12 March 2008

'Arabic will not die out '- Al Ain schools

March 08 - March 21, 2008
Issue 44
www.alaintimesuae.com


While some educators and international experts fear the possible death of the Arabic language because of education policies in the UAE, some non-Arab schools in Al Ain believe that it would not face extinction because the Ministry of Education still maintains a curriculum for the it in all schools, and Arab parents are still encouraging their children to learn the subject.

“Arabic is a living language. Billions of Muslims around the world are associated with Arabic because the Holy Scriptures are written in that language. It would be a living language for them till the doomsday,” said Tanveer Arshad, Principal of Al Ain Juniors.

“Teaching Arabic to Arab students is not a problem because we have books approved by the Ministry and we have allotted so many periods for it since Arabic is considered as the school’s second language. The Arab students are also interested and keen in [learning] the Arabic language. If anything is missed up or if they do not score very well [in their Arabic exams], their parents would come here immediately,” she added.

The Ministry of Education has decreed that Arabic Studies, Islamic Studies and UAE Social Studies should be taught in all schools six times a week for 40 minutes each. Non-Arab schools, which has English as the medium of instruction, is also encouraging their students to speak in Arabic whenever their subjects require them to do so.

“Arabic is not losing its value. In fact, it might become a more ‘user-friendly language’ just like English, which is often integrated into other languages used across the world, but it is definitely not waning.” Said Rocky Miller, Principal of Our Own English High School.

The ‘Problem’

What have could alarmed the educators who thought the Arabic language is in danger is the reduced periods for teaching Arabic. “The Ministry of Education sets that as well as the time that would be allotted for Islamic Studies and UAE Social Studies. But I do my best to give each of the subjects its weight, so for me, there is a balance. I have not gotten any comment from any parent asking me to emphasize more on Arabic or English,” said Elham El Abed, Principal of Al Dhafra Private International School, who was also recognized by the Organization for Protecting the Arabic Language in Sharjah in 2006.

The Advanced Level of Arabic taught in Arab schools was also introduced in non-Arab schools three years ago only, impelling Arshad to produce her own books for the Arab students in her school. “When Al Ain Juniors came into being, I began teaching the same curriculum being taught in Arab schools to our Arab students so that they would not miss out on the three important subjects. It does not make any sense to let an Arab child lose his or her appreciation of the language because he or she does not received the same kind of Arabic education,” Arshad said.

Grades 11 and 12 students are also not required by the Ministry of Education to take Arabic classes (except Islamic Studies) anymore if they do not wish to take it in their senior years. “As a principal of the school though, I advised the parents and the students to take the Arabic language so that they can acquire the Equivalency Certificate and be accepted in the committee of their chosen profession inside or outside UAE,” said El Abed.

But the real challenge is on how to motivate the students, Arab or non-Arabs, to study. “Studying Arabic or any subject is always a challenging task because students just do not want to study, period. It has nothing to do with Arabic, English, Physics, or Chemistry. Children will always say no to the things they do not want, but that does not mean that the language is causing the problem,” said Miller.

Arabic for non-Arabs

If the Arabic language is not widely used in the country as it was before, it is only because of the growing number of expatriates in the UAE. “Anywhere you go, the language is a must. But how come this country is not insisting on the foreigners to know Arabic? They should undergo a training program for it. [Arabic] is a beautiful language. It is the binding force in the Arab world,” said Arshad.

Arshad also criticised the curriculum and the books that do not encourage a non-Arab student to learn Arabic effectively. “The schools are where the problem is. I have written letters to the Ministry of Education, asking them to formulate books that teach Arabic in its spoken form, or supply us with the same kind of material used in the language centers, but they do not take heed.”

The schools were also not advised on how they would deal with non-Arab students who are already in their middle years when they start studying in the UAE. “How would a Grade 6 non-Arab student know where to begin? How would they manage?” she asked.

“Of course, English is there, but they would come across with people who speak Arabic only. Many of the non-Arab students will also stay here after graduating to work, so being able to interact with different people is very necessary. They can all read and write Arabic, but they cannot speak and understand! Unless [the Ministry of Education] takes interest to what is happening in non-Arab schools, Arabic language would suffer,” said Arshad.

Teaching English

Al Dhafra, which has more Arabs in their student population, on the other hand, finds difficulty in teaching English because the native speakers of the language are not staying in their school for long. “In our life, we need to learn everything as much as we can because we need to learn. I believe Arabic is needed like English. But the world today, especially the Gulf area, is tending towards English, so we encourage our students to speak it in school,” said El Abed.

Miller also thinks positive about learning English. “As I always maintain and continue to maintain, it is always good to understand a ‘world language’ like English, and one if not two community languages depending on where you plan to settle down. It is a big world and English is important because you are in it.”


Reference:
Call for balance between Arabic and English. Khaleej Times. 24 Feb 2008. http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticleNew.asp?xfile=data/theuae/2008/February/theuae_February811.xml&section=theuae&col=

Local orchestra plays for 8th Al Ain Music Festival

March 08 - March 21, 2008
Issue 44
www.alaintimesuae.com

Alongside the Dresdner Staatskapelle of Germany, the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra of Poland, and the Milan La Scala Orchestra of Italy is a UAE-based orchestra that only aims to represent the country nationally and internationally through music.

