Congratulations to Volvo Race winner

Readers praise our yacht race winners, suggest we add laughter in our lives and explain why we should make a will.

A reader praises the crew of the Abu Dhabi entrant, Azzam, which has taken an unbeatable lead in the Volvo Ocean Race. Matt Knighton / Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing / Volvo Ocean Race

The triumph of Azzam in the Volvo Ocean Race is truly remarkable (Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing eye double, June 14).

It should be celebrated long and loud all over the emirate and beyond. Congratulations to all involved. Donna Willis, Abu Dhabi

Restrict access to drugs

It was disturbing to read about the increasing number of people dependent on substances such as ­Tramadol (Drug addiction can and must be prevented, June 14).

Drug abuse has become widespread because many people are stressed, depressed or suffering from sleep-related health issues.

The health authorities should not only educate patients about the side effects and dangers of abusing certain medications, they should instruct doctors to avoid prescribing them unless it is absolutely necessary.

Fatima Suhail, Sharjah

Expats need a watertight will

Estate planning is not only an important issue for non-resident Indians (NRIs urged to learn the power of their will, June 13).

Every expatriate should make sure they have a very good will. Working and living in the UAE is great, but some of the laws are very different to those that apply in other countries.

When a husband dies, the wife often has a very hard time leaving the country with the couple’s joint possessions. It is also often the case that bank accounts get blocked.

Even expatriates who are in the UAE alone should have a will to make sure that their possessions and money end up in the hands of the correct family members back home.

We should all make sure our wills are watertight and translated into Arabic.

Brigitte von Bulow, Abu Dhabi

Immigration wait is too long

The Gulf's airlines and airports are climbing to new heights (Emirates can double in size with move to Dubai's Al Maktoum International, June 10). However, there is one area which has not kept pace – and that is how the immigration procedures work.

Every country has a right to screen visitors, but why does it have to be so painfully slow?

I’ve known people who have taken two hours to get through Dubai airport after arrival. Most of that time was spent waiting in a queue for immigration. Surely that cannot be a good advertisement for the country.

It’s not unusual to have, say, 10 immigration desks but only two officers on duty.

There should be a proper queuing system similar to that used at check-in – that is, only one line with people directed to the next available window. We also need more electronic immigration facilities.

Dave Pryce, Dubai

Let’s all spread some laughter

Rob Long's column, Jerry Seinfeld and I are among a dying breed (June 13), raises an interesting point.

I grew up learning that laughter was the best medicine – and I still believe it is. It’s probably the best stress-buster available today.

People like being around others with a sense of humour, so if you want to catch the attention of that special somebody, learn a few jokes.

And although it’s tough to compete for children’s attention with video games like Mine­craft, I think parents should try to keep the humour going at home. We shouldn’t be afraid to tell a few good jokes at the dinner table.

Randall Mohammed, Dubai

The comedy shows I attend in the UAE are always full to standing room-only capacity. People appreciate good stand-up more than ever.

Name withheld by request

I think we’re at the start of another golden age of comedy.

Maybe these old guys just don’t know how to connect with the young people. They need to lift their game.

Sajjad H Rizvi, Saudi Arabia

Civilian deaths reflect on Israel

I commend Khaled Diab on his opinion article, Emotional scars run deep for the prisoners of the Gaza Strip (June 13).

The reason the world is turning against Israel is because of the high number of civilian deaths during last year’s Gaza War.

Name withheld by request