This morning I, like many others, abandoned the car due to the hopeless traffic congestion.
My daughter and I made the most of the episode, rather than give in to frustration and anger like so many road users this morning.
There was a brief attempt at some traffic control by officials but even they simply gave up trying. sad
On final approach to school a construction workers bus stopped to offer my daughter a ride to carry us the final few hundred yards.. Thank you Mr. Bus driver your kindness has been truly noted and we thoroughly appreciate your helping us on the way to school.
Later I managed to travel using the car across Dubai's busy road network only to witness another fatal crash on the Al Khail road. In 2008 I have seen 7 fatalities.. on the roads...
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Monday, October 6, 2008
Anna returns to Finland today
Safe journey Anna.
After nearly 5 years stranded in Dubai hospital Anna is to return home to her native Finland today.
I have not posted any comments on this blogspot until today ...
Thank you Delphine Watson.. you are Amazing
thank you Nina for publishing this story in Gulf News and bringing it to our attention.
Thank you Melanie .. Speech therapist for taking such a keen interest.
Thank you for listening and reading...
Abdulaziz Al Hinai of The Ministry of Social Affairs in Dubai.. Thank you.
After nearly 5 years stranded in Dubai hospital Anna is to return home to her native Finland today.
I have not posted any comments on this blogspot until today ...
Thank you Delphine Watson.. you are Amazing
thank you Nina for publishing this story in Gulf News and bringing it to our attention.
Thank you Melanie .. Speech therapist for taking such a keen interest.
Thank you for listening and reading...
Abdulaziz Al Hinai of The Ministry of Social Affairs in Dubai.. Thank you.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Anna Agnew- 4 and a half yrs in a coma.. and alone..
The story of Anna Agnew was brought to our attention 2 weeks ago.
We are looking for your support .. what support... post it here... !
Hi Jeff, I have heard you on Speakeasy before and know that you have quite a bit of voice within the UAE and mabe the heirarchy of the UAE.
My wife passed this e-mail to me and I read it. As my wife knows or knew the person involved i decided to give it my time whilst most of the time I read it and think poor them, then forget about it. This one was slightly different. I read it and it hit my at how sorry i felt for this women. No one to visit or care about her. Its everyones worst nightmare. Why involve or bring the story to your attention? Well, I heard the show with Chris and yourself about a Pakistani women not being able to return due to cost. Eventually the Embassy came good and paid for her ticket, thanks to informing people through the airwaves helping awareness, and ensuring pressure being put on the Embassy to do the right thing. I wondered if you could pass this on to Akhtar for tomorrows show or indeed highlight it on your night show, as someone in the Embassy may hear it. I have copied and pasted the story plus the comments from my wife before the article. As I say I dont usually feel this bad for issues, but something about this one is very tradgic and really makes me feel awful for her. Thanks for taking time to read the mail
Best RegardsDave "hun i know this poor old lady.
i used to visit her in 2004then for some reason i stopped visiting her. For 4 years i was haunted by my concience. always remembering her.now i feel really so bad about her. i thought she was transferred or had passed away. only now i realized that she is still alive and has not any visitors. i really feel so bad for my self and feel so selfish i have not continued visiting her.
Coma woman in hospital for five yearsBy Nina Muslim, Staff ReporterPublished: August 05, 2008, 23:23Dubai: A 61-year-old Finnish woman has been at Dubai Hospital in a semi-vegetative state for almost five years, abandoned by her family who say they cannot afford to care for her.Anna Lee Mirjami Agnew, from Finland, was in Dubai with her English husband for the Dubai Shopping Festival in January 2004 when she suffered a heart attack and collapsed. She was brought to Dubai Hospital where doctors resuscitated her. But as her brain had gone too long without oxygen, she slipped into a coma. She has been at the hospital ever since.Jansi Rajarathan, the ward nurse in charge of the medical unit, told Gulf News that Agnew has been alone for much of the four and a half years she has been there.
