Brilliant Bon Jovi but ticket prices still hurt

Readers discuss the Bon Jovi concert in Abu Dhabi. Other topics: Palestine, Muslims in France and Skydive Dubai

A reader discusses the Bon Jovi concert in Abu Dhabi. Delores Johnson / The National

Regarding your article Bon Jovi fails to hit the high notes at Abu Dhabi concert (October 2), I would like to sing the praises of du Arena for hosting another fantastic concert by a world-famous band.

Bon Jovi’s guitars were definitely hot and the air temperature even hotter. It was an evening of pure unadulterated rock ‘n’ roll with songs from their latest album causing fans to stand still and listen carefully. The old favourites had the whole arena singing their hearts out. Praise too, to all the staff who ensured the facilities and services were first class.

However fabulous the line ups become though, customers will definitely lose patience and commitment to purchasing tickets for these events because the ticketing agents charge an astronomical Dh50 surcharge per ticket – not per order – and then ask the customer to print their own tickets.

Du Arena will end up being a cold and lonely place for such hot bands without an audience. Many fans are simply fed up with paying high fees and we will find alternative venues to entertain ourselves.

Susie Bett, Abu Dhabi

France is a country of law

I am writing concerning your recent comment piece In France, hate crimes fuel a spike in violence (September 27).

France, it is true, is paying a heavy price in terms of the number of terrorist attacks on its soil, because of its unwavering fight against terrorism.

I will not deny that some of our compatriots, as well as other European citizens, may have seized the opportunity of the current context to wrongly stigmatise the Muslim community. But others, and I should say the huge majority of the French people, still warmly embrace the visible presence of our Emirati and Arab friends during the massive Paris demonstration on January 11, 2015.

Islamophobia is a disgusting phenomenon, fuelled by fear and ignorance. It has to be fought by all means, not only in France but also in Europe and elsewhere. That being said, assuming as the author of the article does that mosques are burning regularly all over France and are sprayed with blood and that murders of Muslims are quite common, is nothing but a lie. France is a country of laws where each crime is subject to investigation, prosecution and punishment.

A majority of French citizens believe in the concept of secularism, which is a fundamental principle in our institutions and daily life. As such, diversity is part of France’s DNA.

The author of this article should have recalled that in 2014, the French government of Manuel Valls decided to strengthen the struggle against racism and anti-semitism.

“Liberty, Egalité, Fraternité” is the motto of the French Republic. It is not just a formula. It is the spirit of our Nation, as well as a daily struggle for each of us.

Michel Miraillet, Ambassador of France to the UAE

A near tragedy for thrill seekers

Concerning your report Skydive Dubai plane runs off runway (October 3), I must say this wasn't a minor accident. It could have resulted in a fatality. It was sheer luck that the plane had no passengers other than the pilot when it crashed.

The plane could also have crashed on to a busy road resulting in more deaths. I hope that they take the necessary measures to ensure that such mishaps do not occur again in the future.

Fatima Suhail, Sharjah

Skydive Dubai has some of the best pilots and staff in the world. I would not hesitate to get on any of their planes on any day, and in fact, I often do.

Ahmad Al Dabbagh, Saudi Arabia

Peace talks in Palestine

After reading your article Netanyahu says he wants to resume talks with Palestinians 'immediately' (October 2). I believe that this is one of the most dramatic developments to happen in recent Middle East politics.

That the Israeli prime minister said that he would resume talks is significant but he must act on his promise.

Will honest peace negotiations ever happen between Israel and the Palestinians? That is the question we all want answered soon.

K Ragavan, India

Going purple for a good cause

With regards to your article, Attractions in UAE go pink for Breast Cancer Awareness month (October 1), it is a shame they don’t go purple for World Prematurity Day. Many great landmarks around the world do and it is an important issue for all of us here as well.

Jayde Ellis, Dubai