*They Love to Read and It Shows        *THAILAND: Thaksin supporters descend on Bangkok in protest        *England rugby star to make Brampton school visit        *Cheats at Royal Mail fix delivery times        *David Jason: From Del Boy to dopey Wizard        *Don't want to waste time if the meet is 'fruitless': Qureshi        *Government to promote biotechnology        
    Forgot password ?
please provide your username
  The next destination for crude exploration print this article   email this article   post your comments  tweet this 
  Thursday 11 Mar, 2010

East Africa has become a promising new frontier for oil exploration and major multinationals are jostling for the rights to search for black gold, according to  industry experts.

“There are still large areas which are essentially unexploited and major efforts are needed in East Africa,” Tiziana Luzzi-Arbouille, an African specialist with IHS Global Insight said.

While the Atlantic coast of Africa - most notably Nigeria and Angola - has long been exploited by Western oil companies, it took decades for the industry to turn its sights to the East.

Things changed in 2006 with the first significant discovery in Uganda.

Since then another 15 sites have been confirmed, said Luzzi-Arbouille, who estimates Uganda’s oil reserves at around 700 million barrels.

“What happened in Uganda made it easier for smaller companies to raise funding,” said Tewodoros Ashenafi, head of Southwest Energy, an Ethiopian company exploring in that country’s Ogaden basin.

“Many people were saying: there is nothing in Uganda. Many people are saying, there is nothing in Ethiopia,” he said.
“In about a year and a half, I’m looking forward to saying I told you so.”

Significant natural gas reserves have been discovered in Tanzania and Mozambique.

Ethiopia and Somalia are also sites of intense exploration. And Madagascar holds “enor-mous reserves”, Luzzi-Arbouille said.

Major oil companies have thrown themselves into the race: French group Maurel and Pom is drilling in Tanzania, while US group Anadarko and Norway’s Statoil are drilling in Mozambique’s Rovuma basin.

“At the beginning, smaller companies were taking the risks.

“Now all of a sudden we see the big fish arriving,” Luzzi-Arbouille said.

Britain’s Tullow was battling with Italy’s Eni for control of the Ugandan deposits in Lake Albert, after its Canadian partner, Heritage Oil, sought to sell its 50 per cent stake in two oilfields.

Tullow prevailed last month and bought the stake for $1.5 billion. It has said it will seek a partnership with a large exploration comp-any in order to offset the colossal investm-ents needed to exploit the oilfields and develop the infrastructure needed to transport the crude.

Comments by high-ranking Ugandan officials indicate the short list includes China’s state-controlled CNOOC, France’s Total and US giant Exxon Mobil.




 
Post this story to : facebook    newsvine    digg  
  Leave a Comment for this Article
 
Please Register or Login to enter your comments.
 
Username  
Password  
 
 
  Letters to the Editor
>>   ‘Is immigration a clear and present threat to the culture of the UAE?’
>>   Climate change - here’s some of the reasons
>>   Rallying call to attend the Family Fun Day
>>   How to convince people you are rich and spoilt!
>>   Being a parent comes with responsibilities
>>   Why are just 7DAYS readers helping out?
>>   Anyone like to buy this lady an Aston Martin?
>>   Is there a body that monitors the noise?
Comments

Totally agree, and really fed-up with the traffic problems in residential areas caused directly by Salik. On a side note - I recently saw that rents for a 1 bedroom in The Greens are now a ridiculous 120k. Suggest that this money would be better spent on a 5 bedroom villa in Sharjah - exactly same traffic and commute times.....
Posted by :  Tomo - The Greens      On :  Sunday 21 Sep, 2008
 
I had a meeting with the Greens Community management a couple of weeks back regarding the service fees hike (more than 40% in less than 2 years) and one of my concerns was that I don't see any additional services that justify the increase in service fees. So, I came to find out from one of the community management representatives that he is studying a project to close the Emaar Business Park Exit. My response on the spot was that this would immediately congest all the routes leading to the Greens/Barsha Plot C road which leads to SZR. I tried to convince them that this would not be the wisest way to solve the traffic problem. It seems to me that the community management have adopted a policy of blocking rather than solving. I spoke to the person today in the morning and he is convinced that the traffic is much better (obviously lives in a different world). During the meeting, I even gave them the example of the satellite receivers and told them that this is a good initiative to solve the growing satellite receivers in the balconies problem, but that their solution was far from being practical and didn't look into the causes of the problem. I suggested them to have central satellite receivers giving the tenants the option whether to go for a du service or to go for the central satellite receiver. The idea is to find solutions rather than impose penalties and block roads. So, it seems that the community management is totally convinced that they have solved the traffic problem in the greens. I would love to post some pictures so at least they could get a glimpse of the nightmare they have created. Furthermore, when I asked community management to issue transponder cards to the greens residents, I was told that this was restricted to Emaar business park employees. All of a sudden (after 6 years) it became restricted to Emaar business park employees!! I hope someone from Emaar reads this and at acts. No more "we understand your problem" attitude please .. we are already far beyond being fed up. Regards, Hisham
Posted by :  hzahhar      On :  Sunday 21 Sep, 2008
 
When is this going to end???!!!! Innocent people are dying everyday because of some disturbed people who's aim in life to bomb others.
Posted by :  Always Annoyed      On :  Sunday 21 Sep, 2008
 
The question is, are there any lessons Dubai could learn from this?
Posted by :  7 days fan      On :  Sunday 21 Sep, 2008
 
Shouldn't it be her choice what she wants to believe in, no matter how bizarre it is?
Posted by :  7 days fan      On :  Sunday 21 Sep, 2008
 
Another lie from this killer. Which victim would sit in a car with her offender? Which murderer would fall a sleep in car after his offence? He killed her and hid her. This is murder of first degree!
Posted by :  Jebel Ali Baba      On :  Sunday 21 Sep, 2008
 
