How to feel at home in one’s own country

Readers debate Emiratisation. Other topics: Saudi Arabia, bullying and dowries

Readers discuss ways to make Emiratisation programmes better. Silvia Razgova / The National

Letters to the Editor

I have a number of comments regarding the recent comment piece by Peter Hatherley-Greene about Emiratisation (Time for some frank talk about Emiratisation, May 10).

I'd say the feeling of strangeness in your own country that is implicit in Hatherley-Greene’s argument is becoming a worldwide phenomenon. It can explain, at least in part, much of the anger and resentment of movements such as Donald Trump's presidential campaign and Buddhist monks in Sout East Asia seeking to expel minority populations. The world is changing quickly and many people are afraid.

Jeffrey Martin, Dubai

The pressures that the writer addresses do not necessarily come from being exposed to the private sector. Many young Emiratis are open to working in the private sector but family expectations push them towards public sector jobs.

Claire Hopkin, Abu Dhabi

Whoever came up with this theory about employment forgot one important detail. Theories like this one don't work in the real world.

Hasan Kato, Dubai

This article doesn't provide any solutions. It only describes the problem. Perhaps an Emirati writer would be best suited to provide solutions.

Samar Bouaoun, Dubai

Reading in the digital world

In this world dominated by digital platforms, it is heartening to know that the habit of reading still attracts many (Abu Dhabi pupils’ books are global hits, May 9).

I am glad to read the true story of the first trilingual published authors. This change itself is a kind of motivating tool for those at the junior level and helps them forward on the right track of learning and development in their academic path.

As younger generations are completely hooked to a technology-driven world, such moves can help give them powerful imaginations and added confidence. Hard work will always pay off in the end, even in this digital world.

Those who have helped and supported with guidance for this reading initiative deserve appreciation.

Ramachandran Nair, Oman

Saudi Arabia's path forward

I find your coverage of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 interesting to consider (Change and expectancy ahead as Saudi Arabia moves towards Vision 2030, May 8).

The reporting indicates that young Saudis don’t feel the pinch or pressure of lower oil prices, however foreign workers on the lower side of the societal scale are feeling it acutely on a daily basis.

True economic change for Saudi Arabia will only occur when those young people feel the sting of lower oil prices and they have to suddenly and aggressively compete for a slice of the economic pie.

Until then, it will be business as usual. Economic change historically only happens with sudden upheaval in the marketplace.

Steven Mohammed, Abu Dhabi

Parents must fight bullying

Again we read about bullying incidents without any serious action taking place (Bullying victims 'as young as 4' in the UAE, May 8).

Bullying is growing faster than we think and it is getting physically harmful for children. I often hear that parents “should raise their children’s self-esteem". This is totally unacceptable. What if a child was drowned? How would a warning letter or such a reply from a principal help?

I know a child who got knocked unconscious by bullies and the only thing the school did was issue a warning letter. I urge parents who have their children physically harmed to contact Adec directly or even the police.

Amine Hamdan, Abu Dhabi

Saving money for a wedding

I want to share my wedding experience in light of your report about weddings (A hefty dowry? Coffee and dates will do, says forward-thinking Emirati father, May 10). We had our wedding in our home with loved ones and then we all went out to dinner at our favourite Arabic restaurant. It was perfect and we never had to worry about starting our lives in debt. It was for the best.

Steph Al, Abu Dhabi

What is described in the piece is what we do in the American South. It works here and it is great!

Jeff Aboularage, United States