The world stands today in shock watching the quick unfolding of events in the Middle East. Arab societies have mastered the use of the “New Media” and are now capable of carrying out “e-based” uprisings. The excellent use of blogging combined with full utilization of social networks (Facebook and Twitter) and cell phone messaging (SMS and BBM), have enabled once disconnected parties and movements to link-up with one another and to mobilize the masses across the country.

The presence of dozens of Arab satellite television stations, radio stations and the internet have deprived Arab authoritarian regimes from any monopoly on flow of information in and out of the country and within. So called “winds of change” that are sweeping the region cannot leave indifferent the whole Arab world that needs to take proper measures to solve this delicate situation.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Thursday received Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Al Bahr Palace.

The meeting took place in the presence of Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Dubai Deputy Ruler Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

During discussions they exchanged views on a number of issues, including ways to strengthen national unity and reinforce a sense of national identity amongst citizens. The talks also focused on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed’s tour of the northern emirates, where he met with citizens to learn about their needs, so that their living standards may be raised, under the wise leadership of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Following the meeting Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid hosted a luncheon banquet in honour of his guests.

“In 2005, we were successful in achieving the objectives of the 2010 plan. Therefore, we had to revise our plan, coming up with the 2006-2015 plan. Following a similar logic, the implications of the global financial crisis required that we revise our 2015 plan. The plan is currently under a careful review, wherein we are monitoring all the developments in the financial markets and the global economy. Should we feel that the timelines set for our initiatives need to be adjusted, we will adjust them in order to maintain a reasonable and actionable plan, and ensure the achievement of its objectives..” See the complete response by the Prime Minister to a question asked by resident Julian Becker, as well as the full e-session by the Prime Minister.

HH Sheikh Mohammed answers media through the UAE Prime Minister Website
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, answers wide-ranging questions from the media on many issues including the global crisis and its impact on Dubai, population demographics, labour rights, the UAE federation and many other issues. See the full 12,606 word, 31 page response to the first media session.

Download Dubai_Strategic_plan_2015 in pdf format

Read full speech of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

On February 3, 2007, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum presented Dubai Strategic Plan 2015.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I have invited you today to talk about the future. Through the launch of the Dubai Strategic Plan, which will cover the next ten years, we will advance towards achieving our goals, and towards ensuring a prosperous future for our homeland and our nation.

First of all, I would like to point out that the Dubai Strategic Plan, despite having its own logic and specific goals, is within the national arena of the United Arab Emirates, and is aligned with the country’s overall strategic plan, which is about to be completed by the Council of Ministers under the direction of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates.

The plan which we present to you today encompasses many new attributes compared to earlier plans, with a foundation firmly built on quantitative achievements which form a solid ground for sustained growth in the era of knowledge.

The plan is also free of the direct influence of oil price fluctuations. We have succeeded in diversifying Dubai’s sources of income and reduced dependence on oil such that oil’s contribution to GDP is a mere 3% today.

Naturally, the objectives of the plan converge with my vision for Dubai , which is aimed at elevating the wellbeing of this nation and its people, and at bolstering Dubai ‘s position as a globally leading Arab city.

We have come a long way towards achieving the objectives of this vision. Indeed we have exceeded all expectations and predictions. When I announced my Vision for Dubai in the year 2000, I spoke of economic aims for the year 2010. In fact, not only have these aims been realised, but they have been exceeded in half the time…

In 2000, the plan was to increase GDP to $30 billion by 2010. This figure was exceeded in 2005, with GDP reaching $37 billion. The plan also included an increase of income per capita to $23,000 by the year 2010. In 2005 the average income per capita reached $31,000. In other words, in five years we exceeded the economic targets that were originally planned for a 10-year period.

These achievements would not have been possible were it not for our persistence in challenging ourselves and in building and channelling our capabilities in the right direction in order to serve our initiatives, projects and programs in all aspects of comprehensive development.

How were these exceptional results achieved?

