Limiting Dubai traffic congestion is all about timing

Readers weigh in on traffic gridlock. Other topics: crime rates, security guards, capital landmarks and Emirati gymnast.

A reader suggests ways to limit congestion on Sheikh Zayed Road. (Antoine Robertson / The National)

I have some suggestions that may help solve peak-hour gridlock (Transport upgrade will ease congestion in Dubai, ­December 9).

The phasing of traffic lights needs serious attention. It is not uncommon to wait more than five minutes for the light to turn green, with traffic backing up all the while.

Morning traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road is invariably made worse by the high number of accidents each day and the subsequent blocking of lanes. The lack of a hard shoulder compounds the problem.

Congestion is also caused by the fact that school buses – which in their own right are a good idea to reduce traffic – have to share the road with office commuters. There is no reason why school students and office worker have to start at the same time.

Solutions to these issues can be achieved without building more roads.

M Anthony, Dubai

Dubai traffic is not so bad if you compare it to cities in other GCC countries.

Z Ahmed, Dubai

Put crime rate in perspective

I am writing in response to Reem Island murder sparks social media debate on niqab (December 9).

I would be disappointed if a decision to ban the niqab was based on the actions of one person. Let us all remember that the suspect was caught very quickly despite wearing the niqab and taking other actions to conceal her identity.

I find some of the negative comments on Facebook very sad. They are based on closed-mindedness, sheer ­ignorance and intolerance of other cultures and traditions.

People who have made negative comments about this country should think about the difference in the crime rate between the UAE and their homeland.

D Phelps, Dubai

As I understand it, the UAE constitution guarantees freedom of religion. That should mean that women have the right to wear the niqab if they so choose.

If people need to be identified, biometric iris scanning technology is very effective. Indeed, every expatriate in the UAE has had an iris scan as part of the visa process.

This technology could be used more broadly in public places where there are security concerns.

Elan Fabbri, Dubai

Please don’t be too hard on people who are exhibiting fear at the moment.

All of us felt so safe in this gloriously tolerant nation. Now, I am not so comfortable about my wife and baby girl going shopping without me.

Is this a rational fear? Probably not, but this terrible crime has made many people feel quite vulnerable.

A McEwan, Dubai

Arming guards not the answer

Arming mall guards is a bad idea (Mall security do not have enough power, guards say, December 10).

Recently at a popular mall in Taguig City in Manila, two security guards pointed loaded military grade weapons – M16 rifles – at patrons in a bid to break up a fight.

The area is notorious for fights, but the guards could have handled it better by calling for backup or using a less dangerous deterrent.

If mall guards in the UAE need to protect themselves and shoppers, Mace or pepper spray and a security baton would be sufficient – and these should only be used in extreme circumstances by adequately trained people.

Roberto Santos, Dubai

Old landmarks should be kept

I was sorry to read in The missing cannon in Abu Dhabi's Al Ittihad Square (December 5) about the demolition of a familiar landmark.

When I lived in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, I loved getting directions such as “go to book roundabout” or “mother cat roundabout” or “falcon roundabout”.

These things have helped give the country its identity. Just because something else is new doesn’t make it better.

I think the authorities should try to keep these landmarks.

Barbara Radwan-Wiehe, US

Country shares girl’s success

I was pleased to read about the success of Emirati athlete Shaikha Al Tayer (Young gymnast ready to represent the UAE, December 7).

Her efforts will have an effect on the way people see the UAE – perhaps drawing attention to Dubai as a potential host for the Olympic Games.

Hilary Davis, US