The article discusses the spacewalk experience at the Abu Dhabi Country Club. It describes how the authors, Karam and Omar, decided to try it out after hearing great things from friends. They were initially nervous but found the experience thrilling and incredible as they were lifted off their feet by the 90km/h wind tunnel. Both authors highly recommend it and say the feeling is unlike anything else. Some key facts mentioned are that spacewalk is open to ages 4-99, but those with medical conditions should avoid it, and all participants must watch a 15 minute safety video first.

1. Free ISSUe
eNTeRTaINMeNT I FOOD I FasHION I lIFesTYle I aRTs
the rhythm of your city A U G U S T 1, 2 010
THe cOOlesT MaGazINe IN THe Uae NOw wITH MObIle TaGs
JONes
IN abU DHabI
CRAZY
STUNTS
K’NAAN SKATE
space walkING caNaDIaN-sOMalI BOARDING
IN THe capITal MUsIc seNsaTION ABU DHABI
p.6 p.9 p.27

2. cONTeNTs
VOLUME15 | AUGUST 1, 2010
FROM THe eDITOR
Hello Abu dhabi, eNTeRTaINMeNT
The capital has succumbed to summer, and a peaceful transition into ramadan begins. 4 Uspace
The wonderful thing about the rhythm of the cosmos, and the energy of all living
things is the periodic opportunity for rebirth and renewal. 6 cRazY sTUNTs
For Muslims, ramadan carries the promise of spiritual realignment. It is a time to look
8 wHaT’s HOT
inward; to review your life; your work, your contributions, and think of how you can 9 beaT wITH kaRaM
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-- 10 HaNGOUTs
hopefully not just for the month, but for a long time afterwards as well.
FasHION
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. 12 TReNDseTTeR
It is a breaking of a fast, and a breaking of bread together. With great hope, gratitude 13 MY sTYle blUepRINT
and forgiveness.
FOOD
embrace spiritual renewal, Abu Dhabi. 14 cITY bITes
lIFesTYle
eDITOR MaGazINe DesIGNeR eDITORIal cONTRIbUTORs 19 peOple MeTeR
saNa baGeRsH pRaveeN pRabHakaRaN kaRaM bUkaIR
20 NeIGHbOURHOOD
MaXINe GUaRNIeRI
FeaTURes eDITOR websITe DesIGNeR
RIzwaN peRvaIz OMaR el TeMTaMY 22 RaIsING THe baR
alMa kaDRaGIc
RaNDY paRkeR
MaRkeTING cOORDINaTOR 23 YaNk IN saNDlaND
eDITORIal cOORDINaTOR
MaNJUl abHIsHek
sITHaRa seTHUMaDHavaN 24 sOcIal NeT
pRODUcTION cOORDINaTOR
RIzwaNa sHaHID
25 TecH Talk
26 MY abU DHabI
Address 28 MakING a DIFFeReNce
To reach editorial at Abu Dhabi Tempo email: editorial@abudhabitempo.com
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.
aRTs
NoTe To ADverTIsers: Advertisers get free brand tagging with all advertisements. To reach 29 aRTIcUlaTe
advertising call 02 6673349 or email: advertising@abudhabitempo.com
30 classIFIeDs
disclAimer: 31 FUN paGe
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.
Published by:
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3

3. Dear ed,
SPACE around, especially for families. It’s informative
Free ISSU
e
ENTERTAINM
ENT I FOOD I FASHION
I LIFESTYLE
I ARTS
saY
I’m a tourist to Abu Dhabi and I took my kids
swimming to the Corniche late afternoon,
and fun to read. I like the colourful design and
the pictures. the rhy thm
of your
city
J U LY 16
IMpORTaNT FacTs abOUT RaMaDaN
what I’ve learned about this special month
- 31, 2 010
thinking that the best time to go to the beach - Asmi
is after temperatures cool off. I was extremely
TAgS
disappointed when the lifeguard and security by sithara sethumadhavan
H MObILE
guards told us we couldn’t swim after 7pm. Dear Ed
NOw wIT
The beach should stay open, I believe, as the My brothers and I are at home in summer. It’s
early evening is actually the best time to enjoy hot outside and we’re getting really bored. Imagine spending a whole month in prayer and reflection, while refraining from food, drinking,
IN THE UAE
We really need more things to do than go NEw YORk
the Corniche!! gUggEN ’S
HEIM gIRLS smoking and any excesses from dawn until sunset. That’s exactly what the Muslims do during
MAgAzINE
Samira Shardi to the malls....there need to be more events, AMAL & AF
competitions and fun challenges. ALL ABO
RA
Ramadan. Fasting is meant to teach patience, modesty and spirituality...
