Rohingya refugees walk across fields at dusk after crossing the border from Myanmar to Bangladesh, after recent spat of violence against their community. Dan Kitwood / Getty Images
Rohingya refugees walk across fields at dusk after crossing the border from Myanmar to Bangladesh, after recent spat of violence against their community. Dan Kitwood / Getty Images

UAE humanitarian and relief aid to the Rohingya in Myanmar is noteworthy



I refer to your report, Muslim leaders call for immediate aid for Rohingyas (September 9). The UAE often sends humanitarian aid and relief to various countries in dire need of help after natural disasters and destructive conflicts. The Rohingyas in Myanmar and Bangladesh have suffered much in the latest spate of violence. The recent humanitarian gesture of the President, Sheikh Khalifa, to send urgent aid to Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar reflects this country's commitment to giving.

Name withheld by request

Back to school and the return of school runs 

Reading your story, UAE traffic: Return of school run brings congestion across Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, I am reminded of my own school days, of waking up early in the morning and getting ready for school. Summer days are melting away and the school bells have now chimed. Why have parents waited until the last minute to do their back-to-school shopping? Every year, you see parents rushing from one stationery shop to another, and dashing around trying to purchase school uniforms only to get annoyed when they can't find the right size. There was, of course, a whole summer to plan ahead of the new school year.

The summer months brought a welcome respite from traffic congestion on Dubai roads while schools were shut for the long summer break. It is now time for pupils to go back to school and look forward to all the fun, excitement and learning this year will bring. I wish them all the very best of luck.

Mathew Litty, Dubai

It is high time we developed more tramways. A stronger public transportation network will help save time, money and stress.

Ajay Thombre, Dubai

The drawbacks that keep school buses unpopular among parents

In addition to the multiple drawbacks mentioned in your editorial, School buses remain unpopular among parents (September 4), there is the very high cost.

Name withheld by request

Readers are sceptical over the new iPhone 8 

The iPhone 8 that is set to be announced this week may yet prove to be one of the most popular phones in the UAE (September 9), but I will not be buying it. iPhones have lost their charm, and the periodic release of new models feeds consumerism.

Moaz Bhutta, Punjab

I would never buy one. I'd be wasting hard-earned money.

Zeeshan Javaid

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The specs

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Power: 435hp at 5,900rpm

Torque: 520Nm at 1,800-5,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

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Tree of Hell

Starring: Raed Zeno, Hadi Awada, Dr Mohammad Abdalla

Director: Raed Zeno

Rating: 4/5

The specs

Engine: 1.5-litre turbo

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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
 
Started: 2021
 
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
 
Based: Tunisia 
 
Sector: Water technology 
 
Number of staff: 22 
 
Investment raised: $4 million 
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction

Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.

Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.

Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.

Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.

Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.

What are the guidelines?

Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.

Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.

Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.

Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.

Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.

Source: American Paediatric Association