Healthy eating is the way to go
Kudos to the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention for launching the healthy restaurant initiative (‘Ministry launches healthy restaurant initiative’, Gulf News, May 3). This is a wonderful beginning to healthy eating in the UAE. Of course, there are restaurants that offer healthy food to its customers, but these are usually exclusive and expensive.
All restaurants and eateries should be included in this initiative. Chefs should be trained and with the help of experts, work out a menu that has at least three or four healthy options. These food items should contain less sodium, no sugar, no monosodium glutamate (MSG), low carbohydrate and low cholesterol. Often, we find a lot of salt, even in soups and appetizers, not to mention the main dishes.
If a concerted effort is made, there are many dishes that can be prepared that are nutritious, healthy and tasty. By means of proper advertising campaigns through the media and social networks, this new and healthy way of eating will soon catch on and become an enjoyable dining experience for the whole family.
From Ms Umbereen Rahman
UAE
Neighbourhood dogs aren’t a bad thing
I don’t understand the problem people have with owning a dog in the city. As a responsible dog owner who is always mindful around others, I am really frustrated. Firstly, I am disappointed in the lack of respect shown by other dog owners, who do not pick up after their dogs or who let them jump on others. This hurts the community of dog owners in the city, and shows that they don’t care about how their actions affect others. It’s selfish. We must all work together so that sceptics can see that having dogs in the neighbourhood isn’t a bad thing.
Secondly, when will those who don’t own dogs try to be understanding, and not so negative towards those who do? Honestly, since I’ve gotten a dog, I feel like there’s this odd underlying dispute in the community, between dog owners and dog haters. I walk my dog two to three times a day, always clean up after her and don’t allow her to bark at others or get too close (unless someone wants to say hello), but I can’t believe the amount of glares I get.
We all just need to be tolerant and respectful and we’ll get along just fine.
From Mr Gregory Smith
Dubai
Is the system failing?
As a woman, I was absolutely shocked to read the report of a gang rape in Kerala, India (‘Nirbhaya-like rape-murder of Dalit girl stuns Kerala’, Gulf News, May 4). Firstly, the story of the young girl in Delhi took the world by storm in 2012. After her death, people protested for months before several new laws were passed and six new fast-track courts were created to hear rape cases. After this, we were sure that the situation would improve and our faith in the judicial system was restored. Women were supposed to feel safer when leaving their homes, especially if it was later in the day. But, after reading about this latest case, I am left wondering if things have changed at all. Women don’t seem to be safe in their own homes, let alone in the streets. How can someone treat a woman, or human being, in this manner? You would have to be completely inhumane to do what those men did to the 30-year-old. According to media reports, her attackers are suspected to have raped her and committed torture, which is unmentionable. Why are these crimes against women continuing, despite the Indian government and court of law taking a stand against them? Do these culprits think they are above the law? Or is the country’s judicial system just failing its people?
From Ms Tania Jhanvi
Sharjah
All too familiar horrific case
The rape case of Jisha, in Kerala, India, is a horrific reminder of the Nirbhaya rape case in New Delhi in 2012 (‘Nirbhaya-like rape-murder of Dalit girl stuns poll-engrossed Kerala’, Gulf News, May 4). How many more rapes of young girls will it take, before we witness the Indian legal system taking a fast and firm stance against rapists? It is unfair that there are still people who blame women for the way they dress, to justify such acts. We need to raise young boys in a way that they grow up to become men who respect women. It has to be instilled in them from a very young age. This slow, legal method of dealing with culprits will only encourage some deranged men to plot rapes, thinking they will get away with it. I hope quick steps are taken this time, at least.
From Ms Radhika Gupta
Dubai
Seems vengeful
It seems more like a revenge murder and not just rape-murder. She was stabbed 30 times! Something else has happened in this situation, in my opinion.
From Mr Jibu Thomas George
UAE
Facebook comment
Safety regulations in apartments
Windows should not open outwards from the bottom, in apartment buildings (‘Girl, 3, falls to death from Sharjah building’, Gulf News, Mary 4). If they are to open, they should open only from the top. Building regulations must be changed to reflect this and parents have to be more responsible.
From Ms Angela Tye
UAE
Facebook comment
Keep windows closed
This is a parent’s worst nightmare. Children at this age should be monitored at all times. Windows should never be open while children are inside an apartment. If you have an air conditioner, turn it on and if you want fresh air, go for a walk outdoors. I follow the rule of never opening windows while living in a tower with children. It’s as simple as that.
From Mr Abu Waleed Belkacem
UAE
Facebook comment
Grills on windows
Parents cannot observe children 24 hours a day. The only solution is to have grills on the windows.
From Ms Annie Baig
UAE
Facebook comment
A law in many countries
As sad as this may sound, I know of many UAE residents and citizens who have faced similar circumstances, when being deported from Georgia and other places (‘30 women arrive on one-way tickets, to be deported from UAE’, Gulf News, May 4). Who would allow someone in, on a one-way ticket, if they aren’t entering the country of their passport or origin? Always have a return ticket, if you don’t have a residency visa or you’re not in your home country.
From Ms Aisha Yaqub
UAE
Facebook comment
Airline’s responsibility?
Surely, the airline checking in these women should be asking for proof of a return ticket, or else deny them from boarding.
From Ms Katherine Mcbride Atsma
UAE
Facebook comment
Did they know the law?
The airline’s ticket office needs to take responsibility for this. How did they issue a one-way ticket for someone with a tourist visa? These women would probably have paid for return tickets if they had known.
From Ms Lulit Berhanu Liz
UAE
Facebook comment
Too soon to divorce
I think that this woman made her decision far too early (‘Wife divorces husband five days into marriage’, Gulf News, May 5). Islam teaches us to practise patience and not anger. You cannot judge a person on the basis of religion. Seeking a divorce isn’t a sin, but it also isn’t encouraged. Humanity is most important. This would have been sorted out, if the parents had cleared this issue before marriage.
From Ms U. Nimrah
UAE
Facebook comment
Not a solution
This is very good, but instead of running away, first, she should try to teach her husband to turn to Islam. A woman can do anything, but I don’t think that divorce was the solution.
From Mr Zeidan Zain
UAE
Facebook comment
She should help him
Perhaps in his house or at school, nobody taught him to pray or to take his religion seriously. His wife could have helped him instead of asking for a divorce. There are men who pray a lot, but have no respect for their families. We must continue to love, forgive and teach our dear ones. She should have done the same thing and if it was not in her hands, she could have told her parents.
From Ms Aggima Eason Baretto
UAE
Facebook comment
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