"Initially, her husband was here. He promised us he would go back to Saudi Arabia [where they had been living] and make arrangements to bring her back. But he didn't come back," she said.She said a family friend then visited Agnew a few months later on her son's behalf, saying he would inform Agnew's son of his mother's condition. But nothing happened."After that, there were no more visits," she added.Dr Abdul Razzaq Al Madani, director of Dubai Hospital, told Gulf News they tried to contact the husband and Finnish Embassy in Abu Dhabi repeatedly but did not receive a response."We want her relatives and government to take care of her. We sent them many letters [but] no one showed an interest in her," he said, describing Agnew's condition as stable. Agnew is awake but unaware of her surroundings. She can open her eyes but cannot communicate. She cannot breathe on her own and needs a breathing and feeding tube to carry out those functions for her.She is also unable to move on her own. Nurses have to shift her position in bed, move her limbs to prevent muscle atrophy, and clean her when she soils herself. Dr Madani added that depending on the level of care, Agnew could live for years. The hospital cost for her stay alone, without adding the cost of medical care and medicines, is more than Dh146,000. The hospital has been bearing the cost of her care."[But] the cost is not an issue. She just needs to go home," he said.Three Finnish families residing in Dubai have also tried to get their government to help Agnew. Matti Mikola, who is leading the group's efforts, said he has made many calls and sent many e-mails to authorities to get Agnew home."The Prime Minister's Office replied. They said the government was not responsible for her because she has moved permanently overseas," he said."They just keep saying the same thing; every office I contacted," he added.The response from the Prime Minister's Office also stated they had contacted Agnew's husband and son in the UK, as well as her relatives in Finland about her case. Her Finnish relatives said they could not afford to repatriate or care for her. There was no response from her husband and son.Paivi Palmumen, First Secretary at the Finnish Embassy in Abu Dhabi, told Gulf News the Finnish authorities were doing all they could. "The Finnish authorities are trying to find the best solution for her," she said. However, she declined to detail what "the best solution" was when asked. Gulf News could not trace her husband
We are looking for your support .. what support... post it here... !
Hi Jeff, I have heard you on Speakeasy before and know that you have quite a bit of voice within the UAE and mabe the heirarchy of the UAE.
My wife passed this e-mail to me and I read it. As my wife knows or knew the person involved i decided to give it my time whilst most of the time I read it and think poor them, then forget about it. This one was slightly different. I read it and it hit my at how sorry i felt for this women. No one to visit or care about her. Its everyones worst nightmare. Why involve or bring the story to your attention? Well, I heard the show with Chris and yourself about a Pakistani women not being able to return due to cost. Eventually the Embassy came good and paid for her ticket, thanks to informing people through the airwaves helping awareness, and ensuring pressure being put on the Embassy to do the right thing. I wondered if you could pass this on to Akhtar for tomorrows show or indeed highlight it on your night show, as someone in the Embassy may hear it. I have copied and pasted the story plus the comments from my wife before the article. As I say I dont usually feel this bad for issues, but something about this one is very tradgic and really makes me feel awful for her. Thanks for taking time to read the mail
Best RegardsDave "hun i know this poor old lady.
i used to visit her in 2004then for some reason i stopped visiting her. For 4 years i was haunted by my concience. always remembering her.now i feel really so bad about her. i thought she was transferred or had passed away. only now i realized that she is still alive and has not any visitors. i really feel so bad for my self and feel so selfish i have not continued visiting her.
Coma woman in hospital for five yearsBy Nina Muslim, Staff ReporterPublished: August 05, 2008, 23:23Dubai: A 61-year-old Finnish woman has been at Dubai Hospital in a semi-vegetative state for almost five years, abandoned by her family who say they cannot afford to care for her.Anna Lee Mirjami Agnew, from Finland, was in Dubai with her English husband for the Dubai Shopping Festival in January 2004 when she suffered a heart attack and collapsed. She was brought to Dubai Hospital where doctors resuscitated her. But as her brain had gone too long without oxygen, she slipped into a coma. She has been at the hospital ever since.Jansi Rajarathan, the ward nurse in charge of the medical unit, told Gulf News that Agnew has been alone for much of the four and a half years she has been there.
