I refer to your article Driving becomes more dangerous (May 14). Having been in this country for about 10 years, I remain convinced the real issue to be addressed is the lack of enforcement of the traffic laws.
Brent Newton, Abu Dhabi
The authorities have made sure to build some excellent highways and in general the roads are of a very high standard (although the signs are often poor).
What always lets the standards down is the woeful driving. On average I drive about 450 kilometres per working day and almost everyday I am tailgated, flashed, intimidated, overtaken on the emergency lane in heavy traffic or have people barge in front at junctions.
I am not a slow driver, but I generally pay attention to the speed limits.
I always indicate lane and directional changes and I always keep to the right when not overtaking.
I also maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front. The authorities need to do a lot more to stop the arrogance and stupidity on the roads and higher penalties need to be imposed.
Dave Pryce, Dubai
Help children to achieve dreams
It's a great idea to help children get an insight into how hospitals work, so that young Emiratis are inspired to consider a career in medicine (Students play doctor at Dubai Medical Centre, May 11). But not every child is interested in this field.
Children should be allowed to choose their career options and not be forced into a profession.
My parents wanted me to become a doctor, so they bought me the typical nurse and doctor toy outfits, such as a stethoscope and a microscope. But ultimately they realised that my interest lay somewhere else and they supported me in my endeavour.
Parents and educators should always do this: listen to a child about his or her dreams. They should pay attention to their talents and what they love to do, then suggest several careers where those talents and abilities will be of good use.
Pushing one’s dreams and aspirations onto a child is a bad idea.
Varsha John, Dubai
Can marriage be ‘temporary’?
Regarding Rym Ghazal's opinion article Marriage is more than a temporary convenience (May 14) how astonishing it is that "some clerics were reported to condone some forms of temporary marriage, such as 'jihad marriage' where men fighting can temporarily marry the women they capture".
Name withheld by request
Temporary marriages should never be endorsed. Marriage is a sacred institution.
Mohamed Asham, Abu Dhabi
Temporary marriages are not acceptable and should be completely banned because these marriages encourage exploitation of women and young girls in distress and need. These marriages benefit no one and instead make it worse for women who are under contract. Marriage is a serious affair and a lifelong commitment. Such temporary agreements are a joke.
Fatima Suhail, Sharjah
Gyms are the only hope
Given the sedentary lifestyle in the UAE and the number of people suffering from obesity, fitness centres have become the need of the hour (The craze for fitness centres can work out well, May 11).
With more people suffering from diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, gyms are the only hope. The more fitness centres the better.
Name withheld by request
Regarding the story Half of women in UAE are 'clinically obese' (May 14), children don't exercise much either and have very bad eating habits. Unfortunately, many parents don't realise that. That really worries me.
Gula Smits-Gojayeva, Abu Dhabi