Kiran Sonawane has more than 17 years of experience and specialises in managing and positioning luxury beach properties

The next generation educational facilities will feature laboratories for robotics, artificial intelligence, health and the environment, as well as specialised sports facilities…

The UAE has allocated a new budget of Dhs1.5 billion to build ‘next generation’ schools across the country, HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice President of the UAE and ruler of Dubai has announced.

Making the announcement during his visit to the Higher Colleges of Technology in Fujairah, the Dubai ruler has said that the new schools will feature “laboratories for robotics, artificial intelligence, health and the environment, as well as specialised sports facilities”.

Sheikh Mohammed shared the news to his official Twitter page on Monday March 4.

اعتمدنا اليوم الجيل الجديد من مدارس الامارات .. مخصصين مليار ونصف المليار درهم لبناء أول مجموعة .. وتضم مختبرات للتصميم والروبوتات والذكاء الصناعي والمختبرات الصحية والبيئية والمرافق الرياضية التخصصية .. أجيالنا القادمة بحاجة لفكر مختلف وأدوات جديدة للمستقبل pic.twitter.com/2sVtlIdLXv

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) March 4, 2019

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

ALSO READ: UAE to ‘enhance and improve’ end-of-service gratuity system

“We approved a Dhs100m fund to nurture business-oriented minds and develop career paths for 65,000 students in the hospitality, retail, oil and gas and logistics sectors,” he added in a further Tweet.

The post went on to say  that “When people hesitate because of fluctuations in the economy, we hasten to change. When they are afraid of the future, we are pushing to build it.

“Our goal is to express a new thinking for the next 50 years. A different generation will ensure our developmental sustainability at twice the current speed.”

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The post UAE allocates Dhs1.5 billion to build ‘next generation’ schools appeared first on What's On Dubai.

40, eh? Almost time to break out the pipe and slippers, put your feet up on the dog and fall asleep watching News at Ten. As if.

Congratulations!

Trends identified in post-event reports and visitor feedback from last year’s show put opportunities in the telecoms, IT and media sectors among candidates’ top 10 most sought-after industries, alongside the conventional mainstay segments of finance, governmental, engineering, and oil and gas. [Wired by: DubaiCityGuide.com - A Cyber Gear Company]

Thinking of moving on? You might want to print this out…

Leaving the UAE isn’t as easy as leaving a bad birthday party, you can’t just grab your stuff and go.

Non-payment of debt is a criminal offence in the UAE, and can lead to people not being able to leave the country, or being stopped and arrested upon trying to re-enter – even if it’s just in transit. Aside from that, it can also incur the wrath of debt collection agencies and legal action.

Don’t leave it all until the last minute though – give yourself a good couple of months to get everything in order before you jet off.

Here is some of the British Embassy’s advice. If you’re planning on moving away from the UAE, we say print this out and tick the things off as you go.

What you need to know before checking out of the UAE

Property, cars and possessions

1. If you have a property you wish to sell or rent you will need to engage the services of an agent if you are leaving the UAE.
2. If you rent a property then make sure you give the required notice in your contract or you may be liable for a further payment.
3. Sell you car before you leave or leave a Power of Attorney with a friend or colleague to sell it for you. If you do use a Power of Attorney, you will need a local lawyer to advise you n this.

Traffic fines

1. Check for outstanding traffic fines.
2. Remember to cancel your Salik tag if you have one.
3. Your insurance company may offer a rebate when the car is sold.
4. Get quotes for removals. It can take six weeks or longer to ship your belongings to the UK.
5. Remember to get your shipping insured and consider the cost of storage if required.
6. Decide what you are taking and organise a sale to dispose of the rest or contact one of the companies that will take your junk for you.

ALSO READ: UAE to ‘enhance and improve’ end of service gratuity system

Accommodation

1. Give notice to your landlord in accordance with your lease.
2. Request and collect utilities clearance certificates.
3. Collect any deposits outstanding from the utility or phone companies.
4. Cancel your contracts with your mobile phone, internet and TV providers.
5. Cancel any newspapers or other services delivered to your door.
6. Cancel your home contents insurance policy.
7. Return the keys to your landlord and collect any outstanding deposits. You may need to have original receipts to do this.

