A reader applauds the launch of the Jewel of Muscat, a dhow built using the methods and materials of 9th century Arab shipbuilders. The dhow's final destination is Singapore.
A reader applauds the launch of the Jewel of Muscat, a dhow built using the methods and materials of 9th century Arab shipbuilders. The dhow's final destination is Singapore.
The article Jewel sets sail on a tide of history (February 16) described the planned voyage of a traditional dhow from Muscat to Singapore. Tim Severin made the very same journey some 30 years ago and wrote about his account in his book The Sindbad Voyage, which I found fascinating. This inspired me as a design student to explore more about the Arabian dhow and the stories of Arabian adventurers and trade routes, which are still as important today as they were when first opened up by the early voyagers.
I trust a similar log will be written up on this historic voyage. The dhow is a truly amazing vessel which has immense historical significance for the region and to its origins as a trading hub.
SG, Dubai
I refer to Parking fines to go on all night (February 16). The logic for charging people for parking is to make parking available to them before charging them fees. Unfortunately, the number of cars is more than the parking available. Even having a permit will not secure you a parking space, especially at night. The Municipal Department of Transport (DoT) should have started building multi-storey parking in advance. Not having enough parking is not the people's mistake. It is a city planning mistake.
Whatever you charge people day and night the problem will not be solved but just shifted to other areas. Therefore, the DoT should start as soon as possible to build multi-storey parking. As an engineer I can tell you using steel beams over existing parking can solve the problem fast, easily and effectively.
Osama Kdair, Abu Dhabi
Well done, Municipal Department of Transport - a move long overdue, and often promised by the Municipality, but never delivered. Can't afford to pay for parking permits? Simple - scrap your car, and take the bus. The cost of car ownership in this country is far too low, leading to congestion and lack of parking. The original city master plan was not designed for these levels of car ownership. There should be incentives for people on the island: if they scrap a car, they and their family should be given free bus passes for a year. Schemes like this operate in the UK.
Efforts should be made to dissuade commuters - especially those from off island - from driving onto the island. Park-and-ride coupled with tolls on the bridges: either pay to drive onto the island or park-and-ride. We need to get the city moving now and not wait for metros and trams.
Ford Desmoineaux, Abu Dhabi
I read Sultan Al Qassemi's opinion article Some long-term residents should have residency (February 13). I was a regular visitor to the UAE from 1973 to 1976 and first came to live here for a short time in the late 1970s, before returning in 1998.
I have spent the last 11 years contributing to the social and economic growth of this country, which I now call home. I am 58 years old and I would like to spend the rest of my days here, doing what I can to contribute to the development of this country.
I do not wish to become a UAE citizen. However, I would like the option to continue to enjoy residency status and to die in the country I now think of fondly as my home.
Granting long-term residency to individuals who have made the UAE their home, in the true sense of the word, would not have a detrimental impact on Emiratis and their society. Rather, allowing long-term residency would motivate more non-Emiratis to give their best for the mutual benefit of Emiratis and non-Emiratis.
Malcolm Ward, Dubai
In reference to Peter Hellyer's opinion article The complexities of residency deserve debate (February 16), I totally agree with him. I have been in the UAE since 1979, and like him, if asked where I come from I would say Dubai but the UK originally.
I do think this is an important issue for people who have built large businesses here over the years. Their children are also a big issue, as Mr Hellyer rightly says. I have friends whose children were born here, are at university in the UK, but consider Dubai their home and want to return. However their parents are intending to return to the UK in the next couple of years, so unless the children can get jobs here and afford accommodation, what do they do? It's a very thorny issue.
Lizzie English, Dubai
The front-page article Photography lesson: shoot a sunset, go to jail (February 16) described the arrest of an amateur photographer for taking a picture of military facilities from Khalifa Bridge. This is most unfair. The accused has a point by saying there were no warning signs. This is such an enormous let-down by the law of the UAE.
Yasin Bin, Australia
Disclaimer
Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Stars: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Kline, Lesley Manville
As per the document, there are six filing options, including choosing to report on a realisation basis and transitional rules for pre-tax period gains or losses.
SMEs with revenue below Dh3 million per annum can opt for transitional relief until 2026, treating them as having no taxable income.
Larger entities have specific provisions for asset and liability movements, business restructuring, and handling foreign permanent establishments.
The specs
Engine: 5.0-litre V8
Power: 480hp at 7,250rpm
Torque: 566Nm at 4,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: L/100km
Price: Dh306,495
On sale: now
Major honours
ARSENAL
FA Cup - 2005
BARCELONA
La Liga - 2013
Copa del Rey - 2012
Fifa Club World Cup - 2011
CHELSEA
Premier League - 2015, 2017
FA Cup - 2018
League Cup - 2015
SPAIN
World Cup - 2010
European Championship - 2008, 2012
Scoreline
Switzerland 5
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Power: 154bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option
Price: From Dh79,600
On sale: Now
SPECS
Engine: Two-litre four-cylinder turbo Power: 235hp Torque: 350Nm Transmission: Nine-speed automatic Price: From Dh167,500 ($45,000) On sale: Now
Have the ability to differentiate yourself from competitors
Put in place a business continuity plan after Covid-19
Prepare for the worst-case scenario (further lockdowns, long wait for a vaccine, etc.)
Have enough cash to stay afloat for the next 12 to 18 months
Be creative and innovative to reduce expenses
Be prepared to use Covid-19 as an opportunity for your business
* Tips from Jassim Al Marzooqi and Walid Hanna
10 tips for entry-level job seekers
Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.
Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
Pay varies significantly depending on the school, its rating and the curriculum. Here's a rough guide as of January 2021:
- top end schools tend to pay Dh16,000-17,000 a month - plus a monthly housing allowance of up to Dh6,000. These tend to be British curriculum schools rated 'outstanding' or 'very good', followed by American schools
- average salary across curriculums and skill levels is about Dh10,000, recruiters say
- it is becoming more common for schools to provide accommodation, sometimes in an apartment block with other teachers, rather than hand teachers a cash housing allowance
- some strong performing schools have cut back on salaries since the pandemic began, sometimes offering Dh16,000 including the housing allowance, which reflects the slump in rental costs, and sheer demand for jobs
- maths and science teachers are most in demand and some schools will pay up to Dh3,000 more than other teachers in recognition of their technical skills
- at the other end of the market, teachers in some Indian schools, where fees are lower and competition among applicants is intense, can be paid as low as Dh3,000 per month
- in Indian schools, it has also become common for teachers to share residential accommodation, living in a block with colleagues
Overview
Cricket World Cup League Two: Nepal, Oman, United States tri-series, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu
Fixtures
Wednesday February 5, Oman v Nepal
Thursday, February 6, Oman v United States
Saturday, February 8, United States v Nepal
Sunday, February 9, Oman v Nepal
Tuesday, February 11, Oman v United States
Wednesday, February 12, United States v Nepal
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 Power: 620hp from 5,750-7,500rpm Torque: 760Nm from 3,000-5,750rpm Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch auto On sale: Now Price: From Dh1.05 million ($286,000)
