With reference to Liz Cookman's report 'Death is more merciful': Idlib's displaced build makeshift camps in sub-zero temperatures (February 16): Tyler, my 5-year-old son, a UAE resident, has asked me to help him spread the word about the red crescent warmer winter appeal. After watching a video about the refugees he was compelled to use his pocket money to buy blankets for them. He would like others to do the same.
Emma Cresswell, Dubai
Taxi drivers' haunts was a good out-of-the-box piece
With reference to Rob McKenzie's piece Driver's seat: Abu Dhabi cabbies reveal foodie hotspots in the capital (February 16): it was so heartening to read Mr McKenzie's piece on Abu Dhabi taxi drivers' favourite food joints. In the glitz and glamour of UAE, these hard-working men and women are often forgotten. The knowledge taxi drivers possess is vast. They often know much more about the city than the average resident as they traverse through the length and breadth of the city, not to mention, the variety of social interactions they have on a daily basis.
Kudos to the writer for thinking outside the box and spending time with these unsung heroes and in the process listing some fantastic hidden gems to visit for a meal out.
Parika Verma-Mehta, Dubai
The UAE is a champion of gender equality
With regards Patrick Ryan's article Global Women's Forum Dubai: Ivanka Trump says many Middle East women have 'half' the legal rights of men (February 16): Ivanka Trump's comments on gender equality were good. I especially liked what she said about how when women are free to succeed, families thrive, communities flourish and nations grow strong. And I agree with her that it is incredible that last year more than 70 per cent of university graduates in the UAE were women.
The UAE's push for gender equality in its policies is commendable. The rest of the world can learn something.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru
Pilot deserves credit for a stunning landing
Regarding the report Etihad A380 blown around by high winds during London Heathrow landing (February 16): I saw the video. That was a superb landing.
Christopher Llaguno, Abu Dhabi
The pilot did a good job. He made a successful landing and saved his passengers from danger. God bless.
Khim C Gallo, Dubai
Well done to the Etihad pilots for performing this manoeuvre professionally and safely.
Lorraine Mohamed, Abu Dhabi
This is what pilots are trained for. They spend hundreds of hours in simulators to make sure they can perform these moves safely. This one is called 'crabbing'. The nose of the aircraft is turned into the oncoming wind, then the rudder is used to straighten the body of the plane just before touchdown. Landing in cross-winds is nothing new. Pilots flying into the airport in Athens deal with this daily. Those crosswinds are horrific.
Emma Schlegel, Dubai
