Articles
We should all salute the introduction of national service
National Service will be good for the nation and also good for the conscripts, says a slightly envious Peter Hellyer.
As Syria’s war rages, this cradle of civilisation is plundered
The plundering of Hasakeh's history is a shocking crime, writes Peter Hellyer
A relationship built on mutual expertise and excellence
Small countries seeking to build a diversified relationship with the UAE should take note of Jersey’s experience, argues Peter Hellyer
Abusive teachers have no place in our education system
No excuse can justify a teacher hitting a young child on the head in class. Peter Hellyer hopes a recent incident of this in Fujairah is a rare occurrence.
Emirati women carry the tradition of abayas in style
If traditions such as this remain frozen and unchanging, while society evolves around them, they lose their meaning and will eventually fade away, argues Peter Hellyer
Is salmon farming in the UAE just an implausible dream?
Some far-fetched ideas have proved feasible, but Peter Hellyer suggests those who want to grow salmon in the Gulf have chosen the wrong species of fish.
A few suggestions for the Executive Council to consider
Peter Hellyer has a little list of things he would like Abu Dhabi's Cabinet to discuss.
Where the streets have new names, but lack numbers
Even if the logic of the street numbering system is to be scrapped, there should be a few months, or years, of transition, writes Peter Hellyer
Breastfeeding legislation is confusing and needs review
Mothers cannot – and must not – be compelled to breastfeed their babies by law
In the pursuit of excellence, the foundation year is vital
There is no doubt that knowledge of the English language is increasingly important as the UAE seeks to expand its interaction with the rest of the world, writes Peter Hellyer.
Progress hasn’t robbed birds of safe havens in the capital
Studies show bird species thrive in some of the remote locations in the capital
The end of an incredible oil-powered era
The original concession deal for Abu Dhabi’s oilfields runs out on Friday. Signed in 1939, it heralded a new dawn for the emirate and helped to fuel the formation of the UAE. But in the early days, there were no guarantees and a few disappointments along the way
The writing is on the wall for Fujairah’s graffiti artists
Permits will be required in Fujairah over paintings and graffiti on exterior walls, writes Peter Hellyer. A violation will draw fines of between Dh2,000 and Dh20,000
As Christmas arrives, give thanks for the freedom we enjoy
Not all Arab Christians will have such a peaceful holiday as those in the UAE
There is only one certainty in Syria: worse is still to come
Syria's humanitarian crisis will continue, even if hostilities in the nation end now. As ever, it is the most vulnerable who are bearing the brunt.
