With reference to Sophie Prideaux's piece Why it's completely normal to feel anxious about going outside again, even once it is safe to (May 1): I feel that going to a mall in the middle of the coronavirus crisis is like dancing in a storm without an umbrella.
Hani Qasim, Dubai
For me, it’s not about being scared of the virus that is keeping me away. It’s the atmosphere – temperature taken everywhere, masks, gloves, keeping distance. I know it is necessary, it is just not very appealing. Would rather stay at home.
Saraih Jones, Dubai
Take heart: trials for coronavirus are promising
With regards to your optimistic editorial Coronavirus: There is new hope for treatments (May 3): hopefully, the projects to identify the right drugs to treat the virus will bear fruit quickly. During this time of stress and lack of adequate social contact, it is important to count our blessings too. There are lessons in this lockdown. Countries should now spend more on health and less on arms. India spends just 1.28 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product on health. Globally, we need to focus on keeping our cities cleaner. We should also improve housing conditions and sanitation in slums. In the late 1990s, the Brazilian government built small colourful housing apartments to house those who live in the "favelas" (slums). Such initiatives can save many lives. Everyone is anxious. When will the lockdown end? Will I retain my jobf? What is my future and that of my children? When will an effective vaccine be found? I am reminded of a poem I wrote 51 years ago, in 1969 whose title may be relevant today. It was called Never Give Up.
Rajendra Aneja, Dubai
Some people think that traditional medicines such as ginger tea and coffee can cure the coronavirus. We need to let the real scientists do their jobs and save lives.
Alhaj Sabitou Ibrahim, Tuvalu, Oceania
Spare a thought for zoo animals in eternal lockdown
I write to you in reference to Jamie Prentis's story Coronavirus: German zoo could feed animals to each other (April 15): "I feel like a caged animal" is how people are describing how they feel with the lockdown in place. Now is a good time to recognise what it is actually like for a caged animal in a zoo. Animals would naturally shun contact with humans, keeping hidden away in their natural habitat. But in a zoo they cannot escape. The have nowhere to go. Their behaviour changes. It's called zoochosis. Birds pluck out their own feathers. Elephants sway back and forth. Tigers pace incessantly. Polar bears swim in circles. Shutdowns world over will come to an end and we will be free to roam again. Animals in zoos don't have this option. Visit an accredited animal sanctuary instead.
Eleanor Thomas, California, US
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
War 2
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana
Rating: 2/5
Match info:
Real Betis v Sevilla, 10.45pm (UAE)
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
Key products and UAE prices
iPhone XS
With a 5.8-inch screen, it will be an advance version of the iPhone X. It will be dual sim and comes with better battery life, a faster processor and better camera. A new gold colour will be available.
Price: Dh4,229
iPhone XS Max
It is expected to be a grander version of the iPhone X with a 6.5-inch screen; an inch bigger than the screen of the iPhone 8 Plus.
Price: Dh4,649
iPhone XR
A low-cost version of the iPhone X with a 6.1-inch screen, it is expected to attract mass attention. According to industry experts, it is likely to have aluminium edges instead of stainless steel.
Price: Dh3,179
Apple Watch Series 4
More comprehensive health device with edge-to-edge displays that are more than 30 per cent bigger than displays on current models.
The specs: 2018 Nissan Altima
Price, base / as tested: Dh78,000 / Dh97,650
Engine: 2.5-litre in-line four-cylinder
Power: 182hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 244Nm @ 4,000rpm
Transmission: Continuously variable tranmission
Fuel consumption, combined: 7.6L / 100km
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas
Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa
Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
Rating: 3/5
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
UK's plans to cut net migration
Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.
Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.
But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.
Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.
Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.
The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.
Fixtures (6pm UAE unless stated)
Saturday Bournemouth v Leicester City, Chelsea v Manchester City (8.30pm), Huddersfield v Tottenham Hotspur (3.30pm), Manchester United v Crystal Palace, Stoke City v Southampton, West Bromwich Albion v Watford, West Ham United v Swansea City
Sunday Arsenal v Brighton (3pm), Everton v Burnley (5.15pm), Newcastle United v Liverpool (6.30pm)
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
MATCH INFO
Iceland 0 England 1 (Sterling pen 90 1)
Man of the match Kari Arnason (Iceland)
MATCH INFO
Red Star Belgrade v Tottenham Hotspur, midnight (Thursday), UAE
Fixture and table
UAE finals day: Friday, April 13 at Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
- 3pm, UAE Conference: Dubai Tigers v Sharjah Wanderers
- 6.30pm, UAE Premiership: Dubai Exiles v Abu Dhabi Harlequins
UAE Premiership – final standings
- Dubai Exiles
- Abu Dhabi Harlequins
- Jebel Ali Dragons
- Dubai Hurricanes
- Dubai Sports City Eagles
- Abu Dhabi Saracens
The rules on fostering in the UAE
A foster couple or family must:
- be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE
- not be younger than 25 years old
- not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
- be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
- have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
- undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
- A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially
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.
Afghanistan fixtures
- v Australia, today
- v Sri Lanka, Tuesday
- v New Zealand, Saturday,
- v South Africa, June 15
- v England, June 18
- v India, June 22
- v Bangladesh, June 24
- v Pakistan, June 29
- v West Indies, July 4
