December 2, 2008

An inspiration to many
I was sad to learn of the death of Captain Bill Nelson ("Former harbour master and maritime expert dies", Gulf News, November 25).
I particularly remember what one of my young UAE national students told me about the Captain's advice to do something with his life and continue his education.
According to this young man, Bill Nelson was an inspiration to many, motivating them to do the best for themselves and their country - a truly memorable contribution to the development of the UAE.
From Ms Margaret Collins
France

Salik perks, please
Would there ever be a time when one could get extra passes for Salik top up of Dh200 and above?
Like extra talk time on a mobile recharge, a Salik perk would be welcome, especially in such trying times.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) should see the benefits, too.
From Mr Marvin S. D.
Sharjah

Cherished memory
Having been born and bred in Southampton (England) into a family of merchant seamen, all of my family has sailed with the QE2 at some point in their careers, from as early as the 1950s ("QE2 arrives in Dubai", Gulf News, November 26).
It's an emotional moment to see her in Dubai. I look forward to my children visiting in the future.
From Mr David Rowden
Dubai

Senseless behaviour
People have made it a habit to park their cars at bus stops and leave no space for passengers to either board or alight from buses.
I request the authorities to address what the drivers are doing. What a civic sense!
From Mr Om Prakash Sharma
Abu Dhabi

Good decision
The decision to implement dedicated lanes for public transport on Al Ittihad Road is definitely a positive and practical measure to ease the traffic congestion ("Bus lane to connect Sharjah and Dubai", Gulf News, November 25).
The effect would be seen within a few days of implementation. The authorities must consider practical measures to avoid congestion at bus stands as well.
From Mr R. Kunduvalappil
Dubai

Taking stock
No tourists, high hotel rates, sinking economies. Could there be some good in all this?
One must sit back and say, well it's time for that correction in exorbitant hotel rates, rents, property prices and for us to think from ground zero reality - maybe there is some good in all this.
Maybe now that the prices and rates are down, there would be a flurry of investors.
From Mr Peeku Punjabi
Dubai

Unity needed
When the Arab world joins hands only then can there be peace in the Middle East.
Palestine needs humanitarian help - that is true - but there is also a need for awareness in the rest of the world about the atrocities committed daily by Israel's ally, the US.
From Ms Meena Sharma
USA

Changing mindsets
Despite strict measures by Dubai police to punish traffic offenders, speeding cars are only sensitive to cameras and not the dangers involved ("Fiery car crash shocks residents", Gulf News, November 27).
Recently, while driving on Al Ain road, the car behind me flashed its lights repeatedly. I was driving within the permitted speed limit of the road.
But the driver behind, without giving me time to move to the next lane, angrily overtook my car at high speed, at very close proximity.
This kind of road manners was common in the past. But now, I hope that this threat to lives on Dubai roads will come to an end soon.
From Mr Mani
Dubai

Down memory lane
I tremendously enjoy reading Gulf News's "Pages from the past". My children, too, love them. We have a great time discussing what I had been doing or where I was during those days.
We have gone through my primary, secondary school days, and my college years.
From Ms Sajida Kamal
Abu Dhabi

Rudeness personified
I would like to share this story that happened in front of me. Recently, when I was crossing the service road off Shaikh Zayed Road, a woman was trying to cross the road, too.
A taxi driver did not give her way, and then started honking and driving into her. When she started protesting, the driver stopped the car and got out. He started shouting at her - the scene was so horrible that I offered to call the police. She did not want to get involved in the process and refused.
But, I think the authorities should do something about such taxi drivers.
From Mr Kamran Khosa
Dubai

Dwell on this
The continuous rent increases and traffic gridlock are possibly the most talked about issues in Dubai.
I think the only way both these issues would be resolved is by lowering rents. Most people live in Sharjah and work in Dubai. If this action is taken, people who have relocated to neighboring emirates would move to Dubai and it would help reduce traffic problems, too. Those who have to commute to work might decide to stay in flats or villas near their workplace. They would then be able to walk to their office, if the rent is affordable. Issues with overcrowding in villas and shared accommodation could also be avoided.
From Ms Grace C.
UAE

