Losing out in the future
As a mother and a student, I know both English and Arabic is the key to success in the UAE as it enhances communication between people. Unfortunately, Arabic will not retain its position as the first language in the UAE.
I believe that is the negative of globalisation when countries show interest in another language and try to develop it. In this manner, losing the language might make the next generation lose their identity as well.
In fact, the present situation might create an atmosphere of hybrid languages for them to use, as is obvious from the language used by the present generations in chat rooms.
From Ms Nawal Maatouq
Abu Dhabi
Preventive measures
I would like to highlight the traffic bottleneck that might cause accidents in front of an international bank on Al Maktoum Road.
Cars are parked in front of the building blocking the road to the underpass that leads to Al Maktoum Bridge towards Abu Dhabi. This is especially during peak rush hour traffic.
Worse is the situation when drivers block the road trying to enter the Clock Tower area. I request Gulf News to study the situation and highlight it to the concerned authorities.
From Mr Subramanian Nemam
UAE
No negotiation
Tibet is a part of China and there is no negotiation to it ("Chine vows to protect territory," Gulf News, March 18). I think people should stop highlighting the issue and not go against China.
If Indian lawmakers or Indians support Tibetan terrorists, then why don't they support Kashmir, Sikkim, Tamil and Punjab movements as well?
From Mr Noor Al Mushtaq
Dubai
Favourite
Gulf News' Weekend Review is my favourite part of the paper, but last week's edition was simply great. Three outstanding articles on Russia and Vladimir Putin and the Fukuyama's review of Power's book on Vieira de Mello - a bit soft I'd say - all made for an excellent read.
From Mr Clifton Chadwick
UAE
One sided
I have read all the comments on the tragic Ghantoot accident that occurred in Abu Dhabi recently. However, should we blame just the drivers? What about the driving school instructors who confirm such students as eligible for a licence?
During my driving classes, the instructor asked to speed up even up to 80km/h on a road that had 60km/h as its maximum speed limit. I was even asked to overtake if a vehicle was slow.
The reason provided was that these were basic requirements for the test. I did as required and qualified. However, my friend was failed twice for driving too slow.
If everyone is taught to speed and overtake, they will drive fast and it will become a fast-driving culture. I think we need to examine the knowledge imparted at driving schools as well.
From Mr Arthur Chin
UAE
Held up
A short while ago, I had called the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to book a taxi to pick me up from a mall in Deira.
After waiting from 6pm to 9pm, I gave up and tried to look for one passing by. After waiting for a while, I finally found one and left.
From Mr Muad Al Shaikh
Dubai
Editor's note: Despite repeated reminders the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has failed to respond.
More play area
There are children who play cricket on a daily basis outside the main door of my house. I usually ask them to play elsewhere, but feel very bad, as I know they have no other alternative play area.
This is because every other area in the vicinity is either under construction or used as a parking lot. I wish there were small parks in the Karama area or any other area, safe for children to play in.
Bachelors who make it difficult for families and children to be comfortable usually visit the only park in Karama. I truly hope something could be done soon to resolve the issue.
From Ms Sunaina Sharaf
UAE
Big issue
I have noticed lately that customer service is a really big issue in the region. Several companies have the recording service of the phone call, but the actual approach to the client does not exist.
I am saying this out of several experiences with many organisations and companies which inform the client that their call might be recorded for quality purpose.
The reality is otherwise, with many waiting for a return call that is often promised but not delivered.
From Ms Hind Nabulsi
Dubai
No space?
The public buses have very few seats for women - exactly 12 seats in all, despite having a large a capacity. I have seen so many buses passing on the road but most have no place for female passengers.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) should solve this problem immediately. At least they can increase seats for women.
From Mr Chetan S.
Dubai
