A reader wonders whether concierge services will kill the joy of wathing films. Lee Hoagland / The National
A reader wonders whether concierge services will kill the joy of wathing films. Lee Hoagland / The National

Is luxury killing joy of cinema?



I was thrilled to learn that for every movie at Reel Cinemas in the Dubai Mall, an attendant will help guests purchase tickets at their own private counter and then deliver food, beverages, a pillow and a blanket directly to their seats (New concierge service at Reel Cinemas, November 12). However, I am curious to know why people would need a blanket at the movies.

Instead, there should be a facility for individuals to turn off the airconditioner if they feel cold.

Nathalie Kleinschmit, Dubai

I think these kind of services will increase the price of a normal ticket. They are also killing the charm of being in a cinema.

Hasna Majid Laslami, Dubai

This is not new. As far as I know, they have been doing this for a while.

Name withheld by request

Training will boost employees efficiency

With regard to Peter Hellyer's opinion article Don't just fill quotas if you want a functional workforce (November 11), when I worked in a bank, after six months of gaining experience my employer offered to subsidise banking exams for me to achieve a specific qualification. Then when I moved into commercial accounting in the private sector, I attended Microsoft Office courses and was given time off to attend college to gain a diploma, then later a degree in accountancy.

This should be offered to all employees regardless of nationality and it’s about time some companies in the private sector got their act together in order to create a more productive and efficient workforce.

Name withheld by request

Decision affects ICC’s credibility

The decision by the International Criminal Court (ICC) not to investigate the point-blank killing, by Israeli commandos, of nine unarmed Turkish passengers on board the Mavi Marmara aid vessel in 2010, seems indefensible (ICC will not prosecute Israel over flotilla raid, November 7).

The decision not to prosecute will inevitably raise questions about the integrity and impartiality of the ICC.

The reason given by the ICC chief prosecutor, that the court is more concerned with larger scale incidents, ignores the fact that this attack upon civilian passengers in international waters was part of a six-year campaign by the Israeli government to effect an illegal regime change in Gaza by means of a blockade of essential goods to 1.8 million Palestinian Arabs. This still continues today.

This perverse decision would seem to have severely damaged the court’s credibility in any future war crimes investigation and could well signal its own demise as a claimed international body that has yet to be ratified by the US, China or India.

Anthony Bellchambers, UK

Working mums need support

In reference to Fatima Al Shamsi's opinion article We need to offer far more support to new mothers (November 14), I frequently show new mums where they can breast feed in comfort and privacy in Dubai Mall. I remember how hard it was in London, too.

Victoria Maybury, Dubai

How about affordable nurseries so working mothers don’t need to rely on maids?

Elisabeth Kendall, Abu Dhabi

Don’t spoil your child’s health

I was terrified to read that Type 2 diabetes, which is normally associated with obese adults, is being diagnosed in small children (Children as young as 6 diagnosed as diabetic, November 13). However, it's not surprising. For example, I often notice parents handing out packets full of chips and chocolates as they carry them in trolleys at supermarkets. We all need to be aware of the consequences of our actions.

Brigitte von Bulow, Abu Dhabi

Hostile policy will backfire

With regard to the article Shooting fuels clashes in Israel (November 10), Israel is only multiplying its enemies. The Israeli leadership should realise the dangers of indicriminate killing of Palestininans that will backfire on them.

K Ragavan, India

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
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Game Changer

Director: Shankar 

Stars: Ram Charan, Kiara Advani, Anjali, S J Suryah, Jayaram

Rating: 2/5

Emergency

Director: Kangana Ranaut

Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry 

Rating: 2/5

BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES

Friday (all kick-offs UAE time)

Hertha Berlin v Union Berlin (10.30pm)

Saturday

Freiburg v Werder Bremen (5.30pm)

Paderborn v Hoffenheim (5.30pm)

Wolfsburg v Borussia Dortmund (5.30pm)

Borussia Monchengladbach v Bayer Leverkusen (5.30pm)

Bayern Munich v Eintracht Frankfurt (5.30pm)

Sunday

Schalke v Augsburg (3.30pm)

Mainz v RB Leipzig (5.30pm)

Cologne v Fortuna Dusseldorf (8pm)

 

 

Paatal Lok season two

Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy 

Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong

Rating: 4.5/5

What to watch out for:

Algae, waste coffee grounds and orange peels will be used in the pavilion's walls and gangways

The hulls of three ships will be used for the roof

The hulls will painted to make the largest Italian tricolour in the country’s history

Several pillars more than 20 metres high will support the structure

Roughly 15 tonnes of steel will be used

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
MATCH INFO

Norwich City 1 (Cantwell 75') Manchester United 2 (Aghalo 51' 118') After extra time.

Man of the match Harry Maguire (Manchester United)

How to avoid crypto fraud
  • Use unique usernames and passwords while enabling multi-factor authentication.
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  • Only invest in crypto projects that you fully understand.
  • Critically assess whether a project’s promises or returns seem too good to be true.
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Company name: Play:Date

Launched: March 2017 on UAE Mother’s Day

Founder: Shamim Kassibawi

Based: Dubai with operations in the UAE and US

Sector: Tech 

Size: 20 employees

Stage of funding: Seed

Investors: Three founders (two silent co-founders) and one venture capital fund

What can you do?

Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses

Seek professional advice from a legal expert

You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor

You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline

In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support

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THE TWIN BIO

Their favourite city: Dubai

Their favourite food: Khaleeji

Their favourite past-time : walking on the beach

Their favorite quote: ‘we rise by lifting others’ by Robert Ingersoll

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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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While you're here
While you're here
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
The story of Edge

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, established Edge in 2019.

It brought together 25 state-owned and independent companies specialising in weapons systems, cyber protection and electronic warfare.

Edge has an annual revenue of $5 billion and employs more than 12,000 people.

Some of the companies include Nimr, a maker of armoured vehicles, Caracal, which manufactures guns and ammunitions company, Lahab

 

RACECARD%20
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SERIES SCHEDULE

First Test, Galle International Stadium
July 26-30
Second Test, Sinhalese Sports Club Ground
August 3-7
Third Test, Pallekele International Stadium
August 12-16
First ODI, Rangiri Dambulla Stadium
August 20
Second ODI, Pallekele International Stadium
August 24
Third ODI, Pallekele International Stadium
August 27
Fourth ODI, R Premadasa Stadium
August 31
Fifth ODI, R Premadasa Stadium
September 3
T20, R Premadasa Stadium
September 6