THE cOOLEST
SHAF RAIUT
TEn REA
SI spain Wosons
Dear ed,
n the
Dave S
TELLING
p.8 World Cup THE WOR
LD ABOU
THE UA T
p.24 E
p.10
I enjoy reading Abu Dhabi Tempo because it express your thoughts and views. email us: ramadan is the ninth month on the feelings of Muslims during the month, to God, and the fast reminds them of
tells me about the things that are happening editorial@abudhabitempo.com islamic calendar since the fast involves refraining from their devotions. The idea is that only
“moisture” and sustenance -- like drink Allah knows who breaks their fast and
The Islamic calendar is different from
Review
and food -- during the daylight hours. who fulfills their obligations with full
the Gregorian calendar used in the
devotion. However, in certain countries,
West. Whereas the Western uses the
if you’re sick, you get a fasting Muslims caught not fasting during
solar calendar (based upon the sun’s
by karam bukair exemption. ramadan can be punished.
movements), the Islamic calendar is a
lunar calendar and each month begins The fast is obligatory for all mature
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 eid al-Fitr is a three-day celebration
with the sighting of the new crescent adult Muslims. Children get a pass,
by Nike and known as ‘six rings’. The ‘six rings indicate how many times Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls won the moon. While the Western calendar has although parents usually begin eid is an Arabic word meaning
championship. The story behind ‘six rings’ is very interesting: every time MJ won a championship he took the colours of 365 days in a year, the Muslim calendar teaching them to refrain from eating or “festivity,” while Fitr means “to break
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
has 354 days. Because the lunar year is drinking for certain periods of time to the fast.” It begins on the first day
the opponent teams.
shorter, each date on it falls about 10 or prepare them for the ritual later in life. of shawwal, the month following
This particular shoe represents Chicago Bulls’ defeat of the seattle supersonics in 1996. If you look 11 days earlier than the solar calendar. People who are mentally handicapped ramadan. People who can afford to
closely, you will see little clues and hints on which team the shoe is about. There is a blurred since each month begins upon the or sick are exempt, so they do not have donate rice, barley, dates, and money
image of the iconic building in seattle, the ‘space Needle’. There is also a silhouette of one of sighting of a new crescent moon, the to fast. If you’re pregnant or nursing you to people in need do that so everyone
Jordan’s famous dunks against seattle. There is a picture of a glove with it labeled ‘The beginning of ramadan can only be are also excused from fasting. can have a holiday meal. This donation
Glove’ on the picture, referring to one of seattle supersonics top player’s predicted then. This why atmospheric is known as "sadaqah al-fitr" (charity of
nickname. There also is rain everywhere within the design and weather conditions can delay ramadan is a time to remember fast-breaking). That first morning of eid,
because seattle is known as ‘The rainy City’. There are sightings. religious devotion Muslims gather in outdoor locations
several dates around the shoe, some saying ’96 which or mosques to perform the eid prayer.
Chapter 2, verses 183-203 of sura
is the year when the sonics were beaten. The main ramadan means "scorched earth” Afterward, they break off to visit various
Al-Baqarah in The Qur'an speaks of
clue is the colors of the shoe; yellow and green family and friends, exchange gifts, call
which are the supersonic team colors. There are less The word is derived from an Arabic the need to fast during ramadan as
distant relatives with holiday wishes,
obvious clues such as a coffee cup with the Jordan root ramad, which means ashes or a way to develop “taqwa.” This is an
and feast. These activities traditionally
Logo on it and this is because starbucks Coffee is depending where you look, it means: Arabic term for “God-consciousness”
continue for three days. In most Muslim
from seattle! scorched ground, shortness of rations, or being aware that Allah is watching
countries, the entire three-day period
scorching heat, parched thirst, or sun- even if the person is not aware. People
is an official government or school
baked ground. Those are the general develop “taqwa” through obedience
holiday.
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4 Tempo August 1, 2010 5

4. CrazyStunts Karam
“The thrill it gave us as we were
lifted off our feet was incredible”
spacewalk IN abU DHabI
ever since the sPACeWALK in Abu
Dhabi Country Club opened, all I’ve
by karam bukair & Omar el Temtamy been hearing from my friends was how
breathtaking it was, and how everyone
photos by abdul Rahman
should get the chance to have such an
experience. so my friend omar and I
Summers can get boring especially when all your friends are holidaying in the cooler parts of the
decided to go together to see what all
world and sometimes frustrating when they get back and tell you of all the cool stuff they did. Well
the hype was about!
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!
The thrill it gave us when we first leaned
into the 90km/h wind and it lifted us off
At sPACeWALK the emphasis is
our feet was incredible. At that instant
on FUN, it is perfect for first time
I felt fear, shock, and excitement. The
flyers looking for some adventure
experience was definitely worth every
to experienced skydivers wanting
penny (Mom’s, that is—she paid for it).
to improve their skills. It is
Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect.
recommended that people with high
It’s a feeling you’ll never get anywhere
blood pressure and heart conditions,
else! Totally recommended by me!
pregnant women and people with
shoulder neck and back injuries avoid Karam on top!
taking part in this activity.
sPACeWALK is not a ride or a Omar
simulator. You can actually fly on a
“We left the building feeling proud
column of air and you require no
and tall”
prior experience. This is achieved by
the propellers fixed at the top of the My excitement was over flowing especially when I
tower sucking the air in the tunnel. saw the massive structure standing bluntly in the
Abu Dhabi Country Club, seeming like a rocket
“sPACeWALK can be enjoyed by ship ready to take off any second. The structure
anyone from the age to 4 to 99 years is an eye-catcher standing almost 50 feet above
and we can guarantee that the time the ground. It certainly made me wonder about
you are spend sPACeWALK will be how technologies have become so advanced in
cherished for life long, “ says Ihab the past decade. But right then, the thought of me
Mahfouz, Marketing Manager at the flying in it sent a chill down my spine.
