In reference to your article Abu Dhabi Corniche clean-up is a precision operation (January 2), we must be thankful to the workers who keep our walkways, streets and the beachfront clean. They always do their job with a smile.
Katja Steen, Abu Dhabi
I wonder why people can’t just put their rubbish in the bins. Pure laziness.
Daisy Tito, Abu Dhabi
I thank these workers for rendering such great service. I wish people would litter less.
Malinda Smalberger, Abu Dhabi
Shock before the New Year
The fire at The Address Hotel in Dubai was absolutely shocking (New Year's blaze engulf's The Address Downtown Dubai, December 31). Thankfully, there were no casualties.
The fact that it took place just before the New Year is deeply saddening.
Name withheld by request
It was a horrible incident as the hotel was full of guests gearing up for the fireworks. Thankfully, there were no casualties.
Michelle Gagné Grigsby, Ajman
The authorities must make sure that all sprinklers and fire alarms in high-rises are functional. I live in a high-rise and I live in fear that a fire might break out one day.
I feel sad for the loss suffered by the hotel owner and the guests who had been displaced.
Name withheld by request
I thank all the amazing people from Dubai’s Civil Defence, who risk their lives to keep us all safe and well. They do an amazing job.
Dru Campbell, Dubai
If The Address can turn into a “towering inferno” and we have seen multiple high-rise fires in Dubai in the recent past, which buildings can actually be considered safe?
John Francis, US
Some news reports claimed only the outside of the building was damaged. This is not true.
My roommate’s friends were in the hotel at that time and they lost all their belongings, including their passports. The fire definitely spread inside.
Chris Reid, Dubai
It was not all bad in 2015
Regarding your editorial Bold action can reimagine the future (December 31), 2015 has been a year that has witnessed a lot of unfortunate events and incidents.
However, this does not mean we should give up the hope for a better and peaceful world. I sincerely wish and pray that 2016 brings prosperity to the world.
Fatima Suhail, Sharjah
In 2015, many people could not live the way they wanted. Some were lucky, while others were not so lucky. However, it was an eventful year but not completely devoid of joy. At least for me it was not all doom and gloom. And, as 2016 begins, I feel that 2015 just flew by.
I also feel that perhaps I haven’t been able to keep my focus on my last year’s resolutions. This year, I will think twice before making any resolution.
Mathew Litty, Dubai
Cyclists need better facilities
In the UK, we undertook a "cycle proficiency test" at primary/ junior school before we were allowed on the roads and I have loved cycling ever since (Passion for cycling must begin in schools, says founder of cycling race, December 31).
However, I live in a city in the UAE with no cycling tracks and no stadiums that allow cyclists to use their tracks, so in the winter months, primarily, I get up at the crack of dawn and drive to Dubai with my bike. Additionally, due to work hours, I don’t have time to get to Yas Island or Dubai Autordrome to use their tracks on weekday evenings, so I would really appreciate a rethink on this whole cycle-track concept. It would also be great if stadiums allow cyclists to use their running tracks until dedicated cycle tracks are built.
Name withheld by request
