Meadows people deserve better

A reader calls for proper maintenance of the lake at Meadows 9 in Dubai. Other topics: rents, cycling, UAE life, domestic abuse

A reader calls for maintenance of the lake at Meadows 9 in Dubai, which poses a health risk. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

It is disappointing to learn of the issues faced by villa owners and tenants of Meadows 9 (Dubai community residents fear dead fish at Meadows could poison pets, April 9).

It is not only the sight of the dead fish that upset the residents but also the unbearable stench that may have engulfed the surroundings.

I hope that Emaar takes the necessary measures at the earliest and clears up the lake before it poses a major threat to people's health and that of their pets.

Name withheld by request

It’s quality of life in the UAE that attracts expats

I am not surprised that the UAE was placed ahead of 20 other countries including the US, Germany and Britain, when respondents to the annual Arab Youth Survey were asked to list a country anywhere in the world they would like to stay in (UAE most popular country to live in, Arab Youth Survey reveals, April 7).

A few months ago my friend and I were discussing our lives in the UAE. Like most expatriates, my friend thinks we cannot earn as much in our home country as we do here. That is what has kept him here for more than two decades in this region. I agree that money is important, but I think the quality of life in the UAE should be the biggest consideration.

The crime rate is low, the people and the Government are tolerant and life is peaceful unless one breaks the law. In other words, it is the country’s law and order that makes it so safe and livable.

I think all expatriates, including those from the developed world, would agree that this country is one of the best in the world. The credit goes to the extraordinary leadership of this country. I love the UAE.

Varsha John, Abu Dhabi

Rents are too high for us to afford

We are planning to relocate to our home country by the end of this year since it is no longer affordable to live in the UAE. It is a tough decision for people like us, who were born and brought up in this country and consider it our home.

But given the rising expenses, it is becoming difficult to survive. Our two-bedroom apartment in Sharjah that earlier cost about Dh35,000 will rise to Dh52,000 by next year. That will exceed our budget. And this increase is a direct consequence of the rents increasing in Dubai, which has caused people to move out and shift to the neighbouring emirates, leading to an increase in demand for housing units.

Fatima Suhail, Sharjah

Keep cyclists out of motorways

I was alarmed to see a group of cyclists on Sheikh Khalifa motorway last week. It was dark and they were not wearing any high-visibility clothing. Seeing them that way and realising the danger, I stopped at a convenient place and waited for them to arrive.

Upon checking, I found out that they were cycling enthusiasts who follow this route regularly. Some of them live in Musaffah.

While the intention is good, I thought it was extremely dangerous. I request the authorities to take stern action so that cyclists don’t jeopardise their lives and those of the motorists.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

Drivers’ mentality needs to change

This refers to the news item Dubai motorists commit half a million traffic offences in the first two months of 2014 (April 6).

I think reducing the speed limit will not help. People drive as fast as they can without any real thought to the speed limit. What needs to change is the mentality of the drivers while road-safety education needs to be stepped up.

Andrea Stewart, Abu Dhabi

Learn to deal with domestic abuse

It's worrying that domestic abuse cases are increasing in the UAE (Domestic abuse triples in three years, March 31).

One reason could be, as your newspaper pointed out, that despite laws covering abuse against spouses, children and siblings, offences and sentences are haphazard.

But I think the biggest problem is that people rarely talk about it. The authorities and health care professionals must be trained to deal with this problem.

Patricia D' Almeida Bianco, Abu Dhabi