Three-pronged solution



Second only to bottled water, it sometimes seems, the most ubiquitous product found in this country's retail stores is the electric-plug adapter. The UAE's history, geography, rapid development and diversity have all contributed to a crazy quilt of electrical gear. Nothing seems to plug into anything else.

This familiar mismatch can, however, be more than an annoyance; there are also serious safety considerations. So it is good news that starting next year, small household and office appliances will no longer be sold with two-pin electrical plugs.

Because other countries do use such plugs, they are standard equipment on many electrical devices sold here. To be fair to wholesalers and retailers, and to avoid supply disruptions in the market, a ban cannot be imposed overnight.

The new standard, being imposed by the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology, is based on a British one, and involves a ground-wire which can reduce the risk of shock and fire, shuttering to ensure the ground is used, and a fuse, another safety feature.

As pleased as we all should be about having safer gadgets, however, there's also another aspect to be glad about: the two-prong plugs pull out of an adapter at the slightest tug. How on earth is a person supposed to vacuum when that happens?

Jigra
Director: Vasan Bala
Starring: Alia Bhatt, Vedang Raina, Manoj Pahwa, Harsh Singh
Rated: 3.5/5

Directed: Smeep Kang
Produced: Soham Rockstar Entertainment; SKE Production
Cast: Rishi Kapoor, Jimmy Sheirgill, Sunny Singh, Omkar Kapoor, Rajesh Sharma
Rating: Two out of five stars 

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Airev
Started: September 2023
Founder: Muhammad Khalid
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: Generative AI
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
 
The bio

Favourite book: Peter Rabbit. I used to read it to my three children and still read it myself. If I am feeling down it brings back good memories.

Best thing about your job: Getting to help people. My mum always told me never to pass up an opportunity to do a good deed.

Best part of life in the UAE: The weather. The constant sunshine is amazing and there is always something to do, you have so many options when it comes to how to spend your day.

Favourite holiday destination: Malaysia. I went there for my honeymoon and ended up volunteering to teach local children for a few hours each day. It is such a special place and I plan to retire there one day.

Company%20Profile
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The specs
 
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now
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'My Son'

Director: Christian Carion

Starring: James McAvoy, Claire Foy, Tom Cullen, Gary Lewis

Rating: 2/5

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