Flamingo breeding activity has increased by 12 per cent. Courtesy: Environment Agency Abu Dhabi
Flamingo breeding activity has increased by 12 per cent. Courtesy: Environment Agency Abu Dhabi
Flamingo breeding activity has increased by 12 per cent. Courtesy: Environment Agency Abu Dhabi
Flamingo breeding activity has increased by 12 per cent. Courtesy: Environment Agency Abu Dhabi

Flamingos in Abu Dhabi: are the birds thriving because humans backed off?


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With reference to Anna Zacharias's report Abu Dhabi flamingos enjoy record breeding season as nature benefits from Covid-19 restrictions (July 21): this is probably due to the fact that people have not been disturbing the colony since March.

Janet Humphrey, Abu Dhabi 

Parents in two minds over schools having pupils wear masks

With reference to Gillian Duncan's report Abu Dhabi pupils to wear masks as authorities set out new school rules (July 21): it is easier to just keep the children at home and homeschool them.

Saif Omar Al Suwaidi, Abu Dhabi

I think secretly parents are hoping online classes will continue. The stress of sending children to formal school as of now is way too high.

Monika Arora Agarwal, Dubai 

Teachers will need all the luck trying to get the pupils under 10 to follow social distancing rules and wear masks for the entire day. I cannot picture these poor children playing at 1.5m spacing. I don't see how it can happen.

Aashiq Kumandan, Al Ain

UAE enters the history books for launching Mars probe

With reference to Sarwat Nasir's article UAE joins elite space race nations as Mars probe makes first contact (July 20): this is truly a spectacular feat all the more so given the challenging year it has been for the world. For such a young nation to launch this probe and embark on a 200-day journey to the Red Planet is the result of a great vision. It was wonderful to read about the UAE's leadership complimenting the young engineers and technical people for their contribution to accomplish this in such a short span. It is a historic occasion. It was wonderful to read about the UAE's leadership complimenting the young engineers and technical people for their contribution to accomplish this in such a short span. It is a historic occasion. Kudos to the UAE for making it happen.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India

A day's earnings for Jeff Bezos could help millions

With reference to the report Amazon's Jeff Bezos adds record $13bn to his wealth in one day (July 21): it is amazing to think that his one day's earnings can rescue a small country in these challenging times.

Mirey Kara Dantziguian, Beirut, Lebanon 

Kanye West's meltdown is a red flag and should be taken seriously

With reference to the report Presidential run in jeopardy as Kanye West says wife tried 'to lock me up' (July 21): this video is uncomfortable to watch. It is not to be taken lightly. His breakdown evidently shows him suffering from mental health issues. That he's having an episode so publicly is hurtful to watch. Hope he checks in to a hospital and gets the help he needs.

Amina Bashir, London, UK

Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

Ipaf in numbers

Established: 2008

Prize money:  $50,000 (Dh183,650) for winners and $10,000 for those on the shortlist.

Winning novels: 13

Shortlisted novels: 66

Longlisted novels: 111

Total number of novels submitted: 1,780

Novels translated internationally: 66