You can reject unwanted calls

Readers say they are tired of the hard-selling tactics adopted by banks and other companies. Jaime Puebla / The National

In reference to your article How to steer clear of the hard sell tactics from UAE and international banks (September 20), I would like to point out that it's not only sales people from banks that make cold calls. I receive calls and spam text messages from Etisalat trying to get me to upgrade my data package. They are equally annoying.

Jeffrey Martin, UK

I have a friend who just keeps them on the line for as long as possible by asking questions. He does this especially to those aggressive representatives of companies selling financial products.

It works a treat as they then can’t hit their hourly call target. As for me, I store their numbers as “do not answer”.

Louise Halmkan Slantenburg, Abu Dhabi

This matter is not tough to handle, especially for smartphone users. First time you cut the phone off, then block the number. You can do the same for text messages.

Peter Lemmens, Dubai

UAE needs to evaluate education model

Regarding your news report UAE schools should be up with the world's best (September 21), it's a good plan, but in my humble opinion, one of the biggest problems with the secondary education system here is that it is easily influenced by a variety of so-called "successful models" in other nations.

No one seems to question why they are successful, nor does anyone take into account that these models are aimed at a completely different culture that does not share the same beliefs, norms or values as this country. Therefore, while the “Finnish model” is successful in Finland, bringing it here will not guarantee success.

Name withheld by request

The authorities first need to monitor teachers to ensure that they do their jobs properly. In many schools teachers do not teach properly, as a result of which parents put their children in private coaching classes.

Shereen Wessam, Dubai

White coat risky for hospital staff

Your editorial on the wearing of lab coats is timely but possibly overdue (Uniform response, September 22).

The UK has completely banned white coats in hospitals and medical facilities as well, purely for the fact that sleeves and pockets could harbour bacteria. If we are concerned that it may pass to the general public, surely there must be a greater risk for people in hospital – who by default are sicker and hence more susceptible to infection. Something to consider?

Manickam Vairavan, Abu Dhabi

Use arms only to defeat ISIL

I do not like to see weapons and tanks (Iraq's Kurdish fighters get arms made by ally from the enemy, September 20), but I like to see them in the hands of those who are out to defeat ISIL. I have great admiration and respect for the courage of the Kurdish fighters, women included.

Brigitte von Bulow, Abu Dhabi

Do not take safety for granted

I refer to the editorial Perception of crime in the UAE contrasts with the reality (September 21). I have been living in the UAE for the past 10 years and personally I never felt unsafe at any point of time.

Ankita Bhowmick, Dubai

It is better to inform people about the reality. I also thought that Dubai was safe, until someone stole my bag from my car while I was in the vehicle.

If I knew that such things might happen, I would have been more careful. When I wrote about my experience on Facebook, I came to know that the same thing happened to some other people as well.

I know that this place is safer than many other countries, but people should not take safety for granted. Informing people can go a long way to maintaining a safe environment.

Shima Mehri, Dubai