Asian Lite News Archive

Category: UAE News

  • Al Ansari, Videocon sign pact

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    Al Ansari Exchange, the UAE-based foreign exchange and worldwide money transfer company, has entered into a strategic alliance with Videocon, India’s leading brand in consumer electronics, home appliances, mobiles and tablets. Under the terms of the agreement, Indian expatriates can buy a Videocon product in the UAE at prices upto 30% lower than India and…

  • Abu Dhabi Science Centre in 2016

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    A centre for informal science education featuring a planetarium and a land, sea and sky gallery, among other interactive activities, is expected to open by the third quarter of 2016, the Abu Dhabi Technology Development Committee (TDC) has announced. The 6,500 square-metre facility will be set up in Masdar City and will include over 200…

  • Expo 2020 may create 277,000 jobs

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    Expo 2020 is likely to create 277,000 jobs, said Mahmood Ahmed Al Bastaki, CEO of Dubai Trade, Dubai World, while delivering the keynote address at the first-ever industry ‘breakfast’ series hosted by the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD recently on the challenges for the future of human capital development in the U.A.E.. Future workforce…

  • UNAPPEALINGLY YOURS

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    DAILY DOSE By Bikram Vohra What is your most unappealing feature? Most of us go through life never even asking ourselves this simple question. Just like with cosmetics we are more inclined to camouflage our negatives and pretend they do not exist. But it is a fascinating exercise in piercing the self-deception. It stands to…

  • WHAT, IT’S BEEN 35 YEARS!

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    DAILY DOSE By Bikram Vohra —-bikram@asianlite.asianlite.uk This time 35 years ago I was six hours from getting married. Everyone had gone off to get dressed and stuff so I was alone and I thought to myself, why not go down to the US Club and get in a game of squash. Then enjoy my wedding…

  • Dubai Airport may be world’s largest

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    Capa says upgrades will ensure Dubai Airport will not only become largest international airport by 2015, but also maintain that position. Dubai International will become world’s busiest airport for good next year, according to an aviation think-tank, reports Emirates 24/7. Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (Capa) said short-term effects will see Dubai Airport slip behind…

  • UAE Adopts Conscripton

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    UAE President Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has issued Federal Law No.6 for the Year 2014, on the national military service and reserve force. The law is in accordance with the principles of the UAE Constitution, as referred to in Article No. 43, which states that defending the Union is a sacred duty of every…

  • NRI grows rice in UAE desert

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    An expatriate Indian has embarked on a first-time challenge of cultivating rice in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a media report said. Sudhish Kumar, 41, who entered the Limca Book of Records for growing the longest okra(41.91cm), and the smallest as well (3.81cm), has been waiting for the harvest of the staple crop that he…

  • Emirates ups India service

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    Emirates, a global connector of people and places will expand its A380 network to 28 destinations, when it launches a daily A380 service to Mumbai International Airport on 21st July. EK 500 and EK 501 between Dubai and Mumbai will be up-scaled to a three-class A380 aircraft, representing with a capacity increase of 2,127 seats…

  • Mobile wallet in UAE soon

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    The UAE is expected to become the first country in the world that will have a fully integrated digital payment platform supported by all banks operating in the country. The UAE Banks Federation (UBF)  formally launched the implementation of its Mobile Wallet project that was announced in February this year. The project will be executed…

  • MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THIS

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    Daily Dose by Bikram VohraI was pulling out of a parking space when this twit in a hurry bumped my car from behind. So, after grimacing at the clanging sound, I moved my car back into the space and this guy he just drove off. Zip. Hey, I shouted, hey being the stupidest thing to…

  • LuLu , FELDA Malaysia ink pact

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    The LuLu Group has signed an MOU with Malaysia’s Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA), the world’s most successful land development and resettlement agency, for the establishment of LuLu Hypermarkets in Malaysia. The memorandum was signed by the Director General of FELDA, Y. Bhg. Datuk Faizoull Ahmad and Mr. Yusuff Ali M.A., Managing Director, LuLu Group…

