A global horizon will help Emiratis reach further

Readers debate the merits of Emiratis living overseas for extended periods. Other topics: Kim Kardashian, Yas Mall and healthy food.

Readers support Emiratis like Khalifa Binhendi who live overseas. Photo: Stephen Lock / The National

Khalid Al Ameri proposes a fabulous idea in his column (Living abroad broadens the mind and helps the UAE, November 19) when he encourages Emiratis to gain more experience overseas before returning home.

By doing so, they will have widened their horizons and will be able to use the knowledge they gained to help serve their country.

Jen Bishop, Abu Dhabi

What I like best about Khalid Al Ameri’s articles is his ability to see both sides of an argument and seek out the positives from each.

There are many benefits to living and working abroad and I can say the biggest lesson I have learned whilst living in the UAE is the importance of family.

I came from a predominantly individualistic society and have always been fiercely independent, wanting to fly the nest as soon as I was able. However, since moving here and observing the Emiratis’ close family units, for my holidays I now make visiting my family the top priority.

Name withheld by request

Living outside of one’s comfort zone is the best teacher.

Jayadevi Palekanda, Abu Dhabi

Obsessing over Kim Kardashian

With regard to Rym Ghazal's column, Why is the world so obsessed with Kim Kardashian? (November 19), I don't think people are obsessed with her, nor do they hate her as a human being.

Instead, the problem is that she has got fame through sexual means, from scandals like leaked indecent personal videotapes and for showing off her body. Let’s not forget she seems to have no other talent.

People may say it’s her body and she can do whatever she wants with it but then one has to ask what message this sends to young people. The message is that if you behave like her, you will obtain fame.

Disparaging Kim Kardashian is just a human reaction to seeing something wrong.

Waqas Amir, Abu Dhabi

I fail to understand why every other person is so obsessed with Kim Kardashian.

She is a celebrity who is given undue importance and media attention. Surely, she is not worthy of it.

Fatima Suhail, Sharjah

What’s the big deal? She’s fashionable and beautiful, loved by men and women alike, albeit for different reasons.

Her notoriety is about how crazy her family is and she’s a smart businesswoman. To each their own, I say.

Dina Tarek, Dubai

Yas Mall ‘the best in Abu Dhabi’

I disagree with those who have reacted to the opening of Yas Mall by claiming it is pointless (It's shopping time as Yas Mall opens its doors in Abu Dhabi, November 19).

It’s not pointless to those living in Saadiyat and Yas Island and other neighbourhoods in the vicinity.

Latifa Al Azdi, Abu Dhabi

Yas Mall is awesome because of its fantastic range of shops. I am looking forward to going to the Macy’s store.

This will mean I need to make fewer shopping trips to Dubai.

Katarina Koos-Koos, Abu Dhabi

I love the mall’s layout, its outdoor space with restaurants and cafes, and its shops, which cater to every taste, from shallow pockets to deep. Everything you need is there.

In my opinion, it’s the best mall in Abu Dhabi. And since I live on Saadiyat Island, it’s very convenient too.

Mariam Schwarzmann, Abu Dhabi

Introduce healthy food gradually

With reference to your news story, FNC hears healthy food will be only option at schools (November 18), I suspect many children are already used to eating lots of junk food.

Suddenly giving these children vegetables will just make them reject it immediately. It would be best to go slow, improving food bit by bit each week, so they get used to it.

Saif Omar Al Suwaidi, Sharjah

Parents should send their children to school with chopped-up fruit or sandwiches with meat and cheese, not junk food with no nutritional value.

Eating junk food once a week as a treat is fine but for your child’s health and the sanity of their teachers, send them to school with healthy food. Often bad behaviour occurs because children are hyped up on sugars and carbohydrates.

I told my students if they really need to eat in my class they can only eat fruit, vegetables and similar healthy snacks.

Several showed up with fruit and cucumbers. If you let them get away with bad behaviour or bad habits, they will continue.

Name withheld by request