Given the emphasis on the known water shortage in the region, I am constantly amazed at the waste.
We regularly see irrigation systems being operated during the day when evaporation is extreme. Why not irrigate at night? This would reduce the water consumption and the plants should still thrive.
Every day I see teams of people pressure-washing the roads on Al Reem island. What is this about? All that is achieved is rearranging the dirt; it does not remove it.
My neighbours have six cars and every morning for two hours the hose pipe is run and each car is washed, regardless of whether it requires it.
John Bligh, Abu Dhabi
Good behaviour has no borders
I am writing in reference to Envoys tweet on how not to be a twit (February 18), in which the British consul general in Dubai, Edward Hobart, says he is using Twitter to tell Britons how they should behave in this country.
Wouldn't it be much better if people were advised to behave everywhere, not only in the UAE?
Fahad Hasan, India
Understanding begins with self
I am writing about The cultural divide, and how we might bridge it (February 20).
I work as an intercultural adviser, and this is an all-too-common issue that I often observe, and it is very easily remedied.
It is simply a case of understanding your own culture first before you can hope to understand the other culture.
Once we have achieved this, then we can create an intercultural "space" so that there is understanding, and a non-judgemental dialogue can take place.
Amal Loring, Dubai
Match-fixing must be cured soon
The corrupt game (February 19) was interesting to read.
Gamblers used to leave sport alone, and match-fixing never used to happen.
Today, however, the scenario has completely changed at the global level, and this is a sad state of affairs.
This disease has already spread from cricket, and the world football authorities should look into it. Match fixing should be eradicated completely.
K Ragavan, India
Weaving simply not worth effort
Lane-to-lane weavers are going nowhere fast (February 17) was a report of a good experiment with a good result.
What no one expected was how little time reckless weavers and fast-lane intimidators save with their driving tactics: a measly 12 minutes.
Mohammed Ashraf, Dubai
Parking permit problem shared
With reference to the letter Space for flexibility over parking fines (February 20), I also did not receive a text message from Mawaqif to inform me of the expiry of my resident's permit, and I was subsequently fined.
I complained at the Mawaqif office at Marina Mall, but it was to no avail.
I agree with your correspondent that there should be some flexibility, and also perhaps access to further redress through an independent arbitrator.
Paul Bell, Abu Dhabi
UAE employers face a dilemma
Ghobash: nation is at a jobs crossroads (February 19) highlights a dilemma for employers.
Given the choice of a recently graduated Emirati or an Asian expatriate with many years' experience, who will work longer hours for less money, what is an employer to do?
I have seen this problem in many Gulf countries, and I know from experience that simply replacing foreigners with nationals is not the answer.
Perhaps if expatriates and Emiratis are paid the same, the employer will find it hard to justify hiring expatriates on costs alone.
Peter Nixon, Abu Dhabi
If the UAE government requires the private sector to hire certain people, then those businesses may close shop and go elsewhere.
I think the focus should be on building up potential employees' skill sets to a level that is required in the private sector.
D Vijayakumar, Dubai
