We need more outdoor facilities for children

Readers express concern over the growing problem of childhood obesity. Other topics: hotel tariffs, driving, Syria

Readers express concern over the growing problem of obesity. Sammy Dallal / The National

In reference to your news report Abu Dhabi agencies design battle plan in war on childhood obesity (December 5), we need fewer malls and more outdoor play areas with temperatures regulated.

It’s time to build proper parks with proper pool facilities and implement child fitness camps. More money needs to be invested on improving the future generation.

Carla Botha, Abu Dhabi

Parents, teachers and school staff need to be educated about food. Many, especially children, have no idea what they are eating and what it does to their bodies.

It’s sad to see so many children eat unhealthy food day after day. It’s surprising that adults see nothing wrong with that.

Many fall seriously ill because of their food habit. They need to be educated and informed. Schools should take children to farms instead of malls.

Emina Behrem Al Ali, Dubai

Perhaps we need to teach children self-reliance. I have seen maids carrying children’s backpacks while dropping them off at school.

Parents should teach their children to make their own beds and do things independently at home instead of leaving it all up to the maids. Responsibility starts at home.

Lisa Kassem, Abu Dhabi

Shocking prices at hotels

I recently visited Abu Dhabi as an avid follower of Formula One and had an excellent time. The entire event was well staged and managed. The one downside which clouded the week and will stop me from returning was the commercial blackmail imposed by hotels and retail outlets. It was shocking and disappointing and totally unnecessary.

While a small increase could be expected, one seafood outlet at the marina increased the prices by 240 per cent and a hotel increased their drinks prices by 200 per cent.

I am surprised that the Abu Dhabi authorities permit these types of inflationary tactics when there is such an emphasis on increasing tourism.

What will happen as the other planned projects open and tourists start to arrive?

Name withheld by request

Drivers need better training

The accident is terribly sad (Five killed in early morning crash in Dubai, December 5). Special training is required for all bus drivers. I travel through Sheikh Zayed Road daily and it's always a hairy experience.

Bernard Vallely, Dubai

Using indicators is a no brainer. Sadly when you put your indicator on, as motorists should before changing lanes, most drivers – especially taxis, buses and lorries – speed up so you can’t change lanes.

This is a sad incident. Let’s spare a thought for the grieving families of the deceased. May their dear souls rest in peace. I hope the injured get better soon.

Wilma Booysen, Dubai

Assad removal may not help

After the "regime change" disaster of Libya, it is difficult to comprehend why exactly regime change is so necessary in a country that has a record of democratic elections, religious tolerance and inclusiveness (Aleppo marks a turning point in Syria's conflict, December 1).

If you add to that the fact that the opposition is mostly a collection of political Islamists fighting a sectarian war to remove an Alawite president and instal their theocracy, it is doubly hard to see what possible benefit for the people of Syria could be achieved by attempting to remove Bashar Al Assad.

This conflict is the tail end of the supposed Arab Spring, which caused chaos in many countries because it was funded by western interests crassly and opportunistically trying to advance the cultural colonialism of smug superiority and political correctness into supposedly backward countries where it was not only resented, but totally unsuited.

This handed ruthless political Islamists a perfect excuse for wading in to “defend Islam” and wreaking havoc, which they have done with a vengeance.

Name withheld by request