Discover the coolest events, fashion, food and lifestyle in Abu Dhabi

1-15 SEPTEMBER 2010
FREE ISSUE
ENTERTAINMENT I FOOD I FASHION I LIFESTYLE I ARTS

THE COOLEST MAGAZINE IN THE UAE NOW WITH MOBILE TAGS

JUMA ABDULLAH
PRESENTS:

MYTIME
CAPSULE
“MY SPACE. MY WAY. MY LIFE.”

CONTENTS
VOLUME16 | SEPTEMBER | 2010

FROM THE EDITOR
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
ENTERTAINMENT
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 4 USPACE
try to break away for a bit, and experience the magic of Ramadan after Iftar. 6 WHAT’S HOT
Speaking of good deeds, if ever there was a cause deserving our collective 8 BEAT WITH SITH
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 10 VIEW POINT
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 11 TECH TALK
local charities.
To celebrate youthful expressions, we launch “Time Capsule” as a regular feature FASHION
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 12 TRENDSETTER
send us your own “Time Capsule” . 13 MY STYLE BLUEPRINT
Peace, prayers, and generosity.
FOOD
14 CITY BITES
editorial@abudhabitempo.com
LIFESTYLE
EDITOR MAGAZINE/WEB DESIGNER EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS 15 MOVIE WATCH
SANA BAGERSH RIZWAN PERVAIZ MAXINE GUARNIERI
19 MY ABU DHABI
RANDY PARKER
FEATURES EDITOR MARKETING COORDINATOR
MANJUL ABHISHEK VENITA SUBRAMANIAM 20 TIME CAPSULE
ALMA KADRAGIC
SIMONE MORGAN
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR 22 MAKING A DIFFERENCE
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR NOORI PASSELA
RIZWANA SHAHID
SITHARA SETHUMADHAVAN 23 RAISING THE BAR
24 TAMAKKAN
26 PEOPLE METER
ADDRESS 27 SOCIAL NET
To reach editorial at Abu Dhabi Tempo email: editorial@abudhabitempo.com
If you need to find out where you can pick up your copy call: 02 6673349 or check out the list of
Tempo distribution points on our website.
ARTS
NOTE TO ADVERTISERS: Advertisers can request brand tagging with all advertisements. To reach 28 ARTICULATE
advertising call 02 6673349 or email: advertising@abudhabitempo.com
29 YANK IN SANDLAND
DISCLAIMER: 30 CLASSIFIEDS
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 31 FUN PAGE
errors, mistakes and inaccuracies. The publisher reserves the rights of this product and no part
of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the permission of
the publisher.
Published by:

MEDIA LICENCE NO. 1/105866/24295

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3

Dear ed,
SPACE fountain and I think it will be great if the
FREE ISS

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of your
city
ENTERTA
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I FASHIO
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magazine from the mall and I really Maya V
like the stuff you guys are doing. I was JONES

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thinking if you can include bus routes IN ABU

OBILE
DHABI
in your centre page, it will be useful Dear ed,

WITH M
for people like me who are new to the I am a 16 year old. Can you run a story on

NOW
capital. different career options for youngsters? I

E UAE
Cheers! like your cool style and funky designs.

E IN TH
Erika K Love you guys.

IN
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IN THE WALKING
CAPITAL CANAD
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Dear ed,
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Express your thoughts and views. Email us: ABU RDING

THE CO
p.9
DHAB
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editorial@abudhabitempo.com
My father was flipping through your
p.26

magazine and was very impressed Errata. The wonderful story about the
reading about the Volcano fountain skateboarder in our last issue was penned by Kulsoom Zakir.
initiative. I have vague memories of the

saY Global Village
By VK Kapoor

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!

TWITTER QUOTES
Suparna Mathur HolidayInnAUH @linavasili I saw Beandssidous awesome! mobile
@abudhabitempo My family & the feature in @AbuDhabiTempo tags from @AbuDhabiTempo
I loved the story on getting the can’t wait to go to Jones The finally works on my phone!
Volcano fountain back in #Abu Grocer, there website looks so yaaaay! cool experience. -wink-
Dhabi - have fond memories nice as well
there, def a landmark!