This is ridiculous.. 5-6 people living in a single house is no different in terms of water and electricity usage, than a family of 5-6 (which is by no means a stretch) living in the same house.. the only reason this is being done is because those apartments in the greens and the marina are sitting empty.. as a young professional, I see no problem living in a 3 bedroom house, with 2 other mates.. its considered a part of growing up in pretty much every other country in the world.. Dubai needs to take a good look at the direction it's heading in.. its no longer the place it once was..
Posted by :  marlonperera      On :  Monday 22 Sep, 2008
 
People shouldnt preach and force their beliefs on others, imagine the peace we might have if other people arent so concerned for others business.
Posted by :  Jade      On :  Monday 22 Sep, 2008
 
Youd think hel take her to a hospital after he hit her three times on the head and shes bleeding. This guy is just full of lies and excuses. 30 seconds that ruined his life? how bout 30 seconds that killed poor Kerry.
Posted by :  Jade      On :  Monday 22 Sep, 2008
 
Seriously, what other choice do people have when they can only afford a room and not a whole flat or villa. The municipality are so determined to evict the people but they dont care where they have to live after. Most likely to another room to rent.They should think of setting up buildings specifically for singles and employees with low wages. That or make sure each employee are paid enough to afford their own flat and not the measly 300-2000 accomodation allowance!
Posted by :  Jade      On :  Monday 22 Sep, 2008
 
What business is it of the Municipality when in most tenancy contracts it states you can sublet with the permission of the landlord? Sort salaries out so people can afford a place of their own, or sort the rents out. very soon, people will just be up and leaving as this place is getting ridiculous.
Posted by :  Akasha      On :  Monday 22 Sep, 2008
 
Firstly, Dubai allows for rent cheques to be paid upto a YEAR in advance! Then Dubai evicts people during that year, and then realises that "the municipality does not have the power to force landlords to refund rent paid in advance"... WHAT?! DUBAI MUNICIPALITY ARE YOU INSANE? IF YOU CAN'T GET ME MY MONEY BACK HOW CAN I PAY YET ANOTHER YEAR UPFRONT WHILST ALREADY LEFT DEEP IN THE RED? I suggest you do the fair thing and terminate contracts once they have run their full period and ensure that no new contracts are signed as from a certain date! This would be a sensible long-term plan to achieving your goals. Above all, this is announced during the Holy month?! Dubai Municipality, thank you for demonstrating to us western expats and the world your spirit of Ramadan in Dubai. Ramadan Kareem.
Posted by :  manimalcruelty      On :  Monday 22 Sep, 2008
 
Actually this is not a new thing to us pinoys staying in Dubai. No one can afford to rent a whole villa or a flat only for his family which rent monthly ranging from 200,000.00 to 400,000.00 annually. So in this case we have only one option but to share the villa or flat to our "kabayans" or countrymen which the Dubai Municipality cannot understand. But check who's raiding this villas who are sharing with a group of people but the same employees from Dubai Municipality who is staying also or sharing also with their group of friends in one villa or flat. It is unfair really but what is this ruling? Can the dubai government look deeply into this and solve the main problem of most expats working dubai. is there any solution on this problem?? please voice out your opinions...before its too late.
Posted by :  bennjude      On :  Monday 22 Sep, 2008
 
I honestly throw my hands up in disbelief at some of the things the decision makers come up with. Yes, rent checks up front, no protection for tenants, cutting things off at the drop of a that wothout warning. It's all these things that will keep the UAE - only a developing country, no matter how hard it tries to be otherwise.
Posted by :  Akasha      On :  Monday 22 Sep, 2008
 
Where do we live that someone has the right to tell us whether to live in a villa or in an apartment?? I agree with many that room sharing within a villa is not right and should be stopped. I respect that we are living in a Muslim country and therefore its not allowed for men and women to share the same accomodation unless they are married. But what is wrong with men or women living together when everybody is having their own room (just for them)?? I have never lived on my own my entire live, I like living with friends, having people around etc. and three people in a villa dont use more water and electricity than three people living in an apartment, still everybody needs to shower, switches on the light and is watching TV. I thought Dubai is growing and becoming a better place and this is surely not in the interest of Dubai's ambition to catch up with the other modern cities.
Posted by :  mattschmidt      On :  Monday 22 Sep, 2008
 
In the near future, we'll all wake up to the possibility of bringing our life to a standstill: doing everything on our own: cooking meals, driving kids to school,heading to work, cleaning the house, teaching kids after school, fixing electrical and plumbing issues,guarding the house while everyone else sleeps..all in a day! -- it's only getting tougher by the day and part of the families will move out - hence, same problem - more foreign remittances...
Posted by :  heady      On :  Monday 22 Sep, 2008
 
Spare us the trash talk coz we all know u and Bhajji both would jump at the oppurtunity of working together for an ad! Bhajji had already shown his character during the IPL...
Posted by :  heady      On :  Monday 22 Sep, 2008
 
"Dubai That Cares" seems to have taken a u-turn and is now turning into "Dubai that Scares. Uncontrolled rent hike, spiralling consumer prices, heavy traffic, and whalla!, unavailability of affordable living. Dubai really is turning its leaf down and seems to prefer keeping its golden theme of everything impossible is here, just like now, impossible living even a decent life with your family. I once went to DREC to check for any possibility of getting a reasonable place to keep my family but was only given the option of either taking a space only designed for the well earners of Dubai, they do not even have a good reason why this government properties do not even include a studio flat on the building design plus you are opted a take it leave it option! This is New Dubai's way of sharing Ramadan to all of us. I just do hope that by Eid is still have a roof above my head to share with my ever loving child and wife... This is, I know for sure is you should care!
Posted by :  realmacoi      On :  Monday 22 Sep, 2008
 
The argument for why people should not share a villa is just ridiculous: This adds pressure on the service amenities like water, electricity and sewage leading to health and environment problems. What is the difference to the environment between 5 people living together and a family living together. Why not just tell the truth that this is another way to get people out of the villas to occupy all the empty flats.
Posted by :  obelnielsen      On :  Monday 22 Sep, 2008
 
