Destruction of heritage in Yemen
People all over the world strongly condemn the destruction of the Old City of Sana’a, a centuries-old heritage site, described as a jewel of Islamic culture, in Yemen. Its historic value and memories have been irreparably damaged. Sana’a’s Old City has been inhabited for more than 2,500 years and was a major centre of Islamic heritage, boasting more than 100 mosques and 6,000 houses, built before the 11th century.
The coalition forces led by Saudi Arabia stated that rebel ammunition may have exploded in the area where they were hiding weapons. I think it is time to wake up and understand the aims and objectives of other countries that want to gain supremacy in the region — their ulterior motive is to keep the region engaged in various conflicts, such as the destruction of infrastructure, heritage and natural resources.
From Mr Mumtaz Hussain
Dubai
UAE mosque, an architectural delight
The Ramadan series, highlighting distinctive mosques in the UAE, is an initiative we all welcome (‘Enchanting harmony of designs’, Gulf News, June 22). Gulf News has started with one of the most beautiful and centrally located mosques in the UAE, Al Salam Mosque.
I have been visiting this mosque since the time His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurated it last year. Al Salam mosque has become an architectural delight and people are often awed by its fantastic design and use of custom-made materials.
From Mr Kamal Asif
UAE
A beautiful sight
I saw the mosque being built. I was living opposite to it and last Ramadan at the mosque was amazing! It’s my favourite mosque in the UAE.
From Ms Tanyusha Ivanov
Dubai
Facebook comment
Participating in Yoga Day
June 21 was indeed a day to remember and be proud of my Indian culture, as the United Nations (UN) declared this day to be the International Day of Yoga (’16,000 mark Yoga Day in Dubai’, Gulf News, June 22). More than 175 countries around the world observed it, celebrating the essence of existence, and of the more than eight million postures for a healthy body, mind and soul. The UAE too, was at the forefront, when it came to celebrating this day. The Indian consulate took this opportunity to organise a large scale event, which took place at Al Wasl Sports Club in Dubai. People from various walks of life filled the spaces with their mats. The excitement was building up in each one of us. At 8pm, the programme began with a video message from Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi. The Consul General of India, Anurag Bhushan, flagged off the event in the presence of many dignitaries, as well as many yoga gurus from various corners of India and even the US. It was a refreshing session with teachings about yoga, besides the postures. The exercises weren’t very difficult. The one hour we spent there was very refreshing and for me, it provided a moment of peace, calmness and inner joy. The event was a great one and memorable for every Indian who takes pride in this centuries-old culture and tradition.
From Ms Maria Vincent
Dubai
Sustaining a healthy life
One of the main aspects of sustainable development is health. In fact, the UN’s third Sustainable Development Goal states: “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages”. Proclaiming June 21 as the International Day of Yoga has highlighted global concern for ensuring healthy lives for all. Taking this into account, the day has brought together people from all over the world to take part in the celebrations, which in turn, has helped them stay fit and healthy. It’s time we ask ourselves: how do we achieve a sustainable future if we don’t keep ourselves healthy? It is therefore imperative that yoga ceases to be just an exercise, but instead, a way of life, so that we can achieve the healthy and sustainable future we want!
From Ms Kehkashan Basu
Dubai
Nations should collaborate
If you work in the UAE, the country’s immigration authorities have all the necessary information about residents working or residing here (‘Incentives for Indians to register with embassy database’, Gulf News, June 21). So, why is there no collaboration, with people contacting them directly, instead of having a separate procedure that duplicates the data and also wastes time?
From Mr Arif
UAE
Website comment
Why is this a problem?
People are living in areas of the world where it rains for hours daily and Gulf News is reporting on people complaining about a few drops from a hanging garden (‘Motorists hit by water from ‘hanging gardens’, Gulf News, June 22)? Implementing such hanging gardens is a great idea, because they make for a very nice view and also help the environment. More buildings should have this, to be honest.
From Mr Aziz
UAE
Website comment
Wrong side of argument
There should be nothing but praise for this building, considering the environment and the fact that they are being innovative. It’s original and setting an example for the rest of Dubai to follow. I was sorry to see this article criticising rather than praising the initiative.
From Mr Nick
UAE
Website comment
Not the place
I have been living in Al Barsha for the last nine years and I have seen this being built up from scratch. I apologise because I don’t want to offend anyone, but if people want constantly clean cars, I suggest changing the country or even the region where you live. Think about it — sand is everywhere! Secondly, these water drops occur only twice a day, when the plants are being watered. Thirdly, it’s one of the only buildings that is so green in Dubai. It’s not just a simple tree but something that looks nice and is helping the environment. Fourthly, motorists have two other exits that they could use without passing through the side where the water hits them.
From Mr Tarek Khoury
UAE
Website comment
Celebrating a peaceful leader
The Gulf News story about Tibetans praying for the Dalai Lama on his 80th birthday celebrations, was lovely to read (‘Tibetans pray for Dalai Lama at 80th birthday celebration’, Gulf News, June 22). The peace-loving Nobel laureate completes 80 years on July 6 and his birthday was celebrated by his devotees and followers in the past week, in Dharamsala, India. He is a wonderful leader and I wishing him very happy and healthy birthdays to come.
From Mr K. Ragavan
Bengaluru, India
A ferocious victory in cricket!
India struggled once again to defend against the ferocious tigers of Bangladesh and left the cricket ground in a walk of shame (‘Mustafizur rocks India again with six-wicket haul’, Gulf News, June 22). Due to heavy downpour, the match was reduced to 47 overs per side. It was amazing to see 19-year-old Mustafizur Rahman, from the remote village of Satkhira in Bangladesh, become the second bowler in One Day International (ODI) cricket history to record two five-wicket hauls in his first two matches.
The only significant stand of the Indian innings was between Indian cricketers Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli, who added 74 runs for the second wicket. It was Kohli who broke loose in the ninth over to bring up India’s 50 with a six over long-on. Rahman got Suresh Raina caught behind in the 36th over. Trying to cut a short delivery close to his body, Raina edged the ball, as the wicket-keeper safely gloved it behind the stumps. With his tail up, Rahman got the prized wicket of Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni with another lethal cutter that the veteran batsman was unable to read and lobbed the ball to short cover. Will India learn a lesson from this defeat by a supposedly weaker team? The series win by Bangladesh shows that they are coming up to reach the pinnacle of glory in world cricket.
From Mr Sunny Joseph
Mala, India
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