Omar taking his safety class before the SPACE WALK
Abu Dhabi County Club. “All flyers
must attend a 15 minute safety When Karam and I first entered the building, we
FAcTs precaution video before the flight felt curious, like astronauts ready to explore space
• SPACEWALK is inspired by parachute skydiving. and then the instructor will take you for the first time. We geared up in their grey “space
• This sport gained prominence in the ‘50s in the United States. through it.” suits.” The trainer Jason russell taught us all the
• Compared to actual skydiving, the risks involved in this is minimal. safety tips we needed.
• Ideal for people over 18 to engage in this sport. The first flight experience includes
• The popularity of indoor skydiving or SPACEWALK grew after it was all equipment rental such as a We then entered the colossal air vent, and within
used in military applications. flight suit, goggles and helmet and minutes were totally airborne, flying against
• A Canadian Company, Aerodium was the first company to built private after an introduction video and the gigantic fans. It was certainly an amazing
tunnels for this fun sport. personal briefing by one of the experience that I loved, and was definitely worth
flight instructors you will be ready to the price! We left the building feeling proud and
Omar with the adreline rush
sPACeWALK Abu Dhabi is a vertical wind tunnel (vWT) enabling almost experience human bodyflight! tall. But we also felt a little wobbly.
everyone to experience the thrill of free falling or skydiving, without Tempo tried the sPACe WALK and is
jumping out of an airplane. It can be done by almost anyone regardless of absolutely excited about it, read on. sPACeWALK is open 7 days a week from 9 am to 11 pm.
age, gender or experience. However, last possible arrival is 10: 15 pm. For information call 02 657 7601
6 Tempo August 1, 2010 7

5. What’sHOT Beat withKARAM
by karam bukair
Abu Dhabi residents will now witness the The main entrance will have a traditional
NIGHT spirit of sharing and fellowship at Al Wahda
Mall starting from August 11th onwards
entrance arch with stone effect pathways.
This meandering paths will lead visitors k’NaaN: caNaDIaN-sOMalI vIbes
sOUQ
this ramadan season. Al Wahda Mall says through a bazaar-like atmosphere in which
that the Night souq will have a colourful open fronted shops and galleries spill onto “Born to a throne, stronger than Rome The World Cup buzz must be over but He credits learning english from the
and vibrant ambience that would resemble the paved walkways. separate souqs will be But Violent prone, poor people zone, the world is yet not over with it! rap legends Nas and rakim, and so
a market of an Arabian city for shoppers placed along the pathways with merchants But it’s my home, all I have known, now we know the reason for his unique
Where I got grown, streets we would Cheers and claps, curtain up, and here style. From there he went on to make
When: From 11 August to experience the spirit of this season. selling traditional & cultural wares inside
roam. But out of the darkness, I came you go! contacts with record labels and landed
Where: Al Wahda mall The mall will be thematically designed the mall.
with the traditional bazaar look & feel. the farthest, Among the hardest doing albums before touring with
survival. Learn from these streets, People, we present to you K’naan- the Damien Marley and others.
it can be bleak, Except no defeat, poet, rapper, singer, musician- all rolled
surrender retreat, into one. He who has been called “a K’naan aka Keinan Abdi Warsame
cIRcUs FUN IN capITal So we struggling, fighting to eat and
sound that fuses Bob Marley, conscious
American hip hop, and brilliant protest
doesn’t fit the bill of a typical rapper
nor the stereotypes of a gangster,
poetry” has a style that has also been despite his past.
From 23 July to 3rd August We wondering when we’ll be free,
compared to eminem. or maybe we
So we patiently wait, for that fateful
straight from the New York City, the Big Apple Circus makes its debut in day, It’s not far away, so for now we say” should just say the guy who presented K’naan makes urgent music with a
Middle east as a part of summer in Abu Dhabi. Founded in 1977, the Big the World Cup Anthemn! message, talking about the situation
-Song Waving Flag in his homeland somalia and calling
Apple Circus is now one of the world’s largest, most exciting attractions;
Keinan Abdi Warsame, somali - for an end to violence and bloodshed.
complete with a stellar cast of international stars from europe and russia.
Canadian, spent his early years in He denies that he is overtly political,
New York’s acclaimed social web site whomyouknow.com calls it, “Nothing
somalia during the civil war. As a boy, but instead he says that he shows “the
short of spectacular.” our take on it...especially cool for the little ones. his father used to gift him American state of the world [and] if you call it like
rap music, and K’naan was amazed it is, you’re being political.”
cost: Adults 200 Dhs, Children 75 Dhs
though he didn’t understand a word.
Venue: ADNeC Later on when he had relocated with This is what he thinks about his own
his family to Canada, American hip-hop music – it’s a “mix of tradition and kind
continued to intrigue him. of articulation of my own life and my
past experiences.”
knaan’s lyrics
Knaan’s lyrics are already winning
many accolades, and attracting
comparisons to rapper greats.
“Do you see why it’s amazing,
When someone comes out of such a dire
situation And learns the English language,
RaMaDaN IN sUMMeR FUN
Just to share his observation!”
