With regard to your news story, Al Ain quad biking horror story a warning to others, unlucky couple say (January 6), I would say it's the rental company's duty rather than the customer's to know the laws concerning its business.
If the rental company operates outside the legal framework, they should face the consequences and not the client.
However, if the laws concerning off-road driving are unclear, I believe the government has to make sure the situation is legally clarified before fining anybody or impounding anything.
Name withheld by request
Cycling can be done safely
With regard to The National's call for cycling safety tips, I think one of the most effective is to walk your bicycle across a pedestrian crossing.
That way, if it becomes necessary, you can drop the bike and jump out of the way of the traffic.
Owen Neale, Abu Dhabi
I think it is important to only cycle on dedicated cycle paths, and so is wearing your helmet and a safety jacket.
Sathish Krish, Abu Dhabi
Wearing a helmet is a must and while returning from work, one should also wear a safety jacket and have lights on one’s bicycle also, to avoid being hit while riding after dark.
Syed Asif, India
Fire safety has to take top priority
As a professional risk manager, I was working in Jumeirah Lakes Towers when a residential tower there caught fire in November 2012. It quickly spread because of its combustible cladding.
The cause was identified as a discarded cigarette that ignited combustible material stored on another floor. Despite this, I've witnessed on several occasions people smoking on balconies and flicking the cigarettes over the side.
I agree that the cladding issue needs to be addressed but if we are going to deal with this matter properly, smoking and barbecues should be strictly prohibited in all towers.
The emphasis should be placed on fire prevention.
Randall Mohammed, Dubai
If insurance premiums rise because of the cladding risk, building owners will pass the cost on to the tenants.
The only way to make it fair is to identify every building with flammable cladding, so tenants and customers know which ones to avoid.
Chris Reid, Dubai
Education key to taxi congestion
Your news item, Packed Mushrif Mall taxi rank a headache for drivers (January 4), was a real eye-opener.
I also see this regularly in front of Abu Dhabi Mall but in my view, Mushrif Mall is better placed than the other malls in terms of parking options.
There are two reasons causing this problem at Mushrif Mall. One is the lack of training and education for taxi drivers to not block traffic.
Even if they know that there is no space for them, they will often still squeeze in, ending up either blocking other vehicles entering the mall parking area or even creating the dangerous situation of placing them in the path of the speeding vehicles on the road.
If the taxi companies won't train their drivers, the mall authorities should have security staff controlling the area.
The second and most important point is the lack of patience by all drivers. When a vehicle – whether it is a taxi or a private car – is trying to park, the drivers behind express their impatience rather than giving them a little bit of time.
We need to develop a culture of patience and harmony.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
Many times I want to use this main entrance to the mall and find it blocked by taxis. When I ask them why they block the entrance, they usually say: “Sorry, I didn't see.”
The solution is to either educate these taxi drivers or replace them.
Sultan Alhay, Abu Dhabi
I wonder why this taxi rank’s very poor design isn't even raised as an issue?
Andrew Purker, Dubai
So, about words we love to hate
Your editorial (I'm so over that word, January 6) asks which terms we'd like to see banished. I'd start with "Do the needful".
Jamie Goodwin, Dubai
Needful is not the correct word, it's needed. And let's ban other -ful words like mindful.
Rachida Djebel, Dubai
THE SPECS
Range Rover Sport Autobiography Dynamic
Engine: 5.0-litre supercharged V8
Transmission: six-speed manual
Power: 518bhp
Torque: 625Nm
Speed: 0-100kmh 5.3 seconds
Price: Dh633,435
On sale: now
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
Genesis G80 2020 5.0-litre Royal Specs
Engine: 5-litre V8
Gearbox: eight-speed automatic
Power: 420hp
Torque: 505Nm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.4L/100km
Price: Dh260,500
What are the GCSE grade equivalents?
- Grade 9 = above an A*
- Grade 8 = between grades A* and A
- Grade 7 = grade A
- Grade 6 = just above a grade B
- Grade 5 = between grades B and C
- Grade 4 = grade C
- Grade 3 = between grades D and E
- Grade 2 = between grades E and F
- Grade 1 = between grades F and G
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Qyubic
Started: October 2023
Founder: Namrata Raina
Based: Dubai
Sector: E-commerce
Current number of staff: 10
Investment stage: Pre-seed
Initial investment: Undisclosed
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Revibe%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202022%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Hamza%20Iraqui%20and%20Abdessamad%20Ben%20Zakour%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20UAE%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Refurbished%20electronics%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunds%20raised%20so%20far%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%2410m%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFlat6Labs%2C%20Resonance%20and%20various%20others%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
SERIES SCHEDULE
First Test, Galle International Stadium
July 26-30
Second Test, Sinhalese Sports Club Ground
August 3-7
Third Test, Pallekele International Stadium
August 12-16
First ODI, Rangiri Dambulla Stadium
August 20
Second ODI, Pallekele International Stadium
August 24
Third ODI, Pallekele International Stadium
August 27
Fourth ODI, R Premadasa Stadium
August 31
Fifth ODI, R Premadasa Stadium
September 3
T20, R Premadasa Stadium
September 6
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: 2018 Audi RS5
Price, base: Dh359,200
Engine: 2.9L twin-turbo V6
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 450hp at 5,700rpm
Torque: 600Nm at 1,900rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 8.7L / 100km
Emergency
Director: Kangana Ranaut
Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry
Rating: 2/5
5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
21 Lessons for the 21st Century
Yuval Noah Harari, Jonathan Cape
Cryopreservation: A timeline
- Keyhole surgery under general anaesthetic
- Ovarian tissue surgically removed
- Tissue processed in a high-tech facility
- Tissue re-implanted at a time of the patient’s choosing
- Full hormone production regained within 4-6 months
EMIRATES'S%20REVISED%20A350%20DEPLOYMENT%20SCHEDULE
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