This is with reference to Patrick DeHahn's report More deaths and vaccine hesitancy: the US fight against Covid in 2021 (December 20): The reluctance among some people across the world to take the vaccine is cause for alarm. Many companies in the US and UK plan to ensure that all office staff and even visitors, should be fully vaccinated. Britain is pondering vaccination passports for people to attend football matches and even universities, to incentivise young people to take their jabs.
Earlier this year we learnt of a study by Oxford University which revealed that about 10 per cent of the people interviewed had a fear of needles, which is why they were hesitant to take the vaccine.
In many African countries, where only a small percentage of the population is inoculated, there are often vaccines available freely, but there are no takers. Even though booths have been set up, there are no queues. A sustained educational programme, in a persuasive style, is required to ensure that people's apprehensions are addressed and they get their jabs.
Clearly governments across the world need to push hard to ensure 100 per cent compliance. In France, the vaccinations surged only when the president Emmanuel Macron told his countrymen that they would not be allowed to enter cafes and bars, till they showed proof of vaccination. People need to understand that if they do not take the jabs, they are not merely endangering themselves, but also everyone around, including their families and friends.
Rajendra Aneja, Dubai
Desmond Tutu: the passing of an inspiration
With reference to the report US President Joe Biden leads tributes after death of Archbishop Desmond Tutu (December 27): My most heartfelt condolences on the passing of Archbishop Tutu. He was a true inspiration and a moral guide. May his soul rest in peace.
Samuel Njau, Nairobi, Kenya
India's timely preventive measures
With regard to Taniya Dutta's report India clears two new vaccines and Merck pill to beat Omicron (December 28): India's approval of the new vaccines and the pill to beat the new variant is laudable. On seeing the scenario of both local and international of surging cases of the new variant, the Indian administration has decided this is the best safeguard. Last week the India approved vaccinating children between the ages of 15 and 18. Evidently, the government believes prevention is better than cure, a good motto as we enter the new year. I wish everyone good health and happiness. May we get rid of the pandemic for good in 2022.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
SERIES INFO
Afghanistan v Zimbabwe, Abu Dhabi Sunshine Series
All matches at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Test series
1st Test: Zimbabwe beat Afghanistan by 10 wickets
2nd Test: Wednesday, 10 March – Sunday, 14 March
Play starts at 9.30am
T20 series
1st T20I: Wednesday, 17 March
2nd T20I: Friday, 19 March
3rd T20I: Saturday, 20 March
TV
Supporters in the UAE can watch the matches on the Rabbithole channel on YouTube
In-demand jobs and monthly salaries
- Technology expert in robotics and automation: Dh20,000 to Dh40,000Â
- Energy engineer: Dh25,000 to Dh30,000Â
- Production engineer: Dh30,000 to Dh40,000Â
- Data-driven supply chain management professional: Dh30,000 to Dh50,000Â
- HR leader: Dh40,000 to Dh60,000Â
- Engineering leader: Dh30,000 to Dh55,000Â
- Project manager: Dh55,000 to Dh65,000Â
- Senior reservoir engineer: Dh40,000 to Dh55,000Â
- Senior drilling engineer: Dh38,000 to Dh46,000Â
- Senior process engineer: Dh28,000 to Dh38,000Â
- Senior maintenance engineer: Dh22,000 to Dh34,000Â
- Field engineer: Dh6,500 to Dh7,500
- Field supervisor: Dh9,000 to Dh12,000
- Field operator: Dh5,000 to Dh7,000
TRAP
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Saleka Shyamalan, Ariel Donaghue
Director: M Night Shyamalan
Rating: 3/5
How to turn your property into a holiday home
- Ensure decoration and styling – and portal photography – quality is high to achieve maximum rates.
- Research equivalent Airbnb homes in your location to ensure competitiveness.
- Post on all relevant platforms to reach the widest audience; whether you let personally or via an agency know your potential guest profile – aiming for the wrong demographic may leave your property empty.
- Factor in costs when working out if holiday letting is beneficial. The annual DCTM fee runs from Dh370Â for a one-bedroom flat to Dh1,200. Tourism tax is Dh10-15 per bedroom, per night.
- Check your management company has a physical office, a valid DTCM licence and is licencing your property and paying tourism taxes. For transparency, regularly view your booking calendar.
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
Emergency
Director: Kangana Ranaut
Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry
Rating: 2/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
Our legal consultant
Name:Â Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position:Â legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
How to avoid crypto fraud
- Use unique usernames and passwords while enabling multi-factor authentication.
- Use an offline private key, a physical device that requires manual activation, whenever you access your wallet.
- Avoid suspicious social media ads promoting fraudulent schemes.
- Only invest in crypto projects that you fully understand.
- Critically assess whether a project’s promises or returns seem too good to be true.
- Only use reputable platforms that have a track record of strong regulatory compliance.
- Store funds in hardware wallets as opposed to online exchanges.
Guide to intelligent investing
Investing success often hinges on discipline and perspective. As markets fluctuate, remember these guiding principles:
- Stay invested: Time in the market, not timing the market, is critical to long-term gains.
- Rational thinking: Breathe and avoid emotional decision-making; let logic and planning guide your actions.
- Strategic patience: Understand why you’re investing and allow time for your strategies to unfold.
Sarfira
Director: Sudha Kongara Prasad
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Radhika Madan, Paresh Rawal
Rating: 2/5