Opinions | Letters
November 13, 2008
Letters to the Editor: November 13, 2008
- Gulf News
- Published: 23:42 November 12, 2008
Heatstroke
The culture of walking is obviously not popular in the UAE ("Pedestrian network planned in Dubai", Gulf News, November 11). Recently, I decided to take a leisurely walk, but ended up suffering from a heatstroke. I think the initiative of air-conditioned walkways is great.
From Mr Jeremiah
Dubai
No place to walk
It is impossible for people to walk to their destination due to the heat and humidity ("Pedestrian network planned in Dubai", Gulf News, November 11). There are not many places that people could reach by walking. In Abu Hail Road, there are no walkways for pedestrians. Most of the area is under construction and there are red and white barricades everywhere.
From Mr Faisal
Dubai
Remarkable vision
The culture of walking is not popular in the UAE due to a variety of factors such as treacherous weather and road accidents ("Pedestrian network planned in Dubai", Gulf News, November 11). The new air-conditioned walkways would encourage people to walk, regardless of the excruciatingly hot temperatures. It would increase the number of commuters once the Metro is operational. This initiative reflects the remarkable vision and vitality of the leaders who are intent on bringing about revolutionary developments in order to keep pace with globalisation.
From Mr Mohammad Nawaz
Dubai
Not limited
Air-conditioned walkways are a good idea, but should not be limited to Dubai ("Pedestrian network planned in Dubai", Gulf News, November 11). Pedestrians in Sharjah face the same difficulties when crossing roads or reaching a destination on foot.
From Mr Vinod
Sharjah
Ideal solution
The extremely hot temperature and high humidity in the UAE, especially during summer, discourages people from walking. With the new facilities of air-conditioned walkways, people will be encouraged to walk more. Walking will do more good than harm when it comes to money, health and environment. What else could we ask for?
From Ms Tammy Fernandez
Toronto, Canada
Salutations
I salute every "woman of the year" ("Yemeni child bride, Condoleezza Rice Glamour's women of the year", Gulf News, November 11). May such personalities serve as an inspiration to others, so that this world becomes a better place.
From Ms Emma
Dubai
Simply Americans
As an American living in Dubai, I had been following the US presidential elections very closely and felt that Gulf News did an excellent job in reporting the events. However I was quite disappointed as I felt the historical importance of the election of Barack Obama had been missed with the newspaper identifying people as Pakistani-American, Egyptian-American and such. Barack Obama's election should be a proving point to all in that there is no such thing as difference in caste or creed. We are all simply Americans.
From Ms Surabhi Misra
Dubai
Fix window grills
Recently, while driving from Sharjah to Dubai, I noticed a bus from a leading school on the same road as mine. To my horror, I watched a little girl peer from the window with her head protruding. It was very dangerous. The school authorities, especially those that cater to little children should fix window grills on their buses so as to prevent unfortunate incidents.
From Mr Prince Johnson
Dubai
Heavy load
I have noticed how nowadays children tend to get a lot of homework. This leads to them becoming dull with hardly any time to play. Instead of growing up healthy and active, they are confined to staying at home. The concerned authorities should be aware of the importance of outdoor activities for children.
From Mr Abhijith Kumar
Sharjah
Monitor quality
I finally bought a car seat for my child, after searching for the right one for nine months ("Child safety in cars stressed," Gulf News, November 6). During this period, my wife sat in the back seat with the baby. It took me a long time to find what I was looking for. The market is filled with inferior products while the good products are overpriced. This is against the safety principle for any life saving device. It is imperative for the authorities to monitor the quality of such products, especially those meant for children.
From Mr Mohammad Al Haty
Ajman
Invasion of privacy
A short while ago, I was in a taxi in Dubai when the driver started to ask me several personal questions, which I thought was an invasion of my privacy. Additionally, he stopped twice and requested I shift to the passenger seat. He then hinted that I should trust him and hold his hand. Suddenly, I realised we were in Al Ain and the driver said that he had forgotten the directions. I was worried about being stranded in the desert and tried to stay calm. On arriving at my destination, the fare was Dh100. The driver said it would be fine if I did not pay, but I thought that was incorrect. I complained to the taxi agency but did not receive response.
From Ms Aiko Shimura
Dubai
Avoiding divorce
I disagree with Mr Keshab Mishra's opinion that the unpredictable behaviour of women is the sole reason for a high divorce rate ("Unpredictable," Gulf News, November 8). In fact it is almost always women who make adjustments to avoid divorce.
