Why is the iPhone so much in demand?

A reader wonders why people are going crazy over the new iPhone. Other topics: India's progress, Sweden's move on Palestine, movie goers, Joe Biden's remarks, rent regulation

A reader wonders why the world is abuzz with so much excitement over the new iPhone. Above, the first buyer of an iPhone 6, David Rahimi, from California, displays his new purchases in Sydney. Saeed Khan / AFPShow less

I am amazed to see the craze for the new iPhone (UAE retailers struggle to meet demand for iPhone 6, October 7). What's there in the phone that prompted people from other countries to rush to the UAE on the first day of its launch?

There are reports that the new iPhone bends easily. But those reports don’t seem to be having any impact on sales. Can someone explain to me the mystery behind this phenomenon?

Madan Anchalia, Dubai

Sweden’s move over Palestine is significant

Seventy-five per cent of the world population – 126 states representing nearly two-thirds of the United Nations’ total membership of 193 – have now been joined by Sweden in formally recognising the State of Palestine. This figure equates to about 5.5bn of the global population of just over 7 billion.

The minority dissenting bloc, the United States and its allies including Britain are, however, withholding recognition, but this could change quickly as other EU states are eventually expected to follow Sweden’s lead in obtaining a just settlement for more than 5 million Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.

Meanwhile, the White House is angry with prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu for once again torpedoing any chance of a peaceful settlement by authorising yet more illegal settlements in the West Bank.

Sweden’s action, coupled with president Barack Obama’s anger, would seem to spell the beginning of the end for Mr Netanyahu’s premiership.

Anthony Bellchambers, UK

Movie goers show ignorant attitude

Fatima Al Shamsi's opinion article Why I hate going to the movies in the UAE (October 3) has attracted a lot of reaction.

However, I would like to add that parents often bring babies and little children to movie theatres. They cause a lot of disturbance, but their parents don’t seem to be bothered. It is awful.

Marina Bhandari, Abu Dhabi

Once a family brought their toddler and played a movie on their iPad for him. They didn’t even use head phones. Many people requested them to turn it off, but they didn’t seem to mind.

Amanda Simmons, Abu Dhabi

I have had to walk out of the movie hall a few times and been offered a free ticket for the next show. However, something needs to be done right away. I think security personnel should intervene.

Britt Collison Al Belooshi, Abu Dhabi

Rent regulation will benefit all

I agree that there has to be some kind of control over house-rent increases (Calls for Abu Dhabi rent index, October 7).

Not only are the “lower income earners” struggling to find suitable housing within their allowance, but many other professionals as well. What good is a decent salary when you have to supplement your housing allowance?

Bridgette Whisenand, Abu Dhabi

The massive increases will decimate the city’s workforce, because many people will not be able to afford unrealistic rents.

Steve O'Brien, Abu Dhabi

In many countries there are control systems to protect the rights of tenants and landlords.

Khaled S Motasem, Dubai

Biden’s remarks on UAE uncalled for

The US vice president Joe Biden openly said at the weekend that the UAE is one of the countries funding and arming extremists in Syria (Biden says 'sorry' for astonishing allegation, October 5). But then he apologised to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed on telephone.

This is not enough.

Janet Humphrey, Dubai

Mr Biden does not realise that words cause as much damage to relations as a nail does to wood.

Nicola Jane Ablett, Abu Dhabi