A successful pursuit
My family visited St Mary's Church in Dubai recently and at around 9pm, my children - aged five and three years - left the premises without our knowledge.
We searched frantically for them, but they were nowhere to be found. Finally, at around 9.40 pm, we called the Dubai Police for help.
The police were on the scene in less than five minutes and took down a detailed description of the children.
Additionally, in order to reassure me, they called every 15 minutes and updated me on their search. Several people also prayed for our children's safety.
At about 10.30pm, we received a call from Al Rafaa police station confirming that the children were found. I thank the police officers for their efforts.
From Mr Joel Fernandes
Dubai
Still suffering
Most residents in Abu Dhabi are forced to rely on cars because of inadequate infrastructure.
As such, the free bus transport system is badly needed ("Abu Dhabi bus service is route to beating traffic woes", Gulf News, June 26).
An efficient system will definitely attract commuters who are willing to pay. But apart from the problem of transport, we are still suffering due to the high price of accommodation.
The authorities need to concentrate on affordable one-bedroom and studio apartments for residents, too.
From Mr Vimesh Madhavan
Abu Dhabi
Much appreciated
Gulf News's report on free bus service in the Capital is great news. As a commuter who usually has to wait for hours on end for taxis, I am extremely thankful to the authorities for this initiative.
Especially during the rush hours and between 1 pm and 2pm, the buses will be a welcome sight. However, I do not know if it will succeed in beating traffic congestion.
Nevertheless, residents who do not own a car will truly appreciate this move.
From Ms Sunanda Acharia
Abu Dhabi
An option
It is highly unlikely that the free bus service in Abu Dhabi will achieve the target of encouraging residents to leave behind their cars to reduce traffic congestion and pollution.
In fact, car owners would never give up their cars in return for a free bus ride. I believe the main reason many people are unaware of public transport in the city is because the routes are not defined and well designed.
I suggest the authorities make people aware of the bus system and pitch public transport as a comfortable and convenient alternative.
Free advertisements would also help in its promotion.
From Mr Jihad Makhoul
Abu Dhabi
Big blow
If residency is not offered to property buyers in Dubai, it will be a huge blow to them as they consider the city to be their residence for the future ("No automatic residency for property buyers in Dubai", Gulf News, June 24).
Having spent a few years in this country, I was on the verge of buying a freehold property, but after reading Gulf News's recent report, I will have to reconsider.
From Mr Tarek Syed
Sharjah
Think twice
There was always a direct relation between buying a property and acquiring a residence visa, or at least this is the impression that almost all real estate companies gave investors.
In fact, it is the main reason why so many people are interested in buying property in the UAE.
I am sure that if they are not going to be provided with residence visas, many property buyers will think twice before investing in real estate.
From Mr Alireza Dowlat
UAE
Adverse impact
I strongly believe that the decision to not provide residence visas for investors is definitely going to have an adverse impact on their interest in real estate in Dubai.
The news is completely contrary to what real estate agencies have been telling potential property buyers, and I think it will slow down the real estate sector.
From Mr Joseph Iskander
UAE
Bitter truth
Instead of promoting communication, trade and progress, the West is still trying to dominate through its military power ("Iran is not the belligerent party", Gulf News, June 24).
Additionally, it is trying to impose its hegemony under different pretexts such as human rights and democracy.
The detention camp at Guantanamo Bay and the horrible torture that prisoners undergo in Abu Ghraib prison are testament to their hypocrisy.
In the midst of all this gloom, Linda Heard's column shows unprecedented courage as her pen accurately unravels the bitter truth. I congratulate her.
From Mr Tarek Abdullah
Dubai
Paying the price
It is unfortunate that Zimbabwe's Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party has opted out of the run-off election against President Robert Mugabe ("ANC expresses dismay over Zimbabwe democratic crisis", Gulf News, June 24).
This does not bode well for the country. The fact is that MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai was forced to withdraw, due to violence and intimidation against his party members.
Mugabe will have his way and continue as president, while the world just sits back and watches.
The common Zimbabwean will continue to pay the price in terms of a wretched standard of living and shortage of food.
From Mr Rajendra K. Aneja
Dubai
Cooperation needed
Gulf News's recent report on the traffic chaos between Dubai and Sharjah was excellent ("Welcome to Sharjah-Dubai traffic battleground", Gulf News, June 23).
I urge the two emirates to cooperate on transport routes and extend the Metro to Sharjah.
This would alleviate the problem entirely as it would shift a majority of commuters from the roads to the Metro network.
Additionally, it would help reduce the number of motorists in Dubai almost instantly.
From Mr Sandeep A.
Dubai
A park for learning
The introduction of traffic parks for children in the UAE would be a great idea, as it would create awareness regarding traffic laws and road discipline while walking or cycling.
This method of teaching would be good for the society and of interest to the next generation of motorists.
The concerned authorities could teach children about traffic signals and road etiquette.
Additionally, they could educate children about the reasons for major traffic accidents with photos or short films.
From Mr Majeed K. M.
Abu Dhabi
Tragedies first
Gulf News reader Ms Mini's opinion is worth considering and not every headline needs to proclaim bad news ("Good news", Your turn, Gulf News, June 25).
But what if someone we knew was a victim of a catastrophe? Life is fleeting and human tragedies should definitely top the news. Such subjects show that life is not just about fast food and cosmetics.
Many of us do not know how the people of war-torn countries are trying to survive, and news gives us a glimpse of their lives.
From Mr Mohammad Shamsheer
Dubai