My heart goes out to the relatives of the two Indians who died in this fire and I sincerely hope the family will get money from the firm, for which they worked.
Posted by :  obelnielsen      On :  Monday 22 Sep, 2008
 
Well what do you expect when you treat people like slaves ?
Posted by :  obelnielsen      On :  Monday 22 Sep, 2008
 
I know already people who have shifted from Rashidiya to other places are suffering due to skyrocketing rent. Why not Government allocate a dedicated place with more housing, where anybody who wants to share with other families or friends can move in there? by which the UAE residents would be more happier and can lead a stressless life. Not only that, I dont think Government will be happy to note that their residents who have lived here for a long time are going back to their countries because of lack of proper housing facilities in UAE. Please accommodate the people who have come to settle here with a belief that this country would take care of them by allocating a proper cheaper accommodation. 
Posted by :  nvraju      On :  Monday 22 Sep, 2008
 
And, some, you may know, they stop at the middle of the highway to chat with another on another car on the another side of the road, even if they know there are cars waiting behind.
Posted by :  jibmaxatnewroad      On :  Tuesday 23 Sep, 2008
 
Probably, a deeper question is, who in the metro though prefers sharing a minute space as opposed to living in privacy? Evicting residents because of probable health and environmental problems i guess is superficial and careless. I am not used to this setup of sharing; I had my own room with all facilities, carpeted, and the fact is, I don't even sleep there; I sleep in the living room. Until I got here; I was surprised to see beds all over; no living rooms; no dining areas; etc; Nevertheless, it's a reality that everyone also bear; And, to make it worse...in fact, is their rule; It's their country. If we don't want to abide by their rules, then we can leave; no one is forcing us to stay...after all, why would we tolerate the pains of living here when all that we are getting is going to our expenses? Think again.
Posted by :  jibmaxatnewroad      On :  Tuesday 23 Sep, 2008
 
As an American and a Ryder Cup fan I understand the bad behavior argument and agree it does not belong on a golf course. Good point. Unfortunatly, it's on both sides. I was at the K Club...where you by any chance (not being sarcastic)? The behavior of the European fans was terrible, no different than the US fans. Sorry, I was at both events and viewed this first hand. From a quality of golf perspective, that was a great ryder cup. Great play on both sides...talk to you in 2 years. As far your other comments, I'm from America, freedom of speech baby.
Posted by :  nicefellow      On :  Tuesday 23 Sep, 2008
 
What will happen to us? Isn't it already hard to look for a job that will give us a better salary and now this? Are they not considerate enough to us? Honestly, my salary cannot even survive a month in Dubai and now this?
Posted by :  Siggy      On :  Tuesday 23 Sep, 2008
 
2 days for Eid and 2 days for the weekend. Yea!
Posted by :  harding_jj      On :  Tuesday 23 Sep, 2008
 
I am satying in a studio in a villa where only families are staying separately in different studios attached. Neither of the family is sharing their rooms with anybosy else. But there are 8 rooms in the same villa, all are separated as different studios. Will my room come under eviction category?
Posted by :  Jdubai2007      On :  Tuesday 23 Sep, 2008
 
Isnt it a little late for this article considering ramadan started 23 days ago????
Posted by :  rigadon      On :  Tuesday 23 Sep, 2008
 
I really dont understand this new rules of Dubai. It's ridiculous!!! What are you thinking DM officials? Do you think our salaries can afford your high rentals apartment? Do you now how much salaries we're earning now? You should think about it 100x before implementing this rule...and you should also provide us low cost housing!!!You care about the environment but do you care about the people living here?!?
Posted by :  fairmiss      On :  Tuesday 23 Sep, 2008
 

Nice Eid Gift from Dubai Government. When they will stop these unilateral decisions. Are not there other Problems which UAE has to solve 1. I have been reading Salik is a failure 2. The meltdown in Dubai and Abudhabi Financial markets. 3. Allegations of shady dealings in Tamweel etc 4. Public Transport in Dubai is a shame. More buses need to be added and they need to run on time. 5. Price Control is almost non-existent. 6. Employers openly flout the rules by cheating the employees in various ways and other breaches. 7. There are people of non-immigrant class behaving in a way unbefitting Muslim culture in public places. 8. Prostitutes hanging around in Public places such as Naif and Rigga Roads. 9. Leaking High-priced Properties when there is rain for even one hour 10. Flooded roads when there is rain for even one hour 11. The Greedy agents who are manipulating the Property rents and prices. 12. Schools who overcharge and provide poor service. And many more first solve the above problems and then DM can start "punishing" the people who are working for the development of this country for peanuts.

Posted by :  siddique_d      On :  Tuesday 23 Sep, 2008
 
My husband is a college teach in Knowledge Village. Yesterday, one of his students received a devastating phone call in the middle of class: her father was killed in an accident in the Iftar rush. He was in a safe car, a BMW, and yet a speeding Nissan Patrol that ran a red light at over 140km/h slammed into him, killing him on the spot. My thoughts are with her and her family at this horrible time. Just last year, a Landcruiser with an Abu Dhabi numberplate ran a red light at high speed and narrowly missed me by a few inches... Since that day, I simply refuse to drive on the UAE's roads 30min before and 30min after Iftar time. The way people behave is horrible.
Posted by :  ZeTallGerman      On :  Tuesday 23 Sep, 2008
 
