A new dimension

A reader is impressed with the hologram technology on show in Dubai. Other letters refer to the ban on imports from the occupied West Bank settlements, littering and obese children.

A reader applauds the holographic appearance of Lebanese singer Yara in Dubai. Silvia Razgova / The National

West Bank label scheme sends a message to Israel

It is an exciting development that South Africa now will require products made in Israel's illegal settlements in the West Bank to be labelled as such (Israeli anger at ban on settler products, May 21).
I know the settlers don't actually export anything except perhaps some farm products. 
But as a matter of principle, the labelling rule will help focus the minds of a lot of people.
And if Israeli companies or bureaucrats do get caught mislabelling such products, then there might be a reason to ban all imports from Israel.
Congratulations to South Africa for this decision.

Peter Ward, Dubai

University days can be your best

I think the story Hesitant to leave UAE luxury for university living (May 20) is a rather poor reflection of teenagers growing up in the UAE.

My husband, whom I met in Canada, worked part time through university to ensure he had a good life.

What kind of message are you sending to future students when you say how hard it is to go study and live abroad? You are also assuming that everyone is coddled in the UAE, but that is the exception and not the rule.

You forget the good things about studying abroad - independence at an early age and a lifetime of friends and unique experiences.

Armeen Khan, Abu Dhabi

Holograms have hidden depths

Duets with a leading light of showbiz (May 19) shows that with holograms, Dubai has once again proven to be the capital of leading-edge technologies used in daily life.

George Andronic, Doha

Hispanics hurt by stereotyping, too

I refer to CSI: Miami is cancelled - US foreign policy should take a cue (May 18) and the letter on this subject, Western media insults Muslims (May 21). With all respect to Muslims and their concerns, what always drove me crazy about CSI: Miami was the way Hispanics were slighted.

Aside from some drug kingpins and a few pretty women in tight skirts, there were hardly any Latinos in the cast of that programme, even though the real city of Miami is now easily half Hispanic.

Victor Martinez, US

Weight and see attitude is flawed

Your story Obese schoolchildren at risk of early heart disease (May 20) should serve as a wake-up call to all parents.

I write from personal experience when I say that eating and exercise habits developed in childhood are very difficult to shake in adulthood.

I would not wish the endless roundabout of weight loss and gain on my worst enemy.

Parents, gently explain to your children why they should eat healthy food in modest proportions, and encourage them to exercise daily.

They may not actually thank you for it when they get older, but they should be eternally grateful.

P Devereaux, Abu Dhabi

By all means help obese children to eat properly and be healthy. But please do it in a way that doesn't marginalise them from their peers or give them a negative self-image that will haunt them for life.

In the long run, it may be better to be happily overweight than to be skinny and miserable.

John Roberts, UK

Litter education a sad fact of life

I applaud Dubai officials for their Campaign to stop littering and spitting (May 21), but it's unfortunate that school students and some other residents need such a reminder.

M Howes, Abu Dhabi

Open-mic nights are just for fun

I've lived in Dubai for many years and I remember being told that the non-mingling rule in night clubs (Fees put squeeze on amateur night, May 17) was implemented to prevent certain "artistes" from soliciting customers for you-know-what.

Now, although I agree with preventing that activity, times have indeed changed and most people go to these open-mic events with their friends just to sing, play music and enjoy the moment.Of course, there's absolutely nothing wrong with that.

The article says people are becoming reluctant to go to these open-mic events because they feel criminalised and isolated.

The bottom lines here is that this is giving Dubai another unwanted image - and that's definitely bad for business.

Phil Grange, Dubai