Dubai Amazing Building #76: Crescent Moon Tower

In response to the challenge to design a tall emblem structure for Za’abeel Park, one that should signify the modern face of Dubai, Transparence House chose a larger than life crescent shape that has a two-fold statement - The Crescent Moon Tower.

First it boldly identifies Dubai as part of the Islamic world, and second, because of the technical difficulty of building such a structure, it proclaims Dubai’s advanced level of technical and economic development.

The Crescent Moon Tower is designed to accommodate a children’s library, a conference facility, a restaurant, multiple cafes, and an open-air observation platform.

The Crescent Moon Tower is the architectural design project submitted to the 11th ThyssenKrup Elevator Architecture Award by the California-based firm Transparence House.

Photos courtesy of Architecture Linked.

Russell Peters Notorious 2012 World Tour in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

World-famous stand-up comedian Russell Peters is bringing his acts in the UAE. Part of his Notorious 2012 World Tour, Peters will be performing at Dubai World Trade Centre on March 20, Tuesday, and in Flash Forum in Abu Dhabi on March 22, Thursday.

One of his famous delivery is about Indians and Filipinos in Dubai, check it out:



Tickets are priced at AED250, AED350, AED450 and AED550 respectively. Check Thinkflash or Time Out Tickets to buy online. Part of his entourage are guest comedian Ruben Paul and hip-hop DJ Spinbad.

Check Uth Mag's Facebook Page for more updates and chance to win tickets.

How to Get a Liquor / Alcohol License in MMI Dubai

Yes. You need a liquor license to "safely" buy beers, wines, spirits and any alcohol from MMI - an authorized distributor in Dubai. As an Islamic country, UAE observes Sharia law which prohibits the buyinh and selling and consumption of alcohol.  But, being an 'open-country', since a huge ratio of UAE expats are non-Muslims, they implemented some policies to regulate it. You have to be in the following terms and conditions to become eligible:

• You must be non-Muslim 
• You must be over 21 years old
• You must earn in excess of AED 3,000 per month
• You must be a resident of Dubai and if your visa is stamped in another Emirate other than Dubai or if you are employed by a company in any of Dubai Free Zones you will require a NOC
• If you are self employed you will need to provide a copy of your Trade Licence.

Here's how to apply for a new liquor license:

1. Collect an application form from any MMI outlets (see below)
2. Complete the application form and get it stamped and signed by your employer
3. Attach copies of:
• Passport, residence visa and passport photo (for you and your spouse)
• Tenancy contract or NOC from your landlord
• Labour contract (issued by Ministry of Labour OR Salary Certificate if you work on a Free Zone (issued by the Free Zone authority)
4. Visit MMI to submit your application form and documents together with AED 160 municipality fee.

You will be contacted the moment your license is ready.

For license renewal, complete the application form and get it stamped and signed by your employer then submit this with a copy of your Tenancy Contract.  If your employer and visa hasn’t changed no other documents will be required.

MMI has 12 shops conveniently located across Dubai. Each shop is well stocked with the world’s favourite brands and every month there are a variety of special offer. Click here to view MMI locations across Dubai.

There are incentives and rewards along with liquor license applications in MMI, check it out.

5 Videos of Some Horrible Sandstorms in the Middle East

Wiki: Dust or sand storms arise when a gust front or other strong wind blows loose sand and dirt from a dry surface. Particles are transported by saltation and suspension, causing soil to move from one place and deposition in another.

As the force of wind passing over loosely held particles increases, particles of sand first start to vibrate, then to saltate ("leap"). As they repeatedly strike the ground, they loosen and break off smaller particles of dust which then begin to travel in suspension. At wind speeds above that which causes the smallest to suspend, there will be a population of dust grains moving by a range of mechanisms: suspension, saltation and creep.

Here are 5 Horrible Sandstorms in some Middle East Countries:

1. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia


2. Syria


3. Kuwait


4. Al Asad, Iraq


5. Dubai, UAE