999 CONTENTS Society and Security Monthly Issue (475) July 2010

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Ministry of Interior 38 Consultative Board Maj.Gen. Khalil Badran Lt.Col. Thani Al-Shamsi 18 30

Editor-in-Chief Major Awad Al-Kindi 32 Editor Issam Al Sheikh Associate Editors Bassel Souraya Omar Hamza Art Directors 47 Souliman Hajer Hisham Abdul Hameed Cover story...... 22 Who takes the blame?...... 10 Contacts Cultural mosaic...... 14 Tel.: +971 2 4194488 Quad biking.. a fatal pastime?...... 18 Fax: +971 2 4194499 Beyond spinsterhood...... 30 P.O.Box :38999 Battered women need a voice...... Abu Dhabi - UAE. 32 Escape To Apocalypse...... email:[email protected] 38 Toll Free 8009009 Caught in the act!...... 47 News Khalifa receives British Prime Minister

President His Highness Sheikh and friendship between the two Cameron hailed the development Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan , in the countries in different fields, awhile and growth being experienced by the presence of the Vice President and the two leaders also exchanged views UAE in all areas, making mention of Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, on the latest developments in the the wise and balanced policies of the HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid regional and international arenas The UAE leadership that had enabled the Al Maktoum, met at Al Rodah Palace UAE President emphasised the keen- country to occupy a distinguished in with the British Prime ness of the UAE to support the peace position at the regional and interna- Minister David Cameron, who was in process in the Middle East in accor- tional level. a short visit to the UAE. dance with the relevant international Sheikh Khalifa welcomed the resolutions. British Prime Minister and his For his part, Cameron said he was entourage, praising the historic rela- pleased to be making his first visit to tions between the UAE and the UK the UAE, since becoming British in all fields The meeting discussed Prime Minister, and at meeting ways to boost the ties of co-operation Sheikh Khalifa.

Names Saeed bin Zayed as Abu Dhabi Ruler’s Representative President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has issued, in his capacity as Ruler of Abu Dhabi, an emiri decree appointing H.H. Sheikh Saeed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as Representative of the Ruler of Abu Dhabi.

Issue (475) July 2010 4 Mohammed bin Rashid meets Queen Elizabeth Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum met Queen Elizabeth II of Britain on the sideline of the English Derby at Epsom Racecourse. Present were H. H. Sheikh Ham- dan Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, HRH Prince Haya bint Al Hussein, wife of Sheikh Mohammed and H.H. Sheikh Majed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. Queen Elizabeth praised the Al Maktoum for their engagement in the development of the British horse rac- ing sports through their strong partic- ipation in these meetings especially the English Derby. Reviews UAE performance on Global Competitiveness Report

Vice President and Prime Minister of ranked high on the world map in vari- Al Gargawi, Minister of Cabinet UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness ous fields. Affairs, Chairman of Emirates Compet- Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Lt.General H.H. Sheikh Saif bin itiveness Council were also present. Maktoum has praised UAE standing Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Min- Sheikh Mohammed praised the internationally in the global Competi- ister, Minister of Interior, H.H. Sheikh progress made by the UAE internation- tiveness Report. Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy ally, providing an incentive for more UAE’s performance in the nine Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential efforts and hard work to achieve greater parameters remained out standing and it Affairs, and Mohammed bin Abdullah accomplishments in the coming years.

5 Issue (475) July 2010 5 Mohammed bin Zayed receives President of Chechnya

General H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Com- mander of the UAE Armed Forces received President Ramzan Kadyrov of Chechnya who was visiting the country. Sheikh Mohammed welcomed Kadyrov and discussed with him ways to strengthen bilateral ties between the two friendly countries. They also reviewed topics of mutual interest, as well as latest regional developments. Kadyrov said he was impressed with the progress achieved by the UAE in all fields and expressed his country’s desire to further strengthen coopera- tion with the UAE. The meeting was attended by Mohammed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Under Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court, and Omer Saif Ghobash, UAE Ambassador to Russia.

Witnesses graduation of 19th batch of College of command and staff

General/ H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces has commended President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan the Higher Commander of UAE Armed forces’ keenness to mod- ernise the country’s Armed forces and its training and educational institutions to be at par with the world’s leading military academies and to provide the UAE Armed forces with the highly qualified personnel as well as enrich- raising the scientific and operational tative in the Eastern Region, Lt. Gen- ing the march for development. efficiency. eral H.H. Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Sheikh Mohammed hailed the vital This came during a ceremony held Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and role being played by the Armed Forces to celebrate graduation of the 19th Minister of Interior, Sheikh Nahyan in protecting the achievements of the batch of officers from the College of bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of country. He also cited the great atten- Command and Staff here. Higher Education and Scientific tion given to developing human The event was attended by H.H. Research, Sheikhs, senior officers and resources in the field of training and Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al members of the diplomatic Corps capabilities development as well as Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Ruler’s Represen- accredited in the UAE.

Issue (475) July 2010 6 Saif bin Zayed Receives the US Secretary of Homeland Security

H.H. Lt.General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, received in Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Hotel in Abu Dhabi, Janet Napolitano, the United States Secretary of Homeland Security. They discussed several impor- tant issues that have mutual interests to both countries.

Discuss with Prince Nayef stronger UAE-Saudi relations

H. H Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Palace in Jeddah were a continuation eign Affairs Dr Anwar Mohammed Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime of high level meetings between the Gergash, Deputy Minister of Presi- Minister, Minister of Interior and two countries to promote relations dential Affairs Ahmed Juma Al HRH Prince Nayef Bin Abdul Aziz, among member states of the Gulf Za’abi, Secretary General of the Second Deputy Prime Minister and Cooperation Council (GCC). Office of H.H the Deputy Prime Min- Minister of Interior of Saudi Arabia Present at the meeting were Minis- ister and Minister of Interior Major discussed ways to further relations ter of Economy Sultan bin Saeed Al- General Nasser Al-Khraibani Al- between the two countries in all areas. Mansouri, Minister of Labour Saqr Nuaimi and UAE Ambassador to The discussions at the Conferences Ghobash, , Minister of State for For- Saudi Arabia Al-Asri Al-Dhaheri.

5 Issue (475) July 2010 7 Police News

New entry screening measures aim at child protection

The Higher Committee for Child Protection at the Ministry of Interior has formed five sub-committees to conduct a study on new security check- up measures on foreigners arriving in the country to ensure that those enter- ing the UAE do not have a child molestation record. The study will look into developing methods of monitoring the use of ID cards by parents and documenting the records of the Internet in universities, schools and cyber cafés. The Higher Committee for Child Protection which is presided over by Major General Nasser Lekhraibani Al Nuaimi, General Secretary of the Major General Al Nuaimi lauded the mittee for Child Protection over a Office of the Deputy Prime Minister support of Lieutenant General Shaikh detailed and specific strategy that will and Minister of Interior, formed five Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy achieve its objectives of protecting specialised committees to carry out Prime Minister and Minister of Interi- children against abuse and assault, the plan. or, for setting up the The Higher Com- especially through the Internet.

Ministry highlights Sharjah Police Chief attends graduation pre-travel precautions Necessary pre- ceremony cautions need to be taken by nationals Major General Humaid Mohammed Al Hadidi, Director General of Sharjah and expatriates Police, attended the graduation ceremony of two specialised courses on mod- before leaving the ern methods of employee performance assessment. country on vaca- The courses were organised by the Federal Police School in Sharjah, in coop- tion to avoid eration with the Officers Training Institute of the Ministry of Interior. Officers mishaps occurring from various police departments in the country took part in the courses. as a result of the “The tasks handled by Federal Police School in Sharjah are very important failure to abide by safety rules, a sen- and worth all praise. Through these training courses, we aim to strengthen ior official has said.Brigadier human values and inculcate the principles of total quality in the minds of police Mohammed Saleh Baddah, Acting staff”, said Maj. Gen. Al Hadidi. Director of Media and Public Rela- tions at the Ministry of Interior, stressed that certain precautions should be taken to avoid dangers, including the disconnection of all electrical appliances, switching of air- conditioning, locking the cooking gas cylinder and locking all doors and windows to avoid burglaries. Homes should not have inflammable materi- als in them.“It is advisable that a trust- ed person should be assigned to visit the place every now and then to ensure safety”, said Brig. Baddah.People travelling by road should also take all precautions neces- sary for road safety. He said the car should have a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit, and travellers should avoid overloading the vehicle.

Issue (475) July 2010 8 Four finance sections receive praise Dubai Police receives e-commerce for Quality and ISO recognition excellence award

Major General Khalil Dawood Badran, Director General Dubai Police has received the 2009 Excellence Award of Finance and Services at the , has hon- in e-commerce from Tejari, the leading online B2B mar- oured teams of excellence for their outstanding perform- ketplace for emerging markets, from a wide spectrum of ance.The Office of the Director General – Finance and Ser- government departments. The award was given for Dubai vices, Strategic Planning Section affiliated to the Director Police’ distinguished applications in e-commerce. General – Finance and Services, managers of the Health The award was received by Lieutenant General Dhahi Services Administrations, Sports Clubs, Financial Affairs Khalfan Tamim, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police. It and Project Management, were honoured for achieving the was presented by Suhail Al Banna, Interim CEO of Tejari. ISO 9001:2008 certification. The event was attended by senior officials from Dubai The Administration of Purchases and Warehouses was Police and Tejari. honoured for updating the world’s quality certification The Purchases Division at the General Directorate of from Lloyds Register Quality Assurance. Services and Equipment at Dubai Police completed 86 per Maj Gen Badran expressed his appreciation for the dis- cent of purchase transactions through Tejari. tinguished achievements that came as a result of the direc- “Tejari transactions have been very transparent and tives of His Highness Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif bin credible, and this facilitated our work in a secure environ- Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of ment”, said Lt. Gen. Dhahi. Interior, to upgrade performance and achieve excellence in Mr. Al Banna extended thanks to Dubai Police for their police work.“The teams have been keen on achieving efforts and cooperation. “With partners like Dubai exceptional results, and what has been achieved shows the Police, Tejari will continue to be the leading online B2B high level of cooperation among the various sections”, said marketplace among companies in the Middle East”, he Maj Gen Badran said.

RAK Police training course graduation HOPAS team hon- Three training courses organised by Ras Al Khaimah Police concluded recent- ly. The courses were held from June 6 to 10, following directives of the Ministry oured at Ajman Police of Interior, under the supervision of His Highness Major General Sheikh Taleb bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ras Al Khaimah police chief.A total of 23 officers from differ- The team introducing the com- ent police administrations in the country attended the ‘Strategic Plans Preparation’ prehensive employee performance course. The ‘Skills In Dealing With The Public’ course was attended by 37 police- evaluation system called men, and the ‘Time Management’ course was attended by 41 police staff. ‘HOPAS’ at Ajman Police have been honoured by Colonel Obeid Mohammed Al Suweidi, Director ‘Accident Scene’ training course concludes in Fujeirah of Administration and Finance. A ‘traffic accident scene’ training course organised by Fujeirah Police con- The honouring ceremony was cluded recently. A total of 21 police staff attended the course, held from June attended by senior officers. 6 to 10.The graduation ceremony was attended by Colonel Mohammed Rashid Col. Al Suweidi presented cer- Nayei, Deputy Director General of Fujeirah Police. The contents of the course tificates of appreciation to all team included traffic accident investigation skills.Certificates were presented to the members and wished them success attendants of the training course at the end of the graduation ceremony. in their work.

Issue (475) July 2010 9 Issues

Issue (475) July 2010 10 Who takes the blame?

Jaywalkers taking deadly risks and reckless motorists share the blame for pedes- trian accidents

By Amira Al Raisi

edestrian accidents in the police fined more than 11,000 UAE increase year on year, offending pedestrians. Pand traffic officials say these Lt. Gen. Al Zafeen said bringing accidents are among the most seri- the fatality rate in knock-down acci- ous, as they lead to fatalities and dents is a challenge but not impossi- serious, ife-threatening injuries. The ble. “It requires a lot of effort, but fault lies with both the motorist and most efforts need to be made by the pedestrian; the former for mis- pedestrians as the majority of fatali- takes, inattentiveness and loss of Al Zafeen ties are blamed on the pedestrians; control over the vehicle, and the lat- they need to protect themselves, ter for not abiding by traffic rules first and foremost”, he emphasised. and regulations and failing to use The police official noted that pedestrian crossing. ‘Cross the Road Safely’ awareness pedestrians from some nationalities “The strategic objective is to campaign started around a year ago, lack the ‘road safety culture’ needed reduce the number of fatalities in and some 300 employees took part. to prevent accidents. “They are not general, including deaths caused by “We received letters of thanks from aware of the simplest of traffic safe- knock-down accidents. By the end companies praising our efforts in ty principles. This has led to many of 2009, 12 deaths occurred per educating their staff. The results of losing their lives or sustaining seri- 100,000 of the population. In 2008, the campaigns were reflected in the ous injuries. Traffic authorities the rate was 17.8 per cent”, said number of knock-down accidents spare no efforts in raising awareness Lieutenant General Mohammed Saif that fell to 537 in 2009 from 754 of the principles of traffic safety in Al Zafeen, Director of Dubai Traffic accidents in 2008”, said Lt. Gen. Al the minds of these people”, he said. Police Department. Zafeen. Pedestrian bridges in Dubai, said The official said his department Traffic cops issue fines against Lt. Gen. Al Zafeen, have become an organises traffic safety campaigns pedestrians who cross the road from excellent means to cross roads. Nev- that aim to enhance the rights of spots not designated for pedestrians, ertheless, some pedestrians continue pedestrians in Dubai. He said the especially on highways. In 2009, to cross the roads from danger-

Issue (475) July 2010 11 Al Harthi Ahmed bin Shbeib

ous spots. A plan is currently under- way, in coordination with the Roads and Transport Authority, to build more pedestrian bridges on high- ways, he revealed. Colonel Hussein Ahmed Al Harthi, Director of Traffic and Patrols at Abu Dhabi Police, urged motorists to reduce speeds when they approach pedestrian crossings. “They should also give priority to pedestrians and be more attentive in areas where there are large numbers of pedestrians, like the Industrial Area, shopping centres and residen- tial areas”, he said. Thanks to safety efforts, knock- down accidents in Abu Dhabi fell in the first quarter of 2010 to 139 acci- dents, compared to 184 accidents in the corresponding period of last year. Fatalities also fell to 24 from 31. Injuries declined to 24 from 33 cases, said Col. Al Harthi. The official said inattentiveness and speeding were the main causes of accidents involving pedestrians. However, he said many pedestrians are to blame for accidents, as in Dubai, they cross the roads from spots not designated for pedestrian crossing and they fail to use pedes- trian tunnels or bridges. Col. Al Harthi said parents have to pay extra attention to the protec- tion of their children, particularly those playing football or riding bicycles in neighbourhoods. “We are continuing our efforts to crackdown on motorists who ignore pedestrians’ rights. At the same time, we will not tolerate pedestri- ans crossing the roads from spots not designated for pedestrian cross- ing”, warned Col. Al Harthi. His Excellency Ahmed bin Shbeib Al Dhahiri, member of the Federal

Issue (475) July 2010 12 National Council (FNC), said that nated crossing points, posing threats one of the main causes of accidents to their lives. “Despite the use of involving pedestrians was the disre- high fences on road dividers, some gard by some motorists to pedestri- pedestrians jump over them and ans’ rights. “We have to protect cross the road. They don’t realise the pedestrians’ rights to use the road through the media… penalties are seriousness of their actions”, said Al not the solution, but we need to gen- Maheiri, adding that pedestrian tly pass the message that to protect Farhan Saleh Saif Al Maheiri bridges or tunnels represent the key pedestrians’ rights is a civilised solution. manner that should be encouraged Shihab Al Merri said accidents can and rewarded”, he said. Bani Yas, Al Samha, Mussaffah and be curbed through the unfaltering Farhan Saleh, a resident, said others, need pedestrian bridges or commitment to traffic rules and regu- knock-down accidents increased in tunnels. That will help save lives”, lations by motorists and pedestrians. number in the recent past, particu- he said. “In some suburbs of the city, there are larly on external roads that have no Saif Al Maheiri blamed pedestri- no pedestrian crossings, and that pedestrian crossings. “Areas on the ans for knock-down accidents for forces pedestrians to cross the road outskirts of the city, like Al Bahia, failing to cross the road from desig- from dangerous spots”, he said.

Issue (475) July 2010 13 Issues

Issue (475) July 2010 14 Cultural mosaic

A more direct approach in informing expatriates in the UAE will help them respect local law and culture.

By Lara Al Zarasi

xpatriates from more than 200 “Through this interaction, the nationalities, with cultural and objectives of Community Policing are Esocial tapestry that may or may communicated correctly and easily to not tally with local traditions and val- expatriates. That reflects positively on ues, live in the UAE. Sometimes, dif- efforts to strengthen relations with the ferences and contradictions come to public, and to integrate these people the surface, loud and clear, when it in society to bolster the environment comes to violations involving the of security and stability”, Lt. Col. expression of intimacy, in public. Bin Muhairoom Al Gomzi Mubarak added. Western newspapers every now and then splash controversial headlines Tourism Police about tourists or residents who have violated the law of the land, telling bourhoods, explaining to expatriates, Tourism Police Division has also stories that show total ignorance of in languages other than Arabic, their been active in delivering police mes- cultural differences and inflame these rights and duties while living in the sages. Lieutenant Colonel Ahmed bin incidents. Willingly or otherwise, UAE, said Lieutenant Colonel Darwish Al Gomzi, Director of the these newspapers cause considerable Mubarak bin Muhairoom, Director of division, said a number of services are damage to the image of the UAE. Community Policing in Abu Dhabi. offered to tourists, including an intro- Violations of UAE laws in recent “Following instructions from His duction to the traditions and values of months and years have brought to the Highness Lieutenant General Sheikh UAE society. surface the importance of making the Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy “A tourist has the right to enjoy the laws and culture of the UAE clear to Prime Minister and Minister of Interi- facilities available, and at the same foreigners. or, the role of Community Policing time has to abide by the laws of the has been enhanced, enabling the land. The Tourism Police Division Foot patrols teams to interact with non Arabic has printed many pamphlets in Eng- speaking expatriates and explaining to lish and Arabic and distributes them Community Police patrols on foot them the culture of the UAE”, said the among tourists at the various airports have been active in various neigh- official. in the country. We have plans to

