In reference to the story Saudis await visitors but will they come? (February 23), if the country starts issuing visas to tourists, then many will be interested in going there. Not everyone is looking for entertainment.
There are many people who are just curious about the history and culture of Saudi Arabia.
Abdalla Ali, Abu Dhabi
I don’t think the alcohol ban is a primary reason that tourists would avoid Saudi Arabia. Half of westerners do not drink alcohol. Many would go for the history, nature and culture.
Chris Reid, Dubai
Saudi Arabia hosts millions of visitors each year, who go there to perform Umrah and Haj. So they don’t need any more tourists.
Nasir Shah, Dubai
Dubai’s stand on unsafe driving is welcome
I thank Dubai for sending a loud and clear message that no one would tolerate such behaviour (Dubai ruler orders men arrested for stunt-driving to clean streets for a month, February 24). I can't imagine the embarrassment and shame that the drivers caused to themselves and their families to have the ruler of Dubai order this type of punishment. Thankfully nobody was injured.
Suzanne Arruda-Wessel, Dubai
This is remarkable. Losing a few dirhams in fines wouldn’t have pinched the culprits, let alone comprehending their irresponsible actions. Cleaning the mess of the streets is not to humiliate them, but lead them to develop a more responsible, humble and compassionate approach towards their own and others’ lives.
Rochelle Christine Remedios, Dubai
We want to see more of this. Community service exists in many countries and it is super effective.
Waleed Waleed, Abu Dhabi
It’s a step in the right direction. It might help others to understand that the laws are there for everyone.
Dave Pryce, Dubai
Community service is what it’s called. In the United States, if you are assigned community service you must report, no matter who you are. Let’s end the attitude of recklessness.
Sara Smith, Dubai
Great move. If this was implemented for all dangerous drivers on Sheikh Zayed Road they would not have to employ street cleaners any more.
Andrew Covill, Dubai
Great gesture by Afghan leader
The gesture of Afghanistan's president was moving (Afghan president awards national medal to Emirati martyr's family, February 14). It's a great recognition of the selfless sacrifices by Emiratis for the benefit of humanity. The nation must be celebrated for walking the talk on tolerance and happiness.
Name withheld by request
Lack of etiquette on social media
In his opinion article Social media and the declining standard of debate (February 5), Colin Randall has raised a pertinent issue. Social media can be an amazing tool for proper debate. However, most people feel the lack of commitment to debates since they can just switch off their screen and exit the app whenever they feel like it. The etiquette of debate and formal rules are forgotten by most. So it lowers the level of debating.
And when immature politicians take that same stance, it gets worse. If top-ranking politicians are that disrespectful, the average person will think, “Hey, if they’re doing it like that, why can’t I?”
Morvarid Jalali, Dubai
Mainstream media and politicians fear social media, because it puts debate back in the hands of the people. No longer can a select band of people frame a debate.
Lesley Mcgilvary, Dubai