Dubai and the UAE are on top of the world with all their achievements, which on New Year's Eve will include an attempt to break the record for the world's largest fireworks (Dubai's Palm Jumeirah restricts residents' access due to New Year's Eve fireworks, December 24).
There is no example of any other city in the world that has established itself with such a diverse population, mostly in the last 15 years and all thanks to far-sighted leadership.
However the leaders of the UAE have still been able to keep in mind those who are less fortunate, such as the thousands of Syrians who are living away from home and enduring very harsh winter conditions.
The recent telethon by Abu Dhabi TV raised a whopping Dh120 million to help refugees in Syria. The leaders have gone not one mile but many extra miles in their efforts to help.
Could I suggest that it would be a very kind gesture to consider postponing this fireworks record attempt until the end of 2014 and use the resources to help provide relief for the Syrian people?
I am sure it will mean Dubai and the UAE will be remembered fondly in the pages of history, not just for its world class cityscapes, excellent infrastructure and distinctive skylines, but also for being extremely humane.
Haseeb Haroon, Dubai
I was going to have a lot of friends round for New Year’s Eve but now that doesn’t look like it will happen. I have only been given four visitor passes, which means the only additional guests I can invite are those who can fit in my car.
As I’ll be working until 5pm and it’ll probably take a couple of hours to get onto the Palm from the Marina past the checkpoint, operating a private shuttle service won’t do me much good either.
I hope the checkpoints will have enough room for cars who are being denied access to easily be turned back.
Gavin McKessock, Dubai
This and the millions of dirhams being given away as part of Dubai Shopping Festival are nice.
However I believe this money should be used to buy food, blankets and medicine for those in need this winter.
Judy AbuHijleh, Abu Dhabi
Issue over NBAD call centre delays
With regard to the letter from Moiz S A, NBAD has to focus on its customers (December 23), in which he mentions that he had been subject to slow service from the National Bank of Abu Dhabi’s call centre, NBAD has a team dedicated to customer experience to ensure every customer receives quality service and any issues are immediately addressed.
Moreover, NBAD continuously studies and analyses how to improve upon its quality of service.
We make every effort to ensure customers receive prompt service. It is rare that customers wait to speak to a representative, it only happens when the volume of calls are heavy.
Specifically regarding this customer, he registered with NBAD one instance of a long wait on the phone. In response, an NBAD official called him personally and apologised for the inconvenience he experienced.
H. Michael Jalili, NBAD Corporate Communication Department
As of now, while typing this message at 2.56pm on Tuesday December 24, the clock is ticking at 26 minutes for my call to NBAD’s call-centre, just holding for one of their agents to answer the phone.
I find this frustrating because there is no alternative way to do this.
Moiz S A, Sharjah
Christmas wishes focus on others
On your Facebook page, you show how Christmas is celebrated globally (In pictures: Christmas spirit around the world, December 24) and ask what our Christmas wishes are.
Mine is for world peace and harmony, which must start from the very bottom and move up.
Personally, I wish I was home with my family in Hawaii. However, I will make do and celebrate here in Abu Dhabi with new friends. I wish a merry Christmas to everyone, regardless of religion.
Patricia Geiger, Abu Dhabi
I wish there will be an end to the siege that is keeping food and humanitarian aid out of many areas of Syria. In the Damascus suburb of Moadamiya, children have been surviving on grass and leaves and haven’t eaten a piece of bread in 11 months.
I hope for freedom for all of the detainees and, ultimately, peace and true freedom for all of my friends in Syria.
Name withheld by request
Classes will help aid breastfeeding
If you want to encourage breastfeeding, give antenatal classes at local hospitals and then give longer maternity leave. (Mothers need clear advice, not laws. December 19)
Name withheld by request
