Parents require options to pay education fees

Readers share their opinions on school fees, Uber, beggars, the Dubai Opera and car sales

As pupils return, some parents are worried about how they will pay school fees. Pawan Singh / The National

The headline, Parents struggling to keep up with UAE school fees (August 28), sums up the problem for many families.

Schools should offer more structured payment plans – but I guess they have to pay salaries and overheads just like any other business.

Oh well, off to the bank for another loan for school fees.

Randall Mohammed, Dubai

People have a choice. The UAE is a tax-free country where most schools are run for profit.

If people prefer, they could get a job in their home country for less pay and be more likely to get free schooling.

I think a lot of expatriates with families move here because they get offered an education allowance with their job.

People need to work out if it’s really financially viable for them and, if not, think about going elsewhere.

Lizzie Cernik, Dubai

The Abu Dhabi Education Council has a system where parents can make payments in instalments.

Faris Barqawi, Abu Dhabi

Women play an essential role

Women in the UAE were empowered from the very formation of the country (Inspired by other UAE women, Emirati hopes to lead by example, August 26).

This empowerment is inherent within their cultural upbringing, which makes the UAE a modern society without a gender bias.

Hence, women here have become pioneers in many fields. Kholoud Al Kendi, who was the first Abu Dhabi employee of US defence contractor Harris Corporation, takes that leap to a different level.

More power to women in the UAE. It is encouraging to see this.

As a father of four daughters, I am very hopeful for their future. Name withheld by request

In reference to A day to celebrate Emirati women (August 28), I believe we should celebrate the role of all women.

We should be thankful for the thousands of women who are working here – especially those who work long hours in beauty salons and restaurants to give a decent life to their children and families back home.

Hoor Khan, Abu Dhabi

Uber disruption causes concern

I am disappointed at the disruption to the ride-sharing services (Uber and Careem services halted in Abu Dhabi, August 28).

They were the only way to get a clean and not-terribly- bad-smelling car. This is very sad news; I hope they will restart soon.

V Gheradi, Abu Dhabi

Beggars active across Emirates

Begging is a problem across the country (Sharjah Police report increase in illegal sales and begging, August 25).

It happens all the time in Al Ain. Children come up to people at 10pm asking for money. Often their parents are standing near by.

P Cooksey, Al Ain

New car sales space needed

I can understand why some people sell cars illegally (Vendors at Abu Dhabi roundabout defy municipality and snub Motor World hub, August 27).

I had a 2006 Mitsubishi Pajero in very good condition that sold for Dh20,000 on Dubizzle after I was offered only Dh10,000 by a car-buying organisation.

If the legitimate dealers think that they need to make up to Dh10,000 profit on a single vehicle, then people will want to find better ways to sell their cars.

It’s a shame that the municipality hasn’t arranged some space for these types of transactions to take places.

D Glass, Abu Dhabi

Venue offers opportunities

I was pleased to read about the new venue (What impact will the Dubai Opera have on the future of arts and culture in the UAE? August 28).

I see it as a great opportunity and a good starting point.

Alessandro Denipoti, Dubai

No satisfaction for this shopper

In regard to Keren Bobker's column, UAE laws in place to protect consumer rights (August 28), I have had several bad experiences with shopping.

Any time I have complained – with evidence to back my claim – I get a simple reply saying they did not find anything wrong. C Reid, Dubai