Members of the paramilitary Popular Mobilisation Forces at a military camp in Kerbala, Iraq. Reuters
Members of the paramilitary Popular Mobilisation Forces at a military camp in Kerbala, Iraq. Reuters
Members of the paramilitary Popular Mobilisation Forces at a military camp in Kerbala, Iraq. Reuters
Members of the paramilitary Popular Mobilisation Forces at a military camp in Kerbala, Iraq. Reuters

Iran cannot be allowed to wreak havoc abroad


  • English
  • Arabic

I write to you in reference to Mustafa Alrawi's opinion piece Clear and present danger: Iraq is at a tipping point of chaos and confusion (August 28).

It's time to stop watching what Iran is doing abroad and it's time to act. It is never too late.

Name withheld by request

Save the dugongs: the oceans cannot survive without them

I write to you in reference to you editorial Dugongs need our help to survive (August 20).

Dugongs are very important for sea vegetation and regeneration because they are one of the few marine herbivores.

Name withheld by request

The Rohingya have been forgotten by the world

I write to you in reference to Mageed Yahia's opinion piece Two years on, the Rohingya and their Bangladeshi hosts are under extreme pressure​​​​​​​ (August 26).

Talks and empty promises by world leaders will not help the Rohingya. Unfortunately, the international community has abandoned the Rohingya, if it were not for our indifference, a poverty-stricken country like Myanmar would never have had the courage to commit genocide boldly and in full view of everyone. What's more, these atrocities have been committed under the complicit gaze of a Nobel Peace Prize winner. What a disgrace.

Nazim Hasan Khan, India

We must not let Afghans face the Taliban alone

I write to you in reference to Ruchi Kumar and Hikmat Noori's article US and Taliban finalising agreement to end war in Afghanistan (August 28). What about the future of the Afghan nation? If Afghans are left ot deal with the Taliban alone, they are sure to take over the country. Girls risk losing their access to education, inequality between men and women will be enshrined by law.

Mumtaz Ahmad, Bangladesh

Will I never: Smith can't resist the lure of beautiful Dubai

I write to you in reference to Farah Andrews' article Hollywood star Will Smith has been in Dubai (again) this week (August 28).

I really want everyone to visit the UAE and enjoy the wonderful and breathtaking views.

Farah Adam, Malaysia

Your tribute to Emirati women was inspirational

I write to you in reference to your piece 17 Emirati women talk to us about the biggest misconceptions they face (August 27).

I think these are some of the cleverest, most beautiful women in the world.

Barbara Nasser, Abu Dhabi

Pros%20and%20cons%20of%20BNPL
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPros%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3EEasy%20to%20use%20and%20require%20less%20rigorous%20credit%20checks%20than%20traditional%20credit%20options%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EOffers%20the%20ability%20to%20spread%20the%20cost%20of%20purchases%20over%20time%2C%20often%20interest-free%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EConvenient%20and%20can%20be%20integrated%20directly%20into%20the%20checkout%20process%2C%20useful%20for%20online%20shopping%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EHelps%20facilitate%20cash%20flow%20planning%20when%20used%20wisely%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECons%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3EThe%20ease%20of%20making%20purchases%20can%20lead%20to%20overspending%20and%20accumulation%20of%20debt%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EMissing%20payments%20can%20result%20in%20hefty%20fees%20and%2C%20in%20some%20cases%2C%20high%20interest%20rates%20after%20an%20initial%20interest-free%20period%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EFailure%20to%20make%20payments%20can%20impact%20credit%20score%20negatively%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ERefunds%20can%20be%20complicated%20and%20delayed%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cem%3ECourtesy%3A%20Carol%20Glynn%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Tank warfare

Lt Gen Erik Petersen, deputy chief of programs, US Army, has argued it took a “three decade holiday” on modernising tanks. 

“There clearly remains a significant armoured heavy ground manoeuvre threat in this world and maintaining a world class armoured force is absolutely vital,” the general said in London last week.

“We are developing next generation capabilities to compete with and deter adversaries to prevent opportunism or miscalculation, and, if necessary, defeat any foe decisively.”

The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo

The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
​​​​​​​Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km

Who has been sanctioned?

Daniella Weiss and Nachala
Described as 'the grandmother of the settler movement', she has encouraged the expansion of settlements for decades. The 79 year old leads radical settler movement Nachala, whose aim is for Israel to annex Gaza and the occupied West Bank, where it helps settlers built outposts.

Harel Libi & Libi Construction and Infrastructure
Libi has been involved in threatening and perpetuating acts of aggression and violence against Palestinians. His firm has provided logistical and financial support for the establishment of illegal outposts.

Zohar Sabah
Runs a settler outpost named Zohar’s Farm and has previously faced charges of violence against Palestinians. He was indicted by Israel’s State Attorney’s Office in September for allegedly participating in a violent attack against Palestinians and activists in the West Bank village of Muarrajat.

Coco’s Farm and Neria’s Farm
These are illegal outposts in the West Bank, which are at the vanguard of the settler movement. According to the UK, they are associated with people who have been involved in enabling, inciting, promoting or providing support for activities that amount to “serious abuse”.

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

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A cryptocurrency primer for beginners

Cryptocurrency Investing  for Dummies – by Kiana Danial 

There are several primers for investing in cryptocurrencies available online, including e-books written by people whose credentials fall apart on the second page of your preferred search engine. 

Ms Danial is a finance coach and former currency analyst who writes for Nasdaq. Her broad-strokes primer (2019) breaks down investing in cryptocurrency into baby steps, while explaining the terms and technologies involved.

Although cryptocurrencies are a fast evolving world, this  book offers a good insight into the game as well as providing some basic tips, strategies and warning signs.

Begin your cryptocurrency journey here. 

Available at Magrudy’s , Dh104 

Our legal consultant

Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.