"Initially, her husband was here. He promised us he would go back to Saudi Arabia [where they had been living] and make arrangements to bring her back. But he didn't come back," she said.She said a family friend then visited Agnew a few months later on her son's behalf, saying he would inform Agnew's son of his mother's condition. But nothing happened."After that, there were no more visits," she added.Dr Abdul Razzaq Al Madani, director of Dubai Hospital, told Gulf News they tried to contact the husband and Finnish Embassy in Abu Dhabi repeatedly but did not receive a response."We want her relatives and government to take care of her. We sent them many letters [but] no one showed an interest in her," he said, describing Agnew's condition as stable. Agnew is awake but unaware of her surroundings. She can open her eyes but cannot communicate. She cannot breathe on her own and needs a breathing and feeding tube to carry out those functions for her.She is also unable to move on her own. Nurses have to shift her position in bed, move her limbs to prevent muscle atrophy, and clean her when she soils herself. Dr Madani added that depending on the level of care, Agnew could live for years. The hospital cost for her stay alone, without adding the cost of medical care and medicines, is more than Dh146,000. The hospital has been bearing the cost of her care."[But] the cost is not an issue. She just needs to go home," he said.Three Finnish families residing in Dubai have also tried to get their government to help Agnew. Matti Mikola, who is leading the group's efforts, said he has made many calls and sent many e-mails to authorities to get Agnew home."The Prime Minister's Office replied. They said the government was not responsible for her because she has moved permanently overseas," he said."They just keep saying the same thing; every office I contacted," he added.The response from the Prime Minister's Office also stated they had contacted Agnew's husband and son in the UK, as well as her relatives in Finland about her case. Her Finnish relatives said they could not afford to repatriate or care for her. There was no response from her husband and son.Paivi Palmumen, First Secretary at the Finnish Embassy in Abu Dhabi, told Gulf News the Finnish authorities were doing all they could. "The Finnish authorities are trying to find the best solution for her," she said. However, she declined to detail what "the best solution" was when asked. Gulf News could not trace her husband
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Mohammed Bin Sulayem coming soon to talk
Within the next 2 weeks I will be joined by Mohammed Bin Sulayem - 14 time UAE rally driving champion to tackle the issue head on of Road Safety in Dubai and the new rule regarding car ownership.
Update to follow
Update to follow
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Animals & Art
Tonight on Nightline - finding homes for cats in Dubai with feline friends & guests from the Flying House art gallery
listen live online - www.arnonline.com/dubaieye
listen live online - www.arnonline.com/dubaieye
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Want to be on Radio in Dubai- Looking for talent
If you would like to work on Radio or Tv in Dubai - sent me your cv together with a short demo
Monday, July 14, 2008
5 more deaths in One Morning
I returned to Dubai yesterday morning after 2 days in England. I arrived at Dubai International Airport, went through all regular procedures. Collected case and headed for the taxi.
And within 2 minutes of leaving the airport I witnessed the most horrific scene. A crash involving a mini van and several cars. There was nothing left of the mini van, it was crushed like a softdrink can. And then we passed a terrible sight. half a dozen mortuary vans were lined up one after the other. 5 of them were now being loaded with 5 dead bodies. It was a horrible thing to see and was a real wake up call.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of those victims.
Safety- guarenteed none of those victims were wearing any kind of seat belt.
The van was allegedly speeding- why? why? why?
I saw this through the eyes of a tourist to Dubai.
What can be done to reduce the number of the deaths on the roads of Dubai. ??
And within 2 minutes of leaving the airport I witnessed the most horrific scene. A crash involving a mini van and several cars. There was nothing left of the mini van, it was crushed like a softdrink can. And then we passed a terrible sight. half a dozen mortuary vans were lined up one after the other. 5 of them were now being loaded with 5 dead bodies. It was a horrible thing to see and was a real wake up call.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of those victims.
Safety- guarenteed none of those victims were wearing any kind of seat belt.
The van was allegedly speeding- why? why? why?
I saw this through the eyes of a tourist to Dubai.
What can be done to reduce the number of the deaths on the roads of Dubai. ??
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
G8 summit summary today on Dubai Eye
Tune in tonight for a discussion as the G8 summit 2008 concludes in Japan, I will be joined by young Emirati environmentalist and UN ambassador Jamal Al Falasi to see what impact if at all the G8 summit will have on the environment.
Emission cuts by 2050- haven't the scientists already warned us that is too late ?
Emission cuts by 2050- haven't the scientists already warned us that is too late ?
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Coming Soon to this blog
My interview with the First Lady of Sierra Leone and also my chat with Thoma Lundgren - CEO of The One - an honest discussion about this year's buzz in the UAE - Corporate Social responsibility
Back In Business
Welcome back, it's been a long break for me from the bloggersphere. It's been a busy time with radio and some tv work. This week I'm hosting Nightline on Dubai Eye 103.8 whilst James Picowye enjoys a family summer vacation.
Tonight on the show- Stem Cell Harvesting with the general manager of Smart Cell
and Tomorrrow night at 8pm UAE time that 16:00GMT we'll be attempting to summarize this year's G8 Summit in Japan from and enivironmental perspective.
Thursday I'm flying to London with Maddy where she will stay for the summer holidays. :(
Tonight on the show- Stem Cell Harvesting with the general manager of Smart Cell
and Tomorrrow night at 8pm UAE time that 16:00GMT we'll be attempting to summarize this year's G8 Summit in Japan from and enivironmental perspective.
Thursday I'm flying to London with Maddy where she will stay for the summer holidays. :(
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
climate change- who cares? Not enough of us maybe?
