I was greatly inspired by your story Son of The Horsemaster (July 7) and the accompanying pictures.
Arabian thoroughbreds are, of course, known and loved around the world, but it is a pleasure to read that Emirati families continue to be involved in the horse-breeding industry.
It's good to know that, at 18, Sultan Al Ameri already has great knowledge of the part played by horses and camels in his nation's history, and that he has the passion to work with them.
I was doubly impressed to see Untold story of oryx's saviour in the same edition of the paper.
The fact that these magnificent creatures, which once faced extinction, have been bred in such numbers that they are about to be reintroduced to their natural habitat is a "good news" story for those of us who love animals.
Of course, zoos play their part, but these animals also belong in the wild.
Margaret Smith, Dubai
Exactly who is taking control?
I am writing in reference to Turning off Cruise control (July 6), and the role of Scientology in the divorce of actors Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise.
The word "cult" gets overused, but I believe that in some cases it is appropriate.
I was in a western religious group and discovered that they are not benevolent and won't let you leave their organisation in peace.
It was not without scandals, including mind-control tactics, sex scandals, money scams and general bad behaviour.
Is it a cult? Well, if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it probably is a duck.
Danny Haszard, US
Thoughts are with torture victims
This July 4, I celebrated 10 years of living in the United States of America - my adopted country and a great nation of laws, personal rights and freedoms.
Despite my personal joy, I could not but think of those suffering in Bashar Al Assad's torture rooms in Syria.
May the world not forget them, and may they soon find their path to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Firas Maksad, US
Tourist book hits language barrier
I have two questions about the guide mentioned in Tourists given Abu Dhabi ''dos and don'ts'' booklet (July 5).
First, the guide does not explain what "respectful clothing" is. Shouldn't the leaflet define this? What a British person considers "respectful" may be very different from the Emirati view.
Second, why is the advice for Chinese tourists written in Korean?
Paul Tisdale, Dubai
Mouth-watering restaurant review
I enjoyed your article On the hunt for Sri Lankan lamprais (July 5). "Sri Lankan labour of rice-ingrained love" was an apt description of lamprais.
I hope they also serve sambol and egg at this restaurant. Ishita Saha, Dubai
A matter of too much information
Regarding 18 months to re-register mobile phone Sim cards (July 5), I don't know of another place in the world where you need to re-register a Sim card.
When you sign up for a mobile phone account, the providers have more information on you than any other agency or government department.
If they are so interested in record-keeping, why is it that one Etisalat agent can't pull up on his or her computer the details of a conversation that you had with another agent?
M MacLennan, Dubai
Other countries do require you to register Sim cards.
Japan is one of them. You cannot buy a Sim if you're a non-resident, because they require an ID card to do so.
In my view, though, this is really an act by the mobile companies to protect their handset rentals.
At least, with 18 months lead-in time, the authorities seem to have learned from the recent experience with the ID card in terms of how quickly they can implement a new policy.
Pat Littlejohn, Duba
Bachelors bear brunt of evictions
I gather from reading Clampdown on "bachelor pads" (July 5) that it is the responsibility of landlords not to rent out properties in certain family neighbourhoods to bachelors.
From the treatment meted out to the tenants, who are being evicted, I thought that it was the responsibility of the bachelors themselves.
U Ubaid, Abu Dhabi
