we’ll be doing everything in our power to take another step forward at The Sevens,” said Amor. “England always get great support in Dubai and it undoubtedly gives us a real lift. It’s a great environment to play in.”

Amor’s predecessor with England was Ben Ryan, who has now accepted the fresh challenge of leading Fiji. Ryan led England to back-to-back wins in Dubai in 2010 and 2011, and has now set himself the goal of leading Fiji to a first Dubai title since it became an IRB Sevens World Series host venue 14 years ago.

“Dubai is always a superb tournament and as a coach here I’ve felt both the thrill of winning and the pain of losing in that incredible atmosphere,” he said. “I’ve been fortunate enough to win here twice, but amazingly Fiji hasn’t won Dubai since the World Series started back in 1999, and that is something that my players are desperate to put right.”

Dubai was proud to host the first round of the inaugural IRB Women’s Sevens World Series last year. New Zealand won that, and the overall title, but coach Sean Horan says the competition gets tougher all the time.

“We know that other teams will have gone away after World Cup and worked quite hard, so we are expecting them to come out hard in Dubai,” he said.

“We loved our Dubai experience last year, it’s a great tournament, and there’s always a great buzz about the place over all three days. We love how the crowds really get behind this event, and show their passion and support for teams and Sevens rugby.

“The crowds are great, the support is very passionate and the atmosphere always terrific. We are definitely looking forward to being back in Dubai – it’s a great place to kick off the IRB Women’s Sevens World Series and we’re itching to get our 2013/2014 campaign under way.”

IRB Tournament Director, Beth Coalter, says Dubai stands out among other rounds of both the HSBC Sevens World Series, and the IRB Women’s Sevens World Series, because it is the only one where the tournaments run alongside each other.

She said: “Dubai offers the fans and also the players something unique with so many different levels of competition taking place side by side, and with the internationals very much at the pinnacle.

“The men’s IRB teams arrive here having had a good look at each other at round one on the Gold Coast last month, where New Zealand won but the competition was fierce; and for the women this is the opening round of their World Series, so it is very exciting all round.”

Gary Chapman, Emirates’ President Group Services and dnata, said he is looking forward to another successful weekend of top class rugby, and is delighted that the Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens remains so popular with visitors.

“The enduring popularity of the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens with the people of the UAE gives us great pride and I am in no doubt the 2013 event will live up to expectations and once again make it the number one event on Dubai’s sporting and social calendar,” he said.

“The Dubai Rugby Sevens continues to grow stronger every year and we are proud to be a part of the HSBC Sevens World Series.”

Vice President of the UAE Rugby Federation, Faisal Al Zarooni, said the Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens is yet another opportunity to build on the growing enthusiasm for the game throughout the UAE.

He said: “The UAERF will continue attaining its goal of 5000 Emirati youth playing rugby on a weekly basis by the end of 2016.

“At the forefront of our agenda has been the development of the Shaheen team. The younger Emiratis who are joining the younger squads are showing an extremely positive, committed attitude and some promising talent which will ensure the future Shaheen team.

“We have gained support from the UAE National Olympic Committee and the UAE General Authority of Sports and Youth Welfare, this has enabled us to set some solid foundations in our efforts to promote the growth of rugby across the Emirates.”

The Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens is not just a showcase for the best rugby action, there is also a weekend of great entertainment - with a particular focus on family fun this year.

Along with the HSBC World of Sport, entertainment for children also includes Saba’a’s Sevens Club, and the opportunity to learn circus tricks. For the first time, there also is a designated family entrance to The Sevens, and 2000 seats designated for mums, dads and their children in the Air BP stand.

Entrance to Thursday’s action, which includes the opening day of the IRB Women’s Sevens World Series event, and the Invitation Tournaments, is free. Tickets are still available at the gate for Friday and Saturday, with children under the age of 12 entering free of charge on all three days if accompanied by an adult.

For more information on the tournament, log on to: www.dubairugby7s.com.

For all Thursday’s fixtures, visit the tournament website: http://www.dubairugby7s.com/teams-and-results/2013/2013fixtures.

A man has accidentally thrown away £4 million (Dh24m) of virtual money after throwing out his computer hard drive.

James Howells chucked out a hard drive containing 7,500 Bitcoins - an online virtual currency - and a cryptographic 'private key' which he required to access and spend the fortune, but it is now lying on a landfill site.

The IT worker purchased the Bitcoins in 2009 but in 2010 he spilt a drink over his computer and decided to dismantle it.

He opted to keep some parts, including the hard drive, which he stored in a drawer, but forgot about it until he cleared out his drawer earlier this summer.

[Image via Shutterstock]

It was a beautiful November evening in Sharjah.

The house was filled with family and guests in a celebratory mood. The weather was perfect, the time was after nightfall and the occasion was a pre-wedding event.

Everybody was in a party mood. And, to get things rocking, an Arabic band was at hand to belt out hits.