So some people do care! Finally we are getting a response. If you would like to know more about the Doomsday Vault in Norway which officially opens today check out www.cnn.com- and look up Doomsday Vault Norway
Other international media networks are attending the opening event in Norway today.
log onto to www.arnonline.com 9am -12midday weekdays UAE time to hear the next installment on Climate Change and global warming issues
Other international media networks are attending the opening event in Norway today.
log onto to www.arnonline.com 9am -12midday weekdays UAE time to hear the next installment on Climate Change and global warming issues
Fate of protesting workers
45 workmen in Dubai have been sentenced to 6 months in prison followed by deportation for violently protesting for better working conditions and a pay rise.
The protests happened in late 2007, the workers damaged police vehicles and public property and were violent, it was suggested in newspaper reports last year that there were a lot more than 45 workers invloved in the protest- a protest/strike is forbidden under UAE law.
On the one hand we are greatful that such violent demonstrations are dealt with in the strictest manner. There are discussions going on as to how best to introduce a minimum wage for construction workers, which has caused concern amongst the construction companies as to how on earth they would manage to afford the increments.
I wonder why the workers felt they had to go to such extreme measures. They now face 6 months is prison and then the prospect of returning to their respective countries empty handed.
If you would like to contribute something to those workers who are earning far less than you or I then check out www.helpinghands.ae
Place your comment here.
The protests happened in late 2007, the workers damaged police vehicles and public property and were violent, it was suggested in newspaper reports last year that there were a lot more than 45 workers invloved in the protest- a protest/strike is forbidden under UAE law.
On the one hand we are greatful that such violent demonstrations are dealt with in the strictest manner. There are discussions going on as to how best to introduce a minimum wage for construction workers, which has caused concern amongst the construction companies as to how on earth they would manage to afford the increments.
I wonder why the workers felt they had to go to such extreme measures. They now face 6 months is prison and then the prospect of returning to their respective countries empty handed.
If you would like to contribute something to those workers who are earning far less than you or I then check out www.helpinghands.ae
Place your comment here.
climate change- who cares?
In dubai newspaper reports today we read that climate change is happening, sea levels are rising and there may even be a movement of people as a result. Today sees the official oppening of the doomsday vault in Norway where millions of seeds will be stored for anything up to 10,000 yrs. These seeds are to be stored in case of food stuffs running out as a result of wars or the effects of global warming and climate change. This is a huge step towards saving the worlds essential food sources. And is a fairly big hint that climate change is happening faster than we had anticipated.
The question I'm asking, as we receive a lot of calls and feedback from listeners of the radio show, is who really cares about climate change? There are many differeing points of view, there are many sceptics. And I hear from a lot of people in the UAE that our generation will not be affected by it, we can't see it, we can't feel it so why should we care about it. Let's leave it to future generations to deal with.
Place your comment
The question I'm asking, as we receive a lot of calls and feedback from listeners of the radio show, is who really cares about climate change? There are many differeing points of view, there are many sceptics. And I hear from a lot of people in the UAE that our generation will not be affected by it, we can't see it, we can't feel it so why should we care about it. Let's leave it to future generations to deal with.
Place your comment
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Stuck in an emergency in UAE -who ya gonna call
I can't believe its been 6 days since my last post. It's been a very busy time with all kinds of interviews and this afternoon its the turn of OK Middle East, yesterday I was interviewed by Sherry of Buzz magazine.
This morning on the radio show we had an incredible response to a story we had picked up on from the local newspapers here in Dubai. Dubia Police inundated with wrong calls to 999. Would you believe it some people even have the guts to dial 999 and ask for directions or to complain about taxi drivers. I couldn't believe what we were hearing and reading. The repsonse from the listeners to the programme was tremendous. I have to say thank you to Bob Farrow - general manager of Hertz rent a car UAE and Adam Ketchel- host of City 7 tv' s In Gear- Bob also contributes on a regular basis to the tv show.
999 is for Police
998 ambulance
997 fire
800 4353 - if you witness wrecklace and careless driving on the roads of Dubai
We aslo looked into the prospect of ICE- in case of emergency- logging your next of kin details on your mobile phone - Contacts - I - ICE
Thanks to eithnor treanor aswell for popping in to discuss her latest tv correspondant deal with CNBC and her trip to OPEC on Friday- check out http://webcast.opec.org
This morning on the radio show we had an incredible response to a story we had picked up on from the local newspapers here in Dubai. Dubia Police inundated with wrong calls to 999. Would you believe it some people even have the guts to dial 999 and ask for directions or to complain about taxi drivers. I couldn't believe what we were hearing and reading. The repsonse from the listeners to the programme was tremendous. I have to say thank you to Bob Farrow - general manager of Hertz rent a car UAE and Adam Ketchel- host of City 7 tv' s In Gear- Bob also contributes on a regular basis to the tv show.
