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Issue 3 • 22 March 2012

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Issue 3 ▪ 22 March 2012

ContentsNEWSLocal News National News FEATUREWorld Water Day 2012

Camels play a huge rule in the Arabian culture, and now they’re making ice-cream

SPORTS

STUFF FOR MENGPS on your Smartphone

HEALTH AND FITNESS First time mums get a little reassurance from our nursing expert Sarah

URBAN WOMENDe-clutter and redesign for a new look, on a small budget

AL MAJLIS

EDUCATIONHow the brain copes in a bilingual setting

CALENDAR OF EVENTSMOVIE LISTINGS

FROM OUR READERS

NEED TO KNOW

BE INSPIREDLearning to lead

MY WORLD‘Munich likes you!’ And you’ll like Munich.

MY CITYA little taste of paradise in the heart of Al Ain

BusinessCorporate Charity – good, bad or ugly?

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The Source

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This week is a week for showing you care.

Not only is it Mother’s Day but it is also World Water Day.

Here, at The Source, we’ve been busy working to show you just how much we care by bringing you another jam-packed issue full of news and events relevant to you.

With the UAE having one of the highest water consumption rates per capita in the world we decided to focus on World Water Day, and delve into how the UN are attempting to address the severe water crisis.

Also this week, Al Ain Dairy announced that they are going to start making camel milk ice-cream and I, for one, can’t wait to try some of that. We take a closer look at the humble camel and see how else he features in our society.

In football, for the first time ever, the UAE Under-23’s have made it to the Olympic Games and will be heading off to London in the summer, well done lads!

We have some great tips on revamping your home to create a perfect little palace on a pauper’s budget. In Stuff for men, we discuss how having a GPS system can actually make you more macho! As it is Mother’s Day, we give first time mums a little reassurance and in My City, we take a trip to Al Ain Paradise Garden for an afternoon stroll amongst the flowers.

An insightful talk with His Excellency Dr. Jamal Al Suwaidi for Al Majlis gave us a realistic insight into some of the problems the country is currently facing while Be Inspired has some great leadership tips. We’ve also decided to add a business page – and have dedicated the first topic to the trend of corporate charity-giving.

And that, just about, wraps up another week at The Source.

Happy reading!Hayley Skirka(Editor)

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NEWS

The UAE is the “gold standard” on which other countries should model their quest for nuclear power, an international industry expert has said.

The Emirates has applied a “logical, well thought-out approach” to building the country’s first four reactors, said Dr. Dale Klein, a former chairman of the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

The country has been very transparent with regards to its plans and progress, which is central to building international and local trust, said Dr. Klein, who is also the associate director of The Energy Institute at the University of Texas.

“The United Arab Emirates has been very good at explaining to the public what nuclear means, why it’s important for the country and what steps it’s taking,” he said. “It’s very important that people understand how nuclear power plants work and why they’re being built.”

Dr. Klein’s comments on Tuesday were

Earth Hour launched its 2012 campaign, “I Will If You Will” to show how one person can change the world with their efforts. As well as the typical ‘switch off’, the 2012 campaign encourages people to share a video on YouTube sharing a personal dare with the world to show how far they will go to help the cause.

Earth Hour began as an initiative in 2007 and has since then grown into a global movement reaching 1.8 billion people in 135 countries across seven continents.

The UAE first participated in Earth Hour in 2009 and since then has incorporated it into its yearly calendar for environmental responsibility. In 2011, all seven emirates officially participated in the campaign with key landmarks from each region switching off including Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi, Burj Khalifa in Dubai and Al Qasba in Sharjah.

part of a lecture at the majlis of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

Infrastructure work and site preparation have begun for the four nuclear reactors in Baraka, more than 50km from Ruwais in Al Gharbia. The first plant is expected to start operating in 2017, with three more plants scheduled to be completed and operational by 2020.

Four more may also be in the works.

The UAE has made changes to its nuclear plans after the Fukushima disaster in Japan last year.

While the region is not likely to be struck by a major earthquake or tsunami, authorities have to account for Gulf conditions such as extreme heat and dust storms.

Watertight seals and battery compartments, which were missing at

Earth Hour takes place on the last Saturday of March every year – closely coinciding with the equinox to ensure that most cities are in darkness as it is rolled out around the world. This year it will take place on 31 March between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

Fukushima, have been added to the plans for the Baraka plants and Dr. Klein recommended extra electricity generators.

The UAE’s nuclear progress stands in stark contrast to neighboring Iran.

“Iran is not as transparent as the world would like,” Dr. Klein said. “It’s not clear what their level of safety is. It’s not clear what their level of training is. Radiation does not stop at a border. Their nuclear program could be important for surrounding countries.”

More than 60 nuclear reactors are under construction around the world, joining more than 435 already in operation.

This is a story that originally appeared in The National newspaper on 15 March 2012. For the full version, please go to www.thenational.ae

For one hour, residents are being urged to switch off their lights and unplug unnecessary electrical appliances to celebrate the spirit of conservation and global sustainability. Several partners and ambassadors in the UAE have also confirmed their participation.

“Collective participation in this symbolic initiative of Earth Hour stresses the importance of conserving the

environment and saving energy. It also raises awareness about climate

change, and what can be done to tackle it using shared efforts,” said Khalifa Al Mazroui, General Manager at the Municipality of Abu Dhabi.

This year’s campaign, with its internet based sharing element, allows people to participate not

just in that hour but far beyond it. Earth Hour 2012 is an initiative

to build a truly global community committed to taking action to help

create a more sustainable planet.

Expert praises UAE Nuclear Development

Earth Hour 2012 – ‘I Will If You Will’ Campaign in the UAE

UAE offers public greater transparency on its nuclear program

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NEWS

Brand new state of the art horse riding facilities will be opening on the impressive Sir Bani Yas Island in the Western region of Abu Dhabi. The Sir Bani Yas Stables is located next to the Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara.

The aim of building these environmentally friendly stables is to offer equestrian lovers the opportunity to experience a variety of horseback activities and lessons in an exclusive setting. The more experienced rider can choose horses that are trained in dressage and western riding, while first time riders are also catered to. Furthermore, guests have the opportunity to learn about the heritage of Arabian horses in the UAE, and gain a unique perspective on The Arabian

The UAE has launched an official bid to host the 2020 World Expo in Dubai at a recent Pan-Arab meeting in Cairo.

Through the effort by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs both internationally and regionally to mobilize support for the bid, the Council of the Arab League Foreign Ministers at its 137th session announced

The first baby in the UAE to be born from vitrified-thawed human eggs has been announced at Tawam Hospital in Al Ain.

The advanced technology for the rapid freezing of eggs that are later thawed for insemination aims to open new doors for young women suffering health problems, such as cancer, who will be able to freeze their eggs before undergoing destructive treatments like radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

The healthy baby was delivered at full term last Monday and will hopefully be the first of many since vitrification was chosen as Tawam’s favored assistive reproductive practice back in March 2011.

The process of vitrification differs from

Wildlife Park which is home to a vast number of species of Arabian wildlife such as peacocks, Arabian Oryx, Sand Gazelle and Cattle Egret.

Laura Jane Maclucas, Equestrian Coordinator at Anantara, stated, “Sir Bani Yas will make horseback riding accessible for people of all abilities, and allow a unique equestrian experience, from riding along the island beach, to exploring the Arabian Wildlife Park on horseback”.

The horseback riding facility is exclusive to Sir Bani Yas Island which has a vital role in attracting and boosting tourism and enhancing the experience of both local and international guests.

its support of the UAE to host the global event in Dubai.

