Drones are not toys

A reader calls for stricter regulations on drone use. Other topics: mental disorder, oil price, tipping, JBR

A reader says the government should impose restrictions on the use of drones. Courtesy Security Media

It's dangerous that drones are being used as toys (Drones are taking off, January 30). I think this technology should only be used by governments and any recreational use of it should be banned. It is time that strict regulatory policies were exercised with regard to drones to prevent them from being abused.

Fatima Suhail, Sharjah

One of my friends has a drone and he videos the flights around my small home town and posts them on Faceboook. They are fascinating.

Teri Coley Adams, Abu Dhabi

More clinics are needed to treat mental illnesses

Your story on the rising number of cases related to psychological illnesses in Fujairah is concerning (Depression and anxiety are most common mental disorders in Fujairah, January 31). However, it is not clear to me why mental disorders are so rampant only in Fujairah.

Although the article says that Dr Najdat Khallouf has treated 350 patients since the psychiatric centre opened at Fujairah Hospital six months ago, there are no statistics from other emirates, which makes it hard to understand whether this problem is more acute in Fujairah.

Irrespective of statistics, more specialised centres are needed in every emirate to deal with psychiatric problems. At present, there are limited numbers of psychiatric clinics that are sometimes hard for patients to access because of their locations.

The rise in the number of patients in Fujairah is perhaps related to the opening of the treatment facility there. In other words, the number may not have risen, but patients are pouring in because of the availability of the clinic, the first of its kind in the area.

Manish Sharma, Dubai

Oil fall should reflect on tariffs

I refer to the article Petrol price fuels debate (February 2). It's amazing that when petrol and diesel prices were sky high, the Emirates National Oil Company were quick to raise their rates. Now when prices are down 60 per cent, they should reduce fuel prices by at least 30 per cent.

I am also baffled by Abu Dhabi Electricity and Water Authority’s decision to raise energy tariffs by 40 per cent.

H Dastoor, Abu Dhabi

Tip those who deserve

As someone with dietary restrictions, I always try to tip and generously when warranted (Where to tip, what to tip and what about that service charge? (January 31). I also consider the causes of a poor experience, whether it's food quality, preparation or lack of training, before deciding on how much of a tip to leave.

When staff really make an effort to understand my food allergies, come back and ask if this or that is safe, I will always leave them a generous tip. When they are generally enthusiastic or at least try to be so, I also reward them for a good attitude.

However, those who are lazy, arrogant or don’t care that I could end up in hospital if they don’t take that extra step to ensure my safety, they will be left a tip of a dirham, so that they get the message. I’m more than happy to tip – and generously – but staff must at least try to earn it.

Elan Fabbri, Dubai

I’ve never understood why we tip waiters for bringing us a cold coffee or an average pizza after a 40-minute wait, but don’t tip the people who really make a difference in our lives, such as the ladies at the hospital who delivered my daughters, or the teachers who continue to enthuse my kids day after day.

Sascha Dallas, Abu Dhabi

Like everything else in life, tips should be earned. If the service is good, prompt and friendly then a tip is in order. If not, then no tip.

Dave Pryce, Abu Dhabi

Open blocked turn at JBR

How about opening up the blocked left-turns in JBR (New self-contained communities key to reducing Dubai traffic congestion, February 2)? This was done to avoid collisions with the tram (because of one incident), but frankly it is becoming more of a nuisance than something that will reduce traffic congestion.

Shant Oknayan, Dubai