A thousand words
I have never aired my views on any news report, but when I saw the picture of an elderly Georgian couple in Gulf News, I was really touched ("Moscow and Tbilsi swap prisoners", Gulf News, August 20). The picture depicted different angles of life, and showed suffering, struggle, endurance but most of all, love. How sad it was to see an old man graciously carrying his wife, but on the other hand, how inspiring to see the elders surviving hand-in-hand during the toughest times of their lives. The gentleness and love in the picture surpassed everything else.
From Ms Mila Shafe'ei
Dubai
Much to be said
There is a lot to be said on corruption and this space is insufficient ("Dubai investors fear impact of corruption allegations", Gulf News, August 20). Clandestine operations occur under the table, while employers remain completely oblivious, and seem to work in an entirely different orbit. I think Gulf News needs to create a wider reader space in order to expose the harsh realities.
From Mr Franklin D'Souza
Dubai
Spice up the menu
Children's menus in hotels and restaurants have become boring and uninspiring. This fact holds not just in Dubai, but also all over the world. Restaurateurs and hoteliers need to take another look at what they cook, how they cook it, and ways in which they can appeal to children's appetites. Along with this, they should keep in mind not to add unhealthy extras that children do not require, such as fat, sodium and food additives. Today, one can find jewellery, high-end fashion, magazines and even spas for children, yet children's food is forgotten.
From Mr H. Peter Drescher
Dubai
Breathe easy
It was a good move by the authorities to curb increasing costs, especially during Ramadan ("Food outlets increasing prices during Ramadan face closure", Gulf News, August 20). While the general public reels under the increasing cost of living and inflation, this would perhaps allow residents to breathe easier for a little while. With the support of traders, the initiative could be seen as a well thought out process to help people enjoy Ramadan.
From Mr Ramachandran Nair
Ruwi, Oman
Setting an example
Credit is due to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) for taking the effort to address passengers' concerns ("Transport authority provides cold drinks for passengers waiting for bus in Dubai", Gulf News, August 19). Perhaps nowhere else in the world would anyone be able to find such a gesture from a public authority. This could set a precedent and encourage other service organisations to follow suit.
From Mr K. Kutty
Dubai
No hassles
As a resident of Satwa, I have a suggestion for the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Perhaps instead of distributing cold drinks to waiting passengers, they could provide more air-conditioned shelters and shaded seating areas in bus stations located in busy areas such as Bur Dubai, Deira and Satwa. Additionally, in every bus shelter, an automated machine could be provided, that allows passengers to press a button for the bus they want to board. In this manner, the bus driver would be alerted about the number of passengers waiting inside. There would be no trouble and no hassles.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Waste of time
It may be easy for some people to view Al Wahda Street's closure with optimism, but in reality it has become virtually impossible to drive down this road ("The bright side", Your Turn, Gulf News, August 21). My office is located on Al Wahda Street and since the day the detours were implemented, all of us have tried to master the diversion. However, we still end up getting lost and waste at least two hours every day.
From Ms Flora Maravilla
Sharjah
Ladies first
Recently, I have noticed a change in most public bus drivers. They have begun giving first preference to female passengers at bus stops. This is a great relief to women who used to struggle earlier, when they had to find a seat for themselves. I believe it would be better if all bus drivers follow this system and follow the rule of "ladies first".
From Mr Joseph Jeyapragash
Dubai
Likely to improve
I disagree with some of the issues in Gulf News's report on dollar gains ("Dollar gains rekindle UAE expat hopes", Gulf News, August 19). Firstly, the strengthening or weakening of currencies has less of an impact on expatriates. If the currency loses its value, inflation rises and goods in the country become more expensive. As price control mechanisms in our countries are not strong, our remittances do not necessarily allow people back home to buy more, rather they have to pay more to buy the same goods. However, I feel the dollar may strengthen in the long run, as the US economy is likely to improve.
From Mr Ali Wahab
Sharjah