999 is for Police
998 ambulance
997 fire
800 4353 - if you witness wrecklace and careless driving on the roads of Dubai
We aslo looked into the prospect of ICE- in case of emergency- logging your next of kin details on your mobile phone - Contacts - I - ICE
Thanks to eithnor treanor aswell for popping in to discuss her latest tv correspondant deal with CNBC and her trip to OPEC on Friday- check out http://webcast.opec.org
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Are you a single parent battling on?
it's been a busy couple of days. Yesterday we featured www.finishingtouch.ae on the radio show with lessons in etiquette.
Apparently the demand for etiquette classes is on the increase.
Today was packed with guests and tomorrow will be a good one with www.timeoutdubai.com editor Will Milner and Jo Simpson joining us later for a chat about work- life - balance and a wellness retreat.
This latter topic got me thinking again about what it is to be a single parent living in a city where the cost of living is coninuing to rise. Stress levels in a lot of people I meet seem to be rising too.
Are you a single parent? How do you cope? Do you find it tough? Is there help at hand? As a single parent myself I can relate to your situation maybe. I'm very lucky to have an amazing daughter who has managed to deal with the situation remarkably well. Do you have a similar story? Or is your situation different and more complicated?
Do you have a group you can talk to about the challenges you face? Are you looking for someone to share your struggles? Are you perfectly happy dealing with it on your own? Do you have family close by who can help out?
Do you find talking about it difficult or do you find it helpful to discuss it ?
I have had to ask myself these questions for a long time. I decided to take the plunge and talk about it on the radio 2 yrs ago with British comedian Jim Davidson during a heart to heart on my drive time programme on Radio 2 (99.3 and 106fm UAE) www.gulfnews.com
That was a fantastic show which still gets talked about today, well yesterday actually when Jim and I were catching up on the phone.
Lots of questions.
Post your message here.
Apparently the demand for etiquette classes is on the increase.
Today was packed with guests and tomorrow will be a good one with www.timeoutdubai.com editor Will Milner and Jo Simpson joining us later for a chat about work- life - balance and a wellness retreat.
This latter topic got me thinking again about what it is to be a single parent living in a city where the cost of living is coninuing to rise. Stress levels in a lot of people I meet seem to be rising too.
Are you a single parent? How do you cope? Do you find it tough? Is there help at hand? As a single parent myself I can relate to your situation maybe. I'm very lucky to have an amazing daughter who has managed to deal with the situation remarkably well. Do you have a similar story? Or is your situation different and more complicated?
Do you have a group you can talk to about the challenges you face? Are you looking for someone to share your struggles? Are you perfectly happy dealing with it on your own? Do you have family close by who can help out?
Do you find talking about it difficult or do you find it helpful to discuss it ?
I have had to ask myself these questions for a long time. I decided to take the plunge and talk about it on the radio 2 yrs ago with British comedian Jim Davidson during a heart to heart on my drive time programme on Radio 2 (99.3 and 106fm UAE) www.gulfnews.com
That was a fantastic show which still gets talked about today, well yesterday actually when Jim and I were catching up on the phone.
Lots of questions.
Post your message here.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Tuesday's Radio Programme Preview
We had a really great chat with Daniel Ough today and Guy Michael Solling- Are you thinking about accepting that promotion at work- you could be heading closer to redundancy if you are accepting a promotion that you are not ready for. It was good stuff and certainly provoked a thought or two.
Tomorrow's line up is sounding great. We will be joined by Gymkids at 10am, Philip Maier - Conductor and Director of the Dubai Philharmonic Orchestra joins us on the phone and the Etiquette gang will be in the studio to check on our Ps & Qs
On Wednesday we will be talking about our pets and also special guests form City space- is your workplace good for your health?
on thursday- Work life balance - and timeoutdubai.com editor Will Milner returns..
We have a great week next week on Dubai Eye 103.8
check out the website for streaming www.arnonline.com/dubaieye103.8
Post your message here
Tomorrow's line up is sounding great. We will be joined by Gymkids at 10am, Philip Maier - Conductor and Director of the Dubai Philharmonic Orchestra joins us on the phone and the Etiquette gang will be in the studio to check on our Ps & Qs
On Wednesday we will be talking about our pets and also special guests form City space- is your workplace good for your health?
on thursday- Work life balance - and timeoutdubai.com editor Will Milner returns..
