V8 Supercars in Abu Dhabi

V8-Supercars-in-Abu-Dhabi

Extravagance or obscenity?

Emirates Palace hotel in Abu Dhabi has unveiled a Christmas tree decorated with pearls and jewellery valued at more than $11million and proudly proclaimed this to be a demonstration of 'religious tolerance' in the Emirate. IMHO, this tree does nothing for 'religious tolerance', its an excuse for a crass display of conspicuous excess, in this case, using religion as a means of displaying one's wealth; yet another 'look at how much I've got' moment. Its the antithesis of the religion it purports to represent and has zero connection to the event that it supposedly symbolizes, the birth of a baby into such poverty that his 'first bed was a cow’s lunch box' (to quote another article).

Yes, this irritates me, and I'm not even religious!

PS  Christmas trees aren't 'Christian', the tree was originally a pagen symbol connected with the celebration of the winter solstice.  

Article: Emirates 24/7 16 December 2010

==============================

Christmas came in extravagant fashion to the emirate of Abu Dhabi as a glitzy hotel unveiled a bejewelled Christmas tree valued at more than $11 million.

It is the "most expensive Christmas tree ever," with a "value of over $11 million," said Hans Olbertz, general manager of Emirates Palace hotel, at its inauguration.
The 13-metre (40-foot) faux evergreen, located in the gold leaf-bedecked rotunda of the hotel, is decorated with silver and gold bows, ball-shaped ornaments and small white lights.
But the necklaces, earrings and other jewellery draped around the tree's branches are what give it a record value.
It holds a total of 181 diamonds, pearls, emeralds, sapphires and other precious stones, said Khalifa Khouri, owner of Style Gallery, which provided the jewellery.
"The tree itself is about 10,000 dollars," Olbertz said. "The jewellery has a value of over 11 million dollars - I think 11.4, 11.5."
This will probably be an entry into the Guinness book of world records, Olbertz said, adding that Emirates Palace planned to contact the organisation about the tree which is to stay until the end of the year.
The hotel has had a Christmas tree up in previous years, but this year "we said we have to do something different," and the hotel's marketing team hatched the plan, said Olbertz.
The tree is not the first extravagant offering from Emirates Palace - a massive, dome-topped hotel sitting amid fountains and carefully manicured lawns.
The hotel, which bills itself as seven-star, in February introduced a package for a seven-day stay priced at one million dollars.
Takers of the package have a private butler and a chauffeur driven Maybach luxury car at their disposal during their stay, as well as a private jet available for trips to other countries in the region.
And in May, the hotel opened a gold vending machine, becoming the first place outside Germany to install "gold to go, the world's first gold vending machine," said Ex Oriente Lux AG, the German company behind the machine.

Double standards strike again.

Earlier this month a female tourist who'd come to Dubai for a week's holiday was sentenced to a month in jail by the Dubai Court for kissing a man in public following a complaint.  The Court ruling was followed by postings in web forums and letters to the Editor which seem to indicate a growing attitude that such behaviour is an attack on the moral fibre of the nation and anyone who doesn't follow 'the rules' should expect the same punishment.  Noticeable too, is that after a slow start, the malls are now displaying "Wear respectful clothing" signs prominently.

BUT

Last Saturday in Abu Dhabi, UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) put on their show.  No matter what you think about UFC, its enormously popular and the tv shows attract a sizeable audience worldwide.  The tv announcers regularly reminded us that the show was taking place in Aboooo Daaarbee and the crowds of gents in the audience wearing kandoras were shown regularly on the broadcast as if to prove it. The three ring girls were there.  And were they wearing 'respectful clothing'?  As if! They were wearing their usual brief, tight bikinis with more buttcheek hanging out of their shorts than in them and yet nobody said a word!  The photo on the right was taken at the AD show.  The girls walked past the crowds on numerous occasions and did anyone call the police to report such a scandalous display?  Of course not.  Don't you love double standards?