  • CAN YOU PLEASE STOP TALKING

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    DAILY DOSE By Bikram Vohra You know they have these psycho tests where they give you word association and you respond and then the analyst works out where the worms in your mind are and how they are wriggling. Like are you bananas or psycho yourself or a potential serial killer, misanthrope, whatever. I was…

  • Dahiya to head top Ajman hotel

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    The Ajman Palace Hotel & Resort appoints Indian national Deepak Dahiya as its new Director of Sales & Marketing, says a press release.Dahiya is tasked with driving new business into Ajman’s first five-star certified hotel, The Ajman Palace Hotel & Resort – is managed by HMH-Hospitality Management Holdings. Deepak joins The Ajman Palace Hotel &…

  • SILENCE THIS IS THE AIRPORT 

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    DAILY DOSE By Bikram Vohra So some bright spark woke up in the corridors of power and had a sparkling idea. He decided in his bureaucratic wisdom to make New Delhi a silent airport. When you enter the terminal there all these signs saying sssshh, this is a silent airport. You would think you are…

  • Dubai beckons movie-makers

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       Pocket friendly, state-of-the-art Dubai Studio City and world-class infrastructure – all this and more is turning Dubai into a favourite destination among Indian filmmakers and others. Discounts, soft incentives and flexible rules are on offer, says an official, but adds that one thing that can’t be allowed is nudity. From south Indian budget movies…

  • TEED OFF IN TELUGU

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    DAILY DOSE By Bikram Vohra This could happen to you. These days it happens far more often than you think. Sri was studying at a US University in a small town in California when his father came to visit him. Now, his dad is a golf nut and any chance he gets he plays anywhere…

  • WHY DO WIVES….

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    DAILY DOSE by Bikram Vohra What is it about wives that they never find their husband’s jokes funny? Some other guy will tell a wishy washy frightful story and your wife will roar with unbridled laughter. You begin to relate a really good, tried and tested joke and she’ll say, oh no, not that boring…

  • Ancient olive trees find place in Dubai

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    Two Mediterranean olive trees, each more than a millennium old, have been brought to Dubai to be planted on a man-made island off the coast.The trees, dating between 1,300 and 1,400 years old, are being planted on the “Heart of Europe”, a group of six islands in The World development. They are part of a…

  • Dubai shops join no tobacco drive

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    The Public Health and Safety Department of Dubai Municipality has announced that the civic body will observe World No Tobacco Day, which falls on May 31st, with a wide range of activities in different locations of Dubai. Marwan Al Mohammed, Director Public Health and Safety Department said around 500 shops of different groups have joined hands…

  • TROUBLE WITH TRIVIA 

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    DAILY DOSE By Bikram VohraHave you ever had trivia wreck your sleep? Like what was the name of the author of Peyton Place or who acted in ‘To hell and back’ or what were the names of the Von Trapp family kids? You are up at 2 in the morning wracking your brains for that…

  • NO,NO,THIS IS NOT FUNNY 

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    DAILY DOSE By Bikram for Asian Lite, the global newspaper for NRIs and International Indians Something I dislike is being indignant. I always feel you lose somehow by being so. But sometimes something goes up your nose so violently you cannot help but respond. I ask myself, do we have a specific hang up as…

  • Indian envoy hails UAE’s efforts

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    India’s Ambassador to the United Emirates (UAE) T.P. Seetharam has praised the efforts made by the UAE in human rights and in maintaining labour rights. The envoy made the remarks during a meeting Wednesday with Mohammed Hussein Al Hammadi, deputy chairman of the Emirates Human Rights Association (EHRA) and other members of the association. “The…

  • Dubai’s Big Heart Education Drive

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    Mirdif City Centre in Dubai has become a magnet for families and philanthropists, all coming together as one to raise money for approximately 1.2 million Syrian refugee children without education during a fund raising drive running until May 31st. Fundraising events by the Big Heart Campaign are led by its patron, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher…

