Al Ain is a wonderful place (Al Ain's oases and landmarks to be upgraded to boost tourism, October 3). The peace and tranquillity of this city are not comparable to Dubai. I love it.
Mannylen Obrero, Al Ain
It’s overdue. I don’t know how long I will stay here. So I hope I do not remember only thw UAE’s malls and similar attractions.
Nicole Brustolon, Dubai
Upgrading its tourist infrastructure makes business sense, but I love the antiquity, anonymity and simplicity of this place.
Abdul Matheen Yousuf, Dubai
We can’t afford another war
Finally the sane population of India and Pakistan breathed a sigh of relief (India, Pakistan agree to ease tensions along Kashmir border, October 4). On many occasions they have come back from the brink and all those situations were triggered by Kashmir.
This is an issue that needs to be settled through dialogue, although there is no easy solution.
The people of India and Pakistan need better living conditions and war will not bring it. Both are poor countries so they can’t afford to go to war. It will be devastating.
There are few countries left in the world that are still untouched by war. No one wants more war.
Shivani Chandrakant, India
A strong bond with readers
How often does one find mention of a Middle East newspaper in a western novel (James Bond is right on target, October 2)? Rarely. So it's a matter of pride – and indeed an achievement – for The National to find mention in a James Bond novel. The newspaper is a great read.
Here’s hoping that its readership doubles, and Bond makes reading The National part of his extra-curricular work.
AR Modak, Johannesburg
All should get paid on time
Why is the decree focused on companies with more than 100 workers (UAE decree to ensure wages are paid on time comes into force, October 3)? Shouldn’t all employees get their salary on time?
Chris Reid, Dubai
Is human life worth a sum?
The Government needs to help people and prevent employers from cutting costs on employees' health cover (Closing the gap in health insurance, October 4). We all know that the only way to make companies comply with rules – not just here but all over the world – is to make them realise that they could face heavy penalties and legal action for breaching rules.
A health insurance plan whereby a patient has to shell out a minimum of Dh150 during visits to a health facility, on top of other things, is a type of business in which profit comes before human health.
I experienced this when I was left to wait on a trolley at a hospital as the doctors and other hospital staff made sure that the insurance company would pay for my surgery.
Only after three phone calls did they take me to the operating theatre.
My health seemed to be of secondary importance to them at that moment. All that mattered was money.
That was the day I realised that my life is only worth that money. This is sad.
Tanya Milbourne, Abu Dhabi
