Referring to the article UAE researchers want more recognition (November 6), this exclusion is institutionalised racism and is present across all spectrum.
One would expect the academic world to be free of this but in reality, this may not always be the case. Often western academia relies on funding and as such is forced to toe the political line. The emerging countries should look to the East and not be impressed by the say so of western institutes.
Of course in many arenas, academics based in western countries are far ahead of their eastern counterparts. However the exchange of ideas is not just one way process but multidimensional. The only way to do this is to have a strong presense at national level first. Having institutes linked with western acadamia only makes sense when national institute are not producing quality work.
JB, Abu Dhabi
Network's plans need highlighting
I am disappointed that the article OSN chief got there from the lowest rung (November 5) did not address what OSN's plans are for a better consumer experience.
Now that the HD boxes have been rolled out can we expect a faster move to HD channels? How about bringing better channels to the Middle East (what happened to plans to add Sundance channel)?
If OSN is going to focus on "relevant local content" how about original programming that moves away from all the ridiculous dubbing and overdone Arabic series story lines and focus on more edgy, fresh content (a la Arabic HBO). Anyway just my two cents.
Omar Sabbagh, Abu Dhabi
Great concerts, sleepless nights
While I think that it is wonderful that the people of Abu Dhabi are being offered so many free concerts, no one seems to be talking about the effect it is having on those of us who live around the concerts.
Last year we were bombarded with music until late into the night, even during the week when many of us do have to get up in the morning to go to work. We were able to hear the lyrics and feel the base in our apartment during a sound check at 10 am on Friday. I live on Sheikh Zayed the First Street.
I cannot imagine the conditions for the people who live on Corniche Road. Is there no way to have limits on the volume of concerts? Is there a reason why the last concert begins at 11.40 at night for four days in a row, beginning on a Wednesday night.
This seems terribly unfair to all of the families who live in the area, especially those of us with small children.
H Roy, Abu Dhabi
A tale of two cities as results suffer
Is it my imagination, or is the number of column inches apportioned to the Manchester City football club in The National directly proportional to their latest results on the pitch?
Brian Warren, Abu Dhabi
King of Pop's music is alive
He's back! (New Michael Jackson album to be released in December, November 6) As the big screen during his memorial ceremony declared: "I'm alive and I'm here forever."
SK, Abu Dhabi
High quality but no broad reach
In reference to the headline High-speed access earns high marks (November 3), congratulations to UAE telecoms companies for moving up the ladder of broadband quality.
Too bad a large percentage of the population can only dream of being able to afford the fastest broadband service. Trying to be the best is admirable but seems unlikely considering the competition.
And I'm sure I'm not alone in suggesting they improve the quality of customer service and delivery speeds before they think about delivering faster speeds and more inflated prices.
Donald Glass, Abu Dhabi
Poor Obama can't catch a break
Poor Barack Obama might have thought he'd be getting a break from the endless criticism at home on his trip to India. Alas, upon landing in India the US president finds out that he's actually responsible for parts of the country being under lock-down and even for ruining Diwali.
AM, Abu Dhabi
