Opinions | Letters
July 19, 2008
Letters to the Editor.
- Gulf News
- Published: 23:16 July 18, 2008
Be the bigger person
I just returned from a three-week vacation in Europe, where I drove a rented car. However, it was not until I came back to the UAE and drove to work that I realised how careless and rash motorists are in Dubai. We must all make a collective effort to be more patient on the roads, drive slower and stay behind other cars, instead of speeding up ahead of them. If someone behaves recklessly, please do not take it personally and try to get back at him or her, as it is very immature to do so. Be the bigger person, let it go, and smile, as it helps calm road rage. I know time is valuable, but is saving a few minutes in a journey more important than saving your life?
From Mr Siddharth Bhatia
Dubai
Zero tolerance
Gulf News's report on people who use fake passports compelled me to reflect on the situation in Germany ("Hundreds detained at UAE airports for using fake passports", Gulf News, July 14). Germany is a country that attracts many people who are keen to start a new life. Consequently, it faces similar problems, with many trying to enter with fake documents. Perhaps the only thing a country can do is to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against offenders, with severe punishment and immediate deportation after serving jail terms. Airlines should also check travel documents thoroughly before allowing passengers to board.
From Mr Friedrich Hotz
Abu Dhabi
Unbelievable
I had parked my car in Karama when I visited my father-in-law's house, recently. My car was wedged in behind my cousin's car, as there was enough space for both vehicles. However, the morning after brought unpleasant news. I was surprised to see that police had fined me for parking behind another car and for "blocking movement"!
From A Reader
Abu Dhabi
Name withheld by request
Full support
We support Dubai Police in their efforts to curb indecent behaviour in public places ("79 people arrested for indecency at Dubai beaches", Gulf News, July 13). The main reason many people appreciate the UAE is because they can escape from the immoral, drunken and violent behaviour of those who should know better. I urge the authorities to enforce strict laws against offenders so that the majority of us can continue to enjoy living in Dubai. We respect the country's customs and laws, as should everyone. Additionally, punishment and deportation would help produce results.
From Mr Paul Francis
Dorset, UK
Reckless driving
I travel on Shaikh Rashid Road every day and always see minibuses speeding by in the fast lane ("200 attend memorial service for crash victims in Dubai", Gulf News, July 15). The drivers do not seem to realise that about 15 to 30 lives are in their hands and reckless driving could have deadly consequences. The authorities should restrict the use of minibuses to just the slow lanes. How can they be allowed to travel at speeds of 120km/hr? Moreover, we often see minibuses changing lanes at high speed.
From Mr Regi George
Dubai
Pure madness
It is high time that supervisors were hired in minibuses. As was proven again by the recent accident involving a minibus on Shaikh Rashid Road, these vehicles could be fatal in the hands of a bad driver. From my observations, minibus drivers have become increasingly reckless over the years. I have had them flashing their headlights at me while driving at about 160 km/hr - and this was not just an isolated incident. Additionally, the authorities should observe the scene at Dubai Bypass Road from 5.30am onwards: it is pure madness.
From Mr Chris Hill
Sharjah
Outrageous
I cover around 70 kilometres every day when travelling from Al Samha to Dubai Marina, and I have often come across a large number of motorists driving extremely fast. Minibus drivers are especially inclined to changing lanes frequently and driving at outrageous speeds. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) should run a check on the amount of time these drivers spend on the road, because when they work overtime, they put others' lives at risk. Although the existing traffic control system in the UAE is very good, there are a lot of improvements that can be made.
From Mr Sami A.
Dubai
Time for action
I have been living and driving in Dubai for the past 10 years, and every time an accident occurs in which lives are lost, we see the same words repeated by the authorities: "appeal for road safety". Unfortunately, bus drivers, taxi drivers and other individuals often ignore these calls and appeals. I think a different approach is needed; more specifically, a zero-tolerance approach for speeding motorists. As the old saying goes: "Actions speak louder than words". The time for appeals is over.
