No walk in the park
Until a month ago, many women and elderly people used to go for their morning walks in Abu Shagara Park, in Sharjah. Unfortunately, the park has now been closed to public during the early hours. I think this is unnecessary, and public parks should remain open, especially when one considers the extreme weather conditions in the UAE. At about 6am, the weather is cool and pleasant and is ideal for people to visit the park. However, once the day progresses, it becomes very hot. I hope the authorities take this issue into consideration as it is affecting many residents.
From Ms Beenu Chopra
Sharjah
A world free of beggars
I commend the authorities for their efforts to crack down on begging ("Sponsors feel the heat as law targets begging", Gulf News, September 7). Yet, the concept of a world free of begging cannot materialise without the cooperation of good hearts. It is disheartening to see mothers and elderly beggars taking their young ones to the streets, instead of sending them to school. Children would grow up to follow the same path, as they would realise it may be easier to make money through begging than through actual hard work. As humans, our natural instinct is to help those in need, but we must restrain ourselves if we realise our charity is promoting a wrong way of life. By giving alms, we may be discouraging them from building their potential to work and earn.
From Mr Shafeeque Babu
Dubai
Hard to believe
I was very upset when I read Gulf News's recent report on the helicopter crash ("Seven killed as helicopter crashes off coast of Dubai", September 4). I travelled in the same helicopter for many years, when I worked on Dubai's offshore oil platforms. It is hard to believe that such a tragedy occurred, especially since such helicopters maintain very good safety records. I pray for the people who died and their families and thank Gulf News for publishing a photograph of the helicopter, which took me back into the past.
From Mr Joy George
Kerala, India
Testing times
It is terrible that no witnesses to Kerry Winter's disappearance have responded ("Search for missing Kerry gathers steam", Gulf News, September 6). Is there any honesty left in this world? As a woman, if I saw such a brutal crime occurring, I would have definitely tried to do something in the situation. Those who witnessed the scene and kept quiet should be reprimanded, as they are almost as guilty as the one who committed the crime. I hope the Winter family remains strong in these testing times and Kerry is able to return to South Africa.
From Ms Shaista Zulu
Dubai
A life lost
Our heartfelt sympathies go out to Kerry Winter's family, as they continue to search for her. We pray that she may still be found alive. At the same time, it is shocking to learn that another body has been discovered, without anyone reporting a missing person, or stepping forward to enquire about the remains.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Setting traps
I urge the authorities to penalise the large number of real estate agents who are creating an artificial scarcity in the market. It is high time that these illegal agents are brought under control. Additionally, some of these people take buildings on lease from owners and sublease them for higher prices. Nowadays, it has become a common practice to sublease, even though the contract is not binding, and most people often fall for the trap. Many newcomers are being cheated and such agents are tarnishing the reputation of the real estate sector in the country.
From Mr Sudheer Balakrishnan
UAE
Grim scenario
As residents of Dubai, we have been facing the same grim scenario as Mr Tarun Agarwal, regarding the escalating rent ("Rising rent", Gulf News, September 3). It has become very difficult for low-income expatriates, especially those living in Satwa, Jafliya and Jumeirah areas, as landlords are forcing them to vacate their homes. With rent rates reaching new heights, where can they go? Additionally, one reason for so many fires and casualties is the fact that many people confine themselves to small spaces for lack of other options. I hope the authorities will come up with a solution to this issue.
From Ms Gloria Rose Radoc
Dubai
Bad attitude
I often visit my daughters in Dubai and Singapore, and find that the public transport service in Dubai requires a great deal of improvement, when compared to the existing system in Singapore. I understand that the Dubai Metro, with its driverless trains, is soon coming up. It would undoubtedly be a great help to the public, as they would no longer have to be at the mercy of inconsiderate bus drivers. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) should seriously consider offering a course in improving the attitude of its bus drivers.
From Mr Acharya Ramanand
Bangalore, India
Take initiative
It is very important for residents to use car-pooling facilities as much as they can. This could be done not only when going to the workplace, but also when going for a leisurely drive in the city, with one's family. Such an initiative would help reduce petrol consumption and traffic congestion. Additionally, a by-product would be quality time spent with one's family and friends.
From Mr Sushil Srivastava
Dubai
Skyrocketing rents
Rents have skyrocketed in Dubai over the past few years, and expatriates living in the city are feeling the pinch. Almost 40 to 50 per cent of one's income goes towards paying rent, and the expense is often higher for people living with their families. Without the option of affordable shared accommodations, many residents have either sent their families back home or have opted to leave the country for good. The issue of soaring rents needs to be addressed and dealt with effectively through the use of guidelines and fixed rent rates, depending on the location of the properties.
From Mr Syed Abdul K.
Dubai
Hassle-free trip
The introduction of double-decker buses definitely helps ease traffic congestion and reduces the number of passengers waiting in the heat, especially during the summer months ("Taking the bus gets more popular in Dubai", Gulf News, September 6). This is a good move by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), as it allows commuters to reach their destinations conveniently, and in a shorter period of time. Additionally, commuters would definitely choose hassle-free public transport over the difficulty of acquiring a driving licence, and this means fewer accidents. I hope the RTA will introduce more double-decker buses. From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
The fun begins
The lack of comprehensive public transport in Dubai forces residents to apply for driving licences. This is when the 'fun' begins. I appeal to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to please improve the public transport system if they do not want too many vehicles on the road.
