Opinions | Letters
September 22, 2008
Letters To The Editor - September 22, 2008
- Gulf News
- Published: 00:04 September 22, 2008
Lost out, be careful
Recently, I had gone to watch a movie in a cinema hall in Sharjah. Most of the seats were vacant, since it was a late night show. Thereby, I did not find it inappropriate to place my belongings on an empty seat besides me.
Unfortunately, someone managed to sneak in and steal my purse. I was shocked with the experience and request everyone to be extremely careful of his or her belongings while in a cinema.
From Ms Sonia Kumar
Dubai
Hidden beauty
Al Ain is a one of a kind tourist destination. It can be the perfect escape from a busy lifestyle. The main attractions include farms, lush greenery and clear blue skies. Simply put, it is like a breath of fresh air. I have a few suggestions to make though. For one, Al Ain Hili Fun City needs to be renovated and Al Ain Zoo revamped.
The museum could buy more artwork and encourage local artists to better their creativity.
From A Reader
UAE
Name withheld per request
Respecting culture
I have just returned from vacationing in Ireland and was surprised to notice that there was no mention of Ramadan during my flight back. At the very least, I expected posters or flyers to be handed out, explaining the significance of Ramadan, especially as the plane was full of expatriates. It is necessary for people to be aware of the do's and don'ts, so as to understand and respect local culture.
From Ms Lyndon T.
Abu Dhabi
No choice
I came to Dubai two years ago in search of a new job ("RTA claims success with Salik gates," Gulf News, September 17). I rented a house close to my office as it was convenient and saved me travel time. The first Salik tollgate did not affect me financially. However, now I have no choice but to cross the new Salik tollgates, including Al Safa Park junction, in order to reach my residence. This costs me Dh8, every day, for a distance that is covered in 10 minutes. The new tollgates should have been introduced once there was a better public transportation. It is unfair for people paying high rents to have to incur additional expenses.
From Mr Ramiz Nino
Dubai
Uninformed drivers
I use the taxi service in Dubai to go to church at 6.30am, every Friday. Ever since Al Maktoum Bridge tollgate has come into effect, I pay each time I take the route. Last week, I asked the taxi driver what the operational hours of the tollgate were, and he did not have a response. I request the authorities to inform taxi drivers of the timings for the tollgates.
From Mr P. Johnson
Dubai
Nightmare
The implementation of the new Salik tollgate at Al Maktoum Bridge is unacceptable. Travelling to Dubai Media City will now cost us a lot. First I would have to pass through Al Maktoum Bridge tollgate, followed by Al Safa Park tollgate. The latter is still adequate, but for a frequent traveller like myself, crossing two gates, twice a day, is quite unfair. Trying to avoid the tollgate leads to more trouble, as the alternative routes are completely jammed.
From Ms Val
Dubai
Full name withheld per request
Sinking bridge
I believe Al Maktoum Bridge tollgate should be operational only during peak hours. I live in Karama, and have never faced any problems while using it. However, since the installation of the tollgate in the area, all traffic gets diverted to the Floating Bridge, which is congested at any given time of the day. There is a need for an alternative route, otherwise the Floating Bridge could soon turn into a sinking bridge.
From Ms Behin Ardakani
Dubai
Traffic control
I have been a resident of Sharjah for the past 10 years. As my office is located in Dubai, I have to leave home at 7.40am, in order to make it to work on time. I usually take Al Ittihad Road route and on some occasions, have been stuck in traffic for four hours at a stretch. I believe the traffic flow would be much smoother, if signals were installed. Al Ta'awun area is the worst, and a traffic control system is much needed to ease congestion. Agitated motorists drive on illegal roads and tend to cause accidents. Police presence in the area could also help control traffic movement.
From Mr Biju M. John
Dubai
Forgotten colour
This is in reference to Ms Nazneen Mughal's letter ("Count down", Gulf News, September 15). She seems to have forgotten the existence of the amber light, which is a notification for motorists to slow down. What if people cannot read the timer from a distance? They will still have to brake in a hurry, when approaching the signal. One cannot expect the police to stop people just in case they are unable to spot the timer.
From Mr Anthony Permal
Singapore
Can't do it alone
This is in reference to Joseph A. Kechichian's comment on Islam ("Condemn Giuliani's war on Islam", Gulf News, September 15). It is one of the best discussions I have read in recent times. There is a clash going on between fundamentalists on both sides. We, moderates, need to take back the debate from those spewing intolerance, fear and hatred. If we do not, I am afraid that there will be no victors. We cannot do it alone, despite what many may think. America needs the world as much as the world needs America.
From Mr Asad Khan
Tennessee, USA
Rude encounter
I was running my car on reserve fuel, and on finding a petrol pump, I started to head towards the exit. Suddenly, I realised there was a car behind me. I reverted to my lane and gave the motorist an opportunity to drive on.
However, the driver continued to block my way and made sure I missed the petrol pump. I fail to understand such behaviour. Fortunately, I managed to reach the next petrol pump on time.
From Mr Nasser Usmani
Dubai
Blocked junction
The traffic on Al Safa road has increased drastically in the recent past. A junction at this road is always blocked due to drivers with no discipline, who enter the lanes even when it is not clear. These block traffic from both sides. Police patrolling is essential in such areas so as to spot mistakes and guide traffic in the right manner. This would also help avoid accidents and traffic congestions. This is a practice, which is common internationally and I hope the local authorities do take it into consideration.
A problem such as this can be easily solved, if the proper measures are taken.
From Mr Remi W. Maloney
Dubai
Wonderful job
The Sharjah police have been doing a wonderful job in coordinating traffic at the National Paints roundabout. This area has long been reported for chronic traffic congestions. Many people have requested for the installation of traffic signals. I feel this should have been done before the Al Wahda road's closure. The situation is bound to get worse after Ramadan. I hope the police will continue to guide the traffic until signals are installed.
From Mr Vivek Vigh
Dubai
Change the system
Teachers salaries may be low compared to other professions, but how many teachers working today are real professionals, and capable of imparting reliable information ("Teachers across the UAE will now require licence", Gulf News, September 11)? I believe that most of them are housewives who just want to bring in additional income for the family, as the cost of living is very high. Today, schools are probably giving greater importance to the standard of education, as it affects the image and reputation of the school. But isn't it important to provide high quality education to pupils, starting at the kindergarten level, instead of pressurising them in high school? Parents either assist young children in studying or send them for tuitions to get extra help and understand the course material. The curriculum is extremely tough, and it is equally hard to score well. I believe professional teachers would never think of the remuneration that is being offered, but will instead make sure that their students excel in studies and extracurricular activities. When pupils studying in the Gulf visit India, they are always found to be lagging behind the pupils who are currently studying there. Most Indian-based schools find expatriate pupils not up to the mark, and request them to take tailored entrance examinations. This attitude needs to change.
From Mr Prasanna Narayan
Sharjah
New leader required
It was great to hear that South Indian actor Chiranjeevi is entering politics in Andhra Pradesh, in India ("Telegu film actor launches new political party", Gulf News, August 26). We are tired of seeing the same old leaders, who do not seem to be concerned about their people. We need a leader who does not consider the opposition parties as enemies, but rather focuses on the actual enemies of the nation — which is hunger, poverty and unemployment. The domination of higher castes in running the state has left others without any representation. If given a chance, Chiranjeevi could bring in a lot of positive changes. His blood and eye banks have already helped many poor patients.
From Mr Srihari Rajole
Ajman
An unfair act
I was really disappointed after reading about the nurses in Abu Dhabi ("Abu Dhabi nurses protest over sackings", Gulf News, August 18). The residents of Abu Dhabi need these nurses, and yet the existing ones were terminated. Is this fair? Such an act will only limit the recruitment process for nurses from outside the country. Nurses applying from abroad will reconsider coming to the UAE. What everybody needs is job security, more than just a routine job day after day. Moreover, this will affect the morality of the existing staff at Al Mafraq Hospital.
From Ms Raino Raju
Abu Dhabi
Acquired knowledge
The authorities should question the officials responsible for the termination of the nurses working in Al Mafraq Hospital ("Abu Dhabi nurses protest over sackings", Gulf News, August 18). They believed that the nurses were not in accordance or up to the standard of the hospital and the profession itself. I believe the nurses who were terminated have been in the service for a long time. Thus, over the years, they have acquired the skills, knowledge and a professional attitude.
From Ms Kiko Tan III
Abu Dhabi
Unfortunate events
Pakistan seems to be very unfortunate when it comes to good leadership. First, the prime minister was killed. Then many others went by, until Mohammad Ayub Khan took the reins and steered the country to a glorious decade of progress as president. But he silently disappeared, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was hanged, Mohammad Zia ul Haq vanished and Benazir Bhutto was assassinated. Now, Pervez Musharraf — the one person who managed to guide the country out of the quagmire of the 1990s — has been forced to resign. One feels ashamed. Those who are succeeding are free because of a law pardoning them of all their sins, but they may face the same music in the years to come.
From Mr Dawoodi Morkas
Sindh, Pakistan
Indian delight
I am delighted to see the report on Indian independence, which covered the various functions at the Indian Embassy ("Indians mark Independence Day", Gulf News, August 15). The guests were Indian expatriates, from different age groups, who represented a microcosm of India. The colourful photographs, and in particular a student raising the national flag, deserved to be published.
From Mr S. P. Ramachandran
Tamilnadu, India
Not satisfied
I do not mind filling my cars petrol tank, but I believe it is barbaric to not have pay stations at the pump ("Self-service a step too far for some UAE drivers", Gulf News, August 17). I wanted to fill my car's tank, and went into the mart to give them a deposit, but I was asked to tell them the exact amount. They eventually allowed me to give a deposit, and later refunded my balance. They believe they will lose money, since people might not want to fill their own car's petrol tanks. It is in fact too hot, and I would prefer to pay at the pump itself.
From Ms Jodie A.
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
Service made easy
It is difficult to understand how self-service petrol stations are supposed to help make things easier for motorists ("Self-service a step too far for some UAE drivers", Gulf News, August 17). In my opinion, it would be better if motorists were charged according to the amount of gasoline in their car while exiting the pump. They should be able to pay at a pre-paid machine. The idea as a whole is excellent, but the execution is wrong.
From Mr Asif Khan
UAE
Solution required
The transportation service between Dubai and Sharjah is awful. Traffic congestions continue without any remedial action. The authorities should at least ask commuters to suggest solutions, and seriously consider them. I hope they manage to solve this problem in the immediate future.
From Mr Nanjundanathan Manoharan
Dubai
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