Coconut Pluckers in Short Supply

A scarcity of coconut pluckers in Kerala, India, threatens to undermine one of its most important industries. India produces 15 billion coconuts a year, and just about every one is plucked by hand.


http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2009/11/17/world/20091118-INDIA_index.html

UAE Mobile Roaming costs while You are Travelling Outside networks

PrePaid Mobile Roaming Charges For Etisalat Subscribers

Du Roaming costs - Sultanate of  Oman

Updated on 25/09/2011

Country Code:+968

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Roaming costs:

Calling back to the UAE/per min	3.00 AED
Calling to any number in the visited country	1.25 AED
Incoming call charges	1.25 AED
Additional Incoming call charges from visited network*	-
Total incoming call charges	1.25 AED
Sending SMS	1.00 AED
Receiving SMS	Free

Charging Principles:

Outgoing and incoming calls will be charged on a 60 seconds unit basis.

While roaming in the GCC, calls to other GCC countries will be charged at AED 3 per minute

*Additional incoming call charges may vary depending on the visited network. Refer below for more information.

   

Operators

nawras

OMAN MOBILE

Outgoing Voice Calls

Incoming Voice Calls

SMS

Handset Type

GSM 900

GSM 900

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Roaming costs:

Calling back to the UAE/per min	3.00 AED
Calling to any number in the visited country	1.25 AED
Incoming call charges	1.25 AED
Additional Incoming call charges from visited network*	0.00 AED
Total incoming call charges	1.25 AED
Sending SMS	1.00 AED
Receiving SMS	Free
Mobile internet	1.00 AED

Charging Principles:

Outgoing and incoming calls will be charged on a 60 seconds unit basis.

Mobile internet will be charged per 50 KB.

While roaming in the GCC, calls to other GCC countries will be charged at AED 3 per minute

Orange card system Car insurance driving UAE to Oman From 01 October 2011

Orange card system 

The Orange card system is established between most of the members of the AL and is applicable primarily in the Middle East and North Africa.

Participants are: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco (Green card member), Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia,Sudan, Syria, Tunisia (Green card member), United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

The non-participating AL members are: Comoros, Djibouti and Palestine.

Courtesy to Wikipedia

Car insurance driving UAE to Oman - and the Orange Card

• From 01 October 2011, UAE car owners will be required to obtain an "Orange Card" from their insurance provider to show at the border crossing when driving between the UAE and Oman (Gulf News report 17 August 2011).
• The Orange Card system is that each member country has a Unified Insurance Bureau which deals with insurance claims arising in another country. The system comes from the 1975 Arab Insurance Card Convention which member countries sign up to.
• The Unified Insurance Bureau in the UAE is the Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (ADNIC)

GULFNEWS Report

You can refer this document from Qatar to Oman Through UAE

update on 1st January 2012.

To avoid more confusions on above the Orange card system.

We traveled muscat through Al Ain - Khatam Al Shikla Border(UAE)  and Wadi Jizzi Border (Oman) to Muscat on 29 Dec 2011 and returned on 1 st Jan 2012.  Both of our cars had normal Oman geographical coverage with insurance package.(Both of our cars had Noor Takaful Insurance with Agency repair and Oman coverage). No one asked regarding orange cards.

But before traveling we made enquiries on most of the insurance companies regarding Orange card.
Some of them are not aware and after long discussions they replied they have Orange card insurance it will cost around 250 AED for min 3 Days and 800-or more for 1 year long orange card.

so Orange card is available and it is not added to normal insurance packages.

• Orange card is available at insurance providers.
• As heard at Oman border they  are not asking for orange card.

And for exiting to Oman fro UAE

• UAE Immigration charges are 35 AED per person
• 50 AED or 5 Oman Riyals at Oman Border per person. Update ( 1st of June 2012 ) ; Now in Oman border for  payments electronic card for payment is a must. ie credit card or debit card. I traveled to Sohar through Wadi Al Jizzi border (After passing  Khatam Al Shikla Border(UAE- Al Ain)  ) on 1st of June 2012

Border crossings from the United Arab Emirates into Oman

5th September 2016

UAE Standardised Exit fees on Oman borders to AED 35 from all borders, this applicable for all Non-GCC national expats with Residence Visa in UAE.

Most of us have noticed while traveling to Hatta border through E44 highway we cross Oman territory on the way and enter to UAE back and reach Hatta border post. yes now a days Non-GCC national expats are not allowed cross that area. so we have to take a turn at madan a


Non-GCC national expat Route to Hatta Take left at the Al Madam roundabout and take  Al Madam - Al Malaiha road (E55). Then turn into the Sharjah/Kalba road (signpost – Shawka). After around 25-30 kilometres turn right to Hatta to the E44 , by this way you can avoid  Omani territory and can reach Al Wajajah border post.

