With reference to the story Bodour Al Qasimi steps in to restore three libraries damaged in Beirut explosion (September 8): Bravo. Reading opens doors. Libraries are a part of a nation's history and are responsible to a great extent for the education of its people. Good on her for helping out. It's a great initiative. I know the children of Beirut and the people over there will appreciate all the help they can get. Well done.
Angela P, Abu Dhabi
I love it. Otherwise people might never restore them since it is not a priority at the moment.
Yulia Hulia, Dubai
Free distribution of masks can help developing countries
This is with reference to Shireena Al Nowais's report Coronavirus: Social gatherings contributing to UAE's rise in Covid-19 cases (September 3). We know the use of face masks can help to fight Covid-19. Yet many citizens in developing countries do not wear them. Some wear it around the chin just to avoid a police query. Many people find it inconvenient to wear a mask because it can make breathing difficult. Perhaps a research body needs to improve the mask so that it offers protection and allows wearers to breathe comfortably.
The corporate sector could also help to research good quality masks, which improve oxygen flow. As part of their corporate social responsibility initiatives, companies could also produce masks at their costs and distribute them in small towns and villages in countries like India or the African continent.
They can even print the name of some of their products on the masks, to get some advertising mileage.
Masks are priced from Rs20 to Rs500 – that is, from about Dh1 to Dh20. In the villages of India and Africa even Rs20 is a big deal. Free distribution of masks can help people and countries fight Covid-19.
Rajendra Aneja, Dubai
Disqualifying Djokovic is an overreaction
I write to you regarding Steve Luckings's report Novak Djokovic: 9 times the world No 1 lost his temper during matches (September 8). The disqualification of Novak Djokovic from the US Open for hitting a line umpire with the ball is symbolic of a number of the problems the world faces.
It was a simple act of frustration and a lack of self-control that led to someone being hurt, although fortunately not seriously, and it is obvious that there was no intention to cause any harm. His apology included a realisation that he needed to consider his actions more carefully.
Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia
Futuristic planes evoke nostalgia for school days
This is regarding Hayley Skirka's report Flying-V: model of futuristic sustainable plane completes maiden flight (September 7). Tidy shape. Used to make these out of paper in junior school classes.
Jeff M Evans, Abu Dhabi
Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
RACE CARD
6.30pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 Group 1 (PA) Dh119,373 (Dirt) 1,600m
7.05pm Handicap (TB) Dh102,500 (D) 1,200m
7.40pm Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (Turf) 1,800m
8.15pm UAE 1000 Guineas Trial (TB) Dh183,650 (D) 1,400m
9.50pm Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (D) 1,600m
9.25pm Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (T) 1,000m
The specs
Engine: 2-litre or 3-litre 4Motion all-wheel-drive Power: 250Nm (2-litre); 340 (3-litre) Torque: 450Nm Transmission: 8-speed automatic Starting price: From Dh212,000 On sale: Now
Vidaamuyarchi
Director: Magizh Thirumeni
Stars: Ajith Kumar, Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Regina Cassandra
Rating: 4/5
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
Company Profile
Company name: NutriCal
Started: 2019
Founder: Soniya Ashar
Based: Dubai
Industry: Food Technology
Initial investment: Self-funded undisclosed amount
Future plan: Looking to raise fresh capital and expand in Saudi Arabia
Total Clients: Over 50
Results
2pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 40,000 (Dirt) 1,200m, Winner: AF Thayer, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer).
2.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 40,000 (D) 1,200m, Winner: AF Sahwa, Nathan Crosse, Mohamed Ramadan.
3pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 40,000 (D) 1,000m, Winner: AF Thobor, Szczepan Mazur, Ernst Oertel.
3.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 40,000 (D) 2,000m, Winner: AF Mezmar, Szczepan Mazur, Ernst Oertel.
4pm: Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup presented by Longines (TB) Dh 200,000 (D) 1,700m, Winner: Galvanize, Nathan Cross, Doug Watson.
4.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 40,000 (D) 1,700m, Winner: Ajaj, Bernardo Pinheiro, Mohamed Daggash.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
BEACH SOCCER WORLD CUP
Group A
Paraguay
Japan
Switzerland
USA
Group B
Uruguay
Mexico
Italy
Tahiti
Group C
Belarus
UAE
Senegal
Russia
Group D
Brazil
Oman
Portugal
Nigeria
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