Song: SOMALIA
kHalIDIYa! kIDs caMp “Mother knows; my mother she suffered
blows
From 12th August, Venue: Khalidiya mall 21st July to 11th August, Venue: Khalidiya mall I don’t know how we survived such violent
episodes”
Khalidiya Mall offers than shopping this August. The mall Lulu presents a happening summer camp at Khalidiya Song: Take A Minute
is organizing special ramadan event with lots of activities Mall. The kids will be treated to fun activities such as magic
including fun camel and pony rides, a special falcon display shows, collage painting, language games, treasure hunts, “This is K’naan and still reppin’ the S
show (the latter on the weekends only) and an exhibition face painting, cookery shows, kids film screening and lots Comin’ out of Mogadishu and still draped in
on wool weaving. What’s more, you can catch the Freej of sporting activities. especially considering this is all on the mess”
characters roaming in the mall (who will surely love to pose offer for free....should make parents happy as well. Song: Take A Minute
for a photo with you), techno dabke and andalusian dance.
8 8 Tempo August 1, 2010 9

6. Abu DhabiHangouts
At a table for four on the side sat Mohamed
Al Amimi, an engineer with emirates Nuclear
energy Company who works in Al Mamoura,
JONes THe GROceR with Ihad Husseini from Canadian Xpert
Marketing solutions and rana Traboulsi
from Kiwi Properties. Ihad and rana
by Alma Kadragic • photos by abdul Rahman
don’t come that often because they work
elsewhere. However, Mohamed is a regular
Jones the Grocer opened on 29 September 2009, and in less than a year has become the premier hangout in who comes every day to collect takeout to
the UAE capital which is why we're launching this new Tempo feature with Jones. Every issue or as often as eat at his desk or to eat at Jones if he has
we can, we'll feature another Abu Dhabi hangout where people go to meet, to relax, to eat, and sometimes to working lunch. “on weekends,” he added, “I
get their photos taken by Tempo. come with my family.”
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.
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
Location plays a big role. Jones the Grocer in Al They learned about Jones the Grocer coming
Mamoura B, on 15th street and Muroor (also known as to Abu Dhabi through Facebook. Australians
4th street). our cover (and above) shows Dr. erin Brady here and at home “spread the word,” and the
who came for lunch with James and sarah LeMesurier ones here or about to be here were waiting at
from Good Harbor Consulting. They were at Jones the door when Jones opened. Why? Paul says,
before a business meeting at Mubadala, the anchor “we came here because the coffee is exactly
tenant of Al Mamoura. erin says she lunches at Jones like in Australia.”
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.
There’s no way in the space available to show
everyone who was at Jones that day. At a corner
“I like it because it’s multi cultural,” said James, and
table in the back were the Thompsons, an
“has great buzz.” He also likes the mixing that goes
Australian family who live in the UAe. steve and
on. “It’s the one place you can come in and sit next
daughter Lucy came to Jones to have lunch
to emiratis,” because of the long tables that allow
with Jane who works at the Al Jazira Football Jones the Grocer is open:
people who don’t know each other to sit together, and
Club. They say Jones here is “very similar to Sunday to Thursday 8 am to 10: 30 pm
sometimes start a conversation. James also likes the
sydney.” The only “challenge” was finding it the Friday and Saturday 9 am to 10:30 pm
“competent and well informed staff.”
first time. For information call 02 443 8762
10 Tempo August 1, 2010 11

7. TrendSetter My Style BLUEPRINT
Guys its summer, and NaUTIca at al wahda Mall has a cool collection for summer 2010!
belT Dh 169 Tempo spots fashionable
and smart dressers around
Age:
the ecity.do
: nan
Namha Fer
mal
s 20
na lity:
Natio nkan
a
to sri l
ory
l ac
cess fit
vita e it
wU
,a Mak pris Forever 21
ello ade ith ca
Y e sh best w Dh 72
ke ep th
caps Dh 89
y
Trend
nt Cool n
eme
Stat wHITe sHIRT
Style Dh 309
What do you do?
i am a medical
student
Your most valued
fashion possessions? Splash
bROwN walleT my handbag Dh 60
Dh 89
FlIp FlOps The one Thing I regret
Dh 109 Buying:
Nothing, really.
OUr FAsHiON
blUe sHOes eXPerT sAYs:
The one Thing I Dream
Dh 349 of Buying:
malsha, you’re right
Jimmy choo shoes
on the money, with
kHakI sHORTs Penny’s comfort as your
style inspiration: Dh150
Dh 309 driving philosophy!
magazines mostly but
i wear what i like With this look you
prove that one can
My style Philosophy: be comfortable and
yet utterly stylish!
or and i like to be
ks f s-on comfortable.
, wor Step
Of f Coo
l
Show ell ch
r as w e bea
l wea of f th
casua
12 Tempo August 1, 2010 13

8. City Bites PeopleMeter
by sithara sethumadhavan 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.
e
GOlDeN TOweR bipimol saban
Nationality: India
some people never get tired of Chinese, and we Occupation: Head Nurse
wouldn’t blame them especially after feasting at Time in abu Dhabi: 3 years
Other places lived: India
Golden Tower’s food. This restaurant located right
in between the hustle bustle of Madinat Zayed is
What brought you here? if Abu dhabi were a coffee, what
especially recommended place for Chinese seafood....
A better standard of living kind would it be?
and it’s not at all pricey, like some of the fancier strong black coffee (stronger than
eateries. some of the regulars we spoke to swear What were your first
expresso shots)
impressions of this city?
by the Hot n sour Chicken soup. We recommend
Cool but hot Any advice to a new arrival?
the steamed dim sims dumplings (also healthy and Get all your cotton clothes to
tasty), for starters followed by the famous chicken Where can we find you hanging
this place. You will need them all
out?
prawn noodles. The good news however is that all the QUIck HITs through the year
shopping malls and cinemas
items in their menu are also available in a vegetarian
shawarma or Falafel? ....... shawarma How has living here changed
version, which has made this place a hit among the
vegetarians in the town. Another dish you surely beaches or sand dunes? ..... beaches you?
Well much happier and of course
don’t want to miss after visiting this place is their Dates or chocolate? ........... chocolate extremely hectic
special toffee bananas, the perfect way to end your
Do you speak arabic?........ shweya
Chinese feast fare. And for apple lovers, they also offer shweya
toffee apples.
bITe RITe Maliha enam
Nationality: bangladesh
It’s summer and most of you are on diets... boring Occupation: Insurance professional
and tasteless eating regimes that are driving you Time in abu Dhabi: 23 years
up the wall! Well, we have found a nice option Other places lived: No where else, abu Dhabi is home
that allows you to stick on to your diet but still
enjoy real food (that tastes like food). This What brought you here? How has living here changed
you?
eat out provides you with tasty options Dad’s working here....I spent all my
which of taboo items like rolls and life here Hopefully I am growing everyday
pastries, but offered in healthy and What were your first if Abu dhabi were a coffee, what
sensible versions. (Think of sweets impressions of this city? kind would it be?
made of double skimmed milk and Well I don’t remember my first Café latte (I suppose)
QUIck HITs impression but I am amazed at the
sugar substitutes). You can even go Any advice to a new arrival?
way it is progressing and I love the
for a plate of fries to pep up your shawarma or Falafel? ........ shawarma fact that I am progressing along Apply sunscreen and drink loads
meals. Yes, real fries, but fiber rich beaches or sand dunes? ........ beach with it. of water
alternatives that appeal to your taste buds
Dates or chocolate? ........ chocolate Where can we find you hanging
as well please your dietician. And the best part is out?
that the menu offers a counter so you know Do you speak arabic?........ No
Any of the malls
can keep a count on those calories!
14 Tempo August 1, 2010 19

9. Around the Neighborhood
by alma kadragic
around the Neighborhood: a Fast visit to Doha
Doha, Qatar, is 35 minutes from Abu Dhabi on etihad are many international hotels in Doha, more than in
or Qatar Airlines and makes a perfect weekend Abu Dhabi.
getaway. The city is similar to what we’re used to here
but at the same time different. I left Abu Dhabi at 9 Besides seeing my friend and getting an orientation
am on a Friday and arrived in Doha at 9 am - because to the festival, I was especially interested in visiting
Qatar is one hour behind the UAe. I returned on the the Museum of Islamic Art, a beautiful building
610 pm flight saturday and arrived in Abu Dhabi designed by I.M.Pei that overshadows the collections
at 810 pm, making up for the lost hour. That’s long inside. However, inside and out, it is worth a visit.
enough to get a good sense of the city which seems
I spent close to three hours there Friday afternoon.
smaller than Abu Dhabi although it combines Dubai
It wasn’t crowded although there were families with
and Abu Dhabi in being capital and economic center Porto Arabiya
small children, mainly Indian or Arab expats with
at the same time.
some Qataris. exhibits are labeled in english and
I stayed at the W Hotel because a friend of mine who Arabic, and each room is identified at either end by
Highlights of the collection for me are the Persian it will look like, a huge area with traditional low
is working in Doha for the Doha Tribeca Film Festival a small poster that explains the links between the
carpets with intricate designs of people, animals, buildings where the Film Festival’s offices will be
lives in the residential part. I can recommend the W as displays.
and plants in colors that remain strong today even located and other non profits, along with a mosque,
very comfortable with extraordinary service, but there Souk Waqif after 500 years. exquisitely tooled and inlaid wood theater, restaurants, and gift shops. At the center is
doors and shutters are displayed as well as numerous the amphitheater stadium that will seat 5000 people
bowls, plates, and other earthenware from Iran, syria, for various big events.
Iraq, egypt, and spain which maintained a tradition
of Islamic art long after the armies of King Ferdinand As you drive back to West Bay where most of the
and Queen Isabella conquered the last Moorish hotels and new office towers are located, you
stronghold in 1492. pass one tower that exemplifies old and new.
superimposed on the outside are window and
The Museum typifies what I found in Doha that corniche motifs that recall traditional construction
surprised me: the old along with the new. None of and in front is a low wall that exemplifies it.
