In reference to the report Fears of return to war in Gaza as hundreds killed in Israeli strikes (March 18): It is tragic that fighting has restarted in the Gaza strip and over 400 people have been killed. I thought that with the ceasefire in place, at least one conflict in the world was coming to an end. Unfortunately not, and that I find very sad indeed. Ordinary people will be sacrificed again, to the vanity of some leaders.
Rajendra Aneja, Dubai
Lammy singing a different tune
In regard to Damien McElroy's report Lammy backtracks on claim Israel broke international law in Gaza (March 19): We need more people in positions of power and authority to stand up to their values. And not abandon international human rights laws. Sadly some people just cave.
Wendy Watson, Abu Dhabi
Vape alarms in schools a great idea, mostly
About Tom Evans and Nick Webster's report UAE schools look to crack down on smokers with vape alarms (March 19): This is much needed. Even girls' schools needs this, along with 24/7 cleaning staff in the washroom area, to keep an eye.
Riyam Shaikha, Dubai
I would love for the gyms to implement this as I have seen people vaping in gyms while other people are trying to exercise in a vape-free environment.
Adriana Alfaro, Abu Dhabi
The idea is good. I'm wary though that kids will just figure out some way to damage or block the detector.
M Jennings, Dubai
Brilliant idea. Although, they may not do it in school for fear of being caught, they might still vape outside.
Saifullah Azeem, Sydney, Australia
ChatGPT vs Sadhguru: a download contest
With regard to Ramola Talwar Badam's article Indian yogi Sadhguru’s free meditation app beats ChatGPT for first million downloads (March 15): Interesting. Something to bear in mind, however, is that one million represents only about 0.07 per cent of the total Indian population.
Yasser Bin Mohmad, Sharjah
Human achievement in space
With regard to Nivriti Butalia's piece They’re back on Earth, but what Nasa astronauts went through still leaves me star-struck (March 19): People around the world were eagerly awaiting their return, and while books, podcasts, and videos capturing their journey are important, the real significance lies in the remarkable tasks and experiences the astronauts underwent. Their contributions to space exploration should be celebrated. They should be honoured for their incredible adventure and for pushing the boundaries of human achievement in space.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
EA Sports FC 26
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3/5
Indoor cricket in a nutshell
Indoor cricket in a nutshell
Indoor Cricket World Cup - Sept 16-20, Insportz, Dubai
16 Indoor cricket matches are 16 overs per side
8 There are eight players per team
9 There have been nine Indoor Cricket World Cups for men. Australia have won every one.
5 Five runs are deducted from the score when a wickets falls
4 Batsmen bat in pairs, facing four overs per partnership
Scoring In indoor cricket, runs are scored by way of both physical and bonus runs. Physical runs are scored by both batsmen completing a run from one crease to the other. Bonus runs are scored when the ball hits a net in different zones, but only when at least one physical run is score.
Zones
A Front net, behind the striker and wicketkeeper: 0 runs
B Side nets, between the striker and halfway down the pitch: 1 run
C Side nets between halfway and the bowlers end: 2 runs
D Back net: 4 runs on the bounce, 6 runs on the full
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
A State of Passion
Directors: Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi
Stars: Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah
Rating: 4/5
FIGHT%20CARD
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