This post cannot be re-published or re-printed without the consent of the owner. The information is provided solely for the purpose of public and safety and cannot be treated as a means to alter violations. Please respect the UAE traffic law and abide by it.

The traffic violations in Dubai and other emirates has seen a rise in the past few years. People from different traffic backgrounds with a different opinion and traffic habit drive here. This means there should come a day when the authorities have to take a stand against violators and safeguard the other drivers from falling into the pit-hole of death. Throughout the UAE, a total of 2,056 people died in road accidents between January and June, an increase of 20 per cent on the previous year. And just in Dubai a total of 1,314 accidents occurred between January and June.

Looking at the growing rates of traffic congestion and road rage in the UAE, the government has decided to implement harsh traffic laws on anyone who does not abide by the rules (I should know better :)). They have re-stated the traffic laws, fines and introduced the “Black Points System“. Though after the new traffic law being passed in Dubai, the accident rates have gone down, and the fines issued were sufficient to build an Atlantis on Honolulu. The most scary part of this entire scenario are the new radars installed (see picture below)

Looks familiar ? Well this would be the dreaded “Laser Radar” or simply called the LIDAR (Light Detection And Ranging). In comparison with the ancient “Photo Radar” the laser radar is like it’s big brother on steroids.

Here’s a little overview on how a traditional radar works, so you get an idea.

Radar is the use of radio waves to detect and monitor various objects. The simplest function of radar is to tell you how far away an object is. To do this, the radar device emits a concentrated radio wave and listens for any echo. If there is an object in the path of the radio wave, it will reflect some of the electromagnetic energy, and the radio wave will bounce back to the radar device. Radio waves move through the air at a constant speed (the speed of light), so the radar device can calculate how far away the object is based on how long it takes the radio signal to return.

Radar can also be used to measure the speed of an object, due to a phenomenon called Doppler shift. Like sound waves, radio waves have a certain frequency, the number of oscillations per unit of time. When the radar and the car are both standing still, the echo will have the same wave frequency as the original signal. Each part of the signal is reflected when it reaches the car, mirroring the original signal exactly. But when the car is moving, each part of the radio signal is reflected at a different point in space, which changes the wave pattern.

Now since we have an idea on how the traditional radar works, lets see how the LIDAR works.

Laser (or lidar, for light detection and ranging) Radars use a more direct method that relies on the reflection time of light rather than Doppler shift. The Doppler shift method is no quiet reliable as sound travels at something like 1,000 feet (300 meters) per second, so it creates a very apparent round-trip time for the sound.

A laser radar measures the round-trip time for light to reach a car and reflect back. Light from a laser radar moves a lot faster than sound — about 984,000,000 feet per second (300,000,000 meters), or roughly 1 foot (30 cm) per nanosecond. A laser radar shoots a very short burst of infrared laser light and then waits for it to reflect off the vehicle. The gun counts the number of nanoseconds it takes for the round trip, and by dividing by 2 it can calculate the distance to the car. If the gun takes 1,000 samples per second, it can compare the change in distance between samples and calculate the speed of the car. By taking several hundred samples over the course of a third of a second or so, the accuracy can be very high.

The advantage of a laser radar is that the size of the “cone” of light that the radar emits is very small, even at a range like 1,000 feet (300 meters). The cone at this distance might be 3 feet (1 meter) in diameter. This allows the radar to target a specific vehicle. The disadvantage is that the radar has to be properly aimed at the road/vehicle

Since the comparison between the two radars is clear, lets see the new radars that have been installed. They are called the Speed Safety System (SSS), by a Swedish company called Sensys. These are the latest in traffic control technology and possess a high rate of detection, say 99.99% ? The 1% is due to climate and road conditions. So now you might see how serious the Dubai Police is ?

Each of these units, by estimate cost around 100,000 - 250,000 Dhs (please do correct me if i am wrong). So when you say that the government earns the money from your fines, they are actually using it to keep the roads safe. I am scared and angry as much as you are, so don’t get me wrong, but to think that your life could end in just 5 seconds of a disastrous collision because some inexperienced driver was traveling at the speed of 220 Km/hr on emirates road, is just something to reconsider and think about.

The SSS operates from the side of the road, tracking traffic for speed and distance. For stationary use, the system is installed in a cabinet mounted on a pole. The cabinets are made for all weather conditions. Tracking starts at 150 - 200 meters and vehicles exceeding the speed limit, triggers the system at a set report line. A picture is taken of the violating vehicle and stored with time, date, speed and location embedded in the file.

