Opinions | Letters
October 30, 2008
Letters to the Editor: October 30, 2008
- Gulf News
- Published: 23:43 October 29, 2008
Proud to be in the UAE
The attention the UAE receives is simply a reaction to the innumerable milestones this four-decade-old nation has achieved ("Get your facts right, please", Gulf News, October 24). I am ready to forgive people who believe that oil is the sole reason for UAE's success. If that were the case, several other countries with a surplus of natural resources would not be suffering still. For example, on the African continent, where people are in dire need of food and shelter. Be it a small team or an entire nation, the leader paves way for an admirable success story or outrageous failure. This can be cured if the leaders of countries that need help address the issues in a better manner. UAE is one of the safest places to live in, and I am proud to be a part of it.
From Mr Nasir I.
Sharjah
Not enough
The traffic signals at the Electra and Salam street junctions, in Abu Dhabi, need to be fine tuned immediately. The time allotted for pedestrians to cross the junction is insufficient. At least 45 seconds need to be allocated, keeping the distance in mind. Some pedestrians either jog or run in order to cross the road, for fear of being run over. I often see senior citizens and children panting at the end of a crossing. I hope the authorities do something about the issue.
From Ms Sharda Moorthy
Abu Dhabi
A win-win situation
A high cost of living and economic downturn might be forcing most mothers to take up jobs, in order to meet personal requirements ("Working mums", Gulf News, October 24). Concerned authorities should consider providing mandatory childcare at workplaces, since this is a win-win situation. Childcare is an issue not just for parents. In fact, it can prove to be beneficial for the nation as well as organisations that take up the initiative. The key merits of an on-site childcare are increased productivity and better loyalty amongst employees. This would only be possible if a child was on the same premises as its mother, as it would help reduce her stress.
From Mr Subhasis Mukherjee
Dubai
Inconvenient
I am doubtful whether the concept of self-service petrol stations will work ("Residents reluctant to embrace concept of self-service stations", Gulf News, October 26). Why should I as a customer have to step out of my car and fill petrol, when the service is being paid for? Is this not the job of the staff at the petrol station? I consider self-service petrol stations to be an inconvenience.
From A Reader
UAE
Name withheld by request
Full potential
This is in reference to the implementation of self-service stations. The fact remains that self-service petrol stations are comparatively more efficient than traditional methods of filling in petrol. However, it would be ideal if there were a facility to use credit cards. It amazes me that technology is not being utilised efficiently.
From Mr Rick Advano
Dubai
Help needed
I visited one of the self-service petrol stations recently. Having tried it, I think that the concept of paying before filling petrol does not make sense. It is inconvenient for customers to pay at the counter instead of the pump itself. Additionally, some people do not know how to use the pump and thus may cause delays. Attendants that help customers could play a decisive role in the success or failure of the system. I would be willing to use it, if I could pay with my credit card instead of waiting in queue at the cash counter.
From Mr Kumaran
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
Flawed system
A week after I applied for an etisalat internet connection, a technician came over to set it up. However, I had been given the incorrect username and password. On contacting the etisalat hotline, I was told that the issue was due to the bandwidth, which could be fixed. A few days later, the connection was fine and a technician would just have to configure it with my personal computer. However, at this point, etisalat confirmed that the username was in fact wrong. On visiting one of their offices, I discovered that I could not be given a new username. The information technology (IT) department was informed of the issue and promised to solve it within two weeks. I wonder how they managed to make such a mistake in the first place.
From Ms Saima Dhani
Sharjah
The management of etisalat replies: Please be advised that Ms Dhani's problem has been resolved and her Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) is working fine now.
Safety advice
Recently, the UAE experienced a series of tremors due to the earthquakes in Iran (“Latest tremor another sign of seismic activity in Iran'', Gulf News, September 19). For their safety, I advise all residents to always keep an extra pair of shoes, purse or handbag, mobile phone and other necessary items near the main door of their house. In case of emergencies, they would not have to run around at the last minute and would be able to handle the situation more efficiently.
