UMM aL QAIWAIN // The extended closure of the emirate's only maternity ward has dismayed residents and is forcing some expectant mothers to attend maternity clinics in other emirates.
The specialist wing of the Umm al Qaiwain Hospital was closed for maintenance work at the start of October. A notice posted on the doors stated that it would reopen within a month, but more than three months on, the work is still not complete.
Mothers-to-be and their families have said a temporary maternity unit set up at the hospital is too small and is poorly equipped, leaving them with little choice but to go elsewhere for pregnancy check-ups and to give birth.
Abdullah Saif Abdullah, 40, an Emirati who is an administrator with Ajman University, said he felt he had to transfer his pregnant wife's medical files to Kuwait Hospital in Sharjah.
He said the makeshift facility at UAQ Hospital was unable to cope with multiple deliveries.
"We still don't understand the causes of the delays," he said. "It's now more than two months and the hospital administration cannot explain it to us."
Ibrahim al Awadh, 35, an Emirati businessman, said his wife had been admitted to the children's wards at UAQ Hospital when she was about to give birth to their third girl in December because there was no space in the temporary maternity clinic.
"She delivered well but I wonder if the authorities ever get concerned about pregnant women passing on some diseases to the children or the other way round," he said.
Ahmed Obaid, also 35 and an Emirati businessman, said maintenance companies should be more closely monitored to ensure they meet their deadlines, especially in cases involving health facilities.
UAQ Hospital serves the whole emirate and the surrounding area.
Rashid Obaid al Shehi, the deputy chief of Umm al Qaiwain Health Zone, said the hospital was undergoing several maintenance operations and urged residents to be patient.
"We have provided an alternative room and equipped it with the latest technology," he said. "Since the closure of the main department we have administered 168 births, among which 37 were Caesarean."
He said the hospital's management had always been keen to avoid any delay and that the maintenance work was needed to comply with Ministry of Health standards. The Ministry of Public Works is also monitoring the work.
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Emergency
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The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
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Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
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WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?
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if you go
The flights
The closest international airport to the TMB trail is Geneva (just over an hour’s drive from the French ski town of Chamonix where most people start and end the walk). Direct flights from the UAE to Geneva are available with Etihad and Emirates from about Dh2,790 including taxes.
The trek
The Tour du Mont Blanc takes about 10 to 14 days to complete if walked in its entirety, but by using the services of a tour operator such as Raw Travel, a shorter “highlights” version allows you to complete the best of the route in a week, from Dh6,750 per person. The trails are blocked by snow from about late October to early May. Most people walk in July and August, but be warned that trails are often uncomfortably busy at this time and it can be very hot. The prime months are June and September.
Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
Which honey takes your fancy?
Al Ghaf Honey
The Al Ghaf tree is a local desert tree which bears the harsh summers with drought and high temperatures. From the rich flowers, bees that pollinate this tree can produce delicious red colour honey in June and July each year
Sidr Honey
The Sidr tree is an evergreen tree with long and strong forked branches. The blossom from this tree is called Yabyab, which provides rich food for bees to produce honey in October and November. This honey is the most expensive, but tastiest
Samar Honey
The Samar tree trunk, leaves and blossom contains Barm which is the secret of healing. You can enjoy the best types of honey from this tree every year in May and June. It is an historical witness to the life of the Emirati nation which represents the harsh desert and mountain environments
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If you go
The flights
Emirates and Etihad fly direct to Nairobi, with fares starting from Dh1,695. The resort can be reached from Nairobi via a 35-minute flight from Wilson Airport or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, or by road, which takes at least three hours.
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Rooms at Fairmont Mount Kenya range from Dh1,870 per night for a deluxe room to Dh11,000 per night for the William Holden Cottage.
Company profile
Name: Dukkantek
Started: January 2021
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Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
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Director: Jake Kasdan
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Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.