http://blogs.aljazeera.net/middle-east/2009/12/11/covering-hajj

^Arabs think make-up waa lagu meydhaa. Looks like Miss Tunisia has had some face work done as well. If looks could kill our girl would be in trouble from Miss Filastine

Originally posted by hodman: I agree there must be strings, but in a world gone mad who thinks about tomorrow. Its all about immediate gratification. That is why its not sustainable and this will be a band aid approach to a deeper management problem Read this.

^Makes you wonder if there are any strings attached. I'm sure there are.

^Bit of all really. Australia, USA, South America, South and West Africa ayaa wali ii hadhsan.

The full statement from the government of Dubai Last Updated: December 14. 2009 10:34AM UAE / December 14. 2009 6:34AM GMT The government of Dubai has announced that Dubai World will repay its $3.5 billion Islamic sukuk bonds due today plus interest after receiving support from the government of Abu Dhabi and the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates. Here is the full statement from the government of Dubai: “The Government of Dubai, acting through the Supreme Fiscal Committee (“SFC”), today announces a set of actions in relation to Dubai World: Sheikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Fiscal Committee said: "Like other global financial centres, Dubai has faced recent market challenges driven by global economic slowdown and severe real estate market correction. Recently, Dubai World announced that it might not be able to commercially support its obligations. Since that time, the Government of Dubai has worked closely with the Abu Dhabi Government and the UAE Central Bank addressing and assessing the impact of Dubai World on the UAE economy, banking system and investor confidence. The following provides a comprehensive set of actions: First, the Government of Abu Dhabi and the UAE Central Bank have agreed to provide important support. Specifically, 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. As a first action for the new fund, the Government of Dubai has authorised $4.1 billion to be used to pay the sukuk obligations that are due today. The remaining funds would also provide for interest expenses and company working capital through April 30, 2010 - conditioned on the company being successful in negotiating a standstill as previously announced. In addition, the Government of Dubai is particularly focused on addressing the concerns of Dubai World trade creditors within the Emirate of Dubai. To help address these concerns, today the Government of Dubai is announcing that the remainder of the funds provided will be used for the satisfaction of obligations to existing trade creditors and contractors. Discussions with affected contractors will begin in short order. Next, the central bank is also prepared to provide support to local UAE banks. Finally, today the Government of Dubai will announce a comprehensive reorganisation law, a framework that is based upon internationally accepted standards for transparency and creditor protection. This law will be available should Dubai World and its subsidiaries be unable to achieve an acceptable restructuring of its remaining obligations. Today’s actions, taken together, demonstrate our strong commitment as a global financial leader to transparency, good governance, and market principles. There will certainly be challenges periodically, just as there are challenges in other major financial centers around the globe. We believe today’s actions will best serve the interests of all stakeholders. 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. Dubai is, and will continue to be, a strong and vibrant global financial center. Our best days are yet to come. The Government of Dubai remains committed to its high standards and its obligations. We are confident in our economic model, and we are confident in the long-term health and outlook for our economy. The actions taken today are consistent with our market development, and we believe they are the actions that will best serve the interests of all stakeholders.”

AD to the rescue :cool: $10bn support for Dubai World from Abu Dhabi, Central Bank Dubai today unveiled a sweeping US$10 billion (Dh36.7bn) rescue package from the Abu Dhabi Government that will allow Dubai World deal with a slew of immediate financial obligations, including a $3.5bn Islamic bond that is due today. The move ends months of speculation about how Nakheel, a developer owned by Dubai World, would pay off the sukuk amid declining property values and a slowdown in sales that left it virtually bereft of revenues. It also represents by far the most direct and explicit support of Dubai to date by the Abu Dhabi Government in the wake of the financial crisis. The crisis battered property values in Dubai and slowed its ambitious growth plans as it struggled to find a solution to a crippling debt load that has been estimated at $85bn, a total greater than Dubai’s annual GDP. “Like other global financial centers, Dubai has faced recent market challenges driven by the global economic slowdown and a severe real estate market correction,” Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al Maktoum, the chairman of the Dubai Supreme Fiscal Committee, said in an e-mailed statement announcing the cash injection. Earlier this year, the Dubai government set up the Dubai Financial Support Fund (DFSF) to help its ailing government-controlled companies. The aim, officials at the fund said, was to give loans on commercial terms to struggling firms that had bright long-term prospects. The fund was seeded with a $10bn bond entirely subscribed by the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates. A further $5bn in financing was lined up last month from two Abu Dhabi government-owned banks, Al Hilal and National Bank of Abu Dhabi. The new $10bn will be transferred to the DFSF, although the Supreme Fiscal Committee, which oversees the fund, did not say what terms and conditions may be attached to the cash injection. “Recently, Dubai World announced that it might not be able to commercially support its obligations,” Sheikh Ahmed said. “Since that time, the Government of Dubai has worked closely with the Abu Dhabi Government and the UAE Central Bank in addressing and assessing the impact of Dubai World on the UAE economy, banking system and investor confidence.” Dubai World on November 25 said it was seeking a standstill agreement with creditors to halt payments on $26bn in debt until at least May 30. That Dubai’s biggest government-owned conglomerate appeared unable or possibly unwilling to meet its financial obligations on time shook investor confidence in the Gulf and around the world. The announcement, made on the eve of the Eid al Adha holiday, was followed by a drop of over 25 per cent in Dubai’s stock market index. The $10bn in assistance announced today appears to be aimed squarely at restoring shaken confidence following Dubai World’s restructuring announcement. “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 said. “Dubai is, and will continue to be, a strong and vibrant global financial centre. Our best days are yet to come.” The new $10bn in funding is to first go towards repaying Nakheel’s sukuk due today. While the company will likely miss today’s deadline because of the time it takes to clear and process large financial transactions, they have a two-week grace period in which to make the payment and avoid a default. The sukuk has a face value of $3.5bn, but Nakheel must pay about $4.1bn to satisfy an unused equity conversion option and make other deferred payments. Sheikh Ahmed said in the statement that “the Government of Dubai has authorised $4.1bn to be used to pay the sukuk obligations that are due today”, implying that the debt would be repaid in full, contrary to reports that Dubai World might seek to renegotiate a sizeable portion of it. After the sukuk is repaid, the remaining slice of the $10bn from Abu Dhabi is to be used by Dubai World to make interest payments on outstanding loans and bonds and as “working capital” to fund everyday operations. The rest, the statement said, would go towards making good on trade finance agreements and repaying contractors. Foreign contractors doing business with Dubai World have long complained that they have not been paid in full for their services. “Discussions with affected contractors will begin in short order,” Sheikh Ahmed said. The new money is intended to support Dubai World’s operations until next April 30. The company is still to seek a standstill agreement with creditors, and continuing support of everyday operations will be contingent on Dubai World securing such an agreement. The statement also said an announcement was forthcoming today about a “reorganisation law” that would protect creditors in case Dubai World was unable to come to terms on a restructuring of $26bn in debts. “Today the Government of 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.”

JB, how many hotel/restaurants there and has the food improved?

^nuune iyo ngonge still think we can win it I just hope it's not Man Utd

Originally posted by Sherban Shabeel: Good form! That sucka got what he deserved. Agreed.

Well done to Edna. A charming lady.

Originally posted by MAXIMUS POWERS: ^ For someone who is quite well travelled, your a bit dim saxiboow! Tell you what saxib, I think you're in dire need of an excursion or two. I doubt you've ever left London let alone the UK

^Another shocking display. SG, Torres, Bena and Kuyt (even though he scored) play very poor. The 2nd half was just aweful and the watching Xabi Alonso should have got his boots on and played for us. How we miss his great passing ability. I won't be watching another Liverpool game this season and I hope Rafa is sacked (forget how much it will cost us).

Been to: France Italy (Milan, Montechio, Parma, Rimany (sp), Venice, Lake Garda, Balogna) Lake Garda Toronto, Canada Makka Al Mukarama and Madina Al Munawara, KSA Somaliland Syria (Damascus, Allepo, Palmyra) Ummayad Mosque Kuala Lumpur and surrounding, Malaysia

Lived in,,,, Sheffield (the quintessential English city and home :cool: ). Years 2000-2001 & 2002-2003 London 2001-2002 & 2003-2005 Muscat, Oman 2005-2006 Dubai, UAE 2006-Present Where next???

