Smoking and eating
Recently we were at a big shopping mall having a meal at the huge food court with our three children and friends. Sadly it was a disastrous experience.

Our children and pregnant friend all brought up their food due to the heavy smoking that was taking place in the area. Millions are being spent to build huge shopping malls, so why can't designated smoking areas be moved away from food courts and play areas?
From Ms Verity Sobhani
Dubai

Senseless reminder
What's the sense in putting reminders on cigarette packets ("Smokers face new warning", Gulf News, August 20)? If you are a smoker and you're actually holding a packet of cigarettes, would you care to read the text on the packet? Besides, for smokers, simply knowing or being informed about the negative effects of smoking does not guarantee that they will refrain from smoking. It would be a much better idea for the government to decrease the availability of cigarettes in the market.
From Mr Janssen Canda Joaquin
Dubai

Globalisation
Globalisation is the order of the day ("Higher education", Speak Your Mind, Gulf News, August 24). Hence, one should be ready to work anywhere across the globe. Internationalisation of experience is at a premium, as it gives one a broader perspective, fosters understanding of various cultures and thereby helps one to work in a multicultural environment and remain competitive all the time. So, you should be flexible to work across continents and understand the work ethos, as global managers are required to handle the present and the future work environment.
From Ms Linda S.
Dubai
Full name withheld by request

Well-rounded
There is a strong need for enhancing the diversity and range of programmes offered to equip students so that they remain competitive. Having access to broader-based liberal courses widens their perspectives. This would not only enhance the quality of education but also develop a well-rounded future generation as education provides the foundation of culture, intellectual development and progress.
From Mr Rahul Dominic
Abu Dhabi

Saving money
The news of the move to develop low- cost housing especially for the middle-income group seems like a bonus for the expatriates in the UAE ("Long-term deal to tackle rental issues" Gulf News, August 22). This would certainly help to ease the financial crisis that the expatriates are currently facing due to high rents. If this is in place then I am sure many fellow expatriates can now dream of saving money - the ultimate motive for what we have all come here for. Hope it takes off as planned.
From Mr Tonmoy Barooa
Dubai

Sharp observation
This is in response to Mr Narendra Sadhawani's letter "Melting iron" and his astute observation about the "strength" of the Japanese (Your Turn, Gulf News, August 21). Iron in fact melts somewhere near 1,583?Celsius. Have you ever tried to lie on the bare floor, in direct sunlight, in summer? Metals absorb heat like all other bodies and therefore they bend when they gain a certain "amount" of energy.

Unlike the human body, metals don't sweat and cannot alter their circulation behaviour. So there you go! I recommend Mr Sadhawani sharpen his observations some more.
From Mr K. M. Ahmad
Cardiff, UK
Full name withheld by request

Filmmakers
Two of the world's greatest filmmakers passed away recently. The loss of the film doyens, Ingmar Bergman and Michelangelo Antonioni, has left the film fraternity devoid of visionary filmmakers. They both had their own special brand of filmmaking. They attained international acclaim and were awarded Oscars in fitting recognition of their lifetime achievements and contribution to cinema. Their films were unique, thought-provoking, visually appealing, thematically good and at times difficult to comprehend. Their films had a far-reaching influence on people.
From Mr Trevor De Sousa
Dubai
Gulf News Reader's Club member

Lower call rates
As you might know, the call rates from and to the UAE are probably the highest in the world. Well, if people are using other means to call their loved ones, the telecom giants will lose good customers. Only if they lower the prices will they make more revenue.
From Mr Ali Jaffery
Dubai

Al Nahda Park
The condition of Al Nahda Park has become pathetic. Once, the municipality had issued cards for residents, which would allow entry into parks in Sharjah. Now that seems to have disappeared, and the place is filled with bachelors who ogle at all the women who are in the park with their children. Can't something be done about this?
From Mr Rajesh Janardhanan
Dubai

Living in peace
As an Iranian I must admit that most of my people inside Iran would welcome a mission that will stop bad people ("Washington turns hawkish on Iran", Gulf News, August 21). I would be especially grateful if the Iranian Revolutionary Guards are the focus of the mission. If that happens, the world would witness how Iran could combat this regime.
From Mr A. R.
UAE
Full name withheld by request