Struggles of daily life
In this picture you can see French ‘Spiderman’, Alain Robert, suspended mid-air, in order to clean the glass windows of a high-rise building in Abu Dhabi. Can you imagine yourself ever suspended at such a height against the wind? It is very difficult for most of us. But there are people who do this every day to earn a living. Think about this - when the UAE felt the tremors from Iran’s earthquake a few weeks ago, there were a whole bunch of window cleaners who were doing their job. I saw those men from my window. Often we think our lives are tough, but I want to ask each one of you — are our lives really tough? We must appreciate what we have in life and respect people like these window cleaners who risk their lives on a daily basis.
From Mr Ramesh Menon
Abu Dhabi
Cycling links
I couldn’t agree more that connecting cycle tracks to the Metro stations would be a real plus point. It would also be nice if the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) looked at introducing cycle tracks in some of the gated communities. For example, why not link Victory Heights, Dubai Sports City, Motor City and Arabian Ranches through a cycle track? This would provide a host of benefits such as shopping access, buses, schooling and just the sheer pleasure of cycling to meet up with friends. Now would be the time to review this so the roads and routes could be decided and the track made with minimum disruption to traffic. Also as it is called Sports city, a cycle track would make sense in the area.
From Mr Stephen Church
Dubai
No bus shelters
I would like to bring the attention of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to the problems faced by bus users in Muhaisnah 4, Al Qusais. A few weeks ago, I took up a job in Al Qusais Industrial Area 5, for which I use the Muhaisnah 4 bus stop next to a private school. The problem is that there is no bus shelter on either side of the road. It is an open area with no buildings and trees close by. Everybody in the area has to walk under the scorching sun and then wait at a stop with no shelter. The students of the school are also forced to wait in the heat. At first, I decided to change my stop so that I could wait under the shade, but I realised that although the other stop, which is about one kilometre away, has a shelter, the air-conditioning system does not work. RTA needs to urgently look into this matter as the temperatures are rising every day. That being said, I would like to congratulate RTA for improving its public transport system. Even though I have had a driving licence since 1997, since 2009 when the Metro was launched, I have only been using the buses and the Metro. Thank you for the great service for Dubai residents.
From Mr Abdul Basheer
Dubai
It’s not just charity
It is really sad and highly disappointing to see how commercialised Ramadan has become over the years. I fail to understand why people have started perceiving the month as a mere fundraising event where funds for various causes can be raised and collected. Ramadan is a lot more than just donations and charity. I have noticed that these days, it is being misused as an opportunity to convince people to pay money for numerous reasons. I am all for charity and of the opinion that it is great to help and support those who need it the most. But in this entire process, we tend to ignore the real essence and purpose of Ramadan, as well as our religious obligations. Fasting is all about empathy; it is an experience that makes us realise how it feels to go about on an empty stomach. It teaches us discipline, patience and kindness. And above all, it is a time to gain maximum rewards from the Almighty. Charity and donations are a part of Ramadan. But it should not be viewed or mistaken to be the sole purpose. Charity is something that we all must do throughout the year, not just during Ramadan.
From Ms Fatima Suhail
Sharjah
Safe driving
Driving in the UAE can be a scary experience. While statistics might say that the number of accidents and road fatalities has gone down, I think this might have more to do with luck than people being disciplined on the road. I do applaud the authorities for their efforts to make roads safer, but I believe that until people start taking their responsibilities as motorists more seriously, the roads will never be safer. Everyone on the roads has been tested before they get their driving licences, but I fail to understand why, once people get their permit, their common sense and respect for fellow motorists is forgotten. Swerving, cutting people off, changing multiple lanes, flashing high-beam lights, misusing hazard lights, speeding, and the list goes on.
People need to understand that their carelessness and inconsideration not only risks their life but also the lives of others on the road. One wrong move could result in death. Imagine how you would feel if an innocent life is lost because of you. So please, wake up and drive responsibly before it’s too late.
From Ms Aisha Syed
Sharjah
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