From Ms Jessica H.
Dubai
Take control
Accidents are becoming more tragic as the number of victims increase. Motorists must stop feeling bad about fatalities, and realise that they need to change the way they drive.
I urge drivers to hold the steering wheel with both hands, as most do not understand how much more control they have over the car when they do so. The only thing that kills is speed and ignorance of what a car can and cannot do. Value your life and the lives of others and consider the safety of other people when you drive.
From Ms Karen Partridge
Dubai
Supported cause
I was very disturbed and saddened to know that we need to have 17th century Hindu ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue to glorify his work and sacrifice to his motherland (“Mumbai plans to build monument taller than Statue of Liberty'', Gulf News, June 6). I have known about him and his achievements through history lessons taught at school and I am sure all pupils who have studied about him do respect him. I personally feel we have many such causes to promote.
From Ms Supriya Karkera
UAE
Rent chaos
The recent Gulf News report regarding rent increase by 50 per cent in Dubai, with an average increase in rent by about 18 per cent across the country, came as very disturbing news (“Dubai house rents rose 50% in 2007'', Gulf News, June 18). This is a clear indication that landlords have complete freedom to exploit tenants, while the tenants have no option but to abide by their landlords' orders. It is very strange that this is happening, despite the introduction of rent cap rules. This would put tenants under tremendous pressure, especially those who belong to the middle-income and lower-income bracket. Therefore, I humbly request the authorities to bring this situation under control, because in the long run, a continuous increase in rent can hamper the growth of the country.
From Mr Julius Sharon
Dubai
Chain bus system
Dubai should have a smart and efficient public transport system. I suggest a chain bus service. This would mean a bus would be available every five or ten minutes. There should be a bus station in Bur Dubai connecting all the different areas in Dubai. Buses would also have designated lanes and other vehicles would be prevented from using them. Additionally, the buses would go only through main roads and would stop at specific locations.
From Mr Johnson Rajan
Dubai
Driving difficulties
Driving is a skill and as with any skill, frequent practice is required (“Interactive knowledge test soon to check UAE driver's abilities'', Gulf News, June 15). I do not understand the rationale behind an applicant — after paying money way in advance and being asked to wait months prior to starting lessons — being limited to a maximum of three hours of driving lessons per week. Unless of course, one is willing to pay double the rate per hour. Not only that, if it is weekend classes, then he would only be able to drive for two hours. Additionally, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) could also look at the possibility of issuing learner permits. Why limit practice to a driving institute vehicle and instructor only? After taking a road test, if the student is still not really good enough to be left by himself on the road, then a qualified driver could accompany him, and try for the road test again, when his skills have improved. This way, practice will not be isolated and exclusive to the driving institutes alone and they will stop taking advantage of applicants.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Unsafe buses
I was surprised to see a school bus speed by on Al Maktoum Bridge. Some children were actually standing up next to the windows and enjoying the ride. The sudden application of brakes could have caused severe injuries to these children. I immediately noted down the bus number and complained to the authorities as I have noticed that many school bus drivers drive in this manner.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Courageous writer
I really enjoy reading Linda Heard's straightforward articles. Nowadays, such a courageous and direct attitude is usually rare in mainstream media, which often lacks truthfulness and intellectual honesty.
From Mr Farhan Arif
UAE
Great incentive
I strongly agree with the authorities' campaign to reduce the number of smokers, especially since the number has been increasing, with each passing year (“Dubai bans cigarette sales to under-20s as world marks No Tobacco Day'', Gulf News, June 1). Furthermore, I think it is a positive move to make cigarette sales illegal for those who are under the age of 20.
From Ms Bakheeta Al Mansouri
Abu Dhabi
Unfair
The recent visa fee hike is absolutely unjustified (“Dubai residents can get visas deposited at airport for a fee'', Gulf News, June 17). Although curbing of visas for friends is acceptable and reasoned, the fee hike for one's parents or children is very unfair. Please do not draw lines between our relatives by making it harder for them to meet us.
From Mr Tabish Khan
UAE
Not enough
Introducing 70 more double-decker buses from Dubai to Sharjah is very good news for thousands of travellers ("RTA launches Night bus service to Sharjah", Gulf News, June 22). Still, without a dedicated lane, such a transport system could never be useful for the public.
From Mr Rafeek K. T.
Dubai
Worth saluting
Notably, the world bids farewell to the early retirement of Bill Gates from Microsoft Corporation as he has decided to dedicate his quality time for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for charitable and philanthropic works (“Bill Gates got out while the going is good'', Gulf News, June 28). One must stop a moment to salute this stalwart who had made a difference to the lives of many people in this world.
From Ms Yasmin Banu
Abu Dhabi
A great help
I appreciate Gulf News Go Green campaign ("Dubai students respond to Go Green campaign", Gulf News, July 6). It is generating awareness about environmental issues faced all over the world. I think people are now more involved in being eco-friendly. It was very thoughtful of Gulf News to start an environmental drive in the UAE, especially since there is a rapid increase in pollution.
From Mr Adithya Chandrasekar
Dubai
Change takes time
The so-called national identity crisis is not limited to just UAE nationals ("The debate on UAE national identity", Gulf News, May 26). I think a similar thing is happening in neighbouring countries like Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait. In the future, national identity will be a challenge for all Gulf countries. This problem might not be resolved within days or even years, but hopefully by working on it and acknowledging the problem, it will change in time.
From Mr Salim V. S.
UAE
An alternative
I think if old cars were banned in the UAE, it would create a huge problem among people who cannot afford to buy new cars ("Vehicles older than 20 years banned from 2009", Gulf News, June 20). These people and their families will face increased transportation problems. It would be better if the authorities made the guidelines tougher at the time of registration in order to eliminate cars that are in bad shape. This way, people can keep their cars and simultaneously make sure it is safe.
From A Reader
Abu Dhabi
Name withheld by request
Simple solution
Something as simple as spreading the message of love and brotherhood will do wonders ("Thousands march against S. Africa xenophobic attacks", Gulf News, May 24). This is the only way to bring everyone together. Force, crime and deprivation can be tackled when people leave their differences and come together. It would take time, but every change has a beginning. South Africa is a great country with great people and history. It can overcome its pains by reaching out to everyone with love, and by helping those who suffer.
From Mr Tarek Syed
Dubai
Make it on time
I think it would make sense if buses were permitted to stop in service roads where there are no dividers. It would also be wise for car owners to give way to buses at all times, for them to reach their destinations on time. School buses must be equipped with hazard lights on the side, at the front and back and must have a huge stop sign. This would make the lives of pupils and the public much safer.
From A Reader
USA
Name withheld by request
Charged for nothing
I think airlines have the right to be strict when it comes to credit cards ("Airline passengers taken off plane", Gulf News, June 7). Someone once used my credit card to buy three tickets to India. This is not the first time something like this has happened, as I have heard similar incidents from others. I think if a person buys a ticket through a credit card, he or she can only use a relative's credit card to prove they are related. When booking the ticket, airline companies should also make it mandatory for the traveller to enter passport details, as some companies do not do that.
From Mr Ciju Kurian
Abu Dhabi
Pricey service
Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority's (Sewa) recently introduced service charges have been a burden for many residents ("Sharjah ruler gives SEWA more autonomy", Gulf News, June 15). I find it pretty illogical and harsh when a service charge costs nearly double the amount of a bill. Globally, as far as I know, service charges are directly related to the consumption of the product or service used. Restaurants, property dealers and banks levy service charges as a percentage of the product. I humbly suggest that Sewa revise the new charges. It does not make sense that someone who gets a Dh200 bill pays the same service charge as someone who gets a bill worth Dh500.
From Mr Devesh Rampuria
Sharjah
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