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: Museum of Islamic Art
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
20 21

10. Raising the
by sithara sethumadhavan
Bar Yank insandland
Text and photos by Randy parker
ameenullah: a Jack of Many Trades. The Doldrums of summer
This illiterate cobbler from Pakistan can double as a manual labourer and Well, here we are again in the midst of my least favorite the same thing happens here but on opposite ends of the
a driving instructor. But he is also a man with a mission. This 47 year old time of the year in Abu Dhabi - I am sure I am not alone. calendar. everyone I know is grumpy and itchy.
native of Baluchistan, now a resident in the capital, collects soft drink cans How I wish I could ignore Middle east summers from afar
for recycling. He is as passionate about his mission as he is about giving I don’t like keeping a pair of potholder mittens in my car,
in more northern and temperate latitudes like so many
his kids a descent living with his meager earnings. so I can touch the steering wheel or having the back of my
are fortunate to do. I could live without the blazing heat
shirt wet when I get out of the car. I don’t like the way my
and stifling humidity that force me to stay indoors and
For all his sad stories, (a debt of AeD 30,000, a daughter whose legs are head swims when I walk for more than 100 meters in the
struggle with boredom and increased levels of adult
paralyzed because they don’t know still what polio is, even though there intense heat and humidity. I don’t like the way the summer
beverage consumption.
are medicines to prevent it!) Ameenullah is a cheerful man. With a spirit sky is the same color as the desert due to the frequent
Not only is physical activity curtailed during the summer, sandstorms. The sky should be blue.
and conviction which would have put any environmentalist to shame,
this man explains: “A year back, I saw a television programme on waste I am convinced the mind is adversely affected as Cabin
I realize I can’t change the climate, but I try to endure the
management. After that I began observing my colleagues behaviours and Fever sets in. This syndrome is more commonly known
best I can. What redeems the summer weather in Abu
I was more conscious of mine. The climate is very warm and since these in Arctic climes where folks are confined to their living Dhabi is autumn, winter, and spring. During those seasons,
drinks are cheap, people consume them a lot and then carelessly litter the spaces for long periods of time by the harshly cold it’s about as perfect as one can hope for. Cool nights and
weather outside. Bad things have been known to happen mild days predominate, just right for outdoor activities
cans in the streets.”
to the housemates of sufferers of this malady. I am sure and the sky is blue too!
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.
22 Tempo August 1, 2010 23

11. TechTalk
SocialNet by venita subramanian by sithara sethumadhavan
“welcOMe FacebOOk,” saYs MIcROsOFT OUTlOOk
TeMpO caTcHes Up wITH THIs YOUNG pHOTOGRapHY
eNTHUsIasT IN THe cITY! Microsoft has added the popular social networking site
Facebook to outlook, giving its users the ability to view
In photography - well, there are a lot of young and brilliant status updates, pictures, and wall posts from their contacts
photographers whose work I’ve been following for years now on Facebook.
who’ve given me great insight on photography. Personally,
severin Koller and Chris Weeks have been strong guiding outlook users will have see a “People Pane” where they
forces in my photography.
can view the profile picture and activity of their Facebook
Venita: What do you love to indulge in? friends . As you go through your emails, you can also view
The internet and wordplay. your social network
Venita: something you’re saving up for. Microsoft integrated two other social networks, Myspace
A unicycle, a new L lens, a 5d, Norway, the list is endless! and LinkedIn, into outlook in February using what it calls
Venita: First photograph that comes to your mind the “outlook social Connector.”
Funnily, this one, of a couple of pigeons one winter morning outlook 2003 and 2007 users can download the latest
(one of which died of the cold the next morning)
version of the outlook social Connector from the Microsoft
Venita: something that is overrated Download Center while outlook 2010 users can get it
Photography. through Microsoft Update.
Venita: Where you’ll find me on a saturday night at 10 pm?
online! But appearing offline to pretend that I’m cool.
Venita: srivatsan, tell us a little bit about yourself.
Venita: Favorite photographs you have taken so far.
apple leTs FIReFOX cOlleGes cOMplaIN
RIDe alONG ON THe
Well, entirely from the top of my head, here are a few recent
oh hello, I’m srivatsan Chari. I’m an engineering graduate favourites (which is a lie, since I had to figure out which abOUT GOOGle!
saFaRI
from Dubai. I’m working as a Design Lead in a company from photographs I detest the least),
Delhi. I’d like to be a polymath some day, but right now, I just
like doing stuff. Hundreds of colleges have signed an agreement
The Apple Application store has with Google to make the company’s e-mail service
I started shooting photographs when I was in my first year of See some of Srivatsan’s work on your mobile phone approved Firefox Home, a free
university and digital some time later. I still prefer shooting and other web tools standard on their campuses.
application, for mobile devices running
film though. My major body of work comes from covering This follows Google giving a feature where you can
A scenery shot the iPhone operating system (ios)
the underground music scene in UAe and other shows in and at mussouri have a pinup girl including pictures of naked women
such as the iPhone and the iPad.
around India. Download www.gettag.mobi
Firefox Home lets users sync and view or marijuana leaves prominently featuring on your
to scan this tag on your mobile.
I do more street photography and fewer concerts now. bookmarks and open tabs and browser home page. Colleges have strictly taken this matter
Venita: Describe your photographs in three words. history between the ios device and a and are protesting against such themes provided by
in a forest in the interiors desktop or notebook computer. the company. In response Google has suggested that
How does pretentious bokeh wankery sound? I can’t answer of maharashtra
this in three. I’ll use four. straight-out-of-Camera? But I digress. It’s not a Mozilla-made browser, but rather an add-on the start Up Page Feature will be turned off for the
Download www.gettag.mobi
It sounds very simplistic, so, let’s try: people, ambient-light to scan this tag on your mobile. to Apple’s own safari browser. services provided for universities.
and bokeh.
