I am commenting on the news article Abu Dhabi taxis try out in-cab advertising screens (June 19).
As soon as the taxi meter is on, the television screen is switched on. This is disturbing. Customers should be able to decide whether they want to watch it or not.
Jacqueline Craig, Dubai
There is only one screen in the taxis I have been in, so you could sit behind the driver or in the front seat. I liked the idea though. It makes the journey less boring.
Brett Pearson, Abu Dhabi
Blair and Bush are to blame for crisis in the Middle East
Tony Blair and George W Bush are to blame for the current crisis in Iraq and the Middle East, and for the suffering of millions of people in the region (Blair cannot duck blame for troubles in Iraq, June 16). Yet Mr Blair has the nerve to justify his actions. They have sparked a war not only between the West and the East, Muslims and non-Muslims, but also among the Muslim community.
The whole world knows it. To fulfil their narrow goals, they have destroyed many generations. They have also largely tarnished the image of Muslims.
Sadly in this world, the victims of injustice are often punished instead of the perpetrators.
A Naqvi, RAK
How is Qatar better than UAE?
This refers to the article UAE ranks 40th in world in new global peace index (June 19).
The Institute for Economics and Peace “Global Peace Index” has rated the UAE 40th out of 162 countries. But the index does not provide solid explanation for this. There are only numbers and colours. According to the report, Qatar is the most peaceful country in the region. Really?
Vahan Nazaryan, Dubai
I think the ranking of the UAE is totally wrong. This country should be among the top 10, and I mean it.
Brigitte von Bulow, Abu Dhabi
Etihad should upgrade services
I agree with Stefanos Boulanikian's views (Etihad needs to focus on economy). I have been a frequent flyer for many years and Etihad's service, especially prior to departure, has deteriorated in the past few years.
The website is a mess; class upgrades with miles are practically impossible. Telephone and email support is not worth being called “support”.
On many occasions, mail requests are not answered. Online check-in often does not work. However, cabin crew and in-flight services are very good.
I think the airline should invest more in customer satisfaction.
Novak Stevanovic, Abu Dhabi
Illustration on Pakistan says it all
I am commenting on Shadi Ghanim’s illustration (June 10) of the tragic incident that occurred at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi that claimed the lives of innocent civilians.
It is sad that the Taliban took revenge for the death of their leader in such an inhumane and unjustifiable manner. This should serve as a wake-up call for the Pakistani government.
Fatima Suhail, Sharjah
Al Ain needs more doctors
It's good news that a fleet of new ambulances has helped to save lives across the Northern Emirates every day since its launch (A new type of care: new fleet of Mercedes ambulances help to save lives every day in the Northern Emirates). But it's crucial for technicians to improve their skills.
It would also be good if more qualified paramedics and doctors are inducted.
Currently, only one doctor is responsible for the ambulance service in the entire Al Ain region.
Bilal Chauhdry, Al Ain
Damac’s vastu move is intelligent
The article Finding peace in Dubai homes using Vastu (June 17) was interesting. Vastu shastra is based on science. So it is useful to keep vastu principles in mind when building or buying homes.
That’s why Damac’s decision to hire a vastu consultant is important.
In India and some other South Asian countries, vastu is very popular. Many real-estate investors in the UAE look for vastu-compliant properties.
I know some people who will not buy or rent a home if it is not vastu-compliant. With this move, Damac can benefit in a big way.
Manish Sharma, Abu Dhabi
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
The National in Davos
We are bringing you the inside story from the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos, a gathering of hundreds of world leaders, top executives and billionaires.
Vidaamuyarchi
Director: Magizh Thirumeni
Stars: Ajith Kumar, Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Regina Cassandra
Rating: 4/5
2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
Apple product price list
iPad Pro
11" - $799 (64GB)
12.9" - $999 (64GB)
MacBook Air
$1,199
Mac Mini
$799
'My Son'
Director: Christian Carion
Starring: James McAvoy, Claire Foy, Tom Cullen, Gary Lewis
Rating: 2/5
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
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
Tonight's Chat on The National
Tonight's Chat is a series of online conversations on The National. The series features a diverse range of celebrities, politicians and business leaders from around the Arab world.
Tonight’s Chat host Ricardo Karam is a renowned author and broadcaster who has previously interviewed Bill Gates, Carlos Ghosn, Andre Agassi and the late Zaha Hadid, among others.
Intellectually curious and thought-provoking, Tonight’s Chat moves the conversation forward.
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Three ways to limit your social media use
Clinical psychologist, Dr Saliha Afridi at The Lighthouse Arabia suggests three easy things you can do every day to cut back on the time you spend online.
1. Put the social media app in a folder on the second or third screen of your phone so it has to remain a conscious decision to open, rather than something your fingers gravitate towards without consideration.
2. Schedule a time to use social media instead of consistently throughout the day. I recommend setting aside certain times of the day or week when you upload pictures or share information.
3. Take a mental snapshot rather than a photo on your phone. Instead of sharing it with your social world, try to absorb the moment, connect with your feeling, experience the moment with all five of your senses. You will have a memory of that moment more vividly and for far longer than if you take a picture of it.
Banned items
Dubai Police has also issued a list of banned items at the ground on Sunday. These include:
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Political flags or banners
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Bikes, skateboards or scooters
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Buy farm-fresh food
The UAE is stepping up its game when it comes to platforms for local farms to show off and sell their produce.
In Dubai, visit Emirati Farmers Souq at The Pointe every Saturday from 8am to 2pm, which has produce from Al Ammar Farm, Omar Al Katri Farm, Hikarivege Vegetables, Rashed Farms and Al Khaleej Honey Trading, among others.
In Sharjah, the Aljada residential community will launch a new outdoor farmers’ market every Friday starting this weekend. Manbat will be held from 3pm to 8pm, and will host 30 farmers, local home-grown entrepreneurs and food stalls from the teams behind Badia Farms; Emirates Hydroponics Farms; Modern Organic Farm; Revolution Real; Astraea Farms; and Al Khaleej Food.
In Abu Dhabi, order farm produce from Food Crowd, an online grocery platform that supplies fresh and organic ingredients directly from farms such as Emirates Bio Farm, TFC, Armela Farms and mother company Al Dahra.
