Tempo September 1-15, 2010

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1-15 SEPTEMBER 2010

MYTIMECAPSULE

“MY SPACE. MY WAY. MY LIFE.”

JUMA ABDULLAHPRESENTS:

4 USPACE

6 WHAT’S HOT

8 BEAT WITH SITH

10 VIEW POINT

11 TECH TALK

12 TRENDSETTER

13 MY STYLE BLUEPRINT

14 CITY BITES

15 MOVIE WATCH

19 MY ABU DHABI

20 TIME CAPSULE

22 MAKING A DIFFERENCE

23 RAISING THE BAR

24 TAMAKKAN

26 PEOPLE METER

27 SOCIAL NET

28 ARTICULATE

29 YANK IN SANDLAND

30 CLASSIFIEDS

31 FUN PAGE

ADDRESSTo reach editorial at Abu Dhabi Tempo email: [email protected] 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.

NOTE TO ADVERTISERS: Advertisers can request brand tagging with all advertisements. To reach advertising call 02 6673349 or email: [email protected]

DISCLAIMER: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.

VOLUME16 | SEPTEMBER | 2010

Published by:

Hello Abu Dhabi, Ramadan offers so much in family and community togetherness. The incredible ambience seems to begin after Iftar, with lots of socializing, Ramadan festivals galore, and a time for the pious to draw closer to God through intensified prayer and greater good deeds. For those of you entrenched in rigid diurnal routines, do try to break away for a bit, and experience the magic of Ramadan after Iftar.

Speaking of good deeds, if ever there was a cause deserving our collective generosity right now, it would be the Pakistan floods disaster. The crisis is of horrific proportions, with many on the brink of losing their lives. Fortunately aid is being raised at institutional and grass roots levels, so if anyone wants to donate but doesn’t know how, please drop us a line so we can put you in touch with active local charities.

To celebrate youthful expressions, we launch “Time Capsule” as a regular feature in Tempo. “Time Capsule” attempts to capture an individual’s life, thoughts and beliefs in a single graphical freeze frame of time. Tell us what you think of it, and send us your own “Time Capsule”.

Peace, prayers, and generosity.

[email protected]

Visit abudhabitempo.com on your mobile phone.

Download www.gettag.mobi to scan this tag on your mobile.

FROM THE EDITOR CONTENTS

ENTERTAINMENT

FOOD

FASHION

LIFESTYLE

ARTS

EDITOR

SANA BAGERSH

FEATURES EDITOR

ALMA KADRAGIC

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

SITHARA SETHUMADHAVAN

MAGAZINE/WEB DESIGNER RIZWAN PERVAIZ

MARKETING COORDINATORMANJUL ABHISHEK

PRODUCTION COORDINATORRIZWANA SHAHID

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

MAXINE GUARNIERI

RANDY PARKER

VENITA SUBRAMANIAM

SIMONE MORGAN

NOORI PASSELA

MEDIA LICENCE NO. 1/105866/24295

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3

Tempo September 1, 20104

SPACE

saY

Dear ed,I happened to pick a copy of your magazine from the mall and I really like the stuff you guys are doing. I was thinking if you can include bus routes in your centre page, it will be useful for people like me who are new to the capital.Cheers!

Erika K

Dear ed,My father was flipping through your magazine and was very impressed reading about the Volcano fountain initiative. I have vague memories of the

fountain and I think it will be great if the fountain returns.

Maya V

Dear ed,I am a 16 year old. Can you run a story on different career options for youngsters? I like your cool style and funky designs.Love you guys.

Manu L

Suparna Mathur@abudhabitempo My family & I loved the story on getting the Volcano fountain back in #Abu

Dhabi - have fond memories there, def a landmark!

HolidayInnAUH @linavasili I saw the feature in @AbuDhabiTempo

can’t wait to go to Jones The Grocer, there website looks so

nice as well

Beandssidous awesome! mobile tags from @AbuDhabiTempo

finally works on my phone! yaaaay! cool experience. -wink-

TWITTER QUOTES

By VK KapoorGlobal Village

Express your thoughts and views. Email us: [email protected]

Errata. The wonderful story about the skateboarder in our last issue was penned by Kulsoom Zakir.

FREE ISSUE

CRAZY STUNTSSPACE WALKINGIN THE CAPITALp.6

p.9

SKATE BOARDINGABU DHABIp.26

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the rhythm of your city

K’NAANCANADIAN-SOMALIMUSIC SENSATION

AUGUST 1, 2010

JONESIN ABU DHABI

While I was leaving India, some of my friends and relatives inquisitively enquired as to why was I going to a ‘small’ country such as the UAE. With this thought in mind, my journey began to the Arabian lands only to be taken by surprise.

When I reached Abu Dhabi, I was driven from the airport to the hotel by a Bangladeshi driver; a young boy from Nepal at the concierge got my bags from the van to the hotel lobby and a pretty Philippino at the reception checked me in. The next morning, the duty manager from the southern part of India greeted me at the restaurant for breakfast followed by a gentleman from western India helped me set up my internet connection. And I relished a north Indian Thali from an Indian restaurant for lunch.

My colleagues at work are from Egypt, Pakistan, Turkey, and various parts of the world and I treat patients from America and Russia living in UAE, and I have an Emirati chief.

I talk to my Pakistani colleagues in Hindi/ Urdu; nurses from Philippines talk to each other in Tagalong, and the Keralite nurses (who speak Malayalam), though my compatriots, I have to speak in English when they want to talk to me because Hindi (my mother tongue) and Malayalam are like Arabic and Japanese to each other – nothing in common!

