Conserve water
From Mr. J.T. Ciejka, Dubai
I refer to the article "Falling water levels cause concern" (Gulf News, February 27). We take water for granted in Dubai. People use water as though there is an unlimited supply.

Every morning, people use gallons of water just to hose down their walls, patios, driveways and their gardens. Many people in the UAE have wells in their gardens so they don't have to pay for municipality water.

Unlike taking showers or baths, which are essential, people are using water for luxury purposes. If we don't change our ways then the underground water will become salty and the price of water will rise rapidly because of the cost involved in cleaning it.

We should all think twice about how we use water.

Protect Arab culture
From Mr. A.R. Almuhairbi, Dubai
Mr. Sutton ("Time to reflect" Gulf News, March 1) should be wary of the sources he relies on. Dr. Saad Eddin Ibrahim never represented the Arabs or their views. He has his own agenda and it has been proved that he has collaborated with foreign parties to exaggerate about Egypt.

Mr. Sutton is apparently not aware that "salam alai kum" has a deep and powerful meaning which, if practiced with a clear intention, can lead to peace: the meaning of the word "salam".

The word "hi" is a useless word that means nothing. This is the reason we want to protect our culture.

Captivating camels
From Mr. V. Brown, Dubai
A thousand thanks to the genius responsible for Dubai's magic camels! No matter how ill-tempered I am, I just smile every time I spot one of these fabulous beasts.

Am I the only one who believes they come alive at night and freeze at dawn to spend the day staring goofily at passing traffic? Long may they continue to brighten our lives!

Unjustifiable
From Dr. H. Kishore, Dubai
After viewing the Zee Cine awards, I was happy with Rajesh for having bought the auctioned trophy. But after reading your report (Gulf News, February 29) that he had backtracked, I felt disgusted with him and sad for the aged people.

There is no justification to what Rajesh has done. He should donate whatever he can to St Anthony Home for Aged.

Reckless action
From Mr. A.K. Sait, Dubai
I cannot fathom the theory of "kiddish behaviour" expounded by Rajesh's brother as reason for not paying the auctioned trophy. Viewers will remember Salman Khan explaining in detail the significance of auction and showing a small documentary.

Rajesh will no doubt, without remorse, continue to warm his chair at the jewellery shop. His action was reckless.

Instant replay
From Mr. K.R. Ranjan, Ras Al Khaimah
I am surprised with Zee TV's practice of broadcasting (for almost a year now) the same stale episodes of weekly serials like Mano Ya Na Mano, Rishtey and X zone (with each episode repeated almost 15 times, in quick succession).

Besides, the serial Lipstick has been prolonged, with the result that actors playing the roles of almost all the characters have been re-placed up to three times each.

Shameful
From Ms O. Bin Hendi, Georgia, USA
The rule that anyone can obtain a driving licence based on income is ridiculous. If one is a UAE resident, regardless of job status or income, he should be able to get a driving licence.

The people who receive low salaries and are not allowed to get a licence will be even more inconvenienced. And, why is it that only individuals with an Indian driving licence are required to obtain a new licence?

This is discrimination. As a national, I am ashamed of such regulations.

Curbing accidents
From Dr. N. K. Menon, Essex, UK
I was concerned by reports in the local press about the increasing number of road accidents and fatalities.

This is an inevitable consequence of economic growth, and its pattern will follow a bell-shaped curve of increasing incidence until action is taken to limit it.

The enforcement of speed limits, education on lane discipline (avoiding distraction by, for instance), the use of mobile phones while driving and checks on the road-worthiness of vehicles should help in limiting the number of accidents.

Road focus
From Ms M. El Accad, Dubai
To minimise the traffic problems, there should be an ongoing educational broadcast on television and radio and in all petrol stations to educate people from different backgrounds who bring different driving skills to the UAE.

The police must stop all drivers breaking the rules and penalise them on the spot.

Driving instructors should be tested on a regular basis and made to pass tests on the correct traffic procedures, to ensure that they don't forget.

Job done
From Mr. M. K. Shaji, Dubai
In response to my letter ("Full of craters" Gulf News, February 23), prompt action was taken by the authorities to fill up the craters on the road near Jebel Ali Gardens.