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Host
: Sharjah Filipino Bowling Club (SFBC) |
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ABOUT THE GAMES: Now on its 6th year, the GCC All Filipino Bowling Tournament, also known as GCC Games, has evolved to become the premier bowling tournament for Filipino expatriates in the GCC countries. Participating teams and clubs shall be coming from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. EVENTS: The GCC Games shall consist of 6 events for both Men and Ladies Division: Team of Five (Team), Team of Three (Trio), Team of Two (Doubles), Singles, All Events and Masters. RULES AND FORMAT: A committee consisting of representatives from the different clubs and organizations within the GCC was formed during the 5th GCC Games to standardize the Rules and Regulations, Playing Format, Oil Pattern and other games-related activities. As and when available, the information shall be posted. VENUE: Dubai Bowling Center (DBC) shall be the official venue of the 6th GCC All Filipino Bowling Tournament. DBC is located just a striking distance from Sharjah and has been the home court of SFBC since it opened its doors in 2001. DBC is fully automated with 36 Brunswick synthetic lanes. It conforms to the international standards of bowling centers and operators. FIQ sanctioned tournaments have also been hosted by the Center during the past year, the latest of which is the FIQ World Tenpin Youth Bowling Association Asian Zone in 2001. DBC also houses other entertainment and gaming outlets such as billiards and snookers, internet café and computer games. It has one Italian restaurant, a fast food counter, and a coffee shop. ACCOMMODATION: Hotels ranging from the 7-star Burj Al Arab to furnished apartments abound in and Sharjah and the neighboring Dubai. More information shall be posted in due course (click here for Hotel Booking). DELEGATE
SERVICES: Dedicated guest services shall be offered by SFBC
to all delegations. These include among others marhaba service,
instant communication tool, tour guide, etc. More information shall
be posted as soon as details are finalized. CURRENCY:
The UAE Dirham is the monetary unit of the United Arab Emirates.
Is divided into 100 fils. Coins include Dhs. 1, 50 fils, 25 fils,
10 fils and 5 fils. The latter two are rarely used. Notes are of
Dhs. 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 denominations. The Dirham
is freely convertible, making exchange of travelers' checks and
currency easy. The local currency is index linked to the US Dollar.
1 US Dollar = Dirhams 3.68 (buying and selling). Major international
currencies can be exchanged from the banks and foreign currency
exchange counters. GCC currencies are accepted in most hotels and
shops. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: More information about the Games shall be posted in due course. Please ensure to visit this page whenever possible to check on new posted information. |
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A
view of Sharjah from the Khalid Lagoon
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Sharjah is the third largest of the seven Emirates which form the
United Arab Emirates. The
history of Sharjah is as colorful as the Arabian culture. Based
on archaeological findings, the Emirate dates some 6,000 years when
it is believed to have been called Sarcoa. It existed as a tiny
settlement with trade, sea farin, farming, hunting, fishing and
pearling as its main activities. Just
like any nation in most part of the world, Sharjah was subjected
to different foreign domination that included the Portuguese and
the British. The
Qawassim were then the ruling tribes in Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah
from which the present rulers of the emirate have descended. Sheikh
Sultan bin Saqr bin Rashid Al Qassimi became the Sheikh of Sharjah
in 1804. Sharjah became part of what was known the Trucial States
since 1853. Sharjah
joined the United Arab Emirates as a founding member on December
2, 1971. In 1972, His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi
succeeded as the ruler of Sharjah. Sharjah
is rich in mineral resources, foremost of which are oil and gas.
This natural wealth combined with the vision of His Highness Dr.
Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi has allowed Sharjah become
a leading port city in the Gulf, fast tracking its development towards
modernization while at the same time retaining the charms and traditional
values of an Islamic city. Today,
Sharjah is a bustling city that is lined with skyscrapers against
the backdrop of its natural beauty and heritage. IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW: While the United Arab Emirates rivals any developed countries in infrastructure, the country is still firmly anchored on its heritage as an Islamic country. Muslim men and women are generally conservative in their dress and behavior and find it offensive to see too much exposed flesh. It is therefore advisable for any visitor to observe the dress code whenever possible. |
| SHOPPING IN SHARJAH: Just like any other cities around the area, the SOUK is the most popular destination for tourists and visitors. Sharjah boasts itself in keeping its heritage. The old souks have been renovated in the traditional style while new souks combine both modern and traditional designs. Modern shopping malls abound. The Sahara Mall, located at the outskirt of the city, is a favorite destination. Another popular destination of shoppers is the Sharjah City Centre on the main road. Bargaining or haggling is still practiced until today in most of the souks and smaller shops. Fixed price policy however is enforced at the bigger shopping malls and shops. |
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SIGHTSEEING
IN SHARJAH: Sharjah probably has the most colorful history of
all the Emirates. From the time of the early trading with the East,
to the settlement of the Qawassim seafaring tribe and into the first
half of the 19th century, Sharjah was the most important port on
the lower Arabian Gulf. Islamic and cultural museums and heritage
sites dot the emirate. In fact, Sharjah is the "cultural and
heritage capital" of the United Arab Emirates. Going around
Sharjah is leisurely. It is advisable however to avoid rush hours
as traffic, like in most metropolis, are heavy and sometimes unbearable.
GETTING
AROUND: Cars can be rented to any visitor who holds a valid
international driving license. Taxis are regulated and use a fare
meter. Above all, Sharjah is home to one of the most peaceful, friendly
and hospitable people in the world. So going around Sharjah should
be no effort at all! LANGUAGE: Arabic is the official language, while English is popular as the commercial language. |
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