Puma shoes with UAE flag prompt apology



DUBAI // The German sportswear maker Puma has been forced to apologise after releasing - and quickly withdrawing - a limited-edition pair of National Day trainers in the colours of the UAE flag.

Puma's SpeedCat shoes caused an outcry among Emiratis unhappy at seeing their flag represented on footwear, which are considered dirty. Showing the bottoms of shoes in the region is often used as a way to insult others.

In a statement through its publicist, StickyGinger, Puma said the Dh649 shoes, which were available in shops across the UAE, were not "intended to upset or offend" their customers.

"Puma took the feedback from our consumers very seriously and has indefinitely actioned the removal of the shoe from all stores," StickyGinger said.

"Puma apologises for any trouble caused on this matter."

Meanwhile, doctors have warned that another commemorative product, contact lenses in the national colours, could cause corneal ulcers.

Dr Travis Pollock, a consultant ophthalmologist at Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, said the Dh150 lenses, made in Malaysia and imported by an independent UAE distributor disease could lead to scarring, which could cause blindness.

The biog

Favourite hobby: taking his rescue dog, Sally, for long walks.

Favourite book: anything by Stephen King, although he said the films rarely match the quality of the books

Favourite film: The Shawshank Redemption stands out as his favourite movie, a classic King novella

Favourite music: “I have a wide and varied music taste, so it would be unfair to pick a single song from blues to rock as a favourite"

Famous left-handers

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- Joan of Arc

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Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
 
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia

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Rating: Two out of five stars 

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In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458. 

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CAF Champions League semi-finals first-leg fixtures

Tuesday:

Primeiro Agosto (ANG) v Esperance (TUN) (8pm UAE)
Al Ahly (EGY) v Entente Setif (ALG) (11PM)

Second legs:

October 23

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Monday, January 28
Iran v Japan, Hazza bin Zayed Stadium (6pm)

Tuesday, January 29
UAEv Qatar, Mohamed Bin Zayed Stadium (6pm)

Friday, February 1
Final, Zayed Sports City Stadium (6pm)

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Engine: 3.5-litre supercharged V6

Power: 416hp at 7,000rpm

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Transmission: 6-speed manual

Fuel consumption: 10.2 l/100km

Price: Dh375,000 

On sale: now 

Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

THE SPECS

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