Who says UAE is a small place? No way, this is a global village!

5

My typical weekend is:

A. at the mall and cinemaB. at workC. with family

Vote VoteD

Visit Abu Dhabi Tempo’s website

on your mobile phone.

Download www.gettag.mobi to scan this tag on your mobile.

In last issue Tempo asked:

Do you think the age eligibility to start driving should be 16 years?

Yes: 23% No: 77%

by Sithara Sethumadhavan

Eid Mubarak The festival of joy!

Shaima Saleh, Yemeni

Tempo: Your fondest memory of Eid?

I look forward to Eid and receiving eidiyas. I make sure that I collect the maximum amount of money from my father and uncles on these days.

Tempo: Tell us how a typical Eid day would be for you.

I wake up to the smell of bukhoor and the delicious aroma of the breakfast. My grandmother would be busy all day in the kitchen preparing the Eid snacks. Usually there would be guests pouring in the morning and it is very busy and cheerful all day.

I make it a point to spend a lot of quality time with family and friends and have fun. The highlight of these three days is the vast Arabic spread that is prepared for lunch. The flavours remain till the next Eid.

Tempo: Eid wishes for anyone through Tempo?

Eid Mubarak to all my muslim brothers and sisters. Keep spreading love, joy and happiness.

Aadersh S K, Indian

Tempo: Your fondest memory of Eid?

When I was a kid, Eid was joyous because of the long holidays that we had. But today Eid is more than that. It is all about joining my friends in their celebrations.

Tempo: Tell us how a typical Eid day would be for you.

An Eid day is unlike other holidays, because my day begins early as I visit my friends’ place. Even at home, my mom gets into the mood and cooks amazing biryani.

Tempo: Eid wishes for anyone through Tempo.

Eid Mubarak to everyone. Let us celebrate peace, and brotherhood.

Barsha Shaikh, Bangladeshi

Tempo:Your fondest memory of Eid?

Eid is always special. My mom lives far away now and we will be missing her this Eid. She will be fondly missed and all the Eids that I have had with her would be my fond memories.

Tempo:Tell us how a typical Eid day would be for you.

My day would begin with texting everyone Eid Mubarak and making plans. We would have a lot of outings relishing sweets.

Tempo:Eid wishes for anyone through Tempo?

May all be guided by their faith in Allah and shine in his divine blessings. Eid Mubarak!

Got to www.abudhabitempo.com to vote

Or vote through your phone

Eid ul-Fitr is the celebration held to mark the end of Ramadan and to thank Allah for the strength he gave us to get us through this traditional period of fasting. This festival time is for fellowship, socialization, good wishes, and is celebrated with a variety of traditions all over the world. Visitors to Abu Dhabi are often caught up in the celebrations, with shouts of Eid Mubarak (meaning “blessed Eid”) ringing through the streets.

Residents in the city are looking forward to celebrate the festival and here they share their joy with Tempo.

6

What’sHOTRAMADAN & EID 2010

TIESTO LIVE IN CONCERT!

From August 20 to September 14

This exhibition combines a consumer show with traditional

celebration. The event starts right after Iftar, showcases family-

friendly consumer goods, unique gift items, Arabic food, toys

and games, as well as traditional song and dance to bring

in the festivity and an ambience of togetherness during the

holy month of Ramadan. What caught Tempo’s eye is Stall No.

20. Among the several exhibits on sale, this place has some

beautiful jalabiya and sheilas combined with custom-woven

fabrics in smooth cotton and silk. The influences were Arabia,

African and Asia, all rolled into one. The designer, Safa Al

Manhali, an Emirati designer who designed the collection, and

is known for her trompe l’oeil and mosaic work. Pick up some

nice formal wear in time for Eid.

Venue: ADNEC

1 October

World famous DJ Tiesto will be bringing his electronic grooves to the capital during a one night performance as part of

his world tour. The Dutch sensation will bring his record breaking Kaleidoscope World Tour to Abu Dhabi, in what is sure

to be a super sensory experience of lasers, light shows and giant LED screens. The DJ will stop over after Ibiza and London

performances and will then head for Miami. Promoters bill this as the biggest DJ-only tour ever; an event that will be seen by

over one million music lovers over 14 months. (Would you like to review the Tiesto concert for Tempo? Enter to win Tempo

press passes for the concert, with a paragraph on why you love Tiesto. Send this to [email protected]).

Venue: ADNEC


7

RAMADAN ART BAZAAR

PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION

FAMILY WORKSHOP


Good news for art lovers in the city! Ghaf Gallery’s Ramadan Art Bazaar is indeed an artistic feast for those who want

quality art but are limited in their spending power. The art bazaar features original art work that can be purchased at very

reasonable rates. The event features 26 artists with diverse artistic influences. Among them are prominent Emirati artists

such as Abdul Rahim Salem, Mohammed Al Qassab, Mattar Bin Lahej, Khalil Abdulwahid, Azza Al Qubaisi and Jalal Luqman,

alongside expatriate veterans such as Neena Rai, R.P. Chezhiyan, Chritch and Emily Gordon. The exhibition offers an exciting

mix of styles and media including digital paintings, sculpture and photography, in addition to more traditional art works.

