Shah Rukh’s new film will be a hit

A reader predicts success for Shah Rukh Khan's latest film, Happy New Year. Other topics: driving, Muslim women. RAK Crown Prince, hospital ratings.

A reader predicts success for Shah Rukh Khan’s latest film, Happy New Year. Above, a scene from the film. Courtesy Red Chillies Entertainments

Love him or hate him, Shah Rukh Khan is the only thespian who is confidently pompous – both on and off screen, unfazed by criticism (Film review: Happy New Year, October 24). He possesses a screen chutzpah that has yielded countless successes for him – both in front of and behind the camera.

Like the other two Khans – Salman and Aamir – who bank on releases during Eid and Christmas respectively, Shah Rukh chooses Diwali, this being his 11th such release.

If predictions are true, Happy New Year will be a box office hit of the year.

AR Modak, South Africa

Drivers, not cars, are to blame for accidents

This is an example of the UAE's biggest road problem – people's inability to accept responsibility for their own actions (Car modifications can be risky, October 27).

Rather they blame it on something else. A modified car can be safer than a standard one. Common sense tells you that you should never apply that “gel” to the tyres that “caused the accident”.

I believe this to be the reason why car modification is banned, because people can’t do so responsibly. It’s time the UAE started focusing on the problem – the drivers.

Theo Scheepers, Abu Dhabi

It’s not car modifications, but the lack of enforcement of regulations that is more dangerous.

Enforce the rules, start taking away points and see how quickly drivers calm down.

John Paravalos, Dubai

Car modifications can be done safely and correctly. In fact, cars can be made safer with modifications like bigger brakes, better suspension, roll cages and harnesses. The RTA should implement a car modification certification regime like they have in the West, so you can legally modify and drive cars that have been tested for safety.

Sam Damo, Dubai

Modifications don’t kill, terrible and reckless driving does.

Osama Rashid, Dubai

I was horrified to hear Ahmed Al Nuaimi say: “The car turned around. If I had been slower this wouldn’t have happened. I wasn’t wearing my seat belt. Once I recover and go back, I still don’t think I will wear my seat belt, because I don’t think it can save you.”

I am sure Mr Al Nuaimi, who was involved in an accident last week, is lucky to be alive. Seat belts do save lives.

Tammy Reeves, Dubai

Let’s correct our misperceptions

I refer to your editorial Emirati women fight ignorance (October 28). Those of us from the West need to challenge the misperceptions we are exposed to. It's western ignorance and as such our problem to fix.

We need to educate ourselves and our children so that these misrepresentations don’t continue to be disseminated.

Angela Rihia-Tãmaki, Abu Dhabi

Crown prince is a true leader

It’s great to know that Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, the Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah, has enrolled for national service in the UAE armed forces. This is what leadership is all about – leading by example.

Sylvester Ajiloseda, Dubai

Ratings system is important

Your editorial Rating system would improve health care (October 24) was thought-provoking. You have rightly mentioned that the most effective way to ensure patients are assessing the quality of the health care on offer is to make each hospital's track record available.

This ambition has been hampered by insufficient transparency when it comes to the quality of health care provided in this country.

With the UAE determined to improve the health care sector, I am positive that this system will soon be made available to individuals.

K Ragavan, India