Sheikh Mubarak's humility and kindness

In reference to the article Nation mourns Sheikh Mubarak (February 25), Sheikh Mubarak was one of the architects of this country. He was a founder, along with the other founders of the union, and a man with a heart of gold. I've had the privilege, honour and blessing to have met this man. During my visit to Sheikh Nahyan's palace during my academic days to my own personal visits (years later) during Eid and other occasions, Sheikh Mubarak was an important part of the visits. His positive and kind welcoming of guests, even in his old age, was a testament to his love of country, its traditions and values. Even seeing him with Sheikh Nahyan in the middle of the city and greeting him, I saw how he was concerned for the common man. It was indeed humbling. We are indeed lucky to have his sons with us. Sheikh Mubarak was not only a sheikh of the Royal Family, he was a sheikh of the people, and he will be sorely missed. May Allah bless him. Mohamed al Junaibi, Dubai

In response to the front page article Buckle up to save a child (February 24), it is great to see that The National is trying to raise the profile of this issue. It is vital that a law is put in place and enforced to protect children, and quickly. My son was born in the UAE and when my wife and I left the hospital we were the only ones carrying our newborn precious cargo in a car seat.

All parents love their children and no parent would want to deliberately harm their child. Yet we see children put at risk every day without redress. As a start let's see maternity hospitals start raising awareness and educating parents of the dangers of not securing their children in seat belts. Perhaps the hospitals could stop parents leaving the premises without the baby being secured in a seat. Darren Male, Abu Dhabi

This is a great article. I am often concerned when I see children standing in the front or sitting on their mother's lap, never mind the driver's. A documentary film clip on the importance of safety gear would be a great way to get the message across. Given the international diversity of the UAE, getting the message and film clip into the public realm would be difficult. Once upon a time when there was only local terrestrial television this would have been simple, however given all the satellite stations this would not be so simple. Can the film clips be shown on large screens at the Corniche and the Yas race circuit Can it be distributed to schools and televisions in hospital waiting rooms? The driving organisations have to arrive at a suitable method to get the message across. John Stredwick, Abu Dhabi

In reference to the article 15 more suspects in Hamas death plot (February 25), Dubai has the world's most sophisticated and independent police chief and force. I cannot recall such thorough and rapid investigation of any similar outrage. Its sophistication in outing the killers of Mahmoud al Mabhouh has astonished me and the world. The arrogant disrespect shown to the people and leaders of Dubai and the UAE by the alleged killers of yet another Muslim leader has contributed to their outing and likely pursuit by justice, one way or another. John Ish Ishmael, Canada

Great job, Dubai police. The plotters should be considered terrorists as they spread terror all over the place. They are no different from Islamic terrorist groups. These criminals should be treated the same way and at face value. Israel cannot be blamed yet for the murderous plot as proof of their involvement is yet to surface. Therefore, these people are European and Australian terrorists until proven to the contrary. Just as we nationals are required to have a visa to enter countries that these terrorists allegedly belong to, maybe the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs should consider imposing the same on people of these nations. Yousef Yousuf, Dubai

I refer to the article Schools are braced for the wind of change (February 24), I think ending the university English foundation programme is a great idea because instead of graduating after five or six years because they wasted two years in the English programmes, now the students can get their BA after only four years. If they start intensive English courses at the public schools, especially in the last three years of high school, not only will the students have a good level of English but this will also save the government the millions of dirhams that they spend on foundation programmes. And if a high school graduate decides not to continue on to college and work instead, then at least he or she will already have a good level of English.

Tama Hassan, Dubai