More training can reduce accidents on the UAE roads

Readers say old architectural landmarks such as Al Ibrahimi building should be preserved. Other topics: driver training, Gaza destruction, celebrity endorsements, Richard Dawkins, Olympics venues

Readers express concern that Al Ibrahimi building on Electra Street could be pulled down. Delores Johnson / The National

The hard shoulder is a place where you stop only to call the police or during an emergency (Drivers involved in fatal Dubai bus crash deny culpability, August 8).

Once you stop on the hard shoulder, you are supposed to put the fluorescent signage to warn motorists. It is because of the lack of knowledge and the negative spirits that we face horrific situations that cause so many deaths.

It is not hopeless, though. You may still join a school to boost your performance and knowledge.

Marina Helmgens, Abu Dhabi

Why should the lorry driver be held responsible? There’s absolutely no reason why the bus should’ve been driving at that speed on the hard shoulder.

Theo Scheepers, Dubai

Compel Israel to rebuild Gaza

Israel should reinstate what was destroyed, even if it means all the donor countries going together to the UN to make it happen (What the world builds, Israel bombs, August 10).

However, this war has taken back Palestine by more than 30 years in terms of the infrastructure destruction. If they were allowed to explore their oil and gas reserves, perhaps they could finance most of it, but first things first: peace and stability.

Randall Mohammed, Dubai

Will you trust celebrities?

I refer to the article Putting the sell in celebrity (August 6). I think almost everyone in the western world has been influenced to buy a product due to advertising. Like most things in this world, there are good examples of celebrities being used and very bad ones, which can have a negative effect on consumers.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen an example of celebrity advertising in Dubai that works, especially ones for the property market.

Janet Cox, Abu Dhabi

A celebrity is paid to promote a product. I don’t trust people who get paid to sell stuff.

John Paravalos, Dubai

Pathetic state of Olympics venues

The pictures of Olympics venues on Facebook say it all (In pictures: Joy of Olympic Games in Greece just a faded memory). It is extremely sad to witness the state of affairs at these venues that were once the centres of attraction and full of life. It is disappointing that these places are quietly being withered away with time.

Fatima Suhail, Abu Dhabi

Do not pull down all old buildings

I write in reference to the article Four injured in fire at high-rise on Abu Dhabi's Electra Street (August 8). I feel very sorry, because the incident could only add to the reasons for someone to decide that they need to bring that building down.

All the classic Abu Dhabi architectural landmarks are slowly being replaced – the Adnoc swirly buildings, the Cultural Foundation building and so on.

Samer AlOgidi, Abu Dhabi

My office used to be in that building, which looks old. So a lot of sprucing up was done about four months ago.

Sathya Narayanan, Abu Dhabi

Why are pesticides easily available?

I refer to the article Police warn of banned pesticides dangers after Dubai tenant dies (August 10).

Pesticide-related deaths are not uncommon in this country, because people are not cautious, as this case shows. But the question is, how did this victim get this chemical when it is banned in the market? Your report says he probably bought the chemicals from another man, who was working as a pest exterminator without a licence.

This means that these substances are easily available. These things must be strictly regulated. At the same time, people need to be educated about the dangers of pesticides.

Iris Smith, Abu Dhabi