In reference to the article Etihad and Emirates chiefs prepare for battle of the skies (March 17), I wish the West would stops trying to judge the entire world by western standards as to what is considered acceptable.
Qatar Airways and Emirates, in particular, have come under fire in the western press for having recruitment policies that differ from those in Europe and the US.
We are all guilty of voting with our wallets. Who wants to pay more to travel on an old aircraft with ageing crew (and extremely limited entertainment options)? Not me. I have different issues with the UAE-based airlines relating to high prices for travellers originating their trips in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, but am I going to start a petition or lobby anyone that it is unfair?
Of course not, it is a fact of life. American jobs are being supported by the Gulf carriers purchasing huge numbers of aircraft the US and European airlines can only dream of.
Stop the double standards and start competing. There are reasons why Emirates and Etihad are rated consistently as among the best airlines in the world.
Darren Bennett-Voci, Dubai
I have flown with Etihad a number of times. They are absolutely wonderful – I have never once had a problem. The planes are all modern, clean and the on-board service is consummate, slick, professional and, above all, friendly. I never have to think twice about booking with Etihad. If anything, I think the Americans might be a bit jealous.
Josh C, Abu Dhabi
UAE can change their game plan
The UAE came very close to toppling a couple of more experienced rivals in the Cricket World Cup and can be proud of their efforts – the team will have learnt a great deal from the experience (Step up to the crease, March 18).
Your suggestion that there should be a regional tournament held perhaps every two years in the UAE is a good one with teams from all over the Gulf region, as well as Afghanistan and Pakistan’s B teams, taking part.
The UAE’s recent World Cup campaign proved that more frequent games against competitive sides in the Middle East will ensure further progress is maintained and that standards will continue to rise.
David Willis, Abu Dhabi
How about a ‘solar holiday’?
The article Europe braces for power disruption from solar eclipse (March 18) is an interesting twist on the future of solar power throughout the world. Of course, there is no solar power when there is no “sol” – at night, during a total solar eclipse; and always less than optimum on a cloudy day.
As six out of 10 of the world’s leading solar power producers are in the umbras of Friday’s solar eclipse, I suggest that the affected countries declare a solar holiday by reducing their use of electricity.
Alternate energy sources to fossil fuels are a good and necessary adaptation, now and for the future. However, if Earth’s energy consumption continues to escalate at the present rate, in 2,500 years we will require all the energy produced by all the stars in this corner of the galaxy.
Let people innovate, if only for half a day, different ways to reduce energy consumption. Turn off the neon signs at your felafel shop. Employ a homeless person to advertise for you with a sandwich board. Shut down the forced air heating and cooling – open the windows. This “holiday” will prepare us for the immediate and long-term future now. It might prevent damage from power surges and damage to the reputation of solar power’s excellent record and prospects.
Michael Creamer, Abu Dhabi
Netanyahu stand will hurt Israel
The EU will apparently now have no option but to implement economic and political sanctions against Israel as Benjamin Netanyahu comes clean with his real intentions to annex the West Bank in a push for a "Greater Israel" (Incitement defines this Israeli election, March 17).
This would entail implementing Likud’s original charter that requires the “transfer” of all Arabs out of former Palestine.
In the interim, by this gift to the illegal settlers, both the Israeli government and the entire electorate have a serious problem indeed with existing bilateral trade with Europe. Israel’s two primary trading partners, the EU and the US, would be obliged to cut or restrict trading ties with the recalcitrant government until it decides to comply with the will of the United Nations.
Furthermore, Mr Netanyahu’s declaration that the peace process is dead and buried will send tremors throughout the international community. And this is the signal for the Palestinian Authority to move decisively in the UN and other international institutions to include its application to the International Criminal Court to declare the Israeli settlements in the occupied territories a war crime.
Anthony Bellchambers, UK
Five films to watch
Castle in the Sky (1986)
Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
Only Yesterday (1991)
Pom Poki (1994)
The Tale of Princess Kaguya (2013)
Summer special
Results:
6.30pm: Handicap (Turf) | US$175,000 2,410m | Winner: Bin Battuta, Christophe Soumillon (jockey), Saeed bin Suroor (trainer)
7.05pm: UAE 1000 Guineas Trial Conditions (Dirt) | $100,000 | 1,400m | Winner: Al Hayette, Fabrice Veron, Ismail Mohammed
7.40pm: Handicap (T) | $145,000 | 1,000m | Winner: Faatinah, Jim Crowley, David Hayes
8.15pm: Dubawi Stakes Group 3 (D) | $200,000 | 1,200m | Winner: Raven’s Corner, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
8.50pm: Singspiel Stakes Group 3 (T) | $200,000 | 1,800m | Winner: Dream Castle, Christophe Soumillon, Saeed bin Suroor
9.25pm: Handicap (T) | $175,000 | 1,400m | Winner: Another Batt, Connor Beasley, George Scott
Full list of brands available for Instagram Checkout
Adidas @adidaswomen
Anastasia Beverly Hills @anastasiabeverlyhills
Balmain @balmain
Burberry @burberry
ColourPop @colourpopcosmetics
Dior @dior
H&M @hm
Huda Beauty @hudabeautyshop
KKW @kkwbeauty
Kylie Cosmetics @kyliecosmetics
MAC Cosmetics @maccosmetics
Michael Kors @michaelkors
NARS @narsissist
Nike @niketraining & @nikewomen
NYX Cosmetics @nyxcosmetics
Oscar de la Renta @oscardelarenta
Ouai Hair @theouai
Outdoor Voices @outdoorvoices
Prada @prada
Revolve @revolve
Uniqlo @uniqlo
Warby Parker @warbyparker
Zara @zara
How being social media savvy can improve your well being
Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.
