Wonders of the world will come together to create a unique themed garden and entertainment escape for UAE residents, as the Dh30 million ‘Dubai Garden Glow’ project comes to life.

The Dubai Municipality project is being touted as the first of its kind in Dubai, open to visitors staring from December 2015.

Pegged to be the world’s largest family focused themed destinations of its kind, it offers two diverse experiences ‘Art by day and Glow by night’ at the Zabeel Park, Zone B.

The Dubai Garden Glow project has been inspired by wonders across the globe and has created several experiences that will take you to Masai Mara wild beast migration to the tulips of Netherlands.

This themed destination will also feature several live performances by international, regional and local artists and acrobats.

Some live musical performances have been conceptualised to showcase the UAE culture to the world.

Younger children will also have a dedicated area where they can enjoy ‘learning with fun’.

The venue will also include several games and fun activities to keep them engaged, there along with a large food street that will offer delicacies from around the world.

The show stoppers that are being arranged to make it to the Guinness Book of World Records include ‘The Porcelain Grand Sheikh Zayed Mosque’ made up of 90,000 porcelain cups, plates and spoons; along with the Burj Khalifa recreated with 330,000 small medicine bottles filled with colored water and stands over 12 meters (36’) tall.

In addition to the above,  Dubai Garden Glow will also be seen showcasing interesting concepts for the younger children like the talking tree, panda paradise, dino camp and candy land.

Dubai Garden Glow is a ticketed event, and with the current line of activities and installations, and is hoping to attract over 5000 visitors a day.

His Excellency Eng. Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality said in a statement: “Dubai Garden Glow is a vision of Dubai’s commitment towards providing continuous recreation, leisure and entertainment to the local residents and tourists visiting Dubai.

“With Dubai's success story as being the leading commercial and trading hub for the Middle East, Dubai is now focusing on positioning itself as a leading destination within the entertainment and leisure sectors aiming to attract the widest audience of tourists, covering all age groups, nationalities and activities.”

He added that Dubai Garden Glow will engage and inspire visitors by spreading a strong message reinforcing the emirate’s commitment towards using recycled products and reducing carbon footprint.
 

Romina Racamonje, Miss Bolivia 2015; and Anna Vergelskaya, Miss Ukraine 2015; take part in a pre-tape segment for the Miss Universe Telecast at The Neon Museum Las Vegas on  December 11, 2015. The 2015 Miss Universe contestants are touring, filming, rehearsing and preparing to compete for the DIC Crown in Las Vegas. (AFP)

Sharlene Radlein, Miss Jamaica 2015, takes part in a pre-tape segment for the Miss Universe Telecast at The Neon Museum Las Vegas on  December 11, 2015. The 2015 Miss Universe contestants are touring, filming, rehearsing and preparing to compete for the DIC Crown in Las Vegas.  (AFP)

Miss Universe Organization, Clarissa Molina, Miss Dominican Republic 2015, takes part in a pre-tape segment for the Miss Universe Telecast at The Neon Museum Las Vegas on  December 11, 2015. The 2015 Miss Universe contestants are touring, filming, rehearsing and preparing to compete for the DIC Crown in Las Vegas. (AFP)

Debbie Collins, Miss Nigeria 2015, takes part in a pre-tape segment for the Miss Universe Telecast at The Neon Museum Las Vegas on  December 11, 2015. The 2015 Miss Universe contestants are touring, filming, rehearsing and preparing to compete for the DIC Crown in Las Vegas.(AFP)

From the Miss Universe Organization, Myriam Arevalos, Miss Paraguay 2015, takes part in a pre-tape segment for the Miss Universe Telecast at The Neon Museum Las Vegas on  December 11, 2015. The 2015 Miss Universe contestants are touring, filming, rehearsing and preparing to compete for the DIC Crown in Las Vegas. (AFP)

Maria-Belen Jerez Spuler, Miss Chile 2015, takes part in a pre-tape segment for the Miss Universe Telecast at The Neon Museum Las Vegas on  December 11, 2015. The 2015 Miss Universe contestants are touring, filming, rehearsing and preparing to compete for the DIC Crown in Las Vegas. (AFP)

Hilda Akua Frimpong, Miss Ghana 2015, presents her gift during the National Gift Auction at the Opportunity Village,  December 10, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (AFP)
 

Lorraina C. Marriot, Miss Tanzania 2015, presents her gift during the National Gift Auction at the Opportunity Village,  December 10, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (AFP)

Olivia Jordan, Miss USA 2015, presents her gift during the National Gift Auction at the Opportunity Village,  December 10, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (AFP)
 

Huong Pham, Miss Vietnam 2015, presents her gift during the National Gift Auction at the Opportunity Village,  December 10, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (AFP)

Seoyeon Kim, Miss Korea 2015, presents her gift during the National Gift Auction at the Opportunity Village,  December 10, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (AFP)

Aniporn Chalermburanawong, Miss Thailand 2015, presents her gift during the National Gift Auction at the Opportunity Village,  December 10, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (AFP)

Cynthia Samuel, Miss Lebanon 2015; Iroshka Elvir, Miss Honduras 2015; Sharlene Radlein, Miss Jamaica 2015; and Shauna Ramdyhan, Miss Guyana 2015; pose for photos during the National Gift Auction at the Opportunity Village,  December 10, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (AFP)

Amina Dagi, Miss Austria 2015; Mirta Kustan, Miss Croatia 2015; Monika Radulovic, Miss Australia 2015; and Ariadna Gutierrez, Miss Colombia 2015; pose for photos during the National Gift Auction at the Opportunity Village, December 10, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada.(AFP)

Ariana Miyamoto, Miss Japan 2015, poses for a photo at Exotics Racing. (AFP)

Monika Radulovic, Miss Australia 2015; and Sharlene Radlein, Miss Jamaica 2015,  laugh during a pajama party video shoot at Planet Hollywood. (AFP)

Shauna Ramdyhan, Miss Guyana 2015 poses for a photo inside Planet Hollywood. (AFP)

Alysha Boekhoudt, Miss Aruba 2015, poses for a photo at Exotics Racing. (AFP)

Clarissa Molina, Miss Dominican Republic 2015, poses for a photo inside Planet Hollywood. (AFP)

Kanisha Sluis, Miss Curacao 2015, poses for a photo inside Planet Hollywood. (AFP)

Miss Bulgaria 2015 Radostina Todorova, Miss Italy 2015 Giada Pezzaioli, and Miss Venezuela 2015 Mariana Jimenez pose with Miss Universe 2014 Paulina Vega at a Chinese Laundry sponsored event at Zappos, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Reuters)

Miss Korea 2015 Kim Seo-yeon, Miss Thailand 2015 Aniporn Chalermburanawong, and Miss Japan 2015 Ariana Miyamoto pose for photos at a Chinese Laundry sponsored event at Zappos, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Reuters)

Miss Sweden 2015 Paulina Brodd, Miss Denmark 2015 Cecilie Wellemberg, Miss Hungary 2015 Nikoletta Nagy, and Miss France 2015 Flora Coquerel, pose for photos at a Chinese Laundry sponsored event at Zappos. (Reuters)

Miss Great Britain 2015 Narissara Nena France and Miss Mexico 2015 Wendy Esparza film in their National Costume at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Reuters)

Miss Panama 2015 Gladys Brandao Amaya takes part in a pre-tape segment at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Reuters)

Tonie Maria Chisholm, Miss Cayman Islands 2015, Maja Cukic, Miss Montenegro 2015, Paulina Brodd, Miss Sweden 2015, Cecilie Feline Wellemberg, Miss Denmark 2015, Rosa-Maria Ryyti, Miss Finland 2015, and Jeimmy Tahiz Aburto, Miss Guatemala 2015, lead the charge during a pre tape segment at Planet Hollywood Resort. (Reuters)

Ariadna Gutierrez, Miss Colombia 2015. (Reuters)

Miss Universe 2014 Paulina Vega, the Colombian beauty queen, will soon pass her crown to during the 64th edition of Miss Universe.