Photo: 1. flightsdubai.org

Abu Dhabi Death Could Spark a Dynastic Struggle

Many reports are stating that the late Sheikh Ahmed was the brother of Sheikh Khalifa.  This is incorrect.  Sheikh Ahmed was Sheikh Khalifa's half-brother, they have different mothers.  His father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahayan, had 19 sons from several different wives.  This web of fraternal relationshops is important and is explained in more depth in this article from 'Time'.Source: Time magazine
=======================
The body of Sheik Ahmed bin Zayed al-Nahayan, managing director of one of the world's largest sovereign wealth funds, was retrieved on Tuesday, fished out from a picturesque lake some 20 miles southeast of the Moroccan capital, Rabat, that his glider had crashed into five days before. The 41-year-old was the half-brother of Sheik Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahayan, President of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Abu Dhabi, the most influential — and with some 8% of the world's proven oil reserves — the wealthiest of the seven states that comprise the U.A.E.
The sudden passing of Sheik Ahmed, who was ranked No. 27 on Forbes' list of Most Powerful People last year, is likely to precipitate a power struggle among several of his 17 surviving brothers as they maneuver to replace him. (The late Sheik Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahayan, former U.A.E. president and the country's founding father, had 19 sons from several different wives. Another of his sons, Sheik Nasser, was killed in a helicopter crash in June 2008.)
Sheik Ahmed was a senior member of the ruling al-Nahayan clan, and since 1997 was charged with overseeing the day-to-day runnings of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA). The fund has stakes in companies including Citigroup, the Hyatt Hotels and Britain's Gatwick airport. Engorged with Abu Dhabi's substantial oil surpluses, ADIA's assets are estimated at between $300 billion and $800 billion. It was Abu Dhabi's wealth that helped bail out sister city-state Dubai when it ran short of funds to complete the world's tallest building — which was then renamed the Burj Khalifa after the President of the U.A.E.
Power and influence among the male heirs of the al-Nahayan clan is divided among several groups within the family; the President, Sheik Khalifa, who does not have any full brothers, and Crown Prince Sheik Mohammed, who along with his five full brothers from a common mother, Sheika Fatima bint Mubarak, form the most powerful bloc within the clan. The sons of Sheika Fatima (the late Sheik Zayed's third wife) control the defense, intelligence, national security and foreign affairs portfolios, as well as the chairmanship of Abu Dhabi's second largest sovereign wealth fund (the International Petroleum Investments Co., or IPIC) and Mubadala, the state investment company, among other things.
As ADIA's managing director, Sheik Ahmed, who was the son of Sheika Mouza, another wife of Sheikh Zayed, held one of the few pillars of the oil-soaked emirate's economy not dominated by the powerful crown prince and his full brothers. Christopher M. Davidson, senior lecturer at Durham University and author of Abu Dhabi: Oil and Beyond, says that with Sheik Ahmed out of the picture, the crown prince and his brothers are likely to move on ADIA. "Then they will control virtually all of Abu Dhabi's economy," he says.
But there are elements within the family that may oppose them, including the President, who may want to place one of his two sons in the role. Sheik Ahmed had four full brothers, and they are also likely to try and keep the position among themselves. His eldest full brother, Sheik Saif, wields significant influence as the powerful Interior Minister.
Despite the tensions, the dynastic tussle is likely to be veiled. Issues of succession in conservative gulf kingdoms are customarily dealt with behind firmly closed doors, and Abu Dhabi — more traditional than its showy neighbor and U.A.E. constituent, Dubai — is hypersensitive about its image and extremely unlikely to let any split within its royal family become public. ADIA's holdings are unlikely to be affected, primarily because Abu Dhabi's wealth is still Abu Dhabi's wealth regardless of who manages its sovereign fund, and because its investments rarely exceed 5% stakes in any given company.