The rotating global exhibition is the world’s largest and Dubai is competing with the likes of Thailand, Russia, Turkey and Brazil. Under the theme of “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”, World Expo 2020 in Dubai intends to

traditional reproductive techniques in the time it takes to freeze the mother’s eggs. Previously, a regulated cooling system was used which took up to three hours and could damage the chances of the egg successfully being warmed when the time was right. With the new method, the eggs are frozen in less than a second which has proven to be a gentler process thus providing better results when warming the eggs in the future.

So far, the specialized unit at Tawam Hospital has achieved a 38 per cent pregnancy rate, which gives a promising outlook for 2012. Established in May 1990, Tawam’s Fertility Unit is state of the art and uses advanced technology to assist in reproductive medicine in the UAE.

Enrich your Sir Bani Yas Island experience by riding on horseback

UAE bid for expo 2020 backed by Arab countries

First Baby Born from Frozen Egg in Al Ain

serve as a global hub for ideas and creativity.

Secretary-General, Vicente Gonzalez Loscertales, Bureau International des Expostions (BIE) said that he was impressed with the UAE’s shopping malls and integrated infrastructure, especially in the aviation and mass transit sectors.

The birth is the first in the country using the new vitrification process

Al Ain: Sultan Bin Zayed Road, Bawadi Mall Tel: (03) 784 0561 Dubai: Dubai Festival City, Tel: 800 ASK ACE (800 275 223), Sheikh Zayed Road, Tel: (04) 341 1906, Fax: (04) 341 7610 Sharjah: Tel: (06) 537 1556, Fax: (06) 537 1575 Abu Dhabi: Mina Road, Tel: (02) 673 1665, Fax: (02) 673 0415 e-mail: ace@alfuttaim.ae or www.al-futtaim.ae

There’s certainly more to ACE than just a hardware store. From automotive accessories to kitchen appliances, camping gear to barbeques, outdoor furniture to paints and plants, gardening items to pet accessories. There’s so much to choose from all under one roof. ACE. One Store. Many Lifestyles.

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But it takes 2 000 to 5 000 litres of water to produce one person’s daily food.

FEATURE

Fresh, clean water is probably the most taken-for-granted resource that we enjoy. Think about it. When you fill up the kettle to make a nice cup of tea, brush your teeth with chilled tap water or take a long, hot bath to unwind do you ever really think about the water your using?

For the majority of us, the answer is no.

Yet, every single day, 884 million people have no access to clean water. That’s more than 100 times the population of the UAE. 2.6 billion do not have adequate sanitation and over 5,000 children, enough to fill Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex, die every day as a result of unclean drinking water.

This Thursday, 22nd March, is World Water Day. All across the globe people will be joining together to turn their attention to water, our most precious resource.

First observed in Rio De Janeiro in 1993, the aim of the United Nation’s World Water Day is to advocate people to be aware of their own personal water consumption. Encouraging people to save water, by turning off taps and treating baths as luxuries rather than necessities, the campaign also focuses on a different conservation theme each year. The theme for 2012 is ‘Water and Food Security’ and aims to highlight the link between food and water, stressing that without water, no food can be produced.

Planet Earth has over seven billion people on it and all of these people need to be fed. Add to this the two billion expected to join us by 2050 and that is a lot of hungry mouths to contend with. Statistically speaking, each person drinks 2-4 liters of water per day, most of which is embedded in the food we eat: producing 1 kilo of beef for example consumes 15,000 liters of water while 1 kilo of wheat uses 1,500 liters.

With over a billion people in the world already living in chronic hunger and water resources continuously under pressure we

cannot ignore the problem. Coping with population growth and ensuring access to nutritious food is something everyone can help with. Switching to a healthier, more sustainable diet is a relatively easy way that we can help the water crisis. Developing countries and emerging economies are currently locked in a nutrition paradox with high rates of undernourishment on one hand, and the same number of overweight people on the other. Both situations can lead to a range of chronic diseases thus something has to be done. Opting for foods with low water consumption levels tends to be healthier and more environmentally sustainable thus providing a win-win solution. Reducing food wastage, which stands at a scandalous 30 per cent, is another way to reduce water wastage so keep this in mind next time you go out for a family meal.

International celebrities have been keen to get involved with such a worthwhile cause with actor Matt Damon going so far as to create his own company, water.org, in order to highlight the water crisis. Other celebrities including Rihanna, Robin Williams, Taylor Swift and Lenny Kravitz have all joined the cause by endorsing project ‘Tap’, an initiative with the slogan “When You Take Water, Give Water”. This project encourages people to make a small donation to preserving worldwide water supplies every time a restaurant provides a fresh, clean glass of water with a meal.

Do you know how much water you consume each day? We all know about our carbon footprints but what about your ‘water footprint?’ The UAE has one of the highest per person water consumptions in the world. Be aware of your water consumption on a daily basis and show your support for the UN by coming together to protect our most valuable resource and helping to celebrate World Water Day this Thursday.

World Water Day 2012The World is Thirsty….Because We are Hungry

All human activities use water: drinking, cooking, washing, but mostly producing food. The water footprint is a way of measuring our direct and indirect water use. The water footprint is the total volume of water used to produce the goods and services consumed by an individual, a community or a business.

For an eye-opening look at how much water you use (and waste) figure out your footprint with National Geographic’s Footprint Calculator.

(http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/freshwater/water-footprint-calculator)

Water footprint

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FEATURE

As Al Ain Dairy this week announced its intention to introduce camel milk ice-cream to the UAE market, we take a look at the camel and its historical importance throughout the Emirates.

Famously known as the ships of the desert, due to their rocking movement when walking, camels have played a vital part in this region for many years.

Traditionally, camels were a dependable source of transport, food and milk. They were used as currency for a bride’s dowry among the Bedouin tribes and as payment for Zakat, the percentage of a Muslim’s personal fortune that should be donated to those in need.

There are two types of camels, the dromedary and the bactrian. The Arabian camel that we see in the UAE is the dromedary and is a large even toed ungulate with one hump. In Arabian culture, camels are given different names each year, depending on their age and gender. They are known for their obedience and their peacefulness yet this can be stretched from time to time, hence the age old proverb ‘the straw that broke the camel’s back’ meaning that everyone, even the majestic camel, has a breaking point.

The city of Al Ain has a camel market that is famous throughout the UAE and attracts many breeders and buyers both from across the country and from further afield. There are over 15 million camels in the Arab region, with over 378,000 in the UAE. This number is increasing all the time due to improved health care and more nutritious food. A visit to the camel market is a bustling, colorful experience and, with free entry for all, it’s a great way to see these desert creatures up close and personal.

Camel racing was traditionally staged to celebrate important social occasions throughout the Emirates such as wedding ceremonies, community events or visits from royalty. Today, however, it is a well organized, popular sport that attracts a huge number of spectators from all walks of life, including members of the ruling families. Just last week saw the climax of the camel racing festival at Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi come to an end. Many dignitaries and crowds of UAE residents watched the festival to see huge cash prizes and brand

new cars awarded to the winners. Millions of dirham’s change hands at camel racing events as breeders try to claim the most promising animals. A strict training regime, daily exercise routine and special eating plans constructed by ‘camel dieticians’ are set in place in order to train the camel to the best of its abilities.

