Mobile Donors

I am a regular blood donor. It is a very pleasant experience. During the past few years, the blood bank location has changed twice, which I was not informed of even though I am a regular donor. The blood bank needs to be a bit more aggressive because it is well- equipped with all the facilities. Awareness campaigns will also help promote more donations. The campaigns should highlight the facts that blood donation is a healthy practice and our body recovers the amount of donated blood within a few hours. The best way to promote donations is to have more mobile vans that would reach places with prior information or by appointment so that people who are interested would be ready. 
From Mr Yousuf G.
Abu Dhabi

Save a life

In the past, many people [have] lost their lives because they do not find a blood donor when they need blood, for example during a surgery. The concept of blood donations has not reached everywhere. Even if some people want to donate, they do not know where they have to go. First of all we have to make people aware of blood donation, like how much blood can a person donate in a year and how long it takes to recover that amount. In order to get such information to people we need support from the media and social organisations. Even big hospitals and malls should open a counter to register volunteers. I started to donate blood in 1981 and whenever I did donate I never expected any rewards or appreciation. I was always happy that I might have helped save a life.
From Ms J. Fernando
UAE

Late nights

The decision to increase the operational hours of the Dubai Metro is commendable and I think the hours should be extended during the other months, too ("RTA announces operational hours for Metro and paid parking zones during Ramadan", Gulf News, July 25). If required, the frequency can be minimised in the late hours. Nevertheless, the Metro is doing a good job! However, to know that the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will increase the timing for paid parking is very sad. It is absolutely not convenient for the public to pay until midnight for several reasons. People who go early to bed would have to pay for additional hours. The people who will be busy with the late night prayers would have to run back early or be disturbed during their prayers.
From Ms Sana
Dubai
Website comment

Residential areas

I think it is wrong to have paid parking till midnight. Do the authorities expect people to be up till midnight just so they can put a parking ticket in their cars? I request the authorities to spare residential areas from the parking fee.
From Ms Sherin
Dubai
Website comment

Shorter hours

It is a very good decision for the commercial areas where there will be more customers after iftar during the month of Ramadan. But, it will be a problem in residential areas where people have to pay up to midnight. This rule should only be applied in commercial areas. We hope the paid parking hours for residential areas is from 7 to 9pm only.
From Mr Mohammad
Dubai
Website comment

Keep them in mind

I am amazed by the workers and how hard they work in the hot sun during summer, while others are working in air conditioned offices. The workers are brought to the site and back home in buses, which also have no air conditioners. We should consider their health and mental strength and give them what they deserve. Companies should at least provide air conditioned buses for workers.
From Mr Raji Kumar
Abu Dhabi