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New Salik toll gates to be installed by September

New Salik toll gates to be installed by September

By Ashfaq Ahmed, Chief Reporter
Published: May 27, 2008, 14:24

Dubai: New Salik toll gates will be installed at Al Maktoum Bridge and between the first and second interchange on Shaikh Zayed Road, Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced on Tuesday.

“The two new toll gates will be activated from September 9 as part of the second phase of Salik system,” said Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA.

Motorists entering or exiting from Al Safa Road from the Second Interchange on Shaikh Zayed Road will also have to pay the toll. However, they will not be charged again if they use the Al Barsha toll gate as they will be charged once (Dh4) for using both the toll gates.

Al Tayer said the new phase of the Salik project comes after a comprehensive study of the first phase and especially after the opening of the new Al Garhoud Bridge. The study focused on the traffic jams at some major roads in Dubai and the alternatives that can resolve this issue.

The study also highlighted the success of the first phase of Salik which was launched in July 2007, in reducing traffic at toll areas by 25 per cent, lowering the duration of the journey on Shaikh Zayed road by 50 per cent and increasing the average speed from 40 to 80 km/hour.

The study showed high traffic load on Al Maktoum Bridge, which caused traffic congestions at some internal roads in Deira. It also pointed to congestions at Al Barsha and Al Sofouh due to the traffic load caused by motorists crowding to avoid passing the Al Barsha toll gate.

The study concluded on the high necessity to launch a new phase of Salik on the congested roads and the need to redistribute traffic on major roads and creek crossings especially after launching the new Garhoud Bridge.

He also mentioned that some motorists avoid crossing under Al Barsha gate by using internal roads that caused congestions at Al Barsha and Al Sofouh and caused disturbance to residents in the area.

The only solution to resolve this issue is by installing new toll gate after Al Safa Bridge on Shaikh Zayed Road. ShareThis Read more...

UAE residents get time to prepare for VAT

UAE residents get time to prepare for VAT
By Saifur Rahman, Business Editor
Published in Gulfnews: May 27, 2008, 00:06


Dubai: The introduction of the value added tax (VAT), expected early next year, will depend on the government's preparedness as well as the "taxpayers' readiness", a senior government official said.

"We are working on it and will soon be ready for implementation. The entire country will have to be ready for this," Abdul Rahman Al Saleh, executive director of Dubai Customs, told Gulf News on Monday evening. "It will depend on the government's readiness as well as the taxpayers' readiness."

Al Saleh told Reuters on Monday that the government has postponed the introduction of VAT from late 2008 to early 2009. "We were planning for the last quarter of 2008 but we have put it back to the first quarter of 2009," he was quoted as saying.

The GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) states entered into a common customs union in 2003, after standardising the import duties largely at five per cent. Initially, VAT is expected to replace the customs duty and start at a very low tax level.

"The introduction of the VAT is a federal government decision. We will, of course, give the people enough time for this after we get ready for it administratively," Al Saleh added. ShareThis Read more...

Transvestites caught in public will be arrested

Transvestites caught in public will be arrested
By Alia Al Theeb, Staff Reporter
Published in Gulfnews: May 26, 2008, 00:02


Dubai: Police will arrest transvestites if they are caught in public as part of a five-day campaign to crack down on them, the Dubai Police Chief announced on Sunday.

Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tamim said transvestites have been seen of late in public places, including shopping malls. This does not adhere to UAE society's traditions and social values.

He said Dubai Police aim to protect society and stressed on the danger posed by transvestites.

"Dubai Police have made up their mind to tackle this problem strictly. Any man who dresses up and behaves like a woman in public or vice versa will be legally questioned and legal action will be taken against him," Dahi said.

He said the campaign under the slogan "Our social values are precious.. let's protect them", targets those who do not respect social values and behave like the opposite sex. The suspect will be charged with public indecency and behaving like a man or woman. Dahi called on the Social Affairs Ministry to study the problem and find out the actual reasons behind the increase in transvestites.

"I think studying in a mixed environment is the reason behind the increase in this problem. However, there must be a study to find out the actual factors behind the problem," he said.

He pointed out that it has also been noticed that crimes spreads in this environment, which does not respect values because anyone who does not care about their honour, does not care about anything. He said any religion or faith in the world sees going against laws of nature as a problem.

Dahi also issued directives to all police departments and police stations to intensify campaigns in shopping malls and markets to prevent harassment by both genders and to curb transvestites.

Major General Khamis Mattar Al Mazeina, Dubai Police's Deputy Commandant General, said the CID monitors such people and cracks down on them. Friday sermons will also highlight the dangers of the issue. ShareThis Read more...

Women get jail and deportation for kissing on Dubai public beach

Women get jail and deportation for kissing on Dubai public beach
Staff Report
Published in Gulfnews: May 25, 2008, 09:28

Dubai: Two women who were standing trial for kissing and cuddling on a public beach have been sentenced to one a month prison term followed by deportation.

The women, a 30-year-old Lebanese visitor and 36-year-old Bulgarian employee, had pleaded not guilty to kissing, cuddling and sleeping on each other like a married couple before the Dubai Court of Misdemeanour.

The Public Prosecution charged the girls with kissing, groping each other and indecently gesturing in public.

Initial interrogations revealed that the two women were spotted being intimate together on a public beach between Sharjah and Dubai.

Witnesses claimed that they saw the Lebanese woman sleeping over the Bulgarian and the two were cuddling. ShareThis Read more...

Hotline to fight spiralling prices

Hotline to fight spiralling prices

By Cleofe Maceda, Staff Reporter
Published in Gulfnews: March 14, 2008, 00:30

Dubai: The UAE has urged consumers to report any sudden price hike as it seeks ways to curb inflation.

Consumers can register their complaints on a toll-free number which will prompt the authorities to crack down on the errant retail outlet, officials said.

The Consumer Law, enacted in 2006, which paved the way for the creation of the Consumer Protection Department, imposes obligations on suppliers of goods or services, and gives rights and remedies to aggrieved consumers.

"We need time to make the law effective. We also need to educate the businessmen and consumers. We're very keen that all sectors in the next few years will adhere to that," said Abdullah Mohammad Al Shehi of the Department of Economic Development.

The move comes a day after the Ministry of Economy and the Union Co-Operative Society signed an MoU to set prices of 16 essential food items at last year's levels.

"The Federal Law No. 24 of 2006 concerning consumer protection will radically change the way businesses will be conducted by setting out ground rules for consumer transactions," said Jehad Kazim, manager of the Better Business Desk at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The Consumer Protection Department can investigate consumer complaints and may represent consumers in the courts or other agencies.

The law stipulates a fine of not less than Dh1,000 for any violation and not less than Dh10,000 if the supplier does not alert consumers to the risks of using the products and harm occurs. "The court has the power to order the confiscation and destruction of certain products that are deemed unsafe or seriously defective," Hugh Parris, an associate at Clyde&Co, said.

The awareness campaign, however, is seen as a move to control prices. "We hope this will encourage everybody in the supply chain to keep prices from rising," Ashraf Ali, executive director of LuLu Group of Companies, told Gulf News.

Complaints: Just pick up the phone

As specified in the law, the consumer has the right to be protected against unsafe products, right to request a recall, replacement, repair or refund of any defective products, among others. Any aggrieved consumer can call the Ministry of Economy's toll-free number 600522225 or visit the ministry's website www.economy.ae/e-complain ShareThis Read more...

Pictures on phone land man in jail

Pictures on phone land man in jail
By Bassam Za'za', Senior Reporter
Published in Gulfnews: May 19, 2008, 00:17


Dubai: A visitor who secretly filmed female shoppers wearing miniskirts in a hypermarket had his six-month imprisonment confirmed on Sunday.

The Dubai Court of Appeal confirmed the initial ruling and also ordered that the 18-year-old visitor from Azerbaijan be deported after serving his sentence.

The judge ordered that the 26 snapshots of women shoppers and 14 video clips which the accused, A.A., took on his mobile phone be confiscated.

The accused had hidden his phone camera in a basket at a hypermarket. He then secretly filmed women wearing short skirts.

A Maldivian woman reported the accused to a mall's security after she realised that he had filmed her when she noticed that he was doing the same to another woman.


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In a similar case, the Court of First Instance will soon pass a verdict where an electrician had allegedly also hidden his phone camera in a shopping basket to secretly film women and teenage girls. ShareThis Read more...

Oz Getaway

One of the places that I would love to visit one day is Sydney, Australia. This city is Australia's oldest and biggest. Sydney is a city of diverse culture with golden beaches, skyscrapper and beautiful outdoor. It is one of the world's favourite tourist destination with over 3 million visitors every year. Some of great places in Sydney are the spectacular Blue Mountains, beautiful Bondi Beach, The Darling Harbour and many more. Sydney is also known for its world class shopping centers, boutiques, department stores and speciality shops which are mainly located at the Central Business District. If you too would like to travel to Australia, the best place to book for Sydney hotels is Cheaperthanhotels.co.uk for bookings. They offer the lowest instant hotel booking rates on the internet.

Another city which I also love to visit is Melbourne. This city has plenty of things to see and do. You can find museums, libraries, galleries and heritage places. For those who love shopping, Melbourne is the city for you. There are plenty of fashion bargains, designer labels, vintage gems and more. Melbourne hotels are available from AUD62.00 at Cheaperthanhotels.co.uk.

Another city not to be missed when visiting Australia is Perth. One of the most beautiful cities in Australia, Perth is a unique and vibrant Australian city with a warm, sunny climate. Located near the stunning Indian Ocean, it is an ideal place to enjoy outdoor activities. Other attractions include museums, shopping districts and parks.
Lastly, I would also recommend to visit the city of Brisbane to complete your Oz visit. Book for Brisbane hotels now. Cheaperthanhotels.co.uk offers many quality and affordable Perth hotels. So, hurry and make your hotel reservations at Cheaperthanhotels.co.uk for your amazing Australian tour.

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