Recommended reads
Business focus
Starbucks brews up a new line for China
- The coffee house giant has added teas to its offerings in the world’s most populous market. What will this do to traditional tea houses?
Oasis
Pearl fishing
- In a monthly series, The National photographer Galen Clarke shoots landmarks of the UAE using a polar panoramic technique.
How will the new rent laws affect you?
Landlords in Abu Dhabi are being given the right to evict tenants after two years and put up rents. What will this mean for you?
Have you had difficulties obtaining drugs at a pharmacy?
Abu Dhabi’s pharmacies are under scrutiny with thousands of customers invited to rate the quality of the services they provide. What is your overall impression of the quality and service in the capital's pharmacies?
Have you had problems getting your children enrolled in schools?
Thousands of parents have been unable to enrol their chikldren into oversubscribed schools. Have you had problems? Let us know your experiences.
Why do you think the Bu Tinah Islands deserve to be named one of the new natural wonders of the world?
Abu Dhabi plans to spend Dh28 million (US$7.6m) promoting the islands of Bu Tinah, one of 28 finalists in a competition to find world wonders of nature. The tiny archipelago, 130km west of Abu Dhabi, is in the final of the New7Wonders of Nature contest, having won through from an initial 447 entries. Why do you think the Bu Tinah Island's deserve to be named one of the new natural wonders of the world?
Do you use good luck charms to protect your business?
Shopkeepers in Dubai and elsewhere hang fresh lemons and chillies up to protect their businesses against failure. Do you think this works or is it just silly superstition? Let us know.
Do you think the ban on cigarette sales near schools should be extended to mosques and hospitals?
The Government is banning the sale of cigarettes near schools, and is considering a similar ban near to mosques and hospitals. Is this a good idea? Let us know your opinion.
Has the inclement weather caused you problems?
Heavy rain, thunder and lightning struck the Emirates last night, with some of the weekend’s biggest outdoor attractions halted by the elements.
Are you still waiting for a water bill refund? How has it affected you?
Compensation promised five months ago hasn't been delivered. Are you still waiting for a water bill refund? How has it affected you?
Do you agree the Arab world is at risk of a brain drain?
A recent survey found the people most likely to start new businesses and create jobs are also looking to leave because their countries cannot support their goals.
Leave us your messages of condolence for Sheikh Mubarak
Send us your messages of condolence for Sheikh Mubarak, who died yesterday.
How can we improve the education system?
The move to phase out remedial courses for students about to enter university is part of an ambitious government strategy to overhaul education from kindergarten to grade 12.
What are your thoughts on crime in the UAE?
The first in-depth survey of impressions of law and order reveals many people would hesitate to call the police if they were the victims of a crime.
What can be done to encourage Emirati teachers?
Emirati teaching graduates are giving up their struggle to find jobs in the profession and are switching to alternative careers, according to the head of a leading teacher-training college. What can be done to address the slide?
Would you buy a hybrid or electric car if there were more options available in the UAE?
The chief executive of Nissan has said GCC customers will be among the last to benefit from a global roll-out of electric cars due to the minimal interest shown by the region in using alternative energy vehicles. But would you buy a hybrid or electric car if there were more options available in the UAE?
What did you do on Valentine's day?
Did you take advantage of some of the offers for singles' or treat your loved one? Let us know how you spent your day.
Editorials
The greater good requires giving back
The result of a survey suggests that residents are reluctant to donate money to local organisations because of a perceived lack of transparency.
What killed Lehman is alive and kicking
The bankruptcy report reveals about the rottenness and risks that still endanger the financial services industry and the global economy.
More than meets the eye in a discount sale
The total number of consumer electronics items sold in the Emirates increased slightly over the past year – but consumer spending fell by more than a third.
Comment
Biden’s humiliation shows futility of US peace talks
Tony Karon: The Israeli message is clear: we’re happy to go through the motions of a peace “process” in order to satisfy the Americans and focus their attention on Iran.
Hollywood stars? I prefer a media summit any day
Angela Shah: Forget perfect smiles and rock-solid abs. Give this writer some tough talk about protecting the words she creates.
We must believe in our unified identity, or no one else will
Sultan Al Qassemi: It is far from acceptable when the fragmentation of the UAE is portrayed in the media.
Letters
Trust local teachers, not foreign experts
The first question that needs to be asked is: What does the UAE want its students to know and be able to do when they graduate?
Arabic news digest
Europeans doubt Mitchell’s success
No one, whether Russians, Europeans or Arabs, would like to meddle with the mission of George Mitchell, the US special envoy.
Most popular stories
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- Pacquiao is master of his trade
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- Anti-laundry patrols clean up Al Ain
- Young film-maker gets debut in US capital
- Stop neglecting your children, Ruler says
- Property law gives landlords power to evict tenants and raise rents
- Black cloud hangs over the future of Oman's Blue City
