I want to comment on traffic congestion (Dubai to implement new traffic control systems this year, May 19).
The speed of the Metro is one of the reasons I always take a taxi when travelling in Dubai. It’s so slow and inconvenient.
We need more Metro lines and the trains should go faster. It is unacceptable that it takes more than 30 minutes to get from the airport to the Dubai International Financial Centre.
Jose Hernandez, Dubai
Aid isn’t getting to those in need
In reference to John Henzell's opinion aritcile, Nepal will need your help tomorrow as well as today (May 19), I have heard first-hand reports that global donations are being held up.
I have heard of food being left to rot at Kathmandu airport, or donations being rerouted to warehouses and then sold rather than given to those in need.
Nepalis won’t see much of your donations unless you give directly to someone you know or an organisation you trust.
With the monsoon season looming, there is an even bigger humanitarian crisis in the making. Sadly, as mentioned in the article, in a few more weeks the world will have forgotten all about it.
Name withheld by request
Beaches should have lifeguards
It was sad to read Body of man who drowned off Sharjah beach found by search teams, May 18).
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time that a person has drowned in this area.
Why aren’t lifeguards deployed at popular beaches to monitor activities and help if someone is in distress?
Fatima Suhail, Sharjah
Think about where you park
I can understand the concerns expressed in Fine for roadside parking during prayers in Dubai (May 18). Many accidents are caused due to vehicles being parked inappropriately on the road shoulder.
Whatever their reason for stopping, motorists should act responsibly at all times.
Name withheld by request
Internet speeds must improve
I refer to Speed trials find Etisalat much faster than rival du (May 18) and the internet speed comparison chart The National published online.
There are poor internet speeds and even poor signals in many areas of the city. A lot needs to improve.
Suhail Ahmed, Dubai
In other parts of the world, people are downloading at twice the speed and uploading three times faster than we are here.
John Paravloas, Dubai
Support for a local TV soap
A UAE soap opera would be interesting (Is the UAE ready for its own Coronation Street? May 18).
There would be so many dimensions of culture and nationality.
Caitriona NiChonaill, Dubai
We don’t need another mind-numbing series to watch.
Jen Bishop, Dubai
Children’s book a sheer delight
I was impressed by Hala Khalaf's thoughtful interview with UAE children's author Alia Alshamsi about her book, Alayah (May 17).
On reading it, I immediately purchased Alayah online. I wouldn't have known about it otherwise.
I love this book with its charming illustrations, slightly poignant air and its dreamy, girlish flavour. Without doubt, this seaside tale subtly reawakens the child within the adult.
It promotes a sophisticated philosophy on how vital it is these days, in the face of an insular cityscape modernity, to hold on to things, people and places that are sure and trusted.
Within a short space, Alayah captures the flavour of Dubai perfectly. I also adore the little girl's wonderful dress collection. Susan Abraham, Dubai
Cat torturer is a violent coward
The situation described in Abu Dhabi family's anger after pet cat is shot with arrow (May 18) is absolutely horrifying.
Whoever deliberately injured and tortured an innocent cat may also be inclined to commit violence against a person. I hope the police catch this coward and justice is served.
S Al Khaluf, Abu Dhabi
