Recommended reads
Business focus
Swiss watches hope to stand test of time
- Georges Kern, chief of IWC Schaffhausen, maker of expensive timepieces, would like to think the high-end market will soon be ticking along nicely again.
Oasis
Eat together, stay together
- Family mealtimes can do more than just teach children how to eat healthily and moderately: research has linked them with better school performance and social adjustment, too.
How do you feel about the doubling of parking charges in Dubai?
Parking charges have doubled to Dh2 across Dubai. Has this affected you – and how do you feel about it? Let us know …
Will you send your children to driving school?
Traffic City, a Dh150m project announced by Abu Dhabi Police yesterday, will try to teach youngsters the laws of the road by putting them on it.
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?
Editorials
An enforcement solution for labour abuses
The Ministry of Labour showed the seriousness of its effort to the thousands of medium-sized and small construction companies by inspecting large companies first.
Mr Lula and his nation arrive
Mr Lula’s diplomatic ambitions are in keeping with the rise of Brazil’s standing, marked by Rio de Janeiro’s selection as the site of the 2016 Summer Olympics.
The market calls
Programmes such as Skype may one day be offered by Etisalat or Du in the same way they are offered in Jordan or in many other countries around the world.
Comment
Sanctions on Iran aren’t a substitute for policy
Emile Hokayem: Critics argue that stronger sanctions will be useless, if not counter-productive, if violators are allowed to displace legitimate business actors.
A natural question: is there space for green in the plan?
Peter Hellyer: The Urban Planning Council's programme lays stress on public transport but there is a need for the protection of, and enhancement of, the open spaces that exist in the capital.
To fly the furry skies, you need to find the right airline
Rasha Elass: With all the joy and innocence they spread to everyone, Pumpkin and Gremlin had easily earned the comfortable travel arrangement I planned for them.
Letters
Testimony that diet is key to fighting diabetes
Diabetes is a lifestyle disease and if we are interested in our own health, I think it is best we look after our bodies by knowing what we eat.
Arabic news digest
Africa comes under the limelight
The dramatic focus on even minor conflicts by the western media reflects a desire by the old colonial powers to exploit the continent's riches by benefiting from the prevailing chaos.
Most popular stories
- Go-ahead for internet calls – but not Skype
- Promoters trying to tempt Pacquiao to Dubai
- A beauty contest that turned ugly
- Immigration officer and policeman acquitted of bribery in 'beautiful woman' case
- Dubai World may offer new debt to creditors
- Parking fees raised in Dubai
- Saudi Arabia death row maid in a fight for her life
- US-Israel crisis ‘worst in 35 years’
- Maid charged with stealing Dh126,050 from home
- Lure of the spice: filming Frank Herbert's Dune
