The Egyptian Coptic Pope Tawadros leads a Christmas Eve mass at the new Coptic Cathedral in Cairo / EPA
The Egyptian Coptic Pope Tawadros leads a Christmas Eve mass at the new Coptic Cathedral in Cairo / EPA

Reporting on different communities helps residents understand the society they live in



Thank you for reporting on the Christmas celebrations of the Coptic Orthodox Church in St Anthony's Cathedral and in the country as a whole (January 6). Copts being the largest Christian denomination here is only true of the wider Mena region, including their home country Egypt.

In the Gulf region, the Catholic Church is by far the largest Christian community with more than 900,000 members in UAE alone. Deacon Haroun mentions 30,000 Egyptians in Abu Dhabi as being Coptic Christians. The Filipino Catholics attending St Joseph's Catholic Cathedral next door are more numerous.

My point is that it is not a contest of numbers; after all, we are all Christians, but reporting this helps readers understand the society they live in.

Fr Gandolf Wild, Bishop's House, St Joseph's Cathedral, Abu Dhabi

Trump should just get on with the day job instead of getting distracted

In reference to your story Trump's fire and fury reaction in trying to block an explosive new book is unprecedented (January 7), clearly Michael Wolff's book Fire and Fury has infuriated president Donald Trump. However, instead of trying to stop the publication of the book or get it banned, he should just ignore it. The more time he spends talking against the book, the higher the propensity to make it a bestseller. Controversy only fuels sales.

One of the key points made in the book is that Mr Trump did not expect to win and his wife was very upset with the victory. Frankly all this is irrelevant now. The American people democratically voted for Mr Trump to become their president in their collective wisdom. Granted, Mr Trump is a turbulent and unpredictable personality, yet the fact remains that he is an elected president, so he should just go ahead and do his job instead of getting distracted by every tweet or book that presents an opposite view to him.

Rajendra Aneja, Dubai

Even no-smoking areas are becoming no-go areas

In reference to your story about vaping, I had to walk into a cafe through a cloud of vape smoke. There was also a cloud of smoke while I walked behind someone in a no-smoking area at my beach club. Why do these people think it's okay? Ban vaping.

Kay Lancaster, Dubai

VAT has some of us counting the cost

In reference to your article UAE workers buy in bulk to beat VAT as small purchases prove too costly (January 6), many baqala stores are overcharging customers on this. They need to have a chart to show customers the exact price when asked for details.

Krish Nambiar, Abu Dhabi

Companies are taking advantage of the introduction of VAT and hiking up the price.

Nicholas Derbyshire, Dubai

This is not a big deal. Just spend less.

Matthew Litty, Dubai

Indoor Cricket World Cup - Sept 16-20, Insportz, Dubai

Dubai Bling season three

Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed 

Rating: 1/5

if you go
Youth YouTuber Programme

The programme will be presented over two weeks and will cover the following topics:

- Learning, scripting, storytelling and basic shots

- Master on-camera presence and advanced script writing

- Beating the algorithm and reaching your core audience

How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Paatal Lok season two

Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy 

Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong

Rating: 4.5/5

How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE

When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.

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Points to remember
  • Debate the issue, don't attack the person
  • Build the relationship and dialogue by seeking to find common ground
  • Express passion for the issue but be aware of when you're losing control or when there's anger. If there is, pause and take some time out.
  • Listen actively without interrupting
  • Avoid assumptions, seek understanding, ask questions
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