Issue (475) July 2010 15 extend the distribution effort to All expected accordance with its own laws. UAE include hotels and tourist sites, as well nationals and expatriates need to obey as to print pamphlets in other lan- Dr. Khalid Raafat Ahmed, profes- these laws. guages. For example, we are printing sor of international law at Imam “When a country enacts its legisla- in German to reflect the large number Malik Shariah and Law College in tion, it practices its sovereignty on its of tourists from Germany visiting the Dubai, said it was natural that viola- territory and on those living in it, country”, said Lt. Col. Al Gomzi. tions occur in a country that has a whether nationals or expatriates. The The Tourism Police Division also huge expatriate population. rights of the country is limited only by has a project to make these pamphlets He said practices by foreigners in some restrictions imposed by interna- available at embassies in the country the UAE are governed by legal princi- tional law, like the minimum foreign- to help them iexplain the laws of the ples including the country’s rights in ers’ rights… the country also abides UAE. regulating the treatment of foreigners by the international conventions it The pamphlets provide advice to being an internal matter in which signs, and the UAE has been keen on foreigners on how to avoid violations, other countries have no right to inter- emphasising that in its constitution”, explaining to them that offences like fere. That’s why country has the full said Dr. Ahmed. nudity on beaches and at public parks, freedom in identifying the rights and Another principle is the respect of sexual harassment of women and duties of foreigners and the rules that the rights and freedoms of foreigners, other offences. govern the relations with them in which is protected by the UAE consti-

Issue (475) July 2010 16 Dr. Khalid Raafat Dr. Othman. tution, as explained in clause 40. For- eigners, at the same time, have to abide by the UAE laws and regula- tions and to respect the general order. “That’s made clear in clause 44 of the UAE constitution”, he underlined. Ambiguity? Dr. Ahmed said the law is very clear, but ambiguity shrouds the com- mitment by foreigners to respect the ‘general order and public norms’. “Respecting the general order and public norms is not restricted to for- eigners but is also applied on UAE nationals. To make it simple, the ‘general order’ idea is an intrinsic ele- ment in the realm of law, and it refers to regulations that individuals cannot violate and is aimed at protecting the intrinsic principles of society whether they are economic, social or politi- cal”, explained Dr. Ahmed. In that context, the Executive Coun- cil in Dubai issued the ‘Public Norms’ order that explains the social norms which nationals and expatriates as well as visitors to the country should respect, including the culture, religion and traditions of the country. The order was communicated to all gov- ernment departments as well as pri- mitted a violation, as explained in law Muslims and non-Muslims in a Muslim vate companies operating in Dubai. No. 13 of 1996”, said Dr. Ahmed. state have the same rights and duties, The UAE, said the professor, has The document bans some practices with some differences. the right to defend its national identi- in public between men and women, “But if this is the principle in a Mus- ty, traditions and religious belief like kissing, hugging, sexual harass- lim state, we could face objections that against any threats. “It has all the ment and others. non-Muslims are subjected to the same powers that enable it to deport for- penalties as Muslims, and this could be Violations could land the offenders eigners who do not respect its history in jail and get them deported from the interpreted as unfair. We can say that a and culture… there is a huge differ- Muslim in a non-Muslim state is country. The order bans nudity on ence between coexistence among cul- beaches and at swimming pools. required by Islam to follow its rules and tures and the clash of cultures and obey its laws, and when he or she com- Nudity is prohibited in all parts of the civilisations”, stressed Dr. Ahmed. city, and violators could face jail and mits a violation, they are penalised. So deportation. “Any country has the Muslims and non-Muslims why cannot a non-Muslim in a Muslim right to penalise foreign offenders and state be treated in the same way? That’s deport them, whether they are visiting From an Islamic point of view, Dr. why a non-Muslim has to respect the the country or residing permanently. Abdul Hakeem Othman, professor of Muslim code of ethics in a Muslim Deportation is a legal procedure for Contemporary Jurisprudence, said that state, because that is good for them, and foreigners staying legally if they com- Muslim scholars have stressed that for us”, stressed Dr. Othman.

5 Issue (475) July 2010 17 Issues

Issue (475) July 2010 18 Quad biking.. a fatal pastime?

Quad biking in the UAE becomes a nuisance when joy riders break the rules.

By Bassel Souraya

ccidents involving bikes in the result of accidents involving quad UAE claimed 16 lives last bikes. Ayear. A total of 161 people Col. Khamis said quad bike acci- were injured. Quad nikes can be fun, dents can be curbed through a number but if not used properly can be a major of measures, including tighter moni- cause of these accidents. toring by police patrols, fixed and The popularity of quad bikes has mobile speed monitoring devices and increased in recent years. Colonel cameras attached to traffic lights. Khamis Ishaq Mohammed, Director Khamis Ishaq However, he highlighted that aware- of the Traffic and Patrols Division at ness campaigns through the media, Abu Dhabi Police, said: “Quad bikes exhibitions and road shows also rep- are cheap, easy to ride and have good resent an effective means to reduce of confronting this damage. The envi- fuel economy. They are fast and can this kind of accident. ronmental impact is caused by the reach places inaccessible by other There are also laws in place to vehicles because they are light in exhaust of these quad bikes, the nois- guide the use of quad bikes in the weight and small in size”. es they create and the pollution country. Mahmoud Mohammed Quad bikes are allowed in sand caused by engine oils. They also Abdul Qadir, a traffic expert at the dunes, unpopulated areas, agricultural cause damage when quad bikes are Security Research and Studies Centre areas, race tracks and specialised used on seasonal plants”, Col. Khamis at Abu Dhabi Police, said: “The law clubs, said Col. Khamis. They are not explained. that applies to motorbikes also applies allowed in areas where quad bikes are The social impact is evident in the to quad bikes, in addition to article 16 not permitted to be used, military fatalities registered last year. “Acci- of the Traffic law that has certain con- areas, marksmanship fields, residen- dents bring dangers to the family unit ditions including the use of a hel- tial areas, nature reserves, main roads when a bread winner dies and leaves met… any quad bike used with no and internal arteries and at petrol sta- behind a family. Accidents in many numberplates or an exhaust silencer is tions. cases cause permanent disabilities”, confiscated”, he said. The official said there is an environ- said the official. The expert said the minimum age mental, social, psychological and eco- The economic impact is manifested for obtaining a licence is 17 years, and nomic damage caused by the inappro- in the medical treatment costs paid to the applicant should undergo a med- priate use of quad bikes. take care of the injured, and to deal ical check-up and take all tests. “The authorities face the challenge with material damage that occurs as a “Most (quad bike) riders have

Issue (475) July 2010 19 no licence of any kind. There is no ing the issue and defining the neces- insurance cover as insurance firms sary legal framework for licensing refuse to provide such insurance. quad bikes. When an accident occurs and the rider Many readers spoke to 999 about runs away, it is very hard to find out the dangers they see in quad bikes. who the driver was as the quad bike Jamal Abood Al Jaedi, director of does not have numberplates. At (ille- government communications at Khal- gal) quad bike races, there are dangers Abdul Qadir Manar Ibrahim ifa University, said: “Quad bikes are faced by spectators”, Abdul Qadir very dangerous if they are not used said. properly in designated areas”. A legal controversy remains over ciated with quad bikes. Mohammed Saif Al Balushi the registration of quad bikes as safe- Abdul Qadir said quad bikes should described this phenomenon as ty features in these bikes are not well- be subjected to licensing procedures ‘uncivilised’. He added: “It exposes defined. Insurance companies decline in the light of best practices in other the rider to incalculable dangers to provide covers because of the high countries. He said a committee of because of the failure to take safety percentage of potential dangers asso- experts should be tasked with study- precautions”. Another reader, Ibrahim

Issue (475) July 2010 20 Safety Tips Mohammed Ben Sulayem, Vice President of Interna- tional Automobile Federation (FIA) and President of the Automobiles and Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE), has given some safety tips to quad bike rid- ers.

1- Educate yourself on safety. Know more about bikes to be able to ride them and teach your children. Read the owner’s manual and attend a safety training session.

2- Age and weight. People below 18 years of age should not operate a quad bike. However, younger individuals can ride quad bikes under proper instruction.

3- Choose the appropriate quad bike. Select the appropriate quad bike that suits your experience and capability.

4- Get safety equipment and protective gear. This includes a bike helmet. Choose the one that fits properly. Other safety equipment includes eye protectors, gloves and proper shoes.

5- Test the bike before riding. This testing includes tyre pressure, metal wheels, acceleration and cables, brakes, clutch, ignition system key, engine switch-off key, lights, engine oil, fuel (make sure you have enough fuel in the tank), transmission mech- anism, stability of fixtures, tool box and water (make sure that you carry with you enough water).