Most of my friends and acquaintances (aged between 25 and 35) live in shared villas in Dubai, simply because living alone is unaffordable. They are from the UK, Australia, Germany, Austria, South Africa, India, America and Switzerland. Some of them pay between 4,000 and 6,000 Dirhams per month for a ROOM, shared bathroom and shared common areas of a villa in Al Barsha, Umm Suqeim, Jumeirah, Al Quoz or Mirdif. Some officials where stating that "if you are a Western expatriate professional in Dubai, you should be able to afford housing." Let's see: with a salary of 11,000 (personal assistant) or 14,000 (UK trained dental hygienist / nurse) per month, what are the options? A studio apartment (a box with a bathroom, as I call it) already costs around 70,000 a year. And 1 bedroom apartments? 90,000 and upwards. So, let's calculate. Dhs 70,000 rent divided by 12 months = 5,833 Dirhams rent per month. Salary of Dhs 11,000 minus 5,833 = 5,167. Minus DEWA (approx. 500 a month) = 4,667. Minus car loan (approx. 2,000 a month) = 2,667. Minus mobile phone bill (approx. 150 a month) = 2,517. Minus groceries, food & drink, etc. (approx. 1,500) = 1,017. Minus petrol, medications, various other expenses (approx. 800) = 217 Dirhams. And that's just the bare minimum that one requires with a low-to-medium lifestyle. Let's not even think about if you have any financial obligations in your home country. This is without going out for lavish dinners, shopping for new clothes, taking weekend trips to Oman, or any unexpected costs like car maintenance bills, medical emergencies, etc. Oh! What about savings? Well, seems that's also a "luxury" that isn't possible for most in this case. I moved out of Dubai long ago, to a little-known emirate that shall remain my secret for cheap rent...
Posted by :  ZeTallGerman      On :  Tuesday 23 Sep, 2008
 
As expected the Americans over here are sticking up for their compatriot's behaviour & countering with fabrication aka "nicefellow"'s comment re K Club. If you were truly there you would have seen that the behaviour by Europeans, though boisterous was absolutely and categorically nothing like the behaviour of the American fans. I, like I suspect many others, found myself muting the sound on my TV when 2 or 3 of the American players, without any apparent knowledge of golf etiquette, incited the crowd to make loud, uncouth sounds. It's sad to say but, maybe a neutral venue would be a good idea for the Ryder cup in the future......
Posted by :  eddy657      On :  Tuesday 23 Sep, 2008
 
Great idea. Shame it's at the end of Ramadan. So much for the month of consideration for others and reflection. People drive like idiots at this time, with zero consideration for anyone else.
Posted by :  Akasha      On :  Tuesday 23 Sep, 2008
 
Although if you actually go to the Municipality website it states, '...in order to prohibit labour and bachelor accommodation as well as multi-family housing in the residential districts.' That says nothing whatsoever about single people sharing, just families.
Posted by :  Akasha      On :  Tuesday 23 Sep, 2008
 
Where is the low cost housing alternative?
Posted by :  7 days fan      On :  Tuesday 23 Sep, 2008
 
Why just during Ramadan? This campaign should be all year round.
Posted by :  Habibi      On :  Tuesday 23 Sep, 2008
 
It is up to Dubai government to do whatever they want. However, we'd like to highlight the implication that such action will increase the cost of living significantly, hence the cost of doing business here. Expats and companies will look for somewhere else to work and do business where the income and expense ratio are more make sense. Other solution that make sense to keep Dubai attractive is by controlling rental price of flats. If flats are affordable to rent, nobody would like to share a villa anymore.
Posted by :  eastmancodec      On :  Tuesday 23 Sep, 2008
 
DM, Please give us an option or alternative for a low cost housing. With all the prices soaring high its impossible for us to find a decent living here in dubai take note a studio flat cost 60 to 85k plus 5% deposit and 5% commsn. Then, if you have an income of 4.5k/mo. do you think we can afford that I doubt it?
Posted by :  HELPLESS      On :  Tuesday 23 Sep, 2008
 
Hopeful What is really happening in Dubai now? I was bombarded with the news concerning on a month notice to leave for everyone’s on a shared accommodations in Villas. I would say Dubai is not a livable state anymore or should I say it wasn’t anyway. From Salik toll fees, high house rental, expensive food, RTA set of laws, and a lot more to mention, people at the moment live with no choice but to squeeze and doubly cut monthly budget only to cope up and survive. But what will happen then to those who’s earning below the current rental rates (like below 4000)? Where is the justice for them? How will they suppose to live? In the streets? Or I am guessing for those who can’t afford to pay for a home, they would just pack up things, live this country and go back home forgetting all the dreams/promises for their families that was thought to be found here in Dubai. I don’t want to live into a conclusion that Dubai is only for those who can afford to live--- only for those who have millions and billions, only for those elite as there will be no more room for small and average people. But still, I am hopeful that Dubai should have a kind of governance that protects lives regardless of nationality and offer a space to breathe in from such disruptive regulations. Thanks by the way to 7days for always being transparent to the public.
Posted by :  gie82      On :  Tuesday 23 Sep, 2008
 
I think what Andy meant was that the booing was uncalled for and not in the spirit of the game of golf from the Americans. One does not applaud a bad shot or missed putt of the competiting team and frankly it is bad etiquette. I personally thought some of the American players were over the top and embarrassing to watch with all the fist pumping and crowd inciting. I hope at next year's Ryder Cup the hosting Europeans will show them how they should behave.
Posted by :  Habibi      On :  Tuesday 23 Sep, 2008
 
Increasing the fines won't help because fast drivers either don't care or know where the cameras are. Taxi drivers are not trained properly and many people just don't care about the consequences.so that leaves the average person who has to live through the nightmare everyday.
Posted by :  walnut      On :  Tuesday 23 Sep, 2008
 
I agree with you but let's be honest here, is he the only 'leader' who has done this and is now at the UN?If he was unwanted in the world would he still be in power?it's a messed up world we live in.
Posted by :  walnut      On :  Tuesday 23 Sep, 2008
 
I do understand that DM has their plans and reasons in doing so. I just hope that when they tell people not to eat apple make sure that there are grapes on the table. Give us realistic alternatives!!
Posted by :  pinoy_in_dubai      On :  Tuesday 23 Sep, 2008
 
