MOMENT OF PRIDE AS NATION JOINS HANDS IN SPIRIT OF UNION
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces; and Their Highnesses Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi of Sharjah; Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi of Ajman; Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi of Fujairah; Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla of Umm Al Quwain; and Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi of Ras Al Khaimah stand up for the UAE National Anthem during the 46th National Day celebrations at Mushrif Palace in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. —
Sundry skyscrapers bathed in lights of national colours, images of the UAE leaders and ‘46’ lend a majestic touch to the National Day celebrations in Abu Dhabi. This time around the sparkle has got better and brighter.
Check this: Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry building is glistening than ever before and, many public and private sector companies across the country are glowing radiantly.
And all this isn’t without a reason. Yousaf Karikkayil, the UAE’s light man, has deployed a new technology that has given a new shine to the celebrations.
“We have moved on from LED pixel lighting to IP68 technology. It is waterproof, dustproof, fireproof and corrosion-resistant – all important aspects when you take into consideration the UAE weather.
“I caught hold of this technology during a lighting exhibition in China. This technology provides better performance, more resolution and brightness. Though this is an expensive technology it has a longer life span. The installation procedures need more man hour but it is worth the hard work when you see people shooting videos and photos of the buildings,” said the Indian, who has been running his firm Light Tower for 26 years.
Most of his clients are from government sector though he has clients from private sector and educational institutions. “We have done installation works in 75 buildings across Abu Dhabi City, 60 buildings in Western region, 50 in Sharjah and covered a 120-km stretch of Al Ain streets. We are illuminating an entire area in Ruwais,” Karikkayil said, adding Dubai, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah to the list. He has also got projects in other GCC countries. The National Day celebrations aren’t over yet but Karikkayil has already big plans for next year.
This sort of dedication to make the UAE glitter has been recognised by US-based Kings University, which last week conferred the title ‘Doctor of Letters’ for his expertise in lighting technology. Way to go for ‘Dr Lightman’.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com
We have moved on from LED pixel lighting to IP68 technology. Though this is an expensive technology it has a longer life span.” Yousaf Karikkayil, owner, Light Tower