And that is what happened at a pre-wedding party in one of the houses in Sharjah.

The dance floor got heated as the music got louder, and the people were stomping all over, when suddenly the floor collapsed and the band with the dancers all slid into a pool of sewage below.

The place below where the band was rocking the party was a sewage containment area of the house.

The roof collapsed and the band and the dancers fell in the mush. Those yet not in the pool were scared and surprised at what happened. They then rushed to help the ones who fell into the sewage.

No one was hurt in this accident, but the band and the dancers had a bath that they will never forget.

[Image via Shutterstock]

As the UAE celebrates the successful bid of Dubai Expo 2020, a positive sentiment has returned to the country's construction market and to Dubai in particular.

According to regional project tracker MEED Projects, the total value of contracts awarded in the UAE during 2013 will close out at approximately $30 billion.

"We expect this number to increase significantly over the next few years as the market takes full advantage of Dubai's successful bid," said Julian Herbert, Director of MEED Projects. Based on projects already announced, MEED Projects currently predicts that the total value of contracts to be awarded in 2014 will probably eclipse the 2013 number to reach $35 billion.

Herbert also expects that a number of new developments will be announced on the back of the successful Dubai Expo 2020 bid.

With investors upbeat about Dubai's future and property prices increasing at their fastest pace since the 2008, the real estate market seems set to lead growth in the construction market. The improvement in the construction market over the last two years was largely driven by infrastructure investment and a handful of projects from large developers such as Emaar and TDIC, according to the region's projects information provider.

Some of the major infrastructure projects expected over the next few years include the expansion of the Dubai Metro Red line; new concourses at the recently opened Maktoum International Airport; interchanges on the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed road; and the construction of the main Expo 2020 centre close to the Maktoum International Airport.

The bulk of the new mega-projects expected to be announced over the next few months will be from large-scale developers such as Meraas, Emaar, Nakheel, Dubai Properties and Damac.

 

All schools in the UAE will be closed todady (Thursday), November 28, to celebrate the UAE's win to host the World Expo 2020 in Dubai as well as the upcoming UAE National Day celebrations.
 
The holiday for schools and educational institutions was ordered by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
 
That means that schools in the UAE will be closed from tomorrow [Thursday November 28] until Tuesday December 3 - six days.

"A national holiday has been declared for schools and universities for Thursday Nov.28 - enjoy the long weekend!" said Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai in a tweet.
 
Many schools in the UAE have announced a two-day extended weekend to mark the 42nd UAE National Day, which falls on Monday (December 2), while some have given an additional day off making it a three-day break,  Emirates 24|7 Senior Reporter Sneha May Francis added earlier.
 
Some Dubai schools have altered their school calendar and shifted the holidays from December 2-3 to December 1-2, in line with the public sector holidays.
 
They will resume duties on December 3.
 
“As you are all aware, we have a school calendar that has announced December 2 and 3 as holidays. But we, Star International School, will follow (His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai) Sheikh Mohammad's directive,” read the newsletter from Star International School at Al Twar.
 
However, some schools have stuck to the original school calendar and will give an additional day-off on December 1 (Sunday), turning it into a five-day-long weekend.
 
“Our school will be closed on December 1, 2 and 3,” confirmed a staff at GEMS Wellington Primary school.
 
JPS and Emirates International School have also followed the same holiday pattern.
 
The school newsletter had stated that it will be closed for three days to mark the 42nd UAE National Day, a parent from JPS informed. “It was in the newsletter,” she added.
 
In Abu Dhabi, most of the schools that Emirates24|7 contacted informed that they have matched the two-day format set for the public sector.
 
Al Rawafed Private School, GEMS Cambridge International School and Belvedere British School will be closed for two days – December 1 and 2.
 
Even in Sharjah most schools have announced two days off.
 When the website called Australian International School and Brilliant International Private School they informed that December 1 and 2 were marked holidays.
 
A staff at the Delhi Private School in Sharjah informed that they had not officially announced the dates yet, but “most likely” it would be December 1 and 2.

Fireworks shows by Al Zarooni Group are set to give residents and tourists in Dubai the opportunity to witness yet another spectacle in the sky, as part of the celebrations marking the UAE’s 42nd National Day.

Spectacular fireworks shows will be held on December 1 and 2 in the Umm Suqueim 2 area in Jumeirah, as a key National Day activity organized by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) in collaboration with Al Zarooni Group,  a Strategic Partner of DFRE’s Festivals and Events.

The display of the most modern pyrotechnics is set to commence at 8.30pm on both days, giving residents and visitors an opportunity to join the nation in celebrating a much revered occasion. The dazzling fireworks is set to turn the night over the Jumeirah area into a riot of colour and light, and will add to the many other nightly illuminations that spread the joy of the  celebrations.

