UAE and Israel ties: there's strength in co-operation
With reference to The National's video UAE ambassador to Israel arrives to begin duties (April 6): excellent progress. There's much that Israel could offer the UAE and the UAE to Israel. And there is strength in co-operation. Wishing both countries all the best.
Randall Mohammed, Florida, US
Lessons to learn from a fatal gas explosion in Dubai
With regard to Salam Al Amir's report Two deny causing death of man and leaving woman with severe burns in Dubai gas explosion (April 5): Maintenance companies must hire only trained and certified people. And it makes a lot of sense to get a job done properly one time to minimise the probability of these unfortunate accidents.
Seems McKlaire, Abu Dhabi
Reading this story is going to push me to finally complain about the fire extinguisher inside my apartment which doesn't work and no one is changing it. One can't take these chances. It is dangerous to let these issues linger.
KM, Abu Dhabi
What a tragic, avoidable accident. Justice in such cases should be especially swift. It would make people more accountable.
Sammira Mohiadeen, Dubai
Visitors cannot be allowed to deface heritage sites
This is with regard to Haneen Dajani's article UAE archaeologists urge visitors to respect heritage sites after rock vandalism (April 5): this is a crime. Painful to see this sort of disrespectful behaviour.
Elmariah Hamed, Abu Dhabi
Welcome news about school fees being slashed
With regard to Anam Rizvi's report Universities in UAE cut fees by up to 50 per cent to attract students (April 7): this is an excellent initiative to make life liveable for the majority of people.
Falah Khalid, Dubai
People in India must adhere to rules for cases to drop
Regarding the report Coronavirus: lockdown in Maharashtra as India's daily cases rise past 100,000 (April 5): this was a comprehensive and informative assessment of the situation in India's financial capital. The number of cases in the state of Maharashtra is an alarming sign for all of India, not just Mumbai. People from all over the country frequently visit the city, as do international travellers. The heavy flow of travellers is a big factor in the surge in cases. There have been reports of people flouting norms, holding gatherings, parties, as well as weddings – all of which have worsened the situation.
The partial shutdown will help curtail numbers. Shutting malls and restaurants till the end of April is a smart move as is the state government's order to most private offices to work from home. The scale of operations to manage is not easy and it is tough for the authorities. People must adhere to the rules till things get better and the entire population is vaccinated. Mumbai will see better days.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India