Tempo - August 1-31, 2010

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CRAZY STUNTSspace walkINGIN THe capITal

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SKATE BOARDINGABU DHABI

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eNTeRTaINMeNT I FOOD I FasHION I lIFesTYle I aRTs

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the rhythm of your city

K’NAANcaNaDIaN-sOMalI

MUsIc seNsaTION

AUGUST 1, 2010

JONesIN abU DHabI

4 Uspace

6 cRazY sTUNTs

8 wHaT’s HOT

9 beaT wITH kaRaM

10 HaNGOUTs

12 TReNDseTTeR

13 MY sTYle blUepRINT

14 cITY bITes

19 peOple MeTeR

20 NeIGHbOURHOOD

22 RaIsING THe baR

23 YaNk IN saNDlaND

24 sOcIal NeT

25 TecH Talk

26 MY abU DHabI

28 MakING a DIFFeReNce

29 aRTIcUlaTe

30 classIFIeDs

31 FUN paGe

AddressTo reach editorial at Abu Dhabi Tempo email: [email protected] If you need to find out where you can pick up your copy call: 02 6673349 or check out the list of Tempo distribution points on our website.

NoTe To ADverTIsers: Advertisers get free brand tagging with all advertisements. To reach advertising call 02 6673349 or email: [email protected]

disclAimer:Tempo is a publication of BrandMoxie. Although Tempo Magazine does its best to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of its contents, the publisher cannot accept any responsibility for errors, mistakes and inaccuracies. The publisher reserves the rights of this product and no part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the permission of the publisher.

VOLUME15 | AUGUST 1, 2010

Published by:

Hello Abu dhabi,

The capital has succumbed to summer, and a peaceful transition into ramadan begins. The wonderful thing about the rhythm of the cosmos, and the energy of all living things is the periodic opportunity for rebirth and renewal.

For Muslims, ramadan carries the promise of spiritual realignment. It is a time to look inward; to review your life; your work, your contributions, and think of how you can become a better person. ramadan is a chance to refocus your energies on things that matter most. It engrains the values of caring, patience, truthfulness and giving-- hopefully not just for the month, but for a long time afterwards as well.

These hot months may offer little to do outdoors, but they are also a great time to come together indoors. To focus on family, friendships and our communities.

It is a breaking of a fast, and a breaking of bread together. With great hope, gratitude and forgiveness.

embrace spiritual renewal, Abu Dhabi.

Visit abudhabitempo.com on your mobile phone.

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FROM THe eDITOR cONTeNTs

eNTeRTaINMeNT

FOOD

FasHION

lIFesTYle

aRTs

eDITOR

saNa baGeRsH

FeaTURes eDITOR

alMa kaDRaGIc

eDITORIal cOORDINaTOR

sITHaRa seTHUMaDHavaN

MaGazINe DesIGNeR pRaveeN pRabHakaRaN

websITe DesIGNeR RIzwaN peRvaIz

MaRkeTING cOORDINaTORMaNJUl abHIsHek

pRODUcTION cOORDINaTORRIzwaNa sHaHID

eDITORIal cONTRIbUTORs

kaRaM bUkaIR

MaXINe GUaRNIeRI

OMaR el TeMTaMY

RaNDY paRkeR

MeDIa lIceNce NO. 1/105866/24295

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Tempo August 1, 20104 5

SPACE

Review

saY

Do you think the age eligibility to start driving should be 16 years?

Dear ed, I’m a tourist to Abu Dhabi and I took my kids swimming to the Corniche late afternoon, thinking that the best time to go to the beach is after temperatures cool off. I was extremely disappointed when the lifeguard and security guards told us we couldn’t swim after 7pm. The beach should stay open, I believe, as the early evening is actually the best time to enjoy the Corniche!! Samira Shardi

Dear ed,I enjoy reading Abu Dhabi Tempo because it tells me about the things that are happening

around, especially for families. It’s informative and fun to read. I like the colourful design and the pictures. - Asmi

Dear EdMy brothers and I are at home in summer. It’s hot outside and we’re getting really bored. We really need more things to do than go to the malls....there need to be more events, competitions and fun challenges. Dave S

Free ISSUe

ALL ABOUTSHAF RAISIp.8

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TELLING THE WORLD ABOUTTHE UAEp.10

ENTERTAINMENT I FOOD I FASHION I LIFESTYLE I ARTS

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the rhythm of your city

TEn REAsons spain Won the World Cup

JULY 16 -31, 2010

NEw YORk’SgUggENHEIM gIRLSAMAL & AFRA

Vote VoteD

Yes No

Visit Abu Dhabi Tempo’s website

on your mobile phone.


Beankssidous@AbuDhabi Tempo Thanks! You have been very helpful

sethugood work. i like the bright

colors and the youth feeling that the magazine has. I cannt wait to

grab the next issue of Tempo

ThankTank@AbuDhabi Tempo Thank

you very much!!!

FacebOOk & TwITTeR QUOTes

In last issue Tempo asked

do you think teenagers should be monitored while using the

internet?

Yes: 29 %

No: 71%

by karam bukair

by sithara sethumadhavan

Yo, basketball fans, check out this shoe! I just couldn’t resist buying it when I saw it in New York City. It is manufactured by Nike and known as ‘six rings’. The ‘six rings indicate how many times Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls won the championship. The story behind ‘six rings’ is very interesting: every time MJ won a championship he took the colours of the team he defeated in the play offs and put them on his shoe. so basically he has a pair of shoes representing each of the opponent teams.

