March 25, 2008

A world for realising dreams
After almost two decades of stay in this part of the region, I decided to return to India along with my family to pursue a new career.

Three years since, I returned to Dubai last week on a business visit, the city where I had spent 14 years of my life.

The transformation from July 2005 to March 2008 is amazing. It's truly a marvel to watch Dubai change - beautiful greenery, landscaping, new buildings and administrative changes have elevated the city to a world of its own.

I should thank the government for giving an opportunity to millions of people to prosper in life and support their families back home - a lot many have made it big with hard work and determination.

Anyone coming to the UAE for the first time would be wonderstruck seeing the Dubai International Airport - from then on it is a dream world. My best wishes to all new dream seekers.
From Mr V. S. Ampili
India

Can't help it
I do think smoking is on the rise amongst teenagers ("Stores shut for selling cigarettes to minors", Gulf News, March 20).

Being a teenager, I have seen certain people being attracted to smoking, because of the rough and tough image it portrays.

Some smoke because of peer pressure and acquire a habit, others start to feel that it helps them get rid of all the "tension" they have. It is more of a psychological perception than a reality.

All they have to do to get rid of this habit is have the willpower to say no.

Banning the sale of cigarettes to teenagers under 18 years of age may not be all that helpful if they can acquire it from their 21-year-old friends. Though this may sound pessimistic, it is true.
From Mr Afroze Mushtaree
Dubai

Stricter
Gulf News' article on unhygienic food scared me a lot ("Unhygienic fast food outlets growing cause for concern", Gulf News, March 23).

Our family loves to eat out, especially children. After reading the report, I couldn't help but wonder what would have happened if my children had consumed such food?

A similar incident has occurred in the past wherein my son had fallen ill after eating a beef burger.

Since then, I have been stricter in my approach in not allowing them to eat any food from outside.
From Ms Hasnaa
UAE
Full name withheld by request

Does not support
I strongly disagree with the letter to Gulf News by Mr Noor Al Mushtaq wherein he compares Tibetans to terrorists and his allegation that India supports China ("No negotiation", Gulf News, March 22).

India does not support China in destroying the peace and democratic demonstrations of the Tibetan people. India has never supported use of force against any country or its people.

Tibet has always been a part of China - a fact that even the Dalai Lama accepts. What is unacceptable however is the way that China handles protests in Tibet.

As an Indian I am proud that my country stands up as one of those few countries that voices its concern over such atrocities.
From Mr Jogayak Chatterjee
Sharjah

Matter of minutes
My wife and I are currently in the UAE. On every visit I have had to renew my driving licence, which is normally a hassle as the average waiting time is approximately two hours.

Imagine my surprise then when I appproached the licensing department with my old licence, paid the required amount and had the licence renewed within two minutes. I applaud the progress.
From Mr Roger Ponton
UAE

Myopic views
I am a regular reader of Gulf News' reader letters ("More than a woman," Gulf News, March 19).

This is the first time I am responding to any letter, specifically the one written by Mr S. Ranjan. I am surprised that Gulf News would publish such a meaningless letter as its lead.

How can this gentleman make such ludicrous statements? He is a true chauvinist.

Today, both husband and wife need to make a contribution to their homes, whether it is by working outside the house or inside it. There is no need to sacrifice one for the other.

Most women are smart and know how to strike a balance between their home and career. Mr Ranjan is welcome to have his own myopic views but please do not generalise.
From Ms Lata Menon
Dubai

It is fine
I am married and am responsible for everything, whether at home or at work. In response to Mr Ranjan's letter to Gulf News, I think it is fine if just sometimes, women neglect work, and men take care of "their" home.

At the end of the day, it is the mutual understanding that matters more. So what if men cook after work? What would that be - once in three months?

I don't want to wake up one day, turn old and realise that I wasted my education and did not do anything useful.
From Ms Natasha Varma Kapoor
Dubai

Spiced up
I would like to congratulate Gulf News for featuring the article on Shahzad Ebrahimi's canteen ("The student who decided to cook up a delectable story", Gulf News, March 22).

It was a good read, as very few people know about him and his efforts. Ebrahimi's behaviour towards the students is so nice and friendly!

Such reports add variety and spice to Gulf News and make it an exceptional newspaper.
From Mr Mohammad S. Alam
Sharjah

Solve the problem
My father-in-law is spending a few days in Dubai to attend a conference. Recently, he took a taxi right outside the lobby of the hotel he is staying in.

However, as soon as he informed the driver about the destination, the driver drove off. This is unacceptable, particularly for tourists who might not even know where they are.

I'd like to join all the readers that have asked the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to take the necessary measures to solve this problem.
From Ms M. Soares
Dubai