Venue: Ghaf Gallery

From July 17 to October 17

The Galleria (on the Corniche) brings art culture outdoors. If you’re brave enough to endure sizzling temperatures then you

should definitely head out to view the current exhibit on Arabian horses. The exhibit captures this enduring aspect of the

UAE culture and heritage. The images are a journey of the past 15 years, offering a glimpse into the breed’s history in this

country. The exhibition features images from the President of the UAE Cup Series, which was established in 1994 by the

late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to promote and celebrate the Arabian horse globally,

Venue: Abu Dhabi Corniche, Gate: 4


The Islamic Embroidery workshop at the Emirates Palace is an

aesthetic inspiration, even for those who aren’t textile art fans. The

event which is entitled ‘A Story of Islamic Embroidery’ exhibition,

offers and engaging series of workshops that can be enjoyed by

all members of the family, even younger children. Explore art and

pattern making, design and decoration. Workshops are conducted by

art specialists.

Venue: Gallery One Education Room, Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi

Beat withSITH

Googoosh, who will be performing live in Abu Dhabi says, “It is such an honour for me to perform in the UAE capital for the first time, I am thrilled that after so long I will finally get to sing for my Abu Dhabi fans”.

Music is enough for a lifetime, but a lifetime is not enough for music, or so they say. Meet Googoosh and you will say the same. Faegheh Atashin aka Googoosh is among one of the most celebrated music artists in the Middle East who has stayed at the top of her game for the past five decades.

Googoosh was born to Iranian parents and entered the entertainment world as a child artist. Her natural talent for singing and dancing drew enthusiastic crowd, and she has had a solid, almost cult-like following ever since.

She grew to mark her stamp alongside established Farsi musicians in the industry such as Ghazal, Delkash, Elaheh and others. “Ghesseyeh Vafa”, the first of her compositions kick started her musical career and made her a household name throughout the 60’s.

This music maestro who is famous beyond the borders of her country, has sung duets with artists such as Ray Charles, Tina Turner, Charles Aznavour, and Silvy Vartan. She has performed at international music festivals in France and Tunisia and had month- long sell out run in Paris. Googoosh also holds credit to being the only Iranian musician signed to European record companies Barclay of France and RCA of Italy.

With her concerts drawing large crowds of baby boomers, and a growing fan base of younger fans, she has had sell out concerts in prestigious venues such as the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Staple Centre in Los Angeles, Madison Square Gardens in New York, Globe Arena in Stockholm and Wembley Area in London. In the span of a year, she was seen by an audience of over 1 million.

By Sithara Sethumadhavan

GOOGOOSHA STAR YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW!

8

Famous Googoosh Movies

• Bita • Honeymoon• Hamsafar • Mamal Amricayi• 3 Crazies

Famous Googoosh Songs

• Baaghe Bi Bargi • Man Hamoon Iranam• Sezavar • Geryeh Konam Yaa Nakonam

Googoosh in Abu Dhabi will be an all seated performance. To book your tickets for the event go to:

“For as long as I can remember Googoosh has been singing...even when I was a kid, my parents loved to hear her songs. Now I can’ t wait to go to see the concert with my mother. Isn’t that ironic?” Amira, 22


boxofficeme.com

ticketingboxoffice.com

ViewPointby Simone Morgan • Photo by David Thompson

IT S EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE A LIFESTYLE CHANGE

10

Simone Morgan, a 31 year old Australian who has been in Abu Dhabi for three months with her husband Mike, and who teaches

Pilates at the Soma Pilates Studio, talks about her life’s choices.

About 18 months ago I was working in a fabulous position at Vogue in Sydney. I had loved my advertising career over the

past six years and couldn’t fault my role, but towards the end no matter how many people told me I had the perfect job, I wasn’t happy.

After about a year of tormenting myself over whether to look for a new job or change careers completely, along came a company takeover and the usual offers

of volunteer redundancy that a takeover presents. I surprised myself by jumping at the chance to take the buyout and leave my safety net.

I surprised myself again by not being at all daunted by the prospect of being out of work; instead I decided to

make a list of the things that I had always wanted to do. I didn’t know what direction I wanted to go in, but I knew

that I wanted to try all the things I had always dreamt of doing, the passions that I had never acted on.

Over the next few months I slowly worked through my list. I completed writing courses, went to cooking classes, did a TV

presenting course, finished my Pilates Instructor’s course, and traveled. OK, that wouldn’t help me find a new job, but I did need a holiday after all those years of hard work!

From this I found several passions that could easily turn into a job. My hobby of Pilates has earned me a role as a Pilates Instructor, my pipe dream of writing has turned into several pieces, and my passion for traveling, well, that has helped me leap into a new adventure halfway around the world in Abu Dhabi.

We always hear the gurus who proclaim you will never work a day in your life if you follow your dreams. Like you, I have always thought that this could never pay the bills. It wasn’t until I was thrown into a situation that allowed me the freedom to try it for a few months that I found there was truth to what the gurus have been saying.

My advice to anyone who is thinking of starting or changing a career: follow your passions, and you will be happily surprised when you see where they lead.


'

11

By Sithara Sethumadhavan

TechTalkGOOGLE WAVES GOODBYE TO WAVE

YOUR CAR WILL FLY! SOLAR POWERED LAPTOP CHARGERS

Google is halting further developments on Google Wave - a real time collaboration tool aiming to combine various forms of communication. The reason? “Wave has not seen the user adoption we would have liked,” Senior Vice President Urs Holzle said in his blog post. “We don’t plan to continue developing Wave as a standalone product, but we will maintain the site, at least through the end of the year, and extend the technology for use in other Google projects.”

