Are Studio Ghibli inspired AI images harmless fun?
With regard to Razmig Bedirian's piece Studio Ghibli-inspired AI images are going viral, but here's why they shouldn't (April 2): It should be a straightforward concept to grasp that using AI to create images in an artist's style without their permission is considered theft.
Zal Junaibi, Dubai
The only reason people like me have taken to using the Studio Ghibli filter is because we are in love with the artist's work. Maybe it would have been good if the artist made his own filter and laughed about it. The unique stories and characters will never be truly replicated by this programme. It doesn't take into account that Ghibli movies aren't identical. Each is unique. So maybe let the fans have their fun without anyone politicising their funny posts. Don't come after harmless social media users for using a filter we like of movies we like.
Sima B, Doha
Users should be careful and not forget that they are sharing images and sensitive information about themselves to AI-enabled servers.
Farhan Patel, Dubai
It should be okay for people to enjoy a dope art style without having to hear complaints even about this.
Nabil Hamideh, Los Angeles, California
If the artist is against it, then it shouldn't be promoted by ChatGPT
Timin Roy, Mumbai, India
Israel's ceasefire violations in Lebanon
With regard to the article Israel strikes Beirut for second time since ceasefire, killing four (April 1): What ceasefire is that? The one that Israel has violated so many times? A one-sided ceasefire cannot be considered a ceasefire at all.
Hasan G, Tyre, Lebanon
The relentless war in Gaza
With regard to Thomas Helm's report Opponents of Netanyahu issue desperate condemnations of Gaza bombing (March 18): Release the hostages. Stop this renewed ground offensive and bloodshed once and for all. Work out a permanent solution to this. Enough is enough, stop the slaughter of innocent people.
Nadia Kaur, Sharjah
An Eid tradition with neighbours
With reference to Mohamed Fathi's video about Eid sweets (April 1): Lovely to see this incredible lady keeping long-standing traditions alive despite inflation. It's remarkable to hear her say that for 40 years they have been gathering and preparing Eid sweets at home. May God bless this lady, Howaida Abdelaaty and her neighbours with good health and happiness to continue such beautiful and meaningful festive traditions.
Ismail T, Cairo, Egypt
Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
Christopher Robin
Starring: Ewan McGregor, Haley Atwell, Jim Cummings, Peter Capaldi
Three stars
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
THE BIO
Bio Box
Role Model: Sheikh Zayed, God bless his soul
Favorite book: Zayed Biography of the leader
Favorite quote: To be or not to be, that is the question, from William Shakespeare's Hamlet
Favorite food: seafood
Favorite place to travel: Lebanon
Favorite movie: Braveheart
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 240hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 390Nm at 3,000rpm
Transmission: eight-speed auto
Price: from Dh122,745
On sale: now
LILO & STITCH
Starring: Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Maia Kealoha, Chris Sanders
Director: Dean Fleischer Camp
Rating: 4.5/5
Match info:
Leicester City 1
Ghezzal (63')
Liverpool 2
Mane (10'), Firmino (45')
World record transfers
1. Kylian Mbappe - to Real Madrid in 2017/18 - €180 million (Dh770.4m - if a deal goes through)
2. Paul Pogba - to Manchester United in 2016/17 - €105m
3. Gareth Bale - to Real Madrid in 2013/14 - €101m
4. Cristiano Ronaldo - to Real Madrid in 2009/10 - €94m
5. Gonzalo Higuain - to Juventus in 2016/17 - €90m
6. Neymar - to Barcelona in 2013/14 - €88.2m
7. Romelu Lukaku - to Manchester United in 2017/18 - €84.7m
8. Luis Suarez - to Barcelona in 2014/15 - €81.72m
9. Angel di Maria - to Manchester United in 2014/15 - €75m
10. James Rodriguez - to Real Madrid in 2014/15 - €75m
Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.
August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.
September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.
November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.
November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.
November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties
December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.
December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.
THE%20SWIMMERS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESally%20El-Hosaini%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENathalie%20Issa%2C%20Manal%20Issa%2C%20Ahmed%20Malek%20and%20Ali%20Suliman%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The Book of Collateral Damage
Sinan Antoon
(Yale University Press)
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
It Was Just an Accident
Director: Jafar Panahi
Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr
Rating: 4/5