ABU DHABI // The UAE has lodged a letter of protest at the United Nations over the recent erecting of two marine offices by Iran on the disputed Abu Musa island.
The letter was delivered to the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in New York yesterday by the Charge d'Affaires of the UAE mission to the UN Anwar Othman Al-Barout, according to the state news agency, WAM.
It expresses the Government's "deep regret" over the Iranian action which it considers a "stark violation" of a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 1971 - the same year Abu Musa, together with the Greater and Lesser Tunbs islands, was seized by Iran.
"Iran's illegitimate actions on the Abu Musa Island violate the provisions of the memorandum and are a bid by Iran to change the legal status on the Island," the letter said.
"Although the memorandum does not give Iran sovereignty over the island or even parts of it, nor did it give Iran the right to take any security measures on it, Iran has been violating the provisions of the memorandum ever since 1980."
The letter calls on Tehran to revoke any actions that violate the 1971 agreement.
Iranian state television claimed on Aug 11 that the new buildings were a marine rescue centre and a registration office for ships and sailors. It had been nearly 10 years since Iran had carried out any significant construction work on Abu Musa.
Foreign ministers from the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) plan to discuss the Iranian occupation of the three islands in when they meet next week at their 108th ministerial session next Tuesday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Abdul Rahman al Attiya, the GCC secretary general, last week condemned Iran, telling Abu Dhabi TV that Tehran's failure to respond to the GCC's denunciation of construction activities on the island reflected an "absence of a constructive vision for neighbourly relations".
Last Saturday Iran broke a two-week silence over the issue, dismissing Mr Attiya's statement as "rude literature... under the pressure of big powers".
*WAM
What to watch out for:
Algae, waste coffee grounds and orange peels will be used in the pavilion's walls and gangways
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Several pillars more than 20 metres high will support the structure
Roughly 15 tonnes of steel will be used
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ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Swiss fly direct from the UAE to Zurich from Dh2,855 return, including taxes.
The chalet
Chalet N is currently open in winter only, between now and April 21. During the ski season, starting on December 11, a week’s rental costs from €210,000 (Dh898,431) per week for the whole property, which has 22 beds in total, across six suites, three double rooms and a children’s suite. The price includes all scheduled meals, a week’s ski pass, Wi-Fi, parking, transfers between Munich, Innsbruck or Zurich airports and one 50-minute massage per person. Private ski lessons cost from €360 (Dh1,541) per day. Halal food is available on request.
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COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
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If you go...
Flying
There is no simple way to get to Punta Arenas from the UAE, with flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi requiring at least two connections to reach this part of Patagonia. Flights start from about Dh6,250.
Touring
Chile Nativo offers the amended Los Dientes trek with expert guides and porters who are met in Puerto Williams on Isla Navarino. The trip starts and ends in Punta Arenas and lasts for six days in total. Prices start from Dh8,795.
