The fuss over self-service petrol stations (How to pump your own petrol in Abu Dhabi, in practice, March 3) does seem silly, especially for expatriates who are used to doing this by themselves in their countries of origin.
But in the Emirates, there are people who have never had to do this before, so it makes sense for people to be concerned about it. I never drove in my country, the Maldives, and therefore I never had to learn to do this.
This is why it is important for the public to be taught this, so they feel comfortable filling their tank by themselves. If you do it yourself once, you will be able to do it for the rest of your life.
It’s always difficult to switch your habits from easy ways to difficult ways. Some people will struggle but they just need time.
Umm Dana, Abu Dhabi
Some would argue that labour is cheap, so why not have pump attendants.
But with oil prices so low – and looking to stay that way for a while – times are changing. Fuel is no longer subsidised, which means it is sold at market rates.
The government has allowed for a percentage for profit. They have to become self-sufficient and likewise everyone living in the UAE, expatriates or nationals, must do the same.
This will affect more than just petrol pumps. It’s not going to be business as usual – the modus operandi for the next decade will be “smarter and not harder” and “mean and lean”.
Randall Mohammed, Dubai
I agree it will feel like an inconvenience, but one to which I’m sure we’ll adjust. Give it time.
Personally, I’ve always felt bad for the attendants having to be outside in that unbearable heat during the summer months. At least for us it will only be a few minutes in the heat a couple of times per week.
Richie Chin, Abu Dhabi
If this is the most stressful thing facing drivers, they should give thanks – and a big tip to the guys working the petrol pumps.
Name withheld by request
How to react to Trump threat?
With regard to your news story, Egyptian student faces deportation over Trump Facebook threat (March 5), does this mean it's OK for Trump to make racist comments without facing retribution, but a tongue-in-cheek comment results in potential deportation?
Isn’t dealing with this young man – but not Trump’s blatant racism – racist in itself?
Jane Carter, Qatar
He most certainly should be deported. A death threat to a presidential candidate is not a “tongue in cheek” comment.
Tamara Clarke, Abu Dhabi
Violence is never the answer. Deportation is the right choice.
Beatrice Forgia, Abu Dhabi
Books just offer something more
Your editorial (Today is the day to stop, drop and ... read, March 3) asked what books we selected during the 20-minute reading break to celebrate World Book Day.
I chose Colm Toibin’s Brooklyn. It’s been on my list of books to read for nearly two years. I know it has been made into a movie, but I always prefer to read the book first, especially as movies invariably miss the finer details.
Name withheld by request
I read Wars of the Roses: Trinity, by Conn Iggulden.
Christopher Creek, Dubai
Fatal crashes are all too common
This kind of incident (Man arrested after Emirati dies in car crash near Ajman petrol station, March 4), is all too common.
There are too many drivers who do not bother to check whether the road is clear before changing lanes or entering the motorway from merging lanes. Instead they just expect that others will see and avoid them.
Dashcams should be allowed, so that bad driving can be reported to the police and action taken to educate and discourage such drivers.
Gradually, driving standards will then improve, because most people don’t like to receive fines and black points.
Stephen Osuhor, Abu Dhabi
On the ground, and in the cloud
Your editorial (The answer is not only in the clouds, March 3) makes the point that cloud seeding alone is no solution.
We also need to change how we use water. The extensive gardens here are part of the reason why the UAE has a huge per capita water consumption.
Chris Reid, Dubai