Etisalat's announcement that it's releasing an iPhone application that serves as a mobile wallet, allowing subscribers to store credit card information, will come as a pleasant surprise for customers who until now have had very little access to useful local apps.
"Our next [iPhone] release will include bill payments, wallet management, all sorts of stuff we're doing for mobile commerce," said Rashed al Abbar, the director of mobile commerce services for Etisalat.
Hopefully, other essential apps should follow locating the nearest hospital, ATM machine or police stations. And what about visa and car registration apps?
Maybe an app that locates traffic cameras, so drivers can stop slamming on their breaks seconds before being flashed?
Or how about an app that lets you know which food outlets are still delivering in those early hours of the morning when you realise that your fridge has nothing in it except mouldy bread and an expired carton of orange juice?
Finally, we suggest a revolutionary new app, perhaps titled Alexander Graham Bell, which allows you to speak, and listen, to another person at the other end of the line.
It used to be all the rage before the advent of text and twitter but it's just too 20th century now.
Tips on buying property during a pandemic
Islay Robinson, group chief executive of mortgage broker Enness Global, offers his advice on buying property in today's market.
While many have been quick to call a market collapse, this simply isn’t what we’re seeing on the ground. Many pockets of the global property market, including London and the UAE, continue to be compelling locations to invest in real estate.
While an air of uncertainty remains, the outlook is far better than anyone could have predicted. However, it is still important to consider the wider threat posed by Covid-19 when buying bricks and mortar.
Anything with outside space, gardens and private entrances is a must and these property features will see your investment keep its value should the pandemic drag on. In contrast, flats and particularly high-rise developments are falling in popularity and investors should avoid them at all costs.
Attractive investment property can be hard to find amid strong demand and heightened buyer activity. When you do find one, be prepared to move hard and fast to secure it. If you have your finances in order, this shouldn’t be an issue.
Lenders continue to lend and rates remain at an all-time low, so utilise this. There is no point in tying up cash when you can keep this liquidity to maximise other opportunities.
Keep your head and, as always when investing, take the long-term view. External factors such as coronavirus or Brexit will present challenges in the short-term, but the long-term outlook remains strong.
Finally, keep an eye on your currency. Whenever currency fluctuations favour foreign buyers, you can bet that demand will increase, as they act to secure what is essentially a discounted property.
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Wicked
Director: Jon M Chu
Stars: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey