Airbus, the world's biggest planemaker, revealed three designs it is considering to build a hydrogen-powered aircraft as it seeks to bring the world's first emissions-free passenger plane into service by 2035. AFP / Airbus 
Airbus, the world's biggest planemaker, revealed three designs it is considering to build a hydrogen-powered aircraft as it seeks to bring the world's first emissions-free passenger plane into serviceShow more

It's good to get a glimpse in to the future of flying



With regard to Deena Kamel's report Airbus unveils three designs for zero-emission aircraft (September 21): an aircraft that only emits water vapour has to be way forward. Everything has to start somewhere and this seems like a good place to start.a

Derek Gliddon, Abu Dhabi

Tools of the modern world can help us ward off pandemic anxiety

With reference to Justin Thomas's op-ed In times of Covid-19, embrace your anxiety (September 20): to call the pandemic stressful would be an understatement. It is not unusual for people to feel overwhelmed or to be dealing with unexplained outbursts of emotions.

Human beings are social creatures. And because of the reduced social contact, Covid-19 has caused alienation. It is not unusual for people to be coping with many different fears and anxieties in various ways.

Job losses and a resultant lack of financial stability has also been a cause of stress. In many unfortunate cases, the loss of loved ones has added to the low period that so many people are going through. These stresses affect people differently, more so when there are restrictions on travel and it is not easy to be with family or friends in different cities or countries.

Despite these difficulties, we must realise we are not alone. Various therapies and online platforms allow us to connect with people who can help. Times may be tough but the modern world has equipped us with the means to stay close and connected.

Ashiqa Jose, Dubai

No surprise if tail end of summer causes more fog

With reference to Gillian Duncan's report UAE explained: How and why does fog form in a desert? (September 23): I spent many years studying this strange phenomenon. As the weather pattern begins to shift and we see the temperatures beginning to drop with the transition between summer to winter in the UAE, human activity in the morning directly affects the air and causes this fog – that, as the article mentions, the sun usually burns it off by 9am.

Richard Weinberg, Dubai

UAE's health minster has demonstrated leadership

With reference to Nick Webster's report Coronavirus: UAE health minister takes country's first dose of Covid-19 vaccine (September 19): compliments to the UAE for commencing Covid-19 vaccinations. Everyone is waiting for the vaccine to be discovered and finalised. It was brave of the UAE's health minister Abdulrahman Al Owais to take the first jab. He has shown leadership. Congratulations, sir.

Rajendra Aneja, Dubai

The five stages of early child’s play

From Dubai-based clinical psychologist Daniella Salazar:

1. Solitary Play: This is where Infants and toddlers start to play on their own without seeming to notice the people around them. This is the beginning of play.

2. Onlooker play: This occurs where the toddler enjoys watching other people play. There doesn’t necessarily need to be any effort to begin play. They are learning how to imitate behaviours from others. This type of play may also appear in children who are more shy and introverted.

3. Parallel Play: This generally starts when children begin playing side-by-side without any interaction. Even though they aren’t physically interacting they are paying attention to each other. This is the beginning of the desire to be with other children.

4. Associative Play: At around age four or five, children become more interested in each other than in toys and begin to interact more. In this stage children start asking questions and talking about the different activities they are engaging in. They realise they have similar goals in play such as building a tower or playing with cars.

5. Social Play: In this stage children are starting to socialise more. They begin to share ideas and follow certain rules in a game. They slowly learn the definition of teamwork. They get to engage in basic social skills and interests begin to lead social interactions.

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
The specs: 2018 Volkswagen Teramont

Price, base / as tested Dh137,000 / Dh189,950

Engine 3.6-litre V6

Gearbox Eight-speed automatic

Power 280hp @ 6,200rpm

Torque 360Nm @ 2,750rpm

Fuel economy, combined 11.7L / 100km

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
 
Started: 2020
 
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
 
Based: Dubai, UAE
 
Sector: Entertainment 
 
Number of staff: 210 
 
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners