I was very pleased to read Qasr Al Hosn to become 'cultural heart' of Abu Dhabi (March 8).
I went there last year to attend the cultural festival.
It’s an amazing place to see history and culture in the midst of skyscrapers.
Chris Reid, Dubai
Drinks tax may not have desied effect
I refer to your editorial about the proposed tax on fizzy drinks and tobacco products (VAT in UAE will curb unhealthy consumption, March 18).
This isn’t a new thing. It has been tried elsewhere and has failed to limit unhealthy practices.
However, if the price increase contributes to offsetting the burden that smokers and obese people have on the medical industry, it can’t be all bad.
Ela Jayne, Abu Dhabi
Increasing the prices will make people look for alternatives.
Niki Caz, Dubai
If these taxes are introduced, I hope healthy food will become more affordable.
Selina Dixon, Dubai
It will not hamper the lifestyles of those who can afford it. They will just go with the flow and pay more.
Mathew Litty, Dubai
May peace soon return to Yemen
I want to pay tribute to First Sergeant Zakaria Sulaiman Obaid Al Zaabi (UAE soldier killed in Yemen, March 16).
Rest in peace, protector of the homeland. You are another jewel in the crown on the oasis of dignity. May peace and dignity return to the people of Yemen as soon as possible. May the protectors of their homeland return to their own homes and families having created peace and legitimacy in Yemen.
Name withheld by request
Alternative to imprisonment
I would like to comment on the story UAE turns to community service as punishment for petty crimes (March 18).
Sentences that include community service can be constructive and assist in rehabilitating offenders.
However, I respectfully suggest that it may not be appropriate in all cases, especially when it comes to brutal and premeditated crimes.
Name withheld by request
Community service might be valuable in terms of crime prevention.
Ali McDonald, US
Work your way up the ladder
I have some advice for the people mentioned in your story Anger grows among educated but unemployed young Omanis (March 19).
Settle for a lower wage now, then prove your worth and work your way up the ladder.
Nesim Majzoub, Dubai
Outage caused inconvenience
I note that du has apologised for the "degradation" of its service yesterday (Du internet connection down in parts of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, March 19).
The word “degradation” would imply a reduction from one level to another level.
Zero service is a withdrawal, not a degradation.
S Buckerfield, Ras Al Khaimah
It was not only the internet but the mobile phone network as well. I had no service.
R Sattar, Abu Dhabi
Karama is a special place
In reference to Changing face of Karama causes unease among long-term residents (March 19), it is extremely sad if the old areas are replaced with new housing and even more mega malls. There are more than enough malls already.
Maria Maimivaara, Dubai
I love Karama. There is life on the street and small, independent shops – unlike bland corporate areas such as Business Bay and Marina.
Name withheld by request