The truth is that these exceptional results were made possible mainly by the leadership and initiative of the Government, which has appreciated the importance of investment to the Emirate and has strived to improve the Emirate’s investment and business environment.

There is no need to detail Government’s initiatives. You have all experienced them firsthand in many areas including the development and modernisation of public services, institutional frameworks, legislation, regulation, and infrastructure; or through the launch of strategic projects such as tourism ventures, Internet and Media Cities, the Dubai International Financial Centre, specialised zones, and other mega projects.

These initiatives are the driving force behind development and the main factor in attracting investors. These initiatives also encouraged the private sector, enhanced its confidence and gave it substantial opportunities. It quickly followed the Government’s lead and became a true partner in development.

Over the last few years another very important achievement came to light: Economic restructuring. The non-oil sectors played a more prominent role in 2005, contributing 97% to GDP as compared to 90% in 2000 and approximately 46% in 1975. The services sector was the driving force behind economic growth, with a GDP contribution of 74%, mirroring economies of the developed world.

Our success in diversifying sources of income has compensated for low oil reserves. Our economic development is now supported by an infrastructure that is not directly affected by oil.

This is a historic achievement, one which can benefit neighbouring and friendly oil-producing countries in their efforts to restructure their economies and diversify their sources of income.

We were in a race against time and we won. But, as I have always said, the race has only just begun. With these achievements come new hurdles, responsibilities, and challenges… The Dubai Strategic Plan systematically addresses these until the year 2015.

The plan covers five key sectors: Economic Development; Social Development; Infrastructure, Land and Environment; Security, Justice and Safety; and Public Service Excellence.

At this point I would like to present an overview of the headlines outlining the aims for each sector within the plan.

Based on the exceptional economic performance of the past years and on expected future global trends, the economic objectives for Dubai for the year 2015 are to sustain real economic growth at a rate of 11% per annum, to reach a GDP of $108 billion in 2015, and to increase real GDP per capita to $44,000.

We will focus on economic sectors that we have strong competitive advantage in and that are expected to experience future growth globally.

The sectors of strength are tourism, transport, trade, construction, and financial services, in addition to the creation of new sectors with sustainable competitive edge.

However, success in strategic development cannot be defined solely by major achievements in these economic sectors; other growth enablers must also realise similar achievements: human capital, productivity, innovation, cost of doing business and living, quality of life, policy and institutional frameworks, and laws and regulations.

These factors have demanded great attention in the past, and will demand more attention in the future. The public and private sectors need to take measures to consolidate and deepen these factors.

Ladies and gentlemen,

We must all realise that strategic success requires social development to complement and parallel economic development. Indeed experience confirms that having an effective social infrastructure is the key to reaching higher levels of sustained economic growth.

Social development has always been at the heart of government policies; it is also prevalent in this strategic plan. This plan is aimed at elevating nationals’ wellbeing, and we want nationals to be the key instrument in its implementation.

To lay the foundations necessary for social development, the plan places a set of programs to achieve strategic objectives in seven key areas:

First

Preserve national identity: This will be achieved by revising policies and procedures to ensure demographic balance; increasing the sense of belonging and the awareness of local culture by updating educational curriculum and developing the abilities of national teaching resources; ensuring comprehensive cultural content through relevant activities and channels including media, arts and literature; and increasing focus on the Arabic language as it encompasses national history and culture.

Second

Increase nationals’ participation in the workforce and society: This will be achieved by developing national capital to become the preferred workforce in selected strategic sectors; providing nationals with the abilities necessary to cope with the rapid changes in society and increase their awareness of the role expected of them in the development of Dubai and its society.

Third

Improve education, especially public schools, and ensure that all nationals have access to quality education opportunities: This will be achieved by improving governance in the educational sector; increasing accountability and transparency of schools; improving the quality of teachers and administration; upgrading curricula and teaching methods; improving the educational environment to improve the public’s perception and attitudes towards education; and integrating people with special needs into public and private schools.

