Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), the apex body managing the tourism industry within the Arabian Gulf emirate of Abu Dhabi, and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), the economic development agency of Singapore’s tourism sector, have sealed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at deepening strategic relations and co-operation between the two.
The five-year renewable MOU was signed in Abu Dhabi today between HE Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, ADTA and Ms Aw Kah Peng, Chief Executive, STB. It was witnessed by Singapore’s President, HE S. R. Nathan, who is in the UAE capital on an official visit, HE Mohamed Ahmed Al-Bawardi, Secretary General of Abu Dhabi’s Executive Council, and HE Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman, ADTA.
“This MOU signifies a coming of age for Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector recognising it as an important and effective driver in the promotion of economic diversification and co-operation, and serves to strengthen the ADTA’s international engagement and collaborative efforts,” said Sheikh Sultan.
Under the MOU the two signatories will exchange information and documentation on professional training for tourism sector employees and explore organisation and industry training initiatives such as study trips, the staging of training seminars for tourism officials and professionals and facilitate training by suitable tourism experts.
The partners will also carry out joint research studies in areas of mutual interest, and share best practices through information and process exchange to deepen their knowledge and skill sets.
“In the STB we have a partner with 45 years experience and numerous international accolades which we can leverage to lead our tourism sector to greater heights and future success,” said Al Muhairi.
“Singapore shares with us the commonality of adopting an open approach to economic and tourism development, as well as that of a small native population with a tourism industry which is, in part, reliant on foreign expertise and labour. Our shared experiences and knowledge will forge new development horizons for the good both of our local human resource pool, and ultimately our destinations.”
The MOU also provides for mutual support and assistance in tourism marketing and promotions in each other’s countries and regions by leveraging their local networks and contacts, as well as the future establishment of tourism promotion offices in each other’s countries.
“Abu Dhabi and Singapore share a common belief and interest in the role of tourism for long term economic growth and development," said Ms. Aw Kah Peng.
"The STB is pleased to enter this MOU with our counterpart in Abu Dhabi as it underscores our long term commitment to the Middle East and reflects Singapore's aim to deepen our engagement with this region," she concluded.
ADTA and STB will also leverage the MOU to facilitate engagement and co-operation between their respective tourism-related private sector enterprises.
Abu Dhabi’s links with Singapore are expanding. The island state’s national carrier, the award-winning Singapore Airlines on March 15 increased its flights from Changi International to Abu Dhabi International from three flights a week to a daily service. Etihad, the Abu Dhabi-based national airline of the UAE, flies thrice-weekly from Abu Dhabi International to Changi International.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Learn how to make Kebabs
Singapore President S R Nathan is in Qatar for the second leg of his state visit to the Gulf.
While this is not the first time the Singapore national anthem is played at the Amiri Diwan — the seat of government in Qatar, this is President Nathan’s first official visit to the Gulf state, as well as his first meeting with Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al—Thani.
The meeting coincides with the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
In a meeting afterwards, President Nathan and Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al—Thani discussed the state of bilateral relations.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with the excellent state of Qatar—Singapore relations, and reaffirmed their interest to enhance the relationship.
They discussed a broad range of international issues, including the impact of the current global economic crisis on their respective countries, as well as developments in the Middle East and East Asia.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al—Thani expressed satisfaction at the progress made in bilateral cooperation and said he looked forward to more being achieved in the future.
He said that he had designated the Heir Apparent of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al—Thani, to take charge and nurture this special relationship that Qatar and Singapore have established.
Most of Qatar’s rapid growth is backed by oil, and Singapore is its third biggest export destination, after Japan and South Korea.
Bilateral trade grew by over 60 per cent in 2007 to reach over S$6.67 billion, and that momentum is set to continue.
While this is not the first time the Singapore national anthem is played at the Amiri Diwan — the seat of government in Qatar, this is President Nathan’s first official visit to the Gulf state, as well as his first meeting with Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al—Thani.