Properties

• High-resolution digital images
• Continuous speed verification by applying two independent methods
• Number plate and/or driver identification
• Secure remote communication and setup
• Local storage capacity of up to 400,000 images (optional)
• Provides information about time, date, location, vehicle speed, speed limit
• Supports front or rear photography, or both simultaneously
• Non-intrusive technology, no devices buried in the road surface
• Uses Sensys’ unique multi-tracking radar RS240
• Tracks and measures each vehicle more than 20 times per second
• Triggers at an adjustable speed limit and report line
• Scheduled functionality (only enforced during specified hours and days)
• Possible to take one or two images of the offense

Some of the few options mentioned

• The alarm becomes activated should someone try to sabotage or break into the cabinet. Units that may be connected to the alarm system include door switches, tilt and vibration
  sensor, smoke/fire detector and voltage sensor.
• A video sequence is added to the evidence package as supplementary evidence to the high-resolution still image.
• The incident detection system transmits an alarm should the traffic flow change, such as when a queue forms in a lane. It also detects vehicles stopping on the hard shoulder, and will notify the traffic control room.
• The unique feature of Sensys’ radar of being able to discern distance is used to detect a vehicle passing the stop bar during the red-light phase.

So basically, you cannot fool or avoid the system, which in a way is good. But the traffic congestion problems keep growing and road rage becomes our only option. Hopefully Dubai police would deploy more officers on important roads over the emirates to heavily fine violators who cut through lanes, block traffic and drive on through the hard shoulder. Want to avoid getting snapped by these babies ? Then read on …

• Avoid driving fast & break up near radar points, It will track you approx. 150 m to 200m away.
• Avoid boosting the speed after the radar points, it will track the average distance between two control points ( two nearest radars)
• Please follow the rules while line changing, Can be tracked
• Don’t use mobile phones while driving, Can be tracked
• Use seat belts always, Can be tracked
• Follow the lane discipline for heavy vehicles, Can be tracked
• Always keep the safe distance, Can be tracked
• Avoid jumping lanes, crossing yellows, Can be tracked

Drive safely and obey the traffic laws !

Sources: How Stuff Works , Dubai Police and Sensys.

Now for those of you who don’t know Russell Peters, he’s a Canadian stand-up comedian of Indian origin who loves to crack up people on any kind (and i mean ANY). You can watch a part of his act here. He is scheduled in Dubai on the 1st , 2nd and 3rd of December 2008. As most of you know the money gobbling folks in dubai just love taking advantage of such situations, ITP Tickets being one of them. Now .. now , i ain’t complaining here.

Let me explain, on the Russell Peters website it was clearly mentioned that he will be here in dubai for 3 days. Now to do shows all three days depends on him, but ITP being the wise guys who were authorized to distribute his tickets, put 1st of December 2008 as the ONLY date on their website. The day continues, and after 2 days news comes out that he is performing on the 2nd of December also. The link to the Buy Tickets page still shows 1st of December as the show date and after its all sold out the 2nd December link shows up.

So for all the ones eagerly waiting for his tickets i am posting a probable link to the 3rd December show, just incase he decides to do one. Looking at previous links from ITP Tickets here is the possible prospect:

1st of December 2008 - www.itp.net/tickets/russellpeters/russell_register.php
2nd of December 2008 - www.itp.net/tickets/russellpeters/russell_register2.php
3rd of December 2008 - www.itp.net/tickets/russellpeters/russell_register3.php

Hope all of you have a chance at his tickets, and get to see the best stand-up comedian of all times .. Russell Peters. Now .. Take it, and Go !

Sometimes i wonder if this would be my state someday. Will i be one of those who cant live without a gadget even when i go to the washroom (taking my iPod touch with me does not count :D). There are more geekier geeks than me. Oh ! come on ! A friend of mine sent this pic and the caption was “This will be your state”, so from this i assume that i have the - completely gone gadget / tech crazy sticker on my forehead. OK, lets not call it crazy, its more like tech-appreciation

Let me know what your views are in the comments.

Updates on updates ! This can really be frustrating as the hype around nokia’s first touch-screen device is ever growing here. Finally a few “small” shops now know what the Nokia 5800 is. Cant say the same for shops like cellucom or axiom.

