Inhumane
Humans have an insatiable appetite for torturing victims that end up on their dinner plates, especially crabs. We seem to believe that all creatures were created to cater to our gastronomic needs - no matter how barbaric the process of ending their lives turns out to be. As long as we indulge our senses, what else matters? We are, after all, human - the thinking, compassionate, superior, species on Earth.
From Ms Rana Al Khateeb
Abu Dhabi
New record
The Guinness Book of Records officials should visit and evaluate the traffic situation here. They most likely will grant a new world record. They should travel on the Sharjah-Dubai highway during the early morning and evening rush hour, to see how much time it takes motorists to cover an eight-kilometre distance on a daily basis. Based on experience, I believe it takes an almost three-hour drive on Al Ittihad Road. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) should take credit for this.
From Mr Othman K.
Sharjah
A health threat
I noticed that cleanliness on public beaches is often overlooked. Cigarette butts and soft drink cans, along with metallic bottle caps strewn around are a health hazard when they are disposed off irresponsibly. It is time for action.
From Mr Simon Huston
UAE
Broken promises
The Emirates Islamic Bank (EIB) advertised for their EIB-Skywards credit card in newspapers from June to July 2008 with many promises. One of them was to award Skywards bonus points for new applicants. I applied for it on July 6, 2008. They issued me the credit card, but without bonus Skywards points. Since then, I have written to the general manager for retail as well as their customer care centre, but have received no response. In order to close the card, they told me that I must pay the annual fee and a monthly fee. This practice is absolutely unethical.
From Mr Rana Chakma
Fujairah
The management of Emirates Islamic Bank responds: Please note that the customer was contacted and we offered him complimentary air miles or the closure of the card so he chose to close the card.
Road menace
This is in reference to Gulf News's report on spot fines ("Aggressive motorists issued spot fines," Gulf News, November 11). Why is spot fines part of a campaign for a specific duration? The authorities should apprehend reckless drivers throughout the year. Over the past few months, the authorities have issued a large number of fines. This goes to show that other measures to control speeding motorists require improvement. Errant drivers should be stopped, as they endanger the lives of other road users.
From Mr Syed Shoaib Hassan
Dubai
Install sensors
On some roads of Dubai, there is an absence of radar systems. Thus some motorists drive rashly, especially those in four-wheel-drives. This is the main cause of accidents. It should be made compulsory for every car to have sensors. Thereby, if any car changes lanes in a reckless manner or speeds, other motorists would be aware and feel safer on the road. Safety comes first.
From Mr Shubhankan M.
Dubai
Paying a price
Every evening, while returning from Dubai to Sharjah through the Garhoud Bridge, motorists come to a grinding halt just after he or she has paid Dh4 as Salik at the tollgate. It takes exactly one hour and 45 minutes from that point to reach Abu Shagara, if there are no accidents in between. While the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) claims to have reduced traffic congestion by 80 per cent, by introducing Salik, it has done nothing other than increasing the financial burden for the poor commuters.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Obstacles
My family and I live in Al Nahda, Sharjah. Travelling to Dubai became a cumbersome task for us when the new bridge opened in the area. Every day, it seems as if there is traffic congestion right from 5am to 9pm. My children leave home for school at 5.30am, but we find that heavy trucks are already on the roads from 5am. This is highly dangerous, especially when the trucks approach bridges or roundabouts, as many motorists drive rashly in order to get to their destination on time. Moreover, several people park their cars on the road. Another lasting problem for Al Nahda residents is the fact that we are not able to get taxi service at all.
From Mr Muralidharan
Sharjah
Full name withheld by request
More taxis please
The taxi service in Dubai is appalling. While trying to book one at 6.30am, I was informed that I would have to wait a long time. I went through with the reservation, but was upset when the taxi did not arrive at the agreed time. It is unacceptable that residents and visitors in the city cannot get transport. How difficult is it to increase the fleet of taxis? The taxi company could purchase cars and hire more drivers. The whole process should take only a week.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Clear the mess
Home is where the heart is and as residents of Sharjah, we are very fond of the city. However, while problems related to rent, traffic and parking are unavoidable, overflowing garbage is unacceptable. The six-day Eid holidays would be remembered by everybody in Al Qasimiya area, thanks to the stink wafting around the area. The concerned authorities should pick up the garbage every day with residents extending their support to help keep the city clean.
From Mr Vijay Samaga
Sharjah
Hampering credibility
We are running against a deadline for acquiring the national identity cards - neither is the website accessible, nor the forms available at Empost ("Over 75,000 ID forms distributed by UAE post offices in four weeks," Gulf News, November 10)! From Mr Sunil
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Editor's note: The 75,000 figure is correct and indicative of the total number of forms distributed by post offices all over UAE. An Emirates Post (Empost) official clarified to Gulf News that there is a possibility that the particular post office visited by the reader could have ran out of forms as there is a huge rush at each facility. The reader is advised to visit another post office to source the form.
Clear benefits
It is very obvious that the US administration has to support Israelis for their existence ("A worrying sign of continuity", Gulf News, November 13). If this is the case, why should Barack Obama be any different? Does he not need power and the support of Israelis to complete his office term? My strong gut feeling says that as far as the Middle East peace process is concerned, there will not be any significant changes even though things might look better in the beginning. The actions and benefits are very clear!
From Mr Mohammad Harris
Dubai
Website comment
Missing out
Although children might learn the same curriculum and much more at home when taught by their parents, it is more important for a child to interact with other children, too ("Home schooling gaining popularity in Abu Dhabi", Gulf News, November 13). This will help develop communication skills and encourage children to be competitive. Additionally, if home schooled, they could miss out on the fun and experience of being friends with other children and participating in school events.
