Sky-high prices
Food is not the only item to witness price increases ("Drastic rise in food prices raises concern", Gulf News, February 14). Rents are three times what they were before. The price of gas has gone up almost 2.5 times, and so has the price of diesel. Even a simple service like mail by post has increased by 50 per cent. Nowadays, most consulates, embassies and government offices insist that businesses use traditional mail. Most governmental charges have also increased considerably. The rent for shops as well as import and port charges have skyrocketed. The cost of supporting employees has risen for companies. Someone has to pay for it all - but how?
From Mr Rajan Warrier
UAE
Putting off payment
There is a sharp increase in prices almost every day. Many people are able to manage here in the UAE only because of their credit cards. If banks choose not to give credit cards to people with salaries below Dh4,000, a large percentage of residents will be forced to leave the country. They are here only because they are putting off paying their expenses to the next month.
From Mr Philip George
Dubai
Healthy and happy
The price of food is going up not just in the UAE but also all over the world - even in the US. But there is a solution. People can start eating vegetables, fruits and smaller portions of meat. These items will not only cost less but also will keep people healthy, and reduce the likelihood of acquiring diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Health and happiness translates into more time spent with the family. Think about it.
From Mr Ashraf Mirza
Georgia, USA
Relying on imports
Gulf News has contextually tried to showcase the prices of essential commodities that may put a damper on family budgets ("Import-based food markets face hurdles to check prices", Gulf News, February 14). The main reason for such a drastic increase is due to the country's reliance on imports. Moreover, inflation has added fuel to the fire. Either people should eat less, or the authorities have to control prices. Stores that are run and supervised by the government are reliable solutions now.
From Mr Mohammad Shamsheer
Dubai
Gulf News Reader's Club member
Irregular buses
The timing of the public bus service is irregular and people who depend solely on public transport seem to suffer the most. I have noticed that the timing of buses is unpredictable, since I had to wait 45 minutes for a bus that did not arrive. I then had to go to work in a taxi. This irregularity can be very frustrating. Extra buses should definitely be introduced because buses are packed by the time they reach certain bus stops. Buses should be punctual and enough should be available to cater to the needs of all passengers.
From Ms Priya
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
Abuse of plastic
I found it amusing to read that Geant hypermarket has started charging customers for plastic bags and that other hypermarkets were going to follow shortly ("Store chain puts price on plastic bags and cuts use", Gulf News, February 14). Has anyone ever had his or her shopping packed by supermarket staff and had to fight them off for the number of bags they used? I constantly have to ward off staff, pack my own bags or stand right next to them and instruct them not to waste plastic bags. Hypermarkets should first get their staff trained on how not to abuse the use of plastic bags.
From Ms Aliya Mahdi
Dubai
Effect on teachers
I fully endorse the view in the letter by Ms Felicita Amalraj that pupil-teacher relationships can be affected when there is violence in the classroom ("A noble calling", Gulf News, February 13). Such reports that constantly focus on teachers have a great discouraging impact on the teaching community and affect their performance adversely. I also strongly feel that such matters should be brought to the public forum through the press only if the school authorities or concerned ministries fail to act in the case of a genuine grievance.
From Mr Syed Maqbool
Dubai
Other faiths too
The issue is not about whether the Sharia law is good or bad ("Archbishop gets standing ovation", Gulf News, February 9). But rather, what would happen with the other faiths that are practised in the region? You cannot give something to one religion and deny it to another. In order to avoid such problems, many Western countries prefer keeping the affairs of religion separate from government policies. Unless they are able to incorporate laws for each religion, it would be unfair.
From Mr Danny Martinez
New York, USA
Dirty politics
In the past, communal violence led to the killing of thousands of innocent victims in Gujarat, India - the same thing is happening now thanks to Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray ("Thackeray tells court his arrest could disturb peace", Gulf News, February 14). For the sake of power, his own country's citizens are being killed. Will any sensible person or political party rise above the dirty politics and ask ordinary citizens not to be pawns in corrupt hands?