This particular shoe represents Chicago Bulls’ defeat of the seattle supersonics in 1996. If you look closely, you will see little clues and hints on which team the shoe is about. There is a blurred image of the iconic building in seattle, the ‘space Needle’. There is also a silhouette of one of Jordan’s famous dunks against seattle. There is a picture of a glove with it labeled ‘The Glove’ on the picture, referring to one of seattle supersonics top player’s nickname. There also is rain everywhere within the design because seattle is known as ‘The rainy City’. There are several dates around the shoe, some saying ’96 which is the year when the sonics were beaten. The main clue is the colors of the shoe; yellow and green which are the supersonic team colors. There are less obvious clues such as a coffee cup with the Jordan Logo on it and this is because starbucks Coffee is from seattle!

Imagine spending a whole month in prayer and reflection, while refraining from food, drinking, smoking and any excesses from dawn until sunset. That’s exactly what the Muslims do during Ramadan. Fasting is meant to teach patience, modesty and spirituality...

IMpORTaNT FacTs abOUT RaMaDaNwhat I’ve learned about this special month

ramadan is the ninth month on the islamic calendar

The Islamic calendar is different from the Gregorian calendar used in the West. Whereas the Western uses the solar calendar (based upon the sun’s movements), the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar and each month begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon. While the Western calendar has 365 days in a year, the Muslim calendar has 354 days. Because the lunar year is shorter, each date on it falls about 10 or 11 days earlier than the solar calendar. since each month begins upon the sighting of a new crescent moon, the beginning of ramadan can only be predicted then. This why atmospheric and weather conditions can delay sightings. ramadan means "scorched earth”

The word is derived from an Arabic root ramad, which means ashes or depending where you look, it means: scorched ground, shortness of rations, scorching heat, parched thirst, or sun-baked ground. Those are the general

feelings of Muslims during the month, since the fast involves refraining from “moisture” and sustenance -- like drink and food -- during the daylight hours. if you’re sick, you get a fasting exemption.

The fast is obligatory for all mature adult Muslims. Children get a pass, although parents usually begin teaching them to refrain from eating or drinking for certain periods of time to prepare them for the ritual later in life. People who are mentally handicapped or sick are exempt, so they do not have to fast. If you’re pregnant or nursing you are also excused from fasting. ramadan is a time to remember religious devotion

Chapter 2, verses 183-203 of sura Al-Baqarah in The Qur'an speaks of the need to fast during ramadan as a way to develop “taqwa.” This is an Arabic term for “God-consciousness” or being aware that Allah is watching even if the person is not aware. People develop “taqwa” through obedience

to God, and the fast reminds them of their devotions. The idea is that only Allah knows who breaks their fast and who fulfills their obligations with full devotion. However, in certain countries, Muslims caught not fasting during ramadan can be punished. eid al-Fitr is a three-day celebration

eid is an Arabic word meaning “festivity,” while Fitr means “to break the fast.” It begins on the first day of shawwal, the month following ramadan. People who can afford to donate rice, barley, dates, and money to people in need do that so everyone can have a holiday meal. This donation is known as "sadaqah al-fitr" (charity of fast-breaking). That first morning of eid, Muslims gather in outdoor locations or mosques to perform the eid prayer. Afterward, they break off to visit various family and friends, exchange gifts, call distant relatives with holiday wishes, and feast. These activities traditionally continue for three days. In most Muslim countries, the entire three-day period is an official government or school holiday.

express your thoughts and views. email us: [email protected]

Got to www.abudhabitempo.com to vote

Or vote through your phone

6 7

CrazyStunts

Omar

“We left the building feeling proud and tall”

My excitement was over flowing especially when I

saw the massive structure standing bluntly in the

Abu Dhabi Country Club, seeming like a rocket

ship ready to take off any second. The structure

is an eye-catcher standing almost 50 feet above

the ground. It certainly made me wonder about

how technologies have become so advanced in

the past decade. But right then, the thought of me

flying in it sent a chill down my spine.

When Karam and I first entered the building, we

felt curious, like astronauts ready to explore space

for the first time. We geared up in their grey “space

suits.” The trainer Jason russell taught us all the

safety tips we needed.

We then entered the colossal air vent, and within

minutes were totally airborne, flying against

the gigantic fans. It was certainly an amazing

experience that I loved, and was definitely worth

the price! We left the building feeling proud and

tall. But we also felt a little wobbly.

spacewalk IN abU DHabIby karam bukair & Omar el Temtamyphotos by abdul Rahman

Summers can get boring especially when all your friends are holidaying in the cooler parts of the world and sometimes frustrating when they get back and tell you of all the cool stuff they did. Well then we have news for you. There is something that Tempo recommends everyone this summer- the SPACE WALK! Eliminate gravity and fly! Human flight can be accomplished by everyone!

Karam

“The thrill it gave us as we were lifted off our feet was incredible”

ever since the sPACeWALK in Abu

Dhabi Country Club opened, all I’ve

been hearing from my friends was how

breathtaking it was, and how everyone

should get the chance to have such an

experience. so my friend omar and I

decided to go together to see what all

the hype was about!

The thrill it gave us when we first leaned

into the 90km/h wind and it lifted us off

our feet was incredible. At that instant

I felt fear, shock, and excitement. The

experience was definitely worth every

penny (Mom’s, that is—she paid for it).

Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect.

It’s a feeling you’ll never get anywhere

else! Totally recommended by me!

sPACeWALK is open 7 days a week from 9 am to 11 pm.

However, last possible arrival is 10: 15 pm. For information call 02 657 7601

At sPACeWALK the emphasis is

on FUN, it is perfect for first time

flyers looking for some adventure

to experienced skydivers wanting

to improve their skills. It is

recommended that people with high

blood pressure and heart conditions,

pregnant women and people with

shoulder neck and back injuries avoid

taking part in this activity.

sPACeWALK is not a ride or a

simulator. You can actually fly on a

column of air and you require no

prior experience. This is achieved by

the propellers fixed at the top of the

tower sucking the air in the tunnel.

