In reference to your editorial Together the UAE is stronger (January 4), the excellent relationship between all the seven emirates in the UAE and, above all, between Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, have made the astonishing progress of the UAE possible. Such unity and cordiality are rare these days. The result of this harmonious relationship is that the UAE has become one of the finest countries in the world to live and work in. There is religious tolerance in the country and people from almost every nation on the planet live here amicably. Moreover, it is aesthetically appealing: every mall and new building is uniquely designed. The rulers of the various emirates have kept the ordinary citizens and residents of this country at the forefront of their concerns and decisions. I wish other nations would learn form the UAE's model of growth, modernisation and co-existence.
Rajendra Aneja, Dubai
VAT is making me rethink my social budget
In response to your story Five complaints against illegal VAT claims made on January 1 (January 4), a restaurant split our dinner bill into food and different beverage categories, then charged municipal and tourism fees and VAT on each. The total tax on the bill was a little over 20 per cent. My attempt at low spending just got curtailed.
Linda Pullen, Abu Dhabi
New look, same protection from Dubai police
In reference to your article Security, communication and innovation: Dubai Police unveil new logo (January 5), the new livery with its underlying themes of security, communications and innovation is remarkable. The logo's green colour is an indication of Dubai Police's peaceful vision of the future. The force has many laurels and this logo refreshes its image.
K Ragavan, India
Will the US follow the Germans' example on debt?
I refer to your article German 'debt clock' reverses for first time in 22 years (January 5). Maybe the US executive and legislative branches could learn a thing or two from the Germans and start reversing US debt, or at least slow down the rate at which debt is increasing. Americans shouldn't hold their breath for either to happen but they can dream of such a time.
DT Debye, Dubai
The US economy is working for its minorities
In reference to your article US jobs growth slowed more than expected in December (January 5), the unemployment rate for African-Americans fell to 6.8 per cent, its lowest ever. This means there is more good economic news going on in the US than bad news from my perspective as an American.
Kathie Daniel, Dubai
No vaping near me, please
I refer to your article Vaping remains off the table in UAE for New Year resolutions (January 6); how is it that not a day goes by without one having to walk through billows of smoke produced by one of these things? They're worse than cigarettes. You can't avoid them if someone is smoking within a square kilometre.
James English, Dubai