6- Driving instructions. General driving instructions include proper positioning of the hands on the steering column and of the feet as well. That will enhance your balance. Ascending hills in an inappropriate way can cause imbalance and the over- turning of the quad bike. You should be able to transfer your body weight upwards and control the quad bike in a way that would not let it turn over. In ascending hills, you have to choose a straight route that has fewest obstacles. Transfer your body weight backwards and follow transmission and brakes guidelines for safe ascending.

7- Where to use the quad bike. Obey the law in choosing the areas where quad bike use is allowed. Avoid dangerous areas.

8- Instructions for safe driving. - Don’t ride the quad bike alone, but be in a group of two or more quad Al Nuaimi, said quad biking is good, bike users. provided that they are licensed to be - Carry a mobile phone. used. “Quad bikes should not be used - Don’t ride your bike while under the influence of medicines. in neighbourhoods. I ride quad bikes - Stop when you feel tired. in the deserts only”. - Don’t have a passenger with you. Manar Saaddine Ibrahim said - Carry out maintenance service regularly on the quad bike. youngsters like quad bikes and their - Carry a first aid box with you. use has become a popular pastime. - Use your common sense. “But these quad bikes now represent a danger and many young people 9- Additional advice. have died in accidents involving these - Don’t ever buy fake products, whether for the quad bike or the safety machines. When I complain against gear. the nuisance caused by quad bike rid- - Don’t make the exhaust sound too loud. Plan your trips accurately and ers, police act fast and by doing so, efficiently and abide by the rules of the land. Before starting your jour- they also protect youngsters’ lives”. neys, check the weather conditions. Avoid dangerous maneuvers. Respect She said. other road users.

Issue (475) July 2010 21 Cover story

Issue (475) July 2010 22 The cyber holocaust Security risks threaten critical e-infrastructure of governments and countries

By: Lara Al Zarasi

he world has marked the 20th Catastrophic attack if the actual damage caused by the anniversary of the Internet, as attack were minimalî. Tpeople around the globe wait- In a report, UK Government’s The report predicted a future where ed to see whether or not the endgame Cyber Security Operations Centre wars will be fought digitally, with between China and Google was warned of a potentially “catastroph- attacks being launched through approaching. The crisis broke out ic” cyber attack on Britain. cyberspace: “States are likely to recently when Google officials The report warned cyber attacks increasingly see the cyber domain as announced the existence of a plot by will become increasingly difficult to an area in which to wage war. China to hack into its systems and trace as hackers become more adept ìThe increasing sophistication of at covering their tracks. The docu- declared that it has left China due to criminal cyber tools and the avail- ment also warned dependence on the these censorship issues. ability of cheap, fast broadband will Internet to provide public services The crisis, unimaginable in 1990 mean states are able to achieve their will soon “reach a point of no aims by hiring criminal botnets to when the Internet came into exis- return”. tence, is one of tens of cyberspace carry out DDoS or other attacks on It said: “A successful cyber attack their enemies’ infrastructure.” wars, whose architects are govern- against public services would have a ment system engineers or from In 2009 social networking sites catastrophic impact on public confi- including Twitter and Facebook were groups, causing temporary shutdown dence in the government, even if the of some services or closure of web- hit by DoS attacks which left them actual damage caused by the attack crippled for hours. sites. An Australian non-government were minimal.” organisation recently sent out mes- It suggests this will mean that “any sages on Australian government interruption of broadband access Cyber Cold War websites to protest against govern- becomes intolerable and will have ment plans to set up a filtering sys- serious impacts on the economy and A study by Internet security com- tem and to ban pornographic web- public well being.” pany MacAfee said that the ‘Cyber sites. The organisation regarded the It continues: “A successful cyber Cold War’ launched against comput- move by the government as a ìfla- attack against public services would ers around the world is threatening to grant violation of the freedom of have a catastrophic impact on public become the biggest security threat in expressionî. confidence in the government, even the coming decade.

Issue (475) July 2010 23 that it comes from organised interna- tional gangsî, Lt. Gen. Dhahi under- lined. Staff Lieutenant General Obeid Al Heeri Salem Al Kutbi, Deputy Com- mander of Abu Dhabi Police, said hacking can be curbed through a con- stant monitoring of e-criminals and Dhahi Khalfan Al Kutbi uncovering their methods. “Abu Dhabi Police have been investing in technical assets and in About 120 countries are develop- human cedres, to be able to confront ing ways to use the Internet as a e-crime challenges”, he stressed. weapon to target financial markets, He said cybercrime is a global government computer systems and issue that threatens the infrastructure utilities, McAfee said in an annual of any society and efforts should be report. coordinated globally to confront Intelligence agencies already rou- such criminal activities. tinely test other states’ networks Cyber restraints looking for weaknesses and their techniques are growing more sophis- HE Mohamed Nasser Al Ghanim, ticated every year, it said. Director General of the Telecom Governments must urgently shore Regulatory Authority (TRA), said up their defenses against industrial there are electronic regulations that espionage and attacks on infrastruc- protect societies against cybercrime, ture. and the UAE is one of the first coun- “Cybercrime is now a global tries in the region to put together issue,” said Jeff Green, senior vice legal regulations in this regard. president of McAfee Avert Labs. “It He cited federal law of 2006 on has evolved significantly and is no computer crimes which has articles longer just a threat to industry and on various aspects of cybercrime. individuals but increasingly to He said: ìThe TRA, through the national security.” UAE Computer Emergency As the world marks the 20th Response Team (aeCERT), is bring- anniversary of the Internet, 999 ing out the procedures booklet – opens the dossier of e-crime to shed Information Security Policy that light on this issue. identifies the policies that should be followed as part of the systems of Information Management Art any institution or company to protect the digital infrastructure against Security information is critical for cybercrimeî. combating cyber crime, said Lieu- tenant General Dhahi Khalfan Preventive Measures Tamim, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police. ìInformation is the cor- Mr. Al Ghanim said no system can nerstone of success for any security provide a complete security solution, task, whether conventional or elec- as the process involves multi-layer tronic. Proper planning and continu- systems, and electronic solutions are ous support contribute to combating part of them. any penetrationî, he said. He said he expects corporate enti- against any security threats. What The police official said the UAE ties to invest early in preventive and shakes a system is the application of has been using state-of-the-art security measures to protect informa- the system as part of security devices to curb crime. He said infor- tion infrastructure at the beginning of processes” this means the application mation management is an art that any project design. This, he stressed, by human elements is what leads to brings about success in security is very important to minimise any weaknesses in a given systemî, he operations. future threats. explained. “Cyber crime is difficult to stop” “There are strong and weak points He added: “Unfortunately, all elec- policemen are not giving up, and in electronic security systems. We tronic systems can be penetrated, and they are always alert to confront cannot talk about strong and weak some systems are much stronger than crimes committed on the Internet. points as each electronic security others. Hacking can happen as a ìThe danger posed by these crimes is system is designed to be strong result of human error or the wrong

Issue (475) July 2010 24 application of security systems” system, and they cannot be depended mate groups use it and get involved what we have to do is to make early upon completely as a security valve in piracy on the Internet that bring investments in the protection of digi- against electronic crimeî, he said. them billions of dollars. tal infrastructure to minimise or pre- Richard Clarke, a security expert Clarke, a partner in Good Harbor vent cybercrimeî. and a former senior White House Consulting, warned that during The TRA chief said ‘cyber securi- adviser, said that many countries had wartime, cyber attacks have the ty fences’ are the security valves of thought of using cyberspace for war- potential to reach out from cyber- the future. ìFirewalls constitute a part fare and for peace, including Russia, space into the physical dimension of multi-layer protection systems, China and the UK. He said that and cause giant electrical generators and represent a tool that can be used cyberspace was not restricted to gov- to shred themselves, trains to derail, in an integrated electronic security ernment activities as many illegiti- high-tension power transmission

