The self-balancing scooter has generated a safety debate among readers. Mona Al Marzooqi / The National
The self-balancing scooter has generated a safety debate among readers. Mona Al Marzooqi / The National

Self-balancing scooters risky



It's sensible to ban children from moving around on self-balancing boards in public places (Motor boards prompt Abu Dhabi Police warning, October 14).

Children tend to be careless without their parents’ supervision. Innocent people will be blamed if an accident occurs.

Genesis Lachica, Abu Dhabi

This device is dangerous for a child’s health, as it will make them lazy and give them a reason not to participate in any physical activity.

Miriam Seferian, Abu Dhabi

In reference to your editorial Toy of the moment (October 14), I wonder why are these toys being imported considering the Government is trying hard to fight obesity. These devices make children lazy.

Christie King Eckardt, Abu Dhabi

What should actually be done is improve and widen the pavements and remove all the obstacles that force pedestrians to end up walking on the streets. More parks around the city would also be nice to see.

Linda Abu Ghattas Gomez, Abu Dhabi

Before banning these toys, stop drivers from speeding. Here the issue just needs to be handled with common sense. A person below 13 years should not be allowed to use these boards. It is written in the user manual, which also says that the user should wear a helmet, knee pads and ankle pads.

Tumwesigye Julius, Uganda

Hardliners in India pose threat to democracy

I feel sad that intolerance is growing in India (Indian politician doused in ink over Pakistan book launch, October 13). The attack by right-wing Hindu activists on Sudheendra Kulkarni, who was organising the book launch in Mumbai, is just one among many attacks that have taken place in recent months on people who have dared to voice their own opinion or contradicted right-wing views. These people are creating an environment never experienced before in India.

When Narendra Modi won the elections, hopes were running high among the masses. They are now despondent. These incidents pose a grave danger to India’s democratic character. It would be good for the country if the Modi government can effectively deal with these issues.

Ravi Jayachandran, India

iPhone upgrade is not just subtle

Your article Apple iPhone 6s, 6s Plus review: new camera welcome but not much else to entice (October 13) says: "Unlike the comprehensive design overhaul of last year's iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, the latest upgrades to its smartphone range are, as expected, on the subtler side". But the "Force Touch" screen is not a "subtle" upgrade, it's a complete new way of interacting with your iPhone.

Ivo Dielen, Ras Al Khaimah

And the credit goes to ...

Officially, the director of the beautifully-made film Meenaxi is the legendary painter MF Husain, but insiders know that the film is largely Owais Husain's creation (Artist Owais Husain learns to create on his own terms in Dubai, October 15).

The son gave the entire credit of direction to his then nonagenarian father, who was known as the “hermit painter”. The bicycle ballet with the handlebar bells and the beautiful song Rishta will remain in the collective memory forever.

Dilrasheed, Dubai

Entrepreneur shows the way

Omar Abedin's resilience is simply phenomenal (Abu Dhabi entrepreneur tells how he came back from the brink after $360,000 debt, October 14). I wish him best of luck. I'm convinced he'll see the pinnacle of success, because he has the ability to use a setback to his advantage.

Konney Adjetey, Ghana

World ranking (at month’s end)
Jan - 257
Feb - 198
Mar - 159
Apr - 161
May - 159
Jun – 162
Currently: 88

Year-end rank since turning pro
2016 - 279
2015 - 185
2014 - 143
2013 - 63
2012 - 384
2011 - 883

UPI facts

More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions

About Proto21

Date started: May 2018
Founder: Pir Arkam
Based: Dubai
Sector: Additive manufacturing (aka, 3D printing)
Staff: 18
Funding: Invested, supported and partnered by Joseph Group

Essentials

The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes. 
 

Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes. 


In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes. 
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.

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