Respecting the host
I am a 48-year-old Dutch banker who moved to the UAE in March 2008 ("Ta'aleem encourages study of Arabic and Islamic values", Gulf News, July 19). Learning Arabic is extremely difficult for me and practising it is virtually impossible, since nearly everybody speaks perfect English. Yet, I keep trying to improve my Arabic vocabulary. I do this as a mark of respect, to be able to say a simple 'hello' in Arabic, to order a cup of coffee and also to enjoy using it. Although my attempts have been made fun of, I once received an encouraging compliment from a UAE national couple. After I had greeted them in Arabic, the man asked me why I tried to speak in their language. I said it's because I felt like a guest rather then a visitor. The couple concluded that that was the most beautiful sentiment they had heard in a long time.
From Mr Jurry De Vries
UAE
Abandoned pets
Can a mother abandon her child? This is the dilemma I face, as a foster mother to a dog, for the past four years. I've now got to move to a new flat, which does not allow dogs. With the number of dogs being abandoned in the past, it shows that the owners had no other option. We either abide by the norms and conditions laid down by landlords or live on the streets with our pets. My new flat is very expensive and I cannot afford a villa. I am left with no choice.
From Ms Abigail F.
Dubai
No road trips
I agree with Mr Faisaal Talha, with regards to the attitude of Dubai taxi drivers who refuse to drop off passengers at specific locations ("Language barriers", Gulf News, July 20). I too have had bad experiences with taxi drivers, as most deny going to certain locations, citing traffic and having to meet their daily target collection as factors.
From Mr Mohammad Khan
Dubai
Don't litter, please
There is a huge amount of litter on the beach alongside the Jumeirah Beach Road area. I walk down the area on most evenings and I can't believe how much litter is lying around. The lack of trash bins makes it worse. Recently, my friends and I had collected eight large sacks of refuse. Trash bins need to be in place and surely hotels should take responsibility for keeping their beach areas clean. Litter endangers marine life and harms the environment.
From Mr Brett Easton
Dubai
Layered out
Recently, I visited several beautiful wadis or rock pools in the Hatta and Khor Fakkan regions. I was shocked to find all of these wonderful places completely littered with cans, bottles and paper. They formed a layer at the entry to the wadi, thereby preventing visitors from entering the water.
From Ms Joanna
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
Back to the source
Every day, there is a report in the newspaper about accidents caused due to speeding. To analyse why such accidents occur, I think we need to go back to when motorists obtain their driving licences. During driving lessons, students are encouraged to drive fast and show that they can keep the car under control; this impresses examiners and helps learners pass the test. It is the foremost responsibility of instructors to educate students about the evils of driving fast. Additionally, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) must also caution candidates and they should be told not to drive beyond the speed limit.
From Mr Subhankar Ghosh
Abu Dhabi
Disgrace
This is no rocket science. People die every day on the roads due to speeding, poor driving skills or both. How can roads be made safer? It's simple - arrest and issue tickets to speeding motorists. Reckless drivers are a disgrace!
From A Reader
UAE
Name withheld by request
Cause of accidents
Minibus drivers are becoming a menace on the roads. A few days ago, I was driving from Sharjah to Dubai at around 9pm. All of a sudden, a minibus appeared behind my car flashing lights like a mad person. As I was approaching a roundabout, I did not change my lane. In return, it veered off, almost brushing my car. I tried to read the company's logo pasted on the vehicle to lodge a complaint, but he drove away too quickly. It's drivers such as these who cause disastrous accidents.
From Mr Amjad Ali Awan
Dubai
Designated lanes
I am a regular user of Emirates Road. All minibuses must be restricted only to the slow lane on main roads, and to the two slow lanes on major highways. This would limit their movement and reduce the chances of reckless driving.
From Mr Mohammad Mo'en Al Deen
Dubai
Underground solutions
In the heart of the city, Abu Dhabi has built-in basement parking facilities which are very convenient and easy to access. Dubai and Sharjah should also follow suit. Drivers face a huge problem in trying to find adequate parking space in the emirates. Basement parking facilities can reduce the problem to a great extent.
From Ms Priti Mackinnon
Abu Dhabi
