STATION DUBAI

Setting up a home far away from your roots is not so easy. Binding with new people, a distinct culture, a totally diverse ambience becomes a task for most of the people.

Dubai is one of the seven emirates and one of the most sought after state in the United Arab Emirates. It is said to have the largest population and ranks second in terms of area after the Capital Abu Dhabi. Know for its lavish and generous lifestyle, this is one of the main reasons which attract people to this city. The quality of life achievable in Dubai is unique. Though a slightly expensive cost of living, its appropriate standard of living and innumerable facilities available, this cultural hub has attracted numerous expatriates. Attractive amenities, entertainment facilities as well as accommodation facilities the city is surely creating a buzz among all. The emirate is known for it nightlife, people making their ways to discos and pubs to have an enthralling evening.

Speaking about culture, Dubai is known for its very popular and authentic Arab food which is available in every corner of the city, from small shawarama stalls on streets to big Lebanese restaurants. Arabic is the official language of the country but due to the increasing number of cosmopolitan residents it has become multilingual now.

The economy of the city is more concentrated towards the service sectors and businesses offering everything from banking to telecommunications. Industrialization and trading is also highly encouraged in Dubai’s economy.
Today Dubai is one of the most popular overseas locations for expatriate professionals seeking employment opportunities in this, the fastest growing, most exciting tax free destination in the world. www.shelteroffshore.com
Middle class families constitute an outsized population of Dubai. High rental inflation and falling real interest rates are the main reasons why any middle class family that plans to stay in Dubai for more than three years should be buying a home. What does one need in their kind of a home? Indeed a home which fits the bill, as well as makes them content with their choice.

As mentioned earlier, Dubai being more of a sophisticated region, was thought to be a place to reside for the elite population, but with the increase in projects undertaken to build homes for the majority of middle class, they don’t seem to lag far behind. Living in Dubai is a lot more than knowing about its exclusive properties, its tourist attractions and numerous shopping complexes. So here is how setting up a home and living in Dubai can be.

ACCOMODATION IN THE CITY
Your first thought when considering about shifting is to find an appropriate accommodation to live in. so if you are in a fix there are a whole lot of companies advertising about accommodations in classified section of newspapers, properties section and many other local newspapers that offer all these. From studio flats to two bedroom homes to luxury apartments and villas, one can look out for everything in them. To- Let boards with hanging outside building makes it simpler for those looking out for flats.

REAL ESTATE AGENTS
If the above does not turn out to be of great help, it is ideal to go consult a real estate agent.

MODES OF MOVING AROUND IN THE CITY
If you are new to the city, and are totally unaware of where to head to, the best option for you would be to sit into the local taxi’s and just inform the driver about the address. Besides that RTA ( Road and Transport Authority) have public buses for commuters who have to commute to on fro on a daily basis. Now with the introduction of the Dubai Metro, one does not need to fight the heavy traffic and can reach their destination in minutes. Just get a NOL card swipe it through and get into your metro. An additional benefit of the NOL card being that it can also be used while travelling in the public buses. This is very handy for those not having a car. www.rta.ae

SETTING UP OF A HOME
Nowadays one does not need to spend too much on furnishing their apartments. With many things coming built in with the flat you buy, people can consider buying things which were even slightly above their budget. For instance, kitchens come with a built in stove and storage cabinets, and bedrooms as well come with large storage closets, thus one can eliminate the idea of buying cupboards. Keeping these factors in mind furnishing should be done thus counting on the budget. As here we are considering a middle class family, if purchasing new furniture calls for trouble then they can always consider the option of using second hand furniture, for which they can look out in classifieds or online. www.emirates-ads.ae

GETTING JOBS
No personal taxes levied against income from employment is one of the reasons working for someone constituting a middle class is advisable. Industries advancing and booming in the city. Looking at the city’s job prospectus one is likely to enjoy an excellent working environment with modernized equipments, spacious as well as comfortable offices and a lot more. Jobs in the field of tourism, IT, financial services and a lot more is surely promising. The educational standards are definitely better than in most other schools around the world, just as the medical facilities available in Dubai are some of the best in the world as well. www.gnads4u.com

So one needs to be acquainted with the following and besides fetching them a good home, they can live quite a serene life in the emirate.

INTERNET PIRACY- A SIGN OF THREAT

Internet piracy is on a high now today and the illegal copying or distributing of unauthorized software’s has spread like a disease. The wrong doers use internet for most of their unofficial operations which include advertising, downloading and distribution of pirated software. Piracy is robbery and those engaged in doing so are thieves and nothing else.

