Destroyed communities
I am upset by the recent bomb attacks and terror threats in India ("Bomb alarms and hoax calls scare people," Gulf News, July 29). As a Sri Lankan, I represent a community that has been scattered for the past 25 years. This, due to constant bombings in parts of Sri Lanka. It has destroyed the fabric of my country. I do not wish the same to happen to India.
From Mr Upul Saparamadu
Sri Lanka
Another culprit
Isn't it a coincidence that the two bomb blasts in Bangalore and Ahmedabad, in India, happened soon after the vote of confidence went in favour of the ruling party? If a few petty politicians can take wads of currency notes inside the parliament, can't they resort to creating tension in the country, just to bring down the present government? Each time a bomb blast takes place; all fingers are instantly directed towards terrorist groups. The culprit could be someone else, too.
From Ms Glen Vitus
Dubai
Planned distractions
Politicians in India have always pointed their fingers at terrorists. By doing so, they try to hide the fact that they themselves are the country's worst enemies. I say enough is enough. If the politicians want to rule the country, they need to prove themselves worthy of it. To begin with, they should start working for the unity of India, rather than trying to rip it apart. These blasts are just planned distractions before elections. There is a limit to endurance. With their divisive acts, the politicians are moving faster towards their own end.
From Ms Sindhu Pillai
Dubai
Sight for sore eyes
The lush greenery of Abu Dhabi is amazing. As residents, we must thank the authorities and praise them for their efforts. One often hears that vegetation is impossible in the desert, but cities such as Al Ain have completely changed this notion. The Capital is like an oasis and a boon for the eyes. However, I have several suggestions to improve it. Jogging tracks in the city are never clean; they are full of leaves and dust and should be cleaned at least once a week. Additionally, the fruits sourced from trees, such as the guava, can be sold and the incurred revenues can be used for maintaining the greenery and fountains. Benches should also be repainted regularly.
From Ms Ratan Raina
UAE
Part of UAE life
Learning Arabic is a necessity as it is part of life in the UAE ("UAE expats go back to classes for the love of Arabic, Gulf News, July 26). I came to Dubai in 2002 and I can now speak Arabic as I make it a point to read newspapers, with much interest, and familiarise myself with Arabic letters. However, I still need a lot of improvement. Unfortunately, there are no teaching centres in Deira, Dubai. I hope the authorities will soon arrange for free classes in this area, too.
From Mr Subair Chooriyot
Dubai
Animal welfare
To sum it up, Dubai Zoo is a disgraceful and sad place with defunct enclosures housing animals that show signs of stress and ill health. It is also interesting to read the comments written by tourists on the 'trip advisor' website; almost all are negative. Dubai Zoo needs to be closed down and the animals re-housed in a place where they would be properly taken care of.
From Mr Brett Easton
Dubai
Lives at risk
Speeding buses are more common in the UAE, than any other passenger transport system ("Minibuses will have their speeds limited, say police," Gulf News, July 29). Often, I drive from Deira to Jebel Ali and am amazed with the manner in which some buses operate. Recently, I was driving to Bur Dubai via Al Shindaga Tunnel and was shocked to see a minibus driver driving in a haphazard manner and at a speed of over 100 kilometres per hour, despite the fact that the bus was full of passengers. The authorities should ban all types of buses and commercial vehicles from driving in the fast lanes.
From Mr Leonard Pali
Dubai
Attitude lessons
Recently, I took a taxi from Deira to Muraqqabat Road in Dubai and asked the driver to drop me near a hotel as I didn't know the exact street number of the place I wanted to go to. On reaching my destination, I asked the taxi driver to stop. He started arguing with me and stated that he would drop me only at the hotel. When I queried if he would still refuse if I needed to be dropped to my house, he said he would. I was taken aback with his rudeness. I insist that taxi drivers such as these be given elaborate training on attitude and how to conduct themselves with passengers.
From Mr M. Faiz
Dubai
Better frequency
I'm a relatively new resident in Dubai and have observed that many people staying in Bur Dubai work in offices located along Shaikh Zayed Road. There is only one bus route, No. 21, with very poor frequency. Due to this, the bus is overcrowded on most days, especially during peak hours. It is difficult to get a seat on buses that operate even from Al Ghubaiba bus station, which is the point of origin. On behalf of other commuters, I request the Roads and Transport Authority to increase the frequency of bus No. 21, at least during peak hours.
From Mr Rashmin Patel
Dubai
Be thankful!
I respond to Mr Mark I.'s letter to Gulf News wherein he feels the newspaper is being inaccurate in its report on Samir Kantar. I must say that Mr Mark should thank Gulf News editors for publishing his letter. Most of the Western media depicts Palestinians as murderers and terrorists, while Israelis are promoted as saints. He should try writing against it in their media. Not only will his letters never be published, he would probably be put on a watch list forever.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
