Dubai truly cares
The Page 1 report, "Dubai Cares brings on a billion more smiles", must have brought smiles to many ("Mohammad gives Dh1.7b to Dubai Cares", Gulf News, November 26, 2007.) In today's world where countries are losing trillions on wars, a nation with a visionary at its helm, cares so much for the progress of the children of the world. May God shower his bounties on His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and his children, who have so wholeheartedly supported their father in this charity project.
From Ms Yasmin Khan
Dubai

Random acts of kindness
My children and I arrived from Malaysia over a week ago. Had it not been for the honest and kind gentleman who found my wallet on a chair and handed it over to the staff of a reputed mall in Abu Dhabi recently, I would have lost everything. I would like to express my gratitude and thanks to this gentleman and the staff members. They made us all feel safe and welcome to stay, work and study in Abu Dhabi.
From Ms Anne Majalap Larsen
Abu Dhabi

Child genius
I know a child, Shashwat, who has been rewarded as a child prodigy by his school, despite being only four years old. From the age of two, he began reading numbers and identifying English characters by the time he was three. All this was done without any help from adults. Now he can read books and spell out English words without much difficulty as he has a very sharp mind. He can also operate computers and sends messages on mobile phones. The child also can identify many car models and enjoys playing car games on the computer.
From Ms Kala Bhonsale
Dubai

Role model
Which is a better and more attractive doll, Fulla or Barbie ("Fulla steals hearts with modest attire and habits", Gulf News, November 24)), Adults may cast their opinions as a result of a biased outlook, but children may like a doll depending on its attire. The imagination and curiosity of children starts developing above the age of five and we should not restrict their free thinking, even with the selection of toys. Let them enjoy Fulla as well as Barbie at their own sweet will and pleasure.
From Mr K. N. Vasudevan
Gulf News Readers Club member
Dubai

Not necessary
A baby's gym is absolutely a ridiculous term ("Tot to exercise", Unwind, Gulf News, November 24). Babies do not require a gym. It is the parents who are making them obese through unhealthy lifestyles. Introducing a healthy diet instead of resorting to fast foods is the first step. Children unlike adults, have the tendency to play more. Provide opportunities for them to play games rather than play with toys in the first place. Take them to a nearby park; leave them to explore under supervision and utilise the available facilities.
Mr Adil Sulaiman K.
Dubai

It is needed
I think child fitness is a great idea as it is what children should be doing, and if we can get parents and youngsters to enjoy some play time together than there is no harm. I am a paediatrician specialising in medical weight loss for children, and this is exactly what we need for our growing number of overweight children. Prevention is key.
Dr Alya Ahmad
Dubai

Reckless drivers
Is there a way we can catch culprits who drive rashly? When I am driving, I see so many people speeding and changing lanes in a zigzag manner. This might cause serious accidents and there are no cameras to catch them doing this. I see cars speeding from behind without slowing down. Either we have to move or they will just crash into us. I drive with my child in the car, and it is so risky nowadays with all these crazy drivers. The police should get stricter and more serious action should be taken.
From Ms Namrata
Full name withheld by request
Dubai

No reason to fail
I have been driving for the past 10 years without a single accident. Five of those years I spent driving in Muscat. However, when I arrived here the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) did not pass me in my driver's exam. I am a qualified professional and cannot travel in public transport. I will be leaving the UAE because of this.
From Mr Sachin Sadanand
Dubai

Painful process
I am perplexed with the long waiting period we undergo in order to obtain a driver's licence. I find it absurd to be treated as a complete beginner by enrolling for the mandatory 40 lessons when I have been driving for 22 years without a single accident in another country! To rub salt into the wound, there is always a shortage of examiners. Certain jobs require the employee to have a licence and so one is then denied an income as a result of these delays. I think everybody will welcome a timely intervention.
From Mr Mike Mukucha
UAE

Right upbringing
It was truly amazing to read Najla Al Awadhi's views and experiences ("The dignity of independence", Gulf News, November 23). I can relate to being independent and having good morals. I was taught by my parents to live responsibly. My earnings are all for me because they told me that's what I get as a result of all my hardships. I am lucky to have parents with good views like that. That's why for the first time ever, I am writing my opinion and congratulating on how the article will help other women, too.
From Ms Chona
Dubai
Full name withheld by request

Women of worth
I absolutely agree with the comment on women's independence made in Najla Al Awadhi's article. A woman is an individual who feels every emotion that a man does, and so she should also deserve to be independent in every sense that a man is. I salute the writer's grandmother for her efforts, as I also share a similar background. Today I am proud of being an independent individual, even if I am married to a reasonable, understanding man.
From Ms Sabahat Ali
Dubai

Compromise needed
I wholeheartedly support the UAE human rights advocates' urges made to the Labour Ministry ("Work ban for leaving job 'is unfair'", Gulf News, November 25). I understand that the sponsor spends a lot of money on visa processing and other expenses. In such cases, the sponsor should request that the amount for the visa fees be paid back instead of banning the employee.
From Mr Mrityunjay Jha
Sharjah