Fabric of culture
It seems to me that most of the practices that are listed in Gulf News's report are rooted in common decency and common sense ("More want to learn about UAE's culture", Gulf News, August 18). People all around the world, should practise these guidelines, regardless of where they live. Congratulations to the authorities who have recognised the need for cultural education and are making sure these practices are woven into the fabric of the culture of the UAE. We could all work a little harder towards making this world a better place.
From Mr Rick Advano
Dubai
Displaying arrogance
Despite serious threats to its sovereignty, Iran is becoming dangerous for its neighbours ("Iran's actions are despicable", Gulf News, August 19). If Iran thinks that it can harass other Arab states on the basis of its military power, then this is a very wrong attitude. By occupying UAE's islands without any justification, Iran is blatantly displaying its arrogance.
From Mr Haris Shahid
Karachi, Pakistan
Big hassle
Why don't Enoc and other petrol stations reintroduce credit cards ("Self-service a step too far for some UAE drivers", Gulf News, August 17)? Paying with plastic money is a common practice in the US. Motorists would find it so much easier than dealing with the hassle of walking in to pay and going back out again to pump petrol. It would work if banks do not make a quick buck from this practice and create further hassles for customers.
From Ms Nirmal Devasurendra
Dubai
What about them?
The option of self-service at petrol stations may be encouraging to many, but what about those who work as attendants? For the time being, they must have made some arrangements to position themselves somewhere else, but when all the petrol stations start self-service, where will these workers go? I hope that by saving a little money by serving ourselves, we are not snatching food from many.
From Mr Alfred J. Rebello
Sharjah
Time to switch off
People who live or settle down in this part of the world are used to being pampered. Even though it is unsafe to keep the engines running when filling petrol, many still continue the practice because they cannot remain for a few minutes without their air conditioners. Is this the correct mentality? I urge petrol stations to empower their attendants and give them the authority to refuse service to people who do not switch off their engines. This is a serious issue, which requires attention.
From Mr R. N.
Abu Dhabi
Full name withheld by request
Undue advantage
In the recent past, we have experienced price increases in all items - from gold to tea bags - and have shouldered the burden in the knowledge that everyone is being affected ("Gold falls as dollar extends gains", Gulf News, August 20). Traders often highlighted the fact that the rise in fuel price is the reason for the hike in price of commodities. However, there has been a downward trend in the price of diesel and gold in the past few weeks. Traders should stop benefiting from this change and reduce the prices of essential commodities.
From Mr Abdullah Syed Abdeen
Sharjah
What's the point?
The harsh and shoddy treatment meted out to Pakistan's former president Pervez Musharraf will deter quality professionals from entering into the fields of national service and politics ("Musharraf resignation 'end of all problems' for Pakistanis", Gulf News, August 19). Musharraf was a man who restored democracy to his country, yet he was forced to resign under the threat of impeachment. Pakistanis will think twice when serving their country, for they will now have to wonder what is the point?
From Mr Rajendra K. Aneja
Dubai
Deed for deed
Recently, Dr A. S. Shehab Al Deen pointed out in a letter to Gulf News that when a taxi driver helped out a woman during a rough time, he did it with an ulterior motive ("Don't be fooled", Your turn, Gulf News, August 18). I urge everyone to please try and appreciate the help that they receive, irrespective of the person offering it, and I encourage everyone to make it a point to help others. Please do not colour a kind action to make it look like a bad deed. Helping others during their time of need should be our utmost priority.
From Mr Nanjundanathan Manoharan
Dubai
Temporary licences
I am devastated by the news of traffic accidents and increasing fatalities in the UAE ("One killed, 19 injured in Abu Dhabi crash", Gulf News, August 18). I urge the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to be very strict when issuing driving licences to learners. Issuance of driving licences to new drivers should be on a probation system, whereby they are given a licence for a certain period of time, after which they can qualify. Additionally, stricter restrictions should be imposed for the better understanding and appreciation of road safety.
From Ms Val
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
No major change
The implementation of a centralised taxi ranking system may not meet the expectations of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and may not solve current problems ("RTA launches taxi rankings to help Dubai passengers", Gulf News, August 18). It may help to an extent, but will not make much of a difference to residents. For an average customer, taxis are not the first option, as most commuters rely on them only during emergencies. Assigning more taxis at malls, improving the facility of booking taxis along with strict regulations would help develop taxi services in the region.
From Mr Raju Mathew
UAE
Within city limits
The major problem with traffic in the UAE today is that people shuffle from emirate to emirate for work, as many prefer to stay in one emirate and work in another. Perhaps a rule should be placed, prohibiting such a practice. If someone works in Dubai, then he or she should also stay within the city.
From Ms Ritu Sanjai
Dubai
Blaming each other
What a joke it has been living in Al Shera Tower at the Jumeirah Lake Towers. It has been five months now but we still don't have landlines or internet. I call du every week, but they do not help me. The developer is blaming du and du is blaming the developer. My wife is an internet blogger and this is severely affecting her work. We moved here from the United States and so far it has been a very negative experience. I'm frustrated and appalled at the level of incompetence.
From Mr K.D. Warach
Dubai
The management of du replies: Following the complaint by Mr K. D. Warach, du customer care team has investigated the matter. Al Shera Tower at the Jumeirah Lake Towers is yet to be handed over to du, as major snags inside and outside the du telecom room have to be cleared by the Al Shera Tower contractor. Compounding the problem is the fact that the Al Shera Tower contractor has not yet completed the outside cable trays works that allow du to enter the building. It is evident that these delays are beyond du's control.
As a proactive step, however, du has deployed its outsource team, which is coordinating with the onsite contractor to complete the installation of the outside cable trays at the earliest. As soon as this is done, du will start installing the optical fibre. To save on time, du's outsource contractor is preparing the room to install the necessary equipment simultaneously.
du regrets the inconvenience caused to Mr Warach and would like to assure him of the best level of customer service in the days ahead.
Delay reopening
Ramadan is a holy month and during this time, pupils fast and try their best to engage in more spiritual activities ("Parents in UAE disappointed by usual start to schools", Gulf News, August 5). Therefore, they should be allowed to fast and rest, so as to prevent them from becoming exhausted due to the heat and pollution. This would not only apply to Muslims, but also to pupils belonging to other religions as well, as many of them also observe fasts during Ramadan. Schools should ensure that in case of a delayed opening, the syllabi coverage is unaffected, and pupils are able to enjoy the month and its subsequent festivities. In this manner, they can concentrate on studies in good health and with renewed enthusiasm.
From Mr Milind Tikhe
Dubai
Deprived
I urge the Ministry of Education to reconsider its decision and reopen schools after Ramadan ("Parents in UAE disappointed by usual start to schools", Gulf News, August 5). Otherwise, it would be very hectic for pupils to fast and concentrate on studies in this heat and humidity. Additionally, Ramadan is a blessed month, when all Muslims pray and usually stay up late at night. This certainly will not be possible with all the homework assignments and weekly tests. Schools must follow the footsteps of institutes and universities, in Knowledge Village, by delaying reopening.
From Ms Adeeba S.
Dubai
No difference
I think the Ministry of Education should certainly reconsider its decision regarding postponing the academic year due to Ramadan ("Parents in UAE disappointed by usual start to schools", Gulf News, August 5). I have a son and a daughter who study in grades 11 and 5 respectively, and their school closes just half an hour earlier than usual, which makes absolutely no difference to the time they reach home. It is really difficult during the time of Ramadan, as everyone is involved in community activities, praying, reciting the Quran and fasting. In fact, fasting often becomes tiring for adults, so it is natural that it will have an effect on children too. I truly hope the authorities postpone the opening of schools, as other countries in the region have already given the go-ahead.
From Mr Adnan Abdullah
UAE
Prepared pupils
As a student of grade eight, my classmates and I are already preparing for our exams, so that we do not have to deal with the stress and tension during Ramadan ("Parents in UAE disappointed by usual start to schools", Gulf News, August 5). We do not want to postpone our classes and the exams that have been scheduled for October as we have already finished studying for the subjects. However, I request that the school timings are reduced so as to give pupils more hours in the day to spend in Islamic activities.
From Ms Nahila Nazim
UAE
Easier to focus
I think requests for holidays when fasting have been based on limited exposure to the practice of fasting ("Parents in UAE disappointed by usual start to schools", Gulf News, August 5). Everyone knows that you feel sleepy if you have a full stomach. I personally find it easier to concentrate, if my stomach is empty. Fasting while at school would be good practice for children above the age of 10 years. I am sure about this, as I have been practicing it from time to time from the age of seven, in order to give company to some of my Muslim neighbours in India.
From Ms Anjali
Mumbai
Full name withheld by request
Don't complicate
I feel that the month of Ramadan is purely a period of training and self-restrain ("Speak Your Mind: Ramadan and Schools", Gulf News, August 14). Fasting is recommended only for grown-ups and not for children in kindergarten. Everyone on whom fasting is mandatory knows that this is a time for training and to improve one's resistance against temptations and desires. I think involving children is unnecessary and the issue is not as complicated as has been portrayed. Additionally, I am sure older children do not find it difficult to fast, as I myself have been practicing it since I was five years old.
From Mr A. Hasib
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
Arab contributions
As a professor of computer science from the US, I am enjoying my first visit to Dubai and the UAE ("Readers and experts correct Gulf News error", Gulf News, July 27). Recently, I took great pleasure in reading Gulf News's follow-up story on Arabic numerals. In fact, in one of my introductory courses, I discussed the migration of Hindu-Arabic numbers through Andalusia and into the European culture with my students. Equally important are the Arab contributions in mathematics and algorithms, which are considered the foundation of modern Computer Science. Scholars and academia owe a lot to early Arab scholars. I have enjoyed my first vacation in Dubai and look forward to returning. Your fascinating and friendly city has made me feel at home during my stay. While I will miss the opportunity to read your printed edition in the US, you may be sure that I will continue to read the online version daily.
From Mr Barry Kolb
New Jersey, USA
Reckless driving
Somebody needs to pay attention to our concerns about speeding, overtaking, changing lanes in front of large trucks and the bad driving conduct of minibuses and vans. Perhaps a good solution would be to restrict buses and heavy vehicles to the last lane so as to avoid collisions. If one looks at current statistics, I am sure one will find that speeding minivans and reckless driving was the reason for most of the accidents that occurred this year.
From A Reader
Sharjah
Full name withheld by request