ALSO READ: 15 things to know about living in Dubai in 2019

Employment and visas

1. If your contract is coming to an end, you will need to hand over your passport temporarily to your employer who will cancel your residence visa.
2. Failure to do so could delay your departure or mean you are marked on the immigration system as an absconder.
3. Request your gratuity payout statement and payment from your employer. The Embassy does not get involved in employment disputes. Please contact the Ministry of Labour and refer to the List of Lawyers.
4. If you are terminating your employment then you will need to give the required period of notice.
5. Return medical cards.
   

Bank accounts, credit cards and loans

1. Remember to clear all your debts before you leave the UAE. Non-payment of a debt is a criminal offense and could result in arrest and a possible prison sentence. If you have outstanding debts you may not be able to leave the country or you may be stopped and arrested if you try to come back to, or even transit through the UAE.
2. Keep copies of all documents relating to closed accounts.
3. Cancel any credit cards, loans and overdrafts with the bank. It can take up to 2 months to complete all the paperwork.
4. Close any bank accounts if no longer required.
5. Request a bank clearance letter for your employer.
6. Leave a forwarding address for any future correspondence.

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The post Leaving Dubai? What you need to know before you go appeared first on What's On Dubai.

Here are all the music megastars coming to Dubai in the coming months…

2018 was an epic year for concerts in the UAE, with big names like the Backstreet Boys, Ricky Martin, Dua Lipa, Sam Smith and Guns N’ Roses all taking to sold-out venues across the country.

But there’s plenty more where that came from – and we’re already getting excited for 2019, with some stellar artist announcements. We’ve rounded up all the stars with confirmed gigs coming up – mark these dates in your diary!

ALSO READ: What’s On predicts: Who will perform in Dubai in 2019?

March

The Gipsy Kings

They’re known as one of France’s most famous exports in the music world, and now The Gipsy Kings are making their Dubai return in 2019. The Gipsy Kings, led by André Reyes, are a French musical group who are most famous for their catchy songs including Bamboleo, Djobi Djoba and A Mi Manera. You might also be familiar with their Spanish take on Hotel California.

Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Wednesday March 6, from Dhs195. dubaiopera.com 

Jason Derulo

The award-winning American singer songwriter Jason Derulo is making his return to Dubai with two massive gigs this weekend. The ‘In My Head’ hitmaker will headline at Meydan super club Drai’s on Friday March 8, his first gig at the new super club. Early bird tickets are available now, priced at Dhs100 for ladies including a welcome drink, and Dhs300 for guys including two house drinks.

Drai’s presents Jason Derulo, Gate B, Meydan, Dubai, 10pm to 4am, Friday March 8, from Dhs100. Tel: (052) 388 8857. draisdxb.com

Jay Sean

International R&B recording artist and singer Jay Sean will perform live in concert at the Global Village Main Stage on Friday March 8. No stranger to Dubai, the R&B star is known for his chart-topping numbers including ‘Down’, Ride It’, ‘Hit the Lights’ and ‘Do You Remember?’. Tickets for the gig are the standard Global Village entry of Dhs15.

Main Stage, Global Village, Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road, 4pm to 1am, Dhs15. globalvillage.ae

Tom Odell

You’ll be able to see British singer-songwriter Tom Odell in concert in Dubai for the first time at The Rotunda, Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai on March 12. Odell’s rise to stardom started in 2012 when his acclaimed 2012 debut EP earned him a BRITs Critics’ Choice award, while his first full-length outing, 2013’s Long Way Down, reached number one on the UK albums chart. That album featured his breakthrough single Another Love and was equally met with critical acclaim

Tom Odell, The Rotunda, Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai, Bluewaters, off JBR, Friday March 12, tickets on sale soon. livenation.me

Busted

When Busted – made up of Matt, James and Charlie – take to the stage on Thursday March 14, fans can expect to hear an array of their smash hits from the 00s including Air Hostess, Year 3000 and Crashed The Wedding, as well as some new material from their forthcoming fourth studio album.

Busted at The Irish Village, Garhoud, Dubai, Thursday March 14, Dhs175. theirishvillage.com

Hothouse Flowers

Irish rockers Hothouse Flowers are headed to Dubai for a St Patrick’s Day gig on Sunday March 17. The rock n’roll band have been in the industry for more than 30 years, and at their Dubai gig guests can expect to go on a journey through their hits from the 80s until now, with the band shaking up the stage with hits including ‘Feet on the Ground’, ‘The Rose’, ‘Give It Up’, and ‘I Can See Clearly Now’.

Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, 8pm, Sunday March 17, from Dhs195. Tel (04) 440 8888. dubaiopera.com

Little Mix

Brit Award-winners Little Mix are one of three acts set to take to the stage at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre on Saturday March 23 as part of a special celebration championing the work of teachers around the world. Since 2011, Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jade Thirlwall have established themselves as one of the UK’s brightest acts.With four multi-platinum selling albums, Little Mix have sold more than 45 million records worldwide with nine platinum selling singles, surpassing the Spice Girls’ previous record.

The Assembly: A Global Teacher Prize Concert, Saturday March 23, from Dhs350. 800tickets.com 

Liam Payne

One Direction alum Liam Payne last performed in Dubai almost a year ago to the day at Global Village. His music has been streamed over two billion times to date. Meanwhile, his duet with Rita Ora, For You, was a UK top ten hit and featured on the Fifty Shades Freed official soundtrack.

The Assembly: A Global Teacher Prize Concert, Saturday March 23, from Dhs350. 800tickets.com 

Rita Ora

Rita Ora, is the third and final star to perform at The Assembly concert in Dubai in March. Ora is the first British female solo artist to have thirteen top ten songs in the UK, with hit songs such as R.I.P, Your Song, and How we Do (Party).

The Assembly: A Global Teacher Prize Concert, Saturday March 23, from Dhs350. 800tickets.com 

April

Boyzone

Legendary Irish boyband Boyzone will perform at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium on Friday April 12. The four-piece boyband enjoyed more than 25 successful years in the music industry, racking up number ones including. Ronan Keating, Shane Lynch, Mikey Graham and Keith Duffy parted ways back in 2000 after seven years together but reunited in 2009 for for the Back Again… No Matter What tour and again 2013 to celebrate their 20th anniversary with a tour and new music. This is set to be your last chance to see the boyband, who announced last year that they are splitting up for good after their farewell tour in 2019.

Boyzone at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, Friday April 12 Dhs195. theirishvillage.com

Clean Bandit

Award-winning beach club Zero Gravity will welcome its first music festival of the year on Friday April 12. On a purpose-built festival stage, the appropriately named One Big Beach Festival sees multi-platinum selling band Clean Bandit in concert, as well as the welcome return of Sigma (DJ Set), Ibiza’s favourite sax player Lovely Laura & DJ Ben Santiago, plus South African favourites Goldfish, live on stage.

Zero Gravity, Dubai, Fri April 12, 10am to 3am, Dhs395 (Beach Festival Brunch 1pm to 5pm); Dhs145 (early bird; entry from 5pm); Dhs195 (regular online; entry from 5pm); Dhs245 (regular on the door; entry from 5pm); Dhs595 (VIP all inclusive; entry from 5pm, unlimited F&B 8pm to 1am). Tel: (04) 3990009. 0-gravity.ae 

The Proclaimers

The Proclaimers are a Scottish music duo composed of twin brothers Charlie and Craig Reid. But you won’t need to walk 500 miles to see them – they’ll be in Dubai on Thursday April 25 at The Irish Village.

Busted at The Irish Village, Garhoud, Dubai, 7pm to late, Thursday April 25, Dhs175. theirishvillage.com

Andrea Bocelli

Multi award-winning tenor Andrea Bocelli is set to return to Abu Dhabi for a one-night only performance on Friday April 26. The world famous classical artist will take to the stage at Yas Island’s du Arena, with tickets priced from Dhs395 for regular tickets, up to Dhs1,295 for VVIP. 60-year old Bocelli will perform an array of his best-loved hits, as well as some new material when he returns to the capital.

Andrea Bocelli, du Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 7.30pm, Friday April 26, from Dhs395. ticketmaster.ae

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The post All the artists set to perform in the UAE in 2019 appeared first on What's On Dubai.

Because business doesn’t have to be boring…

Meetings seem to be one of the unavoidable sides of Dubai that no one really wants to do, but will probably have to at some point.

In order to make them a lot more enjoyable, Dubai’s best restaurants have created a huge selection of business lunches to suit all budgets. Here are some of our favourite business lunches in Dubai to try…

1. The Restaurant at Address Downtown

If you’re looking to really impress a client, or give a suggestion to someone trying to impress you, look no further than The Restaurant at Address Downtown. The elegant decor combined with chic laid-back atmosphere makes it the ideal lunch spot for business or otherwise.

The offer: Dhs100 per person for a two-course set menu and soft beverages or Dhs125 per person for a three-course meal from the set menu and soft beverages.

