Many people in Lebanon who know me wonder why I celebrate another country’s union. I’ll must tell them why.
First, it’s a celebration day, and who doesn’t need joy in his or her life? Secondly, reading the history of the UAE, we can’t but admire the strength and determination of the leaders who created the union and thereafter made it stronger and stronger. Moreover, many of us have come to this country from nations that have been torn apart by civil wars, politics and weak economies. Leaders, in many of those countries, try to protect their own interests by making us dislike others.
The leadership of the UAE, on the contrary, always tries to solve problems through love and compromise. No wonder the people of the UAE love their country and their leaders so much.
While talking about the life in the UAE, I have to mention security. For the mere fact that I can drive my kids peacefully to school, then go for a walk on the corniche without any worries and admire the morning sun, I first thank God, then this country. Besides, I truly consider myself an active member of this society.
I have spent most of my professional life in the UAE. So when you see your company growing, your community developing and your city booming, you experience this strength yourself. Not just that, it even lifts your spirits and pushes you to be a better person.
This country gave me a big opportunity to meet people from all over the world, to learn about their culture and history (not to forget the varieties of food available here).
The UAE and its people have embraced us all. We learn from them as they learn from us. I thank the UAE and its people for making me proud as an Arab and a Muslim. Thank you for keeping me optimistic and thank you for providing for my children a safe place to live in. I wish everybody a Happy National Day.
Ghina Hamoui, Lebanon
The National Day is a great occasion for Emiratis and expatriates alike. Expatriates must be grateful to this country for what they have got from it: good and safe life. But there us another reason to celebrate the occasion. That is the country’s stability.
The peaceful environment of this country is astonishing at a time when the entire region is going through a turbulent time. I wish all the best to the UAE and a Happy National Day to all.
Varsha John, Abu Dhabi
Expo win proves Dubai’s strength
Congratulations to Dubai on winning the bid to host World Expo 2020 (We will astonish the world, November 28).
This is a momentous occasion for the emirate and for the city. If ever there was proof needed that Dubai is back to its best, then surely this is it.
Liam Wholey, CEO, The Travel Attaché, Dubai
Tejpal case marks a sad day for India
I refer to the news article Indian editor in court over sexual assault claim (December 1).
This is yet another sad occasion for India, especially because Tarun Tejpal was the editor of a popular magazine that is known for exposing corruption and human rights issues.What will happen to the country if people like him who apparently fight against social ills are themselves accused of wrongdoings?
K Ragavan, India
We aren’t headed for an Ice Age
I am commenting on the news report Is it global warming or Ice Age? (December 1).
There’s no indication that we were headed for an Ice Age. A small amount of cooling, yes. But the conditions were not set up for another Ice Age. Now our choice is not between global warming and an Ice Age. Our choice is some global warming or a lot of global warming. We have already put enough CO2 and other Greenhouse gases into the atmosphere to cause the planet to be warmer for the next several hundred years.
Warmer with stronger storms, more floods, more droughts and rising sea levels.
The decision we face is whether we want to minimise the hurt coming our way or do we want to quickly abandon fossil fuel and move to renewables?
Bob Wallace, Dubai
We cannot say climate change will be a crisis until science does.
Is there one single warning from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change saying that a crisis is “inevitable” or “will” happen?
Paul Merrifielf, UK
