I refer to your article Body of Filipina maid found in freezer flown home from Kuwait (February 16): it was very sad to read this story. It's especially painful to note that no one from the family suspected she was missing. I hope the culprits are found and given an exemplary punishment so that others might learn a lesson about how to treat those who move across the world to take care of their families.
Sammira Mohiadeen, Dubai
What sick people are behind this? Hell is not good enough for the people who abuse housemaids in this way.
Chika Marie, Abu Dhabi
This is completely disgusting.
Amrita Sethi, UAE
Children can be traumatised by noise pollution
In reference to your article Parents voice anger as Abu Dhabi school hit by deafening construction noise (February 18), the noise is really unacceptable. My son would have been traumatised as he is very sensitive to noise and things that make him think of earthquakes. Do children need these headaches in grade one?
Manda Baltus, Abu Dhabi
The anger of parents is understandable but surely a work-at-night permit for the construction would just cause more problems for the residents of the buildings surrounding the park?
Matthew Daniels, Abu Dhabi
India should get tough on fire safety measures
I refer to your article Indian wedding death toll rises to 18 (February 18): that a gas cylinder explosion at a hotel in the Indian state of Rajasthan caused 18 deaths is saddening. People who arrived at the wedding, a joyful occasion, walked into a disaster. Gas cylinder explosions are sadly very common because of a lack of adherence to safety standards. The compensation announced by the government, however large it may be, cannot bring back the loved ones of those grieving. This is truly a sad state of affairs.
K Ragavan, Bangalore
Organ donors are saviours
In reference to your article UAE's largest organ unit receiving calls 'every day' from prospective donors (February 18): all those involved in this endeavour are saving lives. May God bless the medical staff and the nurses, donors, recipients and their families.
Tracy Wilson, Abu Dhabi
Food wastage is simply wrong
With reference to your article Ideas to chew on: how to end food waste in Saudi Arabia (February 18), it will take a generation to change mentalities and appreciate that food wastage is wrong. It is simply wrong to throw away food and water.
Liliana Moisan, Romania
Backstreet Boys induce nostalgia for Dubai
With reference to your article Backstreet Boys to headline Blended festival in Dubai (February 19), never have I wanted to go back to Dubai more.
Aindrila Sen, Calcutta
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
Iftar programme at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
Established in 1998, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding was created with a vision to teach residents about the traditions and customs of the UAE. Its motto is ‘open doors, open minds’. All year-round, visitors can sign up for a traditional Emirati breakfast, lunch or dinner meal, as well as a range of walking tours, including ones to sites such as the Jumeirah Mosque or Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.
Every year during Ramadan, an iftar programme is rolled out. This allows guests to break their fast with the centre’s presenters, visit a nearby mosque and observe their guides while they pray. These events last for about two hours and are open to the public, or can be booked for a private event.
Until the end of Ramadan, the iftar events take place from 7pm until 9pm, from Saturday to Thursday. Advanced booking is required.
For more details, email openminds@cultures.ae or visit www.cultures.ae
UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
Formula One top 10 drivers' standings after Japan
1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes 306
2. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari 247
3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes 234
4. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull 192
5. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari 148
6. Max Verstappen, Red Bull 111
7. Sergio Perez, Force India 82
8. Esteban Ocon, Force India 65
9. Carlos Sainz Jr, Toro Rosso 48
10. Nico Hulkenberg, Renault 34
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
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
