Your editorial, Twitter is evolving into the town hall of the 21st century (October 10), was a good read. Among social media platforms, Twitter seems to be playing a leading role in creating dialogue. Just look at the Twitter account of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai. He has millions of followers. The fact that Twitter has managed to create a very big impact despite allowing only 140 characters per tweet is laudable.
K Ragavan, India
Frugality does not mean you have to live a boring life
I refer to your article, I retired at 37 after achieving financial independence in two years' (October 9). The author is advocating basic frugality and saving tips. I suggest people read, take note and use him as a role model. So many expatriates overly indulge in lucrative lifestyles. The roads are full of flashy cars that people on Dh10,000 to Dh20,000 salaries have no business driving, restaurants thrive on brunch-goers paying Dh500 a head and bars are full of people willing to spend their weekly earning on drinks. After all of this, we hear people complain about how expensive the country is (rather than the fact that these people got themselves into deep financial trouble by maxing out their credit cards paying for goods and services that they don't need). Frugality does not mean you have to have a boring and sad life. There are plenty of things you can do for half the price. There are countless good restaurants that don't cost an arm and a leg to dine in. For one thing, cooking at home is better for both your health and your wallet. There are many choices out there. People just need to be sensible.
Elena Zhukova, Dubai
Can we add legal studies into Emirati School Model?
In reference to your article, Emirati School Model will expand to UAE's international private schools, says minister (October 7), I would love to see legal studies added into the curriculum as an elective.
Maryam Al Falasi, Dubai
Don't want debt? Don't take out so much credit
I refer to your article, The Debt Panel: We cannot shake the Dh80,000 sitting on our credit cards (October 5). This family saves Dh10,000 a month and still can't pay off their credit card debt despite living in Jumeirah Lakes Towers and owning two cars? This is truly shocking. Pay debt before saving, it's as simple as that. I've been four years here and I have not managed to save a penny. There are many people who get by on much less. I, for one thing, am so financially behind that I don't think I'll ever get to go back home. These people need a reality check.
Name withheld by request
How can a family not manage their finances on such high incomes? It makes no sense. We get by on a lot less and yet, we manage despite having three children at school and two cars.
Nadia Sarie, Dubai
The value we attribute to objects is subjective
I refer to your article, What makes these scruffy shoes worth Dh150,000? (October 10). Things are only worth what someone is prepared to pay for them. Monetary value is therefore a subjective phenomenon, if you ask me.
Tanya Milbourne, Abu Dhabi
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
Two products to make at home
Toilet cleaner
1 cup baking soda
1 cup castile soap
10-20 drops of lemon essential oil (or another oil of your choice)
Method:
1. Mix the baking soda and castile soap until you get a nice consistency.
2. Add the essential oil to the mix.
Air Freshener
100ml water
5 drops of the essential oil of your choice (note: lavender is a nice one for this)
Method:
1. Add water and oil to spray bottle to store.
2. Shake well before use.
The five pillars of Islam
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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
CREW
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ERajesh%20A%20Krishnan%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ETabu%2C%20Kareena%20Kapoor%20Khan%2C%20Kriti%20Sanon%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Fixtures
Wednesday
4.15pm: Japan v Spain (Group A)
5.30pm: UAE v Italy (Group A)
6.45pm: Russia v Mexico (Group B)
8pm: Iran v Egypt (Group B)
The biog
Hometown: Cairo
Age: 37
Favourite TV series: The Handmaid’s Tale, Black Mirror
Favourite anime series: Death Note, One Piece and Hellsing
Favourite book: Designing Brand Identity, Fifth Edition
The bio
Who inspires you?
I am in awe of the remarkable women in the Arab region, both big and small, pushing boundaries and becoming role models for generations. Emily Nasrallah was a writer, journalist, teacher and women’s rights activist
How do you relax?
Yoga relaxes me and helps me relieve tension, especially now when we’re practically chained to laptops and desks. I enjoy learning more about music and the history of famous music bands and genres.
What is favourite book?
The Perks of Being a Wallflower - I think I've read it more than 7 times
What is your favourite Arabic film?
Hala2 Lawen (Translation: Where Do We Go Now?) by Nadine Labaki
What is favourite English film?
Mamma Mia
Best piece of advice to someone looking for a career at Google?
If you’re interested in a career at Google, deep dive into the different career paths and pinpoint the space you want to join. When you know your space, you’re likely to identify the skills you need to develop.
2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, (Leon banned).
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
THE%20SPECS
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Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
