According to Arton Capital, the UAE passport is the world’s most influential travel document, with visa-free access to 159 countries.

UAE passports were ranked among the strongest due to their visa exemption, with entry into 104 countries requiring no visa and access to 55 countries requiring one on arrival or online.

According to Emirates Digital Government’s website, the UAE passport has maintained its strength even due to the Corona pandemic, which resulted in a global decline in passport strength. 

Dubai, United Arab Emirates:  Classic Quilts, the Dubai-based hobby shop, is launching a fun sewing challenge – instore and online – to celebrate the launch of the long-awaited Crystal Edition Bernina sewing machine.

Bernina, the globally renowned, high-quality Swiss manufacturer of sewing and embroidery systems, is launching a precision range of new machines, the Crystal Edition series, which features Swarovski crystals and a host of extras designed to make hobbyists swoon. 

Only available in the UAE via Jumaira Plaza-mall based Classic Quilts, this all-singing, all-dancing range adds glamour to your sewing space. The faceplate and the service panel are designed in an exclusive geometric white-and-beige pattern and embellished with dazzling crystals from Swarovski i®.

Now, Classic Quilts and its sewing group, All Friends Sewing Hub, is behind a global sew-along challenge, asking anyone and everyone to create a fabric crystal. The challenge culminates in an official launch party on November 22, when all the stitched crystals will be showcased at the store. 

Aish Ramakrishnan, Business Development Manager says: “This range really is state-of-the-art, combining beautiful design and precision engineering with the remarkable quality we’ve come to expect from Bernina. 

“To mark the launch of the range, we are inviting anyone who has a sewing machine and likes to sew to join our special crystal challenge. The challenge is to make a fabric crystal – and we’ve made it easy for those taking part online, with a YouTube tutorial.”

If you’d like to join in on the challenge in person, head to the Classic Quilts store to join in a crystal sewing session, and you’ll get the chance to experience the new Benina range for yourself, along with the Bernina Airlocker L890 and L850 on 22 November from 10am until noon.

Classic Quilts has long provided in-store teaching and sewing groups, pivoting to online during the pandemic. Now, the friendly neighbourhood store invites everyone to take part in this challenge – with the chance of a limited-edition free gift if your crystal is stitched before November 22. 

Aish adds: “Classic Quilts has always worked hard to be a central part of the community – and we are delighted that since the pandemic, our community has now spread worldwide. With this in mind, we wanted to ensure our local customers – old and new – could take part in the Crystal Challenge in person, while not excluding our growing international community. This is a world-wide sew-along — and we challenge you to bring your best bling forward.”

Classic Quilts runs the All Friends Sewing Hub, which will be taking part in the crystal challenge, but Aisha and the team would like to re-iterate that it’s open to all. “Of course, those who enjoy it are more than welcome to sign up to join our group,” she says. 

Register for the FREE challenge online here, and you’ll immediately receive a pattern and instructional video. However, as Aisha puts it: “We want to see just how creative our wonderful family can be – you don’t have to use our pattern, you can create your own design – so don’t hold back on the bling!”

Bernina Crystal Edition machines are at the top of the range of Bernina machines available at Classic Quilts, who are distributors for UAE, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain. 

The Bernina Special Edition Crystal models are the B880, B790Plus and B590Plus. Classic Quilts has the 790/590 for immediate purchase, with the B880 ordered after purchase. Each machine is bundled with a package which includes: 

The OESD 300+ Crystal Edition Embroidery Designs 

An ‘Inspiration Kit’ of Swarovski Crystals – there is a box full for you to embellish your clothes, quilts or any project. The elegant tin box also contains a USB stick with over 300 embroidery designs, including 35 exclusive Crystal Edition designs

A Crystal Sleeve for the machine 

An Embroidery Bag and Machine Trolley in Bernina’s unique crystal branding.

Classic Quilts is also the name behind the highly successful International Quilt Show Dubai. 

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Built in Abu Dhabi Port near the cruise terminal, Marsa Mina is a hidden cultural gem with something for every member of the family. 

Conceived, managed, and operated by Danas Business Consultancy in partnership with Abu Dhabi Ports – Marsa Mina is a buzzing hub of food, shopping, and family-friendly entertainment. It’s also where international cruises berth; bringing a burst of global visitors to Abu Dhabi and the UAE.

