In reference to your op-ed The dark side of long rule is starkly demonstrated by one-time revolutionary Ortega (May 1), Sholto Byrnes is absolutely right. The lust for power is often too intoxicating for novice politicians, who manage to climb the political ladder. They carry out dictatorial manoeuvres in an attempt to retain power, trampling over important democratic norms without realising, until they are inevitably, like Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe, booted out of power.
Name withheld by request
Tyrants beware: the truth is out there
I refer to your excellent editorial Journalists' protection is vital in getting to the truth (May 2): it is indeed true that writers and journalists are being victimised in various countries led by intolerant leaders. Writers and journalists have always been hounded by the powers that be, who fear being exposed. However, in the ultimate analysis, their words will prevail over brute force. As long as there is ink in the pen of a writer, he or she cannot be silenced. As Mahatma Gandhi once said: "Remember that all through history, there have been tyrants and murderers and for a time, they seem invincible. But in the end, they always fall. Always."
Rajendra Aneja, Dubai
Some pay packets are more equal than others
In reference to your article UAE's 'good old expat packages' fade away as companies target younger professionals (May 4), these things are somewhat biased. Some companies will still pay certain employees all the perks and more salary.
Fatima Atta, Dubai
Abu Dhabi hospital has us in safe hands
I refer to your article Abu Dhabi's Corniche Hospital opens to expats four years after running out of room (May 4): I had an excellent experience there as the Corniche Hospital is the best place for complicated and high-risk pregnancies. My usual hospital could not treat me. This is very good news.
Gill Dow, Abu Dhabi
Our daughter was born there in 1983. We received excellent care.
Josie Gonzalez Nabti, Florida, US
Palestinian flag will rightly be flying high at Cannes
I write in reference to your article Cannes Film Festival: Palestinians get first pavilion in boost to film industry (May 5): this was a very interesting read. The fact that Palestine will be represented in the international village in Cannes is an extremely positive development for the Palestinian people. Surrounded by representatives from 70 other countries, the Palestinian pavilion will be a source of great pride. I personally am looking forward to seeing their flag flying high at this prestigious event. After decades of struggling against occupation, this provides some sign of hope. It could also awaken the Palestinian film industry. I hope the festival runs smoothly.
K Ragavan, Denver
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Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
RESULT
Arsenal 1 Chelsea 2
Arsenal: Aubameyang (13')
Chelsea: Jorginho (83'), Abraham (87')
ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
A timeline of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language
- 2018: Formal work begins
- November 2021: First 17 volumes launched
- November 2022: Additional 19 volumes released
- October 2023: Another 31 volumes released
- November 2024: All 127 volumes completed
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Conflict, drought, famine
Estimates of the number of deaths caused by the famine range from 400,000 to 1 million, according to a document prepared for the UK House of Lords in 2024.
It has been claimed that the policies of the Ethiopian government, which took control after deposing Emperor Haile Selassie in a military-led revolution in 1974, contributed to the scale of the famine.
Dr Miriam Bradley, senior lecturer in humanitarian studies at the University of Manchester, has argued that, by the early 1980s, “several government policies combined to cause, rather than prevent, a famine which lasted from 1983 to 1985. Mengistu’s government imposed Stalinist-model agricultural policies involving forced collectivisation and villagisation [relocation of communities into planned villages].
The West became aware of the catastrophe through a series of BBC News reports by journalist Michael Buerk in October 1984 describing a “biblical famine” and containing graphic images of thousands of people, including children, facing starvation.
Band Aid
Bob Geldof, singer with the Irish rock group The Boomtown Rats, formed Band Aid in response to the horrific images shown in the news broadcasts.
With Midge Ure of the band Ultravox, he wrote the hit charity single Do They Know it’s Christmas in December 1984, featuring a string of high-profile musicians.
Following the single’s success, the idea to stage a rock concert evolved.
Live Aid was a series of simultaneous concerts that took place at Wembley Stadium in London, John F Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, the US, and at various other venues across the world.
The combined event was broadcast to an estimated worldwide audience of 1.5 billion.
Poacher
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
WORLD CUP SQUAD
Dimuth Karunaratne (Captain), Angelo Mathews, Avishka Fernando, Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Thisara Perera, Isuru Udana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Jeevan Mendis, Milinda Siriwardana, Lasith Malinga, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep