Proud to be a part of the Expo 2020 Dubai story
With regard to the report Virtual journey from past to future at Expo 2020 Dubai Mobility Pavilion (September 29): As an engineer, I am very proud to say I was a part of this great journey. My contribution was in the construction of some of the pavilions.
Buboy Papasin, Batangas City, Philippines
This is bound to be a really stunning event. Dubai never ceases to amaze.
Eva Talda, Salzburg, Austria
Silver linings to the fuel chaos in London
With reference to Leen Alfaisal's video London drivers are furious amid panic buying of fuel (September 28): the good news is there is plenty of fuel, the bad news is it isn't at the fuel stations.
Stephen Hurney, Birmingham, UK
Looking out for dolphins in the UAE
With regard to Daniel Bardsley's article UAE public asked to help with dolphin sighting project (September 28): great to see that dolphins are respected and countries like the UAE are urging the public to get involved in protecting them.
Cheryl Milloss, Adelaide, Australia
Not the end of the road for Peter Rosalita
In reference to David Tusing's article Abu Dhabi's Peter Rosalita on his 'America's Got Talent' journey: 'It's a dream come true' (September 26): you're very talented, Peter. You have a long way to go.
Jovito Co, Manila, Philippines
You did your best and that is what matters.
Niela Yocogan, Baguio City, Philippines
This was a great experience for you that no amount of money can equal. Good luck on your journey.
Glyn Sincero Homeres, Cebu, Philippines
To resign is not easy
With reference to your story US top General Mark Milley rejects the idea of resigning over Afghanistan orders (September 28): I was in the military and I totally agree with not resigning. Not everyone will understand but it is what it is.
Nathan Daniel Puzach, California, US
A brave Afghan girl must be heard
With reference to Leen Alfaisal's report Afghan girl's courageous speech on right of education goes viral (September 28): This video speaks volumes. Afghanistan deserves better.
Mark Mugenyi, Kampala, Uganda
She is very brave. Girls must stand up and defend their rights. Only they can do it.
Authurine Nelson, New York, US
People should encourage and appreciate such ambitious girls for speaking out. The Taliban should allow education for girls. It is in the long-term interest of the country.
Syed Ejaz Rabbani, Karachi, Pakistan
MATCH INFO
Iceland 0 England 1 (Sterling pen 90 1)
Man of the match Kari Arnason (Iceland)
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
Stuck in a job without a pay rise? Here's what to do
Chris Greaves, the managing director of Hays Gulf Region, says those without a pay rise for an extended period must start asking questions – both of themselves and their employer.
“First, are they happy with that or do they want more?” he says. “Job-seeking is a time-consuming, frustrating and long-winded affair so are they prepared to put themselves through that rigmarole? Before they consider that, they must ask their employer what is happening.”
Most employees bring up pay rise queries at their annual performance appraisal and find out what the company has in store for them from a career perspective.
Those with no formal appraisal system, Mr Greaves says, should ask HR or their line manager for an assessment.
“You want to find out how they value your contribution and where your job could go,” he says. “You’ve got to be brave enough to ask some questions and if you don’t like the answers then you have to develop a strategy or change jobs if you are prepared to go through the job-seeking process.”
For those that do reach the salary negotiation with their current employer, Mr Greaves says there is no point in asking for less than 5 per cent.
“However, this can only really have any chance of success if you can identify where you add value to the business (preferably you can put a monetary value on it), or you can point to a sustained contribution above the call of duty or to other achievements you think your employer will value.”
The specs
Engine: four-litre V6 and 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo
Transmission: six-speed and 10-speed
Power: 271 and 409 horsepower
Torque: 385 and 650Nm
Price: from Dh229,900 to Dh355,000
How to report a beggar
Abu Dhabi – Call 999 or 8002626 (Aman Service)
Dubai – Call 800243
Sharjah – Call 065632222
Ras Al Khaimah - Call 072053372
Ajman – Call 067401616
Umm Al Quwain – Call 999
Fujairah - Call 092051100 or 092224411
South and West: From a Notebook
Joan Didion
Fourth Estate
Gulf Under 19s final
Dubai College A 50-12 Dubai College B
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