As we begin the new year, Gulf News asked its readers to share their hopes, expectations and dreams of 2014. Most of the letters hoped for a good future for children and family, opportunities in career and environmental initiatives, whereas a few dreamt of fulfilling their wish list. We present a selection of those letters:
The special moment
The year, 2013, had its ups and downs, but I am looking forward to 2014 in a very special way, as I am pregnant and await a new member to join the family soon. My husband flew in from India and with him here, we are excitingly waiting for the pleasant moment. I hope that the new year brings great joy for my family and everyone else.
From Ms Tania Varghese
Dubai
A greener approach
I have decided to be a “Green Human” in 2014. I hope to adopt green practices and sustainability in my day-to-day life. Before I buy, I will make sure whether it is an organic food or not, and that it’s not made from animal skin. I would consider if I really need to purchase or can this need be fulfilled by reusing something else that I may have thought of as waste or by recycling something available. I would use juice pouches, pull rings and the glossy papers from magazines to make creative items and present to my friends on special occasions. Moreover, I hope to travel by public transport as much as possible and would also make an effort to use electricity in a user-friendly way. I would aim to maintain cleanliness at home and my surroundings. UAE has always emphasised on sustainability and in fact, this was one of the sub themes of Dubai’s bid for Expo 2020. I urge readers to adopt sustainability and help our UAE in accomplishing its mission. It’s not difficult. We just need to be mindful of our consuming habits.
From Ms Arushi Madan
Sharjah
Priorities and aims
I look forward to 2014 as this is an opportunity to grow, to make things right and to set principled priorities and goals that are upstanding. In 2014, I intend to do things that are not only financially rewarding, but should also be spiritually worthwhile. I am positive that 2014 would be a great year for all of us, hopefully, better than the year that passed. I am blessed and grateful of what I have accomplished in 2013 and I aim to do better in the upcoming year. God is good and I believe He would be with me whatever decisions and risks I mean to take.
From Ms Rowena Luna
Abu Dhabi
Smiling faces
We are at the threshold of the New Year 2014. We reside in a peaceful country, the UAE. But our Middle Eastern neighbours are torn apart due to war and strife. Joy and happiness of the Arab Springs was short lived and what we see around us is very saddening. My heart goes out to the innocent children who are direct victims of war in the Middle East. No amount of charity and money can give them back their childhood. Children are the worst hit and suffer the most. My hope, aspiration and prayer is that these lovely children get back their homes, have the hugs of their parents, a school to attend, friends to play and food to eat. My hope is that we build our nations for our children, set aside our differences, sit on the same table and live peacefully. Yes, my hope is that we see those lovely smiles back on the faces of these innocent children.
From Mr Naveen Frank
Sharjah
Wish list
For 2014, I have a couple of things on my wish list. I would like to visit at least two new countries, bring my family for a vacation in Dubai and hopefully, be able to finish the RAK Half Marathon.
From Ms Natalie Koreh
Dubai
A developed Dubai
On a political level, I am looking forward to the General Assembly elections in India. On a personal level, Dubai is progressing, especially after winning the Expo 2020 bid. I hope to see some new and good changes in the city. I wish everyone a great and a fruitful year ahead.
From Ms Dhanya Dharmaraj
Abu Dhabi
Understanding family values
2013 has just gone by, but it seems like just yesterday that we were waiting for it. On second thoughts, it seems like ages since it started with so many up and downs. I expect 2014 to bring a lot of joy and happiness around the world. I hope peace and stability will return to our surrounding regions. Survival in Dubai for majority of the people depends on good overall business here. As the new year will be a beginning to unfolding a new era for Dubai and for the UAE, I hope that 2014 will bring a boost to our economy, backed by the successful bid for Expo 2020. With time passing by, as we look around, families are getting away from each other, and family values are being lost with passing time. There is an overall increase in divorce rates around the world, our younger generation is getting more and more aggressive, loosing out on basic morals, and their inclination towards the digital world is going beyond all boundaries. I hope that family bonding increases, our younger generation learns to value everything that they have and basic morals can be restored. I hope 2014 brings in a positive political and social change for my home country India and dream that no one would sleep hungry back home, and each and every person gets justice. I hope that in 2014, each and every person gets the right to education and can do well for themselves, their family and their country. Let’s hope that 2014 brings in a bright, peaceful and prosperous future for all of us.
From Mr Sunil Vasandani
Dubai
Fulfilling a hopes list I expect that 2014 turns out to be good for me, especially for my career and health. I cannot expect more, I just deal with what life brings me this year. I hope that this coming year, I will get the approval for my visa application in UK. I hope that my family will always stays in good condition. I hope to pass the driving license examination. I had always wanted to go to Maldives for a vacation and I wish my dream comes true this year.
From Ms Melanie Ruiz
Ras al Khaimah
A better future
As a residence in UAE for so many years, I expect a lot from the year 2014 because of Dubai winning the recent Expo 2020 bid. The fast track development of economy and a boom in the construction field should be focused on, since this is our key for the success. For myself and my family, I wish for more blessings, good health and to travel a lot! I also started saving for my children’s future, as I dream to start building our own house soon.
From Mr Sherwin Boston
Al Ain
New business idea I am looking forward to open a new fashion business, which would be targeted to youngsters. I am excited since this is a new move for me. I wish best of luck to everyone for their future, and hope that people can fulfill their dreams.
From Mr Abdul Rahim Nasir
Dubai
Rising opportunities
I look forward for a growth in my career. One of the most important things that I hope and expect for is more job opportunities in Dubai. I hope that education for children becomes better and improved. All that worries me is the rent increase here, for, which, I hope, a solution is reached soon. I wish everyone a happy new year, and hope that we all have a great future ahead.
From Ms Faiza Faisal
Dubai
Family settlement and environmental passions
My biggest dream for 2014 is to achieve the Green Flag for my school under Emirates Wildlife Society-World Wildlife Fund For Nature’s (EWS-WWF) Eco School Program, which represents the pinnacle of achievement for an environment coordinator. I want my school to become a shining example of what a ‘green school’ should be in the UAE and the world. But I also believe that environment and sustainability is more important than awards and laurels. I aspire to become an effective communicator and it is important for me as a leader to guide my team, not just to achieve greater heights, but also to inculcate, be innovative, and take initiatives, thereby, instilling environmental education in students. I want to live with my motto in life which is lead, innovate and achieve. In my personal wish list for 2014 is going on extended holiday with my family, something that I have been unable to do in the last few years due to work commitments. As someone who is passionate about the environment, my dream is to visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, one of the surviving bio-diversity hotspots in India. But my biggest dream is to get my sisters married and brothers settled in life, a responsibility that I am determined to fulfil.
From Ms Anjum Hasan
Ajman
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