Diary notes for being late
This is a message for the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). May I ask a question? Why doesn't RTA remove the Salik system? It has no use. I study in grade five, in a school located in Dubai, and get stuck in traffic every morning. Because of this I get notes for being late in my diary, almost every day. Why doesn't RTA solve this problem?
From Mr Unmesh Datta
Sharjah
Bear the brunt
On average, a child spends over two hours in the school bus every day. Why do children have to bear the brunt of traffic congestion? Keeping in mind that the days are shorter in winter, children will be left with no time for any recreational activities. The Dubai Metro is a wonderful idea, but the main issue is traffic congestion in Sharjah. With many roads closed, the authorities should consider introducing a similar means of transport in Sharjah, too. Additionally, one person per car should not be allowed during peak traffic hours. Car-pooling should be implemented as a rule and school buses should be made mandatory for children.
From Mr Gurpreet Modi
UAE
Caught in the act
A short while ago, at 11pm, my husband and I were driving along the Buhairah Corniche, in Sharjah, when we noticed a vehicle reversing in front of us. It stopped abruptly, with the driver asking my husband to roll down the window. In a mocking tone, the driver then declared that he had a camera and then drove off. We didn't react, as we could not understand what his problem was. Later we realised that he was riling us into telling on him for breaking a road rule. Such people should be fined. I urge all drivers to follow road rules and be patient. And if the person I am referring to is reading this - grow up my friend and welcome to a civilised world.
From Ms Lubna Tanveer
UAE
Think different
I am astonished with Mr John Paravalos's attitude - why is he so surprised that some people find self-service petrol stations inconvenient and do not wish to tip the attendants ("Inconvenient?" Gulf News, November 5)? What else are salaried attendants expected to do? Given the present conditions of inflation and job cuts, is it not better for a person to have a job, than doing his job and paying him for it? And while we are on cutting costs, why tip someone when he is being paid to do a job? Think outside the box please!
From Ms Bindu Sathianesan
Dubai
Small talk
This is in reference to Gulf News's recent report on UAE's decision to change its domain name norm. Domain names in non-English will make it difficult for a lot of people to access UAE websites. Internet in English has helped bring the entire world together, especially in terms of communication. However, if there was a set language to access or interact, the chance of discovery and conversation gets reduced. The websites of a lot of European countries are still inaccessible due to language barriers - they are mostly in the national language of that country. This usually prevents people from interacting with others.
From Mr Tariq Syed
Sharjah
No one wants my car
The decision of scrapping cars more than 20 years old has badly affected me ("20-year-old cars to be driven off roads from next month," Gulf News, November 5). My 1990 model Mercedes is fitted with a catalytic converter and functions essentially as a non-polluting vehicle. I am unable to find a car with similar features and cannot bear the thought of discarding it in a few months. I urge the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to rethink its strategy or make some exceptions for cars in good conditions. No one wants to buy my car because of the 20-year rule. Attempts to export it have failed, too, as it is not cost effective.
From Dr S. H. Mohammad
Abu Dhabi
Set an example
The authority's new initiative to stop junk food from being served in school canteens is highly appreciated. As a paediatric surgeon, I treat a lot of children with chronic constipation. One of the common causes for this is junk food. Such eatables must be replaced with traditional food. Additionally, children usually follow the food habits of their parents. Adults must set an example and eat healthy, too.
From Dr Sajan K. Hanif
Dubai
On air surprise
While driving home from work a short while ago, I couldn't help but listen to a radio advertisement on a popular Indian channel. The advert was about a club offering free entry plus drinks to ladies. What bothered me was the fact that the radio jockey was promoting the ad with much enthusiasm, with the background score being a song in Hindi, about drinking. I was appalled with the on-air promotion of drinking.
From A Reader
UAE
Name withheld by request
Life cut short
I just read this report and was upset with all the sympathy being generated for the 14-year old boy ("Good samaritans provide blood money needed by boy's family", Gulf News, November 4). Is there not the slightest bit of consideration for the 'murdered' two-year old girl, whose life was cut too short by this boy and his negligent family? I am truly disappointed!
From Mr J. Nassif
Dubai
Missing exits
Shaikh Zayed Road was a simple road a few years ago. With six interchanges right up to Jebel Ali, it was easy to identify the places we wanted to visit. All we had to do was recognise the interchange near our destination. Now, Dubai is home to a maze of structures, crisscrossing interchanges, metro lines and hundreds of exits. Recently, I tried stopping for fuel and knew where the petrol stations were, but invariably kept missing the relevant exits. I urge the authorities to display clear signboards marking exits to petrol stations.
From Ms Jayashree B.
Dubai
Charged twice
I would like to share a bitter experience I had with Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB), recently. I paid Dh1,000 by cheque to clear my credit card dues and have a bank receipt to prove it. I had mentioned my credit card number on the cheque, too. The next day, the accounts department cleared the cheque. However, my credit card was not debited and no one at the bank knows where the money went. Sadly, they had to withdraw the amount from my DIB account once again. Since then, I have been trying to get in touch with the bank authorities, but to no avail.
