UAE residents make a wish for 2016

Dubai/Abu Dhabi: With another new year having dawned, it makes all of us wish for better prospects for our world. Gulf News asked people about their hopes for 2016 and the common refrains were the need for peace in a world, the elimination of political injustice and more harmony between peoples.

Yousra Zaki, public relations professional, Canadian

“In 2016, I would like the world to be a kinder place and for innocent lives to not be affected by political greed. The answer to most dilemmas is to look into your humanitarian side and make a decision.

“Raising the bar on human rights and the prospects of greater peace will help eradicate the cruelty that exists. I am hopeful to witness these changes one day.”

Dima Salame, account manager, Palestinian

“Granting every citizen the right to attain education is paramount. Education forms the backbone of any successful society. The youth of today are the rulers of tomorrow and therefore, every society should invest its time and money in its youth. And the main point — these potential leaders should lead their nations wisely, put an end to anything that may threaten their country’s security and spread peace wherever possible.”

Hager Abunahwa, engineer, Egyptian

“What I want is for people to accept one other. There has been so much grief and pain in the world last year, with many innocent lives lost.

“If there were to be greater acceptance of one another, maybe conditions would be better.”

Khalid Omar, cybersecurity expert, Emirati

“My priority is to witness the eviction of the rising terrorist groups, who are using the peaceful religion of Islam to associate their organisations with. I hope leaders of this world gear up to fight the global menace that poses a threat to its security and peace.

“I also ask God to equip our leaders with all the strength, prosperity and health for our beloved UAE to continue flourishing and for the world to use it a role model.”

Amit Bagri, finance controller, Indian

“I would like to witness a safer, more secure world in 2016. We’ve been through so much last year. I also hope that certain inequalities dissolve in 2016. I aspire to see people treat each other equally. I hope to see [inequality] fade at some point and for people to come to terms with one another and be respectful of each other.”

Alexander Michaels, CEO of FM Group UAE and Giftboxes.ae, French

“Our world has become smaller than ever thanks to technology and yet our world seems more disconnected than ever. My wish for 2016 is for humanity to realise that each day is an opportunity to change ourselves, and be grateful for the things we have instead of lamenting over the things we do not. Our responsibility is to spread love and positivity to the world, turn more strangers into friends and further the cause of humanity by treating others at least as well as we treat ourselves.”

Jyoti Karmali, Director of JK Eventz, British

“I would like to see 2016 as a year where we all decide to make a small effort to make a difference in our daily lives so we can make the world a better place. Small gestures in our everyday lives would be the perfect start. A smile, a lending hand, compassion for people who are less fortunate and above all, love and respect for all.”

Ambika Vohra, art consultant, Indian

“A new year means hope. It means possibilities. 2016 is a year for us to welcome new ideas, thoughts, and beliefs. I hope the New Year will see the emergence of an effective solution that will end war and take children off the firing line so that we can finally achieve peace.”