Zayed’s vision has propelled UAE to prominence

A reader underlines various aspects of the UAE that make it one of the most livable countries in the world. Other topics: autism, national dress, driving, Musharraf

A reader underlines some of the elements that make the UAE one of the best countries to live in. Jaime Puebla / The National

I was thrilled to know that the UAE has been voted the best place to live (Young Arabs say the UAE is the best place to live, April 8). I also feel the same.

I have been in Abu Dhabi for two years but I feel these two years have been the best in my life.

It’s hard work, future planning and a clear vision of the country’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed, that have helped propel the UAE to this position.

The UAE is the best place to live in this world. It is a peace-loving and peace-promoting country. Whether it’s giving aid to Syrians or helping the poor and needy in African countries, the UAE is always ahead of others. Women’s safety, education, self-reliance are all part of the UAE’s culture.

Fatima Murtaza, Abu Dhabi

More awareness needed on autism

April is marked as Autism Awareness Month. The intention is to highlight the growing need for support and awareness about autism. I would like to extend my support to this cause through this poem:

Autism is a disorder of neural development,

Family is the source of treatment.

Education programmes and behaviour therapy in early life

Help autistic children to acquire self-care and social life.

We all should work together to increase awareness,

Which will help autistic children to show their receptiveness.

I promise to participate endlessly,

Want everyone to donate generously.

Please spread awareness

And show your kindness.

Sundaresh Sunadaragopal, Grade 6, Our Own High School, Dubai

National dress is smart and elegant

I am commenting on the opinion article National dress is important, but it doesn't define who we are (April 7).

I think the Emirati national dress is stunning and I hope it never disappears. Emirati women, now so much more fashionable, wear all those beautiful coats of so many different designs. I love them.

Brigitte von Bulow, Abu Dhabi

Change attitude to curb accidents

The traffic police chief, Col Saif Al Mazroui, may be right in asserting that "speeding remains the leading cause of fatal traffic accidents" (Dubai motorists commit half a million traffic offences in the first two months of 2014, April 6). However, it is also the most easily measurable traffic offence thanks to the staggering number of surveillance cameras on UAE roads. Traffic fines are also generating a vast revenue for the police.

Most modern cars are well-equipped to slow down suddenly even if they are being driven at high speeds, and braking systems have developed considerably since speed limits were imposed. However, the latest technology that will allow a driver to take his eyes off the road is not widespread. I quote two statistics concerning texting while driving from Source magazine: 1) The minimal amount of distraction time while texting is five seconds, which at 88.5kph is like driving the distance of a football field while blindfolded; 2) Texting makes a crash 23 times more likely compared to 2.8 times more risk for dialling, 1.3 times more risk for talking and listening and 1.4 times more risk for reaching for a device.

Anyone who has observed mobile phone “zombies” wandering about in public places unaware of their surroundings will surely be concerned about this habit extending to drivers. The question for Col Al Mazroui is, how do we police this?

Name withheld by request

Musharraf’s move reveals a bold man

The opinion article Musharraf's calculated return has achieved its objectives (April 9) is long on rhetoric and short on facts.

Let me make my points. First, Gen Pervez Musharraf returned to Pakistan voluntarily to clear his name from all allegations. I think he is free from corruption and his earnings are from legitimate means, including lecture fees.

Secondly, Gen Musharraf was travelling in a plane when Nawaz Sharif replaced him as the chief of Pakistan’s army with Gen Ziauddin. But the army refused to accept that and corps commanders took control and ousted Mr Sharif and put Gen Musharraf in charge.

The Supreme Court of Pakistan legitimised the takeover as necessary for the country and gave sweeping powers to Gen Musharraf to even amend the constitution.

Finally, Gen Musharraf’s return has made his detractors nervous. In fact they are trying to get him out of the country and make him sign a bond, which he has refused to do.

Mohammed Hamza, Dubai