UAE's new citizenship rules change everything

Our readers have their say on residency laws, vaccines, classrooms and influencers

Dubai's skyline. Chris Whiteoak / The National

This is with reference to the report by Juman Jarallah and Shireena Al Nowais UAE to grant Emirati citizenship to 'talented and innovative' people (February 1): having lived in the UAE for 16 glorious years, I felt very happy to read this. I have witnessed the development of this great country and I have no doubt that with this significant change, the UAE will only soar higher and talented people will further transform the culture – all for the greater good.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India

Good to see the public take to vaccines

With reference to Rory Reynold's report UAE vaccine take-up by public 'higher than expected', says top health official (February 3): it's nice to see so much of an effort being made by the government to ensure we all get vaccinated. I want to express my gratitude to the country for keeping us safe.

Hussain Minhal, Dubai

The arrangements and all the processes have been just excellent overall.

Shahid Mahmood Chaudhry, Abu Dhabi

Good job, UAE. Looking forward to seeing the results soon when the numbers of new cases begins to drop.

Roberto Ripa, Dubai

A welcome return to classrooms

With regard to Anam Rizvi's article UAE schools and universities to begin gradual return from February 14 (February 3): this is a good sign of return to normality. I am waiting for schools to reopen. Let's hope there are no new strains of the virus.

Faseeha Awais, Abu Dhabi

Teachers aren't the only ones who need to be careful

Regarding Georgia Tolley's report Covid-19: Dubai teachers asked to avoid parties (February 2): perhaps teachers can be prioritised to get vaccinated. Most of them do take precautions and obey rules faithfully as they know what is at risk. Most do their best every day to try to protect themselves and their classrooms with an average of 30 students.

Lorna Gore, Abu Dhabi

More than teachers, it is social media influencers on Instagram and Snapchat who need to be careful. People are swayed to visit places and do things suggested on social media, all of which are avoidable during a pandemic. Influencers have targets to meet and people following them don't realise this. I've seen some go about mall hopping and to product reveal parties without a mask or without observing safety procedures. People need to be more aware.

Aliyah Amin, Dubai