I am not sure whether I would prefer to visit smaller malls (All about the mall, February 23). I think Dubai Mall is still my favourite. That said, smaller places such as Mirdif City Centre are also nice. If I could only shop in one place again, though, it'd be Dubai Mall.
Ben Adamson, Dubai
Too much choice usually means that I spend less, so one would assume I prefer that state of affairs. I tend to prefer smaller malls though, where I come away with something resembling what I want and avoid crowds.
Giles Heaton, Dubai
I prefer to shop in mega malls. Smaller malls are good to relax in with a cup of coffee and a book.
Abdul Jabbar, Dubai
Size does not matter, shops do. It’s boring to see the same shops and brands in every mall. We need malls with some Arabian flavour. Khalidiyah Mall is one such place. We need more of this kind.
Brigitte von Bulow, Abu Dhabi
I love Mirdif City Centre and absolutely prefer it to other big malls.
Chassie Selouane, Dubai
Jaywalkers pose risk to drivers
Drivers are often held liable for accidents for which they are not at fault (UAE Helping Hands: Driver's jaywalking tragedy, February 21). I think putting them behind bars for even a day is wrong. Insurance companies should cover the blood money if drivers are not responsible for the accidents. While the police do their duty, I feel the law needs to come to the rescue of innocent drivers.
S Iyer, Dubai
Is tax the only answer?
Implementing a tax regime is the obvious measure to raise additional revenues, but does it really help to develop a sustainable economy (IMF leader tells Arabian Gulf states to raise taxes and cut spending after fall in oil prices, February 22)? By sustainable, I mean an economy that is diversified to minimise economic shocks and one that enhances the productivity of its people.
The UAE has a healthy sovereign wealth fund, which should be used to develop small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through an incubator programme.
The programme would be geared towards encouraging and fostering an entrepreneurial spirit, while providing access to low-cost loans as start-up and working capital.
In countries like India, this sector employs 60 per cent to 70 per cent of the workforce. China, which is the largest economy, is undergoing a restructuring process that entails developing more SMEs to meet the needs of its 1.2 billion population.
The Government simply can’t employ every person that leaves university or is seeking a job. It’s critical that people seek employment in the private sector.
The benefit with SMEs is that they develop local content and enhance local skills.
There is more synergy among nationals when the private sector comprises local businessmen and women. They share the same culture and values.
Randall Mohammed, Dubai
Why doesn’t the IMF come up with some creative ideas to generate public wealth? It’s just lazy to suggest taxing people is what governments should do.
Giles Heaton, Dubai
The truth has been revealed
It's great to hear the bare truth: "[Alubond] does not make non-combustible panels in the UAE because of a lack of local demand" (Most fire-resistant panels still being ignored for UAE towers despite spate of blazes, February 16). This article clearly describes not only the problematic use of low-standard building materials, but also why this continues to happen despite tragic incidents and changes in regulations.
Bravo for an informative piece.
Name withheld by request