Standardise spellings
Is there a standard spelling system that highlights how Arabic must be used? If yes, why is it that most businesses face a problem with the multiple ways in which Arabic names are spelt in English? This applies to all proper nouns, including names of people, places and things. It would be helpful for business activities if a standard spelling system was developed. The authorities could take the lead in developing such a system for all departments.
From Ms Mumtaz Younus
Abu Dhabi
Fair faces, foul hearts
I thank Gulf News for the coverage of a peaceful and proud Olympic torch relay and its journey through nations. As a Chinese student who has lived in the US for many years, I am deeply grateful to Gulf News, its staff and the UAE. The Chinese people are waking up to differentiate between those that are honest and decent and those that have just fair faces with foul hearts.
From Mr Charles Chang
UAE
Shift focus
As a student, I applaud all efforts to curb waste and protect the environment but the discussion on shopping bags is only a drop in the ocean of problems we make for ourselves! It would be good for people to focus on the amount of waste individuals and industries generate. It would help to focus on how little is being done by all of us to encourage authorities to build recycling plants.
From Mr Tim Whitcomb
Dubai
Clean up the air
I notice that there are many cars in Dubai and even with public transport, the situation will only get worse. Some sort of air pollution monitoring system - like the type that one finds in the UK - might help. The automated systems monitor nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, lead, benzene and other particles - all of which are carcinogenic or harmful to health. Around 80 per cent of these emissions would have come from cars. In the UK we have national standards or the air pollution index that we monitor against. They are easy to set up and require very little maintenance.
From Mr Ali Sultan
Bradford, UK
Elsewhere as well
I was both surprised and impressed to see the separate garbage collections installed at the new bus stations, in various parts of the city. It is an excellent idea that would help prevent the collection of a disastrous garbage pile in the future. However, I wonder why these recycling bins have been set up only at bus stations? In Europe and Asia, it is mandatory for every household to recycle and contribute towards saving the planet. The authorities must enforce a law that would make people recycle. This way, the practice of collecting big piles of trash could be stopped.
From Ms Chun Myung Kim
Dubai
Give and take
I think it would be ideal if there were an authority that could collect plastic and glass bottles, paper and other recyclable materials door-to-door from people on a periodic basis and as per a fixed timetable. In return, the people providing the recyclable materials could be given some incentives like eco-friendly bags or cash.
From Ms Jane
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
A few changes
The main part of Abu Dhabi city is basically eight straight roads, which are very busy. Just a few buses operating on these streets can solve the immense struggle faced by residents in trying to catch taxis. This will also reduce traffic congestion. Another serious problem is parking. The municipality could sell reserved parking space to residents in their building area, from 10pm to 6am. This would allow others to park in the area during the rest of the day. Meanwhile, residents could at least hope to find parking space near their homes if they reach home late. This would enable them to leave on time for school and work in the mornings, too. Could the authorities please consider this and make life easier in this beautiful city?
From Mr J. Joseph
Abu Dhabi
Regulate centres
I experienced a similar accident, albeit on a smaller scale, while quad biking in Dubai a short while ago ("Indian model's life on hold after quad bike crash", Gulf News, April 21). No instructions or safety gear like helmets were provided by the quad bike centre. Such places need to be regulated. I ended up with a scar on my chin and one of my canine teeth now sticks out because of the incident. That apart, I lost my self-confidence, which took me a lot of time to cope with.
From Mr Kundan Patel
UK
Sort it out
Each week I have to travel to Dubai. On every visit, I call to order a taxi, which usually takes at least one hour to arrive. Recently, I ordered a taxi at 5.30pm. Despite five phone calls to the call centre and promises of a taxi being a minute away, it finally arrived at 7.48pm. I suggest the authorities get the public transport system sorted out. It's useless if one can't travel from A to B in a timely manner.
From Mr J. Smith
Abu Dhabi
Very tough
The difficulty and unnecessary harassment meted out to applicants for a new driving licence is like being subjected to an endurance test rather than a driving test, the outcome of which mostly seems to depend on the mood of the examiner rather than one's driving skills.
From Mr Indrajit Basu
Sharjah
No notice
The bridge on the Sharjah-Dubai highway in the Al Khan Area has suddenly been closed without any prior notice to the public. This has put thousands of commuters in difficulty as they now have to take a longer route to join Al Ittihad Road.
From Mr Venkat
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
