A place for readers
We have lived in Abu Dhabi for the past five years and have seen it grow. The UAE is a lovely place to live. We only have one request though. Perhaps the authorities could place a small library in each mall. Back in London, where we are from, we have three libraries within walking distance and we greatly miss having access to cheap or free books. The larger libraries carry books in several different languages and the smaller ones have some small selections in different languages. I think this would be a good way to encourage adults and children to educate themselves as well as enjoying reading.
From Ms Natasha Shabir
Abu Dhabi
Polaroid memories
I have a few black and white Polaroid photos taken around 30 years ago, as part of my wedding album ("Gone in a flash", Gulf News, February 10). They were taken in my village in Kerala, India. Those photos have not faded a bit. I always go for the print version because the sheer pleasure of looking at those old photos in an album transports you to the times and places that remain etched in your memories.
From Mr K. M. Divakaran
Oman
A solution
I would really like to know who is responsible for maintaining the roads in Sharjah. I'd like to take them on a drive through the National Paints Roundabout between 6.30 and 8.30am. This way they would be able to see the traffic jams and road condition for themselves. I think it's time all users of the aforesaid road collect funds and appoint traffic help that would help ease the traffic problem. This move would probably be much cheaper than paying for Salik.
From Mr Anup Hegde
Dubai
Automated errors
An Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cannot recognise the magnetism of a soiled currency note ("Passing the buck that's in no condition to pass anyway", Gulf News, February 11). This is especially true for those currencies that have been exchanged through different hands. The built-in cash counter buckles up when counting some notes that are bad and sticky, as such notes can spoil the ATMs. The best thing would be to hand over the soiled currency notes to banks.
From Mr Firozlai A.
UAE
Deal with it
UAE is a country that is growing, thereby the roads will continue to be a nightmare for another year or two ("Closure of Al Garhoud Bridge adds to traffic jams in Dubai, Gulf News, February 10). The ongoing road closure is in place for building a better tomorrow.
What is sad though is the fact that we continue to pay Salik, without it easing the traffic congestion. My suggestion to all motorists - deal with it, be patient and more importantly, drive safe.
From Juanita Dohne Soliman
Dubai
Important role
I don't know why certain banks take a lot of time to transfer the funds/transactions and charge heavily for their services. This is unfair considering the fact that we live in times that boast of advanced technologies like the internet. Banks play an important part in the lives of their customers and should therefore be exceedingly helpful.
All banks should consider enhancing their services to the fullest in order to ensure complete satisfaction for their customers.
From Mr Nanjundanathan M.
Dubai
Impacting read
I never realised how many pits were on the Abu Dhabi roads until after my back surgery, when I had to drive carefully in order to avoid any impact ("Disaster waiting to happen on 'booby trapped' Abu Dhabi road", Gulf News, February 10).
From A Reader
Abu Dhabi
Name withheld by request
Rider's block
Thank you Gulf News for your report on deadly pits in the streets of Abu Dhabi. These pits can be very dangerous, especially for car drivers. Another issue I've noticed in Abu Dhabi is the number of advertisement boards installed on footpaths. These are a hindrance as they block the view of drivers entering main roads from the service lanes. This is very dangerous. Moreover, many boards and electrical equipment are at a low height. I have seen few instances when pedestrians have hit their heads against such boards.
From A Reader
Abu Dhabi
Name withheld by request
Courageous call
It was a very courageous move on part of the Bahraini official to not disclose the gender of the foetus post conducting an ultrasound ("Medical staff told not to reveal foetus gender", Gulf News, February 11). This helped protect the innocent unborn child. His action is worthy of emulation and this news must resound to all parts of the world for his respect for life and faith. I really admire his heroic deed.
From Mr Gerry Cruz
Dubai
Why whine?
Why is it that some people write daily about traffic woes, the distance it takes to travel from one point to another and how long they wait for a bus? These kind of letters are extremely drab, dull, and completely boring. Moreover I would request Gulf News not to publish these kinds of letters as they bring nothing new or innovative to the discussion table, neither do they reflect on life's serious problems. Additionally, do people write about how good the traffic is in their homelands?
From Mr Mohammad Ali
Dubai
