Expatriates

While browsing my emails, I saw this news alert from Maktoob Business:-

Expat_workers_threaten_Gulf_existence

In a nutshell, the article talks about the role being played by the expatriates in the country and how it has greatly affected the working condition for the locals.

If you think about it, in every country, there are expatriates and at times, if the rules & regulations of the country allows it, people from other country can be known as an immigrants or retirees. 

I think, that is a fact of life. All of us wants to have a decent life - in a country where we can do what we want, earn what we think is right for us and live the way we want to as long as we adhere to the country's laws.

I don't think the expat workers poses a threat to the locals - though if they do, the people should see it as a healthy competition. An expatriate was hired by the company because he  / she has a certain skill set that will be beneficial to the company. If the said position was also available to a local, bearing the same skill set, the company have to deliberate who should be hired - that is healthy competition.

Expatriates are visible in most of the countries because there is work being offered to them - with a decent salary which can support the family they have left behind or the family that they have brought with them.

Taking steps
The UAE government has already started implementing boundaries on which industry can an expatriate work , including defining the salary package, accommodation, etc. The government has even open doors for the younger generation to see the importance of work.

The decision is left with the labour force - are they willing to spend their time working or would they rather be somewhere else?

Image by The Library of Congress via Flickr

Expatriates are hired because they are determined to earn every centavo to survive and provide. 

Making that bold move
The younger generation should be encouraged to work. The families should be able to allow their children to work - having a strong local labour force would be able to help the country's economy.

They need to make that bold move so that the country will also move forward.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Canada, Australia rank highest in survey of expat workers (nationalpost.com)
• Canada ranked among best places for foreigners to work (financialpost.com)

Editorial: Yes, it's about jobs: Now get to work - The News-Herald Opinion : Breaking news coverage for Northern Ohio

Editorial: Yes, it's about jobs: Now get to work - The News-Herald Opinion : Breaking news coverage for Northern Ohio

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I like this post because I'm hoping it will send the right signal to those people elected by the people.

In this crisis, we should all stop pointing fingers on who's to blame instead we should all try and see how things can be different.

Lawmakers should be able to pass bills that can benefit people who have lost their jobs - either local or abroad. There is no question that we need to work - so we can provide the needs of our family.

I feel sad for the OFWs who have returned home after being made redundant by their companies. There was not even a hint that it will be their turn but it happened. It was a bit difficult at first but they are now trying to end their misery and look for another opportunity - that's the spirit!

We should never lose hope because at times, it's the only one that keeps us going.

I just wish that Mr. Obama's speech can move the lawmakers of other countries as well to think about their constituents who have put them to power...who have seen them as someone they can count on to when the going gets tough.

I hope they start thinking about it.

Burj Dubai = Burj Khalifa

Dubai has just finished unveiling the height of the Burj Dubai which is now known as Burj Khalifa (why the sudden change of name - we still do not know). The tallest skyscraper stands at 828m.

The unveiling of this building was coincided with the commemoration of Sheikh Mohammed's ascension as Vice-President of Dubai.

I have watched the whole telecast and my oh my! Even on the television screen, the fireworks were spectacular! Another 'add-on' to the opening of Burj Khalifa was the dancing fountain.

According to the report made by Dubai One's reporter, it is a first for the fountain industry to incorporate coloured lights.

I can conclude that there are a lot of 'firsts' for this building.

I hope that with Burj Khalifa fully operational, Dubai will also be able to bring back the emirate's glory.

*image from http://www.ameinfo.com/213432-large.html

Burj Dubai

Image by uniquebuildings via Flickr

After suffering a hard blow from the economic crisis, Dubai is trying to revive itself by continuing projects that can boost the country's tourism and finance industry.

First, the city launched the Dubai Metro with a slogan 'My City, My Metro'. Second, they are now trying to complete another historical landmark that will definitely bring more revenue for the country - BURJ DUBAI.

According to the Arabianbusiness.com, the exterior of Burj Dubai is coming together as the contractor will now be installing the final sets of the cladding and glass panel to complete the exterior of the Burj.

Having stayed in Dubai for a long period of time, I have seen the start and (hopefully) the completion of the Burj and the development around it.

I know this will cause great pride to Sheikh Maktoum and to the Emiratis as well.

There were news reports early July 2009, that the Burj was suppose to be completed at the same time the metro was opened but as Emaar Properties said, they cannot afford to let any important detail / information slide which can cause for this great achievement to be put into waste.

I agree.

Currently, the expected completion date for the Burj is on December 2009 - all set for the celebration of the New Year.


All we can do is wait and see.

Dubai Metro opens on 09.09.09 at 9PM in 9 stations

Are you ready?

It was just a dream before… however through the persistence of one man, the dream became a reality.

Today is a remarkable day for the Emiratis and for Sheikh Mohammad, a well-deserved pat on the back, as the Dubai Metro opens its doors.

Image by DubaiFM via Flickr

Dubai, being the tourism and business hub of the UAE, was becoming too congested and thus the plan of having a metro rail system.

This idea caused a stir. Others welcomed the metro because most of the time, they get stuck in traffic after spending most of their day in the office. Others say, this will just remain as a dream.

Construction started in January 2005. The contractors involved in building the metro need not only think of completing the project on time but also the traffic management in the whole of Dubai. They had to make sure that the motorists are given alternate routes so that there will not be a bumper-to-bumper traffic taking place.

