Drivers must obey rules in wet weather

A reader says road safety is an important issues, especially when it has been raining. Other topics: hamburgers, prayer times, the circus and the GCC impasse.

A reader says  drivers must be especially careful when driving in the rain. Antonie Robertson / The National
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There has been bad weather once again and multiple accidents on our roads (Heavy rain causes traffic delays and flooding throughout UAE, March 26).

It looks as if some people are determined to prove that whatever the authorities do to promote road safety, they will never change.

The scenario on the Dubai to Abu Dhabi road is the same every day. Even in wet weather, I see many drivers tailgating, driving above the speed limit and reading messages or texting while at the wheel.

The authorities should encourage road users to promptly alert them using 999 or another emergency contact number if they witness dangerous driving. At the same time, maintenance teams should ensure that they place adequate warning signs when there is roadwork happening.

If there is bad weather or other dangerous driving conditions, police, road transport authorities, radio stations and both du and ­Etisalat should alert motorists.

I strongly believe that until and unless we are able to change drivers’ attitudes, our roads will never be safe.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

Hopes to resolve impasse in Gulf

I am writing in reference to Kuwait's emir calls on Arab leaders to 'cast aside differences' (March 26).

If all the summits and conferences in Kuwait over the past two years had been successful, then the 25th Arab Summit in Kuwait would be pushing forward united action to achieve positive results.

However, it seems it will be difficult to achieve unity between Gulf states in the march towards development, stability and prosperity.

Concerns over the Syrian conflict, the political strife in Egypt and the marginalisation of Iraq’s Sunni community seem to be widening the differences between the Gulf states.

The regional powers and organisations such as the United Nations should be looking to restore peace and security.

Having strategic, ­economic and trade agreements between the Gulf states is important, so mediation to resolve their differences should be a high international priority.

Ali Sedat Budak, Abu Dhabi

Qatar’s relationship with the Gulf Cooperation Council is not over and it will never be.

It has been known for a while that the GCC is having issues and disputes among its members. However, they always tend to settle these issues using diplomatic means.

In the end, we are all one people. We share traditions, language and religion. These issues are temporary and we’ve had them before.

Even though governments may disagree for a while, the people still love and respect each other. I hope the current issues will be solved sooner rather than later.

Ebrahim Al Harbi, Abu Dhabi

Circus welcome, but not animals

I refer to Circus and shopping pavilion to be part of entertainment hub in Khalifa Park (March 25).

I think this is a good idea as long as future circus acts do not feature animals. How can anyone find wild animals doing demeaning and unnatural tricks entertaining?

These animals are often trained using physical abuse and fear. It’s horrific.

Leila Kaawach, Abu Dhabi

A small beef about hamburger survey

Your survey of the best hamburgers available in the UAE (The National burger meisters give Atlantis five stars, March 26) caught my attention.

I agree heartily about Burger Bureau, but I think Max’s is better than the review says.

I have found that each location I've tried has varying quality and appeal. So far, Dalma Mall, before noon, is the best of them. Sam Moody, Abu Dhabi

I think the best burger for health, top quality ingredients and taste is the one available from Kcal Healthy Fast Food, which has several outlets in Dubai.

Mark, Dubai

It may be odd to promote your own, but if you want to eat a real award-winning Angus burger guilt free, then come to the Lucky Strike Cafe at the Zayed Sports City Bowling Centre.

Bowling burns at least 200 calories per hour – and we do sweet potato fries.

Sanjeev Gheewala, Lucky Strike, Dubai

Turn sound off during prayers

The initiative described in ­Reduce volume of music during call to prayer, Abu Dhabi hotels told, March 23) is a really good step and it should be implemented everywhere else in the UAE.

Umer Munir, Dubai