Opinions | Letters
November 26, 2008
Letters to the Editor: November 26, 2008
- Gulf News
- Published: 23:15 November 25, 2008
True charity
I truly understand that there are people who are living in hunger and poverty all around the world ("Atlantis opens doors to rich and famous", Gulf News, November 22). Many people have commented on the $20 million (Dh73.5 million) spent on the opening of the Atlantis hotel. But come to think of it, how much have the very same people contributed to help the needy? If every person hands out Dh10, it could go a long way in feeding and caring for those in need. Instead of doing so, we tend to comment on how someone else's money could eradicate poverty. Charity begins at home!
From Mr Vernon K.
Dubai
Too much hype
I am appalled at the extravagance demonstrated by Atlantis hotel and the people who participated in the launch, recently. At a time when the world is reeling under a terrible financial crisis, it is sad that such lavishness is still being used as a measure of one's identity. I am not sure what the hotel wants to achieve through this wastage, and I am equally aghast at all the media hype.
From Mr S. Raja
Sharjah
Unique identity
As an expatriate, I clearly remember the first time I visited Al Ain. I felt its purity and it left a peaceful impression on me. The city is always quiet and serene, has genuinely considerate people and holds meaningful experiences for those who visit. I adore Al Ain and truly believe that people need to seize the opportunity of paying a visit to the city in order to reconnect with themselves.
From Ms Maram Al Zawaideh
Dubai
Drab games
England is seriously lacking the ability to bounce back in the one-day international (ODI) series against India ("England's Sidebottom out of the fourth ODI with back injury", Gulf News, November 23). I think it is going to be a drab, one-sided series, right till the last match. Additionally, I fail to understand why Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar was called back in, when the existing team has capable, budding youngsters who have performed excellently. If Tendulkar plays, he is displacing a young cricketer and virtually extinguishing upcoming talent. It seems like a brazen act of favouritism to me.
From Mr Chellappah P
Dubai
Respect on roads
I am accustomed to driving in the second lane from the left when on a highway. However, in areas where the speed limit is about 60 kilometres per hour, I do not let other motorists bully me into changing lanes. Moreover, depending on my mood, I have learnt to ignore those who flash their headlights, honk and tailgate. The positive outcome of all this is that I have never received a speeding fine in nine years. Additionally, I always have a low insurance premium due to my accident-free driving record and enjoy savings in these times of inflation.
From Ms Ranu Bhattacharya
Dubai
Maximum energy
Gulf countries should establish an organisation for nuclear energy and space research ("Gulf states have to go nuclear", Gulf News, November 22). Regions in the Gulf receive sunlight for almost 13 hours during the summer and close to 10 hours in winter. They should use this to their advantage. Moreover, several European countries have already gained benefits from using solar energy, despite having sunlight for a mere six to eight hours each day. Why shouldn't the Gulf follow suit?
From Mr Tarek Jaffar
Fujairah
Finding a friend
I agree with Ms Emma Jairam Mannath, who advised readers to be kind to animals ("Kindness to animals", Gulf News, November 22). Nine years ago, on a hot summer afternoon, we found a caged cockatiel on our car bonnet. The bird was weak and dehydrated and we adopted it reluctantly. Initially, the it was suspicious, frightened and unfriendly. However, it is now loving and even demanding!
From Ms Medha Bhaskaran
Dubai
Baseless claims
The Roads and Transport Authority's (RTA) claim that it provides world-class service is completely baseless. None of the services are in place, nor does it seem like their plans will ever materialise. I would like to request Gulf News to check all the information published about the RTA. According to them, students are permitted to appeal if they fail a road test thrice. Additionally, the waiting period for new tests is not supposed to be more than two weeks long. However, this information is completely false. I have personally lodged two e-complaints with them, back in April 2008. The tracking system informs me that they are still being processed.
From Mr Mohammad Tarek
Dubai
Editor's note: The complaint was forwarded to the RTA for comments. However, despite repeated reminders, the RTA management failed to respond.
Always on the road
Children from Sharjah and Ajman are not the only ones exhausted from the ordeal of travelling for long hours ("UAE pupils suffer from their life on the road", Gulf News, November 21). My 10-year-old daughter takes the bus at 6.10am from Muhaisnah to reach in time for her school assembly in Oud Metha at 7.30am. With winter approaching, still more difficult; my daughter's return journey starts at 12.55pm and she reaches home two hours later. I urge the school authorities to look into the matter, as children do not have time even for breakfast.
From Ms Beena U
Dubai
Be sensitive
Major maintenance and roadwork activities in Sharjah should be scheduled at night, similar to how it is done in Dubai ("Traffic chaos echoes at urban planning symposium", Gulf News, November 24). The concerned authorities should be sensitive about the disruption. They should try to avoid road works, especially during rush hours.
From Mr Arun
Sharjah
Enormous pressure
The closure of Al Wahda Street led to traffic congestion in areas that used to be relatively free of traffic. This has placed enormous pressure on commuters. I am considering moving back to Dubai, since the stress is too much to handle, especially in the mornings. My boss allowed me to adjust my working hours, which means I have to spend more time at work during the evenings.
From A Reader
Sharjah
Prior planning
As a resident of Sharjah, I would like to suggest that an underpass for pedestrians be built when a road is being paved. By doing this, the concerned authorities would not have to close the road even if later they decide that a subway is required in the area.
From Ms M. Sorensen
Sharjah
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