XML/RSS feed to latest flights and holidays package News from Dubainmood http://www.dubaimood.co.uk ABU DHABI - Emiratis will have three more months time to register for the Emirates Identification Authority card after the deadline of December 31 was extended following a cabinet decision on Sunday. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/ID-Card-Deadline.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/ID-Card-Deadline.asp ABU DHABI - The rate of medical errors in UAE hospitals is not more than 1.5 per cent of the total number of cases handled but the cost of rectifying them is seven times the cost of scheduled or routine treatment, Humaid Mohammed Obaid Al Qattami, Minister of Health http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Special-Committees-Set.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Special-Committees-Set.asp AL GHARBIA - The camel, also called the ‘ship of the desert,’ has been, and will always be the companion of the Bedouin in the deserts. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Bowled-by-the-beauties.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Bowled-by-the-beauties.asp ABU DHABI - With the foggy conditions prevailing in Abu Dhabi, particularly during the early morning hours, the police have urged motorists to be alert and drive carefully. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Motorists-Urged.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Motorists-Urged.asp DUBAI - Public car parking in Dubai will be free during the holidays marking the start of the new Hijri year on Sunday and the start of the new Gregorian year on Thursday, according to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Free-Car-Parking.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Free-Car-Parking.asp DUBAI - GCC education ministers urged member states to support Unesco’s Regional Center for Educational Planning (RCEP) located in Sharjah, after a two-day meeting in Doha to discuss on the standards of education in the Gulf. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/GCC-Education.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/GCC-Education.asp DUBAI - Better services always come at a higher price. Roads and Transport Authority’s (RTA) luxury coaches that are to be put into service between Dubai and Abu Dhabi will see higher fares than what the commuters pay for now. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Dubai-Abu-Dhabi.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Dubai-Abu-Dhabi.asp SHARJAH - Salem A.R. Saleh rewrote history by becoming the youngest grand master in Arabia. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/UAE’s-Salem.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/UAE’s-Salem.asp ABU DHABI - Low visibility at the Abu Dhabi International Airport affected the normal schedule of flight operations on Thursday morning between 7.30am to 9.15am, an Abu Dhabi Airport Company spokesperson said. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Low-Visibility.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Low-Visibility.asp OCCUPIED JERUSALEM - The UAE Foreign Minister, Shaikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has reiterated commitment to the Arab initiative for peace with Israel, describing it as the 'solution for all the region’s problems.' http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/UAE-Committed.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/UAE-Committed.asp sharjah— Residents of Sharjah will soon be able to receive SMS alerts on their utility bills, and make payments at shopping centres, malls, cooperative societies, banks and post offices all over the emirate. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Now-SMS-on-Utility.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Now-SMS-on-Utility.asp dubai – The face of 17-year-old Arnaud radiated a wide smile as he and his friends from the Dubai Centre for Special needs were handed Christmas gifts by officials of Mall of the Emirates and Kempinski Hotel, Dubai. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Special-gifts.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Special-gifts.asp DUBAI - Many expatriate families in the UAE are opting to celebrate Christmas at home this year, in view of the recession and the rising costs of Christmas brunches at hotels and restaurants across the country. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Many-Families-Prefer.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Many-Families-Prefer.asp DUBAI - Tuition fee increases for the next academic year are expected to be reviewed due to the global financial meltdown that has had repercussions in the UAE. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Ministry-of-Education.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Ministry-of-Education.asp DUBAI – The recent death of Jonathan Ibikunle, a senior official from the Gems network, has pressed the urgency of a safety campaign to be launched in Gems schools in January. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Road-Safety-Drive.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Road-Safety-Drive.asp DUBAI - The Dubai Marina Mall, part of the Emaar Malls Group, opened on Monday, a media release stated. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Dubai-Marina-Mall-Opens.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Dubai-Marina-Mall-Opens.asp DUBAI - A new medical fitness centre, the biggest yet in Dubai, opened in Al Muhaisnah on Monday. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Biggest-Medical-Fitness.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Biggest-Medical-Fitness.asp UMM AL QUWAIN - The Umm Al Quwain Municipality has decided to ban motorcycles in all parts of the emirate with the exception of certain places designated for this purpose, senior civic body officials told Khaleej Times on Monday. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Umm-Al-Quwain.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Umm-Al-Quwain.asp ABU DHABI - Residents will be able to hold their residence visa until they are 65 after which it can only be renewed if they are highly qualified, according to a proposal being studied by the Ministry of Interior. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Move-to-Increase.