Parents deserve to give their children the best start in life

Assistance for new parents in the UAE is seen as essential by readers. Other topics: Susan Hillyard, toddler tales, snake bites and Egyptian politics.

This photograph of Marwan, a four-year-old Syrian refugee, taken by UNHCR worker Andrew Harper has invoked hot debate, but as The National says in an editorial, such debates miss the bigger picture inShow more

Reading your article, New parents need more support to give children a better start, UAE conference told (February 19), I was heartened to see that the authorities are looking at improving maternity and possibly paternity leave and benefits for all.

However, as grand as that will be at the start of a child’s life there is still the equally important issue of parenting after the first few months.

Maybe this is a good time to also look at capping the work week at five days and eight hours per day so, parents will have more time to properly raise their children.

Martin Sutherland, Abu Dhabi

In Australia, parents are given 18 weeks paid leave at their weekly wage rate and then if they would like to stay at home longer to look after their child, the government pays you a wage to stay home.

The UAE should work towards the same rights.

Ange Gergis, Dubai

The current maternity leave is in need of urgent attention. It is much too short.

Bent Hala, Abu Dhabi

Susan Hillyard’s inspiring life

I read with your interest your article about the death of Susan Hillyard (Story of a lifetime of love for Abu Dhabi, October 17).

Having arrived in Abu Dhabi in 2008, all I have experienced is the modern, bustling, cosmopolitan city it is today.

Reading Susan Hillyard’s memoir, Before the Oil, gave an insight into the scale of the change that the people of Abu Dhabi have brought about so successfully in less than a single lifetime.

It also brought to life how important it is to treat everybody with respect, courtesy and warmth.  The way she built up relationships based on trust and friendship was one factor that helped lay a strong foundation for the effectiveness of the multicultural society that works today, providing a wonderful example for us all to follow.

Joe Booth, Abu Dhabi

This was a beautiful article, written simply and in an uncomplicated style.

Jolene-Ann van Heerden, Abu Dhabi

‘Married life’ tales funny and true

I look forward to your writer Hala Khalaf’s weekly column in The National with unreserved enthusiasm.

As a working woman and first-time mother to a 14-month-old baby boy (born at the Corniche Hospital and happily living in Abu Dhabi), this week's Married Life piece (Projecting Valentine's Day resolutions onto Baby A, Feburary 16) had me laughing uncontrollably, much to the amusement of my family.

I can certainly relate to a number of her personal experiences and had to write to thank her for continuing to share her wry sense of humour and keen observations on life with a toddler.

I regularly send her column to my friends in the UK and Australia so she has a loyal and eager international fan base. I encourage her to keep up the good work.

Monika Bayley, Abu Dhabi

Roads cannot cope with new Palm mall

After reading your article, Nakheel receives six bids for Palm Jumeirah mall construction (February 18), I'm very surprised the government is letting this mall go ahead in such a grand way.

From what I understand, the roads and infrastructure on the palm will never be able to withstand the number of people this mall is being built for.

The palm only has a certain number of lanes, and when off the palm, only a certain number of exits for traffic to flow.

Robert Charlton, Dubai

Strange incident of the Lakes dog

The incident recounted in your story, Pet dog in Dubai almost dies from apparent snake bite at The Lakes (February 19), is worrying, even if it is very unusual and rare.

If today a dog has been bitten by a venomous snake in the area, next time it could be a human.

It is scary to even imagine how painful these snakes bites can prove. It is surprising that the dog survived despite her serious condition. In fact it would be fair to say that the dog was fortunate to have been treated in time.

Fatima Suhail, Sharjah

This incident is rather sad. I have always been worried that domestic animals are prone to bites by venomous snakes.

Muhammad Gohar, Pakistan

El Sisi can bring real change in Egypt

Having read your profile, Newsmaker: Abdel Fatah El Sisi (January 30), I think it is important that Egyptians revere him.

It will help him make hard changes that will help all Egyptians.

Name withheld by request