Peter Hellyer's opinion article A rich cultural oasis has become the new normal (November 24) was excellent. We are truly blessed and grateful to the leadership of the UAE for enabling the development of a diversified arts and culture scene in the capital. Sadly, I have attended my last such performance for the time being.
I attended the magnificent performance of Giselle by the highly-esteemed Moscow City Ballet recently. I was annoyed when a goodly number of expatriates arrived long after the performance started and were seated. This practice is an affront to the performers and fellow patrons and, in my view, not in keeping with the capital’s aspirations to be an internationally recognised centre for the arts.
To the organisers of these premier events, I implore you to adopt international best practices and refuse to seat late arrivals until intermission.
To the patrons who saw fit to arrive a full 20 to 40 minutes after the performance started, shame, shame, shame.
Elizabeth Lane, Abu Dhabi
Qatar’s mall plan is unpleasant
Qatar's plan to introduce family-only days at major shopping malls is disgusting (Qatar council mulls family-only mall days, November 26). For many single men, malls may be their only place for entertainment. If you notice, you will find that those who enjoy shows at the malls the most, apart from children, are the labourers.
It’s sad that they are considered good for building skyscrapers, but not good enough to be in public with. They are men whom I have respect for and my children too love them.
Emma Bryan, US
So the very people who built the malls will not be able to enter? It’s a pathetic proposal. I’m sure if I, a white European male, entered the mall on a family day, nobody would stop me.
Mike Bruski, US
Many of these “single” men have left their own families behind. They miss their children and wives and just need a distraction from their lives. They are good decent people.
You can be ogled by married men too while their wives have their noses in the Prada store. Worst harassment I’ve ever received in the Middle East was from a 13-year-old boy. Unrepeatable.
Dinky Dani Lapin, Dubai
Children should learn social skills
Your editorial Coding skills prepare pupils for the future (November 24) brought to mind civic consciousness and morals. Young children are sorely lacking in these basic things. They first need to learn how to interact in society. Teach them mindfulness. Teach them how to practise and live organic lifestyles.
Most children today probably know their way around an iPad better than any adult anyway. Computer skills come easy to children. They can teach the US how to use technology, not the other way around.
Jean Francoise Ng Lewis, Dubai
Should buildings have insurance?
Regarding the Deira fire incident (Residents seen running into burning Dubai building to save belongings, witnesses say, November 25), apparently the building owners did not purchase insurance. Shouldn't this be required by law? Perhaps it's worth finding out how many other apartment buildings are without insurance.
Jeffrey Martin, Dubai
Avoid borrowing from banks
Don't borrow from banks unless you intend to pay off in full every month (UAE residents sucked into a cycle of debt, November 15).
Believe me, it’s the banks that lose when they can’t lend. Unfortunately they prey on the poor and the economically infirm while you hand over your freedom, security and possible future.
Giles Heaton, Dubai