The journey to pride and prosperity
The festive atmosphere in the UAE was evident, as every resident participated in a special moment — everyone geared up to celebrate the country’s 45th National Day yesterday. The UAE marched forward with its achievements of tolerance, coexistence, development, urbanisation and an ambitious climate change action plan. All this would not have been possible without the able and stable leadership of the honourable founding father of the UAE, the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who laid the foundation. This wise leadership is carried forward today by His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.
The UAE’s ability to remain focused on its long term future, despite the political chaos in many parts of the Arab world, is amazing. Its commitment to fighting rebels in Yemen, Iraq and Syria is praiseworthy. The UAE’s vision of having 3D printed buildings and power generation from clean energy by 2030 is commendable. The country is now witnessing a convergence of technologies, like robotics, nano-technology and biotechnology. It’s a happy nation, progressing on the principles of harmony and equality – all surely due to the passion and precision of its able rulers. His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has aptly said: “The future is owned by those who imagine it, design it and make it.”
No wonder, under the aegis of such optimistic rulers, the UAE is striding ahead in its journey, with pride and prosperity!
From Ms Sana Suboohi
Sharjah
A place for happiness
The UAE National Day is a very special occasion, and we can feel the enthusiasm in the air. On December 2, every proud citizen celebrates the formation of this blessed land. The country has made all-round progress during the last 45 years, and yesterday, the entire nation stood tall in terms of its achievements.
The UAE has shown to the world what a country’s leadership can do to its fortune and destiny. It is a sheer blessing to witness live, so many marvels of the world being created at regular intervals, be it the Palm Islands or the Burj Khalifa. The UAE’s vision does not cease to enthral and mesmerise you, each second.
The UAE has shown its human side to the world, by initiating the Ministry of Happiness. In the future, the wealth of a nation would be measured not by its material wealth, but by the happiness quotient of its citizens. Surely, the UAE would race far ahead of all others in such a measurement criteria.
From Mr Suhas Inamdar
Dubai
Prayers for police chief
It was sad to read in Gulf News about the sudden and untimely death of Dubai Police’s Lieutenant-General Khamis Mattar Al Mazeina (‘Mohammad Bin Zayed offers condolences’, Gulf News, November 28). I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. He was a valiant and dedicated son of the nation. May God grant him a place in heaven and give his family the patience to bear this irreparable loss.
From Ms Umbereen Rahman
Dubai
Best English speaking countries
If you go to the Philippines, even children can talk to you in English (‘Facebook video: These countries are best at English as a second language’, Gulf News, November 28). India and the Philippines are the top two countries for speaking English, in my opinion, as it’s their second language. To justify it, why do these two countries have such successful call centres?
From Mr Alfonzo Montinola
UAE
Facebook comment
More than a second language
As Filipinos, we use English more often, so it’s not really a second language for us. European countries fall in this category because they have to use their official language first, and then English as an option. In the Philippines, English is the main language, which can be used along with Tagalog. It is what children are taught in school, as well.
From Mr Jerome Gonzales
UAE
Facebook comment
A flawed process
The problem with these statistics is that we don’t know how the World Economic Forum (WEF) is getting them. If they have taken the total population of a country as the basis of this study, it’s not accurate. Countries that have a smaller population, but a relatively high number of people speaking English, compared to other countries with higher populations, will get a higher ranking. I think the research process itself is flawed.
From Mr Sudip Dey
UAE
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A useful language
I read somewhere that English is not a language, but an art. I believe it’s good to be good at English because wherever you move across the globe, it will be useful. English is the primary language of communication everywhere.
From Mr Cibt E. Hacan
Dubai
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Thinking about others
It’s good to see so many people thinking about underprivileged people (‘Dubai: When a tea seller becomes a guest of honour’, Gulf News, November 27). These types of actions put a smile on somebody’s face.
From Mr Neelesh Bhatia
Dubai
Facebook comment
Making real people important
This is called change. I would like to see many people behave in this way. Instead of paying millions to models and film actors, importance should be given to other people in society. This shop owner has a great mindset and I hope his shop will have good business in the coming years.
From Ms Usha Manomohan
UAE
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Butterfingers can’t happen
It’s tough that Virat Kohli lost the vital toss and his butter finger fielders dropped catch after catch (‘Batsman Ashwin gives India the edge on Day II’, Gulf News, November 28). Still, India’s bowlers still managed to restrict Alastair Cook and his team to 268 for eight. Yes, it is true that dropping catches is part and parcel of the game, but if we have to retain the top position in the world, then it is time India’s team hones its fielding skills, as it is catches that win matches. We sincerely hope that the bowlers clean up the tail early and the batsmen play patiently, to put up a winning total to settle the series in Mohali, India.
Incidentally, kudos to badminton players P. V. Sindhu and Sameer Verma for entering the finals of the Hong Kong Open Super Series.
From Ms Janaki Mahadevan
Mylapore, India
Making a personal effort
If there is a thing called karma, the longer society does not acknowledge certain issues, the worse their karma will be, when it comes back to them (‘There’s a dark side to British history’, Gulf News, November 24). At the same time, personally, I have decided it is not relevant to me if someone else chooses not to acknowledge what has been done to Africans. It is more important how I acknowledge myself and those around me. Analysing events from my own wrongdoings, I feel karma can be tough.
From Mr Chauncey Maurice
UAE
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Knowing the real story
The people protesting just don’t understand the real story of Philippines’ late president Ferdinand Marcos (‘Protesters burn several Marcos effigies in Manila’, Gulf News, November 26). Some, I believe, didn’t read the history and life of Marcos and that’s why they think this way. You try to ask them one by one, and you will begin to know that they don’t understand what they are against.
From Ms June Yohanne Serolf
UAE
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It was decided
Marcos’ family fought for the burial and got Supreme Court votes by law.
From Mr Yulo Cabauatan Guingab
UAE
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Baby steps for progress
Talking about ‘redneckism’ makes me wonder whose opinion this is (‘So the turkey looks awful’, Gulf News, November 26). Was this particular word used to incite responses? I am not for or against Donald Trump, but one has to look at the big picture. Regardless of who is in power, if that government can help lead the country towards global stability, then they should be given a chance. From my readings of news reports from around the world, Trump has already made some headway – small, perhaps, in these early days, but small is, even so, better than nothing. Little steps.
From Ms Maxene Dodds
UAE
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