A reader says re-elected US President Barack Obama's second term won't be easy. Brian Snyder / Reuters
A reader says re-elected US President Barack Obama's second term won't be easy. Brian Snyder / Reuters

Further battles await Obama



Algerians have the correct approach to hostage takers

The media consensus seems to be that Algeria botched the raid on the natural gas refinery occupied by Al Qaeda (They hid in terror and just hoped for the best, January 22).

Certainly the loss of life is regrettable. But the Algerian government's consistent policy about hostage cases - no negotiations, no quarter, just blast them - actually makes a lot of sense. Any other policy rewards hostage-taking, which is counterproductive.

In war, generals deploy troops, knowing there will be casualties. When taken hostage, civilians are in effect drafted into the army, and must become, like soldiers, pawns of the high command.

Probably the Algerian government should have done more to prevent Al Qaeda's takeover of the plant, and the reports of inside help are particularly disturbing. But the general policy Algeria follows will, in the long run, reduce the frequency of hostage incidents in that country.

Omar Heywood, Dubai

Gun obsession grips America

James Zogby's A sick obsession at the heart of deadly US gun violence (January 20) is a clear depiction of the American mindset.

The protest rallies against the wise reforms put forward by President Barack Obama show many in the US are obsessed with guns.

The words of the character Bart in the 1949 film Gun Crazy still ring true for many Americans: "I feel good when I'm shooting them. I feel awful good inside, like I'm somebody."

Jafar Nizami, Abu Dhabi

Two sides to the coin confusion

It is certainly infuriating that the new dirham coins don't work in Mawaqif meters (What's new and shiny but useless if you need to park?, January 22).

But this is simply a good illustration of how complicated life is. Someone authorised the lighter weight for the coins, no doubt proudly thinking this would save a nice bit of money each year, without having considered parking meters.

Well, can you say you would have thought of that? The so-called law of unintended consequences reminds us that things are interconnected in unexpected ways

In the Dilbert comic strip, the stupid boss asked one day: "Will there be any unforeseen consequences?"

Life's just tricky. So get a Mawaqif card, and when you want to park you won't have to scrabble around for coins, new or old, ever again.

Ian Bennett, Abu Dhabi

The Mawaqif parking machines' inability to accept the legal tender of the country is a big PR disaster for the company.

I wonder if Mawaqif will accept shiny new one-dirham coins as payment for its fines.

Name and address withheld

Intervention can be necessary

I am writing in reference to Parents' concern over new child law (September 22).

I am glad that people are being given information about Wadeema's Law, which aims to protect children from abuse.

However, I am concerned that one man told the meeting with FNC members that he did not see the need for such a law.

Sadly it is the case that some families fail their children, and the community as a whole. It is important that a properly staffed agency intervenes in such cases.

A Campbell, Abu Dhabi

Obama still has to battle Congress

I am writing in reference to Obama urges Americans to end suspicion and fear (January 22).

Despite all odds, Barack Obama prevailed in gaining re-election.

He still has an uphill battle fighting a Republican Congress that has blocked his every move, affecting his goals of bringing equal pay to the middle class, women's rights and affordable health care.

The George W Bush administration drove the US economy into a swift nose-dive and Mr Obama is paying the price.

B Hardin, US

Question over recycling bins

Regarding Bins in two colours ... which one is green? (January 21), I have eagerly recycled since being in the UAE, even before the provision of black and green bins.

I do wonder, however, when the binmen tip the contents of both bins into the same truck.

C Miller, Dubai

Praise for Saadiyat Island mall plans

TDIC's luxury triangle for Saadiyat Island (January 22) is great news.

The new mall will be one of the biggest landmarks in Abu Dhabi and will attract more visitors.

P Peter, Abu Dhabi

German intelligence warnings
  • 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
  • 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
  • 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250 

Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution

The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Power: 510hp at 9,000rpm
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
Price: From Dh801,800
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: ARDH Collective
Based: Dubai
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Sector: Sustainability
Total funding: Self funded
Number of employees: 4
The specs

Engine: 3-litre twin-turbo V6

Power: 400hp

Torque: 475Nm

Transmission: 9-speed automatic

Price: From Dh215,900

On sale: Now

How to improve Arabic reading in early years

One 45-minute class per week in Standard Arabic is not sufficient

The goal should be for grade 1 and 2 students to become fluent readers

Subjects like technology, social studies, science can be taught in later grades

Grade 1 curricula should include oral instruction in Standard Arabic

First graders must regularly practice individual letters and combinations

Time should be slotted in class to read longer passages in early grades

Improve the appearance of textbooks

Revision of curriculum should be undertaken as per research findings

Conjugations of most common verb forms should be taught

Systematic learning of Standard Arabic grammar

Emergency

Director: Kangana Ranaut

Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry 

Rating: 2/5

2019 ASIA CUP POTS

Pot 1
UAE, Iran, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia

Pot 2
China, Syria, Uzbekistan, Iraq, Qatar, Thailand

Pot 3
Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Palestine, Oman, India, Vietnam

Pot 4
North Korea, Philippines, Bahrain, Jordan, Yemen, Turkmenistan

Sheer grandeur

The Owo building is 14 storeys high, seven of which are below ground, with the 30,000 square feet of amenities located subterranean, including a 16-seat private cinema, seven lounges, a gym, games room, treatment suites and bicycle storage.

A clear distinction between the residences and the Raffles hotel with the amenities operated separately.

If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.

When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.

How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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%20Ramez%20Gab%20Min%20El%20Akher
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECreator%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ramez%20Galal%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ramez%20Galal%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStreaming%20on%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMBC%20Shahid%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
DUBAI WORLD CUP RACE CARD

6.30pm Meydan Classic Trial US$100,000 (Turf) 1,400m

7.05pm Handicap $135,000 (T) 1,400m

7.40pm UAE 2000 Guineas Group Three $250,000 (Dirt) 1,600m

8.15pm Dubai Sprint Listed Handicap $175,000 (T) 1,200m

8.50pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-2 Group Two $450,000 (D) 1,900m

9.25pm Handicap $135,000 (T) 1,800m

10pm Handicap $135,000 (T) 1,400m

 

The National selections

6.30pm Well Of Wisdom

7.05pm Summrghand

7.40pm Laser Show

8.15pm Angel Alexander

8.50pm Benbatl

9.25pm Art Du Val

10pm: Beyond Reason

Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

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Electric scooters: some rules to remember
  • Riders must be 14-years-old or over
  • Wear a protective helmet
  • Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
  • Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
  • Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
  • Do not drive outside designated lanes
COMPANY PROFILE

Name: Qyubic
Started: October 2023
Founder: Namrata Raina
Based: Dubai
Sector: E-commerce
Current number of staff: 10
Investment stage: Pre-seed
Initial investment: Undisclosed 

Guide to intelligent investing
Investing success often hinges on discipline and perspective. As markets fluctuate, remember these guiding principles:
  • Stay invested: Time in the market, not timing the market, is critical to long-term gains.
  • Rational thinking: Breathe and avoid emotional decision-making; let logic and planning guide your actions.
  • Strategic patience: Understand why you’re investing and allow time for your strategies to unfold.
 
 
Company%20profile
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Other workplace saving schemes
  • The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
  • Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
  • National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
  • In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
  • Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
Squid Game season two

Director: Hwang Dong-hyuk 

Stars:  Lee Jung-jae, Wi Ha-joon and Lee Byung-hun

Rating: 4.5/5