The old abras must stay at all costs (A bridge from past to present: can Dubai's abras survive modernisation? February 16). They are one of the very few authentic links with the past that hasn't been made all bright and shiny.
Phil Burgess, Dubai
I have used the boats once during a photo shoot, when I needed to get from InterContinental Hotel to the Canon store in Bur Dubai. It was quicker than driving. This traditional transport should stay afloat.
Nick England, Dubai
Be patient with dyspraxic kids
You need patience to tackle children with dyspraxia (A child in each class may have dyspraxia, February 16). These children tend to take time to process verbal cues and instructions. They also take time to process what they want to say. This sometimes causes them to be shy and anxious.
However, you will find that they are often highly intelligent, observant, sensitive and kind if you take the time to understand them. But remember never to compare them with “normal” children.
Jayadevi Machaya Palekanda, Dubai
Death puts focus on road safety
The death of Lucy Monro once again highlights the fact that road safety should be our utmost priority (Tributes pour in for British cyclist killed on UAE tour, February 16).
Not long ago, cyclist Roy Nasr died in a similar accident. All this points to the need for an increased road-safety awareness. Drivers need to be particularly cautious when there are cyclists on the road.
Those riding cycles should make sure they put on their protective gear before hitting the road.
Recently I saw a cycling enthusiast riding without a helmet and reflective jacket. Let’s try to avoid making such mistakes.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
Motorcyclists don’t follow rules
Irresponsible motorbike drivers stopping in between cars at traffic signals or manoeuvring through heavy traffic causes concern. I see them almost every day. They not only risk their own lives but pose risk to other motorists who are sometimes forced to slow down suddenly or change course because these motorcyclists drive erratically. It’s disappointing that such problems persist despite sustained efforts to educate people on road safety.
Mathew Litty, Dubai
Do more to protect animals
It's heartening that Sharjah has banned the trade of exotic wild animals (Sharjah wild cat law takes the lead, February 18). But more needs to be done to protect these animals. Federal animal welfare law 16/2007 needs to be implemented and a special authority needs to oversee all animal abuse cases and exotic animals in the UAE. We also need to know whom to contact when there is a violation.
Wahid Al Riyami, Abu Dhabi
Speed cameras are not enough
I am commenting on the survey you have posted on Facebook about the effectiveness of speed cameras in ensuring road safety. I would like to say that they are rather risky because speeding cars suddenly slow down when the drivers see a speed camera.
Grace Roberts, Abu Dhabi
Change them to average-speed cameras. Right now they only cause accidents as speeding drivers suddenly brake hard for the cameras.
Steve O'Brien, Abu Dhabi
Speed cameras might help to an extent, but they are not enough. We need more police patrols on our roads at all times. There are many who do not care about paying fines. On several occasions I have seen drivers speeding despite cameras flashing at them. Clearly they are not bothered about penalties. The only way to tame these people is to confiscate their driving licences and impound their cars.
Also, the cameras should be strictly set at a specific speed limit.
Name withheld on request