A caring community is judged by how well it cares for its most vulnerable and dependent, such as children, elderly, people with special needs, as well as animals.
Recently, I observed my neighbours pack up and take all their belongings, except one: the family cat. They had enjoyed her for her baby months as a kitten, but she was not valued enough to be taken to the next place. She had a belly full of babies when I found her at my gate. I had her spayed.
I wonder how could those people possibly think they were doing the right thing?
Lesley Aabryn, Abu Dhabi
Some people who plan to abandon their pets when they leave should take note of the hardships people will have to take on to look after their pets. If you have no intention of taking your pet to your own country when you leave, then don’t take a pet.
Carol Goodey, Abu Dhabi
I will go back to Indonesia soon. I am doing the formalities to be able to take my two cats with me.
It’s not cheap. I have to be ready to spend about Dh7,000 to Dh10,000 for the required documents. I have no choice though, as I can’t leave my cats here. But please don’t judge those who had to leave their pets, because not everybody can afford to take their pets along, no matter how much they love them. It’s especially difficult for those who don’t earn enough.
Delyanna Navyanti, Abu Dhabi
Don’t take small children to the cinema
In reference to your editorial Cinemas are refuges (September 23), the issue is the cinema personnel allowing children into shows that are not appropriate for them. There is no enforcement whatsoever. It's surprising that so many parents take their children to watch movies that have a lot of violence and gore.
There is a reason movies are rated. Not to mention that the sound levels are too high for small children.
Those keen to watch movies with their children should do so at home. I once had to sit through a horror movie with a child who would scream and cry. That was a very bad experience.
Jean Francoise Ng Lewis, Abu Dhabi
I saw a couple watch Mad Max with their newborn. The baby screamed throughout most of the movie. Aside from the fact that it ruined the movie for other viewers, the sound was loud enough to perforate a newborn’s eardrums.
James De Vile, Abu Dhabi
Inconsiderate mobile phone users and misbehaving children are the reason I don’t go to the cinema more often.
Giles Heaton, Abu Dhabi
Islamophobia is unacceptable
Maryam Ismail's opinion article I will always feel at home in the UAE's friendly spaces (September 23) was fantastic. Having lived in New York after 9/11, I saw the fear and felt it myself. The worst was when my Muslim taxi driver talked to his crying daughter on his mobile as her teacher no longer wanted her in class because of her religion. This broke my heart. Throughout the US and the UK, there needs to be more acceptance of Muslims.
Christine Hinz, Abu Dhabi
Think about the ordinary people
Your article Traffic and living costs concerns in Dubai (September 15) made me worry about my future.
The UAE is developing, which means that the traffic situation is possibly going to get worse, while property prices will go up. I think this country needs more roads and an adequate number of affordable houses. Otherwise ordinary people are going to suffer immensely.
I wake up everyday at 5.30am to reach my destination before 8am. I get stuck in traffic in my neighbourhood for hours and then on the highway.
Name withheld by request