So being in the Olympics makes something a worldwide sport does it?? Err...like golf??? Which also isnt in the Olympics. Ahmed.....read your posts before clicking "submit"
Posted by :  brownie      On :  Wednesday 24 Sep, 2008
 
they never follow the 1 month notice. of course, anyone who is evicted and cut off power before the notice ends would definitely move out and take whatever is there available, even sacrificing living in an unhealthy environment, jeopardising safety, life, work and education. and they never take note of how hot the weather is. So much for unfriendly Dubai
Posted by :  carla varela      On :  Wednesday 24 Sep, 2008
 
They just cut power off.. it happened to me so many a times in a span of 4 months. And I have been moving around thrice. Now with this crappy law, I will have to move again... that counts every month. They said there are room type accommodations that Nakheel is building. But good god, did they even think how far it is from the city? Dubai waterfront area, Jebel Ali, how would a person who works in Deira for example go to and from work? specially those that are just communiting?! with the poor transportation system in the country and very rude behaviours of drivers even cabbies, poor people working decently in this country will forever be poor. they don't even think that these low income residents makes up of what dubai is. Majority of people in Dubai go home past dinner time and wakes up early for work due to distance of home and workplace. a very unhealthy lifestyle. So much for the beautiful facade behind Dubai.
Posted by :  carla varela      On :  Wednesday 24 Sep, 2008
 
Why doesn't everyone bombard the municipality with emails and phone calls, to express their opinion, seeing as we are all in the same boat.
Posted by :  Akasha      On :  Wednesday 24 Sep, 2008
 
I just want to know where is the Human Rights Commission? Something somewhere is wrong in Dubai. It is hightime the President and Vice President of UAE intervene and stop these inhuman acts carried out by the Officials.
Posted by :  siddique_d      On :  Wednesday 24 Sep, 2008
 
To Anonymous, it is unbelievable that you buy the foolish argument putforth by DM Officials. Assume theoretically that people who are displaced from the Villas start sharing Flats, Electricity/Water Consumption and usage of civic services will remain the same. Also the way Dubai is projected to develop (in next 10 years atleast), more people will be needed... more people means more electricity, more water, more usage of other civic services. This is just one of the usual messing up- Salik, the Confusion over immigration Medical check-up, Car- Sharing etc. The main aim may be to occupy the Flats/Apartments laying empty.
Posted by :  siddique_d      On :  Wednesday 24 Sep, 2008
 
This morning A lady driving a "Silver Peugeot" - made my anger burst into Hell. What she did while I was driving on my way to work - she was speeding up so fast, cutting my lane amidst on a long cue without even indicating. I got really pissed off and I flashed my lights on her, yet again she wasnt satisfied. She drove back on my right lane, cutting back and forth on my my front cue. To the "Driver" here's my message to you: If you want to commit suicide please don't include myself. If you are trying to prove that you are a better driver amongst the women drivers out there.
Posted by :  Storm      On :  Wednesday 24 Sep, 2008
 
Hi Mr. Marshall pls count me in.. Email me at ortegatahir@yahoo.com
Posted by :  ortegatahir      On :  Wednesday 24 Sep, 2008
 
can sum1 explain if this 50 billion will be produced to ease teh credit crunch...50 billion out of thin air..so that'd mean that over time, the value of uae currency would fall..meaning inflation would rise beyond the official 13 %...????? can any finance dude confirm this...?
Posted by :  heady      On :  Wednesday 24 Sep, 2008
 
Then, storm you are as bad as her for the road rage. You need to get therapy aswell - perhaps that is where she was rushing to in her great urgency? We are also only hearing from your point of view - we don't know what you did to p*** her off do we? My advice would be to try and ignore these saddo's around you and take a few chill pills. You could write a story of poor drivers every day in 7days and it would be the same story everyone writes, sadly not much is done to amend this terror to evryone else's day. Instead of flashing your lights tomorrow - flash the most gorgeous smile at the abuser....smile and say thank you.....for nothing! hahaha! Just take care of yourself when you are driving.
Posted by :  antykazza      On :  Wednesday 24 Sep, 2008
 
Well honestly no one can understand this activities to punish the wrong community here once again. Is it to occupy all those empty apartments which no one can easy afford anyhow? Would it then not be better to first increase income for those so people can afford to live the Dubai way of thinking... It is pretty hard to understand the acitivities here in deed and gives sensible thoughts of leaving this area. Who knows what comes next here. It's a pity in deed. If the region only seeks to make a comfy live for the rich... hm then I have concerns it will work out in deed.
Posted by :  frodo_beutlin      On :  Wednesday 24 Sep, 2008
 
Doing the right thing? No Dubai municipality you are not, you are just making a blanket decision without investigation. Many people sharing are within the number of bedrooms in their villas, ie; 5 bedrooms 5 tenants. Overcrowding?
Posted by :  Hadenuf      On :  Thursday 25 Sep, 2008
 
Having worked for an airline i certainly would not want the leftovers from any flight, already several hours old before you even get it. Yuk! And sorry to say i have nearly been killed this past 2 days near festival city at exactly 6.00pm by drivers in large cars with tinted windows driving at around 160 km. wonder where they were going then! If you read the article properly they are not maligning Ramadan at all, only selfish drivers whose only aim is to reach their homes for Iftar whatever the cost to them and other road users, they are the ones maligning Ramadan
Posted by :  Hadenuf      On :  Thursday 25 Sep, 2008
 
We live in Al Nahda area in Sharjah next to the roundabout. Our building has been having a sewage problem for the past three month. It is over flowing and dumping all the raw sewage on the street and at the building entrance.The smell is unbearable and yet nothing has been done about it by Sharjah municipality after we had called on several occations.They said they had fined the building owner but still the sewage has not been fixed.We dont know who's responsible for this - Sharjah municipality or the building owner and until it is resolved our health is on the line !!!
Posted by :  marwan775      On :  Thursday 25 Sep, 2008
 
Once again, DM officials fail to understand the important distinction between an overcrowed unit and one that just has non-families living in it. Why shouldn't 3 batchelors be able to share a 3 bedroom villa, for example? Or two families of three share a villa designed for a six-person household? If the authorities were really concerned about health and safety risk they would be applying their efforts equally to overcrowded apartment buildings. A radical solution to the housing problem is needed - perhaps the government could buy up some of the vacant apartment blocks around Dubai and lease them at reasonable rent to the families that are being evicted?
Posted by :  r_k_c      On :  Thursday 25 Sep, 2008
 