But whoever assumes the helm of ADIA will be of keen interest to Dubai, according to Davidson. Apart from the troubles with the Burj Khalifa, debt-laden Dubai received a $10 billion bailout late last year from Abu Dhabi to pay off the debts of some of its most troubled state-run companies. "Dubai will be hoping that whoever replaces [Sheik Ahmed] will be someone who is more open to assisting Dubai, rather than this drip-feed of financial assistance Abu Dhabi has been giving Dubai, little by little, humiliating them every step of the way," Davidson says. Sheik Ahmed was widely considered to be among "the most conservative members of the ruling family, extremely cautious in nature," Davidson adds.
Dubai's ruler, Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, might be pinning his hopes on his son-in-law Sheik Mansour, who is one of the Abu Dhabi crown prince's full brothers. Davidson says "there's no doubt" that he's the one member of the al-Nahayan clan that Dubai would like to see take charge. But Sheik Mansour already controls IPIC. Will he be given the reins of both of the emirate's massive kitties? It's improbable but not impossible, especially in a country where too much is never enough.

V8 Supercars in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi bails out Dubai

Source: Sydney Morning Herald
====================================
Abu Dhabi has stepped in to help fellow United Arab Emirates member Dubai with a $US10 billion ($10.9 billion) injection, of which $US4.1 billion was allocated to troubled state-owned conglomerate Dubai World to pay immediate obligations.
The move was the least expected of all options Dubai had on the table after requesting a standstill on $US26 billion in Dubai World debt on November 25, alarming markets and shaking the image of the emirate as a regional business hub.
"The government of Abu Dhabi has agreed to fund $10 billion to the Dubai Financial Support Fund that will be used to satisfy a series of upcoming obligations on Dubai World," the chairman od the Dubai Supreme Fiscal Committee said this afternoon in a statement.
"As a first action for the new fund, the government of Dubai has authorised $US4.1 billion to be used to pay the sukuk obligations that are due today."
The local sharemarket jumped on the news, with the benchmark S&P/ASX200 adding 0.4 per cent to close at 4654, after only minutes earlier having hit the day’s low of 4608 points.
S&P futures jumped to be up 0.7 per cent, reversing early losses and pushing Treasury futures to session lows. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index shot up 300 points in the last minutes of morning trade to finish in positive territory, while other markets across Asia also pushed higher.
Abu Dhabi is the largest member of the United Arab Emirates federation and a big oil exporter.
"We are here today to reassure investors, financial and trade creditors, employees, and our citizens that our government will act at all times in accordance with market principles and internationally accepted business practices," Sheikh Ahmed bin Saaed al-Maktoum said in the statement.
"Dubai is, and will continue to be, a strong and vibrant global financial center. Our best days are yet to come."
Excess funds would be used to cater to Dubai World's needs up until the end of April 2010, the statement said.
Dubai has announced a bankruptcy law that it said could be used in case Dubai World and creditors failed to reach an agreement on debt maturing in the future.

"Dubai will announce a comprehensive reorganisation law, a framework that is based upon internationally accepted standards for transparency and creditor protection," Sheikh Ahmed said.
"This law will be available should Dubai World and its subsidiaries be unable to achieve an acceptable restructuring of its remaining obligations."

Sheikh Issa on trial in Abu Dhabi

Source: Financial Times
=======================
Abu Dhabi authorities have put on trial Sheikh Issa bin Zayed al-Nahyan, a member of the ruling family caught on tape apparently torturing an Afghan business associate, the Financial Times can reveal.

