I enjoyed reading about the efforts of Hamad Ismail and his friends to restore the old pearling village of their childhood (The village that Hamad rebuilt, February 16).
They could simply live in super-tall skyscrapers or luxury villas as large-scale construction projects are on the UAE's agenda since the discovery of oil, nonetheless these young Emiratis chose something totally different and significantly positive.
During college studies, we were taught about architectural conservation and it involves preservation, rehabilitation, restoration and reconstruction but I do not think that Mr Ismail and his friends went through such an architectural education. They probably felt in their hearts the exciting challenge and the necessity to preserve the village of their childhood.
This is a brave action to be respected and be followed. All of their hard work will be richly awarded by their fellow citizens as they successfully completed their dream project for sure.
Gaye Caglayan, Dubai
Business women open new doors
In the UAE there are many successful business women and, as a young British person, I would love to see more of their work (Khalifa Fund throws a lifeline to traditional Emirati crafts, February 12).
Emirati women are very intelligent and bright and it would be wonderful to have an Arabic female role model to look up to.
I am only 12 years old but I already have a deep passion for business and I have made quite a lot of money by selling handmade cakes, and I am making original cards, which I am very keen on selling. It would be great to have the support of more Emirati women, and see successful businesses in the UAE run by more women.
Sahera Walker, Abu Dhabi
Fix zoo conditions immediately
I refer to the article Dubai Zoo to move to a new location (February, 12). Instead of making just another promise to move the Dubai Zoo (which could take years), officials should take immediate steps to provide relief to the animals languishing in cramped, barren cages at the zoo right now. Many cages do not have as much as a blade of grass and are so small that the animals can barely take a step forward or back.
Animals at the Dubai Zoo are living in misery. They need enrichment, such as greenery, trees and shrubbery and dirt to dig in. They need swings, ropes, toys and pools in which to swim and cool off. Many species require perches and resting platforms. Even if all these improvements were implemented, and even if the zoo is moved to a larger area, animals will still spend their entire lives behind bars to entertain people for a few hours.
They will still be denied everything that is important and meaningful to them. Any zoo, no matter the size, will never be comparable to the jungles and forests that animals naturally call home.
Jason Baker, Director of Peta Asia Pacific, Hong Kong
One can only hope that Dubai takes a leaf out of Al Ain's book when it comes to designing their new zoo. We have heard before that Dubai Zoo will be revamped but it never happened. Instead, we find dolphinariums and shopping mall aquariums, leaving the poor animals in Dubai zoo to continue their cramped and boring existence.
Animals continue to be seen as objects of amusement and materialism with little sensitivity for their welfare and comfort. Al Ain Zoo is the starting point for what I hope will be big changes in this region.
Claire Wyness, Abu Dhabi
Patient incorrectly injected in photo
I refer to the report on the difficulties of obtaining an Epipen auto injector (Injections delay for allergy patients, February 15).
As an instructor for the American Heart Association in the UAE, I hear of the issues individuals face trying to obtain one.
However, administration of this vital medicine is taught in first aid courses as more and more are found to have severe allergies to varying foods and insect stings.
It is disappointing to read an article accompanied by a photo of Epipen being given in the arm when the correct way is to administer it in the thigh. This could confuse all those who have been taught the correct way of administration.
A R Haines, Dubai
Do not repeat Iraq scenario in Iran
I refer to the editorial Do not jump to conclusions in Iran-Israel row (February 16). The US and its allies went to Iraq largely because media said Iraqis had weapons of mass destruction.
The same scenario is playing out now in Iran. Are we all blind? Aren't we listening to the same crew spilling a story about Iran now?
Steve Weber, Dubai