The meeting coincides with the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
In a meeting afterwards, President Nathan and Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al—Thani discussed the state of bilateral relations.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with the excellent state of Qatar—Singapore relations, and reaffirmed their interest to enhance the relationship.
They discussed a broad range of international issues, including the impact of the current global economic crisis on their respective countries, as well as developments in the Middle East and East Asia.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al—Thani expressed satisfaction at the progress made in bilateral cooperation and said he looked forward to more being achieved in the future.
He said that he had designated the Heir Apparent of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al—Thani, to take charge and nurture this special relationship that Qatar and Singapore have established.
Most of Qatar’s rapid growth is backed by oil, and Singapore is its third biggest export destination, after Japan and South Korea.
Bilateral trade grew by over 60 per cent in 2007 to reach over S$6.67 billion, and that momentum is set to continue.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Prataman Go Eat Air Again!
Singapore President S R Nathan has begun a two—week state visit to Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He last visited Kuwait in November 2008.
Oman is the second—largest country in the Arabian Peninsula and is one of six countries in the Gulf. Since 1985, Singapore and Oman have enjoyed a strong and positive friendship.
Ties between the two countries will be further strengthened through meetings with Sultan Qaboos bin Said and other top leaders.
In recent years, Singapore firms have also viewed the country as a new market for growth.
Oman’s wealth was closely tied to the sea in ancient times, but in more recent decades, it has made its fortune through oil.
Its oil reserves, however, are small, so Singapore’s success story — achieved despite the lack of natural resources — presents an interesting model of economic development for the Gulf country.
Oman is the second—largest country in the Arabian Peninsula and is one of six countries in the Gulf. Since 1985, Singapore and Oman have enjoyed a strong and positive friendship.
Ties between the two countries will be further strengthened through meetings with Sultan Qaboos bin Said and other top leaders.
In recent years, Singapore firms have also viewed the country as a new market for growth.
Oman’s wealth was closely tied to the sea in ancient times, but in more recent decades, it has made its fortune through oil.
Its oil reserves, however, are small, so Singapore’s success story — achieved despite the lack of natural resources — presents an interesting model of economic development for the Gulf country.
Friday, March 13, 2009
President gives formal approval for draw on past reserves
PRESIDENT S R Nathan has given his formal consent for the Government to draw on past reserves to finance part of the $20.5 billion economic package unveiled in January.
His decision was conveyed in two letters to the Speaker of Parliament Abdullah Tarmugi dated March 9.
The letters were released to the media yesterday. His decision was also announced in the electronic version of the Government Gazette the same day.
Prataman is really Working!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Immortal ?
A few months ago in January, I visited the Singapore Science Centre. It was like down memory lane again, with childhood memories gushing back as I bump into some of the older exhibits which were there since I was a primary school kid.
What! I got shock is to see my old friend SR Nathan there!
Holographic image of President Nathan, which can move. How spooky as if he is dead...
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Arabs meets Prata
United Arab Emirates’ Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Hamdan Zayed Al Nahyan, who is in Singapore for a five—day visit, called on President S.R. Nathan.
During their meetings, the leaders discussed a wide range of issues, including recent developments in the Middle East and Asia, and the impact of the global financial crisis in both regions.
Singapore’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said the leaders also discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relationships between Singapore and the UAE, and welcomed the healthy exchange of high—level visits.
On Monday evening, Sheikh Hamdan was hosted to dinner by Deputy Prime Minister S. Jayakumar.
Both deputy prime ministers also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation between the finance ministries of their countries.
The MoU aims to further collaboration between the two ministries through the sharing of experiences in areas of public finance management, such as budgeting, debt management and tax administration, and covers activities such as study visits, seminars and workshops.
During their meetings, the leaders discussed a wide range of issues, including recent developments in the Middle East and Asia, and the impact of the global financial crisis in both regions.
Singapore’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said the leaders also discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relationships between Singapore and the UAE, and welcomed the healthy exchange of high—level visits.
On Monday evening, Sheikh Hamdan was hosted to dinner by Deputy Prime Minister S. Jayakumar.
