Tips are rewards for exceptional service, not pay

Readers weigh whether we should pay gratuities. Also: health insurance, discount flights and green space in Dubai.

Readers discuss the merits of giving tips to restaurant and hotel staff. Nicole Hill / The National

Your editorial, Let's rethink the rules of tipping (October 19), notes that Americans routinely add 15 per cent to a restaurant bill as a tip.

Why go with a percentage at all? If you get good service, you should give what you like. If you get exceptional service, tip more. If you get very poor service, don’t tip at all.

I appreciate the staff who look after us, but receiving tips is not a right, it’s a bonus that has to be earned.

By the way, you should never add a tip to your credit card bill, because the staff will never see it.

Dave Pryce, Dubai

Tips are the reason for low salaries. Employers count on them to justify the pay their employees receive. Tips should be extras, not part of the basic salary.

Marta Roman, Dubai

A tip is an act of kindness. Kindness must not have a standard measurement.

If the server or other worker gives some kindness to you, it is just to give kindness back.

Tips make people happy, but they should not be linked to the person’s salary.

Leonardo Paracha, Dubai

I used to live in Los Angeles and you were expected to tip 15 to 20 per cent. I don’t believe in a fixed percentage, but I do believe in tipping. Why not tip and help the server out if the service is good?

Name withheld by request

Dubai needs green spaces

I refer to Nakheel awards Dh2.3 billion worth of contracts for three new shopping centres in Dubai (October 18).

Dubai needs landscaped parks like Central Park in New York. They should designate zones for public outdoor recreation facilities.

Ahmed Shaie, Dubai

I'd like to see a big indoor science and discovery centre in Dubai. All the children here seem to do is go to malls. Charlotte Mani, Dubai

How about creating parks in more neighbourhoods so our children have nearby places to play, instead of us having to get into our cars and drive around looking for suitable places?

Malls are all the same these days, with the same shops and food outlets and one of the major supermarkets. Aziza Al Busaidy, Dubai

India must act against rapists

Your editorial, India must act against abuse of women (October 19), was thought-provoking.

The Indian government should act swiftly on this issue. Those found guilty should be punished immediately so that other people will think twice before committing these crimes.

K Ragavan, India

Proposal wasn’t spontaneous

It wasn't a joke: Dubai comedian Nitin Mirani proposes to girlfriend at Comedy Festival (October 19) seems to me like a publicity stunt.

This couple were already engaged and had celebrated the Indian roka ceremony.

Nevertheless, I wish them good luck for the future.

Zeeshan Arshad, Dubai

Sky’s the limit for discount airline

I hope that Flydubai can get over its current setbacks (Flydubai swings to loss as conflicts in Iraq, Ukraine and Yemen force flight suspensions, October 19).

If they start cheap flights to such destinations as London, Paris, Zurich and Cape Town, they could make big profits.

Ahmed Albaidhani, Dubai

Health insurance is essential for all

I was pleased to read 70,000 register for Dubai's Saada insurance plan (October 1).

Having health insurance is important for several reasons. Uninsured people receive less medical care and less timely care, they have worse health outcomes, and the lack of insurance is a fiscal burden for them and their families.

Moreover, the benefits of expanding coverage outweigh the costs for added services.

Name withheld by request