Pivotal role
This draws a parallel between Switzerland and the UAE ("Housing Irena, a great achievement, says Shaikh Abdullah", Gulf News, July 1).
The UAE is regarded as a neutral nation just as Switzerland is to Europe - a peaceful and beautiful country that promotes peace and justice. The UAE has already established its position by being a respected voice of neutrality and a country that advocates peace.
Housing Irena's headquarters in the UAE is as important as the establishment of The Hague. There is no doubt that Irena is going to play a pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions and ensuring an optimum use of energy.
From Mr Abdul S. A.
India
No measure
I congratulate the UAE for bringing Irena here. By this, the UAE is now at the forefront not only in reshaping the world's future but in saving it from an environmental crisis, too. The economic, political and social benefits are simply immeasurable!
From Mr Y. Olatundun
Sharjah
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At any cost
This is a farce considering the fact that reported war crimes committed by Sri Lanka's mono-ethnic military during the last phase of the war have not been looked into ("Sri Lanka plans legal action against Tamil rebels," Gulf News, June 30).
Though much of the evidence appears to have been destroyed, satellite images and aerial pictures are significant in showing the indiscriminate use of heavy weaponry on civilian huts and hospitals. Justice needs to be served to 20,000 dead civilians and scores of mutilated victims.
From Mr Sandy Vadi
Ontario, Canada
Choose the sea
If you see the pool is dirty, why do you jump in ("Palm Jumeirah residents fall sick after swimming in dirty pools", Gulf News, July 2)?
By the way if we are talking about Palm Jumeirah, isn't it the development in the sea? Why not jump into the sea and have a nice time rather than in a shallow swimming pool?
From Mr Nath
Dubai
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Action needed
I live in an apartment along the shore and pay Dh53,000 in service charges every year. Where is my money going? The whole of the beach is in a mess - unkempt and unclean. Please, can relevant authorities take action?
From A Reader
Dubai
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Qualified staff
There has to be a professional company and people involved in treating pool water. Most of the time we find that people who are handling the chemical treatment for pools are not qualified enough to handle this job.
It is a serious issue and Dubai Municipality has to look into this matter seriously. Still there are many pools which don't have an automatic dosing system for pH balance and chlorine, although it is required.
From Mr Suhail Bandarkar
Dubai
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One source for help
It's really pathetic to note that lodging a complaint with Gulf News is the only means to get a decent or fair service from banks, phone companies, airlines or other service providers in the UAE.
These complaints are then forwarded to the companies and eventually resolved. My heart goes out to those consumers who cannot read or write or have the patience to send letters to the newspaper.
From Mr Khurram Asif
Dubai
Too hot to handle
The number of taxis in Abu Dhabi has reduced considerably, a clear indication that the authorities are doing a good job in encouraging the use of public transport. It would be great if a new route could be introduced for passengers commuting to and from Khalifa Street too.
There are many people who work in offices located in this area. It is extremely difficult to get a taxi during office hours. The condition becomes worse during summer as it is highly inconvenient to find a taxi in the sweltering heat.
From Mr S. Biswas
Abu Dhabi
Other priorities
Air conditioned bus stops should be a second priority ("Air-conditioned bus shelters launched in Abu Dhabi", Gulf News, July 2).
The first priority for the authorities concerned should be to construct more pedestrian underpasses and over bridges all over the busy areas of the city. This will minimise jaywalking.
From Mr Joseph Thomas
Abu Dhabi
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Frequency of service
The bus shelters are a humanitarian step for people. They would be helpful to those who use buses. However, the main thing that would encourage people to use buses are timings and frequency of service. If the buses are on time and waiting time is short, only then would people use buses.
From Mr Shahzad Shaikh
Dubai
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Respecting rights
Most pedestrians tend to cross roads even if the signal is red ("Drivers do not respect us pedestrians", Gulf News, July 1). Pedestrians need to respect drivers, too. They must realise that they do not have the right of way to cross a highway from any point they wish. Respect signals please.
From Ms Eva Donna Isla
Dubai
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A gift to people
This is, indeed, a gift to people as the shelters would encourage more commuters to use public buses. I would like to congratulate the concerned authorities on this initiative and we as residents will support and utilise it in a proper manner. More buses to other areas of Abu Dhabi would be another treat for residents.
From Mr John Dias Felix
Abu Dhabi
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