Ban on electronics is welcome
It is a good decision to ban electronics (“UK to follow US by banning electronics on MidEast flights”, Gulf News, March 22). Safety is paramount! I would tell people not to go to the US if they have a problem with this safety precaution. At least now, passengers can sleep and relax on 13 hour-long flights and not have to worry about the bright lights from people’s gadgets. Often, the passenger sitting next to me would switch on his laptop to watch a movie or work on a spreadsheet.
From Mr Syed Ali
UAE
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Get ready for checks
Since all check-in luggage to the US needs to have Transportation Security Administration (TSA) approved locks, this makes it easier for the TSA, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) or the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to inspect the laptop’s content or download files and passwords — all done away from the public. Do not complain if you have to wait for a long time for your check-in luggage at the baggage claim area.
From Mr Adam Ali
Sharjah
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Dangerous
Lithium batteries in the hold? I would not fly in a plane full of lithium batteries in the hold. Batteries need to be in the cabin, where they can be dealt with if they catch fire. If the reasoning behind this ban is that there is a risk that terrorists can now put slim explosives in laptops and other devices, then placing these gadgets in the hold changes nothing, except that there is less risk of the cabin being depressurised in an explosion. It does not help people’s nerves, when thinking of a plane’s hold blowing apart. Also, the risk of a lithium battery fire is bigger in the hold.
From Mr Kevin Henson
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France
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Bigger agenda
This has nothing to do with security, this is all about American carriers still being upset about the ‘government subsidies’ that GCC airlines enjoy, making them more competitive. If it was about security, then the ban would cover every flight entering the US. This is about trying to discourage travellers, especially people in business class, from using certain airlines, and forcing them to use US airlines if they want to use laptops and iPads and so on, which most business and first class passengers do.
From Mr Ian Sanders
UAE
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Best quality of living
I have been living in Dubai for over 16 years and I intend to stay longer (“UAE happiest country in the Arab world”, Gulf News, March 20). In just a few years, Dubai has become one of the most developed cities in the world. It has changed from an ordinary city to an amazing metropolis that tourists want to visit and enjoy. Dubai is also diverse. It is home to the tallest building and the biggest mall in the world, and some of the world’s richest people are here.
Tourists from around the world come to see the attractions and experience the Arabic culture like never before. Every week, there is something new to discover, whether it is a new restaurant, activity or event. Furthermore, the implementation of the law is so strict that nobody would even think of committing a crime, knowing that he will not get away without any punishment. I feel very safe in the UAE and, indeed, Dubai is regarded as one of the world’s safest cities. It’s simply a great place to live and you soon realise it has become a part of you.
From Ms Megna Rajagopal
Dubai
Significant recognition
It is heartening to note that the UAE is regarded as the happiest country in the Arab region. The credit goes to the pragmatic leadership of the UAE rulers, who have left no stone unturned in service for both Emiratis and expatriates, so that they are happy. They make prosperity and happiness the focus of their leadership. The government’s strategies, policies, programmes and development plans also help promote the welfare of the people. The authorities’ lofty ideals of creating an environment where people can flourish, progress and reach their full potential have borne sweet fruits.
From Ms Jayashree Kulkarni
UAE
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Safe and tolerant
UAE is one of the most civilised and tolerant countries one can live in. It is such a wonderful, safe and peaceful country. Everyone coexists in perfect harmony.
From Mr Maheen Kureishi
UAE
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Out of touch
The father seems to have neglected the boy (“Dubai Police help Arab boy meet father after seven years”, Gulf News, March 20). The father’s responsibility to his son is a far greater obligation than anything else. Thanks to the mother, the boy was raised with good moral standards. The child has profound understanding and respect towards his father even though he was not in his life. I wish them happiness!
From Ms Timea Neisz
UAE
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Don’t panic
Most drivers do not know what to do when such situations happen (“Driver dies after truck tyre bursts”, Gulf News, March 20). They could apply brakes and the results could be fatal. So sad. Rest in peace.
From Mr Oduwaiye Issac Femi
Dubai
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Safety first
Saving a few dirhams? Change your tyres before the metal wire shows. Those who do not are a threat to us all!
From Mr Kevin Whitman
Dubai
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Will India buy iPhones?
In terms of branding and quality, Apple’s iPhone is one of the most advanced phones today (“What Apple is getting wrong with its India strategy”, Gulf News, March 19). Without a doubt, India is a potentially huge retail market for the company’s products; however, its selling prospects in the country may be critical. What changes can Apple bring to the already crowded smartphone market in the country?
The mobile phone industry in India is remarkably different, and the diversity of mobile phones offer people options against their varying earnings. In fact, the country is still not fully set to embrace the “Apple culture”, primarily because of its cost. As technology keeps reinventing, new models and features are coming out frequently. Thus, it is a challenge for Apple to venture out with something fresh to compete against local and imported products.
Brand recognition should be the top priority for Apple in India, rather than looking at profits and other revenue earning aspects. While a strong smartphone culture exists in the country, Apple can look into its product value and consider that India can be a strong retail hub.
From Mr Ramachandran Nair
Oman
Children’s suffering
It is sickening (“1.4m children may die in 4 war-affected countries this year”, Gulf News, March 21). Why in the world should children suffer because of greed and politics? If today’s children die, where are tomorrow’s adults? Please let us use technology to promote peace. Let us be united to save young people in war-torn countries. No war. No poverty. No famine. No discrimination. No hatred. Only love and peace.
From Ms Krishna Kumari
UAE
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Political representation
This is with reference to the protest in India of some women Members of Parliament (MP) belonging to the Congress, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), etc. They demanded an amendment in the Women’s Reservation Bill for 33 per cent reservation for women in legislative bodies — a bill that has been pending for decades.
It is really surprising and shocking that the same set of MPs, who were in power for over a decade since 2004 and kept the bill in cold storage, is now blaming the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Ironically, none of the political parties in India had the guts to even nominate 33 per cent women as per reservation in the state elections.
From Ms Kavitha Srikanth
Chennai, India
Sheer determination
Congratulations to Roger Federer who, even at the age of 35, went on to win a record-equalling fifth Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Indian Wells Masters title (“Champion Federer continues to write fairytales”, Gulf News, March 20). After a drought of titles last year, he seems to be more energetic after his knee surgery, and is having a dream run this year. Being a Federer fan, I wish him much more success, especially at Wimbledon this year.
From Mr N. V. Krishnan
Chennai, India
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