Time for civil defence to act

A reader says a civil defence clearance should be pre-requisite for a building licence renewal. Other topics: Mars mission, Arabic, water prices, Domino's Pizza

A reader says a civil-defence clearance should be required for a building licence renewal. AP Photo

Regarding the story Fire equipment in Sharjah tower failed as blaze took hold (October 12), isn't an annual civil defence inspection required as part of the building license renewal? If not, maybe the time has come.

Ian Thomasson, Dubai

Manned mission to the red planet is worth the cost

To answer your question whether we should invest resources in manned space travel to Mars (Mission impossible? October 14), I would say "yes".

We are meant to explore, discover and push the limits of the possible. Nothing is more valuable than knowledge.

The technology we will develop, the enthusiasm that will be generated by striving for new frontiers and the information we will get will drive decades of improvements in science. So let’s take this bold risk to explore our nearby planet for the betterment of this planet.

John Francis, US

It’s a waste of money for nothing. Better to invest that amount in health care, education and renewable energy. But most importantly, let’s invest our resources in global peace efforts.

Oleg Volkivskyy, Dubai

A range of very useful technology has come out of the space programme. It was not a huge amount of money for nothing.

Lynette Zozette, Australia

Why Arabic is languishing

I cannot understand the psychology of Arab parents who communicate with their children in English rather than their native language (Arab children snubbing Arabic, Dubai workshop hears, October 13). They focus on western education and then wonder why their children do not develop a cultural identity. The education system tends to go with the flow. If the majority of Arab parents try to help their children build a solid base in their mother tongue, then the system will automatically find a away to deliver on this demand in a creative way.

Wissam Halawani, Dubai

It’s unfortunate that neither the Arabic language, nor the method of teaching and the curriculum have evolved much over the years. When children are exposed to western languages, they see the difference and it is only natural that they get attracted to them.

Dina Abou-Zahr, Abu Dhabi

Water prices raise questions

Some articles seem to contradict Hassan Mohsin Elhais's take on the water issue (UAE consumer Q&A: Is it mandatory for restaurants to offer local water? October 8).

According to those articles, there is a law regarding overcharging for water and refusing to sell locally produced water.

Restaurants should not be allowed to ignore the law or overcharge customers for a bottle of water if the law states they should not.

D Glass, Dubai

The price of local water brands varies widely from one restaurant to another. This should not happen. I think prices can only differ in the case of imported water. At least, restaurants and hotels that charge a premium price for local brands should allow customers the option of bringing their own water.

Zahida Ashraf, Dubai

What’s in store for Domino’s?

I doubt whether Domino's Pizza made the right decision to venture into Italy (The Domino's effect, October 13). At least, they won't get much response from the local people. But who knows, they might do well among tourists.

Sonja Minic, Australia