I write in reference to Rashmee Roshan Lall's column From Washington to Bollywood, women are being heard – but are they being listened to? (October 3): I found this article on gender and politics to be both meaningful and highly thought-provoking.
As the author rightly argued, from the recent allegations of sexual assault in Washington against President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh, to the claims made by an Indian Bollywood actress against actor Nana Patekar, sexual assault and the behaviour of predatory men is high on the news agenda.
But whether it will bring about genuine change and lead to women finally being listened to and protected from the worst excesses of predatory masculinity is, sadly, still very much an open question.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru
We don’t need the Hamptons here, thank you very much
I write in reference to your article New 'riviera' development to be built between Abu Dhabi and Dubai (October 2): this project has been likened to the Hamptons in New York. I can't help thinking designs should be based on Middle Eastern weather, rather than the weather of the east coast of the US.
Saif Omar Al Suwaidi, Sharjah
As long as the mangroves are preserved and the UAE’s turtles live in peace, I have all the waterside areas I need.
Naijla Al Jaberi, Abu Dhabi
Why have one orchestra when you can have two
I write in reference to your article UAE to launch its first national orchestra (October 3): what will happen, I wonder, to the National Symphony Orchestra, the NSO, which is based in Abu Dhabi? They have recently re-assembled, according to a recent article in Abu Dhabi World magazine. Does this mean we will now have two orchestras?
Janet Humphrey, Abu Dhabi
It’s time the UAE’s diverse culture was documented
I refer to your online article UAE 101: Emirati and Italian neighbours co-author book tackling culture and customs (October 2). This is a great idea for people to understand the diverse culture we live in. It will also benefit people who are new in the country or will be moving here soon.
Raj Jheeta, Al Ain
Congratulations to Maya Reaidy, the new Miss Lebanon
I write in reference to your article The new Miss Lebanon looks just like her most famous predecessor: 1971's Miss Universe (October 2): congratulations to Maya Reaidy. She is from my hometown, Tannourine. We are all so proud of her.
Elisha Sanjab, Lebanon
