The National
Sell UAE through merchandise – The National – Letters to the editor – 27 May 2014
Sell UAE through merchandise
While visiting some of the UAE’s major destinations and malls with a group of tourists recently, I realised that in those places you can’t get small merchandise promoting the spirit of the UAE, which a visitor might want to buy.
The malls and tourist outlets are filled with items such as T-shirts and caps displaying images and flags of other countries. The only time I see the UAE-specific items on display is during National Day. I think they should be available everywhere, all round the year.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
To read it in original, please visit THE NATIONAL online
UAE culture must be respected – Letters to the editor – The National
UAE culture must be respected
Visiting Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque the other day, I witnessed something embarrassing. It is good that the authorities show leniency towards visitors, so as to make their stay as comfortable as possible. That includes relaxation of the dress code.
However, such gestures should never be taken for granted, especially while visiting a religious place.
Unfortunately, that’s what happened when a bus full of scantily dressed tourists arrived at the mosque. Of course, they had to cover once they were in the queue to get in. But they definitely raised a few eyebrows.
I believe it’s the duty of everyone to show respect towards the culture of this country. How to convey this message to tourists is a matter of discussion. Should it start from the point of immigration, or is it the responsibility of the host, such as hotels where they stay, and tour operators?
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
To read it in original, please visit The National online.
UAE Together safety campaign urges more respect for pedestrians
UAE Together safety campaign urges more respect for pedestrians
Ramona Ruiz
ABU DHABI // Road safety experts have welcomed a call for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists to have greater respect on the roads.
The Twitter and Facebook accounts of UAE Together have been inundated with road safety messages using the hashtags #Pedestriansfirst and #ShareTheRoad.
UAE Together is a campaign by Abu Dhabi Police to educate the public about traffic rules and regulations, and the need to look out for each other.
“This is brilliant because it is so true,” said Thomas Edelmann, founder of website Road Safety UAE, of the ShareTheRoad tag.
“The one simple way to get rid of all our traffic woes is to treat others like you want to be treated. We have to drive with each other, not against each other.”
All motorists, he said, must remind themselves that they are also pedestrians the moment they step out of their cars.
Brendan Halleman, deputy project director at International Road Federation in the US, was equally enthusiastic.
“Sharing the road is exactly the right message,” Mr Halleman said. “After all, everyone is a pedestrian at some point in the day.”
Worldwide, more than half of all those killed in crashes are pedestrians, cyclists or motorcyclists, he said.
Of the 63 traffic-related deaths in Abu Dhabi in the first three months of this year, 33 were caused by vehicle crashes, 22 pedestrians were killed and eight people died after the cars they were travelling in overturned.
Most fatal accidents were caused by drivers not giving priority to pedestrians crossing roads, sudden swerving, speeding in unstable road conditions, burst tyres and tailgating, said traffic police chief Brig Gen Hussain Al Harithi.
The road safety initiative also asks drivers to slow down “as a pedestrian may pop out of nowhere”.
It reminds motorists that they share the road with other users and that “traffic safety is everyone’s responsibility”.
“Simple as this: cars on roads, pedestrians on sidewalks and cyclists on cyclists’ lanes. #Sharetheroad,” read another tweet.
Residents were invited to share their thoughts under the hashtag, and asked to reply “yes” or “no” on Facebook if they felt a lack of respect between road users was the reason behind accidents.
“Motorists are self-centred and even oblivious to pedestrians who use designated zebra crossings,” said Roshanara Sait, director of Ciel Marketing and Events, which organises road safety awareness campaigns across the country.
UAE Together also tweeted hard-hitting messages such as “Road users have equal rights, respect my rights #ShareTheRoad” and “The road belongs to everyone. It’s road safety, not rocket science. #ShareTheRoad”.
Ramesh Menon, an Abu Dhabi resident for 25 years, said pedestrians should also be aware of their surroundings.
“In Abu Dhabi and Dubai, I have seen pedestrians showing little respect for their own safety while crossing the road in a hurry,” Mr Menon said.
Ms Sait proposed sustainable road safety campaigns to raise awareness and highlight the dangers for both pedestrians and the motorists.
“Pedestrians in the UAE are still uneducated as far as their safety is concerned,” Mr Menon said.
rruiz@thenational.ae
To read it in original, please visit THE NATIONAL online.
Follow us: @TheNationalUAE on Twitter | thenational.ae on Facebook
Follow us: @TheNationalUAE on Twitter | thenational.ae on Facebook
Our Story of the Date Palms – Unearthing a hidden treasure
Our Story of the Date Palms – Unearthing a hidden treasure
If you ask me, what is the most beautiful thing happening in the UAE currently, I will ask you to look at my photos herewith. It is purely natural and currently happening. If you postpone to observe this process for another, you will not get to enjoy it.
Can you see in it a crocodile with its mouth opened? Indeed yes, this crocodile has a big treasure of bounty for the UAE farmers!
A date palm tree with flowers, the branches have been captured as if nature is handing over the flowers to someone. Indeed, time for a new options to think for UAE farmers with date palm cultivation!
