A Singapore model for food outlets

Readers call for a rating system for the UAE's food outlets. Other topics: driving, rent, teacher pay, headscarf

Readers call for a rating system for all licensed food outlets. Sarah Dea / The National

I refer to your story Scores of Dubai food joints told to shut after complaints (May 19).

To ensure that food is clean and safe for consumption, all licensed food outlets in Singapore are issued grades. Whether it’s hawker fare or haute cuisine, you can rest assured that the outlet you are eating in has been inspected for cleanliness, hygiene, handling of food, method of meat storage and housekeeping standards.

These food outlets are advised to display the certificate indicating their grade, so as to enable the public to make a more informed choice when patronising outlets.

A similar system could be implemented in this country.

Khursheed Alam Khan, India

The quickest way to improve things would be to publish ratings – say a five-star rating.

That will enable the public to soon decide which outlets to visit and which ones need to improve or be closed.

Simon Buckerfield, Ras Al Khaimah

Little hope for better roads

In reference to the story UAE social media message for lane discipline (May 22), there might be a solution – randomly stopping undisciplined drivers and recording their statements on video and then referring them to the prosecution. Recently I narrowly escaped an accident when a driver decided that he should be in front of me as his car was bigger and more powerful.

He suddenly cut in front of me, prompting me to slam the emergency brake.

My five-year-old child was in the back seat. Such behaviour is disgusting.

I have given up hope for any improvement in driving conditions on our roads.

It seems one can be safe only if one drives a tank.

Moaz Bhutta, Dubai

Study the law on rent increase

This is regarding the article Dubai tenant wants lower rent on apartment facing construction, but landlord wants to raise it.

If you are going into your second year, the landlord cannot increase the rent. This is according to law. The landlord and tenant must specify rent value in the tenancy contract and should not increase such rent value or amend any of the tenancy contract conditions until the elapse of two years from the date of inception of the original tenancy relationship.

Name withheld by request

Teacher pay is a tough issue

In reference to your editorial Can boarding schools in the UAE thrive? (May 9), if you have to import your teachers and pay them a large incentive to stay, it's pretty hard to make any money.

Lisa Kereliuk, Dubai

Why discuss the headscarf?

This whole debate on "head cover" is ridiculous and it's the media that's making it a big deal (What Melania wore: why the first lady's Saudi style is a big deal, May 21). I worked in Saudi Arabia for many years and can assure you we are not expected to cover our heads. Melania Trump was dressed very modestly and respectfully and that's the end of the story.

Kerry Mills, Dubai

Surprisingly, the Queen of England gladly wore a headscarf on many occasions. For example, she wore it when she visited this country. I believe it’s a matter of choice. Wearing or not wearing a headscarf does not have any bearing on diplomacy.

Ahmed Eva, Abu Dhabi

It doesn’t matter what Mrs Trump wore or whether she wore a headscarf or not.

It’s sad that so many people are bothered about such things.

Name withheld by request