Praise for price watchdog

A reader praises efforts to keep prices down. Other letter topics: vocational study, obesity and controversy over a bar guide.

A reader appreciates the efforts of consumer protection officer Hashim Al Nuaimi. Satish Kumar / The National

I think, overall, it is a good move to restrict higher education places (Thousands turned down for places at university, July 25).

Attracting students to the vocational programmes might be a challenge at first, but if these programmes can be linked to high-paying technical job opportunities available in the public sector (and the private sector as well), students will have a line of sight to a meaningful career.

I believe technical jobs in the oil and aviation sectors can be quite attractive.

Ayesha Asad, Dubai

There's nothing wrong with keeping standards high.

And for those whose studies are free, lucky you. All that is required is hard work, dedication and sacrifice. It's all worth it in the end.

Tricia Sutherland, Dubai

Amusing article points to truth

I greatly enjoyed reading Ali Khaled's light-hearted comments (Many of us will medal in sloth during the Ramadan Olympics, July 25), and I really appreciated the sting in the tail.

Obesity truly is a problem, especially with its links to diabetes which has a very high incidence in the Emirates.

Bad diet and lack of exercise is the problem. The first may be due to the explosion of fast-food options and the decline in home cooking; the latter may have something to do with the heat, or the many sedentary lifestyle options - television and video games among them - now widely available.

It's a national issue that needs to be tackled before it gets worse.

Mary Morris, Dubai

Obesity is a medical issue, but it's also helping drive the economy, as the story on the business pages, McDonald's beefs up burger sales (July 25), demonstrates.

Charles Bryant, Abu Dhabi

Man on a mission looks out for us

I'm impressed with the head of consumer protection, Dr Hashim Al Nuaimi (Traders feel the ire of man who knows his onions, July 25).

As your story so vividly relates, this man of action seems to be putting in a lot of energy and effort protecting consumers' rights in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

It's a big job, though, because it seems there are always retailers ready to rip off unsuspecting customers, no matter where you live.

I hope the good doctor has some assistants.

Jane Rogers, Dubai

What's in a name when it's a nation?

New parents name their baby Emirates (July 25) is interesting, but she might not be the first.

A Syrian actress already has the name Emarat Rezk. Her former husband is the famous director Yousef Rizk.

I'm not sure if she was named after the UAE, though.

Omar Krayem, Abu Dhabi

FNC member sets a good example

When there is so much bad news around, it's good to read of somebody who is selflessly doing something for others.

FNC member spends Holy Month visiting Emiratis and hearing problems (July 25) is one such story.

I applaud Federal National Council member Hamad Al Rahoomi for his decision to join other Emiratis after their Ramadan prayers and listen to their problems.

Representatives in other countries, who seem more obsessed with themselves than looking after ordinary people, would do well to follow this example.

J Johannson, Abu Dhabi

Bar guide removal was appropriate

Regarding Ramadan bar guide sparks online debate (July 25), about Time Out Dubai running an online list of bars open for Ramadan, it must be noted that alcohol is forbidden for Muslims.

Out of respect they should have put the matter right - and they did, by removing the article from the web after the Twitter reaction.

But more disrespectful is an advertisement by a cinema chain about watching movies for reduced rates, with a chance to win a car through a raffle draw.

Mohammad Fuad Mustafa, Abu Dhabi

If people have a problem with this, then petition the Government to close bars during Ramadan.

Don't pick on Time Out, it is only pointing out what is open and informing readers of the facts. Don't shoot the messenger.

Irwin Fletcher, Dubai

Along this line, there should be designated restaurants that are open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks during the Holy Month of Ramadan, catering to non-Muslims.

These restaurants should be listed or announced in the media so the public can know about them.

James Donato, Dubai