The reality is, whether anyone wants to admit it or not,owners want to charge more money for villas & flats.There's always some excuse. One minute they're getting rid of bachelors, next it's famiilies. UAE's getting richer on the backs of the poor. Sad and shameful. People will leave,who cares? Do you?
Posted by :  chrisinuae      On :  Thursday 25 Sep, 2008
 
Smuggling it OUT of dubai??!? Interesting..
Posted by :  Jade      On :  Thursday 25 Sep, 2008
 
It is easy to wake a person who is really sleeping. Not so with a person who is pretending to be asleep.
Posted by :  siddique_d      On :  Thursday 25 Sep, 2008
 
Yes, I am sure Dubai Municipality is doing the right thing. After all, everyone appreciates their own living space instead of having to share it; especially with complete strangers. Although, such immediate and rather extreme steps would make sense only if there was alternative affordable accommodation available. As one of the readers has mentioned in their comments: there is a difference between over-crowding and sharing living space. The incident which apparently sparked this campaign off is a one-off thing. It could easily have happened(God forbid) in a family home!! Was it a direct result of accommodation being shared? Moreover, it is ironic that 'over-crowded' villas are a concern, but the standard of living at labour camps is acceptable? Without being in any way prejudiced, I think it is safe to say that the unskilled labour force is perhaps more likely to have any trouble break out amongst them, resulting in damage to property. Educated people know better, and adhere to general safety standards; more for their own well-being than anything else. So why come down hard on perfectly decent people living in perfect harmony, sharing a villa or apartment? Most of them have enough to worry about (especially financially) without things like this adding to it all!
Posted by :  Indian Dragon      On :  Thursday 25 Sep, 2008
 
This is not fair. Dubai expects the foreigners to give all the services available to make this country a better place and in the meantime, the municipality is doing a fantastic job mentally disorientating the people. how are we supposed to concerntrate and function well in our work place if we have all the stress of becoming homeless in a matter of days and not doing anything hazardous in the workplace. There are consequences to every action. 
Posted by :  mentally disturbed      On :  Thursday 25 Sep, 2008
 
  Another newspaper reported that it is only multiple families sharing a villa that will be evicted, ie: 5 families in a 5 bedroom villa. It clearly stated that the rule does NOT apply to 5 poeple sharing a villa. Check it out people. It just does'nt make sense that the goverment would want to evict the majority of us expats sharing. I share a 3 bedroom apartment in the Marina, it costs 7,000(all incl) p/month. The fact that kind of money cant even get you a 1 bedroom flat is totally crazy, i mean hey I like it here, but believe me Dubai is not the No.1 destination in the world to live in. Rent prices are high because of many various reasons, but one thing is for sure we all know the prices being asked for aprtments/villas are way above what they are worth. But heh if your a landlord with half a dozen properties then life is sweet, who cares eh? Derek, UK
Posted by :  delboard      On :  Thursday 25 Sep, 2008
 
There are a number of facets we need to look at: A 5 B/R villa being occupied by 5 families means there are at least 15 people occupying this villa. Kick them out. The same villa being occupied by 5 people is what it was designed for, so OK. The problem is that 3rd world people see no problem of living in a single room as a family with 1,2,3 or more children, plus maybe extended families. This is unacceptable and I agree with the authorities. I feel sorry for them, but we have to look at the health factors of the surrounding neighbours.
Posted by :  Devils Advocate      On :  Friday 26 Sep, 2008
 
But don't forget that this has really always been the case - the taxi drivers must be making money out of Salik. The maximum you pay in a day is 28 dirhams (I assume this hasn't changed with the new gates opening) so if a taxi driver goes through salik 7 times in a day then every time he goes through after that is 4 dirhams in his pocket! They must have been rubbing their hands with glee waiting for the new gates to open :-) So yes, the logical thing is to not charge taxi drivers which should also encourage more use of public transport like the RTA are supposedly trying to do.
Posted by :  BlueSky      On :  Friday 26 Sep, 2008
 
Re: Salik charged by Taxi Drivers: You are of course correct Rafey Alam, but despite many people calling the RTA nothing is being done either to educate the drivers regarding the charging or indeed as you say not charging Salik to Taxis. So, meanwhile, unless RTA do anything about the problem then do as I do....do not tip any taxi driver who uses this scam. I usually find that by not tipping them they actually lose out by ultimately ending up with less than normal. If we all did this then maybe they would see sense!
Posted by :  eddy657      On :  Friday 26 Sep, 2008
 
I totally agree with the municipality when they justify themselves saying staying in villas is unhygenic and risky. But why are they not justifying the sky rocketing rents. When they make a rule they might as well give a solution to the problem.Lots and lots of buildings coming up,but who is to live in them? Is Dubai becoming a place only for the richie richs? I had been to Marina recently and saw the enormous number of buildings up there. Doesnt the so called municipality think of the low income people suffering in the other end while trying to prove how posh Dubai is. Being a Muslim country I believe more concern should be given to the poor people. GIVE THEM A SOLUTION!
Posted by :  S.KP      On :  Friday 26 Sep, 2008
 
You know what Anty Kazza -It was the first time I had been really angry on the road. Who do you think you are to suggest this to me a Shrink? I guess when you get angry its normal, but what isn't normal is when you feel anger and you smile though.. what kind of human behaviour is it? Ahhh. I know the answer Hypocrites?? And for your information taking pills i.e any type of pills is not healthy on your body --- thus I don't need a shrink like you. Jeeez--- what's wrong with you if you can't have a sympathy on someone else's bad experience, you suggest them to take pills? It sounds really crazy and absurd to me!!
Posted by :  Storm      On :  Friday 26 Sep, 2008
 