A lot of people set up their bookmarks or browsers on
Venita: Who or what inspires you in your personal life and
their PCs or Macs and organise them in folders along
work?
with hundreds of links. More users are expected to
In life - Absurdism. In work - Quality. 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.
dO YOU HAVe A BlOG Or A sOciAl mediA siTe? ( FAceBOOK, TWiTTer eTc Or PHOTOGrAPHs YOU WANT TO sHAre WiTH Us)
Tell us: editorial@abudhabitempo.com
24 25

12. MyABU DHABI
- repainting and repairing the skate Park (opposite
Baynunah Hilton Towers).
- Holding another Abu Dhabi skaters Championship for
this year.
by venita subramanian 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
Tempo caught up with Bashar Al Abad, the person notorious in the capital for his and Inline skating. We managed it in groups: juniors and
killer skating moves and for being the brains behind The Abu Dhabi Skaters, the first seniors division. For the next championship, we have
bigger plans; we will be getting pro skaters for judging,
skateboarding community in the city.
and skate demos.
Tempo: Tell us a little bit about yourself. of 2004, I officially launched the community “Abu Dhabi T: How does the skaters club work? if i am a new
skaters” and received a lot of support from the local resident looking for an outdoor adventure, what do i
Bashar Al Abadi: I am 19 years old and I’m from Iraq.
skateboarders in Abu Dhabi. have to do to register and what will happen next?
I came to Dubai in 1999 and then moved to Abu Dhabi
in september 2000. Currently, I am living with my T: Why did you feel that there was a need for such a Bashar: All I can say is join our Facebook group “Abu
family in the capital city. I organize events, mainly for venture? T: Tell us about the activities you have organized Dhabi skaters organization” We send weekly updates on
.
skateboarding. I look for sponsors to help me financially with your followers. Which one is your most our upcoming events and trips. For our website, we’re
Bashar: The reason I created this is not only because of
or in assist in the organizing of an event. I organized the memorable event to date and why? currently working on a new layout and it will come out
my interest in skateboarding, but I find that it is a great
first indoor skateboarding activity in Abu Dhabi, which this summer. The website will have a lot of new features,
tool to support, help grow, and connect the skaters Bashar: (Laughs) I’ve organized so many activities,
was a competition called ‘Game of skate’. such as an online skate shop. or you can join us at the
together in one website or community. I am grateful that events not only for skateboarding, but BMX, and
skate Park every Friday for skate sessions. We’re there
I’m not only an event planner but I’m also a web I have succeeded in doing it. inline skating. The
almost every weekend.
designer, and a photographer. most memorable
one was the “The T: do you charge people for membership or do they
T: How did you come up with the idea of forming a First Indoor Game just have to sign up and then show up?
skater’s community? How did you go about launching of skate in Abu Dhabi”
the community event? Bashar: We do not charge people for membership.
that was held in 2008 at
They can become a member on our websites. But we
Bashar: I started skateboarding in 2004. since I loved Al Wahda Mall. etisalat was its
do charge them if we’re organizing skate trips to other
what I was doing and always wanted to do something headline sponsor. The reason as
emirates, and for some of our events. But mostly the
for it, sometime in mid 2004 I talked to my dad and to why it’s so memorable to me is that
sponsored events are always free of charge.
convinced him to buy me a web domain for a community it truly introduced skateboarding to Abu
and I called it “Abu Dhabi skaters” My dad, as always,
. Dhabi and proved to people how great these T: What safety measures do you take with amateur
loved the idea and immediately bought the site for me. guys were. It also gave me the opportunity to be skaters? Tell us about the variation in age groups and
Then it was all up to me and I started working on web interviewed in different magazines. nationalities of your members?
design using my own ideas and methods. so by the end T: did you face any hurdles while setting up such Bashar: We always recommend helmets to be worn at
d
a venture in Abu dhabi? all times during our events. We have skaters from eight
e
years old till mid thirties. skateboarding is definitely for
Bashar: At the beginning it was hard for me, but
everyone!
h
I think it’s always hard when you begin and then
t
n
it get’s better. I’ve always known that if you really
like something you will be able to do it. At first we
i
did not have many members, but I noticed that the
e
numbers were rapidly growing. Today, I do not think
id
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
R
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:
26 Tempo August 1, 2010 27

13. Making a
by Maxine Guarnieri
Difference Art-ICULATE
by sithara sethumadhavan
GeTTING THe vOlcaNO FOUNTaIN back
NeeNa RaI’s caNvas sometimes Neena has kept painting for two days
without an interruption. she doesn’t always understand
shakespeare once wrote, “All the world’s a stage,” but what’s happening, but she’s there. “It’s more like a very
for this young artist all Abu Dhabi is the stage or, in her deep meditative state. Those who meditate regularly
Abu Dhabi today is the city of initiative to bring this beautiful fountain back. ramesh
case, the canvas. Neena rai is an Indian expatriate, a city will know what I am talking about. It’s difficult for me to
malls, beaches, and summer Menon, an Indian who works in the capital, has sent a
petition to the authorities in Abu Dhabi asking them to find based artist cum model cum entrepreneur who follows say how much I paint or why I paint,” explains Neena.
events. But that was not the
the right place to restore this grand monument to the city. art as a religion. “It’s like quoting someone who has said an artist cannot
case until six years ago. Life
for any person in Abu Dhabi talk about his art any more than a plant can discuss
“This will make a differenced in Abu Dhabi; it will keep a Neena’s paintings with lots of bright colors and horticulture. Paintings are my expressions.”
