Cloud seeding alone will not fix the problem

Readers discuss implications of the cloud-seeding scheme. Other topics: food safety, service dogs and Etihad uniforms.

Several days of stormy weather prompts readers to look at the UAE’s cloud-seeding scheme. Maxim Shatrov

Your article, Dh18.3m programme to stimulate rainfall in UAE is launched (January 20), makes me question the way this money is being used.

If rain is needed that much in the Middle East, they should make the most of this project by also improving farming and general agriculture efficiency. This would allow less food to be imported so it wouldn’t cost that much.

Efforts should also be put into improving the drainage system to ensure people remain safe.

Jane Peralta, Dubai

This initiative is all well and good but could they possibly also invest in educating people about how to drive safely in wet conditions?

Too many drivers seem to think that putting their hazards lights on creates an impervious-to-accidents bubble around their fast-moving vehicle.

Lesley McPherson, Abu Dhabi

I’ve just moved to Dubai from Wales in the UK because it was wet at home most of the time.

If cloud busting is a reality, can the Government invest some of that money to put in proper drainage? On the up side, Dubai would be a greener place and this would have been achieved more sustainably, which would put Dubai in a great situation economically.

Sam Clarke, Dubai

I don't know why your story, Burj Khalifa and the lightning bolt (January 21), should come as a surprise to anyone.

The Burj Khalifa is effectively a metal spike soaring nearly one kilometre into the air – what would be more surprising was if it wasn’t hit by lighting during a storm.

Arno Kukkuk, South Africa

Food safety must be the top priority

In reference to your story, Woman finds screw in shawarma at Sharjah restaurant (January 19), it is concerning to hear of such cases relating to food outlets in the UAE.

This diner was fortunate to have spotted the screw before swallowing it, because it could have caused far more serious health problems and could have proved fatal.

This shocking discovery shows how some of the food being sold at restaurants that lack proper safety standards is unhygienic and unsafe. I think it is best to cook at home because it is not only clean and healthy but also economical.

I am heartened to hear that strict measures were taken against the restaurant and a fine issued. It is evident that there must be zero tolerance when it comes to food safety and public health.

Fatima Suhail, Sharjah

This incident shows why restaurant owners have to ensure good food hygiene. It is paramount to the pleasure of their customers and also to the success of their businesses.

Once when I was having dinner with my wife at a restaurant in Karama, we came across a hair in one of the dishes we ordered. When I asked the management how this happened, they quickly admitted it was their mistake, apologised and served my wife another item.

Nevertheless, we decided to leave. Restaurants can’t be lax with such issues and simply stating that it’s a mistake will not help because this is a service we are paying for. We do not want this to happen to anyone else.

Mathew Litty, Dubai

Respect service dogs in the UAE

With reference to the article Watch this dog take a solo bus ride to the park (January 15) I live in Abu Dhabi and have a dog – a black Labrador – who is a medical alert dog.

I never liked dogs before I got her. She was “prescribed” to me by a research university in the US and after careful consideration, I agreed (mostly because I needed help staying alive). She has since saved me from many potentially life-threatening emergencies.

She is highly trained and she was able to go everywhere with me in the US, but I can’t take her many places in public here.

I’m fine with that – I respect the laws here and knew what I was getting into when I moved to the UAE. I would love to see, however, a move towards tolerance of medical alert and guide dogs here. My doctors – both of them are Arab – say they would also love to see this.

Name withheld by request

Etihad uniforms a stunning sight

I read your story, Inflight couture: How Etihad Airways made a fashion statement with new staff uniforms (January 20), with interest.

I was at Abu Dhabi airport four times during the recent holidays and the new Etihad flight crews were always the most stunning of any of the airline crews I saw.

Jennifer Brooks, Abu Dhabi