81 contestants have finally arrived in Las Vegas, Nevada, and all are vying to win this year's Miss Universe beauty pageant.

The current top 10 favorites from Missossology, a beauty pageant forum, include the candidates from India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Sweden, France, Philippines, Thailand, Dominican Republic, Colombia, and Japan.

The competition has just started, but fans are already anxious to see who will be crowned as the next Miss Universe.

The Miss Universe 2015 pageant night will happen at The AXIS in Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada. The show will be broadcast live by Fox on Dec. 20.

Paulina Vega, Miss Universe 2014 (C) and the 2015 Miss Universe contestants during the Welcome Event at Planet Hollywood Resort. (Reuters)

Laura Spoya, Miss Peru 2015. (Reuters)

Gladys Brandao Amaya, Miss Panama 2015. (AFP)

Paola Nunez, Miss Canada 2015. (AFP)

Paulina Vega, Miss Universe 2014. (AFP)

Sheetal Khadun, Miss Mauritius 2015. (AFP)

Vanessa Tevi Kumares, Miss Malaysia 2015,  takes part in a pre tape segment while on stage at Planet Hollywood Resort. (AFP)

Rosa-Maria Ryyti, Miss Finland 2015; and Lisa Elizabeth Drouillard, Miss Haiti 2015; pose for a photo at Red Rock Canyon. (AFP)

Yun Fang Xue, Miss China 2015. (AFP)

Aniporn Chalermburanawong, Miss Thailand 2015. (AFP)

Paola Nunez, Miss Canada 2015. (AFP)

Claudia Barrionuevo, Miss Argentina 2015. (AFP)

Urvashi Rautela, Miss India 2015, poses for a photo during registration at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 4, 2015. (AFP)

Paola Nunez, Miss Canada 2015, poses for a photo during registration at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 4, 2015. The 2015 Miss Universe contestants are touring, filming, rehearsing and preparing to compete for the DIC Crown in Las Vegas. (AFP)
Ariadna Gurierrez, Miss Colombia 2015 poses for a photo during registration at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 4, 2015. (AFP)
Cynthia Samuel, Miss Lebanon 2015 poses for a photo during registration at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 4, 2015. (AFP)
 

Catalina Morales, Miss Puerto Rico 2015, poses during registration at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on December 3rd, 2015. (AFP)
 

Annelies Törös, Miss Belgium 2015, poses during registration at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on on December 2, 2015. (AFP)Chennai floods drown Dubai resident in waves of anxiety, despair.

Miss Bolivia 2015, poses for a photo during registration at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 4, 2015. The 2015 Miss Universe contestants are touring, filming, rehearsing and preparing to compete for the DIC Crown in Las Vegas. (AFP)

 

A Swedish court has sentenced a male daycare worker to six and a half years in prison for four cases of rape and 20 cases of sexual assault against toddlers aged one to three in his charge.

The 40-year-old man, who worked at 40 different daycares in the southern municipality of Kristianstad as a temp agency employee, pleaded guilty to the charges, a statement from the Kristianstad district court said.

The assaults took place at eight of the daycares where he worked from March 2014 until June 2015.

"The man sexually abused several girls during diaper changes. The girls were between one and three years old. The 40-year-old, documented the abuses himself with his mobile phone camera," the court said.

"The crimes are considered aggravated because of the way he carried them out, the fact that he abused his position as a child minder, and that he abused the trust he enjoyed," it added.

"Crimes like these are very rare," court spokesman Markus Nilsson told AFP.

The defendant also found guilty of one charge of abusive photography and one case of aggravated child pornography for documenting the abuses and saving the photographs on his computer.

The man, whose name was not disclosed, was caught in July when he sexually abused a young girl at a theme park where he was employed. During police interrogation he came clean about the daycare assaults and rapes.

He risked a maximum sentence of seven-and-a-half years behind bars but was given a year less than the maximum because he had collaborated with the police investigation.

The court also ordered the man to pay damages totalling 1.6 million kronor (172,000 euros, $188,000; Dh690,000) to his victims.

 

Late Bollywood actress Jiah Khan's suicide case is getting murkier by the day with the case now being handled by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in India.

New findings by CBI against actor and boyfriend Sooraj Pancholi has shocked the industry and Indian media. CBI alleges Sooraj of removing the foetus out of Jiah's body himself and aiding her abortion.

This incident led to Jiah suffering from a deep emotional scar.

Contrary to Sooraj's statement, Jiah and he did not just have a 'misunderstanding' but a nasty fight barely an hour before her suicide.

The CBI released a document with details of ten abusive messages sent by the 'Hero' actor to his then girlfriend Jiah Khan and published in Times Of India.

22:56 - Cal if u wanna talk

22:56 - Leave

22:57 - You just made my life a prison realy just wanted to eat food with K*** meet n**** and give her your new order..U f****** creep u spy on my shady f******* person! How will we ever work if you do this s***...I always trust you blindly.. Please leave me alone!

22:57 - U f***** it up for u!

22:58 - I am very unhappy

23:03 - U think I f****** am jealous of your success hahahahaha! F****** un greatful person

23:03 - Talk to n**** and find out for yourself what happened! I..wanted to surprise u on Thursday thanks for f****** it up…when u find out the truth talk to me before that don’t even think about it…how cud u spy on me! With n****! this is f***** up!

23:08 - call asap its urgent

23:21 - cal me now

23:21 - i wanna talk to u asap

According to TOI's report, the CBI's chargesheet against Sooraj alleges that Jiah and Sooraj had a fight regarding Sooraj meeting a jewellery designer at a hotel but when Jiah called the woman to confirm the same, the latter told her that she was going to meet Sooraj the next morning leading to Jiah accusing Sooraj of lying.

Sooraj then called up the jewellery designer himself and asked her to clear the misunderstanding regarding the appointment with Jiah but her calls were met by a busy tone.

Jiah's own repeated attempts to contact Sooraj were not answered until he himself called her at 10.22 PM, reported TOI.

Following this Jiah arrived at Sooraj's house but was told that he was in a meeting with his father.

Later that night, Sooraj and Jiah had two heated phone conversations, following which Sooraj sent her the above 10 text messages as per TOI's report.

Jiah was found hanging from the bedroom ceiling fan at 11.20 by her mother who had returned home from a party.

Sanskriti Media and Entertainment

Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone may never have confirmed the many rumours of the two being in a relationship with each other, but the two never hesitate when it comes to supporting or praising each other.

Ranveer has finally revealed when he fell for his ladylove for the first time and also said that he can not forget that first sight.