centered around the famous
lot of memories alive and attract various people. There are emotions make you step back and take a second look.
volcano Fountain on the
many who have taken interest and joined in this petition. However in Abu Dhabi the city is to some extent art
Corniche. Any expat or emirati “There have been instances when my art pieces are
As lovers of this country, tradition, and historical growth, ignorant says Neena. Many here don’t understand a
Ramesh Menon family who was here before it stories of particular incidents in my life. You can even
we all want the volcano Fountain to be restored, rebuilt
was demolished in 2004 judge my mood at the time of me working on it by painting - for them it’s just colors and motifs when
anywhere in the new Corniche or any other befitting place
remembers the 80 foot fountain right by the Gulf. It was in Abu Dhabi, says Menon. “How can we forget that Abu observing some simple details,” she explains. actually it is something much beyond a yellow or pink
common to see families relaxing while the kids ran around Dhabi was synonymous with this fountain until 2004, and color. It’s important to understand a painting - every
the fountain or friends met to catch up. now it’s gone,” Menon reminds us who has been in the city “I have been in Abu Dhabi since 2006. The city as such art work will have a story, an emotion, life. It is not
for decades. is not an inspiration, but the mix of culture and a blend just a piece to cover a wall. Neena says, “I assume
For many years, the volcano Fountain which got the name
which is created out of it inspire me a lot. small things appreciation of art itself is an art, and there are very few
from its cone - like shape and the electric lights that looked A committee is currently looking into the situation, and
catch my fancy here,” says this young artist/model. in the city with that art. And it’s like a breath of fresh air to
like lava at night was the place for National Day festivities Menon is working to spread the message and gain more
support to ensure that his mission succeeds. Neena might draw inspiration from a color on a kite see people like Jalal Luqman and sumayyah Al suwaidi
and other traditional events, a part of the heritage and
culture and a prime spot for visitors to the UAe. However, or a quote in the newspaper. she calls it “The Zone” take initiative for several art events and exhibitions in the
it was removed during the expansion of the Corniche and adds, “It is when all inspiration is flowing, and I am city.”
and so far has not found a place in the new scheme of painting like mad. At that point I do not like to talk to
developments in the capital. people or answer the phone as I get out of the zone.” Abu Dhabi is special to this artist because this is where
To help return the Volcano
Fountain to Abu dhabi, visit she started exhibiting her work and, of course, she loves
Many in Abu Dhabi especially those who grew up seeing Download www.gettag.mobi the beautiful year- long tan that she gets!
to scan this tag on your mobile.
the fountain miss it. But one man has decided to take the
Making a Difference is a celebration of good people and good deeds. Please share with us your ideas, activities, and community Neena Rai with her project, Neena’s Artwork (top Right)
public-good stories. Send them to editorial@abudhabitempo.com
28 29

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Get BRand
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ReacH FOR THe sTaRs
taGGed!
Aries (march 21- April 19) leo (July 23- august 22) sagittarius (November 22- december 21)
You are going to gain a lot in terms of money. Lower energy phase will continue till second You could be susceptible to colds and
There will be more assertive behavior but week, while money matters will experience infections. Keep a low level of activity. Luck
make sure that you don’t get your self into pressures too. Towards mid second week will improve and so will stamina. Positive
trouble as there is a great chance for your ego period . Avoid any verbal argument with your
energy levels will revive and so would your
to create problems . partner and associates.
level of confidence.
capricorn (december 22- jan 19)
MOBiLe taGGinG tO
Taurus (april 20- may 20)
Virgo (august 23- september 22)
Progress will continue due to your You will find you self becoming popular this
MOBiLiZe YOUR CaMPaiGnS networking skills. There will be travel Good income and socially active phase. week. Lots of party invites and you will be the
opportunities until the second week after There is also a chance for high expenditure attraction in some events. Friends and family
which domestic matters could create on unwanted stuff- so be careful. A friend or will keep high expectation from you.
ReaCh YOUR taRGet
distances between family. acquaintance might want to borrow money.
Aquarius (jan 20- feb 18)
Gemini (may 21- june 20) libra (september 23- October 22) Progress and happy period. Work
MaRket
environment will be exciting and high
Avoid ego in speech till the first week of this Career will look up while health will be great.
chances of ego classes with your partner over
month. There could be over excitement at Income will increase while friends, social
in ReaL tiMe
trivial issues. opposition to your ideas could
times. You will experience an inflow of money outings will provide you with happiness. A increase too.
from the second week and your work will gainful period we say!
On theiR
progress with your hard work. Pisces (feb 19- march 20)
scorpio (October 23- November 21)
cancer (june 21-july 22) Avoid ego and centric thinking. Your creative
MOBiLe PhOneS
Positive and lucky period, although a low work will be rewarded. You will suddenly find
You are in your confident and active phase. your career dynamic and growth will come
profile after the second week. Career will
There could be over excitement but chances from hard work
are there that distances and differences shine and there will be external support and
with family could come up. Be careful about from people who are in power. You might be
www.brandtagged.com excessive aggression. surprised and happy.
Please recycle this magazine: locations include Spinneys, Al Mamoura Building and behind Riyada Clinic. 31