RAK’s success as a destination is self-evident

Topics include Ras Al Khaimah, bad driving and the music of Jordi Savall.

Al Hamra Village is one of Ras Al Khaimah’s many popular tourist resorts. Pawan Singh / The National

I was surprised to read your editorial, The celebrity appeal (November 15), as Ras Al Khaimah's tourism industry has never been stronger.

We have recently announced that the emirate has attracted almost 200,000 tourists in the third quarter of 2015 alone – the highest number recorded in Ras Al Khaimah’s history.

The majority of these visitors are from the UAE, Germany, the UK, Russia and India, all of which are very important markets for the emirate.

Ras Al Khaimah has also been recognised by the Financial Times' FDI Magazine to be among the "world's top 10 small and midsized cities of the future", and as one of the fastest growing emirates in the UAE – tracking 34 per cent growth from 2011-2013.

The only “challenge” we are facing at the moment is providing the best possible offering for the growing number of visitors from around the world, which is expected to reach one million by the end of 2018.

Although we welcome all visitors, from all cultures, we have not associated ourselves with celebrity visits in order to attract attention and increase visitor figures; our growth and success so far speaks for itself.

Haitham Mattar, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority

Bad driving is not acceptable

I agree with Brett Debritz's opinion article, As a community, we must insist on better driving (November 23).

Dangerous driving or driving without due care and attention needs to be made socially ­unacceptable.

More speed cameras are needed but, much more importantly, there needs to be more traffic police who are rewarded for booking bad drivers.

Giles Heaton, Dubai

When it comes to taxi drivers, their hours of service are an important contributing element.

Asking any driver to be on the road 12 hours a day, seven days a week, is a risk to everyone.

Driver fatigue and micro-­sleeps are an unreported factor in many of these accidents.

R MacMillan, Dubai

How about clamping down on texting and driving like they do in the United States?

It is just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol.

Clint Mead, Abu Dhabi

Anchor should show respect

I enjoyed reading about Arnab Goswami (India's most popular news anchor takes his abrasive style to the UK, November 23).

I’m something of a TV news addict and I agree that Goswami is the most controversial anchor on the Times Now channel.

The irritation of the guests he invites on to his show is very noticeable. I’ve often felt that they get too little time to share their own views, because the anchor is so dominating.

Even when Goswami had the opportunity to interview prime minister Narendra Modi and the Congress Party’s Rahul Gandhi, it didn’t change his approach as a commentator.

Perhaps the success of Times Now has affected his style and approach.

I think he should show his audience more respect for spending their precious time watching him.

Ramachandran Nair, Oman

Applause for musical magic

I enjoyed an evening of breathtakingly good music on Sunday at the Abu Dhabi Theatre featuring Jordi Savall and his international ensemble.

A prolonged standing ovation was richly deserved. We are so fortunate to have such distinguished artists making regular visits to our shores, as music of this quality deeply enriches our lives. Deidre Willis, Abu Dhabi

Israel must end occupation now

I refer to Ben White's opinion article, How Israel uses its 'security needs' to justify discrimination (November 21).

The situation will not end as long as the Israeli government perpetuates a violent military occupation that allows inequality and injustice to flourish.

Israel's recent actions include attempts to discredit victims' families and witnesses, and the deliberate targeting of civilians.

Israel’s actions sanction oppression and forbid justice at every turn.

It must end its policy of collective punishment and ensure that Palestinian civilians are protected.

Samaoen Osman, South Africa