Those ‘unfair’ Gulf airlines just do a better job

A reader discusses the Open Skies decision. Other topics: rental prices, debt solutions, radio pioneer, young drivers and rescued cats.

A reader says Gulf airlines won their market share by doing a better job. Delores Johnson / The National

Airlines such as Emirates, Qatar and Etihad compete unfairly (Victory for Gulf airlines as US government ends Open Skies row with no further action, July 27).

They provide better service and a reasonable price to more direct destinations in the United States than the American carriers who no longer even fly to Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Doha.

That’s just unfair. They need to downgrade their equipment, fly only into one destination and stop providing better in-flight service so they can even up the playing field.

Yes, this is sarcasm.

John Taylor, Dubai

Landlords may not drop rents

It was interesting to read Average Abu Dhabi housing rents fall for first time in three years (July 26).

Prices are dropping, but tenants and buyers have to be proactive because no landlord will volunteer a price reduction.

Some landlords will take a hard stance and you may have to be prepared to move to prove a point.

CJ Sachdev, Abu Dhabi

At least there will not be an increase in rents. I certainly will not accept any increase in my rent. Otherwise, I'll move out and find a better deal. Jawad Nimri, Abu Dhabi

A price drop in the market is passed on to the new tenant but not the loyal renewing tenant. Name withheld by request

Hopefully we can enjoy the low rents of 2008-2011 again soon.

Sammie Wai, Dubai

Debtor must pay what he owes

In your latest Debt Panel (July 26), bank officer MS writes that he does not want to sell his car or an asset in his home country to pay off loans and credit-card debts totalling Dh300,000.

If he has assets but is unwilling to sell them, then it looks like he just wants a handout. He should be ashamed to be writing to the newspaper when he is in a position to get out of debt on his own. There are many other people who have truly run out of options.

Clint D'Souza, Dubai

I am addressing this to the person referred to in Can UAE credit card debtor be arrested in other GCC countries? (July 24): pay your bills.

All the “runners” are making it difficult for genuine people looking for finance.

Lock them all up.

Bernard Vallely, Abu Dhabi

Radio star also a great professor

I was sad to read about Jeff Price's illness (UAE radio pioneer in need of treatment after brain disease diagnosis, July 25).

I was lucky enough to have him as a professor at university, and he helped shape the career of many young media students.

He was one of the friendliest and most entertaining teachers you could ask for. I remember him telling us in class: “You are going to make it big.”

I hope you get well soon, sir. My prayers are with you.

Adel B Hawari, Abu Dhabi

Jeff is such an amazing person and so many of us in the ­radio industry owe him so much.

He’s a friend, mentor, peer and incredible person. Please help in any way you can.

Emma Schlegel, Dubai

Young drivers need discipline

The proposal made in your article, Call for restrictions on young drivers (July 24), has merit.

In Germany, drivers can only drive vehicles with a maximum of 54 horsepower for the first two years if they are under 23.

The biggest danger is not the driving, I’m afraid, but the texting, eating and other bad habits. You will see this many times a day.

Guenther Jahrmann, Abu Dhabi

I strongly agree with this suggestion. Most youngsters drive too quickly and don't care for anyone else. There should be a limitation on them. Alazhar Abdulletif, Abu Dhabi

Being rude on the road is about the mindset of the driver, which can only be changed by proper training and awareness.

The authorities are doing a very good job; it’s just a matter of time before things improve.

Umer Munir, Dubai

Emergency crew rescued my cat

I was pleased to read Dubai Marina tower firefighters awarded for saving pets' lives (July 26).

I had a similar experience with civil defence staff regarding a trapped cat.

All I can say is that I'm really thankful. Mashloush Absir, Dubai