I think now a days mortgaged cars need a NOC from Mortgage company(normally banks) to cross the UAE border. some of my friends were talking about this. update you soon


7th Jan 2016

• Hatta border at Wadi Hatta and AL-Wajajah, Easy for Travelers from Dubai and Sharjah (Now Limited for GCC Nationals Only ) Diverted all expat traffic to Khatmat Milahah, Kalba border  

• Khatam Al Shikhla - UAE Border( See the Map below) Wadi Jizzi between - Oman Border, easy for Travelers From Al Ain and Abu Dhabi (Expatiates can Drive through with a payment of AED 35 )
• Khatmat Milahah from Kalba,(Expatiates can Drive through with a payment of AED 35 )

Like Buraimi Border in Al Ain Hatta border is also limited to GCC Nationals as per media reports this week.

Also for obtaining a visa other nationalities have to pay AED 200 at all UAE borders .

Oman order is also charging AED 50 or 5 Oman Riyals at their border for visa stamping( 14 days normally.

All cars travelling to Oman Must have and Oman covered insurance or need to buy one before travelling . Also heard cars having loans should get a NOC from banks now a days . Before this rule wasn there for Saudi and Qatar travellers but Oman, we were able to travel without NOC . Probably this may affect travellers to Oman on coming months.

28th Nov 2011

There are multiple border crossings from the United Arab Emirates into Oman some of which are listed below:

• Hatta border at Wadi Hatta and AL-Wajajah, Easy for Travelers from Dubai and Sharjah
• Khatam Al Shikhla - UAE Border( See the Map below) Wadi Jizzi between - Oman Border, easy for Travelers From Al Ain and Abu Dhabi 
• Jebel Hafret leading to Ibri and Nizwa,
• Khatmat Milahah from Kalba,

below borders will not take you to muscat by road

• from Ras al Khaimah emirate to Bukha/Musadam 
• from Fujeirah emirate to Dibba/Musadam.

Driving directions and border crossing from Abu Dhabi to Muscat- For Abu Dhabi residents crossing to Oman, there are 3 border posts in Al Ain - Buraimi Border post (reserved exclusively for GCC residents), Hilli Border post and Khatam Al Shukla border posts (serving expatriates).

Roads are excellent and the border crossing is quite easy. Don't forget to bring along some cash as you have to pay for the visa to enter Oman. If you are taking a car from the UAE into Oman you will need to produce evidence at the border that the car is insured in Oman. Note that there is a 20 Dh departure tax when leaving the UAE by car, and a 2 OR tax when leaving Oman by road.
 for exiting to Oman fro UAE

• UAE Immigration charges are 35 AED per person
• 50 AED or 5 Oman Riyals at Oman Border per person (  Now in Oman border for  payments electronic card for payment is a must. ie credit card or debit card.)

Additionally, make sure that your passport is stamped with the relevant entry and exit stamps. This should go without saying, but some border officials will forget part of the procedure and cause administrative hassles later(yes this is true should look into your passport before leaving each border). Additionally, crossing from Oman to the UAE is often a chaotic business, so it is easier to miss out on the all-important stamp than one might expect.

http://wikitravel.org/en/

Driving directions from Al Maqam in Abu Dhabi-Al Ain Road to Khatam Al Shikhla - UAE Border Post towards Oman

View Driving directions to Khatam Al Shikhla - UAE Border Post towards Oman in a larger map

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT - DOT Abu Dhabi , MAWAQIF TIMINGS DURING RAMADAN

The New Paid Parking Timings through out the Holy Month of Ramadan 


From Morning 9 AM to Evening 4PM (09.00 to 16.00) and 


From Night 10.30 PM to Early Morning 2.30 AM ( 22.30 to 02.30[ next day])

Dubai Consumer Rights

The Consumer Code of Rights was issued under UAE Federal Law (24) 2006 by the Ministry of Economy (MoE). In Dubai, the Department of Economic Development's (DED) Commercial Control and Consumer Protection Division has been charged with the responsibility to ensure that consumers and retailers alike comply with the Consumer Code of Rights, understand their responsibilities and, where resolution is sought, facilitate this process between retailers and consumers.

Consumer Rights Responsibilities

1. Understand product warrantees, guarantees, origin, storage, expiry and the method of use prior to making a purchase

2. Request a receipt from the seller and ensure that the details on the receipt are correct. Receipts should be kept for your records.