Both deputy prime ministers also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation between the finance ministries of their countries.
The MoU aims to further collaboration between the two ministries through the sharing of experiences in areas of public finance management, such as budgeting, debt management and tax administration, and covers activities such as study visits, seminars and workshops.
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Kylie fall in love with Ah Neh
Kylie Minogue is not only shaking a leg for Blue she’s also fallen in love with all things Indian including Bollywood and the sari.
Now it can be told. The reason why Akshay Kumar has been playing Kylie Minogue’s unofficial host in Mumbai is because she is a huge Akshay Kumar fan.
Says a source, “It started when Kylie watched Chandni Chowk To China. She was completely hooked to Akshay’s antics. In fact one of her main incentives for accepting Blue was the opportunity to meet up with Akshay.
When she decided to do the film and the date for her arrival was confirmed she made discreet inquiries about Akshay’s schedules and his availability. She also wanted to go through the full India experience, including the khana,a wedding and of course the Taj Mahal and Jaipur -Rajashthan route.”
While some of of his guests’ primary prerequisites have already been worked out, Akshay is in the process of trying to work out the other details.
Confirming Kylie’s Akshay-centric attitude to Bollywood, the film’s director Anthony D’Souza says, “Kylie is a big Bollywood buff. She’s She has done her homework. She has seen lots of our movies. And she’s a huge Akshay fan.She’s seen lots of his films. I think she was at the premiere of Chandni Chowk To China in London. The comfort level between them comes from the fact that Kylie knows Akshay’s work.”
She’s also able to match steps with her Bollywood co-stars.
Says Tony, “She gets the nuances perfectly correct. And she’s very intelligent.I’ve shot with her for a week and I’m bowled over by her professionalism.And she’s a fantastic performer.”
Kylie has no Hindi dialogues in Blue. But apparently she gets into a saree for a part of her song, though Tony isn’t telling.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
2 men from S'pore in Top 50 list for "Best Job in the World"
Two men from Singapore have made it to the top 50 candidates who are shortlisted for what is touted as the "Best Job in the World". They beat more than 34,000 applicants ranging from scientists, chefs and students from around the world.
The two Singaporeans will be up against each other and 48 others for the job of a caretaker of Hamilton Island on the Great Barrier Reef in a tourism promotion by the Queensland state government.
The successful candidate will be paid US$100,000 for six months to enjoy the sun, sea and sand and report his experiences via blogs, photos and video diaries.
For Greg Reynen, a teacher at the Singapore American School, the news that he was shortlisted was a timely birthday present as he has just turned 31.
He said: "I was at my computer and I couldn't believe it, I just screamed and I went running down the hallway. It's an amazing opportunity. It totally fits my personality and I get to go out, meet new people and interact with the locals and tourists. I also get to try new things and be adventurous."
For 24-year-old Jimmy Wong, a freelance diver and photographer, it was a total surprise as well.
He said: "At first, I was definitely in a state of shock, but after that I realised if you do something out of passion and the love for it, you can go far."
The judges were impressed with the duo's video clip submissions.
Leong Pik Yin, manager, Marketing Communications, Tourism Queensland, said: "They were quite creative and their applications were quite out of the box and they met all the five selection criteria." These include being proficient in English and IT savvy.
Tourism Queenland received about 224 applications from Singapore. Besides the two successful applicants from Singapore, two other regional applicants, from Malaysia and Indonesia, made the cut.
The 50 shortlisted applicants will be narrowed down to a final 10. An 11th applicant will be chosen by popular vote via a "wild card" round. You can go to this website to vote.
They will then fly to Hamilton Island in early May to take part in the final selection. The winner will be made known on May 6 and he or she will start work or play on July 1.
To me, the best job in the world is taken by Prataman!
The two Singaporeans will be up against each other and 48 others for the job of a caretaker of Hamilton Island on the Great Barrier Reef in a tourism promotion by the Queensland state government.
The successful candidate will be paid US$100,000 for six months to enjoy the sun, sea and sand and report his experiences via blogs, photos and video diaries.