Sanskriti Media and Entertainment

In an recent interview, Ranveer and Deepika were asked what they thought about each other when they saw each other for the first time.

Ranveer revealed that he saw Deepika during the Zee Cine Awards which were held in Macau. He also said, "The first time I saw her, I almost went flat!"

File

The actor recalls that Deepika was wearing a silver dress at the event which happened in 2012 and when a fan asked him about how does he remember it so well. Here's what Ranveer tweeted: "how can one possibly forget that sight!?"

Genelia Deshmukh pregnant again?

Twitter

Riteish Deshmukh and wife Genelia Deshmukh are enjoying their parenthood with adorable little baby Riaan Deshmukh.

Riaan turned one this November when his parents threw a sailor-themed birthday party for him.

Twitter

However, buzz is that little Riaan will soon have a sweet little sibling to play with.

Bollywood circuits are abuzz that Genelia is pregnant with her second baby.

Twitter

The actress, who was planning to take on work after a long break, has put a stop to these new projects now that she is in the family way again.

Salman, Iulia Vantur caught in one frame

File

Salman Khan is one of the most good looking men in Bollywood and fans are aware of his string of affairs which never culminated into marriage.

The latest in the list is Romanian model Iulia Vantur. Rumours have been rife for a long time now that Salman and Iulia are going strong.

There have been buzzes of an engagement and a wedding too. However, Salman has never admitted to the relationship and has always laughed it off.

Recently, a source close to Salman mentioned that Iulia is busy with her work assignments abroad and therefore there is no question of them getting engaged or married.

Now few pictures have surfaced which shows Salman and Iulia driving away. While Salman is seated in the front, Iulia is seen sitting at the back.

Both Salman and Iulia are clicked in one frame and the two seemed aware of camera presence.

While it might still be some time before Salman Khan's relationship status is revealed to the world at large, these photos have added an all new dimension to the Salman-Iulia saga.

Katrina unhappy with Ranbir, Deepika

Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone during a promotion of upcoming movie 'Tamasha' at Hotel Holiday, Punchkula. (Getty Images)

Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone make a perfect couple on-screen. They have been the talk of the town and their chemistry on and off screen is way too palpable.

The two hottest co-stars of Bollywood were in the news during their aggressive promotional events and their movie 'Tamasha'.

Sanskriti Media and Entertainment

The movie itself was an intense, romantic and pathfinding story that even involved a passionate lip-lock between the two ex-lovers.

So what does Ranbir's current girlfriend Katrina Kaif think about all this?

Ranbir and Deepika Padukone dance during a promotion of their film 'Tamasha'. (AP)

Katrina said that 'Tamasha' is an outstanding movie and that Ranbir was superb in it. However, in a recent interview with GQ, Katrina put forward her actual thoughts on her handsome boyfriend working with his ex-girlfriend, Deepika.

Katrina said when asked about Ranbir working with Deepika, "I can't enforce my will on the people in my life. Their choices are their own. I may not be happy with them but I hope that as they mature or as they evolve, their choices will change!"

Well, that says it all, doesn't it?

Kareena Kapoor says no to Hrithik?

AFP

Hrithik Roshan and Kareena Kapoor Khan make a good Bollywood on-screen couple, despite that they have never worked together after Subhash Ghai's film 'Yaadein' in 2003.

It was their rumoured affair during the movie that saw the two actors walk away in different directions.

Reports suggested that Kareena and Hrithik might come together for Sanjay Gupta's next.

Sanskriti Media

The makers had approached Kareena but Hrithik's father Rakesh Roshan clearly said that Kareena is not in the film.

A popular entertainment tabloid recently reported that Hrithik will be working with his director father Rakesh Roshan once again and the film is set to kick start in February. It doesn’t have a title yet but the daily reports that it will be love story cum revenge drama directed by Sanjay Gupta.

AFP

Sanjay Gupta tweeted: "Ok guys its true that I am working on my next with Hrithik and Rakeshji. But we have not confirmed the lead actress as yet. We will soon :-)."

He continued, "It would be any director's dream come true to get Hrithik and Kareena together for a film. But we have not finalised our heroine yet."

Karisma Kapoor's divorce getting messy?

Actress Karisma Kapoor and estranged husband Sunjay Kapur had filed a mutual consent divorce petition in Mumbai's Family Court and were to end their 12 year old marriage before the end of 2014.

And since, they are unable to reach a consensus, both the parties decided to withdraw the joint petition for divorce.

The court will decide after speaking to Sunjay. Karisma, who was present in the court went through a long counselling session behind closed doors.

Mid Day reports that Karisma and Sunjay have been arguing about is the terms of a Trust being set up for the welfare of their two children, Samaira and Kiaan Raj Kapoor.

Sunjay doesn't want to handover the control of the Trust to Karisma. As a result, Karisma is not giving Sunjay access to their children.

Karisma and Sunjay tied the knot in September 2003.

Preity Zinta getting married... soon?

Sanskriti Media and Entertainment

In the latest wedding buzz, Bollywood's dimpled girl Preity Zinta is all set to marry, according to the reports.

Though the actress herself has denied the news, Times Of India has reported that sources close enough to the actress have confirmed that she's about to fly to USA in January 2016.

AFP

There, she'll be getting married to her American boyfriend, Gene Goodenough at a small and intimate ceremony.

The two have been going steady for a while now and it was Gene who stood by Preity throughout her problems with her ex-boyfriend Ness Wadia.

Katrina doesn't like talking about Salman

Salman and Katrina promote 'Ek Tha Tiger'. (Supplied)

Katrina Kaif, who is Ranbir Kapoor's girlfriend, feels that it would be disrespecting her 'existing relationship' if she talks in public about her ex-boyfriend Salman Khan.

During an appearance on Niranjan Iyengar's talk show 'Look Who's Talking with Niranjan', Katrina was asked about her relationship with the 'Dabangg' actor.

AFP

Katrina replied: "He is an amazing person and everyone in and out of the industry knows that. His parents and family treated me like a daughter always. But it does not seem respectful to my existing relationship if I talk about Salman or his family in the media; hence I choose not to mostly."

On being asked about her 'existing relationship' and her marriage plans with Ranbir, she said: 'Ranbir is my all-time friend'.

Shah Rukh to bring Parineeti, Alia together?

According to rumours Shah Rukh Khan is going to produce a female oriented flick starring Alia Bhatt and Parineeti Chopra in the lead.

The film is said to be directed by Farah Khan, who has been holed out in Goa for some time now working on her script.

 Farah is considering Parineeti and Alia to star in her two heroine drama flick.

Farah has also revealed that Shah Rukh will be producing her next project.

Parineeti had a rough 2014 with back to back flops like 'Daawat-e-Ishq' and 'Kill Dil' while Alia has been giving one hit after another until 'Shaandaar'.

The two girls have been often pitted against each other and it will be interesting to see how things work out in this chick-flick.

Salman talks about rumoured girlfriend Iulia

AFP

The grapevine has always been abuzz with talks of Salman Khan and Romanian TV personality Iulia Vantur being in a relationship.

And some time back, there was a rumour doing the rounds that Salman is secretly engaged to Iulia.

