Opinions | Letters
June 08, 2008
Letters to the Editor - June 08, 2008
- Gulf News
- Published: 00:05 June 8, 2008
A positive outlook
Most of the shares in the UAE are still being traded at lower prices ("Earnings and valuations point to Gulf stock rally", Gulf News, June 2).
However, I believe there is a high potential for an upward trend. I expect the country's stock market to perform well in the second half of 2008, once the listed companies announce their results.
The economy of the country is growing steadily, the fundamental strategies of many companies are strong, and the overall stock valuation is very attractive.
It is therefore likely that the stock market will rebound in the coming days.
From Mr Abdul Nazar M.}
Dubai
The public's task
The move to catch offenders through mobile cameras is great for road safety, but I do not think it is necessary for Dubai Police to shoulder the responsibility of implementing the system ("Be warned, mobile cameras are watching you on the roads", Gulf News, June 2).
In fact, the general public should be allowed to catch offenders on camera and send the pictures or videos to Dubai Police by email.
The person taking the footage can also receive incentives for proactively protecting the rules of the road.
From Mr Vikram
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
Use the sun
Dubai has an abundance of sunshine, as is evidenced by the need to provide air-conditioned bus shelters ("Bus shelters keep public cool despite faulty doors", Gulf News, June 3).
However, the question arises: why are these bus shelters not solar powered?
The UAE is trying to be more aware of the environment and yet is not utilising the sun, which it has been blessed with all year round.
From Mr Julian
Dubai
Keep old shelters
Introducing bus shelters is a great initiative by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). However, there are a lot of shelters that are closed and display a 'work in progress' sign.
The major issue of concern is that while these shelters are being constructed, commuters have to stand for long hours under the scorching sun and bear the rising temperature.
If air-conditioned bus shelters are still in the process of being built, it would be better to keep the old bus shelters for the time being, so that commuters will at least have some shade while they wait.
From Mr Rayan
Dubai
Water wanted
While travelling long distances from home to workplace and back, bus users need to drink cool water, as the weather is rapidly becoming very hot and humid.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has introduced air-conditioned bus shelters, which is a considerate action.
But I urge the authorities to make the availability of water fountains a priority as well, so that pedestrians and passengers can use them to quench their thirst.
This would be a great help, especially as the summer has arrived.
From Mr Mahendra Kamdar
Mumbai, India
Shocking
Gulf News's report on the children who were left stranded on their way to school was shocking ("Bus driver leaves pupils by Sharjah roadside", Gulf News, June 2).
How could the bus driver think of letting the children off the bus, even for a few minutes?
The children would be highly likely to run out on to the road or even have health issues due to the heat or because of dehydration.
Schools that do not enforce strict safety measures in buses should be fined, and all school transport vehicles should be inspected at random to ensure that they are adhering to the rules.
From Ms Lakshmi Nair
Dubai
Fine phone users
My friend barely escaped an accident recently due to a reckless motorist who used a cell phone while driving.
In fact, one can often see motorists holding their cell phones in one hand and the steering wheel in the other.
I request the authorities to impose more fines on such motorists, especially as they do not even bother using headsets or hands-free phones.
Phone users are often distracted and cannot concentrate on driving carefully. They change lanes recklessly and do not check before making sharp turns.
This is an extremely unsafe practice as it puts a lot of lives in danger.
From Mr Syed Fiaz Ahmad
Dubai
Badly kept roads
I fully endorse the views of Mr Abdul Khader, who said in his recent letter to Gulf News that more road signs should be placed in Abu Dhabi ("Give us a sign", Your Turn, Gulf News, June 1).
Continuous maintenance should be done to ensure that current road markings and signboards are clearly visible.
Additionally, several streets in Abu Dhabi are riddled with potholes. Driving at night through the inner roads of the city is like carrying your own death warrant in your hand.
From A Reader
Abu Dhabi
Name withheld by request
No alternative
In Abu Dhabi, the acute shortage of taxis is made worse by the fact that many commuters have to travel to distant places for work or other personal reasons.
If passengers do not find a taxi, they often have no other alternative but to walk. I urge the authorities to consider introducing a city bus service, such as the one in Dubai.
The service would be beneficial to those who cannot afford to pay for taxis.
From Mr Rajan Rao
Abu Dhabi
Get tough
The country's effort to ban smoking and cigarette sales to under-20s is commendable and I urge the authorities to strongly enforce the new rule ("Dubai bans cigarette sales to under-20s as world marks No Tobacco Day", Gulf News, June 1).
Tough anti-smoking laws are very effective, but the introduction of a law is not enough.
Smokers who are caught smoking where they should not be and retailers who are still continuing to sell cigarettes to juveniles should feel the effect of the new rule.
Such people should be penalised with fines.
From Mr Christian Rymell
Berlin, Germany
Matter of fact
Gulf News wrongly reported/published the following:
- The price rise at Americana's fast food franchise outlets to be "by as much as 30 per cent" instead of "by a maximum of 10 per cent". The outlets referred to included Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pizza Hut and Hardee's. It was part of the Page 9 report, "Diners may have to pay more at McDonald's outlets", Nation section, April 30.
We apologise for these errors and any inconvenience they may have caused you.
Gulf News is committed to being fair.
If there is an error in the newspaper, we will correct it promptly and fully.
If you come across any factual errors, mistakes or inaccuracies, please let us know at readers@gulfnews.com
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