The entertainment screens in Abu Dhabi taxis have drawn mixed reactions from readers. Lee Hoagland / The National
The entertainment screens in Abu Dhabi taxis have drawn mixed reactions from readers. Lee Hoagland / The National

All taxi riders don’t want to watch TV



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

The more serious side of specialty coffee

While the taste of beans and freshness of roast is paramount to the specialty coffee scene, so is sustainability and workers’ rights.

The bulk of genuine specialty coffee companies aim to improve on these elements in every stage of production via direct relationships with farmers. For instance, Mokha 1450 on Al Wasl Road strives to work predominantly with women-owned and -operated coffee organisations, including female farmers in the Sabree mountains of Yemen.

Because, as the boutique’s owner, Garfield Kerr, points out: “women represent over 90 per cent of the coffee value chain, but are woefully underrepresented in less than 10 per cent of ownership and management throughout the global coffee industry.”

One of the UAE’s largest suppliers of green (meaning not-yet-roasted) beans, Raw Coffee, is a founding member of the Partnership of Gender Equity, which aims to empower female coffee farmers and harvesters.

Also, globally, many companies have found the perfect way to recycle old coffee grounds: they create the perfect fertile soil in which to grow mushrooms. 

The Comeback: Elvis And The Story Of The 68 Special
Simon Goddard
Omnibus  Press

Emergency

Director: Kangana Ranaut

Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry 

Rating: 2/5