4 Tempo September 1, 2010

Eid Mubarak The festival of joy!
by Sithara Sethumadhavan

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.

Tempo: Eid wishes for anyone Eid Mubarak to everyone. Let us
through Tempo? celebrate peace, and brotherhood.
Eid Mubarak to all my muslim brothers
and sisters. Keep spreading love, joy and
happiness.

Shaima Saleh, Yemeni
Tempo: Your fondest memory of Eid? Barsha Shaikh, Bangladeshi
I look forward to Eid and receiving Tempo:Your fondest memory of Eid?
eidiyas. I make sure that I collect the
maximum amount of money from my Eid is always special. My mom lives far
Aadersh S K, Indian
father and uncles on these days. away now and we will be missing her
Tempo: Your fondest memory of Eid? this Eid. She will be fondly missed and
Tempo: Tell us how a typical Eid day all the Eids that I have had with her
would be for you. When I was a kid, Eid was joyous
would be my fond memories.
because of the long holidays that we
I wake up to the smell of bukhoor and had. But today Eid is more than that. It Tempo:Tell us how a typical Eid day
the delicious aroma of the breakfast. My is all about joining my friends in their would be for you.
grandmother would be busy all day in celebrations.
the kitchen preparing the Eid snacks. My day would begin with texting
Usually there would be guests pouring Tempo: Tell us how a typical Eid day everyone Eid Mubarak and making
in the morning and it is very busy and would be for you. plans. We would have a lot of outings
cheerful all day. relishing sweets.
An Eid day is unlike other holidays,
I make it a point to spend a lot of quality because my day begins early as I visit Tempo:Eid wishes for anyone
time with family and friends and have my friends’ place. Even at home, my through Tempo?
fun. The highlight of these three days is mom gets into the mood and cooks
May all be guided by their faith in Allah
the vast Arabic spread that is prepared amazing biryani.
and shine in his divine blessings. Eid
for lunch. The flavours remain till the Tempo: Eid wishes for anyone Mubarak!
next Eid. through Tempo.

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My typical weekend is: In last issue Tempo asked:
A. at the mall and cinema Do you think the age eligibility to
start driving should be 16 years?
B. at work Visit Abu Dhabi
Tempo’s website
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Yes: 23% No: 77%
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5

What’sHOT
RAMADAN & EID 2010
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

TIESTO LIVE IN CONCERT!
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 sithara@abudhabitempo.com).

Venue: ADNEC


RAMADAN ART BAZAAR
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

FAMILY WORKSHOP
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

PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION
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

7

Beat withSITH
By Sithara Sethumadhavan

GOOGOOSH
A STAR YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW!
Googoosh, who will be performing live in Abu Dhabi She grew to mark her stamp alongside established Farsi
says, “It is such an honour for me to perform in the UAE musicians in the industry such as Ghazal, Delkash, Elaheh
capital for the first time, I am thrilled that after so long I and others. “Ghesseyeh Vafa” the first of her compositions
,
will finally get to sing for my Abu Dhabi fans” . kick started her musical career and made her a household
name throughout the 60’s.
Music is enough for a lifetime, but a lifetime is not enough
for music, or so they say. Meet Googoosh and you will say This music maestro who is famous beyond the borders of
the same. Faegheh Atashin aka Googoosh is among one of her country, has sung duets with artists such as Ray Charles,
the most celebrated music artists in the Middle East who Tina Turner, Charles Aznavour, and Silvy Vartan. She has
has stayed at the top of her game for the past five decades. performed at international music festivals in France and
Tunisia and had month- long sell out run in Paris. Googoosh
Googoosh was born to Iranian parents and entered the also holds credit to being the only Iranian musician signed
entertainment world as a child artist. Her natural talent for to European record companies Barclay of France and RCA
singing and dancing drew enthusiastic crowd, and she has of Italy.
had a solid, almost cult-like following ever since.
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.