From Mr Mumtaj
Abu Dhabi
Website comment
Wrong interpretations
All US politicians are sailing in the same boat, heading for one destination each time the US's policy on Middle East is manoeuvred. People around the world continue to misinterpret what the US actually means when it talks about change, terrorism, liberty, equality, freedom, and democracy.
From Mr Ansar Ali
India
Website comment
Provide housing
The problem of a shortage in accommodation is financially overwhelming for expatriates like me ("Safe and affordable workers' accommodation needs to be provided", Gulf News, November 10). Even as the rent of bed space increases, we are forced to live in overcrowded flats and villas. A short while ago, my flat mates and I were evicted. But the question is — where should we go? I believe only affluent expatriate families can afford to live in standard flats. Our salary is not enough to support our families and companies often do not provide employees with accommodation. This leaves people in horrible situations. I think an ideal solution to combat overcrowding in homes is to ensure that companies provide employee accommodation.
From Ms Estrella Maneclang
Dubai
Make or break
Congratulations to Barack Obama for winning the US presidential elections ("Mideast crisis demands a solution", Gulf News, November 15). Apart from creating history, Obama has also brought about a new craving for hope in the US and around the world. He has much to do — and undo. From containing the Taliban and untangling his country from Iraq, to bringing about a radical change in economic policies, Obama has inherited the task of a century. It could make or break his presidency. I wish Obama the best of luck. We are carrying the hope of a world free of unilateralism and lasting peace.
From Mr Murtaza Shamsi
Ajman
Clear US debts
I refer to the comments made by Barack Obama about resolving the Kashmir issue, as a prerequisite to Pakistan focusing more sharply on Taliban ("Obama's Kashmir comments baffling", Gulf News, November 15). I think Obama should get his priorities right. Resolving economic issues in the US should be his first priority. The US's debt has reached astronomical heights. Americans may have to work for no pay for a full year, merely to pay the outstanding amount to the world! The US is living on borrowed money and has barely any savings of its own.
From Mr Rajendra Aneja
Dubai
Counterparts
Kudos to Gulf News's apt, timely and thought-provoking comments ("Middle East peace push arrives too late", Gulf News, November 9). Former US president George W. Bush and his Indian version Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray are two peas in a pod. While the former operates internationally, the latter acts within the borders of India. However, both perpetrate injustice under the guise of national, international and organisational synthesis. The irrepressible egocentrism of both personalities seems to suck the blood of humanity, like a leech or a vampire. A peaceful Palestine is not in the dictionary of Bush and the concept of a vibrant Indian democracy is alien to Thackeray. Both have learned nothing from history.
From A Reader
Abu Dhabi
Full name withheld by request
Sad day
The report on the Ethiopian housemaid, who was flown back home, brought tears to my eyes ("Housemaid's body finally flown home", Gulf News, November 11). I find it absolutely revolting that her recruitment agency and sponsor did not pay for disrespectfully dismissing her last rites. It is a sad day for the human race.
From Ms Ella Cruz
Dubai
Shameful
I am saddened and shocked by the lack of sympathy of both the sponsor and the recruitment agency that are fighting over who is responsible to pay for the repatriation expenses of the Ethiopian woman's body ("Housemaid's body finally flown home", Gulf News, November 11). They should both be ashamed of themselves for squabbling over a measly Dh4,500, rather than doing the right thing. What a sad day it is, to have reached this point of heartlessness.
From Ms Danya Hejazeh
Dubai
For healthy food
I support the discussion about healthy food for school children ("New initiative may see UAE schools go healthier", Gulf News, November 4). Schools must take the initiative to ban items such as chips and fizzy drinks from their premises. Nowadays, some parents prevent children from taking such items to school, but other children bring them in. Most junk food comprises of salt, oil and preservatives. Obviously, children would prefer the tastier, unhealthier options to healthy food. When a child eats chips in front of his or her peer, the other child cannot resist the temptation to indulge, too. The only option is to ban such foodstuff from schools so that healthy, homemade food is a welcome meal.
From Mr Shabir Zain Al Deen
Abu Dhabi
Reality check
I refer to the report on new medicines for obese patients ("New medicines launched in UAE for obese diabetics", Gulf News, November 9). I applaud Gulf News for publishing such reports, as it creates public awareness in a country that is under a serious threat of obesity. Many people live a sedentary lifestyle and avoid regular medical check-ups. Unfortunately, it is only when they undergo a system breakdown that they realise how serious the problem is.
From Ms Rachna Bagchi
Dubai
Need for timetables
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has taken an appreciable step to build air-conditioned public bus stops for commuters. However, most bus stops do not have any signage to indicate the specific bus numbers that it caters to. Often, commuters are forced to wait for a long time, only to discover that the particular destination they intend to is not scheduled. At each stop, the RTA should fix a board with relevant timetables. Additionally, increasing the frequency of buses, especially from Al Muraqqabat Road to Naif Road, would help, too.
From Mr S. A. Rashid
Dubai
Parking lots required
The Roads and Transport Authority's (RTA) fine system seems to be tailored to burden middle-class people. Residents of Al Shaab colony and Karama do not have enough parking lots. Motorists who park their cars on footpaths should be penalised for blocking walkways, but I would urge the authorities to spare people who park on pavements behind buildings. The authorities should be more considerate to expatriates who work hard and contribute to developing this city. Moreover, before penalising motorists, the RTA must ensure availability of ample parking lots.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