Another popular camel-related event is the camel beauty pageant. Thousands of camels participate in these contests each year where judges are on the lookout for big heads, firm ears, broad cheeks, a long neck and shiny hair. Organized by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) these events give owners the chance to win huge cash prizes or a brand new car, usually a 4x4. Aside from the beauty contest, the events are also a celebration of traditional Bedouin culture and feature poetry, music, dancing and stalls selling handicrafts and typical Emirati clothing. People go to see the camels, partake in the element of competition and spend an evening camping and enjoying the natural beauty of the desert landscape.

Camel milk has been a staple diet of the Bedouin community in the Middle East for centuries. It contains several minerals and vitamins and is lower in fat and cholesterol than cow’s milk. As well as the recently announced camel milk ice-cream, the animals are also milked for chocolate, cream, butter and cheese. Camels are also used for meat, with the camel hump being regarded as a special delicacy, reserved mainly for festive gatherings.

With everything that the camel is to the people of the UAE it is no wonder that the Bedouins say that the camel is God’s special gift to them.

Ships of the Desert

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SPORTS

The 2012 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is back with a bang. With big names from the motor sporting world attending the event which will be held across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi from 30 March – 6 April.

Serving its spectators with unrivalled access to watch the opening round of the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship, and Round 2 of the FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies, this year’s convention takes places against the breathtaking backdrop of Qasr Al Sarab in the Western Region of Al Gharbia.

Mohammad Bin Sulayem, President of the Automobile and Touring Club of the United Arab Emirates (ATCUAE) and founder of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, calls

Etching their name in the history books, the UAE’s Under-23 national football team secured a place in the Olympics for the first time ever.

Leaving opponents Uzbekistan shell- shocked, after they started the game with such promise the UAE came back to grab a 3-2 win in Tashkent to see them on their way to the London Games this summer.

Mahdi Ali, the UAE Olympic Football coach, along with his U-23 squad have secured the nation’s biggest achievement since their qualification for the world cup back in 1990. The young players have shown great dedication and excellent team work and it has truly paid off.

Ahmed Khalil scored two goals for his squad and the other goal-scorer was his substitution, Haboosh Saleh. Both players were highly praised by their fans.

The effort of team mates Omar Abdul Rahman, Fozil Musaev, Habib Al Fardan and Ali Mabkhout were also highly commended.

The UAE’s first-ever appearance at an Olympic football tournament is the motivation the team needed to further inspire them in their training. Playing against the big names in the grounds of Wembley Stadium, the sacred home of football, will be an awesome achievement for both team and country.

The UAE join South Korea, who had already secured their spot, and Japan, who booked their place with a 2-0 draw over Bahrain.

Uzbekistan now head into a three-way play off, alongside Syria and Oman, to face Senegal in Vietnam in March for the final spot at the London Games.

The 2012 Olympics commences on 27 July and will run until 12 August.

Spectators at Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Sports Complex in Dubai were enthralled by the star-studded performances of international athletes during the opening leg of the Fina/Midea Diving World Series 2012, held from 16-17 March.

A total of 58 athletes from 11 nations assembled in Dubai, with China providing the largest fleet of 11 athletes, to ensure the competition was a success.

The two-day event saw the Chinese athletes come out on top with an impressive array of eight gold medals. This success follows a clean sweep of eight gold medals at last month’s FINA World Cup at the London Aquatic Centre,

this year’s Desert Challenge a must see for all serious rally drivers and riders. With 35 international participants from across six different continents as well as a sharp rise in the number of female competitors the event will showcase the growing popularity of the sport.

The UAE has high hopes from Sheikh Abdullah Al Qasimi and the 2004 FIA World Cup champion Khalifa Al Mutaiwei. These two competitors are the region’s most famous rally

drivers. Al Mutaiwei, who has been away from the scene for eight years, is returning with the famous German X-raid team.

On the other track, Sheikh Abdullah, who has claimed podium places for the past two years in the Middle East Rally Championship will take on this year’s challenge in a Powertech Buggy and hopes to continue his impressive run.

The excitement in the women’s group will be provided by Sheila Hutton-Barker, a British national living in the UAE. This Desert Challenge regular will drive a Nissan Patrol and will face tough competition from the most experienced female quad biker in the region, Camelia Liparoti.

Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge 2012A Must See for Rally Fans

UAE’s dramatic victory leads the squad to London Olympics 2012

China’s dominates FINA/Midea Diving World Series 2012

the venue for this year’s Olympic diving competition, and 10 gold medals at the Shanghai championships in 2011.

Current Olympic and World Champion, Chong He, grabbed the men’s 3m springboard top spot forcing Russia’s Illya Zakharov and teammate Kai Qin into second and third place.

Whilst in the women’s event, Wu Minxia, also of China showed her composure and experience coming from behind to claim the gold.

The remaining rounds of the FINA/Midea Diving World Series will take place in Beijing on March 23-24, Moscow on April 13-14 and Tijuana on April 22-23.

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STUFF for men

Two humble words, yet so impossible for me to utter.

I figure at least 50 per cent of my masculinity is directly related to my sense of direction or, as my wife would argue, total lack of. For most guys, this modest confession is akin to wearing a miniskirt and ruby red lipstick. It’s simply genetic, passed down generation to generation from our fathers.

In my lifetime, only two inventions have allowed the male population to unbutton our dress shirts down to our navels and show off all our chest hair with pride: disco and the Global Positioning System (GPS).

GPS is a navigation system that generally allows every man out there to do one of two things; preserve his egotism or blame getting lost on an outdated GPS map. It’s

a win-win situation. The question I want to look at today is whether you really need a standalone GPS device or if your Smartphone will do the job.

If you don’t travel too often and generally know where you’re headed then your Smartphone may be sufficient. While many come prepackaged with free navigation software, such as Google maps, I personally just don’t find such Smartphone GPS software all that robust. You can opt to purchase better, dedicated Smartphone GPS software that can do the job fairly well but, if you travel a fair amount in unfamiliar areas then a Smartphone GPS system can be frustrating. The downsides are trying to see the darn map on a miniscule mobile screen as you’re driving, all the while contending with limited battery life. If your phone goes dead halfway to

your destination then you’re in trouble. Then there’s the added challenge of multitasking when you get calls or emails while using the GPS. Missing that critical turn, while trying to take a call, can be the cause of many in-car spousal spats.

All of the above can be solved by having a standalone GPS device. The key with these devises is not so much the hardware but the maps. So stick to the major brands, where updates are readily available, especially in the UAE where roads change on a daily basis. Truth be told you really don’t need an all singing, all dancing GPS. For a reliable device with regular map updates you can expect to pay around AED 400.

Surely a small price to pay for your manhood!

GPS - a Small Price to Pay By Alex Hennawi

I’m lost.

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HEALTH & FITNESS

So, you’ve got everything ready for the baby. You’ve bought the latest designer pram, the colorful car seat and enough clothes to last until the child’s 5th birthday. You’re prepared and know what to expect, right? Maybe not...

Becoming a parent changes your life – suddenly there’s no time to do anything! There’s no time to eat or sleep and on top of that your body is going through countless changes, both physically and emotionally. Try not to put pressure on yourself, give yourself time to adjust and be realistic in your expectations.

If you feel uncomfortable with the physical changes your body has gone through then try introducing some gentle exercise and adopt a healthy eating plan. These steps will certainly help, but keep in mind that your body simply won’t go back to pre-pregnancy overnight. It takes time and some changes, such as stretch marks, will fade but may never disappear completely. Give yourself some pampering treats, like a mani-pedi or a facial to help yourself feel better. Taking care of yourself may be low on your priority list when you first bring home the new arrival but it’s important. Neglecting your own needs could leave you feeling run-down and not having enough energy to enjoy your new baby.