Fourth

Elevate the quality of healthcare services and the wellbeing of the population: This will be achieved by improving governance of the healthcare sector; improving healthcare planning; ensuring access to health insurance; encouraging private hospitals to gain international accreditation; developing licensing standards for medical staff; and focusing on health awareness to improve public attitudes towards health.

Fifth

Ensure that high quality social services are provided to meet the needs of nationals: This will be achieved by improving governance and efficiency of the social service sector; transforming service philosophy from a ‘welfare’ approach to a ‘social development’ approach; improving the quality and capabilities of social workers; and increasing awareness of social services and encourage community involvement.

Sixth

Provide equality and acceptable working conditions for Dubai’s workforce in order to attract and retain the required expertise: This will be achieved by coordinating with federal entities to improve and update labour laws and labour rights; establishing appropriate mechanisms for the enforcement of legislations and regulations; and raising employers’ and employees’ awareness of their legal rights and responsibilities.

Seventh

Promote cultural life in Dubai by upgrading the regulatory framework of the cultural sector; increasing awareness and interest in Dubai’s cultural activities; encouraging and nurturing national talent; developing high-quality facilities, including theatres, movie houses and museums, to attract international art and culture events; encouraging effective participation in regional and international cultural events; and encouraging and supporting the initiatives of the private sector that aim at enhancing the cultural and artistic momentum.

In this concern, I would like to laud the distinguished initiatives of the outstanding entrepreneurs Mr. Juma Al Majid, Mr. Majid Al Futtaim and the late Sultan Al Owais for their efforts in supporting the cultural movement in the Emirate.

It is common knowledge that it is far easier to build financial capital than it is to build intellectual, psychological and moral capital. Building a road or a bridge may take a year or two, but developing people takes a lifetime. We live today in an era of ever-changing knowledge, which requires continuous learning that does not end at a certain level or at the attainment of a diploma or certain expertise. Social development, in all its aspects, requires distinct programs, outstanding performance, patience and special criteria for measurement and evaluation.

The Government will remain dedicated to social development, but the desired success will require broad participation by society and its creative interaction with the anticipated social development programs and projects.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Having outlined the headlines and aims for the Social Development Sector, we move to the Infrastructure, Land and Environment Sector. As you are aware, Dubai today offers infrastructure at the best global standards. This infrastructure was the cornerstone in promoting development and achieving Dubai ‘s status and international comparative edge.

To ensure sustainable development of the Infrastructure, Land and Environment Sector, the plan sets forth specific objectives within four strategic areas:

First

Improve urban planning to optimise land use in order to meet the needs of sustainable development while preserving natural resources: This involves comprehensive and integrated planning of the elements of urban development; promoting policies concerning nationals’ housing; ensuring public services and facilities for growth; providing adequate supply of housing for low and medium-income families; and upgrading existing labour housing policies and ensuring enforcement.

Second

Meet and secure energy, electricity and water needs: This involves developing an integrated policy framework; securing long-term supplies; and studying options for managing demand.

Third

Provide an integrated road and transportation system to facilitate people and goods movement while improving safety levels for all system users: This involves addressing current congestion problems, and accommodating future needs by increasing the share of public transportation and decreasing transport by private vehicles; increasing the capacity of road networks and transportation systems; securing optimal use through modern techniques, demand management, and accident and emergency management; and improving driver behaviour.

Fourth

Sustain Dubai’s environment, ensuring that it is safe and clean: This involves upgrading and aligning environmental regulations with international standards; developing the required enforcement mechanisms; integrating environment-related issues into development policies and programs; and raising the level of environmental awareness.

Ladies and gentlemen,

God has showered us with countless blessings; one word best describes the majority of these blessings: Security. All of man’s efforts are carried out in the belief that they will bring security: personal security, psychological security, economic security, social security, and political security. Without security life becomes a living hell, and talk of development, quality, excellence and success becomes worthless, idle chatter.

