E-cigarette debate requires more caution

With regards to your article Call for ban on e-cigarettes to be lifted (March 22), I feel it would be a bad step to allow e-cigarettes into the UAE. In my time working here, I have seen a lot of young people smoking. This cannot be good for the long term health of UAE citizens and will only create problems later in their lives.

As a progressive Arab nation, I would hope that the UAE takes every reasonable step to protect its citizens and workers from nicotine, with an eventual ban on all tobacco products. After all, no one can pretend that tobacco is essential to life.

Name withheld by request

Ban e-cigarettes. If you do a little research, it is easy to see that e-cigarettes put people in danger and create new cancer patients.

Brigitte von Bulow, Abu Dhabi

I have been using e-cigarettes for nine months and feel great. You have the same chances of getting cancer from eating fish as you do from using e-cigarettes.

R Van Cangry, Montreal

Workers report is encouraging

Reading the Special report: A look inside UAE labour accommodation living conditions (March 22) has allowed me to view the thousands of migrant workers from different parts of the world in a completely new light.

The debate about working conditions here has always been about the lack of facilities at the labour accommodation. However, this report changes the debate and that has been so encouraging to the working community as a whole.

Construction companies, which employ large number of foreign workers must have certain guidelines for providing accommodation for their staff and this needs to be physically monitored on a regular basis. Safety must one of the important features.

The UAE authorities’ effort to set a standard in the living conditions of those low-income workers should be considered a good example of humanity.

Ramachandran Nair, Oman

The benefits of lower airfares

After reading your story (Bright spot for UAE holidaymakers as Emirates and other airlines in price war, March 12) all I can say is that the long wait for airfares to come in-line with falling oil prices is finally over. We have all been waiting far too long.

Cyndicato Valera, Abu Dhabi

The $1,500 (Dh5,000) per couple deal on Emirates round-trip from Los Angeles to Dubai was simply to good to pass up. Can’t wait to visit the Middle East.

John Francis, US

Pest control is a communal issue

It is shocking, as your article Bedbugs and cockroaches make up bulk of Dubai pest complaints (March 22) points out, to know that pest infestation is on the rise across Dubai. These pests can breed and multiply in surroundings that are damp, dark and unclean. It is most upsetting to see these common bedbugs and ants lingering on furniture at reputable hotels as well as residential buildings and public places.

It all boils down to personal hygiene and the cleanliness of our homes and surroundings. Those who face pest infestation should seek professional help immediately rather than delaying the process and having the problem get more severe for all of us.

Fatima Suhail, Dubai

Farmers are India’s backbone

I read your report Modi reassures farmers over land purchase laws (March 23) with great interest.

I would point out that the Modi government must convince and highlight the advantage of this bill to the opposition in order for the bill to actually benefit the farmers in question.

Additionally, as a result of this crisis, many infrastructure developments in the country are in a state of limbo. Will both the government and opposition look to India’s interest and act accordingly?

K Ragavan, India

A proper chippy opens its doors

After reading your review, Simply Fish & Chips – a proper British chippy in Abu Dhabi (March 10), I had to give the place a try.

The fish was excellent.

The chips were good but a little overdone and something akin to what you’d find in a pub, but at least they weren’t French fries.

Name withheld by request