Google Wave debuted in June 2009 was subjected to debates regarding its application, right from its launch. Wave’s primary feature was to let users collaborate in real time, using an in-box-like interface that resembled a mix of Google’s Gmail Web mail service, and its Docs and Spreadsheets product. Each strand of messages, which could include text, links, and photos, was called a wave. Thanks Google for your pure genius, but for this one we wave goodbye.

How many times have you and your family dreaded the laptop going off charge in the outdoors. Well the good news is laptops can now be charged with the sun’s power, using solar technology.

The solar powered charger was first launched by NRG Dock and created a 15 watt panel that converts enough power to run a standard laptop for a few hours. As of now, three companies have launched a limited version of these chargers and are planning on a large scale launch by 2011.

The solar powered laptop charger is an eco-friendly option for charging a laptop. This will effectively charge a laptop in about 10 hours but can also extend the life of your laptop battery while using the unit on charge. With all this solar energy in the UAE, this one feels like a sure bet!

Dreams are coming true, come 2011 and the world’s flying car is going to be launched. The Flying Car is being developed by Terrafugia, a firm founded in Woburn, Massachusetts.

According to the company’s spokesperson, it will not be easy to drive the car with wings. The requirements for this vehicle is a runway for landing and take- off. The car which is planned to fly under a height of 10,000 feet can also fly in bad weather conditions .

The flying car is set to be priced at $ 194,000 and will have a radio, transponder and plane parachute. The company has started booking and received 70 orders for this wonder car. I definitely see myself in one of these at rush hour on Hamdan!

BLACK DRESS (CHOICE BY RIVA) Dh 1090

TrendSetterFlaunt style and class this party season with exclusives from Riva at Al Wahda Mall.

YELLOW CHAINDh 109

PINK BAG Dh 273

SHOES Dh 203

YELLOW BAGDh 231

BANGLES Dh 49

Head-turning ch

ic

Psychedelic fun!

12

Pretty in Pin

k

Try it with tubes!

Gladiator

glam, all

tied up.

Carry the world,

a la Gretta Garbo


The one thing I regret buying:

The one thing I dream of buying:

A nice big car.

Tempo spots fashionable and smart dressers around the city.

What do you do?

OUR FASHION EXPERT SAYS:

Style inspiration:Simple and elegant ladies.

I have the toughest job. I am a home maker.

Your most valued fashion possessions?My hand bags.

I must say handbags again. I have a huge collection of expensive bags and at a time can carry just one.

My style philosophy:Comfortable clothing. Confidence will follow.

ShoesDh 144

OasisDh 300

OnyxoDh 574

RolexDh 23,932 (!!!?)

PradaDh 2872

Name:

Susanna

Age: 40

Nationality:

South Korean

My Style BLUEPRINT

13

Nothing says class like black. Here you have a style that exudes elegance, sophistication and poise. But...orange nail polish (???!!!)

INDIA PALACESpicy Indian food is a treat for the taste buds and if you are

craving Indian cuisine then India Palace should be an option

on your list. Though getting to the restaurant can be difficult

(thanks to all construction work in Salam Street), once you get

there you will be pleasantly taken back by the cozy interiors

with classic Indian paintings, and beautifully embroidered

cushions. This place is great for casual dining as well as larger

formal get togethers.

Jaya, a regular at India Palace says, “Every time I am here, I don’t

miss out on the aloo parathas and zafrani lassi. The parathas are

soft and just melts in the mouth. These are my favourites. I try a

lot of new curries in the menu and I like the food here. “

With some good tandoori , flavoured dals and spicy biryanis, the menu has a decent array of Indian kebabs, spicy

curries and yummy breads. Not to be missed, the gulab jamus are popular show stoppers. For the uninitiated, these

are warm, soft waffle balls soaked in sugar syrup that tantatalise the taste buds and tickles the child in you.

A meal for two (including drinks) will cost around Dh 130.

14

City BitesDOMEA quick bite and some coffee, or perhaps some peppermint tea

with a cake? Then, Dome is a must-try for casual diners. With

its tastefully done interiors, its lovely view (from Khalidiyah

Mall cafe) and quiet ambience, it’s a nice place to relax with

a book or enjoy a full meal. The Continental Breakfast with

chilled juice, scrambled eggs, mushrooms and grilled tomatoes

( with extra sausage add ons) is a tasty option to start the day.

If you happen to drop by the place later in the evening, then

our suggestion would be to try smoked turkey sandwitch (on

a ciabatta bread) with peach tea, or freshly squeezed lemon

citron presse with a carrot cake.

“I come here with my friend just to have the carrot cake. It has

a layer of marizapan and is served with fresh cream- it lifts my

spirits!”, says Maliha, a regular at Dome.

by Sithara Sethumadhavan

Maliha also suggests trying the Dome Twister, a frozen coffee drink made from expresso extract, ice cream,

chocolate and a secret blend of ingredients topped with cream. With a good variety of salads, gourmet sandwiches

and coffees that are reasonably priced, Dome can be a nice a place to hang around after a busy day or just to spend

a bit of time with yourself.

A meal for two (including drinks) will cost around Dh 108


With the growing staple of articles on the quickening

pace of development in Abu Dhabi, residents and guests

alike must often wonder about the mysterious planning

behind Saadiyat Island. And so, against a backdrop

of arid heat and desert sand, the Manarat Al Saadiyat

unravels the full story.

