In reference to your article Will those presiding over the killings of Rohingya children ever face justice? (December 14), we have countless organisations for human rights but their voices seem muted. In the 21st century (and the 15th Islamic century), how can humans still live in such conditions?
This is a big test for us because we were given a conscience for this very purpose. Respect for human life is at the heart of it all. We are essentially in a spiritual war more than anything else.
Name withheld by request
Probably not, would be the answer to the question asked by this article. This is why you must keep publishing columns like this to raise awareness on their plight.
Patricia Estep, Abu Dhabi
Macron's mobile phone ban at schools is laudable
Banning mobile phones from schools is music to all sensible ears indeed (December 17). French president Macron's mobile ban in schools and colleges was a dramatic but much-needed move if you ask me. The mobile phone plague knows no boundaries these days. It not only distracts students, it disturbs others as well. Other leaders should follow in his footsteps.
K Ragavan, India
Peaceful protesters shouldn't be punished with death
Your article Israeli troops kill disabled Palestinian protester (December 17) was sad to read. Peaceful protesters should be respected, not killed for opening their mouths. As usual, a deplorable state of affairs within the Israeli army.
Name withheld by request
Hailstones a rare sight in temperate UAE
This is the first time I have seen hailstones in Sharjah (Hailstorms and heavy rain lash parts of the UAE), December 17). The most I have ever witnessed is infrequent showers.
Samira Mohiadeen, Sharjah
It is imperative that every single drop of rain is preserved.
Asyah Meel, Abu Dhabi
Apparently, some parts of the UAE were colder than east Yorkshire in England.
Shaheen Hamadani, Dubai
Kudos to Al Ain student who scored highest in GCSE French
In reference to your article Tres bien! Al Ain student scores highest grade in the world in GCSE French (December 17), congratulations to the pupil who scored the highest and to the school and staff, who are truly wonderful.
Jeff Gray, Al Ain
Helsinki seems a popular holiday destination
I refer to your article My Kind of Place: Helsinki, Finland (December 14). Unfortunately, I checked websites after reading this and the flights from Dubai seem to be all sold out.
Jacqueline Craig, Dubai
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
The Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index
The Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index
Mazen Abukhater, principal and actuary at global consultancy Mercer, Middle East, says the company’s Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index - which benchmarks 34 pension schemes across the globe to assess their adequacy, sustainability and integrity - included Saudi Arabia for the first time this year to offer a glimpse into the region.
The index highlighted fundamental issues for all 34 countries, such as a rapid ageing population and a low growth / low interest environment putting pressure on expected returns. It also highlighted the increasing popularity around the world of defined contribution schemes.
“Average life expectancy has been increasing by about three years every 10 years. Someone born in 1947 is expected to live until 85 whereas someone born in 2007 is expected to live to 103,” Mr Abukhater told the Mena Pensions Conference.
“Are our systems equipped to handle these kind of life expectancies in the future? If so many people retire at 60, they are going to be in retirement for 43 years – so we need to adapt our retirement age to our changing life expectancy.”
Saudi Arabia came in the middle of Mercer’s ranking with a score of 58.9. The report said the country's index could be raised by improving the minimum level of support for the poorest aged individuals and increasing the labour force participation rate at older ages as life expectancies rise.
Mr Abukhater said the challenges of an ageing population, increased life expectancy and some individuals relying solely on their government for financial support in their retirement years will put the system under strain.
“To relieve that pressure, governments need to consider whether it is time to switch to a defined contribution scheme so that individuals can supplement their own future with the help of government support,” he said.
