The UAE’s commitment to fostering a culture of harmony and unity is exemplified through the very existence of the Ministry of Tolerance and Co-existence. It is dedicated to promoting a spirit of brotherhood and understanding, with an aim to create a society that thrives on diversity and mutual respect, particularly at a time when the world is grappling with unrest and tension.
A manifestation of this commitment was witnessed in the ministry's role in facilitating the construction of a Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi. By championing various cultural and intellectual activities, it seeks to build bridges among communities.
The UAE’s commitment to tolerance sets an inspiring example for the world.
It is time for my country India to also conceptualise the idea of tolerance and create a ministry, similar to the UAE’s approach. Such an initiative would further strengthen our nation’s commitment to fostering a harmonious society that celebrates diversity and promotes mutual understanding among all communities.
Shiben Krishen Raina, Dubai
Gaza has changed forever
I write in reference to Michael Young’s article Hamas's dilemma is that it lacked a political objective in October and it lacks one now (March 12): Mr Young writes that in negotiations with Israel, Hamas’s leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, has essentially “sought a return to the status quo before October 7”. But the question is, how would a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli troops constitute a return to the status quo?
According to a report published by the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs, as of last week only six hospitals are partially functional in Gaza. The Norwegian Refugee Council reports that in the first week of the Israeli operation, 43 per cent of the housing units in the territory were damaged. Full and unconditional withdrawal of Israeli troops at this moment would still leave Gaza with monumental challenges.
Name withheld by request
The scope and scale of India’s general election
I write in reference to Taniya Dutta’s article India general election: Date, voters and how the world’s largest polls are staged (March 18): those unfamiliar with India's electoral process may be startled to read that this year's general election will be held in seven phases, from April 19 to June 1. But the sheer size of both the country and its electorate makes the task of holding the world’s largest election extremely challenging, especially in the scorching heat, which explains the need to stagger it over one and a half months. The high stakes involved make this exercise even more challenging, not just for the Election Commission of India but for the security forces and other organs of government. Moreover, with much controversy surrounding electronic voting – amid concerns that machines could be compromised – bureaucrats will have their work cut out to ensure that the entire process is foolproof. They have my best wishes.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India
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The specs
Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors
Power: 480kW
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)
On sale: Now
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
Company%20Profile
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MEYDAN CARD
6.30pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 Group One (PA) US$65,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
7.05pm Handicap (TB) $175,000 (Turf) 1,200m
7.40pm UAE 2000 Guineas Trial Conditions (TB) $100,000 (D) 1,600m
8.15pm Singspiel Stakes Group Two (TB) $250,000 (T) 1,800m
8.50pm Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,600m
9.25pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 Group Two (TB) $350,000 (D) 1,600m
10pm Dubai Trophy Conditions (TB) $100,000 (T) 1,200m
10.35pm Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,600m
The National selections:
6.30pm AF Alwajel
7.05pm Ekhtiyaar
7.40pm First View
8.15pm Benbatl
8.50pm Zakouski
9.25pm: Kimbear
10pm: Chasing Dreams
10.35pm: Good Fortune
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
Company%20Profile
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Wicked
Director: Jon M Chu
Stars: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey
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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.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Notable salonnières of the Middle East through history
Al Khasan (Okaz, Saudi Arabia)
Tamadir bint Amr Al Harith, known simply as Al Khasan, was a poet from Najd famed for elegies, earning great renown for the eulogy of her brothers Mu’awiyah and Sakhr, both killed in tribal wars. Although not a salonnière, this prestigious 7th century poet fostered a culture of literary criticism and could be found standing in the souq of Okaz and reciting her poetry, publicly pronouncing her views and inviting others to join in the debate on scholarship. She later converted to Islam.
Maryana Marrash (Aleppo)
A poet and writer, Marrash helped revive the tradition of the salon and was an active part of the Nadha movement, or Arab Renaissance. Born to an established family in Aleppo in Ottoman Syria in 1848, Marrash was educated at missionary schools in Aleppo and Beirut at a time when many women did not receive an education. After touring Europe, she began to host salons where writers played chess and cards, competed in the art of poetry, and discussed literature and politics. An accomplished singer and canon player, music and dancing were a part of these evenings.
Princess Nazil Fadil (Cairo)
Princess Nazil Fadil gathered religious, literary and political elite together at her Cairo palace, although she stopped short of inviting women. The princess, a niece of Khedive Ismail, believed that Egypt’s situation could only be solved through education and she donated her own property to help fund the first modern Egyptian University in Cairo.
Mayy Ziyadah (Cairo)
Ziyadah was the first to entertain both men and women at her Cairo salon, founded in 1913. The writer, poet, public speaker and critic, her writing explored language, religious identity, language, nationalism and hierarchy. Born in Nazareth, Palestine, to a Lebanese father and Palestinian mother, her salon was open to different social classes and earned comparisons with souq of where Al Khansa herself once recited.
David Haye record
Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4
Citadel: Honey Bunny first episode
Directors: Raj & DK
Stars: Varun Dhawan, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Kashvi Majmundar, Kay Kay Menon
Rating: 4/5
COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
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Electoral College Victory
Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate.
Popular Vote Tally
The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.
Singham Again
Director: Rohit Shetty
Stars: Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ranveer Singh, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, Deepika Padukone
Rating: 3/5
THE SPECS
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: seven-speed dual clutch
Power: 710bhp
Torque: 770Nm
Speed: 0-100km/h 2.9 seconds
Top Speed: 340km/h
Price: Dh1,000,885
On sale: now
Company%20Profile
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: SimpliFi
Started: August 2021
Founder: Ali Sattar
Based: UAE
Industry: Finance, technology
Investors: 4DX, Rally Cap, Raed, Global Founders, Sukna and individuals
Our Time Has Come
Alyssa Ayres, Oxford University Press
