Construction rules must be enforced to prevent tragedy
While I am shocked to hear that corners are still being cut and rules flouted in the construction industry (Fire risk in 3 out of 4 high-rise towers, September 27), it does not come as a complete surprise.
I urge the authorities to take action to find a quick and cost-effective solution for the flammable cladding, and indeed for any areas where fire may be an issue.
I hope that, in future, the building inspectors carry out their job more efficiently.
The authorities need to take a very, very close look at suppliers and construction companies, too.
If a deep study is done into buildings in the whole region, I fear it may open a can of worms that will shock many people. D Montgomery, Dubai
Paperwork makes Oman trip a hassle
I am responding to the letter, Entering Oman not so difficult for dive enthusiasts (September 26).
Getting the paperwork is still an additional chore that should not be necessary.
I hope the authorities remove these additional restrictions shortly, as the 48-hours' notice rule prevents spontaneous trips.
Peter Jenkins, Dubai
Warning over pool chemicals
Warnings on chemicals used to clean pools (September 26) does not canvass some of the disadvantages of powdered chlorine.
I think there are some important things to consider.
Chlorine dioxide decomposes to form the toxic byproducts chlorate and chlorite, which can accumulate to high concentrations in the treated water.
Chlorine dioxide is a volatile product, as it is a gas at room temperature.
Because of its limited solubility in water, it is hard to maintain an effective sanitiser without having a dangerous concentration of chlorine dioxide in the air above the water.
At high concentrations chlorine dioxide is explosive and can detonate with great violence.
Because of its instability, chlorine dioxide can never be purchased in concentrated form; it must generally be generated on site. The operator has to control the chemical reactions carefully to maintain efficient generation and avoid explosions.
Because of these concerns, chlorine dioxide is rarely used as the primary sanitiser in recreational water, drinking water or cooling water.
A Kuhn, Australia
Free speech, but only for some?
I am writing about the notion of freedom of expression (Obama blasts 'crude' film but defends free speech, September 26).
An ice cream advertisement showing a pregnant nun was banned by the Advertising Standards Association in the UK.
Denial of the holocaust is a crime under the law and punishable as such across much of Europe.
Now US president Barack Obama and Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu have boycotted Iran leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's address at the United Nations General Assembly.
What has happened to freedom of expression in this case?
Stop this hypocrisy.
Mohammad Hamza, Dubai
Owners also have a responsibility
I am writing about the Dubai property scam (Victims 'must wait until cheques bounce', September 25).
My question is: shouldn't the property owners share some responsibility for signing a contract with this man in the first place?
James Magee, Dubai
I think the UAE and Dubai governments should be worried about the way these property scams affect the city's reputation.
If Twitter is any yardstick, a lot of damage has already been done. Joan Ryan, Dubai
Facing the facts is not so simple
I agree in spades with Peter Hellyer's comment article, In survey-addicted UAE, can honest statistics exist? (September)
Lots of people will take survey statistics at face value, but that should offer no comfort to the brands behind the surveys if there is a risk of ending up with a more public "emperor's got no clothes" moment.
Now everyone and anyone can do their own online survey using free internet tools, and it's getting quite tough to identify statistics that you can trust. C Malin, Dubai
Why parade your iPhone purchase?
Better deal on iPhone 5, but you cut the cards (September 25) is about must-have conspicuous consumption at its worst. Nicola Ablett, Abu Dhabi
