Abu Dhabi needs more breathing space

A reader says lack of open spaces in the Abu Dhabi is one of the major causes of depression among the people. Other topics include: Emirati culture, helping the needy, crime, diplomacy

A reader says lack of open spaces in the UAE is leading to depression among people. Ravindranath K / The National

We must try to understand the Emirati culture

What a great article by Peter Hellyer (Expatriates in a bubble can export a wrong image of the UAE, Aug 6.). I totally agree with the author.

I have lived here for 16 years and through marriage have been able to correct so many of the urban myths and misconceptions that I had when I lived in my British-expat bubble.

I felt compelled to give back to the community I had made wrong assumptions about and have set up a group to learn about the culture in the UAE. I talk with many expats about their culture. Like the author, I am able to give a 180-degree view given my western background, as well as Islamic and cultural dimension.

There is more work to be done to truly understand the real culture and richness of the UAE. Very good article. Thank you.

Amal Loring, Dubai

The article by Peter Hellyer and the letter We must try to assimilate into the culture we live in (Aug 7) by Sarah Bartlett were interesting. The former for articulating a general rule and the latter for illustrating that rule with her own example.

However, I think it's a common human tendency to live within a community. We feel protected and secure among people who share our language and culture.

Every place is dominated by the native people. They largely remain confined to their respective communities to protect their identity and culture. One finds this phenomenon in almost all countries that have a large number of expatriate population.

Even in India, which doesn't have many expats, this phenomenon is noticeable. People of one state are generally apprehensive and suspicious about "outsiders".

CS Pathak, Dubai

It's good to take care of the needy

I am commenting on Asmaa Al Hameli's blogpost A personal experience with polygamy (July29).

It's a very nice article, although not so accurate at the end. You speak of the Bible, but then you talk about the Old Testament, which is, as you say, similar to the Torah. But your statement is misleading, because the teachings of Jesus Christ in the New Testament do not approve of polygamy Justification for taking care of widows (or women who cannot work for themselves), or orphans by a formal contract in marriage seems a bit of a stretch - why not take care of them because it is the right thing to do?

Name withheld by request

Deal with crimes aggressively

The apparent increase in crime in the UAE is a cause for concern. Every day we read about so many crimes - murder, rape, molestation, kidnapping, cheating, forgery and so on.

Not only does policing need to be beefed up, but criminals should not be shown any leniency. Punishment should be equal for all nationalities. Only then can this country ensure safety. There are all sorts of people here. So the authorities must be extra careful.

Even a decade ago, this country was relatively safe. I am sure wars and turmoils elsewhere in the region have started taking their toll on our society as well. Crime rates will spiral quickly and go beyond control after a certain stage if they are not dealt with strictly.

Name withheld by request

Soft diplomacy will not work

I refer to the news article Five Indian soldiers killed in Kashmir ambush (Aug 7).

Pakistan dares to repeatedly commit the same atrocities on Indian soldiers because the weak Indian government fails to take action against them. This time India should break its silence and take a tough stand against Pakistan. Soft diplomacy will not work.

K Ragavan, India

More open spaces needed to beat depression

I am responding to the article Top five foods that help combat depression (Aug 5).

The main question is why are so many people suffering from depression these days? One of the reasons is that there are no open spaces for us to enjoy. There are not many parks, places like the Tourist Club area are filled with high-rises, the Corniche is crowded, noisy and polluted, and not safe anymore. Abu Dhabi was beautiful 17 years ago.

Mihaela Soar, New Zealand