October 22, 2008

Respect driving rules
I do not know whether I am getting older or simply looking for an opportunity to be more religious. One thing is for sure - each time I drive on the Abu Dhabi-Dubai highway, I thank God immensely for the near misses. People driving down this particular highway, at around 2.30pm, would find cars zooming past them at unbelievable speed. I believe most motorists who work outside the capital wish to rush home to their families. However, in their effort to reach home before lunch, these drivers often forget that they are risking their lives and more so the lives of others. I urge them to respect driving rules and stick to the assigned speed limit.
From Mr Ramesh Menon
Dubai

The will to survive
I found Gulf News's report on Dubai's Pink Walkathon to be very touching ("Blog: A pink Dubai walk for cancer victims", Gulf News, October 17). Years ago, when I was a little boy, I knew a woman who had suffered from and finally fell prey to breast cancer. A short while ago, I suffered from oesophageal cancer and had to undergo surgery. Now, I truly understand what it is to be a cancer patient. More importantly, I appreciate the will power it takes to survive cancer. I congratulate all those who have won the fight.
From Mr Suneel Hattangadi
Mumbai, India

Proud participant
I am proud to have participated in Dubai's Pink Walkathon. I participated with my parents and two-year-old son, as it was for a great cause. I enjoyed the walk and was amazed by the number of people present at the event. It was stunning to see the pink balloons rising high and the lovely music. The spirit was fantastic, too.
From Ms Lanzia Bashir
Dubai

Good hearts, still around
A short while ago, I was driving home from work, when I decided to stop and run an errand. Once back, I tried to start my car, but it had stalled. I realised then that I was stuck in the middle of a busy shopping area, with the traffic at its peak. Fortunately, a kind gentleman, driving by, saw my predicament and rushed to help. Despite the fact that he had to reverse his van a couple of times, he persisted and was able to jumpstart my car. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to him. Such incidents offer hope that there are people willing to help, not for monetary gain or fame, but out of sheer goodness of heart.
From Ms Mamta Daftary
Dubai

In safe hands
I would like to thank the security at Deira City Centre for helping me retrieve my bag, just half an hour after I lost it. The incident occurred while I was out shopping a few days ago. I had left my bag unattended at one of the designated seating areas. I realised my bag was missing soon after I left the mall. I rushed back to the scene hoping to trace it. Stressed, I called the mall's security office and was thrilled to hear a positive response. I would like to thank the security guards for their incredibly swift service.
From Ms Raji Nair
Dubai

Limited access
I would like to draw the attention of the authorities to the difficulty commuters face when hailing a taxi from Sharjah to Dubai and vice versa. This occurs on a daily basis. I believe the main difficulty lies in the fact that there is increased traffic on most roads. Additionally, taxi drivers cannot transport passengers from one emirate to another. This adds to the problem as taxi drivers usually end up with fewer customers. From Ms Pratima Pandey
Sharjah

Right measures
Eating out at a restaurant is not just about paying money. People like us also invest blind trust in the fact that the food we eat is fresh and made under hygienic conditions. It is a disgrace when some restaurants and hotels fail to match these standards. Such actions discredit the entire industry. The authorities were right by revealing names of hotels, which violated hygiene standards recently. Such measures will force restaurants to raise the bar and maintain good practices.
From Ms Naina Nair
Sharjah

Pleasurable journey
The Roads and Transport Authority's (RTA) decision to introduce ferry services along Dubai creek is fantastic. I am grateful to the authorities for this initiative. The Ferry Dubai project will definitely find more commuters. This would further ensure that travel is a pleasure instead of one that causes high pressure.
From Mr V. R. Suresh Kumar
Dubai

Bow out
It is time for Indian spin bowler Anil Kumble retired gracefully ("Kapil praises the Master Blaster", Gulf News, October 17). He has lost his sting and is ineffective. This has caused his captaincy in the Test series to suffer too. Kumble should announce he has not recovered from his injury and sit out for the rest of the Tests. At the end of the series, he should announce his retirement. I think cricketer Piyush Chawla should replace him.
From Mr Sunil Daswaney
Sharjah

Surprise checks
I thank Gulf News for taking the initiative to care for animals, at a time when people ignore or forget such values ("Animals suffer in cramped cages", Gulf News, October 16). I have stopped visiting pet stores and animal markets, as it is depressing to see these creatures in such a state. The authorities should conduct surprise visits to animal markets and pet shops. Most storeowners pretend to keep everything organised and under control, but usually go back to their old methods after routine checks.
From Ms Adelina Victoria
Abu Dhabi

Moral standards
I read about problems many tenants face with regards to rent and know friends who complain about issues with real estate companies. I would like to thank those real estate agencies and developers who follow rules on rent caps. I wish there were more honest real estate companies in the region.
From Ms Milena Merts
Dubai

Fine them
Each morning, residents of Al Nahda, in Sharjah, face a huge problem caused by cars parked on the main roads. School buses also find it difficult to manoeuvre through these rows of parked vehicles. As police rarely visit the area, no corrective action is taken. The authorities should charge violators with a Dh200 fine for each car parked in such a manner. Such motorists should be taught that parking on the road is not the answer to parking woes.
From Mr J. Krishnan
Dubai

Frustrated
Food prices have definitely doubled in the UAE ("Food prices continue to pinch", Gulf News, October 15). Additionally, the overall increase caused by a high cost of living has forced my family to return to our home country. Most families face too many expenses - rent, school fees and paying for Salik.
From Ms Dee
UAE