Fires across Dubai will soon be a thing of the past, according to the emirate's Civil Defence who are working on implementing nanotechnology in commercial buildings to prevent disasters.
Speaking at a press conference on the details of the Intersec event, which kicks off in Dubai next week, Brig. Rashid Buflasa, director – general assistant for fire and rescue at the Dubai Civil Defence, said he hoped their new technology would be implemented in time for Expo 2020.
The technology is based around a material that is comprised of a solid layer with moisture built inside so when the solid begins to melt in heat, it produces water vapour.
The device will work by stifling the three elements needed to ignite a fire: heat, fuel and oxygen.
He said: "According to our statistics, most fires are electric, like short circuits and poor connections … We'll fix the nanotechnology inside the sockets, starting with commercial buildings like malls and warehouses, and eventually we'll go in to residential buildings."
Brig. Buflasa also said upgrading the police force's equipment was key to fighting crime and to preserve homeland security, adding that "the private sector will play a major role in providing us with latest tools in the field."
The Security Industry Regulatory Authority (Sira) told press conference attendees that it is to strengthen the level of its security guards across the country.
"We will improve both our manpower and our devices," said Khalifah Al Sulais, Sira's chief executive. "Dubai has a reputation for being one of the safest places in the world and we intend to keep it that way."
The security market in the Middle East has evolved drastically over the last 20 years, growing from US$52 million in 1998 to $12.2 bn in 2017. Its focus has shifted from simpler technologies such as pedestrian barriers, turnstiles, conventional access control systems and traditional surveillance cameras to more sophisticated technologies such as sensor-based cameras, automated traffic bollards and biometric access control systems.
Speakers at the press conference said video surveillance will be one of the largest areas of growth in the Middle East in both the homeland and commercial security markets. New evolving security trends will see a rise in security drones, smart storage solutions, artificial intelligence and T-rays, also known as terahertz, a safe form of electromagnetic radiation that is able to detect harmful gases or dangerous materials, and has potential uses in airport security.
Intersec will take place in Dubai next week from January 21 to January 23.
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Credit Score explained
What is a credit score?
In the UAE your credit score is a number generated by the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB), which represents your credit worthiness – in other words, your risk of defaulting on any debt repayments. In this country, the number is between 300 and 900. A low score indicates a higher risk of default, while a high score indicates you are a lower risk.
Why is it important?
Financial institutions will use it to decide whether or not you are a credit risk. Those with better scores may also receive preferential interest rates or terms on products such as loans, credit cards and mortgages.
How is it calculated?
The AECB collects information on your payment behaviour from banks as well as utilitiy and telecoms providers.
How can I improve my score?
By paying your bills on time and not missing any repayments, particularly your loan, credit card and mortgage payments. It is also wise to limit the number of credit card and loan applications you make and to reduce your outstanding balances.
How do I know if my score is low or high?
By checking it. Visit one of AECB’s Customer Happiness Centres with an original and valid Emirates ID, passport copy and valid email address. Liv. customers can also access the score directly from the banking app.
How much does it cost?
A credit report costs Dh100 while a report with the score included costs Dh150. Those only wanting the credit score pay Dh60. VAT is payable on top.
The rules on fostering in the UAE
A foster couple or family must:
- be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE
- not be younger than 25 years old
- not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
- be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
- have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
- undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
- A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially
In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe
Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010
Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille
Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm
Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year
Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”
Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners
TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013
No more lice
Defining head lice
Pediculus humanus capitis are tiny wingless insects that feed on blood from the human scalp. The adult head louse is up to 3mm long, has six legs, and is tan to greyish-white in colour. The female lives up to four weeks and, once mature, can lay up to 10 eggs per day. These tiny nits firmly attach to the base of the hair shaft, get incubated by body heat and hatch in eight days or so.
Identifying lice
Lice can be identified by itching or a tickling sensation of something moving within the hair. One can confirm that a person has lice by looking closely through the hair and scalp for nits, nymphs or lice. Head lice are most frequently located behind the ears and near the neckline.
Treating lice at home
Head lice must be treated as soon as they are spotted. Start by checking everyone in the family for them, then follow these steps. Remove and wash all clothing and bedding with hot water. Apply medicine according to the label instructions. If some live lice are still found eight to 12 hours after treatment, but are moving more slowly than before, do not re-treat. Comb dead and remaining live lice out of the hair using a fine-toothed comb.
After the initial treatment, check for, comb and remove nits and lice from hair every two to three days. Soak combs and brushes in hot water for 10 minutes.Vacuum the floor and furniture, particularly where the infested person sat or lay.
Courtesy Dr Vishal Rajmal Mehta, specialist paediatrics, RAK Hospital
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Rating: 3/5