From Ms Sheen
Dubai
Reward programme
Though a bit late, I would like to congratulate Dubai Police on introducing this technology ("New radar guns to catch speedsters in Dubai from next year", Gulf News, November 9). The police should fine and ban speeding cars and careless motorists. They should also design a reward programme for people who report bad drivers.
From Mr Adnan Ansari
Dubai
President of change
Everyone has something in common with the US president-elect Barack Obama (“Thumbs up for the president-elect Barack Obama'', Gulf News, November 9). Some share his roots and ethnic background, some hail from his community, others his religion and yet others his middle name. Even while some share his nationality and others share his birthplace, above all, they all share in what he ultimately stands for — change. People all around the world celebrated his victory, crying and smiling at the same time, rejoicing as if his victory were their own. Obama is not just going to be the president of the US. He would be the president of all those who believe in change.
From Ms Ameenah Ershad
Dubai
Prioritise
Actually, people did not cast their votes in favour of Barack Obama (“Obama discusses financial meltdown with world leaders,'' Gulf News, November 8). They cast their votes against George W. Bush, thereby making Obama win. Now, Obama must do as he has promised. The American troops must leave the Gulf region with immediate effect. Obama's first priority must be the betterment of the US economy instead of its involvement in foreign affairs.
From Mr Tariq Jaffar
Fujairah
Just American
The American people elected Barack Obama because of his policies (“Thumbs up for the president-elect Barack Obama'', Gulf News, November 9). I believe he stood as an American candidate. I don't believe his application for president stated that he was part Muslim, Christian, African or anything other than American. Will the media and public stop referring to him as black or African-American? If anything, the mere mention puts him in a category that he would much rather do without. If a wedge is created to divide the people — this is it.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Change has come
Change has come at last! Congratulations to Obama for being the most celebrated candidate across the world (“Thumbs up for the president-elect Barack Obama'', Gulf News, November 9). I think Gulf News's coverage in the past few days about the US presidential elections was absolutely great.
From Mr Murugesh S.
Dubai
Not perfect
It is highly unlikely that Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, will call it a day, as there are no plans of retirement on his agenda (“Tendulkar slams 40th Test century'', Gulf News, November 6). I think Tendulkar wants to continue for as long as possible. Moreover, his decision has been made easier because of the fact that he has the full support of the print and electronic media. However, I believe Tendulkar is an inconsistent player. He was a great player a decade ago, but not anymore. Whenever it mattered, Tendulkar has not performed well — for instance, during the World Cup in 2003 and 2007. Moreover, just because he scores centuries does not mean there should be no talks of retirement. Team India is not relying upon Tendulkar and he is not indispensable. He is definitely past his prime and lost his prowess a long time ago.
From Mr Chellappah P.
Dubai
Comparing colour
I completely agree with the letter by Dr Saji Sreedharan Pillai (“Not black or white'', Gulf News, November 6). As long as the media and people around the world continue pointing out that Barack Obama is black or African-American, racism will still exist. Personally, I am sorry he was even subject to such comments.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
What happens next?
What will happen to the huge number of cars that are going to be taken off the road (“20-year-old cars to be driven off roads from next month'', Gulf News, November 5)? It would be interesting to know because if this was an attempt to reduce the country's carbon footprint. If so, the disposal of these vehicles would have to be done in a way that it does not harm the environment.
From Ms Sara-Lise Haith
Dubai
Frustrated
Ever since I found out about the deadline for the Emirates ID Card, I have been trying to register my details on their website (“Emirates ID website woes continue'', Gulf News, November 7). Unfortunately, each time I start with the registration process, I encounter various difficulties. Sometimes, the forms themselves do not appear online. However, I understand that there is a heavy load on the server due to the large number of users. Considering these technical difficulties, the authorities should either improve online registration or extend the deadline.
From A Reader
UAE
Name withheld by request
Inconvenience
A short while ago, I returned from the Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA) office in Al Barsha, where many families expressed their frustration (“Emirates ID website woes continue'', Gulf News, November 7). We booked appointments online for 8pm, yet the office was closed. As we left in disbelief, we wondered if the authorities were aware of the inconveniences caused by the online system and whether the deadlines will really be kept.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
No discussion
To all those who complain that their child cries when placed in a car seat, I would say — so what (“Child safety in cars stressed'', Gulf News, November 6)? That is much better than crying over your child if an accident occurs and he or she is injured. Additionally, there are many reasonably priced car seats available in the market. I urge people to consider not buying a new mobile phone this year and instead, spending the money to help preserve their child's life. I am sure those who have lost children in car accidents would give up Dh500 for a car seat, in order to see their little ones again.
From Ms Stacey A. M.
Ajman
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