So the law should apply for all, at least that would be the right thing. My question is then that all the construction workers, many girls working in nailbars, shops that all are put up in crowded villas, crowded flats, will now get their own and better place to live, also only live with family and that the employers are going to ensure that this happens? According to the Dubai Municipality crowded villas lead to fire accidents and so it will be nice to see, that the workers get better accommodation. Thank you S
Posted by :  obelnielsen      On :  Saturday 27 Sep, 2008
 
u really have to stand in awe of DM...!!
Posted by :  heady      On :  Sunday 28 Sep, 2008
 
hahahahaaha...gud one jade...!!
Posted by :  heady      On :  Sunday 28 Sep, 2008
 
I have been diving in the UAE for the last 5 years and I am appalled at the practice of bilge dumping in the ocean, this is happening on a regular basis on the east coast the main reason this is happing is that the fine for illegal bilge dumping is less than the actual cost of removing the contaminated water from the ships this practice does not just effect divers it affects everyone.
Posted by :  captain nemo       On :  Sunday 28 Sep, 2008
 
Folks, Thanks for bringing this up. For 2 Years of driving here in Dubai - everyday I'm thankful at least that I get home safe and sound. But until the reckless drivers are out here in Dubai roads, deaths won't stop. I honestly think, that these drivers are all suicidal and very desperate of including someone else's on their grave. No matter how safe driver you are, they are always there to screw you. This won't stop and won't be solved by Dubai authorities, until reckless driver's attitude would change - and the only way to change them is abscond them, if its a foreigner or if it's a local put them in jail. No one should get away with this law. Anyway, this country is too crowded for locals against the population of the foreigners. Hence when the population is not controlled the traffic problem arises. For example: no offence with the Indians. The population of the Indians here is way too much than the locals. They think UAE/DUBAI is there home. Their population should be controlled as well as the rest of the other nationalities.
Posted by :  Storm      On :  Sunday 28 Sep, 2008
 
I think the municipality made it quite clear that the rule is one family, one villa. Since there is no occupancy risk associated with 4 professional people sharing a villa, one can only assume the motive behind the rule is a bit more complicated than the stated intention of safety. It seems more to do with social engineering. If you look at the PR output by Dubai, it always shows happy looking european and arab familiies standing in front of villas. Presumably the intention is to try to engineer this by evicting house sharers who don't fit this profile. It seems to suggest very strongly that Dubai has abandoned any pretention to maintaining a good business environment. Low inflation, stable cost base and attractive place to live and work? Dubai? Not any more....
Posted by :  flackie      On :  Sunday 28 Sep, 2008
 
I think it's disgusting that the Municipality cannot catch the guys that are doing this. If members of the public can find out where these guys are dumping sewage at all times of the day then why can't the authorities. What about the guy who was arrested for handing out fake certificates to these people who are dumping their sewage? If there's one book out there, there must be hundreds! What about that little issue? People are getting sick because of the water and no one seems to be doing anything about it other than releasing statements!!! I am completely sceptical that anything will be done in the near future as we have seen no improvement in the recent weeks and the Municipality claim to have know about it for months....no action has been taken! I am greatly saddened that people do not care more about what is happening to the environment around us.
Posted by :  Teagan      On :  Sunday 28 Sep, 2008
 
Finally RTA started renaming numbered streets with real street names. This is common practice all over the world and the first step to establish a real postal delivery system to your door step.
Posted by :  Jebel Ali Baba      On :  Sunday 28 Sep, 2008
 
I sincerely hope that the municipalities motivation for passing laws against villa sharing is genuine; and that they are indeed concerned with health and safety of their residents and not just in pleasing the powerful few. Unfortunately, it seems clear that this is a chain reaction that began when the government imposed rent caps. Landlords can no longer increase their rents more then 5% with their current tenants. Then there is the added "problem" that there are too many vacancies in the big apartment blocks. If landlords evict their tenants from the villas they get more money when they get new tenants, and their buddies who have vacant apartments in the Marina, or International City start to see their occupancy increase on the backs of the working class. What they fail to take into consideration is that the apartments would be full if they were setting the prices at market rate instead of operating as an oligopoly forcing the price of accommodation up for everyone. I think that the policy makers in this country could benefit from an “Introduction to Economics” class. I would believe the health and safety claim if there were not also entire compounds full of families being evicted from their villas in Jumeirah for "renovation." But I do hope that these new laws are about health and safety, and not about money.
Posted by :  It could be worse      On :  Sunday 28 Sep, 2008
 
SICK PERSON .
Posted by :  Errol Dsouza      On :  Monday 29 Sep, 2008
 
Yet no body seems to be leaving UAE....?? Or is it because every one is hoping the other will leave???
Posted by :  The Black Knight      On :  Monday 29 Sep, 2008
 
Always err on the side of caution. If you're not sure, report them. The authorities will verify whether this is legal or not.
Posted by :  The Doctor      On :  Monday 29 Sep, 2008
 
Clumsy bunch these guys are.... why is it always "falling to the ground"/"stumbling" and catching onto the people at inappropriate places at that excuse with these guys?
Posted by :  The Doctor      On :  Monday 29 Sep, 2008
 
I would suggest you ask the European man, who will obviously tell you to mind your own business. Secondly, if you think that someone has taken anything from your property then call the concerned authorities.
Posted by :  andy_uae      On :  Monday 29 Sep, 2008
 
Since did when shopping at a good mall become a VIP experience..!!??
Posted by :  heady      On :  Monday 29 Sep, 2008
 
Wat if it was an accident...? a year in jail + deportation... fair?
Posted by :  heady      On :  Monday 29 Sep, 2008
 
r_k_C, don't worry,,buildings are on the hitlist too...
Posted by :  heady      On :  Monday 29 Sep, 2008
 