Your relationships with your husband, family and friends may have changed since giving birth and may need some attention. Make sure you tell the people in your life how you are feeling, remember they are not mind-readers. If you don’t have your immediate family in the country then rely on friends for support and advice. If you have a nanny, allow them to help you but be clear from the start about what you expect them to do and when you want, and don’t want, them to care for the little one.

When you’re new to parenting, things can all seem a little overwhelming. There will be days when you have spent the entire duration trying, and failing, to get one simple task completed. This is normal! It’s important to take a break from chores and get out and about to see friends, attend a mother and toddler group or simply take the baby out for a walk. Accept any offers of help that come you’re way – there are no prizes for trying to be a super mum – being a parent is the one thing that no one is perfect at.

Most new parents live in a permanent state of tiredness which can lead to short temperedness or general feelings of being low. To combat this, try increasing the amount of sleep you are getting by going to bed early after a relaxing bath or getting someone else to give the last feed before bed. Try to share the middle of the night feeds with your partner and be sure to sleep, or at least rest, whenever your baby sleeps throughout the day. Don’t be afraid to ask a close friend to babysit for the day whilst you simply sleep and recharge your batteries.

If you are still facing problems sleeping at night this could be an indicator of post-natal depression. It is thought that as many as 8 out of 10 women suffer tearfulness 3-5 days after birth known as the ‘baby blues’. Around 1 in 10 women may go on to develop post natal depression. Depression is more than feeling unhappy, it’s feelings of hopelessness, sadness, anxiousness and irritability – you may feel some or all of these. This kind of depression is an illness and you may need to speak to a doctor at your primary health care provider.

The most important thing to do in the first few weeks of becoming a parent is to simply try and enjoy your baby. When your infant is awake he or she is learning from you, becoming familiar with the sound of your voice and your special smell. They love being talked to and learning what the world is like. As time goes by you will begin to understand your baby’s different cries and what they mean. Spending time with them is the best way to ensure that they feel loved and to create that special bond between parent and child.

Helpful contactsPrimary health care centres - make an appointment with a

doctor at any of these clinics by contacting 02 610 4000.

Mother and toddler groupsMums and Tots Al Ain

alain.mumsandtots@gmail.com

Babies and Toddlers Group Al Ain boddlers@gmail.com

Little Sprouts Play-date at the House of Arts

www.house-of-arts.net

Sarah Stoll Bsc (Hons) Community Nursing Specialist Practitioner, RSCN, Dip He, is an Independent Parenting Advisor (IPA). She is a British qualified pediatric nurse and health visitor offering support for all aspects of parenting. Sarah also teaches baby massage courses. For further information email sarahstoll06@gmail.com or call 050 135 2684.

Becoming a Parent

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URBAN Woman

without Emptying Your Wallet

They say “home is where the heart is” but, if your heart is busy flirting with the financial ups and downs of redecorating that home, then things may not look so rosy.

With a few simple tips and tricks, however, it’s easy to breathe new life into your home without draining your wallet.

De-clutter: Cleaning up mess and getting rid of clutter is the first step in attaining a revived look for your interior. Move all unnecessary items into storage or try selling some of them second hand to get some extra cash to help with your revamp.

Play with color: A coat of paint gives an instant feeling of freshness to your décor. Give a room a cozier feel by using darker shades or stick to lighter tones to give the impression of space in an otherwise cramped area. Painting one wall is an economical yet modern home décor trend that creates a focal point in a room.

Cover-up: Revamp your floor tiles by buying a couple of neutral colored rugs to compliment your walls and furniture and give a

feeling of warmth and ‘comfy-ness’ in contrast to the coolness of the floor.

Rearrange: Change the feel of a room by simply rearranging and repositioning furniture. An inexpensive option that does wonders in helping you create a new vibe in your home.

Light-up: Use modern, tall floor lamps and other stylish lighting fixtures to brighten up your place. Table lamps are a big ‘no’ for modern day décor. Playing around with different lamps, spotlights and track lighting can help create a magical atmosphere. Allow sunlight to creep into your rooms to keep things natural and use tea-lights to add some romance.

Dress up: Curtains can add instant impact to plain walls, especially when you choose bright or bold patterns and colors so dress those windows up to the nines! If you already have a busy interior, opt for plain fabric curtains to pull a scheme together.

Start building-up: If lack of space is the problem then try ‘building-up’. Opt for taller, thinner bookshelves or cabinets for storage purposes as they require much less floor space.

Plant a seed: Plants and flowers make your home look fresh and alive. Place the vases sporadically around to add to the natural beauty of your home as well as helping to naturally improve your indoor air quality.

Remember less is more: Keep things spacious and airy. Don’t go overboard with any one decorating technique as this will draw attention from the rest of your home.

Make it personal: Your home is where you live. So, show it off with family photographs, souvenirs, gifts and greeting cards. At least one wall from your domicile should be dedicated to you, yourself and your family where you can all live happily ever after!

10WAYS To Spruce Up

Your Home

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Developing the NationDr. Jamal Al Suwaidi draws attention to the current problems facing the Emirates

His Excellency Dr. Jamal Al Suwaidi, Director of the Abu Dhabi based Emirates Centre for

Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) and political adviser to H.H. General Sheikh Mohammad

Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed

Forces, welcomed us to his office last week to discuss current issues in the Emirates.

Born in 1959, Dr. Al Suwaidi gained a PhD in political science at the University of Wisconsin in the USA and returned to the Emirates in 1991. He joined UAE University as a professor of political science and has since been vastly involved in trying to highlight and rectify many of the issues

currently creating problems at both a local and an Arab-wide level. In January of this year, Dr. Al-

Suwaidi was honored for his work and commitment to his country and was presented with the prestigious Abu

Dhabi Award.

Dr. Al Suwaidi was happy to speak about some of the main issues that the UAE is currently contending with. The first of these, and by far the most worrying, is the huge demographic crisis in the country. Speaking of this “very difficult” situation,

Dr. Al Suwaidi explains that the problem is huge and has gone so far that it cannot be stopped. However, he feels that the problem “needs to be slowed down”. Although the growth of the Emirates has been among the fastest development in the world, the growth of the Emirati population has not followed suit. In forty years, the radical overhaul of the country has created an economy of over AED 844 billion, compared to only AED 20 billion in the seventies. However, this has certainly come at a cost. Non-nationals now account for over 80 per cent of the Emirati population, leaving nationals as the vast minority. “How can you solve this? What can you do?” questions Dr. Jamal. “There are over 2 million Indian workers in this country and they have helped to build it. What are you going to do? Throw everybody out?” Instead, Dr. Al Suwaidi believes that solutions must be available to co-exist with the current non-national population. Speaking about the recent riots in the UK, which many believed were initiated by the influx of immigrants to the country leaving UK citizens feeling a loss of their own identity, Dr. Al Suwaidi explains that, although there have been no such demonstrations in this country, the problem is not a secret. “Go to any market, especially on a Friday, and you will see all non-nationals. You won’t see any kandoura.” One of the main problems seems to be the perception that Emiratis have of how they should be living, “they expect to have four maids, a driver, and a cook”. These expectations, coupled with their

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, graced Dr. Jamal with his presence.

perceptions on how they should not do certain jobs, mean that there will always be a need for non-national labor in the country. To combat, or at least slow down the problem, then these expectations have to change.