We have a great week next week on Dubai Eye 103.8
check out the website for streaming www.arnonline.com/dubaieye103.8
Post your message here
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Monday's Radio Show- Employment in Dubai
On Monday 21st jan 10 am we will be joined again by Daniel Ough, managing director of http://www.jobsearchhelp.net/ discussing various issues related to employment, how to get promoted, how to deal with relocation as an expatriate etc. Joining us will be Guy Michale Solling of James Berry & Associates, a law firm based in Dubai who deal particularly with the UAE labour law.
At 11:15 we will be talking with thomas ovesen- general manager of mirage promotions. Thomas will be giving us a live update from the concert venue of the Santana show scheduled for February 15th
Don't miss it
Post your message here:
At 11:15 we will be talking with thomas ovesen- general manager of mirage promotions. Thomas will be giving us a live update from the concert venue of the Santana show scheduled for February 15th
Don't miss it
Post your message here:
Wanna be on Radio & Tv ?
Are you a broadcaster looking for the next big break? Are you the next big break in broadcasting?
Jeff Price talent management - can help find you that opportunity within the global broadcasting
community.
Coming soon - http://www.jeffpricemedia.com/
Podcasts coming soon to this blogspot. Do you have something to contribute? Do you podcast? Wanna know more about it? DO you have something to say and want to know how it can be done? Post your blog here.
The start of another week in Dubai. A great start to the radio show with an good friend of mine appearing today. Stephen Marnery is the General Manager for the Middle East Centre for Sustainable deveolpment. Another example of how Dubai can get on with doing the business.
Talked about Climate Change during the programme. You'll be hearing a lot more on that topic soon.
click on this facebook address to see aftermath of recent flooding, sent to me by a friend and resident of Dubai.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=85567&l=c7e53&id=795575388 climate change in UAE ?
Guests to appear on the radio show in the near future include the Chairman of the Roads & Transport Authority Mattar Al Tayer and we are also hoping to speak with the Chairman of nakheel & Dubai World - Sultan Bin Sulayem.
Post your message here
Jeff Price talent management - can help find you that opportunity within the global broadcasting
community.
Coming soon - http://www.jeffpricemedia.com/
Podcasts coming soon to this blogspot. Do you have something to contribute? Do you podcast? Wanna know more about it? DO you have something to say and want to know how it can be done? Post your blog here.
The start of another week in Dubai. A great start to the radio show with an good friend of mine appearing today. Stephen Marnery is the General Manager for the Middle East Centre for Sustainable deveolpment. Another example of how Dubai can get on with doing the business.
Talked about Climate Change during the programme. You'll be hearing a lot more on that topic soon.
click on this facebook address to see aftermath of recent flooding, sent to me by a friend and resident of Dubai.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=85567&l=c7e53&id=795575388 climate change in UAE ?
Guests to appear on the radio show in the near future include the Chairman of the Roads & Transport Authority Mattar Al Tayer and we are also hoping to speak with the Chairman of nakheel & Dubai World - Sultan Bin Sulayem.
Post your message here
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Singing In The Rain
What an amazing two days, in fact this week in Dubai has been fairly extraordinary.
I returned to the radio studio today. I felt fairly confident that the whether and driving conditions were certainly enough to distract listeners from George Bush's visit on Monday. And having been informed by text message not to mention the U.S. president on Tuesday's show and deciding well if that was the case I would not bother going anywhere near the radio I was sure the whether would give us plenty to talk about. And sure enough we were bombarded with updates and we were also contacted by residents whose home were now being flooded with raw sewage.
Today on our radio programme ( Dubai Eye 103.8) we were joined by Adam Ketchel, a road safety campaigner and fellow tv presenter. We discussed how best to handle to driving conditions that have been a challenge to the thousands of motorists in the UAE. I have to say I have never experienced driving in such floods ever, anywhere in the world. today returning to my home I saw a large number of vehicles that had been abandoned with the water level up to, in many cases, the windscreens of saloon cars. There were even buses stranded and abandoned.
Thank you Adam for your advice today and leaving your home at 4:45am to ensure a 9am start on the radio. It took Adam 7 hrs to get to work in yesterdays wet n wild conditions.
What were your expereinces ? I would love to hear from you. Has your home been affected by the downpours of the last two days. What about your car, were you one of the unlucky ones.
We were also joined by Paul Allen, the founder and creator of http://www.expatpetfinder.com/
it is a website designed to help locate lost and found pets in the UAE . Paul set the site up in October 2007 . check it out for yourself . It also helps you if you are looking to adopt a pet.
