With reference to Ali Al Shouk's report Dubai non-profit sets goal of giving half a million free iftar meals to labourers (March 13): That's a very kind and generous act. He's brought smiles to so many faces. May he inspire many others to be similarly charitable.
Muhammad K, Dubai
The man-made tragedy in Gaza
With regard to The National's video on Josep Borrell saying "The Humanitarian crisis is not a natural disaster" (March 13): I agree with him. Why is it only that some global politicians are using these words? It's outrageous and inhumane. I thank him for speaking out. More world leaders need to push for an unconditional ceasefire. It's long overdue.
Alison Peters, Kuwait
Electrical safety can't be compromised
Regarding Taniya Dutta's article At least 14 children electrocuted in Shivratri procession in western India (March 8): This is tragic and shouldn't be happening. Electrocution as a result of negligence needs to be addressed as a priority. Improper wiring can be a big hazard. Those children would not have suffered 50 per cent and 100 per cent burns if regular maintenance had been seen to.
Authorities must periodically monitor overhanging electrical wires at sites where large gatherings are anticipated, be it for festive processions or any other large scale events. Public safety matters should be fixed immediately to prevent further accidents.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India
Using the Oscars for the right cause
In reference to Marwa Hassan's report Stars shine for peace: The 'Artists4Ceasefire' and Palestinian flag at the Oscars 2024 (March 11): The world is changing. It's so good to see that at least some parts of the world are more concerned about Palestine than the Oscars. Well done to Mark Ruffalo and others like him. Heartening to see a few celebrities take a stand.
Mechelle Amarnani, Houston, US
Why the hue and cry over an altered image?
With regard to Gillian Duncan's piece Princess of Wales apologises for altered image that embarrassed royal family (March 11): Why do so many people care that she Photoshopped her family picture? We tend to obsess over the most insignificant things while entire families are being wiped out in Gaza. A little perspective can go a long way.
Nasir Ahmed, Leipzig, Germany
Millions of ordinary folks touch up their images. I don't see why people are out to get her. She tried editing and made a mistake. It happens. A mother wanted a picture of her children to look nicer. It's not a crime.
Stella M, Brunswick, UK
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
HIV on the rise in the region
A 2019 United Nations special analysis on Aids reveals 37 per cent of new HIV infections in the Mena region are from people injecting drugs.
New HIV infections have also risen by 29 per cent in western Europe and Asia, and by 7 per cent in Latin America, but declined elsewhere.
Egypt has shown the highest increase in recorded cases of HIV since 2010, up by 196 per cent.
Access to HIV testing, treatment and care in the region is well below the global average. Â
Few statistics have been published on the number of cases in the UAE, although a UNAIDS report said 1.5 per cent of the prison population has the virus.
Essentials
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes.Â
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Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes.Â
In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes.Â
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.
The biog
Name: Abeer Al Bah
Born: 1972
Husband: Emirati lawyer Salem Bin Sahoo, since 1992
Children: Soud, born 1993, lawyer; Obaid, born 1994, deceased; four other boys and one girl, three months old
Education:Â BA in Elementary Education, worked for five years in a Dubai school
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The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
