I'm concerned about the security of all the personal data that is requested by the Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA) when I try to register on their website for an ID card. Sometimes, the pages come up with other people's data already filled in. Following the recent (and ongoing) problems with the loss of many people's UAE bank details, I am not convinced that the necessary safeguards are in place to protect against identity fraud. Mark Tollerton, Abu Dhabi
Early in 2006, when the EIDA was first set up, staff at the Armed Forces Technical Studies Institute were required to register for the new ID cards. We queued at the officers' club to submit our personal data, and then there was another session at the EIDA for fingerprinting. We paid Dh500, and we were told that we would be contacted when the cards were ready for collection. I am still waiting for the call. Can I have my card now, please? Philip Bowler, Abu Dhabi
I had some trouble registering online, but I tried to log on late one evening on the EIDA website ? and it worked first time. I booked an appointment and proceeded to enter the details of each family member. Two days later, I went along to the almost empty Al Rashidiya registration centre, and the process was over very quickly. The staff were really helpful and were able to answer all my questions and clear any doubts. So, though it is unsocial, log on at night and it might not be such a headache after all, and choose another centre to pick up the forms. I also found the Al Rashidiya post office quite empty today, so you can always pick up and drop off forms from there. Sheila Watts, Dubai
I have a question: Are employers obliged to get ID cards for their employees? If yes, then what is the procedure? Please help, I am an employer. Seif Sultan, Sharjah
How about recycling for the general population, "UAE is most wasteful" (Oct 30)? I see some limited recycling options for businesses, but none for residents ? at least none for me. I am throwing out plastic bottles, aluminium cans, glass bottles, newspapers, cardboard boxes and everything else. Every day while I was living in California, I recycled well over 50 per cent of my waste. Here, it is zero per cent. A real shame. Bruce Purcell, Abu Dhabi
Your coverage of the Mr Tennis vs Essam al Ghalib debate has been fair and well balanced, "A goal for Saudi, and a culture clash for the spectators" (Oct 28). The subject is of course extremely topical, relevant and emotive. The issue is underpinned by two points: firstly, there is a symbiotic relationship between westerners and the Arab world, and secondly, there is a great Arabic proverb: "When you are the stranger you must be well mannered." There would have been no misunderstanding had both individuals acknowledged these two points. Roger Warren, Abu Dhabi
In the article "Common sense vs procedure: our banks are a disgrace" (Oct 31) , The National should have published the name of the bank that provided such bad service to the writer, and the exact dates on which he encountered the bitter experience. Only when the name of the bank is published will they bother to give a reply to try and save face. Sheik Abdullah, Ras al Khaimah
