The Kobe Sizzlers restaurant in Karama, Dubai. Courtesy: Rhythm Arora
The Kobe Sizzlers restaurant in Karama, Dubai. Courtesy: Rhythm Arora
The Kobe Sizzlers restaurant in Karama, Dubai. Courtesy: Rhythm Arora
The Kobe Sizzlers restaurant in Karama, Dubai. Courtesy: Rhythm Arora

Good samaritan offers biryani to those who've recently lost jobs


  • English
  • Arabic

Good samaritan offering biryani to those hit hard

Regarding Sarwat Nasir's report Coronavirus: Dubai restaurant boss serves up free biryani to those hit hard by Covid-19 (June 29): God bless these guys.

Abdurahiman Rahiman, Dubai 

It's heartening to read that there are some wonderful people out there.

Howard Letch, Dubai

That's a beautiful soul. We need more generous people in these times doing such work. The world would be a better place.

Jane Nduta, Dubai

Something for offices to think about before staff gets back to work 

Regarding Shireena Al Nowais's report Coronavirus: UAE government workers to return to offices next month (June 29): this seems like a good opportunity for managements across industries to use their experience from the past months to reassess what can be done to improve the working environment for staff permanently. For example, if all meetings are virtual then do all employees need to return to the office? Also, are office spaces adequate given the distancing measures that should be in place? Are child care options available to all employees despite schools and nurseries being closed? And would some employees maybe prefer to work from home, having done so effectively for the past few months? All factors to be considered.

Laura EK, Abu Dhabi 

Commuters between Abu Dhabi and Dubai have concerns

With reference to the report Coronavirus: entry to Abu Dhabi permitted with negative Covid-19 test (June 29): I am a medical worker stuck in Dubai. I have been to the check point six times with my five-year-old daughter. I've carried my medical licence and company permit but no luck. Now I am trying to book an appointment. It is not easy.

M Malik, Abu Dhabi

I am concerned about how I can manage to renew my passport. I have applied for a permit three times but I am not allowed to go in to the Embassy of Finland in Abu Dhabi.

Minna Ruokonen, Dubai 

I hope this is temporary. If every time you need to go to Abu Dhabi you need a Covid-19 test it will become difficult to sustain. One reason why it is not practical is because getting an appointment in two days is tough and then there is the matter of cost. The last time I checked, a test cost Dh370. Many will not be able to afford this every two days.

Obaid Ullah Sana Ullah, Dubai

Islamophobia definition

A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.

The Equaliser 2

Director Antoine Fuqua

Starring: Denzel Washington, Bill Pullman, Melissa Leo, Ashton Sanders

Three stars

The team

Photographer: Mateusz Stefanowski at Art Factory 
Videographer: Jear Valasquez 
Fashion director: Sarah Maisey
Make-up: Gulum Erzincan at Art Factory 
Model: Randa at Art Factory Videographer’s assistant: Zanong Magat 
Photographer’s assistant: Sophia Shlykova 
With thanks to Jubail Mangrove Park, Jubail Island, Abu Dhabi 

 
Why does a queen bee feast only on royal jelly?

Some facts about bees:

The queen bee eats only royal jelly, an extraordinary food created by worker bees so she lives much longer

The life cycle of a worker bee is from 40-60 days

A queen bee lives for 3-5 years

This allows her to lay millions of eggs and allows the continuity of the bee colony

About 20,000 honey bees and one queen populate each hive

Honey is packed with vital vitamins, minerals, enzymes, water and anti-oxidants.

Apart from honey, five other products are royal jelly, the special food bees feed their queen 

Pollen is their protein source, a super food that is nutritious, rich in amino acids

Beewax is used to construct the combs. Due to its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial elements, it is used in skin treatments

Propolis, a resin-like material produced by bees is used to make hives. It has natural antibiotic qualities so works to sterilize hive,  protects from disease, keeps their home free from germs. Also used to treat sores, infection, warts

Bee venom is used by bees to protect themselves. Has anti-inflammatory properties, sometimes used to relieve conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, nerve and muscle pain

Honey, royal jelly, pollen have health enhancing qualities

The other three products are used for therapeutic purposes

Is beekeeping dangerous?

As long as you deal with bees gently, you will be safe, says Mohammed Al Najeh, who has worked with bees since he was a boy.

“The biggest mistake people make is they panic when they see a bee. They are small but smart creatures. If you move your hand quickly to hit the bees, this is an aggressive action and bees will defend themselves. They can sense the adrenalin in our body. But if we are calm, they are move away.”