Price watchdog is required to aid consumers

Readers write about the cost of living, teachers, speeding and pets

A reader says that we need a consumer watchdog to ensure fair prices. Delores Johnson / The National

In reference to VAT 'unlikely to curb spending' in UAE (April 2), I think we need a consumer watchdog.

I first realised this about three years ago when I bought a designer jacket in London and then saw the exact same jacket in Dubai a week later for nearly double the price.

I think people should avoid stores that overcharge. And I’m talking about some grocery stores, too, especially those that charge far more for produce than others. One shop charged me Dh4 for a lemon that would have cost 50 fils elsewhere.

The best thing we can do as consumers is to support local farmers. By doing so, you will be supporting sustainable practices, helping the local economy, creating jobs and lowering the carbon footprint by hopefully relying less on imported foods.

You will also be consuming more nutrient-rich foods, as they are so much fresher. Imported foods are flown to several locations before they reach your local outlet. It really is a no-brainer.

Consumers need to be more aware of their options, and I would like the authorities to crack down on unfair prices.

M Ballantyne, Dubai

What about the odd pricing in supermarkets? For example, if a bottle of water costs 95 fils, you never get the 5 fils change from a Dh1 payment.

Those small amounts added up probably pay the checkout clerk's wages. C Williams, Dubai

UAE deals well with extremists

I refer to Shelina Janmohamed's column, Violent misogyny is a common trait among extremists (March 31).

The misuse of Islam to further the indiscriminate killing of innocent people is a key factor in this discussion.

Fortunately, the UAE is the world’s leading authority and an example in dealing with this misuse. Western countries have much to learn.

Andy S, UK

Our teachers are already licensed

I don't understand the need for teaching licences (A step in the right direction, April 1) as all teachers here already have the necessary qualifications.

How is another piece of paper going to change anything?

C Botha, Dubai

Licensing doesn’t solve the problem of teachers who just take the job for the salary and really have no love for it or the students.

C Corley, Abu Dhabi

Speed doesn’t cause crashes

I am writing about Officials backtrack on move to reduce speed limits on Emirates and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed roads (March 29).

Lane -cutting, tailgating, jumping signals and changing lanes without indicating are the main reasons for accidents.

Reducing the speed limit might not really do much.

F Dsouza, Dubai

Not everything is permissible

Thank you for publishing the Friday sermon, Knowledge and good manners are key to prosperity (March 17).

We should all adhere to the guidance of the Prophet when he said: “So whoever saves himself from these suspicious things saves his religion and his honour.”

It would be good if this is elaborated on, because a lot of present-day Muslims seem to think that anything that is not clearly prohibited is permissible.

Samia Iftekhar, Abu Dhabi

Pets in the house can make you ill

There has been debate on Facebook about whether animals should be allowed in homes.

I think animals should be barred from residential premises for health reasons.

Pet dander and other allergens lurk in your home, but the human eye is unaware of them. Animals belong in the zoo.

Y Gilani, Dubai

I feed stray cats in my garden, but I don’t let them inside my villa. It is bad to lock animals in cages or inside small houses.

Name withheld by request