Inspection of food outlets necessary during summer
I am commenting on the news report Ramadan: Wahda Mall restaurants fined in Abu Dhabi hygiene crackdown (June 26). Such inspections are necessary.
Summer is upon us. It's a time when more people prefer to hang around in shopping malls and eat at the restaurants there. That's why it's so essential for the food outlets to maintain hygiene standards.
Every year many people suffer from food poisoning. Some of those cases prove to be fatal.
Recently, my son and one of his friends fell ill after eating at a restaurant in a mall. Both of them had to visit a clinic.
When we visit a restaurant, we expect the food to be fresh and hygienically prepared. But that's not always the case. This kind of impromptu inspections by the authorities will compel the restaurants to maintain standards. They will also make us feel safe to eat in any food outlet in the city.
Sneha Shruti, Abu Dhabi
Spend on Salik or spend on petrol
It is encouraging to read, as we often do, of trams, new tunnels, new roads, and the like. These are all welcome.
But at the same time the increase in Salik fees (Dubai drivers count the costs as RTA scraps daily Dh24 Salik cap, July 1) is frustrating. For most people, even a small increase in their costs can be hard to manage.
I find it exhausting to take longer routes to avoid Salik toll points, and if I don't spend on Salik, I must spend on extra fuel.
Moiz SA, Sharjah
If it's online then it isn't private
I was interested to read Man denies blackmailing ex-girlfriend with pictures (June 25), about a woman who sent a man three pictures of herself for him to show to his mother.
The story also refers to earlier cases of blackmail using pictures posted on the internet.
The internet is not safe; I wish people would understand this basic concept.
Joe Burns, Dubai
Nothing restful under the water
Work to start "soon" on underwater hotels (July 1) was interesting.
I would visit one of these hotels underwater, but I wouldn't try to sleep in it.
Shondale Galindo, US
Physical abuse is unacceptable
I am responding to the news report Family of boy beaten to death by father opt against death penalty, UAE court told (June 27).
According to the report, the child's mother and grandfather told the Criminal Court that the boy was his father's favourite child and that he did not mean to kill him.
If he was indeed a favourite child, then what about the other children? You don't beat someone like that if you love that person. The wife of the man is obviously afraid for her own life. Another sad story.
Monica Carver, Dubai
Foolish parents can't be taught
I refer to Parents face charges after leaving child, 3, in car and forgetting where they parked (June 26).
When it comes to the idea of legislating against this practice of leaving children alone, there's no point, in my opinion. You can't teach common sense to those who don't have it.
Jeff Taylor, US
Register for the e-gate service
The Ministry of Interior's registration drive at two Abu Dhabi malls for the airport e-gate service was a great success.
The ministry called on Emiratis, as well as UAE residents and GCC nationals, to register for the service that will enable them to pass through immigration at UAE airports in as little as 20 seconds.
The campaign kicked off at Marina Mall on June 9 and ran until June 13. From there it moved to Abu Dhabi Mall, where it ran from June 23 to 27.
At both locations, the initiative received an overwhelming response. The registration process was simple and quick.
I urge those who haven't yet registered to take advantage of the next round of campaigns.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
