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Egyptian president launches charity caravan that earned 3 Guinness Records titles.
President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi launched Sunday Long Live Egypt Fund’s charity caravan targeted at the most one million low-income families, and that garnered three Guinness Records titles.
Those are the world’s largest food donation,largest medical equipment donation, and largest home appliance donation.
A ceremony dubbed “Charity Doors” was held in the New Administrative Capital on the occasion. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli stated that the caravan – prepared in collaboration with civil society – is worth LE650 million.
The prime minister added that the caravan is mainly intended to deliver one million food boxes for the most low-income families benefiting a total of five million citizens. A Long Live Egypt Fund official also noted that the caravan offers 6,298 medical equipment, and home appliances.
The fund has already been providing food boxes, clothes, and medical equipment, and partnered up with Orman Charity Association to build hundreds of houses at 556 rural villages and carry out thousands of cataract surgeries.
Later, President Sisi checked on the components of the world’s largest charity caravan.
Speaking of medical equipment, there are devices measuring insulin level in blood, neonatal intensive care units, laparoscopy devices, and eye survey equipment. There are also medicines and clothes.
As for the food boxes, they contain two kilos of each of sugar and pasta as well as two packs of tea among others.
Further, the president checked the furniture and home appliances used in the furnishing of residential units distributed among low-income families in return for a symbolic monthly rent.
Hanging on the wall of a museum in Dubai is a simple notice in black and white.
Dated August 1966, and signed by the director of Dubai Municipality, Kamal Hamza, it states that at 5am on September 1, Dubai will switch to right-hand driving.
Roundabouts would now move counter-clockwise and drivers overtake on the left.
“All drivers are requested to co-operate with police and to follow all instructions and directions which are issued to them,” it states.
Fifty-five years on, the switch may seem mundane. Traffic, the road network and the amount of cars was nothing like the dizzying, relentless pace of Sheikh Zayed Road today.
But the decision spoke to just how fast Dubai was transforming and why 1966 was a pivotal year.
US oil company Continental had discovered oil in commercial quantities in Dubai that year.
British exploration companies had spent many frustrating years in the search and now an American company had seemingly delivered the goods.
“That summer was [one of the most] optimistic moments in Dubai history,” said Todd Reisz, architect and author of Showpiece City: How Architecture Made Dubai.
“It seemed the oil that had transformed other Gulf countries was now coming to Dubai.”
Sheikh Rashid, Ruler of Dubai, had already embarked on a huge modernisation of transport links the year before. An airport opened in 1960 and the emirate got its first asphalt road the same year. Major roundabouts such as Deira’s Clocktower and the Flame Roundabout – built to celebrate the arrival of oil – stitched these new networks together, making connections to areas once considered remote and only accessible by 4×4.
“Everything done before 1966 was defined by the hope oil would happen to Dubai,” said Mr Reisz.
Now, with the discovery of oil, schools and housing were planned for American families set to stream into the 70,000-strong city. Dubai already had the busiest roads of the Trucial States and American cars such as Chevrolets and AMC Ramblers became popular. More traffic was inevitable, so what better time to make the switch?
“With fast-build, single-family homes extending across the district of Jumeirah, the city’s future already looked more American, and therefore suitable for the greatest American pastime – cruising in big shiny American cars,” said Mr Reisz. “By then, US-made cars dominated Dubai imports, and that was one reason the switch to the right lane made sense.”
There was no record of protest from the British at Dubai’s change to an American system.
“There was no sense of any nationalist response from British authorities at the time,” said Mr Reisz. “They respected Sheikh Rashid.”
Sheikh Rashid had proposed the driving change to the Trucial States Council, a group of the seven rulers established by the British to encourage co-operation. The notice stated that the switch was to be introduced across the Trucial States on September 1 apart from Abu Dhabi, which was “expected to implement it soon”. The motorway between Dubai and Abu Dhabi was still several years away.
The change came into effect at 5am that Thursday. Until 2006, Thursday marked the first day of the weekend and presumably authorities hoped roads would be even quieter. There is little record of any problems apart from some initial confusion in more congested parts of Dubai, but drivers, just like today, had grown to expect sudden changes on the roads.
Studies have shown the reasons have much to do with geography. Papers from the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive show how Qatar changed in 1965, while Bahrain and Sweden would do the same in 1967. More recently, in 2009, the pacific island of Samoa changed to the left, but today, the majority of countries and protectorates around the world follow right-hand rules.
Fifty-five years on, a copy of the notice still hangs in the Dubai Municipality Museum on the shores of the Creek. It speaks to a moment and time in the emirate’s history where the initial euphoria of an oil discovery gave way to a more pragmatic approach as to how Dubai was going to become the global city it is today.