Issue (475) July 2010 25 International Cooperation checked by specialist detectives. To stop cybercrime, Mr. Kozak said, an Michael Kozak of the FBI and cur- integrated model need to be con- rently works for the Los Angeles structed in which laws and relations Police Department as a Polygraph among countries should be respect- Unit Chief said the task of criminal ed, so that when an incident happens, intelligence is to gather, analyse and the exchange of information on sus- distribute information to monitor and pects should be facilitated. ìInterna- Al Ghanim Michael Kozak prevent any criminal activity. tional cooperation is very important He said the information gathered for the success of any security by specialised centres in the FBI is processî, he asserted. lines to burn, gas pipelines to explode, aircraft to crash, weapons to malfunction, funds to disappear and enemy units to walk into ambushes. Digital WMDs Cyber warriors can still engage in malicious activity. Espionage in US company, Symantec, has identified the most dangerous threats against cyber space is very hard to detect, the Internet. They include malicious codes, crime software, botnets, mali- highly efficient and not restricted to cious compound codes and viruses. government targets. ìIndeed cyber Malicious codes: warriors are engaged in industrial espionage on a massive scale. Some Most cyber attacks these days aim to steal data quietly to make profit, estimates put the amount of stolen unlike attacks in the past that aim to destroy data. Malicious code is a new data in the thousands of terabytes — breed of Internet threat that cannot be efficiently controlled by convention- ten times the amount of information al antivirus software alone. In contrast to viruses that require a user to exe- stored in the US Library of Con- cute a programme in order to cause damage, vandals are auto-executable gressî, he said. applications. Clark underlined there are many examples of the seriousness of the Crime software: use of cyberspace in criminal activi- ties. He said one example was that of Software that is designed to deceive online and steal information from Johns Hopkins University which consumers and corporations. faced an espionage operation, dis- covered two hours after the comple- Botnets: tion of the theft of research. They are robotic programmes that give ‘attackers’ an illegal control over The United Nations has been computers and transform them to “enslaved computers”. A botnet is a jar- working on the setting up of an gon term for a collection of software agents, or robots, that run organistaion to be tasked with enact- autonomously and automatically. The term is most commonly associated ing laws to streamline this sector, with malicious software, but it can also refer to a network of computers said Clarke. He added that terrorism using distributed computing software. still depends on cyberspace for the transfer of money and recruiting ter- Malicious compound codes: rorists, and has not yet to stage a sab- otage attack. That is why organisa- They have specific functions in their initial form, but are designed to tions to keep peace and penalise update themselves with new, more damaging potential. Malicious com- cyberspace law violators are needed, pound codes usually expose confidential information that can be used in he stressed. stealing IDs and in credit card theft. . Warning that cyber war is the next threat to the GCC and particu- Viruses: larly the UAE national security as the UAE is the biggest user of the Inter- They are programmes or pieces of code that are loaded onto the comput- net in the Middle East, Clarke argued er without one’s knowledge and runs against one’s wishes. A simple virus physical defences akin to borders is dangerous because it can quickly use all available memory and bring the such as firewalls will remain essen- system to a halt, and can also be used for espionage. tial, but given the high levels of cross-border connectivity in cyber world, new approaches for cyber security must include the internation- al diplomatic dimension. He said the UAE depends heavily on the Inter- net, and the net use is larger than that of Iran, Turkey or Egypt.

Issue (475) July 2010 26

Trends

Safety for all

A comprehensive strategic project to ‘train the trainers’ on safety is being spear- headed in the UAE by Dubai Civil Defence.

By Mahmoud Hamad

project to train education pro- sustainable project. Educational insti- tions from the Knowledge and Human fessionals on safety and pre- tutions have become partners in the Development Authority (KHDA) in Aventive measures in the serv- protection against dangers in the Dubai, Ambulance Services Centre ice of the community is one of the workplace and in the community. and members of the teaching staff at strategic initiatives launched by The ‘train the trainers’ initiative fol- schools in Dubai. Dubai Civil Defence Department. lowed directions from His Excellency “This has created a fertile environ- The plan is to extend the project to the Lieutenant General Rashid Thani Al ment to bring about the success of the whole UAE. Matroushi, Acting Commander-in- initiative”, said Lt. Gen. Al The project has achieved remark- Chief of Civil Defence in the UAE. Matroushi. “The Ministry of Educa- able success in Dubai and became a Thorough studies involving contribu- tion, in all its institutions and schools,

Issue (475) July 2010 28 Al Matroushi Al Shamsi are a guaranteed strategic partner of the Civil Defence in all the Emirates to protect individuals and society as a whole against all dangers, whether in terms of providing all safety precau- tions at the buildings of educational institutions, or in spreading awareness about safety and preserving safety at schools, home, on roads and public places as well as through joint efforts in organising volunteering initiatives. The Ambulance Service Centre in Dubai is our field and training part- ner”, he added. Lt. Col. Al Matroushi said the Civil Defence authority has been keen on enhancing its role in all community activities “to ensure our noble mes- sage is delivered, so that lives and property can be protected and the environment preserved at all times”. He said the authorities believe in the importance of methodological training for individuals and teams in fire safety and first aid. The training also covers confronting multiple dan- gers and safety awareness. “Our train- ing strategy is built on the premise that training should be extended to become a communications bridge with students and their families”, he The first phase of the project, be held to streamline all training explained. asserted Lt. Col. Al Shamsi, has material involving all civil defence The partnership with educational shown the importance of cooperation departments in the country. institutions in the various regions of of the Knowledge and Human Devel- “That will be in line with the feder- the UAE, said Lt. Gen. Al Matroushi, opment Authority, the Training Cen- al government’s strategy, the strategy is the cornerstone of preventive meas- tre of Tulaitila School and the Ambu- of the Ministry of Interior and the ures and volunteering initiatives in lance Service Centre in providing the media and preventive awareness plan society. appropriate working environment. endorsed by the General Headquarters Lieutenant Colonel Abdullah bin “That helped us in presenting the of Civil Defence”, Lt. Col. Al Shamsi Saif Al Shamsi, Director of Civil Pro- theoretical and practical contents of pointed out. tection Division at Dubai Civil training to participants in the training A total of 26 training courses were Defence, said the project aims at pro- courses, in addition to the impressive organised up tol May this year, in viding teaching staff with the neces- role played by Al Hamriyah Civil which 363 of male and female teach- sary training that enables them to Defence Centre in supporting trainees ers and school staff in Dubai received deliver the safety messages and skills during practical sessions”, Lt. Col. Al training. The project’s team includes in the right way to students. It also Shamsi emphasised. lecturers Shihab Al Sayed Badawi enables teachers to act in a right and More training courses will be held (project director), Yasser Abdul Latif, disciplined way at times of emer- this year to reach the desired objec- Ali Obeid Al Saher Al Kutbi, Ahmed gency before the arrival of civil tives of the first phase of training, he Hasan Ahmed and Shaimah Shihab defence teams. said. Coordination meetings will also Murad.

Issue (475) July 2010 29 Focus

Issue (475) July 2010 30 Beyond spinsterhood

How can women who remained single beyond the conventional age of marriage deal with the burdens of life?

By: Amira Al Raisi

pinsterhood is a never ending and benefit from my salary. After topic, but a difficult situation the death of my father, may his soul Semerges when the woman in rest in peace, and after all my broth- question is abandoned by her broth- ers got married, I started living with ers and sisters after the deaths of the my brother and his wife in my parents. The government, in such a father’s home which was renovated. situation, intervenes in certain cir- I always fall victim to the malicious cumstances to lend a helping hand plans of my brother’s wife who cre- to women in need of financial assis- Mariam Al Roumi ates disagreements between my tance and to provide them with pro- brother and I to force me to leave tection. the house. But I have no place to An investigation into spinster- goî, Alia said. hood in the UAE has led 999 to two Fatima says she was not ashamed cases that are different from con- encouraged me in that rejection of of the word ‘spinster’. ìBeing a ventional stories; the stories of Alia marriage. Later, those who proposed spinster is not a barrier in my life. and Fatima. to me were married people, and I The cause of my spinsterhood is my Alia says she was 15 years old rejected them, telling myself I focus on my studies and status in when her hand was sought in mar- would not accept to marry that way society. There were certain ‘specifi- riage for the first time. She refused after the long wait!î. cations’ in the husband I wanted to to get married because she wanted When she reached the age of 45, share my life with, and these ‘specs’ to continue her studies to become a Alia no more had men seeking her increased in number as I grew old- medical doctor. After high school, hand in marriage. erî. she pursued her higher studies at ìAt that point I realised that the Fatima’s social standing and university. ìAt the age of 30, I still objective of my father to reject all financial status are much better than refused to get married and my father the men was to keep me with him many ‘spinsters’. ìThat means I

Issue (475) July 2010 31 age group who are not married and have no source of income. Social assistance is provided in accordance with certain conditions. According to Al Roumi, the num- ber of unmarried women in the UAE who receive social aid is 2,904 women. They receive a total amount Mariyam Al Fazari of Dh162 million annually. In 2007, the number reached 3,405 women. ìBut the number declined after some women receiv- could live in a nice house and spend ing social aid were united with their lavishly. But other women could not families who already receive wel- continue their studies and are not fareî, explained the minister. working women. They need shelter Accurate figures at the federal and an income, particularly when level about unmarried women are the parents are no more alive and not available, said Al Roumi, and the brothers and sisters are married the reason for that is the lack of a and busy with their livesî, she said. unified age group that helps HE Mariam Mohammed Khalfan describe spinsterhood. However, the Al Roumi, Minister of Social 2005 census showed that unmarried Affairs, told 999 that the word women in the 25-29 age group con- ‘spinster’ or ‘old maid’ is used in stituted 28 per cent. The percentage the wrong contexts. ìThere has been in the 30-34 age group goes down to no distinction between delayed mar- 14 per cent, and reaches less than riage and spinsterhood. In most one per cent in the 45-49 age group. cases, the talk is about delayed mar- ìThis shows that delayed marriage riages, and marriages are normally is the result of some positive causes delayed because of various factors like pursuing higher education. including that women opt to pursue Other causes are the high costs of higher studies, the high costs of marriage and high dowries. There marriage and the conditions that should be solutionsî, said Al Roumi. some women attach to marriage The UAE government has been relating to new family life require- providing the means to decent living mentsî, said the minister. to women who have not got married. She added: ìWe at the Ministry of The objective of achieving an Social Affairs give attention to appropriate standard of living for all national women in need and provide nationals was incorporated in the them with services. The ministry 2008-2010 strategic plans and pro- since 1972 has been giving social grammes of the federal government. assistance to unmarried women who ìThe federal government’s strate- have no jobs, no income and no gy launched by His Highness financial supporter, in accordance Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al with the social welfare law. The law Maktoum, Vice President and Prime transforms women who are recipi- Minister of the UAE and Ruler of ents of welfare to participants in the Dubai, with the blessings of Presi- development process through train- dent His Highness Sheikh Khalifa ing them and preparing them for the bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The aim is to job marketî. transform the perception of social Al Roumi said there are pro- welfare to social development and grammes and initiatives launched by to find employment for 54 per cent the ministry in recent years to help of the social welfare beneficiaries, women join the job market. She said about 18,000 male and female in many countries in the Muslim Federal law No. 2 of 2001 regarding nationals. world because of high dowries, and welfare has specified two categories Social researcher Mariyam Al parents’ ignorance about the dan- of ‘unmarried women’: the first has Fazari says spinsterhood threatens gers associated with that. ìIslam to do with women in the 18 – 35 age GCC societies. ìMany women under encourages parents to make mar- group, have no income and no the age of 20 live in terrible fear till riage of their daughters easy and financial supporter. The second cat- they manage to get marriedî, she simple, and should avoid any thing egory is for women in the 35 – 60 said. that would complicate the life of She said marriage age is delayed

