Communities need to interact with each other

Readers call for more interaction between Emiratis and expatriates. Other topics: Salik, Emirates, Pakistan

Readers say expatriates should interact with Emiratis to learn about their culture. Silvia Razgova / The National

I agree that expatriates should make an effort to learn about Emirati culture (Expats 'should learn about UAE before coming,' April 19). However, it is hard to do so when Emiratis are the minority community and many of them tend to keep to themselves.

Perhaps the best way to overcome the obstacles is to organise community activities that will help break barriers.

Ahmed Al Hashemi, Abu Dhabi

There are a number of barriers, foremost being the overwhelming numbers of expatriates to locals. It’s easy as an expatriate to live here and never have any contact with Emiratis outside of the airport and government offices.

Jeffrey Martin, Abu Dhabi

I’m not Muslim, but I don’t like seeing women in revealing clothes in shopping malls. I wouldn’t wear shorts while going shopping in Milan, so why should I wear them here?

I agree that expatriates should be more aware of the UAE’s culture, but what I have noticed in Abu Dhabi over the past 10 years is that nobody objects to people visiting public places in inappropriate attire.

Such behaviour offends not just Emiratis, but everybody.

Daniela D'Onofrio, Abu Dhabi

Pakistan has its own problems

Gulf countries need to create their own force to defend their territories (Why is Pakistan not supporting its old friend at this critical time? April 13). If Pakistan has expressed its reluctance to participate in the Yemen war, its decision should be respected.

Aditya Kothare, Dubai

Air strikes are not enough to clear a country of terrorists (Pakistan's vote on Yemen 'contradictory', April 12). To do that, you also need ground troops.

Saudi Arabia initially asked the US to help in this matter, but they refused. So they asked Pakistan for help, since Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share close relations. Pakistan refused because it’s not Pakistan’s war.

It is already burdened with the Taliban issue. Its decision to help Afghanistan to fight the Taliban proved disastrous. They don’t want to make this mistake again.

Omar Yaseen, Dubai

Burdened with domestic problems, Pakistan is not in a position to fight for other countries. It should only help Saudi Arabia if Houthis pose a direct threat to the country.

Syed Nazar Mohammad Gharshin, Dubai

Why the UAE is a model for region

I refer to the report Afghan imams learn from UAE counterparts (April 17).

I like the focus on moderate Islam and the progressive view of women.

I think these factors have contributed to the UAE’s success and made this country a positive model for this region.

Annie Bhatnagar, Dubai

Can Salik be the solution?

The Salik proposal makes sense

(Proposal to use Dubai Salik gates to monitor speed, April 17).

From what I understand, they do that on some of the toll roads in the US. Don’t want a ticket? Slow down.

Chris Blackmore, Dubai

I am not sure if that would work. Driving half your time at 150 kph, then half your time at 75 kph, the average is 112.5 kph (below 120kph). But half the time you would still be above the limit, accelerating but then slamming on your brakes.

Chris Reid, Dubai

Fining people for failing to maintain lane discipline and not using indicators should come before any change is made to speed limits. Apparently, driving between two lines, checking the mirrors and flicking a switch are beyond the capability of most road users. These are the people that should be weeded out.

Sam Johnston, Dubai

Education and discipline, alongside enforcement, are required to make the roads safer, not spot solutions. It has to be an all-encompassing regime.

Dave Pryce, Abu Dhabi