What drivers in the UAE can do to adapt


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ABU DHABI // It was a rare opportunity yesterday for student drivers to get some wet weather experience at the Emirates Driving Company in Mussaffah.

"It gave them a good chance to practise safe driving in the rain," said Mustafa Muhsen, a 32-year-old Emirati who is in charge of the practical training section at the company.

Mr Muhsen urged drivers not to speed, which could lead to aquaplaning. This happens when water on the road accumulates in front of the car's tyres faster than the weight of the car can push it out of the way, causing the car to rise and slide on top of a thin layer of water.

Drivers should use their headlights and fog lights - but not hazard lights or high beams - in heavy rain. "Slow down, check your tyres, windscreen wipers and fill your washer fluid," Mr Muhsen said.

To steer out of a skid, release the brake pedal fully, release the accelerator and do not try to steer until the wheels regain some of their grip. Turn the steering wheel in the same direction as the skid, he said.

Theory lessons at Belhasa Driving Centre in Dubai cover driving through floods. Drivers must increase the safe following distance from two seconds to four seconds, drive slower than the speed limit and avoid harsh braking since the tyres will not get the grip, according to Saif Belhasa, chairman of the centre.

Robert Hodges, chief operating officer at Emirates Driving Institute in Dubai, offered tips on driving in heavy rain last month in response to severe weather warnings. Before setting off, drivers should set the heater or AC controls to defrost, as rain makes the windows mist up in seconds. They should try to avoid spray from the vehicle in front.

Motorists should drive defensively at all times and expect other drivers to make errors of judgement. The use of cruise control should be avoided to reduce the risk of aquaplaning, he said.

* Ramona Ruiz

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Artist: Linkin Park

Label: Warner Records

Number of tracks: 11

Rating: 4/5

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Our legal columnist

Name: Yousef Al Bahar

Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994

Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers

What is 'Soft Power'?

Soft power was first mentioned in 1990 by former US Defence Secretary Joseph Nye. 
He believed that there were alternative ways of cultivating support from other countries, instead of achieving goals using military strength. 
Soft power is, at its root, the ability to convince other states to do what you want without force. 
This is traditionally achieved by proving that you share morals and values.

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Where: du Arena, Abu Dhabi

When: Saturday November 24

Rating: 4/5

The National Archives, Abu Dhabi

Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.

Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en

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Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction

Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.

Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.

Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.

Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.

Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.

What are the guidelines?

Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.

Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.

Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.

Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.

Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.

Source: American Paediatric Association
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Tips to keep your car cool
  • Place a sun reflector in your windshield when not driving
  • Park in shaded or covered areas
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  • Pick light interiors - choose colours such as beige and cream for seats and dashboard furniture
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World Sevens Series standing after Dubai

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Bayern Munich 5 Eintrracht Frankfurt 2
Bayern:
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What is dialysis?

Dialysis is a way of cleaning your blood when your kidneys fail and can no longer do the job.

It gets rid of your body's wastes, extra salt and water, and helps to control your blood pressure. The main cause of kidney failure is diabetes and hypertension.

There are two kinds of dialysis — haemodialysis and peritoneal.

In haemodialysis, blood is pumped out of your body to an artificial kidney machine that filter your blood and returns it to your body by tubes.

In peritoneal dialysis, the inside lining of your own belly acts as a natural filter. Wastes are taken out by means of a cleansing fluid which is washed in and out of your belly in cycles.

It isn’t an option for everyone but if eligible, can be done at home by the patient or caregiver. This, as opposed to home haemodialysis, is covered by insurance in the UAE.

How to report a beggar

Abu Dhabi – Call 999 or 8002626 (Aman Service)

Dubai – Call 800243

Sharjah – Call 065632222

Ras Al Khaimah - Call 072053372

Ajman – Call 067401616

Umm Al Quwain – Call 999

Fujairah - Call 092051100 or 092224411