I write to you in reference to the National Editorial A new decade presents new opportunities for the Middle East (December 31): 2019 might well have been the Year of Tolerance, as declared by the UAE government. But I believe tolerance is the one principle that governments all over the world should be reminding their citizens to practise diligently. This is especially important because of the troubling stories about communal and sectarian hatred we keep hearing and reading about in the media.
Of course, people should take personal responsibility in ensuring that we live in a tolerant society but government does have a role in regulating behaviour – particularly if it is to the detriment of society.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru
We should spend money on the environment – not on fireworks
I write to you in reference to Louise Burke's article How much longer can we watch Australia burn? (December 30): the planet would be a better place if we utilise the money we spend on fireworks to rid our oceans of plastic, extinguish bushfires, aid refugees and prevent wars.
Emad Ahmed, Abu Dhabi
Dubai car owners struggle with the Abu Dhabi toll system registration
I write to you in reference to the report Abu Dhabi road tolls: everything you need to know before January 2 launch (December 23): Dubai registered company cars cannot be registered on the Abu Dhabi toll system. We've been trying.
Tim Ansell, Dubai
New Year resolutions are good but we must not let our focus waver
I write to you in reference to Louisa Kiernander and Laura Weyel's article The Great Debate: Are New Year's resolutions worth making? (January 1): right from childhood, we all have dreams of achieving something or becoming somebody. We are inspired by other people's success stories – for they motivate us to be like them. Our dreams should be such that when we achieve them, we become an inspiration for others.
But it is not enough to dream big; we must also put in hard work in order to realise those dreams. Furthermore, it is important that our focus does not waver as distractions take us away from our goals – or at least delay the time it would otherwise take to achieve them.
Lamiya Siraj, Abu Dhabi
