Moving picture
I was very moved to see the front page photograph of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, seated on the ground while talking to the old man ("Cabinet reshuffle next month", Gulf News, January 18).
By doing this, he has displayed profound respect for a senior citizen. This is something that all world leaders should learn - to respect people.
From Mr Hussain Mawji
Dubai
People's leader
It was very touching to see His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai talking to people with such sincerity in his eyes.
He comes across as a very selfless leader, one who thinks of and for his people. He does so much for all people, not only Emiratis but expatriates as well.
It is obvious he wants to better the living standards. I envy every Emirati for having the kind of leader that they have.
From Ms Librada Pangilinan
Dubai
Driving monitor
Fining jaywalkers is not the solution ("Jaywalking to be fined in Abu Dhabi", Gulf News, January 18). The main focus should be to make pedestrian areas safer places to walk and also to educate drivers on the attention and care they need to give when driving in pedestrian areas.
Most European countries have a highway code that addresses the consideration that drivers must give when approaching junctions and pedestrian crossings and this is rigorously policed.
However, I've noticed that the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has no effective enforcement for dangerous driving and the traffic police can be seen only when there is an accident.
From Mr Perry Rees
Dubai
Insufficient crossings
With regards to jaywalking, why can't the authorities provide sufficient pedestrian crossings? Considering the year round climate in UAE, please think - can a person walk miles just to approach a pedestrian crossing in order to cross the road?
From Mr Hanoz
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
Good move
It's about time jaywalkers are held accountable for their actions. It's not always the motorists who are at fault. Not only do jaywalkers endanger their own lives, but also of the drivers and their passengers.
In any other country in the world, jaywalking is illegal and subject to fine, except here where if the motorists hit the jaywalker and dies, the motorists faces criminal charges, jail time, deportation as well as having to pay blood money. By fining jaywalkers, UAE is definitely moving in the right direction.
From Ms Lisa Raad
Dubai
Equal treatment
It's good to note that the police are taking strict action against jaywalkers. But the casual way in which the Roads and Transport Authority treats pedestrians, needs to be addressed as well.
A visit to Bur Dubai would clearly highlight the plight of pedestrians trying to cross the road at the Al Mussalla Tower junction. The wait is sometimes as long as eight minutes, before the signal turns green.
Similarly, there are many other junctions that do not have a crossing for pedestrians. This is ironically in areas with a high percentage of pedestrians.
From Mr M. G. Raman
Dubai
A tough ride
My husband commutes from Bur Dubai to Shaikh Zayed Road on a daily basis. Getting a taxi to go to work is a Herculean task in itself. Despite booking his taxi in advance he seldom gets it or if it arrives, is mostly never on time.
Nearly every day, it is a harrowing experience for him to get to work. I would request the concerned authorities to put some more taxis on the road.
From Ms Navneeta Singh
Dubai
Dubai, an example
I am very disappointed with the lack of awareness and provisions for recycling in the city. I was elated on a recent trip to Dubai to see recycling booths located at a convenience store/petrol station.
We would appreciate it if more could be done in Abu Dhabi to help preserve our planet.
From Ms Sadiyya Cajee
Abu Dhabi
Pressing issues
I would like to address certain issues that are quite worrying. Why is recycling done on such a small scale in the UAE? Is it due to lack of awareness?
Also, I see quite a few parents holding babies/toddlers on their laps, whilst being seated in front on a passenger seat.
Lastly, the driving standards are dreadful - it is mirror/signal/manoeuvre, not the other way round!
From Mr Graham John Haywood
UK
Impossible task
Finding a flat to rent in Abu Dhabi is almost impossible nowadays. Is it a demand/supply issue, an artificial hike or some property agents taking undue advantage? Whatever the case may be, the ultimate result is tremendous pressure and stress for the common man.
Rents increase every fortnight. I hope the concerned authorities are monitoring the rent increase and devising means to help the common man.
From Mr Neeraj L.
Abu Dhabi
Never too late
Education is a must for every individual and is a highly encouraging step taken by the Nad Al Sheba learning centre ("It's never too old for us to study", Gulf News, January 18).
The women who had wanted all their lives to go to a learning centre can now do so and make their dreams come true. Learning is no doubt a cherishing asset.
Loads of applause to the centre and an appreciation and acknowledgement to all the women out to get educated.
From Ms Faiza Mubeen
Dubai
True champions
Sir Edmund Hillary and Tensing Norgay were distinguished climbers as whatever they did was for the love of mountains ("Nepal's Sherpas mourn Hillary", Gulf News, January 15).
This quality made them stand out from other mountain climbers, as most are just interested in winning a medal. However, both believed that without the help of one other they would have never made it. True champions!
From Mr Bony George
Sharjah
The difference
Looks and character are words with two different meanings ("Do looks matter in today's world?" Gulf News, January 19). Though looks denote the beauty quotient of an individual, character highlights qualities of being good, polite and modest.
People should be judged based on their character and not by looks. Unfortunately, most people are judged by their complexion and not by their capability.
From Ms Aisha Rashid
Sharjah