“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

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

Famous Googoosh Songs

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

Famous Googoosh Movies

• Bita
• Honeymoon
• Hamsafar
• Mamal Amricayi
ticketingboxoffice.com • 3 Crazies


ViewPoint
IT'S EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO MAKE A LIFESTYLE CHANGE
by Simone Morgan • Photo by David Thompson

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.


TechTalk

GOOGLE WAVES GOODBYE TO WAVE
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.

YOUR CAR WILL FLY! SOLAR POWERED
LAPTOP CHARGERS
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
Dreams are coming true, come 2011 and the world’s sun’s power, using
flying car is going to be launched. The Flying Car is solar technology.
being developed by Terrafugia, a firm founded in
Woburn, Massachusetts. The solar powered charger was first launched by
NRG Dock and created a 15 watt panel that converts
According to the company’s spokesperson, it will not enough power to run a standard laptop for a few
be easy to drive the car with wings. The requirements hours. As of now, three companies have launched a
for this vehicle is a runway for landing and take- off. limited version of these chargers and are planning on
The car which is planned to fly under a height of a large scale launch by 2011.
10,000 feet can also fly in bad weather conditions .
The solar powered laptop charger is an eco-friendly
The flying car is set to be priced at $ 194,000 and will option for charging a laptop. This will effectively
have a radio, transponder and plane parachute. The charge a laptop in about 10 hours but can also extend
company has started booking and received 70 orders the life of your laptop battery while using the unit on
for this wonder car. I definitely see myself in one of charge. With all this solar energy in the UAE, this one
these at rush hour on Hamdan! feels like a sure bet!

11

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My Style BLUEPRINT
Tempo spots fashionable
and smart dressers around
Age:
the ecity.
:
Namnna
Susa : 40
on ality an
Nati th Kore
Sou
Onyxo
Dh 574

Rolex
Dh 23,932 (!!!?)

Prada
What do you do? Dh 2872
I have the toughest
job. I am a home
maker.
Your most valued
fashion possessions?
My hand bags. Oasis
Dh 300
The one thing I regret
buying:
I must say handbags
again. I have a
huge collection of
expensive bags and at
a time can carry just OUR FASHION
one. EXPERT SAYS:
The one thing I dream
of buying: Nothing says class
A nice big car. like black. Here you
have a style that
Style inspiration: Shoes exudes elegance,
Simple and elegant Dh 144 sophistication and
ladies.
poise. But...orange
My style philosophy: nail polish (???!!!)
Comfortable clothing.
Confidence will follow.

13

City Bites
by Sithara Sethumadhavan

DOME
A 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.
,

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

INDIA PALACE
Spicy 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.


MyABU DHABI
By 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.

With the growing staple of articles on the quickening of the island to life. It is an attempt to show the thinking,
pace of development in Abu Dhabi, residents and guests ideas, challenges and inspiration behind one of the most
alike must often wonder about the mysterious planning remarkable projects of our time.
behind Saadiyat Island. And so, against a backdrop
of arid heat and desert sand, the Manarat Al Saadiyat We went through all the chapters, completely awed
unravels the full story. by the sheer magnitude of what may soon come into
existence in the next few years. When we headed back
The building cuts quite an interesting figure, even for to the entrance the lobby did appear as cavernous as
those driving by at 150 kms per hour. The beige-coloured before, but an inspirational portal into the transformative
building, almost the same shade and texture of the ideas we’d just left behind. Truly history is in the making.
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
Five reasons to visit
curious tourists and residents into the vision behind the
Manarat Al Saadiyat:
stories they have seen and heard in news snippets and
gossip from local grapevines. Tempo has visited Manarat 1. Discover the story of Abu Dhabi: from tiny
Al Saadiyat, and can unequivocally recommend it as a coastal oasis to a cosmopolitan city.
place to get all the records set straight.
2. Learn how Sadiyat is leading the way in
Literally translating as ‘lighthouse’ or ‘a place that conservation technologies and philosophy.
provides enlightenment’, Manarat Al Saadiyat seems
cavernous on entering yet still manages to live up to its 3. A striking and immersive audio-visual
title in many more ways than one. Our tour begins with experience.
the first of nine chapters narrating the chain of events
4. Seven diverse districts, one destination.
inspired by the farseeing vision of His Highness the late
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan. 5. It’s the future of Abu Dhabi, so see it before it
happens!
The nine chapters are an experience in totality; a journey
through an interactive experience that brings the future