3. For products with an extended lifespan, ensure that you understand the details of the after-sale services and warrantees.

Consumer Rights as stated in Consumer Protection Law No. (24) 2006

The Right to Safety:

To be protected from products, production processes and services that may cause harm to health and safety

The Right to Know:

To know the accurate information concerning the goods and services (ex: original products, for food to mention expiry date & ingredients, others).

The Right to Choose:

Right to have multiple options of items and services in competitive prices and quality.

The Right to Representation:

The right to express opinions to develop the goods, services, prices and availability

The Right to Be Informed:

Acquisition of knowledge and skill and awareness of consumer rights and responsibilities through continuous awareness programs

How to contact us

There are several ways in which you can register a complaint at DED, these include telephone, fax, email, website or a personal visit to DeD consumer protection division.

In all instances you will be expected to provide your name and contact details, full details of the retailer / service provider and a description of the case to be lodged. You should ensure that all supporting documents related to the case are with you at the time of lodging your complaint.

The Consumer Protection division will provide you with a unique case number which should be quoted when enquiring about the progress of your case which we will seek to resolve within 2 working days.

Call ´Ahlan Dubai´ +971 600 545555

Fax +971 4 450 3996

Email consumerrights@dubaided.gov.ae

http://www.consumerrights.ae/




call Ahlan Dubai 600 54 5555

Contacts Numbers for Abu Dhabi Government Services

	Phone from within the UAE: 800 555 Phone from outside the UAE: +971 2 666 4442
	Fax: +971 2 671 5550 Fax Form
	E-mail: Send us an email or request a callback.
	Live Chat: Our contact centre agents are available to discuss your enquiries, don’t hesitate to chat with us.
	Online: Submit your enquiry, receive a reference number and track your request with "My Contact Centre". Consumer Protection toll free  800 8811

Department:
Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority

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Service Access:
Internet: e-Service Phone: +971 2 495 4000 Fax: +971 2 443 6190 Customer Service: ADFCA Main Building Customer Service Counters

Official Gmail Blog: A preview of Gmail’s new look

Official Gmail Blog: A preview of Gmail’s new look: "Posted by Jason Cornwell, User Experience Designer We get a lot of great feedback about how Gmail helps you be more efficient, keep in to..."

gulfnews : Discovery Islands turn a safe haven for winged wonders

gulfnews : Discovery Islands turn a safe haven for winged wonders

Registration Process - Emirates Identity Authority

the content below is reproduced from emiratesID.ae website 

Registration Process

All people should go to Emirates ID service points for photographing and fingerprinting, except people under 15.

Step One:

Fill in the e-form at any authorized Typing Center. (Click here to check authorized Typing Centers).

Documents required when filling in the e-form at the Typing Centers:

UAE Nationals

• Original valid passport.
• Original Family Book.
• Only for children below 15 years old: Colored passport-size photo with light blue background.
• Registration fees: AED 100.
• Service fees: AED 70.

Residents

• Original valid passport.
• Valid residency permit.
• Only for children below 15 years old: Colored passport-size photo with light blue background.
• Registration fees: AED 100 per year.
• Service fees: AED 70.

GCC Nationals

• Original valid passport.
• Original document proofing holder's residence in the UAE: (valid employment certification or valid lease agreement).
• Only for children below 15 years old: Colored passport-size photo with light blue background.
• Registration fees: AED 100 per year.
• Service fees: AED 70.

Step Two:

Having completed typing the e-form, the customer will receive an SMS determining the date and place of registration.

Step Three:

After receiving the SMS, the customer will visit the service point stated in the SMS caring his/her original supporting passport on the determined date and time to complete photographing and fingerprinting process.

For more information, please contact our Call Center at (04-208-4949)

Important Notes:

• Registration fees of children below 15 (all nationalities) is AED 50 in addition to AED 70 as service fees.
• The customer is not required to attend to the Typing Center himself, but he/she must visit the registration center himself to finalize ID registration procedures (photographing + fingerprinting).
• People over 15 must bring the Typing Center receipt together with the original passport.
• Colored contact lenses and hand henna are not allowed at the time of registration.
• The customer must wear the official uniform of his/her homeland.
• Names and addresses of Emirates ID authorized Typing Centers.
• Any additional amounts required by the typing centers, other than amounts stated above, are not legal and such centers will be legally accountable for that. Emirates ID reserves the right to take all legal and administrative actions against centers colleting additional fees.