Another issue that the Emiratis are struggling with is that of education. Dr. Al Suwaidi feels that there has been too much emphasis placed on learning English, and that this has, in many ways, pushed the Arabic language out of the schools. Although both languages are taught, preference is generally given to English which is used as a medium to teach math, science and art. Dr. Al Suwaidi would like to see schools having English lessons for people to learn the language, but having the majority of the curriculum taught in Arabic. “Teaching in English means that we lose some of our culture. The language is fine, it is the culture that is the problem…it will get lost.” A fluent English speaker himself, Dr. Al Suwaidi speaks about his time abroad. Though he was able then to speak the language, the culture was alien to him, “When I went there I was shocked, it was a different world, different values”.

Healthcare is another area that requires development. The government spends billions of dollars each year sending people overseas for treatment. Patients go to the US, to the UK, Germany, Thailand and Singapore, as well as various other countries for treatment. The problem in the UAE is that there is no system. Things are not standardized and this causes problems, “if you don’t have a system, then you don’t have proper healthcare.” Nursing, as a profession, is also deficient as people don’t consider it a respectful career; teaching falls into the same category. Having suffered health problems himself, Dr. Al Suwaidi realizes the importance of nurses in the healthcare system, “they do everything. You see the doctor maybe once per week but you see the nurse every day, many times”. He goes so far as to say that the system simply “can’t work without good nurses”. Most Emiratis would not consider nursing as a career suited to them and this is another perception that needs to be changed in order for things to improve.

In order to do his utmost to improve society, Dr. Al Suwaidi is the chairman of The Scholarship Co-Ordination Office (SCO), an initiative which provides UAE citizens the chance to study

abroad at some of the top universities in the world. Founded on the vision of the late President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan-Al-Nahyan (May God have mercy on him), who believed that a country’s “greatest investment lies in building generations of educated and knowledgeable youth”, the program has been a huge success. For the past 13 years, 20 to 50 graduates have attained honor degrees each year from prestigious universities, such as Harvard, Brown, King’s and Stanford. The majority of these graduates then return to the UAE eager to put their new sense of direction, newly acquired skills and fresh perspectives to work in their home country. Dr. Al Suwaidi believes that more recognition should be given to these students upon their return. Generally, they are acclaimed students in their universities, achieving excellent grades and conducting themselves with great dignity and honor. Returning to the UAE, they are recognized as potential employees, but the achievements they have made are not appreciated enough. Further recognition would also encourage more Emirati youth to apply to the program. The other fundamental issue with the SCO is the lack of opportunity for graduates upon returning to the Emirates. A few students, for instance, have recently specialized and excelled in the study of genetics; however, upon their return to the UAE they are limited in how they can apply this newly acquired knowledge, as there are simply no advanced genetic facilities in place at this moment. These, however, are small issues and the importance of the SCO in contributing to the development of the UAE is plain to see.

Dr. Jamal Al Suwaidi is a remarkable man who recognizes the developments and the outstanding achievements that the UAE has made in a short space of time. He also, however, has the rare ability to be able to identify the problems that the country faces, describing the situation as “a crisis of leadership and management”. Dr. Al Suwaidi does not pretend to have all the answers; several times he answers a question with a question, “What will you do?” He does, however, have the insight, the ability and the dedication to be a key figure in deciphering solutions to ease the demographic, healthcare and education issues currently posing strong challenges to the United Arab Emirates.

His career has seen him meet with many prominent figures, both locally and internationally.

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The Brain in English & Arabic

Most individuals do not regularly think about what takes place inside their brain when they communicate in their native language. Once language is acquired, it becomes almost an instinct for us, like breathing. We do not ponder it unless a problem arises. In addition, the underlying assumption of the majority is that regardless of the language, language is still…well…language. Whether you are thinking and communicating in English, Arabic or any other world language, the same language centres of your brain are used.

It may be that because of this prevalent assumption, to date, the majority of language acquisition research has been done in association with just the English language. However, Dr. Sami Boudelaa, Senior Research Associate at the Medical Research Council-Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, Cambridge, UK and Associate Professor at United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Department of Linguistics, decided to take an in-depth look at brain function during language processing in a cross-cultural context.

Dr. Boudelaa is presently working at the Electron Sephalography Lab at UAEU, where electrical activity is measured in the brain as people see and hear words in both the English and Arabic languages. In order to fully understand what is being researched

one must first understand some of the basic differences between the two languages in question.

There is a fundamental difference in the way words are formed in English and Arabic. In the English language words are made up of a stem, such as ‘write’, to which the speaker adds suffixes, such as ‘er, ing etc..’. So the stem ‘write’ informs us of the basic meaning of the word (i.e. something to do with inscription) and the suffixes tell us whether it is a noun (i.e. writer) or a verb (i.e. writing) and so on.

In the Arabic language, there are no suffixes, rather the inner vowels of the word are changed. For example, the word ‘Ketab’ has the consonants K-T-B which are the stem and inform us that this word has something to do with writing. Meanwhile the A vowels inside the word inform us that this is most likely a verb. Changing the vowels thus changes a word from a verb to a noun, adjective etc…

This leads us to something known as the Transposition Letter Effect: take the word ‘judge’ and flip the inner letters: judge – jugde. At first glance your brain still picks up the word as judge. Because of the differences in basic word construction, in Arabic, changing the order of the letters changes the stem of the word

Cross-Cultural Linguistics Research at United Arab Emirates UniversityBy Marlena Guzowski

EDUCATION

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for your brain and your brain will not recognize it as the same word.

The basic question is thus: Is the Arabic word construction more complex for the brain to process than the English one and, if so, does that reflect which parts and how much of your brain is used for each language?

To answer this question Dr. Boudelaa looks millisecond by millisecond at what the brain is doing as it hears, sees and says words, by attaching a cup with various electrodes to the head, which compute the neuron network processing system. What they are finding is that some English words can be considered ‘simple’ and require fewer brain resources, while other ‘complex’ words require more resources, therefore activating more of the brain. Meanwhile, in Arabic all words require more resources.

There are numerous translational benefits to Dr. Boudelaa’s research. To begin with, we all know that humans use only about one third of their brains. However, acquiring more than one language as a child allows more ‘brain use’ which is proven to show a decrease in the likelihood of diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Could a possible hypothesis be that acquiring more complex languages might help to reduce the possibly of Alzheimer’s?

Knowing which parts of the word are computed where in the brain may also help in the teaching of children who have problems acquiring their mother language by tailoring teaching appropriately. If it can be determined specifically which parts of the brain are involved during language processing, it may also become easier to attempt reversal of the linguistic affects of patients with brain damage.

Dr. Boudelaa summarized as such “Up to now the most studied language in terms of neuroscience is English. Yet studying only English acquisition does not necessarily tell you how the brain functions in language acquisition in general and therefore you cannot build sustainable theories. It is much better to have cross-linguistic studies which compare the various patterns of various languages and how the brain is used.”

