Emirati designer made us proud

A reader congratulates Kamelia bin Zaal, who won a silver-gilt medal at a London flower show. Other topics: modesty, enforcement, Hafilat cards

A reader congratulates the Emirati landscape designer Kamelia bin Zaal, who won a silver-gilt medal at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show in London. Stephen Lock for The National

News of the first UAE national designer picking up a silver-gilt medal at the Royal Horticultural Society's annual show in the UK is incredible (Emirati's garden a silver-light winner in London, May 20).

It is a great achievement for Kamelia bin Zaal and for the UAE. She has not only made her country proud, but also Muslims across the globe. The silver award is quite impressive given that this was her first time in the competition. Congratulations to her.

Fatima Suhail, Sharjah

It’s not so hard to keep in mind UAE’s sensitivities

With reference to the article What do we wear to the mall, ask shoppers, May 19). I think, tourists should be given a flyer as they arrive at immigration, outlining the dos and don'ts.

Stacey Russell, Dubai

It does not require one to be especially intelligent to realise that in an Islamic country one should dress modestly. But I guess not everyone has common sense.

Mohammed bin Abdullah, Abu Dhabi

People choose not to follow the dress code. I’m from America and I knew when I moved here I needed to dress differently. I think people see other people not dressing appropriately and just follow them instead of being respectful. It’s quite sad.

Patricia Cooksey, Dubai

It’s definitely not hard to follow the dress code and respect the culture and expectations of the UAE. All the residents know what is appropriate but unfortunately some people choose to wear and do whatever they want. If they don’t want to adhere to the rules and regulations of this country, then maybe they should reconsider whether or not they should actually be here.

Carolyn Wethereld, Dubai

Tourists coming here know they’re coming to the Middle East. Residents definitely know the expectations. The dress code is clearly mentioned at the entrance of every mall. To ask to cover knees and shoulders is not a huge request.

Julie Ní Arrachtáin, Abu Dhabi

Enforcement of law is the key

It's good to know that programmable radar traffic cameras will go live on the streets of Abu Dhabi by the end of the year (Road conditions to dictate speed limits, May 19).

Alongside all this, laws need to be enforced. Unless that’s done, people will continue to drive recklessly.

Robert Bradley, Abu Dhabi

It’s not just tougher laws that are needed, it’s also more patrols and actual enforcement of laws and re-education.

Dave Pryce, Dubai

I agree that enforcement of rules is the key (Enforcement alone will help make roads safer, May 15). Every law that has to do with operating a vehicle needs to be enforced.

This week, my wife was tailgated for about 10 minutes by an SUV driver, because she honked the horn at him.

Also this week, I almost collided head-on with another car, because the driver was busy texting.

Name withheld by request

Hafilat shouldn’t replace coins

With reference to the news report New Hafilat card system to replace cash on Abu Dhabi buses (May 13), the coin system should be retained for the convenience of those who travel occasionally by bus. Forcing commuters to buy a card is not fair. Those who travel frequently would benefit, but people like me who use the bus occasionally would not. I do not have a driving licence, so I cycle within short distances. I use the bus for longer trips. So why should I need to buy a card?

It’s the same in Dubai, where I was forced to buy a NOL card, and six months on it’s in my wallet with some balance on it.

I understand that it can be topped up, but that is not the point. If I have to buy the Hafilat card, it will be the same thing. Commuters should be given the choice to pay by card or coin.

Conrad D, Abu Dhabi