Opinions | Letters
October 28, 2008
Letters to the Editor: October 28, 2008
- Gulf News
- Published: 23:36 October 27, 2008
Questions left unanswered
I booked two taxis, one of which was a van, two weeks prior to my departure from Dubai International Airport. I reconfirmed to ensure I did not miss my flight due to traffic congestion. An hour prior to the scheduled time of pick up, I was informed that two taxis were being sent for my family, since we had a lot of luggage. However, only one arrived. I called the taxi company at least 25 times to know the whereabouts of the second taxi informing them that I might miss the flight. It was almost 6am and I knew the traffic would only get worse. The taxi never showed up! Luckily for us, we found a taxi that was dropping off a resident near the same building that we reside in. The taxi company had no answers to my queries, least of all being apologetic for the incident.
From Mr Bernard E.
Dubai
Traffic avoiders
I appreciate the campaign initiated by Dubai Police to fine errant drivers ("Dubai Police chase errant drivers and fine them on the spot", Gulf News, October 21). Additionally, I request the concerned authorities to patrol the Al Mamzar area as well. Careless motorists drive in the fast lane, skip long traffic queues, jump lanes and at times overtake other cars to take the exit to Sharjah.
From Mr Juzer H.
UAE
Unwanted
I have yet to meet a middle-income earning expatriate who is satisfied with his or her house rent. People are facing problems, which are unwanted and caused by a lack of decent places to live. A common man, who earns Dh5,000 a month, cannot afford to live in Abu Dhabi. The minimum cost of a single room is Dh4,000. Additionally, bachelors are asked to stay outside the city, which is not the solution. In the outskirts, an average one bedroom apartment would not cost less than Dh50,000 per year. People are unwilling to relocate to Abu Dhabi due to non-availability of affordable accommodation. They are here to work hard and support their families.
From Ms Linette Sunil
Abu Dhabi
Great loss
In order to book tickets to Canada for our family, my husband used his credit card using Aeroflot - Russian Airline's online facility. However, we failed to get a visa for Canada and decided to cancel the tickets after 10 days of booking them. I personally visited the office and was assured that the tickets had been cancelled. However, when my husband received the credit card statement, he was shocked to notice that the amount for the tickets had not been refunded. On contacting the concerned department, we discovered that it was in fact the mistake of the airline. Apparently, their office in Dubai is just a representative and local partner. Even the manager was unable to assist us. We have incurred a loss of almost Dh40,000 due to this issue.
From Ms Srividya S.
Sharjah
Editor's note: The complaint was forwarded to Aeroflot - Russian Airlines for comment. However, despite repeated reminders, the management has failed to respond.
Constant reminder
This is in reference to the report on the British couple that got an extension on their bail ("British beach sex pair get bail extension", Gulf News, October 21). I am really ashamed to hear about these incidents, which occur in an Islamic country and despite strict rules. I believe most expatriates are aware of the Islamic beliefs and cultural sensitivities of the UAE. They need to respect and abide by them. Additionally, I would like to request the authorities to constantly remind the expatriates about the essential do's and don'ts.
From Dr Simi Hoque
Abu Dhabi
Password protected
The service launched by the ministry of labour to access and print contracts is a great idea and appreciable ("Internet to link ministry with workers", Gulf News, October 20). However, my only concern is the security of confidential information. The information is furnished to many organisations, such as car rentals and hotels. It would not be acceptable if people can have access to confidential information, like salary. Additionally, many recruitment agencies all over the UAE will benchmark the negotiations, since they have information like a photocopy of the labour card and passport number of candidates. The ministry must continue this service but should allow people to protect their information with a password.
From Mr Manish Gupta
UAE
Switch places
This is in reference to Mr Mazhar Mohad's letter about Sammy the Shark ("Change focus", Gulf News, October 21). Perhaps he would like to trade places with Sammy. His perspective might be different if he were taken from his normal environment and imprisoned for no reason. I agree that we all have other worries, but that does not mean that we should not try to help those who cannot help themselves. Free Sammy!
