My wife and I would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family of Jassim Al Baloushi, the brave fireman who lost his life helping save others (Firefighter dies responding to Emirates plane fire at Dubai airport, August 4).
He made the ultimate sacrifice to save people unknown to him and he deserves to be remembered as a worthy and courageous human being. We hope and pray that his family and friends are comforted in their grief by the knowledge that he was a very special person and that he will forever be respected and loved by many people around the world.
We will think of him when we fly, in transit, into Dubai in the near future, during our visit to our son and family overseas.
Bill and Hilary Reid, Australia
My heartfelt condolences to the family of the brave fireman, Jassim Al Baloushi, who at a young age sacrificed his life to save many lives.
The Emirates crew deserve applause for getting all the passengers out of the burning aircraft. Their professionalism has saved many lives. They ought to be rewarded.
Rajendra K Aneja, Dubai
Al Baloushi will never be forgotten. I hope his family and friends get the strength to cope with this loss. I offer my deepest condolences to the bereaved family.
Carine Brunn, Dubai
I offer my condolences to the Al Baloushi family and all near and dear ones. His sacrifice has touched so many lives and provided a shining example of selfless service to humanity. May his soul rest in peace. He is a true son of the UAE.
Rajiv Kapoor, India
Rest in peace, Jassim Al Baloushi. Condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. We should all remember the risk that firefighters take to protect us.
Peter Franzen, UK
I saw a lot of comments on social media on the crisis handling by Emirates on how communication in such a crisis situation could be improved, especially by peers in the professional communications field. Of course there are lessons to be learnt about this crisis, just like any other crisis.
But the video statement by the chief executive within an hour after the accident was excellent.
Ger Peerboom, The Netherlands
Dubai prospered because of the leaders’ foresight
A visit to the museum in Bur Dubai reveals that oil found in the 1970s played a significant role in developing Dubai's wealth (SME profile: Building businesses in DNA of D-Town Enterprises founder, August 1). The development of the creek propelled Dubai into the era of trading and the retail sector began to blossom.
What is significant is that the leaders recognised decades ago that oil was a non-renewable resource and growth of a non-oil economy was paramount for sustainability. Dubai must be commended for reinvesting its petrodollars in a diversified economy, where retail, property, financial services, tourism and entertainment dominate.
Randall Mohammed, Dubai
Saudi could do more for workers
That Saudi Arabia has at least offered to fly home stranded Indians is a good start (Saudi offers to fly home stranded Indian expats and chase employer for lost wages, August 5).
However, I’d be nervous about accepting the flight home without first collecting at least a portion of the lost wages. They can do better.
Lisa Kereliuk, Dubai
Parents’ fines could be waived
Regarding the story Filipino parents waiting to repatriate body of baby face further fines (August 7), generally the immigration department is quite understanding of such cases and will waive most, if not all, of the fines. While there are some tough rules here there are, thankfully, some very understanding and kind officials in place who will offer assistance in many cases.
Dave Pryce, Dubai
There’s a humanitarian section at Immigration where these cases are considered. The Ministry of Interior is helpful in these matters. I’m sure it will be OK.
Lola Lopez, Dubai