Nothing to worry about

The camel spider isn't pretty, but it's mostly harmless, a reader says. Other letter topics: re-registering Sims, expensive cupcakes and our daredevil diver.

A reader says we should not fear camel spiders, despite their appearance. Mike Young / The National

Owing far too much, too young (July 1) is a wise article, showing how important financial literacy and education are to UAE youth.

Financial education begins at home. Parents need to look at themselves first to see what message they are giving their children about money management and involve them in day-to-day financial management skills.

Whatever their age, there are lots of ways you can start your children thinking about the basics of money management, without them realising that's what they are doing.

Thank you for continuing to highlight the important topic of youth financial literacy. Collectively, we can make a difference.

Colin Lewis, Dubai

Sim registration punishes us all

Regarding TRA calls in all Sim cards for registration (June 28), I'm surprised to see this new regulation being enforced on 99.9 per cent of legitimate and law-abiding customers to stop the 0.1 per cent potentially illegitimate use of mobile phones. There has got to be a better way.

Etisalat and du should be responsible for doing this by exception - that is, by checking and recording whether any information is missing or outdated, then contacting the subscriber and giving him or her 60 days to submit the correct paperwork.

They have the resources and systems, they have our phone numbers, and they are paid to make sure our records are current.

As others have suggested, online registration makes sense - but first Etisalat and du should upload the subscribers' records as they already have them, highlighting where updates are needed.

If customers have to submit documents at service centres, there is bound to be a public uproar over the inevitable delays and inefficiencies. The last time I went to an Etisalat outlet, it took me 15 minutes to park and 60 minutes to submit an address change.

What's next? Will we have to register credit cards because of a concern that someone may use them for an illegitimate purpose?

I sincerely hope this regulation will change, with the interests of legitimate customers in mind.

Bassem P Fakhry, Dubai

It seems like it was all created just to give some people jobs to do.

The phone company already have my details. All they need to do is contact me and confirm they're still the same.

Irwin Fletcher, Dubai

Commodifying people no answer

I am writing in reference to UAE approved as 'safe' for Filipinos to work in (July 2).

As long as the Philippines government continues to promote its labour-export programme, the rights and welfare of Filipino migrants will be compromised.

The creation of jobs back home should be the main focus of the Philippines government, not commodifying its people.

Nhel Morona, Migrante International UAE, Dubai

Let them eat cake? Not at this price

In reference to World's most expensive cupcake goes on sale for Dh3,700 in Dubai (July 2), you might as well eat some Dh1,000 notes for breakfast.

Caroline Wareham, Dubai

Camel spiders are not to be feared

Dunes alive with the creepiest of crawlers (June 23) refers to camel spiders. I wonder how the people mentioned in the story reacted when they saw one with them in the swimming pool.

These spiders are certainly not the most beautiful creatures in the world, but it is important to know that they are not venomous or otherwise dangerous.

Michael Nielsen, Denmark

Diver deserves our kudos and support

I am extremely impressed with Ahmed Khoori (Freediving for the UAE ... and a lost mentor, July 3).

This remarkable man is attempting something extraordinary for all the right reasons - to represent his nation and honour its pearl-diving past, to test human endurance and his own personal limits, and to respect the memory of his friend and mentor.

As someone who finds the deep end at a swimming pool daunting, I have great respect for Mr Khoori and wish him success.

Ian Dunn, Abu Dhabi

Simple measures can keep us safe

Before I came to work in the UAE, I was told many things that turned out not to be true.

Crime is rare ... but stay on your guard (July 2) encapsulates one thing I heard that is true: by and large, this is a very safe place.

But, of course, we must all take sensible precautions to ensure that this state of affairs continues.

Jane Rogers, Dubai