A noble deed
My heart melts when I see the sad look in the eyes of puppies, which are up for adoption in pet stores ("This Christmas give man's best friend a place to stay," Gulf News, December 15). I wish I could adopt at least one of those adorable creatures. However, I have restrictions of my own at this point in time. I urge all those who are in a more comfortable position and have the resources to give these puppies a loving home, which they truly deserve. I had an Alsatian dog for 11 years in India. She was much more than our pet - she was the joy of our lives and a member of our family. Adopting a furry four-legged loyal companion would definitely be the noblest deed one could do this festive season.
From Ms Shiuli Dutt Dey
Dubai
Tactful intervention
I could not agree more with Bahrain's proposal for a new body to tackle the Middle East peace process ("Bahrain's proposal for new body to tackle Mideast peace under study", Gulf News, December 15). Such a body is of ultimate importance. As a European citizen, I think that peace in the region is far away as long as Europe continues to intervene. Europe has to learn to speak for itself and give the Middle East its own voice. Instead, Europe continues to behave like an old colonial power despite knowing what the rest of the world needs in order to be happy. We need clear positions, new faces and 'languages' at the other end of the table.
From Ms Irene Veenstra
Netherlands
Integration
The most feasible and effective way to ensure that every UAE resident registers for the ID card without any hassles is to integrate the process with the visa renewal ("No deadline extension for ID card registration", Gulf News, December 14). This would allow all residents to get their ID cards within the next three years, since residence visas have a validity period between one to three years.
From Mr Avinash Jathan
Dubai
Difficult situation
There is news about job cuts all over the world almost every day ("Opec 'has no other option but to cut production'", Gulf News, December 16). Some countries provide benefits to the unemployed. However, the situation is really serious in this region. Only a few companies have publicly admitted their job cuts and many others are letting go of their employees without any announcements. If we consider at least five dependents for every working person, the enormity of the problem can be realised. Going back to the home country is not a feasible option for some of us, since the situation there is not any different.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Warning sign
There are some roads in the UAE with a sign that reads, 'No more petrol pumps beyond this point'. If a motorist were driving a vehicle with an almost empty petrol tank, he or she would be left helpless, since the car cannot be reversed. I request that a sign be placed at least 500 metres before the last petrol pump, which informs motorists of the same. This way, they would be able to refill their car's petrol tank on time.
From Mr Syed Ahmad Hussaini
Dubai
Changing trends
This is with reference to Ms Elaine Fernandes' letter, wherein she mentions that Indian women are ashamed to wear their traditional dress ("Who we are", Gulf News, December 14). To wear clothes of one's choice has nothing to do with roots or culture. Trends have to change. This is what we learn from history and museums.
From Mr Khalid Malek
Dubai
Shocking behaviour
This is with reference to the report on the increase in road deaths during the Eid holidays ("Eid holidays saw a huge increase in road deaths", Gulf News, December 15). With regards to the number of traffic accidents, I wonder how the drivers managed to get their licence. The traffic situation was an absolute shock for me when I first came here from the UK, a few months ago. Recently, I saw a driving instructor who was not wearing his seat belt while driving and then parked his car in the middle of the road just to visit a local shop. If they are not setting a good example, how can they be allowed to teach?
From Mr Philip
Sharjah
Full name withheld by request
Not on time
The bus number 33 is not stopping at the Clock Tower, in Dubai. Several people are suffering due to this issue. I see people waiting at the bus stop close to the Clock Tower every morning, between 8am and 9am. These people wish to travel to Terminal 1, of the Dubai International Airport and Cargo Village. Due to the non-availability of the C1 bus, they are unable to reach their destination on time.
From Ms Veera Cholan
Dubai
The management at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) replied: We received a message that bus number 33 does not go to the Clock Tower and efforts are being made to improve the timekeeping.
Huge jump
The authorities must rethink this proposal as it is a huge jump from Dh4,000 to Dh8,000 - Dh10,000 and is quite unreasonable ("FNC proposes increasing minimum salary needed to apply for family visa", Gulf News, December 16). This policy will be a huge blow to middle class families resulting in many being forced to send their families back.
From Ms Aswathi Menon
Dubai
Reduced
It is acceptable, particularly at this time, because companies are reducing the workforce. Additionally, a lot of companies may not give increments.
