With reference to Jon Turner's report Ons Jabeur dazzles to outclass Emma Raducanu at Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open (February 7): I love them both. I was a bit worried for Ons at one point in the match but the second set was especially great. And clearly, experience does matter. She's truly returned to form after the Australian Open. Some shots from Ons were amazing to watch.
Mildred Ortega Galias, Abu Dhabi
The prolonged sorry state of Gaza
I write to you in reference to the report UNRWA staffer in Gaza: 'We are gradually losing the ability to keep people alive' (February 7): Accepting this new reality is depressing since it appears that nothing can be done to protect the people, including children, who have been suffering for months due to the ongoing conflict. The fact that a community seeking a safe location to avoid becoming victims of war is being denied the most basic necessities for survival is a genuinely pitiful situation.
Another serious concern is the communicable diseases posing a severe threat to those who survive and could significantly affect their quality of life going forward. Even while it can take years or even decades for life to return to normal, the average person will bear the brunt of this hardship for a long time. A question remains unanswered: when will the guns be silent in Gaza, in Ukraine and other conflicts raging in the world?
Ramachandran Nair, Muscat, Oman
Dangers of a fireworks factory
In reference to Taniya Dutta's report Explosion at fireworks factory in India kills at least 10 (February 6): This was painful to read. The fireworks industry has witnessed a few incidents in the past. Safety issues should be looked in to and the employees protected. Working at a firecrackers factory involves high risk and the workers should be looked after. It's a sad development but at least the state has announced compensation for families of those who were killed. K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India
A gripping Asian Cup semi-final
With regard to John McAuley's article Hosts Qatar edge thriller against Iran to set up Asian Cup final with Jordan (February 7): What an outcome! It's been terrific to see the last few matches. Almoez Ali carried the game on his shoulders on Wednesday. Many Congratulations to the winning team. The anticipation is really building up for Saturday's final. May the best team win!
Sultan Mirza, Doha
Desert Warrior
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Rating: 3/5
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Explainer: Tanween Design Programme
Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.
The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.
It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.
The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.
Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”
Avatar: Fire and Ash
Director: James Cameron
Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana
Rating: 4.5/5
Islamophobia definition
A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.
Company%C2%A0profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ELeap%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMarch%202021%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ziad%20Toqan%20and%20Jamil%20Khammu%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPre-seed%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunds%20raised%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Undisclosed%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeven%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
Fund-raising tips for start-ups
Develop an innovative business concept
Have the ability to differentiate yourself from competitors
Put in place a business continuity plan after Covid-19
Prepare for the worst-case scenario (further lockdowns, long wait for a vaccine, etc.)
Have enough cash to stay afloat for the next 12 to 18 months
Be creative and innovative to reduce expenses
Be prepared to use Covid-19 as an opportunity for your business
* Tips from Jassim Al Marzooqi and Walid Hanna
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More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
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