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Reckless racers
My husband and I travel between Sharjah and Dubai, every day. It is alarming to see big trucks and buses driving in the fast lane, when they should in fact remain in the slow lane. Along Shaikh Zayed Road, we often come across minivans and buses driving at high speed, as if they were competing in a race. Additionally, when intending to overtake motorists, most minivan drivers flash their headlights in an intimidating manner. This can be extremely dangerous. It is sad to read and hear about the number of lives lost in road accidents due to the careless nature of some motorists.
From Ms Jazminne
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
Free beauty
I personally believe that Sammy the Shark should be let free (“Sammy the Shark gets drawn to attention'', Gulf News, October 21). The shark has not reached its full size and would soon become much too big for the tank. I think placing such a great creature in a small tank — just for the purpose of entertainment — is an extremely selfish act. Even my six-year-old brother believes that Sammy would be happier and would look more beautiful in her natural habitat.
From Ms Mariam Khalifa
Dubai
Enormous publicity
It has struck me recently how much publicity the Atlantis Hotel is getting from the Free Sammy the Shark campaign (“Sammy the Shark gets drawn to attention'', Gulf News, October 21). The hotel's name is mentioned on an almost daily in Gulf News and other publications. Whilst many, including myself, think it is cruel to keep a whale shark in such conditions and find the campaign admirable, Atlantis hotel is benefiting by the number of people visiting the shark. Perhaps if nothing more was said, Atlantis would release Sammy.
From Ms Jackie Hunter-Holt
Dubai
Lacking freedom
I was shocked to hear about the whale shark being held captive at the Atlantis hotel (“Sammy the Shark gets drawn to attention'', Gulf News, October 21). Several top conservation groups have called for his release and I would like to add my voice to their appeal. Animals that live in captivity suffer greatly because they are denied the opportunity of behaving naturally. Additionally, they lack the freedom to interact with others. Moreover, whale sharks are listed as a vulnerable species and are likely to soon become extinct.
From Ms Jacinthe Vigneault
California, USA
Waste of time
I think it is about time Sammy the Shark was dropped from the newspaper (“Sammy the Shark gets drawn to attention'', Gulf News, October 21). I do not see why Gulf News would discuss this topic over and over again. In fact, Sammy really has nothing to do with news. All this hype about the whale shark is going a bit out of bounds. There are more important issues to concentrate on.
From Ms Jeny Michaels
Sharjah
Overrated
I do not understand why people are creating such a racket over Sammy the Shark (“Sammy the Shark gets drawn to attention'', Gulf News, October 21). After all, seeing a big shark in an aquarium is a form of amusement for many people. Additionally, we care about animals in zoos and never harm them. Why is it so hard to believe that it is possible for animals to enjoy an easy life in captivity? They are well taken care of, in this manner.
From Mr Siraj Al Deen Keloth
Abu Dhabi
Good work
Thank you for Free Sammy the Shark campaign (“Sammy the Shark gets drawn to attention'', Gulf News, October 21). People who love, respect and care for animals or wildlife would surely be appalled by Atlantis hotel's decision to keep Sammy in captivity. Where are our values? Keep up the good work, Gulf News.
From Ms Perveez
Sharjah
Full name withheld by request
Awaited freedom
It was very disturbing to hear about Sammy the Shark (“Sammy the Shark gets drawn to attention'', Gulf News, October 21). Almost all my friends at school are against keeping Sammy in an aquarium in Atlantis hotel. In fact, it would not be wrong to say that almost everyone in the country wants Sammy to be released. I am eagerly waiting for the day.
From Ms Sangrila Pattanaik
Dubai
Hidden agenda
Atlantis Hotel has achieved exactly what it intended (“Sammy the Shark gets drawn to attention'', Gulf News, October 21). The publicity and public sympathy surrounding the captivity of this gentle giant is a huge crowd puller. Ultimately, it would be a huge moneymaker for Sammy's captors. I urge Atlantis hotel to free Sammy and let her return to her world, as nature intended.
From Mr Brian Meredith
Dubai
Let her go
Gulf News's report wherein Atlantis hotel allegedly intended on capturing the whale shark came as a shock (“Sammy the Shark gets drawn to attention'', Gulf News, October 21). I was very depressed when I read the report, recently. It is a well-known fact that no one has ever been able to keep a whale shark in captivity for any length of time, because they are prone to die. I ask Atlantis hotel, to let Sammy go before it is too late.
From Ms Sue Giles
Dubai
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