Irreparable consequences
The tragedy is that property developers and owners do not realise the far-reaching consequences of raising rents in this unreasonable way (‘Landlords ‘using Expo 2020’ to raise rents in Dubai,’ Gulf News, April 7). It is going to create an artificial bubble, with rising expenses and stagnant wages creating an unhappy, heavily burdened generation of leasers. Rents directly affect the workforce of a nation and in this case, without any increase in salaries to offset the surge in expenditure, working people will be forced to purchase housing loans and will fall further into debt and despair. We are all well aware of how education fees and food prices are also on the rise. This doesn’t help the situation at all. The authorities need to step in when real estate owner’s hike rent prices in the name of Expo 2020. Let residents enjoy being part of the host nation, and not have to worry about how they are going to afford their homes in the near future.
From Ms Sophie Vita
Sharjah
Increasing cost of living
The fact is that many companies in the UAE do not pay salaries on time and salaries do not increase on yearly basis. But living expense is increasing without fail. In my personal experience, I am not saving any money. Instead I am getting into more and more debt for using my credit card to survive. Authorities need to control this situation; otherwise there is no point of living in this country.
From Mr Vinoth
Sharjah
Website comment
Support network for tenants
I received an email this morning form my landlord, informing me that the yearly rent has increased by Dh 20,000 for my one bed flat in Dubai Marina. This is not sustainable. How can rents increase by such high percentage? One of the main reasons why expats come to Dubai is to save money. I already know of several people considering going back to their home countries, as life here has become way too expensive. It has become practically impossible to save anything. The rise in salaries is also not in line with rental increases. Authorities must do something now. A better support network for tenants must be implemented and there should be stricter penalties in place for landlords exploiting the market.
From Mr Fran
Dubai
Website comment
Allow room sharing
There are two things to note, Abu Dhabi has removed the rent cap and Dubai has won the Expo 2020. Keeping these two factors in mind, the landlords are increasing the rent as per their wish. The agents of the landlord bluntly say that if ‘you want to stay, you pay the rent we ask or you can vacate the flat as we have other people waiting in line to occupy’. The Sharjah Municipality does not curb such attitude from the landlord or their agents. Either authorities need to allow room sharing or have a rent cap.
From Mr Akhil
Sharjah
Website comment
Pointless calculator
The Real Estate Regulatory Agency (Rera) calculator tells you the current average rent in different neighbourhoods. The current rent average in the neighbourhood is decided by the landlords. So the Rera calculator basically tells you the average demand by the landlords. Someone explain me, how is Rera helping in this situation?
From Mr Zach
Dubai
Website comment
No future
Thanks to Gulf News for posting this article. We need a solid solution for this issue rather than just discussing it every now and then. This has to be brought to the attention of the concerned authorities. If this does not change, the future doesn’t look bright to me.
From Mr Mohammad Shameem
Dubai
Website comment
Strict laws
The UAE should maintain its strict policy on bounced cheques (‘UAE should not criminalise business failure,’ Gulf News, April 4). Having an option to file cases of bounced cheques using the new Dubai Police App is a step forward and will make it easy for residents to file cases. UAE is a country where 80 per cent of the population is expatriates, thus it is a must that the laws are strict. It should be the responsibility of the person issuing the cheque to clear their liabilities for the products/services they are using.
From Mr Sahil K.
Dubai
Blessed land!
This article is very well written. I believe UAE has everything in the right place, blessed with resources, tolerance, and moreover safety. As an expatriate, who has lived here all his life, the dare to go start something new has always scared me. But, what has kept my feet on the ground is the fact that I always know if my payments don’t come on time, or my cheques bounce, I will be in jail. My wife and my children will be distraught. I have encountered several stories of people being jailed due to bounced checks, but also cases of people being awarded for their hard work and efficiency.
From Mr Rajender
Dubai
Biased coverage
India did not win, so not worth to put this news on the front page (‘Sangakkara stars as Sri Lanka win World Twenty20,’ Gulf News, April 7)? Typical Gulf News, always biased with news coverage.
From Mr Azam
Dubai
Website comment
Accept the loss
I feel sorry to say that there are no top news stories for Sri Lanka winning the Twenty20 World Cup. Is it just because India lost the match? Have some sportsmanship and accept that India lost the match.
From Mr Ahmad
Dubai
Website comment
Well played India!
Well deserved win! I must say that even though India did not win the match, they played very well. Virat Kohli played a very classy innings. However, 130 runs was too easy a score to defend. Over all it was nice cricket to watch.
From Mr Asif
Abu Dhabi
Website comment
Not enough coverage
What a coverage did you give to this news? If Indians won Twenty20 World Cup, it would be all over Gulf News. Come on, its just a game. Well done Sri Lanka!
From Mr Naushad
Abu Dhabi
Website comment
Not surprised
I’m not surprised that Sri Lanka winning the Twenty20 World Cup did not make it to the top stories on Gulf News website. What if India had won?
From Mr Faisal Monty @FaisalMonty
UAE
Twitter comment
Editor’s note: The news of Sri Lanka’s victory over India in the World Twenty20 final on Sunday night was carried on our section’s front page (for second edition only due to print deadlines), with two more pages of coverage inside. The amount of space given to the final was in no way influenced by the outcome. Our coverage compares more than favourably to any of our rivals. And we were also the only UAE newspaper to send our own reporter to cover the tournament.
Editors’ note: Is there a news report that you feel strongly about? Something that has to be addressed in the community and requires resolution? Send us an email along with your comments and pictures to readers@ gulfnews.com. You can also post a comment on our Facebook page or tweet us at @GNReaders
