Opinions | Letters
July 16, 2008
Letters to the Editor.
- Gulf News
- Published: 23:39 July 15, 2008
Fatal collision, once again
Yet again, we read about a fatal road accident that took the lives of innocent people ("Five killed in horrific traffic accident on Shaikh Rashid Road in Dubai", Gulf News, July 13). In order to lessen the frequency of such tragedies, the issue of road safety needs to be given the priority it deserves. The roads of UAE are increasingly becoming one of the most dangerous for any developing nation. We see too many reckless drivers causing accidents every day. The authorities need to ensure that their immediate goal is to reverse this trend and make roads safer for all motorists. I urge the presence of more police patrols on the roads to fix this situation.
From Mr Alan White
Dubai
One wrong move
What a pity. It is extremely distressing to read that another five innocent lives have been lost in a moment of recklessness. Those involved in the accident did not deserve to die in such a manner. My heart goes out to their families and friends. I wish motorists on Dubai's roads would understand that just one wrong move could end a life. I urge everyone to please drive carefully.
From Mr Ahmad Khan
Dubai
Care for others
Once again, five lives were lost due to a horrific accident that occurred on Shaikh Rashid Road. The reason for this collision ranges from speeding and carelessness to mere negligence. So many drivers do not seem to care about other people's lives. Such incidents come as a reminder to all motorists out there. You must be concerned about the lives of others, even if you are not worried about your own. Someone is waiting at home for them, too.
From Ms Milanie N.
Dubai
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Educate yourselves
The UAE upholds morals and values inspired by Islamic traditions ("79 people arrested for indecency at Dubai beaches", Gulf News, July 13). A newcomer to the country should look out for educational material on the flight itself, or ask the authorities where one can acquire related books and videos. Additionally, airlines should show videos about the culture of the country and the moral values that its residents uphold. New visitors or job seekers should be warned about illegal activities and the consequences thereof. It would also help if embassies warned expatriates to abstain from any indecent activities that may be insensitive to the local culture.
From Mr Mohammad Shabab P.
Sharjah
Taking advantage
The recent increase in indecent behaviour should serve as an eye-opener. Although the country is a melting pot of different cultures, it has its own identity and traditions, which must be respected. Additionally, the authorities should monitor public parks. It is quite embarrassing to go for a walk in such places, especially during the evenings, as some people take advantage of the darkness and behave in an inappropriate manner. Such behaviour is on a rise and must be curbed at the earliest.
From Mr Murugesh Sambasadhasivam
Dubai
Boost culture
Respect for local culture is decreasing among expatriates and I believe employers must implement cultural adaptation programmes for their staff to counter this situation. Learning Arabic could also be made compulsory for renewing employment visas. Language plays a huge role in the formation of an individual or national identity. If expatriates learn Arabic, it will boost the culture of the society and increase their self-esteem as well.
From Mr Chindhu Ravindran
Dubai
Clear message
I fully support the decision taken against the offenders on Dubai's beach. It is horrible that several young expatriates believe they can behave indecently just because they can get away with it in other countries. The message should be made clear to all expatriates. It would be ideal to provide brochures, stating a list of activities that will not be tolerated. Additionally, airlines could hand out leaflets to inform tourists of the same. Pleading drunkenness should not be a cause for leniency.
From Ms M. Sheffield
Dubai
No courtesy
I am one among thousands of commuters who use the bus service to commute across Dubai. What is the purpose of building such small bus shelters when they can hardly accommodate six people? Additionally, it is not necessary to have bus shelters with air conditioners. I believe the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is attempting to set up a unique public transport system without analysing its true value to commuters. Dubai's roads need double-decker buses along with the present public buses. Many of the bus stops, especially in places such as Al Hamriya Port, Hor Al Anz and Bur Dubai, have no bus service at all.
From Mr Omar S. Saif
Dubai
Mirror of Dubai
As a resident of Dubai for the past two months, I read Gulf News every day. The website www.gulfnews.com doubles up as a mirror of Dubai for me. It is a source of information for all those who are new to the country. I am able to acquire all the information I need about UAE's laws, career opportunities, international and local news and much more. The website is a great way to get updated news about events from around the world. Keep it up.
From Ms Lili Singh
Dubai
Unpleasant
The Bur Dubai bus station provides very unpleasant experiences, especially on Friday evenings. This situation has existed for a long time, but the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has not come up with any solution to tackle the problem. I waited in line for more than two hours to board a bus to Abu Dhabi, recently. Eventually, I enquired at the counter about the delay and was told that there would be no more buses leaving for the Abu Dhabi. The time was merely 9.15pm and hundreds of passengers were still waiting in line. No one was aware of this fact. RTA needs to find a lasting solution.
From Mr Esmail Aftab
Abu Dhabi
Ban trucks
Banning Dubai-registered diesel trucks from refuelling in Al Ain is the only way to prevent potential accidents in the region. These 18-wheelers block the narrow entrances to the petrol stations, making these areas extremely unsafe for other motorists. I hope the authorities will do something about this situation soon.
From Mr Benedict Ernest
Al Ain
Unclear markings
With the Dubai Metro construction in full swing, motorists frequently change lanes, especially on Shaikh Zayed Road. Due to this, the white markings on lanes have become unclear and have not been repainted in certain areas. An example is the stretch of road that leads to Al Seef, where the lane dividers are unclear. This creates great confusion for motorists and adds to the risk of accidents, especially during peak traffic hours. Can the authorities take the necessary steps to retouch these markings when they become unclear? From Mr C. K. Srinivasan
Dubai
Caveat emptor
The market is flooded with consultants who want to advise us on the best way to invest our hard-earned money. However, if we fall prey to what they aggressively sell, we are often duped. Recently I was conned into buying a life insurance policy. After paying a huge amount, I realised that the premium paid was only applicable for a single term, and not for life, as it had originally been sold to me. Often, the salesmen rely on the small print of the contract to avoid any consequences, but what about the damage caused? I am sure there are many with similar tales.
From Mr Rajesh
UAE
Full name withheld by request
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