I thank all the amazing people from Dubai's civil defence who risk their lives to keep us all safe and well (New Year's Eve blaze at The Address Downtown Dubai put out, January 1). They do an amazing job.
Dru Campbell, Dubai
What’s remarkable about the UAE, particularly Dubai, is that it’s always prepared to deal with any eventuality.
While the fire is unfortunate, the way it was brought under control showed the level of efficiency of civil defence personnel.
Katelyn Shine Larida, Dubai
I commend the civil defence for their quick and orderly intervention.
It could have got much worse considering the number of people in the hotel and the busy surrounding area. May God bless the UAE.
Wissam Halawani, Dubai
Will the Dubai hotel be rebuilt?
Considering the extent of damage the building has sustained, it might be unwise to fix it. The possible alternative could be to replace it with a new construction.
Nicola Siotto, Dubai
My office is two blocks away. Thank God the fire did not spread. Prayers work.
Matthew Crawford, Dubai
Kudos to all of those who offered their homes and extended other kinds of help to the victims (Residents offer online help after Dubai hotel fire, January 2). This shows how kind and caring our community is.
Name withheld by request
Regarding your report Emaar closes luxury Dubai hotel ‘indefinitely’ after fire (January 2), I wonder whether the residents of the property were able to get anything out and whether insurance – if individual belongings were insured – will cover the cost at all.
Kathy Lee, Dubai
Modi faces a tough challenge
The audacious terrorist attack on the Indian air force base in Pathankot comes close on the heels of prime minister Narendra Modi's effort to reach out to Pakistan on Christmas day (Six killed in attack on Indian military base near Pakistan border, January 3).
This is not surprising, if history is any guide. Whenever a possibility arises of a thaw in relations between the two countries, terrorists try to disrupt the process. But again, Mr Modi should take lessons from the past and go ahead with his mission.
That said, the targeting of a military installation should be countered boldly, and not just with mere condemnation. It remains to be seen what steps the Modi government will take and what fate the new peace efforts will have in the coming days.
The attack is the first reality check for Mr Modi’s efforts to reach out to Pakistan, and the global community would be watching closely how the government will react to the attack.
Anurag Ajarekar, Dubai
The timing of the attack comes at a crucial juncture when both India and Pakistan seem to be keen to reach out to each other. It’s quite strange that militants launch attacks on Indian targets whenever these countries make such overtures.
At this critical time, the two countries must demonstrate their resolve to maintain a peaceful relationship.
However, this aim should not deter Mr Modi from taking stern action against the perpetrators.
K Ragavan, India
Rainy weather brings cheer
The rain came as a pleasant surprise for us. Rain is such a blessing in this region.
It has cleared the sky that was covered by dust and pollutants. Everything seems so fresh and nice.
Fatima Suhail, Sharjah
