Money is important but too many people think it is everything (A humble Dubai restaurant owner's extraordinary generosity remembered, August 19). I wish I had met Mohammed Ansari, who cared about things other than money.
Dave Pryce, Dubai
The food is incredible and amazing value for money. The atmosphere is great inside the restaurant. It’s truly one of Dubai’s hidden gems.
Mike Bruski, Dubai
Dubai's rank may be a perception (Dubai climbs up Economist's 'liveable cities' rankings, August 19). I would have expected Dubai to rank much higher. What is interesting is that cities that have got top rankings are in countries that have temperate climates.
A major disadvantage for Dubai is that it’s a city built in the desert. Also because Dubai is in the Middle East, there is a perception that it has the same problems as some of its neighbours. The only way to dispel this misperception is to visit the city.
Randall Mohammed, Dubai
I enjoyed reading your editorial Driven by choice (August 18). I've been living in this country for 25 years. I've driven both new and used cars. I realised that holding on to a car for a very long time is not wise. The weather as well as the nature of long-distance travel take a toll on cars. Repair is often expensive. So in my view, it's always better to buy a new car every couple of years.
Momen Khaiti, Dubai
In the UAE, the trend is to keep up with the latest when it comes to automobiles. Cars here have become a status symbol and people switch to the latest versions as quickly as they do with mobile phones. Since the process of taking over an existing car loan or getting a car financed by the bank is relatively easy, people often sell their cars sooner than expected.
Fatima Suhail, Sharjah
News that Apple has been granted an exemption from foreign ownership laws in the UAE is heartening (Apple granted exemption from UAE foreign ownership laws, sources say, August 20). It would be ideal if an assembly plant for iPhones and Macs can be set up here.
The move reinforces the country as a destination of choice for world-class companies that will bring opportunities for employment, training and revenue. In the light of falling oil revenues, could this be a new strategy to attract Fortune 500 companies and pave the way for Google and Microsoft to set up shop in this country?
It fits the vision of Sheikh Mohammed to promote Dubai as the most technologically advanced city.
Randall Mohammed, Dubai
There are some companies that would have needed this exemption more than Apple – the companies that don’t sit on an immense amount on cash like Apple does.
Valeriu Victor Stanciu-Crainic, Romania
In reference to the news article Grace period if VAT approved (August 19), I am curious to know how corporation tax will affect free zones. It's clearly mentioned that people operating from there are free from any personal or corporate tax for 50 years.
Brett Pearson, Dubai
If VAT is applied only on luxury goods, then there’s no need to panic. This tax should not be an issue for someone who cannot afford luxury items.
Majdel Musa, Dubai
Based on economic best practices, there should be income tax before VAT to manage the development of state revenues properly.
Jonathan Howell-Jones, Dubai