Piracy is the primary reason for a lot of suffering in the entertainment industry. A crash in the sales of the music as well as movie records is because the availability of the same digital quality, picture quality and sound of movies in the internet. The need of original copy had declined due to the strong threshold of piracy.

Piracy is chiefly a problem for the entertainment and software industries, and therefore piracy most often involves violations of copyright law. Copyright is a legal right that protects all kind of work works from being reproduced or circulated without permission of the copyright owner. Teenagers today have largely engaged themselves in this act of crime thus causing a major threat to the entertainment industry.

According to Richa Kikla, “I don’t find any harm in downloading materials from software, contrary to it I feel if its there for one why not make the best use of it.

“The problem of Internet piracy did not gain national attention until Napster( a website to download) gained an enormous following in the 90’s.”
Companies make best use of this illegal software as they consider it useful for their firm profits as it cuts down on costs.

The government has tried and taken stringent actions to bring a stop to this internet piracy which is hogging the system. People have taken it for granted at not come in terms with reality that illegal piracy can be a threat to the society.

ARE YOU VICTIM TO THIS FINANCIAL CRUNCH!!

The global economic crisis today has hit the country very hard, its effects yet prevailing. Its unbelievable how this catastrophe has influenced the lives of many, just as how disastrous life would be after the come and go of a severe epidemic. Countless expats loosing their jobs or being pushed to a position lower, prices of innumerable commodities hiking up, office assignments being left incomplete due to the lack of funds available, job markets being hit rapidly and several other reasons has made life hell for people .

Abdullah Anas, is one person with a heart melting story about how his life took an indefinite turn, due to nothing else but this “recession”. I had a very flourishing job routine working as a senior security officer at the “Adlibs International”, he says. Working at the same post for nearly 4 years, felt great and I had no complaints.

Anas Abdullah

(Photo credits: Mrudvi Bakshi)

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Least was I treated as a security officer, as besides looking at the safety of the company I was assigned certain menial tasks pertaining to the company, be it handling of company records or delivering handbooks. Even the smallest task filled in a sense of satisfaction in me and thus made me feel homely.

My salary was good too, adequate enough to send across to my family of a wife and two children back in Bangalore. I had friends and relatives working in better positions than me, but that never seemed to be a let off, he says. Adlibs was like second home to me, the honor which I received there, was more than I deserved, truly.

In his room

Photo credits: Mrudvi Bakshi

Life seemed beautiful, until came the horrifying day, 2^nd July 2009. For me it was another refreshing morning and another day of hectic work, says Anas. If not mistaken, it was around 11 in the morning, when my boss came up to me, took me aside and told me that it was time I pack my bags. At first I dint know what he meant, but with my boss repeating the same line again and again started living the reality, that I was actually fired.

In his kitchen

Photo credits: Mrudvi Bakshi

Emotionally head bent, Anas said, “this was slightest expected, as I was said to be the most efficient with my job and all I get to hear at the end of four years of loyal service is “we cannot afford to keep you in service”. I was shattered that day, why me? Why had I to be hit by this global crisis? Life felt so unfair to me…

Ta Talking to Anas I felt, he had so much agony within himself, there was so much he wanted to let out, but there was no point in doing so. Every morning he would get up shocked, reeling in the nightmare which has been clinging onto him since the past three months.

Anas with another watchman
Photo credits: Mrudvi Bakshi

It’s been nearly three months since he had lost his job and now is working as a night duty watchman in an old and tattered two storied building in Meena Bazaar, Bur Dubai. "My income is as good for my survival and nothing more.I have a small congested apartment which I share with my fellow watchman, totally contrast to the one I had during my previous job. My older son had to drop out from school as my income is not enough to educate the two." I don't intend on sticking to this job, as day and night I am still looking out for a job eligble to what I have qualified for.

At his desk
Photo credits: Mrudvi Bakshi

With a heavy heart Anas says, I m learning to accept the truth and am moving on. I do no expect to get my job back, but something better off than what I am doing is surely expected. Everyone in life has there share of ups and downs, today it was Abdullah Anas, tomorrow it might be one of us. Accept each passing day as a challenge and live to the fullest.

QUIRKY OPINIONS

It may sound very cheesy but have you ever heard or as a matter of fact seen anyone frantically collecting Baskin Robbins spoons? It’s got a pretty pink color tinted over it, she says. A compilation nearing four dozen seems like madness. Well it may sound like a collection of an 8year old, but this is what I happened to discover when I stepped into Radha Maheshwari’s house, a 40 year old house-wife.