  • NRIs appeal to Modi

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    K V Shamsudheen, Chairman of the Dubai-based Pravasi Bandhu Welfare Trust writes a letter to newly elected Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi explaining the problems of Indian expats face during their struggle to live in a foreign country   Dear Prime Minister, On behalf of  non resident Indians (NRIs)I congratulate you for winning the Indian Lok Sabha…

  • UAE role in philanthropy lauded

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     Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Development and International Co-operation and President of Zayed University, has said that the decision of the wise leadership to establish the Ministry of Development and International Cooperation supports the achievement of the U.A.E. in the global arena of philanthropy and the unification of the efforts of Emirati…

  • MURDER OF THE ENGLISH TONGUE

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    DAILY DOSE By Bikram Vohra looks in to the gimmicks of politicians to get attention I have no problem with Sushma Swaraj being India’s Foreign Minister and not speaking English. No big deal. And if Mr Modi wants to speak only Hindi and Gujarati go for it, mate, English does not make a difference to…

  • UAE pays tribute to GCC creators

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    On the 33rd anniversary of Cooperation Council for Arab States of the Gulf (GCC), the UAE Federal National Council (FNC) issued a statement paying tribute to the leaders of GCC member countries who launched the pan-Gulf entity in Abu Dhabi on May 25, 1981. FNC lauded the leaders’ far-sighted vision, sincere determination and faith in the…

  • Rahat Enthrals Dubai

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    Jawahar Chodda attended the renowned singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s Dubai concert, organised by Raging Tiger Events.These pictures were taken at the event which was attended by the who’s who of Dubai society.

  • GET SET FOR THE POST IPL DEPRESSION

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    DAILY DOSE By Bikram Vohra is asking the IPL fans to get ready for the post IPL depression If you are a cricket fan you could be one of the 35% doctors say could suffer from a very real ailment called PTD. Post Tournament Depression. It happens in many sports and it is now happening…

  • UAE Exchange To Buy Travelex

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    Dubai-based UAE Exchanges to buy Travelex for an undisclosed sum. But industry pundits said it will be around one billion pounds.   Apax is to sell its majority stake in foreign exchange operator Travelex to Dr B R Shetty, the owner of UAE Exchange; and Abu Dhabi firm Centurion Investments, newspapers reported. Apax had previously been…

  • Indians shine at Forbes’ ME list

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    Asian Lite, the Global Voice of the South Asian Diaspora, looks in to the rise of Indian-origin CEOs on Forbes Middle-East list A poor cotton farmer’s son from Maharasthra’s Vidarbha region and a young doctor from Kerala have been named in the Forbes list of top 40 CEOs in Middle-East countries. Krishnakumar Taori, the group…

  • Dubai reveals tourism target

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    Tourism chiefs in Dubai revealed their new target – to make the emirate the most visited city in the world, reports arabian business.com. One year into the delivery of Dubai’s Tourism Vision for 2020, significant first steps have been taken to achieve the target of attracting 20 million annual visitors by 2020, leading the tourism…

  • GOTTAGO GOTTAGO

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    Bikram Vohra’s DAILY DOSE for Asian Lite, top Asian newspaper in the UK My flight into Delhi did not disappear. It whispered onto the runway and did a three point touchdown. As the aircraft slowed and trundled to its gate there was a sudden of shouting that seemed to increase in intensity and became confrontational.…

  • UAE Events Awards Announced

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    Middle East Event Awards 2014, the ultimate awards ceremony for the events and entertainment industry was announced  JW Marriott Marquis Hotel in Dubai. 

