Growing solar technology
With the experimental flight of the solar-powered plane becoming a success, this is just the very beginning of our reliance on solar energy to make use for flight operations (‘Solar-powered plane Solar Impulse 2 lands in India’, Gulf News, March 11)! It proves that renewable energy has the power to make the impossible very much possible. Its stopover in Muscat, Oman brought pride to the Sultanate, being one of the designated locations for the round-the-world tour of Solar Impulse 2. In the context of lowering fuel prices, which is a major concern because of the number of issues surrounding it; this concept will be in great demand, especially if it touches on the environmental aspect. At the same time, it certainly requires support from corporate organisations and technological giants around the world. As Solar Impulse 2 proceeds through India, I wish the mission a great success.
From Mr Ramachandran Nair
Ruwi, Oman
Website comment
No comparison
The mission will attract maximum public attention in the coming days. Unlike the conventional ones, this solar-powered aircraft is less likely to catch fire. We cannot compare this aircraft with other aircrafts in any way in the introductory stage other than fuel consumption.
From Mr Girish R. Edathitta
Dubai
Website comment
New Metro network
An Emirati student prepared a research project for a Metro rail network between Dubai and Sharjah. The proposed network could surely be a great help for the people who get stuck in Sharjah traffic for hours in the morning during rush hour. Thousands of Sharjah residents commute daily to Dubai for work. Many commuters have said that they spend two hours daily in traffic going to and from work. Hence, linking the two emirates will not only resolve the daily commuting problems, but also reduce fuel consumption. The proposed project will also connect University City as a result of which a vast number of students can benefit. The special features of the proposed plan include covering the places that have high employment density and commercial areas, as well as important landmark attractions.
The Sharjah and Dubai authorities are earnestly requested to look into the proposed Metro network project initiated by the Emirati student for the betterment of people residing in these two important cities. Many prefer the Metro more than any other mode of transport.
From Mr Mumtaz Hussain
Dubai
Destructive mindsets
What a disrespectful man to say such things to a woman who is well respected in the community (‘Lebanese anchorwoman sets cleric straight’, Gulf News, March 11). This woman has won awards, and she is a noticeable anchor as well as a professor. How can she be beneath him? It’s funny how they all want asylum in Western countries when people like him are the same people who are busy destroying entire nations with their mindsets. I just want to say congratulations to the anchor for not taking his rhetoric. Bravo, I salute her.
From Ms Fatima Hade Abdul
UAE
Facebook comment
Needs manners
Someone should remind this cleric of the manners taught by our beloved Prophet [PBUH]. I give a large applause to the Lebanese anchor for her courage!
From Mr Shabib Al Kalbani
UAE
Facebook comment
Building confidence
This is good for a nation in the making (‘Dubai Police take swift action to resolve workers’ grievances’, Gulf News, March 11). I highly appreciate the tolerance shown by the UAE authorities and the transparency in tackling such a situation. It will help build confidence in the people.
From Mr A. J.
Dubai
Website comment
Taxes in the UAE
I think that it is a good thought, as the UAE should broaden its revenue income (‘What may convince UAE to impose VAT’, Gulf News, March 11). Which products they chose to tax is the question. High-end luxury goods would be the obvious choice as the GCC won’t want to risk damaging the tourist trade, which attracts tourists for its tax-free shopping. I imagine cars, designer clothing, commercial property and retail will be the first choices. Food and daily essentials are already pretty expensive and a tax on food would affect the cost of living, which is already tight here for so many.
From Ms Sam Clarke
UAE
Facebook comment
Won’t live it down
It was a remarkable victory of Bangladesh against the mighty English team in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket World Cup on Tuesday (‘Great team effort from Bangladesh won the day’, Gulf News, March 11). Mashrafe Mortaza and his boys sent a shock wave that is not easily forgettable. England is known as the birth place of cricket and they were proud to be known as the inventors of Cricket.
Bangladesh showed guts and determination to fight through when a rattle of wickets would have won the game for England. Knocked out by Bangladesh, doffed up by Australia, New Zealand and Sri Lanka, this team has managed to produce England’s worst ever World Cup campaign and, given the history of the past 20 years, this is actually quite an achievement. They have had poor performances. This defeat will haunt them for many years to come.
From Mr Sunny Joseph
Kerala, India
Ulterior motives
I do not think Russia is a threat to any country (‘Russia could be ‘single greatest threat’ to Britain: minister’, Gulf News, March 11). Maybe the Western nations are panicking because Russia, along with China and India, are moving away from the US dollar and want to create their currency. They have already created their own world bank!
From Mr C. P.
Melbourne, Australia
Full name withheld on request
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