AFP

But later the actor rubbished all the rumours by saying, "There is a lot of buzz about a lot of things about me, which is never true. Yes, I read what is written, hear what is said, and my right answer to your question would be that I am indifferent to all of it. The small things don't bother me at all, but they bother my parents. And that really bothers me."

Salman has always been linked to leading ladies such as Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Katrina Kaif.

But the actor is still unmarried and always laughs it off when he is asked about his marriage.

Yuvraj Singh, Hazel ready for marriage?

(AFP)

Before the dust could settle around the big fat Indian wedding of cricketer Harbhajan Singh and actress Geeta Basra, cricketer Yuvraj Singh and actress Hazel Keech's marriage rumours is creating a buzz in the gossip columns.

It is an open secret that Yuvraj and Hazel are a couple and the two attended Harbhajan's wedding together.

Indian media also reported that the couple will be formally engaged by the end of November and wedding will be held in February 2016.

Facebook

The cricketer's tongue-in-cheek reply to these rumours has put all speculations to an end.

The all-rounder took to Twitter to deny reports about his 'impending wedding'. He wrote, "So now my dear media has decided the venue and month of my marriage can u also tell me the dates so I can get ready well in time!"

Yuvraj had previously dated Bollywood actress Kim Sharma and was also linked with Deepika Padukone.

Shah Rukh Khan shows his 'love bite'

Twitter

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is back on the sets of Rohit Shetty's 'Dilwale' after his birthday celebrations and apparently the actor got into a bit of trouble.

The actor got in a 'pub brawl' which resulted in a bruise on his arm.

Shah Rukh posted a picture of his 'pretty and pink love-bite' explaining that since he is the 'romantic hero' and all that, even his injuries reflect the same.

Looks like the actor shot for a bar fight scene for 'Dilwale' and got this bruise.

He tweeted, "My love bite from a bar fight. Being a romantic hero even my injuries look…well…pretty & pink! From sets of #Dilwale."

Are Hrithik, Kangana avoiding each other?

Sanskriti

Rumours of a fling between Hrithik Roshan and Kangana Ranaut was the talk of the town till they decided to part ways.

The 'Queen' actress was rumoured to have ended the relationship as Hrithik was not ready to take it forward.

It was also speculated that perhaps they had a bitter break-up.

Sanskriti

The two actors, who worked together in 'Krrish 3', are till conscious of prying eyes. During the opening ceremony of ongoing MAMI film festival they avoided each other like the plague.

Though they had a common group of friends at the event, the two stars never mingled with them together.

Sanskriti

They did pose for a group picture and maintained a distance between them - much to their relief.

While Hrithik was seen chatting up with Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif and Aditya Roy Kapoor, Kangana was seated far away. However, as soon as Hrithik left the gang, Kangana joined the others and chatted away.

Deepika trying to follow Priyanka Chopra?

In this file photograph taken on April 28, 2015, Indian Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone poses during a promotional event ahead of the forthcoming Hindi film ‘Piku’ in Mumbai. AFP

Deepika Padukone is keen on doing Hollywood films and wants to explore to work in the West.

During the ongoing Jio MAMI festival the actress said that she is interested in doing Hollywood films and is ready to explore work opportunities.

Deepika was earlier offered a role in 'Furious 7' which she had to decline due to her commitment to 'Ram Leela' promotions.

Priyanka Chopra poses for a photograph during the 'Star Guild Awards 2015'. (AFP)

As she gears up for two back-to-back releases, Deepika said if something interesting comes her way she will definitely take it up.

Actors like Priyanka Chopra and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan have made appearances in Hollywood projects.

Priyanka is the first female actor from India to play lead in a US TV series. The actor is playing the role of Alex Parrish, a rookie FBI recruit with a mysterious past in 'Quantico'.

Anushka not ready to marry Virat

Last weekend, Anushka Sharma was spotted out with boyfriend Virat Kohli and her father on what was rumoured to be a house-hunting spree.

A report in mid-day quotes a source as saying, "Anushka and Virat have been open about their relationship because they are sure about taking it to the marriage altar. Their families will meet soon and decide the wedding date. In all likelihood, they will get hitched early next year."

But the actress isn't getting married any time soon, insists a statement on behalf of the 'Dil Dhadakne Do' star, seemingly impelled by reports in the press of a possible 2016 wedding to cricketer Virat Kohli.

The statement reads: "There is no truth to the stories/rumours about Anushka Sharma's impending wedding. Currently she is busy and happy with her work commitments. She has always been open about her life and would appreciate it and request everyone to wait for her to make announcements about her life instead of speculating."

Deepika, Ranbir's chemistry made Katrina insecure?

Actress Katrina Kaif has not asked filmmaker Anurag Basu to 'fire up' her chemistry with boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor in their upcoming comedy-drama film 'Jagga Jasoos', said her spokesperson.

(AFP)

Katrina is reportedly worried about Ranbir's chemistry with his former girlfriend, actress Deepika Padukone's in upcoming film 'Tamasha'.

"These rumours are clearly someone's imagination running wild. Though this makes fodder for gossip, it is categorically and entirely untrue. These stories are misleading to the audience and fans in general. Such idle gossip is really avoidable and childish," Katrina's spokesperson said in a statement.

Deepika and Ranbir are returning on the silver screen together after two years in filmmaker Imtiaz Ali's 'Tamasha', which is slated to release on November 26 in UAE.

Sanskriti Media and Entertainment

Meanwhile, 'Jagga Jasoos', which is slated to release in June next year, will feature the couple after 2010's 'Raajneeti'.

The UAE has declared Thursday, December 24, as a holiday for public sector workers to observe the birthday of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).

Ministries and federal departments will resume work after the weekend on December 27.

According to national news agency Wam, the Ministry of Labour has also declared Thursday, December 24, 2015, as an official paid holiday for the private sector. 

Saqr Ghobash, Labour Minister, made the announcement in implementation of the provisions of Article 74 of Federal Law No. 08 of 1980 concerning labour relations and its amendments.

Marking the Holy occasion, the minister sent his regards to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and to Their Highnesses Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates.

He wished citizens and residents of the UAE happiness and prosperity on the occasion, praying for further progress and wealth to all Arab and Islamic nations.

A 40-year-old Egyptian man raped 35 children aged between four and six years after posing as a football coach for them, newspapers in Egypt reported on Monday.

He told police that he committed the crimes because he wanted to revenge against children in that age after his mother abandoned him when he was a child.

Newspapers quoted him as saying he had sex with a worker at a bakery where he started his first job but that he quit and left the neighborhood in Cairo.

After moving to another area, he persuaded local families to send their children for training, claiming he was a famous footballer.

“He took children to remote areas and raped them. He said he was filming the act as he loved to watch it later,” newspapers said, quoting a police source.

Police arrested the man after some kids told their families about the crime.

Emirates airline expects a record number of travellers to take to the skies as this upcoming weekend is expected to be one of its busiest for 2015.

On December 18 alone, over 34,000 people will check into Emirates’ dedicated Terminal 3 facilities.

Over 535,000 people will be travelling with Emirates over the period between December 17 and 19. This represents an increase of almost 14% over last year during the same period.

Overall, the busiest day for the airline is expected on Friday, December 18, although high passenger traffic is expected to start from today, December 14, and remain at peak levels until the end of this month. This year, top destinations out of Dubai include Beirut, London, Bangkok, Istanbul, Karachi and Cairo. Emirates also expects large passenger volumes to come into Dubai from London, Karachi, Mumbai, Milan and Delhi.

