James Ryan has hit the nail on the head with his call to Unleash power of scientific research to stimulate the UAE knowledge economy (May 3). While nobody doubts the need to improve the academic quality and global reputation of local universities, the means employed to achieve this are often counterproductive to the professed aim of nurturing a research culture and knowledge economy.
The proliferation of regulatory bodies, monitoring policies and compliance regimes in the higher education sector stifles the intellectual curiosity and critical and creative thinking that define education and research. Knowledge production cannot be managed in the same way as a car factory or a bank.
Like other creative activities, research is an intuitive, unpredictable and often messy process that cannot easily be rationalised and subjected to short-term cost-benefit analyses. The ultimate irony is that, from the perspective of the “consultocrats” and bureaucrats who manage the institutions, the researchers themselves become the researched, because they have to be continuously monitored, measured and evaluated in the name of organisational efficiency.
Frank Fanselow, Abu Dhabi
Highlight road safety statistics
Regarding the editorial No excuse for shunning child seats, (April 26), perhaps providing some useful safety statistics on why child restraints can save lives and reduce injuries might help with parents' decision and beliefs.
The National could publish them as a helpful article.
Giulia Buttery, Dubai
Why avoid potatoes?
Potatoes should not be avoided as they are a good source of vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates (Top cardiologist says UAE residents must ditch ‘white death’ diets to tackle diabetes, April 25). All other foods mentioned have no nutritional value.
Gilda De Monte, Ecuador
Rather than having doctors giving us warnings, shut down the junk food outlets.
Moaz Bhutta, Dubai
I notice that there is no mention of white rice that is loaded with carbs. It’s bad for a diabetic.
Vicki Harrison, Dubai
Market picture is nothing new
The signs of market saturation have been around a long time predating the pressures mentioned in this article Smaller Dubai malls feel the pinch of saturation as mega shopping centres dominate. In fact, this was already visible years ago when malls such as Mall of the Emirates were built.
Take Deira City Centre as an example: before Mall of the Emirates was built, it was impossible to find parking.
Soon after the opening of the mall, it became much easier to find parking.
This same pattern repeated itself with Ibn Battuta and Dubai Mall. Then looking at the smaller centres along Jumeirah Road, they have been empty for many years.
Name withheld by request
Trump Saudi visit is historic
I was blown away by plans for this trip (Trump's historic visit to Riyadh, May 7). If any other president were about to do it, the American press would be drooling all over themselves in anticipation of an historic event. Instead, they're ignoring it. I am tired of the mean-spirited commentary passing for objective reporting.
Patricia Estep, United States