“Quickly the story switched to one we are familiar with,” said Mr Reisz.
“Dubai used ingenuity to create a city not dependent on oil wealth.”
Marrakech and Mohammed V airports ranked 5th and 6th, respectively.
The Marrakech-Menara airport was ranked 5th, while Casablanca’s Mohammed V airport came in 6th place. Skytrax surveyed travellers at major airports throughout Africa to determine its ranking for the top airport destinations on the continent.
Denver- British consultancy group Skytrax released its 2021 ‘best airports in Africa’ report, and two Moroccan airports were included in the prestigious list.
In addition to being recognized for top-notch service, Morocco’s airports were also commended by the international aviation community for high quality health and sanitation practices earlier this year. In the midst of the COVID-19 global pandemic, the international NGO ACI awarded 15 Moroccan airports the Airport Health Accreditation.
source/content: moroccoworldnews.con
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Morocco’s Mohammed V, Marrakech Airports Both Rank Amongst Top Ten in Africa / pix: moroccoworldnews.com
The festival has helped to establish the Kingdom as the world’s premier destination for camel racing. Saudi Arabia heads the Camel Racing World Federation, founded in 2019 and based in Riyadh.
In that same year, the Crown Prince Camel Festival set a new Guinness World Record when 13,377 camels participated in the even
Al-Faran had three camels running in the “Al-Haqayeq” category (for two-year-olds) as part of the festival’s preliminary stage — Al-Dana, The Pearl, and Jarrah. At one point in the 4-kilometer race, Jarrah led the field, but ultimately came in second.
source/content: arabnews.com
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Amal Misfer Al-Faran had three camels running in the ‘Al-Haqayeq’ category (for two-year-olds) as part of the festival’s preliminary stage — Al-Dana, The Pearl, and Jarrah. (Supplied) /pix: arabnews.com
The Qatar Skydive Team of Qatar Air Sports Committee – Joint Special Forces clinched the bronze medal in the four-way formation skydiving category at the 24th FAI Mondial World Championship yesterday, 14 August 2021, in Russia.
The Qatari team finished third with 160 points. Belgium clinched the gold medal with 193 points, while the USA finished second with 169 points.
All-Emirati crews secure another double triumph as Cappellini’s two-boat strategy works to perfection.
Team Abu Dhabi secured their first major powerboat racing crown of the season on Sunday as Rashed Al Qemzi, Thani Al Qemzi and Mansoor Al Mansoori combined to win the UIM World Endurance Championships in Augustów, Poland.
This triumph means that Cappellini has now delivered 12 world championship titles to Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club since taking charge in February 2015.
This was also the first time in the championships that Team Abu Dhabi had been represented by a full Emirati driver line-up.
source/content: khaleejtimes.com
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Team Abu Dhabi had entered the championship with an all-Emirati two-boat line-up for the first time. — Supplied photo / khaleejtimes.com
With celebrity host Katie Jenson opening the evening and international boxer Amir Khan as celebrity guest, the awards ceremony on was attended by the who’s who of the industry and proved a great success in showcasing the best talents of the Middle East region’s supply chains.
The event was held at the Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre (The Great Ballroom) on July 12th.
Winners were recognised for their performance in 5 key sections – Special Recognition, Technology, Air Freight, Sea Freight and Logistics.
