Regarding your story Oprah presidential buzz goes viral but could she win in 2020? (January 8), the Democratic National Committee still hasn't learned and will ensure Hillary Clinton gets the Democratic nomination again. They messed up enormously with her over Bernie Sanders last time, even if it was the electoral college system that put Donald Trump in. She actually got more votes than Mr Trump but Mr Sanders would have pummelled him all the way back to reality television. It will be Mrs Clinton versus Mr Trump again and she's still the wrong candidate.
Peter Macleod, United Kingdom
Why not? Oprah Winfrey is better qualified than the current president.
Parveen Ahmed, Bangladesh
Why would anyone want the job in the first place?
Anthony Edwards, Abu Dhabi
Getting used to VAT is proving taxing
In reference to your story Some Abu Dhabi corner shops report slower sales a week after VAT (January 8), it is confusing why VAT is not just charged to the manufacturer or importer. It will affect customers dearly as the price of food and commodities will go up.
Mohammed Farhad, Sharjah
Initially it will be difficult for low income groups as it is all basic essentials being taxed.
Sammira Mohiadeen, Dubai
Small businesses are taxing us and not always providing a bill. How can we ensure it goes to the government? The other issue is rounding up fils, which is unbelievable. If you pay one dirham for a product, the actual tax should be five fils but they take 25 fils instead.
Ghizlane Eddiba, Abu Dhabi
Phoning home is already very expensive
Referring to your story Etisalat launches new calling app days after Skype disruption (January 8), we are basically paying for apps that are free in other countries.
Clotaire Desseaux, Abu Dhabi
Etisalat is already expensive and now we have to pay for apps that are free elsewhere in the world.
Sana Sheikh, Abu Dhabi
We already pay for the internet. Why should we pay again for something that is part of the internet package in any other country?
Mostafa Ibrahim Sabry, Abu Dhabi
Sheikh Zayed was a man of the people
Regarding your column Year of Zayed: we still have much to learn about the father of the nation's achievements (January 8), Sheikh Zayed was surely a true leader and a man of the people. We have a lot to learn from him.
Noor Muhammed Aslam, Dubai
The winter chill has us wrapping up
Referring to your story Weather: rain in Dubai and Sharjah as temperature falls to 7C in the UAE (January 8), I had to wear a blazer today as it was seriously cold.
Juliane Moloney, Dubai
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
If you go...
Etihad flies daily from Abu Dhabi to Zurich, with fares starting from Dh2,807 return. Frequent high speed trains between Zurich and Vienna make stops at St. Anton.
The bio
Studied up to grade 12 in Vatanappally, a village in India’s southern Thrissur district
Was a middle distance state athletics champion in school
Enjoys driving to Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah with family
His dream is to continue working as a social worker and help people
Has seven diaries in which he has jotted down notes about his work and money he earned
Keeps the diaries in his car to remember his journey in the Emirates
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All or Nothing
Amazon Prime
Four stars
if you go
The flights Fly Dubai, Air Arabia, Emirates, Etihad, and Royal Jordanian all offer direct, three-and-a-half-hour flights from the UAE to the Jordanian capital Amman. Alternatively, from June Fly Dubai will offer a new direct service from Dubai to Aqaba in the south of the country. See the airlines’ respective sites for varying prices or search on reliable price-comparison site Skyscanner.
The trip
Jamie Lafferty was a guest of the Jordan Tourist Board. For more information on adventure tourism in Jordan see Visit Jordan. A number of new and established tour companies offer the chance to go caving, rock-climbing, canyoning, and mountaineering in Jordan. Prices vary depending on how many activities you want to do and how many days you plan to stay in the country. Among the leaders are Terhaal, who offer a two-day canyoning trip from Dh845 per person. If you really want to push your limits, contact the Stronger Team. For a more trek-focused trip, KE Adventure offers an eight-day trip from Dh5,300 per person.
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Swiss fly direct from the UAE to Zurich from Dh2,855 return, including taxes.
The chalet
Chalet N is currently open in winter only, between now and April 21. During the ski season, starting on December 11, a week’s rental costs from €210,000 (Dh898,431) per week for the whole property, which has 22 beds in total, across six suites, three double rooms and a children’s suite. The price includes all scheduled meals, a week’s ski pass, Wi-Fi, parking, transfers between Munich, Innsbruck or Zurich airports and one 50-minute massage per person. Private ski lessons cost from €360 (Dh1,541) per day. Halal food is available on request.
Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
