With reference to Ramola Talwar Badam's report Inside the mega logistics operation to build Expo 2020 Dubai (July 7): I can't wait to be in Dubai later this year for the Expo and see the 360-degree dome and the other futuristic constructions for myself.
Kate Williams, New York, US
Watching for solution to Nile dispute
With regard to Hamza Hendawi's article Egypt and Sudan: Second filling of Nile dam a 'dangerous escalation' (July 6): this has been going on for a while and it is a precarious position for the countries downstream. The Nile runs from south to north geographically. Since Ethiopia is south of Egypt and Sudan, the natural course of the water reaches Ethiopia first. It will be interesting to see how the three countries solve this dispute.
Faleen Fedol, Nairobi, Kenya
The price of freedom
With regard to Brodie Owen's piece Boris Johnson to 'restore freedom' and call time on Covid restrictions (July 6): good luck to the UK with this new phase. It will be a great relief, I am sure, to many people in the country to not have to wear a mask anymore. But about 'restoring freedom', I am in health care and I can't help thinking of the people working in the medical field. I hope they don't have to yet again pay the price for restrictions eased too soon.
Reinette Bester, Dubai
An unheeded warning and the Florida tragedy
I am writing to you about Joshua Longmore's report Death toll increases as rescuers frantically search collapsed Florida building (June 30): the increasing death toll in this story is heartbreaking – 36 and counting, along with residents who are still missing. One doesn't often read about building collapses in the US. The photos of the rubble of the collapsed condominium tower in Surfside were especially tragic, as were the stories of the survivors.
The video of the building being pulled down must have been difficult for the family members to watch. I've read some reports that despite engineers' warnings three years ago about the condition of the 40-year-old building, authorities are said to have ignored advice to repair the structure.
Apart from the casualties of the pandemic, this is an additional burden and another tragedy for the people of Florida. I pray for the victims – and that the missing people be found largely unharmed.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India
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How will Gen Alpha invest?
Mark Chahwan, co-founder and chief executive of robo-advisory firm Sarwa, forecasts that Generation Alpha (born between 2010 and 2024) will start investing in their teenage years and therefore benefit from compound interest.
“Technology and education should be the main drivers to make this happen, whether it’s investing in a few clicks or their schools/parents stepping up their personal finance education skills,” he adds.
Mr Chahwan says younger generations have a higher capacity to take on risk, but for some their appetite can be more cautious because they are investing for the first time. “Schools still do not teach personal finance and stock market investing, so a lot of the learning journey can feel daunting and intimidating,” he says.
He advises millennials to not always start with an aggressive portfolio even if they can afford to take risks. “We always advise to work your way up to your risk capacity, that way you experience volatility and get used to it. Given the higher risk capacity for the younger generations, stocks are a favourite,” says Mr Chahwan.
Highlighting the role technology has played in encouraging millennials and Gen Z to invest, he says: “They were often excluded, but with lower account minimums ... a customer with $1,000 [Dh3,672] in their account has their money working for them just as hard as the portfolio of a high get-worth individual.”
BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE
Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega
Director: Tim Burton
Rating: 3/5
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
