Patience please
During Ramadan, people should refrain from complaining without valid reasons. The traffic chaos is not going to be resolved in just a day or two.
The authorities have put in a lot of effort, even though the situation remains the same.
Companies, schools and universities have shorter working hours in Ramadan for the convenience of employees and students.
Yet, I am amazed at how the complaints keep pouring in and just do not stop. People must try to be patient and maintain self-composure, especially during this month.
True devotion can help anyone overcome obstacles.
From Ms Shemeem K.
Dubai
Satisfied
I enrolled in a driving institute, in April 2006. A year after passing the theory test, I was called for practical classes and qualified for the final test, recently.
Though the waiting time was more than two years, I have no regrets. I received proper training, under stringent scrutiny and guidance, from my instructor.
The instructors should be commended for the fantastic work they do. They can only guide and assist students. The rest depends on the individuals and their ability to learn.
Additionally, the failure rate should not be completely attributed to the instructors; a part should also be borne by us, the students.
From Mr Dennis Fernando
Sharjah
Balanced approach
Immorality could exist in the mind of the viewers, and not necessarily in what they watch on television ("Saudi cleric says fatwa on TV programmes misunderstood", Gulf News, September 15).
In a society where globalisation, education, traditional beliefs and religion are central to what we say and perceive, such fatwas may be misunderstood completely.
A balanced approach is the best way to achieve an ethical perspective.
From A Reader
Sharjah
Name withheld by request
Going natural
Using palm leaves as containers, in the UAE, is a novel concept ("Time to switch to palm leaves", Gulf News, September 14).
Villagers in India still use different kinds of leaves, as packaging material, in grocery stores. It is a common practice to wrap grocery items in large teak, banana and turmeric leaves.
Additionally, I have come across tablemats made from coconut and palm leaves.
Large containers made with such materials are also used to store grains, as they are both economical and practical.
By using such natural products, we could completely eliminate the use of plastic in our lives.
From Mr K. C. Unni
Dubai
Greater obstacles
The new licensing scheme seems to place greater obstacles on those in the teaching profession, as applying for a licence takes a very long time ("Licensing scheme for teachers", Gulf News, September 12).
Teachers should be further trained to groom pupils.
Additionally, the authorities must encourage education at all levels, instead of discouraging private tuitions.
After all, pupils would not be harmed by supplementary education and can only benefit from extra classes. I hope the authorities relax rules for teachers and not ban private education.
By doing this, they would be able to enhance the quality of schooling in the region and make it even better.
From Mr Nanjundanathan M.
Dubai
Better focus
Senator Barack Obama needs to focus on significant issues such as the US economy, energy, security, and foreign policy ("Obama: McCain is out of touch with reality", Gulf News, September 15).
Sarah Palin is the Republican party's last attempt at resuscitating an ailing campaign.
They say everyone has his or her 15 minutes of fame. Obama should realise that Palin's 15 minutes might get over soon.
From Mr Abu Ebrahim
Dubai
Any alternative?
Recently, we have experienced massive traffic congestion when using the Dubai Marina exit, during morning rush hours.
A long queue awaits motorists, once the basement parking is exited. It takes over an hour to reach the first traffic signal, while earlier, the same distance would be covered in less than five minutes.
The authorities should consider an alternate exit or divert traffic elsewhere. Additionally, more traffic signals could be installed, with better police vigilance.
From Mr Syed K. Rahman
Dubai
School sports
I request all educational institutions, in the UAE, to provide sport facilities within school premises. This way, pupils can play, be active and reduce the risk of developing obesity at an early age.
They would then be able to concentrate better on their studies, once home. Socialising and physical activities, at school, would lead to children being healthier.
I do not think it is safe for children to go out and play on their own and without parental supervision.
Additionally, some parents might not have the time to take children out to the park or playgrounds, owing to hectic work schedules.
Providing sport facilities at schools can help solve the issue.
From A Reader
Sharjah
Name withheld by request
Clarifying charges
This is with reference to Mr Mohammad Suhaib's letter wherein he claims to have been charged for incoming text messages, while on vacation, in India ("Choice to reject", Gulf News, September 14).
The management of etisalat would like to clarify that customers are not charged for any incoming text messages, whether local or international, while on roaming.
With reference to the issue of 'selling customer databases to private organisations like banks for promotional messages', etisalat would like to reassure and reiterate that it is not in any such promotional arrangement with any organisation.
At etisalat, we respect our customers' privacy and endeavour to protect their contact details.
Toward this intent, etisalat provides an anti-spam short text messaging (SMS) service that enables customers to block undesired promotional text messages.
To activate the same, the customer can send a free text message: BLOCK (sender number/name) to 1011.
We regret any inconvenience caused to etisalat customers due to misinformation on the aforementioned context.
From the PR office for etisalat
UAE