As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.
Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.
Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.
Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.
However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.
“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.
People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.
Fatherland
Kele Okereke
(BMG)
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES
All kick-off times 10.45pm UAE ( 4 GMT) unless stated
Tuesday
Sevilla v Maribor
Spartak Moscow v Liverpool
Manchester City v Shakhtar Donetsk
Napoli v Feyenoord
Besiktas v RB Leipzig
Monaco v Porto
Apoel Nicosia v Tottenham Hotspur
Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid
Wednesday
Basel v Benfica
CSKA Moscow Manchester United
Paris Saint-Germain v Bayern Munich
Anderlecht v Celtic
Qarabag v Roma (8pm)
Atletico Madrid v Chelsea
Juventus v Olympiakos
Sporting Lisbon v Barcelona
Keane on …
Liverpool’s Uefa Champions League bid: “They’re great. With the attacking force they have, for me, they’re certainly one of the favourites. You look at the teams left in it - they’re capable of scoring against anybody at any given time. Defensively they’ve been good, so I don’t see any reason why they couldn’t go on and win it.”
Mohamed Salah’s debut campaign at Anfield: “Unbelievable. He’s been phenomenal. You can name the front three, but for him on a personal level, he’s been unreal. He’s been great to watch and hopefully he can continue now until the end of the season - which I’m sure he will, because he’s been in fine form. He’s been incredible this season.”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s instant impact at former club LA Galaxy: “Brilliant. It’s been a great start for him and for the club. They were crying out for another big name there. They were lacking that, for the prestige of LA Galaxy. And now they have one of the finest stars. I hope they can go win something this year.”
Types of fraud
Phishing: Fraudsters send an unsolicited email that appears to be from a financial institution or online retailer. The hoax email requests that you provide sensitive information, often by clicking on to a link leading to a fake website.
Smishing: The SMS equivalent of phishing. Fraudsters falsify the telephone number through “text spoofing,” so that it appears to be a genuine text from the bank.
Vishing: The telephone equivalent of phishing and smishing. Fraudsters may pose as bank staff, police or government officials. They may persuade the consumer to transfer money or divulge personal information.
SIM swap: Fraudsters duplicate the SIM of your mobile number without your knowledge or authorisation, allowing them to conduct financial transactions with your bank.
Identity theft: Someone illegally obtains your confidential information, through various ways, such as theft of your wallet, bank and utility bill statements, computer intrusion and social networks.
Prize scams: Fraudsters claiming to be authorised representatives from well-known organisations (such as Etisalat, du, Dubai Shopping Festival, Expo2020, Lulu Hypermarket etc) contact victims to tell them they have won a cash prize and request them to share confidential banking details to transfer the prize money.
* Nada El Sawy
UAE jiu-jitsu squad
Men: Hamad Nawad and Khalid Al Balushi (56kg), Omar Al Fadhli and Saeed Al Mazroui (62kg), Taleb Al Kirbi and Humaid Al Kaabi (69kg), Mohammed Al Qubaisi and Saud Al Hammadi (70kg), Khalfan Belhol and Mohammad Haitham Radhi (85kg), Faisal Al Ketbi and Zayed Al Kaabi (94kg)
Women: Wadima Al Yafei and Mahra Al Hanaei (49kg), Bashayer Al Matrooshi and Hessa Al Shamsi (62kg)
Venom
Director: Ruben Fleischer
Cast: Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, Riz Ahmed
Rating: 1.5/5
Know your Camel lingo
The bairaq is a competition for the best herd of 50 camels, named for the banner its winner takes home
Namoos - a word of congratulations reserved for falconry competitions, camel races and camel pageants. It best translates as 'the pride of victory' - and for competitors, it is priceless
Asayel camels - sleek, short-haired hound-like racers
Majahim - chocolate-brown camels that can grow to weigh two tonnes. They were only valued for milk until camel pageantry took off in the 1990s
Millions Street - the thoroughfare where camels are led and where white 4x4s throng throughout the festival
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
UAE%20Warriors%2033%20Results
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RACECARD%20
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