I was at Jumbo Electronics in Mall of the emirates yesterday, and the guys there now know me well. So well that they try to run away (in a good way) I wont blame them because of the dates they have given me, as they gave an honest probability based on previous releases of phones from nokia. They guys mentioned yesterday that the sales exec. from Nokia ME had been up there and that he was certain the Nokia 5800 would be release in the first week of December 08, and if not the first week, it is for a sure scheduled launch in the second week. Price is still a big “don’t know” but assuming the recent news of the phone being listed at €429 in Spain, i can guess an AED 1800 or AED 1900 price range for this baby.

Well at least now we can look forward for Christmas ..

I’ve had my fair share of clubs and pubs in and around Dubai. With the law of the land enforced in full flow, i find myself enjoying some of these places. Dropping out the pads where too many “weird” female and male crowds hang out, there are a few good decent enjoyable hangouts. One out of them is my personal favourite (and an almost everyday session) is Après. Après is located at the west end of Mall of the Emirates. With “normally” priced drinks, good wine, handful of beers on tap and great food, it cant get any better when you want to run away from the crowded mall.

The lounge music, appropriate seating and a brilliant example of sleek interior designing makes you want to be there forever. The booths are comfy and appropriate for a relaxed evening. The bar is probably my all time favorite spot, and although seating is a problem sometimes, its the folks who work there are the reason i go. Behind the bar or on the floor, management or staff, everyone is helpful, courteous and well mannered. Its hard to find such places in dubai, but i wouldn’t stop at that, there are many places, all it needs is to be found. Après is one such find. A perfect atmosphere to loosen up those stressed all-day-at-office muscles and tensed thoughts.

If you enjoy your drinks then you can find this place stocked with every possible drink under the sun. Whats better is that the staff are able to make a cocktail for anyone, anytime and for any situation. So the next time you are there, give the cocktails here a try, you wont regret it. Apart from the drinks its the food that also drives me to this place. Après is known for their oven baked pizzas, alpine fondue and salads. A hot favorite (literally) of mine would be the Tabasco Cajun (spiced up oven baked pizza with shrimps). Being the sea food lover i am, you cant expect anything else on my taste buds, it would be betrayal. And Après does a fine job or fulfilling my hunger for sea food. Another dish i recently came across was the Swordfish Linguine. If i ever had power over the official food of any country, the Linguine would be my choice. A well-done Swordfish steak rests on a base of spaghetti, mixed with herbs, spices and surrounded by tasty mouth-watering clams.

If you are just looking for a quiet family lunch or a late afternoon after-shopping-relaxation, then make sure you sit near the huge windows that overlook the ski slopes. Kids will love it and you would enjoy it. Usually the downside of a weekend plan to this place is the huge crowd turn up. But you can go early or book your seat in advance to enjoy your drinks and meal. A trip here (partner or family) on a lazy weekend will no disappoint you. If you have been to Après, please do comment and let everyone know about your experience here.

Its an old story with countries trying to build a wi-fi network, and supposedly “help” citizens. But all this has a catch to it, it could either be that all users have a share a small portion of their home internet connection, or you have to pay a one time registration fee. Whatever the case, its never been a no-strings-attached situation, until now that is. The time du (new service provider in the middle east) came up with free wi-fi service, it was welcomed, no one complained about the speed or connection, as it was free. Du set the foundation and example of how much free wi-fi can help citizens.

Du’s free wi-fi service can be accessed in the following free zone areas: Dubai Internet City (DIC), Dubai Media City (DMC) and Knowledge Village (KV). Apart from the food courts in the free zone, the WiFi coverage areas include DIC Buildings 2 and 3, the lobby of Building 4, the retail areas in Buildings 6, 12, 13 and 16, the First Steps offices in Building 1, as well as the boutique villas. The DMC coverage areas will include the retail area of Building 1, the retail and lobby areas of Building 2, and all the retail areas of Buildings 7, 8, 10, 14, in addition to the retail area of the loft offices. The coverage areas within Knowledge Village will include the lobby of Block 2A, the retail area of Block 6, the food court of Block 7, and the retail areas of Blocks 18 and 19. Du also has an exclusive agreement with Starbucks Coffee Company, the leading retailer, roaster and specialty brand of coffee in the world, to provide WiFi services in all its outlets within the free zones.

Now its time for etisalat to get into the game. Residents can enjoy free wireless internet connectivity in two public parks on the corniche within a month, thanks to a new initiative of Abu Dhabi Municipality with cooperation from Etisalat. Initially, the connectivity will be available in two public parks on the corniche - Musical Park and Official Park. The connectivity will be available round the clock and the entry is free to those two parks. Necessary arrangements like seating and lights for the visitors will be made to ensure ample and comfortable seating.