From Mr Mickey Rai
Sharjah
Foreign education
For most residents, high prices have become a reason for concern. However, on the academic front, the fee for courses from reputed universities is equivalent to the fee structure abroad. Additionally, I think most people prefer studying in an American or European university. If a person can afford spending more than Dh50,000 per academic year, he or she has the ability of granting a child the opportunity to acquire a foreign degree.
From A Reader
Sharjah
Name withheld by request
Economic woes
As a resident of Abu Dhabi for a number of years, I find it truly astonishing how rapidly the Capital has grown into a thriving and vibrant city. However, I think greater attention needs to be paid to the socio-economic aspects of the country. Middle and low-income groups are very concerned — as the country expands, so will the demands of landlords. Without low-cost housing, survival has become trul unaffordable. A forum should be created whereby this common grievance could be expressed effectively.
From Mr Alistair Scott
Abu Dhabi
Competitive sides
Since I am a huge sport fanatic, I would have been quite disappointed if the Australian cricket tour in India had been cancelled (“Australian cricket team to go ahead with India test tour'', Gulf News, September 16). The Australian team — with or without batsman Andrew Symonds — is very aggressive. When a match between India and Australia is played, it is like watching a battle between champions or a thriller. The two teams never give up. However, the Australian team has certain advantages over the Indian team, when it comes to their overall morale. Placing pressure on opponents and taking responsibility for individual scores is very important. Despite these challenges, India usually manages to win against the Australians and has done this successfully on several occasions in the past.
From Mr Shaun J. Stephen
Dubai
Unsolved issue
It is a well-known fact that finding a taxi is a huge problem for residents in Dubai (“Taxis even harder to get in Ramadan'', Gulf News, September 18). This is true especially for female commuters. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) does not seem to understand the frustration and agony people are forced to endure, due to the scorching heat. Commuters wait for hours every day to hail a taxi and spend as much time in traffic congestion. I urge the authorities to please solve the issue.
From A Reader
UAE
Name withheld by request
Road culture
This is in reference to the shocking report on a child dying in a road accident recently (“Inattentive driver crushes a young life in Sharjah'', Gulf News, September 16). As a parent of three children, I cannot imagine the agony of Rickie Mathew's family. I would like to offer my condolences and support to his parents and urge families everywhere to be more vigilant when allowing children to cross the street. It is heartbreaking to read of such painful incidents. However, lorry and truck drivers in the UAE should be provided with formal training at least once a year. Some truck drivers tend to become careless and inconsiderate since their vehicles are stronger and much larger than others. I have often noticed that if a vehicle is entering a main road from a peripheral one, the approaching trucks intimidate motorists by tailgating, flashing their headlights or unnecessarily accelerating. It seems to be a technique to bully motorists. Moreover, in my daily commute towards Sharjah Airport at 7am, I have noticed many huge trucks plying on the road at a dangerous speed. I do not think trucks and lorries should be allowed to use roads during morning hours. Sometimes, they approach from the hard shoulder, too. There needs to be greater police presence on such roads, in order to stop them. Additionally, many light vehicles use the hard shoulder to evade sitting through the slow, but smooth traffic flow. I request the concerned authorities to look into this matter and help save lives.
From Mr Patrick Justin
Sharjah
Adequate locations
I think there is a need for designated food courts or eating areas for the convenience of people and tourists who do not fast during Ramadan (“Ramadan violators penalised Dh1,000'', Gulf News, September 17). With the increase in people from various cultural backgrounds, the UAE has become a cosmopolitan country. Additionally, pregnant women and people suffering from diabetes or hypertension need to eat at regular intervals and take their medicines on time. If it is not acceptable to eat in public on such occasions, there should be a sufficient number of designated locations so that people are able to eat without offending others.
From Mr Sanjay S. Nair
UAE
Basic needs
With no end to the rent hike, it is becoming difficult for many expatriates to survive (“Crackdown aimed at overcrowded residences in Dubai'', Gulf News, October 21). Most of the time, the rent itself is much more than the salary one earns. Middle-class families often require affordable accommodations that fall comfortably within their salary bracket. I urge the authorities to provide a lasting solution for such issues.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
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