From Mr Mir Hyder Ali
Dubai
Reality check
I think letter writer Mr R. Aneja needs a reality check for claiming that Hillary Clinton is a credible and reliable person ("Safe choice", Your turn, Gulf News, February 11). Many citizens of the United States consider her to be the least trusted person in politics. Joseph Biden on the other hand, was the most experienced presidential candidate in the Democratic party, until he dropped out of the elections. I guess it's safe to say Clinton is the most popular candidate because of her husband, Bill Clinton.
From Mr Biju Zac
New York, US
Ghastly comparison
I was shocked to read that Germans referred to India as ‘bullock cart India' (“Shah Rukh ‘as popular as Pope''', Gulf News, February 11). People around the world do not refer to the Germans with ghastly nicknames, but I guess everyone has a right to their views. What I find really deplorable and downright degrading is the comparison of Indian actor Shah Rukh Khan to the Pope. The Pope is not vying to win a popularity contest, and should be respected. To further make remarks about ‘sex appeal' is adding insult to injury.
From Mr Oliver Almeida
Dubai
Against all odds
It is people like Mariam Al Foudery who make difficult choices in the beginning of their career, work against all odds, and inspire many around them (“A time to give'', Gulf News, February 8). I really appreciate the kind of work she is involved with and would like to congratulate her for her achievements.
From Ms Nazneen Haq
Sharjah
Well deserved
I believe that the defendant was well aware before travelling to the Middle East that drug trafficking is punishable by law (“Hope of quick deportation crushed for drug user'', Gulf News, February 10). Did he think he would get away with the immigration staff at the airport? The UAE is not an uncivilised country, where rules regarding illegal items, especially drugs, can be easily broken. He got what he deserved.
From Ms Mila Miranda
Dubai
Rental rip-off
‘Pay or vacate, we have people waiting for flats — don't waste my time': These were the words used by a rude, heartless property manager in Abu Dhabi, when he wanted to increase the rent for my apartment from Dh30K to Dh55k this month (“Housing in Abu Dhabi'', Gulf News, February 7). I was left shocked and speechless. The landlord finally settled for Dh39K. I was forced to accept the increase as I was absolutely helpless at the time, and unaware that I could approach the rent dispute committee. Now I know that this increase of 30 per cent was in complete violation of the decree that was laid down by the authorities. Are the real estate agents proud of indulging in such illegal practices? Where is the integrity in such business dealings? Organisations like these that show disregard for law should be heavily fined. I should be paying Dh33,705 but instead am paying Dh40,950 for a one bedroom flat. What a rip-off.
From Ms Pearl Fernandes
Abu Dhabi
Mild punishment
My six-year-old son's Arabic teacher hit him so hard, his head banged into the cupboard (“Pupil claims teacher hit him with ruler'', Gulf News, February 8). I was so angry, I wanted to change his school. But after controlling my temper, I went to the school and spoke to the authorities — it has made a great difference. I agree that in some cases, mild physical punishment might be needed, but it should be more like an admonishing tap, instead of rough handling. Also, I feel we have become too hostile in our ideas of people dealing with our children. Our generation was much more balanced, because parents and teachers understood how to deal with each other and there was less social policing.
From Ms Smita Ghosh
Sharjah
Why change?
Why should the West bring in Sharia laws, when those living in the Middle East are subjected to Islamic laws (“British archbishop under fire after advocating introduction of aspects of Sharia'', Gulf News, February 8)? When countries in the Middle East change their laws, then the West will too.
From Mr Arbi Dalirian
Sharjah
Losing faith
Scotland Yard seems to have lost its credibility (“Scotland Yard report fails to convince opposition party'', Gulf News, February 9). Or else, this is a concerted attempt to make sure people lose faith in such institutions. We saw this first in the case involving the sudden death of Pakistani cricket team's coach Bob Woolmer, and are seeing it now in the ongoing death investigation of the late Benazir Bhutto. Where is the Scotland Yard we used to read about?
From Ms Vivian Rodrigues
Dubai
