Sheikh Zayed’s former adviser died – may his soul rest in peace

Our readers have their say about Abdullah Al Hashemi, Greta Thunberg, and praying in space

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - October 24, 2016: HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces (C) speaks with HE Abdullah Al Sayyed Al Hashemi (L), a former Abu Dhabi Government employee, during a reception at Sea Palace barza, held for former and current Abu Dhabi Government employees on the occasion of the Abu Dhabi Government Golden Jubilee.
( Mohamed Al Hammadi / Crown Prince Court - Abu Dhabi )
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I write to you in reference to Shireena Al Nowais's article Tributes paid as long-serving adviser to Sheikh Zayed dies (September 24).

This is a truly touching article on the departure of Abdullah Al Hashemi, the 89-year-old former adviser of Sheikh Zayed, the UAE’s Founding Father.

Mr Al Hashemi helped to make Abu Dhabi the oil-rich city it has become today thanks in large part to his sincere guidance to the former president, who himself departed in 2004.

He was a man  with a long-term vision for the country and incredible foresight. His departure is a great loss to the UAE. May his soul rest in peace.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru

Greta Thunberg is right to defend the environment so passionately

I write to you in reference to Arthur MacMillan's article Tearful and angry, Greta Thunberg accuses world leaders of climate betrayal (September 24).

At a time when countries are coming together at the United Nations General Assembly for the Climate Summit, we need to take a stand for the preservation of the Amazon rainforest.

I am disappointed by the Brazilian representative and his attitude at the summit. While other world leaders are truly concerned about raising funds for the Amazon, Brazilian officials must also act to preserve the beautiful rainforest, which is considered the lungs of the earth. Sadly, the Brazilian government has no commitment to environmental causes and it lacks transparency.

Marco Vinicio, Rio de Janeiro

The people who only have negative things to say about Greta Thunberg’s moving speech are the reason why the planet is in such a mess today. Unfortunately those who do not care about the environment account for the majority of the population.

Sade Chantal Shariff, UAE

Even in the infinite depth of space, there is room for spirituality

I write to you in reference to Haneen Dajani's article An Emirati astronaut's challenge: how to face Makkah in space (September 23).

How inspiring that Emiratis do not forget their religion. Even if they are in space, they will pray to God.

Name withheld by request