In reference to your editorial, Sport is a force for unity and peace in a troubled region (March 2), the editorial is both right and extremely timely. Sport brings players and spectators together. When India and Pakistan had ceased to talk to one another some years back, US President George Bush urged the two countries to play a game of cricket. The match was watched by the prime ministers of both countries and led to a genuine thaw in the relationship. The recent Winter Olympics have also led to significant peace overtures between North and South Korea. The friendship and dialogue between common people that sport engenders is the best way to ensure peace among nations.
Rajendra Aneja, Dubai
Exercise greater caution after recent UAE snake spottings
I write in reference to your article Rarely seen venomous snake spotted in UAE (March 4): Snakes have always ignited powerful feelings of fear in people. It is scary to know that this venomous species has been spotted recently in the country. People should exercise caution when going to wadis and other mountainous and sandy areas as these form the natural habitats for snakes and other dangerous creatures due to their hot climate.
Fatima Suhail, Dubai
Causeway connects this city to its past, present and future
I refer to your online article Timeframe: Forget Sheikh Zayed Bridge, crossing into Abu Dhabi 1963-style (March 5). This is very much part of the broader story of Abu Dhabi.
Asyah E Meel, Abu Dhabi
Medical research deserves regular vocal praise today
I refer to your article Study could help diabetics receive tailored treatment (March 4): the previously accepted view that there were two types of diabetes has been dashed with a recent research study in Sweden. It is the latest major development in the medical world. With more types of diabetes, there are likely to be more treatment options. Today research plays a vital role in medicine and health. I am of the view that this study will significantly help sufferers of this terrible illness.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru
Banishing straws is a must for our shared environment
In reference to your article Dubai restaurants 'stop sucking' in bid to reduce plastic waste (March 1), I don't need a new straw with every refill.
Name withheld by request
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
THE SPECS
Jaguar F-Pace SVR
Engine: 5-litre supercharged V8
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Power: 542bhp
Torque: 680Nm
Price: Dh465,071
What is a rare disease?
A rare disease is classified as one that affects a small percentage of the population. More than 7,000 diseases are identified as rare and most are genetic in origin. More than 75 per cent of rare genetic diseases affect children.
Collectively rare diseases affect 1 in 17 people, or more than 400 million people worldwide. Very few have any available treatment and most patients struggle with numerous health challenges and life-long ailments that can go undiagnosed for years due to lack of awareness or testing.
Lampedusa: Gateway to Europe
Pietro Bartolo and Lidia Tilotta
Quercus
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
IF YOU GO
The flights
FlyDubai flies direct from Dubai to Skopje in five hours from Dh1,314 return including taxes. Hourly buses from Skopje to Ohrid take three hours.
The tours
English-speaking guided tours of Ohrid town and the surrounding area are organised by Cultura 365; these cost €90 (Dh386) for a one-day trip including driver and guide and €100 a day (Dh429) for two people.
The hotels
Villa St Sofija in the old town of Ohrid, twin room from $54 (Dh198) a night.
St Naum Monastery, on the lake 30km south of Ohrid town, has updated its pilgrims' quarters into a modern 3-star hotel, with rooms overlooking the monastery courtyard and lake. Double room from $60 (Dh 220) a night.
Guns N’ Roses’s last gig before Abu Dhabi was in Hong Kong on November 21. We were there – and here’s what they played, and in what order. You were warned.
- It’s So Easy
- Mr Brownstone
- Chinese Democracy
- Welcome to the Jungle
- Double Talkin’ Jive
- Better
- Estranged
- Live and Let Die (Wings cover)
- Slither (Velvet Revolver cover)
- Rocket Queen
- You Could Be Mine
- Shadow of Your Love
- Attitude (Misfits cover)
- Civil War
- Coma
- Love Theme from The Godfather (movie cover)
- Sweet Child O’ Mine
- Wichita Lineman (Jimmy Webb cover)
- Wish You Were Here (instrumental Pink Floyd cover)
- November Rain
- Black Hole Sun (Soundgarden cover)
- Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door (Bob Dylan cover)
- Nightrain
Encore:
- Patience
- Don’t Cry
- The Seeker (The Who cover)
- Paradise City