^It is at exploration stage. Once oil has been confirmed the process will depend on the expertise of the Oil company, available capital, security etc. Extracting oil in war torn country will take longer than in say Europe.

^Really? Will PM you.

Has anyone published it on the net? Would love to read it.

As long as it's not a major part of your life, define who you are, feel down without it and/or rely on it then you're ok.

Originally posted by S*S: Eritrea of all places - you might as well claim to come from Burco. I do. Only it's in Eritrea

Send them all to Africa for just one day.

Chelsea drew Man Utd lost Spurs lost City drew Tomorrow's game just got bigger!!!!! Should be a great game.

Dadka ma caruur ayay u haystaan? Issa abuse trial draws to a close Loveday Morris Last Updated: December 11. 2009 11:57PM UAE / December 11. 2009 7:57PM GMT ABU DHABI // A court in Al Ain is expected to hear closing arguments in the trial of Sheikh Issa bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Monday, his attorney said yesterday. Sheikh Issa, a member of the Abu Dhabi ruling family with no official role, has been charged with “causing physical harm” and “endangering a life” after a video emerged depicting him allegedly abusing an Afghan man who was accused of cheating him. Sheikh Issa has plead not guilty to the charges, claiming “diminished responsibility” caused by prescription medications that were administered to him at the time, his defence attorney, Habib al Mulla said yesterday. The unprecedented trial at the Al Ain Criminal Court began in late October, with numerous witnesses testifying over the course of several hearings. The judge may offer a verdict following Monday’s hearing, or he may ask for further testimony and evidence, Mr al Mulla said. A guilty verdict could entail a prison term of between one and three years, Mr al Mulla added. An official in the Abu Dhabi Government declined to comment on the case citing the ongoing proceedings. The alleged offence came to light when a former business associate of Sheikh Issa, Bassam Nabulsi, of Houston, Texas, leaked the video to an American television network earlier this year. In the video a man identified as Sheikh Issa is seen taking part in the abuse, with other men observing and helping, including a man wearing the uniform of a security guard. The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department opened a criminal investigation into the case in May. The defence has argued that the incident was part of an orchestrated effort by Mr Nabulsi and his brother, Ghasan, to drug Sheikh Issa and manipulate events to cause him to carry out the alleged assault and record it in order to blackmail him. The video was released only when Sheikh Issa refused to settle with him, Mr al Mulla said. On the night of the incident, Mr al Mulla said, the Nabulsis asked Mohammed Shah Poor, an Afghan trader, to come to a farm in Al Ain, informed the Sheikh that he had been cheating him, administered him with drugs and “created this scene” with the aim of recording it. “The Nabulsi brothers controlled the medication of Sheikh Issa for quite a long period,” Mr al Mulla said, adding Sheikh Issa was given many different drugs at one time, some of which were banned in the UAE. “Sheikh Issa is saying that he does not recall what is on the tape and he is pleading no liability because he lacked free will at the time that this incident took place.” Bassam Nabulsi has been involved in a protracted legal case against Sheikh Issa in the US. Tony Buzbee, his lawyer, was unavailable to comment yesterday. There is legal precedent for people being found not liable for their actions if they are drugged without their knowledge or will, he said. Sheikh Issa is currently being held in detention in Abu Dhabi. http://www.thenational.ae/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091212/NATIONAL/712119797/0/TRAVEL

Good read with pics http://www.thenational.ae/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090411/NATIONAL/357587104