Commenting on the fireworks shows, Her Excellency, Laila Mohammed Suhail, CEO of DFRE, said: “On behalf of DFRE, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the leadership of the UAE on the advent of the 42nd National Day. We at DFRE are looking forward to rejoicing  with our citizens, residents and tourists, and what better way to celebrate this joyous occasion, than organizing this stunning display of fireworks with the support of our longstanding Strategic Partner, Al Zarooni Group. Throughout the years the Al Zarooni Group has been astounding Dubai residents and visitors with their fireworks shows, and we are once again grateful for their ready response and eagerness to give that extra sparkle to this year’s National Day celebrations”.

Mohammed Al Zarooni, Managing Director of Al Zarooni Group, said: “Al Zarooni Group is pleased to join hands with DFRE to entertain people from different cultural backgrounds in Dubai, and encourage their participation in National Day celebrations.  As a  Strategic Partner of DFRE,  we are delighted to sponsor the fireworks shows which reflect our close association with the development of the UAE and also gives us another opportunity to salute Dubai’s phenomenal rise from obscurity to prosperity. Our efforts have always been geared towards providing something spectacular at every festival and event, and our fireworks shows to celebrate National Day will be no different. We promise two days of fantastic fare that will  mesmerize people of all ages and nationalities”.

Al Qasba will light up the sky of Sharjah this National Day

Al Qasba, Sharjah’s premier tourist, cultural, and family destination, is set to light up in style in honour of the Emirate’s 42nd UAE National Day celebrations next week. The popular leisure destination will be marking the auspicious occasion with three days of spectacular shows, including an amazing fireworks display on the National Day itself, that are sure to leave visitors in awe from the 1st to the 3rd of December.

Speaking about the upcoming festivities, Sultan Sattaf, Al Qasba Manager, said, “Al Qasba takes great pride in providing its visitors with a range of unsurpassed events and this National Day will be no exception. As we celebrate all of the amazing accomplishments of this wonderful country, we are looking forward to a breath taking showcase of light and sound unlike any seen in the Emirate before and we know our visitors will have a wonderful experience.”

The three-day long celebrations will feature dazzling light and laser shows every half hour starting from 6:00 pm and continuing until 11:30 pm each day. The shows will see the buildings lining the Al Qasba canal pulsate in the colours of the UAE while lasers will paint the night sky in animated interweaving patterns.

On the 2nd of December the celebrations will rise to an even higher crescendo, with a spectacular fireworks display at 9:50 pm, making Al Qasba definitely the place to be on the 42nd National Day.

Al Qasba prides itself on giving its visitors the opportunity to enjoy culture, entertainment and leisure attractions representing the very best from the Arab world and beyond, as well as being an outstanding family destination with a range of activities that caters to people of all ages.

Spread over 10,000 hectares, Al Qasba boasts a range of state-of-the-art facilities and tourist attractions including, among others, various restaurants and cafes, the 250-seat Masrah Al Qasba-Theatre, Multaqa Al Qasba-Conference and Meeting Halls, Al Qasba Business Centre, Kids Fun Zone, Al Qasba Musical Fountain, Etisalat Eye of the Emirates Wheel, and the Maraya Art Centre.
 

Apple has slashed prices on all products  across the world including the UAE on the occasion of Black Friday even as online retailers take the concept beyond US shores.

Almost all major online retailers in the UAE are offering attractive deals on the occasion of Black Friday a day following Thanksgiving and traditionally observed in the US retailers to increase their fourth quarter and year-end sales.

Online buyers on the UAE Apple store can avail discounts of more than Dh500 on products ranging from the new iPad Air to all types of Macs and related products.

An iPad Air can be purchased today for Dh1,748 discounted by almost Dh151, while discounts reach unto a maximum of Dh401 on MacBook Pro and Air.

It is special this time as Apple usually does not offer discounts on its products and not often do we see Black Friday discounts offered here in the UAE. However, there are no discounts offered on either the iPhone 5S 5C or the new Mac Pro.

With the online retail trend catching up in various developing markets, the Black Friday offers have moved beyond the US market. Shoppers in the UAE can avail discounts of up to Dh2,000 during the next two days.

Amazon is offering about 25 to 65 per cent discount on a range of products. An Xbox 360, 250 GB E Console is being sold for $190 almost Dh700. UAE-based Jado Pado, too, has launched its own Black Friday deals here offering discounts ranging from Dh200 to up to Dh2,000.

The sale is expected to last until December 2. Log onto Souq.com and you can get discounts ranging from 30 per cent on laptops to almost 50 per cent on digital cameras.

With the botched-up initial release of BlackBerry’s BBM for Android and iPhone devices, the Canadian firm has now announced a wait-list for the download as it has begun rolling out its in-demand messenger on rival platforms.

“This is the news you’ve been waiting for! I am thrilled to tell you that we are about to officially resume our rollout of BBM for Android and iPhone customers around the globe! In the next few hours, people will start seeing BBM in Google Play, the App Store and in select Samsung App Stores – where it will be free to download,” said Andrew Bocking, Executive VP for BBM at BlackBerry, in the official BlackBerry blog.

