Miss Mexico Andrea Meza is crowned Miss Universe 2020, on May 16 in Hollywood, Florida. Getty
Miss Mexico Andrea Meza is crowned Miss Universe 2020, on May 16 in Hollywood, Florida. Getty


In defence of beauty pageants



September 23, 2021

Good that climate talks topped the agenda

In reference to the National Editorial The 76th UNGA must focus on the climate crisis (September 22): this was nicely done. The UN summit being held this year is good news. It's important for leaders to meet in person to discuss various issues. And seeing the frequency of natural disasters, it was good to know that climate talks took up so much of the main agenda. Hope all countries resolve to take action.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India

Dutch architects have outdone themselves

With regard to Nilanjana Gupta and Pawan Singh's report First look inside the Netherlands pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai (September 21): this project looks beautiful. Some amazing innovation on display. Can't wait to check this out and the rest of the sustainability pavilion.

Adhitya C, Singapore

A milestone for NYUAD

With reference to Gillian Duncan's report New York University Abu Dhabi celebrates a decade of achievement (September 21): What an amazing achievement. Can’t believe it’s already been 10 years.

Yasir El Mahdi, Abu Dhabi

In defence of beauty pageants

I write to you with regard to Shelina Janmohamed's op-ed A century after they began, isn't it time to end beauty pageants? (September 3): the author poses the question, "Isn't it time to end beauty pageants?" Although there are women in pageants hoping to become famous based on their looks, there are many more women who are intelligent and accomplished. They may also be beautiful, but should that be held against them? Pageants have enabled these women to advance their careers in the arts, law, medicine, politics and other fields. Pageants have given some of these woman a platform to share their views.

The author states that most women are strong and confident, but pageants are affecting their self-esteem. This is a contradictory statement. There are women who could easily win a pageant, but choose other pursuits. Some women could not make it past the initial application process, but so what? They know they have much to offer in other areas. Viewers enjoy watching pageants and don't believe the women in them represent all women. Also, pageants unite people in some countries and allow them to feel pride as they support their representative.

Sports are definitely more competitive and dangerous, but no one calls for their demise. Many young men hope to play professionally, but cannot reach that impossible standard. Also, athletes' bodies can be described as superhuman. Should all sports be eliminated because someone may feel inferior?

Pageant and sports are ways to celebrate some men and women. Let's find ways to celebrate all men and women for their accomplishments.

Peter Glover, Dubai

In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe

Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010

Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille

Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm

Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year

Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”

Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners

TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013 

Know your camel milk:
Flavour: Similar to goat’s milk, although less pungent. Vaguely sweet with a subtle, salty aftertaste.
Texture: Smooth and creamy, with a slightly thinner consistency than cow’s milk.
Use it: In your morning coffee, to add flavour to homemade ice cream and milk-heavy desserts, smoothies, spiced camel-milk hot chocolate.
Goes well with: chocolate and caramel, saffron, cardamom and cloves. Also works well with honey and dates.

Test

Director: S Sashikanth

Cast: Nayanthara, Siddharth, Meera Jasmine, R Madhavan

Star rating: 2/5

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SHOW COURTS ORDER OF PLAY

Wimbledon order of play on Tuesday, July 11
All times UAE ( 4 GMT)

Centre Court

Adrian Mannarino v Novak Djokovic (2)

Venus Williams (10) v Jelena Ostapenko (13)

Johanna Konta (6) v Simona Halep (2)

Court 1

Garbine Muguruza (14) v

Svetlana Kuznetsova (7)

Magdalena Rybarikova v Coco Vandeweghe (24) 

Day 3, Abu Dhabi Test: At a glance

Moment of the day Just three balls remained in an exhausting day for Sri Lanka’s bowlers when they were afforded some belated cheer. Nuwan Pradeep, unrewarded in 15 overs to that point, let slip a seemingly innocuous delivery down the legside. Babar Azam feathered it behind, and Niroshan Dickwella dived to make a fine catch.

Stat of the day - 2.56 Shan Masood and Sami Aslam are the 16th opening partnership Pakistan have had in Tests in the past five years. That turnover at the top of the order – a new pair every 2.56 Test matches on average – is by far the fastest rate among the leading Test sides. Masood and Aslam put on 114 in their first alliance in Abu Dhabi.

The verdict Even by the normal standards of Test cricket in the UAE, this has been slow going. Pakistan’s run-rate of 2.38 per over is the lowest they have managed in a Test match in this country. With just 14 wickets having fallen in three days so far, it is difficult to see 26 dropping to bring about a result over the next two.

The National Archives, Abu Dhabi

Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.

Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en

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SPECS
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Naga
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Race results:

1. Thani Al Qemzi (UAE) Team Abu Dhabi: 46.44 min

2. Peter Morin (FRA) CTIC F1 Shenzhen China Team: 0.91sec

3. Sami Selio (FIN) Mad-Croc Baba Racing Team: 31.43sec

Updated: October 31, 2021, 3:17 PM