A learner driver takes to the wheel in Abu Dhabi. Ravindranath K / The National
A learner driver takes to the wheel in Abu Dhabi. Ravindranath K / The National

What about driving tests for all UAE residents?



I write in reference to your article Should all new UAE residents have to take a driving test before hitting the nation's roads? (October 9): Yes please. Traffic congestion is actually caused by horrible drivers, not necessarily because of too much traffic.

Taurus Prince, Abu Dhabi

I would say no because it is unfair to target everyone the same, given that the ease of driving tests differs so much from country to country.

However, I would agree on a theory exam on a computer at the driving licence centre, then you an get a licence, including hazard perception, identifying road signs and some questions on distances and lights. That would amake us all safer.

Chris Lawrenson, UAE

The UK is no better and filled with horrendously unpredictable drivers. I have seen so many people running red lights and driving erratically since I returned after a decade in the UAE. It has made me realise that the UAE is not that bad.

Vijay Ramburuth, UK

It is tough for expat families who don’t have allowances

I write in reference to your ­online article The Debt Panel: 'I signed up for three credit cards because my income did not match my expenses' ­(October 9): It is almost impossible for expat families to survive – let alone thrive – financially without allowances for rent or education. Those who do not receive them require credit card loans. It's as simple as that.

Name withheld by request

World leaders must act now on climate change

I write in reference to your article UN climate report warning: act now, it's a life or death situation (October 9): The National's elaborate article on recent ominous climate change warnings given by the UN was an interesting and meaningful read.

The coming years will be tough as climate chaos starts to take hold at a global level. It is an alarming warning from Debra Roberts, head of the Environmental Planning and Protection Department in Durban, South Africa.

It behoves global leaders to rethink this incredibly important issue and take urgent co-ordinated steps to protect the climate and prevent potential disasters. Will change really happen if some leaders, such as US President Donald Trump, are not willing to participate in the fight against climate change? I fear not.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru

Youngsters should pursue passions, whatever it takes

Please refer to your online article 'Pursue what you live – not just a high salary', universities minister tells young Emiratis (October 9). The two are not mutually exclusive. Youngsters should pursue a high salary doing what they love. There, fixed.

Miguel Llorente, Dubai

How to improve Arabic reading in early years

One 45-minute class per week in Standard Arabic is not sufficient

The goal should be for grade 1 and 2 students to become fluent readers

Subjects like technology, social studies, science can be taught in later grades

Grade 1 curricula should include oral instruction in Standard Arabic

First graders must regularly practice individual letters and combinations

Time should be slotted in class to read longer passages in early grades

Improve the appearance of textbooks

Revision of curriculum should be undertaken as per research findings

Conjugations of most common verb forms should be taught

Systematic learning of Standard Arabic grammar

Scoreline

Switzerland 5

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.

RedCrow Intelligence Company Profile

Started: 2016

Founders: Hussein Nasser Eddin, Laila Akel, Tayeb Akel 

Based: Ramallah, Palestine

Sector: Technology, Security

# of staff: 13

Investment: $745,000

Investors: Palestine’s Ibtikar Fund, Abu Dhabi’s Gothams and angel investors

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