The grace of God, coupled with effective policies and dedicated people, have made the United Arab Emirates one of safest countries in the world, and Dubai one of the safest cities. Our strategic plan is designed to ensure that the Security, Justice and Safety Sector is able to keep up with the economic and social growth such that it can always continue to ensure justice and safety for individuals and the community as a whole. This will be achieved as follows:

First

Preserve security, order, and peace by improving the efficiency and capability of criminal investigations: Increasing patrols whose presence acts as a deterrent to criminal intentions; increasing operational efficiency and effectiveness in responding to the public; ensuring information security; and developing electronic inter-governmental data-sharing.

Second

Preserve rights and freedoms by enhancing transparency in the Security Sector.

Third

Alert crisis management by effective planning and programs aimed at ensuring the readiness of the entities concerned and the availability of needed equipment to face possible crises and disasters.

Fourth

Ease litigation by lifting barriers that hinder access to litigation or recourse to the judicial system and facilitating resolution of labour disputes.

Fifth

Ensure equality, impartiality, accuracy, and clarity of investigations and judgments by activating the role of judicial inspection; improving mechanisms for resolving rental disputes; and improving the quality of investigations and rulings.

Sixth

Expedite the process of case disposal by activating commercial arbitration; enhancing the efficiency of case management systems; reducing the timeframe for implementing rulings issued by the courts and judiciary committees.

Seventh

Ensure the safety of all of Dubai’s residents, workers and visitors by updating safety legislations, specifications and standards; developing and implementing programs to regulate key segments within the various areas of security; unifying and developing enforcement and monitoring systems as it pertains to Dubai; and raising the level of coordination among relevant enforcement departments at the federal level.

Eighth

Protect public health and improve quality of life by updating legislation and specifications; developing facilities and mechanisms for monitoring and controlling the implementation of public health systems; and developing contingency plans to deal with incidents and threats to public health.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The Government represents the engine that drives the process of development. Over the past few years, the government was a pioneer in upgrading services, management, institutional frameworks, regulatory and administrative frameworks in accordance with the best and highest international standards.

In order to achieve the desired performance, the government plan focuses on five long-term strategic principles:

First Thrust

Strengthen strategic and forward-looking focus through an effective government administration that is notable for taking initiative and for making objective assessments; developing strategies that are aligned across sectors and which are free of conflicts and overlaps; setting guidelines and building capabilities necessary within government for effective strategic planning and policy-making; developing mechanisms for risk assessment and management; setting mechanisms to evaluate policies and decisions after implementation.

Second Thrust

Activate streamlined and accountable organisations by ensuring accountability and transparency in all government practices; modernising government’s institutional structures; empowering policy-making functions within government institutions; and implementing performance management systems and indicators.

In this regard, I confirm that directors within governmental organisations will be held accountable to The Executive Council for the implementation of the strategic plan. They will be evaluated against their attainment of key performance indicators and targets to be set separately for each department.

Third Thrust

Increase efficiency and financial management by applying performance-based budgeting and resource allocation; linking budgets to the strategic plan; upgrading accounting policies; establishing partnerships with the private sector and independent institutions to provide select services; introducing the latest technologies and systems to enhance operational efficiency and to improve service delivery.

Fourth Thrust

Enhance responsiveness and customer service by continuing the implementation of the Dubai Government Excellence Program; establishing a comprehensive and integrated customer care system; and by offering an electronic customer complaints system.

Fifth Thrust

Empower and motivate public sector employees by reviewing and updating current civil service laws and practices; implementing a training and developing system; implementing a unified and comprehensive employee performance management system; and developing specialised training programs to raise the capabilities of staff at all levels including senior management.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The plan before you does not constitute a collection of mute words and static texts. It represents a way of thinking, a tool by which to measure and evaluate, a map that outlines our path to the future and that helps us make the right choices and reach accurate conclusions.

The plan is our guide and our reference while we are in the midst of working to elevate Dubai as a pioneering global city bursting with vibrancy and creativity. An environment where living and working is a pleasure, attracting the best minds and the most successful businesses.

I want to pause here at the term global city … What do we mean by Dubai as a global city? … Some people are afraid of the word global, believing it to be in contrast to everything local, including our national and cultural identity.

