Lest one forgets...
After last Tuesday's disastrous accident on Abu Dhabi-Dubai highway, I wonder why the authorities don't use some of the horrific photos as advertisements?
They could place huge billboards on the side of Shaikh Zayed Road with just two words: "Speed kills". We see such ads in Australia and Canada, and let me tell you - it makes you think twice.
Unfortunately, people tend to forget too easily about such issues, especially if they are not directly involved. But with some photographic reminders, it would help.
From Ms Denise Levesque
Abu Dhabi
Pressure is high
The present status of inflation could very well be the story of the century. The pressure on people to provide for themselves and for families is high. Officials argue raising salaries will solve the issue.
However, the price of basic food necessities is the highest at the moment. It is the need of the hour to regulate prices.
From Ms Asma A.
Abu Dhabi
Don't penalise traders
If the cost of importing pure Basmati rice is Dh180 per 39 kilogrammes - how do the authorities expect the importer to sell the same at Dh140 and continue to pay rents, salaries, recently increased port charges and transportation costs?
Inflation is being felt throughout the world and not just in the UAE. Penalising traders will only lead to further shortages.
From Mr R. H. Tikamdas
Dubai
Quite a feat
The new Garhoud Bridge is quite a feat ("New Al Garhoud Bridge opens to motorists in record time", Gulf News, March 16). On time, spacious and state of the art. However, this cannot be looked upon in isolation.
It was as crowded as ever on a recent evening, despite the multi-lanes and Salik. Could it be that the bridge's seven lanes bound for Sharjah eventually pour into two? Has anyone missed anything here?
From Mr Daoud Khalaf
Sharjah
Respect rules
I don't believe that reducing the speed limit will help bring down the accident rate ("Lower speed limit is no solution to accidents", Gulf News, March 16). The real reason for accidents and a high death toll is a lack of respect for rules and regulations.
Recently, I saw a car reversing on a bridge because the driver had missed the exit. I do not see any high speed involved in this!
From Mr Alexander Vartzbed
Dubai
Fixed speed
The present speed limit is fine. Police should have more patrol on main roads. Also authorities should impose maximum speed for heavy vehicles - it's 80km/h in Oman, which is fine.
I have seen many concrete mixers and container trucks that drive at a speed of more than 120km/h.
From Mr K. K. Thayaparen
Dubai
Another clause
I totally agree with the idea ('"It is not acceptable to drop Arabic language from our lives'", Gulf News, March 16). But, when signing a contract or an agreement, I should be allowed to add a sentence at the bottom stating that I have read and understood the English text.
I would not take any responsibility for the Arabic text of this contract if its meaning differs in anyway from the English version.
From Mr Suresh Massand
Ontario, Canada
Blind love
As a son of a German mother and Jordanian father, having grown up in Germany without the opportunity to speak Arabic, I went to a lot of trouble to learn Arabic in Jordan, just to be confronted with a blind love for Western culture, leading to a radical decline of anything Arabic.
But without identity we are losing the very position of our defence, while others lose interest in us, creating the very reason for the injustice and misunderstanding. Losing our language is losing our point!
From Mr Arif Tell
Jordan
Much needed
As a university student, I believe that increasing the minimum wage of housemaids is a positive step. Some people can't afford paying more than Dh600 because their income is already low and they have a family to support.
Housemaids do need the money and some of them really deserve an increase, but do they have to own a mobile phone as well?
From Ms Meera Mohammad
Abu Dhabi
Reading habit
As a student I was pleased to read about the decree to grant Dh3 million to encourage reading. It is a great idea because young students need more such motivating factors.
Most students do not have general knowledge about a lot of things and this initiative will encourage reading.
From Ms Shamma H. Al Mazrooei
Abu Dhabi
Stop smoking
As an Emirati student, I would like to offer some solutions for youngsters who smoke. Firstly, parents should educate children about the dangers of smoking at an early age.
Parents must take responsibility and not blame society. The government can shut down or fine stores that sell cigarettes to minors. Additionally any commercials that promotes smoking should be prohibited.
From Ms Afaf Ahmad
Abu Dhabi
More than money
There are some people who don't care about people with special needs. The recent article in Gulf News highlighting the need for safety for people with special needs is a good beginning.
We need a society that sees special needs people as human beings. More than just money, people with special needs need respect. Please continue to cover them in Gulf News.
From Ms Sara Al Mansouri
Abu Dhabi
