Protesters hold torchs during a demonstration in Istanbul, on May 8, 2019, following a decision by the authorities to re-run the city's mayoral election. Turkey's top election body ordered a re-run of Istanbul's mayoral election on May 6 after the party of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan complained about its shock defeat in the vote, the state news agency reported. The winner of the election, Ekrem Imamoglu of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), said it was a "treacherous decision" and vowed to fight on. / AFP / BULENT KILIC
Protesters hold torches during a demonstration in Istanbul following a decision by the authorities to re-run the city's mayoral election. AFP

The AKP should respect the will of Istanbul's voters



I write to you in reference to your editorial The will of Istanbul's voters should be respected (May 8). This editorial did a good job at explaining what protesters in Istanbul are demonstrating against, and underlined the AKP's worrying shift to authoritarianism.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has dominated Turkish politics for more than two-and-a-half decades, but his rise to the top is now being challenged, partly due to the deteriorating Turkish economy, and Mr Erdogan’s foreign policy.

The people of Istanbul have cast their ballots in favour of Ekrem Imamoglu, and their votes should be respected.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru

A crucial first step to protect taxi drivers

I write to you in reference to Haneen Dajani article Abu Dhabi taxi driver shifts capped at 12 hours under new directive (May 10).

This is a welcome initiative, but it saddens me that it was only taken recently. I hope a similar cap is in place in Dubai. The same directive should apply to Uber and Careem drivers.

Driving for hours on end is unsafe both for the driver’s health and for the passengers riding with them, as their lives could be imperilled.

Nina Wedel Joergensen, Dubai

Racist jokes are not funny, especially when against kids

I write to you in reference to your article BBC sacks presenter after making chimp royal baby 'joke' (May 9). Meghan Markle has been the target of countless racist and unpleasant comments ever since she started dating her now husband Prince Harry.

The world can be really cruel and unfair sometimes.

Shame on Radio 5 Live’s host Danny Baker for comparing that innocent little baby to an animal.

This is totally unacceptable and appallingly racist. I am glad he was sacked.

Najet Attia Radwaan, Abu Dhabi

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Company profile

Company name: Fasset
Started: 2019
Founders: Mohammad Raafi Hossain, Daniel Ahmed
Based: Dubai
Sector: FinTech
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Favourite film:

Declan: It was The Commitments but now it’s Bohemian Rhapsody.

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Favourite holiday destination:

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Favourite food: Fish and seafood

Favourite hobby: Socialising with friends

Favourite quote: You only get out what you put in!

Favourite country to visit: Italy

Favourite film: Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.

Family: We all have one!

Profile of Hala Insurance

Date Started: September 2018

Founders: Walid and Karim Dib

Based: Abu Dhabi

Employees: Nine

Amount raised: $1.2 million

Funders: Oman Technology Fund, AB Accelerator, 500 Startups, private backers