Members of the paramilitary Popular Mobilisation Forces at a military camp in Kerbala, Iraq. Reuters
Members of the paramilitary Popular Mobilisation Forces at a military camp in Kerbala, Iraq. Reuters
Members of the paramilitary Popular Mobilisation Forces at a military camp in Kerbala, Iraq. Reuters
Members of the paramilitary Popular Mobilisation Forces at a military camp in Kerbala, Iraq. Reuters

Iran cannot be allowed to wreak havoc abroad


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  • Arabic

I write to you in reference to Mustafa Alrawi's opinion piece Clear and present danger: Iraq is at a tipping point of chaos and confusion (August 28).

It's time to stop watching what Iran is doing abroad and it's time to act. It is never too late.

Name withheld by request

Save the dugongs: the oceans cannot survive without them

I write to you in reference to you editorial Dugongs need our help to survive (August 20).

Dugongs are very important for sea vegetation and regeneration because they are one of the few marine herbivores.

Name withheld by request

The Rohingya have been forgotten by the world

I write to you in reference to Mageed Yahia's opinion piece Two years on, the Rohingya and their Bangladeshi hosts are under extreme pressure​​​​​​​ (August 26).

Talks and empty promises by world leaders will not help the Rohingya. Unfortunately, the international community has abandoned the Rohingya, if it were not for our indifference, a poverty-stricken country like Myanmar would never have had the courage to commit genocide boldly and in full view of everyone. What's more, these atrocities have been committed under the complicit gaze of a Nobel Peace Prize winner. What a disgrace.

Nazim Hasan Khan, India

We must not let Afghans face the Taliban alone

I write to you in reference to Ruchi Kumar and Hikmat Noori's article US and Taliban finalising agreement to end war in Afghanistan (August 28). What about the future of the Afghan nation? If Afghans are left ot deal with the Taliban alone, they are sure to take over the country. Girls risk losing their access to education, inequality between men and women will be enshrined by law.

Mumtaz Ahmad, Bangladesh

Will I never: Smith can't resist the lure of beautiful Dubai

I write to you in reference to Farah Andrews' article Hollywood star Will Smith has been in Dubai (again) this week (August 28).

I really want everyone to visit the UAE and enjoy the wonderful and breathtaking views.

Farah Adam, Malaysia

Your tribute to Emirati women was inspirational

I write to you in reference to your piece 17 Emirati women talk to us about the biggest misconceptions they face (August 27).

I think these are some of the cleverest, most beautiful women in the world.

Barbara Nasser, Abu Dhabi

Scorline

Iraq 1-0 UAE

Iraq Hussein 28’

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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Other acts on the Jazz Garden bill

Sharrie Williams
The American singer is hugely respected in blues circles due to her passionate vocals and songwriting. Born and raised in Michigan, Williams began recording and touring as a teenage gospel singer. Her career took off with the blues band The Wiseguys. Such was the acclaim of their live shows that they toured throughout Europe and in Africa. As a solo artist, Williams has also collaborated with the likes of the late Dizzy Gillespie, Van Morrison and Mavis Staples.
Lin Rountree
An accomplished smooth jazz artist who blends his chilled approach with R‘n’B. Trained at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, Rountree formed his own band in 2004. He has also recorded with the likes of Kem, Dwele and Conya Doss. He comes to Dubai on the back of his new single Pass The Groove, from his forthcoming 2018 album Stronger Still, which may follow his five previous solo albums in cracking the top 10 of the US jazz charts.
Anita Williams
Dubai-based singer Anita Williams will open the night with a set of covers and swing, jazz and blues standards that made her an in-demand singer across the emirate. The Irish singer has been performing in Dubai since 2008 at venues such as MusicHall and Voda Bar. Her Jazz Garden appearance is career highlight as she will use the event to perform the original song Big Blue Eyes, the single from her debut solo album, due for release soon.

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THE BIO

Favourite holiday destination: Whenever I have any free time I always go back to see my family in Caltra, Galway, it’s the only place I can properly relax.

Favourite film: The Way, starring Martin Sheen. It’s about the Camino de Santiago walk from France to Spain.

Personal motto: If something’s meant for you it won’t pass you by.

How being social media savvy can improve your well being

Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.

As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.

Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.

Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.

Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.

However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.

“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.

People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.

One in nine do not have enough to eat

Created in 1961, the World Food Programme is pledged to fight hunger worldwide as well as providing emergency food assistance in a crisis.

One of the organisation’s goals is the Zero Hunger Pledge, adopted by the international community in 2015 as one of the 17 Sustainable Goals for Sustainable Development, to end world hunger by 2030.

The WFP, a branch of the United Nations, is funded by voluntary donations from governments, businesses and private donations.

Almost two thirds of its operations currently take place in conflict zones, where it is calculated that people are more than three times likely to suffer from malnutrition than in peaceful countries.

It is currently estimated that one in nine people globally do not have enough to eat.

On any one day, the WFP estimates that it has 5,000 lorries, 20 ships and 70 aircraft on the move.

Outside emergencies, the WFP provides school meals to up to 25 million children in 63 countries, while working with communities to improve nutrition. Where possible, it buys supplies from developing countries to cut down transport cost and boost local economies.

 

Greatest of All Time
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
Director: Venkat Prabhu
Rating: 2/5
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RESULTS

2pm: Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (Dirt) 1,200m
Winner: Najem Al Rwasi, Fabrice Veron (jockey), Ahmed Al Shemaili (trainer)

2.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Fandim, Fernando Jara, Majed Al Jahouri

3pm: Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,700m
Winner: Harbh, Pat Cosgrave, Ahmed Al Mehairbi

3.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,700m
Winner: Wakeel W’Rsan, Richard Mullen, Jaci Wickham

4pm: Crown Prince of Sharjah Cup Prestige (PA) Dh200,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Jawaal, Fernando Jara, Majed Al Jahouri

4.30pm: Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup (TB) Dh200,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Tailor’s Row, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer