You have suggested that the UAE emulates the Paris model (The Paris car model, April 29). I would say no. Especially not now as the summer has set in.
The Dubai Metro is always overcrowded no matter which class you choose. Waiting for the bus in this heat will be torturous. Moreover, most bus stops are not air-conditioned, while in some the air-conditioner does not work. I am grateful that I have a car and I use it all the time.
Kristina Margit, Dubai
The question is this: is there a way to cope with life without a car? I don’t think there is.
Valeriu Victor Stanciu-Crainic, Dubai
On culture and mixed marriages
I enjoyed reading Fatima Al Shamsi's opinion article We are all responsible for the society we live in (April 29). My son is Emirati and his father doesn't care about teaching him his culture or history. He left me with having to find other Emirati families to help me learn and teach my son his heritage. So the Government must not be worried about the expatriates influencing the local population. It should be a worry that some are locals not taking the responsibility for their children and teaching them their culture.
Hanan Cassim, Abu Dhabi
I found the article very positive in contrast to the one the writer mentioned at the beginning. Good on her for sharing her thoughts.
From my experience, both extended families play a vital role in passing on the uniqueness of each culture to the next generation. So acceptance and the embrace of such unions will definitely contribute to enriching cultural identity.
If more people have the author’s mindset, then maybe society can address the only real issue I see – equality of both men and women in marrying a foreigner and its consequences in terms of loss of rights.
Stella Grancheva Al Najjar, Dubai
It’s a brilliant article. Everyone has the right to marry as they desire. There are more important things of concern than such trivial matters.
Naseera Nas, South Africa
A beautiful article. There are loads of mixed marriages in the whole of the Gulf. This has been happening for generations. So let’s move on.
Aziza Al Busaidy, Dubai
It’s all about the open mentality, tolerance and not judging people on their backgrounds. Thanks a bunch for the great article.
Zahraa Alyahyaee, UK
Social worker a mother to many
Naeem Al Nakhee works in the footsteps of Mother Teresa (Emirati social worker says helping people is in her nature, April 29). May God bless her with good health and prosperity to carry on the work that she has undertaken for abandoned children.
Issac Noronha, India
Ms Al Nakhee is a remarkable lady. I smiled during the whole time of reading this article. She is a beautiful light in an otherwise dark world.
Jeanette Simpson, Dubai
In the place where I come from, she would be referred to as “a mother to many”. She has been giving emotional and financial support to so many hapless children. May God bless her.
Vivian Antony, Dubai
School bags are too heavy
My son who studies in Grade 2 in an Indian school has to carry a bag weighing more than 6 kilograms every day.
The school authorities should realise that making small children carry such heavy loads could cause serious physical problems.
I am sure many parents share my concern. Some told me that their children complain of backache, as well as pain in their necks and shoulders. My son too makes such complaints. Back problems have become a common issue among schoolchildren. This must be looked into.
Name withheld by request