Ethiopians rule in the long run

Proper planning necessary for medical reforms

I am writing about More priority needed for healthcare professionals (January 30)

It's important for medical education to be improved, but any residency programmes set up for doctors in different specialities must be very well planned and structured.

You can't have a medical resident do the work of a general practitioner, for example.

It is better to take time setting up effective programmes than rush to have specialists who are not efficient and can't make proper medical decisions later on.

I think consideration should be given to programmes for other health-science professionals, such as nutritionists and community health professionals. These people have a positive effect on the quality of health care.

Fatima Al Nuaimi, Abu Dhabi

Encouragement for career women

I am writing about Ayesha Al Khoori's blog post Marrying the responses to being an Emirati woman with a career (January 28).

I applaud Ms Al Khoori for seeing the bigger picture regarding her culture. It is gratifying to see the UAE moving to accept women in the workforce and finding a relationship on their own.

Life is much easier if your chosen partner loves you for who you are. Women who are allowed to grow and learn are a treasure to their countries.

If only more men would see this, helping women to achieve their goals and allowing them to flourish, the world would be a much better place.

Theresa Morea, Dubai

Awaiting encore at Hard Rock site

I am writing in reference to The day the music died ... (January 29), about the demolition of Dubai's old Hard Rock Cafe.

During the boom period, the land was sold to someone who planned a complex of residential units and shops. Because of the global financial crisis, those plans went on hold andwere revised.

I'm not sure what is coming up now, but obviously the owner has managed to get finance to start the work.

Aziza Al Busaidy, Dubai

Amna deserves a loving family

When I read Father of abandoned Amna charged with torturing her (January 29), I felt so sad.

According to the story, her mother left her to go back to Ethiopia and her father allegedly tortured her in such an awful way.

How must this little girl feel? She was apparently unloved by both her mother and her father.

Little Amna deserves a lot of love, and I hope the authorities find her a family that really cares about her.

Dagmar Reich, Abu Dhabi

Sense of déjà vu in Egyptian riots

When I read State of emergency in three Egyptian cities (January 28), I thought: here we go again.

With the first protests in Egypt, we were all coaxed into believing it was all about freedom and democracy.

The Obama administration has backed President Mohammed Morsi and the Muslim Brotherbood, but appeasement does not always work.

History has shown us this, and yet we repeat the mistakes. The people of Egypt are now waking up to what has happened to them.

Bud Spencer, Canada

Home ownership cap suggested

Banks seek looser cap on mortgages (January 28) was a great article with brilliant diagrams.

I own property in Dubai and London, and after 25 years of investing, I honestly believe that no private individual should be allowed to have more than five units in his or her property portfolio.

I also think that "price caps" on capital growth should be introduced so that no unit can appreciate more than 3 per cent per year.

This would be better for the very long term, preventing the kind of property-price explosion that we have seen in many places.

Perhaps then our children and grandchildren could afford to get onto the property ladder - or am I dreaming?

Name withheld by request

Ethiopians rule in the long run

Many congratulations to Lelisa Desisa (Debutant triumphs in Dubai marathon, January 26).

His win just goes to prove that Ethiopians are by far the world's best and the fastest runners.

It was a very well-deserved win by this young man.

F Suhail, Dubai