Issue (475) July 2010 32 young married people like loansî, million capital, from the donations riage costs, and taken obligatory said Al Fazari. of businessmen and wealthy indi- decisions to ban excessive spending One of the practical solutions to viduals, offering financial assis- on weddings. The tribes have been the problem of spinsterhood given tance to national men marrying working to encourage a return to by late President Sheikh Zayed bin national women. authentic Arab and Muslim mar- Sultan Al Nahyan was the setting up ìUAE tribes have also been unan- riage traditionsî, concluded Al of the Marriage Fund with a Dh100 imous on reducing dowries and mar- Fazari.

Issue (475) July 2010 33 Focus

Issue (475) July 2010 34 Battered women need a voice

Putting an end to ‘masculine violence’ against women is a collective responsibility

By Lara Al Zarasi

any cases of violence against leagues at the workplace and by the women go unreported around son. The woman has to confront all Mthe world, and the UAE is no these types of violence against her”, exception. The role the laws of the said Dr. Eidan. country play in the protection of The protection against violence, said women against domestic violence is Dr. Eidan, comes from the home and critical, experts say. the school. “We have to teach women A survey conducted by the Family their social and legal rights and explain Development Foundation covering Dr. Hussain Dr. Karima their duties. We should not let the 3,000 cases showed that the number of woman be the shadow of the man, who domestic violence cases reported to may be good or bad, walking in life courts of law was low, making up just without an objective”, she said. four per cent of the total number of “I am shocked at husbands who beat cases. 312 divorce cases were the result of their wives and break their bones, However, domestic violence cases in domestic violence, and that 40 per cent thinking that they impose their control the local community not reported to the of divorce cases were of individuals in that way. Such husbands forget that authorities constituted 40 per cent of younger than 30 years of age. A total of planting hatred in their wives will make cases in the Eastern Region (Al Ain), 312 families and at least 600 children them lose their respect and trust”, said 41 per cent in Abu Dhabi and 52 per were exposed to the adverse effect of Dr. Eidan. cent in the Western Region, with an family disintegration. Women, said the UAE University average of 42 per cent (1,260 cases). “Women need support, because the professor, should be very careful in Dr. Hussain Sarhan, Family Guid- stability of the woman’s life means the selecting their husbands. “The pre-mar- ance consultant at the Family Develop- stability of the family unit”, said Dr. riage period of getting to know each ment Foundation, said that 504 of Sarhan. other is very important for couples and these cases involved physical violence, Dr. Karima Eidan, professor of psy- that period should be prolonged to 227 sexual violence and 529 psycho- chology at UAE University, said there enable the man and the woman to know logical violence. are many threats encountered by each other well and exchange ideas”, “The survey is part of the founda- women, the most serious of which is she noted. tion’s efforts in providing psychologi- what she called ‘masculine violence Women speeding up the marriage cal, social and legal assistance to against women’, and ‘the discrimina- process because of the fear of becom- women”, said the official. tion practised by men against women’. ing an old maid, Dr. Eidan underlined, Another statistical report on the caus- “Masculine violence is that of the make a very serious mistake. “To be es of divorce related to domestic vio- father, the brother and, at a later stage called a divorced woman is even worse lence, conducted last year, shows that in life, the husband, as well as by col- than the old maid title. This is in

Issue (475) July 2010 35 addition to the problem of children who are brought up in inappropriate social environments. How can we imagine a house where a husband beats his wife, and their children watch that every day? How can a mother defend her children if they are beaten, and she can- not even defend herself when subjected to violence”, Dr. Eidan asked. From her experience, Dr. Eidan met hundreds of women who spoke about their problems. “I cannot forget the face of that one woman who was brutally beaten by her husband. When she was taken to hospital to have her wounds stitched and treat bruises and fractures, she lied and told investigators she had fallen in the bathroom. It was her jeal- ous husband, suffering from psycholog- ical disorders, who beat her violently. She never lodged a complaint with police because, she said, she loved him so much!”, Dr. Eidan said. She warned that the psychological fatigue a woman subjected to masculine violence manifests itself in organic dis- eases such as back pain, colon, stomach, blood pressure and diabetes. Other con- ditions include psychiatric disorders like depression and anxiety. “The effort of psychiatrists and social workers has been to save what could be saved , as we try to enable women and children to adapt to their environ- ments to ensure psycho- logical and social stabili- employment relations and its amend- the person who commits an indecent ty”, she said. ments has given special protection to act with a female, even if it is not in The UAE law has women, particularly clause 27 that public. given the necessary pro- bans night duty for women, and clause Dr. Al Qarashi Al Bashir, dean of the tection to women against 29 which bans dangerous and exhaust- Shariah Faculty at the University of domestic violence. Dr. ing tasks for women, or jobs that pose Sharjah, said the protection of women risks to health or are ethically damag- starts with the awareness of the com- Mustapha Al Taher, Dr. Al Taher legal researcher at the ing. munity about Shariah rules that give Security Research and In the draft law of the Ministry of women their rights in full. He warned Studies Centre of Abu Dhabi Police, Labour to amend the current law, a that “some communities apply tradi- said the UAE legislator had given pro- clause is enacted to avoid discrimina- tions sometimes as a way to violate tection to women, whether in terms of tion between men and women in women’s rights”. He cited the exam- banning and criminalising the act of employment. “This stresses the princi- ples of the failure of some communities trafficking in them, enslaving them, ple of equality in payment for same in consulting women about marriage violating their freedom, forcing them to jobs handled by men and women”, said and depriving them of their inheritance, work against their will or in exhausting Dr. Al Taher. among other violations. tasks and under unfair conditions or As to efforts to combat prostitution “The responsibility for women’s forcing them to work as prostitutes. and sexual exploitation of women, arti- inability to get their lawful rights is a The law, said Dr. Al Taher, has cle 354 states that any person who joint responsibility involving men, imposed stiff penalties against perpetra- forces a woman to engage in sex is women and the society as a whole. tors in cases of kidnapping women and given capital punishment, and the Ignorance about teachings of Islam that violating their freedom. Article 344 forceful act is considered so if the age organise relations in society and the gives life imprisonment to those who of the victim is below 14 years at the accumulation of problems are among unlawfully kidnap or detain women, time of the crime. Article 355 gives life the reasons leading to the current situa- and capital punishment if the act leads imprisonment for the attempt to com- tion, which becomes a time bomb that to the death of the victim. mit the crime, and article 358 gives needs to be defused”, said Dr. Al Federal law no. 8 of 1980 regarding imprisonment of not less than a year to Bashir.

Issue (475) July 2010 36

Focus

Issue (475) July 2010 38 Escape to Apocalypse Increasing anxiety grips Egypt as the rate of suicide attempts continues to rise.

By Reem Mohammed in Cairo

he phenomenon of suicide in means to attract attention to their Arab communities in general problems, especially the inability to Tand in Egypt in particular is meet the financial demands of mar- assuming a clear social dimension; it riage because of high dowries and is no more an individual expression of abhorrent living costs. He called on despair or the result of depression, but parents to be flexible and understand- has become an issue closely associat- ing when it comes to dowries and ed with socio-economic conditions. marriage expenses. An alarming revelation came in the Dr. Hashem Abdul Muti But suicide should not be diagnosed form of statistics showing that more in a collective manner, said Dr. Abdul than 54,000 Egyptians attempted to Raoof Al Dhaba’a, professor of soci- end their own lives last year. The ology at the Faculty of Letters, Janoub shocking figure was released by the Al Wadi University. Information Decision-Making Sup- escape from attempting to confront “Each case has its circumstances port Centre affiliated to the Egyptian problems and solving them. Some that would lead to suicide. Each sui- Cabinet. people are not satisfied with what cide is an individual case”, he Cairo came first among Egyptian they have, even if they have a lot of stressed. cities in the number of individuals money. If people are poor, they natu- The phenomenon, said Professor Al attempting to kill themselves, fol- rally do not have enough to meet their Dhaba’a, has two dimensions; the first lowed by Qaliubiya. In the third posi- needs, so some of them find suicide as has to do with the person attempting tion came Giza and Suez. The cities at the easiest escape route to get rid from or committing suicide, and the other the bottom of the list are Assiut and the troubles of life”, explained Dr. with external pressures. Sohag. Bahri. He called for the setting up of a Dr. Hashem Bahri, professor of He warned that depression had been monitoring centre to scrutinise the psychology at Al Azhar University, spreading fast among Egyptians. “If phenomenon. “What we have at the said: “Embracing materialism and this is not treated properly, suicide moment is just statistics. And yet, we turning away from religious values rates will increase to get closer to pre- have observed that the rate is rising. and ethics have led many to different vailing rates in large European coun- That is very clear, and the causes are forms of depression, some of which tries”, he said. also clear”, said Professor Al are serious enough to push people to Dr. Ahmed Khairi Hafez, professor Dhaba’a. suicide”. of psychology at Ein Shams Universi- From a religious viewpoint, Islam Statistics show that the majority of ty, attributed the increase in the num- forbids suicide. Sheikh Abdul Muti those who committed suicide were ber of suicide cases to depression, Bayoumi, member of the Islamic men. Jobless people topped the list. failure to understand facts related to a Research Complex at Al Azhar, said Among women, most of them who psychological disorder and neglecting the person coming suicide, before tak- committed suicide were housewives, people with psychological disorders. ing his or her life, kills his belief taking the extreme step because of Other causes leading to suicide because suicide is a transgression marital differences and difficult eco- include the deteriorating living condi- against God Al Mighty Who says in nomic conditions. tions, dissatisfaction with life, the Holy Quran: “And that it is He People in the age group of 14 to 40 absence of ethics and the failure to Who causes death and gives life”. (44, constituted more than 78 per cent of confront problems in the right way, he Al Najm). those committing suicide. said. Sheikh Bayoumi said the phenome- “There has been an imbalance in the Dr. Hafez underlined that some non was a direct result of weak belief Egyptian mindset. Suicide is an youth may resort to suicide as a in God.

IssueIssue (472)(475) AprilJuly 2010 39 Culture

Calligraphic letters ‘a cluttered mess’ Renowned Arabic calligraphist believes more attention should be devoted to this art in the Arab world, but reassures enthusiasts the writing with beautiful pen- manship will never disappear into oblivion.

By Khalid Al Dhanhani Photos: Mohammed Ali.

Shukri Suweidani is a Syrian callig- able to write it many times. The Holy rapher and artist, who’s been in love Quran is the map of my soul, my with Arabic calligraphy since the friends and my remedy. I live with the 1980s. He’s derived his creative Holy Quran. strength from Arabic calligraphy, and the Holy Quran has been his spiritual Q. Types of Arabic calligraphy compass and timeless friend. are diversified. What are the differ- In an interview with 999, Suwei- ent types and how did this art start- dani lashed out at the excessive and ed? inappropriate use of letters in calligra- A. During the time of Prophet phy, describing it as a betrayal of Mohammed (PBUH), Arabic calligra- artistic taste. phy was simple, just like the culture Excerpts: itself. People involved in improving were very few. A lot of develop- Q. Where do you derive your ments took place following the need artistic creativity? that sprang to write the Holy Quran, A. My first motive to be creative is and also to organise the army and the to project the Quranic word and wis- affairs of the treasury. In the dom at a level that reaches out to its Abbasid period, the first foundations sublime and enlightening position. I were set up on clear engineering think I have not done enough on this principles by Abu Ali bin Miqla, a front, but I read a lot and acquire the minister at the time, and others who tools that transfer me to a status which followed him. Naskh, Thuluth, enables me to serve the Holy Quran Rehan and Kofi types had main through what I have mastered or what lines, and integrated series followed I am trying to improve. Inspiration is is its essence and the core of its civi- and they spread to all parts of the just a small part of the creative expe- lization throughout the ages. We were Islamic world, taking regional rience, complementing the tools and a nation with no knowledge, and the forms. The latest was Al Ruqa’a persistence. All these elements make Holy Quran has opened for all founts from which Al Diwani and the clear up the full picture. of wisdom. We triumphed when the Al Diwani sprang in the 19th centu- Holy Quran was our guide; but look at ry. There is a big heritage about the Q. This means the Holy Quran is us now when we have neglected it. I manners, rules and practices of cal- your source of creativity, doesn’t it? have been honoured by writing the ligraphy that make us proud of our A. We are a nation that has been words of the Holy Quran, and within identity. formulated by the Holy Quran, which few years I wrote it. My hope is to be

Issue (475) July 2010 40 Q. What is the type of calligraphy that you use in your works? A. The clear Thuluth, as it is sub- lime and astonishingly flexible. Other lines are beautiful, too.

Q. What are the art schools that influenced you? A. When I fell in love with Arabic calligraphy in the 1980s, I looked for an institute or a school in Damascus, but my search was in vain. One of the old practitioners promised to teach me, but two years with him gave me nothing. I later embarked on a slow learning process that helped me achieve my objective.

Q. How can Arabic calligraphy catch up with modern lifestyles? A. Arabic calligraphy has always caught up with modernity. Interaction with the needs of the nation has always been there. Each era has had its requirements, and each Muslim region has its Arabic calligraphy that is appropriate for its people and which represents their aspirations. Arabic calligraphy will catch up with modern lifestyle if it is taught in schools and institutes. Exhibitions should be organised to support Arabic calligraphy creativeness, and those working seriously in the field should also be supported.

Issue (475) July 2010 41 Q. Are you afraid that Arabic Q. But formative artists are usu- ly affecting art’s foundations and calligraphy will vanish? ally accused of steering away from principles. A. As long as the Holy Quran is their environment and the causes preserved, Arabic calligraphy will of Arab and Muslim nation. As an Q. The UAE hosts many festi- be fine. We build museums for arts artist, how can use deal with the vals, forums and exhibitions. Have made by others. We build opera causes of your nation, through these events been useful in taking houses and import singers and your works? Arabic calligraphy to the hearts of dancers. But when we hold an Ara- A. I am not a formative artist. I am people, particularly the youth? bic calligraphy exhibition, after just a calligraphist. My mission is to A. These events are beautiful, struggles, we cannot find buyers! learn, teach and produce Arabic cal- promising and oriented, but they ligraphy lines. It is a very difficult have not helped Arabic calligraphy Q. Using letters in Arabic cal- mission; I have spent long time to spread as much as they provided a ligraphy pieces of art is a new learning, and I think I need 50 more market for non-Arab calligraphists years to learn more. Preserving the on a seasonal basis. Till now, there is trend. What do you think about Arabic language and Arabic calligra- not even one institute that teaches it? phy requires a commitment and sac- Arabic calligraphy or Islamic orna- A. Using letters is just a reflec- rifices. We have responded to the ments. There is not a single, genuine tion of experiences by some West- stupid works of some European artist who depends in his or her sub- ern artists. Away from useful and painters who insulted Prophet sistence on the revenues of the sale wise words and verses from the Mohammed (PBUH), through artis- of works. Besides, the prices of Ara- Holy Quran, the treatment of letters tic works that were exhibited in Den- bic calligraphy works are too low in an exaggerated manner, by artists mark’s greatest museums as well as compared to what professional foot- wanting to convince us of these let- in other European countries. We are ballers or singers get, if we assumed ters’ artistic value, actually down- continuing to develop our tools and that artists were able to sell one grades our artistic taste. Only good artistic expressions in a way that piece, after a long and painful round works of art will remain. suits modern tastes, without adverse- of bargaining!

Issue (475) July 2010 42

People

Thrilled and honoured to join ‘Future Leaders’

By Mahmoud Zaher

e is an ambitious citizen of UAE Government Leaders Pro- International Cooperation, Ministry the UAE, who aspires to be gramme, was attended by His High- of Interior. Hexceptionally successful in ness Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif ìI consider myself to be very lucky, many fields. He is one of the young bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime having joined the first batch of 58 national leaders capable of shoulder- Minister and Minister of Interior and nationals of the UAE Government ing their responsibilities in the serv- His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Leaders Programmeî, said Lt. Col. ice of the young nation. Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Dr. Al Khazimi. ìThe 18-month Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Ahmed Al Minister and Minister of Presidential training and development was very Khazimi was honoured by His High- Affairs. The event was held at Emi- exciting, and it included training and ness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid rates Place Hotel in Abu Dhabi in workshops in the UK, Australia, Al Maktoum, Vice-President and April. Canada and New Zealandî, he added. Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler Lt. Col. Dr. Al Khazimi is head of He stressed that the honouring by of Dubai. The honouring event, at the the International Conventions and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin graduation of the first batch of the Conferences at the Department of Rashid Al Maktoum was an accolade

