On the road to freedom ...
Journalists are the keepers of truth, the watchdogs of society ("Long road to press freedom", Gulf News, January 17). Many of them get killed in their pursuit of getting a story out. They work as the only voice of justice sometimes in some countries. It is not an easy job. Press freedom in the UAE and the region has improved. The UAE has done very well, I can see the difference in the articles and the news that is published. It is a sign of progress when you can publish such a huge article that questions and weighs down on the issue of press freedom in the country. A small step it might be, nevertheless it is a step in the right direction.
From Mr T.K. Alexander
Dubai
Long way to go
I am pleased that the media is doing well in the UAE but there still is a long way to go. The problem seems to be in the practice of not putting everything on the table, exposed for the world to see - not enough transparency. An example is when doctors commit serious offences. When readers read their names in the newspaper, it does not have all the details and often hospitals dismiss it as rumours. We would appreciate it if the hospitals were honest and convinced the public that the matter was taken care of and the same mistake would not be repeated. This would only be beneficial.
From Mr Firoz Ali Mulla
UAE
Raise the bar
Having keenly observed English journalism in the UAE for more than two decades, I believe that press freedom in the UAE has greatly improved. However, there is room for improvement. True journalism calls for truth and nothing but the truth. All writers should be qualified to do the job and report non-partisan news with the highest level of objectivity.
From Mr K. M. Divakaran
Buraimi, Oman
Full name withheld by request
Thinking children
As a teacher and mother, I found the comment on video games to be an effective tool for teaching children about the value of compassion and wise decisions ("Violence is bad enough, but here's the worst part", Gulf News, January 11). I teach grade three and have a class exercise whereby children bring in news articles and share them. This article provided me with an opportunity to make children aware of responsibility. I suggest including a page in the newspaper that carries thought-provoking articles for children to help build their ability to reason and decide.
From Ms Shama Noman
Dubai
Harmful impact
The video clipping is the property of the Roads and Transport Authority and should not have been released ("Employees released 'deplorable' video clip", Gulf News, January 17). The word 'accident' means an unexpected, sudden incident and no one wants to get involved in one. Videos of horrific accidents should never be released to public. Such clippings could have adverse effects on those who watch it.
From Ms Priti MacKinnon
Dubai
Creative work
The front page of Gulf News on January 16 was very attractive, especially because of the photograph of a flooded road and the creative style of the words "Under Water". Together, the image and words made us feel like rain was pouring over the paper, even though we were indoors. I commend the Gulf News team for a job well done.
From Ms Dhanya Sujith
Ras Al Khaimah
Save the whales
I would like to express my delight at seeing the article about Japanese whaling ("Japan sets safety terms for protesters' release", Gulf News, January 16). The time has come to save our whales before it is too late. I hope residents here will do their part in helping to end this atrocity by visiting related sites and supporting such important causes.
From Ms Erin Riley
UAE
Not far enough
Trying to hail a taxi is an achievement by itself. It becomes even more difficult when one has to go to work, or reach a destination urgently. Taxi drivers in Dubai prefer stopping for those who want to travel to distant places. Travelling a short distance within Dubai is out of the question. Drivers cite reasons such as traffic and high targets set by taxi companies. I request the authorities to look into the matter so that both drivers and passengers do not have to suffer.
From Mr Julius Sharon
Dubai
Fame and shame
It is unfortunate that customer service is not given the importance it deserves in the UAE. With some exceptions, organisations in both the private and public sectors are guilty of this negligence. I suggest that Gulf News publish a 'Fame and Shame' list of services and stores that provide good and bad customer service. Readers should be encouraged to nominate organisations under each category. This would enable other readers to become aware of places that provide exceptional service and reward them accordingly. Such a public "outing" may also induce those on the "shame" list to improve.
From Ms Guttila Jayatilaka
UAE
Closed for holiday
My friend and his family came from Oman during the recent holiday of the Islamic New Year, only to see that recreational centres and parks in the country were closed. We were disappointed to find that all the doors and gates had boards saying it was an official holiday. Like us, many people were sent back dejected. I urge the authorities to look into this matter. Entertainment centres should remain open, especially during holidays.
From Mr Hafiz Rahman
Sharjah
Bad decision
I am a resident of Karama in Dubai. While trying to improve the traffic flow from Maktoum Bridge towards Shaikh Zayed Road, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has reduced the width of the road from three to two lanes after the Karama Post Office. It has created traffic jams on roads that lead out of Karama during the morning. I would really appreciate it if the authorities took steps to correct this.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Thanks for updates
I thank Gulf News for providing great coverage during the recent rains. The paper could be counted on to publish accurate and up-to-date information on the closing of schools and the condition of roads during the difficult time. We could not receive credible information from our employers, but thanked our stars that we had Gulf News to check for updated information at all hours.
From Ms J. T.
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
Keep us informed
Although the authorities closed roads and junctions due to the unexpected floods and traffic jams in the rain, it is mandatory on their part to keep the public informed about the situation and availability of alternative roads. The recent closure of Emirates Road and the Dubai Airport Tunnel during the rain caused chaos for thousands of people. There were no clear signs and no announcements, even though there are so many channels for communication. Roads and Transport Authority has to work with Sharjah's government to create solutions for such situations. Careful planning in the future will help avoid wastage of time.
From Mr Ashraf Thayyil
Dubai
Getaway success
I am the owner of a different car, but I have decided to go in for a Tata Nano as well ("Tata's $2,500 car causes buzz at Detroit expo", Gulf News, January 16). It looks very cute and is highly economical, too, as it consumes less fuel. I believe it is going to be a real success in the Indian market. My prediction is that it will definitely find buyers in the Latin American, African and Far Eastern markets. I hope the manufacturers continue to keep the price of the car as low as its current rate.
From Mr Thulasi Das
Muscat, Oman
