Kalid Al Ameri's story is inspirational (Every Emirati who can, ought to teach, January 8). I've been a teacher in the UAE since 2007. The initiative of Mr Al Ameri is like a prayer answered to me. This is why I have come to love the UAE and Emiratis – when there's a challenge, someone rises to it and decides to step in and take action. This is the spirit of this nation.
I am so proud of Mr Al Ameri, and I have no doubt that there will be countless others who will follow his lead. I have said this before, and I repeat it again: Khalid Al Ameri is a national hero to me.
Haaike Ahmad Barnard, Abu Dhabi
It’s a great initiative for education. I’m sure it’s going to bring many more teachers who can do a magnificent job. The UAE is a great country with a great leadership. I know it can succeed.
Abu Aadam, Abu Dhabi
Mr Al Ameri’s initiative is extraordinary. I hope children are able to get the most out of him and I pray that this gives Mr Al Ameri peace of mind and satisfaction. I wish him all the best in his endeavour.
Mahmoud Kandil, Dubai
Nightmare over flight delays
I refer to the news report How I tried to save passenger (January 6). I was travelling from Karachi to Doha on January 2. I left Jinnah International Airport in Karachi at 10pm and reached Abu Dhabi at 11.50pm local time.
My next flight to Doha was scheduled at 2.55am and the flight duration was 45 minutes. We were informed that the flight would be delayed. Nevertheless we boarded the plane and waited there for eight hours.
Finally, we were sent back to the airport where there was nobody to guide us or give us information. I was travelling with my wife and we were at a loss. When I inquired about the next flight, we were sent to a different terminal. For the next five hours, no one came to help us. Even later, there was no clear communication on part of Etihad Airways.
After 10 hours of wait, we were told that next flight would be after 12 hours. It was a complete mess and it seems that the airline was not prepared for such a crisis. We spent almost 40 hours at the airports and even on several requests no accommodation was arranged for us.
Also we had to stand for two hours in the queue to get our boarding pass. The misery did not end there. Upon reaching Doha on January 4 at 1pm, we found that our baggage was missing. I had to go home after wasting two hours at Doha airport.
I understand the challenge faced by Etihad Airways as flight cancellation was beyond their control. However, the way the situation was handled by them was not professional.
Noman Ahmed Syed, Qatar
With reference to your news report UK tourist stranded in Bangkok to fly home tomorrow (January 8), Etihad needs to assure its loyal customers that this will not happen again. Nothing can make up for the lack of information that left a tourist stranded at the airport in Bangkok for 30 hours.
Steve Kranz, Al Ain
The fog is not the airline’s fault, but it’s the right of customers to expect a proper service and communication from the airline.
La Viajera, Dubai
I was in exactly the same situation last March on my way to Toronto, and the wait was horrible. Even the crew had no clue what was going on and when the flights were to be resumed.
Sue Zafra, Dubai
Being held in an aircraft on the tarmac for 13 hours is unacceptable. It’s simply shocking.
Elizabeth Hardee Campbell, Abu Dhabi
UAE’s tolerance is exemplary
Although I have not been able to find an Anglican church in my area in France, I had no problem finding one in Abu Dhabi (New church a haven for Abu Dhabi's Armenian population, January 5). Thank you, UAE, for showing religious tolerance. It's a great example to the world.
Name withheld by request