Obesity thrives on 'mall culture' and lack of activities

Letter writers comment on the insufficient physical activities in the UAE, Arsenal player Robin van Persie, Tibetan issue, the need for extended family again and on "harmful" advice offered by The National.

A reader objects to criticism of Arsenal striker Robin van Persie and his play against Newcastle United. Ian Kington / AFP

There are too many fast food outlets and not enough outlets for teenage physical activities. (Children turn a blind eye to obesity danger, March 13).

Horse riding, sailing, swimming and archery ought to be promoted and facilities provided. Otherwise, the mall culture of sitting around and eating fast food will go unchallenged and the campaign will fall on deaf ears.

JB, UK

UAE is exemplary in unstable region

Reading today's news about the events happening in Syria, Afghanistan, Sudan, Palestine, one really has to praise the significance of the UAE's philosophy and tolerant way of living with respect to religious beliefs as highlighted by Peter Hellyer's article Tradition of tolerance is a model during turbulent times (March 13).

As residents of this country, we are blessed to be living in an open society that respects all those who live here while adhering to its laws and guidelines.

Let peace and prosperity continue to flourish and harmony prevail forever as the UAE flag fly high in the region.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

Arsenal star player is not waning

The story Arsenal should cash in or risk losing out on Robin van Persie (March 12) says: "Anyone else think Robin van Persie's commitment to Arsenal is waning?" What nonsense.

He has consistently scored crucial goals, assisted goals and led his team to comeback after comeback.

A player who lacks commitment for his club doesn't score 44 goals in his last 53 games.

A player who lacks commitment for his club doesn't get riled up like he did against Newcastle.

A player who lacks commitment for his club, lacks effort for his team. I'll be more simple. How can anyone who has watched Arsenal with Mr Van Persie this season think his commitment is waning?

Kevin O'Leary, Dubai

Tibetan issue won't go away

It was in the news this week that some Tibetan exiles were commemorating the anniversary of the 1959 Tibetan uprising (Tibet exiles blame China's hardliners for immolations, March 11).

The uprising that began in March 10, 1959 in the capital city of Tibet and immediately spread to other areas has been interpreted differently for so long.

It was also in the news that some Tibetan activists in the US have protested against China's "ruthless" and "repressive" policies in Tibet during Xi Jinping's recent five-day tour of Washington, Iowa and California.

Ali Sedat Buzak, Abu Dhabi

Extended family is needed again

I refer to the article Parents are lifeline for 'boomerang' generation (March 13). This phenomenon have been observed for over a quarter century, it is not new.

It's a necessary return to traditional extended family units due to the disappearing middle class.

Scott Moser, Dubai

Children are the victims of conflict

Your article Tit-for-tat strikes pose dilemma for Hamas (March 12) was sad to read.

A 12-year-old boy was a victim of those attacks. It is painful that children and innocent people are the victims of this unacceptable situation.

I pray for the 12-year-old innocent boy and the other victims.

K Ragavan, Abu Dhabi

Avoid harmful advice on culture

I read Ask Ali articles on a regular basis for advice on living in the UAE but was absolutely stunned by his recent answer a reader about whether it is legal to have his fiancée visit and stay with him in his villa.

Mr Ali points out it is illegal and it would be easier to tie the knot but he goes on to tell the man to "tell a little fib and address and introduce her as your wife and keep it low profile and you will not have any problems".

This sends out the wrong message about what the UAE strives for: high moral values. It is shocking that an ambassador for the UAE and your newspaper suggests it is reasonable to tell a fib.

This is not the first article I have seen from Ask Ali that has shocked me.

Another was about tattoos; he said they were illegal but if you went "underground you could find places that did them".

Either you want expatriates to adhere to Muslim rules or you don't. Ask Ali's articles seem to suggest people can go against them.

S Sabu, Dubai