The concept of the word global is based on a set of criteria accepted by the world community and is the by-product of successful practices of a broad spectrum of human experiences. The principles set forth by international laws concerning human rights and international relations are the universal standards which should apply to all countries of the world.

Practices relating to good governance, transparency, accountability and the rule of law have become the accepted global standards for the classification of countries and for defining countries’ potential and economic and cultural status.

The best practices in the areas of management, quality, excellence and innovation are the criteria that determine the ability of states, societies, companies, services and industries to survive, prosper and compete in this global village and single international market.

When we say Dubai is a global city, we mean the implementation of international standards and best practices in the details of our lives, work, institutions and society.

This implementation not only urges development and ensures that our economy can keep up with global growth, but also develops and helps to shape our national and cultural identity and character. Thus, empowering our culture to interact and enter dialogues with the contemporary world.

Adopting best global standards and practices is the only way to preserve national and cultural identity. Without it, no identity or culture will be able to endure and survive in a world where all borders, restrictions and barriers have fallen.

Ladies and gentlemen,

We are all aware that plans always involve a degree of calculated risk. The plan for 2007 to 2015 also involves a degree of calculated risk, yet it enjoys a high degree of confidence, certainty and optimism based on our proven accuracy in the direction we have adopted, the successes we have achieved, and the experiences we have gained over the past years … these factors are priceless.

The Dubai Strategic Plan was prepared by a team encompassing vast experience and energy from governmental, economic and social entities.

My Executive Office will monitor the progress of the plan’s programs and will remove any obstacles to ensure proper implementation and rapid execution.

One of the key criteria to evaluate departments, organisations and managers will be their level of compliance and success in implementing this plan.

I want you all to make enough time to study this plan. I want all governmental and national departments and organisations to transform the plan into a working culture and a way of life.

I want the private sector to digest the plan, to absorb it, and to benefit from its programs and projects. The private sector is called upon to play a larger role. We place this document at its disposal in the hope that it will act as a compass directing their way and lighting the path ahead over the years to come.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I trust in God Almighty. I depend on God first and foremost, and then on the brain and brawn of the children of this nation, to them I entrust much… and from them I expect much.

In the past I told you that we would succeed… and we did.

And today I tell you that I see further success in the future…

As we have succeeded in the past, we will succeed in the future. We will write new pages in our nation’s epic of glory, pride and achievement. We will inspire our nation, and we will set the example. We will present to our world proof that we are capable of action, capable of imposing our presence, capable of communicating, interacting, co-existing, and cooperating with all other cultures and civilisations.

Saturday, February 3, 2007

Employment opportunities in Italy are open to all EU citizens, even though in order to have a job opportunity in Italy you must either be equal to Italian nationals in language and training, or have an exclusive ability to offer. Non-EU members will find getting a job in Italy more difficult. Vacancies are only given to non-EU members if there are no Italians suitable for the job.

Competition for work remains high and you should not come to Italy with false expectations, but there are some websites that can help you in finding a job. One of this is www.portalavoro.it

For further information on entrance visas for Italy and the Schengen area click here.

РАБОТА

Возможности трудоустройства в Италии открыты всем гражданам ЕС. Тем не менее, с целью успешного трудоустройства необходимо обладать примерно теми же лингвистическими знаниями и опытом, которыми владеют итальянские граждане, либо уметь отличиться эксклюзивными навыками. Жители стран, не входящих в состав ЕС, как правило, сталкиваются с гораздо большим рядом проблем при поиске работы в Италии, поскольку могут рассчитывать на имеющиеся вакансии исключительно при отсутствии подходящего кандидата среди итальянского населения.

Полезная информация для иностранцев

1. При въезде на территорию Италии даже при наличии действующей визы таможенные службы имеют право запросить весь пакет документов, подтверждающий получение въездной визы.
2. Согласно статье 4, параграфу 2 Консолидированного текста №286/98 и с учетом внесенных впоследствии изменений, получение визы сопровождается выдачей дипломатическими и консульскими службами письменного сообщения с перечнем прав и обязанностей иностранцев, прибывающих на территорию Италии, особое внимание в котором уделяется процедуре по запросу “Permesso di soggiorno” (разрешение на пребывание) или по выдаче “Dichiarazione di presenza” (заявление о въезде).

