Saturday, December 25, 2010

Land earmarked for tourism purposes



  • Granting of land earmarked for tourism purposes in accordance with the usufruct for a period ranging from 25 to 50 years depending on the type and size of the project.
  • Exemption from payment of rental value for a period ranging from 3 to 5 years according to the nature and type of the project.
  • Rental value is estimated in accordance with the project's land area.
  • Exemption from income tax for five years from the date of operating the project.
  • The estimated annual rental value of lands is 300 Bz per square meter in Muscat Governorate and the Wilayat of Salalah, and 150 Bz per square meter in the remaining Governorates, Regions and in the Wilayat of Qurayat

Monday, December 20, 2010

Al Dhafra Festival


The Dhafra Festival is an annual event held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.  It is an event inspired by culture and heritage. is a means of building bridges between the generations and of instilling a national identity and a love for heritage and culture in the hearts of the younger generations.

The Dhafra Festival also aims to:


  • Preserve the authentic camel breeds of Asayil and Majaheem.
  • Introduce Bedouin culture.
  • Encourage cultural tourism.
  • Create a market for the sale of camels.
  • Create a market for dates, through innovative competitions.
  • Revive and market traditional UAE handicrafts.
  • Situate Zayed City in the Western Region as an international tourist destination.
  • Activate economic growth in the Western Region.


Sunday, December 19, 2010

Ownership opportunities for Non-Omanis

Ownership opportunities   for Non Omanis in Oman                                                



Non-Omanis(exclusive of GCC Nationals)are allowed to own the following types of real estate in the integrated tourism complexes approved by the government in the different governorates and regions of the Sultanate:

  1. Built real estate (Whether villa, apartment or shop.)
  2. Reclaimed plots

Conditions of ownership

  • Individuals and companies who are granted land according to the law of the Organization of the Usufruct of the Sultanate’s land and wish to establish  an integrated tourism project can sell built units or land after obtaining the permission from Ministry of Tourism and after paying 10% of value of the built units or 20% of the value of the land to the Ministry of Housing, Electricity and Water.
  • Land bought in integrated tourism projects should be built within a period of 4 years from the date of registration . This period can be extended for a further 2 years if compelling reasons have caused the delay. However the buyer cannot dispense of the land before the elapse of the above mentioned period.

Advantage of Owning in Tourism Complexes



  1. Re-selling:The owner has the right to dispense of the built real estate at any time.
  2. Inheritance:Real estate ownership can be transferred to the heirs of the owner according to the laws of the owners country of domicile.
  3. Exemption from income tax:The investor in tourism sector is eligible for an exemption from income tax for five years , extendable for another period of 5 years.
  4. Other advantages:
    • In the unlikely event of real estate being expropriated for public use the owner is eligible for fair compensation in accordance with the regulations in this regard.
    • The owner whose real estate has been expropriated is allowed to own another real estate.
    • If a decision to expel the owner is issued, the owner has the right to dispense of the real estate according to the lows and regulations applied in the Sultanate.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Abu Dhabi drivers get 5-10 minutes grace period


Department of Transport in Abu Dhabi has revealed its new law Mawaqif service, according to Sharjah-based Arabic newspaper Al Khaleej.
The new law gives to the users of Mawaqif to pay for the service in case the period of their prepaid ticket of parkin expires.
Meanwhile, users of the parking will be allowed a grace period of 5-10 minutes to pay the fee for a new  period for parking their cars.
Users could be fined up to Dh500 in the case of expiry of the parking period allowed in the ticket

Saadiyat Island Cultural District Exhibition


Island of Happiness

Saadiyat Island Cultural District Exhibition
January-01-2010 to February-25-2011

Saadiyat Cultural District Exhibition gives a glimpse of the future cultural plans for Abu Dhabi. The exhibition showcases the architectural designs and concepts behind museums such as Zayed National Museum, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
Open daily 10am-10pm, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, entry is free.
Tel: 00971 2 6908207


Saadiyat Island

In 2006, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) took ownership of Saadiyat Island – a natural island just 500 metres offshore the capital, and decided to develop it into a signature destination with environmentally sensitive philosophies.

This aim was translated into a master plan originally devised by Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), a company established by ADTA to develop and manage its tourism assets appointed in 2006 to further fine tune the master plan.
Saadiyat Island Master Plan
Saadiyat Cultural District: A world-class hub of
culture and art with a host of iconic museums.
Saadiyat Beach: A 9km stretch of pristine beach, interwoven
with five-star resorts and an oceanfront championship golf course
designed by golfing legend Gary Player.
Saadiyat Marina: The island’s commercial heart with business,
residential and retail areas. Also home to the island’s main marina,
with berthing for 1,000 vessels.
Saadiyat Promenade: Family-focused district with large
beachside boardwalks, family activity centres and residential homes.
Saadiyat Reserve: A nature reserve with a tidal championship
golf course nestled within clusters of mangrove trees.
Saadiyat Lagoons: Island homes surrounded by water, offering a
laidback boating lifestyle.
Saadiyat Retreat: Private homes and exclusive boutique resorts
hidden within a natural environment