Tomorrow we will be joined by Wil Milner of http://www.timeoutdubai.com/ and Chris Heyne for our weekend movie news.
On Sunday next week we will be talking to Stephen Marney, my former boss at City 7 tv who is now the General Manager of the Middle East Centre for Sustainable Development and we'll be catching up with the UAE's business woman of the year.
if you would like to make an appearrance on the programme and tell us your story please post a comment on this blogsite.
I returned to the radio studio today. I felt fairly confident that the whether and driving conditions were certainly enough to distract listeners from George Bush's visit on Monday. And having been informed by text message not to mention the U.S. president on Tuesday's show and deciding well if that was the case I would not bother going anywhere near the radio I was sure the whether would give us plenty to talk about. And sure enough we were bombarded with updates and we were also contacted by residents whose home were now being flooded with raw sewage.
Today on our radio programme ( Dubai Eye 103.8) we were joined by Adam Ketchel, a road safety campaigner and fellow tv presenter. We discussed how best to handle to driving conditions that have been a challenge to the thousands of motorists in the UAE. I have to say I have never experienced driving in such floods ever, anywhere in the world. today returning to my home I saw a large number of vehicles that had been abandoned with the water level up to, in many cases, the windscreens of saloon cars. There were even buses stranded and abandoned.
Thank you Adam for your advice today and leaving your home at 4:45am to ensure a 9am start on the radio. It took Adam 7 hrs to get to work in yesterdays wet n wild conditions.
What were your expereinces ? I would love to hear from you. Has your home been affected by the downpours of the last two days. What about your car, were you one of the unlucky ones.
We were also joined by Paul Allen, the founder and creator of http://www.expatpetfinder.com/
it is a website designed to help locate lost and found pets in the UAE . Paul set the site up in October 2007 . check it out for yourself . It also helps you if you are looking to adopt a pet.
Tomorrow we will be joined by Wil Milner of http://www.timeoutdubai.com/ and Chris Heyne for our weekend movie news.
On Sunday next week we will be talking to Stephen Marney, my former boss at City 7 tv who is now the General Manager of the Middle East Centre for Sustainable Development and we'll be catching up with the UAE's business woman of the year.
if you would like to make an appearrance on the programme and tell us your story please post a comment on this blogsite.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
George W. Bush visits UAE
The world has been watching President George W. Bush's every step during his tour of the middle east. And yet we were not to make any mention of George W. Bush during today's radio broadcast. Stunned I decided it would be better not to bother with the broadcast at all, to avoid any possible pasting from the audience. Not to mention professional integrity. Hence the blog on what could well be a hugely significant visit by the U.S President.
The American President gave a keynote speech at, what has got to be one of my favourite hotels, the Emirates Palace in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi. It was an extraordinary day for commuters in Dubai on that Sunday 13th January 2008. We were inundated with radio listeners telling their tales of woe as they were stuck in traffic jams for hours, it was obvious that this was more than just the beginning of another working week in Dubai. Some roads had been closed and diversions, of sorts, put in place. The overwhelming message we were revieving at the radio station was that no one had been informed of the road closures and the mayhem that followed.
Meanwhile, while motorists in Dubai were fuming, George W. Bush was addressing an audience of UAE leaders and dignataries. The message.. Iran is the World's leading sponsor of terror. And he continued to spread his message of democracy rules.
Later that day I was informed that Monday was to be a public holiday. The President of the United States of America was heading to Dubai. Schools were to close as were many of Dubai's main roads. It was to be a stay at home day.
I remember seeing the Presidential helicopter flying directly over our house with its escort. And seconds later it began to rain. Where I come from rain always has a significant meaning.
Neighbours looked up to the sky pointing at the entourage, it was eerily quiet around the housing complex.
The President paid a brief visit to Dubai and then headed on to Saudi Arabia
I have to say that I am greatful to the authorities here for announcing the public holiday. If that is what it takes to keep us safe here. The Bush visit passed us by without incident. Plenty of traffic jams and a day off, one extra day in my case because we were to make no mention of George W Bush.
It may well be time... for change
The American President gave a keynote speech at, what has got to be one of my favourite hotels, the Emirates Palace in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi. It was an extraordinary day for commuters in Dubai on that Sunday 13th January 2008. We were inundated with radio listeners telling their tales of woe as they were stuck in traffic jams for hours, it was obvious that this was more than just the beginning of another working week in Dubai. Some roads had been closed and diversions, of sorts, put in place. The overwhelming message we were revieving at the radio station was that no one had been informed of the road closures and the mayhem that followed.