The Restaurant, Address Downtown, Downtown Dubai, 12.30pm to 3.30pm, daily. Tel: (04) 8883444. addresshotels.com

2. Gürkan Şef Steakhouse

This Turkish steakhouse understand that there are two types of lunches in business hours: the leisurely afternoon of in-depth discussion and the get-in-and-get-out rush. Therefore they have two different business lunch offers so you’re never stuck giving the waiter that look to hurry up.

The offer: Fast Hot Express Lunch – Dhs99 for a choice of 3 mains, dessert, soft drinks and Turkish tea or coffee or Big Hot Lunch – Dhs129 for salad, choice of 3 mains, dessert, soft drinks and Turkish tea or coffee.

Gürkan Sef Steakhouse, City Walk 2, Al Safa, Dubai, noon to 2pm, Sunday to Thursday. Tel: (04) 379 9777. gurkansefdubai.ae

3. Roberto’s

Do you ever feel limited by the business lunch choices on offer? DIFC Italian, Roberto’s, is there to help with a huge 22 dishes on offer for business lunch. Pick from either two, three or four courses from the extensive menu or push the boat out and enjoy three courses from the new I Crudo menu, with a choice of fresh seafood delicacies from Roberto’s raw bar.

The offer: Dhs 95 for two courses, Dhs125 for three course, Dhs155 for four courses or Dhs180 for three courses from the I Crudo menu.

Roberto’s Restaurant and Lounge, Building 1, Gate Village, DIFC, noon to 3pm, Sunday to Thursday. Tel (04) 386 0066. robertos.ae/dubai

4. Beefbar

Treat yourself to a luxury lunch menu at an affordable price at Beefbar. Enjoy three courses from a choice of Kobe beef shawarma, tagliata with rocket and parmesan cheese, a chicken salad and a delicious Kobe burger with fries.

The offer: A selection of five different menus, starting from Dhs75 for two courses plus Dhs38 for the dessert of the day.

Beefbar, Al Fattan Currency House, DIFC, noon to 3pm, Sunday to Thursday. Tel: (04) 352 2223. dubai.beefbar.com

5. Salero

Add a dash of Spanish flair to your mid-week munch with Salero’s Rapido Lunch. Choose from one tapa from a selection of hot or cold tapas options and a paella of the day or three tapas plus a soft drink of your choice.

The offer: Dhs120 for one tapa, one paella and one soft drink or three tapas and one soft drink

Salero, Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, noon to 5pm, Sunday to Thursday. Tel: (04) 409 5888. kempinski.com

6. Eshak

Eshak boasts an expansive menu offering favourites from Uzbekistan, Georgia and the Middle East. Enjoy a main course, salad, hummus and soft drink or upgrade your package to include shisha for those with a more relaxing lunch in mind.

The offer: Dhs65 for main course, salad, hummus and soft drink or Dhs99 for the same plus shisha.

Eshak, Al Mustaqbal Street, City Walk 2, Dubai, noon to 3pm, Sunday – Thursday. Tel: (04) 385 5435. eshak.ae

7. Boca

Saving money on a business lunch shouldn’t mean compromising on taste and quality. Boca’s market lunch is created with fresh market-bought ingredients and rotates weekly with a choice of six tasty dishes. 

The offer: Dhs90 for two courses and Dhs125 for three courses

Boca, Gate Village 6, DIFC, Dubai, noon to 3pm, Sunday – Thursday. Tel: (04) 323 1833. boca.ae

8. The Penthouse

Why not enjoy your lunch alfresco? The Penthouse is offering bento boxes as a light alternative to the typical lunch offerings. The menu changes daily with dishes varying from teriyaki salmon to beef bulgogi, grilled salmon bass and Japanese poke salad with sashimi and assorted nigiri.

The offer: Dhs120 per bento box

The Penthouse, FIVE Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jumeirah, noon to 4pm, daily. Tel: (052) 900 4868. fivehotelsandresorts.com

9. Alta Badia

Alta Badia takes inspiration from the Ladin delicacies of the Italian ski destination to bring you an authentic business lunch menu to enjoy while overlooking views of DIFC on your lunch break.

The offer: Dhs93 for two courses or Dhs112 for three courses.

Alta Badia, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, DIFC, Dubai, 12:30pm to 3pm, Sunday – Thursday. Tel: (04) 432 3232. jumeirah.com

10. Bistro Des Arts

Bistro Des Arts have a Plats du Jour menu with a different delicious option each day to ensure you’re never stuck for choice. The menu offers one of the following each day of the week: braised lamb shank, mussels, steak frites, beef bourguignon and salmon.