A place to stay
Nowadays, bachelors are being driven out of their homes and flats, with many unable to find affordable accommodation now that sharing homes is prohibited. Where should such people go? It would be great if the authorities provide a lasting solution to this problem. The cost of living has escalated and an average resident puts down a minimum of 25 to 30 per cent of his salary for rent. Perhaps the global economic crisis will slow down the increase in rents.
From Mr Faris Salam
UAE

No change
It has been very clear from the onset that President-Elect Barack Obama - or any other US president for that matter - can never dream of staying in office without providing Israel full support ("Middle East peace will be key", Gulf News, November 14). It seems like nothing is going to change in the Middle East.
From Mr Mohammad Adham
Colombo, Sri Lanka

Best candidate
I refer to Gulf News's report regarding Hillary Clinton as the next US Secretary of State ("Obama interviews ‘team of rivals'", Gulf News, November 16). No doubt, Clinton is the best candidate for the post. This is not just because she was a former First Lady, but considering her education, knowledge and experience, she knows how to maneouvre around the political scene.
I wish Clinton all the best.
From Ms Milanie N.
Dubai

Unsystematic
Ever since Gulf News reported on Emirates ID cards, I have been trying to register for an application form online, but have been disappointed every time.
Eventually, I managed to get through at 2am. When I finished the whole process and tried to take a printout, I realised I could not print the barcode, despite trying several times.
Another problem I faced was with the online appointment system, which does not really provide residents with appointments, but rather instructs them to split bookings for family members over different days.
This, despite the fact that I was just applying for myself. Moreover, paying Dh40 for the application is too much of a burden, in these times of inflation.
I urge the authorities to provide expatriates with the necessary solution.
From Ms Safa
Dubai
Full name withheld by request

Same rules
This is in response to a letter by a reader who commented on the offensive content of certain radio commercials ("Freedom of choice", Gulf News, November 16).
Listening to such advertisements certainly does not affect me, because I am convinced it is bad and do not need to change the station. But what about my children, who do not yet know the difference between right and wrong? On the internet, users have the option to block inappropriate websites, so why don't the same censorship rules apply to radio broadcasts? I think radio channels must be subjected to strict censorship rules, just like any other media.
From Mr Nasar Usmani
Dubai

Avarice
The present economic turmoil shows all the elements of a despicable human character called ‘avarice' ("Remember lessons from economic past", Gulf News, November 19). In an age when people are judged based on their wealth and not their values, such reality checks were bound to happen.
This is not to mention the murkier world of derivative trading and stock price manipulation by a few mighty. Forgetting about the trillions of dollars - which were never in the real world, in the first place - is the only feasible way out.
From Mr S. Menon
Abu Dhabi

At a junction
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) should increase the duration of the traffic signal located just after the Floating Bridge.
At this junction, motorists face a lot of problems, especially in the morning. As the signal is hardly on for a few seconds, only a few cars are able to pass through.
Thus, motorists are stuck in the traffic congestion for a long time. I urge the authorities to please improve traffic flow at the junction.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request

No way to go
Recently, I was extremely upset because of the heavy traffic congestion. To top it off, people kept complaining on radio stations about the hike in rents and long traffic queues. At one point, an expatriate got out of his car and pushed away a police barricade. He then manoeuvred into a free road and other motorists followed him.Soon after, an Emirati individual got out of his car and closed the barricade.
As expatriates, if we are so exhausted by all the chaos and craziness of the traffic situation, I cannot even imagine what Emiratis have to go through, with the UAE being their homeland.
From Mr Mehnaaz Hassan Abidi
Dubai

Safe distance
I refer to Gulf News's report on an accident involving several buses, that occurred recently ("Multiple-bus accident leaves witnesses shocked", Gulf News, November 15).
The incident showed why safe distance between vehicles is very important, especially when motorists speed. Safe distance should be maintained regularly.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request