Dr. Sami Boudelaa

EDUCATION

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Russell PeteRsNotoRious WoRld touR

MARCH 22ND

Yas, Island, Abu Dhabi – The Indo-Canadian comedian will be at the Flash Forum in the capital from 22-23 March, 2012. With views on everything from nightclubs in Beirut, Chinese bag sellers, his Dad’s attempt to become Canadian and a hilarious range of accents, this is one show not to be missed. Open to 18+ audiences. For more information contact Think Flash on 02 509 8000 or visit www.thinkflash.ae

the dubai MaRiNa stReet Festival

MARCH 22ND

The Promenade, Dubai Marina Mall – This festival runs from 22-23 March, 2012 and features 30 of the world’s best street theater artists. Levitation, hula hoops, unicycles, tight rope walking, fire breathing and bucket drumming are part of the festival. Free Entry. For more information contact The Promenade on 04 309 7947www.dubaicalendar.ae/en/event/events/dubai-marina-street-festival.html

FaMily FuN day

MARCH 24TH

Le Meridien, Abu Dhabi – The biggest fundraising event in Abu Dhabi is being held from 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. to support charity organization ‘Operation Smiles’. Parents can enjoy shopping at the bargain bazaar and children will be spoilt for choice with many game stations. Raffle draws are also part of the event. For more information contact the management at martina.venus@sheraton.com or tourya.morchid@lemeridien.com

seaFood NiGht

MARCH 25TH

Arabesque, Danat Al Ain Resort - An array of ocean treasures, all served to suit your taste, with a spot of live entertainment by Wael El Sherif. Indulge yourself in this sumptuous buffet starting at AED 140 per person every Wednesday. For more information contact Arabesque on 03 704 6143

boot CaMP

MARCH 25TH

Al Ain Corniche - Get in shape, lose excess body fat, exercise and make some new friends. March boot camp takes place every Sunday and Wednesday 5:00 a.m. – 6:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. AED 400 for four weeks on a monthly basis with two sessions each week. For more information contact 050 997 6225 or visit www.oasisfitnessme.com

al aiN hash haRRieRs

MARCH 26TH

Around Al Ain - Run and walk (roughly 45 minutes) at various spots around Al Ain. You get a free ride to the walking location from Sophie’s Studio at the Hilton Hotel, Al Ain. For more information contact Georges Robehmed on 050 623 0411 or 03 768 8866

X2 – MultiPles Festival

MARCH 23RD

Safa Park, Dubai - The idea behind the Multiples Festival is to celebrate multiplicity through parades, contests, games, forums and much more. The event taking place from 23-24 March, 2012. Twins, triplets, quadruplets and other multiples, their families and friends are encouraged to come together to celebrate a fun-filled weekend. Time: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. For more information visit www.x2-me.com

GRaNd eNteRtaiNMeNt

MARCH 24TH

Al Foah Mall – From 15 March – 12 May, 2012 you can watch a movie, enjoy fun rides and savor international cuisines simply by spending AED 50 at any retail outlet in the mall. For more information contact the mall on 03 704 1010

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Grand Al Ain CineplexAl Ain Mall, Al AinTel: +971 3 751 1228

1. THE HUNGER GAMES: 10:30, 13:00, 15:45, 18:30, 21:15, 23:592. BATTLE FOR TERRA 3D: 11:30, 13:30, 15:302. THE HUNGER GAMES: 17:30, 20:15, 23:003. A THOUSAND WORDS: 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00, 20:00, 22:00, 23:594. MIRROR MIRROR: 10:40,12:40, 14:40, 16:404. JOHN CARTER: 18:40, 21:15, 23:59

Grand Rotana, Rotana Hotel,Zayed Ibn Sultan St., Al Ain

Tel: +971 3 754 4447 1. THE HUNGER GAMES: 10:30, 13:00, 15:45, 18:30, 21:15, 23:592. BATTLE FOR TERRA 3D: 11:30, 13:30, 15:302. THE HUNGER GAMES: 17:30, 20:15, 23:003. A THOUSAND WORDS: 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00, 20:00, 22:00, 23:594. MIRROR MIRROR: 10:40,12:40, 14:40, 16:404. JOHN CARTER: 18:40, 21:15, 23:59

these movie listings are valid from thursday to wednesday of each week.

MusiC iN hosPitals

MARCH 27TH

Zest’s tasty eXPeRieNCes

MARCH 26TH

Al Ain Rotana – Every Monday between 6:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. enjoy a mouthwatering array of steaks and cuts at the Steak n’ BBQ Night for only AED 158. Choose your favorite dish to be grilled before your eyes and have it just the way you like it. For more information contact Zest on 03 754 5111 or fb.alain@rotana.com

Tawam Hospital, Al Ain – In collaboration with Abu Dhabi Festival, a variety of musicians will perform at this one-day event held at the hospital from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. for patients and staff members. The aim of the event is to demonstrate the positive impact of music and bring some much needed joy to the patients. For more information contact the Abu Dhabi Festival on 02 6510 300 or visit www.abudhabifestival.ae

CaNdle NiGht at ayla RestauRaNt

MARCH 27TH

Ayla Hotel – Every Tuesday enjoy international cuisine, heartwarming desserts, rose petals and live music from the resident pianist and saxist. You and your loved one can enjoy the intimate candlelight dinner buffet from 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. starting from AED 88 per person. For more information contact the restaurant on 03 746 0903 or f.b@aylahotels.com

abu dhabi iNteRNatioNal book FaiR (adibF) 2012

MARCH 28TH

Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre – The book fair is a meeting point for international and Arab publishers turning it into the nation’s biggest book festival. Taking place from 28 March – 2 April, 2012. Daily from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Friday 4 p.m.– 9 p.m. For more information visit www.adbookfair.com

Grand Bawadi Bawadi Mall, Al AinTel: +971 3 784 0300

1. THE HUNGER GAMES: 10:30,13:00, 15:45, 18:30, 21:15, 23:592. THE LORAX 3D: 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:002. THE HUNGER GAMES: 19:45, 22:30 3. BATTLE FOR TERRA 3D: 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00 3. MANOLETE: 19:15, 21:30, 23:594. MIRROR MIRROR: 11:30, 13:30, 15:3017:30, 19:304. DEVIL’S DOUBLE: 21:30, 23:455. AGENT VINOD (Hindi): 11:00, 14:00, 17:00, 20:00, 23:00 6. A THOUSAND WORDS (English/Filipino): 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 18:00, 20:00, 23:596. UNOFFICIALLY YOURS (English/Filipino): 16:00, 22:007. JOHN CARTER: 11:00, 13:30, 16:0018:30, 21:15, 23:598: THE HUNGER GAMES: 12:00, 14:45, 17:30, 20:15, 23:00

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It took me four years to gather the courage togo back home after the death of my mother.

I never entered her bedroom.I never asked what happened to her pillow.

My father took their bed for himself and I never complained.

The bed suddenly becamehis; and his alone.

Now my father has died! I am still searching for her pillow. But I never ask. I never say what happened to my mother’s pillow?

He is dead now!

Why am I so frightened to enter their room?

Maybe her pillow is still on the bed,next to his.

Does the pillow still have my mother’s smell? I know his must have; he just died yesterday.

Keep their room closed.

Keep their smell there behind finished memories.

Is a forty- nine year old man allowed to feel like an orphan?

Who sets the rules?Yes I am an orphan. And I don’t like it.

I miss the smell of my mother andI cannot locate her pillow.

What happened to my mother’s pillow?

Submit you creativity.Photos, drawings or even poetry

Email: content@thesourceuae.comYOU ARETHE SOURCE!