Mohammed H. Mattar, Divisional Senior Vice President, Emirates Airport Services said: “With record breaking numbers of passengers flying with Emirates this week, it is our mission to make their journey as hassle free as possible. Additional staff will be on hand at the airport to assist and provide guidance to customers. Due to increased passenger volumes at check-in and security screenings, we ask all travellers to ensure they are aware of check-in and gate closure timings.

“Customers who wish to shop at Dubai Airport’s extensive duty free facilities, dine at its many restaurants, and relax in Emirates Concourse A and B lounges are advised to factor in more time into their travel plans.”

Emirates is reminding customers to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before their flight departs, and factor in extra time to arrive to the airport in case they experience heavy road traffic. Check-in counters open 6 hours before departure however passengers can check-in from 24 hours to 6 hours before departure at the car park check-in area. All passengers must be present at the time of check-in.

Customers who check-in less than 60 minutes to their scheduled flight departure will not be accepted. These time checks will ensure the minimization of delays and missed connections.

Customers are also urged to check-in online and then use the convenient baggage drop facilities to expedite their airport experience. Those checking in online are required to check in their luggage no later than 90 minutes prior to departure. Customers holding an e-boarding pass and travelling with carry-on bags only, can proceed directly to passport control and security clearance.

For families, Emirates has designated special areas for families consisting of 10 economy check-in counters in Terminal 3 at Area 2, which are designed with their needs in mind.

Passengers are also urged to check the permitted list of carry-on and checked-in items for safe travel this holiday season. Spare lithium batteries used for electronic devices such as cameras, mobiles phones and laptops are restricted from checked-in baggage.

Emirates also restricts all smart balance wheels – with or without lithium batteries removed - from checked-in or carry-on luggage. Customers are asked to ensure they make arrangements for ‘hoverboards’ ahead of travelling.

Passengers also need to make sure that liquids, gels and aerosols, pastes, lotions, creams, drinks and other items must be in containers with a capacity not exceeding 100ml.

Customers travelling to the United States, Canada and the UK are reminded to charge their electronic devices before arriving at the airport, as they will be required to switch on these devices on at the relevant boarding gates where screenings will take place, or risk being denied access to fly.

Key time checks for Emirates passengers:

*    Emirates check-in counters are open six hours before flight departure

*    Car park check-in is available from 24 hours to 6 hours before departure

*    Check in no later than 90 minutes prior to departure, regardless of class of travel

*    Customers who have checked in online are also required to check in their luggage 90 minutes before flight departure

*    Customers are advised to go through security checks no later than 60 minutes before flight departure

*    Boarding on all flights begins 45 minutes prior to departure, and gates in all concourses close 20 minutes prior to departure

Expands network in mainland China

Emirates today announced that it will expand its services in mainland China with four weekly flights to Yinchuan (INC) and Zhengzhou (CGO) utilising a Boeing 777-200LR aircraft, starting from 3rd May 2016.

These services will expand Emirates’ destination offering on the mainland to five, including: Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.

“With the opening of these new strategic routes, Emirates looks forward to contributing to the enhancement of China’s trade links with the rest of the world, in particular with the UAE and Arab world. We believe the new international air links that we are launching will help create tourism and trade opportunities for Chinese business and leisure travellers that may not otherwise exist,” said HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group.

Emirates flights to Yinchuan and Zhengzhou will depart on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from Dubai as EK326 at 02:45hrs arriving at Yinchuan Hedong International Airport at 13:35hrs. The service will then depart from Yinchuan at 15:20hrs and arrive at Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport at 17:00hrs. The return flight, EK327, will depart Zhengzhou at 21:10hrs, arriving at Yinchuan at 22:55hrs. It will then depart Yinchuan at 00:40hrs, arriving in Dubai at 04:30hrs the next day.

Timings of the new service have been scheduled to allow for seamless connections to many Middle East, European and African destinations.

The services will be operated by a three class configured Boeing 777-200LR aircraft, offering 266 seats and 14 tonnes of cargo capacity in the bellyhold.

Popular commodities expected to be transported on these services include electronics, such as mobile phones from Zhengzhou, and agricultural products such as goji berries and cashmere from Yinchuan.

Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Minister of Education, and Chairman of the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources, has declared Thursday, December 24, an official holiday for the public sector to mark the birth anniversary of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), postponed from December 23.

A circular issued by the Minister of Education stated that the decision is in implementation of the provisions of Paragraph 5, Article 100 of the Cabinet Resolution No. 13 of 2012 and regulations of the decree of Federal Law No. 11 of 2008 on human resources in the federal government and its amendments, which defines the public holidays of ministries and federal authorities in the country.

On the occasion, Al Hammadi sent his regards to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Their Highnesses Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates.

He also congratulated the people of the UAE and the Arab and Islamic nations on the occasion.

A 23-year-old Egyptian woman murdered her husband’s little daughter because she had a piece of meat from the fridge without telling her.

Najwa Saeed repeatedly hit the five-year-old daughter before banging her head against the wall at their home in the Egyptian capital Cairo, causing her death.

The girl’s father, who had divorced her mother, tried to defend his wife by telling the police the girl died of food poison.

Forensic examinations showed the girl had been beaten to death and her step mother later confessed during interrogation to killing her, newspapers said.

A shooting at a luxury hotel in downtown Los Angeles has killed one person and wounded three others.

Police are looking for the killer.

Authorities say the shooting began with a fight around 2:30am Sunday at The Standard on Flower Street.

Four people were taken to the hospital, where one died and the others are in stable condition.

TV reports showed the shattered glass doors to the lobby and bloody clothing just outside.

It wasn't immediately clear whether the victims were staying at the hotel. Details of the shooting remain sketchy.

Miss Vietnam 2015 Huong Pham (L) and Miss Aruba 2015 Alysha Boekhoudt rehearse for the upcoming Miss Universe pageant at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Reuters)

Miss Colombia 2015 Ariadna Gutierrez. (Reuters)

Miss Philippines 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach rehearses for the upcoming Miss Universe telecast while at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. (Reuters)

Romina Racamonje, Miss Bolivia 2015; and Anna Vergelskaya, Miss Ukraine 2015; take part in a pre-tape segment for the Miss Universe Telecast at The Neon Museum Las Vegas on  December 11, 2015. The 2015 Miss Universe contestants are touring, filming, rehearsing and preparing to compete for the DIC Crown in Las Vegas. (AFP)

Sharlene Radlein, Miss Jamaica 2015, takes part in a pre-tape segment for the Miss Universe Telecast at The Neon Museum Las Vegas on  December 11, 2015. The 2015 Miss Universe contestants are touring, filming, rehearsing and preparing to compete for the DIC Crown in Las Vegas.  (AFP)

Miss Universe Organization, Clarissa Molina, Miss Dominican Republic 2015, takes part in a pre-tape segment for the Miss Universe Telecast at The Neon Museum Las Vegas on  December 11, 2015. The 2015 Miss Universe contestants are touring, filming, rehearsing and preparing to compete for the DIC Crown in Las Vegas. (AFP)

