Snow in RAK shows effects of climate change

A reader thinks the snow in Ras Al Khaimah is the result of climate change. Other topics: Louvre attack, building evacuation, motor insuranne

A reader thinks the snow in Ras Al Khaimah is because of climate change. Courtesy Mike Charlton

Climate change is happening in front of our eyes, yet we are denying it (Ras Al Khaimah sees snow; naturally a snowman gets built, February 5).

It’s nice to experience the snow here, but we need to keep this thing in mind. Snow is not something usual here, which means something is happening in nature.

Aouse Al Anee, Abu Dhabi

It’s surprising that we experienced almost everything – snow, cold spell and dust storm – but not rain. I have been in Abu Dhabi for five years and this is the first time I have seen it so dry, although it rained elsewhere in the country. I don’t see any possibility of a heavy shower in coming weeks.

Rajni Moktan, Abu Dhabi

Louvre attack makes no sense

The Louvre attack makes no sense at all (French police question Louvre attack suspect, February 5). What could the attack at the Louvre possibly achieve except added animosity against Muslims? I don't understand any of this.

Logan DelaFish, Dubai

The attacker is a young father of a seven-month-old baby. Why would he do this? There is something more to this.

I think the Egyptian government should ask for a full investigation.

Tina Saad, Al Ain

No matter where he flew from, worked, lived or was born, he doesn’t represent Islam or the people of his country.

Nadia Alameri, Abu Dhabi

Confusion over evacuation

The information regarding the evacuation of the Stonehenge-linked towers on Reem Island is not correct (Electrical fire breaks out on Reem Island, February 6). Tower 1, where I live, was not evacuated until after 6.30pm. I called Khidmah four times to find out if we should leave the building and was told not to as it was safe to stay in the building.

Power went off at 5.40pm, evacuation was called after 6.30pm and power was already back up and running by 7pm.

There was no sign of security in the building either. They were all outside.

I think the lack of communication and inconsistent message, combined with the absence of security personnel during the evacuation, was plain incompetence and potentially dangerous.

C Ferguson, Abu Dhabi

Insurance sector needs overhaul

Like the banking industry, the insurance industry in the UAE is fragmented and long overdue for consolidation (FNC member calls for cancellation of minimum rates for car insurance, February 1). Sixty-one insurance companies in a market as small as Dubai is far too many to be viable.

Further, there is no uniform standard of coverage or costs, which are imperative to stabilise the market and make it more fair to consumers – and more competitive.

Minimum insurance requirements should be specific to the types of coverage, not its cost. As, if not more important, is the need for independent anonymous claims reviews, perhaps in association with the regulator.

My car was rear-ended and the damage was minor, yet because I was well insured and the other driver’s insurance was covering the repairs, not only was my bumper replaced, but the boot repainted, brand logo replaced and so on. A lot of unnecessary work was done resulting in unnecessary costs. When I questioned the garage, I was told: “Why do you care? Insurance will cover it.”

I care, as should everyone, as these unnecessary repairs and inflated costs drive up everyone’s premiums and do not allow for an accurate reflection of the car insurance market in this country.

Name withheld by request