Gives new meaning
I would like to request the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to look at the exits in Karama that take motorists towards Al Maktoum Bridge - cars have to wait for hours in order to be able to use the main road. This is not due to the number of cars accessing the area, but due to an extensive block caused by vehicles trying to avoid the toll route. Additionally, the public transport buses stop in the middle of the road. I know the RTA intends to provide facilities for improved traffic conditions. However, some short-term solutions are essential as well, or else people might end up with a brand new meaning to the letters RTA - 'road trauma and anxiety'.
From Mr Shah Rukh Dastur
Dubai
Inspiring
I commend Gulf News for the report, "Girl hopes Antarctica trip will pave way for others (January 22). The story - which describes 17-year-old Noura Al Falasi's trip to Antarctica - is inspiring and a great example of student initiative and adventure. Well done.
From Dr. Badran A. Badran
UAE
Call for peace
This is to all the peace-loving people in the world - assail those people promoting cruelty towards humanity. Have pity on all the children and widows and other parts of the globe suffering from useless wars. They are all innocent civilians whose right to life must be upheld. Please, let's stop these useless wars.
From Mr Alex Reyes
Dubai
Eyesore stops
I agree with all the views of the letter writer Mr Young, except for one ("Fashion over function", Your Turn, Gulf News, January 22). Those air-conditioned bus stops are more of an eyesore rather than a fashion statement. They look ridiculous. How many people does the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) think it can accommodate in those tiny glass chambers, especially during summer? Will the people have to wait in a queue? Another major blunder after Salik.
From Mr Valihakath Sageer
Dubai
Against humanity
Israel's refusal to allow medical attention and adequate food supplies to sick people, pregnant women and other civilians in Gaza, is an affront to the civilised world ("Egypt fires water cannons at Palestinians", Gulf News, January 25). Let the European Union act now with an immediate suspension of the EU trade agreement with Israel. A withdrawal of the free trade terms with the EU will immediately affect the Israeli economy and force the government to think twice before committing such inhuman acts, something that breaches the Geneva Convention on human rights. Let positive action be taken now, which will signal a shift in the paradigm of the European view that Israel is allowed to act with impunity against international law and human dignity.
From Mr Michael Halpern
Dubai
Loss of productivity
The never-ending problem of traffic between Sharjah and Dubai is something that has been under discussion for eons. It is admirable that a major influx of jobseekers is for Dubai, who are forced to stay in Sharjah owing to the high cost of living. However, none thinks about the loss of productivity and the huge amount of petrol that is used every single day, while commuting between the two emirates. Can we not have a better transport system between the two cities or a rule that makes people stay in the emirate they work in?
From Mr Anil Prakash Pande
Sharjah
Endless wait
Two months ago, I enrolled at a popular driving institute for a licence. At the time of registration, I was told that I would receive a call within two months. After waiting for two months, I called the institute, but no one replied to my queries. Finally, I went to the institute and told them that the two months waiting period was up, to which they replied that the waiting period was at least two to three months. This is ridiculous. After paying a lot of money we still do not get the services we deserve from a so-called reputed driving institute. It takes people months and even years just to get a driving licence.
From A Reader
Sharjah
Name withheld by request
Balancing act
I believe both tenants and landlords are required to abide by the terms of a tenancy agreement as well as the law of the land, whatever country they happen to be in ("All tenancy agreements to be ratified by Rera", Gulf News, January 22). This is the international norm. My view is that any regulation would require a delicate balancing act to ensure that the profile inspection does not become too intrusive, that Dubai's overriding economic principle of a free market economy is not compromised and that the laws are fair to both tenants and landlords.
From Mr Shahid Salam
Toronto, Canada
Hillary the healer
The world has gone awry. The Bush administration, notably Dick Cheney, has landed the US President into a quagmire from where he cannot easily extricate himself. No President has done as much damage to the US as George W. Bush has done. After he leaves, his successor will have a heap of problems, with the economic recession being a very frightening one. Hillary Clinton, who is undoubtedly more gifted than any of the contenders, will have to salvage the sinking economy just the way her husband Bill Clinton did. She is best equipped to heal the wounds.
From Mr S. M. Rahman
Pakistan
Full name withheld by request
Old charm
Having been in Dubai for 23 years, I experienced punctual, systematic and wonderful journeys thanks to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). But recently, we cannot enjoy our travels even though the RTA is doing its best. The situation has become worse with diversions and detours in preparation for the Dubai Metro. Also, for the past few years, reaching any destination on time is like a dream come true. To remember the old charm of Dubai, I recently travelled with my parents in a public bus and used the abra, and had a memorable experience.
From Ms Latha Antony
Dubai