Abduljalil Abdullah Alfahim, CEO of Danas Business Consultancy comments, “Marsa Mina has enjoyed great success so far and is looking to expand. The UAE boasts incredible talent – whether it’s a hospitality expert, rising retail brand, or technology startup. We would love to work with new talent that has their finger on the pulse of the region’s consumer trends”. 

He added: “SMEs and entrepreneurs looking to rent a space at Marsa Mina will receive comprehensive guidance from Danas Business Consultancy. Working alongside our team of business-savvy professionals will help SMEs and solopreneurs further refine their approach”.

Dining  

Marsa Mina is a hit with foodies. Peckish visitors can take their pick from a range of food trucks including Le Patchouli, Ur Destination, Fox Box, Mr. Potato, Sliderbar Burgers, Mr. Brisket, and Zaatar & Karak among others. Visitors can also explore Marsa Mina on wheels with drive-through food trucks dotting the area.

Shopping  

From Emirati souvenirs for tourists to bagging the latest piece from your favourite brand, Marsa Mina’s boutiques are as diverse as the shoppers that visit them.

Being a kid  

Countless adventures await Marsa Mina’s junior visitors. Its playground, garden, and outdoor kids’ activities ensure that your little one’s sugar rush doesn’t go to waste. Mom and dad can kick back and enjoy the view while their kids explore. 

Making memories  

A sizzling hot destination in the summer and a cool family day out in the winter, Marsa Mina helps visitors make exciting new memories throughout the year.
Picture-perfect in the daytime and enchanting in the evening, soak up the breathtaking view of the waterfront and twinkling cruises at this destination. 

As a part of Danas CSR, Marsa Mina has allocated a space for Make-a-Wish Foundation rent-free for a year, all proceeds collected within the year will go to a local charity. Additionally, they have also given Seekh Kunafa and a few other stores owned by people of determination at discounted rates along with free consultancy services to support talent and innovation.

Marsa Mina doesn’t just strive to be fun, sustainability plays a key role in its design too, all the furniture at the waterfront including the art is crafted by local artists. The lifestyle destination is constructed using upcycled shipping containers. 

Inspired by the UAE leaders, Marsa Mina strives to support local entrepreneurs, talents, innovators, and SMB’s to grow in Abu Dhabi. 

Entry to Marsa Mina is free. It’s located at Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal, Gate 2 Zayed Port, Abu Dhabi. For more information, please visit https://marsamina.ae/ 

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched a trial run of two electric buses, branded Volvo 7900.

The two buses will shuttle on a specific path in both directions between La Mer South, King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Street and Al Sufouh Tram Station. The launch is coordinated with Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Volvo Bus Company, Meraas Real Estate, and ABB Group, leader in the electric bus charging industry. The step reflects the RTA’s efforts to provide sustainable and environmentally friendly mass transit means.

The two buses are fitted with Opportunity Charging technology, which is experimented with for the first time in Dubai. A standing electric charger is supplied by ABB Group Buses at La Mer South to charge the buses. Al Quoz Bus Depot provides a night electric charger to run the night charging when the two buses are out of service. Therefore, buses can be electrically charged either through Pantograph using a standing arm under which the bus is parked at La Mer, or cables connecting direct and alternate currents (DC and AC).

Each bus is equipped with modern batteries that enable it to travel 200 km when fully charged. The length of the distance travelled depends on several factors such as the terrain, temperature, and the operation of air conditioners. Each bus has 38 seats in addition to three foldable seats, a place for People of Determination, and an interactive display screen.

During the trial period, which will continue until March 2022, the RTA will measure the operational efficiency of the two electric buses and experiment with the charging of electric buses using the charger at La Mer and the overnight charger at the Al Quoz Bus Depot. It will train drivers on the electric bus and familiarise them with the bus system. It will also train controllers on monitoring the bus and the charging unit. The RTA will work with project partners to ensure the readiness of buses, charging units, and the charging station.

“This unique and comprehensive electric bus charging system that uses the Opportunity Charging technique for operating electric buses on a specific path responds to the initiative of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, themed “Green Economy for Sustainable Development. It concurs with the Dubai Government’s energy and carbon strategy aimed to make Dubai a model in the efficient use of energy and reduced carbon emissions,” said Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority.

