Hats off to Nisham Kunnath Valappil, who returned Dh100,000 to its owner (Dubai cleaner awarded after returning Dh100,000 he found, April 18). Our world needs more people like him.
I lost my engagement ring in Starbucks Canberra once and a cleaner returned it the next day. It was an awesome feeling.
Benazir Khan, Dubai
I found and returned a white gold and diamond engagement ring to somebody, who never thanked me. But it’s fine – at least she has her token of love back.
Jannah Victoria Abdul, Dubai
It’s nice to know that there are such good people out there.
Safa Fais, Dubai
How to make roads safer
In reference to the article Detaining dangerous drivers 'will make UAE roads safer' (April 18), I would like to point out that dangerous drivers are not just those who drive fast. Those who drive very slowly in the middle of the highway also pose danger to other motorists.
May Khazal, Dubai
Let the errant drivers do social services every weekend for a few months. If they don’t show up, ban them from driving for a year. This will make them think twice before repeating their mistake.
Wiltrud Matthes, Dubai
This is how Saudi Arabia deals with dangerous drivers. It hasn’t worked. The UAE needs to act smarter.
Paul Glover, Dubai
Housing system needs overhaul
The housing system perpetuates indebtedness (Banks must lend money responsibly, April 18). Paying annual rent with one or two cheques sets up many people into a spiral of debt and creates problems for tenants, banks and sometimes landlords.
Although it is the norm here, the economy no longer supports this kind of lending. The sooner the rental system is changed, the better for all here.
Steven Paul O'Brien, Abu Dhabi
No quick fixes to education woes
While interesting and mostly accurate, the article Big and quick change needed to prepare Mena pupils for future, experts say (April 18) illustrates a propensity to look outward for so-called "experts", instead of seeking local wisdom.
Studies by local researchers have appeared on websites such as Dubai School of Government and Al Qasimi Foundation over many years.
The papers contain findings on research conducted in situ, grounded within Emirati society, reflecting a complexity that defies simple fixes and commentary.
There is no quick fix as inferred by Maysa Jalbout. I have read similar articles many times and it is becoming rather monotonous as very few of the articles speak to the truth underpinning the issues.
The truth is that deep societal changes at the family level, beginning from birth to the end of high school, need to take place before any of the “focus on promoting Stem education and adding skills through scholarship, mentoring and networking” will work.
Name withheld by request
Animal rescuers face challenge
Animal rescue groups such as Animal Action, Feline Friends, Sandy Paws, Bin Kitty, 38 Smiles and Falcon Hospital are all doing an amazing job trying to help stray animals (Coming to their rescue: UAE stray animals find their forever homes, April 18).
Many of these animals have been heartlessly abandoned by people who would rather pay for their furniture than a pet that is thrown out when they get past the cute stage.
These animal rescue groups have a daily struggle to pay for the care of animals in foster homes and vet bills. The people working for these groups deserve applause.
Glen Stevenson, Abu Dhabi
