It is soon going to be compulsory to have an ID card to access the internet from public locations such as cafes and shopping malls. This move is intended to protect children and prevent cyber crime.
This highlights the growing importance of having an ID card in the near future. Expats who don’t have an ID card as yet, have until the end of 2010 to apply for it.
For more information on the application process and fees, click here.
It seems like etisalat users will have to endure the incredibly slow internet connection until the end of this week. It has been about 2 weeks since it was announced that etisalat internet connection had been hit by a cable damage and this is the second time the repair date has been delayed. They have now said that due to bad weather they expect to have it repaired by April 30. Meanwhile for internet users it feels like this disruption has been going on forever.
For more, click here.
Although Dubai hasn’t yet made an official bid for the 2020 Olympics, the emirate is conducting feasibility studies to weigh the pros and cons of hosting the Olympic games.
According to Arabian Business, in a recent interview Sheikh Mohammed stated:
“Dubai already has a well-developed infrastructure and a good track record of staging international sporting events, although admittedly not on the scale of the Olympic Games…We will have to take an honest look at our weaknesses as well as our strengths.”
Keep reading →
The on-going travel chaos caused by the volcanic eruption in Iceland has delayed the launch of the world’s first Armani Hotel in Dubai.
Located in the world’s tallest tower Burj Khalifa, the Armani hotel was due to open today. But thanks to the travel disruption in Europe, the designer Giorgio Armani and several hundred VIP guests could not make it to Dubai on the expected arrival dates. The opening ceremony has now been scheduled for April 27.
The much hyped about Apple gadget is now available for sale in Dubai stores. But it seems buyers in Dubai have to pay a heavier price than the customers in the US.
The Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing has announced an exciting new promotion to attract more tourists during this year’s Dubai Summer Surprises.
According to The National :
Two children under 16 with every family travelling to Dubai on Emirates Airline in the summer can claim free flights, free meals, hotel stays and entrances to attractions, the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) said yesterday…
The average family of four from Europe could save as much as £3,000 (Dh16,840) by taking advantage of the offer, according to one calculation.
The popular food festival loved by Dubai foodies is on its second day today and will be running till Saturday, March 20. It features live cooking by a number of renowned chefs with live music playing in the background. The daily timetable with details are available here. Some of the best restaurants in Dubai are participating in this event.
It is being held at Main Entrance A near the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City. The tickets are cheaper if bought in advance than at the door. For more information, please have a look at the above website.
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority has given the go ahead for VoIP phone calls to be allowed in the UAE, but only four companies have the license to offer these services – Etisalat, du, and the satellite firms Thuraya and Yahsat.
Skype which arguably is the most popular among consumers, is still banned and can enter the market only in partnership in one of the above license holders.
It remains to be seen whether these services will provide the low cost telecommunications expats are eagerly waiting for.
For all the shopaholics eagerly waiting for this year’s DSF – here are the dates. It is going to run from 28 January to 28 February 2010.
The details of this year’s events and shopping offers will be listed here as soon as they are available.
Watch this space!
It seems the 5 – 15% services charges, that we are often hit with while eating out, is illegal after all. Only restaurants and cafes operating in hotels are allowed to add these charges to the bill. Which is good news for those of us who dine out frequently, as we get to decide how much we would like to tip, and who knows it may help improve the quality of service as well.
