In reference to Deborah Lindsay Williams's op-ed Nostalgia makes us long for the past even as we enjoy the present (April 10), about two decades ago I visited the UAE capital from Sharjah, where I was living and working at the time.
What fascinated me most about the city at the time was the beautiful Corniche and tall, high-rise buildings reflecting the riches of the UAE. When I later visited again in 2007, shortly before my retirement, I couldn’t really identify the city looked much the same.
However, since then, Abu Dhabi has expanded at an unprecedented speed. Kudos to the city for its extraordinary growth story.
K Ragavan, Bangalore
The passage of time brings perspective to past decisions
I refer to your article by Hassan Abdulrazzak We assumed that by removing Saddam Hussein, all of Iraq's problems would be magically solved. We were wrong (April 8). As far as I am concerned, peace will only be restored in Iraq if the Shias and Sunnis talk to each other constructively and shun violence. Since the fall of Saddam Hussein, Iraq has seen persistent and unprecedented violence and mayhem. In 2003, foreign powers were convinced of the need to bring about regime change in the country. The passage of time always brings perspective to the decisions of the past.
Rajendra Aneja, Dubai
Computer gaming sparks passion among its fans
I recently came across an old article of yours How PlayStation changed the gaming world (December 2014).
I am a very passionate gamer. I try to keep abreast of everything that has to do with gaming and I was pleased to read your very good article on PlayStation.
The fact that your newspaper is giving space to discussions about gaming and providing fresh information and reporting is very positive.
Rilind Elezaj, San Francisco
Despite the fines, reckless drivers still use their phones
I write in reference to your article More than 12,000 motorists fined for using mobile phones while driving in Dubai (April 8): it seems that many people have enough money to pay fines and despite the laws put in place, they have not learned their lesson. Perhaps higher fines could deter mobile phone use. But in my view the reason this continues is that motorists have little regard for the rules and no fear in breaking them. I have on multiple occasions been forced to honk to get motorists to put down their phones.
This behaviour is risky and leads people to drive erratically, for instance driving slowly in the fast lane and applying their brakes for no reason. I now use public transport to commute so I am saved from such behaviour. A mobile phone can be very important in an emergency. But if you need to use it while on the roads, stop and park safely where you will not endanger other road users. Enough is enough.
Mathew Litty, Dubai
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Isle of Dogs
Director: Wes Anderson
Starring: Bryan Cranston, Liev Schreiber, Ed Norton, Greta Gerwig, Bill Murray, Jeff Goldblum, Scarlett Johansson
Three stars
How being social media savvy can improve your well being
Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.
As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.
Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.
Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.
Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.
However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.
“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.
People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.
UAE central contracts
Full time contracts
Rohan Mustafa, Ahmed Raza, Mohammed Usman, Chirag Suri, Mohammed Boota, Sultan Ahmed, Zahoor Khan, Junaid Siddique, Waheed Ahmed, Zawar Farid
Part time contracts
Aryan Lakra, Ansh Tandon, Karthik Meiyappan, Rahul Bhatia, Alishan Sharafu, CP Rizwaan, Basil Hameed, Matiullah, Fahad Nawaz, Sanchit Sharma
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
