Another well-written article that promotes a discussion (Nothing should be ambiguous about what's indecent, March 21). Maybe there could be an opportunity for some expats to sit on an intermediary council or forum to discuss such opinions and proposals. Even though expatriates are not nationals, we live and work here and for some that have been here for a long time, it would be a good opportunity to integrate a bit more into society.
I am sure we all want to be respectful of one another as well as learn others' values and customs. It could be a good opportunity to do so in this type of council. It could also go a long way to helping those who are new to the country understand the values and traditions of the UAE. I also believe that tourist leaflets, posters and maybe a small guide would be advantageous (these could be handed out on Etihad and Emirates Airline flights for example). Good work again, Sultan Al Qassemi. Steven Michael Lamb, Dubai
This is an excellent piece, and should serve as a clarion call to the leaders of the UAE. A public discussion is long overdue. A country that is becoming a first world tourist destination definitely needs to clear up any ambiguity as to what is and isn't acceptable.
Alcohol laws likewise need a similar discussion and publication of rules. We respect the rules of the country, but what are "Arabic and Islamic" values? Should we cover our women, and ban them from driving like in Saudi, or should we praise them, encourage and respect them like Lebanon? This lack of clarity is the point that Mr Al Qassemi is making. Baakies Keys, Abu Dhabi Excellent article, Mr Al Qassemi. I think it would save the UAE a lot of work and tourists a lot of trouble if the country supplies information on the "rules of behaviour" at the airport or in the planes. Angelika Lancsak, London
As an Emirati, I find certain displays of affection normal and completely non-offensive. There is nothing wrong with holding hands or a quick kiss on the cheek. Of course, there are boundaries where things get overstepped. But I agree that the UAE needs to figure out what should be and shouldn't be done in public, because there are many "innocent" cases that may lead into a disastrous endings. For example: a mother kissing her son and hugging him tight. What's wrong with that? Nothing. Amna Al Haddad, Dubai
Regarding Pass on your virtues, says Ruler (March 20): it is refreshing to hear Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid taking such a stance. In Islam, nurturing a child, like in any other culture, is seen as a noble task. It is a shame that this bond is now being broken by an absentee parenting culture where the maid becomes the mother. Soon, there will be a society where these uncaring absentee parents will reap the fruits of their negligence when their son or daughter will have no attachment for them. We already started to see how young teenagers behave with no guidance given to instil respect for others. Emirati identity will suffer if care is not taken. There should be a compulsory parenting course, otherwise lazy attitude and irresponsible behaviour will take hold. JB, London
Concerning Dubai bans cooking with alcohol, March 20: this would be a very bad move. Restaurants should be forced to clearly state what dishes contain alcohol and what dishes don't, and get fined if it's found that they don't do that. That's fair enough. But to ban it altogether is just silly. If I find something on a menu that I don't like, I order something else. It's simple.
If I don't find anything I like there, I go to another restaurant. Very simple! It's selfish to try to force your views on everyone just because you don't like a certain dish or the way it's prepared. Ziad Q, Abu Dhabi Finally, I can enjoy fine dining here, and not have to worry about alcohol in the mix. This is my hometown, I should enjoy it. Great job, guys. Omran al Owais, Dubai
With regards to Rising tide of litigation forecast, March 20: there must be a whistle blower act which must encourage any citizen or resident who has some knowledge of some illegal activities and wrong doing on the part of a company to report it to a central authority. This would be the biggest deterrent of breaching the normal covenants of corporate governance. KB Vijayakumar, Dubai