Besieged Somali leader is trying to be heard MOGADISHU // When President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed wants to tour his territory, the trip takes less than an hour. That is because his government controls only a few city blocks of Somalia’s capital – an area smaller than Yas Island in a country the size of France. Sheikh Sharif is practically a prisoner in his own house, a palatial hilltop villa with stunning views of the Indian Ocean. He rarely leaves his compound: rebel snipers are waiting just beyond his walls. When he does move, it is in a convoy of heavily armoured vehicles. On the rare occasions that he flies out of the country, militants usually lob mortars at his plane. The president’s isolation has prevented him from interacting with Somalis, which is essential to winning their support. Overrun by Islamist extremists, Sheikh Sharif’s government has failed to unite the warring factions and end the conflict that has destroyed Somalia. “Sometimes you may have plans to accomplish certain things, but if you don’t have the financial resources to accomplish that, it may not happen,” the president said in an interview at his villa. “Sometimes people ask why the government doesn’t do a list of things. But they don’t ask themselves what are the challenges they face, what resources they have to work with and how much that can stretch.” In a serious blow to the already weak government, a suicide bomber dressed as a woman last week blew himself up at a university graduation, killing four government ministers and 19 others. Islamis tmilitant groups that control most of the country denied responsibility for the bombing, but government officials blamed al Shabab, an insurgent group with ties to al Qa’eda. “We condemn that evil act perpetrated by people working on foreign ideas,” Sheikh Sharif said of the bombing. “This is not Somali work. It is a newly imported idea to destroy Somalia and prevent its people from having stability, peace and their own government. We are committed to making the dreams of our people a reality, and such terrorist acts will never deter us.” Sheikh Sharif, 43, came to power in January amid high hopes that he could negotiate with the Islamist rebels and bring them into the government. A teacher and Islamic scholar, he led the Islamic Courts Union (ICU) when it briefly controlled Somalia in 2006. After the ICU was overthrown by Ethiopian troops backed by the United States, Sheikh Sharif went into exile in Yemen. The US government, which supported his enemies in 2006, is now one of his strongest backers as he leads the transitional federal government. Sheikh Sharif has one of the hardest jobs in the world. His country has been at war for 19 years. Clan-based warlords destroyed most of Somalia as they fought for power. In the past three years, however, the war has turned religious. Al Shabab and other Islamist factions that were once allied with the president have tried to overthrow the government. “The people who are fighting us are skilled professionals who are creating havoc in different parts of the world,” the president said. “This is not a problem that was faced by previous governments.” One of the first things Sheikh Sharif did was establish Islamic law in Somalia, a move meant to appease the Islamists. But his version of Islam is too moderate for the radicals, and they disapprove of his ties to the United States. In August, Sheikh Sharif met Hillary Clinton, the US secretary of state, in Nairobi. Mrs Clinton pledged money and weapons to Sheikh Sharif’s beleaguered government. “We believe that [sheikh Sharif’s] government is the best hope we’ve had in quite some time for a return to stability and the possibility of progress in Somalia,” she told reporters. “No one knows better than the president the challenges facing Somalia and his people.” The international community pledged $200 million (Dh734m) to the Somali government at a donor conference in April, although most of that has not materialised. “The resources needed to build the security forces, to rebuild infrastructure, the services to the people, the humanitarian services – all that requires financial resources and the international community could help,” Sheikh Sharif said. “Unfortunately, we’re still at the stage of receiving promises and not at the delivery of needed resources.” Experts say Sheikh Sharif has not done enough to win the hearts and minds of the people. “There was a lot of hope and optimism when this president was elected,” said Rashid Abdi, a Somalia analyst with International Crisis Group, a think tank in Brussels. “Almost a year down the road, he’s not anywhere near consolidating power in Mogadishu or in the rest of the country.” To accomplish this, analysts say, he needs to leave his compound more and interact with the population, as dangerous as this may be. “This battle can be won in the mosque,” Mr Abdi said. “It’s an ideological battle. He should go out and use his great oratory power and his intellect to undermine the support that the hardliners have. The president must be seen out in public, talking to his people, giving broadcasts. A president needs to be seen and heard.” Sheikh Sharif understands this and has begun to make himself more visible. On a recent Friday, he ventured out to a mosque to give a sermon. “We have brought elements of the people opposing us into the government, but there are some remaining who are still fighting and we are working on them,” he said. “But since we have tried and they are not moving forward, many people are convinced it’s important to focus on governing and taking care of the people. Especially those who have been misled, who have been brainwashed; we’re hopeful they will come to their senses.” MOGADISHU // When