I'm bored of the US election now (Trump condemned for saying he'll jail Hillary Clinton if he wins US presidency, October 11).
Donald Trump is a total imbecile and Hillary Clinton lacks credibility. Is this is the best the United States has to offer?
Donna Lee-Elliott, US
Many boats lack maintenance
The news item Fire breaks out on Dubai creek boat (October 11) is disturbing. This isn't the first time a boat has caught fire at the creek.
Some of these wooden boats are in poor condition, making them prone to such risks.
Fatima Suhail, Sharjah
Fed up with the developer
Khalaf Al Habtoor is right to call for an end to off-plan property sales (Off-plan property sales must be stopped, says chairman of Al Habtoor, October 11).
After seven years I am still waiting for my office space in Dubai Silicon Oasis (it was supposed to be completed in two years in 2009).
I don’t understand the business logic behind this. They can finish the construction with their own money and everyone would be more than happy to take delivery of their units. I fear that the money has been diverted to new projects.
Alan S, Dubai
Slap fines on hoax callers
With regard to your story Hoaxes, sick pets and blocked cars: UAE emergency dispatchers' battle with time wasters (October 8), one solution that comes to my mind is issuing a fine against the phone number that places the non-emergency call.
That will perhaps make people think twice before making such calls.
Monia Rafique, Dubai
Firing at US ship an act of war
The Red Sea incident shows how far down America has fallen under the Obama administration (Houthi rebels in Yemen fire missiles at US warship, October 11).
Under Admirality-Maritime Law, firing on a ship is an act of war. It would have been easy for this ship to chart a reverse course of those attacking missiles and obliterate the enemies.
Steven Davis, US
May God bless my fellow sailors and military personnel who are involved in this mission. They have unselfishly put their lives at stake to protect the world at this time.
Monia Rafique, US
Why should anyone believe what the US reports about its warships? If the Pentagon could spend $500 million (Dh1.8 billion) on fake extremist videos, how can one be sure that it won’t do this to fuel American sentiment?
Trip Neilly, US
America has no reason to be in those waters. It is adding flames to a fire it never started.
Gilda Morkert, US
How long do you think the US leadership can keep dodging the bullet before it gets hit really hard?
Michael DeForge, UK
Why go abroad for treatment?
Healthy outlook for Thai medical tourism demand (October 10) is a well-written article. However, this country is taking strong and bold steps to establish pioneering institutions such as Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi to promote medical tourism on a grander scale.
I feel countries such as Thailand and India are focusing only on the cost factor, while here it’s about quality.
It’s better for people to give priority to quality.
Name withheld by request
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
Iftar programme at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
Established in 1998, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding was created with a vision to teach residents about the traditions and customs of the UAE. Its motto is ‘open doors, open minds’. All year-round, visitors can sign up for a traditional Emirati breakfast, lunch or dinner meal, as well as a range of walking tours, including ones to sites such as the Jumeirah Mosque or Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.
Every year during Ramadan, an iftar programme is rolled out. This allows guests to break their fast with the centre’s presenters, visit a nearby mosque and observe their guides while they pray. These events last for about two hours and are open to the public, or can be booked for a private event.
Until the end of Ramadan, the iftar events take place from 7pm until 9pm, from Saturday to Thursday. Advanced booking is required.
For more details, email openminds@cultures.ae or visit www.cultures.ae
UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
Formula One top 10 drivers' standings after Japan
1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes 306
2. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari 247
3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes 234
4. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull 192
5. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari 148
6. Max Verstappen, Red Bull 111
7. Sergio Perez, Force India 82
8. Esteban Ocon, Force India 65
9. Carlos Sainz Jr, Toro Rosso 48
10. Nico Hulkenberg, Renault 34
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
