The National contributor Keren Bobker this week marks the 300th edition of her column, On Your Side, in which she has tackled thousands of our reader's toughest queries about challenges they face in personal finance and beyond.
When I started writing this column nearly six years ago, I never imagined that we’d still be going strong 300 columns later. Three-hundred feels like a milestone, and in that time I have answered more than 1,000 queries in print, solved numerous problems for readers and received thousands of emails.
This column was part of the new Personal Finance section that began in November 2008, a few months after the launch of The National itself. It only took a couple of week before we received the first emails, and they have never stopped.
As the UAE economy ebbs and flows, so do the nature of enquiries. Over the past year the number of queries regarding rental issues has been huge. We have been able to reassure readers that rental laws, in Dubai at least, are there to protect tenants and clarify their rights.
Emails regarding UAE Labour Law are a constant, and these include regular queries on end-of-service gratuities, breaking contracts and everything from maternity leave to retirement ages.
Over the years I have built up contacts with the main banks, which are usually very helpful in solving problems for readers. A few other companies could certainly learn from them. Sadly there have been a few that have ignored all our enquiries and refused to assist.
I was asked what were my “greatest triumphs”, and thinking back it has to be two cases concerning banks. In one, I managed to get someone quickly out of a police station where they had been incorrectly detained for debt; in the other, the threat of a police case was lifted and arrangements were made to pay off a loan over time.
I am very proud of the work we do and endeavour to reply to most of the emails received. I hope the column has helped many readers over the years and am delighted with the feedback we receive. Long may we remain On Your Side.
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The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
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MEYDAN CARD
6.30pm Maiden Dh165,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
7.05pm Conditions Dh240,000 (D) 1,600m
7.40pm Handicap Dh190,000 (D) 2,000m
8.15pm Handicap Dh170,000 (D) 2,200m
8.50pm The Entisar Listed Dh265,000 (D) 2,000m
9.25pm The Garhoud Sprint Listed Dh265,000 (D) 1,200m
10pm Handicap Dh185,000 (D) 1,400m
The National selections
6.30pm Majestic Thunder
7.05pm Commanding
7.40pm Mark Of Approval
8.15pm Mulfit
8.50pm Gronkowski
9.25pm Walking Thunder
10pm Midnight Sands
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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Company%20Profile
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Abu Dhabi race card
5pm Abu Dhabi Fillies Classic Prestige | Dh110,000 | 1,400m
5.30pm Abu Dhabi Colts Classic Prestige | Dh110,000 | 1,400m
6pm Abu Dhabi Championship Listed | Dh180,000 | 1,600m
6.30pm Maiden | Dh80,000 | 1,600m
7pm Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap | Dh80,000 | 1,400m
7.30pm Handicap (TB) |Dh100,000 | 2,400m
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance: the specs
Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 plus rear-mounted electric motor
Power: 843hp at N/A rpm
Torque: 1470Nm N/A rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 8.6L/100km
On sale: October to December
Price: From Dh875,000 (estimate)