Opinions | Letters
July 14, 2008
Letters to the editor, July 14, 2008
- Gulf News
- Published: 00:08 July 14, 2008
Respect the law, respect the culture
The two British expatriates behaved in a very indecent manner by publicly displaying physical intimacy on the beach ("Dubai police chief urges residents to respect sensitivities in public", Gulf News, July 9). Such behaviour shows disrespect for the laws of the country and ignoring incidents like this would lead to more of such acts in the future. Additionally, stringent action must be taken against them to ensure that misconduct against police officials does not occur as well. Every resident, whether he or she is an expatriate or a citizen, must abide by the laws of the country and respect the culture.
From Mr Surendran V.
Sharjah
Invalid reason
I found Gulf News's report on the two expatriates shocking. How do they expect to be forgiven with the excuse that they did not know about the law? The simple truth is that activities involving public display of physical intimacy are illegal in several Western countries as well. Therefore, ignorance of UAE's laws, which are clearly stated and known, is not a valid reason. The country has graciously allowed Westernisation to a great extent, and disrespecting its standards of decency is a violation that deserves punishment.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Everyone's role
It may not be a big deal for the British expatriates to behave as they did at the beach, but they were ignorant in thinking they could get away with such behaviour in an Islamic country. UAE's authorities are doing their utmost to ensure that residents know about the values and norms of an Islamic society. However, I feel that creating awareness through pamphlets, exhibitions at airports and the media is not enough. Residents have to be sensitive to the traditions and culture of the society and present themselves as examples for those who come here from abroad.
From Mr Mazhar Mushtaq
UAE
Lack of knowledge
A few weeks ago, my family and I visited a shopping mall in Dubai. While we were standing in queue at a hypermarket, I noticed a European couple standing at the next counter. They were embracing intimately in front of several people who were waiting to pay for their grocery items. I immediately asked my wife to wait with our eight-year-old son outside. Perhaps this happened due to their lack of knowledge about the culture and regulations of the country. I urge the authorities to provide visitors with information about the UAE's laws and culture at immigration counters at airports.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Decent dress code
The time has come for the implementation of a decent dress code for residents in the UAE. Additionally, strict penalties should be imposed on violators such as the two British expatriates who were arrested for committing an indecent act. The introduction of public awareness campaigns on respecting religious values and wearing decent attire would be beneficial in the implementation of the country's rules.
From Mr Abdul Bashir
Dubai
Think twice
I do not think those who are apprehended for public display of physical intimacy are ignorant of the rules; perhaps they just think they are above the law. No matter what, such offenders must be strictly punished. If their case were put forward to the public through the newspaper and other media, it would definitely play a big role in creating awareness about the rules of the country and would serve as a warning to others. In the future, people will think twice before breaking the law.
From Mr Ian
Abu Dhabi
Website comment
Let us stand
I am one of hundreds of commuters who try to regularly board the C1 bus and I fully endorse Mr Jeymer Hareo's views in his letter to Gulf News ("Make a difference", Your turn, Gulf News, July 9). To add to our many concerns, C1 bus drivers often say they cannot take even a single standing passenger, because they would be charged with a Dh500 fine if they do so. I urge the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to understand that the simple act of allowing passengers to stand will help reduce crowds at bus stops.
From Ms Alka D'Souza
Dubai
Peculiar absence
Although I live in central Abu Dhabi, I have been a regular visitor to the Musaffah area as I have many friends there. The area has now become densely populated and I find a lot of construction activities and development projects underway in the locality. However, there is a peculiar absence of common areas such as parks. Additionally, green roundabouts, dividers and pathways, which are commonly featured elsewhere in the city, are missing in Musaffah. I urge the authorities to improve these aspects of the area.
From Mr Subramanian S.
Abu Dhabi
Unforgettable game
After a month of late nights during the Euro 2008, we once again stayed up to watch the tennis final between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal ("Wimbledon still greatest show on earth", Gulf News, July 9). It was arguably one of the finest matches in history and allowed tennis enthusiasts to travel down memory lane to the epic 1981 game between Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe. Nadal's triumph shattered his Swiss opponent's dream of attaining six titles, but what will remain in our memories is the display of sportsmanship and respect that both players demonstrated for each other during and after the game.
From Ms Yasmin Banu
Abu Dhabi
Long wait
The Roads and Transport Authority's (RTA) upcoming programme is good, but I think it would be better to first improve the traffic situation and the frequency of buses before launching this initiative ("'Mystery rider' to check on Dubai bus drivers", Gulf News, July 9). One reason why commuters often have difficulty communicating with bus drivers and often end up arguing or fighting with them is because they lose their patience during the long wait at bus stops. After waiting for hours, when bus drivers refuse to let them board, they become exasperated.
