The world seems to have gone crazy over the launch of iPhone 6 (iPhone 6 and Apple Watch launch expected to create massive demand in the UAE, September 10). Technology companies are ripping off consumers with bare minimum innovation, or even no innovation at all.
Companies like Apple and Samsung come up with new models every few months, making our perfectly functioning devices look useless and out of date. But we are also willing to fall into their traps. Why should I buy an iPhone 6 for Dh3,000 when I am perfectly happy with my current device? That’s because I will look out of fashion with it after the new version is out. These devices are more about fashion statement than about utility. Many people would deny that because they would need a reason to justify the reason to spend so much money on new handsets every now and then.
These companies have taken consumerism to a new level through psychological manipulations. They don’t give us time to breathe and think. Keep buying is their mantra and we seem to be enchanted by it. The very thought that these companies are guiding our lives is so frustrating.
Iris Smith, Abu Dhabi
Defeating ISIL will need joint effort
The defeat of terrorist organisations such as ISIL is inevitable, but it will take major efforts by all regional and neighbouring countries (Arabs rally behind US efforts for coalition, September 10).
Yet, equal efforts are needed from the local population in Syria and Iraq. And please just call them “daish” as they are known locally.
I request everybody not to call them “Islamic State” because they are tarnishing the name of Islam. These deluded, vicious thugs also should be recognised as such so that they do not get free publicity.
In this context, I would like to mention the article US finalising strategy to fight ISIL (September 9) that accompanies the picture of a Kurdish Peshmerga fighter. These veteran fighters have recently come to prominence. They are a small army and cannot do the job of the Iraqi army to liberate the areas occupied by daish. Nor should they be drawn into fighting daish outside Kurdistan.
The US and Nato should give due consideration to the Kurds, who created havens of peace, prosperity and tolerance in the short time that they have been governing themselves.
Let us not also forget the Kurds of Syria, who have been defending their communities unassisted from daish and established local administrations to protect their people from the destruction that has befallen Syria. The Kurds in Turkey have also shown a willingness to live peacefully, which should be encouraged.
Shamal Karim, Dubai
Corniche clock needs attention
It used to be a beautiful feature of Abu Dhabi with tourist coaches stopping to taking pictures and it marked part of the Corniche. Then came the construction of the towers containing the Sofitel and the construction of the tunnel, both of which are great feats of architecture.
However, the floral clock is now nothing more that a sand pit in which rats hide. The pavements have been dug up and never replaced and in general the area has fallen into complete disarray. Will the clock and pavements ever be restored to their former glory?
Tim Howson, Abu Dhabi
Save some funds to help labourers
I am writing in reference to the article Onam harvest festival remittances into Kerala rise from the UAE (September 6).
During the month of Ramadan, people living in labour camps were supplied with food and drinks. It was a great relief for these deserving workers. But their difficulties will continue for the rest of the year.
Now Onam celebrations have begun. These celebrations will continue until Christmas and New Year. Lavish food is part of these celebrations. People spend a lot of money during this time. One essential component of this occasion is Onam Sadya, a 26-dish feast served on banana leaves.
The organisers and participants of these feasts and celebrations are usually well off. If each of these organisations decides to reduce the cost of the Onam Sadya and other festivals, such as Christmas and New Year, and use that money to supply food and drinks to the labourers through out the year, it would be great.
There are a few organisations that have already been doing that. I request others to follow suit.
KV Shamsudheen, Dubai
Water waste
In the UAE’s arid climate, small shrubs, bushes and flower beds usually require about six litres of water per square metre, daily. That increases to 12 litres per square metre a day for small trees, and 300 litres for palm trees.
Horticulturists suggest the best time for watering is before 8am or after 6pm, when water won't be dried up by the sun.
A global report published by the Water Resources Institute in August, ranked the UAE 10th out of 164 nations where water supplies are most stretched.
The Emirates is the world’s third largest per capita water consumer after the US and Canada.
RACE CARD
5pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (Turf) 2,200m
5.30pm: Khor Al Baghal – Conditions (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m
6pm: Khor Faridah – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m
6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Fillies Classic – Prestige (PA) Dh110,000 (T) 1,400m
7pm: Abu Dhabi Colts Classic – Prestige (PA) Dh110,000 (T) 1,400m
7.30pm: Khor Laffam – Handicap (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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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.
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Company%20profile
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Joy%20Ride%20
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AUSTRALIA%20SQUAD
%3Cp%3EPat%20Cummins%20(capt)%2C%20Scott%20Boland%2C%20Alex%20Carey%2C%20Cameron%20Green%2C%20Marcus%20Harris%2C%20Josh%20Hazlewood%2C%20Travis%20Head%2C%20Josh%20Inglis%2C%20Usman%20Khawaja%2C%20Marnus%20Labuschagne%2C%20Nathan%20Lyon%2C%20Mitchell%20Marsh%2C%20Todd%20Murphy%2C%20Matthew%20Renshaw%2C%20Steve%20Smith%2C%20Mitchell%20Starc%2C%20David%20Warner%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
AUSTRALIA SQUAD
Aaron Finch, Matt Renshaw, Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Marsh, Tim Paine (captain), Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Jon Holland, Ashton Agar, Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle
BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE
Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega
Director: Tim Burton
Rating: 3/5
I Care A Lot
Directed by: J Blakeson
Starring: Rosamund Pike, Peter Dinklage
3/5 stars
Gender equality in the workplace still 200 years away
It will take centuries to achieve gender parity in workplaces around the globe, according to a December report from the World Economic Forum.
The WEF study said there had been some improvements in wage equality in 2018 compared to 2017, when the global gender gap widened for the first time in a decade.
But it warned that these were offset by declining representation of women in politics, coupled with greater inequality in their access to health and education.
At current rates, the global gender gap across a range of areas will not close for another 108 years, while it is expected to take 202 years to close the workplace gap, WEF found.
The Geneva-based organisation's annual report tracked disparities between the sexes in 149 countries across four areas: education, health, economic opportunity and political empowerment.
After years of advances in education, health and political representation, women registered setbacks in all three areas this year, WEF said.
Only in the area of economic opportunity did the gender gap narrow somewhat, although there is not much to celebrate, with the global wage gap narrowing to nearly 51 per cent.
And the number of women in leadership roles has risen to 34 per cent globally, WEF said.
At the same time, the report showed there are now proportionately fewer women than men participating in the workforce, suggesting that automation is having a disproportionate impact on jobs traditionally performed by women.
And women are significantly under-represented in growing areas of employment that require science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills, WEF said.
* Agence France Presse
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Suggested picnic spots
Abu Dhabi
Umm Al Emarat Park
Yas Gateway Park
Delma Park
Al Bateen beach
Saadiyaat beach
The Corniche
Zayed Sports City
Dubai
Kite Beach
Zabeel Park
Al Nahda Pond Park
Mushrif Park
Safa Park
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Al Qudrah Lakes
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How to help
Call the hotline on 0502955999 or send "thenational" to the following numbers:
2289 - Dh10
2252 - Dh50
6025 - Dh20
6027 - Dh100
6026 - Dh200