It's sad that despite so many people complaining about unruly jet-skiers, no action has been taken so far. (Jet-skiers continue to harass Al Raha residents, June 6). It's not just about the noise levels, it's about the crazy people who are causing problems every day for people on the beach and scaring children. No one can swim or kayak because of them. Their actions must be tamed.
Joanne Bailey-Black, Abu Dhabi
When I see people taking their children for a ride in kayaks and then the turbulence that jet skis cause in the water, I am scared that an accident will happen any moment.
Abdool Latiff Shah Nawaz, Abu Dhabi
I moved away from Al Raha as I didn’t want to pay high rents and have to put up with the noise. It’s been my best move ever. Vote with your feet to get action.
Dan Baltrusaitis, Abu Dhabi
Be tough on jaywalkers, too
Pedestrians trying to dodge cars on busy roads when crossing at undesignated points are all too common a sight.
The risky practice of jaywalking has to stop. Not only can it prove fatal for pedestrians, it’s dangerous for motorists, too, because they could face conviction if they caused a death.
It is important that pedestrians take responsibility for their safety. They must ensure that the road is clear and it is safe for them to cross rather than relying on motorists to stop and give way.
In an ideal situation, motorists as well as pedestrians would be alert and drivers would slow down near crossings, subways, footbridges and residential areas so that even if they were surprised by a pedestrian, they could avoid a major accident. And pedestrians should make it a habit to cross only at designated points.
Many accidents involving pedestrians could have been prevented had they been more careful. There have been many occasions that I have had to stop for pedestrians crossing at will at undesignated points, ignoring the traffic and expecting motorists to stop. People tend to blame drivers for everything, which is wrong.
Unless we learn to be accountable for our own safety, the roads cannot become safer. The authorities must crack down on jaywalkers.
Fatima Suhail, Sharjah
Don’t delay the midday break
With the temperature consistently remaining high, I would suggest the midday break be implemented with immediate effect. If you visit a construction site, you will notice how exhausted the workers are. It’s also necessary to ensure they get an adequate supply of water.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
Insulate homes to save energy
Coming from a cold country, where double or triple glass windows and insulated walls are the norm, what strikes me is the lack of insulation in houses here. (Agree on degrees, June 3). As a result, loads of energy is wasted.
Andreas Bohlin, Abu Dhabi
Different views on c-section
I do not want a c-section unless my baby is in distress and it's the last option (A c-section cannot be a lifestyle choice, June 7). I gave birth to my son naturally (with gas and air and a local anaesthetic for forceps and episiotomy) and yes, it hurt afterwards, but the pain was manageable.
I could still drive, walk, pick up my son and do everything I needed to. This time, too, I want a natural birth and have made it clear to my doctor and the hospital, but if someone wants to be sliced open and have her baby that way, then so be it.
Laura Masson, Abu Dhabi
I think this is very much a private health care issue with people paying for what they want. But I feel that it’s like the breastfeeding debate – it’s all down to your situation and your physical ability. I was back training in the gym with my personal trainer six weeks after my second c-section. But then everyone is different. No two pregnancies are the same and therefore, no two birthing experiences. I will be having more children and they will be c-sections. It’s what I know.
Laura-Jayne Gilmore, Dubai
Libya's Gold
UN Panel of Experts found regime secretly sold a fifth of the country's gold reserves.
The panel’s 2017 report followed a trail to West Africa where large sums of cash and gold were hidden by Abdullah Al Senussi, Qaddafi’s former intelligence chief, in 2011.
Cases filled with cash that was said to amount to $560m in 100 dollar notes, that was kept by a group of Libyans in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
A second stash was said to have been held in Accra, Ghana, inside boxes at the local offices of an international human rights organisation based in France.
Who is Mohammed Al Halbousi?
The new speaker of Iraq’s parliament Mohammed Al Halbousi is the youngest person ever to serve in the role.
The 37-year-old was born in Al Garmah in Anbar and studied civil engineering in Baghdad before going into business. His development company Al Hadeed undertook reconstruction contracts rebuilding parts of Fallujah’s infrastructure.
He entered parliament in 2014 and served as a member of the human rights and finance committees until 2017. In August last year he was appointed governor of Anbar, a role in which he has struggled to secure funding to provide services in the war-damaged province and to secure the withdrawal of Shia militias. He relinquished the post when he was sworn in as a member of parliament on September 3.
He is a member of the Al Hal Sunni-based political party and the Sunni-led Coalition of Iraqi Forces, which is Iraq’s largest Sunni alliance with 37 seats from the May 12 election.
He maintains good relations with former Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki’s State of Law Coaliton, Hadi Al Amiri’s Badr Organisation and Iranian officials.
Who has lived at The Bishops Avenue?
- George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
- Then came the international super rich, including the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the Sultan of Brunei and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who was at one point ranked the third richest person in the world.
- Turkish tycoon Halis Torprak sold his mansion for £50m in 2008 after spending just two days there. The House of Saud sold 10 properties on the road in 2013 for almost £80m.
- Other residents have included Iraqi businessman Nemir Kirdar, singer Ariana Grande, holiday camp impresario Sir Billy Butlin, businessman Asil Nadir, Paul McCartney’s former wife Heather Mills.
Hunting park to luxury living
- Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
- The road was laid out in the mid 19th Century, meandering through woodland and farmland
- Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds
The%20specs
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THE SPECS
Engine: 1.5-litre
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Power: 110 horsepower
Torque: 147Nm
Price: From Dh59,700
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KYLIAN MBAPPE 2016/17 STATS
Ligue 1: Appearances - 29, Goals - 15, Assists - 8
UCL: Appearances - 9, Goals - 6
French Cup: Appearances - 3, Goals - 3
France U19: Appearances - 5, Goals - 5, Assists - 1
Liverpool's all-time goalscorers
Ian Rush 346
Roger Hunt 285
Mohamed Salah 250
Gordon Hodgson 241
Billy Liddell 228
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