Being an artist, Radha fancies gathering pista shells, she says; “Invariable craft designs can be created by these tiny shells, leading to stunning creations, so why not be environment friendly and reuse them.” Her son Pushkar on the other hand says; “People knowing this consider it rather weird, but this has been a very old habit of mine to collect used match boxes of different sizes and shapes and fill them with used postage stamps.”

On my way out of Radha’s house, I was amazed to see curd cups sequentially arranged on her window pane and before I could question her about it, her pat answer to it was; “there is nothing better than these mini plastic curd cups to store menial amounts of liquid soap thus avoiding wastage during washing.” I wonder why my mom never thought of such money cutback techniques.

Harsha Bhatia, a housewife is another person I came across who held the passion of recycling and using waste materials,” From quite a few years I have got this obsession for ice-cream boxes and really consider them the best for storage purpose, so whether I eat the ice-cream or not I am certain about the boxes being preserved. My daughter, she says; has a jar filled to the brim with coke bottle lids, and she uses them to play hop scotch with her friends.

Sumiya Hussain, a housewife as well says during this holy month of Ramadan as we cook food prior to the fast, storing becomes a must, and something one cannot do without, so milk cans being very strong and durable comes in handy especially to store liquids.

Be it Pringles cans or ice-cream sticks there is no stop to this flowing creativity. Quirks are countless and their lovers as well. So what is your quirky opinion?

RECYCLING- STEPPING FURTHER INTO REALITY

Recycling is one of the most convenient and easiest way in which an individual could be of certain help in accomplishing a more green and prosperous planet. When we recycle, used materials can be suitably converted into new products thus decreasing the need to utilize the new resources which is very environmental friendly and if not, new products is persistently extracted using various harmful techniques causing a major threat to the environment.

I personally believe in the notion of recycling and its benefits, but till date haven’t contributed to the cause. Diverting to UAE business, I feel they are dynamically participating in creating a better environment to live in thus transforming the myths in mind of people to a distinct reality.

When asked to Kathreen Julina, who worked as an intern with Tejari FZ LLC says; “we had this paper shredding machine which was especially meant for confidential papers, that were shredded once a paper was passed through after which it was all together sent for recycling”.

Schneider Electric, a French multinational company working towards creating energy saving products also follows a parallel method of recycling, the company also having a machine which stack papers after which it is also send for recycling.

Asit Parind, Product Manager at Grundfos says; “our company deals with pumps, so our recycling does start from there itself, where we recycle old, used pumps as well as spare parts and damaged components.”

Recycling is a very important term used today in waste management, and how can one forget the 3R’s which is Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

Restaurants across UAE nowadays have gone a step further with recycling material such as the disposable cups, spoons as well as plates. Raj Thakur, Director of Hospitality at Al Amry Group,managing Hotels and Restaurants believes in having recycle bins to recycle soft drink cans. “I am putting forward my best, and hope I get a positive feedback.”

RTA( Road and Transport Authority) initiated recycling campaigns also taking a stance to stop unnecessary wastage. At every RTA station there are three separate bins, one being for bottles and cans, second one for paper and the third one for plastics. This action hopes to bring about regulation among the population of UAE.

So to my opinion and looking at the increasing participation of individuals and groups recycling has transformed from a myth to reality, and the vision of a triumph over pollution and other non-degradable materials is not far fetched.

THE GRAND LAUNCH

THE GRAND LAUNCH

Microsoft

Photo credits: Mrudvi Bakshi

On the 17the of October gitex, commenced this year as well and has indeed created the much anticipated buzz. Gitex shopper and Consumer Electronics Expo is one of the most awaited events in terms of technology. Known as the chief technological event for sellers and distributors, Gitex has come about with a grand launch of new products, great price reductions on the existing ones and a unique deal on various products.

Offering choice, quality and value for money in the areas of gaming, entertainment, digital mobility, consumer electronics and a lot more, Gitex is surely the place to head to. This hottest gadget sales event promised its costumers, a week of action packed shopping.

I made my way to the Airport Expo on the 23rd of October, the second last day of the massive exhibition. Fighting my way through the traffic on my way to the Expo as well as the immense crowd the moment I reached there, I managed to get through into the huge exhibition hall.
From stalls displaying various brands of electronics, to enormous hoardings of new products, to breathtaking deals on existing products, what more could one possibly ask for?

Talking about new launches, my prime reason to visit Gitex, was the much talked about launch of a brand new software by Microsoft, called Windows7. It looked like Microsoft had put in a great deal of time and money in their effort to get out best results through their launch.