Конкуренция на рынке труда довольно высокая, и необходимо отдавать этому отчет при въезде в страну. Однако в целях содействия трудоустройству некоторые веб-сайты предлагают свои услуги по поиску работы, один из которых – www.portalavoro.it

Лица, намеревающиеся сделать запрос на въездную визу для работы по найму, должны предоставить разрешение на работу, выданное не более шести месяцев назад Провинциальным управлением по трудоустройству, с соответствующим разрешением (nullaosta) квестуры, сопровождаемое копией рабочего контракта, указать время пребывания, место проживания, а также в некоторых случаях подтвердить наличие собственных финансовых средств. Весь пакет документов подается в консульский отдел посольства Италии в стране проживания иностранного гражданина.

Для просмотра полного перечня документов, необходимых для оформления заявления на получение визы, посетите сайт http://www.esteri.it/

Помните: факт предоставления всей документации не есть гарантия получения визы

Куда подавать заявление на получение визы  (список итальянских посольств и консульств)

Необходимо отметить, что гонорарные консульства не занимаются выдачей виз. Их основной задачей является предоставление информации и/или обработка заявлений, поступающих от консульств, которым они подчинены.

Стоимость визы

Для более подробной информации по въездным визам в Италию и страны-участницы Шенгенского договора жмите здесь.

Panorama – Edizione Digitale – n. 50 del 2009

Nella copertina di Panorama si osserva la forte provocazione del Duomo di Milano, dove la statua della Madonna è stata sostituita con un fotomontaggio da una luna islamica.

Gli svizzeri votano contro la costruzione di nuovi minareti (che stanno alle moschee come i campanili alle chiese) in territorio elvetico e al di qua della Alpi i leghisti esultano. E non sono i soli.
Questa volta, infatti, anche alcuni esponenti di rilievo del Pdl apprezzano un’iniziativa nata per “salvaguardare” il paesaggio e la tradizione cristiana di un paese europeo.
Un voto contro ”un simbolo di conquista territoriale”, secondo un’interpretazione data dalla Lega dei Ticinesi.
Un voto che preoccupa l’Ue e che riflette tutte “le paure della popolazione svizzera e dell’Europa, nei confronti del fondamentalismo islamico”, secondo il commento di Lluis Maria de Puig, presidente dell’Assemblea parlamentare del Consiglio d’Europa.

continua a leggere l’articolo sulla versione on line di Panorama

How Dubai’s dream sank in a sea of debt

(come il sogno di Dubai annega in un mare di debiti)

Così titolava il Sunday Times nell’ultimo numero, simulando in un fotomontaggio lo Sceicco Al Maktoum che affoga. Le autorità dell’emirato hanno vietato la vendita dell’ultimo numero del giornale britannico Sunday Times, spiegando che l’immagine è ritenuta offensiva e non consona alla tradizione e alla cultura locale, che non accetta pubbliche offese ad una figura di spicco, quale Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum. La vignetta fa riferimento alla crisi scoppiata dopo la richiesta della Dubai World – fondo sovrano dell’emirato di Dubai – di congelare il pagamento di 26 miliardi di dollari. La notizia è stata confermata da una fonte del Consiglio dell’Informazione degli Emirati Arabi Uniti, secondo la quale «non potevamo consentire la diffusione di un giornale che conteneva un’offesa personale perché va contro la nostra tradizione». Il funzionario ha però assicurato che «non si tratta di un bando che riguarda questo o altro giornali internazionali che continueranno a essere distribuiti, come è stato in questi giorni quando ci sono state forti critiche all’emirato di Dubai per la crisi finanziaria che sta attraversando.

