I write in reference to your article Lamborghini hire firm pleads with UK Embassy to pay British driver's speeding fines (August 13) and the fact it appears the offender is not subject to any further action, other than the possibility of having to pay the speeding fines.
The British tourist was obviously flaunting the road traffic regulations, driving at excessive speeds and endangering the lives of other motorists.
He would have been aware that he was driving at excessive speed and the cameras would have flashed as he passed by, yet he continued racking up 33 speeding tickets.
The UAE’s highways are not a playground for the rich and famous to display such reckless behaviour and total disregard to the safety of other road users.
I think motorists deserve better protection from the authorities and a punishment imposed on this offender that would act as a deterrent to others.
Robert Nicholas, Dubai
A word of thanks to the Abu Dhabi authorities for clearly establishing the new speed limit protocols. The next step would be to unify this throughout the UAE and once that is complete, to focus on the atrocious lack of lane discipline along the nation’s highways.
Mohamed Kanoo, Abu Dhabi
Proper pay for public sector is first step in tackling graft
I write in reference to your editorial Corruption is the single biggest hindrance to progress (August 11): ensuring that public servants and ministers are well-paid, in line with the private sector, is necessary to remove corruption from many societies.
Very often, government employees are paid 30 to 50 per cent of the equivalent salaries in the private sector. The government of Singapore, for instance, has hiked the salaries of all ministers to ensure that they are comfortable and happy. It strikes me as a solid approach to reduce corruption.
Rajendra Aneja, Dubai
Homage to Chatterjee: a truly decent human being
The death of 89-year-old Indian communist leader and former Lok Sabha speaker Somnath Chatterjee is a great loss to Indian politics.
Chatterjee was universally liked by those from all political parties because of his humble nature and his aversion to criticising others.
He lived with strong principles and had a calm and soft nature. Above all, Chatterjee was a decent human being.
He stuck to his beloved communist party throughout his career and died a legend. May his soul rest in peace.
K Ragavan, Bangalore
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.
The specs: 2018 Audi Q5/SQ5
Price, base: Dh183,900 / Dh249,000
Engine: 2.0L, turbocharged in-line four-cylinder / 3.0L, turbocharged V6
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic / Eight-speed automatic
Power: 252hp @ 5,000rpm / 354hp @ 5,400rpm
Torque: 370Nm @ 1,600rpm / 500Nm @ 1,370rpm
Fuel economy: combined 7.2L / 100km / 8.3L / 100km
Banned items
Dubai Police has also issued a list of banned items at the ground on Sunday. These include:
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Political flags or banners
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Bikes, skateboards or scooters
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20SAMSUNG%20GALAXY%20Z%20FOLD5
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THE LIGHT
Director: Tom Tykwer
Starring: Tala Al Deen, Nicolette Krebitz, Lars Eidinger
Rating: 3/5
A State of Passion
Directors: Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi
Stars: Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah
Rating: 4/5
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
F1 2020 calendar
March 15 - Australia, Melbourne; March 22 - Bahrain, Sakhir; April 5 - Vietnam, Hanoi; April 19 - China, Shanghai; May 3 - Netherlands, Zandvoort; May 20 - Spain, Barcelona; May 24 - Monaco, Monaco; June 7 - Azerbaijan, Baku; June 14 - Canada, Montreal; June 28 - France, Le Castellet; July 5 - Austria, Spielberg; July 19 - Great Britain, Silverstone; August 2 - Hungary, Budapest; August 30 - Belgium, Spa; September 6 - Italy, Monza; September 20 - Singapore, Singapore; September 27 - Russia, Sochi; October 11 - Japan, Suzuka; October 25 - United States, Austin; November 1 - Mexico City, Mexico City; November 15 - Brazil, Sao Paulo; November 29 - Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi.
SCORES IN BRIEF
New Zealand 153 and 56 for 1 in 22.4 overs at close
Pakistan 227
(Babar 62, Asad 43, Boult 4-54, De Grandhomme 2-30, Patel 2-64)
The specs
Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors
Power: 480kW
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)
On sale: Now
Company%C2%A0profile
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Company profile
Company: Verity
Date started: May 2021
Founders: Kamal Al-Samarrai, Dina Shoman and Omar Al Sharif
Based: Dubai
Sector: FinTech
Size: four team members
Stage: Intially bootstrapped but recently closed its first pre-seed round of $800,000
Investors: Wamda, VentureSouq, Beyond Capital and regional angel investors
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Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