Record TV on your PC with Microsoft

Photo credits: Mrudvi Bakshi

Billboards such as “more reliable and responsive”, “new ways to personalize your PC” seemed to attract shoppers more and the response seemed enthralling. It looked like I had many followers, making it to the Gitex wanting to know about the new software that was in the market. Windows 7 claims to be much faster, and it’s an improvised version of Windows Vista. Its new format, easy access and reliability make it superior than Vistas. This was according to many consumers at the Gitex.

Yes, indeed Window7 is the reason why I was here yesterday, says Shyam, shopper at Gitex. I was totally let down by Microsoft’s previous launch Vista, but looking at the whole new range offered by their current software, I am thoroughly impressed and have already got it installed. It is very good as it avoids any jam with other programs, its unique and new features has made it more preferable.

With exhibitors detailing consumers about the Windows, with the help of numerous brochures, pamphlets, and flyers Microsoft looked to redeem itself with Windows 7.

Sowmya and Sasha, promoters for Microsoft say, “No ones here to buy anything, its just the software that’s got them here. 70% of the customers using Vistas are keen on using the 7. The Vista was such a disaster that people had to consider using Apples’ MAC. Well our job is getting tough as shoppers are just clogging around the Microsoft stands.

Promoters for Microsoft

Photo credits: Mrudvi Bakshi
The new software certainly was a crowd puller. Gitex being the largest avenue of electronics shopper, every year has something new to propose to its customers, this time Windows 7 being the one.

THE SPOT OF CULTURE

The spot of culture in its different types

Photo credits: Mrudvi Bakshi

Every society is bestowed with a unique culture and tradition, which binds them with the other members who form the community. The essence of any country lies in its culture, its people and its traditions. From Arab ladies wearing naqabs to Muslim girls wearing scarf’s to Hindu’s wearing religious pendants, it’s all a reflection of its great authenticity.
Indians form the most predominant population of the U.A.E, and hence the customs they follow are equally widespread.

It is in human nature to interpret and hence make an understanding of what we see, but has anyone ever realized of those minute things which speaks volumes.
I was just walking past the crowded streets of Meena Bazaar, just a day before the auspicious Diwali festival. Shops were bustling with female shoppers, mostly ladies, shops beaming with boards of sale, people dressed in their best of ethnic clothes. It looked like everyone was taken over by the festive spirit.

As a regular shopper I was also making my way to the best shop-Poshak in the street of the Bazaar, when I happened to notice one thing which one would be expected least to observe. Ladies beautifully dressed, were flashing bright and attractive “bindis”. From plain black bindis to stone studded bindis, the variety was far beyond imagination. Traditionally bindi is a dot of red color applied in the center of the forehead close to the eyebrows. It has been a decorative item and today is no longer restricted to any shape or color and is a visually captivating form of body decoration.

This showed that women even in the U.A.E though miles away from their homes still preserve and respect their culture despite the odds of it being an Arab driven society.
I am wearing bindi from my childhood, says Vimla Shanmugam a Tamilan. We were told that wearing bindi’s everyday will fetch you a good husband in the future, and so it is indeed compulsory.

Seeing the increasing demand of designer bindi’s, shops do not loose out on an opportunity to profit from this situation. Raj, salesman at Roopam says, “Designer bindi’s imported from India come at 70 Rs each. We sell it at Dhs 10, making a profit of Dhs 3 for ourselves,”
Bindis earlier were worn to signify age, marital status, ethnicity and religious background, and to my surprise ladies still believe in wearing it holding the same notion. The vermilion traditionally know as bindi is also called ‘ sindoor’.

After marriage it becomes a must to wear it, as sindoor is the binding factor of the institution of marriage and is for long life of our husaband.” says Padma, a housewife.

Photo credits: Mrudvi Bakshi

Vijay profits from selling bindis We all know that bindi’s is a flourishing business back in India, especially Mumbai, and what we get here is nothing but the best of Mumbai. Well but I came across a shop which sold bindi’s imported to them from China as well. “White stone bindi’s is what we get from China, and sincerely speaking they are highly in demand. So we have no complaints”, says Vijay of Pretty Fashions.

Radhakrishnan, Madhu textiles and accessories
Photo credits: Mrudvi Bakshi

For Radhakrishnan, at Madhu accessories,selling bindi’s is not so thriving. “We have old stocks of bindi’s lying in our shop as we have less than a

handful of customers in a day. The reason being we are the only shop not selling designer bindi’s and keeping plain ones worn mostly on a daily basis.
Talking to shopkeepers and women, I came to realize how noteworthy this one dot could be, its significance larger than its structure.