“sPACeWALK can be enjoyed by

anyone from the age to 4 to 99 years

and we can guarantee that the time

you are spend sPACeWALK will be

cherished for life long, “ says Ihab

Mahfouz, Marketing Manager at the

Abu Dhabi County Club. “All flyers

must attend a 15 minute safety

precaution video before the flight

and then the instructor will take you

through it.”

The first flight experience includes

all equipment rental such as a

flight suit, goggles and helmet and

after an introduction video and

personal briefing by one of the

flight instructors you will be ready to

experience human bodyflight!

Tempo tried the sPACe WALK and is

absolutely excited about it, read on.

FAcTs• SPACEWALK is inspired by parachute skydiving.

• This sport gained prominence in the ‘50s in the United States.

• Compared to actual skydiving, the risks involved in this is minimal.

• Ideal for people over 18 to engage in this sport.

• The popularity of indoor skydiving or SPACEWALK grew after it was used in military applications.

• A Canadian Company, Aerodium was the first company to built private

tunnels for this fun sport.

sPACeWALK Abu Dhabi is a vertical wind tunnel (vWT) enabling almost everyone to experience the thrill of free falling or skydiving, without jumping out of an airplane. It can be done by almost anyone regardless of

age, gender or experience.

Omar taking his safety class before the SPACE WALK

Karam on top!

Omar with the adreline rush

Tempo August 1, 2010

What’sHOT

9

cIRcUs FUN IN capITalFrom 23 July to 3rd Auguststraight from the New York City, the Big Apple Circus makes its debut in

Middle east as a part of summer in Abu Dhabi. Founded in 1977, the Big

Apple Circus is now one of the world’s largest, most exciting attractions;

complete with a stellar cast of international stars from europe and russia.

New York’s acclaimed social web site whomyouknow.com calls it, “Nothing

short of spectacular.” our take on it...especially cool for the little ones.

cost: Adults 200 Dhs, Children 75 Dhs

Venue: ADNeC

sUMMeR FUNkIDs caMp21st July to 11th August, Venue: Khalidiya mall

Lulu presents a happening summer camp at Khalidiya Mall. The kids will be treated to fun activities such as magic shows, collage painting, language games, treasure hunts, face painting, cookery shows, kids film screening and lots of sporting activities. especially considering this is all on offer for free....should make parents happy as well.

RaMaDaN IN kHalIDIYa!From 12th August, Venue: Khalidiya mall

Khalidiya Mall offers than shopping this August. The mall is organizing special ramadan event with lots of activities including fun camel and pony rides, a special falcon display show (the latter on the weekends only) and an exhibition on wool weaving. What’s more, you can catch the Freej characters roaming in the mall (who will surely love to pose for a photo with you), techno dabke and andalusian dance.

Abu Dhabi residents will now witness the spirit of sharing and fellowship at Al Wahda Mall starting from August 11th onwards this ramadan season. Al Wahda Mall says that the Night souq will have a colourful and vibrant ambience that would resemble a market of an Arabian city for shoppers to experience the spirit of this season. The mall will be thematically designed with the traditional bazaar look & feel.

The main entrance will have a traditional entrance arch with stone effect pathways. This meandering paths will lead visitors through a bazaar-like atmosphere in which open fronted shops and galleries spill onto the paved walkways. separate souqs will be placed along the pathways with merchants selling traditional & cultural wares inside the mall.

When: From 11 August Where: Al Wahda mall

NIGHT sOUQ

Beat withKARAM

8

“Born to a throne, stronger than Rome But Violent prone, poor people zone, But it’s my home, all I have known, Where I got grown, streets we would roam. But out of the darkness, I came the farthest, Among the hardest survival. Learn from these streets, it can be bleak, Except no defeat, surrender retreat,

So we struggling, fighting to eat andWe wondering when we’ll be free,So we patiently wait, for that fateful day, It’s not far away, so for now we say”

-Song Waving Flag

The World Cup buzz must be over but the world is yet not over with it!

Cheers and claps, curtain up, and here you go!

People, we present to you K’naan- the poet, rapper, singer, musician- all rolled into one. He who has been called “a sound that fuses Bob Marley, conscious American hip hop, and brilliant protest poetry” has a style that has also been compared to eminem. or maybe we should just say the guy who presented the World Cup Anthemn!

Keinan Abdi Warsame, somali - Canadian, spent his early years in somalia during the civil war. As a boy, his father used to gift him American rap music, and K’naan was amazed though he didn’t understand a word. Later on when he had relocated with his family to Canada, American hip-hop continued to intrigue him.

He credits learning english from the rap legends Nas and rakim, and so now we know the reason for his unique style. From there he went on to make contacts with record labels and landed doing albums before touring with Damien Marley and others.

K’naan aka Keinan Abdi Warsame doesn’t fit the bill of a typical rapper nor the stereotypes of a gangster, despite his past.

K’naan makes urgent music with a message, talking about the situation in his homeland somalia and calling for an end to violence and bloodshed. He denies that he is overtly political, but instead he says that he shows “the state of the world [and] if you call it like it is, you’re being political.”

This is what he thinks about his own music – it’s a “mix of tradition and kind of articulation of my own life and my past experiences.”

by karam bukair

k’NaaN: caNaDIaN-sOMalI vIbes

“Do you see why it’s amazing,When someone comes out of such a dire situation And learns the English language,Just to share his observation!”Song: SOMALIA

“Mother knows; my mother she suffered blows I don’t know how we survived such violent episodes”Song: Take A Minute

“This is K’naan and still reppin’ the S Comin’ out of Mogadishu and still draped in the mess” Song: Take A Minute

knaan’s lyrics


Knaan’s lyrics are already winning many accolades, and attracting comparisons to rapper greats.

