Algerian soccer fans cheer following their team's victory in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. EPA
Algerian soccer fans cheer following their team's victory in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. EPA

Congratulations to Algeria for a spectacular victory



I write to you in reference to your editorial Algeria goes from political upheaval to footballing triumph (July 21).

This article shed light on Algeria’s most recent challenges and the undying resolve of its people. The recent victory of Algeria’s team against Senegal in the Africa Cup of National final was a well-deserved win after months of political upheaval. Algeria is writing a new chapter in its history which will hopefully bring about better days in sports as in politics. Algerians deserve to have a better political environment and to be governed by a stable and peaceful administration.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru

Jailed stars get more support than US-detained migrants

I write to you in reference to your article Donald Trump says he's trying to secure rapper ASAP Rocky's release from Swedish prison (July 20).

If it is true that ASAP Rocky is being held in inhumane conditions in a Swedish prison then something must be done to bring him to the US. However, I do not understand President Donald Trump’s eagerness to get one person out of jail, when his administration has been responsible for detaining thousands of men, women and children in centres at the southern border with Mexico. All the people who have been wrongfully detained must be released, not just those who are famous.

Phil Jones, Dubai

The face of Saudi Arabia is truly changing for the better

I write to you in reference to Saeed Saeed's article It's a great time to be young: Saudi Arabian youth hail the changes happening in the kingdom (July 20).

This is truly astonishing. I never thought I would see uncovered women in public in Saudi Arabia in my own lifetime. Things are really changing fast in the kingdom, and this generation is paving the way to progress.

Tanya Milbourne, Dubai

Edible flowers call for stricter hygiene rules to be enforced

I write to you in reference to Farah Andrews' article Dubai bans restaurants from serving flowers on food (July 19).

I understand there are health risks related to consuming unwashed produce, but I am not sure if the best response is to ban them altogether. If we take this to the extreme, authorities will need to ban nutrient-dense vegetables such as lettuce, kale and other greens. These vegetables are also dangerous to one’s health if they are not washed properly. I believe that stricter hygiene rules should be implemented instead of ­banning edible flowers which, if washed, are perfectly safe

to eat.

Darya Rama, UAE

An amicable solution is sorely needed in the Gulf

I write in reference to your article Iran's seizure of British tanker 'illegal interference' says UK (July 20). The concerned parties must find an amicable way to solve this problem. Beating war drums is naive and will achieve nothing.

Nazim Hasan Khan, India

A MINECRAFT MOVIE

Director: Jared Hess

Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa

Rating: 3/5

The specs

Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel

Power: 579hp

Torque: 859Nm

Transmission: Single-speed automatic

Price: From Dh825,900

On sale: Now

Sour%20Grapes
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAuthor%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EZakaria%20Tamer%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESyracuse%20University%20Press%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPages%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E176%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Famous left-handers

- Marie Curie

- Jimi Hendrix

- Leonardo Di Vinci

- David Bowie

- Paul McCartney

- Albert Einstein

- Jack the Ripper

- Barack Obama

- Helen Keller

- Joan of Arc

Cultural fiesta

What: The Al Burda Festival
When: November 14 (from 10am)
Where: Warehouse421,  Abu Dhabi
The Al Burda Festival is a celebration of Islamic art and culture, featuring talks, performances and exhibitions. Organised by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, this one-day event opens with a session on the future of Islamic art. With this in mind, it is followed by a number of workshops and “masterclass” sessions in everything from calligraphy and typography to geometry and the origins of Islamic design. There will also be discussions on subjects including ‘Who is the Audience for Islamic Art?’ and ‘New Markets for Islamic Design.’ A live performance from Kuwaiti guitarist Yousif Yaseen should be one of the highlights of the day.