In my opinion, it would seem that Dubai is aiming to create an elitist society. They simply don't want to create low-cost housing, rather having a large number of low-paid expats leave. This strategy would mainly cut the number of Indians, Pakistanis and Philipinos. I, myself am British, and do not quite fall into that category, however I am seriously disgusted. Dubai does not aim to become a truly multicultural society such as London's. Like the building of ancient civilizations, Dubai is taking advantage of people where possible, and now implementing a plan to discard of them. I cannot be a part of such a pro-segregation society. Bye bye Dubai. Congratulations to Fareed and 7Days for continuing coverage of such a sensitive issue in the face of a government who have issues with public criticism. You are reading the free press.
Posted by :  manimalcruelty      On :  Monday 29 Sep, 2008
 
A Polygon !
Posted by :  skootch      On :  Tuesday 30 Sep, 2008
 
I don’t se any dilemma on how to solve the problem and curb these practices. Fine the company 100.000Dhs, confiscate the track and deport the driver.Very simple. Put in balance, Tourist Industry or a few irresponsible drivers.
Posted by :  vangel      On :  Tuesday 30 Sep, 2008
 
Heeeelllllooooo... If you make it easier for the waste water tanker drivers to legally empty their loads....have you seen the queue for the guys to wait in - they have to sometimes wait for hours.... look at the core of the problem first - rectify that and life should be sweet again
Posted by :  antykazza      On :  Tuesday 30 Sep, 2008
 
Chris did you also complain about Bambi because the trailer didn't tell you the mother got shot? You must be the only person who didn't know this was a spoof war movie, what exactly were you expecting? For your own safety it's probaby best you stay in your apartment and never leave, heaven forbid that you might see a car accident that the rta didn't announce previously and it upsets your sensitivity...
Posted by :  redsoxnation      On :  Wednesday 1 Oct, 2008
 
I have to disagree and I think it's a case of NOT everybody has the same sense of humor when it comes to different kind of comedies...some won't enjoy it and some will. We found it hilarious..and certainly plenty of other people if you look at what this movie made and the box office..
Posted by :  superwoman      On :  Wednesday 1 Oct, 2008
 
exactly... we have found thru a friend's father in Ajman that we can install a solar panel heating system for the water in our pool, which we will be hopefully installing within the next few weeks. It is relatively inexpensive and we are now wanting to find out about more solar panels for the rest of our property ie A/C's - why has no-one taken the big step of jumping in with both feet and financing a company here to do just this. Sadly, we are not in a position to be able to do this, but anyone thinking about this would make a mint I am sure!
Posted by :  antykazza      On :  Wednesday 1 Oct, 2008
 
Jane Dubai, I fully agree with you. I have been involved in the preparation of a solar project, generating 34MW of solar generated electricity. The problem is that the costs of land due to the real estate developments are sky high and make a project not feasable. If they would consider a normal price for the land the cost price of electricity would be at least at a similar level as the electricity produced by gas or oil. But we rather burn gas and oil then reducing the 'buildable' area in the region.. Money leads, nothing else. Think green means in the region thing "green back" notes, nothing else. Should they think and act different? I think so, in fact there is money enough to develop a green production of electricity. In fact, they can ove produce green electricity to even produce enough sweet water to make the dessert green again.. But who am I... the same like you.. abosrbing the power of money...
Posted by :  Mirdif      On :  Wednesday 1 Oct, 2008
 
Chris you're a Sissi... get yourself a life.
Posted by :  Jebel Ali Baba      On :  Wednesday 1 Oct, 2008
 
I have just spent 8 months in Dubai and spending 6,000 dirhams a month to live in a small room and sharing a bathroom and filthy kitchen in a large villa in Umm Suquiem - I have just recovered back in London where everyone is shocked that I paid that money. I think they think I am exaggerating! Now I have been offered a job - 5,000 dirhams start up for three months and then commission only. Where am I meant to live when and now if I return? I understand islamic views but everyone staying in the villa that I lived in (alone in their rooms) were just fighting for survival and having to put up with a very untrustworthy landlord. How do normal people pay rent a year in advance on a flat or home? Where are all these people living in villas now meant to move too? I was horrified at 'bed space' being offered for rent. What dignity does that allow people.
Posted by :  nonie      On :  Thursday 2 Oct, 2008
 
We had RSVP at Atlantis last Saturday. Upon arriving at the Hotel we were stopped b4 the entrance and told the valet was quite busy and we would wait 1hr to get the car when we leave. The other option they gave was to park at the waterpark and take a shuttle bus, which is what we did. Nice atmosphere in the Seafire restaurant but we were very disappointed with the service. We ordered filet steaks and side dishes. Our wait was a bit long considering the tables were at most 1/2 full, but when our order finally arrived we had wrong sides so we sent them back. We began our steaks, which didn't look like filets but anyways, they were not done as we ordered. No huge problem, but that's when I thought maybe we were given someone else's more expensive steaks (they didn't look like filets). Such a time passed b4 our proper sides arrived that we'd already eaten our steaks so we sent those back & asked for an adjustment to our bill. In the meantime no one came to ask how our meal was. Same when we wanted to asked for our bill we waited quite a while and ended up grabbing the first waiter that passed by. This is when we noticed that as other diners arrived at their tables, they were given a bread basket. Where was ours? When the waiter finally came back with our bill, sure enough our side dishes had not been deducted. I also asked about our bread basket, if they should have been given, he agreed and apologized. Not usually a big deal, but pretty poor service on top of everything else. My last comment is not to order the clam chowder as it had alot of veggies but absolutely NO CLAMS! Nuff said.
Posted by :  MiAah      On :  Thursday 2 Oct, 2008
 
Solange Knowles also has a rude attitude that her big sis doesn't have. She needs to be more humble, gracious and grateful as this could prove to be a detriment to her career if she doesn't tone that down. She is after all riding the coat-tails of her sister's success. Good luck and all the success to her though. Check out an old song by her on youtube called "Feelin' You", it's da bomb!
Posted by :  MiAah      On :  Thursday 2 Oct, 2008
 
©2007 Al Sidra Media LLC
home -  news -  business -  sports -  metrolife -  your7DAYS -  videos -  photos -  advertise -  register -  competition -  site map -  contact us