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FROM OUR READERS

Photo by: Marwa Farid Ibrahim

Photography by Loomz

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NEED TO KNOW

Day Fajr Sunrise Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha

Thursday 5:01 6:18 12:24 3:51 6:30 8:00

Friday 5:00 6:17 12:24 3:51 6:30 8:00

Saturday 4:59 6:16 12:24 3:50 6:30 8:00

Sunday 4:58 6:15 12:23 3:50 6:31 8:01

Monday 4:56 6:14 12:23 3:50 6:31 8:01

Tuesday 4:55 6:13 12:23 3:50 6:32 8:02

Wednesday 4:54 6:12 12:22 3:50 6:32 8:02

If you are looking for authentic Chinese cuisine in Al Ain, then we recommend the following:

China Wall Express: Various locations including Al Ain Town Square, Al Ain Mall, Al Jimi Mall and Bawadi Mall. These eateries provide you with a wide choice of dishes and speedy service. Telephone Al Ain Town Square on 03 751 0105, Al Ain Mall - 03 516 1527, Al Jimi Mall - 03 762 6264 and Bawadi Mall - 03 784 0525

Oasis Chinese Restaurant: Located in the Megamart in the Al Jahili district, the intricate Chinese décor in this restaurant provides a nice ambience. Combine this with the delicious dishes on offer and you’re onto a winner. Delivery is also available. Contact them on 03 766 7011

Chinese Dragon Restaurant: Located opposite the Al Noor Hospital in Al Ain Town Centre. The restaurant serves some delicious and mouth-watering Chinese dishes at very reasonable prices. Contact them on 03 766 7011

Keep a Green Household Living green can be simple and at the same time save you money. All it takes is a change of habit. Here are a few simple solutions to reduce your carbon footprint:

You are what you eat. Consuming large

amounts of beef will make you

a carbon big-foot.

Grain-fed meat produces the most carbon due to production, processing and transportation. Instead opt for grass-fed beef as it has a much lower impact on the environment.

Read the labels on your laundry detergents and other cleaning chemicals that you use regularly. Switch to detergents that are labeled eco or environmentally friendly.

Use cold water rather then hot water to wash your laundry. You will save 80 per cent on energy.

Instead of using a desktop computer change to a laptop to cut three- quarters off your electrical use. Don’t forget to turn off your laptop when not in use.

Give your car a break. Rediscover your feet or ride your bike and make short trips to the local supermarket. Use public transportation, car-pool and ideally switch to a hybrid vehicle.

Check your tire pressure regularly, according to the guidelines in the car manual. Keeping your car tires properly inflated will improve your mileage by three per cent.

eNviRoNMeNtal

Where can I find a decent Chinese restaurant in Al Ain?

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BE INSPIRED

Being in a leadership position doesn’t necessarily make you a good leader. You probably earned the title for all the specific actions, behavior and collective contributions over the years that entitled you to it. Your ability to perform as a good leader will make all the difference between success and failure.

What does it take to be an aspiring leader? Before it was a simple answer of delegating work wisely, providing employees with numerous perks such as flexible time, and making sure that their were fresh new ideas on the meeting agenda. Now, in the uncertain current economic climate, the standard rules of leadership have changed.

Here are a few golden rules of great leadership.

Walk the talkA commendable leader is trustworthy and shows integrity. Although employed by an organization, your team members are working for you. They look up to you for guidance, support and direction. A good leader “walks the talk” suggesting that just as you have certain expectations of your employees they have certain expectations of you. Lead by example and show dedication, commitment, respect, trust and enthusiasm.

A leader is not afraidA leader is enthusiastic and motivated about their role. They will spend time and whatever energy is required to ensure that a task is completed. The leader is a source of inspiration and although the role of a leader might vary, they are still seen as part of the team trying to achieve the same vision and goals. In other words, a good leader will not be afraid to roll up their sleeves and get dirty.

Communication is keyA good leader needs to be an eloquent and dynamic speaker. Choose your words selectively and pay attention on the delivery of the information. For example, when you communicate your message think about the tone, style and delivery. Confirm that your employees heard and understood the message correctly by monitoring their reactions and responses.

OpennessProvide opportunities for employees to participate and give their suggestions and ideas. A company is made up of diversity. Each individual brings in a range of skills, ideas and strengths. You should be open to new suggestions and ideas even if they do not conform to the usual way of thinking. Accept that there are new

ways of doing things that will contribute to the success of the organization. This will build mutual respect and trust between employees and leadership. This creates a motivated workforce, leading to supply of fresh ideas that will further contribute to the vision.

Do right by your teamRecognize your team members’ efforts. If they go above expectations and beyond the call of duty, make sure that there is something in it for them. As a leader, ensure that the successes are widespread throughout the company. On the contrary, if there have been failures a good leader will take personal responsibility. This makes other people feel good and ultimately makes your team closer. To spread the success and take the blame is an indication of an effective leader.

Great power yields great responsibilityAs a leader you will have insurmountable responsibilities. Along the way you will face obstacles and find yourself in situations that will test your tenacity. Don’t get tempted into acting abrasive and irrational. Remain calm, composed and steadfast. A true measure of a good leader is their confidence and the ability to find strength and courage to do what they know is the right thing to do. By showing endurance, in mental and physical stamina, you will inspire team members to reach new heights.

Play fairShow fair treatment to all your team members. If there are problems with team members, an effective leader will check all the facts and give a fair hearing before making a decision or passing judgment. Avoid making conclusions based on incomplete evidence. If team members feel that they are being treated fairly, they will reward you with hard work and loyalty.

Reaching new heightsThe moment you took on the leadership position you are committed to excellence. Your job is to lead the people in your organization to success in their roles that they would have had great difficulty reaching without your guidance and inspiration. Your accomplishments depend on how you help those under you to make a difference and become successful.

Keep a sense of humorDiversity in the workplace can sometimes lead to hostility. Having a sense of humor is vital to diffuse tension. A good leader will use humor to revitalize and boost the team spirit. Humor fosters good relationships.

Become an Inspiring Leader

MY WORLD

Munich. A city of contradictions.

Fairytale-like buildings and pretty cobbled streets are flanked by glistening glass office blocks and peppered with shiny sports cars. Chiming cathedral bells compete with the hustle and bustle of Germany’s busiest economic city. Snowcapped Alps act as a stunning backdrop to a colossal Olympic tower and some of the most futuristic sports stadiums on the planet.

The capital of Bavaria really does have many faces. Ask anyone what they know about Munich and you are likely to hear about the yearly Oktoberfest parties or the traditional festive winter markets. Whilst it’s true that these events draw huge international crowds they are by no means the essence of the city.

Nestled at the foot of the German Alps, the weather in Munich is cold in the winter with temperatures falling to around minus 2°celcius and snowfall highly expected, creating the winter wonderland image that the city is famous for. Traditional handicraft markets, mulled spiced drinks and skating on ice add to this. Summers are warm, with average temperatures around 24°celcius, perfect for bathing in the nearby lakes or cooling off with a traditional ‘spaghetti ice’ dessert.

Munich started off as a small town and gradually grew outwards to encompass the surrounding areas. It is now home to around 1.35 million Muncheners and you’ll find they are a friendly, welcoming bunch. The city’s motto is “Munchen mag Dich” (Munich likes you) and you’re sure to discover that people will go out of their way to help you navigate their beautiful township. Traditional German dress is worn proudly throughout Bavaria and this custom is embraced wholeheartedly by Muncheners, despite their cosmopolitan city. A wedding in Munich is an awesome sight to see with the men dressed in leather shorts and braces and the women gowned in puffy, petticoat dresses and caps.

CULTUREThe city has a reputation for being one of the most culturally rich spots in Europe. There are countless museums throughout the city, world famous opera houses and the iconic Bavarian Film Studios where the hit movies ‘The Sound of Music’ and ‘Charlie and The Chocolate Factory’ were filmed.

SPORTMunich has some of the most exciting sporting venues in the world including the futuristic Allianz Arena, the Olympia stadium and the Olympic Tower standing at an impressive 291 metres. On top of this, for a little bit of sporting fun in the afternoon, take a trip to the English Gardens in the heart of the city and join Muncheners on their lunch break as they catch some waves on the man-made surf on the Isar River .

SHOPPINGShopping options in Munich are vast. If you are looking for boutiques you can head to Maximilian Straße and shop amongst the Bavarian State Opera House and the Parliament buildings. For shopping in one-off stores head to Funf Hofe or for a wider choice opt for the busy shopping district of Kaufinger Straße.

FOODGermany, as a country, is a little bit of a gastronomic paradise and Munich is no exception. Vietnamese, French, Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, Arabian, Argentinean and Spanish are just a few of the options available whilst traditional Bavarian restaurants are on almost every street. Steckerlfisch is a popular smoked fish dish whilst Bergkase is a delicious Bavarian Mountain cheese. Sausages are the staple diet of Muncheners so be sure to try as many varieties as you can and Münchner Apfelstrudel is a delicious pastry and apple dessert, not to be missed on your visit.

With flights from the Emirates taking only six hours, Munich awaits you with open arms and a smile on its face.

Munich Likes You

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MY CITY

“If there is paradise anywhere on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here”, said the mighty Mughal Emperor Jahangir and he could well have been talking about the sheer beauty of Al Ain Paradise Garden.

Situated in the Al Zakher area of Al Ain, the beauty of the garden has seen it become one of the most popular and, by far the most beautiful, tourist destination in Al Ain, attracting over 25,000 visitors per week.

The gardens are magnificently landscaped and have over 10 million exotic, beautiful flowers. The site is mentioned in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the largest number of flower baskets in the whole world. Aside from its spell-bounding beauty, the recently renovated park consists of a 370 meter long wall, which has recently been submitted to Guinness

World Records for consideration for the longest flower-covered wall in the world.

A perfect spot for relaxing with family or friends or simply taking some personal time, visit the garden and surround yourself with the stunning beauty and sweet fragrance of the flowers.

Open weekdays from 2 p.m. – 9 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. this perfect little paradise is one of the most attractive places in the city and is surely worth a visit.

Free entry for all (please note food is not allowed inside the park).For further information call 03 782 0788 or visit www.alainparadise.com

Al Ain Service CenterSanaiya Main RoadP.O. Box 243468

Tel.: 03 761 9747 Fax: 03 761 9712Email: alain-service@aldobowi.comwww.aldobowi.com

Be one with your tires, and the road will be one with you.HANKOOK. Driving Emotion

hankooktire.com

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The Source.ai 3/4/2012 9:33:54 AM

Heaven on Earth at Al Ain Paradise Garden

Consumers prefer businesses that care and, in today’s world, a company that does its homework in respect to this can really reap the benefits.

Big and small companies now rely on their Corporate Social and Responsibility (CSR) program; a form of corporate self- regulation incorporated into a business model, to embrace responsibility for their actions and encourage a positive impact in society through their activities.

Cause-related marketing is something which no one can ignore these days. Companies hire marketing consultants who specialize in sponsorship programs to take account of the current market; the demands of the customers and the organizations that simultaneously need the most help yet will also boost business. With such charitable donations, companies can increase their brand loyalty, strengthen brand image, create awareness and visibility of products, drive sales traffic, and enhance their credibility.

Be it through sponsoring events or donating to charities, companies are leaving no stone unturned in the search of divine corporate responsibility. Firms participate frantically in any social event, relevant or irrelevant, in order to surpass their competitors in showing their responsibility towards society, thus keeping their shareholders and management at bay. It appears to be a win-win situation when a charity gets its expenses paid by a firm that, in return, gets exposure and low-cost marketing with low input.

There are huge, multinational companies out there that are making millions upon millions of dirhams while on the other hand there are people starving or homeless as well as a whole host of environmental problems. Donations to charity from corporate companies would therefore surely be considered a good thing.

Perhaps not always.

When a company invests so much money in a charitable cause they often assume this gives them a certain say in how that charity operates. A recent example of this was when a huge multinational soda company used the billions of dollars they had donated to one particular charity in order to force them to drop an environmental campaign to reduce plastic, as they felt this would be damaging to their business. Investing money in charity gave them a sense of dictatorship in the company.

Furthermore, on a religious front, Zakat and Sadqa are the most ethical ways of paying back to society in order to help the needy and repay from what God has given you. The fact remains however that, even from a religious point of view, only an individual is held accountable if he refrains from paying back his share in helping society. It is by no means the collective responsibility of a corporate firm. Companies are merely entities and not living-beings thus they do not need the help of such humanly factors for marking their presence in society. They should not be confined within a culture or religion as they do not, and cannot, have one. Hence they are not liable for violating the act of charity-giving or supporting a social cause if they do not want to get associated with it. Correspondingly, they cannot be restricted either from incorporating their marketing skills into things that could help them grow as a business entity and aid in the economical development of the society of which they are part of.

Charity donations are, of course, hugely beneficial in many ways to both corporate organizations and individual charities and many firms give without condition. The fact of the matter is that while companies are making huge amounts of money, and charities seek to raise as much revenue as they can then corporate social responsibility is always going to play a huge factor in the business world. Just keep an eye out for corporate ‘bribery’, as charity with strings attached is simply not charity at all.

Corporate CharitySimple goodwill or ulterior motives?

BUSINESS

26 thesourceuae.com

GET IN TOUCH WITH WILDLIFE AND NATURE AT AL AIN ZOO.Discover wildlife and enjoy a great day-out packed with fun and adventure, and explore our large animal collection of over 4,300 animals. Al Ain Zoo is a true family destination, providing entertainment and learning experiences in a natural outdoor environment.

For opening times and special attractions call 800 AWPR (2977) or visit www.alainzoo.ae

R thesourceuae.com

REAL ESTATEAl Sarooj AED 105,000

3 bedroom plus maids villa

A beautiful, brand new villa in a compound of four. Just two minutes from Hilton Hotel and 5 minutes from Bawadi Mall. Three still available.

Al Khabisi AED 85,000

3 bedroom plus maids villa

Lovely compound of 12 villas, with only 2 villas remaining. This compound includes a shared garden and climbing frame for children.

Falaj Hazza AED 120,000

4 bedroom plus maids villa This well refurbished villa is in a sought after area of Al Ain, approximately 5 minutes from the school road, and 10 minutes from town centre.

Zakher AED 100,000

4 bedroom villa A lovely European style private villa with 2 master bedrooms and 2 with a shared bathroom located in the Zakher district, approximately 10mins from the school road.

Al Sarooj AED 170,000

5 bedroom plus maids villa

Stunning, independent 5 bedroom villa in New Sarooj with plenty of natural light and a huge garden.

Al Shuaiba AED 85,000

3 bedroom plus maids (apartment) Spacious 3 bedroom apartment coming available at the end of April. Property has lots of natural light, a large balcony and a private entrance.

Falaj Hazza AED 150,000

7 bedroom plus maids villa

This beautifully finished large villa is located just 10mins from the school road and 10mins from the Hilton Hotel.

Al Khalidiya AED 90,000

4 bedroom bungalow

Lovely 4 bedroom bungalow in a compound of 8, located 5 minutes from the golf and rugby club.

These listings were provided by Thames Real Estate. For more information please contact us.

Hilton Hotel - 1st FloorAl Ain, UAEP.O. Box 1333

M: 050 773 6716M: 050 700 3769M: 050 447 8445

www.thames-real-estate.cominfo@thames-real-estate.com

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