“The project is a unique example of integrated efforts of government departments as well as Public-Private Partnership (PPP). It illustrates the integrated efforts of RTA, DEWA, Volvo Bus Co, Meraas Real Estate and ABB Group aimed to promote sustainable transport in Dubai and reduce carbon emissions of the transport sector,” he noted.

“The success of deploying and operating electric buses and vehicles as part of the RTA’s mass transit fleet hinges largely on the availability and reliability of the charging technology, and whether it supports the continuous operation of buses without stopping or having to return to the charging stations.

“The RTA attaches top priority to environmental conservation and power-saving policies and sets safety and environmental sustainability as one of its strategic goals. It, therefore, seeks to keep pace with the latest technologies of manufacturing buses, electric batteries, and various charging systems. It underscores the intention to add electric buses to the fleet to ensure the operation of safe, smooth, and sustainable mass transit means. It is recalled that the RTA had launched a series of projects and initiatives to leverage sustainable transport including the trial run of electric buses and the operation of hydrogen or water-powered taxis,” Al Tayer concluded.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Managing Director and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), praised the RTA’s efforts to promote the use of environmentally friendly mobility means. He also commended the RTA’s project to operate two electric buses using innovative fast-changing technologies.

“Government departments are keen to make concerted efforts toward realizing the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to transform Dubai into the smartest and happiest city in the world besides cementing the profile of the emirate as a global destination of green economy and sustainable development. Dubai’s Green Mobility Initiative 2030 aims to stimulate the use of sustainable transit means and align them with the strategic goals of the emirate in terms of sustainability, air quality and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions,” he noted.

“The incentives package launched by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy of which DEWA is part has encouraged green mobility and increased the number of electric cars in Dubai. This particularly fits with the spread of green charging stations of DEWA, which now exceed 300 stations offering 530 charging points across Dubai,” Al Tayer said in conclusion.

Manish Sahi, Vice President, Volvo Bus Corporation, stated, “This trial of Volvo Electric buses is a coming together of RTA Dubai; Volvo Buses; ABB, and our exclusive local partner for Volvo Buses in Dubai, Al Futtaim Auto and Machinery Company (FAMCO). We are excited about the possibilities electric buses will open up for cities like Dubai. Without emissions and noise, you can even build bus stops indoors.

“Volvo Electric buses will enhance travelling experience not only for passengers but also drivers and other road users, making cities more attractive for their inhabitants,” he added.

Frank Muehlon, President of ABB’s E-mobility Division said, “We have witnessed a great example of private-public partnerships at RTA electric Bus Project, where it brought together key stakeholders from the Transport, Utility and Automotive industries.”

Ramez Hamdan, Managing Director of Al Futtaim Auto & Machinery Company, stated, “We are excited to be part of this highly strategic initiative. We have worked closely with our partners at the RTA to provide them with the optimal solution for their strategic vision and we have partnered with the Volvo Bus Corporation to ensure our teams deliver the highest service, maintenance, response and support levels to our valued customer, the RTA.”

The RTA converted 50 percent of the total Dubai Taxi fleet into environmentally-friendly hybrid vehicles in 2020. It intends to convert the entire taxi fleet to hybrid and electric vehicles by 2027. In December 2019, it launched the trial run of the first hydrogen taxi in the Middle East and deployed it as a limo service at the Dubai International Airport. (WAM) 

Hailing from Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, Ghaliah Saeed Amin has, for the past five years, enjoying life as a TV host and presenter as well as a model.

She graduated high school from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, moved to Sharjah and got her bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts. After that, Ghaliah completed her master’s degree in Art History and Museum Studies in Sorbonne Abu Dhabi. 

Ghaliah said it keeps her going “when teenage girls come up to me and tell me that what I do (the modeling) is cool or it makes them feel good.”

“I started my media and modeling career almost five years ago. It’s been a really fun journey so far. I wasn’t going to start it if I haven’t faced the challenge of being told I can’t be in fashion because of my weight,” reveals Ghaliah.

Ghaliah is part of Gap Middle East’s “Come As You Are” Campaign, which features four of the region’s most inspiring women.

“‘Come As You Are’ is something I really believe in because when you are your true self that is when you shine,” Ghaliah said. 