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Move-to-Increase.asp ABU DHABI - Expatriate women who marry Emiratis will have to wait for 15 years in order to seek UAE citizenship, if a proposal being studied by the Ministry of Interior is implemented. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Foreign-Wives-May.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Foreign-Wives-May.asp ABU DHABI - The first six of 25 tourist information kiosks have been opened in Abu Dhabi, after a delay of more than a year. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Six-Tourist-Kiosks.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Six-Tourist-Kiosks.asp DUBAI — The Arab League announced that it has awarded His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the title of the First Patron of the Arab Media. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Arab-League-Confers.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Arab-League-Confers.asp DUBAI — Internet and telephone services that were disrupted on Friday in the UAE and other Middle Eastern countries are expected to be restored today, Egypt’s state news agency MENA said. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Internet-Service-Hit.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Internet-Service-Hit.asp ABU DHABI — Following a record number of nominated individuals this year, recipients of the 2008 Abu Dhabi Awards will be unveiled at a ceremony at Emirates Palace on December 21. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Abu-Dhabi-Awards.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Abu-Dhabi-Awards.asp DUBAI - Officials are in crisis talks about how to reinvigorate tourism to Dubai, which according to one insider has dropped 30 per cent over the last month. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Efforts-on-to-Turn.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Efforts-on-to-Turn.asp DUBAI - Larger and more frequent shopping bonanzas may play a role in a wide-ranging rescue plan to recapture tourism to Dubai, sources have said. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Shopping-Festivals.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Shopping-Festivals.asp RAS AL KHAIMAH - Nearly 40 Asians were arrested in Ras Al Khaimah during the Eid Al Adha holidays for violating the country’s residence laws, immigration authorities said on Wednesday. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/40-Illegals-Arrested.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/40-Illegals-Arrested.asp ABU DHABI - Small and large pick-up trucks loaded with camels, tents, fodder and water tanks are causing heavy traffic on the usually quiet road to Madinat Zayed, the capital town of Al Gharbia, Abu Dhabi’s Western Region. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/30,000-Desert-Beauties.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/30,000-Desert-Beauties.asp SAN FRANCISCO - Emirates achieved another milestone in aviation history completing the world’s longest eco-friendly flight from Dubai to San Francisco on Monday. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Emirates-makes-history.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Emirates-makes-history.asp DUBAI - With Christmas only a week away, shopping malls are decked up with huge Christmas trees, hollies, mistletoes, colourful ornaments, huge gingerbread men and stuffed stockings, with Santa Claus making an occasional appearance. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Dubai-Malls.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Dubai-Malls.asp ABU DHABI - The Federal National Council (FNC), on Tuesday proposed to increase the minimum monthly salary required to sponsor families from Dh4,000 to Dh10,000 for those without company accommodation and from Dh3,000 to Dh8,000 for those who have company accommodation. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Increase-Salary-Limit.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Increase-Salary-Limit.asp ABU DHABI - The Ministry of Labour (MoL) has proposed restructuring of visa fees for bringing in expatriate workers in a bid to create more job opportunities for Emiratis, according to a plan unveiled on Tuesday. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/MoL-Wants.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/MoL-Wants.asp ABU DHABI - The UAE Central Bank Law No 10 of 1980 on financial funds will be reviewed to ensure that depositors –both Emiratis and expatriates- are not entrapped in fictitious investment funds, Obaid Al Tayer, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, has said. He was addressing the Federal National Council (FNC) session Tuesday. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/UAE-Set-to-Tighten.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/UAE-Set-to-Tighten.asp DUBAI - Emirates Airline’s inaugural San Francisco departed Dubai International Airport on Monday on a special ‘green’ flight. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Emirates-Green-Flight-Takes-Off.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Emirates-Green-Flight-Takes-Off.asp ABU DHABI - The UAE Central Bank said on Monday it has granted wholesale banking licences to three foreign banks, including Deutsche Bank, that would enable them to take deposits and provide loans to institutions. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/UAE-Grants-Licences.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/UAE-Grants-Licences.asp AJMAN/RAS AL KHAIMAH - Four Indians were killed and another four were seriously injured in a horrific accident during Eid in Ajman near the Al Helaiwe bridge. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/14-Killed-in-Ajman.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/14-Killed-in-Ajman.asp ABU DHABI — People will now be able to apply for new visas or renew them in any emirate irrespective of where they stay or work as the naturalisation and residency departments (NRDs) in the country have been electronically linked. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Get-Your-Visa-from-Any-Emirate.