My sympathies
The other day, I witnessed two accidents on my way home and three the next morning on my way to work. Where is the patience, courtesy and spirit of Ramadan? My sympathies are not just for the innocent victims, or for those of us who were stuck in the traffic, but also for those poor policemen who have to stand in the sun for hours even while they are fasting and trying to ward off all the 'sightseeing motorists' blocking the way.
From Ms Jenny Christopher Francis
Abu Dhabi
Honesty triumphs
I thank the security guard who found my wallet on the floor of the Egypt court of Ibn Battuta mall, recently. The wallet contained Dh600, my driving licence and various identity cards. If someone else had found it, they would have probably not returned it to me. It was not just about losing the money; I could have earned that back. However, I was very worried about losing my driving licence. Thanks are due to the security personnel for helping me in my time of need.
From Mr Ebrahim Sultan
Dubai
See no hope
The housing problem is not getting any better in Abu Dhabi. I cannot afford to even share a room with other people. Ironically enough, I earn well and do not belong to the low-income group. I wish I had stayed in Egypt. Before I came to the UAE, I was planning on bringing my family here, too. However, after spending a few months here, I can see no hope. In order for me to get a family accommodation, I would have to save up for an entire year first.
From Mr Esmail Al Naggar
Abu Dhabi
Charitable dates
Al Muteena Park in Deira, Dubai is like a storehouse for different kinds of delicious dates. All the palm trees, nearly about 200, on this stretch give a rich and bumper yield every year. A major portion of the crop is damaged or destroyed. Only a very negligible amount is handpicked. I would request Dubai Municipality to procure and preserve these dates at least during the next season and pass it on to charity organisations. Alternatively the entire crop, which could fetch thousands of dirhams, could be auctioned off, with the proceeds going to charity.
From Mr K. C. U. Unni
Dubai
Bought another car
The school bus fee has been increased from Dh135 to Dh280 per month, without any concessions for the third or fourth child. I have four children, how can I afford to pay Dh1,300 just for transporting my children from Rashidiya to Garhoud and that too at absurd timings? I bought another car just for my children's conveyance. On one hand, the authorities vow to reduce traffic. But how would that be possible with such hindrances?
From Mr Nasser Usmani
Dubai
Lost opportunity
Ramadan has changed with the growing city. It is a whole month of reflection and for Muslims, it is an opportunity to do away with ill feelings, reinforce one's faith in Allah and repent for misdeeds. However, despite fewer working hours, we are focusing more on entertainment. Instead of spending time in mosques, people prefer watching television. The Quran is not recited with the right spirit and instead, we find time to smoke shisha. The essence and spirit of Ramadan has not changed, but we have. We must not ignore the beautiful opportunity that Allah has given us.
From Mr Anwar Shafeeq
UAE
Refreshing
Thank you for publishing Adel Safty's articles, the most recent one being on a clash between the US and Russia's interests. I look forward to reading them and appreciate his researched arguments and clearly stated ideas. It is so refreshing to find a publication such as Gulf News that offers such a balanced perspective on the US and its destructive role in the world. I wish there were more opportunities to hear from him.
From Ms Kathleen Copps
British Columbia, Canada
Not a novel idea
This is in reference to Mr Kelvyn D.'s letter about the new radar machines that don't flash ("Inform about change,' Gulf News, September 3). Mr Kelvyn queried whether he is expected to check the police website every day, to source information on any new changes. I think that would not be a novel idea. All he has to do is try and drive at the required speed limit! That way he wouldn't have to worry about being fined every single day.
From Ms Jessica H.
Dubai
No crossings
I am a resident of Al Wahda Road in Sharjah. With the re-routing of roads, the lanes have become very busy. Additionally, it has become very difficult for pedestrians to cross the road to shop, especially since there are no pedestrian crossings. It is an everyday occurrence to watch people getting almost run over by speeding cars. Speed bumps or pedestrian crossings can be installed in the area to enable pedestrians to cross safely.
From Mr Denzil Allen Daniel
Sharjah
Females only
Due to the allocation of a few seats to women, most public bus drivers do not allow women to board the bus once the reserved seats are occupied. As a solution, some male passengers can be told to vacate their seats to allow women to board the bus. Alternatively, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) should consider plying "women only buses".
From Ms Rebecca Mathews
Dubai
