The article Maids can't teach the children, parents told (February 2) reported that a study has shown that children in Gulf states spend too much time with nannies.
A nanny is a mom-away-from-mom. When mom cannot be available, a nanny is there for the children. A nanny loves unconditionally. She kisses hurts, encourages intellectual, emotional and social development, and provides a safe space for the children. She does all the things that the mother would do if the mother were available. Thus, she too plays a pivotal role in shaping who the children become.
Candi Wingate, Abu Dhabi
A plea to protect the protesters
In reference to your front page news article The battle of Tahrir Square (February 3), I find it worrying that while the Egyptian army promised not to fight the protesters, they also seemed to be using that promise to not protect them very well.
At least the army is somewhat protecting them, but they really should have fought back against those using violence against the peaceful protesters.
I hope the army will take the side of the protesters, even if it only means protecting them from violence and helping those who are injured.
Wes Mininger, Abu Dhabi
In support of Buddhist integrity
The news article Tibetan Buddhists march in India in support of beleaguered leader (February 3) reported that thousands of Buddhist monks and laypersons protested against an investigation by Indian police into the source of a large amount of money found in the Dharamsala monastery of the Karmapa, the third-ranking leader in Tibetan Buddhism.
Many people have known this Buddhist leader for a long time and support his honesty and integrity.
The monastery maintains that the money has been donated by pilgrims to Dharamsala, The Indian Home Ministry is yet to receive the investigation report.
I hope this case will go smoothly, since Buddhists have a good reputation for integrity world-wide.
K Ragavan, India
Make Abu Dhabi streets shine again
The streets of downtown Abu Dhabi are awash with litter and the pavements are falling into terrible disrepair, making them a hazard to even the most able-bodied pedestrian.
Isn't it about time the city authorities took some action?
What about maintenance teams to repair the crumbling pavements and wardens with special powers to apprehend and fine the individuals who consider it perfectly normal behaviour to spit and litter wherever they chose?
I am certain that with a bit of effort and investment the streets and pavements of Abu Dhabi would begin to shine within a matter of months.
B Cobby, Abu Dhabi
More on fines for photographs
I refer to Two fined for taking photos at Yas circuit (February 1). The fines were absurd. Thousands of people have visited the Yas Marina racing circuit since it was thrown open for the public and many of them must have snapped pictures of the place too.
It is the responsibility of the concerned authorities to put up proper notification if photography is prohibited at a particular place.
Mandira Sharma , Abu Dhabi
I find it interesting that there is no news of western or east Asian tourists being arrested; so far they are Bangladeshi, Indian, Lebanese (who was acquitted), and Iranian.
Are we to expect that the tourist buses that drive by these places don't allow people to take pictures?
Donald Glass, Abu Dhabi
Badly organised rugby game
The sports article Emirates Palace is the star of the show (January 31) reported that the hotel hosted a rugby game between the Harlequins and Wasps. It was a good game of rugby, but very poorly organised: one entry point for 5,000 people, no game day programmes, no merchandising, no scoreboard.
The event fell flat in my opinion.
JH, Abu Dhabi
Unwanted Torres shirts to Africa
In the sports article Terry says new signings have rejuvenated Chelsea (February 3), captain John Terry cited the signing of Fernando Torres. I like the idea of donating the unwanted Torres shirts for young footballers in Africa. A Liverpool shirt with Torres on the back would be perfect for someone out there with no kit.
David Webb, Abu Dhabi
What are the GCSE grade equivalents?
- Grade 9 = above an A*
- Grade 8 = between grades A* and A
- Grade 7 = grade A
- Grade 6 = just above a grade B
- Grade 5 = between grades B and C
- Grade 4 = grade C
- Grade 3 = between grades D and E
- Grade 2 = between grades E and F
- Grade 1 = between grades F and G
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
THURSDAY'S FIXTURES
4pm Maratha Arabians v Northern Warriors
6.15pm Deccan Gladiators v Pune Devils
8.30pm Delhi Bulls v Bangla Tigers
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
How to tell if your child is being bullied at school
Sudden change in behaviour or displays higher levels of stress or anxiety
Shows signs of depression or isolation
Ability to sleep well diminishes
Academic performance begins to deteriorate
Changes in eating habits
Struggles to concentrate
Refuses to go to school
Behaviour changes and is aggressive towards siblings
Begins to use language they do not normally use
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
What are the main cyber security threats?
Cyber crime - This includes fraud, impersonation, scams and deepfake technology, tactics that are increasingly targeting infrastructure and exploiting human vulnerabilities.
Cyber terrorism - Social media platforms are used to spread radical ideologies, misinformation and disinformation, often with the aim of disrupting critical infrastructure such as power grids.
Cyber warfare - Shaped by geopolitical tension, hostile actors seek to infiltrate and compromise national infrastructure, using one country’s systems as a springboard to launch attacks on others.
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How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
From Conquest to Deportation
Jeronim Perovic, Hurst
FROM%20THE%20ASHES
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500 People from Gaza enter France
115 Special programme for artists
25 Evacuation of injured and sick
The biog
Family: He is the youngest of five brothers, of whom two are dentists.
Celebrities he worked on: Fabio Canavaro, Lojain Omran, RedOne, Saber Al Rabai.
Where he works: Liberty Dental Clinic
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
THE BIO: Martin Van Almsick
Hometown: Cologne, Germany
Family: Wife Hanan Ahmed and their three children, Marrah (23), Tibijan (19), Amon (13)
Favourite dessert: Umm Ali with dark camel milk chocolate flakes
Favourite hobby: Football
Breakfast routine: a tall glass of camel milk
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
TOP%2010%20MOST%20POLLUTED%20CITIES
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GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
DMZ facts
- The DMZ was created as a buffer after the 1950-53 Korean War.
- It runs 248 kilometers across the Korean Peninsula and is 4km wide.
- The zone is jointly overseen by the US-led United Nations Command and North Korea.
- It is littered with an estimated 2 million mines, tank traps, razor wire fences and guard posts.
- Donald Trump and Kim Jong-Un met at a building in Panmunjom, where an armistice was signed to stop the Korean War.
- Panmunjom is 52km north of the Korean capital Seoul and 147km south of Pyongyang, North Korea’s capital.
- Former US president Bill Clinton visited Panmunjom in 1993, while Ronald Reagan visited the DMZ in 1983, George W. Bush in 2002 and Barack Obama visited a nearby military camp in 2012.
- Mr Trump planned to visit in November 2017, but heavy fog that prevented his helicopter from landing.
