With regard to the Task Spotting survey on fitness facilities (The survey says: The regime to keep fit and healthy in the UAE, November 5), I would like to point out that we need more ladies-only fitness and nutrition clubs in Abu Dhabi that are affordable to the average middle class family.
Casey N Corley, Abu Dhabi
Look at Dubai Sports City. It’s a residential area dedicated to healthy living, or at least one would think. But not a pavement in sight alongside the three-lane road network in the district. Where are joggers, cyclists and walkers supposed to exercise?
Paula Behrens, Dubai
More yoga studios in Abu Dhabi would be a good start.
Jeffrey Sargent, Abu Dhabi
Netanyahu’s false notions
Washington's discontent at Benjamin Netanyahu's expansionist policies is being increasingly mirrored worldwide (US-Israel rift will help Palestinians, November 1).
It becomes clear that the political agenda of the Netanyahu government is to aggressively increase its illegal settlements thereby creating so-called “facts on the ground” intended to make Israel the dominant regional power in the predominately Muslim Middle East, in direct opposition to the demands of the United Nations.
Mr Netanyahu makes the false assumption that because Israel has various defence contracts with the West, neither the EU or the US will dare to confront his powerful lobbyists in Washington, London and Brussels.
However, there is a growing consensus that the Israeli government has made a serious miscalculation.
Anthony Bellchambers, UK
Ban smoking immediately
Regarding the news report UAE-wide smoking ban in enclosed public spaces next year (November 5), the ban should take effect immediately. Why wait until next year?
Mariu Panneflek, Dubai
The report says the “ban extends to universities, hospitals, public transport, theatres, cinemas, playgrounds and pitches as well as other public spaces”. When did people ever smoke inside hospitals, public transport, cinemas and universities? I have never come across a single instance.
Valeriu Crainic, Abu Dhabi
High rents are unsustainable
With regard to the business article Alarm over affordable housing shortage (November 4), I am a tenant at Discovery Gardens, where I pay a service charge of 25 to 30 per cent of the rent, as asked by Nakheel, the developer. It's one of the highest service charges in Dubai.
Ajay Thombre, Dubai
Steep rises in rent are not a unique phenomenon in Dubai. It’s happening all over the UAE. Al Ain is one of the worst hit.
Bilal Chauhdry, Al Ain
There is no actor like Shah Rukh
Your picture gallery of Shah Rukh Khan is interesting (Thousands gather to wish Shah Rukh Khan Happy Birthday, November 4). Just one year shy of the magical 50, and showing no sign of letting up, Shah Rukh Khan, in a career spanning half his age, has seen it all – eight awards, 11 Diwali hits, honorary doctorates, felicitations from a few countries, national awards and plenty of money.
He is probably the only actor whose penchant for success is buoyed by a business acumen gained during his college years when he was doing a business degree. There is little wonder that his asset base has grown phenomenally.
Other than owning a production house, he owns a cricket team, a share in Kidzania, a chain of family entertainment centres, as well as plenty of film projects. There are chances that he will overtake the current numero uno, Jerry Seinfield, as the wealthiest actor in the world. His most recent film, Happy New Year, has achieved a phenomenal success that might significantly boost his wealth.
He has been groomed by his two buddies, Aditya Chopra who gave him his first real success in Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge – it’s playing in a theatre for l9 years – and director Karan Johar, who have always looked up to him for their films.
Full of confidence, his presence has enriched Bollywood. Think Bollywood, think Shah Rukh.
AR Modak, South Africa