For Greg Reynen, a teacher at the Singapore American School, the news that he was shortlisted was a timely birthday present as he has just turned 31.
He said: "I was at my computer and I couldn't believe it, I just screamed and I went running down the hallway. It's an amazing opportunity. It totally fits my personality and I get to go out, meet new people and interact with the locals and tourists. I also get to try new things and be adventurous."
For 24-year-old Jimmy Wong, a freelance diver and photographer, it was a total surprise as well.
He said: "At first, I was definitely in a state of shock, but after that I realised if you do something out of passion and the love for it, you can go far."
The judges were impressed with the duo's video clip submissions.
Leong Pik Yin, manager, Marketing Communications, Tourism Queensland, said: "They were quite creative and their applications were quite out of the box and they met all the five selection criteria." These include being proficient in English and IT savvy.
Tourism Queenland received about 224 applications from Singapore. Besides the two successful applicants from Singapore, two other regional applicants, from Malaysia and Indonesia, made the cut.
The 50 shortlisted applicants will be narrowed down to a final 10. An 11th applicant will be chosen by popular vote via a "wild card" round. You can go to this website to vote.
They will then fly to Hamilton Island in early May to take part in the final selection. The winner will be made known on May 6 and he or she will start work or play on July 1.
To me, the best job in the world is taken by Prataman!
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Paki Terror strikes Sri Lankan Cricket Team
Masked gunmen opened fire on the Sri Lankan cricket team's bus in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore on Tuesday, killing at least eight people and wounding six team members, police said.
Up to 12 gunmen attacked the team's convoy near the Gaddafi stadium with rockets, hand grenades and automatic weapons, triggering a 25-minute gunbattle with security forces, said Lahore policechief Habib-ur Rehman.
"They appeared to be well-trained terrorists," said Rehman.
A police official said that two civilians and six police officers who were guarding the players were killed in the attack, which happened as the team was heading for the third day's play in the second Test against Pakistan.
Television footage showed several gunmen creeping through trees, crouching to aim their weapons and then running onto the next target.
Crystals of broken glass littered the road next to a gun cartridge and an empty rocket-propelled grenade launcher. A police motorbike was shown crashed sideways into the road at the Liberty Chowk roundabout.
Bullet holes ripped through the windscreen of another vehicle and a white car was shown smashed headlong into the roundabout as nervous security officers guarded the site.
Pakistani officials gave no details about the fate of the gunmen who they said arrived at the scene in rickshaws.
Sri Lankan officials said six team members -- five players and a coach -- were wounded and that the team was immediately ending its tour of Pakistan.
Assistant coach Paul Farbrace and star batsman Thilan Samaraweera were kept in hospital although their injuries were not believed to be life-threatening, said Sri Lanka's Sports Minister Gamini Lokuge.
Captain Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, Tharanga Paranavithana and Ajantha Mendis suffered only minor injuries, he said.
Samaraweera is one of Sri Lanka's leading players and earlier this week became only the seventh batsmen in Test cricket to notch a double hundred in consecutive matches.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack but fears of attacks by Islamic militants linked to Al-Qaeda have caused many teams to postpone or cancel cricket tours to Pakistan in recent years.
The shooting also came as the Sri Lankan army pushed its final offensive against ethnic Tamil rebels in the north of the country in a civil war that has claimed tens of thousands of lives.
The brazen attack sent shockwaves through the world of cricket and immediately raised doubts about the 2011 World Cup which is due to take place in Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
"What has happened is very shocking indeed," said N. Srinivasan, secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
"We have been saying that there was a lack of security and safety in Pakistan. But this is not the time to give statements on that. At the moment our concerns are only for the Sri Lankan players," he told AFP.
Former Sri Lankan cricket coach Tom Moody said he was stunned.
"My thoughts and prayers are not only with my friends in the Sri Lankan cricket team, but with the families of everyone that has been killed or injured in today's attack," he said.
The attack cast another cloud over Pakistan cricket which has been reeling from a string of cancelled tours and tournaments.