The offer: Dhs75 for two courses or Dhs90 for three courses

Bistro Des Arts, Dubai Marina Promenade, noon to 6pm, Sunday – Thursday. Tel: (04) 551 1576. bistrodesarts.ae.

11. Lima Dubai

Lima offers a three-course menu packed with flavour to shake up your lunch time routine. With options such as hot chicken ceviche, salmon causita, chaufa chicken rice or salmon nikkei, you can see why.

The offer: Dhs120 for a three course menu and glass of white or red wine, half pint of Peroni or soft drink

Lima, Fine Dining Courtyard, City Walk, Dubai, noon to 4pm, Sunday – Thursday. Tel: (056) 500 4571. limadubai.com

12. Qwerty

A favourite among the Media City office dwellers, Qwerty has a business lunch menu which rotates daily. Dishes are light and arrive quickly, so you can focus on the business at hand.

The offer: Dhs90 for three courses including a tea or coffee

Qwerty, Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City, noon to 3pm, Sunday to Thursday. Tel: (04) 427 1000. mediaonehotel.com

13. Burger & Lobster

DIFC hotspot Burger & Lobster is offering an surf ‘n’ turf business lunch, which includes a soup of the day, mini cheeseburger, signature mini lobster roll, grilled beef skewers, side of fries and dessert.

The offer: Dhs75 for all six dishes

Burger & Lobster, Burj Daman, DIFC, Sunday to Thursday 12pm to 3pm. Tel: (04) 514 8838. burgerandlobster.com

14. Rose & Crown

Break up the office day with a trip to a quintessentially British pub for some comfort food. Their business lunch deal comprises of a 3 course meal with warm, hearty dishes to send you back to work feeling well-fed.

The offer: Dhs65 for starter, main, dessert and a regular soft drink or hot beverage.

Rose & Crown, The Atrium, Al Habtoor City, 11am to 4pm, Sunday to Thursday. Tel: (04) 437 0022. roseandcrowndubai.com

15. Zuma

For a more luxurious lunch experience, Zuma has the full package. Start with a miso soup with tofu, wakame, and green onion followed by two choices for a starter and a choice of one of 15 main options.

The offer: Dhs137 for soup, two starters and one main

Gate Village 6, DIFC, Dubai, noon to 2pm, Sunday to Thursday. Tel: (04) 4255660. Metro: Financial Centre. zumarestaurant.com.

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The post 15 great business lunch deals in Dubai appeared first on What's On Dubai.

Andrew Neal, who has PTSD, was forced to sign confession, say legal campaigners Detained in Dubai

A former British soldier, who is suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, is being detained in the United Arab Emirates over what his lawyers claim was a forced confession for drug dealing.

Andrew Neal, 44, who received 17 medals during 24 years in the army, was arrested at his home in Dubai on 4 October.

Reader submission about a recent story that The National declined to cover, a story that happened "in its backyard":

"This type of self-censorship is common at the paper, which is not serving its readership well.

"In addition, the paper is said losing money at an alarming rate - its circulation has been frozen in place for several years now, and its employee-turnover rate is said to be ridiculously high. What is going on at The National?"

++++++++++++

The International Bar Association held its annual conference in Dubai this month, but the event, which is planned five years in advance, almost never happened. Seems that several weeks before the event was to begin UAE security officials grew worried that some of the seminars/programs might be too dangerous. [see links below]

Unfortunately, readers of Abu Dhabi’s The National (whose editors have said "strives to be The New York Times of the Middle East") interested in such topics (freedom of speech, etc) would be left in the dark, because the paper declined to cover this important angle of the story.

The National did give readers this paean to women’s rights in the UAE, which includes the following paragraph.

"For me, the most exciting part has been watching young female lawyers in the UAE become so excited to attend the IBA congress and other events being held in Dubai this week. To see how thrilled these young women are to meet lawyers of leading firms from the world's capital cities is brilliant - and the fact that so many local law firms have decided to register their female staff is a sign that the practice in the UAE is progressing, despite the glass ceiling for female lawyers worldwide."

"However, Mr. Ellis [IBA official] did change the title of one session that security officials objected to, entitled "Women in Islam, Challenges and Opportunities," to "Women in Law, Challenges and Opportunities." Members of the women’s committee then declared the new title too "dull," he said, and opted to scrap the session.

The roadshows events were designed to help foreign business discover how they can grow their business in Dubai and beyond, and setting up a company in DMCC. [Wired by: DubaiCityGuide.com - A Cyber Gear Company]