This is great news for everyone in Abu Dhabi, as all the major wi-fi spots asked payment. Finally one city enters the new generation and joins the world in free wi-fi. It wont be too long when we get on the streets and connect to an access point. Hope Abu Dhabi continues to help and indulge in more sensible goodies for its residents. Free/affordable bus service, better road system, free wi-fi, what next ?

Living The Binary Dream ..

The idea was there in me, but i was too lazy to execute it. Now after 2 years amidst the blogging community, we are slowly growing popular with the middle-east community. Not a huge fan base as yet, but the Nokia and iPhone posts have made me realise that there ARE a few interested geek here in the middle east.

I introduce to you PacMan, a talented writer and addition to the eSanctorium community, and his first post being about the iPhone .. well you guessed it - He’s the iPhone guy. But leaving everything aside, i hope his posts would bring knowledge and fun to the people reading them. So wish him the best and keep reading his posts.

So The PacMan recently got a spanking new iPhone 3G. After stripping the device of its virginity (not what you think), I began to wonder what sort of protection I could get for my precioussss (again, not what you think).

This particular iPhone 3G is white in colour. Obviously, it is much harder to keep a white iPhone clean and shiny than the black one. Constant usage will wear out the back/front side inviting dust, scratches and marks. And I am simply ANAL about such things. I do NOT want a single SCRATCH or a black dot on my precioussss.

For my (1st gen) iPod Touch, I got the full body InvisibleShield by ZAGG. The folks there make some of the best stuff to protect your devices - and it comes with a lifetime warranty. The InvisibleShield on the iPod Touch looks amazing one year on - no cracks, scratches, smudges on the front and more importantly, not a single scratch on the shiny, metallic backside.

Since a gazillion iPhones are now sold and used worldwide, a bunch of “me too” brands have come up. This year, one has the InvisibleShield, Bodyguardz, Best Skins Ever, etc etc etc to choose from. The InvisibleShield has served me well in the past, and so I don’t see the poibt of experimenting with another brand even if they offer to give me a free unicorn with every purchase.

Once the InvisibleShield was applied, it was time to spice up the iPhone’s looks. Nothing wrong with how it looks as of now but you know, variety is the spice of life (except for when you marry). Gelaskins make breathtaking skins to completely change the way everyone looks at your iPhone. It is basically a reusable sticker that’s applied to the back side of the iPhone thats made of high quality material provided by 3M. They make these skins for Macbooks, iPods, iPhones,  Blackberrys, RAZRs, PSPs, generic 15″/17″ laptops, etc. These skins protect your device from scratches AND they make them look uber cool.

Exhibit A : This is your iPhone 3G, looking sexy in black/white:

And this is your iPhone 3G, with a GelaSkin applied:

That skin above is the current skin on my iPhone at the moment. They also give out free downloadable wallpapers to match your skin. It takes less than 15 seconds to align and stick. If you want, you can peel it off and stick another one, no residue left on your device.

They didn’t even have to offer me a unicorn to order 4 different designs.

Can someone say Nokia whaaaat ?

I was at Abu Dhabi Mall just last week, and out of curiosity went into i2, axiom and the nokia concept store. The replies i got were default and annoying. i2’s sales person had NO clue what i was talking about, axiom also had no clue, but to save their image from being completely ruined, offered  to let me know by phone as soon as it hits the market.

Now the thing that struck me was at the Nokia concept store. They knew what i was talking about, but the guy said there was no official word on the middle east release of this phone. Off the record, he told me within the next two weeks. If a few of you read my last post on the Nokia 5800, i mentioned that the sales person at Jumbo Electronics (MOE) told me an approximate date of “within the first 2 weeks of November 2008“. A friend of mine told me to check out this other website called 360east that further disregards any proposed speculation of release dates given here and says it will be launched in December 2008.

If for a moment the December launch date was considered, a search for the next release of “anything” in December is the Nokia Music storefor the middle east. Taking this website launch into picture and the XpressMusic 5800 music phone launch speculation, i would suspect the same too. Tho things are still not clear i wouldn’t raise up hopes, but if anyone has any updates on release dates then please post your vibes over at the comments. Could help everyone sigh relief for this awaited phone in the middle east.

Funny how some ignore spellings at times eh ! I aint no Robert Burns, but c’mon. Some consieration for the language you advertise in ? I wonder if i’d really buy my Xbox 360 from a place like Carrefour (Mall of the emirates). Think i’ll wait for the Gitex Shopper to start, so i can get some goodies to keep my geeky mind buzy