Sensible preparations for rain in the UAE
With regard to the report UAE weather: Abu Dhabi and Dubai hit by heavy rain and thunder (May 02): I was enjoying the rain this time around. It eased the heat and it wasn't as bad as the last spell. I appreciate the UAE's information and notice drive and the alerts residents received on their phones. It was a sensible move to allow remote learning and work over to ease the traffic on the roads.
Melanie K, Abu Dhabi
Palestine denied UN membership
In reference to Thomas Watkins's article US defends veto of Palestinian bid for full UN membership (May 01): All this talk of international peace, security and the UN charter but the US has come across as the polar opposite of these values in the past eight months. The US can't really claim to be pro-peace anymore. For that Biden would have to reverse the Israel policies drastically.
Jane McBride, Sacramento, US
It's unfortunate that even as the UN exists, there is increasing conflict and the use of veto power to protect some politicians obviously on the wrong side of international law.
Roshan Jamal, Frankfurt, Germany
Palestinian statehood should be a given, instead of these discussions around whether or not they qualify for it. The pure audacity of keeping something away from people simply to steal their land from under them for another nation's glory is twisted. There should be no debate. Palestine is already regarded as a state in many quarters, it should be officially recognised too so that Israel's illegal occupation and war can finally come to an end.
Diego San M, Kinshasa, Congo
Respect for the World Central kitchen
With reference to Jihan Abdalla's report Decision to resume Gaza work is 'hardest and simplest', World Central Kitchen founder says (April 30): I admire the people who took this decision. It takes courage to resume work so soon after the devastating attacks on their colleagues. Gazans are being brutalised by war and these guys are doing more than their bit to prevent famine. They deserve all the international support.
Majd Karim, Dubai
A careful cricket team selection
Regarding the report India expected to play it safe with T20 World Cup 2024 squad selection (April 30): This was an interesting read. The selection of players for June has been done sensibly and with care, taking their present form into account in the T20. Rohit Sharma will lead the team with other players - Sanju Samson, Virat Kohli adding strength to make the team even more powerful and poised to win the T20 World Cup. Wishing them all the best for the Caribbean and US tour.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India
Match info
Uefa Champions League Group H
Juventus v Valencia, Tuesday, midnight (UAE)
Ziina users can donate to relief efforts in Beirut
Ziina users will be able to use the app to help relief efforts in Beirut, which has been left reeling after an August blast caused an estimated $15 billion in damage and left thousands homeless. Ziina has partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to raise money for the Lebanese capital, co-founder Faisal Toukan says. “As of October 1, the UNHCR has the first certified badge on Ziina and is automatically part of user's top friends' list during this campaign. Users can now donate any amount to the Beirut relief with two clicks. The money raised will go towards rebuilding houses for the families that were impacted by the explosion.”
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
The specs: 2018 Kia Picanto
Price: From Dh39,500
Engine: 1.2L inline four-cylinder
Transmission: Four-speed auto
Power: 86hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 122Nm @ 4,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.0L / 100km
Roll of honour: Who won what in 2018/19?
West Asia Premiership: Winners – Bahrain; Runners-up – Dubai Exiles
UAE Premiership: Winners – Abu Dhabi Harlequins; Runners-up – Jebel Ali Dragons
Dubai Rugby Sevens: Winners – Dubai Hurricanes; Runners-up – Abu Dhabi Harlequins
UAE Conference: Winners – Dubai Tigers; Runners-up – Al Ain Amblers
Tailors and retailers miss out on back-to-school rush
Tailors and retailers across the city said it was an ominous start to what is usually a busy season for sales.
With many parents opting to continue home learning for their children, the usual rush to buy school uniforms was muted this year.
“So far we have taken about 70 to 80 orders for items like shirts and trousers,” said Vikram Attrai, manager at Stallion Bespoke Tailors in Dubai.
“Last year in the same period we had about 200 orders and lots of demand.
“We custom fit uniform pieces and use materials such as cotton, wool and cashmere.
“Depending on size, a white shirt with logo is priced at about Dh100 to Dh150 and shorts, trousers, skirts and dresses cost between Dh150 to Dh250 a piece.”
A spokesman for Threads, a uniform shop based in Times Square Centre Dubai, said customer footfall had slowed down dramatically over the past few months.
“Now parents have the option to keep children doing online learning they don’t need uniforms so it has quietened down.”
Kill%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Nikhil%20Nagesh%20Bhat%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20Lakshya%2C%20Tanya%20Maniktala%2C%20Ashish%20Vidyarthi%2C%20Harsh%20Chhaya%2C%20Raghav%20Juyal%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204.5%2F5%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo hybrid
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 390bhp
Torque: 400Nm
Price: Dh340,000 ($92,579
Essentials
The flights
Return flights from Dubai to Windhoek, with a combination of Emirates and Air Namibia, cost from US$790 (Dh2,902) via Johannesburg.
The trip
A 10-day self-drive in Namibia staying at a combination of the safari camps mentioned – Okonjima AfriCat, Little Kulala, Desert Rhino/Damaraland, Ongava – costs from $7,000 (Dh25,711) per person, including car hire (Toyota 4x4 or similar), but excluding international flights, with The Luxury Safari Company.
When to go
The cooler winter months, from June to September, are best, especially for game viewing.
