Concentrate on the enjoyable parts of life

Readers discuss the toll of work on their lives. Other topics: Filipina singer, sick buildings, dashcam benefits and charity clarity.

Readers discuss the effect on quality of life of commuting to and from work. Victor Besa for The National

To those who agree with your news story (UAE residents say commute, long hours and sedentary working environment get them down, September 12), I suggest looking on the bright side.

We all have work, we are able to feed and take care of our extended families, there is security of life and we have freedom of religion.

We should focus on this side of the equation.

The people who have real problems are those who are forced to flee their countries of origin and end up in an alien country as refugees.

Arif Khan, Dubai

People in Dubai who asked for options to improve their commute should remember that the Government created the Metro, which has been a great success.

Life is not meant to be easy-going. You need to struggle – that’s life and that’s the challenge.

Many of us who are working are mature enough and know how to balance the constraints on our time.

If you or your company do not know how to manage your time and your people, then I’m sorry but I would suggest you are in the wrong place.

Mathew Litty, Dubai

I am working here and enjoying it. It’s far better to work in the UAE than in most European countries, where I was often mocked for being a Muslim.

My workplace is 14 kilometres away and it takes me 15 minutes by car to reach it – very different from the morning rush hour in Bucharest.

I don’t do overtime because family life is more important for me. Seven hours at work with two free days each week are features that make a workplace enjoyable.

Mariyah Fatimah, Dubai

Judge singer on her talent alone

Some of those who read your story about Ivy Grace Paredes (Filipino mum from Dubai wows on The X Factor UK, September 13) are having trouble moving on from the headline.

“Filipino mum from Dubai” simply and clearly means just that: she’s Filipino and is based in Dubai.

No one is disputing that she is still Filipino and she is working here, like most of us. Why not just give her credit for having a fantastic talent?

Mj Uy Lami-in, Abu Dhabi

‘Sick’ buildings is a real issue

With regard to your news story, (Sick buildings are leading to sick UAE office workers, doctors say, September 13), it's not only office and public buildings that cause illness.

I have suffered allergies and asthma for many years. This year, the home-repair company I use introduced special equipment and procedures to clean and sterilise the air conditioning ducts and coils, which is good for two years.

I had the house done and was astonished by what a difference it made – I no longer wake up in the night coughing or sneezing, and my sinuses are clear in the morning when I wake up.

It’s expensive, but I believe it’s well worth it for the health advantages.

Name withheld by request

This is well said. Lots of places are so cold that people are getting ill. The air conditioning does not have to be ice-cold.

Everywhere you go indoors it is freezing. This cannot be good for anyone’s health.

Jasvanti Bhogaita, Dubai

The temperature doesn’t do it – the problem is that those who do the maintenance don’t understand that air conditioning filters must be cleaned monthly.

Beverly Newell, Abu Dhabi

Dashcams and road safety

I love the idea posed by your editorial, Can dashcams make our roads safer? (September 13).

I would happily volunteer for this programme. The upside is we would have very few cars on the road because if the police saw what I encounter every day on the roads, they would be suspending many licences.

Tanya Milbourne, Dubai

They have dashcams in Egypt but it has done nothing for safety. To force change, it takes fear of fines and the visible presence of traffic police.

Name withheld by request

Clarity on charity is still required

I'd like to thank The National for its informative and supportive editorial (Balancing charity laws prudently, September 12).

I am sure everyone who genuinely raises money for good causes would appreciate your newspaper keeping us posted on how to continue our efforts.

Lorraine Ludman, Dubai