Issue (475) July 2010 44 Lt. Col. Dr. Ahmed Ali Hasan Sultan Al Khazimi was born in Murbeh, in the emi- rate of Fujeirah, in 1972. He is married with six children (three boys and three girls). He received the Ministry of of which he’s proud, and it also gives ic planning, catching up with the Interior appreciation medal of him a great responsibility towards latest in police work and sciencesî, first degree in 2009 for serving the country and further he underlined. ìOne of the greatest obtaining his Ph. D., and the upgrading the working standards of moments was when Lieutenant Gen- medal of sincere service from the Ministry of Interior. eral Sheikh Saif received me in his the Ministry of Interior in Lt. Col. Dr. Al Khazimi was also office; I submitted a copy of my Ph. 2003. He also received other honoured along with three other D. degree to himî, he added. Ministry of Interior staff at the Gen- Since joining the fifth batch of the accolades, including the pres- eral Directorate of Strategy and Per- Police College, Lt. Col. Dr. Al tigious The Sheikh Rashid formance Development of the Gen- Khazimi has been keen on develop- Award for Academic Excel- eral Secretariat of the Office of His ing his skills. He attended more than lence. Highness Lieutenant General Sheikh 20 training courses in the UAE and In his police career, Lt. Col. Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy abroad, in addition to taking part in Dr. Al Khazimi worked at Prime Minister and Minister of Inte- conferences and workshops and various departments before rior. The three other officers are representing the UAE as member being promoted to head of the Lieutenant Colonels Aziz Hamoud of official delegations. During his International Conventions Al Ameri, Faisal Sultan Al Shuaibi study, he received a medal of and Conferences at the and Humaid Al Maheiri. appreciation of first degree for his Department of International The instructions of Lieutenant outstanding performance. He grad- Cooperation, Ministry of Inte- General Sheikh Saif to all staff, said uated in 1993 and pursued higher rior. Lt. Col. Dr. Al Khazimi, have been studies to obtain his MA in law behind the achievements realised by from the University of Cairo in the Ministry of Interior on all fronts. 2000, and then his Ph. D. in consti- ìWe now have a modern police tutional law from the University of force that has strategic and scientif- London in 2008.

Issue (475) July 2010 45 People

Opening closed doors By Khalid Al Dhanhani

alem Mohammed Abdullah he stressed. Al Dhahmani was born in After high school, Salem SFujeirah in 1982. His poetic joined an education centre of the talent showed signs of maturity at Ministry of Interior for the phys- early age, and he attributes it to ically challenged. After obtaining the enchanting nature of the emi- a degree in secretarial studies, he rate, located on the serene East decided to work and help change Coast of the UAE. the stereotype about physically- Salem works at the Police Sta- challenged individuals. The tions Division of Fujeirah Police degree changed his life. Salem in Habhab, and his main task is joined the Information Technolo- entering data. His handicap was gy Division of the General Direc- caused by Polio, the childhood torate of Fujeirah Police. disease. ìWorking with Fujeirah Police ìMy childhood was very nor- has opened doors in front of me, mal; My family (parents and five which were closed. Work has children) never made me feel I given me the opportunity to con- was different. They have always tribute to society and achieve been understanding and helped self-fulfillment. The most impor- me overcome all obstaclesî, he tant thing is that I have been able said. to serve my country that has The natural diversity of the given us a lot. I have also known emirate of Fujeirah, said Salem, many peopleî, he said. has positively affected his On the work environment at lifestyle. ìIt has inspired me and Habhab police station in sharpened my poetic talent. ìPo- Fujeirah, Salem said: ìWork at etry has also been a method to the station never stops, and the express my sufferingî, he added. team is very cooperative and pro- Salem has been physically vides perfect services to the pub- challenged since childhood lic smoothly. Our officers give us because of Polio. ìAt school near all help, but are also very meticu- our home at Al Bathna area, I lous when it comes to perfecting studied with normal children and their dutiesî, he explained. I faced no difficulty in the learn- Salem is planning to pursue ing process, nor did I have an higher studies and obtain a issue with coming to school. I degree that will enhance his pro- excelled at school and was an fessional performance and enrich outstanding student in grade 12î, his life.

Issue (475) July 2010 46 Caught in the act! By Amani Al Yafaei

atirical by instinct is how he Khalifa always loved to read news- inquiries and complaints of staff and describes himself and has done papers and magazines, and he was transformthese complaints into ideas Ssince he was a young boy. attracted most to cartoon pages. His and cartoonsÖ that brought a smile Khalifa Ahmed Malik Al Shihi talent was so clear in drawing paint- on the face of every one who saw the always looked at things from a pecu- ings of his teachers while they per- drawingsî, he said. liar angle, and found in cartoons the formed their duties at school. ìThat Khalifa’s drawings have been pub- method to express his ideas, obses- went fine till I was caught in the act lished in Al Ittihad newspaper and on sions and aspirations. by the philosophy teacherî, said smil- local and GCC websites, and that Khalifa, who works for the Abu ing Khalifa. ìBut things went well as encouraged him to do more. Dhabi Police, remembers an incident the teacher was so supportive, and he He believes this hobby is his life. when he was ‘caught’ by his teacher gave me all encouragementî. His ideal is the late Palestinian car- in the classroom drawing various The teacher’s advice was very use- toonist Naji al-Ali. shapes on the pages of a book. ìA ful; Khalifa sent some of his works to Khalifa’s biggest dream is to have pleasant surprise it was: the philoso- various publications in the country, children who will see his works, phy teacher was not angry at me. He and they got published. learn from him and compete with actually showed immediate admira- Khalifa found that his hobby was him. His wife keeps a record of his tion for what I was doing and encour- very useful in his job at Abu Dhabi works, and colours them. He also aged me to continue with this hobby Police which he joined some 11 dreams of always bringing smiles to and asked me to send my drawings to years ago. the faces of all people and transfer- magazines and newspapersî, said He joined the Generate Directorate ring his drawings to caricature char- Khalifa. ìBut he asked me to focus of Central Operations. ìAfter official acters and, at a later stage, to animat- more on the curriculumî, he added. working hours, I listened to the ed cartoons.

Issue (475) July 2010 47 Flashback

A policeman from the Vehicle Licensing Department of Abu Dhabi Police explaining to a resident the correct way of fixing the numberplate on her car. A girl from Emirates Scouts presenting flowers to a traffic policeman in appreciation of Abu Dhabi Police efforts in enhancing road safety.

A traffic policeman organising traffic on a road in Abu Dhabi.

Issue (475) July 2010 48

The bitter harvest Figures do not lie. In the face of figures, we are exposed; if the figures are on our side, we would brag and get arrogant; otherwise, the figures would cripple us and drag us away from the pursuit of perfection. Anything one does is threatened by flaws, but flaws are not necessarily the result of ill-preparedness or doing too little. The Arab Thought Foundation (Al Fikr Al Arabi), recently published its second report on the development of Arab culture. It’s a very important report for government officials involved in culture, education, the media and creativity in general in the Arab world. In fact, we all need to read this report thoroughly. The report says that government annual spending on a university student does not exceed US$800 in countries like Egypt, Syria, Morocco and Jordan. It is around US$1,800 in Lebanon and Tunisia, and some US$8,000 in Saudi Arabia. The amount goes to more than US$10,000 in Israel and France, while it’s around US$22,000 in the Perspectives United States. The report adds that the problem of financing has dented the performance of Arab universities; the growth of a given institution is not compatible with the average growth of financial allocations. The numbers of teachers, usually sent to Western universities for higher education, has declined, and this trend has been replaced with ‘local’ educa- tional programmes. Universities have been unable to finance educational and research ‘leaves of absence’ for its teaching staff outside national borders. Self-generating initia- tives at universities in the Arab world almost do not exist, though such initiatives con- tribute greatly to the quality of education and to the enhancement of administrative and financial independence in educational institutions in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Turkey. The report says Arabic websites do not reflect the richness of Arab culture and her- itage. There are also weaknesses in educational portals, digital libraries and literature and folklore websites. These very weaknesses in the contents of scientific search web- sites are coupled with the absence of interactive platforms in the websites of the min- Ali Obaid istries of culture and government-run websites. Among a thousand website that are the most visited worldwide, there is only one Arabic website, and it is about cinema. [email protected] The cultural thought in Arab media takes a critical stance vis-à-vis Western culture, especially the American, springing out of the premise that ‘materialism controls life in the West’ and that the political and ethnic diversity in the West reflects in its essence an economic condition that is dependent on the class system. In addition, the relationship between culture and the political leadership in the Arab world is very perplexing, and there is insistence by the intelligentsia in the press that they are detached from the political authority, even if they were officially part of it. The intelligentsia make a separation between their cultural contribution and their ‘posts’ in government, and there is a perceptible controversy among the intelligentsia and Arab cultural institutions about the freedom of exchanging information, swinging between the necessities of human rights and national security and social stability requirements. This all comes at a time the media revolution has affected life in the Arab world to a very large extent. However, dialogue in Arab society has been enhanced, but tensions remain, posing a question about the controversy of dialogue manners in our contempo- rary culture. According to the report, what distinguishes the interest in the international world order is the attention being devoted to civil society and the position of development in Arab thoughts, activities and institutional agendas. Nevertheless, despite the sympo- siums held in 2008, the contribution made remains meager as there was a stress on the- ory and Arab universities continued to retract their role in knowledge, though they need- ed to provide the basic environment for scientific research. These are some of the important points included in the report. They give us an idea about the Arab cultural grounds today, in a world that pays unequivocal attention to information, education, the media and creativity. Let’s hope that the coming report will be void of items that could make our stomach ache even worse.