The UAE and India enjoy long history of shared interests

Our readers have their say about oil investments, teachers and financial wisdom

(L-R) India's Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of State and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) Group CEO, and BP Chief Executive Robert Dudley attend the India Energy Forum in New Delhi, India, October 15, 2018. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi
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With reference to the article by Jennifer Gnana Abu Dhabi invites Indian companies to invest in its downstream sector (October 16), it was fascinating to read about the invitation from Adnoc group chief executive and Minister of State Dr Sultan Al Jaber to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the expansion of Indian oil companies wanting to invest in the UAE. The UAE and India share a long history and decades of bonding with each other in trade, manpower  and strategic ties, so I am confident Mr Modi will consider this invitation most positively.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru

The tragic demise of brilliant minds is always hard to bear

Regarding your online story Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen dies of cancer at 65 (October 16), it is always sad to read about the early demise of brilliant people. Sixty-five is no age to go. When will they finally find a cure for cancer?

Angelika Lancsak, London

Teachers need plenty of support to cope with stress

With regards to your story UAE offers lifeline to troubled teachers (October 16), I was just thinking how good it would be to have something like this for educators. It is just as important, if not more, as having a teacher of the year award.

Sandra Costa, Dubai

This is very much needed in our profession.

Name withheld by request

Readers react to Khalaf Al Habtoor’s candid interview

With reference to your story Leading Emirati businessman calls for reassessment of VAT in UAE (October 14), I agree it can be a nightmare for businesses, especially those in some free zones and has allowed some retail businesses to raise prices by as much as 25 per cent using VAT as an excuse. Western economies tell us there is no correlation between more taxes and a budget surplus. Just look at France, which is the worst counter example.

Anne-Sophie Perret, Dubai

More people should take his advice. I agree with him that the ban on WhatsApp and Skype calls should be lifted. I am sure he has more good ideas up his sleeve.

Wiltrud Eva, Dubai

He has articulated what I was feeling. I’m glad this has been raised.

Sammira Mohiadeen, Dubai

He has always been a hero to me and my family, a true champion of the people and a man to respect and look up to for his wisdom and compassion.

Tanya Millbourne, UAE

Not every habit get passed down to the next generation

With regards your column How our parents handle money affects our financial behaviour as adults (October 11), which suggested the money narratives of our childhood colour our financial behaviour as adults and that we repeat what we were exposed to, I would have to disagree. It doesn't. I should know as I am terrible with money.

Name withheld by request