Feeling the pinch of inflation
As a young individual, I would like to complain about the increase in prices every month.
For the past two years, I have been enduring constant complaints by my parents about the increase in rent, increased cost of a meal at a restaurant, and how expensive it is to get a driving licence for me.
This is affecting me negatively, as I feel guilty about every dirham I spend. Inflation is making life really tough.
From Ms Khudaija Al Balooshi
Dubai
A role model
As per the achievements mentioned in the report, Salma Hareb is truly one of the most powerful women in the Arab world ("The most powerful Arab woman", Gulf News, May 4).
Commanding the services and respect of two government institutions and 31 free zones around the world requires a lot of time, dedication and innovation, which is both exhausting and admirable.
Salma Hareb's accomplishments set a good example for others to follow suit.
From Mr Allan M. N.
Dubai
Punish the bad, not learners
It is becoming increasingly difficult to acquire a driving licence in Dubai.
Officials most probably reason that a cut in the issuance of driving licences would decrease the amount of cars and accidents on the roads.
If this were the case, stopping people from getting their licence isn't the way to achieve it.
Instead, revoke licences of those who drive irrationally.
Removing reckless motorists off the roads would decrease accidents and allow "safer drivers" to acquire licences.
From Ms Amanda Phillips
Dubai
Pupils stand in school bus
My child takes the school bus to commute. He has been complaining about a lack of vacant seats on the bus, for over a month now.
I had raised the issue with the transport supervisor who assured me that the problem was only for a day or two.
I had to call him again after a week, after I witnessed the situation myself.
The supervisor informed me that the school planned on buying more buses, until which time, the situation would prevail.
I reasoned that it was against the law for children to stand in moving buses.
Even my warnings to register a complaint had no effect on him. I request the authorities to please intervene.
From A Reader
Abu Dhabi
Name withheld by request
That's not cricket
Former wicketkeeper turned match referee, Farokh Engineer, is much respected in the cricketing fraternity and has an unquestionable credibility ("Engineer breaks the rules too", Gulf News, May 4).
The Indian Premier League (IPL) administrators want to silence anyone who voices his opinion but are ignorant about the nuances involved in the game of cricket.
Farokh Engineer has done nothing wrong by cheering the Rajasthan Royals cricketing team.
His comments on Indian bowlers Harbhajan Singh and Shanthakumaran Sreeshanth are his personal opinions.
How does that influence the people in charge of making decisions? I feel that the IPL administrators are being autocratic in an attempt to silence any criticism.
From Mr Anup Kumar Das
Dubai
Every dirham counts
I have recently noticed the skyrocketing increase in food prices of most commodities. This is alarming.
Although it is simply a matter of concern for middle-class citizens to re-adjust their budgets, it could be very disturbing for low salaried workers and labourers for whom every dirham spent is a dirham less to support their families back home. Food is a necessity for every individual.
The inflation in essential commodities should be fixed immediately.
From Mr Geehoon Lim
Dubai
Better drainage
As I was driving on Jumeirah Beach Road the other day, I was extremely shocked to see a road closed off by authorities because of flooding.
The drainage system needs to be improved - it is not just rain that can cause blocked roads and chaotic traffic.
Even though the country only suffers from rain once or twice a year, incidences like these may occur at any time of the year and need to be handled appropriately.
From Ms Linda Christensen
Dubai
Provide alternatives
Although I appreciate Gulf News campaign against the use of plastic bags, I don't think anyone would be interested in using a big canvas bag to put in their shopping items.
If there's an alternative that is similar in cost to plastic bags, then the newspaper should inform the public.
I'm sure enough everyone will start using them. Otherwise, I don't see a point to a campaign that supplies no viable alternatives.
From Mr Mohammad Tahir
Dubai
Editor's note: A Gulf News report highlighting various locally available alternatives to plastic bags was published on April 13, 2008.
Wider roads
I don't expect the new bus service to reduce congestion unless the lanes are increased and roads widened ("25 buses to operate on three routes in Sharjah," Gulf News, May 5).
More buses will not make a difference to the heavy traffic.
From Ms Fatima
Sharjah
Think futuristic
I welcome the move. This kind of transport facility was badly needed and it's about time. I thank the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) for this.
Though more buses would ease the traffic in Sharjah, there is a dire need to expand the roads as well.
Otherwise, we might face a problem of traffic congestion in the future.
From Mr Azmath
Sharjah
Introduce bus lanes
In the UK, traffic congestion was a real problem along the main bus routes and one had no incentive to travel by bus.
A few years ago, bus lanes were introduced, which barred other traffic from using the bus lanes during peak hours.
This has significantly improved the journey time for bus commuters. Also, more people now use buses.
From Mr Mohammad
Bradford, UK
Full name withheld by request
