With regards to your coverage of the new national service programme (A proud moment for the country and its citizens, August 31), it is indeed a proud moment for all of the country and especially those who are lucky enough to be in the first batch of recruits.
I am sure the programme will mould a generation into citizens who are patriotic and proud to work for the good of the country, keeping it on a path of peace and harmony.
It will not be easy for many of these young recruits as the environment will be different from the one they are used to.
However, as true citizens of this country, they will, I am sure, get up to speed with the tough requirements of the programme. I am also sure they will emerge as a generation who are always ready and willing to serve their country.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
‘Beijing BMW’ divides opinion
With reference to your story on the "Beijing Beamer" (Chinese BMW lookalike goes on sale in the UAE as cheaper cars gain popularity, August 30), it is worth pointing out that many car makers copy the designs of their competitors. Car makers in the United States, for example, have been champions of reverse-engineering for decades. Everyone copies everyone, but it is only the Chinese who get criticised for this. China's manufacturers offer reliable items at an affordable price, unlike many brands from elsewhere in the world.
Name withheld by request
That doesn’t remind me of a BMW at all. It looks like a Skoda.
Christian Kasten, Germany
These Chinese-made BMW lookalikes can’t be any more unreliable than my BMW. It spends more time in the garage than it does on the road.
James English, Dubai
It’s not a copy, it’s used with permission. BMW and Brilliance Auto launched a joint venture in 2003.
Kash Kashif Becker, Dubai
I previously owned a Brilliance FRV hatchback. They are really very good cars.
Noha Abdel Hamid, Ajman
Helping bilateral understanding
Your story Modi eyes trade, defence and nuclear deals on Japan (August 31) was interesting to read. Narendra Modi's visit to Japan is a welcome one, let's hope it brings good bilateral understanding and hopefully Mr Modi will also bring more stability to that relationship.
K Ragavan, US
Strong leadership pays dividends
Any attack on the UAE is misguided and unjust (Gargash tweets against those "made uneasy by UAE's clarity", August 28).
I have lived in the UAE for close to five years and still cannot give enough praise to what I see as truly amazing progress in such a short space of time.
This work has been carried out by an intelligent, thoughtful leadership.
I admire the Emirati people and their culture. I wish them well and hope they shall be protected at all times by their honesty and vision for the future.
Name withheld by request
Counterfeit goods cheat consumers
It is good that the authorities are cracking down on those who sell counterfeit goods (60,000 fake phones seized in Dubai since the start of August, August 25). I have seen a "Sansung" sold on the street for Dh400. These handsets are convincing until you want to recharge them for the first time.
Mike Wyatt, Sharjah
What is a fair deal for taxi drivers?
Your Facebook feed asked whether it is fair that taxi drivers face tougher penalties for infringements than other drivers? (Taxi drivers see red over zero tolerance, August 28). As far as I know, taxi drivers don't have days off and are only eligible for a holiday after two years of service.
I would ask anyone who thinks these penalties are fair to do your job without having a weekend and see how productive and professional you remain.
Veronika Abdullina, Dubai
Drivers have a duty of care to their passengers. Generally though, the quality of drivers is lacking.
Brett Pearson, Abu Dhabi