Formed in 2006, the UAE Philharmonic Orchestra (UAEPO), is originally a chamber ensemble composed of 20 people only. But it had grown to 65 members and had already performed with international singers Cara-Jane Roberts, Melanie Roberts, Duncan Royce, Cedric Vandenschrik, Margrit Anne Deppe, Irish musicians Frankie Gavin and Hibernian Rhapsody, and the Australian Jazz Quartet.

The UAEPO is also the first orchestra that featured the works of Darrol Barry, an Oman-based composer and Composer-in-Residence of the Royal Omani Symphony Orchestra, who also wrote the Arabian Sands Overture and 5 Arabesques, the two symphony works the UAEPO would be performing in March 10.

They would also present Antonin Dvorak’s Symphony No.8, which is the composer’s preamble to his famous Symphony No. 9 The New World; and Richard Wagner’s prelude to the opera Tannhaeuser.

Below is an exclusive interview of the Al Ain Times News with Philipp Maier, the Conductor, Artistic Director and Project Manager of the UAEPO.

When was the UAE Philharmonic Orchestra established?

The orchestra was established as a chamber ensemble - then called ‘Dubai Philharmonia’ in early 2006. I started by attracting local musicians through interesting and varied concerts such as the Fairmont City Serenades and soon had a group of around 20 people rehearsing regularly and performing occasionally at public and private events.

Until December 2006, the ensemble has grown to a strength of around 35 musicians representing a full orchestral complement. We then decided to rename it the ‘Dubai Philharmonic Orchestra’ and launched it with two public concerts at the Dubai Community Theater and Arts Center (DUCTAC).

From then onwards, we grew from strength to strength as musicians and public alike realized that there is something special in the making. We also started attracting more and more musicians from other Emirates within the UAE and decided therefore to rename the orchestra into UAE Philharmonic in October last year. The orchestra now consists of 65 UAE-based musicians representing 19 nationalities – very much a reflection of the diverse multicultural society living in the UAE.

What is the your difference from other orchestras? What does the UAEPO offer that would make people listen to it?

We currently cannot compare ourselves to the major orchestras in the world as we are not funded and only have a limited amount of musicians available. [But] The UAEPO has a very unique approach to its program content. We perform music from literally all genres and are trying to include everything musically, which reflects the society in the country. We perform a lot of original compositions – we would be performing a world premiere in Al Ain - and I am constantly trying to uplift the orchestral education by including standard classical works as well as modern and contemporary music across all genres. A good example is the integration of Arabic music in our programs as well as projects like ‘Jazz meets Mozart,’ which we did last year with great success.

What is the UAEPO’s goal and expectations? Is it aspiring to be like the other orchestras in the world?

I think it is imperative for the UAE to have their own unique national Philharmonic Orchestra just like any other country in the world. The main goal and objective for all the hard work with the UAEPO is to achieve government recognition and a mandate to start a fully funded national orchestra.

Our participation in this year's Al Ain Festival means a big step ahead towards achieving this goal. I think we have proven over the last 14 months that there is a necessity for a national orchestra in the UAE. One cannot continue to permanently ‘import’ orchestras into the country. Like any other country in the world – especially one with such a culturally diverse society – should have an orchestra representing them nationally and internationally. Once the orchestra gets this government recognition, we will be able to build the UAEPO further and become a renowned orchestra representing the country.

What were the challenges the UAEPO has encountered during the years it has performed and how did UAEPO faced them?

The biggest challenge for us currently is the lack of funding. Due to this, we are not able to put on as many public concerts as we would like to. This, in return, also means that we cannot yet fully implement all the tasks of an orchestra such as educational outreach programs, varied public concerts with programs reflecting all the different cultures in this country, etc.

Also, there is still not enough understanding that a cultural institution like an orchestra needs funding, which does not necessarily yield a financial return. A symphony orchestra is an expensive cultural entity. Hopefully, we would be able raise this awareness in Al Ain.

There is also a lack of understanding between the relation of economic and cultural crossovers, as well as appreciation of the local musical culture.

How does the UAEPO choose the events it would play for, the singers it would play with and the kind of music it would play?

If the orchestra performs a corporate event I try to make no difference to a public concert. Program content gets chosen very carefully in line with the message of the event, but also in line with the artistic vision and principles of the orchestra. I always tell everyone that any corporate performance of the UAE Philharmonic should be seen as a step towards a wider awareness and realization of a local orchestra.

Unfortunately, there is too much of ‘gold digging’ in the events business here in the UAE and far too many entities around that do not realize the value of each orchestral performance. Aside from being a performing body, the UAEPO is also a cultural ambassador and institution.

Is there a plan to compose your own songs?

We already have performed many original compositions and are in the process of composing and developing more of our own material. We are in a very lucky position that we have many extremely dedicated and talented musicians in the UAEPO who are willingly contribute their talent and efforts to the orchestra.

