I was delighted to learn about the latest archaeological discovery in Jordan (Hidden gem, June 12). My question is whether we can get to see it. If so, maybe I shall visit the country. Petra was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.
Sandra Knuteson, Sharjah
This news is interesting. Surprisingly, this discovery has not been adequately publicised. I am going to visit Jordan this year.
Ammar Hussain, Dubai
Schoolchildren deserve more than knowledge
School is the second home for a child (Dubai schools awarded for fostering culture of health and happiness, June 6). This is why school ought to keep an eye on children's health and happiness, rather than just teaching.
There is a school in Dubai that has an organic garden. Pupils look after it and harvest the vegetables that they grow. This is something unique in this environment. I think this type of projects is beneficial for children in many ways. I studied in a school that had a greenhouse, tea garden and farm. It’s hard to explain the benefits of children living close to nature.
Alice Su, Dubai
An insight firms must have
I loved the article Why Middle East companies should avoid job cuts in these times of low oil prices (June 11). It assumes however that firms know and understand that the unique combination of how knowledge and skills are deployed is often their fundamental source of sustainable competitive advantage. This insight is unfortunately lacking among executives globally who wouldn't understand their company's source of competitive advantage if it smashed them in the face.
John Paul, Dubai
Knowledge gap is undeniably a major factor to consider when downsizing. Companies seldom care for this, which is why many of them end up losing more money in the long run as they try to fill the gaps.
Iftikhar Ahmed M.I Gader, Dubai
Football violence tolerated by all
There seems to be a degree of denial by all organisations and talking heads associated with the Euro football mentality. This ridiculous “tradition of violence” by a relative few has basically been tolerated by all concerned.
Team owners and UEFA denounce hooliganism publicly only when forced to do so. Punishment is rare, and light punishment at that.
Social media and iPhones with cameras largely force their hands into at least admitting the problem exists.
I relocated to the Netherlands 10 years ago. I first attended World Cup and Euro Cup games in 1990 – but stopped going altogether by 1998, when the hooligans became too much.
The idea of gambling with my family’s safety just to attend a game over there is not worth the risk. I don’t even use the train system in the Netherlands on game day as “fans” use the train cars for their drunken abusive or violent behaviour.
Some claim or blame “culture”. It is not a cultural matter. It is a sports mentality and largely consists of drunk members of the lowest common denominator of society among us.
The “sports worship” phenomenon is out of control (making unproven players instant millionires, teams protecting law-breaking players and coaches, various cheating methods, fans bashing one another, rioting to protest against a loss or celebrate a win, and the like).
Security these days is often plentiful, yet somehow ineffective.
Kevin L, The Netherlands