11

Abu DhabiHangoutsby Alma Kadragic • photos by abdul Rahman

JONes THe GROceR

Jones the Grocer opened on 29 September 2009, and in less than a year has become the premier hangout in the UAE capital which is why we're launching this new Tempo feature with Jones. Every issue or as often as we can, we'll feature another Abu Dhabi hangout where people go to meet, to relax, to eat, and sometimes to get their photos taken by Tempo.

Location plays a big role. Jones the Grocer in Al

Mamoura B, on 15th street and Muroor (also known as

4th street). our cover (and above) shows Dr. erin Brady

who came for lunch with James and sarah LeMesurier

from Good Harbor Consulting. They were at Jones

before a business meeting at Mubadala, the anchor

tenant of Al Mamoura. erin says she lunches at Jones

weekly. James and sarah who are married come even

more often, he daily, she with him sometimes during

the week and together with their baby on weekends.

“I like it because it’s multi cultural,” said James, and

“has great buzz.” He also likes the mixing that goes

on. “It’s the one place you can come in and sit next

to emiratis,” because of the long tables that allow

people who don’t know each other to sit together, and

sometimes start a conversation. James also likes the

“competent and well informed staff.”

Paul Langsdon, an architect, and his wife

Kathryn ryan, an artist, came to Abu Dhabi

30 months ago. since then they have

alternated living in sydney and Abu Dhabi

They learned about Jones the Grocer coming

to Abu Dhabi through Facebook. Australians

here and at home “spread the word,” and the

ones here or about to be here were waiting at

the door when Jones opened. Why? Paul says,

“we came here because the coffee is exactly

like in Australia.”

At a table for four on the side sat Mohamed

Al Amimi, an engineer with emirates Nuclear

energy Company who works in Al Mamoura,

with Ihad Husseini from Canadian Xpert

Marketing solutions and rana Traboulsi

from Kiwi Properties. Ihad and rana

don’t come that often because they work

elsewhere. However, Mohamed is a regular

who comes every day to collect takeout to

eat at his desk or to eat at Jones if he has

working lunch. “on weekends,” he added, “I

come with my family.”

There’s no way in the space available to show

everyone who was at Jones that day. At a corner

table in the back were the Thompsons, an

Australian family who live in the UAe. steve and

daughter Lucy came to Jones to have lunch

with Jane who works at the Al Jazira Football

Club. They say Jones here is “very similar to

sydney.” The only “challenge” was finding it the

first time.

Nearby, Daniela Assaad who works at the Abu Dhabi education Council - not in Al Mamoura but on the other side of the alley - was lunching with husband Ziad. They’ve lived in Abu Dhabi seven years and found Jones to be “something Abu Dhabi needs, canteen style with healthy food.”

Daniela was enjoying the tuna with egg sandwich, Ziad a salmon bagel. They were about to leave on vacation and squeezed in a last visit to Jones. They would be back after ramadan.

Jones the Grocer is open: Sunday to Thursday 8 am to 10: 30 pm

Friday and Saturday 9 am to 10:30 pm

For information call 02 443 8762


best with capris

wHITe sHIRT Dh 309

TrendSetterGuys its summer, and NaUTIca at al wahda Mall has a cool collection for summer 2010!

caps Dh 89

bROwN walleTDh 89

blUe sHOes Dh 349

FlIp FlOpsDh 109

belT Dh 169

Cool n Tre

ndy

Make it fi

t

kHakI sHORTsDh 309


The one Thing I regret Buying:

Nothing, really.

The one Thing I Dream of Buying:

Jimmy choo shoes

Tempo spots fashionable and smart dressers around the city.

What do you do?

OUr FAsHiON eXPerT sAYs:

style inspiration:magazines mostly but i wear what i like

i am a medical student

Your most valued fashion possessions?my handbag

My style Philosophy:i like to be comfortable.

Penny’sDh150

SplashDh 60

Forever 21Dh 72

Name:

malsha Fernando Age: 20

Nationality:

sri lankan

My Style BLUEPRINT

13

malsha, you’re right on the money, with comfort as your driving philosophy! With this look you prove that one can be comfortable and yet utterly stylish!

12

Style St

atement

keep the shadeYell

ow U, a vital ac

cessory

to

casual wear as wellShow Off, work

s for

off the beachCoo

l Steps-

on and

14

City BitesGOlDeN TOweRsome people never get tired of Chinese, and we

wouldn’t blame them especially after feasting at

Golden Tower’s food. This restaurant located right

in between the hustle bustle of Madinat Zayed is

especially recommended place for Chinese seafood....

and it’s not at all pricey, like some of the fancier

eateries. some of the regulars we spoke to swear

by the Hot n sour Chicken soup. We recommend

the steamed dim sims dumplings (also healthy and

tasty), for starters followed by the famous chicken

prawn noodles. The good news however is that all the

items in their menu are also available in a vegetarian

version, which has made this place a hit among the

vegetarians in the town. Another dish you surely

don’t want to miss after visiting this place is their

special toffee bananas, the perfect way to end your

Chinese feast fare. And for apple lovers, they also offer

toffee apples.


bITe RITeIt’s summer and most of you are on diets... boring

and tasteless eating regimes that are driving you

up the wall! Well, we have found a nice option

that allows you to stick on to your diet but still

enjoy real food (that tastes like food). This

eat out provides you with tasty options

which of taboo items like rolls and

pastries, but offered in healthy and

sensible versions. (Think of sweets

made of double skimmed milk and

sugar substitutes). You can even go

for a plate of fries to pep up your

meals. Yes, real fries, but fiber rich

alternatives that appeal to your taste buds

as well please your dietician. And the best part is

that the menu offers a counter so you know

can keep a count on those calories!


e

People Meter is an offbeat way to learn more about our community and its people, who come from different backgrounds, cultures and walks of life.

