Moral compass
I am a grade 11 student. I was shopping at a mall when I came across a mother and her teenage daughter having a heated argument. I was helping my mother choose cosmetics when suddenly I heard the girl shout at her mother in a loud voice. I could see that the girl’s mother was embarrassed. I also noticed bystanders staring at them. I felt very sorry for the mother. This incident motivated me to write this letter. Though good manners start at home, there is a much greater need for them to be practiced in schools and public places. Recently, I saw a teenager who was so busy talking to his friend that he collided into a woman, which resulted in her slipping and falling. The most surprising thing was that the absent-minded teenager didn’t even turn to look at her, much less apologise. I believe that schools should be places that nurture good values because a student can’t navigate through life without a moral compass. Not only is it important to learn good etiquette but it is also essential to carry it out every day, for instance, respecting elders, never hurting anyone’s feelings and sharing another person’s grief. Our actions are important and people around us notice. I earnestly request young people to put good manners into practice.
From Ms Manisha R. Manikuttan
Abu Dhabi
Good move
It was really heartening to read that the Dubai Safari Park construction is on track and will be ready by next year. This is, indeed, good news for all concerned – the animals and animal lovers. It is sad to see the animals at the present Dubai Zoo languishing in cramped living conditions. I am against zoos as I strongly feel that animals are born free and have a right to roam independently in their natural habitat. But if at all they are kept in zoos, they should have ample space and be housed in enclosures that are as close to their natural habitats as possible. Being kept in small cages with hardly any room to move will cause these beautiful animals to become broken in spirit, stressed out and agitated and can cause them to develop multiple problems. I am sure the new safari park will prove to be great for animals and will soon become a major attraction for residents and tourists alike.
From Ms Umbereen Rahman
Dubai
Be punctual
I would like to call the attention of the Department of Transport (Dot) in Abu Dhabi regarding the schedule and number of public buses available. For the past few days, it has been really hard to get on buses, especially those that have changed their routes. People were getting lost and confused about which buses go to their area of residence and which ones to their workplaces. In addition, the bus timings are really annoying. I for one, am a regular commuter and have been late to work for three consecutive days and to my surprise, I was not the only one who came in late. Some of my colleagues too faced the same problem. The buses are always late and there is very limited space due to overcrowding. I hope that the authorities will take quick action regarding this matter.
From Mr I. S.
UAE
Full name withheld by request
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