Opinion | Letters
November 23, 2008
Letters to the Editor: November 23, 2008
Taken for a ride
It is, indeed, sad that a foreign couple were taken for a ride in India ("Samosas too hot for couple", Gulf News, November 18). One definitely feels disconsolate when such incidents occur. However, I have often come across such bizarre stories, especially related to India, on Gulf News's front page. Don't such incidents occur in other countries, too? I do not think there is any place in the world, where one can avoid being cheated. The focus should be turned to issues that really matter.
From Ms Radha Hari
Dubai
Critical issue
I would like to thank Gulf News for highlighting the need for pedestrian crossings on Al Ittihad Road, as it is a critical issue ("Al Ittihad Road to get pedestrian footbridge", Gulf News, November 18). This problem exists elsewhere, too. As a former resident of Al Nahda, I faced difficulties crossing the road to get to Sahara Centre. Obviously, people prefer risking their lives by running across the road, instead of taking a 40-minute walk to get to the mall. Although there has been talk of a pedestrian bridge in the area, nothing has been done so far. I urge the authorities to take swift action.
From Ms Sally Syed
Sharjah
Reasons to stay
In a majority of cases of domestic violence, the crime may often go unreported for varied reasons. Firstly, women may not be financially independent, which means they would only be able to survive if they remained with their husbands. Additionally, they might not have the support of their families, when taking the major decision of bringing domestic issues out into the open. Moreover, many women fear losing their children in the process. Another issue is that they may forgive their husbands and think that with patience, such problems would disappear. However, the only way to combat marital abuse is for every woman to be financially independent.
From Ms Neetu Rupani
UAE
No time
Recently, I heard about the confusion people faced when registering for an ID card. However, the reason for long queues and the rush is the early deadline for professionals. I think it is easier for such people to fill up the form by downloading the programme from the Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA) website. I completed the process for my entire family, within no time. The rush has increased greatly, because the deadline is fast approaching.
From Mr Venugopalan
Abu Dhabi
Full name withheld by request
Simplify, please
As the deadline for registration of the ID card approaches, I have observed that facilities provided to fill up forms from post offices is a failure ("Reprieve does not mean ID card deadline extended", Gulf News, November 19). The post office near my residence in Al Satwa has not had registration forms for almost two weeks. This is despite the fact that the staff has ordered additional forms. I urge the authorities to consider how difficult it is for residents to take time off from work, face traffic congestion and stand in long queues. I would appreciate if they simplified and sped up the process.
From Ms Kalpana Trivedi
Dubai
Lost in transaction
I tried to pay my mobile phone bill through my credit card via etisalat's payment machine, in Lamcy Plaza, in Dubai. Although the machine showed an error message and my bill was not cleared, I was charged for the transaction. It has been over two months and neither my bank, nor etisalat, has the money that I lost. I suggest that people try to be more careful when using such machines. I have complained several times, but with no luck.
From Mr Rajiv H. Ramnani
Dubai
The management of etisalat responds: Please be advised that Mr Ramnani's issue has been resolved and his account has been credited with Dh1,000.
Do it yourself
It seems quite obvious that Mr Salman Asif does not appear to have ever resided in the 'real world' ("On your own", Gulf News, November 18). There are many countries where people live without servants and attendants and conduct all of life's daily tasks on their own. This might shock the reader, who wrote in his letter that the concept of self-service petrol stations is flawed. However, in most modern countries, motorists are responsible for pumping petrol in their own cars. As a German citizen, I know that this is a normal practice back home, no matter how hot or cold the weather is. From Ms Jessica H.
Dubai
Haven of stability
I agree with Dr Asoomi ("Hidden agenda behind campaign against UAE economy", Gulf News, November 20). UAE still remains a place of stability with diversified and reliable economic fundamentals. I am a long term resident of UAE and consider it my home. However, I have been extremely disappointed by the lack of interest from developers in completing middle-and-lower income housing projects on time, which I think could have avoided the skyrocketing rents that have caused a lot of anguish and hardship to individuals and companies alike. Now, businesses find it difficult to bring in employees because the rents are unreasonable.
From Mr Prachi Bhaumik
Dubai
Website comment
Appalling
Gulf News's report regarding the two Egyptian doctors who allegedly got a woman addicted to morphine, was absolutely appalling ("Egypt takes doctor's issue to UN agency", Gulf News, November 18). In fact, it is astonishing to suggest that medical professionals would encourage the use of prescription painkillers to the point of addiction. Although I am not aware of the full facts of the story, one thing is clear - regardless of who was caring for the patient, the blame should have been directed towards the doctors.
From A Reader
London, United Kingdom
Name withheld by request
Credible
I see numbers and statistics in the report and they sound credible. However, what I would like to ask Gulf News as well as the rest of the economic experts is why were people not informed or warned about the financial crisis?
From Mr B. Hotep
Dubai
Website comment
No slander campaign
I do not think it is a slander campaign. But Dubai has become a celebrity for the past five years, and celebrities get both good and bad press. Dubai has enjoyed marvellous exposure in the international media and helped build the popularity, tourism and property market in the UAE. But spreading wrong information in this manner is not right.
From Mr K. Lawson
Dubai
Website comment
Strong market
The UAE market is strong enough to withstand rumours and threats. However, it is also a good time for the UAE and other GCC countries to think seriously about their common currency issue.
From Mr Naveed
UAE
Full name withheld by request
Website comment
Your turn
Opinion Editor's choice
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Syrian crisis and rumblings of a cold war
By Patrick Seale, Special to Gulf News
With their vetoes, Russia and China are saying they too have interests in the Middle East, which they are bent on protecting
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Motives for a new regional alignment
By Marwan Kabalan, Special to Gulf News
The relationship between Iraq and Syria strengthened following the breakout of the uprising and withdrawal of US troops
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Learning Arabic must not be seen as a compulsion
By Rabia Alavi, Special to Gulf News
Expatriates must see its inclusion in school curriculum as an invitation to integrate into Emirati society and an opportunity to access markets presently reserved for Emiratis