Visualizza l’articolo originale

Fonte dell’immagine: http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/markets/the_gulf/article6936260.ece

Proprietà dell’immagine: Sunday Times

How Dubai’s dream sank in a sea of debt

So is the title of the Sunday Times edition available in the Dubai U.A.E. on Nov. 29, removed by authorities from shelves: the National Media Council of the United Arab Emirates ordered the paper blocked by distributors.

A government official in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the U.A.E., said that the picture of Sheik Mohammed was “offensive” and not in line with the culture and tradition of U.A.E.Under the U.A.E.’s media code, publications are prohibited from criticizing the sheikdom’s rulers. Local media and government officials have criticized international press coverage of Dubai’s debt crisis.

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/markets/the_gulf/article6936260.ece

Dubai World is struggling to deal with it debts estimated to exceed $80 billion; actually the request for freezee the debts of the Sovreign fund, involves “only” $26 billion.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashed Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai, has desc.ribed the global financial crisis as a “passing cloud,” reports the UAE’s official news agency WAM

Read the article on Sunday Times

The Sunday Times is part of News International, a unit of News Corp., owner of Dow Jones & Co. The Times and The Sunday Times are published in the U.A.E. through a local partner SAB Media.

For someone looking to invest at this time, how would you compare these two markets of UAE? Which has better opportunities for capital appreciation? Have Abu Dhabi values risen as Dubai?

Ecco un confronto dei principali valori economici relativi ai due emirati degli Emirati Arabi Uniti: Abu Dhabi vs Dubai

Il premier Silvio Berlusconi è giunto ieri sera a Jeddah, una delle più grandi città dell’Arabia Saudita occidentale, situata nella regione del Hijāz, e la seconda città più grande dell’Arabia Saudita dopo la capitale Riyāḍ. Il Presidente del Consiglio si tratterràa Jeddah fino a domenica; proseguirà quindi per Doha, capitale del Qatar, per la seconda tappa di questo viaggio nei paesi arabi, finalizzato a consolidare relazioni economiche bilateriali con questi Paesi del Medio Oriente,  rafforzare la «diplomazia commerciale» e favorire così le imprese italiane interessate ad internazionalizzarsi. Con Doha c’è anche un’importante partnership economica, testimoniata dalla presenza dell’emiro Sheik Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani all’inaugurazione del rigassificatore di Rovigo.

A Jeddah Berlusconi ha incontrato per cena il sovrano saudita King Adbullah II, mentre in giornata ha incontrato il ministro della Finanza saudita, Ibrahim al Assaf e poi il principe Naif bin Abdul Aziz, secondo vice primo ministro e ministro degli Interni. Il premier Berlusconi ha incontrato anche il governatore della Mecca, il principe Khaled Al Faisal e l’Ambasciatore d’Italia a Riyāḍ Eugenio D’Auria.

Si pensa che questo breve tour nei Paesi Arabi, abbia anche una finalità privata per il premier, quella di definire la trattiva per la compravendita di Villa Certosa, a cui sarebbe interessata la famiglia Al Nahayan di Abu Dhabi.

Vedi anche: Berlusconi mette Villa Certosa in vendita. Al Nahayan, lo sceicco reggente di Abu Dhabi vuole acquistarla

Yoani Sánchez è spesso perseguitata dai mezzi di repressione ufficiali cubani; il 6 novembre è stata sequestrata e percossa da agenti di sicurezza de L’Avana, con l’accusa di essere una contro-rivoluzionaria, con l’intento di impedire la sua presenza ad una manifestazione contro la violenza. La stessa Yoani Sánchez ha denunciato l’accaduto dopo il rilascio.

In Italia, i suoi articoli sono pubblicati dalla rivista Internazionale e dal quotidiano La Stampa; il suo blog è pubblicato sul sito www.lastampa.it/generaciony, tradotto da Gordiano Lupi, autore, curatore e traduttore anche di Cuba Libre (ed. Rizzoli): una raccolta di post tratti da Generación Y .

