Natural fossil dunes attraction at Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
Natural fossil dunes attraction at Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
Natural fossil dunes attraction at Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
Natural fossil dunes attraction at Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Patrols to protect Abu Dhabi's fossil dunes were needed


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With reference to Gillian Duncan's report Abu Dhabi patrols to protect petrified sand dunes from vandals (May 18): this is a fantastic move by the UAE and the Abu Dhabi government. I was one of the people who discovered the vandalism and it broke my heart. It is a shame that some people can't enjoy something without destroying it.

This ancient site is beyond beautiful and we were very lucky to have been allowed to appreciate it without barriers.

Hannah Androulaki-Khan, Abu Dhabi

Migrants crossing over is a sad, familiar story

With regard to Soraya Ebrahimi's article Spain sends troops after record 8,000 migrants enter Spanish enclave of Ceuta illegally (May 18): it's really sad that the situation in some countries is so volatile that people have to flee their homes. One keeps hearing similar stories from around the world. The same thing happens on the US border but people seem to think the US should let those migrants in. Why the double standards in the world?

Leanne Hogins, Abu Dhabi

Cyclone Taukate: prayers for India

With regard to the article Indian navy scrambles to save vessels cast adrift by Cyclone Tauktae (May 18): our thoughts and prayers are with everyone suffering and affected.

Abuzer Ghani, London, UK

So sad to see this. My grandparents lived about 10 minutes from where this video is shot, near the Taj Mahal Palace hotel and Gateway of India, right on Marine Drive.

Yaasmeen Abedeen, Karachi, Pakistan

I am just so shocked to see what is happening in India. No respite from Coronavirus and now a cyclone.

Nevin Bhobun, Mauritius

India's continuing fight

With reference to the report India's Covid-19 case tally passes 25 million (May18): the reality on ground is just horrific. India's second wave is attacking even the young and there are numerous cases where people have been infected for a second time, showing the unpredicatable nature of the virus. Apart from this crisis, the cyclone hit and state governments have to provide cyclone relief. Till the country makes headway with vaccines, the only tools at our disposal are social distancing and hope.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India

The trouble with taking sides

I write to you with regard to Soraya Ebrahimi's report Metropolitan Police investigating officer who shouted 'free Palestine' at protest (May 18): love and huge respect for this brave policewoman. She stood for oppressed Palestinian people. I feel for here. After all, she is human too, someone's daughter, a person with a good heart.

Farvez Mohideen, Kuwait City

Three tips from La Perle's performers

1 The kind of water athletes drink is important. Gwilym Hooson, a 28-year-old British performer who is currently recovering from knee surgery, found that out when the company was still in Studio City, training for 12 hours a day. “The physio team was like: ‘Why is everyone getting cramps?’ And then they realised we had to add salt and sugar to the water,” he says.

2 A little chocolate is a good thing. “It’s emergency energy,” says Craig Paul Smith, La Perle’s head coach and former Cirque du Soleil performer, gesturing to an almost-empty open box of mini chocolate bars on his desk backstage.

3 Take chances, says Young, who has worked all over the world, including most recently at Dragone’s show in China. “Every time we go out of our comfort zone, we learn a lot about ourselves,” she says.

COPA DEL REY

Semi-final, first leg

Barcelona 1 (Malcom 57')
Real Madrid (Vazquez 6')

Second leg, February 27

How much of your income do you need to save?

The more you save, the sooner you can retire. Tuan Phan, a board member of SimplyFI.com, says if you save just 5 per cent of your salary, you can expect to work for another 66 years before you are able to retire without too large a drop in income.

In other words, you will not save enough to retire comfortably. If you save 15 per cent, you can forward to another 43 working years. Up that to 40 per cent of your income, and your remaining working life drops to just 22 years. (see table)

Obviously, this is only a rough guide. How much you save will depend on variables, not least your salary and how much you already have in your pension pot. But it shows what you need to do to achieve financial independence.

 

The specs

Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors

Power: Combined output 920hp

Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic

Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km

On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025

Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000

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The distance learning plan

Spring break will be from March 8 - 19

Public school pupils will undergo distance learning from March 22 - April 2. School hours will be 8.30am to 1.30pm

Staff will be trained in distance learning programmes from March 15 - 19

Teaching hours will be 8am to 2pm during distance learning

Pupils will return to school for normal lessons from April 5

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets

The Freedom Artist

By Ben Okri (Head of Zeus)

Specs

Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request

Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Our legal consultants

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

Meydan card

6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 (PA) Group 1 US$65,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
7.05pm: Conditions (TB) $100,000 (Turf) 1,400m
7.40pm: UAE 2000 Guineas Trial (TB) $100,000 (D) 1,600m
8.15pm: Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 1,200m
8.50pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 (TB) Group 2 $350,000 (D) 1,600m
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) $175,000 (D) 1,900m
10pm: Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,600m

Personalities on the Plate: The Lives and Minds of Animals We Eat

Barbara J King, University of Chicago Press 

WandaVision

Starring: Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany

Directed by: Matt Shakman

Rating: Four stars

Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

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Third Test

Day 3, stumps

India 443-7 (d) & 54-5 (27 ov)
Australia 151

India lead by 346 runs with 5 wickets remaining

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