PeopleMeter

shawarma or Falafel? ....... shawarma

beaches or sand dunes? ..... beaches

Dates or chocolate? ........... chocolate

Do you speak arabic?........ shweya shweya

shawarma or Falafel? ........ shawarma

beaches or sand dunes? ........ beach

Dates or chocolate? ........ chocolate

Do you speak arabic?........ No

QUIck HITs

QUIck HITs

bipimol sabanNationality: IndiaOccupation: Head NurseTime in abu Dhabi: 3 yearsOther places lived: India

What brought you here?

Dad’s working here....I spent all my life here

What were your first impressions of this city?

Well I don’t remember my first impression but I am amazed at the way it is progressing and I love the fact that I am progressing along with it.

Where can we find you hanging out?

Any of the malls

How has living here changed you?

Hopefully I am growing everyday

if Abu dhabi were a coffee, what kind would it be?

Café latte (I suppose)

Any advice to a new arrival?

Apply sunscreen and drink loads of water

Maliha enamNationality: bangladeshOccupation: Insurance professionalTime in abu Dhabi: 23 yearsOther places lived: No where else, abu Dhabi is home

19

What brought you here? A better standard of living

What were your first impressions of this city? Cool but hot

Where can we find you hanging out? shopping malls and cinemas

How has living here changed you? Well much happier and of course extremely hectic

if Abu dhabi were a coffee, what kind would it be? strong black coffee (stronger than expresso shots)

Any advice to a new arrival? Get all your cotton clothes to this place. You will need them all through the year

Highlights of the collection for me are the Persian carpets with intricate designs of people, animals, and plants in colors that remain strong today even after 500 years. exquisitely tooled and inlaid wood doors and shutters are displayed as well as numerous bowls, plates, and other earthenware from Iran, syria,

Iraq, egypt, and spain which maintained a tradition

of Islamic art long after the armies of King Ferdinand

and Queen Isabella conquered the last Moorish

stronghold in 1492.

The Museum typifies what I found in Doha that

surprised me: the old along with the new. None of

the examples of Islamic Art date from later than

early 1800s, and most seem to be from the 11th-16th

centuries. They live in an iconic one-year old building:

state of the art modern to preserve state of the

art old.

I first saw the Museum from across the road at the

souq Waqif which was completed three years ago

but looks traditionally Arabic, two stories at the most

with alleys upon alleys of tiny shops selling tourist

items; coming out of any alley, I see long rows of cafes

and restaurants with outdoor tables and chairs. The

urban planners of Doha seem to be committed to

expressing traditional culture in public spaces.

Another example is the Cultural village that is under

construction. I was able to get a preview of what

it will look like, a huge area with traditional low

buildings where the Film Festival’s offices will be

located and other non profits, along with a mosque,

theater, restaurants, and gift shops. At the center is

the amphitheater stadium that will seat 5000 people

for various big events.

As you drive back to West Bay where most of the

hotels and new office towers are located, you

pass one tower that exemplifies old and new.

superimposed on the outside are window and

corniche motifs that recall traditional construction

and in front is a low wall that exemplifies it.

Around the Neighborhood

around the Neighborhood: a Fast visit to Doha

Porto Arabiya

Museum of Islamic Art

by alma kadragic

Doha, Qatar, is 35 minutes from Abu Dhabi on etihad or Qatar Airlines and makes a perfect weekend getaway. The city is similar to what we’re used to here but at the same time different. I left Abu Dhabi at 9 am on a Friday and arrived in Doha at 9 am - because Qatar is one hour behind the UAe. I returned on the 610 pm flight saturday and arrived in Abu Dhabi at 810 pm, making up for the lost hour. That’s long enough to get a good sense of the city which seems smaller than Abu Dhabi although it combines Dubai and Abu Dhabi in being capital and economic center at the same time.

I stayed at the W Hotel because a friend of mine who is working in Doha for the Doha Tribeca Film Festival lives in the residential part. I can recommend the W as very comfortable with extraordinary service, but there

are many international hotels in Doha, more than in Abu Dhabi.

Besides seeing my friend and getting an orientation to the festival, I was especially interested in visiting the Museum of Islamic Art, a beautiful building designed by I.M.Pei that overshadows the collections inside. However, inside and out, it is worth a visit.

I spent close to three hours there Friday afternoon. It wasn’t crowded although there were families with small children, mainly Indian or Arab expats with some Qataris. exhibits are labeled in english and Arabic, and each room is identified at either end by a small poster that explains the links between the displays.

Souk Waqif

20 21

Raising the Barby sithara sethumadhavan


Well, here we are again in the midst of my least favorite

time of the year in Abu Dhabi - I am sure I am not alone.

How I wish I could ignore Middle east summers from afar

in more northern and temperate latitudes like so many

are fortunate to do. I could live without the blazing heat

and stifling humidity that force me to stay indoors and

struggle with boredom and increased levels of adult

beverage consumption.

Not only is physical activity curtailed during the summer,

I am convinced the mind is adversely affected as Cabin

Fever sets in. This syndrome is more commonly known

in Arctic climes where folks are confined to their living

spaces for long periods of time by the harshly cold

weather outside. Bad things have been known to happen

to the housemates of sufferers of this malady. I am sure

the same thing happens here but on opposite ends of the

calendar. everyone I know is grumpy and itchy.

I don’t like keeping a pair of potholder mittens in my car,

so I can touch the steering wheel or having the back of my

shirt wet when I get out of the car. I don’t like the way my

head swims when I walk for more than 100 meters in the

intense heat and humidity. I don’t like the way the summer

sky is the same color as the desert due to the frequent

sandstorms. The sky should be blue.

I realize I can’t change the climate, but I try to endure the

best I can. What redeems the summer weather in Abu

Dhabi is autumn, winter, and spring. During those seasons,

it’s about as perfect as one can hope for. Cool nights and

mild days predominate, just right for outdoor activities

and the sky is blue too!

Yank insandlandThe Doldrums of summer

Text and photos by Randy parker

22 23

ameenullah: a Jack of Many Trades. This illiterate cobbler from Pakistan can double as a manual labourer and

a driving instructor. But he is also a man with a mission. This 47 year old

native of Baluchistan, now a resident in the capital, collects soft drink cans

for recycling. He is as passionate about his mission as he is about giving

his kids a descent living with his meager earnings.

For all his sad stories, (a debt of AeD 30,000, a daughter whose legs are

paralyzed because they don’t know still what polio is, even though there

are medicines to prevent it!) Ameenullah is a cheerful man. With a spirit

and conviction which would have put any environmentalist to shame,

this man explains: “A year back, I saw a television programme on waste

management. After that I began observing my colleagues behaviours and

I was more conscious of mine. The climate is very warm and since these

drinks are cheap, people consume them a lot and then carelessly litter the

cans in the streets.”

It’s been close to three months since Ameenulah has started to

collect soft drink aluminum cans. These are usually the ones he

and his friends have consumed as well as the ones littered on the

streets. He gathers them and packs them into bags that he gives

to his friend who drops them at a recycling centre in the city. It is

amazing to see how a person who toils in the heat for his daily

bread can be this sensitive about his surroundings.

When asked if his friends have joined in his mission, Ameenulah

smiles and says that though many of them have not joined in,

some of his friends are helpful and sometimes hands him their

used cans to add to his recycling bag.

Venita: srivatsan, tell us a little bit about yourself.

oh hello, I’m srivatsan Chari. I’m an engineering graduate from Dubai. I’m working as a Design Lead in a company from Delhi. I’d like to be a polymath some day, but right now, I just like doing stuff.

I started shooting photographs when I was in my first year of university and digital some time later. I still prefer shooting film though. My major body of work comes from covering the underground music scene in UAe and other shows in and around India.

I do more street photography and fewer concerts now.

Venita: Describe your photographs in three words.

How does pretentious bokeh wankery sound? I can’t answer this in three. I’ll use four. straight-out-of-Camera? But I digress. It sounds very simplistic, so, let’s try: people, ambient-light and bokeh.

Venita: Who or what inspires you in your personal life and work?

In life - Absurdism. In work - Quality.

In photography - well, there are a lot of young and brilliant photographers whose work I’ve been following for years now who’ve given me great insight on photography. Personally, severin Koller and Chris Weeks have been strong guiding forces in my photography.

Venita: What do you love to indulge in?

The internet and wordplay.

Venita: something you’re saving up for.

A unicycle, a new L lens, a 5d, Norway, the list is endless!

Venita: First photograph that comes to your mind

Funnily, this one, of a couple of pigeons one winter morning (one of which died of the cold the next morning)

Venita: something that is overrated

Photography.

Venita: Where you’ll find me on a saturday night at 10 pm?

online! But appearing offline to pretend that I’m cool.

SocialNetby venita subramanian

dO YOU HAVe A BlOG Or A sOciAl mediA siTe? ( FAceBOOK, TWiTTer eTc Or PHOTOGrAPHs YOU WANT TO sHAre WiTH Us) Tell us: [email protected]

TeMpO caTcHes Up wITH THIs YOUNG pHOTOGRapHY eNTHUsIasT IN THe cITY!


TechTalk“welcOMe FacebOOk,” saYs MIcROsOFT OUTlOOk

apple leTs FIReFOX RIDe alONG ON THe saFaRI

cOlleGes cOMplaIN abOUT GOOGle!

Microsoft has added the popular social networking site

Facebook to outlook, giving its users the ability to view

status updates, pictures, and wall posts from their contacts

on Facebook.

outlook users will have see a “People Pane” where they

can view the profile picture and activity of their Facebook

friends . As you go through your emails, you can also view

your social network

Microsoft integrated two other social networks, Myspace

and LinkedIn, into outlook in February using what it calls

the “outlook social Connector.”

outlook 2003 and 2007 users can download the latest

version of the outlook social Connector from the Microsoft

Download Center while outlook 2010 users can get it

through Microsoft Update.

Hundreds of colleges have signed an agreement

with Google to make the company’s e-mail service

and other web tools standard on their campuses.

This follows Google giving a feature where you can

have a pinup girl including pictures of naked women

or marijuana leaves prominently featuring on your

home page. Colleges have strictly taken this matter

and are protesting against such themes provided by

the company. In response Google has suggested that

the start Up Page Feature will be turned off for the

services provided for universities.

The Apple Application store has approved Firefox Home, a free application, for mobile devices running the iPhone operating system (ios) such as the iPhone and the iPad. Firefox Home lets users sync and view bookmarks and open tabs and browser history between the ios device and a

desktop or notebook computer.

It’s not a Mozilla-made browser, but rather an add-on to Apple’s own safari browser.

A lot of people set up their bookmarks or browsers on their PCs or Macs and organise them in folders along with hundreds of links. More users are expected to opt for browsers like Firefox Home especially now that links are becoming more mobile-friendly and since more people are opting for phones similar to a PC.

24 25


in a forest in the interiors of maharashtra


See some of Srivatsan’s work on your mobile phone

Venita: Favorite photographs you have taken so far.

Well, entirely from the top of my head, here are a few recent favourites (which is a lie, since I had to figure out which photographs I detest the least),

A scenery shotat mussouri

Ride the

Wind

MyABU DHABIby venita subramanian

Tempo caught up with Bashar Al Abad, the person notorious in the capital for his killer skating moves and for being the brains behind The Abu Dhabi Skaters, the first skateboarding community in the city.

- repainting and repairing the skate Park (opposite Baynunah Hilton Towers).

- Holding another Abu Dhabi skaters Championship for this year.

The Municipality of Abu Dhabi’s Community service division loved my idea so they decided to fully support me. The event was combined with skateboarding, BMX and Inline skating. We managed it in groups: juniors and seniors division. For the next championship, we have bigger plans; we will be getting pro skaters for judging, and skate demos.

T: How does the skaters club work? if i am a new resident looking for an outdoor adventure, what do i have to do to register and what will happen next?

Bashar: All I can say is join our Facebook group “Abu Dhabi skaters organization”. We send weekly updates on our upcoming events and trips. For our website, we’re currently working on a new layout and it will come out this summer. The website will have a lot of new features, such as an online skate shop. or you can join us at the skate Park every Friday for skate sessions. We’re there almost every weekend.

T: do you charge people for membership or do they just have to sign up and then show up?

Bashar: We do not charge people for membership. They can become a member on our websites. But we do charge them if we’re organizing skate trips to other emirates, and for some of our events. But mostly the sponsored events are always free of charge.

T: What safety measures do you take with amateur skaters? Tell us about the variation in age groups and nationalities of your members?

Bashar: We always recommend helmets to be worn at all times during our events. We have skaters from eight years old till mid thirties. skateboarding is definitely for everyone!

Tempo: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Bashar Al Abadi: I am 19 years old and I’m from Iraq. I came to Dubai in 1999 and then moved to Abu Dhabi in september 2000. Currently, I am living with my family in the capital city. I organize events, mainly for skateboarding. I look for sponsors to help me financially or in assist in the organizing of an event. I organized the first indoor skateboarding activity in Abu Dhabi, which was a competition called ‘Game of skate’.

I’m not only an event planner but I’m also a web designer, and a photographer.

T: How did you come up with the idea of forming a skater’s community? How did you go about launching the community event?

Bashar: I started skateboarding in 2004. since I loved what I was doing and always wanted to do something for it, sometime in mid 2004 I talked to my dad and convinced him to buy me a web domain for a community and I called it “Abu Dhabi skaters”. My dad, as always, loved the idea and immediately bought the site for me. Then it was all up to me and I started working on web design using my own ideas and methods. so by the end

of 2004, I officially launched the community “Abu Dhabi skaters” and received a lot of support from the local skateboarders in Abu Dhabi.

T: Why did you feel that there was a need for such a venture?

Bashar: The reason I created this is not only because of my interest in skateboarding, but I find that it is a great tool to support, help grow, and connect the skaters together in one website or community. I am grateful that I have succeeded in doing it.

Tempo August 1, 201026 27

T: Tell us about the activities you have organized with your followers. Which one is your most memorable event to date and why?

Bashar: (Laughs) I’ve organized so many activities, events not only for skateboarding, but BMX, and

inline skating. The most memorable one was the “The

First Indoor Game of skate in Abu Dhabi”

that was held in 2008 at Al Wahda Mall. etisalat was its

headline sponsor. The reason as to why it’s so memorable to me is that

it truly introduced skateboarding to Abu Dhabi and proved to people how great these

guys were. It also gave me the opportunity to be interviewed in different magazines.

T: did you face any hurdles while setting up such a venture in Abu dhabi?

Bashar: At the beginning it was hard for me, but I think it’s always hard when you begin and then it get’s better. I’ve always known that if you really like something you will be able to do it. At first we did not have many members, but I noticed that the numbers were rapidly growing. Today, I do not think that there is a skater who does not know me or the community “Abu Dhabi skaters”. We also have a huge number of skaters on our website, and social networks like Twitter and mainly Facebook!

T: Tell us about your cooperation with the municipality in holding the skaters championship. What plans do you have for next year?

Bashar: I put together a proposal and for the Municipality of Abu Dhabi for the following:

Making a Difference

Making a Difference is a celebration of good people and good deeds. Please share with us your ideas, activities, and community public-good stories. Send them to [email protected]

by Maxine Guarnieri

GeTTING THe vOlcaNO FOUNTaIN back

remembers the 80 foot fountain right by the Gulf. It was

common to see families relaxing while the kids ran around

the fountain or friends met to catch up.

For many years, the volcano Fountain which got the name from its cone - like shape and the electric lights that looked like lava at night was the place for National Day festivities and other traditional events, a part of the heritage and culture and a prime spot for visitors to the UAe. However, it was removed during the expansion of the Corniche and so far has not found a place in the new scheme of developments in the capital.

Many in Abu Dhabi especially those who grew up seeing the fountain miss it. But one man has decided to take the

initiative to bring this beautiful fountain back. ramesh Menon, an Indian who works in the capital, has sent a petition to the authorities in Abu Dhabi asking them to find the right place to restore this grand monument to the city.

“This will make a differenced in Abu Dhabi; it will keep a lot of memories alive and attract various people. There are many who have taken interest and joined in this petition. As lovers of this country, tradition, and historical growth, we all want the volcano Fountain to be restored, rebuilt anywhere in the new Corniche or any other befitting place in Abu Dhabi, says Menon. “How can we forget that Abu Dhabi was synonymous with this fountain until 2004, and now it’s gone,” Menon reminds us who has been in the city for decades.

A committee is currently looking into the situation, and Menon is working to spread the message and gain more support to ensure that his mission succeeds.

