The project of eight street artists to give the Karama shopping complex a facelift by painting 24 murals on the side of 12 apartment buildings is interesting (Street art turns Karama turned into a gallery on a giant scale, August 5).
I hope it raises awareness on the importance of artists in our communities and makes them feel appreciated as creative professionals who can make a difference in the world. Good art changes lives.
Miguel Llorente, Dubai
This is really interesting. It’s unfortunate that some people believe murals and graffiti make places look clumsy, unlike in many cities in Europe, where these forms or art is seen as an adornment.
I hope to see these projects here on a large scale. We have almost everything here. It’s just some artistic activities that can make our society look more complete.
Dahlia Kedir, Dubai
Accident a lesson for all
Many of us regularly travel through Dubai airport but probably rarely think about the people who are there to take care of us when things go wrong (Hundreds of mourners turn out for funeral of hero Emirates flight firefighter, August 5). I salute Jassim Al Baloushi for his bravery and commitment. My condolences to his family for this irreplaceable loss.
Claire Parry, Australia
The video of passengers trying to get hold of their belongings as the aircraft burns is astonishing.
How can adults block the way of children and parents carrying infants in order to reach for their bags? If they really need something, let them get out of the way of others and wait until the corridor is empty of those trying to escape.
I understand many would be reaching for their passports, but regardless it’s both extremely selfish and extremely unsafe for all. Passports can be replaced, lives cannot.
I also offer my condolences to the family of the fireman.
Lola Lopez, Dubai
What about the person filming it all? It seems so reckless. He is not paying attention to life-saving commands from the crew and is only intent on recording the event for dramatic value. This is absurd.
John Payton, Dubai
Ban carry-on luggage, unless there is medicine, which the airlines could give you a small clear plastic bag. Only wallet and passport should be allowed inside cabins.
Chris Reid, Dubai
The Emirates incident has highlighted the importance of in-flight safety briefings. Every individual needs to pay attention to these briefings so that they understand what to do and what not to do in emergency situations.
Unfortunately, passengers usually do not bother to pay attention to these tips.
The incident also underscored the importance of travel insurance that can protect passengers against such unforeseen circumstances.
Ramachandran Nair, Oman
The video of passengers trying to get their luggage in the burning plane is disturbing. However, what the passengers did is nothing unusual. It’s human nature to instinctively reach for personal belongings in such situations.
It has happened before and it will probably happen in the future, no matter what part of the world it is.
I think this incident was a great lesson for the airline industry to improve safety standards. For example, aircraft in the future might have a system whereby the overhead luggage compartments can be locked from the cockpit in such emergencies.
Criticism of passenger behaviour will not help us in any way. Instead, we have to think how to improve things so that incidents such as these are not repeated.
Deep Saranya M, Abu Dhabi
I don’t think people realised the severity of the situation. I don’t want to undermine the role of the crew members but I think luck had a big part to play in all passengers getting out safely. If the plane had burst into flames sooner, things would’ve been very different.
Samia Iftekhar, Dubai
