Khan’s victory is a boon for unity in the West

Readers discuss Sadiq Khan. Other topics: Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, business theory and protecting the homeland

Readers debate the role of religion in London’s mayoral race. Jack Taylor / Getty Images

Regarding Faisal Al Yafai's thoughtful opinion piece about Sadiq Khan (Calling Sadiq Khan a Muslim mayor is a dangerous myth, May 9), I thought Americans were the only ones who would tear down their own kind for being successful.

Successful black Americans, including Tiger Woods and Barack Obama, are often criticised for “not being black enough”in the mainstream media.

There is a global battle over the appropriate understanding of Islam. Tearing down a positive example of acceptance in the West like Mr Khan’s election seems like a step backwards. We need unity and coexistence, not artificial divisions.

John Francis, United States

Would we care if the CEO of a company was Muslim, Hindu or Christian? Would such information influence their ability

to do their job or their qualifications? Identity politics is regressive and backwards. In my opinion the people who voted for Mr Khan because of his religion are just as guilty of bigotry as the people that were against him because of his religion.

Ahmed Dubijad,Dubai

This article captures my perspective. I am amazed how some Muslims are celebrating and some non-Muslims are worried. Mr Khan is just a UK citizen with a slightly different skin colour and name from the mainstream.

Nabeel Siddiqui, Dubai

Excellent work on this brilliant article. I love the way that the writer nails the use of dangerous terminology in the UK.

Archana Steck, Dubai

Religion is a personal matter that should not be mixed up with professional matters. I hope that Mr Khan will remember this going forward in office.

Mahfooza Kamal, Abu Dhabi

When facts fail, look to theory

I enjoyed reading Sabah Al Binali's business column on banks (Why so many banks continue to exist in the UAE, May 9). We still have a lot to learn from John Nash, as the writer notes. We should take a minute to consider the writer's brilliant assertion that we have to spend time thinking about theory instead of facts when it comes to the economy.

Musarat Ali, Sharjah

Preventing terror at home

I am happy about the verdict for the husband of the Reem Island killer (Husband of Reem Island killer sentenced to life in jail for terror offences, May 9).

We have to say congratulations to the security forces for preventing any additional attacks. A single terror act could put the country in an extraordinarily difficult situation.

It's critical that the security agencies keep a close eye on such threats to prevent terror related incidents. Many of us enjoy the security that the UAE has to offer and hence it makes the country an attractive place to live and invest.

As citizens and residents we have an important role to play by keeping our eyes and ears open and reporting suspicious activity to the authorities. Prevention is the best response.

Randall Mohammed, Dubai

Thank you to the Government and its security forces for keeping our families safe. You have such a beautiful country and I'm proud to call it my home.

Thank you to all who serve and put their lives on the line for our freedom. Words can't express how thankful I am for you all.

Jeff Steckly, Abu Dhabi

Saudi Arabia is on the right path

I have many thoughts on Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 (Change and expectancy ahead as Saudi Arabia moves towards Vision 2030, May 8). Like other oil producing nations dependent on oil for revenues, Saudi Arabia is feeling the pinch of low commodity prices that are expected to stay lower for longer.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman has announced an ambitious yet not impossible task of diversifying the economy away from oil as part of Vision 2030.

The highest budget allocation is to education and training, suggests more attention to human capital and a shift towards creating a knowledge based economy. Hydrocarbons will continue to play a role in the kingdom's economy but what is required is a shift to downstream business and a greater balance between the oil and non-oil sectors.

Saudi Arabia has taken the right approach, but it's a transformation that should have started 30 or 40 years ago. Hopefully the government will set aside money to stimulate SMEs, which are the backbone of any economy and in turn provide opportunities to young people to start their own business.

Steven O'Brien, Abu Dhabi