Debbie Collins, Miss Nigeria 2015, takes part in a pre-tape segment for the Miss Universe Telecast at The Neon Museum Las Vegas on  December 11, 2015. The 2015 Miss Universe contestants are touring, filming, rehearsing and preparing to compete for the DIC Crown in Las Vegas.(AFP)

From the Miss Universe Organization, Myriam Arevalos, Miss Paraguay 2015, takes part in a pre-tape segment for the Miss Universe Telecast at The Neon Museum Las Vegas on  December 11, 2015. The 2015 Miss Universe contestants are touring, filming, rehearsing and preparing to compete for the DIC Crown in Las Vegas. (AFP)

Maria-Belen Jerez Spuler, Miss Chile 2015, takes part in a pre-tape segment for the Miss Universe Telecast at The Neon Museum Las Vegas on  December 11, 2015. The 2015 Miss Universe contestants are touring, filming, rehearsing and preparing to compete for the DIC Crown in Las Vegas. (AFP)

Hilda Akua Frimpong, Miss Ghana 2015, presents her gift during the National Gift Auction at the Opportunity Village,  December 10, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (AFP)
 

Lorraina C. Marriot, Miss Tanzania 2015, presents her gift during the National Gift Auction at the Opportunity Village,  December 10, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (AFP)

Olivia Jordan, Miss USA 2015, presents her gift during the National Gift Auction at the Opportunity Village,  December 10, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (AFP)
 

Huong Pham, Miss Vietnam 2015, presents her gift during the National Gift Auction at the Opportunity Village,  December 10, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (AFP)

Seoyeon Kim, Miss Korea 2015, presents her gift during the National Gift Auction at the Opportunity Village,  December 10, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (AFP)

Aniporn Chalermburanawong, Miss Thailand 2015, presents her gift during the National Gift Auction at the Opportunity Village,  December 10, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (AFP)

Cynthia Samuel, Miss Lebanon 2015; Iroshka Elvir, Miss Honduras 2015; Sharlene Radlein, Miss Jamaica 2015; and Shauna Ramdyhan, Miss Guyana 2015; pose for photos during the National Gift Auction at the Opportunity Village,  December 10, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (AFP)

Amina Dagi, Miss Austria 2015; Mirta Kustan, Miss Croatia 2015; Monika Radulovic, Miss Australia 2015; and Ariadna Gutierrez, Miss Colombia 2015; pose for photos during the National Gift Auction at the Opportunity Village, December 10, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada.(AFP)

Ariana Miyamoto, Miss Japan 2015, poses for a photo at Exotics Racing. (AFP)

Monika Radulovic, Miss Australia 2015; and Sharlene Radlein, Miss Jamaica 2015,  laugh during a pajama party video shoot at Planet Hollywood. (AFP)

Shauna Ramdyhan, Miss Guyana 2015 poses for a photo inside Planet Hollywood. (AFP)

Alysha Boekhoudt, Miss Aruba 2015, poses for a photo at Exotics Racing. (AFP)

Clarissa Molina, Miss Dominican Republic 2015, poses for a photo inside Planet Hollywood. (AFP)

Kanisha Sluis, Miss Curacao 2015, poses for a photo inside Planet Hollywood. (AFP)

Miss Bulgaria 2015 Radostina Todorova, Miss Italy 2015 Giada Pezzaioli, and Miss Venezuela 2015 Mariana Jimenez pose with Miss Universe 2014 Paulina Vega at a Chinese Laundry sponsored event at Zappos, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Reuters)

Miss Korea 2015 Kim Seo-yeon, Miss Thailand 2015 Aniporn Chalermburanawong, and Miss Japan 2015 Ariana Miyamoto pose for photos at a Chinese Laundry sponsored event at Zappos, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Reuters)

Miss Sweden 2015 Paulina Brodd, Miss Denmark 2015 Cecilie Wellemberg, Miss Hungary 2015 Nikoletta Nagy, and Miss France 2015 Flora Coquerel, pose for photos at a Chinese Laundry sponsored event at Zappos. (Reuters)

Miss Great Britain 2015 Narissara Nena France and Miss Mexico 2015 Wendy Esparza film in their National Costume at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Reuters)

Miss Panama 2015 Gladys Brandao Amaya takes part in a pre-tape segment at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Reuters)

Tonie Maria Chisholm, Miss Cayman Islands 2015, Maja Cukic, Miss Montenegro 2015, Paulina Brodd, Miss Sweden 2015, Cecilie Feline Wellemberg, Miss Denmark 2015, Rosa-Maria Ryyti, Miss Finland 2015, and Jeimmy Tahiz Aburto, Miss Guatemala 2015, lead the charge during a pre tape segment at Planet Hollywood Resort. (Reuters)

Ariadna Gutierrez, Miss Colombia 2015. (Reuters)

Miss Universe 2014 Paulina Vega, the Colombian beauty queen, will soon pass her crown to during the 64th edition of Miss Universe.

81 contestants have finally arrived in Las Vegas, Nevada, and all are vying to win this year's Miss Universe beauty pageant.

The current top 10 favorites from Missossology, a beauty pageant forum, include the candidates from India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Sweden, France, Philippines, Thailand, Dominican Republic, Colombia, and Japan.

The competition has just started, but fans are already anxious to see who will be crowned as the next Miss Universe.

The Miss Universe 2015 pageant night will happen at The AXIS in Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada. The show will be broadcast live by Fox on Dec. 20.

Paulina Vega, Miss Universe 2014 (C) and the 2015 Miss Universe contestants during the Welcome Event at Planet Hollywood Resort. (Reuters)

Laura Spoya, Miss Peru 2015. (Reuters)

Gladys Brandao Amaya, Miss Panama 2015. (AFP)

Paola Nunez, Miss Canada 2015. (AFP)

Paulina Vega, Miss Universe 2014. (AFP)

Sheetal Khadun, Miss Mauritius 2015. (AFP)

Vanessa Tevi Kumares, Miss Malaysia 2015,  takes part in a pre tape segment while on stage at Planet Hollywood Resort. (AFP)

Rosa-Maria Ryyti, Miss Finland 2015; and Lisa Elizabeth Drouillard, Miss Haiti 2015; pose for a photo at Red Rock Canyon. (AFP)

Yun Fang Xue, Miss China 2015. (AFP)

Aniporn Chalermburanawong, Miss Thailand 2015. (AFP)

Paola Nunez, Miss Canada 2015. (AFP)

Claudia Barrionuevo, Miss Argentina 2015. (AFP)

Urvashi Rautela, Miss India 2015, poses for a photo during registration at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 4, 2015. (AFP)

Paola Nunez, Miss Canada 2015, poses for a photo during registration at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 4, 2015. The 2015 Miss Universe contestants are touring, filming, rehearsing and preparing to compete for the DIC Crown in Las Vegas. (AFP)
Ariadna Gurierrez, Miss Colombia 2015 poses for a photo during registration at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 4, 2015. (AFP)
Cynthia Samuel, Miss Lebanon 2015 poses for a photo during registration at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 4, 2015. (AFP)
 

Catalina Morales, Miss Puerto Rico 2015, poses during registration at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on December 3rd, 2015. (AFP)
 

Annelies Törös, Miss Belgium 2015, poses during registration at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on on December 2, 2015. (AFP)Chennai floods drown Dubai resident in waves of anxiety, despair.

Miss Bolivia 2015, poses for a photo during registration at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 4, 2015. The 2015 Miss Universe contestants are touring, filming, rehearsing and preparing to compete for the DIC Crown in Las Vegas. (AFP)

 

Employees in the UAE’s government sector are likely to have 14 holidays in 2016 while their counterparts in the private sector are expected to enjoy 11 days off.

Most of the UAE’s national holidays and festivals are based on the sighting of the moon rather than having fixed dates in the Hijri Calendar. Due to this, the actual dates may vary from those listed below.

Here’s the list of UAE’s expected public holidays in 2016:

As can be seen from the list above, several holidays fall just before or after the weekend, which will translate into at least four longer weekends for UAE residents in 2016.

Among the 2016 holidays that may lead to extended weekends is the Israa & Miaraj, which is observed on the 27th day of Rajab, the seventh month in the Islamic calendar.

Eid Al Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, is also expected to start next year on Thursday (July 7, 2016). It must be reiterated that the date of Eid depends on the sighting of the moon, and there are variations in the exact date it is celebrated around the world. The announcing of the exact holidays of Eid may not happen until closer to the date.

Eid Al Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, concludes the Pilgrimage to Mecca. It lasts for three days, and in 2016, it is expected to start on Sunday, September 11. This would mean a rather long break (Friday, September 9 to Tuesday, September 13) even as the exact dates will depend on the sighting of the moon.

The Islamic New Year in 2016 may fall on Sunday, October 2, again extending the previous weekend.

In addition, some holidays (like the UAE Commemoration Day holiday, which falls on a Wednesday in 2016) may also be shifted so they can be combined with the weekends.

Such a measure has been adopted previously on many occasions, in line with a Cabinet decision that authorises the shifting of official holidays to the beginning or end of the week, if the event happens to fall between two working days.

It looked like the dream residence at the ideal spot in Dubai, but no sooner than Daniel Staempfli moved into his apartment on The Palm that he found out he wasn't the only one enjoying the unique location; down the road was the premise of a popular club.

The music and noise of the partying crowd enter his space every weekend.

“Like many others, I am suffering every weekend from extremely loud electro music coming from more than 2.5km away. It is so loud and boring that it is impossible to sit outside on the balcony,” he said.

It does not have to be a club that is keeping you awake. A noisy neighbour can be just as disturbing, several residents in Dubai say.

On an online forum for residents in the emirate, many claim to find noise nuisance any later than 10pm to be a disturbance.

“My neighbours had a party on a weekday the other day, and it went on way beyond 11pm. It turned out that the parents were away,” said a mother living in Dubai, while another resident described a pool party taking place in a neighbouring villa, with screaming teenagers under her window.

“It stopped at 11 only because we had complained, but that was too late for a weekday,” she described.

What the law says

The good news is that when you experience noise nuisance the law is on your side, as the laws regarding entertainment noise are strict in the UAE.

"Noise from any form of entertainment such as discotheques, clubs or similar open-air event such as music concerts or sports must comply with the Article 75, of the Local Order No. 61/91," states Dubai Municipality.

According to this law, the permitted noise level depends on the area as well as the time of the day, specifying time slots of 7am to 8pm and 8pm to 7am.

In residential areas with light traffic, the permitted noise level during the day is 40-50dbA, while it is 30-40 dbA during the night.

In Downtown Dubai, the rules are slightly different. In the residential area, a noise level of 45-55 dbA is allowed during the day, while it is 35-45 dbA at night.

Commercial areas in Downtown may be a little louder, with a permitted level of 55-65 dbA during the day and 45-55 dbA at night.

If these figures do not mean much to you, there is an easier formula to apply, as the laws stipulates:

“Premises where entertainment takes place on a regular basis with music and associated noise sources including instruments or amplified voices should not be audible inside any sensitive property at any time between 10pm to 6am.”

Entertainment premises should have a log book for keeping a record of any noise complaints, actions, responses and noise survey results. It will prove useful to file an official complaint that can be used as a reference when authorities come to inspect the issue.

Other than the noise of music, nightclubs and discotheques in residential neighbourhoods, public nuisance such as adverse impact of after-midnight crowds, noise and traffic are also addressed.

When is a private party too loud?

There are rules for a private party, too, as any gathering held outdoor is not allowed to cause disturbance after 10pm on any day in the week.

Thus, noise disturbance after 10pm can be addressed.

However, authorities advise that a friendly conversation often goes a long way in preventing disturbance on the receiving end.

Similarly, the person throwing the party is advised to keep residents informed when a party is held.

“Maintaining public relation and open communications with residents can prevent noise complaints. If an indoor or outdoor event is planned, a letter to local residents advising them of the event, its finishing time, and contact details can be helpful,” said Dubai Municipality.

If a friendly word has not helped to stop the party, police may be contacted.

(Image via Shutterstock)

“Congratulations! You are one of the 50,000 winners selected in computer random draw from the 12.1 million entries registered in the Diversity Immigrant Visa Programme.

“You can be 100 per cent sure that you have won the Permanent Resident Card because we have your personal details (email address, last name, phone number, marital status) that you have provided when you have registered for the Green Card Lottery.” - This is an excerpt of an email S. Kumar received last week.

An immediate leap of joy overpowered him, followed by a suspicion that this could be fake, as he had not recently entered the draw.

The Green Card Lottery does exist and there are, indeed, many lucky winners every year. But they will not be notified by email, writes the US Department of State, Office of Visa Services on its official webpage.

The office warns the public of a notable increase in fraudulent emails and letters sent to Diversity Visa (DV) programme applicants.

Apparently the same emails are sent to individuals who have not recently or never applied for the programme.

“The scammers behind these fraudulent emails and letters are posing as the US government in an attempt to extract payment from DV applicants,” said the US Department of State.

Indeed, the email that was sent to S. Kumar requires the applicant to pay a processing fee of $1,250 (Dh4,600) along with a number of documents. It also states that these processing fees must be paid within seven days of receiving the email.

While processing fees will be imposed, these will never have to be paid online. “Fees for the DV application process are paid to the US embassy or consulate cashier at the time of your scheduled appointment. The US government will never ask you to send payment in advance by cheque, money order, or wire transfer,” writes the Department.

Finally, it is important to note that all emails sent by government authorities in the US have their domain name ending in ".gov", pointed out Gauri Jalota, Senior Paralegal at Step America, an American immigration consultancy firm.

How does it work

The correct procedure for the draw of Green Card Lottery winners is a notification through the Electronic Diversity Visa (E-DV) website that you have been selected for further processing in the DV Programme.

The draw occurs every year around May 5, explains the State of Department. “Entrants in the Diversity Visa 2016 programme may check the status of their entries on the E-DV website from May 5, 2015, through September 30, 2016.”

“Section 203(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) provides for a class of immigrants known as “diversity immigrants,” from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the US.

“A limited number of visas are available each fiscal year. The DVs are distributed among six geographic regions and no single country may receive more than seven per cent of the available DVs in any one year.”

If your country is on this list, you may be eligible to apply, taken that you meet the individual eligibility criteria. 

The applicant must have a high school education, or its equivalent, or two years of qualifying work experience as defined under provisions of US law. When you are qualifying with work experience this must be in a qualifying occupation as defined by the US.

