In regard to Janice Rodrigues's article The Bee Cafe in Abu Dhabi only employs people of determination (December 2019): this is very impressive. Would love to pay them a visit one day.
Teeba Nord, Dubai
Survival of a new born elephant in the Namib desert is a miracle
In regard to Jamie Prentis's report Life-sized bronze elephants unveiled in central London (December 4): During one of our routine elephant patrols, we discovered a newborn elephant calf in one of the dry riverbeds in Namibia.
Living conditions in the Namib desert are very tough, so the birth and survival of this young one is miraculous. Namibia is one of the few countries that still tolerate free-roaming desert elephants. Together with local conservation partners, the country aims to foster peaceful relationships between communities and their elephant visitors.
We have been in the region for over 15 years helping mitigate conflicts by offering solutions to rural communities who have been negatively affected by elephant visits.
Seeing this newborn desert elephant roam freely together with her mother is the greatest Christmas gift. We are all pleased to have discovered her and hope she will survive through the summer.
Rachel Harris, Elephant-Human Relations Aid, Swakopmund, Namibia
Abu Dhabi toll is a great idea but no one looks forward to traffic
With reference to the report Abu Dhabi toll gates to be free outside of rush hour (December 22): There will be long queues of vehicles parked probably on the hard shoulder around 8.45am and 6.45pm. The issue will not be the Dh4 cost, but the hassle of registering and maintaining an online account for vehicles outside Abu Dhabi.
Farhan Harthim, Abu Dhabi
Thanks to the authorities. It’s a great initiative and shows good thinking.
Anisur Rahman, Abu Dhabi
'Tis the season to care for skin: hydrate, moisturise, watch diet
With regard to Winter-ready skin: grooming advice by men for men (December 22): people who use heaters at home can be affected by conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and dandruff. When the weather turns cold and humidity drops, it is important to take precautions: moisturise, take shorter warm baths as they can dehydrate, avoid make-up removers that contain isopropyl alcohol. And to prevent eczema, avoid peanuts and shell fish.
Dr Thansiha Nargis, Bengaluru