Letters: December 9, 2011

Parking slots
Regarding community reporter B.K. Afsar Sajid’s concerns, sector E20 in Abu Dhabi has 3,246 parking spaces, some of which are dedicated to residents after 10pm only (“No slots for residents”, Gulf News, October 12). Dedicated resident parking spaces were initiated to meet the growing needs of residents after the paid-parking period is over to ensure that legal tenants who had paid for the parking permit for residents are able to find and use parking spaces during the evenings. In addition to the dedicated resident parking spaces, permit holders are also able to park in all Standard Parking Bays, which are the spaces where the curbstones are painted in turquoise and black. Resident parking permit holders can also use the parking spaces that are painted in turquoise and white along the major roads after paid-parking hours. In sector E20, the Department of Transport’s Mawaqif parking management system was launched on September 11, 2011. During that time there had been a limited number of residents who applied for permits. Therefore, an appropriate and proportionate number of parking spaces were earmarked for resident parking.
Subsequently, the numbers have increased following the launch of the programme in the sector. This is usually the pattern, as many residents leave the application for parking permit too late and until after the actual launch. Mawaqif has always proactively responded to such increases in the application for, and the issuance of, resident permits. In this particular instance, Mawaqif has now proportionately increased the spaces dedicated for resident permit holders. Consequently, the signage required was installed and already in use.
From the Parking Division in Department of Transport in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi

A thing of the past
Parents need to act in a more realistic manner these days (“Sharp increase in students’ suicides alarms psychiatrists”, Gulf News, December 5). As grown-ups we do not have time for our children’s emotional traumas such as pressure of getting married or not having their choice of spouse. Lifestyles are changing. I guess the concept that many Americans have is right — after the age of 18 children leave homes and live their own lives and meet occasionally with parents. There is so much financial pressure that everyone is trying to focus on their work and career. I think relationships are becoming a thing of the past now.
From Mr Mansour
UAE
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Great ride
It is really a pleasurable and nice journey to and from Fujairah on the newly opened Shaikh Khalifa Road (“Mansour opens Shaikh Khalifa Road”, Gulf News, December 5). It only takes 40 minutes to reach Fujairah if you drive according to the speed limit. It is also a treat to see Hajar Mountains. Thanks to the authorities for constructing this road.
From Mr Reaz
Dubai
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Full of opportunities
This is excellent news. This will bring in more tourists and wider business opportunities. Fujairah shall soon grow to become the greatest business hub. I wonder where the road starts and where it ends.
From Ms Madeeha Saeed
Fujairah
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So close
This is great. No words of gratitude can express our feelings towards the great visionaries of the UAE. Dubai is no more a distant destination for “Fujairians” (people living in Fujairah). Thanks a lot.
From Ms Beena
Fujairah
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Informative
The UAE has many amazing and beautiful mosques. I am quite pleased to see that the UAE strictly follows Islamic virtues and heritage, and preserves the Islamic culture. I additionally admire the fact that there are some wonderful mosques in the UAE that draw the attention of many tourists. Many mosques like Noor Mosque in Sharjah, Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai and also Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi have all been great tourist attractions and serve as a way of teaching Muslims and non-Muslims about Islam. This is a wonderful way of spreading knowledge. I hope to see such innovations often.
From Mr Abdullah Kashif
Sharjah

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