From Ms Lerma Buaya
Dubai
Keep distance
I always slow down whenever I see fixed or mobile radars ("More video cameras will track down reckless Dubai drivers", Gulf News, July 7). I appreciate the installation of more cameras on Dubai's roads, as it would undoubtedly help in apprehending reckless drivers, especially those who do not maintain a safe distance from other vehicles while driving. Additionally, some motorists force others onto the next lane by flashing their headlights on and off, even though the vehicles are moving at the maximum permissible speed. From Mr Juneid
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
How Ironic
I found it quite interesting to read that the US did not sign the treaty banning the use of cluster bombs ("Agreement reached to ban cluster bombs", Gulf News, May 29). Apparently, they think these bombs hold value to the military and they are persistent on using such weapons. I feel this is slightly hypocritical when one considers their attitude toward Iran's nuclear programme, which has not yet proved to involve the production of warheads. The US should set a good example for other countries to follow.
From Mr Matthew McLean
Dubai
Undervalued
As a teacher, I appreciate the effort taken by Gulf News to highlight the salary grievances of teachers — an issue that was taken up seriously by the Ministry of Education ("Dh6,000 housing-allowance increase for public school teachers in Abu Dhabi",Gulf News,June 8). However, it is unfortunate that private school teachers have been left behind. Unless the authorities make it mandatory for these teachers to be paid a minimum basic salary, teachers will continue to be exploited by being paid extremely low salaries.
From A Reader
Abu Dhabi
Name withheld by request
Left outside
I would like to point out some of the frustrating situations that female bus riders encounter everyday. Often, bus drivers address waiting crowds of waiting female passengers with a dismissive 'No more space, bus is full' and I find this very rude. This means the driver would only take male passengers because there are no more seats available for women. If the women insist on coming in, the bus driver ends up shouting at them. I understand that the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has provided strict instructions to bus drivers not to allow women to stand with men in the bus. But shouldn't the men stand and let the women sit in their place? I have been told not to enter the bus twice so far because of this reason. On one occasion, I told the bus driver that I did not mind sitting in the back seat, but he told me it was only for men. I hope the RTA fixes this problem as soon as possible.
From Ms Xelle
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
No transport
I waited for a bus at Damascus Street for two hours despite the timetable mentioning a 15-minute waiting period. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) should look into this matter and rectify the situation immediately to give an incentive for commuters to travel by bus. They should at least permit 15 or 20 people to stand in every bus.
From Mr Nanjundanathan Manoharan
Dubai
Dubai truly cares
Implementing a system of mandatory provision for 'basic and emergency' healthcare coverage by employers for their employees is another compassionate step in the build-up of a prosperous and wealthy nation ("Dubai plans new health coverage",Gulf News,June 10). Affordable healthcare, food and shelter are the basic prerequisites for a country to progress. Also, an expeditious effort for the nationwide integration of the healthcare process, without limiting access to a particular clinic or emirate, will do more justice to this noble intent. Opening up the insurance sector to multiple entrants is a discerning measure that would make insurance sales more competitive and bring down the price of premiums.
From Mr Subhasis Mukherjee
Dubai
All in a name
Referring to the International Indian Film Academy award (IIFA) ceremony held recently at Bangkok, it would be more appropriate for the event to be termed IHFA (International Hindi Film Academy) awards ("IIFA awards night wows fans") Gulf News, June 9). This is evidently prompted by the conspicuous absence of the vibrant regional cinema. To refer to an event as ‘Indian' because it comes from India, and to ignore regional participation and aspirations on account of stiff competition does not bode well for national integration.
From Mr C. Lakshmanan
Only for Bollywood
I read Gulf News's recent report on the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards in Bangkok and was truly shocked to see that there were no actors featured from India other than the ones who work in Bollywood ("IIFA awards night wows fans", Gulf News, June 9). There was no mention of any stars from other regions of India. I have been watching IIFA for the past two years and have noticed that although Indian actor Amitabh Bachchan claims that IIFA recognises and awards all Indian stars, nearly most of the awards were given to stars from Bollywood. I have seen many regional movies and actors who are far better than their Bollywood counterparts so it pains me to see some stars walk away with an award that clearly deserves to go to another actor.
