I refer to your article Dubai to Abu Dhabi commute in 15 minutes? Time to believe the hype (February 22). The transportation machine looks like a large pneumatic tube that old supermarkets used to send cash to their back offices with.
Sarah Ruth Grace Woodward, UK
What will a ticket cost when the new transport system is ready? If it's Dh400 one-way, it won't be affordable for daily commuters.
Samer Bou-Aoun, UAE
Making it harder to visit Oman makes no sense
I write in reference to your article Omani businesses angered by new visa rules (February 22). I cannot understand the logic of making it harder for tourists to get into Oman.
Name withheld by request
The UAE's least-corrupt status is laudable
I refer to your article UAE least corrupt in Mena region, league table finds (22 February). It is indeed laudable that the UAE, as the article tells us, is the least corrupt country in this region, receiving a joint 21 rank out of 180 countries with a score of 71. It is worth noting that the UAE scored higher than a number of European countries, including France, Portugal and Spain. The country has witnessed tremendous growth in all areas in recent years. The fact that it is now shown to be one of the least corrupt societies in the world is testament to the spirit that animates the country's progress. Kudos to the UAE.
K Ragavan, Bangalore
What's wrong with Justin Trudeau doing bhangra?
I refer to your article "Modi hugs Trudeau amid India-Canada invitation embarrassment" (23 February). It is unfortunate that the visit of Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau has got mired in preventable controversies in India. The Government of India has been taciturn and his welcome has been muted. Mr Trudeau is the Prime Minister of a large country and deserves due respect. Of the 35 million population of Canada, about 1.4 million are of Indian origin. Perhaps Mr Trudeau did not appreciate the strength of India's feelings on some issues. It was wretched to see a foreign VIP guest travel across the country with his beautiful family, with minimal official reception. I am sure he and his wife were upset, but they were too chivalrous to show it. Some have even criticised Mr Trudeau for having danced to the Punjabi bhangra drum beats at a reception in New Delhi. The disparagement is frivolous. Why shouldn't a Prime Minister be allowed to enjoy himself?
Rajendra Aneja, Dubai
It is good that the authorities are watching price hikes
I write in reference to your article VAT inspectors shut down 15 Abu Dhabi businesses for using tax as excuse to hike prices (February 20). It was a good piece. Price-hiking is a game that some unscrupulous people love; many will find even the smallest excuse to go for it. Constant vigilance is needed in the face of this problem.
Name withheld by request
Review: Tomb Raider
Dir: Roar Uthaug
Starring: Alicia Vikander, Dominic West, Daniel Wu, Walter Goggins
two stars
MATCH INFO
Karnataka Tuskers 110-5 (10 ovs)
Tharanga 48, Shafiq 34, Rampaul 2-16
Delhi Bulls 91-8 (10 ovs)
Mathews 31, Rimmington 3-28
Karnataka Tuskers win by 19 runs
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champioons League semi-final, first leg:
Liverpool 5
Salah (35', 45 1'), Mane (56'), Firmino (61', 68')
Roma 2
Dzeko (81'), Perotti (85' pen)
Second leg: May 2, Stadio Olimpico, Rome
The%20specs
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In Search of Mary Shelley: The Girl Who Wrote Frankenstein
By Fiona Sampson
Profile
RESULTS
Argentina 4 Haiti 0
Peru 2 Scotland 0
Panama 0 Northern Ireland 0
2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
What is Folia?
Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal's new plant-based menu will launch at Four Seasons hotels in Dubai this November. A desire to cater to people looking for clean, healthy meals beyond green salad is what inspired Prince Khaled and American celebrity chef Matthew Kenney to create Folia. The word means "from the leaves" in Latin, and the exclusive menu offers fine plant-based cuisine across Four Seasons properties in Los Angeles, Bahrain and, soon, Dubai.
Kenney specialises in vegan cuisine and is the founder of Plant Food Wine and 20 other restaurants worldwide. "I’ve always appreciated Matthew’s work," says the Saudi royal. "He has a singular culinary talent and his approach to plant-based dining is prescient and unrivalled. I was a fan of his long before we established our professional relationship."
Folia first launched at The Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills in July 2018. It is available at the poolside Cabana Restaurant and for in-room dining across the property, as well as in its private event space. The food is vibrant and colourful, full of fresh dishes such as the hearts of palm ceviche with California fruit, vegetables and edible flowers; green hearb tacos filled with roasted squash and king oyster barbacoa; and a savoury coconut cream pie with macadamia crust.
In March 2019, the Folia menu reached Gulf shores, as it was introduced at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, where it is served at the Bay View Lounge. Next, on Tuesday, November 1 – also known as World Vegan Day – it will come to the UAE, to the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach and the Four Seasons DIFC, both properties Prince Khaled has spent "considerable time at and love".
There are also plans to take Folia to several more locations throughout the Middle East and Europe.
While health-conscious diners will be attracted to the concept, Prince Khaled is careful to stress Folia is "not meant for a specific subset of customers. It is meant for everyone who wants a culinary experience without the negative impact that eating out so often comes with."
