Gulf News stood up for me
In 1978 when I was a young man seeking my fortune in Dubai, Gulf News had just begun leading the way.
I had written to newspapers about an incident of racial discrimination - wherein I was denied entry into a nightclub, in Deira.
A reporter from Gulf News called the owner and me to verify the facts. A letter was then published. It felt good that Gulf News stood up for me.
I left Dubai in 1994 and have just returned for a short visit. It's heartening to see Gulf News focusing on important issues.
From Mr B. Shankaranarayan
UAE
Count your blessings
The alarming findings of Gulf News's latest survey made me write this ("Is your life on the up", Gulf News, April 20).
A staggering 42 per cent of residents are unable to save. The only answer I can think of is probably due to spending habits.
Why do we need that expensive dress, the latest mobile or plasma television? Is it due to the pressure to be and have the best?
Instead of looking up at others above us and crying for things that we don't have, it would help to look at those who are less fortunate than us. Let's count our blessings.
From Ms Sajida Kamal
Abu Dhabi
No indication
A road from Dubai Internet and Media City directs one towards the Al Quoz industrial area.
However, on taking that road, it puts one directly on the flyover in front of the newly constructed buildings and then on to the Salik toll bridge.
There is no indication of this before you enter the road and no exit once the flyover is crossed. I thought I made a mistake the first time, went a couple of times again and confirmed it.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) must put up signage that informs motorists of the aforesaid road leading to a Salik tollgate.
From Mr Tony D'Souza
Dubai
Thank you
I would like to thank Gulf News for helping me sort out my internet issue with etisalat.
After Gulf News intervened, the etisalat personnel visited my office and made sure everything was back to normal. Thank you and keep up the good work!
From Mr Hoda Al Awadi
UAE
Parent's duty
This is in reference to the letter by Mr Rajesh Chaturvedi ("A good Samaritan", Gulf News, April 22).
It is nice to know that someone took responsibility to bring his child home, but it was his duty to take care of his children.
It is unacceptable to leave small children alone. In my country, in such cases, child service would have probably taken custody of the children by now.
From Ms Mariam Sorensen
Sharjah
Unqualified
I would have preferred it if the letter had been headlined "Irresponsible parents" who leave their children as young as six and four years of age at the mercy of good Samaritans.
The letter highlights the height of irresponsibility that some parents demonstrate.
From Mr Jogayak Chatterjee
Sharjah
A bit harsh
Recently, I was fined Dh400 by the police for not fastening my seatbelt while being stuck in traffic with vehicles that were literally bumper-to-bumper.
I was driving since 6am from Sharjah and had yet not reached the Al Mulla Plaza junction.
I have absolute respect for the law, but felt that it was a bit harsh to slap a fine while I was in the midst of a heavy traffic jam.
From Mr Philip Oommen
Dubai
To err is human
If Gulf News writer Linda Heard wants to blame lower level immigration officials in the UK for their ignorance, she really ought to get her own facts straight ("Don't insult our pope, say Egyptians", Gulf News, April 22).
The incident in question was obviously an honest mistake made by officials who are forced to err on the side of caution, for which the British ambassador has apologised personally.
Surely Ms Heard has more important things to write about? Apparently not!
From Mr Rodger Clarke
Dubai
A few favourites
I have just returned from my seventh visit to Sharjah. The reason for my letter is the taxi service from Sharjah to Dubai - or should I say the lack of it.
The struggle to obtain a taxi left me extremely frustrated. Various excuses were given but my favourite was that the driver was tired!
I was informed that the reason they did not want to travel to Dubai was due to the heavy traffic and that they were not allowed to pick up passengers from Dubai.
I hope to see some improvement in the service soon.
From Ms Joyce Guthrie
UAE
Solutions necessary
I believe the authorities should cancel the driving licences of motorists who do not follow road rules and regulations.
Several times, I have read Gulf News reports wherein the authorities warn motorists not to allow children to sit in the front seat of vehicles, but nobody pays heed to such advice.
Accidents are sometimes a direct result of ignoring warnings. Moreover, there are so many employees who require a driving licence for work purposes, but cannot afford it.
By failing them in driving tests for minor reasons, a great amount of pressure is being placed on on them.
Additionally, by the time the learners complete their driving classes and acquire their licences, they are in debt and are obligated to pay back loans they have taken from their friends and relatives.
A lasting solution is needed. I urge the authorities to penalise reckless drivers and those who drive above the speed limit.
From Ms Shakuntala Anand
UAE