And the winners of the TLME Heroes of the Pandemic Awards 2021 are:
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
The Hope Consortium – Global Vaccine Distribution Initiative
Department of Health Abu Dhabi – Hero of the Pandemic – Best Performer
Capt. Abdulkareem Al Masabi – ADNOC Logistics & Services – CEO of the Year
Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) – Hero of the Pandemic – Government Agency
Cyber Security Council – Hero Of The Pandemic (Security & Defence)
Dubai Police – Hero of the Pandemic (Transport & Logistics Authority)
TECHNOLOGY AWARDS
Abu Dhabi Ports mUnity – Hero of the Pandemic in Technology
Cyber Security Council – Hero of the Pandemic (Digitalisation)
DHL & DP World – Joint winners of Most Innovative Company in Technology
Navis – Most Dynamic Solution in Technology
Brands for Less – Hero of the Pandemic (E-Commerce)
Cyber Security Council – Hero of the Pandemic (Cyber Security)
Unitechnik – Logistics Automation Solution of the Year
Fleetboard (By Mercedes-Benz Trucks) – Most Innovative Telematics Solution of the Year
Cyber Security Council – Best All-Round Security Solution Provider
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
The Hope Consortium – Global Vaccine Distribution Initiative
Department of Health Abu Dhabi – Hero of the Pandemic – Best Performer
Capt. Abdulkareem Al Masabi – ADNOC Logistics & Services – CEO of the Year
Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) – Hero of the Pandemic – Government Agency
Cyber Security Council – Hero Of The Pandemic (Security & Defence)
Dubai Police – Hero of the Pandemic (Transport & Logistics Authority)
TECHNOLOGY AWARDS
Abu Dhabi Ports mUnity – Hero of the Pandemic in Technology
Cyber Security Council – Hero of the Pandemic (Digitalisation)
DHL & DP World – Joint winners of Most Innovative Company in Technology
Navis – Most Dynamic Solution in Technology
Brands for Less – Hero of the Pandemic (E-Commerce)
Cyber Security Council – Hero of the Pandemic (Cyber Security)
Unitechnik – Logistics Automation Solution of the Year
Fleetboard (By Mercedes-Benz Trucks) – Most Innovative Telematics Solution of the Year
Cyber Security Council – Best All-Round Security Solution Provider
AIR FREIGHT
Emirates SkyCargo – Hero of the Pandemic (Air Cargo)
DHL Global Forwarding – Most Resilient Performer in Air Cargo
Etihad Cargo – Most Creative Performer (Air Cargo)
Saudia Cargo – On-Time Hero
National Air Cargo – Hero of the Pandemic (Humanitarian Relief)
SEA FREIGHT
DP World – UAE Region – Port that has been a true Hero of the Pandemic.
Abu Dhabi Ports – Ports Cluster – Most Ingenious Performer in Maritime
CS Maritime DMCC – Hero of the Pandemic (Maritime Services)
ADNOC Logistics and Services – Best Integrated Shipping & Logistics Performer
LOGISTICS
SAL Saudi Logistics Services – HERO OF THE PANDEMIC IN LOGISTICS
Danzas – Hero of the Pandemic (Healthcare Logistics)
Allied Transport Company – Hero of the Pandemic – Supply Chain Transport Solution
Emirates Post – Hero of the Pandemic (Speed & Efficiency)
Danzas – Hero of the Pandemic, Supply Chain Solution
KNAUF – Manufacturer of the Year
Hellman Worldwide Logistics – Hero of the Pandemic (Freight Forwarding)
Serco – Hero of the Pandemic (Support Services)
Al-Futtaim Logistics – Hero of the Pandemic (Fulfilment)
Mercedes-Benz Trucks – Truck OEM of the Year
LogiPoint – Logistics Hub of the Year
Razr Lab & Haifa Logistics – Best Logistics Start-Up Award
DP World and the Government of Somaliland on Thursday June 24th, inaugurated the new container terminal at Berbera Port, as part of its development into a major regional trade hub to serve the Horn of Africa.
The new terminal was officially opened by Muse Bihi Abdi, President of Somaliland, and Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, at a special event attended by over 200 guests, including a Government delegation from Ethiopia, led by Ahmed Shide, Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance, and Dagmawit Moges, Ethiopia’s Minister of Transport.
The event also included a symbolic ground-breaking for the new Berbera Economic Zone, the first phase of which is under construction.
The new container terminal with a deep draft of 17 metres, a quay of 400 metres and three ship to shore (STS) gantry cranes, can handle the largest container vessels in operation today, and increases the port’s container capacity from current 150,000 Twenty Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) to 500,000 TEUs annually.
The terminal also includes a modern container yard with eight rubber tyred gantry cranes (RTGs).
A new port One Stop Service Centre is also currently being built and will be ready in quarter three this year.
The Region’s first airport established by the British in 1932 in Sharjah, which catered to airliners on the western Gulf air-route to India.
However, an airstrip existed on Abu Dhabi’s Sir Bani Yas Island since 1930, which also served planes on the route between Britain, India and Australia, has not gained much attention of history enthusiasts for the obvious reason — it was mainly meant for military aircraft, not civilian flights, according to historians and documents accessed by Emirates News Agency (WAM) from the UAE’s National Archives.
Sharjah airport and fuel tank in Abu Dhabi in 1932
An administration report for the Trucial Coast for the year 1932 says, “The chief event of the year was the securing of the Airport at Shargah (Sharjah) from the Shaikh (sic) of that place in July.” The report added that a fuel tank was established at Sir Bani Yas Island belonging to the Sheikh of Abu Dhabi in the same year.
Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, along with neighbouring emirates, were then part of the Trucial States, which was a collection of various sheikhdoms that allied themselves to the British through a number of treaties, until the formation of the UAE in 1971.