He claims – and not without reason – that the demand for BBM on Android and BBM on iPhone continues to be amazing. “About six million people signed up for information about BBM at BBM.com,” he maintains. “As you know, in just seven hours, about one million Android users were using the unreleased version of BBM for Android. What you don’t know is that more than one million people have found creative ways to “side load” BBM on their iPhone. This is incredible,” he said.

And while the company says it is implementing a wait-list to ensure a smooth roll out of the free service “to help manage this unprecedented pent up demand for BBM,” we’re gonna tell you how to jump that queue to get instant access to the BBM service on your iPhone or Android devices.

But first, learn how the official system works:

Step 1: Download BBM – the easiest way is to visit BBM.com from your Android or iPhone browser

Step 2: Once you install the app, open it, and enter your email address to hold your spot in line

Step 3: BlackBerry will email you as soon as you reach the front of the line and can start using BBM

Now, here’s how to jump the queue:

Follow steps 1 and 2, but soon after, force-close your browser.

If you (still) don’t know how to force-close the window, here’s a quick primer: On the iPhone, this can be done by double-clicking the home button and swiping the app away. On your Samsung, HTC, or any other Android-based smartphone, enter the multitasking menu and swipe the app away, or go to Settings, Apps, BBM, and click Force Close. Voila!

Once that is done, re-launch the app, and you will have the option to create an account, which will assign you a unique PIN, and to begin inviting friends.

“If you are among the millions that took the time to sign up at BBM.com, you can start using BBM immediately without waiting in line,” BlackBerry says and adds that it is “focused on moving millions of customers through the line as fast as possible.”

If you’re an Emirates 24|7 reader, then you know how to jump the queue – for now. BlackBerry could soon discover this loophole and plug it (or maybe not) – so do it as soon as you read this.

“Our team of developers and engineers has been working around the clock to bring you BBM – and make some upgrades while we’re at it – and some incredible work has been done. I look forward to sharing more of this with you here, on Inside BlackBerry, soon,” says Bocking.

The BBM Twitter account (@BBM) will be sharing updates on how quickly the line is moving.

Emirates 24l7 brings to you the latest openings in the UAE and other Gulf markets. Keep visiting the website to get updates about the new openings.

Automobiles

Jobs: Sales Consultants (Lexus), Key Account Managers for Corporate Automotive (Lexus)

Requirements: Candidates should have at least 3-year experience in sales role in auto industry or retail luxury brand, fluency in English communication; Managers should also have at least 3- year experience in commercial, business-to-business sales or major account sales, fluency in English communication.

Company: Al-Futtaim Motors

Contact: visit www.afuturewithus.com and apply following positions: AF13209 Sales Consultants (UAE), AF3210 Key Account Managers, Corporate Automotive (UAE).

Remuneration: Company offers competitive salaries, accommodation, medical cover and return home flight.

Education

Jobs: Teachers (from FS1 to Grade 7)

Requirements: Interested candidates should preferably have UK experience, knowledge of National Curriculum of England, 2 years experience.

Company: Al Diyafah School

Contact: careers@diyafahschool.com

IMP: Candidates should be able to either join in January or in the 2014  Academic Year.

Healthcare

Jobs: Receptionist, Secretary, HR Manager/HR Officer, Marketing Executive

Requirements: Receptionist should be a European/Arab female; Secretary, HR Manager/HR Officer and Marketing Executive should have over 5 years experience and medical background.

Company: Gulf Diagnostic Center Hospital

Contact: tamoghzi@gdc-hospital.com

Hospitality & Tourism

Jobs: Revenue Manager, Reservation Manager and Assistant Revenue Manager

Requirements: Revenue Manager should be able to manage and lead the team through day-to-day operations and guide the revenue department; to achieve goals. He must have experience as revenue manager in a reputed company. Reservation Manager must have knowledge about all aspects of hotel facilities, services, policies and procedures. He’ll have to monitor, train and guide the team. He should have knowledge of Opera, GDS, CRS, Synaxis, Lanyon, Idea, Forecasting management system. Assistant Revenue Manager should be able to manage and maintain inventory controls, develop, monitor and adjust sales and pricing strategies.

Company: Tilal Liwa Hotel

Contact: info.tilal@danathotels.com

Jobs: Reservation Consultants

Company: Arabian Explorer Tourism

Requirements: Candidates should be able to speak Russian language and over 1 year experience.

Contact: pa@arabian-explorer.com

Legal

Jobs: HR Executive

Requirements: Candidates should be a graduate, holding an MBA degree in HR or similar degree with over one year experience in an international company. He/she should have experience of recruiting legal professionals both locally and overseas. He/she should have good knowledge of computer and be able to develop internal policies and procedures.

