Lowering driving age will not solve traffic problems
Some countries are reportedly trying to raise the minimum driving age, yet in the UAE there are discussions about doing the opposite.
The headline, Lower driving age will lead to safer roads, with proper training (March 21), reflects the disconnect between reality and wishful thinking.
First, people must learn to obey basic driving rules, and then more police cars should be put on the roads to enforce those rules.
A Kaliq, Dubai
Most crashes are caused by people
I agree with most of the responses to the recent blog posts by Ayesha Al Khoori about driving (Licensed to kill? Child Ferrari drivers headed for a road near you, March 24, and The road to contrition, March 21).
However, I take issue with one comment stating that crashes are caused by "external factors".
This is simply not true, just as speeding itself is never the cause of a crash.
Almost all road accidents involve a significant contribution from a human being - meaning that a decision has been made by a person to speed, talk on a mobile phone, allow themselves to become distracted or not have their car maintained correctly.
When we read that speeding caused an accident that led to injury or death, that is only defining the immediate cause, not the problem.
J Finger, Australia
In the United States, if you get caught speeding once, you get a huge fine, points on your licence, a rise in insurance premiums and a compulsory trip to traffic school with an exam at the end of it.
If you get caught again after all that, then you're in big trouble.
Mahmoud P, Abu Dhabi
Modi's promotion may change BJP
BJP promotes Modi amid claims he may be their candidate for PM (April 1) piqued my interest.
The recent elevation of Narendra Modi certainly points to his future high standing in the Bharatiya Janata Party.
There is no doubt that he has improved the state of Gujarat in all aspects, particularly when it comes to the provision of water, electricity and infrastructure projects.
However, the BJP will have to change its strategy to win the confidence of the people.
K Ragavan, India
Families demand lavish weddings
I refer to the blog post Dawn of the Dh8m wedding: how egos trump love in UAE's modern marriages (April 1).
I think the main problem isn't with the couples wanting an expensive wedding, but with the parents and extended family.
H Al Mazmy, Dubai
The tired old requirement that couples must impress other people, especially friends and relatives, is such a problem.
Until that mindset is changed, I cannot see the overspending trend being reversed.
Name withheld by request
I know some people who have travelled to India or South-east Asia to get married, because they believe it is easier and cheaper to get married in those countries.
Mohammed H, Qatar
Rentals rise, but villas are vacant
I am writing in reference to Dubai property prices rocket in first quarter of 2013 (April 2).
There is accommodation available in Dubai, but some landlords have frozen their prices and would rather leave a place empty than rent it out at a lower rate.
I understand there are villas that have been empty for more than a year now because the owners will not negotiate on price. Aziza Al Busaidy, Dubai
Visa agreement is appreciated
I refer to UAE to drop Canada visa demand, (April 3).
This is good news for my Canadian friend who has had to pay high visa fees for her son.
T Adams, Dubai
Thank you to Canada and the UAE for agreeing on visa-free entry.
My son lived in the UAE for over 30 years, but just two days ago he came here in transit and had to remain at the airport for 14 hours.
Name withheld by request
