Tax remittances inevitable
Budget deficit of Saudi Arabia is predicted to constitute 20 per cent of its 2015 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (‘Taxing remittances to affect financial system’, Gulf News, June 5). Bahrain plans to do away with all subsidy systems in a phased manner, Oman and Abu Dhabi curtailed capital expenditures. The slow down is everywhere in the GCC. Even though the countries have diverse business activities, it was actually the oil prices that kept the momentum of growth at an amazing level. The need of the hour is alternative revenues. The slow introduction of a tax system is inevitable. We can postpone it, but not indefinitely. The people and organisations that oppose the tax regime are the ones who bother about their personal gains rather than the prosperity of the nation where they operate or live in. Otherwise, they should come up with feasible options.
From Mr Girish R. Edathitta
Dubai
Just a silly game
Are we still going on about this children’s game that won’t summon anything (‘Charlie Charlie Challenge casts spell on students’, Gulf News, June 6)? If Charlie the demon existed, surely he is busier doing other evil things than answering yes or no questions! Parents of today need to calm down and not be up in arms over this!
From Ms Kristin F.
UAE
Facebook comment
Important to explore and discover
It isn’t uncommon for children to discover and experience new games just for the fun of it or due to peer pressure. However, they should be able to distance themselves from games that lead to feelings of fear and panic. Children should be encouraged to play games that are useful and educating than these where ancient spirits are summoned.
From Ms Fatima Suhail
Sharjah
Facebook comment
It’s only a prank
No one is really trying to call spirits, it’s a prank one person does to someone and they blow at the pencil themselves. There is no intention to call spirits. All Muslims claiming its haram because you are contacting spirits, you should remember that what you do is judged by God based on the intentions.
From Ms Aisha Syed
Dubai
Facebook comment
Renewable energy is crucial
The UAE’s clean energy industry is transforming and adopting new strategies. I believe now it is taking a more holistic approach to the changing realities of power generation and consumption around the world. Everything done must now be grounded in what is feasible, given financial and technical constraints. This will result in better technology, thereby enabling healthier returns. The main agenda should be to advance the sustainable technologies and clean energy industry via education, research, development, investment, commercialisation and adaptation. It is often said that the UAE has enough hydrocarbon reserves to last beyond 100 years!
The common question would be: So why does the nation still want to become a global centre of excellence in renewable energy and clean technologies? Well, the region has a very good reason to do so. With a culture tied to life in the harsh and unforgiving desert, the region realises the lessons of traditional desert living, where sustainable practices and resource conservation were essential for survival. Therefore, it understands the tremendous challenges posed by climate change, environmental degradation and sustainable energy sources.
From Mr Manav Jha
Dubai
This wasn’t an apology
I feel shame, and now, I am not proud to be an Indian who’s Prime Minister is listed in the top 10 criminals in the world in the page of world’s most watched and visited on Google (‘Modi in Google’s ‘Top 10 criminals’ results’, Gulf News, June 5). Some people on social media dispute the list, but why not any other politicians or celebrities have been displayed there? Once again it is a shame for all Indians. Google wants to give more publicity by pretending an “apology”.
From Mr Abdul Rahman
Abu Dhabi
Website comment
Modest clothing respects traditions
No subject seems to receive more attention than that of how women dress. UAE’s dress code specifies the rules and regulations governing dressing in the emirates, keeping in mind the culture, traditions and religion of the country. The culture of the country should be respected as well as the customs and traditions of its people. The code of conduct has made it mandatory that people wearing indecent clothes can be prohibited from entering public places.
The code of conduct underlines the importance of wearing modest clothes when outdoors and bans putting on swimwear when not at the beach. The basic objective of dress codes is to act modestly and avoid drawing attention to oneself, especially inappropriate and provocative clothing. I would like to see the authorities distribute awareness brochures among the general public and play audio messages on flights to educate visitors about the traditions and cultures of the country.
From Mr Mumtaz Hussain
Dubai
Important to know about fuelling
As a warning for vehicle owners in the Gulf region, due to the increase of temperature as summer approaches, please don’t fill up petrol tanks to the maximum and don’t let tanks run too low, as stated in the article (‘ENOC to investigate petrol station fire’, Gulf News, June 5). This may be a cause for another explosion in the fuel tank. If you want petrol, then fill it to half and leave space for air. Let others and your families who drive know about it so they can avoid it. Please do not fill up your petrol tank all the way, read this Gulf News article and share this news as much as possible.
From Mr Rayis Ahmad
UAE
Facebook comment
Listen to petrol staff
I find that many people in the UAE are too proud to listen to the advice of the staff at petrol stations. People need to seriously listen when told to switch off their engine, not to use mobile phones and not to smoke.
From Mr Ramesh Gurung
UAE
Facebook comment
A dangerous scene
I find it ironic that many people stopped by to take pictures and videos of the incident, not knowing how risky the incident would have been had the storage tank blasted. Even the car fire could have become more dangerous!
From Mr Sachin
UAE
Website comment
Necessary to know the causes
Although there are suspected reasons for the cause of the fire, it has not been mentioned in this news. Readers should know the cause to be aware, to avoid such incidents in future.
From Mr Dewan
UAE
Website comment
Waiting for details
How can an vehicle start a fire just like that? And that, too, in a gas station. Did the owner start the car or did he not stop the car? I hope the investigation confirms such details.
From Mr Bob
UAE
Website comment
Eliminating food wastage
Here in the UAE we waste tons of food in supermarkets, restaurants, parties and even at home. I personally have spoken to supermarket and restaurant people in vain. The very employees of the supermarket eat very low grade canteen food and have to spend their hard earned dirhams to buy some bread. It’s a shame and a real pity. I think we can educate people and try to coordinate with the government. We, too, can take votes and try to help people, especially the labourers. We can also take permission on individual levels to install refrigerators into each building and the occupants can donate leftovers packed and dated. A few people from the building can be in charge of throwing away food not consumed by anyone the next day for animal consumption. Something should be done about this.
From Dr Rubina Ansari
Abu Dhabi
Editors’ note: Is there a news report that you feel strongly about? Something that has to be addressed in the community and requires resolution? Email us on readers@ gulfnews.com. You can also post a comment on our Facebook page or tweet us @GNReaders.