Mohammed Abed beside the dress that his 4-year-old sister, Massa, was wearing during the Eid festivities just weeks before she was killed by an Israeli army strike in Zawaida, near the city of Deir Al Balah, in Gaza, on April 29. AP
Mohammed Abed beside the dress that his 4-year-old sister, Massa, was wearing during the Eid festivities just weeks before she was killed by an Israeli army strike in Zawaida, near the city of Deir AlShow more


The struggles of orphans in Gaza



May 02, 2025

The orphans in Gaza

Regarding Nagham Mohanna's piece Gaza's sole survivors: Children face lives marked by tragedy and trauma (April 29): Heartbreaking. Not only are these thousands of children now orphans, they're also suffering from starvation, appalling living conditions, often in tents, most probably injured to varying degrees and far too many severely traumatised.

Debbie Wood, Dubai

My child is three years old and I cannot wrap my head around this continuing devastation.

Susan S, Dubai

Wildfires in Israel

With regard to Thomas Helm's report Major emergency in Israel as wildfires rage near Tel Aviv and Jerusalem (April 30): There are plenty of people who will be talking about karma but let's hope the innocent people aren't affected because everyone cannot be painted with the same brush.

Vania Hossain, Abu Dhabi

UAE's pledge to help prevent childbirth deaths in Africa

In reference to Shireena Al Nowais's piece UAE pledges $125m in drive to prevent 300,000 childbirth deaths in Africa (April 29): This is such a positive step. I do believe it is time for the Arab world to lead the way, step into the shoes formerly only worn by western nations, and keep doing good by Africa so that African nations too thrive.

Muriel Barrier, Jakarta, Indonesia

Dubai as an autism-friendly city

With reference to Daniel Bardsley's article Dubai named autism-friendly destination after efforts to boost inclusivity (April 28): As a parent of a child on the autism spectrum, I am grateful to live in Dubai. The support and awareness here make a meaningful difference to our lives. It matters how a place treats children like mine. In Dubai, my autistic son is respected, supported and included – at school, public spaces and daily life. That's more than I can say for many other countries.

Layla K, Dubai

A young cricketer's historic innings

In regard to Paul Radley's report IPL: Enjoy 14-Year-Old Vaibhav Suryavanshi's Glorious Ton (April 29): The latest 14-year-old IPL sensation, Vaibhav Suryavanshi of the Rajasthan Royals, played an innings of a lifetime. The report captured the inspirational nature of the knock well. Vaibhav stunned cricket fans with a century off just 35 balls, showcasing extraordinary talent and composure beyond his years. His innings against some of the league’s most versatile and experienced bowlers marked a shift in the IPL. It has set a new benchmark for young cricketers and made Vaibhav the youngest player to achieve such a feat in the tournament’s history.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India

THE SPECS

Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine 

Power: 420kW

Torque: 780Nm

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Price: From Dh1,350,000

On sale: Available for preorder now

How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

Ms Yang's top tips for parents new to the UAE
  1. Join parent networks
  2. Look beyond school fees
  3. Keep an open mind
Dust and sand storms compared

Sand storm

  • Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
  • Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
  • Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
  • Travel distance: Limited 
  • Source: Open desert areas with strong winds

Dust storm

  • Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
  • Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
  • Duration: Can linger for days
  • Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
  • Source: Can be carried from distant regions
Why seagrass matters
  • Carbon sink: Seagrass sequesters carbon up to 35X faster than tropical rainforests
  • Marine nursery: Crucial habitat for juvenile fish, crustations, and invertebrates
  • Biodiversity: Support species like sea turtles, dugongs, and seabirds
  • Coastal protection: Reduce erosion and improve water quality
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Tips for job-seekers
  • Do not submit your application through the Easy Apply button on LinkedIn. Employers receive between 600 and 800 replies for each job advert on the platform. If you are the right fit for a job, connect to a relevant person in the company on LinkedIn and send them a direct message.
  • Make sure you are an exact fit for the job advertised. If you are an HR manager with five years’ experience in retail and the job requires a similar candidate with five years’ experience in consumer, you should apply. But if you have no experience in HR, do not apply for the job.

David Mackenzie, founder of recruitment agency Mackenzie Jones Middle East

Company profile

Date started: 2015

Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki

Based: Dubai

Sector: Online grocery delivery

Staff: 200

Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends

Updated: May 02, 2025, 3:00 AM