Omanis welcome the presence of the Sultan of Zanzibar

Our readers have their say about a royal resident in Oman, cheaper Covid-19 tests in Dubai and students back in classrooms – and some not

Jamshid bin Abdullah, the last Sultan of Zanzibar, in exile with his wife Sheikha Anisa bint Salim Al Said and children at the St James' Hotel, London, after the Zanzibar Revolution, 21st January 1964. (Photo by Robertson/Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)Show less

With reference to Jamie Prentis's article Sultan of Zanzibar was our neighbour: English life with a reserved royal resident (September 28): this was a fascinating read. The article revealed many unknown facets to the Sultan. As a resident of the country, I extend my good wishes. He is most welcome in Oman. We look forward to his presence.

Hashim AlBalushi, Muscat, Oman

Cheaper Covid-19 tests will go some way to ease burdens

Regarding the report Dubai cuts cost of Covid-19 test to Dh150 in government clinics (September 29): this is an important step towards ensuring people can get tested without worrying too much about affordability. It is in the spirit of easing financial burdens. It's heartening to see the government stepping in to help. We need more testing. We need to bring these cases down. And sooner rather than later, let's hope everyone can get a safe, proven vaccine.

Jaffar Mehdi, Dubai

Restaurants hit the mark and get repurposing right

With reference to Ian Oxborrow's piece Restaurant A380: Singapore Airlines opens superjumbo for diners (September 29): what a great idea – they should do this with all the 747's around the world.

Pauline Van Lelyveld, Blantyre, Malawi

For a better future, we can do more for animals

With reference to the report Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid invites public to help shape UAE's future (September 28): the UAE is a great nation. As a suggestion, lifting the standards of animal welfare will further the message of the country giving due respect to all living beings.

Alessandra Pastore, Dubai

Good to see children back in classrooms

With reference to Haneen Dajani's report Coronavirus: Abu Dhabi high school pupils 'in it together' on return to classroom (September 28): the video of the children returning to classrooms was good to see. It is a progressive nation that prioritises education.

Mumtaz Ahmad, Abu Dhabi

Online learning isn't an option for India's most underprivileged children 

With reference to Rebecca Bundhun's report Covid-19 is jeopardising the education of millions in India, widening the rich-poor divide (September 27): Ms Bundhun rightly points out that with Covid-19 cases on the rise in India – almost 6 million cases – it could be a long time before pupils can even think of going back to classrooms.a

As she has rightly mentioned, and sadly so, millions of children cannot afford to study online because of the lack of internet or smart devices. Many of them depend on a regular school attendance to learn. Let's hope things improve in the coming months.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru