In reference to Sophie Prideaux's story Dubai's music and lantern festival Rise DXB postponed indefinitely amid environmental concerns (February 2): good. There is no place for these lanterns. The desert shouldn't be littered.
Chris Browning, Abu Dhabi
Lanterns like these are actually prohibited in many countries. Music is great but I am sure it can be done without a fire hazard.
Elena Zhukova, Dubai
This will be great news for the environment if it gets cancelled.
Catherine Sallah, Dubai
It's dangerous and will only add to litter.
Joseph Bernardo, Dubai
Lanterns are dangerous. All those animals were burnt alive at a zoo in Germany because of one of these.
Jane Carroll, Dubai
A high-tech library will draw the bookworms to Sharjah
With reference to Evelyn Lau's report House of Wisdom: Sharjah's high-tech library will open in April (February 2): this is a great achievement as far as literature is concerned. We thank the ruler of Sharjah for this great initiative.
Prince Henry, Orlando, Florida
This is one more reason to finally drive up again.
Poli Laurito, Dubai
China will remember the co-operation of other nations
With reference to the op-ed by Charge d'Affaires at the Chinese embassy in Abu Dhabi Lin Yaduo Coronavirus: this is the time for facts, not fear (February 1): China will remember the friends who helped. Good move, UAE. It is the right and humane thing to do.
Kathryn Chang Barker, Muscat, Oman
When a nation goes through difficult times, as during epidemics like these, other countries need to make a collective effort because these things can happen anywhere.
Zarmeen Ijaz Ul Haq, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Some Indian pensioners feel they have been ignored by New Delhi
With reference to Ramola Talwar Badam's report Indians in the UAE will not pay income tax, clarifies New Delhi (February 2): it is sad that senior citizens and pensioners have been largely neglected. In any case, we get meager interest from banks. The government should consider that the interest is not enough to keep up with inflation.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru
