I refer to the news article Scorpion sting puts camper in a coma (November 12) about what happened to me after I was stung by a scorpion while out in the desert.
A big thanks to the medical teams at Hatta and Dubai Hospital. They have done a great job. It’s amazing. I also thank the Indian quarry worker, who showed us how to get out of the dunes and the very understanding border-control personnel.
S Bradford, Dubai
Cyclists need to be cautious
My thoughts and prayers go out to Medhi Karasane and his family (Abu Dhabi triathlete in critical condition after being hit by car, November 11).
I hope he recovers fast and is back on that bicycle again. I also agree that there are a lot of irresponsible and careless drivers in the nation. Although I do have to say one thing. I have noticed a lot of careless runners and cyclists too. Athletes running or cycling on major roads and highways are not dressed appropriately – they often do not wear helmets or running vests.
If they do want to take part in long rides or runs, and with a group of people being involved, maybe a good thing to do would be to ask permission from the police to have someone to guide them, indicate to the drivers about the ride or race.
Here is an example to clarify what I am trying to say. The other day driving back from work to the Green Community in Dubai, I was on the two-lane road heading towards the community and noticed a person jogging on the side of a two-lane road where heavy trucks and many cars ply during rush hour. The problem is, the Green Community has dozens of roads and pavements for someone to go for a jog or cycle, yet some people decide to do it on the narrow roads where there is heavy traffic. Why?
There are lots of parks all over the UAE and there are a lot of wide sidewalks where people could cycle and run comfortably. Unfortunately not so many people use them.
GG, Dubai
I pray Medhi Karasane recovers from his injuries and thoughts are with his loved ones. If you are committed to a sport like cycling, it’s a super dangerous place due to the fact that roads are considered to only have one type of user – car drivers.
The roads are very risky for bikers and pedestrians. Safety campaigns need to include hard-hitting images that will warn drivers in the UAE on speeding, tailgating, using mobile phones while driving and the need for seat belts.
Also, the sooner a high-speed rail link is built between the UAE’s cities the better, because that will perhaps reduce the number of cars.
Name withheld by request
We visit home to be with families
I refer to the news article Boarding option at new school on Saadiyat (November 13) and the comment by Brendan Law, the headmaster of Cranleigh School, in which he states: "There really isn't a point in going home for that particular day..."
The point is to see your family, sit down at the dinner table together and share your day with your parents and siblings. Yes, a good old-fashioned family dinner that supports the family as a unit and helps it bond through communication, unconditional love and sharing. That is the point.
Maggie Hannan, Abu Dhabi
Find ways to save energy
I am commenting on the article UAE's appetite for power is three times the global average (November 10).
Malls, hotels and public spaces in the UAE are usually over-cooled. An easy way to save energy is to set the indoor temperature to normal level.
Kati Tiainen-Senol, Abu Dhabi
Learn language of region you live in
In a comment on Asmaa Al Hameli's blogpost Mishan Enta [Because of you] (September 17), a reader wrote: "There is no such thing as 'Swiss' language." That is correct. Switzerland does not have a "common Swiss language".
Instead, it has four national languages. English is not one of them and as such immigrants have to speak the language of the region that they are living in.
I do, however, admire Asmaa because she addresses a common problem here in the UAE, which is that non-Arabic speaking expatriates have difficulty in using Arabic in their everyday encounters. I am one of the lucky ones who has colleagues willing to teach me some basic Arabic.
Thank you, Asmaa, as always for your wonderful stories. I truly enjoy reading them.
Michelle, Abu Dhabi