Date Palm Tree flower in close up. These look like the Jasmine flowers of our desert. Nurture them, harvest them, and let the nation prosper with another hidden treasure.
They say, there is always someone in a hurry among us. In this natural process too, if you observe, you will see, some flowers bloomed a bit earlier and already into the next stage. This is also a teaser of what awaits you, if you follow this process till the end.
Look at these bloomed flowers you will definitely admit, this is one of the best natural thing happening in the UAE right now. Take out your camera, enjoy the process with your family and friends. Let there be many more natural team building opportunities evolve.
As a long standing resident of the UAE, it is my interest in the local culture and tradition that led me to observe the flowering pattern and process of the date palm trees.
There is lot to learn when one observe it closely. History, culture, tradition, trade and commerce everything embedded in it. The result is an astounding 130,000 ton or more of dates sold and exported from UAE per annum!
For those interested in photography, I have an event “Our Story of the Date Palm Trees” created to photograph the process in the coming 4 months, submit them regularly along with a 300 words story in your language of the experience of following this natural process. Mind you, it is a challenge and it will test your determination and dedication to achieve a set goal. A good team building activity for parents with children, teachers with students and colleagues. All are welcome.
You may submit them at team1talentshare@gmail.com or in a dedicated event “Our Story of the Date Palm Trees” created at Passionate Photographers group on Facebook.
View each of the photos and start watching them from today. Follow the story at the online event “Our Story of the Date Palm Trees”https://www.facebook.com/events/599177313457758/?ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular
Please share this post with friends and family, who, you think will be interested.
The National – 6th birthday edition – 17 April 2014 An exclusive photo
The National – 6th birthday edition – 17 April 2014
An exclusive
Keep cyclists out of motorways – The National – 14 April 2014
Keep cyclists out of motorways
I was alarmed to see a group of cyclists on Sheikh Khalifa motorway last week. It was dark and they were not wearing any high-visibility clothing. Seeing them that way and realising the danger, I stopped at a convenient place and waited for them to arrive.
Upon checking, I found out that they were cycling enthusiasts who follow this route regularly. Some of them live in Musaffah.
While the intention is good, I thought it was extremely dangerous. I request the authorities to take stern action so that cyclists don’t jeopardise their lives and those of the motorists.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
The National – 14 April 2014
Tribute paid to the Ultimate Warrior – The National – Dt. 11 April 2014
Tribute paid to the Ultimate Warrior
In the late 1980s, those living in Abu Dhabi had very limited entertainment choices.
The wrestling shows broadcast on television and played on pre-recorded video cassettes were among the most keenly watched programmes.
It was at that time that real-life “Ultimate Warrior”, James Hellweg, rose to prominence.
Children and adults alike waited for him to appear and thrash his opponents, which often included the then reigning champions.
As I read the news about his demise, it took me back several years, to when life in the UAE was entirely different. The world, and especially in terms of entertainment options, has changed completely since then.
I am sure many who lived here in the 1980s will relive those days through the commemorations to this great artist and athlete.
Rest in peace, Ultimate Warrior.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
Letters to the editor : The National Dt. 11 April 2014
IPL tickets issue disappointed fans – The National – 8th April 2014
IPL tickets issue disappointed fans
Ticket sale for the Indian Premier League cricket matches did not start in a smooth manner (It’s just not cricket … yet: fans are frustrated by delay in ticket sales, April 7).
The website did not list some of the available ticket options for the general public. Fans in the UAE should get the privilege of purchasing tickets of all categories. Currently, tickets for select sections are not available, which was the case even during the opening hours of sale.
Such a denial has deeply disappointed cricket buffs in the UAE. International Cricket Council and other concerned authorities in the UAE, kindly take note.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
To read it in original, please visit The National online
Capital’s energy efforts laudable – The National Dt. 04th April 2014
Capital’s energy efforts laudable
I appreciate Abu Dhabi Municipality’s efforts to reduce energy consumption (New lights at the end of Abu Dhabi tunnel, April 2).
However, one hopes that along with LED lights the authorities will also consider installing more surveillance cameras to monitor children, who often play dangerously in underpasses, as well as other suspicious activities.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
To read it in original, please visit The National online.
On : No attention has been paid to it,’ say Abu Dhabi residents of underground bins – The National Dt. 31 March 2014
It is indeed sad to note many high profile innovative initiatives instituted within the city die its own natural death within a very short time. These bins, the toilet system etc are straight forward examples. This has to be studied by the authorities and reason to be found out, whether they are not accepted by public or whether technical defaults are the causes for failure.
As regards to waste bins, it is a hygiene concern as many maintenance staff bring down the waste and then spread them down in front of the dust bins before they deposit it into the tall waste bins. They do it, either to segregate the metallic or saleable items from the waste or for several other reasons. Whatever it is, the action results in spreading the area with waste sediments which remain there till a cleaning unit comes and washes away.
A closer look at this issue has to be done by the authorities to keep the city neat and clean.
To read the original article and the letter on it, please visit The National online.
ClicksandWrites 
You must be logged in to post a comment.