Company: Horizon & Co. Law

Contact: jayrene@horizlaw.ae

Manufacturing

Jobs: Engineering Draftsman, Assistant Accountant, Project Managers, Purchasing Assistant, Receptionist

Requirements: Draftsman should be able to detail steel structures, prepare fabrication and erection drawings and all needed reports. They should have at least 3 years experience and able to work on Tekla structures and Acad. Accountant should be a fresh university graduate with accountancy background. Managers should have 5 years experience in structural steel production and erection. Candidate should have bachelor’s degree in civil, structural engineering and knowledge of MS Project, MS Word, MS Excel and CAD system. Purchasing Assistant should have over 2 years experience and able to source project materials, proposing alternative suppliers or materials, preparing bid comparison and update material list.

Company: Unger Steel Middle East

Contact: hr@ungersteel.com

IMP: Candidates must mention reference number in the subject line. (Ref.: OP-113 Engineering Draftsman; Ref.: A-023 Assistant Accountant; Ref.: OP-002 Project Managers; Ref.: A-025 Purchasing Assistant; Ref.: A-014 Receptionist.

Retail

Jobs: Export Sales Manager

Requirements: Candidates should be graduate with at least 8 years sales and export experience preferably selling perfumes or any other beauty and health products. Must have good communication & sales skills and fluent in English with Arabic being an advantage.

Company: Swiss Perfumes

Contact: Send your CV with latest photo to hr@swisspersumes.com

Remuneration: Salary commensurates with experience and matches the industry standards.

Jobs: Retail Manager, Area Manager, Property Manager

Requirements: Candidates must have 7-year experience of working in a UAE pharmacy and licensed by MoH, DHA or Haad. Those holding MBA degree in Business Management will have an advantage; Area Manager should have 3-year experience of working in a pharmacy and holding MoH, DHA or Haad licence; Candidates interested in Property Manager position should have experience in fit-outs and knowledge of obtaining timely permits from relevant authorities.

Contact: hrdept.zr@gmail.com
 
Jobs: Business Development Manager (Retail Pharmacy)

Requirements: Candidate must have 3-year experience and graduate aged between 25 and 35 years. Candidate will have to find location, development of pharmacy franchise and good communication skills.

Contact: hrm@arabiamed.com

Arts/Entertainment/and Media

Jobs: Technical Supervisor
Company: Creative Edge
Location: Saudi Arabia
Requirement: Provide regularly high level technical reports, which include team’s performance, budgets and project progress, issues and any requested reports.
Contact: http://bit.ly/1iczhM6

Jobs: Radio Marketing Manager
Company: Creative Edge
Location: Saudi Arabia
Requirement: You will be required to work closely with colleagues in sales, sponsorship, promotions and events, publicity and programming
Contact: http://bit.ly/1blrJ6a

Jobs: Marketing Director
Company: Creative Edge
Location: Saudi Arabia
Requirement: Building and developing a marketing and PR team (inc corporate comms), providing direction, managing performance
Contact: http://bit.ly/194wfzX

Retail/Wholesale

Jobs: Senior Buyer
Company: Apple Search & Selection
Location: Dubai, UAE
Requirement: Select and purchase an attractive selection of apparel from manufacturers, designers, or wholesalers for retail stores by using fashion style sense, knowledge of fashion trends and understanding the targeted customers' desires
Salary: AED 30,000
Contact: http://bit.ly/1exzqoD

Jobs: Section Manager
Company: Apple Search & Selection
Location: Dubai, UAE
Requirement: Liaise with Director to define and implement the standards of operations concerning sales staff with regards to challenging, supporting and developing staff to achieve targets.
Salary: AED 12,000
Contact: http://bit.ly/1cqY48u

Construction

Jobs: Site Engineer
Company: Construction Development Company LLC
Location: Doha, Qatar
Requirement: Review construction drawings and resolve any discrepancies with Engineering and / or the Consultant.
Contact: http://bit.ly/1b1Bdxc

Jobs: Project Engineer
Company: Construction Development Company LLC
Location: Doha, Qatar
Requirement: Assist the Project Manager with developing site organization charts and project manpower requirements.
Contact: http://bit.ly/1fEM9ZC

Jobs: Construction Manager
Company: Construction Development Company LLC
Location: Doha, Qatar
Requirement: Responsible to ensure that work carried out by construction department complies with companies quality assurance procedures and ensure compliance with the clients specifications.
Contact: http://bit.ly/Iq0fPS


Retail/Wholesale

Jobs: Project Coordinator
Company: Dubai Holding Group
Location: Dubai
Requirement: Use project scheduling and control tools to monitor projects plans, work hours, budgets and expenditures
Contact: http://bit.ly/18kJRN8

Jobs: Merchandiser
Company: Dubai Holding Group
Location: Dubai
Requirement: To co-ordinate with warehouse and ensure that new ranges are launched in store as per the seasonal intake plans
Contact: http://bit.ly/IeyAlj
 

Natural Gas Distribution

Job: Office Manager - (Location: Sharkia Governorate)
Company: National Gas S.A.E
Location: Egypt
Requirement: Provide support in all aspects of office tasks including preparing correspondences, meetings, appointments & relaying information with other departments
Contact: http://bit.ly/1duHzwV

