I refer to the article Top legal blunders made by UAE tourists (December 10).
Tour operators and hotels should do more to ensure tourists abide by the country’s rules and laws. For example, as tourists enter a hotel shuttle to visit malls, their guide or driver should ensure that each of them knows what the dress code is and is ready for it. I’ve found the UAE to be incredibly welcoming every time I have visited the country and I hope that tourists appreciate the hospitality and return the respect.
Nathalie Kleinschmit, Germany
When we visit another country, it is good ethics to not overstep their laws and regulations. It is just common sense and showing respect to our hosts to know about their culture and ways of life before we arrive at that destination.
Brigitte von Bulow, Abu Dhabi
I think it would be wise to actively inform tourists about the country’s culture and tradition, since the UAE wants to entice more tourists. Tourists should be expected to follow a country’s laws and not intentionally violate its norms, but certain laws need to be spelt out. For example, those concerning taking of certain photos are the ones that would most likely catch me off guard.
I don’t fault the government for enforcing these laws against ignorant tourists, but I would also understand a backlash. However, if tourists were given this information when entering the country and still chose to violate the laws, there would be much more government support.
John Francis, US
Hotels in the UAE should consider stopping the photoshoots of scantily dressed UK celebrities that appear in the UK tabloids on a weekly basis. These images give people the totally wrong impression of Dubai and encourage exactly the type of “offending” tourists this article has mentioned.
Julie Webber, Dubai
Thrift shop closure is unfortunate
I was very sorry to hear that the St Andrews second-hand shop, the only one of its kind in Abu Dhabi, has closed down indefinitely (Remembering Abu Dhabi's thrift shop, a second-hand institution, December 9).
This shop provided a valuable service for the community in a number of different levels, both environmental and societal, over decades.
At a time when we need to be finding ways to minimise our impact on the environment, which includes decreasing the amount of waste sent to our local landfill sites, as well as encouraging community volunteerism, it’s a great shame that the shop has had to close for lack of suitable space. I do hope a solution is found soon, especially for the benefit of those on lower incomes for whom I imagine it is somewhat of a lifeline.
Sarah Bartlett, Abu Dhabi
Great location in Dubai to rent flats
That hundreds of new flats and offices could be built above Dubai's busiest metro station in Deira is good news (RTA plan to build flats and offices above Dubai's busiest metro station, December 10). It's a great idea and the location will attract a lot of people looking to rent.
They will be able to enjoy the convenience of being as close to public transportation as possible. This will also help them to avoid waiting for a long time for the train.
Julia Miller, Dubai
What about the noise and vibration from the metro. Buildings near it can feel and hear it.
Mohannad Alchalabi, Dubai
New roads boon for commuters
I sincerely thank the Abu Dhabi authorities for their efforts to connect the city with new roads. The one opened recently connecting Sheikh Khalifa Highway and Sadiyat Island and Tourist Club is a big boon as it facilitates the flow of traffic to the city centre and other areas. Such efforts deserve genuine applause.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
We all need the gift of gratitude
I want to thank Manar Al Hinai for her timely comments in her column Give Thanks – You'll be grateful you did (December 8).
She merged nostalgic feelings about Thanksgiving with interesting facts. Isn’t it a shame that the workplace is the least likely place where we express gratitude?
There is a famous saying: “Expressing gratitude to others is a gift to them. Experiencing gratitude is a gift to yourself.” This supports her argument. We all need the gift of gratitude.
I conduct an email writing course and this article is a valuable resource that we will read and discuss together. I’m thankful to The National for always publishing such articles that make us think and act with more empathy and respect for others.
Janet Larsen Roberts, Abu Dhabi