  • Sharjah Charms Visitors

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    A U.A.E. paper has said that developmental projects are in full swing giving, every reason for visitors and residents of Sharjah to smile. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has stated that he is personally keen on drafting parks and roads because all these projects would eventually…

  • Just Falafel on expansion spree

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    UAE fast food chain Just Falafel has signed a deal to open 57 stores in three European countries, the company announced. The new outlets will be in the Benelux region of The Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg and will be operated by Wadi Degla Holding, an Egyptian conglomerate that already has 27 Just Falafel stores in…

  • Modi spells hope for Indians in Gulf

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    There have been mixed reactions among expatriate Indians living in the Gulf countries following the landslide victory of the BJP, led by Narendra Modi, in the Indian general elections. While some expressed hope and enthusiasm, for others, there was disappointment. The United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based Kerala Muslim Cultural Committee (KMCC), which had anticipated a Congress-led…

  • DUBAI BEAT with Jawahar Chhoda

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    The Friends of Rashid Paediatric held its annual ladies lunch at the Dusit Thani. This time the celebrity guest was fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherrjee.

  • WHAT’S UP, DOC?

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    DAILY DOSE By Bikram Vohra Sat on a flight next to a pretty decent looking person. Like dignified and all that. Mutually decided not to speak to each other, which is fine by me, I HATE making airplane friendships. Anyway, some how we established eye contact half way through and stuttered into a conversation. He…

  • Etihad unveils Edufly for students

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    Etihad Airways has introduced Edufly, a special program tailor-made to the needs of students travelling from India to pursue their studies abroad.  Eyeing the large Indian student community aspiring for admissions in universities across the US and UK, gulf airline Etihad on Tuesday announced a special programme which allows an additional baggage of 10 kg…

  • UAE govt the most efficient

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    The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has the most efficient government, which is the strongest in decision making and has the lightest bureaucracy in the world, according to a major annual report by the Switzerland-based International Institute for Management Development (IMD). The World Competitiveness Yearbook 2014, released Friday, also ranks the UAE as number one globally…

  • UAE receives South Korean n-reactor

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    The United Arab Emirates (UAE) received Tuesday its first installment of a nuclear reactor from South Korea, a media report said. It signalled the Gulf state is progressing in its energy plans by expanding its nuclear power plants, Gulf News reported. The UAE, one of the world’s major oil suppliers, is currently building four nuclear…

  • Advani & Sushma should mend their ways

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    Dubai-based journalist Jawahar Chhoda comments on the developments in the ruling party BJP leader LK Advani might have tried to be sarcastic by mentioning that Modi did a great favour to BJP by choosing to lead it but by retorting to him and then breaking down in an emotional outburst, Modi made it clear that…

  • THE PERILS OF PAGE 3 PEOPLE 

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    DAILY DOSE By Bikram Vohra Many years ago I wrote about this couple who were not A list. More like a B or B plus. Not rich enough, not famous enough, not pow­erful enough. So, while they were pretty active on the city circuit they were never at the best places. Just second best. Sort…

  • UAE cements ties with Malaysia

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      General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of U.A.E. Armed Forces, and visiting Prime Minister of Malaysia, Mohammad Najib Tun Haji Abdul Razak,  attended the signing ceremony of two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on tourism and higher education and an agreement on building a mosque…

  • Lubna signs deal for Students Centre

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    Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Development and International Co-operation and President of Zayed University (ZU), has signed an agreement on the establishment of the Sheikha Latifa bint Hamdan Al Maktoum Centre for Student Activities at Zayed University (ZU).Inked at the ZU’s campus in Dubai, Mirza Al Sayegh, Director the office of H.H…

  • Conmen used Dubai link for VAT fraud

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    Kaliph Anaz reports on the imprisonment of three British men who claimed to hold a contract from Dubai Tourism to due British Tax Authrorities Three men who conned several UK companies by pretending they had £15 million to spend to promote tourism in Dubai have been jailed for more than 14 years, after attempting to…

  • IN THE BAG

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    DAILY DOSE By Bikram VohraSome things fascinate me. Like people who buy watches for $100,000. I am sure it must be a lovely feeling to have that kind of money on your wrist but does it improve the quality of time. I don’t suggest you wear a Mickey Mouse plastic watch but such an exorbitant…

  • Malaysian PM arrives in the UAE

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    General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the U.A.E. Armed Forces, received Prime Minister of Malaysia, Mohammad Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak, accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Rosmah Mansor, who on a three-day official visit to the country along with an accompanying delegation.The Malaysian…