Sayd Farook's Holiday destinations have more than 120 billion reasons to cater to the needs of Muslim travellers (October 13) was a good article.
However, I believe it missed two important points.
It does not really explain how wonderful a holiday at a Muslim-friendly beach resort can be for Muslim families.
Beside halal food and special swimming pools, these resorts have beaches for Muslims, Muslim-friendly entertainment and much more.
The article also does not mention how to book. I recommend a site called HalalBooking. Ali Sayed, Dubai
Pupil interviews have their place
I refer to the editorial, Kindergarten interview ban is a sound move (October 15).
The practice of interviewing students before admission provided those children with the opportunity to develop their skills and the ability to remove any hesitation they might suffer.
C Linton, Dubai
Temple stampede was preventable
I am writing about the tragic incident at a temple in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh on Monday (Outrage rises over deadly stampede, October).
Despite an earlier incident, proper security measures were not taken to ensure the safety of the devotees.
Perhaps it is best for people to avoid such places on particular days and worship at another time.
I pray for the departed and for the speedy recovery of the injured.
K Ragavan, India
Dubai Metro hours should be longer
I am writing in reference to Dubai Metro to run until 3am during Eid Al Adha (October 14).
It should stay open until 3am all year long.
Dubai is an international city with one of the world’s busiest airports, and visitors need to be able find an easy transport solution when they arrive.
Ahmed Memo, Dubai
Home it the best place to be during Eid.
Everywhere else is crowded.
F Kearns, Al Ain
Question about ‘healthy’ hemp
In the Arts & Life story Efficiently nutritious (October 14), you have recommended the use of hemp seeds and hemp in general as a great source of fatty acids.
What I think you may have potentially missed is that the term “hemp” refers to the fibre sourced from the cannabis family of plants.
I am unsure if the possession of cannabis seeds is allowed under the law of the UAE, but I think you may wish to research how the law would view the possession and use of cannabis seeds and then print some guidance in your paper.
The use of products like hemp is legal in some countries. I would hate to see some poor person, who has read your article, decide to purchase some “hemp” seeds on holiday, only to return to the UAE and find that they are in possession of an illegal substance.
The consequences could be quite terrible.
Name withheld by request
Editor's note: Hemp is a member of the Cannabis genus, but it does not have the psychoactive properties of marijuana. While hemp seeds are not widely available in the UAE, they can be found for sale at selected outlets, as are hemp-based body oils and lotions.
Indian bank chief broke glass ceiling
The appointment of Arundhati Bhattacharya as chairperson of State Bank of India, the largest bank in the country, again proves that women in India are slowly overcoming the traditions of the past.
I believe her appointment is a first in the bank’s history of more than 200 years.
Even though the empowerment of women is not a new concept, there have been many hurdles that have slowed it down, and not just in India.
Women across the world still face huge hurdles to reach the top of both the public and private sectors.
I recall a recent study conducted by Professor Keith Laws, a psychologist at the University of Hertfordshire. It demonstrated that women are much better at handling multitasking jobs than men.
Perhaps the appointment of Ms Bhattacharya confirms this finding.
Ramachandran Nair, Oman