The 1932 report says the British Residency Agent in Sharjah, accompanied by the Political Agent in Kuwait, “succeeded after a further few days negotiations in persuading the Shaikh (sic) to put his signature to the required agreement [to establish the airport in Sharjah], which offered very favourable terms to the Shaikh (sic).”
On 5th October 1932, the first Imperial Airways flight landed and left Sharjah, said the report. (Imperial Airways later merged with British Airways to establish the British Overseas Airways Corporation in 1939.)
Tedious negotiations, agreement on Rs. 400 rent
However, the British officials had to engage in “tedious” negotiations with Abu Dhabi’s ruler for the facilities on Sir Bani Yas Island, located 250kms broadly west of the UAE’s capital.
Lt. Col. Gordon Loch, British Political Agent in Bahrain, persuaded Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan Al Nahyan, to sign the agreement in 1935 on the storage tank and landing ground on Sir Bani Yas Island, along with another landing facility near Abu Dhabi, according to a letter written by Loch to the British Political Resident in the Gulf, on 17th February 1935.
The negotiation was tough because “In 1930 the Royal Air Force (RAF) had established a landing ground on Sir Bani Yas, despite opposition of Sheikh Shakhbut [the elder brother of Sheikh Zayed, the UAE’s founding father],” writes historian Nicholas Stanley-Price in his book titled ‘Imperial Outpost in the Gulf – The Airfield at Sharjah (UAE) 1932-1952.’ The agreement, signed on 18th February 1935 between the RAF and Sheikh Shakhbut mentions Indian rupees 400 (then the currency in use in the Emirates) as monthly rent for the facilities to be paid to the Sheikh. The British Government also agreed to pay a sum of rupees 5,000 as a token of friendship and goodwill. The agreement was valid for 12 years, until 1947.
Air crash during Second World War
Talking about the security of the facility, Peter Hellyer, who has made a special study of the history of Sir Bani Yas, says, “A guard from Oman was recruited to look after the fuel tank, and lived a lonely life for many years before eventually marrying a servant of one of the Dalma families who visited the island in winter.”
There proved to be little demand for the airstrip and the petrol tank, although there was a short flurry of activity during the Second World War.
Hellyer, an advisor on cultural heritage at the UAE Ministry of Culture and Youth, notes that: “On 22nd April 1944, two ‘Anson’ aircraft belonging to the Anti-Locust Mission crash-landed at the island, en route from Sharjah to Bahrain. However, it is not clear from the records whether the Ansons crash-landed at the airstrip, or elsewhere on the island.”
Hellyer adds that the affected airmen were provided with a bag of flour and a bag of peas by the inhabitants on the island. Unfortunately, on 24th April, a serious mishap occurred with a petrol fire and one man was very seriously burnt. A B.O.A.C. flying boat landed at Yas Island and the injured were evacuated to Bahrain and later the aircraft were also flown off from the Island and arrived in Bahrain on 26th April, he explains.
New Airport opens in 2008
The emergency airstrip on the island, Hellyer adds, “was officially abandoned in 1944, although the Ruler continued to receive payment for the facility until at least 1949.”
He notes, a tarmac airstrip was opened on Sir Bani Yas by the early 1970s, situated on the western side of the island, although not for commercial use.
This was later expanded by the Abu Dhabi Airport Company, which opened a fully-fledged airport in 2008, to complement the island’s development as a nature-based tourist destination.
The island is also home to the only Christian monastery so far identified in the Emirates. Thought to have been built around 600AD and abandoned perhaps 150 years later, the monastery was rediscovered during excavations in the early 1990s by the Abu Dhabi islands Archaeological Survey, ADIAS, directed by Hellyer
No trace of fuel tank
According to the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT-Abu Dhabi), which oversees Sir Bani Yas today, “there does not appear to be any surviving trace of the fuel tank. The particular area where it was probably located in between the Sir Bani Yas Clinic, Jetty area and Arrivals Hall, and the Petrol Station,” a spokesperson tells WAM.
However, the DCT-Abu Dhabi has made out an approximate location of the tank from the historical documents of the National Archives. This location is also confirmed by later UK mapping from 1966, adds the DCT spokesperson.
WAM/Binsal AbdulKader
source: Reproduced from WAM Feature : Thu 10-06-2021 15:44 PM
Toni Breidinger. Professional stock car racing driver.
She is the all-time winningest female in United States Auto Club (USAC) history with 19 wins. Already made the record books for being a 19-time United States Auto Club (USAC) race champion.
Toni Breidinger will become the first female Arab-American driver to compete in a NASCAR national series.
