Dubai must stick to its vision

A reader is confident Dubai can smoothly execute the planned mega projects despite warnings. Other topics: Emirati women, Israel, India

A reader is confident that Dubai can execute the mega projects according to its plans. Jaime Puebla / The National

This refers to your article Mega projects in the UAE raise concerns, economists say (July 30).

The article says that economists are worried about the risks attached to the scale of new development. Economists do not think beyond their theories.

Dubai’s tried and tested strategy of “build it and they will come” has worked successfully. My advice is, stick to your vision. The word “impossible” is for the lazy. Everything is possible. Moreover, if Dubai is to become the city of the future, then it must offer infrastructure and facilities that other cities do not offer. That said, we must strike a balance between infrastructure development, people and resources.

Randall Mohammed, Dubai

I write in reference to the Facebook photogallery, Mega projects coming to the UAE. Everything looks good, but looking at the way things are going, I think only the rich people and tourists can afford these places.

Paul Dessoir, Dubai

Emirati women deserve better at workplace

I write in reference to the article 'Don't hold back if you have potential', working women told (July 30). The best way to deal with discrimination is to make it illegal and stop nepotism.

There are many great women in the UAE, with superior skill sets and education. Yet, one has to look at the management of companies to discover their bias against women.

I would love to see Emirati women in management roles and further up as they finish university.

Jen Bishop, Abu Dhabi

Does Malak Hassan mean to say that women in general are experiencing discrimination in the workforce in the UAE, or does she mean to say that among Emiratis, who make up about 30 per cent of the workforce, women are discriminated against?

In any case, I think she makes a valid point. This issue must be addressed

Hady Khayrat, Abu Dhabi

Military embargo on Israel is crucial

Israel uses military force to maintain occupation and apartheid (No matter how you look at it, Israel doesn't want peace, July 29). This system is put in place to control as much land with as few Palestinians on it as possible, and to prevent the Palestinian people from exercising their right to self-determination.

Between 2000 and 2010 alone, Israeli armed forces injured tens of

thousands and killed more than 7,000 Palestinians.

Following the 2008-09 assault on Gaza, in which more than 1,400 Palestinians were killed, predominantly civilians, the Israeli army and military industry held a trade show in which they showed how their new technologies were used against Palestinians.

Israel plays a leading role in exporting arms, equipment and technology to oppressive regimes.

A comprehensive military embargo is a crucial step towards ending Israel’s unlawful and criminal use of force against the Palestinian people. It’s a vital and effective non-violent measure to pressure Israel to comply with its obligations under international law. Take action now to help stop arming Israel.

Samaoen Osman, South Africa

India can’t ignore small neighbours

After many years, India has a prime minister who is really trying to put things in order and trying to control the damage done by Congress (India finalises deal to export power to Nepal, July 29).

The Congress-led UPA government gave little importance to smaller countries like Nepal and Bhutan. Instead, it was concentrating only on Pakistan and China and wasting energy and money.

These two countries took advantage of such policy. But Narendra Modi is now paying adequate attention to other countries such as Nepal and Bhutan. He started by making a foreign visit to Bhutan, while the external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj visited Nepal recently.

These countries are most important for India to keep peace at the borders. If India forgets them, China and Pakistan will benefit from them.

Sukumar S, India