From Ms Sree Kaavya
Dubai
It's worth it
As a tenant in Bur Juman's residential building and a frequent shopper, I think it has been great since the group introduced the paid parking system ("Bur Juman implements parking charges on hourly basis",Gulf News,June 1). No longer do my clients and visitors have to drive around in circles looking for parking spaces. Upon further investigation, I think the authorities will find that most of the individuals complaining about the paid parking system are in fact those who are working in close proximity to Bur Juman and can no longer find free parking.
From Mr Darryn Johnston
Dubai
Non-stop accidents
I would be grateful if the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) could put traffic signals in the two big roundabouts in Al Quoz area, because I always see accidents happening there.
From Ms Noor
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
Action needed
I request the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to take quick action in developing road networks in the Jebel Ali industrial area, especially in the routes leading from Shaikh Zayed Road to Emirates Road. Accidents in these areas happen very frequently, as there are no dividers separating the roads. Additionally, something should be done about the long queues that form at the roundabouts every evening.
From Mr Mohammad Shahid Azmi
Dubai
Spiralling prices
Having moved to Abu Dhabi from Dubai, I began searching for a reasonable accommodation in the Capital or in the outskirts of the city. To my utter dismay, I discovered that rents have skyrocketed. Even if one finds an apartment or a villa for Dh7,000, one would have to pay a commission of Dh10,000 to Dh15,000, which would then be divided among many people.
From A Reader
Abu Dhabi
Name withheld by request
Bad taxi service
Salik has not helped in reducing traffic congestion. Additionally, it is next to impossible to order a taxi on weekends. Several weeks ago, I called for a taxi and had to wait for 17 minutes just to get hold of a customer service representative. When I finally managed to get through, it was 7.45pm, but by 8.30pm I was still waiting at home. I ended up calling my friends, who then had to pick me up. The following weekend, I decided I would not let this situation happen again, and made plans early during the week. I called the taxi service centre at about 3.30pm to reserve a taxi for 7.00 pm later that evening. However, I was made to wait again for a long time. I had to call for the taxi service again, and after much hassling, a taxi finally pulled up at my door.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Priorities
Pakistan has achieved democracy after a long time and after paying a high price ("The Long March to stronger democracy",Gulf News, June 14). Almost every Pakistani wishes for judiciary to be restored, but would it be helpful in the restoration of electricity? Additionally, would the judges control the untouchable prices or guarantee the provision of security and protection for the average citizen? I wish this were possible. Let us all work together for the survival of the country and for its development. The country's citizens must be honest when they say: "Pakistan comes first".
From Mr Iftikhar Hussain
Al Ain
Core problems
Recently, a great deal of emphasis has been placed on the difficulties of travelling between Sharjah and Dubai and all fingers seem to point toward the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) ("Welcome to Sharjah-Dubai traffic battleground", Gulf News, June 23). I believe the root problems should be looked into. Rent prices are very high in Dubai, and people often move to Dubai in need of better jobs.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Designated roads
Special roads for public buses would encourage more people to use the public transport system. Additionally, less construction might make a difference.
From Ms Paullin
UAE
Full name withheld by request
No different
As with any city that pays a price for rapid development, the UAE is no different. High rents, inflation and traffic are common grievances. A radically developing city has traffic woes of its own, but unlike a linear developing city, getting to the city centre is not a problem if one has a well-integrated mass transport system. When buses operate toward the hub of the city, going from place to place should not be that much of a hassle. I urge the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to find new ways to resolve or lessen traffic. Additionally, carpooling could help decrease the number of cars on the roads, thereby improving the traffic situation.
From Mr Syed Talib Agha
UAE
Speaking volumes
A picture is worth more than a thousand words ("Dead end?", Gulf News, June 23). In this particular image, vehicles are virtually trapped by barriers on the left side while the right side is almost empty.
From Mr James S. Donato
Ras Al Khaimah
Stop using roads
As a resident of Persia cluster in International City, I start my journey to work at around 7.30am. However, once I reach Manama Street, I discover that cars and heavy vehicles create traffic jams and unnecessary chaos. I suggest that heavy vehicles and trucks that carry construction equipment be prevented from using the roads for one hour every morning. This would definitely ease the problem.
From Ms Polisetti M. Sudhakar
Dubai
Great news
Gulf News's report about Abu Dhabi's free bus service made my day ("Abu Dhabi bus service is route to beating traffic woes",Gulf News,June 26). It is a very sensible decision at a time when rents are shooting up and people are moving out of the city to live in the suburbs. In such situations, finding a taxi to reach the city centre can be extremely difficult. I think the authorities should see to it that the bus service is extended to far-off areas, such as the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, where the service is drastically needed.
From Ms Khan
Abu Dhabi
Full name withheld by request
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