Breaking barriers

Best Letter
The way aviatrix Tracey Curtis-Taylor poured out her heart and soul on her flying experiences in "Flying is the ultimate detachment" (Dec 4) was truly inspiring. I could easily, at least partially, relate to her experiences. Hailing from south India, it was not easy to break barriers for me to serve in the defence industry - a predominately male profession. I had to quit after the mandatory period to preserve the so-called 'cultural upbringing'. As a student in one of the first few batches in this profession, things became even more difficult as time went on. Though my tenure was short, it was a very satisfying profession for me, something I really enjoyed and for which I have not found a replacement till date.
Tracey very rightly highlighted the major barriers that tend to limit the dreams of a lot of women who are trying to live their dreams, irrespective of their choice of profession, especially in male-dominated ones. Male prejudices, whether biological or cultural, are major barriers for women when they are aspiring to live their dreams. Things like bureaucracy and weather are merely superficial compared to those ingrained issues.
It is indeed commendable that she has broken every barrier in her life to succeed in 'living her dreams'. She has also brought out the important facts of unsung heroines in the aviation field who have done a commendable job but are still unheard of.
Women today are sufficiently motivated, but are still, sadly, seeking permission from their fathers/husbands to follow their dreams. I wish Tracey all the best for all her dreams and her upcoming mission, and hope that she soars higher and higher in her profession and spirits.
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 APPS ON THE RISE
Your cover story on homegrown apps (Home is where the apps are, Dec 4) is a testament to how an innovative idea, when pursued with passion and commitment, could end up being the next big thing in customer service. Thanks to the exponential increase in mobile phone usage, apps are redefining the way we book appointments, taxis, flights or hotels.
I remember the bygone era of travelling with my husband and trying to locate a friend's address in Sharjah. Needless to say, it was nothing short of a wild goose chase. We ended up reaching our destination late in the evening, tired and frustrated. But visiting friends in new places is a breeze now because they can send their location via Whatsapp.
Apps designed by local talents are even more user-friendly since they take cues directly from the local consumers and understand their needs and limitations better. These entrepreneurs are giving their larger competitors a run for their money with better services and user-friendly interfaces. I thought Dubbizzle or souk.com provided the most time-saving and hassle-free option in dealing with second-hand stuff, but with online chat options for buyers and sellers, home delivery and money back guarantees, Melltoo seems to give the ultimate advantage, if you are a Dubai resident.
It is true that there are apps for everything on earth, but to stand out in the crowd, developers need to gain user confidence. By designing apps to promote their trailblazing ideas, these founders perfectly sum up Walt Disney's quote, "All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them."
Asma Anjum, Al Ain
 The wknd.'s Dec 4 article Home is where the apps are not only inspires creative, tech-savvy minds to add to the ever-burgeoning app market, but also entices the uninitiated to the app world. Few can deny that the UAE is the epitome of convenience - home delivery, part-time help, car lifts, home-cooked food, tuitions and car cleaners are all available at our beck and call. The latest entrant of homegrown apps only serves to reinforce that reputation.
Today, the world is flooded with apps to satisfy every need. But the creative entrepreneurs of UAE have developed customised apps that cater to the needs and lifestyles of the people here. That little detail really helps set these apps apart from the others out there.
I belong to the generation that was born into a gadget-free world, and had the privilege of experiencing the growth of technology, right from televisions to the latest Internet of Things. A comparatively young entrant to the world of apps, the article has whetted my appetite to try some of the local offerings. The achievements showcased by our bold and savvy entrepreneurs are enough to light the spark of innovation among the youth and make the UAE a truly "smart country"!
John, by email
 REMEMBERING THE CREATOR
I loved reading the last page on Walt Disney last week (Closing Credits, Dec 4)! And I couldn't believe that the man to whom I - and, no doubt, millions of others - owe much childhood happiness to had once been fired for not being 'creative enough'. Isn't life wonderfully ironic? I think Mr Disney can rest easy, knowing that we'll never forget "it was all started by a mouse".
Amar J, Dubai