The land of opportunities
On several occasions, we hear people say: “This country has given me a lot”. The UAE is a land of opportunities, a place where every dream turns into reality. Over the past 44 years, the UAE has not only given rise to peace and harmony, but has also united people belonging to different nationalities. The country has taken up many initiatives and humanitarian efforts to help maintain peace, harmony and unity in the world. Known for its tremendous performance in the tertiary sector, the UAE does not lag behind when it comes to achieving unimaginable world records and raising the bar.
Personally, in the twelve years that I have spent here, it has been nothing but a fruitful roller coaster ride. We all have been through the same struggle, some luckily found their stepping stone to success earlier in life, while others toiled for a while longer, but we are all witness to the fact that all this country asks for is a little bit of hard work. In turn, it rewards the deserving tremendously. A land of opportunities, the country where dreams come alive, the stepping stone to a good life, the UAE has many other names.
Thank you, UAE, on behalf of all those whom you raised as your own.
From Mr Pragati Malik
UAE
A great sacrifice
We all stood from our chairs on Monday, to salute the martyrs who sacrificed their lives, not only for the UAE and Yemen, but for peace for all mankind (‘Letters to the editor: ‘He is a hero, a hero that everyone should know about’, Gulf News, November 30). They surely have a high place in paradise.
Our heads were held high with pride, observing the first annual Commemoration Day. The UAE army has been known for its humanitarian work and peacekeeping missions, but when their lives were needed for the stability of the region, they showed that they were ready for every sacrifice. They gave their lives so that others can live in peace.
The bravery of these heroes will protect the country. May God be with the UAE in their mission to keep the region stable. We all pray to God to bless these martyrs and reward them with paradise.
From Mr Hussain Karmally
Dubai
A noble national event
The world celebrates many international days. Some events we remember and some, we don’t. For the very first time, the UAE observed Commemoration Day, which is a great sign of respect to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in protecting the nation and its people. On this day, the UAE honoured the bravery of those who died in their duty while defending the sovereignty of the nation. Those who are away from their families and loved ones in order to secure the lives of all others, are giving a great sacrifice. Most of the time, soldiers don’t get to be part of family events, gatherings and festivals because of their commitment to the nation.
The UAE decided to honour all the martyrs and other Armed Forces members for the sacrifices they have made for the country. Hats off to the authorities for coming up with such a noble event.
We need to thank the Armed Forces for all the hard work they do for the country. I salute them.
From Ms Neola Castelino
Sharjah
An asset to the UAE
Kudos to Adhra Al Mawali, one of the four women who were honoured this year by L’Oreal — Unesco Pan Arab Regional Fellowships for Women in Science 2015 (‘Arab women awarded for excelling in science’, Gulf News, November 29). She was celebrated for her scientific research. As the article states: “She hopes to patent her findings and find a pharmaceutical company that will create an anti-CD123 that will target cancerous cells and, hopefully, cure the disease.” She is an asset to the UAE. I wish her all the best in her future endeavours.
From Mr Sunny Joseph Mala
Kerala, India
Embarrassing for a child
Quite often, we see posts on social media, such as: “My daughter is my heart and soul, share if you love your daughter” (‘Focus: ‘Oversharenting’, Gulf News, November 27). What does this mean? Does this mean that anyone who doesn’t share this post hates their daughters? Or the people who first posted this become the best parents on Earth? This system of ‘oversharenting’ is quite ridiculous!
In my opinion, it is turning out to be a competition among parents on the upbringing of their children. The comments on such posts can affect a child’s personality, depending on how people respond. As for children, it can become quite embarrassing for them when they grow up. These days, we often see parents wishing their children ‘happy birthday’ online. These posts include sugar-coated words, as though the parent and child have the best relationship. But, what haunts me is the fact that when your child is at home, right next to you, what is the point of wishing the child online? Is it to gain popularity among your circle of friends?
This has become the norm in society. But, I strongly believe that the people who are guilty of ‘oversharenting’ are just making fools out of themselves, when they cross the line.
From Ms Parvathi Sreeraj
Dubai
Sweet victory for Indian teen
Kudos to young Murali Karthikeyan for his winning India’s National Championship in Chess at the young age of 16. This title is even more sweet since, despite his loss in the first two rounds, he topped the table. We wish him the best during his exams and also in his career in chess. We are sure his Chief Minister in India, will honour him for his achievement.
From Ms Janaki Mahadevan
Mylapore, India
Preventative measures for fires
It was unfortunate to read news on fire incidents in the recent past (‘Poll analysis: Poll respondents aren’t buying insurance’, Gulf News, November 27). I read Gulf News’ reports on the losses incurred by residents and the trauma they have to go through after such incidents. The hassle of assessing the financial loss and, worse, running around having documents re-issued is just terrible. Documents can range from passports, birth, marriage and educational certificates, property deeds and more, as well as valuables.
The report and poll analysis highlighted the importance of insuring residences, and was worth reading. I am also in favour of such insurance coverage, as it will definitely compensate for loss and help them recover financially.
In my opinion, every household and office should have a fire-resistant safe or cabinet. The size can vary, depending on the volume to be stored. The buyer should ensure the safe or cabinet is fire-rated, tested and certified for two hours, by reputed testing houses, so that documents and valuables will definitely survive any fire incidents.
The precaution of a fire safe in addition to an insurance policy will reduce risks involved. I hope Gulf News runs more awareness reports to educate readers.
From Mr Bader Al Deen
UAE
Things money can’t buy
The recently reported fire in some of the buildings in the UAE was shocking to read. Many of the tenants and landlords have lost their valuable documents, like passports, certificates and tenancy contracts. Most of the landlords have not insured their buildings and they land in trouble when they need to get the building repaired and have to spend money from their accounts. They cannot claim anything from insurance. The tenants also fall in the same ditch due to heavy losses. It is not possible for many salaried people to take an insurance policy for their belongings, as they cannot pay the premium. Whatever amount they get as salary, is often not enough for their monthly expenses. Hence, nobody will go for an insurance policy. Even if you take a policy, you may get some money from the policy and that money cannot return your important lost documents. I have not insured my properties as I find it unnecessary. It is better to increase the salary of employees and deduct a small amount of money for insurance against personal belongings. But, still, there is no scope of getting back original lost documents.
From Mr Thottikamath Balaraman
Dubai
Keeping up credibility
It seems that freedom of expression in India is gradually deteriorating and the situation has become insecure for people who oppose or criticise the government (‘When culture clashes with political reality’, Gulf News, November 25). Aamir Khan expressed his views like any other Indian, since India is a democratic and secular nation, where every Indian is free to express his views. But, the extreme right wing elements in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies are taking all-out efforts to attack him. Nobody can deny the fact that the Hindu-majority India made him a star and bestowed laurels on him because of its tolerant culture. I think, as an intelligent actor, Khan is more aware of that than anyone else. When Khan grumbles about intolerance, he means the same India should not lose its credibility of religious tolerance and secularism, the pillars of Indian democracy. Instead of silently allowing irresponsible leaders of the ruling party to cast verbal atrocities against people who have alternate views, Prime Minister Narendra Modi should intervene and advise them to engage in dialogue and debate with the critics.
From Mr P. A. Jacob
Ruwi, Oman
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