From Mr Amir
Dubai
Great difficulties
How will people live? An expatriate can sponsor a housemaid only if he or she is earning Dh15,000 or more. Most couples who work, have children, and who do not earn much, will have to face great difficulty.
From Ms Asha
Dubai
Own a home
Like most residents, I read with interest all Gulf News's reports related to the real estate market, in the hope that an opportunity to own a home may come my way ("Experts feel authorities should step in to lift liquidity", Gulf News, November 18). Thus, I was surprised to read in a report that sentiments still abound that liquidity is not an issue in the region. This may have been the case earlier, but it is no longer so. In fact, cash buyers have been the main cause of the market escalating and near overheating! This, among other reasons, was the impetus to bring in legislation to control realty sales. Realistically, the market cannot collapse if affordable financing is made available to the masses who would like to own a home in th UAE.
From A Reader
Sharjah
Name withheld by request
Eat right food
If people are overweight at a young age, it often results in obese adolescents and adults ("Lifestyle change urged for obese children in UAE", Gulf News, November 16). Moreover, the psychological repercussions are dire in such circumstances. Criticism, rejection, lack of confidence and perhaps unequal opportunities could be some real consequences. My younger son was an obese 12-year-old, but at the age of 21, he boasts being fit, slim and well toned. But it was not an easy journey. We did it together. His determination resulted in gruelling hours at the gym and plenty of research on the internet, in order to establish a balanced eating pattern. In all his efforts, I did my best to cooperate. It was not about dieting, eating pills or going under the scalpel. It was about eating right and undoing the damage of a traditional lifestyle and a cuisine where oil, rice and wheat are staples. Instead, he had no item that was fried and ate rice only once a week along with items such as whole-wheat pasta, brown bread, skimmed milk, salads with tuna or chicken and no temptations on the kitchen shelves. Can parents help their children manage their diet in such a way? Helping my son meant that my own nocturnal feasts were over. As much as I scavenge, my options are limited to fruit, vegetable or crackers. There are no goodies around. Self-help should be the first priority, before obesity fast forwards health hazards into children and adults.
From Ms Tasneem M.
Dubai
Proud students
As students of BITS, Pilani — Dubai, we strongly object and refute the maligned statements about our institute that appeared in a report, recently ("Students see bleak future at BITS campus", Gulf News, November 14). We are very proud that we are part of the BITS, Pilani family and are satisfied with the high standards of education and facilities provided. We proudly look forward to graduating from the university and joining our seniors in the workforce, as they hold good positions, in reputed international universities and firms.
From Ms Rochit Sapra
Dubai
Resilience
In her letter to Gulf News, Ms Neetu Rupani pointed out very vague causes for domestic violence ("Reasons to stay", Gulf News, November 23). She mentioned that a woman's financial independence would help her escape an abusive spouse. However, one often comes across now many self-sufficient women that still suffer abuse. In the present scenario, it is not a difficult task for a woman to find a job to support her. Apart from this, there are many organisations that work for the betterment of women. Above all, women are empowered today, more than any time in history — and most are steadfast, courageous and brave, too. The modern woman has recognised her right in society and stands on an equal footing with any man. In the case of children's custody, I agree with Ms Rupani that a woman may often suffer a long relationship of abuse because of her maternal instinct, which often surpasses every other emotion. I think men can never posses the resilience and strength a woman holds, when she gives herself up as a sacrifice to keep her family together.
From Ms Shemi Kanayamkandi
Dubai
Bus schedules
I wonder if the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is really doing something about the schedule of buses. If they are really focused, why is it that bus problems are getting worse every day?
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Irresponsible motorists
All commuters from Sharjah would agree that the traffic congestion at Al Nahda can be very nasty, during the morning rush hour. Irresponsible motorists contribute a great deal to this problem. At Al Nahda Park, one lane of the road turns left into the flyover, while another lane sweeps the length of the park. I have observed that traffic police arrive at the spot at about 7am. Till that time, motorists form three-lane queues — and sometimes even four — to enter a single U-turn. Moreover, school buses that try to manoeuvre around the park to pick up pupils seem to be the most affected. A simple solution of placing a barricade to mark the lanes would help a great deal in solving the problem.
From Ms Ruchira Luktuke
Sharjah
