I write in reference to the news article Abu Dhabi residents still scrambling to cross Corniche (July 31). There is actually an underground passage at the Sheraton Hotel that leads to the other side of the Corniche, but they probably do need more underground tunnels to avoid traffic.
Diane Monet Nobles, Abu Dhabi
Different people measure success in different ways
I write in reference to Khalid Al Ameri's opinion article Emiratis must know that success is more than being able to afford a luxury lifestyle (July 31). Harvard Business Review (February 2004) featured an article, Lasting success, by Laura Nash and Howard Stevenson, which mentioned four components: achievement (measurable results), significance (contributing to make the world a better place), legacy (a project that goes on beyond our own contribution) and happiness (having fun, being with good people). When I look to the Emirates and the contributions of Emiratis around the world, I can find many examples of success, according to these four criteria.
Nathalie Kleinschmit, Dubai
Living in Dubai for 15 years, I can freely say that the UAE is a label-driven society, where personal appearances are very important and brands are synonymous with social status and success.
Alexey Ballyev, Dubai
I know how hard Emiratis work and with so much dedication and commitment. However, many of my American friends and acquaintances assume otherwise and think that they are wealthy. It’s therefore important for the UAE media to represent the reality.
Dolores Basilio, US
These days, outward wealth is not an indication of success. Many people survive on debt. So most people look beyond an individual’s appearance. Moreover, some of the wealthiest people in the world don’t stick to labels and brands, nor do successful people such as Nobel laureates, inventors and scientists. So, success is subjective.
Kellie Whitehead, Abu Dhabi
Life is short and nothing is guaranteed. I think everyone has the right to decide how they want to define success.
Ameerah Jolene-Ann van Heerden, Abu Dhabi
Lego picture evokes nostalgia
I am writing in reference to the photo of the Lego Millennium Falcon, published along with the article A Millennium Falcon? That'll be Dh20,000 (July 6).
The picture reminds me of simpler times when life was not merely about having lots of money. Back then, you could buy Lego sets containing plenty of bricks without burning a hole in your pocket and build all sorts of objects because the box was actually loaded with a good number of the plastic bricks. It kept us busy for hours.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of today’s Lego sets. A decent sized bucket of Lego bricks will set you back a few hundred dirhams and when the container is opened it is not even half full.
I do not purchase Lego sets anymore, but impressive Lego structures, like the Millenium Falcon, always awaken the child in me and take me back to days when having fun did not involve having to spend cash every minute.
Seemi Saify, Dubai
Take action to save youth from drugs
It's sad that meth addiction is growing in India (India's meth addiction grows as criminals tap chemical hub, July 31).
It’s hard to stop people from buying medicines like ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, both of which are legally used in medication such as decongestants. But the authorities will have to find a way to restrict the sale of these drugs and take necessary action to save the young generation from falling prey to prescription drugs.
K Ragavan, US
Minor tremors felt in the UAE
I refer to the article UAE residents feel tremors from 5.5 Iran earthquake off Kish Island (July 31). I was lying in my bed at my Dubai residence when I felt it was shaking. I immediately knew it was from Iran.
Maryke Gouws, Dubai
I live in Sharjah. It shook two or three times within a few seconds. I held on to my bed and started to pray.
Daniel Lemma, Sharjah