The building cuts quite an interesting figure, even for

those driving by at 150 kms per hour. The beige-coloured

building, almost the same shade and texture of the

desert sandstone itself (when not lit up in bright jewel

tones at night) is a 15,400 square metre visitor centre. The

structure is designed for the very purpose of welcoming

curious tourists and residents into the vision behind the

stories they have seen and heard in news snippets and

gossip from local grapevines. Tempo has visited Manarat

Al Saadiyat, and can unequivocally recommend it as a

place to get all the records set straight.

Literally translating as ‘lighthouse’ or ‘a place that

provides enlightenment’, Manarat Al Saadiyat seems

cavernous on entering yet still manages to live up to its

title in many more ways than one. Our tour begins with

the first of nine chapters narrating the chain of events

inspired by the farseeing vision of His Highness the late

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan.

The nine chapters are an experience in totality; a journey

through an interactive experience that brings the future

of the island to life. It is an attempt to show the thinking,

ideas, challenges and inspiration behind one of the most

remarkable projects of our time.

We went through all the chapters, completely awed

by the sheer magnitude of what may soon come into

existence in the next few years. When we headed back

to the entrance the lobby did appear as cavernous as

before, but an inspirational portal into the transformative

ideas we’d just left behind. Truly history is in the making.

19

MyABU DHABIBy Noori Passela

Manarat Al Saadiyat takes you right into the heart of the historical and cultural vision for the development of the capital’s largest island.

Five reasons to visit Manarat Al Saadiyat:

1. Discover the story of Abu Dhabi: from tiny

coastal oasis to a cosmopolitan city.

2. Learn how Sadiyat is leading the way in

conservation technologies and philosophy.

3. A striking and immersive audio-visual

experience.

4. Seven diverse districts, one destination.

5. It’s the future of Abu Dhabi, so see it before it

happens!

20 Tempo September 1, 2010

MY SPACEMY WAYMY LIFE

21Tempo readers: put on your creative caps and send us your own ‘Time Capsule” to: [email protected]

of 60 km up the mountain. The climb up Mt. Kilimanjaro does not technically require ropes and safety harnesses. However, the real challenge facing Nizar will be the lower levels of oxygen as he goes higher up the altitude. Nizar has been preparing for his climb for the past four months. His preparation combined nutrition, exercise and adequate rest.

Nizar is funding his entire trip personally with flights, equipment and hiking expenses in order to ensure that all private donations made,can be used for the treatment of Ayham and Laween.

As of now Nizar is spreading the word through the Climb for Cancer website and social media websites Facebook and Twitter.

“It is heart breaking to receive messages from people saying they wish to have joined the climb but cannot as they too are cancer patients themselves.


Making a DifferenceBy Sithara Sethumadhavan

NIZAR - CLIMBER FOR CANCER

Nizar Fakhoury

Nizar, a 29 year old Lebanese who has been in the UAE for five years and works for Nestle, describes himself as a complete nature buff.

“Travelling around the world is my biggest passion and most of my trips revolve around exploring nature and the outdoors”, he says.

Indeed, come the month of September and Nizar will be climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world. But unlike other climbers, Nizar is on a mission of mercy: he is climbing to raise awareness about two young cancer patients from Iraq and Palestine.

“Once I decided on the climb, I thought it would be a great opportunity to combine it with raising awareness for a good cause, and that’s when the Climb for Cancer concept came to me”, says Nizar.

He estabished Climb for Cancer as a non-profit initiative to encourage amateur hikers and adventure enthusiasts to climb mountain peaks around the world in an effort to raise awareness and money for children suffering from cancer.

“I contacted the King Hussein Cancer Center in Jordan and informed them of my plan. I asked them to help me choose their most needy pediatric patients in their care to support. That’s how I came to know about Ayham and Laween”. Nizar who visited the children in hospital during the month of June was terribly moved and became even more determined to complete the challenge.

“Ayham is a three year old boy from Gaza. He was diagnosed earlier this year with a malignant tumor in his abdomen. The cancer spread to his bones, and he must undergo chemotherapy, surgery, and a bone marrow transplant. Laween is a beautiful one year old boy from Iraq who suffers from Leukemia. As a baby he was always in and out of hospitals. They are such sweet children and they don’t deserve to be victims of this merciless disease. Unfortunately the families of Ayham and Laween are unable to financially support the treatment of their children, which is where Climb for Cancer comes in”.

Nizar’s climb is planned for seven days: he will be hiking an average of six to eight hours per day, covering an estimated distance

Making a Difference is a celebration of good people and good deeds. Please share with us your ideas, activities, and community public-good stories. Send them to [email protected]

Each of us in his or her own way can make a difference in our world. Sometimes it is a simple gesture, and sometimes it is an act that can change someone’s life. This page is dedicated to a hero who is on a mission to help two cancer patients.

To support visit:

climbforcancer.org

Raising the BarBy Venita Subramaniam

23

The Nabit Girl!

Venita: Danielle tell us a little about yourself.

Danielle: I did my schooling in Abu Dhabi and went to university in Boston. After working with an advertising agency for a few years I moved back to Abu Dhabi. I was about to accept a job at an advertising agency here, until I saw a job posting on Bayt.com for a Community Manager for GoNabit. When I read it I had a gut feeling that this was my dream job. The way the job description was written made it sound exciting, young, and fun.

I read the job posting at 2 am and I tried to go to sleep afterwards, but I was so excited, I couldn’t. My mind was buzzing trying to think of ways to stand out when I send my CV.