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Get-Your-Visa-from-Any-Emirate.asp RAS AL KHAIMAH - People applying for licences to drive buses and heavy trucks in the emirate will have to first attend lectures on driving and traffic culture at the RAK Driving Academy before their training classes with effect from January next year, authorities have said. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Lectures-Must.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Lectures-Must.asp DUBAI - Dubai students in mid school grades (four and eight) have done well in mathematics and science on a regional basis but have to improve further if they are to be on par internationally, according to an assessment, Dr Abdulla Al Karam, chairman of the Board and Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) said. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Dubai-Students-Need.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Dubai-Students-Need.asp ABU DHABI - Ginger bread, mulled wine and Christmas decorations are all part of centuries-old Christmas markets across Germany, Austria and Switzerland. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Traditional-Swiss.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Traditional-Swiss.asp DUBAI - Nearly 500 new buses will soon be on the city’s roads after the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) takes partial delivery of an order worth nearly Dh1 billion, it was announced on Friday. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/New-Fleet-of-RTA-Buses.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/New-Fleet-of-RTA-Buses.asp DUBAI - The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has compiled a provisional list of 250 Out-Patient Care Practice (OCP) centres where residents can register to access basic healthcare starting early next year. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/250-Healthcare-Centres.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/250-Healthcare-Centres.asp DUBAI - Sri Lanka is witnessing an encouraging increase in tourism from the UAE and the Middle East, according to a top Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry official on Thursday. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Sri-Lanka-Registers-Rise.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Sri-Lanka-Registers-Rise.asp DUBAI - Nine people were injured in road accidents in Dubai on Thursday. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Nine-Injured-in-Road.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Nine-Injured-in-Road.asp DUBAI - Worshippers at Saint Mary’s Church in Oudh Mehta Road face problems due to the shortage in parking space around it and, the church goers are complaining against the fines imposed on them. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Parking-Space-Shortage.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Parking-Space-Shortage.asp DUBAI - Expatriates renewing their residence visas in Dubai will have to shell out an extra Dh300 for the health card that is now compulsory. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Pay-for-Health-Card.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Pay-for-Health-Card.asp DUBAI - It seems life in Dubai is turning tougher than ever, what with soaring rents, shrinking bonuses and the increasing cost of living. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Dubai-not-the-World’s.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Dubai-not-the-World’s.asp DUBAI - On Monday, Emirates Airline will try out several measures aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of its inaugural flight from Dubai to San Francisco. If the company achieves the expected fuel and carbon emission savings, it will look to implementing them on other flights. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Emirates-Flight-to-Try-Means.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Emirates-Flight-to-Try-Means.asp DUBAI - The United Arab Emirates on Tuesday agreed to adopt 37 human rights recommendations made by the international community. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/UAE-to-Adopt.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/UAE-to-Adopt.asp DUBAI - Hotels which rely on corporate events face bleak prospects in the coming months coupled with decrease in leisure bookings for 2009 http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Leisure-Bookings.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Leisure-Bookings.asp DUBAI - Nearly 250 passengers of a luxury cruise liner, MS Columbus, will disembark in Yemen and fly aboard a chartered plane to Dubai as a “precautionary measure” in order to avoid being hijacked by Somali pirates. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Cruise-Liner-Passengers.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Cruise-Liner-Passengers.asp SHARJAH - Expatriates who want to bring their immediate relatives to Sharjah on visit visas will have to submit the sponsor’s tenancy contract or the tenancy contract of an immediate relative. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Immediate-Kin’s-Tenancy.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Immediate-Kin’s-Tenancy.asp DUBAI - In the bright and sunny morning on Monday, residents of the UAE offered prayers, hugged each other while exchanging greetings and sacrificed animals, celebrating Eid Al Adha with traditional fervour. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Festive-Mood-on-a-Sunny-Day.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Festive-Mood-on-a-Sunny-Day.asp SHARJAH - Al Qasba, Sharjah’s family entertainment and cultural centre, is a place to visit during the Eid holidays. On the opening day there were shows and exciting events and, many of the visitors were entertained by clowns and traditional folklore from Yemen, Egypt, Lebanon and Iraq. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Fun-and-Folklore-at-Al-Qasba.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Fun-and-Folklore-at-Al-Qasba.asp ABU DHABI - The President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has congratulated leaders of Arab and Muslim countries on the occasion of Eid Al Adha. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Khalifa-Mohammed-Greet.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Khalifa-Mohammed-Greet.asp ABU DHABI/UMM AL QUWAIN - The Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) has warned residents and expatriates who live in Abu Dhabi not to slaughter animals at their homes, business places and outside the buildings to avoid health hazards. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Abu-Dhabi-Authorities.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Abu-Dhabi-Authorities.asp DUBAI - Government hospitals and health centres across the country will continue to deliver primary health care to residents during the Eid Al Adha holidays, according to a circular statement to the effect issued by the Ministry of Health. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Govt-Hospitals.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Govt-Hospitals.asp DUBAI — A fresh concept in exhibitions and travel — Halal Tourism — is gaining ground in the region. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Halal-Tourism.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Halal-Tourism.asp SHARJAH - The increase in taxi fleets and taxi driver terminations and resignations have put Sharjah Public Transport Corporation (SPTC) firms in a tight corner. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Sharjah-Tax-Companies.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Sharjah-Tax-Companies.asp AL AIN - For the first time in the country, the Emirates Transportation Establishment (ETE) has handed over 50 school buses that are equipped to ferry disabled students. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/50-Buses.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/50-Buses.asp DUBAI - DUBAI and Sharjah experienced light-to-heavy early winter showers on Thursday. There was more than 20mm of rainfall in Dubai and showers are expected to continue during the weekend, according to the Met office. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Rains-Cause.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Rains-Cause.asp DUBAI - Airlines flying out of Dubai on the Indian sector have stepped up security following a red alert sounded by the Indian government at airports in New Delhi, Chennai and Bangalore. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Airlines-Boost.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Airlines-Boost.asp DUBAI - The UAE’s two major airlines, Emirates and Etihad Airways, and Thai Airways will resume flights to Bangkok today, it was announced on Thursday. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Emirates-Etihad.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Emirates-Etihad.asp DUBAI - Dubai has been named the world’s leading destination and cruise port at this year’s World Travel Awards. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Dubai-Named.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Dubai-Named.asp DUBAI - Juma Al Majed, Chairman of the Dubai Economic Council (DEC), has said the UAE Federation has fulfilled the aspirations of residents, both nationals and expatriates, by achieving progress and prosperity. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/UAE-Has.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/UAE-Has.asp DUBAI - The UAE has stressed the importance of educational equality and recalled that it allocated 23 per cent of last year’s Dh42.2-billion budget to schools in its report on human rights. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Report-highlights.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Report-highlights.asp ABU DHABI - The Federal Supreme Council on Tuesday endorsed amendments in some articles of the UAE Constitution. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/UAE-Ministers.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/UAE-Ministers.asp SHARJAH - The spirit of nationalism was in full view as the Sharjah Water Festival 2008 kicked off in Al Majaz Park on Tuesday with children and adults wearing dresses in colours of the national flag and waving small flags enjoyed the activities. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Sharjah-Water.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Sharjah-Water.asp ABU DHABI/DUBAI - As the nation celebrates its 37th National Day, UAE leaders paid rich tributes to late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Shaikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum on the country’s remarkable strides made under their leadership. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Nation-Eyes-Bigger-Goals.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Nation-Eyes-Bigger-Goals.asp DUBAI - There is good news for motorists in Dubai as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced on Monday that there would be no parking fees during the holidays of the National Day and Eid Al Adha from today to December 11. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/No-Parking-Fee.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/No-Parking-Fee.asp DUBAI - Divers looking for trash and litter on the UAE’s coast line found a child’s remote-controlled helicopter, gloves and nine articles of clothing during the Clean-Up Arabia campaign in Abu Dhabi and Fujairah. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/More-Trash-Fished-Out-From-Abu-Dhabi-Coastline.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/More-Trash-Fished-Out-From-Abu-Dhabi-Coastline.asp ABU DHABI - Old cars which seemed destined to go off the country roads have now been given a new lease of life at least for the time being. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Khalifa-defers-ban.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Khalifa-defers-ban.asp ABU DHABI - The Federal Cabinet decided on Sunday to merge the holidays of the UAE’s 37th National Day and Eid Al Adha for the public sector, which start from December 2 to 11. Work will resume on December 14. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/National-Day-Eid-holidays-from-Dec-2-11.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/National-Day-Eid-holidays-from-Dec-2-11.asp ABU DHABI - Mohammed Abdou at a live concert in Abu Dhabi is one of the many surprises being lined up by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) for the 37th UAE National Day celebrations. http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Concert-to-Mark-Celebrations.asp http://www.holidaymood.co.uk/dubaimood/news/travel%2Dnews/Dec/Concert-to-Mark-Celebrations.asp