Children playing dangerous games

One afternoon in Dubai, I noticed some children were playing in the parking lot where our car was parked. The children were playing without paying any attention to their surroundings.

A parking lot turning into a children's playground is a very common sight in some of the areas in Dubai.

This practice is a big threat to children's safety because a driver may accidentally hit the children.

Accidents and injuries can occur, which may lead to fatalities.

In the area photographed, the children are playing in a parking lot surrounded by buildings where the ball can hit a glass window and cause property damage. The ball could also hit a car and cause damage.

Children must choose to play in designated play areas like parks, beaches or playgrounds. Parents should ensure this so as to keep safe. Remember — accidents do not happen, they are caused.

It's my humble request to authorities that they build more parks especially in Bur Dubai and Karama, so that children have plenty of space to play.

I also suggest that they should have random checks to see if children are playing in parking lots and strictly prevent people from playing there. Children are so excited to play and they play where space is available. Parking lots are a popular spot that children usually choose to use as a play area.

— This reader is a fifth grade student in Dubai.

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