Job: Client Service Officer
Company: National Gas S.A.E
Location: Egypt
Requirement: Represents the link between clients and Operation and Maintenance / Construction and Client Support Department
Contact:http://bit.ly/Ibwlil


Internet/E-commerce; Advertising

Job: Talent Acquisition Specialist - Arabic
Company: Dubizzle Middle East FZ LLC
Location: Dubai
Requirement: Searching the in-house CV database, creating hot lists, keeping high quality declined candidates warm and on potential prospect lists
Contact: http://bit.ly/IbwIcR

Job: Web Analyst
Company: Dubizzle Middle East FZ LLC
Location: Dubai
Requirement: Work with IT and Web teams to ensure technology is in place to deliver, capture and ensure success of all key departments
Contact:http://bit.ly/19URJik

Job: Senior Platform Engineer - Cloud and Platform Engineering
Company: Dubizzle Middle East FZ LLC
Location: Dubai
Requirement: Improve the reliability and efficiency of our current platform and core systems
Contact: http://bit.ly/1ciIITp

For more jobs in the Gulf....click here

[Editor’s Note: The jobs listed here are a compilation of positions on offer in the UAE and the region. This website takes no responsibility for information advertised or contact details offered. Applicants are advised to make adequate enquiries before committing any personal information, either online or in person]

[Homepage Image Courtesy: Shutterstock]

South Africa managed to win the final one-day international against Pakistan in the third ODI at Centurion.

Replying to a relatively easier target, South Africa opener Hashim Amla provided a good start scoring a gritty 41. De Villiers remained unbeaten on 48 as South Africa secured victory in the 39th over.

Earlier, Misbah ul-Haq scored a fighting unbeaten half century as Pakistan managed to reach 179.

On a day when most of the Pakistan batsmen failed to get going, Pakistan skipper fought a lone battle to score 77 not out with Umar Amin (25), Sohaib Maqsood (25) and Abdur Rehman (22) offering some support.

Vernon Philander was the pick of the bowlers claiming three wickets while Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Ryan McLaren and Imran Tahir bagged two wickets each.

SOUTH AFRICA INNINGS

Ajmal removes McLaren. But it's too late for Pakistan as South Africa just need 16 runs. SA 164-6 in 36 overs.

R McLaren b Saeed Ajmal 17 (29b 2x4 0x6)

South Africa need 21 from 15 overs. De Villiers on 34. SA 159-5 in 35 overs.

Required run rate is just over two. Should be an easy one for South Africa with De Villiers going fine on 25. SA 142-5 in 31 overs.

Miller departs after a brief cameo. SA 124-5 in 27 overs

D Miller c Umar Akmal b Sohail Tanvir 24 (26b 3x4 0x6)

South Africa need 69 runs from 150 balls. It's easy route unless they lose any wickets. SA 111-4 in 25 overs.

Miller gets going immediately as he arrives as South Africa reach 100 for 4 in 22 overs.

Rehman strikes and Duminy is gone. South Africa are making it difficult for themselves but kudos to Pakistan bowlers. They are doing a commendable job here. SA 84-4 in 19.2 overs.

JP Duminy c Umar Akmal b Abdur Rehman 16 (23b 2x4 0x6)

That was bad luck for Amla. He goes for a run that did not exist. SA 75-3 in 16 overs.

H Amla run out 41 (48b 6x4 0x6)

South Africa need 117 runs to win from 36 overs. SA 63-2 in 14 overs.

Ajmal strikes. Great stuff from the spinner and excellent work from Akmal behind the stumps. SA 49-2 in 10.5 overs.

H Davids st Umar Akmal b Saeed Ajmal 7 (18b 0x4 0x6)

Pakistan taste first success. The visitors need more of that if they fancy a chance of a win here. Pak 39-1 in 6 overs.

Q de Kock c Saeed Ajmal b Bilawal Bhatti 15 (18b 3x4 0x6)

A strong start from the Proteas. SA 20-3 in 3 overs.

Amla and De Kock begin proceedings for South Africa. Tanvir takes the ball. SA 9-0 in 1 over.

PAKISTAN INNINGS

Two back to back sixes from the skipper off Tahir and Pakistan are 178 for 9 in 46 overs.

End of Tanvir. That was a well taken catch from Parnell. Pak 164-9 in 44.5 overs.

Sohail Tanvir c Parnell b Tsotsobe 6 (11b 1x4 0x6)

Amla takes his third catch, this time in the deep. Pak 148-8 in 41.4 overs.

Abdur Rehman c Amla b Imran Tahir 22 (40b 2x4 0x6)

Misbah gets to his half century. A brilliant knock under difficult circumstances. He has been in great form and leading from the front. Pak 141-7 in 40 overs.

Pakistan are 131 for 7 in 38 overs.

Misbah crosses 40. Pak 117-7 in 35 overs.

