Solar Impulse flight was a big achievement
The touchdown of Solar Impulse 2 was a proud moment for Abu Dhabi, the UAE and the energy industry worldwide (Solar Impulse 2 lands in Abu Dhabi, completing first zero-fuel flight around the world, July 25).
Congratulations to Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg and the entire team for the success of this amazing journey of 40,000 kilometres without fuel.
The world has changed vastly since the beginning of this journey, in terms of energy outlook and utilisation.
Even if one takes a UAE-only perspective, there has been a lot of change. We have new ministries and departments to harmonise energy production and produce better outcomes. The UAE is setting a trend.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
I applaud everyone involved in the successful Solar Impulse 2 flight.
Beyond the technical achievement, the message conveyed by these two adventurers is that the world is full of possibilities.
Nicolas Benoit, Dubai
I am interested in your story, 74,000 tonnes of waste collected in Abu Dhabi during Ramadan and Eid (July 26).
It’s sad to see so many people still throw their rubbish not in the provided bins but on the street, in parks, along the roads and on beaches.
However, I am very grateful to those wonderful people who keep the UAE clean during Ramadan and at other times.
Brigitte von Bulow, Abu Dhabi
The picture on your Facebook page shows Tadweer and municipality workers collecting rubbish among the sand dunes.
What a shame that people drop litter in the most beautiful desert in the world.
Myriam Fakhreddine, Dubai
Applause for our first responders
I am glad that Dubai Civil Defence workers are receiving acknowledgement for what they did, instead of being criticised for what they could not do (Dubai Marina tower firefighters awarded for saving pets' lives, July 26).
Dubai is a young city and there is a lot still to achieve in terms of animal welfare, but this is a step in the right direction.
Let’s embrace that positive thought and join in saying “well done” to the DCD.
Shelagh Estment, Dubai
True power comes from helping those who can’t help themselves.
Randall Mohammed, Dubai
Speed deterrent is not enough
I refer to Mixed reactions as Abu Dhabi Police scrap discount on traffic fines (July 25).
If you don’t speed, it doesn’t matter where the cameras are.
The authorities should instal cameras that record a vehicle’s average speed. Too many drivers speed between cameras. If you know where the cameras are, then they aren’t deterrents.
Fines should be payable within a month and should increase the longer they remain unpaid.
Phil Perrin, Abu Dhabi
The move to remove the discount will reinforce the traffic safety plan drawn up by Abu Dhabi Municipality and the Urban Planning Council.
It should also reduce accidents and traffic deaths.
Perhaps there should be a system of fining drivers based on the car they drive – the costlier the car, the higher the fine.
We often see expensive cars being driven at high speed. Often the drivers are not wearing seat belts or following other road rules.
Name withheld by request
Tears for family of dead child
May the suffering family referred to in your story, Father of dead boy removed from court (July 26), get peace and closure from their anguish, and may justice occur swiftly.
As individuals, let’s remain vigilant and always pay close attention to the innocent children around us.
Muzammil SK, Dubai
I don’t even want to imagine what the dead child’s parents and relatives are going through.
Y Hulia, Dubai
