I refer to Faisal Al Yafai's opinion article The real reason France wants to ban the burqini (August 23). Rather than thinking it is against men, think that wearing it makes women comfortable to go swimming. I wear a bikini and sometimes I feel uncomfortable.
Lydia Kocur-Aziz, Dubai
I’m a Muslim and I would rather stay at home than wear a burqini. It’s pretty ugly in design and looks like a scuba-diving outfit or a ballet dress.
Aaliyah AR Des Rochers, Dubai
Is it the full outfit that Cannes is banning or just the one worn with the head piece? Plenty of fair-skinned sun cancer-wise Australian woman wear a full swimsuit. Would they not be allowed to wear the same outfit on a French beach? It’s stupid.
Anthony Edwards, Australia
Property agent must play his role
I refer to Mario Volpi's Q & A column Dubai tenant wants to reverse decision to move in after 'things turn ugly' with landlord (August 25).
I disagree with the opinion that commission must be paid if the contract is signed. The agency is not there just to connect lessor and the lessee, but also to ensure that everything is fine with the property and that it is suitable to live in. Otherwise, it cannot be even the subject of the contract.
Yulia Hulia, Dubai
Eliminate illegal taxis at airport
I support the crackdown on illegal taxis at Abu Dhabi International Airport (50 unlicensed Abu Dhabi taxi drivers arrested, August 24). Coming home, one gets completely bombarded by these illegal taxi drivers even inside the arrival hall. It has been really bad at the airport.
Steve O'Brien, Abu Dhabi
No alternative to policing on road
Police presence on the road alone will not help solve all the problems (Experts call for more visible policing on UAE roadways, August 21). The authorities should also stop offenders.
Many people here don’t seem to realise how dangerous unrestrained children are.
So is the case with phones or over-tinted windows. I never saw these drivers being pulled over.
Carol Goodey, Dubai
There is only one thing that can curb bad driving: more police presence on the road.
It is difficult to fathom why such a simple measure is proving to be so difficult to implement.
Name withheld by request
In the US, police are always on the highway. They even hide to catch people speeding. I have yet to see anyone stopped or chased by police on a highway here.
Sara Smith, Dubai
Why homework is important
I refer to the letters Is homework important for a child? (August 25). With due respect to all, my personal opinion, as a former director general of an acknowledged specialised mental health care organisation and mother of five, is that it is all about balance. Spending time with your family can also mean helping your child do the homework. If the load is too much, it is not fun either for the parent or for the child. Helping my five children with their homework gives me the feeling of being involved in what they are doing. Yet, we spend time together, which is so very important for their development. It is all about quality, not quantity.
Christina Toebast, Abu Dhabi