President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed wants to tour his territory, the trip takes less than an hour. That is because his government controls only a few city blocks of Somalia’s capital – an area smaller than Yas Island in a country the size of France. Sheikh Sharif is practically a prisoner in his own house, a palatial hilltop villa with stunning views of the Indian Ocean. He rarely leaves his compound: rebel snipers are waiting just beyond his walls. When he does move, it is in a convoy of heavily armoured vehicles. On the rare occasions that he flies out of the country, militants usually lob mortars at his plane. The president’s isolation has prevented him from interacting with Somalis, which is essential to winning their support. Overrun by Islamist extremists, Sheikh Sharif’s government has failed to unite the warring factions and end the conflict that has destroyed Somalia. “Sometimes you may have plans to accomplish certain things, but if you don’t have the financial resources to accomplish that, it may not happen,” the president said in an interview at his villa. “Sometimes people ask why the government doesn’t do a list of things. But they don’t ask themselves what are the challenges they face, what resources they have to work with and how much that can stretch.” In a serious blow to the already weak government, a suicide bomber dressed as a woman last week blew himself up at a university graduation, killing four government ministers and 19 others. Islamis tmilitant groups that control most of the country denied responsibility for the bombing, but government officials blamed al Shabab, an insurgent group with ties to al Qa’eda. “We condemn that evil act perpetrated by people working on foreign ideas,” Sheikh Sharif said of the bombing. “This is not Somali work. It is a newly imported idea to destroy Somalia and prevent its people from having stability, peace and their own government. We are committed to making the dreams of our people a reality, and such terrorist acts will never deter us.” Sheikh Sharif, 43, came to power in January amid high hopes that he could negotiate with the Islamist rebels and bring them into the government. A teacher and Islamic scholar, he led the Islamic Courts Union (ICU) when it briefly controlled Somalia in 2006. After the ICU was overthrown by Ethiopian troops backed by the United States, Sheikh Sharif went into exile in Yemen. The US government, which supported his enemies in 2006, is now one of his strongest backers as he leads the transitional federal government. Sheikh Sharif has one of the hardest jobs in the world. His country has been at war for 19 years. Clan-based warlords destroyed most of Somalia as they fought for power. In the past three years, however, the war has turned religious. Al Shabab and other Islamist factions that were once allied with the president have tried to overthrow the government. “The people who are fighting us are skilled professionals who are creating havoc in different parts of the world,” the president said. “This is not a problem that was faced by previous governments.” One of the first things Sheikh Sharif did was establish Islamic law in Somalia, a move meant to appease the Islamists. But his version of Islam is too moderate for the radicals, and they disapprove of his ties to the United States. In August, Sheikh Sharif met Hillary Clinton, the US secretary of state, in Nairobi. Mrs Clinton pledged money and weapons to Sheikh Sharif’s beleaguered government. “We believe that [sheikh Sharif’s] government is the best hope we’ve had in quite some time for a return to stability and the possibility of progress in Somalia,” she told reporters. “No one knows better than the president the challenges facing Somalia and his people.” The international community pledged $200 million (Dh734m) to the Somali government at a donor conference in April, although most of that has not materialised. “The resources needed to build the security forces, to rebuild infrastructure, the services to the people, the humanitarian services – all that requires financial resources and the international community could help,” Sheikh Sharif said. “Unfortunately, we’re still at the stage of receiving promises and not at the delivery of needed resources.” Experts say Sheikh Sharif has not done enough to win the hearts and minds of the people. “There was a lot of hope and optimism when this president was elected,” said Rashid Abdi, a Somalia analyst with International Crisis Group, a think tank in Brussels. “Almost a year down the road, he’s not anywhere near consolidating power in Mogadishu or in the rest of the country.” To accomplish this, analysts say, he needs to leave his compound more and interact with the population, as dangerous as this may be. “This battle can be won in the mosque,” Mr Abdi said. “It’s an ideological battle. He should go out and use his great oratory power and his intellect to undermine the support that the hardliners have. The president must be seen out in public, talking to his people, giving broadcasts. A president needs to be seen and heard.” Sheikh Sharif understands this and has begun to make himself more visible. On a recent Friday, he ventured out to a mosque to give a sermon. “We have brought elements of the people opposing us into the government, but there are some remaining who are still fighting and we are working on them,” he said. “But since we have tried and they are not moving forward, many people are convinced it’s important to focus on governing and taking care of the people. Especially those who have been misled, who have been brainwashed; we’re hopeful they will come to their senses.” http://www.thenational.ae/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091210/FOREIGN/712099908