From Mr Abul Aurs
Sharjah
Top priority
Recently, several accidents have occurred on the Dubai-Sharjah highway. I request the authorities to construct a subway or pedestrian bridge for people, so that they would be able to cross safely. Additionally, if there were an overpass in the Al Khan and Al Nahda areas, residents would be able to cross the road with ease and shop on either side. Even though the number of accidents is increasing daily, the authorities have not yet taken action. I urge the concerned authorities to give this issue top priority.
From Ms R. Mayuri
UAE
Wait and watch
Barack Obama's victory in the US elections was not just good news for Americans, but for the entire world, too (“‘Change has come', says Obama'', Gulf News, November 5). In the coming years, his administration would face tough challenges such as global recession, unemployment and strained bilateral relationships. However, the confidence that Americans have bestowed in him is tremendous. Now, we have to wait and watch whether Obama is able to address major issues efficiently. His induction as president has created a dramatic development in American politics.
From Mr K. Ragavan
Ajman
Unprecedented result
I congratulate Barack Obama for having won the US presidential race (“‘Change has come', says Obama'', Gulf News, November 5). However, the core acclaim in Obama's win must be passed on to the Americans who demonstrated true democratic spirit without being influenced by age-old inhibitions. They dared to vote for an African American, as they were convinced that he was the right choice. I regard the US as the foundation of social equality, since it offers equal opportunity to everyone. It is extremely hard to select a president, given the current financial crisis, the state of terrorism and security fronts. We should not judge a nation by the faux pas of their former presidents, but by their broad-minded citizens.
From Mr Subhasis Mukherjee
Dubai
History in the making
Barack Obama has made history as the first African-American being elected as US president (“‘Change has come', says Obama'', Gulf News, November 5). He challenged all odds and made history by giving hope to Americans and people around the world. I hope Obama manages to reinstate American values, promote justice and works towards alleviating the suffering of mankind.
From Mr Mohammad Esmail
Abu Dhabi
Common occurrence
The four-letter word ‘fire' seems to occur regularly in various emirates, with the most horrible incident occurring in Sharjah ("Special committee formed to investigate Sharjah port fire", Gulf News, September 21). Prior to blaming any one, it is very important to identify the reason for such a massive blaze. It is quite unfortunate that the UAE has seen so many fires recently. Perhaps it is time for authorities to emphasise the need for improvement and new safety measures across the nation, especially in residential areas. Additionally, it is equally important to ensure the effectiveness of safety plans in companies and establishments that engage in oil-related businesses.
From Mr Ramachandran Nair
Oman
Avoiding accidents
I have experienced similar instances and strongly feel that overtaking should not be permitted in two-lane roads, such as on bridges, flyovers, tunnels and underpasses (“Arrogant drivers'', Gulf News, September 20). Additionally, I have noticed that some roads merge in Abu Dhabi and cause serious hazards. One of the most dangerous is the intersection in which Mussafah Road and Abu Dhabi Road join, before heading toward Eastern Ring Road. Moreover, I have observed that motorists tend to speed on certain flyovers. I always try to slow down before junctions in order to warn motorists behind me and avoid being in an accident.
From A Reader
Abu Dhabi
Name withheld by request
Wake up
Killing oneself and others by detonating bombs is an act of insanity ("Delhi to strengthen anti-terror laws", Gulf News, September 17). However, I urge nations to bring in special laws to punish the handful of leaders who commit acts of terrorism against their own fellow citizens. People who are oppressed are usually in a minority and are unable to reach out to the law and get justice. It is time to wake up and help out.
From A Reader
India
Name withheld by request
An excuse to stay
When the US invaded Iraq, they were sure that Iraq was in possession of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) ("US ‘will not let Israel attack Iran's nuclear facilities'", Gulf News, October 8). However, till now, no one has been able to discover any WMD. The US attacked Iraq based on assumptions and speculations only, yet no action was taken against them. I think the US wanted to be present in the Middle East due to the amount of oil it produces. Lately, there have been rumours that the Iraqi government wanted American troops to withdraw from Iraq, but such issues are surrounded with controversy. Now, the US government is assuring the Middle East that it would not let Israel attack Iran as long as American troops are in Iraq. Logically, one would assume that they are using this strategy to extend their stay in Iraq. I think other Middle Eastern countries, including Iraq, would let the American troops stay to avoid conflict between Israel and Iran.
From Mr Adel Al Attar
UAE
Unpaid teachers
I do not see any improvement in the standard of education in most private schools ("Quality check for private and public schools in Dubai from Monday", Gulf News, October 5). The problems faced by many highly qualified teachers draw serious concern from parents and teachers alike. As the cost of living increases every day, I believe teachers must be given a reasonable salary for their hard work.
From A Reader
Abu Dhabi
Name withheld by request
Lives in focus
I read a report recently that Roger Federer, the tennis champion, was looking for a wedding ring in Dubai ("Tennis ace Roger Federer's love match", Gulf News, October 7). I feel sorry for celebrities who are surrounded by the media all the time. If Angelina Jolie, the famous American actress, goes to a shopping mall, it would appear in the newspaper the next day. Don't they have the right to some sort of privacy? Moreover, I do not think most people are so eager to keep themselves updated on the daily ventures of celebrities. I am not one of those people nor are any of the people I know. If there are people who are like reading or hearing about such mundane events, I think they are wasting their time. The poor celebrities would have a better life if the media were not so invasive in their approach, or so focused on their private lives.
From Ms Fatima Siyab Al Deen
Abu Dhabi
