Articles
Israeli settlements rise and a peace process stumbles
Israel's approval of a major new settlement at the edge of Jerusalem is more proof that the Israeli government has no interest in negotiations, only in expansion.
High-tech gadgetry can be bad for your blood pressure
Being advertised at while kept on hold is just one of the miseries our columnist finds on the annoying side of high-tech modern life.
Robust foreign policy relies on a skilled diplomatic corps
The UAE's Foreign Minister is working on many files, with industry and imagination. We hope the the country's diplomats and the officials at home office can keep up with the pace.
Message is key for FNC candidates on the campaign trail
Campaigners for Federal National Council seats have a responsibility to offer the voters their views on the future evolution of the FNC.
There is an element of fool's gold in investor sentiment
Those putting their in trust in a continued rise in gold prices should beware. There is no guarantee it will continue to soar.
A Ramadan lesson that no amount of money could buy
By donating new laptops for a tornado-smashed town in the US heartland, the UAE has done a Ramadan kindess - and gained precious goodwill in America.
Cutting costs by reducing quality drives customers away
If the food and service go downhill, customers will stop coming back. Is this any way for a restaurant, or any business, to trim costs?
A tale of two islands is a parable for Abu Dhabi's urban space
A summer visit to an island about the size of Abu Dhabi, but far away from here, sparks some insights and some questions about land use policy.
Economic realities must guide plans for development
The Tourism Development and Investment Company deserves credit for explaining candidly that Saadiyat Island development has been slowed down for reasons of economic reality. Other big players in the UAE's public sector please take note. And does the whole 2030 plan need re-thinking?
The past as guide for a new Federal National Council
Governance by consensus has served this region well, not just for the 40-year life of the UAE but for centuries before that. The evolution of the Federal National Council is a natural extension of that traditional technique.
On behalf of young footballers, keep an equal playing field
Building up a strong national football team is a fine goal, but surely a higher priority should be put on building up local talent and standards than on importing a few hired stars who would be here only as short-timers.
Whatever you call it, cruelty to animals is indefensible
Cruelty to animals is just plain wrong. But it's just plain lunacy to argue that pets should now be called "companion animals". But that's what some people who should know better are claiming.
Labour abuses can start even before workers get here
The Ministry of Labour is industriously tackling the issues related to abuse of expatriate labourers, but some of the problems begin long before workers reach the UAE. Memoranda of Understanding with governments of labour-supplying countries are supposed to prevent such abuses.
The need for more history from an Emirati point of view
Authoritative Emirati perspectives on the past are needed for the country to understand its history and future
Passion for books remains alive and well in our children
Anyone who is sufficiently literate can write if they try hard enough. Luckily, there can never be enough books or bookshelves.