We are also lucky to have a rather large basis of resources available to us such as a fantastic board of directors, PR and marketing companies, and three fully equipped recording studios, among others. There are many people in and around the UAEPO who help in many respects and we are very grateful for this. There will certainly be more original recordings and performances of the UAEPO in the future.

Does the UAEPO play for its audience or for the music it is interpreting? What are the ‘guidelines’ the UAEPO observes?

There is always a split between the two. Of course, our main objective is to present interesting and innovative programs to our audiences. There is also a lot of work to do in terms of ‘orchestral education’ and classical music as the basis for that. Due to the rather large demand the orchestra is under, we were lucky to gain quite a lot of performing experience. I think our audiences realize the growth in professionalism within the orchestra very clearly. Whenever we perform public concerts, I can sense some kind of pride amongst the audience that this is their orchestra, it is not just an imported ensemble, but rather made up of the ‘fabric’ the society in the UAE is made out of. This is a huge compliment and we take this very seriously.

Our main guideline is that there is a growing need for a cultural institution like an orchestra and we would like to contribute as much as possible to all aspects relating to this.

How do you gauge your audience's appreciation and enjoyment of your music?

Since our inaugural performance in December 2006, we had nothing but extremely positive reactions of the audience. There is a real feeling of ‘welcome’ when we perform publicly. This fact is also reflected by the interest in the media. I permanently get approach from the media regarding the orchestra. Most notably there were TV productions about the UAEPO by Bloomberg International, the German RTL, a documentary on ARTE is in process, and many local TV and radio stations.

From the time UAEPO started, can you say that you have done it? How do you want the people to remember the UAEPO (or at least, during the time you were its Musical & Artistic Director)?

Because I have started this orchestra from scratch, I will always see it somewhat as ‘my baby.’ It is very difficult to let go sometimes, but this is a personal learning process I have to accept to embrace, especially as the UAEPO has now grown to an extent where I simply can't do everything myself anymore.

I think if you chose the job of a musical conductor, you can never say that you have done it. I would certainly say I would have achieved a lot if the government in the UAE will eventually recognize the orchestra and my work, and we can turn this orchestra into a full-time professional ensemble. But then I will face new challenges and will very happily deal with them.

In the end my biggest wish is that I can concentrate on the real task: building and educating a great orchestra as the conductor and artistic director to eventually represent the UAE nationally and abroad and just simply "make music".

28 February 2008

Research encourages UAE residents to be ‘D-healthy’

February 23 - March 07, 2008
Issue 43
www.alaintimesuae.com

In a research on Vitamin D deficiency in Arab women and children: It is Time for Action, Dr. Hussein Saadi, Associate Professor of Medicine and Health Sciences at the UAE University, found out that Arabian women and children have low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D brought by their lifestyle and dress code, causing insufficient sunlight exposure.

“Many Arabian women live in modern air-conditioned flats and those living in traditional houses maintain a very modest dress code when they are in the courtyard thus limiting sunlight exposure,” stated Saadi in his research with Dr. Adekunle Dawodu of the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, USA.

To this, Saadi recommended a daily oral intake of 800 IU of Vitamin D in Arabian women and 400 IU of Vitamin D in children to prevent rickets, osteomalacia, osteoporosis, secondary hyperparathyroidism, hypertension, autoimmune disorders and cancer.

Calciferol, or what is commonly known as Vitamin D, is a fat-soluble vitamin mostly synthesized in the skin after exposure to sunlight. Eating foods rich in this nutrient, such as fatty fish and fish oils, can also decrease the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in Arab mothers and infants.

In addition to adequate vitamin D intake, lifelong intake of adequate calcium is also necessary to maintain bone and general health. The best source of calcium is food, principally dairy products. All adults should receive at least 1,000 mg/day of elemental calcium. In a study of 185 healthy young UAE women almost a quarter of the subjects consumed less than 500 mg/day of calcium. Calcium supplements should be used when an adequate dietary intake cannot be achieved,” said Saadi.

Researchers from the University of Western Sydney also revealed that people ages 50 and above who take calcium supplements suffer fewer fractures and bone loss as well as and enjoy a better quality of life. But having a regular dose of 1200mg of calcium and 800 IU of Vitamin D can reduce the risk of bone fracture more and provide the ‘best therapeutic effect.’

“Taking calcium supplements is similar to superannuation insurance payments where small regular contributions build to much larger pay offs years down the track. This study shows the importance of starting supplements early in life, when bone mineral loss begins to accelerate,” Rany Victor, Senior Brand Manager of Novartis Consumer Health, was noted saying.

Al Jimi Mall shows support to UAE’s environment campaigns

February 23 - March 07, 2008
Issue 43
www.alaintimesuae.com


A leading shopping centre in Al Ain has proven that it is not only a leisure and entertainment destination but an educational and environment-friendly mall as well.

Through their No Smoking policy in their food court, the Al Jimi Mall has encouraged their customers to care for and protect their environment. There are still smoking areas within the mall but advertisements on the disadvantages of smoking were also displayed in the digital televisions the Al Jimi Mall has on their vicinity.

