Abu Dhabi is a capital place to live

A reader says Abu Dhabi has a lifestyle advantage over busy Dubai. Other topics: collateral damage in war, fasting and raising children.

A reader says Abu Dhabi offers residents a better lifestyle than that in hectic Dubai. Christopher Pike / The National
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No coincidence that food prices rise at Ramadan

I am writing regarding Ramadan mystery of rising food prices (July 24).

During Ramadan people meet their families and friends almost on a daily basis.

At least once a week you have an invitation to someone's house for iftar. Of course the shops are going to use this as an excuse to increase prices.

I have definitely noticed an increase in the prices of the most common fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, apples and oranges.

T Efremova, Dubai

The shops may claim it's about supply and demand, but it's all about profit.

S Galindo, US

Children can miss out in juggling act

Working mothers explain the juggling act (July 22) drew my attention.

Sorry to say, but in 80 per cent of cases, the children end up in the hands of maids, nannies or other domestic helpers, which is not something to be proud of.

If you try to do too many things, the one thing that matters the most - family - gets left behind in a lot of different ways that some "successful" women do not realise.

I am not a chauvinist, but I think you have to choose your priorities when you have children.

Otherwise, their upbringing will be out of your hands.

Moiz SA, Dubai

Lessons learnt from a sad case

I am writing about your editorial Dubai sex case offers lessons both in the UAE and abroad (July 23).

From Norway, it's easy to see a cultural conflict in this story.

I like the last sentence: "Real change will be when every victim of rape can report the crime, confident in the knowledge that she herself is not a criminal."

I do hope the country follows up on the great suggestions made in your editorial.

The UAE is easily at the top of the list in the Arab world when it comes to women's rights and human rights. I suppose we all have learnt a lesson from Marte Dalelv's sad case, and I do hope your editorial can nudge things in the right direction.

Women must be able to report a crime with the knowledge that the victim will not be treated as a criminal.

R Vega, Norway

Abu Dhabi is a lifestyle choice

I refer to More moving to Abu Dhabi from Dubai as housing deadline nears (July 21).

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE and, as I can see by living here, it is also much more lovely than busy, chaotic Dubai.

Brigitte von Bulow, Abu Dhabi

Holding the fast is most important

I refer to A class for expats in the UAE on Ramadan etiquette (July 11).

I can't agree with public eating during Ramadan. If you are fasting you should not have to be tempted by other people eating.

A Lens, UK

Is everything fair in case of war?

I am writing in response to Faisal Al Yafai's opinion article, One death in Yemen shows how far the US will go to kill (July 23).

Does any nation have the right to kill terrorists on its soil or in other countries?

I am sure that the relatives of the dead and injured in the September 11, 2001 attacks in America will have definite views on the right of a nation to go after those who kill and maim its citizens, no matter where they hide or where they are sheltered by sympathetic regimes.

The United States government has declared a "war on terror" - that should be enough to tell would-be terrorists that they will be sought out and eliminated.

A war is negotiation carried out by extreme means, and extreme means can incur collateral casualties.

Associating with a known terrorist puts you at risk of becoming a collateral casualty.

Name withheld by request