A seven-star government service will set record

Readers talk about Sheikh Zayed, fire safety, salaries and more

The Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government has opted for an experience-based approach to learning. Antonie Robertson/The National

It's hard to imagine a government office offering the level of service one would expect at a seven-star hotel. No queues, no waiting, bureaucrats anticipating all needs (School of Government happiness diploma sees bureaucracy make way for hospitality, August 8). But if this becomes reality, then the UAE will set another example for the rest of the world.

Shondale Jackson Pagano Galindo, Dubai 

Government departments need to become more efficient to keep up with development and progress in every sphere. If this becomes a reality, the pace of the country’s progress could double.

Abeer Khangura, Dubai

The world will not see another Sheikh Zayed

Regarding the news report, Year of Zayed: UAE celebrates its founding father (August 8), Sheikh Zayed was an extraordinary leader. His ideas and vision transcended the boundaries of time. It is the duty of all citizens and residents to celebrate such a leader. The way he unified the emirates and built the country remains an example that is unparalleled in modern history. The world will not see another Sheikh Zayed. I wish success to the Year of Zayed project.

Brigitte von Bulow, Abu Dhabi 

Who will foot the bill for fire-safety material?

The article, Plan to introduce fire-resistant barriers on older UAE buildings being studied (August 8) is great, but I have one question: who will pay for the remedies? The company that sold the building will say it conformed to code when it handed over ownership to individual buyers. The owners will say monthly maintenance is already sky high.

Frank Johansen, Dubai

One option might be the "deluge" system (where all sprinklers connected to the water pipe system are open in case of heat detection). It has been around for high-rises for ages. Some building codes call for sprinklers in balconies as well.

David Martinez de Castro, Dubai

Live within your means to avoid feeling the pinch

Living beyond one’s means. Salaries in the private sector that have not kept up with inflation over the past 10 years. The cost of living itself. These are the main problems.

Tanya Milbourne, Dubai