Per il suo blog ha ricevuto il Premio Ortega y Gasset istituito dal quotidiano spagnolo El País, ed è stata selezionata dalla rivista Time come una delle 100 persone più influenti del 2008, mentre il 27 Novembre 2008, la televisone tedesca Deutsche Welle le ha assegnato il premio The Bobs 2008 come Miglior Blog Internazionale.

Lo stesso Fidel Castro ha attaccato Yoani, pur senza riferirsi esplicitamente a lei: il 4 giugno 2008, infatti, firmò un prologo del libro “Fidel, Bolivia y Algo Más”, ricevuto da Evo Morales, Presidente de Bolivia; in questo prologo, Fidel cita varie fasi del blog di Yoani e parla di una “giovane cubana”, accusandola apertamente di non essere in linea con le strategie governative e riferndosi altresì al premio Ortega y Gasset ricevuto.

Es conocida por su blog Generación Y, que publica desde abril del 2007 con dificultades por no poder acceder a él desde su país, auto-definiéndose ella misma como una “blogera ciega”. Generación Y es un Blog inspirado en gente como yo, con nombres que comienzan o contienen una “i griega”. Nacidos en la Cuba de los años 70s y los 80s, marcados por las escuelas al campo, los muñequitos rusos, las salidas ilegales y la frustración.

El mismo Fidel Castro critica a Yoani. Castro firmó el 4 de Junio del 2008 un prólogo del libro Fidel, Bolivia y Algo Más, que recibió como obsequio de Evo Morales, Presidente de Bolivia. En ese prólogo, Fidel cita varias frases del blog de Yoani, a la que alude como “una joven cubana” sin emplear su nombre, acusándola de “realizar labor de zapa y prensa neocolonial de la antigua metrópoli española que la premia,” aludiendo al premio Ortega y Gasset recién recibido por Yoani.

La revista Time la incluyó en su lista de «las cien personas más influyentes del 2008», diciendo que «delante de las narices de un régimen que nunca ha tolerado a la discrepancia, Sánchez practica lo que no pueden hacer los periodistas que trabajan con papel: libertad de palabra».

El seis de noviembre de 2009 varios diarios recogieron la noticia de que, dirigiéndose a una manifestación por la Paz que se celebraba en La Habana, Yoani, acompañada del escritor Orlando Luis Pardo y la blogera independiente Claudia Cadelo, fueron interceptados por presuntos tres agentes de la seguridad del estado vestidos de civiles que se bajaron de un coche negro. Yoani y Claudia contaron poco después los hechos en entrevistas telefónicas concedidas a Radio y Televisión Martí.

Según su testimonio, los agentes les indicaron que se subiesen en el coche, a lo que se negaron dado que no les presentaron ninguna orden de arresto. Entonces Yoani y Orlando fueron introducidos en el coche negro por la fuerza, mientras que Claudia era llevada por una patrulla policial. En el interior del coche Orlando fue inmovilizado al tiempo que Yoani era golpeada, mientras le advertían de que había llegado demasiado lejos con sus escritos. Veinte minutos más tarde fueron liberados en varios lugares alejados de la manifestación, que transcurrió con normalidad

Cerca de la calle 23 y justo en la rotonda de la Avenida de los Presidente, fue que vimos llegar en un auto negro –de fabricación china– a tres fornidos desconocidos: “Yoani, móntate en el auto” me dijo uno mientras me aguantaba fuertemente por la muñeca. Los otros dos rodeaban a Claudia Cadelo, Orlando Luís Pardo Lazo y una amiga que nos acompañaba a una marcha contra la violencia. Ironías de la vida, fue una tarde cargada de golpes, gritos y malas palabras la que debió transcurrir como una jornada de paz y concordia.  Los mismos “agresores” llamaron a una patrulla que se llevó a mis otras dos acompañantes, Orlando y yo estábamos condenados al auto de matrícula amarilla, al pavoroso terreno de la ilegalidad y la impunidad del Armagedón.

Fuente: http://www.desdecuba.com/generaciony/ & wikipedia