With reference to Shireena Al Nowais's report UAE private sector not obliged to change working week, says minister (December 8): the best suggestion for private companies is to follow the government sector as this will align with the international market and make more sense in terms of business exploration and relationships.
Pratik Shetty, Dubai
This is a great decision. Among other benefits, people will start travelling and spending, which will be great for the economy.
Shankar Prabhu, Mumbai
In Sweden, we started working from home in the '90s. Some departments were moved to 100 per cent home office. The company provided internet and payed the bill. Never ever was it a problem. All that the companies cared about was that the work was done. Lots of companies in the Nordic countries let their people work the hours they need to finish the work, whether at the office or the home-office, as needed. People who know their work will perform in any environment. I do believe that in some cultures it might be a issue since people have not been trusted with responsibilities and don't know how to maybe handle it but only initially.
Henna Sullivan, Abu Dhabi
It's a smart move to merge with the world calendar.
Muhammad Nauman Khan, Dubai
This is a good step. The country will have similar work timings as Asia and Europe now.
Amai Padilla Catubig, Abu Dhabi
Tragic Indian military chopper crash
With reference to Taniya Dutta's report Indian military helicopter carrying chief of defence crashes (December 8): this is shocking news. The death of General Rawat, his wife and the other personnel on board is deeply tragic. What was the cause of the crash? This is a very sad day for the country. Condolences to the family members.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India
A cautious but balanced approach to the Omicron variant
With regard to Omicron live updates: hospitalisations to rise as countries hit by variant reaches 57 (December 8): Every single country that has reported Omicron cases has stated that they are mild. In the case of South Africa, all the hospital admissions with Omicron were admitted with other conditions, and didn’t even know they had Covid. Countries should not panic. It’s time to dial back the hyperbole on this variant. A balanced view of Omicron will help us tackle it effectively.
Colin Espiner, Beachlands, New Zealand
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
THE SPECS
Engine: Four-cylinder 2.5-litre
Transmission: Seven-speed auto
Power: 165hp
Torque: 241Nm
Price: Dh99,900 to Dh134,000
On sale: now
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
Six large-scale objects on show
- Concrete wall and windows from the now demolished Robin Hood Gardens housing estate in Poplar
- The 17th Century Agra Colonnade, from the bathhouse of the fort of Agra in India
- A stagecloth for The Ballet Russes that is 10m high – the largest Picasso in the world
- Frank Lloyd Wright’s 1930s Kaufmann Office
- A full-scale Frankfurt Kitchen designed by Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky, which transformed kitchen design in the 20th century
- Torrijos Palace dome
BACK%20TO%20ALEXANDRIA
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ETamer%20Ruggli%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENadine%20Labaki%2C%20Fanny%20Ardant%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
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
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
