In praise of cooking classes

Readers highlight the utility of holding cooking classes for school pupils. Other topics: Etihad Airways, reform in the Gulf, conspiracy theories, migrants

Readers highlight the utility of holding cooking classes for school pupils. Pawan Singh / The National

Students in Singapore have to attend home economics classes before high school (Cooking classes to make university life a healthy one, August 27). They are taught to cook, sew and much more.

Name withheld by request

Back in the 1970s, it was mandatory in California middle schools to take cooking, sewing mechanics and wood shop classes. Then big reform came and messed up everything.

Shondale Jackson Pagano Galindo, US

Etihad’s success reflects vision of UAE’s leadership

I read with profound interest that Abu Dhabi International Airport has seen 2.1 million travellers in a single month (Abu Dhabi airport has 2.1m travellers, August 27). As you very well pointed out, this growth far surpasses the global average rate.

Of course, this did not happen haphazardly. Some 25 years ago, very few people in the world had heard or read about Abu Dhabi, let alone visited it.

We belong to a world where things do not just happen. They are made to happen by visionary leaders who collaborate to turn their dreams into reality. When an “edifice” has been created, it feels good to look back.

The “edifice”, which constitutes Abu Dhabi, owes a lot to the wise leadership of the President, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, who has actively been supported by the Crown Prince, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, and indeed the rulers of the other emirates. Reflecting specifically on the important role of aviation, one cannot overlook the role that Etihad Airways has played in the greater picture of development and progress of the UAE by achieving the status of being the best airline in the world today.

Well done Abu Dhabi. Well done Etihad. Well done UAE.

Sir James R Mancham, KBE founding president of the Republic of Seychelles

Focus on reform initiatives

I am generally in agreement with your analysis Gulf reforms needed to take on US frackers (August 24). However, I would like to point out that significant work in developing the institutional framework – including regulatory capacity, commitment, fiscal efficiency, and accountability – should be carried out in all Gulf countries. These efforts would be highly instrumental in the Gulf countries' ability to overcome the budgetary and economic challenges you have pointed out.

Improvement in the institutional framework alone can make possible economic and energy sector reforms and the creation of a strong basis for economically sustainable development.

Domestic energy consumption must be addressed in an integrated and complete fashion that takes into account price reform, as well as the legislation, implementation and enforcement and verification of viable energy policies, standards, programmes and incentives. Consumption of all forms of energy, both primary and secondary, should be addressed.

Full accounting of fuel subsidies, budgetary burden, as well as the opportunity cost incurred, must be made. Such actions alone can put a stop to the continued misallocation of resources, the exaggerated demand growth for energy, and the cost to the economy and the environment at large.

Anees Azzouni, Dubai

Why conspiracy theories thrive

Conspiracy theories provide disempowered losers with the illusion of having a "deep understanding" of this complex, frequently baffling world of ours (Why people believe conspiracy theories, August 29). Having said that, there are "real" conspiracies but they can only be known years later and on the basis of hard evidence. Their popularity often comes from a deep-seated belief that the "other" is ultimately the source of all evil.

Simon Kobster, Dubai

Victims of bad governance

In reference to the news item Up to 200 feared dead after migrant boat sinks off Libya coast (August 29), how is it that governments are not held accountable for these types of fatalities? They wouldn't happen if their countries gave people a chance at a good life with education and work. It's so sad.

Karina Larroca, Dubai