“Surprisingly, we did not suffer on the business side. Most of our food outlets actually noticed an increase of sales because more families started to come to us and enjoy the food court experience in a smoke-free zone,” revealed Konrad Kolankiewicz, Retail Marketing Manager of the Property and Management Division of ALDAR Properties, which is the owner of Al Jimi Mall.

A programme designed to teach the young and adults alike on energy and water conservation was also conducted in July last year. “The ultimate goal of the Eco Club is to create an activity for the children as well as for the parents that relate to environmental issues. Within this project, children can learn to recycle different products, which they would normally just throw away, while the older residents were given the chance to see The Inconvenient Truth by Al Gore and Planet Earth by BBC through the Eco Club Cinema… Somehow, environment seems to be a boring subject, so we will try to present it in an interactive way when we carried out the Eco Club again this summer,” Kolankiewicz said.

“The Al Jimi Mall and ALDAR Properties are taking environmental issues seriously. We apply certain policies and procedures in our operations that are environment-friendly, and that is what we do as an entire company.”

More and more awareness

Although it is the customers of the Al Jimi Mall who have suggested the centre’s No Smoking policy, it would still depend on them whether the environmental campaign would be successful. “Al Jimi Mall will remain to be in the environmental path. We would come up with project and activities to promote an environmental lifestyle, and stay open and willing to the recycling companies and environmental organizations that wanted to coordinate with us and employ the mall’s facilities.”

“But then, everything would still depend on one’s maturity. We might bring the best campaign or the best concept, but in the end, it is up to you and me and thousands of other customers if they are going to protect the environment... They have to have that sense of maturity that the environment is something we all have to share, and therefore, something we all have to protect,” Kolankiewicz added.

13 February 2008

Going Green in Al Ain

February 09 - February 22, 2008
Issue 42
www.alaintimesuae.com

Green buildings are buildings designed to protect the environment, conserve energy and water, and promote recycling. They are not marked by its color, but by the people who would make them ‘green.’

“The sources of energy we are using now harm not only our environment but also our health. The carbon dioxide emission per capita in the UAE is currently the highest in the world. It is important and a must that we employ the green technology now,” said Dr. Khaled Al-Sallal, Director of the Research Support and Services, and Associate Professor in Architectural Engineering of UAE University.

But constructing green buildings does not mean that we are going to stop using oil, Dr. Al-Sallal adds. It would only extend the country’s oil reserves and augment its economy in the long run. Green building is also neither only about designing individual or new buildings nor having a new lifestyle, but also about designing a whole city or improving the existing ones to incorporate the green technology.

“Having a green building is a big approach and it includes many things, so choosing the form and material could be more important than buying an expensive technology. It does not also mean that we have to change our way of life so there is no need to worry about it. Most of the time, green buildings will be like any normal building. They would just be designed smartly.”

However, there are limited researches that discuss exactly the details of having a green building in the UAE. “Each climate has its own characteristics such as temperature and humidity, so we cannot just import things and use them here without doing research specific to this region. We may have to use better heating and cooling systems, use photovoltaics, or rely on renewable energy. Al Ain, for a fact, is located 240 North in the Tropic of Cancer and has the highest solar radiation on earth. That will already enable the city to harvest huge amount of solar energy without it spending too much.”

The Green Trend

So far, more and more green projects are put in line in the UAE. The ‘first green city in the world that would be carbon-free, waste-free and car-free,’ Masdar, was just laid out by the Abu Dhabi government. It also has initiated investments to encourage everyone to participate in their ‘green’ efforts. Meanwhile, aside from intending to be a Green City in 2010, Dubai has also established the Middle East Centre for Sustainable Development, which will help develop and maintain better Green development and Sustainable usage practices.

“It is not like in the past. When I came here 12 years ago, I was among the few people advocating green buildings, which were then known as sustainable buildings. But now I see, everybody is talking about it and the technology, which was very expensive before, is becoming more affordable,” Dr. Al-Sallal recalled.

“The whole world, including the UAE, is now realizing the problem brought about by climate change. It was not like that before, but today, the government has already set policies and projects to establish green buildings and cities. There is progress now in both the international and local level.”

There are only challenges a green building would entail. “There are challenges in creating a green building or a green city, yes, but there are no drawbacks or disadvantages. First is in realizing this goal. This can take time. I can create the best system or the best technology but if people would not care and appreciate it, it will not be used properly. Green technology is something new and most people do not realize exactly what it is. They may understand the definition and appreciate its importance, but they may not yet fully realize how it can be achieved.”

“Another important challenge is creating research-based studies. We cannot just wait for others to do research because our case is different. We live in a desert region, we have a different climate and there are not much researches dedicated to our area. We also have to give incentives to encourage people, just like what the Sheikh Zayed Award is for. You see, researches have to be supported at higher organizational levels and not on individual basis only.”

Changing and modifying the practices of the construction industry is also not easy, Dr. Al-Sallal adds, for there are requirements a green building necessitates that constructors today cannot satisfy. “This will not affect them job-wise though for a new technology would need more people and, thus, create more jobs.”