Meanwhile, while motorists in Dubai were fuming, George W. Bush was addressing an audience of UAE leaders and dignataries. The message.. Iran is the World's leading sponsor of terror. And he continued to spread his message of democracy rules.
Later that day I was informed that Monday was to be a public holiday. The President of the United States of America was heading to Dubai. Schools were to close as were many of Dubai's main roads. It was to be a stay at home day.
I remember seeing the Presidential helicopter flying directly over our house with its escort. And seconds later it began to rain. Where I come from rain always has a significant meaning.
Neighbours looked up to the sky pointing at the entourage, it was eerily quiet around the housing complex.
The President paid a brief visit to Dubai and then headed on to Saudi Arabia
I have to say that I am greatful to the authorities here for announcing the public holiday. If that is what it takes to keep us safe here. The Bush visit passed us by without incident. Plenty of traffic jams and a day off, one extra day in my case because we were to make no mention of George W Bush.
It may well be time... for change
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Happy New Year
I hope you enjoyed a wonderful countdown to 2008 and wish you all a very happy and healthy new year.
It's the 8th Jan 2008 and I'm still catching up. It's been a very busy time. The Gypsy Kings, performing at Al Sahra desert resort for new year's eve, were superb. And were fabulous on New Year's Day aswell.
Today I have interviewed an amazing achiever Adrian Hayes who just successfull completed an expedition to the South Pole, and hence completing his trilogy of Mount Everest, the North and South Poles. Adrian has a fantastic positive attitude and is a true inspiration. Pics to follow shortly. Weldone Adrian we are all very proud of you. Thank you Cynthia for surprising Adrian with some delicious giant croissantes they he thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you Sally (PR manager Wafi) for being a great sport and 'getting it' and providing Adrian with a few yummy surprises today. And thank you nona lillie and her husband who run the italian family restaurant Bellucci at Wafi in Dubai. They both popped in to the studio to join in the welcome home Adrian Hayes special. Thanks to Daisy and the gang at Four Seasons Dubai festival city too. :)
Tomorrow is a holiday in the UAE as we are celebrating the islamic new year. However Suzanne and I will be broadcasting live on Dubai Eye 103.8 fm with guests Will Milner - editor of http://www.timeoutdubai.com/ Alan Knight a BBC radio broadcaster and presentation skills professional and Chris Heyne- motivator - screen writer,former major in the british army and fellow radio broadcaster. Chris will be reviewing some of the box office hits in cinemas during 2007 and previewing some of this weekend's big hitters too.
I will then be heading straight to the tv studios to record my sports programme for city 7tv and straight after that Maddy and I are to be interviewed by the team at Animal Friends UAE magazine. A really good new magazine for youngsters that Mums and Dads can enjoy reading too.
It's been rather chilly here. Last night in some parts of the UAE the temp reached almost 0 degrees. And we are loving it. Global Warming ! :)
It's the 8th Jan 2008 and I'm still catching up. It's been a very busy time. The Gypsy Kings, performing at Al Sahra desert resort for new year's eve, were superb. And were fabulous on New Year's Day aswell.
Today I have interviewed an amazing achiever Adrian Hayes who just successfull completed an expedition to the South Pole, and hence completing his trilogy of Mount Everest, the North and South Poles. Adrian has a fantastic positive attitude and is a true inspiration. Pics to follow shortly. Weldone Adrian we are all very proud of you. Thank you Cynthia for surprising Adrian with some delicious giant croissantes they he thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you Sally (PR manager Wafi) for being a great sport and 'getting it' and providing Adrian with a few yummy surprises today. And thank you nona lillie and her husband who run the italian family restaurant Bellucci at Wafi in Dubai. They both popped in to the studio to join in the welcome home Adrian Hayes special. Thanks to Daisy and the gang at Four Seasons Dubai festival city too. :)
Tomorrow is a holiday in the UAE as we are celebrating the islamic new year. However Suzanne and I will be broadcasting live on Dubai Eye 103.8 fm with guests Will Milner - editor of http://www.timeoutdubai.com/ Alan Knight a BBC radio broadcaster and presentation skills professional and Chris Heyne- motivator - screen writer,former major in the british army and fellow radio broadcaster. Chris will be reviewing some of the box office hits in cinemas during 2007 and previewing some of this weekend's big hitters too.
I will then be heading straight to the tv studios to record my sports programme for city 7tv and straight after that Maddy and I are to be interviewed by the team at Animal Friends UAE magazine. A really good new magazine for youngsters that Mums and Dads can enjoy reading too.
It's been rather chilly here. Last night in some parts of the UAE the temp reached almost 0 degrees. And we are loving it. Global Warming ! :)
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