No follow-up done
Over a month ago, one could not go through a day without hearing the words "Earth Hour". Everyone in the UAE knew to turn off lights from 8 to 9pm on March 29.
Residents were bombarded with information on environmental issues and individual contributions to global warming.
The hype on environmentally friendly changes in the UAE was huge. But what has happened since then?
It makes the original effort seem almost worthless.
From Ms Laura Mamlouk
Dubai
Highest standard
Having recently returned to the US after four years in Sharjah, I am again reminded of the honesty of the citizens and expatriates residing in the UAE.
Whenever anyone in my home country has asked about the people of the UAE, I have always talked about their honesty and hospitality, which is of the highest standard of the countries that I have visited or had a residence in.
From Mr Michael Bullington
Tennessee, USA
Respect the dead
Shame on Gulf News for displaying the picture of dead innocent children on the front page ("Breakfast massacre," April 29, Gulf News).
Doesn't the newspaper have any respect for the dead? What will the reactions of mothers be and what exactly is the newspaper trying to do?
It looks like an attempt to get sympathy from the readers. I guess I am reading a tabloid.
From Dr. Rocky Termanini
USA
Responsible journalism
While I understand the need to let people know of the atrocities committed by Israel, I do not understand why Gulf News would choose to publish pictures of dead children.
Such photographs traumatise children, and seeing that there is no age restriction in the newspaper, Gulf News should be more responsible in the future.
The government restricts what children can see at the cinemas, yet Gulf News publishes anything?
From Mr Mark Fenton
Dubai
Don't be silent
I am horrified and appalled at the way we are reacting to the whole Palestinian issue.
Has it today become normal for Muslims and the rest of the world to see these daily atrocities being carried out and remain silent.
I urge all fellow readers to write against these atrocities and hope that world leaders would do the same.
From Mr Khider Adam
Dubai
Who could afford it?
Finding a place to stay in Abu Dhabi has become increasingly difficult due to a shortage of buildings and high rents.
A studio apartment is not less than Dh90,000 while a one or two bedroom apartment is usually in the range of Dh110,000 to Dh130,000 or more.
Who can afford to pay such rent unless he or she is highly paid?
This might be one reason why some people prefer to share accommodation in flats and villas even if they don't like the concept.
I urge the authorities to kindly look into this problem and provide solutions, if possible.
From A Reader
Abu Dhabi
Name withheld by request
Not worth it
Everyone is complaining about the unending increases in house rent, but the subject has not attracted any serious attention from the authorities.
The authorities should provide a price range for rent, based on the quality of each room or apartment.
As of now, most rooms in Karama, Satwa and Jumeirah areas in Dubai are worth Dh3,000 to Dh4,000 per month.
Although these rooms are old and falling to pieces, they cost the same as rooms in new apartments. It is definitely not worth it.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Get rid of dividers
The traffic jam on Shaikh Zayed Road all the way from the first interchange to the Trade Centre is because of the dividers in the middle of the road.
These dividers are meant to separate Salik users from those that do not use Salik but I think they should be removed to provide better traffic flow.
It will make a difference, especially after the opening of the new Al Garhoud Bridge, which has enabled Salik users to enjoy a smoother drive.
From Mr Sudheer Kottila
Dubai
Always a mess
What baffles me is the traffic situation in Sharjah, which is always in a mess each morning.
Legitimate roads are closed without proper signs, which results in motorists being confused and driving in all directions to beat the unusual rush.
My suggestion would be that the Sharjah Police station themselves at all strategic points to guide traffic and make it smoother.
From Mr Najib M. Bhujwala
Dubai
Half-solved issues
The letter by Ms Linda Christensen only begins to address the overwhelming amount of problems people in Dubai face with taxis ("Waiting for change," Gulf News, April 28).
Just a couple of years ago, I would say that locating a taxi was easy! Though the number of taxis has increased, it doesn't help the matter.
After finding a taxi or waiting for ridiculous periods of time for one to arrive after booking for it, the issue is only half-solved.
Because of their long working hours, many of the drivers are stressed and tend to be rude.
Where to place the blame? I am uncertain. Whatever the problem is, it needs to be taken care of, soon!
From Ms Marina Begovic
Dubai
Welcome relief
This seems quite a relief ("Radar is capturing more than speeding motorists," Gulf News, April 30).
I would appreciate if the police monitored more the use of mobile phones, which are extensively used by motorists leading to chaos and danger despite repeated warnings issued by authorities.
From Mr Navin
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
Losing focus
People using mobile phones without a headset or hands free and sending text messages while driving need to be captured by the radar as well.
These are the main reasons why drivers often get distracted and lose focus leading to accidents.
From Ms Neena
Dubai
More needed
Is this limited to Dubai? What about roads and exits leading to Dubai from Sharjah?
Motorists overtake the restricted yellow line and other marked zones when Sharjah police personnel are not in the vicinity.
Radars should be installed at these places as well.
From Mr Mohammad
Sharjah
Editor's note: For more comments or to join the debate, please log on to www.gulfnews.com
Be the judge
I write to highlight the plight of certain motorists who aspire to get a driving licence in Dubai. I know of people who have given more than 10 tests and haven't yet been cleared.
In these cases, what does the driving school do to instructors who cannot prepare the student to clear a test?
What does the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) think of the quality of training provided in these schools? Additionally, how does one judge which school is trying to make fast money?
From Mr N. Jain
Dubai
Leave out details
A recent Gulf News report had details of how a teenager was indecently filming shoppers in Dubai.
It's good to know about these things to be vigilant in the future, but there was no need to mention how it was done, as some other people might learn and enact the same in a more clever manner.
From Mr Anas Ahmad
Abu Dhabi