It's drinks. Pakistan are 110 for 7 in 33 overs.

Pakistan manage to reach 100. This should be an easy one for the hosts unless there is some element of surprise. Pak 100-7 in 30 overs.

Pakistan in deep trouble. MIsbah stands watching at the other end as wickets keep falling. Pak 97-7 in 28.1 overs.

Anwar Ali c de Kock b Philander 1 (2b 0x4 0x6)

Imran Tahir takes his first wicket as Bhatti returns to the pavilion. Pak 96-6 in 27.5 overs.

Bilawal Bhatti c Amla b Imran Tahir 1 (9b 0x4 0x6)

Two successive maidens from Philander. Pak 94-5 in 27 overs.

Pakistan lose Akmal. A big wicket and a brilliant catch from De Kock. Pak 85-5 in 25 overs.

Umar Akmal c de Kock b Philander 5 (26b 0x4 0x6)

Pakistan are 80-4 in 22 overs.

A lot will be expected from Umar Akmal. He has a great chance here to get a big one. Pak 78-4 in 20 overs.

As it looked like Maqsood was doing well, he is gone. Good catch from McLaren off his own bowling. Pak 67-4 in 17 overs.

Sohaib Maqsood c & b McLaren 25 (39b 4x4 0x6)

Pakistan are 61-3 in 15 overs.

Maqsood looking confident. He reaches 20. Pak 56-3 in 13 overs.

Amla takes a stunning catch at the slips and Pakistan lose another. Pak 48-3 in 11 overs.

Umar Amin c Amla b McLaren 25 (35b 4x4 1x6)

Umar Amin and Ahmed Shehzad open for Pakistan. Vernon Philander bowls for South Africa.

Playing XI

South Africa: Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock, Henry Davids, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, David Miller, Ryan McLaren, Wayne Parnell, Vernon Philander, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Imran Tahir
   
Pakistan: Ahmed Shehzad, Umar Amin, Sohaib Maqsood, Misbah-ul-Haq, Asad Shafiq, Umar Akmal, Bilawal Bhatti, Anwar Ali, Sohail Tanvir, Abdur Rehman, Saeed Ajmal

Shahid Afridi has been rested for Pakistan who have made four changes. Mohammad Hafeez, Nasir Jamshed and Junaid Khan also have been rested.

After having won both the ODIs, including a close one-run win in the second ODI, Pakistan will be keen to finish the series on a high when they take on South Africa in the third and final ODI at Centurion.

For the hosts it's a rare situation of facing a whitewash in their home territory.

Property prices in Dubai are set to increase in the short term, but with the real estate sector will witness a stable and sustainable growth in the long run, believe experts.

Jones Lang LaSalle, a global real estate consultancy, says the direct impact of Expo 2020 win will be on investor sentiment, leading to rise in asking price for both plots and ready villas/apartments in developments close to the Expo site and Jebel Ali area.

Parvees Gafur, Chief Executive Officer, PropSquare Real Estate, adds: “We anticipate there could be jump in prices on a instant basis and with a gradual increase on 'actual demand'. Most benefiting could be TIER 2 communities and majority of them are on the corridors of the main Expo venue.”

Rents are less likely to increase immediately as the real consumer will take time to enter markets subject to their mobilisation of businesses, he states, adding there are proper rent controls set by Dubai’s Real Estate Regulatory Agency on existing properties as well.

On the development front, JLL believes supply levels in the corridor to the south of Dubai are likely to increase as a result of a successful Expo bid.

“A number of developers have major land holdings around Dubai World Central and plans to develop these are likely to be ‘kick started’ on the back of the improved sentiment resulting from the World Expo decision,” says Alan Robertson, CEO, Jones Lang LaSalle, Mena.

Cluttons, another real estate consultancy, adds that the market will see a more sustainable and stable growth.

“We feel the much talked about "Expo boost" has already been priced into the real estate market to an extent. Dubai has already seen a surge in property prices and we expect a trend of more stable and sustainable growth to persist over the short term,” says Steve Morgan, head of Cluttons Middle East.

“The fast-tracking of projects designed to complement city's 2020 vision of hosting 25 million tourists is inevitable and this will involve the resumption of work on some of Dubai’s stalled schemes.”

Cluttons believes the majority of investment in the short term will go towards the delivery of the Expo site, accelerating transport infrastructure, retail, leisure and hospitality.

"I believe we will see strong demand across a variety of sectors including retail, tourism and hospitality, for example hotels and malls, as well as residential, commercial and logistics projects that cater to the increased number of visitors - this is an opportunity for real estate developers to make a positive contribution to the future of Dubai,” says Khaled Al Malek, Group CEO of Dubai Properties Group.

He adds: “Though our diverse portfolio of popular residential communities, commercial and retail developments as well as our large land bank, we believe we are well placed to capitalise and support Dubai's growth, and the increased demand a successful Expo 2020 bid will bring."