Managers, engineers and labourers work day and night. I remember seeing people still working whenever I pass by Burjuman Area (or what is known as the Khalid Bin Waleed Station).

It was then announced that the metro will open on 09.09.09. Others laughed it off and concluded that it will not open on that day – well, Road & Transport Authority (RTA) and the Dubai government used this as a motivation to complete it!

The stations were like caterpillars turning into butterflies! A complete transformation!

Ongoing construction of the metro station

Almost complete!

Check out this link that shows the metro's destinations!

The metro will be operating in five zones. The initial fare (3 kms) is Dhs. 2.50. This is equivalent to the bus fare which is also being operated by the RTA. The next rate is for Dhs. 4.50 if you are crossing two zones and Dhs. 6.50 if you are crossing more than two zones.

Aside from being ‘just a station’, it will also have food and shop establishments that will suit the needs of its everyday commuters.

This is just the beginning for the Dubai Metro. There will be more to come!

(images courtesy of constructionweekonline.com)

Stumbled Upon...

Imagine having this office cubicle for your new job or let's say there was a total re-hash of the company's open office policy... would you consider this?

Now that telecommuting is becoming a trend in most offices (so that people save on gas and electricity since you are doing your work at home) this will definitely be an ideal workplace.

What do you think?

*Images taken from Arabianbusinessnews.com

Introducing Google.com.ph!!!

June 12

Today, we celebrate our Independence Day.

And I guess Google wanted to celebrate with us by launching

google.com.ph

Now isn't that great?

Happy Independence Day!!

Do You Have a Hidden (Hayden) Video?

Philippine showbiz is one colorful coloring book. There will never be a 'black & white' situation, there is always a splash of color. It could be green for envy or money, yellow for 'good news', red for love and more.

Recently, both the Philippine showbiz and politics were rattled by a 'leakage'. This 'leak' was not really that of interest to anybody until the video was released via the internet.

If you are a Filipino or you know a Filipino, the name 'Hayden' will ring a bell. After mentioning his name, you will either snicker, think of an appropriate adjective to describe him or maybe well, the most common reaction, laugh.

The distribution of this video can be compared to the forestfires experienced by the Americans. People downloaded, uploaded and shared these videos now known as 'The Hayden Kho Video Scandal'. There was no intention to make the videos public. According to Hayden in the Senate enquiry, it was just for him, his own private collection.

The bravest of them all
The girls in the video were made known to the public and only one of them emerged and said 'Foul' - Katrina Halili.

Katrina and Hayden had a relationship two years ago and the so-called sex videos were taken during that time. Four videos in total.

Katrina admitted that in those three videos, she was aware that Hayden was filming their intimate moment. However for the fourth one, she did not have a clue that they were being filmed.

Concerned Politicians
Senator Bong Revilla Jr. described Hayden as a pervert. After Senator Revilla Jr., the other senators took the lead and called Hayden many names.

Due to this, a Senate enquiry had to happen to resolve this issue. The first enquiry was held wherein every Filipino who knew about the issue, watched how Afuang poured water on Hayden Kho... how Katrina glared at Hayden... how Hayden explained his sexual disorder.

What's Next?
I do not know why but I feel sorry for Hayden.

I do not understand why this issue has to be publicised. Everyone agreed that it is a sensitive matter and it being one, why are they allowing Katrina and Hayden discuss in detail what has happen in national TV?

Aren't the videos enough proof that women's rights were violated? That the whole incident is very sensitive and should be discussed behind close doors?

Many can argue about openness and transparency but I guess this particular case is an exception.

I do not feel any anger towards him because of what he has done but I do think he is one disturbed individual and I feel sorry for him.

The Best Job in the World!!

A lot of people received an email about the 'Best Job in The World'.

Some thought it was a spam and immediately deleted it from their inbox, some thought about it then said 'Nah, not for me' while others took it seriously and applied for the job.

I was one of those people who thought about it and said 'Nah, not for me'.

Who would not want to stay and live happily in paradise? Not alone, of course :)

However, Ben Southall (from Britain) was declared the winner of the 'Best Job In The World' competition on Hamilton Island in the Whitsunday Islands on May 6, 2009.

Congratulations Ben! Enjoy the island!

*Photo from Arabianbusiness.com*

Another Bright Idea!

Summer is fast approaching and people here in Dubai are now wondering how to beat the heat. I would say from the five years I have been here, people frequent the malls a lot... I think this is for them to save money while doing some of their errands - like window shopping, dinner with the family, etc.

To help out in getting to the mall, most of the people use public transportation.

Why?

There is no hassle of going round and round the parking lot and well, not a lot of people have their own means of transportation (unless of course you have friends who are also going to the same direction).

Now, this routine might change.

In a news report from Arabianbusiness.com (this is really my favorite news website), there will be an increase on the taxi's flag down rate. From AED4, it will now be AED 10! What a jump I should say!!

Imagine.... your journey starts at AED10 and every 5km (I think) another .50 fils is being added up. Cannot believe it.

True, riding in a taxi is definitely better because you don't have to go through a lot of stops and the convenience it brings (especially if you shop for groceries, etc).

There will be mixed reactions when this gets implemented.

I, for one, would think twice. I would probably ride a taxi if a) I'm in a hurry and b) if it's an emergency.

I just feel bad about this. At this time when people are really scrimping their money because of the financial crisis, we now hear news about the government wanting more from its consumers.

I wonder what's next?