Her life philosophy? “Do what makes you really happy and be real!” she says.

And her advice? “Be your own role model.”

“I am genuinely super passionate about what I do. This might sound like a cliché but when I wake up in the morning, I am always excited about getting to work and seeing what the day will bring. We are a start up business, we are a small team so we all do a bit of everything every day so our days are never dull or even the same as the day before,” says Erika Doyle, founder of Drink Dry, the first and only premium non-alcoholic drinks marketplace in the UAE.  

Erika says she has had so many lessons in life that it has become hard t remember them all. 

“I have never been scared of making mistakes because I think they best way to push forward is by making mistakes and learning from them. 

“I am a very honest person and have set high standards for myself when it comes to how I do business, how I treat my Brand Principles, suppliers, customers and everyone else and I absolutely expect the same in return. And it is ok to be that way because I don’t just do business transactions, I build relationships and I build my business on that,” she says.

As a start-up business founder, Erika advises those looking to open their own to “be prepared to put in very long hours and a lot of energy into it.

“It is very rewarding.”

Erika left Lithuania when she was 16 and went to study in the UK. She lived in Birmingham while in college; in Nottingham while at university; and then London during her early working life. 

“I then moved to rural West Sussex before making the move to Dubai in 2019,”she said.

“As an entrepreneur, I think Dubai is full of opportunities! There are still so many untapped sectors in this market and different services that are not yet available here. I wish I had more time in the day so I could explore all these opportunities. 

“And from a personal point of view, I like that we are 20 minutes away from some of the best restaurants in the world and the busy city living is just on your doorstep!” she said

Erika is married to an Irish man and have three little girls. “I have spent three years working in politics in London and then moved to the private sector. I spent a further few years getting to know the drinks industry before taking a few years out to be a mum to my then very small children. In 2019, I started Drink Dry,” Erika said.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates: Dubai Airshow 2021 will welcome members of the general public, including families and children to witness the daily flying display between 14th and 18th of November from the purpose-built Skyview Grandstand, at Dubai World Central, Al Maktoum International Airport.

Timothy Hawes, Managing Director at Tarsus Middle East said, “We are looking forward to welcoming members of the general public to watch and enjoy the spectacular flying display at the Airshow. The Skyview Grandstand guarantees a perfect view from right beside the runway and for aviation photographers – the perfect picture.”

The flying teams include Al Fursan, the United Arab Emirates Air Force aerobatic display team; Russian Knights by the Russian Air Force; Surya Kiran, the aerobatics demonstration team of the Indian Air Force; and the Saudi Falcons, a BAE Hawk-equipped Royal Saudi Air Force aerobatic team.

Visiting the Skyview Grandstand will be an exciting opportunity to some of the world’s most impressive military fighter jets and large commercial aircraft, reserved usually for people in the aviation industry. (WAM)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — NASA and private rocket company SpaceX launched four astronauts into orbit late on Wednesday Nov. 10, sending a veteran spacewalker, two younger crewmates chosen for future lunar missions and a German materials scientist on their way to the International Space Station.

The SpaceX-built launch vehicle, consisting of a Crew Dragon capsule and a two-stage Falcon 9 rocket, blasted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida at about 9 p.m. (0200 GMT Thursday), with a reddish fireball lighting up the night sky as its nine Merlin engines roared to life.

The three American astronauts and their European Space Agency crewmate were due to arrive at the space station, orbiting some 250 miles (400 km) above the Earth, on Thursday evening following a flight of about 22 hours. (WAM/Reuters)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Wednesday, Nov. 10, attended a theatrical show titled ‘Al-Adiyat – The Boy and the Horse’ at Expo 2020’s Al Wasl Plaza.

A theatrical work inspired by His Highness’s book ‘My Story’, the show narrates the story of a young boy with a wise vision, who grows up to become a leader. It also tells the story of a horse that rediscovers her passion for life.

The show, which runs until Nov. 18, features a poetic narrative that highlights how individuals can harness their hidden capabilities.

Directed by Amna Belhoul, Executive Creative Director, Entertainment and Events, Expo 2020 Dubai, the 20-minute show was adapted from three stories included in His Highness’s book ‘My Story’ – ‘Latifa’, ‘First Horse’ and the ‘First Race’.