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
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
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
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.
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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