Sometimes, beggars are really in need

Readers express their opinions about beggars during Ramadan. (Jeff Topping / The National)

While I appreciate the concern expressed in Dubai police urge public not to give to beggars this Ramadan (June 8), some cases are genuine.

Last year, my husband and I were approached by a very worried-looking man. He said he was from Pakistan and he had lost his job on a building site and had no money to go home.

My husband and I wondered whether we should believe him, but we asked how much he needed. He said he needed another Dh400 to buy an airline ticket, and he showed us a cancelled working permit.

We gave him the money, then he shook our hands and ran off to a nearby travel agency.

We are still not sure if that man was genuine, but what we do know is that somehow we did the right thing. If he was a con artist, then he is the one who has to live with that on his conscience, not us.

I think that there are genuine cases where we should step in to help when we can.

Brigitte von Bulow, Abu Dhabi

I never give to beggars; not even to cleaners and others who beg indirectly.

Sandos Omar, Dubai

Messages can be impersonal

Just like Justin Thomas (Too many generic greetings, but not enough sincerity, June 8), I do not like blanket greetings.

They just show that people are not really thinking about you.

Terry Skelton, UK

Bulk emails should be ignored because they are meaningless.

Dave Pryce, Dubai

Mothers must make a choice

I refer to your editorial, A c-section cannot be a lifestyle choice (June 7).

I truly don’t understand why Caesarean birth has become a topic for judgment and criticism.

I’m pregnant with twins and until recently I was all in favour of having a c-section, despite the disapproval of people close to me. I’ve since changed my mind, but should it come to it and I don’t have a choice, I’d happily opt for a Caesarean.

It’s each mother’s right to choose the way she wants to bring her babies into this world, and I feel they should be able to do so without people standing behind them tutting disapprovingly.

Elrina Sinton, Abu Dhabi

It is now two-and-a-half weeks since I had a Caesarean to deliver my wonderful daughter.

I had to have an emergency c-section for my health and that of my baby. Had it not been for this serious operation, we both would have died.

I am forever grateful for this option. However, it is seriously painful.

After the operation, I couldn’t get up, laugh, cry, cough, sneeze, get in or out of the car or walk more than a few metres. I could barely pick up my gorgeous new baby.

The recovery period is a minimum of six weeks, but I have been told I shouldn’t attempt any serious exercise for about six months.

I would never recommend a c -section as a lifestyle choice, but I am grateful that having one saved both me and my daughter.

S Andrews, UK

Dust storms are a health hazard

The weather has been extremely unpleasant, with high humidity levels and strong winds blowing dust (Dusty conditions to continue, June 7).

People suffering from conditions such as sinusitis, asthma and bronchitis should avoid going outdoors during dust storms that are likely to trigger allergic reactions.

If you do go out, it would be a good idea to to wear a disposable mask.

Name withheld by request

Yacht business would succeed

I was impressed with your online picture gallery, The Middle East's largest yacht that comes with a super price (June 7).

I think there is a fantastic opportunity here to put the UAE on the map as a destination to design and build luxury yachts.

It’s a multibillion-dollar business that could provide jobs and add to the country’s GDP.

Randall Mohammed, Dubai

Cab cameras will curb bad habits

I agree with the move to put cameras in cabs (CCTV in Abu Dhabi taxis will benefit drivers and passengers, June 8).

Hopefully it will mean no more texting while driving.

Grace Roberts, Ras Al Khaimah