Reem Island killer deserved the death sentence

The death sentence imposed on Alaa Al Hashemi this week (Reem Island killer executed at dawn, July 14) sends a loud message to anyone who tries to commit such a crime in the UAE.

This country has been a model state in the Muslim world where peace, tolerance and respect is guaranteed for all its communities.

No one should be allowed to change this by extreme beliefs or acts. May Allah bless the UAE with stability and peace.

Mansour Malik, Dubai

Some of the reactions to the execution have been to express concern for Alaa Al Hashemi's six children, who are aged between 10 years and nine months.

But she didn't give her victim's children one second of thought. Ibolya Ryan's poor boys were waiting for their mum to return from the bathroom for hours.

Nadia Sarie, Dubai

I salute the UAE for its dignity in handling this case.

We should not celebrate death under any circumstances but they seem to have reached the right balance between the victim's life and the life they took in carrying out justice.

Abdulkarim Talib, Dubai

As an American, I say thank you to the government of the UAE for taking this crime seriously and holding the suspect accountable.

God bless the UAE and the ruling families for making such an amazing country.

Alex Mendez-Whitehurst, US

Readers share Ramadan tales

Your newspaper has invited the readers to share their favourite Ramadan story.

The Holy Month is special to me because mosques are busy almost all day and night, which makes the neighbourhood full of life. It is common to see huge tents set up for this month, giving away iftar.

For me, the real feeling of a Ramadan day starts at iftar, when we gather with our family members at one table to break our fast.

Family members rarely share the same meal times for the rest of the year because of our busy lifestyles, but in Ramadan everyone is ready to share the best moments with the ones they love.

Sabiha Sultana, Dubai

As a non-Muslim, Ramadan was not really important to me when I was living in India. But after moving to the UAE, exposure to Muslim culture has allowed me to realise its true importance.

Two years ago, I was invited to attend an iftar – the first in my life. It was such a pleasure when so many people from different walks of life gathered in one room to greet each other and to break their fasts together.

This very happy and pleasant evening has stayed as a sweet memory with me.

Shilpa Parmar, Dubai

I have many fond Ramadan memories spent with extended family but the memory that makes me smile the most is the day my husband and I organised an iftar and a show for the children with special needs residing in the Senses centre.

The show was a combination of story-telling, physical comedy and circus skills after which we all broke fast together and laughed together. I really cherish those smiles and hugs and continue to visit our friends at the centre throughout the year.

Mina Liccione, Dubai

Road tragedy a call for education

My reaction to your news story, Dubai police officer dies trying to help woman (July 12) is that this is a tragedy – and especially because it was the second recent incident in which a police officer has been killed in this way.

It once again confirms that most people just don’t realise that disobeying traffic rules not only jeopardises their own lives but also those of others. It is a lesson some people seem determined to only learn the hard way.

These type of accidents are likely to encourage the authorities to enforce stricter traffic rules for the people’s own good. That is the right choice.

All drivers in the UAE– and especially the young ones – need to be educated about being patient behind the wheel, not texting or speaking on the phone while driving and not driving while tired.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

Talking to baby helps language

In relation to your article, It is never too early to start talking to your baby (July 14), most expectant mothers believe that babies can hear what their mothers speak even before they come into this world.

Talking to babies then helps them develop their speech.

Fatima Suhail, Sharjah