I enjoyed reading Justin Thomas's opinion article Arabia Felix, the happy land – with an envy problem (May 5). While there are a few things here that can drive you nuts, on the whole I think it is a great place to live and bring up a family.
Brett Pearson, Abu Dhabi
That was a great article. Justin Thomas has written exactly what I always think when there are negative headlines about the Gulf countries in the western media.
Paul Nopp, Australia
Dubai-bashing is relentless in the British press. Although not perfect, Dubai has a lot going for it. This consistent focus on the negative has become boring. I agree with the author, the British press is definitely infected by the green-eyed monster.
Farida Sadiq, Dubai
Why is there a problem with CCTV at home?
I refer to your editorial It's better to trust staff than spy on them (May 4). In my view, trust is earned. Until that happens, I would not oppose careful monitoring. After all, if caregivers present themselves as trustworthy, then there will be nothing to hide. It's not like we're talking about trying to catch the cookie thief – our children are our most precious asset and no effort should be spared to ensure their safety.
Haaike Barnard, Abu Dhabi
Our school has CCTV and so do many other schools and nurseries. How is this different from installing CCTV in a private home?
It is protection for the employee as well, if something that was not within the nanny’s control happens to the child.
Beverly Newell, Dubai
There are cameras in every business and school. If a home happens to employ people, I cannot see the difference. In retail settings, cameras are placed to face cash registers to deter stealing. This practice is prevalent everywhere in the West. Offices block social media and some even require that employees check in personal mobiles. I believe in a good work environment and wages, but I also believe that domestic staff must realise that this is a job and the home is their workplace, just like a shop or office.
Kate Barley, Abu Dhabi
Food trucks can be simple
The idea of a food truck is to bring cheap and quick eats to the public (A new food truck hits the streets of Dubai, May 5). Not everything needs to be super fancy and expensive.
Gere George Kuruvilla, Dubai
Commuting is hard work
The cost of commuting has risen significantly (How much it costs UAE residents to travel to work, April 24) over the past few years.
The high cost of transport is forcing many people to readjust their lifestyle.
The average time of travel has also increased due to the rise in the number of vehicles.
As for me, I get exhausted as I have to take a bus from Sharjah to the nearest metro station in Dubai and then take a private car to travel to the Media City, where I work. You can imagine the amount I have to pay to reach my destination and return home.
Thousands face the same situation. I think an underground inter-emirate rail network would go a long way towards addressing this problem.
Taghreed Almadani, Sharjah
Brutality in the name of sport
Brutality seems to have become a wealth-creation sport and entertainment (Sadness gripped UAE Filipinos after 'Fight of the Century', May 4). Whatever it is, it is not good in terms of human values. We have hopefully evolved over time. Does it really make sense to see a fellow human being battered in the name of sport or entertainment? It's akin to fishing and hunting for the pleasure of killing something.
Don’t you think it’s time to look into the matter consider banning this form of contact sport altogether?
Reuben Andrews, Dubai
