With reference to your editorial A real city break (May 2), I like the no-food policy at Mushrif Central Park. We need to look at the other parks in town in order to realise how badly this rule is needed. The other parks are littered by visitors every day. You cannot walk on the grass barefoot as it is all grease and dirt. They are disgusting. The ban on bringing in food will enable Mushrif Central Park to preserve its cleanliness and beauty.
Valentina Gherardi, Abu Dhabi
The park administration should educate the public on the importance of cleaning up after themselves. Fining people for leaving behind rubbish might help.
Elizabeth Hardee Campbell, Abu Dhabi
You also pay to enter Safa Park in Dubai. It’s a few dirhams and if it goes towards the park’s upkeep, then it’s good.
Carol Goodey, Dubai
Children also deserve respect
Respect goes both ways (Disciplining a child is not about just enforcing strict rules, May 3). It means seeing the other person as important. This means respecting all, young and old. This also means listening deeply and being curious. If we treat children in this way, they will end up being exactly the responsible and respectful people we want them to be.
Gerda Van Loon, Dubai
Law will not spare the guilty
Did the landlord really have "good intentions" (Dubai landlord 'duped' by tenant over rent increase, April 29)?
The law is smart enough to figure out that he was going to sell his house, or said that he would sell it because the rent was too low.
Congratulations to RERA, Dubai’s Real Estate Regulatory Agency, and Dubai legislators, who found a way of controlling landlords’ greed.
Bruno Medeiros, Dubai
Misperceptions must be clarified
The article Religious laws are outdated (April 29) was spot on. I am happy that religious scholars are trying to clarify misconceptions about Sharia.
It’s considered “barbaric” by many, particularly because terrorists often cite Islam and Sharia to justify their criminal activities.
Muhideen Osho, Nigeria
It’s about buying your way out
Regarding the story Citizenship for sale (April 30), there is not much difference between those "buying a ticket" and risking their lives to cross the Mediterranean from North Africa and those "buying citizenship" as mentioned in the article. Both are seeking security, safety and new opportunities.
The only difference is that one category has deep pockets to “buy” its way out.
Jim Buckingham, Abu Dhabi
Economic citizenship sadly is somewhat elitist in its approach but is a major benefit to the buyer and to the seller (in this case a country). It generates billions of dollars in investment for a country and it can secure a family’s future. With more than 15 countries now offering citizenship by investment, it has become a global industry. There will be more to come.
Gareth James Brookes, Dubai
Some issues with azan
The UAE is a Muslim country and it is a blessing to be able to hear the azan five times during the course of the day. However, one thing that greatly disappoints me is that every mosque has a different timing for azan.
Ideally, all mosques should have the call to prayer at the same time, depending on the emirate and the area. If there is more than one mosque in a neighbourhood, the authorities should ensure that the azan is called at the same time.
Also, some muezzins are too quick with the azan. This is sad and should be taken into serious consideration by the concerned authorities.
Azan should be delivered in a calm, patient manner. It is a call to believers to offer prayers and should not be treated as an insignificant affair that can be hurried off.
Fatima Suhail, Sharjah