19

MY SPACE
MY WAY
MY LIFE


Tempo readers: put on your creative caps and send us your own ‘Time Capsule” to: editorial@abudhabitempo.com
21

Making a
Difference
NIZAR - CLIMBER FOR CANCER
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.

“I contacted the King Hussein of 60 km up the mountain. The
Cancer Center in Jordan and climb up Mt. Kilimanjaro does
informed them of my plan. I asked not technically require ropes and
them to help me choose their most safety harnesses. However, the real
needy pediatric patients in their challenge facing Nizar will be the
care to support. That’s how I came lower levels of oxygen as he goes
to know about Ayham and Laween” . higher up the altitude. Nizar has
Nizar who visited the children in been preparing for his climb for the
hospital during the month of June past four months. His preparation
was terribly moved and became combined nutrition, exercise and
even more determined to complete adequate rest.
the challenge.
Nizar is funding his entire trip
Nizar Fakhoury “Ayham is a three year old boy from personally with flights, equipment
Gaza. He was diagnosed earlier this and hiking expenses in order to
Nizar, a 29 year old Lebanese who year with a malignant tumor in his ensure that all private donations
has been in the UAE for five years abdomen. The cancer spread to made,can be used for the
and works for Nestle, describes his bones, and he must undergo treatment of Ayham and Laween.
himself as a complete nature buff. chemotherapy, surgery, and a bone
marrow transplant. Laween is a As of now Nizar is spreading the
“Travelling around the world is beautiful one year old boy from word through the Climb for Cancer
my biggest passion and most of Iraq who suffers from Leukemia. As website and social media websites
my trips revolve around exploring a baby he was always in and out Facebook and Twitter.
nature and the outdoors” he says.
, of hospitals. They are such sweet
children and they don’t deserve to “It is heart breaking to receive
Indeed, come the month of be victims of this merciless disease. messages from people saying
September and Nizar will be Unfortunately the families of they wish to have joined the climb
climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, the Ayham and Laween are unable to but cannot as they too are cancer
highest free-standing mountain financially support the treatment of patients themselves.
in the world. But unlike other their children, which is where Climb
climbers, Nizar is on a mission for Cancer comes in” .
of mercy: he is climbing to raise
awareness about two young cancer Nizar’s climb is planned for seven To support visit:
patients from Iraq and Palestine. days: he will be hiking an average
of six to eight hours per day, climbforcancer.org
“Once I decided on the climb, covering an estimated distance
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.

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 editorial@abudhabitempo.com

Raising the
By Venita Subramaniam
Bar
The Nabit Girl!
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
Venita: Danielle tell us a little about yourself. write the copy for all the deals, so whenever you’re
reading the deal descriptions, it’s what I’ve written.
Danielle: I did my schooling in Abu Dhabi and went to
university in Boston. After working with an advertising Venita: What deals do you usually focus on?
agency for a few years I moved back to Abu Dhabi.
I was about to accept a job at an advertising agency Danielle: We run a variety so there is something
here, until I saw a job posting on Bayt.com for a for everyone. For example, we’ve had yoga classes,
Community Manager for GoNabit. When I read it I had restaurants, beauty salons, and summer camps as past
a gut feeling that this was my dream job. The way the Nabits. We don’t want to run deals that focus only on
job description was written made it sound exciting, certain people. We want to keep as many people as
young, and fun. possible happy.

I read the job posting at 2 am and I tried to go to sleep Venita: What is the favorite part of your job?
afterwards, but I was so excited, I couldn’t. My mind
was buzzing trying to think of ways to stand out when Danielle: I go out and try so many new things. I go
I send my CV. to places where I wouldn’t otherwise. I am getting to
meet so many people through my job and to discover
Since a big part of the job involved social media, I parts of Abu Dhabi that I didn’t even know existed.
created a Facebook group to get Dan Stuart’s (CEO)
attention. The idea behind it was I wanted to show him Venita: How effective is social media in Abu Dhabi?
I could create buzz online, and I promised I’d have 500
followers within a week. So I emailed everyone I knew, Danielle: At the moment Facebook seems to be the
messaged all my friends on Facebook asking them to most popular, and businesses have caught on to
ask their friends to join too. It was cool because I had that, because now it’s almost impossible not to find
random strangers writing and wishing me luck and businesses with Facebook pages. It’s really important
everyone was so supportive. I had 500 followers in for a business because not only are you creating an
three days. And I got the interview! online presence, but it’s essential to connect to your
customers, and have conversations with them. Twitter
Venita : Would it have bothered you if after is still picking up in Abu Dhabi, but there are more
promoting yourself through facebook, you didn’t people joining every day, and I think we’ll reach the
get the job? same level of Tweeps in Dubai soon.

23

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.
Tempo: Why did you decide to start Switch? made with high standard of quality and cooked with love by
South Africa’s best chefs.
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 Tempo: How many employees do you have?
the result of the future depends on the present. I always ask
Deem: The Switch team has 25 members, 20 work on the floor
myself, when will we stop consuming and start producing?
and kitchen, and five are behind the scenes.
When will we stop wearing what they create and start
creating what we wear? How are we building a NATION if the Tempo: Who are the investors in Switch?
simplest things in life are made by others and bought by us?
That is my inspiration- my starting line. Deem: Al-Bassam Group is our investor. Al-Bassam is one of
the leading companies in Saudi Arabia and in the other Gulf
Tempo: What is the Switch concept? States with a range of activities.
Deem: Switch is a food and design icon and a mixture of Arab Tempo: You say there is money in the UAE for investment.
and western culture, a very futuristic and modern space which What does a person have to do to get money for a project?
is created locally; we serve international cuisine to visiting
guests who will have the chance to experience a 21st century Deem: A great idea, a clear plan will lead you to the right
creation. The colors of Switch give you a very positive energy, investors.
and the typography in the ceiling gives the Arabic identity to Tempo: What is your advice for young people who might
the brand. The walls are shaped like the letter ‫ س‬which is S like to start a business?
in Arabic. Every element in Switch has a story that will switch
you! Deem: Find your starting point, discover your passion, learn
and read more, talk to people. Be inspired by the least things
Tempo: The design and look of Switch are unique. in life. Be brave to say it loud, and if someone tells you you’re
What is the food like? crazy, know that you are doing the right thing.
Deem: We have created an international fusion cuisine; dishes Tempo: Anything else you want to say?
are taken back to their basic ingredients. In the Switch kitchen
we have created signature dishes like Arabian burger, Pink Deem: Never give up. Nelson Mandela said, “The greatest
pasta, Nutella pudding and many more. Our food is freshly glory lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”

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 rizwana@brandmoxie.com.


PeopleMeter
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.

Jithin Thaj
Nationality: India
Time in Abu Dhabi: 5 years
Other places lived: India
What brought you here? How has living here changed
you?
A good job opportunity and the
attractive dirhams to Indian rupee The city taught me time
conversion rate got me here management and personally I
(approx Dh 1= 13 INR). have become more humble and
good with my interpersonal skills. I
What were your first
still wonder about what it is that is
impressions of this city?
influencing all this change.
QUICK HITS It is clean, and I couldn’t believe
If Abu Dhabi were a coffee, what
Shawarma or falafel? Spicy Shawarma
that this place was all desert once.
kind would it be?
Beaches or sand dunes? Beaches
Where can we find you hanging
A cappuccino without sugar.
out?
Dates or chocolates? Chocolates Any advice to a new arrival?
<secret> to be revealed soon. I
Do you speak Arabic? No (I have tried) don’t want to be tracked down by “Learn to find happiness in the
my parents. smallest things of life…Otherwise
it will kill you everyday. It’s true
everywhere, but especially in
Abu Dhabi” .