Abu Dhabi today is the city of malls, beaches, and summer events. But that was not the case until six years ago. Life for any person in Abu Dhabi centered around the famous volcano Fountain on the Corniche. Any expat or emirati family who was here before it was demolished in 2004

Ramesh Menon


Art-ICULATEArt-ICULATENeeNa RaI’s caNvasshakespeare once wrote, “All the world’s a stage,” but

for this young artist all Abu Dhabi is the stage or, in her

case, the canvas. Neena rai is an Indian expatriate, a city

based artist cum model cum entrepreneur who follows

art as a religion.

Neena’s paintings with lots of bright colors and

emotions make you step back and take a second look.

“There have been instances when my art pieces are

stories of particular incidents in my life. You can even

judge my mood at the time of me working on it by

observing some simple details,” she explains.

“I have been in Abu Dhabi since 2006. The city as such

is not an inspiration, but the mix of culture and a blend

which is created out of it inspire me a lot. small things

catch my fancy here,” says this young artist/model.

Neena might draw inspiration from a color on a kite

or a quote in the newspaper. she calls it “The Zone”

and adds, “It is when all inspiration is flowing, and I am

painting like mad. At that point I do not like to talk to

people or answer the phone as I get out of the zone.”

sometimes Neena has kept painting for two days

without an interruption. she doesn’t always understand

what’s happening, but she’s there. “It’s more like a very

deep meditative state. Those who meditate regularly

will know what I am talking about. It’s difficult for me to

say how much I paint or why I paint,” explains Neena.

“It’s like quoting someone who has said an artist cannot

talk about his art any more than a plant can discuss

horticulture. Paintings are my expressions.”

However in Abu Dhabi the city is to some extent art

ignorant says Neena. Many here don’t understand a

painting - for them it’s just colors and motifs when

actually it is something much beyond a yellow or pink

color. It’s important to understand a painting - every

art work will have a story, an emotion, life. It is not

just a piece to cover a wall. Neena says, “I assume

appreciation of art itself is an art, and there are very few

in the city with that art. And it’s like a breath of fresh air to

see people like Jalal Luqman and sumayyah Al suwaidi

take initiative for several art events and exhibitions in the

city.”

Abu Dhabi is special to this artist because this is where

she started exhibiting her work and, of course, she loves

the beautiful year- long tan that she gets!

Neena Rai with her project, Neena’s Artwork (top Right)

28 29


To help return the Volcano Fountain to Abu dhabi, visit

tempoCLASSIFIEDS

Tel:+971 (2) 553-2200, Fax: +971 (2) 553-2211P.O.Box: 4048, Street 79, Mohamed Bin Zayed CityAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emirateswww.mazyadmall.com, [email protected]

FOR SHOP LEASINGENQUIRY CALL

Get BRandtaGGed!MOBiLe taGGinG tOMOBiLiZe YOUR CaMPaiGnS

ReaCh YOUR taRGet MaRket in ReaL tiMe On theiRMOBiLe PhOneS

Please recycle this magazine: locations include Spinneys, Al Mamoura Building and behind Riyada Clinic.

tempofunpagesUDOkU 13

ReacH FOR THe sTaRs

sUDOkU12aNsweR

FUNNYQUOTes

THe laRGesT DINOsaUR eveR kNOwN

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Aries (march 21- April 19)

You are going to gain a lot in terms of money. There will be more assertive behavior but make sure that you don’t get your self into trouble as there is a great chance for your ego to create problems .

Taurus (april 20- may 20)

Progress will continue due to your networking skills. There will be travel opportunities until the second week after which domestic matters could create distances between family.

Gemini (may 21- june 20)

Avoid ego in speech till the first week of this month. There could be over excitement at times. You will experience an inflow of money from the second week and your work will progress with your hard work.

cancer (june 21-july 22)

You are in your confident and active phase. There could be over excitement but chances are there that distances and differences with family could come up. Be careful about excessive aggression.

leo (July 23- august 22)

Lower energy phase will continue till second week, while money matters will experience pressures too. Towards mid second week energy levels will revive and so would your level of confidence.

Virgo (august 23- september 22)

Good income and socially active phase. There is also a chance for high expenditure on unwanted stuff- so be careful. A friend or acquaintance might want to borrow money.

libra (september 23- October 22)

Career will look up while health will be great. Income will increase while friends, social outings will provide you with happiness. A gainful period we say!

scorpio (October 23- November 21)

Positive and lucky period, although a low profile after the second week. Career will shine and there will be external support and from people who are in power. You might be surprised and happy.

sagittarius (November 22- december 21)

You could be susceptible to colds and infections. Keep a low level of activity. Luck will improve and so will stamina. Positive period . Avoid any verbal argument with your partner and associates.

capricorn (december 22- jan 19)

You will find you self becoming popular this week. Lots of party invites and you will be the attraction in some events. Friends and family will keep high expectation from you.

Aquarius (jan 20- feb 18)

Progress and happy period. Work environment will be exciting and high chances of ego classes with your partner over trivial issues. opposition to your ideas could increase too.

Pisces (feb 19- march 20)

Avoid ego and centric thinking. Your creative work will be rewarded. You will suddenly find your career dynamic and growth will come from hard work

When choosing between two evils, I always like to try the one I've never tried before.

Mae West

Men and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all the other alternatives.

Abba Eban

Have you heard about Amphicoelias Fragillimus (seems like a tongue twister). Many of us know about the huge seismosaurus, the long necked Brachiosaurus, but Amphicoelias is not very familiar. Why, because scientists couldn’t find a complete skeleton of this species. But according to the bone remainings they found, this species might have been 60 meters in length ( longer than a Blue Whale) and the body weight up to 122 metric tons. right now Blue Whale is the Largest known animal ever lived, but if once scientists find a complete skeleton of this Amphicoelias, maybe it will break the record. so let’s wait and see!

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Tempo - August 1-31, 2010

Entertainment & Humor