Waste is power
Throughout the Western world, recycling projects designed to manage tonnes of waste, produced each day by cities, seem to be failing. The sheer mass and huge volumes of waste present an impossible task. In the UAE, the "out of sight, out of mind" approach, where vast convoys of trucks with diesel engines trundle long distances to desert dumpsites, is becoming unacceptable. Energy demands are skyrocketing. However, several Arab countries have opted for waste incineration and produce electric power from their own city waste. This guarantees 24-hour power and water derived from the unsorted contents of their garbage bins. Let us follow their example and utilise environmentally friendly processes.
From Mr Andrew Wilkins
UAE
Spirit of a nation
The recent incidents of bomb blasts in India's major cities are acts of cowardice performed by the country's anti-social and anti-national elements ("Indian bomb alarms and hoax calls scare people", Gulf News, July 29). These terrorists have not only snatched away the lives of breadwinners, but have also forced hundreds of orphans on to the streets. Taking the lives of a few people paralyses and affects the whole of humanity. Those who think terrorism is the right way of achieving one's goals are absolutely misguided. India has proved over time that the spirit of unity and nationhood cannot be lost because of such cowardice.
From Mr Sadiq M. Contractor
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Memorable show
I read the tabloid! report on the High School Musical performance that took place at Dubai Community Theatre and Art Centre (DUCTAC) recently ("Dancing in the aisles", Gulf News, July 27). Whilst I agreed with almost everything in the report, I take issue with the comment about "long-suffering parents". It is true, I took my two daughters to see the performance and probably would not have seen it if they were not interested. However, I certainly did not suffer in any way, nor did the other parents who were seated near me. The show was a triumph.
From Ms Lynda Soppelsa
Dubai
Handle pressure
After 10 years of experience of driving in the UAE, I have observed that minibus drivers are the most dangerous motorists ("Minibuses will have their speeds limited, say Dubai police", Gulf News, July 29). I think the authorities should dedicate studies and conduct training on the educational and psychological backgrounds of such drivers. Additionally, several minibus drivers face pressure from their managers and passengers. They should be taught not to compromise on driving because of the demands and pressure from other people.
From Mr Humayun Azhar Chaudhry
Dubai
Wise decision
As a regular motorist on the Jebel Ali-Dubai road, I believe limiting minibus speeds is a wise decision. Over the past couple of years, I have noticed that minibus drives are some of the most rash motorists around.
From Ms Jeny Michaels
Sharjah
Regulate behaviour
I have been driving in UAE for more than a decade, and have noticed that minibus drivers are the most arrogant, rude and dangerous motorists in the country. This may seem like a generic statement, but it applies to most of them. Minibus drivers have been involved in many fatal accidents and have been the cause of many collisions. Authorities should control them by policing them and not by installing speed regulators, because most of the time, it is the way they drive that causes the accidents.
From Mr Boby J.
Dubai
Disheartening
It is truly disheartening to read about the complete revamp of the visa structure ("New UAE visa regulations draw praise and also criticism", Gulf News, July 29). I think it is not going to make things easier; rather the experience will be more tedious and expensive. Furthermore, it is going to adversely affect middle and low-income expatriates in the region, as they will have to make many sacrifices to acquire a visa.
From Mr Bryan Pereira
UAE
Another blow
According to the new visit visa rules, one must pay Dh1,100 as fees, with an additional Dh1,000 as a refundable deposit to acquire a visit visa for a spouse or blood relative. This comes as yet another blow for residents who earn a salary of about Dh5,000 a month and are planning on bringing their wives and children to the UAE for a visit. I sincerely request the authorities to help by reducing visa fees and guaranteeing the delivery of visit visas once the payment is made.
From Mr S. Riyas Al Deen
Sharjah
A little patience
Every day, we see a drastic increase in the number of fatal accidents in the UAE. Despite the strict traffic rules, there seems to be no reduction in the number of accidents. Motorists are always in a hurry to reach workplaces, universities and schools on time.
However, if we plan to leave our homes just 20 minutes earlier than usual, it may help ease out the stress while driving. I have noticed motorists flashing their headlights and trying to overtake each other on bridges and at sharp turns, which can be extremely dangerous. I request all drivers to show a little patience.
From Ms Sayeda
UAE
Full name withheld by request
