I am so sad to hear that the Abu Dhabi Film Festival (ADFF) will be discontinued (Abu Dhabi Film Festival to be closed down, May 9). It was one of my favourite events during my time in Abu Dhabi. It felt like a real community cultural event.
Recently, I had conversations with people about their experience of the festival.
I hope more international independent films will be brought to the UAE to make up for this – and that there will be more screenings of local films.
Valeri R, US
It is sad. The film festival was a great event for the capital.
Natalie Wells, Abu Dhabi
This is sad. Last year’s ADFF was the best ever and on a par with the best film festivals in the world (and I’ve attended quite a few). Womad was a great loss and now this.
To cut costs, they could have experimented with charging for Womad and making the ADFF less glitzy.
Now we are doomed to an endless supply of mindless action and comic-book movies, plus Bollywood productions, at the cinemas. There will be almost no chance of seeing great films such as Ida, Leviathan, Tales, Theeb, and so many others that were screened at the ADFF.
Ali Moosavi, UK
The film festival was one of the events that I really looked forward to in Abu Dhabi. I am sad that I will no longer be able to attend it.
Yvette Arizala, Abu Dhabi
Government’s anti-corruption move laudable
Checks and balances are the hallmark of a strong sovereign state (Government bodies to be watched by taskforce, May 9). This is why this country's zero-tolerance approach to corruption is so significant. Kudos to the UAE.
Nelfer, Abu Dhabi
Salman case a shame for India
The way the Bollywood actor Salman Khan has been allowed bail again is astonishing (Bollywood star's bail extended, May 9).
If he was not a star, he would probably have been in jail since the moment of the accident. This situation is appalling and must change. India should realise that its image is at stake.
Name withheld by request
Ride not for the faint-hearted
I refer to the article Ferrari World Abu Dhabi reveals new record breaking roller coaster (May 5).
This sounds amazing, but it is definitely not meant for the faint-hearted. Ferrari World has been able to attract tourists and residents alike since its opening.
The rides at the park offer thrill-seekers an experience worth remembering.
Name withheld by request
No country is perfect
Regarding Justin Thomas's opinion article Arabia Felix, the happy land – with an envy problem (May 5), the most important thing is to respect the rules of the country in which you are living, visiting or working.
The world is not perfect and there is no country that is perfect. Every country has its own problems and issues. Let’s think positive and see the good as well as the bad.
It is so easy to talk negatively about a country. It’s much harder to be positive.
Angela Pop, Dubai
Dubai’s success is our success
Dubai is a young city that has been able to make a mark for itself in a very short span of time due to its visionary leaders who have constantly strived to make its presence felt globally (Dubai among top 5 most improved cities, study says, May 7).
It is heartening to see the city on the path to continued success and prosperity.
To be able to make it to the Top 5 list is a huge achievement for Dubai, its leaders and its people.
Fatima Suhail, Sharjah