Since a big part of the job involved social media, I created a Facebook group to get Dan Stuart’s (CEO) attention. The idea behind it was I wanted to show him I could create buzz online, and I promised I’d have 500 followers within a week. So I emailed everyone I knew, messaged all my friends on Facebook asking them to ask their friends to join too. It was cool because I had random strangers writing and wishing me luck and everyone was so supportive. I had 500 followers in three days. And I got the interview!

Venita : Would it have bothered you if after promoting yourself through facebook, you didn’t get the job?

As Community Manager for a group buying website GoNabit, Danielle Khoury has her finger on the pulse of what’s in,

out and on the way up in Abu Dhabi. Tempo catches up with her.

Danielle: Yes of course, I was putting myself out there but I believe in going after what you believe in. I turned down a job offer without even knowing if I’d get an interview with GoNabit. But I had to try. And what’s the worst that could happen?

I’m so happy I did because I love my job. Not just saying it, but I enjoy every bit of it. The team is amazing and close-knit. It’s an exciting atmosphere, and we’re all in it together.

Venita: What is your typical day at work ike?

Danielle: My job includes a bit of everything. I manage our social media accounts, such as Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, etc. I spread the word about the deal, and get people talking about it online. I go to the city, meet Abu Dhabi residents, find out what makes them tick. And I’m always out trying to discover new places. I write the copy for all the deals, so whenever you’re reading the deal descriptions, it’s what I’ve written.

Venita: What deals do you usually focus on?

Danielle: We run a variety so there is something for everyone. For example, we’ve had yoga classes, restaurants, beauty salons, and summer camps as past Nabits. We don’t want to run deals that focus only on certain people. We want to keep as many people as possible happy.

Venita: What is the favorite part of your job?

Danielle: I go out and try so many new things. I go to places where I wouldn’t otherwise. I am getting to meet so many people through my job and to discover parts of Abu Dhabi that I didn’t even know existed.

Venita: How effective is social media in Abu Dhabi?

Danielle: At the moment Facebook seems to be the most popular, and businesses have caught on to that, because now it’s almost impossible not to find businesses with Facebook pages. It’s really important for a business because not only are you creating an online presence, but it’s essential to connect to your customers, and have conversations with them. Twitter is still picking up in Abu Dhabi, but there are more people joining every day, and I think we’ll reach the same level of Tweeps in Dubai soon.

To support visit:

climbforcancer.org

Tempo: Why did you decide to start Switch?

Deem: My passion for food and art, I believe that if we want to build a productive nation, then we have to start now, and the result of the future depends on the present. I always ask myself, when will we stop consuming and start producing? When will we stop wearing what they create and start creating what we wear? How are we building a NATION if the simplest things in life are made by others and bought by us? That is my inspiration- my starting line.

Tempo: What is the Switch concept?

Deem: Switch is a food and design icon and a mixture of Arab and western culture, a very futuristic and modern space which is created locally; we serve international cuisine to visiting guests who will have the chance to experience a 21st century creation. The colors of Switch give you a very positive energy, and the typography in the ceiling gives the Arabic identity to the brand. The walls are shaped like the letter س which is S in Arabic. Every element in Switch has a story that will switch you!

Tempo: The design and look of Switch are unique. What is the food like?

Deem: We have created an international fusion cuisine; dishes are taken back to their basic ingredients. In the Switch kitchen we have created signature dishes like Arabian burger, Pink pasta, Nutella pudding and many more. Our food is freshly

made with high standard of quality and cooked with love by South Africa’s best chefs.

Tempo: How many employees do you have?

Deem: The Switch team has 25 members, 20 work on the floor and kitchen, and five are behind the scenes.

Tempo: Who are the investors in Switch?

Deem: Al-Bassam Group is our investor. Al-Bassam is one of the leading companies in Saudi Arabia and in the other Gulf States with a range of activities.

Tempo: You say there is money in the UAE for investment. What does a person have to do to get money for a project?

Deem: A great idea, a clear plan will lead you to the right investors.

Tempo: What is your advice for young people who might like to start a business?

Deem: Find your starting point, discover your passion, learn and read more, talk to people. Be inspired by the least things in life. Be brave to say it loud, and if someone tells you you’re crazy, know that you are doing the right thing.

Tempo: Anything else you want to say?

Deem: Never give up. Nelson Mandela said, “The greatest glory lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”

Tamakkan By Alma Kadragic

TAMAKKAN ENTREPRENEUR: DEEM ALBASSEM, SWITCH


Deem Albassem, 24, is owner of Switch restaurant in Dubai Mall. Deem was an inspirational presenter at Tamakkan recently; we were impressed by the young lady who showed so much maturity, audacity and conviction, that we wanted to present her to Tempo readers.

ENTREPRENEUR ALERT:Tamakkan, the platform for young

entrepreneurs and innovators, starts up right

after summer with its monthly seminars. The

next one is on the evening of September 29 at

Mamoura Auditorium.

Dr. Bob Lipsett will be giving a presentation

entitled “Marketing on a Shoestring” followed

by an entrepreneur case study. The event is

free but registration is absolutely necessary.

To register, send your name, email and phone

number to [email protected].


What brought you here?

My job got me here.

What were your first impressions of this city?

It’s neat and extremely safe

Where can we find you hanging out?

Malls and church

How has living here changed you?

Living in this city has generally made my life less stressful and happier.

If Abu Dhabi were a coffee, what kind would it be?

Mocha Frapuccino

Any advice to a new arrival?

Be physically prepared for the extremely hot summers and cool winters

What brought you here?

A good job opportunity and the attractive dirhams to Indian rupee conversion rate got me here (approx Dh 1= 13 INR).

What were your first impressions of this city?

It is clean, and I couldn’t believe that this place was all desert once.

Where can we find you hanging out?

<secret> to be revealed soon. I don’t want to be tracked down by my parents.

How has living here changed you?

The city taught me time management and personally I have become more humble and good with my interpersonal skills. I still wonder about what it is that is influencing all this change.

If Abu Dhabi were a coffee, what kind would it be?

A cappuccino without sugar.

Any advice to a new arrival?

“Learn to find happiness in the smallest things of life…Otherwise it will kill you everyday. It’s true everywhere, but especially in Abu Dhabi” .

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.

PeopleMeter

Shawarma or falafel? Spicy Shawarma

Beaches or sand dunes? Beaches

Dates or chocolates? Chocolates

Do you speak Arabic? No (I have tried)

Shawarma or falafel? Shawarma

Beaches or sand dunes? Beaches

Dates or chocolates? Chocolates

Do you speak Arabic? No

QUICK HITS

QUICK HITS

Jithin ThajNationality: IndiaTime in Abu Dhabi: 5 yearsOther places lived: India

Ryan-Elner MellizaNationality: PhilippinesTime in Abu Dhabi: 5 yearsOther places lived: The cities of Makati, Cebu, and Cagayan de Oro

SocialNetBy Sithara Sethumadhavan

Do you have a blog or a social media site? ( Facebook, twitter etc or photographs you want to share with us) tell us: [email protected]

Abu Dhabi is buzzing with activity and yet finding a one stop portal on the city is often like looking for water in the desert. Tempo meets up with one person who has managed to put together the A-Z of Abu Dhabi. Meet Aaron Sorenson.

Tempo: Hi Aaron, please introduce yourself to the Tempo readers. Aaron: I’m originally from Milwaukee. I left the US right after University and traveled around for a while before ending up in Japan. I was teaching English there, and then shifted to Abu Dhabi where I teach math. I live here with my wife and kids and we are having a great time here. Tempo: Tell us something about the Aaron that we don’t know. Aaron: Since I’ve been here, I’ve hooked up with a few people who are serious about cycling and triathlons. I’ve been doing a lot of training and even go out for a 100 kilometer bike ride with friends every Friday morning. I’m always seeking out new things to do with my family inthe capital. Tempo: And how did Abu Dhabi A-Z happen? Aaron: The blog started out as a way to keep friends and family updated on what was going on in my life in Abu Dhabi. It was fun writing about the strange and wonderful things that were going on as well as being a good way to vent about some of the frustrating things that were happening. Now, I find that the blog has been a motivator for me to go out and do things. I need something to write about so I always have to be on the lookout for new things. Tempo: Many say that Abu Dhabi is boring and nothing much happens in this city. As a writer, do you agree?

Aaron: I would have to disagree. There’s always something going on. With all of the events, I’ve had plenty to write about. When I first got here, I was determined to do everything the city had to offer, but after a while, found that I just didn’t have the time. In some cases, I’ve had to search things out, but there is plenty to do. It amazes me when friends who have lived in Abu Dhabi for five years have never gone to something like the camel races. Tempo: Do you feel with your blog you have been able to express yourself better? Aaron: Pretty much. It’s nice to have a creative outlet while at the same time being able to pass along information about the city. Tempo: If you couldn’t blog, how different life would have been? Aaron: Well, a Canadian friend of mine who lives in Japan was trying to get me to do a podcast! Tempo: What is, and has been, your greatest inspiration in the capital to write? Aaron: I've found that with so much to do here and so many cultural differences from the places I've lived, I really felt the need to get my ideas out. With all of the events going on like WOMAD and the Red Bull Air Race, along with activities unique to this region like camel races and desert camping I wanted to give people a feel for what it was to live here. I also like to include things like getting a driver's license and national ID to remind people that it is a city like any other...or to give advice to people living here about these processes. Initially it was meant as a way to tell friends and family in the US and Japan about Abu Dhabi, but now I'm pleased at the response that I've got from strangers. Tempo: What is that we can expect to read on your blog? Aaron: I like to think it’s fairly light reading. The blog has a slightly sarcastic slant with a bit of self-deprecating humour. I try not get too personal, but give readers a feel for what living here is like through my news stories and my own personal experiences.

27

Read Aaron's blog:

By Maxine Guarnier

Art-ICULATEArt-ICULATERANA’S MAGIC WAND!Andrew Wyeth, the American artist, once said:

“I dream a lot. I do more painting when I’m not

painting. It’s in the subconscious.”

And so is it for Rana Flouty. This 34 year old from

Lebanon is an artist, lawyer and a mother of three.

Rana, who’s been in Abu Dhabi since 2005, says:

” Abu Dhabi is wonderful and special to me. The city has

given me confidence to realize my dream of becoming

an artist.”

“I am an outgoing person as my profession demands it”

she smiles and adds, “But when it came to my art work, I

was timid about how people will receive it.”

From a very young age Rana believed that art should

be direct and comprehendible. “I have heard people

say good art must have a straight interpretation and I

was scared that people would not be able to derive a

meaning from my work.”

Abu Dhabi cast its magic on her. “The city is vibrant and

multi-cultured. Many artists here, without much formal

training, produce wonderful pieces and are warmly

received. This is because Abu Dhabi is very embracing

of artists.”

Rana began her art journey. The first step she took was

to send a copy of her works to a leading art gallery in

town. From then on there was no looking back, and

today Rana’s works receive coverage in local media and

she has become a regular in respected local exhibitions.

“I am still a budding artist. I don’t limit myself

to a particular style. I am still experimenting in

contemporary, modern and various forms to

understand art on the whole,” says Rana.

Rana considers Khalil Gibran, the famous Lebanese-

American author painter as her guru. “Khalil’s works has

personality, and that’s what I am also trying to achieve

in my work.

“Some of my works, especially ‘The two human bodies

without a face’ has a deeper meaning. Anyone can

relate to it and I feel that connection is vital. If I don’t

get my viewers involved in my piece, or if I am unable

to induce a thought train, then the purpose of art is

lost”, says Rana.

“To enjoy art, to do art... you need to realize the

technique that you are comfortable in and then your

imagination will do the magic!”


29

In the last issue, I complained about the Abu Dhabi

summer season and how dealing with it cramps my

lifestyle. I don’t enjoy running from one air-conditioned

space to another. Although I can’t change the weather, I

can fortunately change where I experience it, if only for a

few days.

I have a friend who lives in the Alpine region of southwest

France and a phone call confirmed her availability to show

me around the community of Annecy which is located

about 35 km south of Geneva. I really looked forward to

the cool temperatures and fresh, clear mountain air. I was

not to be disappointed.

My flight left Abu Dhabi at 2:20 am (ugh!) but a few hours

later I was on the ground in Geneva. My friend met me

and we were on our way to France. I was impressed with

green mountains that were visible in every direction and a

welcoming change from the endless tawny sand scenery

we have here in the desert.

We explored the Annecy area for the next few days.

Annecy, a medium sized town situated on Lac Annecy is

a tourist destination and has a well preserved downtown

with several buildings from the medieval times. It’s a very

tranquil and beautiful place and is in the running as a

venue for the 2018 Winter Olympics. Outdoor activities

abound and I actually went tandem parasailing!

All too soon, it was time to get back to reality. It felt as if I

was hit with a hot steaming towel when exiting the Abu

Dhabi terminal, but the break in more temperate climes

did me good. In a few more months, France will be cold

and Abu Dhabi will be just right!

Yank insandlandSummer Break

by Randy Parker

tempoCLASSIFIEDS

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Please recycle this magazine: locations include Spinneys, Al Mamoura Building and behind Riyada Clinic.

tempofunpageSUDOKU 14

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FUNNYQUOTES

THE SADDEST SONG EVER KNOWNSTRANGE FACTS

Aries (March 21- April 19)

It is preferable to be aware of your pioneering spirit and not disregard it. For acknowledging it, you not only enjoy life more, but you avoid being pushed around by others.

Taurus (April 20- May 20)

Physical things start loosing their appeal, and you feel more and more out of touch with the world around you. You stop caring about money and will focus on your inner harmony.

Gemini (May 21- June 20)

You could have health problems brought on by overindulgence of food, drink, or the night life which only gets worse as you age. Tame your urges and save the party times for weekends only and then try not to overdo it.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

You can be oversensitive and something of a clinging vine which may cause you to harbor imaginary hurts and slights, this can make for highly unsettling conditions with your partner.

Leo (July 23- August 22)

Egotism, to the extent that you may be the Leo who thinks no one is quite as good at things as you are and the people around you are made to feel small through your habit of comparison.

Virgo (August 23- September 22)

Finding yourself frequently alone and unable to keep friends for more than a few weeks. Try not to be too argumentative.

Libra (September 23- October 22)

Try not to pretend feelings you do not have and find a way to back gracefully out of a superficial relationship; look before you leap.

Scorpio (October 23- November 21)

If you feel persecuted and put upon you will express it in conversation, this causes people to be ‘turned off’ of you so try to change your attitude or, guard what you say.

Sagittarius (November 22- December 21)

Be sure that you have a ‘product’ to match all the ‘advertising’ you do. Is it fact or is it fiction? Don’t feel lost and disillusioned.

Capricorn (December 22- January 19)

This is going to be your lucky month. You will gain in terms of money, beauty and success. There will be travel opportunities, however be careful on the domestic differences that may come up.

Aquarius (January 20- February 18)

You should practice expressing your humanity by accepting people the way they are and not find too much fault in them. You seem to become physically ill more than you should.

Pisces (February 19- March 20)

You must come out of yourself and open up to those around you, you have the power to inspire others making you an important part of the human race; take your rightful place.

Experience is a dear teacher, and only fools will learn from no other.

Benjamin Franklin

History is the version of past events that people have decided to agree upon.

Napoleon Bonaparte Ideas do not stay in some minds very long because they do not like solitary confinement.

Anonymous

Ever heard about “Gloomy Sunday”? This was a song composed by the Hungarian paintist Reszõ Seress in 1933. So what is it about this song? It is said that after listening to this musical piece hundreds have committed suicide. The strangest part is that the composer himself committed suicide after playing the song. The Hungarian government has imposed a ban on this song. To date nobody knows what is it about this song that has led to so many suicides. This is when they say music can kill.

<secret: you can hear this on youtube. But be sure you’re in a totally upbeat mood so it doesn’t have a tragic affect on you. Also, we don’t recommend you listen to this song if you’ve just been fired.>

31

Tempo September 1-15, 2010

Entertainment & Humor

Transcript of Tempo September 1-15, 2010