Dawood children who have been taken by their mother to join ISIL in Syria . Photo courtesy Dawood family
Dawood children who have been taken by their mother to join ISIL in Syria . Photo courtesy Dawood family
Dawood children who have been taken by their mother to join ISIL in Syria . Photo courtesy Dawood family
Dawood children who have been taken by their mother to join ISIL in Syria . Photo courtesy Dawood family

ISIL members will be silenced


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It's shocking that the poor children were taken to a place millions are trying to flee (In Britain, blame flies and souls searched after three sisters feared to have joined ISIL, June 23). Many have left the UK to migrate to this "utopia". We hear about their arrival, then drips of feeds from them declaring how wonderful it is and then silence. Eventually all their voices will be silenced.

Daniel R, Abu Dhabi

BBC should rethink FM closure plan

It is sad that the BBC World service is ending its 90.3FM broadcasts in Abu Dhabi (BBC to end FM service in capital, June 24). The Middle East now, more than ever before, benefits from sensible and balanced news reporting. The loss of the BBC from the airwaves will mean that it will only be available on computers (which can't be used by dedicated listeners in moving vehicles) or via old-school short wave services (and most people don't have short wave radios). I hope that this decision can be re-examined and changed to enable people in the capital city of one of the most influential Arab countries to continue to listen to sensible news.

Ian Wing, Abu Dhabi

Listeners will still be able to access the station online, by satellite radio and short-wave radio, and by downloading the BBC Arabic app. It’s time to upgrade the radio.

Anna Damski, UK

Dog park is too expensive

The indoor dog park is definitely a good idea (Huge indoor dog park is all about beating the heat, June 20). However, these facilities are often overpriced and beyond the reach of many. It is no surprise that only pilots and those in other high-profile jobs can afford to book their pets into one of the rooms at the centre.

It sounds great but they should have a similar concept where people actually stay with their dogs and will be able to take them there on a daily bases without breaking the bank.

Nadia Sarie, Dubai

Why worry about health?

With reference to your editorial Fit for purpose? (June 24), "unFitbit" may be a good investment: I would not buy one of these devices because I am neither tech-savvy nor a fitness enthusiast. I use basic technology and cannot digest the idea of wearing something that records data relating to my health. If I get regular updates on my health, I would probably stop living and start getting more worried and conscious instead.

Fatima Suhail, Sharjah

I was happy with my Fitbit as it made me realise that I was not drinking enough water and getting exercise. The only problem is that the charger stopped working after a while and I couldn’t find a replacement.

Maria Eugenia Panneflek, Abu Dhabi

Consider drones as an option

The picture gallery A ride with Dubai's eyes and ears in the sky (June 20) was interesting. However, I'm ceratin it's very expensive to maintian a fleet of helicopters. As an alternative, the civil defence could consider using drones to suplement the the air wing, especially where serveillance is mostly required. I beleive that the air wing serves a critical purpose when it comes to search and rescue, and emeregency transportation. Over the past few years, drones have become more cost-effective and with improved technology they could fly longer and could be outfitted with day- and night-vision camersa. For example, drones have become an effective tool for spotting sharks that threaten beach goers and proved more effective than combing the waters with jet skies.

Randall Mohammed, Abu Dhabi