Sheikh Issa, one of 19 sons of Sheikh Zayed, the founding father of the United Arab Emirates and Abu Dhabi's late ruler, is charged with causing harm and endangering life.
This unprecedented trial, held away from the public eye, will be seen as a barometer for the rule of law in Abu Dhabi, where the lines between the government and ruling families are blurred.
A former aide, Bassam Nabulsi, leaked a video this year that appeared to show Sheikh Issa brutally torturing an Afghan commodities trader, Mohammed Shah Poor, in 2004.
Mr Nabulsi, a US citizen, is suing for damages in a separate case in Texas, claiming Sheikh Issa had him tortured and imprisoned after he threatened to reveal the tapes' existence.
The graphic scenes - censored in the UAE - appear to show Sheikh Issa beating Mr Poor with nails, suffocating him by shoving sand in his mouth and driving a 4x4 vehicle over his body, helped by security guards.
In April the video was broadcast on US television, prompting politicians to question a nuclear cooperation agreement with the UAE .
In May, Abu Dhabi authorities detained Sheikh Issa , who does not hold a government position, and began a criminal investigation, saying "all persons are equal before the law". Despite concern about airing the ruling family's dirty linen, the government has pressed on with the trial.
A spokesman said it would be inappropriate to comment while proceedings are in progress.
The trial of Sheikh Issa and the security guards began two months ago. It has been held discreetly at courts in Abu Dhabi's second city, al-Ain. Sheikh Issa is being detained, according to his lawyer, but his whereabouts are unknown.
Habib al-Mulla, Sheikh Issa's lawyer, says his client does not remember anything about the events captured on video, arguing diminished responsibility.
Mr Mulla claims Mr Nabulsi and his brother manipulated events and used the videos to blackmail the sheikh. "He was drugged with prescriptions provided by the Nabulsis," Mr Mulla said.
Tony Buzbee, Mr Nabulsi's lawyer, rejected those claims as "ridiculous".

The V8s are coming to Abu Dhabi

Source: Car Middle East online 10 September 09

=======================

Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management (ADMM) has announced an agreement with V8 Supercars Australia Pty Limited to host the season opening round of Australia’s V8 Supercars Championship at Abu Dhabi’s new Yas Marina Circuit on 18-20 February 2010. It’s part of a three-year deal which will see Abu Dhabi centre-stage for the first race of each season of Australia’s premier motor racing series.
Richard Cregan, CEO of Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management, the operators of Yas Marina Circuit, said that bringing Australia’s V8 Supercars to the Emirate was part of a comprehensive programme to offer the general public a broad range of the world’s top racing series.
‘Our mandate at ADMM is to develop Yas Marina Circuit into a regional and international centre of motorsport excellence.’
‘These are cars that we all see on the streets of Abu Dhabi, everyday. On the track, spectators and viewers will witness some of the most sensational wheel- towheel racing imaginable.’
‘Year round, Yas Marina Circuit will be the venue for many of the world’s top motor racing series as well as offering opportunities for the general public to experience the thrill of motorsport within a safe environment,’ he said.Tony Cochrane, V8 Supercars Australia Executive Chairman, said, ’By adding Abu Dhabi to the 2010 calendar, the agreement further promotes the United Arab Emirates as a fantastic motorsport destination.
In Yas Marina Circuit, the United Arab Emirates has one of the world’s top motor racing venues and we are certain that race car fans across the region will revel in the great show that the V8 Supercars will put on.’
The race in Abu Dhabi will be followed by the Desert 400 at Bahrain International Circuit on February 25-27.

Abu Dhabi has big plans

If we thought the development in Dubai was mind boggling, take a look at what Abu Dhabi has planned scroll down to the animated presentation. The plan, Abu Dhabi 2030, is to grow the city to a population of 3 million by 2030. To quote the government website, this urban structure plan "has been created to deliver upon the vision of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, for the continued fulfillment of the grand design envisaged by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the ongoing evolution of Abu Dhabi as a global capital city." (my emphasis)

Watch out Dubai, Abu Dhabi's coming up behind you and they're in the overtaking lane.....

Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Abu Dhabi

We visited the Sheikh Zayed mosque in Abu Dhabi yesterday, its magnificent and if you'd like to see some photos, they're here.

The grounds and additional buildings are still being completed but there's plenty of parking with easy access to the main mosque. Non-Muslim visitors are welcome anytime other than daily prayer times or on Fridays. Ladies must wear abaya and hijab though both can be borrowed from the visitors' desk at the mosque entrance.