PROFILES

FIRST: Nazim Motiwalla

Published on December 10, 2014

Nazim Motiwalla, a key account manager based in Dubai, belongs to a support group called Special Needs Future Development Centre, based in Karama, where they train teenage children with disabilities. He raised the issue of parking areas for people with special needs and whether they had the permission to park in regular slots with their special parking cards.

He said: “It’s my habit to read community reports that are published in Gulf News as it creates awareness, not only for the general public, but also gives appreciation and feedback to the authorities on how they can improve their services based on the comments from the community.

“I definitely received a positive response to my report. Some people have come forward and thanked me for assisting them in getting a special parking card.”

SECOND: Ravi B.

Published on December 4, 2014

Ravi B. is a manager for sales and general operations based in Dubai. On his daily journeys, he comes across an issue that he raised with the newspaper — the safety of motorcyclists on the roads and the way the riders break some rules to skip traffic queues.

He said: “Being an avid reader of Gulf News online, I do tend to read through community affairs. The platform is very good, but I don’t see it making much of a difference around. Even though the newspaper is doing a good job, I just hope people read these reports, too and change their behaviour.”

Mohammad Rais Abbas

Published on December 11, 2014

Mohammad Rais Abbas is a laparoscopic surgeon at Ahalia Hospital in Abu Dhabi. He raised the issue of motorcycle owners riding late in the night in residential areas and creating noise pollution. He also highlighted some health risks of children or pregnant women being exposed to such high noises.

THIRD: Aaron Fernandes

Published on December 24, 2014

Aaron Fernandes, a student in Sharjah, is passionate about the environment and is always looking for ways to do his bit for the planet.

He said: “I think community reports are a good platform for readers to get their messages out to the world, as people, irrespective of age and gender, get to state their views. It is always fascinating to read other people’s opinions on current topics.”

Upon reading the report, Fernandes’ friends were inspired by his eco-friendly activities and also decided to do something green.

He said: “My friends were in awe when they saw that my report had been published and over a period of time they also came up with great eco-friendly ideas that inspired me even more.”