Ryan-Elner Melliza
Nationality: Philippines
Time in Abu Dhabi: 5 years
Other places lived: The cities of Makati, Cebu, and Cagayan de Oro

What brought you here? If Abu Dhabi were a coffee, what
kind would it be?
My job got me here.
Mocha Frapuccino
What were your first
impressions of this city? Any advice to a new arrival?
It’s neat and extremely safe Be physically prepared for the
extremely hot summers and cool
Where can we find you hanging
QUICK HITS winters
out?
Shawarma or falafel? Shawarma
Malls and church
Beaches or sand dunes? Beaches
How has living here changed
Dates or chocolates? Chocolates you?
Do you speak Arabic? No Living in this city has generally
made my life less stressful and
happier.


SocialNet
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.

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: Hi Aaron, please introduce yourself to the Tempo Tempo: If you couldn’t blog, how different life would
readers. have been?

Aaron: I’m originally from Milwaukee. I left the US right Aaron: Well, a Canadian friend of mine who lives in Japan
after University and traveled around for a while before was trying to get me to do a podcast!
ending up in Japan. I was teaching English there, and then
shifted to Abu Dhabi where I teach math. I live here with Tempo: What is, and has been, your greatest inspiration in
my wife and kids and we are having a great time here. the capital to write?

Tempo: Tell us something about the Aaron that we Aaron: I've found that with so much to do here and so
don’t know. many cultural differences from the places I've lived, I really
felt the need to get my ideas out. With all of the events
Aaron: Since I’ve been here, I’ve hooked up with a few going on like WOMAD and the Red Bull Air Race, along
people who are serious about cycling and triathlons. I’ve with activities unique to this region like camel races and
been doing a lot of training and even go out for a 100 desert camping I wanted to give people a feel for what it
kilometer bike ride with friends every Friday morning. I’m was to live here. I also like to include things like getting
always seeking out new things to do with my family in a driver's license and national ID to remind people that it
the capital. is a city like any other...or to give advice to people living
here about these processes. Initially it was meant as a way
Tempo: And how did Abu Dhabi A-Z happen? 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
Aaron: The blog started out as a way to keep friends and from strangers.
family updated on what was going on in my life in Abu
Dhabi. It was fun writing about the strange and wonderful Tempo: What is that we can expect to read on your blog?
things that were going on as well as being a good way
to vent about some of the frustrating things that were Aaron: I like to think it’s fairly light reading. The blog has
happening. Now, I find that the blog has been a motivator a slightly sarcastic slant with a bit of self-deprecating
for me to go out and do things. I need something to write humour. I try not get too personal, but give readers a feel
about so I always have to be on the lookout for for what living here is like through my news stories and
new things. my own personal experiences.

Tempo: Many say that Abu Dhabi is boring and nothing
much happens in this city. As a writer, do you agree? Read Aaron's blog:

Do you have a blog or a social media site? ( Facebook, twitter etc or photographs you want to share with us)
tell us: editorial@abudhabitempo.com
27

Art-ICULATE
By Maxine Guarnier

RANA’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” “I am still a budding artist. I don’t limit myself
she smiles and adds, “But when it came to my art work, I to a particular style. I am still experimenting in
was timid about how people will receive it.” contemporary, modern and various forms to
understand art on the whole,” says Rana.
From a very young age Rana believed that art should
be direct and comprehendible. “I have heard people Rana considers Khalil Gibran, the famous Lebanese-
say good art must have a straight interpretation and I American author painter as her guru. “Khalil’s works has
was scared that people would not be able to derive a personality, and that’s what I am also trying to achieve
meaning from my work.” in my work.

Abu Dhabi cast its magic on her. “The city is vibrant and “Some of my works, especially ‘The two human bodies
multi-cultured. Many artists here, without much formal without a face’ has a deeper meaning. Anyone can
training, produce wonderful pieces and are warmly relate to it and I feel that connection is vital. If I don’t
received. This is because Abu Dhabi is very embracing get my viewers involved in my piece, or if I am unable
of artists.” to induce a thought train, then the purpose of art is
lost” says Rana.
,
Rana began her art journey. The first step she took was
to send a copy of her works to a leading art gallery in “To enjoy art, to do art... you need to realize the
town. From then on there was no looking back, and technique that you are comfortable in and then your
today Rana’s works receive coverage in local media and imagination will do the magic!”
she has become a regular in respected local exhibitions.


Yank insandland
by Randy Parker

Summer Break
In the last issue, I complained about the Abu Dhabi green mountains that were visible in every direction and a
summer season and how dealing with it cramps my welcoming change from the endless tawny sand scenery
lifestyle. I don’t enjoy running from one air-conditioned we have here in the desert.
space to another. Although I can’t change the weather, I
can fortunately change where I experience it, if only for a We explored the Annecy area for the next few days.
few days. Annecy, a medium sized town situated on Lac Annecy is
a tourist destination and has a well preserved downtown
I have a friend who lives in the Alpine region of southwest with several buildings from the medieval times. It’s a very
France and a phone call confirmed her availability to show tranquil and beautiful place and is in the running as a
me around the community of Annecy which is located venue for the 2018 Winter Olympics. Outdoor activities
about 35 km south of Geneva. I really looked forward to abound and I actually went tandem parasailing!
the cool temperatures and fresh, clear mountain air. I was
not to be disappointed. 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
My flight left Abu Dhabi at 2:20 am (ugh!) but a few hours Dhabi terminal, but the break in more temperate climes
later I was on the ground in Geneva. My friend met me did me good. In a few more months, France will be cold
and we were on our way to France. I was impressed with and Abu Dhabi will be just right!

29

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tempofunpage
SUDOKU 14 STRANGE FACTS
THE SADDEST SONG EVER KNOWN
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.>

FUNNYQUOTES
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
SUDOKU14 upon.
ANSWER Napoleon Bonaparte

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

REACH FOR THE STARS
Aries (March 21- April 19) Leo (July 23- August 22) Sagittarius (November 22- December 21)
It is preferable to be aware of your pioneering Egotism, to the extent that you may be the Be sure that you have a ‘product’ to match all
spirit and not disregard it. For acknowledging Leo who thinks no one is quite as good at the ‘advertising’ you do. Is it fact or is it fiction?
it, you not only enjoy life more, but you avoid things as you are and the people around you Don’t feel lost and disillusioned.
being pushed around by others. are made to feel small through your habit of
Capricorn (December 22- January 19)
comparison.
Taurus (April 20- May 20)
This is going to be your lucky month. You will
Virgo (August 23- September 22)
Physical things start loosing their appeal, and gain in terms of money, beauty and success.
you feel more and more out of touch with Finding yourself frequently alone and unable There will be travel opportunities, however be
the world around you. You stop caring about to keep friends for more than a few weeks. Try careful on the domestic differences that may
money and will focus on your inner harmony. not to be too argumentative. come up.

Gemini (May 21- June 20) Libra (September 23- October 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18)

You could have health problems brought Try not to pretend feelings you do not have You should practice expressing your
on by overindulgence of food, drink, or the and find a way to back gracefully out of a humanity by accepting people the way they
night life which only gets worse as you age. are and not find too much fault in them. You
superficial relationship; look before you leap.
Tame your urges and save the party times for seem to become physically ill more than you
weekends only and then try not to overdo it. Scorpio (October 23- November 21) should.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) If you feel persecuted and put upon you will Pisces (February 19- March 20)
express it in conversation, this causes people You must come out of yourself and open up
You can be oversensitive and something of a
to be ‘turned off’ of you so try to change your to those around you, you have the power to
clinging vine which may cause you to harbor
attitude or, guard what you say. inspire others making you an important part
imaginary hurts and slights, this can make
for highly unsettling conditions with your of the human race; take your rightful place.
partner.

Please recycle this magazine: locations include Spinneys, Al Mamoura Building and behind Riyada Clinic. 31

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