A 60-year-old Japanese man switched at birth says he would like to "roll back the clock", days after winning a lawsuit against the hospital that mistakenly cast him into a life of poverty.

The man told a packed Tokyo press conference that he was shell-shocked when he learnt the truth, saying his life would have been starkly different.

"I've wondered how on earth could this happen. I couldn't believe it. To be honest, I didn't want to accept it," he told Japanese media late Wednesday. The man was not identified.

"I might have had a different life. I want (the hospital) to roll back the clock to the day I was born."

A Tokyo district court this week ordered the hospital to pay 38 million yen ($374,000) in damages over its 1953 blunder which saw the man switched with another baby boy who was delivered just 13 minutes later.

The court ruled that 32 million yen should go to the man and the remaining six million to his three biological brothers.

It is not clear if the hospital, which has not commented on the bizarre case, will appeal.

The man, an unmarried truck driver, would have grown up as the eldest of four brothers in a wealthy family where siblings enjoyed a lavish lifestyle including private tutors.

Instead, he was raised on welfare by his non-biological mother who also supported older siblings after her husband passed away.

The family had few frills in their one-room apartment except for a radio, according to the man who studied at night school while working in a factory.

The decades-old mistake was uncovered when the wealthy family's three younger brothers had DNA testing done on their oldest sibling -- who looked nothing like them -- after their parents died.

They checked hospital records and confirmed the identity of their biological eldest brother last year.

The four are now working on building a relationship to make up for lost time.

But the man switched at birth said he cried daily for several months after learning the truth.

"As I saw pictures of my (biological) parents, I wanted to see them alive. I couldn't hold back tears for months every time I saw their pictures."

One of my brothers "told me that we will have 20 more years to live so we should make up for lost time", he added.

"I was happy to hear that and I want to do it."

The wealthy family's non-biological eldest son runs a real-estate company while his three siblings work for major firms, media reports said.

The trio, along with their genuine older brother, had asked for a much-bigger 250 million yen in damages.

The mothers in both families had seemingly suspected they had been raising the wrong babies.

"I think my foster mother might have sensed it," the man said, noting physical differences from the siblings he grew up with.

His real brothers remember their mother saying her first baby came back from his first bath in hospital wearing the wrong clothes.

"I've heard mother was a person who hated to lose. I have really hated to lose since I was small and was wondering where this characteristic came from," he said.

"When I heard about her, I thought 'that was it'."

"It was like she was born to experience hardship," the man said of the woman he knew as his mother. She is now also dead.

The man has been helping take care of his non-biological brothers, one of whom suffered a stroke.

(Home page image courtesy Shutterstock)

Even though most employees in the private sector will be working on the 2nd of December some companies are now declaring the day off.

For example, multinational company, Nestle, has declared 2nd of December a holiday.

“On the occasion of UAE national day, the company will be closed on Monday 2nd December 2013. We shall resume operations on Tuesday 3rd December,” read a notice. A company official confirmed this news to Emirates 24|7.

Aramex is also off on Monday. “The operations will be off,” confirmed a customer service executive.

“We haven’t received any official notice but have been told verbally that Monday will be a holiday for all,” said an employee with a private sector company without wishing to be named.

However, this is not mandatory and depends on the company in the private sector. “We are working on Monday,” confirmed an employee working with a multinational bank.

Saqr bin Ghobash, Minister of Labour, had issued a circular on private sector holidays on the occasion of 42nd UAE National Day anniversary.

Private sector companies that have just Friday as weekly off will get a paid holiday on November 30 [Saturday].

All private sector companies that have a two-day weekend will get a paid holiday on December 1 [Sunday].

Public institutions will have holidays on December 1st and 2nd 2013.

If you’re looking forward to building a great career in aviation sector, here’s an opportunity to join a fast growing organization in the UAE.

Promising a bright career growth, Sharjah Aviation Services is recruiting young and energetic Passenger Service Agents for its expanding  team at Sharjah International Airport.

The company said it’s “looking for enthusiastic, dynamic, friendly and outgoing people who can provide highest level of customer service and join its multicultural team of Passenger Service Agents. If you’re looking for a career with one of the Middle East’s most successful airports, here is your chance.”

Sharjah Aviation Services is a joint venture company between Sharjah Airport Authority and the low-cost airline Air Arabia. Involved in passenger, cargo and ramp handling, and support services, the company employs over 1,500 staff and a GSE fleet of more than 20 specialised vehicles and equipment.

Candidates wishing to join company must be holding at least higher secondary education degree and over one-year experience as a customer service executive with an airline, hotel or sales industry.

The candidates must have excellent communication and writing skills in English while proficiency in Arabic will be an added advantage, the company said.

Aged between 21 and 35, the candidates should be flexible to work on shift basis and have good knowledge of MS Office.

Interested candidates head to Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club on Wednesday, December 4th, 2013, between 8am and 3pm for walk-in interviews. They need to carry along updated resume and a passport-size photo.