I write in reference to your insightful editorial, The growth of retail online means more choice (January 3). The spread of e-commerce in the UAE and worldwide, provides choice, bargains and shopping opportunities to the consumer. Amazon has become one of the largest companies in the world due to the range of products it offers, the rapid delivery system it has established and a sound practice of immediately attending to consumer complaints.
However, the growth of e-commerce has serious implications for malls and bricks-and-mortar outlets. Their sales will definitely decline. Their revenues per square foot will also decrease and many of them will also become unprofitable. Malls should try to lure shoppers by offering more attractions and recreational facilities, so that a family could spend the entire day there, shopping, playing some games and also relaxing. Malls have to relaunch themselves as visitor destinations. Survival could become a tough challenge for the malls and high-street outlets in the future.
Rajendra Aneja, Dubai
Cut the red tape if you want to encourage entrepreneurs
I have enjoyed reading this newspaper's coverage of entrepreneurship and the SME environment in the UAE. One area worthy of further investigation concerns entrepreneurs who simply were too discouraged to start. It may come as a surprise, but a major sticking point is simply opening a bank account. It can be a very difficult process. Even after the account is open, it is typical for banks in the UAE to behave in an almost punitive fashion towards their customers.
BM, Dubai
There will be consequences if US aid to Pakistan is cut
In reference to your editorial Trump's rhetoric tests and uneasy alliance (January 3), Pakistan is not a superpower on the subcontinent. That would be its neighbour, India, the country that has good relations with the US. Cutting funding will damage efforts to contain radicalisation.
RC, Dubai
Your debt panel case study raises questions and solutions
In reference to the latest instalment of the debt panel (Expat's arrears amount to 36 times salary, January 3), this is such a tough situation. The lender should just forgive the debt because there is no way the borrower can repay this amount.
Kevin Zayas, Abu Dhabi
Telecoms concerns should be addressed
I refer to your story in your business pages TRA: VoIP policy remains unchanged (January 3). Why don't the TRA take a look at the policy to respond to the demand of users? Policies are made by people and people can change them.
AV, Dubai
Saving the sharks is one thing; teaching fishermen is another
I write regarding Save Our Sharks: a lesson all divers ought to heed (January 3). I'd say it's the fishermen who need to be educated.
Jayne Gilmour, Abu Dhabi
Profile box
Company name: baraka
Started: July 2020
Founders: Feras Jalbout and Kunal Taneja
Based: Dubai and Bahrain
Sector: FinTech
Initial investment: $150,000
Current staff: 12
Stage: Pre-seed capital raising of $1 million
Investors: Class 5 Global, FJ Labs, IMO Ventures, The Community Fund, VentureSouq, Fox Ventures, Dr Abdulla Elyas (private investment)
Company%20Profile
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Company%20Profile
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Inside%20Out%202
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Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
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Story%20behind%20the%20UAE%20flag
%3Cp%3EThe%20UAE%20flag%20was%20first%20unveiled%20on%20December%202%2C%201971%2C%20the%20day%20the%20UAE%20was%20formed.%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EIt%20was%20designed%20by%20Abdullah%20Mohammed%20Al%20Maainah%2C%2019%2C%20an%20Emirati%20from%20Abu%20Dhabi.%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EMr%20Al%20Maainah%20said%20in%20an%20interview%20with%20%3Cem%3EThe%20National%3C%2Fem%3E%20in%202011%20he%20chose%20the%20colours%20for%20local%20reasons.%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EThe%20black%20represents%20the%20oil%20riches%20that%20transformed%20the%20UAE%2C%20green%20stands%20for%20fertility%20and%20the%20red%20and%20white%20colours%20were%20drawn%20from%20those%20found%20in%20existing%20emirate%20flags.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
The five pillars of Islam
European arms
Known EU weapons transfers to Ukraine since the war began: Germany 1,000 anti-tank weapons and 500 Stinger surface-to-air missiles. Luxembourg 100 NLAW anti-tank weapons, jeeps and 15 military tents as well as air transport capacity. Belgium 2,000 machine guns, 3,800 tons of fuel. Netherlands 200 Stinger missiles. Poland 100 mortars, 8 drones, Javelin anti-tank weapons, Grot assault rifles, munitions. Slovakia 12,000 pieces of artillery ammunition, 10 million litres of fuel, 2.4 million litres of aviation fuel and 2 Bozena de-mining systems. Estonia Javelin anti-tank weapons. Latvia Stinger surface to air missiles. Czech Republic machine guns, assault rifles, other light weapons and ammunition worth $8.57 million.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Everything Now
Arcade Fire
(Columbia Records)
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More on animal trafficking
COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
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Prophets of Rage
(Fantasy Records)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The years Ramadan fell in May
Confirmed%20bouts%20(more%20to%20be%20added)
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE
Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega
Director: Tim Burton
Rating: 3/5