Jumping the queue is rude, ignorant, uncultured and disrespectful (Queuing culture, November 10). It doesn't matter which country you're from or which country you're in, if you can't behave in a civilised and respectful manner then you are all of the aforementioned.
Dave Pryce, Dubai
Jumping the queue (or flat out queue ignoring) is communicating to everyone else that you believe yourself to be superior to them and that you don’t care for rules that create orderly conduct. If, however, you are from a country where the social norm is to get to the front at any cost because survival is on the line, then it is more understandable – the UAE isn’t that country. It is a civilised place. Let’s be caring and thoughtful of our fellow man and woman. Let’s be generous with our time – we won’t be punished if our destination has to wait an extra 60 seconds.
Giles Heaton, Dubai
Learn how to stand in line and wait your turn. I don’t care who you are, you can wait like everyone else.
Anita Welch, Abu Dhabi
Should big cars be banned?
This refers to your report Gas guzzlers could be banned under UAE's planned emissions rules (November 10).
Whether or not certain cars are imported or taxed, we must remember that this is not Europe and there are so many other things that for a normal person are ludicrously expensive compared to most of Europe. Not everyone is shovelling a salary in the mid-five figures every month.
Valeriu Victor Stanciu-Crainic, Dubai
Before compelling polluters to pay more (UAE officials consider ‘polluter pays’ policy for motorists, November 8), we should ensure that car dealers bring hybrid models. People need to be educated about the ills of driving high-emission vehicles. Just charging more will not work.
Moaz Bhutta, UK
The right picture of the UAE
I enjoyed reading Peter Hellyer's opinion article It's time the world heard the UAE's real story (November 10).
It is something I have explained just recently to friends who are planning to come here next March. They were unsure because of regional problems. So it was good to put their minds at ease and tell them that the UAE is a tolerant, inclusive and welcoming community, and that it has one of the most diverse groups of nationalities in the world living together peacefully and with contentment.
Ali L Cuuex, Dubai
I agree with the author that the UAE is not just a somewhat exotic holiday destination for millions of tourists to come and soak up a bit of sun and to goggle at faux-cultural events such as belly-dancing shows in the desert.
I myself could never stand the “belly dancers in the desert” nonsense. This is not an Emirati tradition, but a sad orientalist fantasy. Moreover, all the dancers are foreigners. I am not saying that it should be banned, but it is something almost every visitor gets put through as a matter of course, and that’s just lazy.
Sohan Dsouza, US
Back home, for me that’s Europe, they will never understand because if they would, they would have to realise how intolerant Europe itself is.
Bernd Eigner, Dubai
I am a tour guide and I love my job because I get the opportunity to tell the tourist how nice this place is. I love it here.
Maria Eugenia Panneflek, Abu Dhabi
Inclusiveness is a tenet of Islam. So it is good to spread the word, not only about what the Emiratis do, but what others do.
Rachida Djebel, Abu Dhabi