There is a limited intake period every fiscal year. Each year, the Department of State publishes detailed instructions for entering the DV Programme. These instructions include the dates of the registration period during which you will be able to enter.

The intake period for the DV2017 year ran from October 1 until November 3, 2015.

(Image via Shutterstock)

Gold was hurting from overnight losses on Tuesday and the metal looked vulnerable to a drop back to multi-year lows on expectations of a US rate hike later this week.

Gold has already slid 10 per cent for the year, its third straight annual decline, in anticipation of higher rates.     

In Dubai, the price of 18K gold fell to Dh99.50 per gram at 9am today (December 15, 2015), with traders and analysts expecting further declines.

Gold wasn't getting much support from the physical markets either.

Gold prices in India swung to a discount for the first time in a month on Monday as jewellers and dealers in the world's second-biggest consumer postponed purchases ahead of the Fed meeting.

Gold rates for December 15, 2015

Spot gold had ticked marginally this morning, up 0.2 per cent to $1,064.20 an ounce by 0346 GMT (7.46am UAE time), after a 1.1-per cent slide on Monday.

Nevertheless, this price is only about $20 short of a near six-year low of $1,045.85 reached earlier this month.

The US Federal Reserve will kick off its last policy meet of the year later on Tuesday. At the end of the two-day meet, the US central bank is widely expected to hike interest rates for the first time since June 2006.

Higher rates are expected to hurt demand for non-interest-paying bullion, while boosting the dollar.

DD/TT RATES AT 3.45 PM - 15 Dec 2015

Weekly Gold Rates 

   
Get retail Gold and Forex rates with Emirates 24|7 

Rates will be updated twice daily

Emirates 24|7 brings you the daily Dubai gold rate (22k, 24k, 21k and 18k), as well as currency exchange rates, including the Indian rupee, Pakistani rupee, Philippine peso, Sri Lankan rupee, sterling pound, euro and may more against the UAE dirham (US dollar).

The rates for 24 carat, 22 carat, 21 carat, 18 carat and Ten Tola (TT) Bar (11.6638038 gram) will be updated four times a day to keep them fresh and relevant for buyers of gold bars and gold jewellery in the UAE.

The update times for Retail Gold Rate in Dubai will be at 9.30am, 2.30pm, 5pm and 8pm (unless there is drastic fall or rise in the international rate).

On Saturdays, the gold rates will be updated at 9.30am and this rate will stay static through Saturday and Sunday until the international market reopens on Monday.

Please note that the retailers add making charges separately to the quoted rate of gold.

The Retail Gold Rate in Dubai is being supplied by the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group.

Foreign Exchange Rates

The Foreign Exchange Rates of major currencies will be updated twice each working day at around 8:30am and 3:30pm.

These will cover both the Remittance Rates [for sending money] and the Currency Notes Rates [for buying and selling of currency notes].

The Foreign Exchange Rates are being supplied by UAE Exchange.

An Asian man ran over a compatriot with his car then dumped him into his vehicle before setting it on fire following a six-year-rift at their home village.

The killer told police he had agreed with the victim to meet in Baniyas near Abu Dhabi city to settle their rift and that both stood near their cars at that place.

He confessed that he then jumped into his car and ran his compatriot over before dumping him into has nearby vehicle and burning him alive.

Police had thought the victim had a road accident but forensic examination showed he was murdered. Investigation later led to the killer who confessed to killing the man on the grounds he abetted the murder of his brother at home six years ago.

At court in the capital on Monday, the prosecutor demanded the death penalty against the defendant, according to local newspapers.

Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt was in for a shock when she suffered from multiple burns on her face and hands while performing at an awards event on Sunday night.

Reportedly, the plethora of crackers which was bursting on stage during her performance led to this accident, leaving Alia in pain.

The actress was immediately given first aid and sent home.

After immediately being treated to first aid, the actress was rushed towards her vehicle during which she was snapped by several media photographers and her picture with these wounds went viral.

It may be recalled that a few days ago, Bipasha Basu had a similar unpleasant experience where her stylist accidentally burnt her face.

Alia, who was last seen in the box office fiasco 'Shaandaar' is now busy with Shakun Batra's 'Kapoor and Sons' and Abhishek Chaubey's 'Udta Punjab'.

The talented actress is also all set to start shooting her upcoming with Shah Rukh Khan to be directed by Gauri Shinde.

But as of now, she will need sometime off for the burns to heal.

An employee working in the UAE cannot be terminated from his services while he is on annual leave.

If an employer does dismiss a member of his staff while s/he is officially on leave, it may be considered an arbitrary dismissal and the affected employee can take course to legal action.

“It is not permissible to dismiss or serve notice on an employee during annual leave. Where an employer does dismiss or serves notice, it will be possible to challenge the dismissal or notice as being void,” Jamie Liddington, head of employment at Hadef & Partners, told Emirates 24|7.

However, Liddington adds if “the reason for termination is one of the ten reasons set out under Article 120,” the employer can act against his member of staff.

If the employer terminates the contract for reasons that are outside Article 120 of the Labour Law, he will be liable to pay compensation to the employee. This compensation is determined on the basis of the wages due for a period of three months or for the remaining period of the contract, whichever is less, unless an article in the contract states otherwise.

As per the website www.laborlaw.com in Article 120 the employer may dismiss the employee without notice in the following cases:

#1 If the employee assumes a personality or a nationality other than his own, or has submitted fake documents or certificates.

#2 If the employee was appointed under probation and the termination happened during that period or at its end.

#3 If the employee commits a mistake causing the employer a substantial financial loss, provided the employer informs the Ministry of the incident within 48 hours.

#4 If the employee violates instructions relating to safety in the place of work, provided those instructions were written and displayed in a permanent place, and the employee has been informed of these instructions orally if he is illiterate.

#5 If the employee fails to carry out his basic duties as stated in the contract and continues to do so in spite of a written interrogation and a warning that his service will be terminated if he repeats his misconduct.

#6 If he discloses a secret of the establishment for whom he is working.

#7 If he is conclusively convicted by the concerned court of a crime involving honour, honesty and public morals.

#8 If he is found drunk or intoxicated by drugs during working hours.

#9 If he commits a physical assault on the employer or manager or one of his colleagues during work.

#10 If he becomes absent without a legitimate reason for more than 20 intermittent days or more than seven continuous days within one year.

(Image via Shutterstock)

A pregnant Indian woman and her child were killed in a tragic road accident on Saturday, while the husband is hospitalised.
 
Family members of 26-year-old Shaniba Rijad told Emirates 24|7, that their car was hit from behind while they were returning to their home in Al Aweer after shopping in Sharjah.

She was sitting behind along with their three-year-old daughter Shiza.
 
All three were rushed to Al Rashid Hospital, where Shaniba succumbed to her injuries about four hours later, while the little girl died on Sunday.
 
Narangoli Rijad, 34, is hospitalised with fractures.
 
Rijad is a businessman who has mobile phone shops in Dubai and Umm Al Quwain.
 
While Shaniba was buried in Al Quoz cemetery, procedures are on for the burial of the child.
 
Shaniba, who was five months pregnant, hailed from Calicut in Kerala.
 
Her family, including mom and her siblings are based in Dubai.