Prince Harry and  Meghan Markle pose for a photograph at Kensington Palace in west London. AFP
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle pose for a photograph at Kensington Palace in west London. AFP

Who's bothered about that wedding in the UK? Not me



In reference to Prince Harry to marry US girlfriend Meghan Markle (November 28). Is this news? Are there people who are interested in this?

Tanya Milbourne, Dubai

Interest calculations on debt are not rocket science

I refer to your Debt Panel piece Help, I have several loan sharks circling me for repayments (November 29). Why does it keep saying they can't find out how much interest the subject is paying? We know they want Dh9,000 a month for 18 months. Surely it's not rocket science to work it out.

Breandan Murphy, Dubai

It’s only Thursday, but I am looking forward to Saturday

I refer to your online story What do the UAE flag colours represent (November 27). We love and respect this country, Happy National Day on Saturday.

Jashim Uddin, Dubai

Tribesmen were so humble, despite their hard life

In reference to your story Sinai tribesmen swear to take revenge for massacre at Al Rowdah mosque (November 27). I explored the Sinai some years ago. The Bedouins are so poor, humble and friendly at the same time. The children have no shoes. I gave them the oranges and apples I carried with me. May these kids be blessed.

Angelika Lancsak, Dubai

Remembering those who have made the greatest sacrifice

We will stop to mark Commemoration Day this morning. The nation salutes the patriotism and sacrifice of these heroes who laid their lives for their country. Their heroism will never be forgotten.

Fatima Suhail, Sharjah

Those pioneers deserve all the plaudits and praise

I write to offer my congratulations to those people who picked up awards from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces (Dubai Ruler honours UAE's pioneers, November 29).

Asyah E Meel, Abu Dhabi

Cheap at the pump, but some items are expensive

In reference to Petrol prices up, but still among the world's cheapest (November 29). That's correct,  but other items are more expensive here.

Name withheld by request

Key figures in the life of the fort

Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.

Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.

Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.

Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.

Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae

NO OTHER LAND

Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal

Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham

Rating: 3.5/5