“As I said, green buildings are important and a must. We should think about it at least for our health, for our environment and for the next generations,” Dr. Al-Sallal concluded.

Going Greener

There are other projects and developments in the UAE that does not only concern a building but promotes the green technology nevertheless. Dr. Al-Sallal, who is also the President of International Building Performance Simulation Association (IBPSA)-UAE Chapter, a non-profit international society dedicated to improve the built environment of the country, is also conducting a Study on the Use of Local Trees to Produce Lighting in the Classrooms. In this research, he would test the capability of local trees to capture heat and filter light, acting like a sunglass and a cap at the same time.

During the World Future Energy Summit, His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has contributed an initial investment of $15 billion for sustainability projects on solar, wind and hydrogen power; carbon reduction and management; sustainable development; education; manufacturing; and research and development.

The Abu Dhabi Future Energy Co., which are the builders of Masdar, are also planning to set up the world's largest carbon-capture project to be able to generate more crude oil from some eight sites where 15 million tons of carbon dioxide will be injected every year.

The UAE Federal Minister of Environment and Water, His Excellency Dr Muhammad Saeed Al Kindi, also recently unveiled a ‘Cool City’ concept promoted by the Sustainable Urban Development Consortium for Japan and the Gulf States Partnership. It would use green technology and consume less energy as possible in transport, urban development and architecture.

Private sectors, on the other hand, are also doing their share by supporting the new measures on green technology and partnering with other organisations that can help them achieve those. Such is what the Sabban Property Investments (SPI) has with the Emirates Wildlife Society-World Wide Fund for Nature (EWS-WWF), the Energy Management Services (EMS) with ESCAN Real Estate Company, and TECOM Investments. About 900 projects in Abu Dhabi recognized for their 'Clean Development Mechanism' were also intending to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions by about 1.1 billion tonnes before 2012 ends.

The Abu Dhabi National Company (ADNOC) is also now selling ‘green diesel,’ a diesel-like liquid fuel derived from the carbohydrates found in plants, and contains less sulfur than the standard variety.

Waste reduction in the regional exhibition industry is also encouraged by the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company (ADNEC) through its three-year environmental strategy. Recycling mobile phones through the EnviroFone Campaign is also strongly supported by corporations and government authorities in the UAE such as the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

The former private eco-resort of the late UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, will also turn ‘green’ as a 65-metre wind turbine with three rotor blades produces 850 kilowatts per hour of electricity in Sir Bani Yas Island, adopting wind energy.


Green Buildings vs. Smart Buildings

“Green buildings are smarter buildings. It combines systems that are integrated in a smart building. For instance, it can promote thermal insulation and promote indoor air quality at the same time, whereas in a typical building, only one of that will take effect. Green building is a more general term. It is not only about one system but also about the interaction of different systems, form and structure. This particular challenge though is only for the people in the construction industry.”


What makes a building green?

• It incorporates an excellent practice that results in environmental protection, water conservation, energy efficiency, uses recycled material and renewable energy.

• At the workplace, it increases employee productivity by 6-26% as well as their health and morale and reduces absenteeism of employees by 15%.

• It is more economical, environmentally friendly and provides a safer and healthier environment for the community.

• It reduces health effects. Studies reveal that buildings with good overall environmental quality can reduce the rate of respiratory disease, allergy, asthma, symptoms of sick building syndrome, and enhance worker performance. Many building materials emit toxic gases, which can have a detrimental impact on occupants' health and productivity. There are also several potential financial benefits to building 'green'.

Source: “The preparation of a strategy to implement green buildings guidelines has begun in Abu Dhabi.”

30 January 2008

Abu Dhabi hosts first energy meeting

January 26 - February 08, 2007
Issue 41
www.alaintimesuae.com

Alternative sources of energy must be applied - UAEU researchers

A month after the United Nations Conference on Climate Change, the UAE took on the lead to propose ‘cleaner and safer’ energy sources that could annihilate the environmental problem, January 21-23.

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, over 80 speakers, 5,000 delegates and 180 international exhibitors participated in the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) to discuss the future of the energy industry, protect the stability of global energy markets and emphasise the need for alternative energy.

Specifically, they talked about Sustainable Architecture and Green Buildings; Future Energy Policy and Strategy; Financing Sustainable Development and Sustainable Cities; Carbon Management; Turning Waste into Energy; Solar Energy; Clean Transportation; Geothermal Energy; Fuel Cells; Ocean Power; Biofuels; Wind Energy; Carbon Neutral Buildings; and Urban Density and Design.

A workshop on Cleaner Technologies for Economic Growth and a Better Environment organized by the World Energy Council (WEC) was also held after the three-day summit, January 24.

At the Forefront

Two researchers of the UAE University who attended the event and workshops applauded the UAE government for initiating a global challenge. “The UAE has made the right decision: to go with renewable energy and combat climate change. It may be a little late, but way better than not. And UAE is surely at the forefront of GCC countries and the Middle East when it comes to renewable energy. The recent energy summit was a good thing,” said Dr. Abbas Fardoun, Assistant Professor of the Electrical Engineering Department of UAE University.

Dr. Muftah El-Naas, Associate Professor in the Chemical and Petroleum Department of UAE University, also approved. “Global warming is an important issue, and the UAE has always promoted clean environment and energy-efficient systems. It is a very smart move. To depend only on one energy source is, eventually, to find yourself lagging behind. It is good to look onto different sources, however, this does not mean that fossil fuels are out.”

Currently, the Abu Dhabi government has contributed $15 billion to finance projects on solar, wind and hydrogen power; carbon reduction and management; sustainable development; education; manufacturing; and research and development. The emirate is also building the ‘world’s greenest city,’ where carbon, wastes and cars emitting poisonous gases would not be found.

“Masdar City will question conventional patterns of urban development, and set new benchmarks for sustainability and environmentally friendly design… Masdar is an example of the paradigm shift that is needed,” Dr. Sultan al Jaber, CEO of Masdar, was noted sayin.

Still though, there is more to be done. “Most Emiratis are ready to embrace renewable energy. But it is not enough. People in the UAE still spend more on electricity - they still do not turn off the lights or shut down the A/C when no one is using it. Civil societies are also less powerful. What this society should do is to take on the lead and not to wait upon the government to do so. They should not just keep on watching, but become a part of the game,” Dr. Fardoun said.

“I would encourage that we first determine the goal of our society. I do not think having renewable energy is a goal by itself but, rather, to make Earth friendlier, cleaner and safer. We should care about our ozone layer. We should care about global warming. We should care to save energy. We should care to recycle. We should care to protect our society. There are many things that we can do and everyone - educators, media, and private industries – can do something if everyone does his or her job,” he added.

The option

To develop alternative sources of energy is the only way the two researchers deem could restrain the environmental problem. “We are looking on how to treat and refine wastewater. You know, the UAE desalination plants generate about 10 tons of wastewater every second which is usually sent back to the sea. We are trying to find ways to utilize these huge amounts of wastewater by reacting it with carbon dioxide, reducing its salinity and using it for irrigation. Thus, we deal with two major environmental problems at the same time: wastewater and carbon dioxide emission.” Dr. El-Naas said.

“Recycling or turning wastes into energy has many advantages. The most important of which is minimizing waste and protecting the environment. The only disadvantage I can see from it is the tendency for some companies to be more waste-oriented since there is way to manage it anyway.”

There is also the possibility of ‘capturing’ carbon dioxide and ‘storing’ it. “The objective of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is, as the name implies, to capture carbon dioxide, store it, and then utilize it for useful purposes such as in petrochemical reactions, wastewater management or enhanced oil recovery (i.e. displacing oil).”

“CCS can definitely help in the reduction of global warming. Research shows that more than 50% of global warming is caused by carbon dioxide emissions. Scientifically, it is clear that we should reduce it,” Dr. El-Naas further explained.

Dr. Fardoun, on the other hand, sees renewable energy as a must. “Renewable energy must be applied to resist climate change as well as to counter the increasing oil cost. The UAE may be an oil-rich country but we could not know if it would still be after 50 years. We have to prepare for that.”

Renewable energy is a ‘clean’ form of energy where there is no emission of carbon dioxide. Developing it could also replace limited reserves of energy, which currently comes mostly from oil only. “Another good reason is that you will be going to find all the uses of technology and not when it is not there anymore. Technology is not magic. Renewable energy is not magic at all. All we need to do is to work on it to be ready.”

“But at the end of the day, what the industry will be deciding on is money. Money is the bottom line. And that is part of the trade-off policymakers need to decide on, a trade-off between now and the future – how much we are paying now and how much the next generations will pay to fix these warming effects… Wind energy could cost 8 cents per kilowatt-hour; solar energy could cost 20 cents per kilowatt-hour. But these extra cents we would pay now could save us a lot of money down the road.”

“The other reason is infrastructure. Renewable energy would require, at least for now, much real estate and it could cost a lot. Here in the UAE, we can apply solar energy. We have the sun for many days of the year and it is very practical. I would also not rule out wind energy and nuclear energy. But, as I said, they would have to pay more for real estate.”

“I think though they can make up for it. To wait for 50 years more is not a wise decision because you know that something is going to happen [because of climate change] and yet you do nothing about it,” Dr. Fardoun said.

Dr. El-Naas also thinks the same way. “We have to manage our wastes somehow. It is not only beneficial, but it is a must. If we do not deal with them now, it will be very difficult to manage them in the future. If you always look into the negative effect, you will never do anything. We need to do what we can. We cannot just say that this is not possible. We can minimize the emissions of carbon dioxide and eventually, make a difference.”

“The UAE is very small country, but we generate a lot of waste. If you look at how much waste we generate, we may rank among the highest. Everything is in plastic, and they are just thrown away. Recycling may not convert things into energy, but it makes waste useful. We should also lessen our dependency on cars, which contribute to carbon dioxide emission, and utilize public transports more.”

“We cause these carbon dioxide emissions and global warming because of the industrial globalization we have now. If you look at our region, we never had any problems with climate change, until last year when we had a hurricane in Oman. This is one of the consequences of global warming; I am not sure if we should be passive and just leave everything like this. We are definitely responsible.”

WIRA launches awareness campaign on Rheumatoid Arthritis

January 26 - February 08, 2007
Issue 41
www.alaintimesuae.com

If not treated, 60% of the patients will become disabled

“Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) can have tremendous impact not only to sufferers
but also for their families and the society at large.
Disability from RA causes a major economic impact,
thus the great need to raise awareness and educate the public, especially women.
- Dr. Huda Al Suwaidi, Family Medicine Consultant for the UAE Ministry of Health

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a disease that affects more women than men. And in the UAE, 19,500 women have it but are not aware that they do.

For this, the Ministry of Health and the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi supported the Women’s Initiative for Rheumatoid Arthritis (WIRA), an organization that seeks to spread awareness on rheumatoid arthritis. Patient groups, medical societies and private organizations alike have also backed the movement, such as the Emirates Arthritis Foundation, UAE Rheumatology Club, ENOC, Etisalat, Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA), Jeema and Abbott.

“Today, young working people need approximately Dh70,000 per year to cover the cost of medication for rheumatoid arthritis. Our latest research shows that people in the UAE who cannot afford care are 50% more likely to become disabled and, unfortunately, only 50% of the patients can afford their care,” revealed Dr. Cathy Leibman, Director of Operations at the Emirates Arthritis Foundation.

“There is also a delay of diagnosis of 13 months, and a delay of the start of treatment of 18 months. Of those having treatment, about 57% of the patients does not take it right. And if left untreated, 60% of the patients will become disabled. Obviously, there really is lack of awareness on rheumatoid arthritis,” she added.

A woman’s disease

Rheumatoid arthritis, which is commonly referred to as RA, is a disease of the immune system that attacks healthy tissues, damages joints, and causes disfigurement and disability. It usually occurs during the middle years and can happen to anyone – children or adults. However, the fact that it affects two- to three-fold times more women than men makes it generally a woman’s disease.

Betty Leanderson, Music Teacher at the Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Girls and 25-year RA patient and survivor testifies: “I was in my late thirties when I started to experience stiffness and aches and soreness in my joints very often. Then there came a day when I cannot even put my hands on the steering wheel to drive myself to the doctor. I also experienced difficulty wearing high-heeled shoes.”

“When I was first diagnosed, there was less awareness and effective treatment available for RA patients… RA is difficult to detect, especially in its early stages where the symptoms can be minimal and linked to common conditions, such as normal exhaustion and pain.”

Luckily, Leanderson has managed to stay positive all throughout. “I do not consider myself much as a victim of rheumatoid arthritis, but as a mature adult who happens to have rheumatoid arthritis. When I learned that I have RA, I started treatment, took my medicines, exercise, eat good food, take care of my health and listen to my body. I try to take care of myself the best way I could, and rest when I get tired. I do not feel sad. I do not want to be sad.”

“RA is a disease that you either get or do not. In my understanding, it is not something that triggers; it is there, so there is nothing necessary to prevent it from happening. But what you can do is make sure that you eat properly, exercise, take good care of your health, and consult a doctor once you feel stiff or sore or have aches in your joints. Patients need to be persistent, while doctors need to be honest. Knowledge is power, and the key to that knowledge is education.”

Presently, rheumatology departments in the UAE have advanced so much to the point that they can accurately detect where exactly rheumatoid arthritis can be found. The Ministry of Health has also accredited four types of medications for the disease. Meanwhile, the Emirates Arthritis Foundation, in its part, created awareness programs and support groups for RA patients, and an endowment fund for those who cannot afford RA treatments.


Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

· Redness, heat, swelling and pain (on a pair of joints)
· Prolonged morning stiffness (on a pair of joints)
· Decreased range of movement
· Fever
· Weight Loss
· Fatigue
· Anemia

How to Manage RA
(As advised by Dr. Walid Al Shehi, Consultant Rheumatologist)

· If there is stiffness for six weeks or more on a pair of joint, consult a rheumatologist.
· Avoid doctor shopping, or visiting one doctor and then another, because you might lose good treatment.
· Have regular blood tests, especially if you have the RA.
· Know more about your disease through research and Internet – it is the patient and the doctor that must be involved.
· Avoid taking medications prescribed to another patients; some have infections that you do not have.
· Avoid herbal remedies; some of it can destroy the liver and before you know it, you need a new liver.
· Remember: Diseases are part of your life, but do not make your life a disease.

16 January 2008

UAE Cardiologist warns Emiratis of high blood rate

January 12 - 25, 2008
Issue 40
www.alaintimesuae.com

Every 1 in 4 people suffer from hypertension

A sedentary lifestyle and eating fat-rich, salty foods has caused nearly 38% of people living in the UAE to have hypertension, while 6.7% of people ages 20-39 only already acquired it.

“As you see, we have less exercise and fewer activities to do here; the car drops us at the very gate of our house. People, especially the younger generation, tend to eat more in fast foods,” said Dr. Awatif Al Sousa, Consultant Cardiologist and Gastroenterologist of Sheikh Khalifa Medical Center, during her lecture The Silent Killer: Know Your Number at the Abu Dhabi Ladies Club.

To beat it, people need not only be aware of the disease but also take on a more active lifestyle. “Although the risk of hypertension increases as one ages, it does not mean that it cannot affect young people. Hypertension happens to those who are overweight, have high blood sugar and eat a lot of salty foods but less vegetables,” she added.

The ideal blood pressure a person should have is 120 mmHg over 80 mmHg, which is also referred to as the optimal blood pressure. Anything between 121 mmHg to 139 mmHg over 81 mmHg to 89 mmHg is already a ‘high normal’ blood pressure or pre-hypertension.

“Hypertension is a disease without symptoms, which is what is more dangerous about it. No one is immune in having hypertension. It depends on your age, body weight, family history, and other problems you had.”

“There is no study, which tells exactly the percentage of being at risk with hypertension if you have a family history of it, but we can say that they are more liable than the others. There are some infants born with hypertension because of congenital problems. There are some hormonal problems caused by steroids, and there are children among these people who consequentially develop hypertension.”

Bigger problems

There are more to taking on the risks that leads one to have hypertension. “The problem is that people think that they if have no symptom, they are all right. This is a very, very wrong concept, and people do not realize this,” Dr. Al Sousa said.

“Those who have post-family history for hypertension must get themselves check. For those who have none, even they should start taking their blood pressure once they reached their 20s in an annual basis. Once they develop a high blood pressure, they should start modifying their lifestyle or, if it does not work, take hypertensive drugs.”

Another confusion people have is the notion that hypertension happens only to old people. “There is nothing like an acceptable high blood pressure for any age. A high blood pressure cannot be normal just because you aging. This is wrong. Hypertension is a disease that is really damaging to the body. Everybody should be wary of it.”

Some people also tend to stop their medications once they feel better, or just take some vitamins. “We might decrease the dose of your treatment but we would not stop it, and it is a patient’s responsibility to take medication everyday. The number of medicine for hypertension is not important as how you can control your blood pressure.”

“Taking vitamins would not reduce the blood pressure or the damages hypertension has done to the organs of the body. There are new drugs, which are very protective to the organs, such as the kidney and the heart, that are already available.”

“Hypertension is a silent killer. To counter it, we must begin on modifying our lifestyle such as quitting smoking, refraining from eating fatty and salty foods and having exercise. Patients must also take their medication regularly once they are advised to do so."

Adham El Sebaey: Hilton's new man

January 12 - 25, 2008
Issue 40
www.alaintimesuae.com

“Working as part of a team, I can drive things. I can share them my experiences, coming from a different religion and environment. I can give them guidance. I am also an active and energetic person, and I can set a good pace. Working in a hotel is always nice. This is something I always admire in life, and I like what I am doing.


Primed with 20 years of experience in hotel management and a familiarity with the city when it was still young, Adham El Sebaey took on the challenge to be a part of the Hilton Al Ain once more.

“I came from a branch of Hilton in Barbados, an independent island nation in the Caribbean, and was its Senior Director of Operations until recently. I am here at Hilton Al Ain on my first role as a General Manager, though this is not the first time that I have been here. I had worked as the hotel’s Banquet Manager for five years, from 1991 to 1996,” El Sebaey introduced.

But although his adaptability and memories of friendship in the city already sets an advantage, El Sebaey remains keen in maintaining Hilton Al Ain its presence. “Al Ain is developing a lot. Since I arrived three months ago, I can already see big improvement in the business. In fact, last November 2007 was the highest revenue we achieved since the opening of the hotel 40 years ago. I am not saying it is because of me personally, but because business is really growing and developing.”

“For this, I want to make sure that we keep on progressing. I also want to develop my team members and the other hotel staff for the satisfaction of our guests. We have to really work hard in developing activities for the community, and establish strong yet good public relation policy with the rest of Al Ain,” the new General Manager added.

Outlining the types of changes a hotel may undergo, El Sebaey also shared the plans Hilton Al Ain might consider. “There are two types of changes: changes in operation, which refers to how you do things; and changes in product, which requires planning and heavy investment. The hotel has plans, but nothing is concrete yet. We are still studying various scenarios that could cater for the market in the coming years, as the demands then will be different from the demands now. We are just making sure that our next project is the right one.”

Competition is also far from El Sebaey’s mind. “I want to focus on ourselves, and not talk about other hotels. We want to have the right product for the right people. And I think with the diversity of us in the hotel, we can easily target and cater for almost all aspects and all communities… It is all about developing relationships and getting people inside the hotel. Gaining their confidence. Doing something new and different so that people would just come. The hotel, historically, is really strong and very good in all markets.”

“We are very, very committed and excited as well to become leaders of certain things. All of us have a vision. All of us have a plan. All of us work towards a goal. And, working as part of a team, I can drive things. I can share them my experiences, coming from a different religion and environment. I can give them guidance. I am also an active and energetic person, and I can set a good pace. Working in a hotel is always nice. This is something I always admire in life, and I like what I am doing.”