Do we need to surf the internet on the beach?

It's good that Dubai is thinking smart ('Smart palms' installed in Dubai offer free Wi-Fi, phone charging and information, July 30). I'm all for free Wi-Fi, but to put these on beaches seems like a bit of a mistake. Surely people go to the beach to swim, as opposed to charging their devices or surfing the internet.

Clare L'Estrange, Abu Dhabi

I don’t know why people are complaining about this. As for the appearance, it hardly matters, because we are not going to decorate our homes with these installations.

Also, I don’t think that this facility will disconnect beachgoers from their surroundings. After all, Wi-Fi is not obligatory. We live in the internet age so we always need to stay connected for whatever reason. This is the future. We must thank Dubai for all these facilities.

Tasneem Al Zamrooni, Dubai

With reference to the news report Petrol price change may prompt residents to re-evaluate their lifestyles, (July 29), the government should also consider applying a carbon-dioxide emission penalty charge. This will further encourage people to consider smaller and more fuel-efficient cars

Alex Bibi, Dubai

The UAE is still way cheaper compared to the countries that it wants to be compared to. Forget about other Arab countries. Think global.

Casper Morgenstern, Dubai

A large number of people who make Dh1,000 a month or less will find it difficult to commute if bus fares rise (Price rise 'could have been worse', July 29). Even now, when bus fares are relatively low, many of them take a walk whenever they can, or hitchhike. For them, every dirham counts.

Name withheld by request

This country is becoming too expensive to live in. The low fuel prices helped balance out the high price of everything else. A lot of people are thinking of going back to their home countries, because it is becoming cheaper to live back home, and have the added bonus of being close to family.

It’s so sad, as this is a beautiful country and has a lot to offer to everyone, including families.

Wendy Latimer Gething, Dubai

With reference to the article Dubai becomes No 1 jobs destination for US expats, study finds (July 30), Dubai certainly has geographical advantages that make it attractive to companies that want to do business in the Mena region and South Asia.

That said, it does not have London’s financial institutions, though it is a cheaper place to do business in comparison. The competition is good. It will improve the city which will be beneficial for those who wish to work there.

Mehul Kamdar, US

What Sheikh Mohammed has done for Dubai and its people is amazing (Vice President launches training for young leaders, July 31). He is truly a visionary. Leaders of other countries should learn from his example.

Sussanne Cherrie, Dubai

Rents rise, but where is safety?

How many times do we hear alarms and ignore them because they're not maintained by landlords properly (Residents rescued from fire in building, July 31)? They increase rents, but where is the accountability for tenant safety?

Aiysha Hurley, Abu Dhabi