Regarding your editorial The role of malls (June 18), they aren't really just malls here. In a hot region like this, they are like little city centres you would visit elsewhere to bank or socialise. But yes, we have enough.
Kathy Lee, Dubai
Exercise utmost caution over investment
Having used two companies here, I simply wouldn't trust financial advisers (UAE expats count the cost after falling into investment trap, June 17). They only look for the sale; there's no real intention to look after you, your family and your hard-earned cash.
Jane Samson, Dubai
I can’t get over how many calls and spam text messages I have had since moving here.
Chris Reid, Dubai
Another burden on residents
Regarding Abu Dhabi introduces Dh35 exit fee for airport passengers (June 16), my question is this: why do they call it a fee when it is clearly a tax?
Guglielmo Molteni, Dubai
It’s sad that expenses are steadily rising, while salaries are not.
Anupriya D Budhwani, Dubai
I’m not sure how many people are aware of this, but there are hundreds of qualified, hard-working Emirati graduates sitting at home unable to find jobs as expatriates like myself who will work for a lower salary currently occupy those positions.
Raising rents and imposing levies on expatriates are what is required to redress the balance so that the workforce comprises 50 per cent Emiratis and 50 per cent expatriates. For those who can no longer afford to stay or it is not viable for them to stay, perhaps it is time to move on to fresher pastures.
While I am aware this is a huge upheaval for families with children in crucial years at school, we must remember we are guests of this nation and as with all guests, it is important not to outstay one’s welcome.
Name withheld by request
Story lacks information
Your article Sheikha Al Qassimi’s positive attitude (June 17) keeps you guessing. Sheikha Al Qassimi has social media followers and the story mentions her social media. Yet it does not mentioning how to find her on social media.
John Paravalos, Dubai
Why a licence for dog owners?
I hope the authorities seriously ban owning exotic animals as pets (Licences for UAE dog owners and exotic animal ownership are target of new draft FNC law, June 16), but I don't understand why if I own a small dog I would need a licence.
Marian Álvarez García, Abu Dhabi
In other words, don’t have a pet. It’s a ridiculous proposition.
Sultan Joseph Al Tamimi, Dubai
More dogs will be abandoned by their owners if this law is enforced. It’s going to be a total disaster.
Hanna Sharabaika, Dubai
Dogs are very different from exotic animals that are being kept as pets. Technically, when walking any dog it’s just logical to keep it on a leash.
Families who bring their pets here already pay thousands of dirhams to have them here. Why should they pay more for a so-called licence? Family pets are not the problem in this country.
In fact, markets where exotic and imported pets are sold should require proper licensing, not families who go through a lot of paperwork, fees and vet visits to ensure their pets can be legally and safely brought into the UAE.
The FNC should spend their energy on writing eco policy to protect wildlife and wild animal imports, not licensing dogs. They are not cars.
Carla Botha, US