Sultan Qaboos: it was a pleasure to serve him and the people of Oman

Our readers have their say on the legacy of Sultan Qaboos and the weekend's rain over the UAE

Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the longest ruling Arab monarch, at a military parade in Muscat on the Sultanate's 40th National Day, November 29, 2010. Mohammed Mahjoub / AFP

In reference to your report Sultan Qaboos of Oman dies aged 79 (January 11): in his death, the world and the Middle East have lost a wise, able and modern leader. I was sad to hear about his death. I visited Oman many times on work and was impressed by the peace and equanimity in the country. The local people always seemed relaxed. They welcomed tourists and foreign visitors.

It was always a great pleasure to travel in Oman due to the excellent roads, and the hotels and restaurants across the country.

The Sultan modernised Oman, with tourism playing a major role, after oil. The serene environment in the state was principally due to his enlightened leadership.

Sultan Qaboos maintained a very low profile. He kept above regional and global strife and focussed on the welfare of his people.

He kept close to his people. Every year he organised camps, when he would go to different regions and stay in tents, so as to be able to meet the country folk and talk  to them.

The company I worked for used to supply the Arabic bread (khubooz) for the meals at these camps.

We prided ourselves that the Sultan Qaboos of Oman eats our khubooz, when he travels to meet his people.

He will be missed.

Rajendra Aneja, Dubai

Condolences to Oman for the loss of a true leader who did a lot of good for the country and the beautiful and kind people of Oman.

Our sons were born in the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital in 1994 and 1997. We celebrated His Majesty’s 25th anniversary of leading the country, and enjoyed our five year stay in the sultanate.

We wish the new Sultan a lot of strength, peace and wisdom for the coming years.

Simone Laout, Bergen aan Zee, The Netherlands

Sultan Qaboos was a great man and  a true leader. Today expats are able to live in oman only because of his progressiveness, the development, and everything he did for his people.

Sathis Rakkappan, London

The rain has been welcome but the damage to property has been real

With regard to the report UAE weather: Dubai and Abu Dhabi braced for more rain and wind (January 12): whatever they are doing to get rain, wish they send some my way to Australia to put our fires out.

Adele Goldsworthy, Albany

With regard to Chris Maxwell's report Dubai tenants face major clean-up operation as floods strike (January 12): we are having issues in Abu Dhabi too. Our kitchen has been under water since Thursday.

It is an expensive business for anyone whose house has been damaged.

Anina Arlow-Marais, Abu Dhabi