The rise of automation
Is automation threatening the existence of millions across the globe (‘Speak your mind: Will a robot take over your job?’, Gulf News, June 16)? Many jobs have already been taken over by robots and, as the report points out, half of all jobs will soon be replaced by machines in all facets of the workforce. From taking fast food orders, to cashiers, from mining coal to assessing students’ performance – jobs that once belonged to humans will be done by machines in the near future. Jobs with predictable activities in structured environments are the easiest to replicate with robots.
Many believe that after the automation apocalypse, only those with exceptional abilities will thrive and others may face a bleak future. Does it mean automation will create a jobless future? Is the phenomenon real? Are robots shove aside their human counterparts and making their foray in every field of work? Will it overhaul the economy and will it make humans obsolete?
Even though robots will become a dominant force, it cannot happen overnight. Instead of wringing our hands and blaming technology, we should be rolling up our sleeves to ensure how man and machine will co-exist.
From Ms Jayashree Kulkarni
Abu Dhabi
Teaching us better
I witnessed that the police weren’t giving tickets for minor offences myself last Friday when I was driving with my headlights off (‘No traffic fines in Ramadan for minor offences in Dubai’, Gulf News, June 18). The police officer was very considerate! He explained to me the risk the of the offence, gave me some good suggestions for the future and let me go without a fine. I was most grateful.
From Mr George Dsilva
UAE
Facebook comment
Embracing the new
The Deira Fish market is one of the oldest ones in Dubai. We used to visit it and buy fish since 1991 (‘Hi-tech fish market opens in Dubai’, Gulf News, June 14). It was a unique experience for me to see all kinds of fish from sardines to tuna, king fish to prawns and lobster throughout the year. As a regular visitor, we had regular stalls and we bought certain fish from certain stalls. Although I feel sad to know it’s no more, on the other hand I am happy to learn of the hi-tech waterfront fish market with vegetables and meat all under one roof with more convenience to the new face of modern Dubai. I’m happy to know that there will be more parking facilities and we will get more services even if we have to pay more. Even though we see the fast changes of Dubai, old places will still linger in our mind and memories. Kudos to Dubai Municipality for providing excellent services.
From Mr Eappen Elias
Dubai
True example of unity
I got goose bumps when I read in Gulf News about the Muslims invited for Magrib prayer in a church in Al Ain last Friday (‘Muslim workers offer prayers in church’, Gulf News, June 15). Not only this, they were also offered iftar. This will encourage more such initiatives in the future and strengthen the bonds between residents.
This inspirational news must have a great impact on all schools of thought on different religions in the world. This shows that humanity knows all religions. The UAE is the best example for the world as people from different religions, backgrounds and languages are staying here under one umbrella in harmony and peace. This religious and social harmony is the true value of this great country and this credit truly goes to our great leaders of the UAE who show us the true spirit of Islam, a religion of peace.
Not only are these great leaders working for their people, they also have initiatives worldwide to support the needy. That’s the reason why the UAE is one of the top aid donor for the third consecutive year. Our heads are raised with pride to be a part of this country. Hats off to the great leaders of this great country for their efforts to maintain such an atmosphere of harmony and peace. We all pray for their long life with good health.
From Ms Niamat Karmally
Dubai
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