Keep it clean
I have been a resident of Ajman for the past four years. The authorities of this emirate are definitely working towards improving the infrastructure. It is heartening to note the new garbage and recycling bins that have been placed all over Ajman Corniche. I enjoy taking walks in the evenings with my husband. Many families with children come and spend their evenings here, watching the sun go down. I must say that the place looks much cleaner than before, although one does find a few people who come in the evenings and litter around the benches after eating. They find it difficult to walk the few metres to the bin to drop off their garbage. People, this is our home. Let us keep it clean and be proud of our home.
From Ms Vimala DeSouza
Ajman
No pollution
I am a student in the ninth grade and have been living in Abu Dhabi for the past 13 years. I have experienced a dramatic change in atmosphere. The temperature keeps rising every day. The authorities should perhaps plant a few more trees so that the pollution and temperature is controlled and there is greenery everywhere. I urge the authorities to take immediate action so that we can control the temperature.
From Mr Akhil Allakky
Abu Dhabi
Debit cards
I have observed that for most payments, whether it is bills, air tickets and other online payments the credit card is a must. Everyone knows that credit cards and unnecessary loans that were encouraged during the past years have led to the present global economic situation.
People who don't like to keep credit cards should have the facility to pay for all the above transactions with cash as it will help them avoid credit cards altogether. At present they are forced to keep at least one credit card as debit card payments are not accepted.
I hope the airlines and other organisations encourage debit card transactions, too. This will help as it is as good as actual money rather than borrowed money, which then has to be paid back every month or quarter.
From Mr Arpan Madrecha
Dubai
Local watch
Any new technology should be studied thoroughly even before implementing, in consideration of national security ("UAE telecom body clear on BlackBerry usage", Gulf News, July 27). In the best interests of the nation, the data should be maintained by a local firm, rather than a firm in a foreign country with different regulations.
From Mr Arif
Dubai
Website comment
Facilities available
Stopping the messaging facility is not going to make any difference. There are many other ways of communication out there, as compared to this very new chatting facility on the BlackBerry.
From Mr Mohammad Nabeel
Dubai
Website comment
Regulate the devices
It is true that devices like the BlackBerry can be misused for malicious activities, but that is no reason for banning services. Authorities should find a way to regulate and check the services so that security is not compromised.
From Mr M. V. Jose
Dubai
Website comment
Cutting costs in every way
The [eco-friendly car wash] technique uses only a fraction of the water required for a conventional wash ("Green car wash saves 2.3m litres of water", Gulf News, August 1).
Not only are there savings in water but [car wash companies] also save on infrastructure costs in not having to set up dedicated premises. Therefore, one would expect it to cost less than other washing methods.
They would be well advised to lower their prices and make it more cost attractive as well as environmentally friendly.
From Mr Asad
Sharjah
Website comment
Save a life
A blood donation is a life-saving donation ("Lifeline for Abu Dhabi hospitals straining to keep blood flowing", Gulf News, August 1). It is help that everyone can [extend] without losing anything.
Everyone should come forward for this. I used to donate blood every three or four months and I have never faced any problems.
From Mr Prince P. Zacharia
Abu Dhabi
Website comment
