Regarding your story Ikea founder Ingvar Kamprad dies aged 91 (January 28), the demise of the 91-year-old founder of the world's best-known furniture store is a great loss to both the furniture and business world. Ikea is known for its quality and has thousands of outlets in the international market. It is well-established and to say it has become a household name around the world is not an exaggeration. May his soul rest in peace.
K Ragavan, India
Stop complaining about VAT if you are a big spender
In reference to your story VAT and customs tax on high-cost items from abroad deter UAE's online shoppers (January 27), it's less than AED1,000 and doesn't affect me. Besides, if you can afford a AED4,300 phone, saving AED300 on it is useless. Stop moaning.
Ahmed Shumayal, Al Ain
Businesses will soon adjust to the new tax and life will go back to normal.
Name withheld by request
Protect our beautiful coastline from oil spills
Regarding your story Oil spill on UAE east coast forces divers and swimmers out of water (January 28), it is time to shake up the laws on monitoring Fujairah. Your coastline is spectacular and the reefs have just started becoming extremely healthy. Keep these oil dumpers out of your waters.
Marisa Engelbrecht
A mother's loss of her seven children is unimaginable
In reference to your sad story 'I don't know how I will live without them': mother of seven children killed in tragic fire speaks out (January 25), I am so sorry for the mother's loss. I cannot imagine what she must be going through. Prayers of comfort to her.
Geurra Eartha, UAE
How absolutely horrible – a living nightmare. May she find solace somehow. I cannot imagine the pain. RIP little ones.
Chika Marie, UAE
May God give this lady immense strength and patience to bear this tragedy beyond belief. My heart aches for her loss. God bless her little angels.
Benazir Khan, Dubai
It's time to end bigotry against our beautiful religion
For Muslims, Islam is about peace and justice. Muslims around the globe are calling for urgent reforms within the Islamic world and for the West to end its double standards and bigotry.
Islam is a beautiful way of life that emphasises love, faith and charity. Its teachings mirror many of the common ideas about religion, faith and justice that are prevalent in the West. And Islamic civilisation influenced the Enlightenment and the growth of science maths – and even the English language. After centuries of alternating peace and conflict, let’s hope Islam and the West can discover each other anew.
Samaoen Osman, South Africa
