We need to combat the rise of materialism in the UAE

Our readers have their say about materialism, workplace relationships and traffic accidents

People must refrain from being too materialistic. Bloomberg

This is in reference to Daniel Sanderson's article New measures are needed to combat materialism in the UAE, study finds (November 6). Materialist concerns push people to be influenced by social media into buying what they cannot afford and risking bankruptcy.

As long as people only care about appearances, they will be vulnerable to ads compelling them to buy things they do not need, even if they do not have the money for these luxuries.

Name withheld on request

Workplace relationships are simply unethical

I write to you in reference to McDonald's CEO Steve Easterbrook dismissed over relationship with employee (November 4). McDonald's CEO has been fired because of an affair he had with one of his employees. This is highly unethical, as his subordinate may have felt pressured into getting in a relationship with her boss. The MeToo movement was launched specifically to address these issues but unfortunately there is still a lot of work to be done so that women are not harassed at work.

I find Mr Easterbrook's behaviour deplorable, although he at least admitted the error of his ways in an email to his employees. Employees should be treated with dignity and respect, and made to feel comfortable and safe at work whatever their gender.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru

We need to do more to stop traffic accidents

I write to you in reference to Nick Webster's piece Tragic Dubai school death prompts call for road safety action (November 5). Despite the many traffic laws that have been put in place, road accidents keep happening all the time. This is a serious matter of concern.

Most accidents are caused by human error. We need more awareness campaigns to give motorists better driving habits but this is not enough.

Authorities should crack down on reckless drivers who put at risk the live of innocent people, as well as their own, and hand them bigger fines as a deterrent.

Some people believe that road safety laws do not help save lives, that they are simply a burden and slow traffic. This is not true at all.

The use of public transportation should also be encouraged.

I have driven for almost 15 years and I am now considering selling my car and using public transport.

I also believe that more police presence on the roads is a good idea. These are the measures we need to save lives.

Mathew Litty, Dubai