As coronavirus continues to spread, which is the safest seat on a plane?
As coronavirus continues to spread, which is the safest seat on a plane?
As coronavirus continues to spread, which is the safest seat on a plane?
As coronavirus continues to spread, which is the safest seat on a plane?

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Equip passengers with safety kits to help airlines

Our readers have their say on passengers wearing safety gear, parking lots, the dream of cycling tracks in the city, Zoom, and following the rules during the pandemic

Letters to the editor

May 13, 2020

  • English
  • Arabic

Regarding Hayley Skirka's report Safety first as airports across the Philippines reopen (May 12): face masks and personal protection equipment should be made available for the passengers so that they can fill the empty seats. This would ensure safety and help bring down ticket fares.

Nwachi Evaristus, Abu Dhabi

A thought about the spaces between cars in parking lots

Listening to The National's podcast Dubai reopening plans, 783 new UAE cases, India aid package – The Daily Update (May 13): I was wondering about parking lots. The malls having closed 75 per cent of parking spaces. Would it not be better to spread these out and leave gaps between cars instead of having everyone park next to each other?

Hannah Grange, Abu Dhabi 

Zoom backgrounds are fine, the judgment can be suspended

Regarding Gavin Elser's op-ed How to judge people by their Zoom backgrounds (May 12): this was an interesting article but why do we need to judge people? It should be enough that they are good with you and doing their work properly.

Nabila SK, Dubai 

Dedicated cycle tracks could be a reality some day

With reference to Damien McElroy's article Europe's bike lane revolution leads the way for cities emerging from Covid-19 lockdown (May 12): this is an interesting idea. Can we can expect to see something like this in Dubai? Cycle paths that connect residential areas such as Springs or Meadows to Marina or Downtown with Jumeira. We would need dedicated full size cycle lanes to maintain social distancing. Imagine a cycle lane running underneath the metro line along Sheikh Zayed Road; now that would be something.

T Abdulwahab, Dubai

The UAE has plans in place to recover from the pandemic

With reference to the report Coronavirus: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid calls for UAE to make 'fastest recovery' from pandemic (May 11): a great nation is defined by how it comes together during times like these.

Raja Salha, Dubai

There's a good plan from the UAE government. The officials are involved and they know what are the most reasonable steps to take.

Ray Corsiga, Colorado, US

Can we be better at following the rules?

I write to you in regard to Nick Webster's report Coronavirus: Dubai health officials warn public over flouting mask and distancing rules (May 13): the medical professionals cited are absolutely spot on. Our transmission rates will continue to grow unless people take the precautions necessary – for all. We have a duty and responsibility to society to do so, especially to those on the front lines of this pandemic. And easing does not mean foregoing restrictions. The authorities have been extremely clear that we must continue to behave responsibly. The fact that some are not is reflected in the spike in test numbers.

I have left the house three times since early March: for a drive-through coronavirus test, to see my doctor and to pick up some things from the pharmacy and adjacent grocery store that I couldn't find online.

That one experience shopping has put me off doing it again. People were wearing masks around their necks, no gloves, not distancing – despite having labelled "Distance Monitor" staff patrolling and telling them to move apart, and announcements over the public address system reminding shoppers to maintain distance.

Please, for the safe of your friends, neighbours, colleagues and family members, stay safe and follow the advice of the authorities.

Elan Fabbri, Dubai

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How Islam's view of posthumous transplant surgery changed

Transplants from the deceased have been carried out in hospitals across the globe for decades, but in some countries in the Middle East, including the UAE, the practise was banned until relatively recently.

Opinion has been divided as to whether organ donations from a deceased person is permissible in Islam.

The body is viewed as sacred, during and after death, thus prohibiting cremation and tattoos.

One school of thought viewed the removal of organs after death as equally impermissible.

That view has largely changed, and among scholars and indeed many in society, to be seen as permissible to save another life.

What the law says

Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.

“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.

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Uefa Champions League semi-finals, second leg:

Liverpool (0) v Barcelona (3), Tuesday, 11pm UAE

Game is on BeIN Sports

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Mageed Yahia, director of WFP in UAE: Coronavirus knows no borders, and neither should the response

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

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Paatal Lok season two

Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy 

Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong

Rating: 4.5/5

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Lexus LX700h specs

Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor

Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh590,000

The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
COMPANY PROFILE

Name: Lamsa

Founder: Badr Ward

Launched: 2014

Employees: 60

Based: Abu Dhabi

Sector: EdTech

Funding to date: $15 million

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Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

Available: Now

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The flights

Fly direct to London from the UAE with Etihad, Emirates, British Airways or Virgin Atlantic from about Dh2,500 return including taxes. 

The hotel

Rooms at the convenient and art-conscious Andaz London Liverpool Street cost from £167 (Dh800) per night including taxes.

The tour

The Shoreditch Street Art Tour costs from £15 (Dh73) per person for approximately three hours. 

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THE SPECS

Touareg Highline

Engine: 3.0-litre, V6

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Power: 340hp

Torque: 450Nm

Price: Dh239,312

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The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

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How does ToTok work?

The calling app is available to download on Google Play and Apple App Store

To successfully install ToTok, users are asked to enter their phone number and then create a nickname.

The app then gives users the option add their existing phone contacts, allowing them to immediately contact people also using the application by video or voice call or via message.

Users can also invite other contacts to download ToTok to allow them to make contact through the app.

 

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