I enjoyed reading Happiness is learning to fast (June 23), about 14-year-old Maryam Daya's reflections on the holy month.
Ramadan is indeed a month of happiness and blessings. It is so heartening to read how children as young as six are making an effort to fast.
While some people think that it is difficult to fast during the summer months, this is not the case. One can overcome any kind of urge and craving with a little patience.
In fact, fasting teaches us to discipline ourselves and overcome worldly desires.
Fatima Suhail, Sharjah
Thank you for publishing Our guide to Abu Dhabi and Dubai's best iftars (June 24).
Ramadan is the best time of year in Abu Dhabi.
Mihaela Soar, Abu Dhabi
Maids decision will hurt hard workers
I am writing about Philippines trying to stop women travelling to the UAE to work as maids (June 25).
Good on the Philippines government for trying to make a better life for its female citizens.
However, the women who work hard in the UAE and are treated well by their employers will feel the sting of this decision.
Kristin F, Dubai
I think it should be the choice of these ladies whether they want to leave their country and earn money for their family.
I have met Filipinas who are happy to be here and able to provide for their families back home.
Dagmar Griffin, Dubai
So many families in the Philippines will suffer because of this.
The UAE is not a bad country and its people are not bad people.
R Chooksy, Abu Dhabi
This is a shame for the decent employers.
P O'Driscoll, Dubai
Speed increases risk of accidents
In reference to It's time to take a tougher stance on child safety in cars (June 22), I would like to share some facts about road accidents.
Accidents do not just happen by chance, they are the consequence of unsafe driving practices.
Traffic accidents account for the largest single cause of death and injury for young adults.
Drivers who speed often have three times the accident risk of those who speed infrequently.
Laya Shamas, Egypt
UN cannot keep peace in Iraq
The comment article by Tony Karon, Stability in Iraq requires consensus, but that will take years (June 25), caught my attention.
The recent unrest in Iraq is a real tragedy for the historically rich Mesopotamian civilisation. Years of conflict have damaged the root of the state of Iraq, and it has become a centre for displaced civilians.
The fighting has cost the country heavily in every aspect, and the absence of unity among the people continues to affect any efforts to return to normality.
Internal issues among various warring factions have led to a further refugee crisis. The fall of cities and entire provinces to the militias is inspiring more people to take up arms.
The Saddam Hussein era was successful in keeping the country united to a great extent, and I am sure many people in Iraq are now pondering the differences in their lives before and after his fall from power.
It is disappointing to see how incompetent the United Nations has been in addressing this crisis. The UN has failed in its main responsibility, which is to maintain peace and harmony across the world. Instead, there seems to be no end to the fighting across the Middle East.
Ramachandran Nair, Oman
Fort photograph lacking in context
I liked your historical photograph of Fujairah Fort (Time Frame, June 24), but a contemporary shot for comparison might have been helpful.
Jeffrey Martin, UK
No tolerance for drunks on planes
A friend of mine recently flew in to Abu Dhabi from Mumbai on a non-UAE airline.
On-board the plane were many workers who had been drinking before the flight took off.
Despite seeing them in that condition, the airline staff served alcohol to them during the flight. This resulted in them becoming totally intoxicated, spilling their food and causing inconvenience to other passengers.
I was very sad to hear of this scenario. Airlines flying to the UAE should have guidelines that ensure that people who have consumed a high level of alcohol before a flight are not allowed to board.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