Monday, December 13, 2010

Traditional UAE

customs

Customs and traditions are passed on from parents to children and in the long run they are inherited by generations. The people of UAE are known for their generosity, bravery and friendliness. They have a great legacy which they are still proud of, despite the speedy and tremendous transformation and development that took place in the society. The people of UAE have also adopted some of the various customs and traditions brought into their country by expatriates from all over the world. Although the UAE has become a cosmopolitan society, people still boast of the great heritage of their forefathers. It is the custom of the UAE people to entertain their guests warmly. They usually serve Arabic coffee to their guests as a gesture of respect and warm welcome. It is a symbol of generosity and hospitality. The Arabic coffee is made and served in very special way. Folk dances and other traditional sports are still highly appreciated by many people. Falconry, horseback riding, camel racing, boat racing and rowing are a few examples. Songs praising God are sung on special occasions to promote spiritual feelings and reinforce people's belief. The Prophet's Birthday, the Hijrah New Year and Isra & Meraj are some examples.
National Dress
National costumes of UAE are divided into two main categories: * The costumes which were used very long ago and are now out of fashion. It is not easy to find any of them nowadays. * Old costumes commonly used in the first half of the twentieth century. The present national clothes are a continuation of the old costumes of early Muslims. However, due to the cultural changes that have taken place in all the classes of the society, the national clothes, especially women's clothes, have changed significantly. The following is a brief description of the national clothes of women and men in the UAE. Women's clothes Women's clothes in the UAE look like the usual clothes worn by women all over the Arabian Peninsula. The dress, commonly called "Nafnoof" or "Al Goon" is a long variety that reaches down to the feet. UAE women also wear an embroidered "Kandoorah" whose style varies according to its embroidery, fashion or material. They also usually wear a "Sirwal" under the "Kandoorah". Women cover their head and face with a loose scarf called "Sheelah" or "Waqayah". Sometimes a woman would cover her face with a sort of veil called "Borgo" which is a special piece of cloth tied to the rear of the head and partly covers the face. She usually wears a black mantel to cover the whole dressed body and special shoes or sandals, too. Men's clothes Men all over the country nearly wear the same unified dress called “Kandurah”. Men usually wear as underwear a "Wezar" or "Wezarah" with which they wrap the lower half of their body. The head cover called "Ghottrah" is usually supported by a black or white "Kofiyyah" or "Eqal". Under the "Ghottrah" and the "Eqal", men usually wear a loose sleeveless cloak or mantle called "Bisht" or "Abayah". Men of all classes wear sandals on most occasions. 
Popular Arts
The UAE in general and Ras Al Khaimah in particular is well known for its folklore, folk music, folk dance and other traditional and popular art forms which embody and reflect the social, ethical and aesthetic values of the community. Traditional dances for example are meaningful movements played rhythmically to symbolize the common ideas and likes of a certain community. Al Wahabiyyah It is one of the oldest art forms of Ras Al Khaimah and is performed only here. The songs during this performance are divided into three sections. Drum players stand between two rows of performers comprising the band. One of the performers begins by reciting a line of poetry. He repeats it a number of times until the other performers have memorized it. Then he recites another line of poetry from the same poem. The first line is a start and the second is the astinato or pedal. The two rows of dancers rhythmically move forward and backward, a row bows and drummers keep drawing nearer to it for 10 minutes while moving their heads. The opposite row repeats the some movements as the drummers draw nearer to them as well. Dancers with swords and guns add charm to the show. This folkdance is usually performed on special occasions, feast days and at wedding parties.
National Food
The UAE kitchen is known for its delicious dishes and recipes passed from one generation to another. The following are some the most popular dishes and recipes in the UAE. Khammer (Leavened) Bread It is made of a flour paste mixed with water and dates. The mixture is left for a whole night. In the morning it is cut into round pieces. They are then spread into loaves and baked one by one on a "Tabi" which is either a pot or a frying pan made of iron. A mixture of water and eggs is put on each loaf to improve the flavour. Regag (Wafer-thin) Bread It is the most common sort of bread in the United Arab Emirates. A fairly soft paste is manually cut into pieces and spread into a frying pan or pot (Tabi). It is left on fire until the bread gets dry. The loaf is taken out of the Tabi with an iron or copper handle called Mehmas. Regag bread is usually eaten with butter and sugar. It can also be made into porridge or gruel. Chabab Bread It is made of a fine paste that can be scooped with a can and poured on a "Tabi" placed on a light fire. The paste should be spread before it gets dry. It should be turned upside down to get it evenly dried. Butter and sugar are put on the loaf to improve the flavour. Al Harees It is a very popular dish that undergoes a complicated process of preparation. It is costly as well. Al Harees is usually associated with wedding parties, special occasions and along with special meals during the Holy month of Ramadan. Al Harees is made up of ground wheat and meat. In the past, people used to sing a folksong called Allayah while grinding flour for the dish. Meat should first be washed and then mixed with ground wheat, boiling water and some salt. The mixture is kept boiling on fire until it is well cooked. Then it is poured into a special pot with a small neck called Berma and is placed into a hole for about six hours. The pot is then taken out and the mixture is stirred again. Finally some butter is added to the dish before it is served
text from