New licensing system for teachers useful

Readers praise Abu Dhabi's move to introduce a new licensing system for teachers. Other topics: maids, men and their looks, Arab countries, Jayalalithaa, drugs problem, Palm Jumeirah

Readers say the new licensing system for teachers can address some chronic problems. Fatima Al Marzooqi / The National

I thank the Ministry of Education for taking this initiative (New UAE-wide teacher qualification system slated for early 2015, September 25). I think the quality of teachers in general is going down. Some of them don't know how to behave with children or how to communicate with them properly. The new licensing system can effectively address these problems.

Shiraz Mehta Sethna, Dubai

How about training principals and cluster managers? Just like some teachers, some principals and managers should also not be leading ducks crossing the road.

Natasha D Scott, Dubai

Will maids in UAE get better deals?

I refer to the article Staff crisis: new contract rule causes Filipino maid shortage in the UAE (September 29). Now these overworked and underpaid maids might actually have the labour market working in their favour. However, will everyone cope?

MG Doyle, Dubai

I have a maid. All her expenses are paid for. We buy her clothes, food, toiletries and air ticket. We take her out, we buy her a certain amount of phone credit each month to call her family.

We often give her things to take home for her family when she goes on holiday. She has extra money during Eid, when she leaves, and on other special occasions. She has more money in her hand at the end of each month than many people who have higher salaries but lots of expenses to pay for.

Alison Watt, Abu Dhabi

Men are conscious of their looks

I found the article More men than ever are seeking cosmetic fixes for their flaws (September 29) by Justin Thomas very interesting. It highlights how more and more men are becoming obsessed with their looks and appearances.

It isn’t surprising to see men at par with women when it comes to looking their best, even if that means going under the knife or opting for other cosmetic procedures. These days looks are an important factor and cannot be compromised upon.

Fatima Suhail, Sharjah

Jayalalithaa case lesson for corrupt

I was happy to know that the Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa has finally been arrested (Tamil Nadu chief minister jailed for corruption, September 28). Citizens of India were tired as this case dragged on for more than 18 years. Naturally, this verdict was not palatable to her supporters; nevertheless it marked a milestone in Indian politics. It showed that the high and mighty are not above the law, contrary to what many Indians think. It's a warning for other politicians indulging in unfair practices.

K Ragavan, India

Palm residents waiting for mall

The news that Nakheel’s Dh150 million Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk project is a step closer sounds like music to us Palm residents. Emaar built a whole new city in downtown, while Nakheel was supposed to build a shopping mall which we are still waiting for.

Asli Karapinar Aksuyek, Dubai

Arab countries should stay united

I enjoyed reading the editorial underscoring the achievement of Mariam Al Mansouri, the first Emirati female pilot (Major achievement, September 27).

However, it’s a critical time and I’d like to see Arab countries unite rather than fight against each other.

Andrea Richards, Dubai

Story highlights drugs problem

The article Former drug lord warns of the perils of using, smuggling and dealing (September 28) did not inspire me.

It seems to be an announcement that the drugs problem is acute in the UAE. Shame on Mohammed Al Baloushi for ruining so many young lives, even though he is a changed person now.

Rick Martin, Dubai

Why not forgive him and let him be an example to others. Mr Al Baloushi has confessed to his crime and told his real story to the world. That I think is a sign of courage and a big heart.

Benazir Zakir, Dubai