Congratulations to Nizar Fakhoury (Dubai businessman sets marathon world record, December 29).
His hard work, willpower and dedication have paid off. Husein Al Najjar, Dubai
Cyclists must be careful
I support The National's Cycle to Work campaign (Enthusiasts say cycling is safe in Abu Dhabi, as long as people are sensible, December 26).
It is not a joke, as some people have claimed on social media. If you cycle sensibly, Abu Dhabi is as safe as anywhere else, if not safer.
Kevin Duell, Abu Dhabi
It's not the cyclists who worry me. I don't see many sensible motorists. Elisa Beamson, Abu Dhabi
Don’t give up on your resolutions
Colin Randall's opinion article, Wouldn't it be best if we didn't make resolutions? (December 27), provides some interesting food for thought.
If your resolution is to lose weight, you should find a really good programme and stick with it.
Most people give up.
D Pitt, Dubai
The UAE makes us all welcome
I enjoyed your editorial, Real seasonal cheer (December 25).
What a great place the UAE is to live in. I never see my neighbours or colleagues or the shopkeepers for what religion they follow. In Dubai, we see everyone as fellow human beings trying to better their lives.
In this troubled region, it is only here that all people can feel welcome and at home.
Kai SH, Dubai
The UAE is a beacon of hope from which many other countries can learn.
Ali Cuuex, UK
Christmas celebrations in UAE carry messages of hope (December 25) presents things exactly as they should be.
The UAE is our home from home, and we thank this country for making our lives enjoyable and peaceful.
It is no wonder that the UAE continues to grow from strength to strength.
Randall Mohammed, Dubai
The UAE continues to set a very good example to the rest of the world. James McGee, Abu Dhabi
Ignorance isn’t confined to US
Your editorial, Agrabah politics (December 29), refers to ill-informed American voters.
This is not jut a bipartisan American phenomenon, it is a human one. There are ill-informed people everywhere in the world.
Michelle Williams, Al Ain
Dubai’s not the only party place
I don't see the point of leaving Abu Dhabi to ring in 2016 (In Dubai, a New Year's Eve to remember comes at a price, December 27).
I am going to Yas Mall, where I can spend my money on world- class shopping, food and entertainment.
And at the end of the night, I will be able to get away within 10 minutes without worrying about traffic.
Name withheld by request
Carbon capture is not a solution
I refer to UK pushes on with shale gas development as North Sea takes a battering (December 22).
Carbon capture is utterly unnecessary and a waste of money.
Brian H, Dubai
Graduates must prove their worth
UAE labour market is not doing its job (December 28) describes a long-standing problem.
Graduates have that all-important piece of paper, but no experience – yet they demand a high salary.
If graduates and potential employers were equally realistic, this problem could be solved easily. Put the graduate in a job lower down the salary scale on the understanding that if they can prove their worth within six months, they will be promoted.
To be promoted, you must have knowledge of how an organisation functions from the bottom up. If graduates are promoted straight away, it can lead to disaster.
Name withheld by request
