A chance to end hostilities in Gaza
I write in reference to Mina Aldroubi’s article WFP ready for another surge in aid for Gaza if sides agree to ceasefire (July 9): with a tenuous ceasefire in place between Israel and Iran, it is good to see renewed efforts to end the hostilities in Gaza as well.
US President Donald Trump and leaders of the Arab world have played an energetic role in trying to secure peace in the Middle East; their efforts must not be allowed to come to a naught. People continue to die in Gaza, waiting for medicines, food and water. Is this right? Even some aid workers have been killed. Who can assuage the pain and loss of those bereaved?
The world cannot turn a blind eye to the people of Gaza, who have lost family members and homes. They have a right to live and be treated like human beings. Many people dedicate their lives to saving animals. Surely, we need to also save fellow human beings in anguish.
Rajendra Aneja, Dubai
Dubai is walking the walk on child safety
I write in reference to the article Dubai setting up a specialised division for child protection (June 30): in today’s world, where child abuse and harassment are sadly on the rise, the decision by the Dubai government to establish a dedicated child protection division is a commendable and much-needed step.
While the international community continues to advocate for children’s safety and rights, Dubai’s initiative demonstrates strong administrative will and a proactive approach to protecting the well-being of children. It reflects a deep commitment to safeguarding the most vulnerable members of society and ensuring a secure, nurturing environment for their growth and development.
This move not only aligns with global standards but also sets a positive example for other nations to prioritise child protection through focused policies and dedicated institutions. One can hope this initiative leads to more awareness, better reporting systems, stricter law enforcement, and ultimately, a safer future for all children.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India
Clarification on ‘Muslim Vote’ campaign
Your thoughtful examination of the 7/7 attacks’ impact on British Muslims deserves clarity on one point: the Muslim Council of Britain played no role in the ‘Muslim Vote’ campaign as was originally suggested.
The campaign’s objective runs counter to the MCB’s constitutional obligation to be a non-partisan, cross-sectarian umbrella organisation advocating full democratic participation by British Muslims. Like other faith communities, we highlight policies affecting our community whilst categorically rejecting terrorism and extremism.
You quote a former MP as the source for the accusations against us. We are sorry that he was roundly rejected by his constituents and that he now seeks to blame the MCB for his electoral misfortunes. We suggest more honest introspection on his part.
On this anniversary, it remains curious that some would criticise an organisation championing freedom and democratic values whilst promoting the very stifling of civic participation that extremists themselves advocate.
Dr Wajid Akhter, MCB secretary general
Frankenstein in Baghdad
Ahmed Saadawi
Penguin Press
MATCH INFO
Burnley 1 (Brady 89')
Manchester City 4 (Jesus 24', 50', Rodri 68', Mahrez 87')
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Ziina users can donate to relief efforts in Beirut
Ziina users will be able to use the app to help relief efforts in Beirut, which has been left reeling after an August blast caused an estimated $15 billion in damage and left thousands homeless. Ziina has partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to raise money for the Lebanese capital, co-founder Faisal Toukan says. “As of October 1, the UNHCR has the first certified badge on Ziina and is automatically part of user's top friends' list during this campaign. Users can now donate any amount to the Beirut relief with two clicks. The money raised will go towards rebuilding houses for the families that were impacted by the explosion.”
The Voice of Hind Rajab
Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees
Director: Kaouther Ben Hania
Rating: 4/5
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
The five pillars of Islam
Infiniti QX80 specs
Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
Power: 450hp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000
Available: Now
More coverage from the Future Forum
Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Three ways to limit your social media use
Clinical psychologist, Dr Saliha Afridi at The Lighthouse Arabia suggests three easy things you can do every day to cut back on the time you spend online.
1. Put the social media app in a folder on the second or third screen of your phone so it has to remain a conscious decision to open, rather than something your fingers gravitate towards without consideration.
2. Schedule a time to use social media instead of consistently throughout the day. I recommend setting aside certain times of the day or week when you upload pictures or share information.
3. Take a mental snapshot rather than a photo on your phone. Instead of sharing it with your social world, try to absorb the moment, connect with your feeling, experience the moment with all five of your senses. You will have a memory of that moment more vividly and for far longer than if you take a picture of it.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
THE DETAILS
Director: Milan Jhaveri
Producer: Emmay Entertainment and T-Series
Cast: John Abraham, Manoj Bajpayee
Rating: 2/5
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%3Cp%3E%0D%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E6-cylinder%2C%204.8-litre%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E5-speed%20automatic%20and%20manual%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E280%20brake%20horsepower%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E451Nm%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Efrom%20Dh153%2C00%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Enow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street
The seven points are:
Shakhbout bin Sultan Street
Dhafeer Street
Hadbat Al Ghubainah Street (outbound)
Salama bint Butti Street
Al Dhafra Street
Rabdan Street
Umm Yifina Street exit (inbound)
THE CLOWN OF GAZA
Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah
Starring: Alaa Meqdad
Rating: 4/5
The BIO:
He became the first Emirati to climb Mount Everest in 2011, from the south section in Nepal
He ascended Mount Everest the next year from the more treacherous north Tibetan side
By 2015, he had completed the Explorers Grand Slam
Last year, he conquered K2, the world’s second-highest mountain located on the Pakistan-Chinese border
He carries dried camel meat, dried dates and a wheat mixture for the final summit push
His new goal is to climb 14 peaks that are more than 8,000 metres above sea level
Sarfira
Director: Sudha Kongara Prasad
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Radhika Madan, Paresh Rawal
Rating: 2/5
The five pillars of Islam
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Race card:
6.30pm: Maiden; Dh165,000; 2,000m
7.05pm: Handicap; Dh165,000; 2,200m
7.40pm: Conditions; Dh240,000; 1,600m
8.15pm: Handicap; Dh190,000; 2,000m
8.50pm: The Garhoud Sprint Listed; Dh265,000; 1,200m
9.25pm: Handicap; Dh170,000; 1,600m
10pm: Handicap; Dh190,000; 1,400m
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
