Need for more respect
A few days ago, while at a fine dining restaurant with my family, I witnessed a couple having an argument over dinner. The argument resulted in the woman smashing glasses, with a few of the shards flying across to tables nearby! She stormed off, leaving the man embarrassed and everyone else in the restaurant in momentary silence. Do some people not understand that they are expected to behave in a certain manner? Can they not handle themselves with appropriate social conduct, without letting their emotions overtake them? We have notorious couples engaged in inappropriate behaviour on beaches and now, outright drama in a decent hotel! It is clear that many people think they can behave in any manner they wish, with absolutely no respect to those around them. Such people cannot be considered as refined individuals.
From Mr Kunal Bajaj
UAE
A little hope
This is in reference to the photograph 'innocent victims' featured recently ("Moscow and Tbilisi swap prisoners," Gulf News, August 20). I have no words to describe my feelings. It is in all probability the best press photograph I have ever come across. Unfortunately, I am not a writer and sadly lost for words to describe my thoughts. To find such love in this harsh, cruel, violent, and self-centred world shows that there is hope left. I applaud the photographer.
From Mr Robert Mahadeo
UAE
Not possible
Mr Ranjit Singh's comments on truck restrictions during certain times of the day are indeed laughable ("Dubai restrictions remain a worry for truckers", Gulf News, August 21). Having lived in Jebel Ali for the past five years, I can assure Mr Singh that the vast majority of truckers have always held a flagrant disregard for traffic rules. This is especially the case on Emirates Road, where queues of trucks from one roundabout to the next are commonplace between 6 and 7pm, a so-called restricted time. I will gladly supply pictorial evidence, should Mr Singh doubt my allegations.
From Mr Tony Geldenhuys
Dubai
Unsafe dispensers
I self-served petrol from a popular petrol station, recently. While leaning on my car and watching the petrol get pumped, I realised that the petrol wouldn't stop flowing, to an extent that it started running down the car and eventually soaked my clothes. On complaining to the manager about the defective nozzle, I was told that it was my fault. As the petrol was stinging my skin and threatening my safety, I became angry and decided to leave. Before that I insisted that the pump be taken out of service, before it caused a catastrophe. However, it seemed as if the attendants were least bothered about the safety of their customers.
From Mr Ben O'Regan
UAE
Simple solutions
Merely publishing photos of the traffic situation in the UAE is not going to solve the problem. I would appreciate if Gulf News came up with solutions, discussed them with relevant authorities and informed the readers of resultant updates. I have some proposals of my own that I would like to share. The exit from Al Mamzar, Sharjah to Dubai should be reopened to ease traffic on other major roads. A key part of the traffic problem in the National Paints area in Sharjah is schools. A separate road that leads to schools in the area would help ease congestion. We can see the difference during summer, when schools are off. Constructing more routes that connect Sharjah and Dubai would ease traffic on the limited roads that currently exist. Additionally, due to traffic chaos, people keep changing lanes and blocking intersections. Deploying more police vehicles would help keep the roads more organised.
From Mr Altaf Hussain
UAE
Slow down
This is in response to Mr Rizwan Kazi's letter asking motorists to keep away from the fast lane ("Keep away," Gulf News, August 21). I think every one drives at the same speed as indicated on the fast lane. However, there are some arrogant people who want to be super fast and achieve this by flashing and honking their cars unnecessarily. If one thinks that he or she is driving at the right speed, then there would be no need to apply brakes, right before the radar. I drive at the indicated speed and yet face inconsiderate and reckless drivers that slow down just when they see a camera. To them I say, please drive with patience. You will reach home safe and on time.
From Mr Abdul Qayum
Dubai
Good on them
I commend Dubai Police for their efforts in addressing poor driving practices. Recently, I saw a police officer standing at Al Barsha exit to stop the common practice of last minute pushing-in ahead of queued traffic. It helped ease congestion.
From Mr Matthew Brennan
UAE
Bus shelters
Though most air-conditioned bus shelters are now operational, it is still very difficult for women to get inside. This is because men, who do not bother to give up their seats, occupy all the seats. There are two long benches, which I believe, are designed one each for men and women. If the authorities could demarcate it more clearly, a lot more women wouldn't find waiting for a bus so bothersome.
From Ms J. Rivera
Dubai
Give and take
It is very much essential to understand the culture of the country in which one is residing. When a person enters a particular country he or she must be aware of its cultural specifications. With regards to the UAE's culture, it is the need of the hour for the authorities to set up more centres that provide information on the topic. All companies must be instructed to include such details as part of their induction programme for all new employees.
From Mr Roymon Varghese
UAE
Reduced limit
The speed limit of 100 kilometres per hour on highways should be reduced to 90 kilometres per hour, as is the norm in other countries. This will help a lot in reducing the rate of accidents. Additionally, there should be strict monitoring of buses that ply along Shaikh Zayed Road. These usually drive in the fast lane, instead of designated lanes, thereby causing a lot of congestion and slowing down traffic.
From Mr Dennis Quinajon
Dubai
Promote greenery
Al Nahda area in Sharjah has several high-rise buildings and many construction sites. However, there are no plants or even an initiative to promote greenery in the area. Instead of more buildings, the authorities should encourage developers to arrange for proper parking facilities and plant more trees.
From Mr Safdar Zaman
Dubai
Less salt, long life
The salt content seems to be too high in bakery items as well as in hotel preparations, which can create severe health problems for the people consuming such stuff. If the salt content were lesser, buyers could add more if necessary but if it is very high, they are left with no choice but to eat the food that they have ordered for. Health authorities should instruct all such restaurants to use minimal quantities of salt and sugar in their preparations. People should further minimise the usage of salt by decreasing individual intake quantity on a daily basis, especially if they intend to lead a healthy life.
From Mr Majeed K. M.
Abu Dhabi
Training techniques
I agree with Mr K.K. Rajaram's suggestion to educate all drivers ("Educate drivers", Gulf News, August 18). The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) should make it compulsory for all licence holders to attend training sessions after a year of driving where in they should be queried on safe and careful driving techniques. This will really help reduce fatal accidents.
From Mr Ameen. M
Sharjah
