Tolerance goes a long way back in this country

Readers discuss philanthropy, tales of compassion and regional strife

The Emirates Red Crescent distributes emergency food aid. Wam
Powered by automated translation

In reference to your article The first Noel: 60 years of Christmas carols in Abu Dhabi (December 24), this is one of the many reasons I love the UAE. Nowhere in the region is truly tolerant like we are.

Tanya Milbourne, Abu Dhabi

So many people live good lives between different cultures and religions. The verse in the Quran reads "we have created you from a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes that you may know one another".  The UAE lives by this.

Asyah Elisabeth Meel, Abu Dhabi

I hope other countries can foster this level of tolerance, peace and co-existence.

Sammira Mohiadeen, Dubai

Dialogue and restraint a must in dealing with regional strife

I refer to the article Much remains unresolved in the Middle East as we prepare to bid farewell to 2017 (December 24). The three festering problems in the region are Syria, Yemen and the Qatar stand-off. The humanitarian situation in Syria and Yemen is dire because millions are suffering from lack of food, clean water and medication. Refugees are pouring out of these countries into neighbouring states. The world must wake up to this tragedy. President Vladimir Putin and Bashar Al Assad must relinquish some power in Syria. All these issues require restraint and dialogue. Wars and civil strife have been going on across the region for years now.

Rajendra K Aneja, Dubai

Life takes us on many different paths

I refer to your article Reflecting on one man's journey as another one ends (December 23)We are all on this planet for such a short time. Our legacy is what defines us during our stay. Let's raise good kids in order for them to be better off than us. I hope people learn from such stories and take care of those around them and give to the less fortunate.

Name withheld on request

In my opinion, we cannot make assumptions about what happened to the man alluded to in the story. He is a very successful Indian who managed to pay for his kids to go to university while running a business here. He lived a highly successful and happy life by all accounts.

Mary Smith, Dubai 

It is no surprise the UAE is the largest aid donor

Your article UAE world largest donor of official development aid (December 25) was a heart-warming read. The UAE is not only known for its local development, but also for its international philanthropy, sending much-needed medicine supplies to zones affected by malaria and polio. This is because of the long-term philanthropic vision adopted by President Sheikh Khalifa and Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid. Kudos to the UAE.

K Ragavan, India