We need to protect victims of fires
Different construction materials respond differently to fire (‘Tower fire victims get accommodation’, Gulf News, December 2). Strictly speaking, no inflammable materials are to be used as claddings in buildings to innovate elevation. A sizable fraction of ignitions are due to electrical short circuits or that sort, which is definitely avoidable with strict quality checks.
The need of the hour is that all our structural engineers should work side-by-side with fire protection engineers to understand the source and nature of the fire and execute the project with utmost care and speed.
Fire and smoke alarm systems that are constantly monitored and updated in order to detect and alert occupants of the buildings to give enough time to vacate are also needed. A periodical check on these systems always guarantees its functionality.
In emergencies, alternate accommodations need to be provided before assessing the damage of the apartments and building. Every year similar cases are happening and residents are often left suffering.
From Mr M. K. Gunaseelan
Abu Dhabi
No place like the UAE
The UAE is a country that makes me feel happy and very proud (‘Rulers hail 45-year journey of prosperity’, Gulf News, December 3). It is undoubtedly the best place to live and work. This young country is an inspiration to the world. Everywhere there are kind and generous Emiratis on the lookout for helping someone in need. On December 2, we all came together and celebrated the UAE National Day. I feel extremely fortunate and happy to be born in a country like this. The UAE is a land of amazing rulers, peace, prosperity and safety. There is absolutely no place like it!
God bless this beautiful country.
From Ms Annet Cecil Thomas
Sharjah
Spirit of National Day
It was a momentous occasion for both the Emiratis as well as expatriates, as the UAE celebrated its 45th National Day. It is the most significant day as it denotes the country’s renaissance and how it is a symbol of security, welfare and progress in all spheres. It reminds everyone of the founding father, Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who laid the foundation and erected pillars in this homeland and prioritised the development of his people. The present prudent and pragmatic Rulers are following his rich legacy that made the country a symbol of immense progress, growth, tolerance, unity and equality not only in the region, but also at an international level.
The weeklong festivities and celebration all over the country highlighted the UAE’s great culture, traditions, heritage, values, amazing achievements and genuine image of the UAE society’s cohesion and the spirit of solidarity.
From Ms Jayadhree Kulkarni
Abu Dhabi
The journey from 1971 to 2016
I am blessed to live in the UAE. I salute the founder of this beautiful country, Shaikh Zayed. I am amazed by the stunning wonders of the UAE. The founding fathers had a vision of making this country unique in all aspects and by God’s grace, it has leapt to great heights as one of the best places to live in the world. Today, the UAE is a modern, oil exporting country with a highly diversified economy. Dubai is developing into a global hub for tourism, retail and finance, home to the world’s tallest building and largest man-made seaport. The UAE is a country with different nationalities and provides ample opportunities for growth and development for all. It has provided the perfect environment for breeding talent and excellence.
From Ms Kristi Reeni Joies
Sharjah
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A beautiful occasion
My hearty congratulations and best wishes to all leaders of the UAE and their families after celebrating the beautiful occasion of the UAE’s 45th anniversary. May God bless this country always.
From Mr P. K. Sasidharan Menon
UAE
Facebook comment
So much to see
Global Village was amazing to visit, but there was a long distance to cover to see all the things that it has to offer (‘Facebook live: Many visit Global Village for UAE National Day weekend’, Gulf News, December 2)! Especially, all the different countries in different areas with their traditional goods. So no doubt it was a lovely place to visit in the night to see all the National Day festivities.
From Mr Fraz Ahmad Shaikh
Glasgow, UK
Facebook comment
Lots of walking
Global Village is fun to visit, but the walking makes us feel tired. Therefore, I am good in Meena Bazaar for purchasing beautiful clothing in the fashion market or some ready garments in Bur Dubai.
From Ms Nima U.
UAE
Facebook comment
Great inventions
Fog like this is a necessity and invention of Mother Nature (‘Facebook video: Meet the fog catcher...’, Gulf News, December 3). The man who invented this method to capture irrigation water using fog is a marvellous thinker. We all learnt a big lesson from him that if we think and try our best to overcome the difficulties of life, there is a way.
From Ms Syeda Ahmad
UAE
Facebook comment
Stop wasting water
I salute this great man. Maybe we all can’t think like this genius, but we can help by stopping the wasting of water.
From Ms Hina Tabassum
UAE
Facebook comment
High hopes for 2020
It is really heartening to know that India’s hockey captain, P. R. Sreejesh is targeting the 2020 Tokyo Olympic podium. Of course, even during the Rio Olympics this year, we were dreaming that our hockey team would have a podium finish. However, it was shattered by a whisker. With the new crop of juniors and seniors like Sreejesh, it is a worthwhile dream for us to regain our lost glory in the international arena. For that, having only dreams is not going to bear fruits. The entire team and the Hockey India officials and, of course, the Sports Ministry should work in unity to provide proper training, infrastructure and diet to at least 50 talented players from the senior and junior teams and select only the talented ones to represent the country. Then only we can regain our lost glory!
From Ms Janaki Mahadevan
Mylapore, India
Was it negligence?
It was sad and painful to read about the plane crash in Colombia (‘Total failure ... without fuel’: Haunting final words of plane crash pilot’, Gulf News, December 2). The ill-fated air crash took the lives of 71 passengers, including football players who were going to Colombia. The negligence of the staff who had not checked the fuel tank capacity seems to be the main attributing reason for this. Otherwise, the pilot would have reached the destination and saved the passengers. I pray for the departed passengers and the grieving family members.
From Mr K. Ragavan
Bengaluru, India
Team effort needed
This is in reference to the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) chief’s intention to go alone in the Tamil Nadu, India civic polls next year. As in the past, this too is nothing but a gimmick, as the Congress Party could never regain its lost ground in Tamil Nadu – that too without the help of one of the Dravidian parties.
The ultimate result will be that they would be satisfied with whatever and whichever seat is allotted to them by their present ally. If they chose to contest alone, we are confident that they will not even get a single seat.
From Mr N. Mahadevan
Mylapore, India
Something not right
The 64-year-old die-hard fan of former Pakistan Army chief Raheel Sharif, Lutf Amim Shibli has committed suicide by consuming poison, protesting the government’s decision not to give an extension to the retired General. He once served as chairman of the Progressive Workers Union at the Karachi Port Trust. He began his protest on November 1 outside the Karachi Press Club (KPC) threatening that he would commit suicide if Sharif was not given an extension in service. Before consuming poison, he wrote a letter to his wife, saying that his funeral prayers must be held in front of the KPC. The police said that Shibli’s autopsy had not yet been conducted, but it looked he died of poisoning.
From Mr Sunny Joseph
Mala, India
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