"The transportation machine looks like a large pneumatic tube." Antonie Robertson / The National
"The transportation machine looks like a large pneumatic tube." Antonie Robertson / The National
"The transportation machine looks like a large pneumatic tube." Antonie Robertson / The National
"The transportation machine looks like a large pneumatic tube." Antonie Robertson / The National

The Hyperloop is welcome, but it should be affordable


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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

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'Cheb%20Khaled'
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
KEY%20DATES%20IN%20AMAZON'S%20HISTORY
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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
Red flags
  • Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
  • Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
  • Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
  • Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
  • Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.

Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching

How to avoid crypto fraud
  • Use unique usernames and passwords while enabling multi-factor authentication.
  • Use an offline private key, a physical device that requires manual activation, whenever you access your wallet.
  • Avoid suspicious social media ads promoting fraudulent schemes.
  • Only invest in crypto projects that you fully understand.
  • Critically assess whether a project’s promises or returns seem too good to be true.
  • Only use reputable platforms that have a track record of strong regulatory compliance.
  • Store funds in hardware wallets as opposed to online exchanges.

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.

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Profile of RentSher

Started: October 2015 in India, November 2016 in UAE

Founders: Harsh Dhand; Vaibhav and Purvashi Doshi

Based: Bangalore, India and Dubai, UAE

Sector: Online rental marketplace

Size: 40 employees

Investment: $2 million

What the law says

Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.

“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.

The specs: 2019 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera

Price, base: Dh1.2 million

Engine: 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic

Power: 725hp @ 6,500pm

Torque: 900Nm @ 1,800rpm

Fuel economy, combined:  12.3L / 100km (estimate)

SRI LANKS ODI SQUAD

Perera (capt), Mendis, Gunathilaka, de Silva, Nissanka, Shanaka, Bandara, Hasaranga, Udana, Dananjaya, Dickwella, Chameera, Mendis, Fernando, Sandakan, Karunaratne, Fernando, Fernando.

Normal People

Sally Rooney, Faber & Faber
 

In numbers

Number of Chinese tourists coming to UAE in 2017 was... 1.3m

Alibaba’s new ‘Tech Town’  in Dubai is worth... $600m

China’s investment in the MIddle East in 2016 was... $29.5bn

The world’s most valuable start-up in 2018, TikTok, is valued at... $75bn

Boost to the UAE economy of 5G connectivity will be... $269bn