LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Sheikh Zayed was a towering figure on the world stage

I refer to Peter Hellyer’s thought-provoking piece Year of Zayed: remembering the vision of an innovative and inspirational leader (May 4): it was a very interesting read. The visionary founder of the UAE’s long-term goal to create a world-class infrastructure for his people and bequeath them the best in education and health was truly admirable.

Mr Hellyer’s description of the warm welcome given to Sheikh Zayed by schools and other institutions in Europe was very evocative indeed.

The piece did a marvellous job of conveying what an extraordinary person the Founding Father of the UAE was. It is laudable that the present rulers of the UAE continue to advance his vision. K Ragavan, Denver

Veganism doesn’t necessarily promote tolerance

I refer to Selina Denham’s article Why eating meat makes me feel like a hypocrite (May 5): I disagree. In my opinion, today’s vegans are more militant than ever. Kate Bell, Dubai

A case of inspiring mangoes, thanks to the seasonal fruit

Mango days are here again. Mangoes bring moods and memories. As the saying goes, a free mango is infinitely sweeter and more delicious than a purchased mango.

In my childhood, we used to visit the company garden in India. The trees would be stooped, laden with ripe and luscious mangoes. The gardeners would forbid us from plucking the fruit from the trees. However, boys will be boys. We would always be looking for opportunities to fell some mangoes with small stones and devour the fallen fruit quickly.

In the 1960s we had no refrigerator so my mother cooled the fruit by keeping it in a small bucket with ice. As the price of mangoes soared, my consumption declined. From eating two to three mangoes a day in the earlier years, I now make do with one solitary mango.

One of the reasons I loved living in Dubai was that mangoes were available throughout the year. When Indian mangoes ran out, Egyptian mangoes arrived, then Pakistani, then Moroccan. In the UAE we are lucky to have mangoes from different countries, year-round. Rajendra Aneja, Dubai

Sir Alex Ferguson is one of football’s true greats

In reference to your article Former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson rushed to hospital following brain haemorrhage (May 5), I hope Sir Alex Ferguson gets well soon. Then he can come and sort out Fujairah. Diego Maradona couldn’t quite manage to do it. Justin Webb, Dubai

Trump’s options on Iran nuclear deal are clear

I refer to Joyce Karam’s article What are Trump’s options

as deadline looms closer? (May 5). I believe Donald Trump not certifying the deal but waiting before imposing new sanctions is most likely. Frank Johansen, Dubai