Good samaritan offering biryani to those hit hard
Regarding Sarwat Nasir's report Coronavirus: Dubai restaurant boss serves up free biryani to those hit hard by Covid-19 (June 29): God bless these guys.
Abdurahiman Rahiman, Dubai
It's heartening to read that there are some wonderful people out there.
Howard Letch, Dubai
That's a beautiful soul. We need more generous people in these times doing such work. The world would be a better place.
Jane Nduta, Dubai
Something for offices to think about before staff gets back to work
Regarding Shireena Al Nowais's report Coronavirus: UAE government workers to return to offices next month (June 29): this seems like a good opportunity for managements across industries to use their experience from the past months to reassess what can be done to improve the working environment for staff permanently. For example, if all meetings are virtual then do all employees need to return to the office? Also, are office spaces adequate given the distancing measures that should be in place? Are child care options available to all employees despite schools and nurseries being closed? And would some employees maybe prefer to work from home, having done so effectively for the past few months? All factors to be considered.
Laura EK, Abu Dhabi
Commuters between Abu Dhabi and Dubai have concerns
With reference to the report Coronavirus: entry to Abu Dhabi permitted with negative Covid-19 test (June 29): I am a medical worker stuck in Dubai. I have been to the check point six times with my five-year-old daughter. I've carried my medical licence and company permit but no luck. Now I am trying to book an appointment. It is not easy.
M Malik, Abu Dhabi
I am concerned about how I can manage to renew my passport. I have applied for a permit three times but I am not allowed to go in to the Embassy of Finland in Abu Dhabi.
Minna Ruokonen, Dubai
I hope this is temporary. If every time you need to go to Abu Dhabi you need a Covid-19 test it will become difficult to sustain. One reason why it is not practical is because getting an appointment in two days is tough and then there is the matter of cost. The last time I checked, a test cost Dh370. Many will not be able to afford this every two days.
Obaid Ullah Sana Ullah, Dubai
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.
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
RACE CARD
6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-3 – Group 1 (PA) $65,000 (Dirt) 2,000m
7.05pm: Handicap (TB) $65,000 (Turf) 1,800m
7.40pm: Meydan Classic – Listed (TB) $88,000 (T) 1,600m
8.15pm: Nad Al Sheba Trophy – Group 3 (TB) $195,000 (T) 2,810m
8.50pm: Dubai Millennium Stakes – Group 3 (TB) $130,000 (T) 2,000m
9.25pm: Meydan Challenge – Listed Handicap (TB) $88,000 (T) 1,400m
MATCH RESULT
Liverpool 4 Brighton and Hove Albion 0
Liverpool: Salah (26'), Lovren (40'), Solanke (53'), Robertson (85')
The alternatives
• Founded in 2014, Telr is a payment aggregator and gateway with an office in Silicon Oasis. It’s e-commerce entry plan costs Dh349 monthly (plus VAT). QR codes direct customers to an online payment page and merchants can generate payments through messaging apps.
• Business Bay’s Pallapay claims 40,000-plus active merchants who can invoice customers and receive payment by card. Fees range from 1.99 per cent plus Dh1 per transaction depending on payment method and location, such as online or via UAE mobile.
• Tap started in May 2013 in Kuwait, allowing Middle East businesses to bill, accept, receive and make payments online “easier, faster and smoother” via goSell and goCollect. It supports more than 10,000 merchants. Monthly fees range from US$65-100, plus card charges of 2.75-3.75 per cent and Dh1.2 per sale.
• 2checkout’s “all-in-one payment gateway and merchant account” accepts payments in 200-plus markets for 2.4-3.9 per cent, plus a Dh1.2-Dh1.8 currency conversion charge. The US provider processes online shop and mobile transactions and has 17,000-plus active digital commerce users.
• PayPal is probably the best-known online goods payment method - usually used for eBay purchases - but can be used to receive funds, providing everyone’s signed up. Costs from 2.9 per cent plus Dh1.2 per transaction.