From Mr Rajat Pandey
Dubai
Unjustified
Paid parking timings during Ramadan have been extended to 12 midnight and this came as very sad news to Sharjah residents ("Parking fines waived after machines act up", Gulf News, September 5). I do not think it is justified for paid parking to exist until 10pm on regular days and for two hours longer in Ramadan. I request the authorities to revert the timings to the old arrangement.
From Mr K. Ragavan
Sharjah
Fairness to others
Gulf News's report on Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Asif testing positive for drugs came as yet another unfortunate blow to the game of cricket ("Asif's B sample tests positive", Gulf News, August 19). Still, there should be a process carried out to ensure that individuals and teams who play fair do not become victims of the actions of one or two players. For example, I do not think rematches should be scheduled, and medals taken away from winners either. Additionally, tests should be conducted on the field to check if players are under the influence of banned substances.
From Mr Subhasis Mukherjee
Dubai
Strict measures
It is sad to hear about the many innocent people losing their lives in the UAE ("Four killed as pick-up truck crashes into heavy vehicle near Jebel Ali in Dubai", Gulf News, August 10). Such accidents occur because of the reckless driving of many motorists. As a student, I feel that the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) should take strict measures, such as heavy fines, cancellation of licences and deportation of those who violate road rules, in order to ensure the safety and security of other safe drivers.
From A Reader
Sharjah
Name withheld by request
Sad loss
I request authorities in the UAE to control motorists' habit of speeding when on the road ("2 killed, 15 wounded in horrific accident on Emirates road", Gulf News, July 17). Cutting down speed limits for vehicles, and not allowing commercial vehicles such as trucks and minivans on fast lanes, could help alter this situation. Such vehicles must go on the designated slow lanes.
From Mr Srinivasan A. N.
Dubai
Graceful defeat
Everyone is going crazy over tennis player Rafael Nadal's win ("Wimbledon Rafael Nadal wins gold at Beijing Olympics", Gulf News, August 17). Sure, he played well, but the real hero in my opinion was Roger Federer. After being two sets down, he staged a stunning comeback, fought valiantly and won the next two sets in an epic final match. Even when he lost the Wimbledon finals, Federer showed how to lose.
From Mr Rajendra K. Aneja
Dubai
Bitter experience
Gulf News's recent report on driving licences has encouraged me to share my own experiences for the benefit of those who intend to register themselves with driving schools ("Learners are driven to distraction", Gulf News, August 1). I think acquiring a degree in engineering or landing a high paying job in the UAE is very easy, compared to getting a driving licence. In fact, those who achieve this feat often list it as one of their greatest achievements. I registered with a driving institute in Sharjah and have spent more than Dh6,000 in fees. Yet, I have not appeared for the final test. The instructor told me that the reason for the delay was because he had too many students for the test. It seems the service of instructors is not learner-oriented. Although most institutes ask for a one-time fees of Dh3,500 to Dh4,500, they do not provide learners with regular classes.
From Mr Samuel J.
Sharjah
Discipline needed
One often reads in newspapers about stabbings in London ("Teenager fatally stabbed in Manchester", Gulf News, August 17). Why are small children carrying knives and guns to schools? Perhaps it is because parents who want to discipline their children at a younger age are not allowed to do so. If a parent physically disciplines or verbally admonishes the child, it is labelled as child abuse. Later on in life, if these children begin to use guns, who is to blame? Nowadays, it seems children challenge their parents and threaten to call the police, if they so much as scold them. The law should be modified to allow parents to discipline their children. There are many single mothers in places such as the UK, who work late hours to support their family.
From Ms Nergish Antia
Sharjah
Paradise lost
I do not understand what is wrong with those who are disputing over Kashmir ("Age-old ties should be maintained", Gulf News, August 12). No religion asks its followers to kill others, or create problems for the people they deal with in their day-to-day life. Kashmir is a very beautiful place and a famous Mughal emperor once said that if there were a heaven on earth, it would be Kashmir. Has anyone noticed what people are doing to this plot of paradise? People should understand the psyche of politicians and their need for power. Everyone needs to learn to respect each other. We have only been granted one life and should be able to spend it in peace.
From Mr Abdul Wahab Moopan
Dubai
Ironic
The introduction of cash incentives in order to reduce the amount of electricity people consume is a very good initiative ("Dewa offers cash incentives for customers to switch off", Gulf News, August 13). However, the cash prize could help its winner to use electricity more lavishly than before, owing to the fact that the winner would now have a few extra thousand dirhams to spend.
From Mr George Cecil
Dubai
No action
Minibuses that have a capacity of either 15 or 32 passengers should have speed governors and not be allowed to drive in the fast lane on Shaikh Zayed Road ("Call for minibus speed governors in Dubai", Gulf News, August 3). At 6am, I have seen large buses travelling on the fast lane, and personally believe this is wrong. I have pointed out this matter several times, but no action has yet been taken.
From Mr Regi George
Abu Dhabi
Intimidating
Every day, I drive from Shahama, Abu Dhabi to my workplace in Jebel Ali and I often see minibuses drive past at intimidating speeds of 140 to 160 kilometres per hour ("Call for minibus speed governors in Dubai", Gulf News, August 3). Sometimes, I am forced to wonder why there are no restrictions on this unnecessary speeding. The radars do not seem to slow them down. I urge the presence of frequent police patrols to solve this problem.
From Mr Mahmoud Hussain
Dubai
