Is luxury killing joy of cinema?

A reader wonders whether concierge services will kill the joy of wathing films. Lee Hoagland / The National

I was thrilled to learn that for every movie at Reel Cinemas in the Dubai Mall, an attendant will help guests purchase tickets at their own private counter and then deliver food, beverages, a pillow and a blanket directly to their seats (New concierge service at Reel Cinemas, November 12). However, I am curious to know why people would need a blanket at the movies.

Instead, there should be a facility for individuals to turn off the airconditioner if they feel cold.

Nathalie Kleinschmit, Dubai

I think these kind of services will increase the price of a normal ticket. They are also killing the charm of being in a cinema.

Hasna Majid Laslami, Dubai

This is not new. As far as I know, they have been doing this for a while.

Name withheld by request

Training will boost employees efficiency

With regard to Peter Hellyer's opinion article Don't just fill quotas if you want a functional workforce (November 11), when I worked in a bank, after six months of gaining experience my employer offered to subsidise banking exams for me to achieve a specific qualification. Then when I moved into commercial accounting in the private sector, I attended Microsoft Office courses and was given time off to attend college to gain a diploma, then later a degree in accountancy.

This should be offered to all employees regardless of nationality and it’s about time some companies in the private sector got their act together in order to create a more productive and efficient workforce.

Name withheld by request

Decision affects ICC’s credibility

The decision by the International Criminal Court (ICC) not to investigate the point-blank killing, by Israeli commandos, of nine unarmed Turkish passengers on board the Mavi Marmara aid vessel in 2010, seems indefensible (ICC will not prosecute Israel over flotilla raid, November 7).

The decision not to prosecute will inevitably raise questions about the integrity and impartiality of the ICC.

The reason given by the ICC chief prosecutor, that the court is more concerned with larger scale incidents, ignores the fact that this attack upon civilian passengers in international waters was part of a six-year campaign by the Israeli government to effect an illegal regime change in Gaza by means of a blockade of essential goods to 1.8 million Palestinian Arabs. This still continues today.

This perverse decision would seem to have severely damaged the court’s credibility in any future war crimes investigation and could well signal its own demise as a claimed international body that has yet to be ratified by the US, China or India.

Anthony Bellchambers, UK

Working mums need support

In reference to Fatima Al Shamsi's opinion article We need to offer far more support to new mothers (November 14), I frequently show new mums where they can breast feed in comfort and privacy in Dubai Mall. I remember how hard it was in London, too.

Victoria Maybury, Dubai

How about affordable nurseries so working mothers don’t need to rely on maids?

Elisabeth Kendall, Abu Dhabi

Don’t spoil your child’s health

I was terrified to read that Type 2 diabetes, which is normally associated with obese adults, is being diagnosed in small children (Children as young as 6 diagnosed as diabetic, November 13). However, it's not surprising. For example, I often notice parents handing out packets full of chips and chocolates as they carry them in trolleys at supermarkets. We all need to be aware of the consequences of our actions.

Brigitte von Bulow, Abu Dhabi

Hostile policy will backfire

With regard to the article Shooting fuels clashes in Israel (November 10), Israel is only multiplying its enemies. The Israeli leadership should realise the dangers of indicriminate killing of Palestininans that will backfire on them.

K Ragavan, India