I refer to your balanced editorial, Global support for Thai boys is inspiring (July 7). The National has rightly highlighted all the risks involved and lauded the efforts of various countries to work together to rescue the children and their coach. Considering the rains, the floods, the age and the weakness of the children, and the rough and narrow tunnels, the rescue mission is indeed tough. Yet we cannot give up.
It is said that “God helps those who help themselves”. So it is encouraging that the Thai rescue authorities have commenced the journey and rescued four children on the first day. The eyes of the world are on Thailand and the divers who are making this arduous, herculean endeavour. This rescue mission is a crucial event, more important than any World Cup match.
This is humanity’s test. In Brazil, when you commence a journey, well-wishers say “vai com Deus”, meaning “May the Gods be with you”. Let us all pray steadfastly for the success of the rescuers and the lives of the children and their coach.
Rajendra Aneja, Dubai
The National’s editorial echoed a feeling that is widely held by people across the world. We are all praying for the safe return of the Thai boys, and this moment of unity is indeed really an inspiring one. Despite the international community’s support and the participation of experts and divers from various nations, Thai authorities are concerned about the heavy rains.
The boys, however, are confident. That one of them has celebrated his birthday inside the cave shows the spirit and confidence of the football team. They are admirable. The prayers of the world can’t go unanswered. I too am confident of their safe return.
K Ragavan, Denver
We need greater awareness to avert road tragedies
In reference to your online story Watch: Police send out safety warning after reckless driver causes three-car road smash (July 8), the driver of the Range Rover in this video should be interviewed, with face blurred, after being made to watch it. And then we can get an insight into what was going on in his mind. Was it ignorance, stupidity, recklessness or childish pride that made him behave in this way? In his own words, he should tell everybody the horrible outcome of driving the way he did.
Marv Baguyo, Dubai
The driver responsible for this had his hazard lights on, which is odd. For me, the problem is that people think driving this way is cool and have a sense that they are the only ones on the road.
Logan DelaFish, Dubai
Mick Jagger is an odd choice for political sloganeering
I refer to your article Jagger reacts to Walesa appeal over Poland judicial row (July 9): it seems a little weird to ask Jagger to take political stances. They should wait for Bob Geldof or Bono, neither of whom can resist a political soap box moment.
Anne McAdam, Abu Dhabi
What is the FNC?
The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning.
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.
A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
Results
Stage 7:
1. Caleb Ewan (AUS) Lotto Soudal - 3:18:29
2. Sam Bennett (IRL) Deceuninck-QuickStep - same time
3. Phil Bauhaus (GER) Bahrain Victorious
4. Michael Morkov (DEN) Deceuninck-QuickStep
5. Cees Bol (NED) Team DSM
General Classification:
1. Tadej Pogacar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates - 24:00:28
2. Adam Yates (GBR) Ineos Grenadiers - 0:00:35
3. Joao Almeida (POR) Deceuninck-QuickStep - 0:01:02
4. Chris Harper (AUS) Jumbo-Visma - 0:01:42
5. Neilson Powless (USA) EF Education-Nippo - 0:01:45
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Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
The Gandhi Murder
- 71 - Years since the death of MK Gandhi, also christened India's Father of the Nation
- 34 - Nationalities featured in the film The Gandhi Murder
- 7 - million dollars, the film's budget
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The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
