The National

A new English language newspaper has arrived on news stands in the UAE. The National based in Abu Dhabi, is a broadsheet which has news, business, arts & culture, opinions and more.

One of the most refreshing things about this newspaper is that half of it is not taken up with advertisements. I have come to dislike that in other newspapers, as the amount of actual news one can read is greatly diminished by the huge number of ads adorning every page.

Another advantage is that Abu Dhabi is the main focus of this paper, even though other parts of the UAE are reported on, as are other areas in the Middle East and internationally. Most other daily newspapers are based in Dubai and it is from there most of the news is reported, interviews conducted etc.

The National has arrived in Abu Dhabi at a time when the subject of national identity is forefront in the minds of many government bodies. This newspaper has, since its first edition on April 17th, included articles such as: the life of bedouin tribes in the desert, a report on the national identity conference which took place a few days ago, a piece on 20 influential women in UAE society. An article in today's edition reported on the International Architects Conference held in the Exhibition Centre this week, at which there was a call for more Emirati architects to become involved in the design of buildings which are more in keeping with the culture and design sentiments of the region and the country.

The editor-in-chief is Martin Newland, former editor of the UK's Daily Telegraph newspaper. The business editor is former corporate finance editor of the Wall Street Journal and there are 200 other staff members, many of whom are from Europe, America, South Africa and Australia. This will hopefully provide a broad range of journalistic styles and topics of interest.

The National was launched by Abu Dhabi Media Company and is therefore funded by the government. Consequently, it is unlikely that total independence will be enjoyed by the journalists involved in this broadsheet. On the other hand, in an interview before the newspaper was launched, Martin Newland said he hoped that his team would be able to ask some pertinent questions and raise some issues which are important to residents. Present at the launch, showing his support for the initiative was Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed - a big seal of approval.

This is a newspaper that cannot be read in half an hour, which is always a good thing! Let's hope that lasts.

Jaywalkers fined

Accidents involving pedestrians is a growing problem on Abu Dhabi streets, mainly because people do not use the pedestrian crossings or underpasses provided. People argue that there are not enough of these, and this leads to misuse of the roads by pedestrians. However, on all major streets there is ample provision for pedestrians; it's just a matter of giving oneself those extra few minutes to walk to the traffic light.

Recently the police held a 'pedestrian safety campaign' which highlighted the problem. During this campaign, additional police patrols were placed in 'black spots' to ensure pedestrians crossed the streets only at designated points. In total, 3074 jaywalkers were fined for crossing at unauthorised places.

Considering the speed of some vehicles on our streets, this was a campaign which will hopefully highlight the dangers pedestrians place themselves in when they do not cross in the correct places. The campaign was widely supported by the media, both before and during the campaign, highlighting the problem to a wider audience. Hopefully this will have had a positive effect.

Smoke Free Malls?

Relaxing in the soft leather chair, my hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows warming my hands on this winter's evening (ok, I know it's 12 degrees outside, but that's cold in Abu Dhabi!), I'm ready to settle into the daily newspaper. It's peaceful in the coffee shop, I'm sitting alone and then - it happens.

Just as I'm inhaling the sweet, chocolate aroma of the delicious concoction in the huge mug, cigarette smoke wafts across the cafe and violates my space! Now, before I get jumped on by the cancer stick touting brigade; I don't mind if you smoke, I think you're perfectly entitled to do whatever you like to your health, and of course you have a right to a nice hot beverage the same as anybody else, and finally, yes I know - there isn't a sign that says you can't smoke. However, when I looked at the front page of the newspaper in front of me, a slow smile started to spread across my face.

According to the article in Gulf News today, a draft law is being discussed in Abu Dhabi at the moment, which will restrict smoking in shopping malls, possibly as soon as next month. Dubai introduced a ban at the end of 2007, and by all accounts, reports are positive.

Many countries have now 'bitten this bullet' and bans have, in general received favourable responses, despite initial reservations as to levels of success. If the UAE wants to be considered a health conscious holiday destination, this will be a definite plus in the holiday brochures.

Now, those of you who know how things work here will say that I can wipe that smirk off my face, as we all know how long things take when they are still in discussion stages. However, I'm hopeful of an early decision, especially as Dubai has already 'broken the back' on this one.

I'll keep you posted.