Opinions | Letters
December 29, 2008
Letters to the Editor: December 29, 2008
- Gulf News
- Published: 23:31 December 28, 2008
More cameras?
Speed cameras are an important part of road safety, yet should not be placed everywhere. Autobahn in Germany is an exemplary example. Motorists drive at 180 kilometres per hour and yet the death toll is much less as compared to the UAE or elsewhere. I have a few suggestions - the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) should spend funds on educating the public on how to drive and what indicators are for. Additionally, they must improve road signage, as it is currently very poorly positioned and too close to exits. As a young city, the RTA has an opportunity to create safe and fast motorways. Do not follow the failed path of other nations. Speed does not kill - it is the other motorist that does not check his or her mirrors before changing lanes!
From Mr Benjamin Brodrick
UAE
Family matters
I have been feeling very bad since I heard of the Federal National Council's proposal to standardise the salary limit to Dh10,000 to sponsor a family. I am the sole bread earner of my family and have been working in Dubai for the past five years. I had planned to bring my children and husband to the UAE so that we could all stay together. But that would not be possible if the rule is implemented. I'm getting old and want to live with my family. Please allow me to do so, not just for a month, but for always.
From Ms Elvira C.
Dubai
Not possible
This is in reference to Ms Fatima Abdul's letter wherein she states that the Federal National Council's proposal would help to reduce sub-standard living and over population ("Freedom to decide", Gulf News, December 25). It is very clear that with an income of less than Dh10,000 it is not possible to live with your family in the UAE and at the same time save some money.
From Mr Khalid Malek
Dubai
More flexible
Banks must be more flexible ("Liquidity crunch may ease by March", Gulf News, December 22). If customers cannot pay their existing mortgages and need a reasonable downward adjustment by the bank, this should be seriously considered. If customers fear that they are going to default on their loans, then many will flee the country. Isn't it better for the banks to accept a reduced payment rather than see a default on the entire amount with no chance to recoup the loss?
From Mr Edward C.
Sharjah
Sleepless mornings
My problem is the construction work going on in Sharjah. I don't remember sleeping peacefully ever since I came to town. When I was pregnant and needed rest I cried my eyes out since the workers start work at 6am. The funniest part is that they stop after 9am. Because of my newborn child, I get to sleep very less at night and in the morning the noise starts to hammer my head. I have had a severe headache for the past three days.
From Ms Jawaria I.
Sharjah
Expecting a lot more
The road improvement project in Salam Street and the Tourist Club area is the worst planned and executed job I have ever witnessed. One would expect a lot more in management and public awareness from the department in charge and the 'reputed' consultant and contractors involved in this job. The signage, lane allocations, merges and signals are appalling, with bottlenecks and hidden surprises at every turn. A recent quote from one of the officials stated that the drivers would eventually get used to it. With that attitude, I guess we shouldn't expect more.
From Mr Hamid Z.
Abu Dhabi
Saving time
My anxiety with the Emirates ID card finally got over after several online attempts and four visits to the listed service centres. The response at the centres was highly cordial and helpful. However, we need to realise the amount of labour wastage and productivity loss by the massive expatriate workforce due to several failed attempts of ID registration process. A better option for expatriates would be to have ID service points at all visa or immigration offices, so that the ID process and residence permit stamping, whether new or renewal, could be done together. Thus all residents will be covered within three years.
From Mr B. V. Abraham
Abu Dhabi
Changing plans
My company was planning to invest in Dubai as the US market is hit heavily and the UAE seemed to be a very good alternative ("Developers seek review of freehold visa policy", Gulf News, December 27). We are now reconsidering our options. If the freehold visa is reinstated, our plans might change.
From Mr Mike
Los Angeles, USA
Website comment
Seeking opportunity
I do not think I would buy property in Dubai, unless there is an opportunity to acquire a freehold visa.
From Mr Nair
Dubai
Website comment
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