Dubai: Ahmad Al Saadi, Jordanian father of two and team manager with a Telecom company in Dubai:

It is a shocking incident and it broke my heart as I read the details of the case. This actually reminds us parents that we shouldn’t trust anyone completely when it comes to our children’s safety and we shouldn’t leave children with others. We have to be careful about the attitude and approach of everyone around us towards our kids. We Jordanians have a conservative culture and we hesitate to talk to kids about topics like sexual abuse.

Dr Najiba Al Shezawy, Emirati consultant and mother of two:

It’s really a heartbreaking incident. I think such cases will force us to put more restrictions on our kids and we should tell them how to protect themselves from strangers and also known people. Kids should not be allowed to go with anyone or accept any gift without parents’ permission. We should also teach them about ways to react and seek help when they sense any danger. The UAE has stringent laws against such crimes and I hope the culprit will get the highest punishment.

Indian national N. Patrick, longtime Dubai resident with two sons:

Such people should be given the death penalty so that others will fear for their lives if they ever think of doing such a gruesome crime. It’s a difficult job, but as parents it is important that we discuss such issues with our children and teach them how to safeguard themselves in such situations. It’s not to create paranoia, but we better do it to save our kids from such dangers.

Raees Ahmad Khan, Pakistani father of three and assistant relationship manager with a bank in Abu Dhabi:

My heart goes out to them at this moment. At the same time I feel they should have been more vigilant about their child’s safety. I feel children are the biggest blessings and parents cannot afford to be negligent about their children’s safety even for a minute. Today’s parents need to be much more friendly and vigilant and should train the kids to live in a diversified society by teaching them the pros and cons of everything and everyone around us.

By Sajila Saseendran, Senior Reporter