Australia earlier this month forced Pakistan to change the venue of a one-day series to the neutral venues of Dubai and Abu Dhabi when the two sides meet in April-May this year over security fears.
Australia, who also played Pakistan in three Tests at the neutral venues of Colombo and Dubai in 2002, have not toured here since 1998.
India also refused to send its team across the border amid heightened tensions in the wake of attacks on the Indian city of Mumbai, which New Delhi blamed on militants based in Pakistan.
Last month, security concerns raised by other teams forced the ICC to move the 2009 Champions Trophy out of Pakistan.
The event was originally scheduled for last year but was put off after South Africa pulled out of the event and Australia, England and New Zealand showed a reluctance to tour because of fears about players' safety.
Cricket is just a game? Think again.
Up to 12 gunmen attacked the team's convoy near the Gaddafi stadium with rockets, hand grenades and automatic weapons, triggering a 25-minute gunbattle with security forces, said Lahore policechief Habib-ur Rehman.
"They appeared to be well-trained terrorists," said Rehman.
A police official said that two civilians and six police officers who were guarding the players were killed in the attack, which happened as the team was heading for the third day's play in the second Test against Pakistan.
Television footage showed several gunmen creeping through trees, crouching to aim their weapons and then running onto the next target.
Crystals of broken glass littered the road next to a gun cartridge and an empty rocket-propelled grenade launcher. A police motorbike was shown crashed sideways into the road at the Liberty Chowk roundabout.
Bullet holes ripped through the windscreen of another vehicle and a white car was shown smashed headlong into the roundabout as nervous security officers guarded the site.
Pakistani officials gave no details about the fate of the gunmen who they said arrived at the scene in rickshaws.
Sri Lankan officials said six team members -- five players and a coach -- were wounded and that the team was immediately ending its tour of Pakistan.
Assistant coach Paul Farbrace and star batsman Thilan Samaraweera were kept in hospital although their injuries were not believed to be life-threatening, said Sri Lanka's Sports Minister Gamini Lokuge.
Captain Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, Tharanga Paranavithana and Ajantha Mendis suffered only minor injuries, he said.
Samaraweera is one of Sri Lanka's leading players and earlier this week became only the seventh batsmen in Test cricket to notch a double hundred in consecutive matches.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack but fears of attacks by Islamic militants linked to Al-Qaeda have caused many teams to postpone or cancel cricket tours to Pakistan in recent years.
The shooting also came as the Sri Lankan army pushed its final offensive against ethnic Tamil rebels in the north of the country in a civil war that has claimed tens of thousands of lives.
The brazen attack sent shockwaves through the world of cricket and immediately raised doubts about the 2011 World Cup which is due to take place in Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
"What has happened is very shocking indeed," said N. Srinivasan, secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
"We have been saying that there was a lack of security and safety in Pakistan. But this is not the time to give statements on that. At the moment our concerns are only for the Sri Lankan players," he told AFP.
Former Sri Lankan cricket coach Tom Moody said he was stunned.
"My thoughts and prayers are not only with my friends in the Sri Lankan cricket team, but with the families of everyone that has been killed or injured in today's attack," he said.
The attack cast another cloud over Pakistan cricket which has been reeling from a string of cancelled tours and tournaments.
Australia earlier this month forced Pakistan to change the venue of a one-day series to the neutral venues of Dubai and Abu Dhabi when the two sides meet in April-May this year over security fears.
Australia, who also played Pakistan in three Tests at the neutral venues of Colombo and Dubai in 2002, have not toured here since 1998.
India also refused to send its team across the border amid heightened tensions in the wake of attacks on the Indian city of Mumbai, which New Delhi blamed on militants based in Pakistan.
Last month, security concerns raised by other teams forced the ICC to move the 2009 Champions Trophy out of Pakistan.
The event was originally scheduled for last year but was put off after South Africa pulled out of the event and Australia, England and New Zealand showed a reluctance to tour because of fears about players' safety.
Cricket is just a game? Think again.
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