Opinion | Letters
December 07, 2008
Letters to the editor, December 07, 2008
- Gulf News
- Published: 23:53 December 6, 2008
Shining example
An example of excellent governance was seen yet again, thanks to President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan ("More time for old cars welcome", Gulf News, December 2). I would like to congratulate the leaders of the nation and its disciplined residents, whose patience and compassion has made the UAE a great place to live. However, owners of old vehicles should not disappoint the authorities and must ensure that their cars are well maintained and adhere to the rules and regulations. This would help keep the environment beautiful and allow residents to contribute in making the UAE a wonderful country.
From Mr Nayel Sabado
Sharjah
Role models
I praise Emirati women for being role models ("Empowering women through development", Gulf News, December 3). One can only thank the Almighty and our great leadership that has blessed us for being UAE nationals.
From Mr Khalifa Bin Khadim
Dubai
Giving credit
Credit goes to the Rulers of the UAE who had the vision and foresight to know the importance of investing and empowering women in all walks of life. Additionally, credit also goes to all Emiratis who have accepted and allowed change to come for women.
From Mr A. Mohi Al Deen
Dubai
Wishful thinking
I truly cannot understand the reason for the Salik tollgate at Al Safa. Now, I need to think twice every time I have to go to Jumeirah. It is a real nightmare. I feel sorry for residents living in areas adjacent to tollgates. Salik has just succeeded in creating more frustrated motorists. This often results in a greater number of accidents, violations and casualties. As an Eid gift, we urge the authorities to waive off Salik tollgates for good. Wishful thinking? I guess only time will tell.
From Mr Jasser A. Ali
Dubai
Don't complain
I commend Mr Albert Sabinus for his letter, in which he stated that rules were part of university life ("Common issue", Gulf News, December 1). My daughter is currently doing an engineering programme and resides in a university dormitory. According to the rules, female students in their first year are not allowed to exit their dormitory, except for their classes. As a parent, I understand that such rules are meant for the safety of young girls. My daughter is currently in her second year and has been given complete freedom. I would urge students to please adhere to rules, as it is for their own benefit.
From Mr R. Narayanan
Abu Dhabi
Good or bad
As a financial consultant in Dubai with over 20 years of experience, I was a little surprised to see so much support for mutual funds in several Gulf News reports. Banks have their place, but not when one is looking for long-term growth and a hedge against inflation. It is a fallacy to think that opportunities arise only in good times. The moment in which one can transform his or her fortunes often emerges during the toughest of times. Turbulence creates a buyer's market.
From Mr Paul Frame
Dubai
Spread the word
The decision to restrict arbitrary issuance of fatwas is a wonderful development and should become an annual occurrence ("Islamic scholars meet to restrict issuance of fatwas", Gulf News, December 1). Indeed, in many parts of the world, there is an urgent need for dialogue between people of different faiths. The conference should be covered by the global media and could even be broadcast on television or over the internet. Such messages of positive progress must be spread across the world.
From Mr Tarek Syed
Sharjah
Joys and sorrows
My condolence and sympathies are with the families who lost their loved ones in the Mumbai siege, recently ("Commando recounts Taj operation", Gulf News, December 2). We stand by all Indians in this difficult hour. People from both Pakistan and India have great goodwill and respect for each other. This is evident in the UAE, where Pakistanis and Indians live as one family, sharing each other's joys and sorrows. I wish to draw attention to the hostile elements on both sides of the borders. Their motives are obvious and we should not fall into the trap. The time has come to join hands to defeat the forces of evil.
From Mr Khawaja Abdul Jalil
Al Ain
New signal system
The traffic control systems on Abu Dhabi's roads are great. However, I have a suggestion to improve the efficiency of traffic signals at major junctions. By installing timers next to signal lights, the authorities would help reduce a lot of stress for motorists. Additionally, it would ensure a drastic reduction in the frequency of accidents. Another solution would be to install blinking green lights, as it would provide motorists with advanced warning of a changing signal.
From Mr Satheesh Madhavan
Abu Dhabi
More options
How about dedicated public transport and taxi lanes in congested areas ("Readers largely opposed to new taxi flag-fall rate", Gulf News, December 3)? Additionally, not only is it hard to get a taxi between Dubai and Sharjah, I cannot even get one on the road within Dubai. This is due to the fact that taxi drivers earn nothing in waiting time. I am happy to pay some additional cost while waiting in traffic, if it means that I do not get refused a taxi ride. Furthermore, since the Salik toll is no longer applicable to taxis, can the extra fare button on the taxi meter be disabled so that disputes can be avoided?
From Mr Marcus
Dubai
Preferential treatment
It does not matter whether it is Dh20 or Dh100. The problem these days is taxi drivers only take passengers when they feel like it. The commuters have to adjust to the taxi drivers' rules and moods. The drivers usually take tourists.
From A Reader
Dubai
Website comment
Unable to rent
The additional fare is a financial burden for those who have moved to Sharjah because of an inability to rent in Dubai. If this is to compel us to find alternative modes of transportation, then those need to be provided first. Buses are usually full and do not stop, especially since they have limited seats for women. What alternatives do we have?
From Ms Michele Al Khatib
Sharjah
Website comment
Paying to wait
People who have no other mode of transportation are spending the minimal amount that they earn on transportation by taxis. A person who works in a different emirate from the one in which they live will now be spending a minimum of Dh200 per week if they take a taxi to commute to and from their workplace. That is Dh800 per month. Some people can barely pay rent and put food on the table, let alone afford a car payment. What you will see is the same congestion, but people would be suffering financially and getting more frustrated. Not only will they be sitting in a taxi that is going nowhere, but they will also be paying more to do it.
From Ms Christy
Sharjah
Website comment
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