August 10, 2008

Tragic situation
That is just so sad! What kind of person would leave a helpless woman like that ("Coma woman in hospital for five years", Gulf News, August 6)?

It makes me proud to see Dubai Hospital doing everything they can to help her. I hope they continue their amazing work.

Also the same holds for the Finnish community in Dubai. I think they should try harder to stay close and help her out. From Mr M.I. Abu Al Huda
Dubai

Terrible state
It was really sad to read about the plight of the Finnish woman in a coma at the local hospital. It is disgraceful that the rest of the family just abandoned her.

It is disgraceful on part of the Finnish authorities to abandon their own citizen, too.

I offer sincere appreciation to the nurses and staff of the hospital for taking the responsibility to care for her needs.
From Mr Arjun
Abu Dhabi

In tears
This story pierces my heart like a sword. Who would abandon his wife, and which son his mother at such a time? I am in tears.
From Ms Nancy Karimi
Dubai

Needs help
I am part of the Ivory Tower Investor Action Group ("Dubai gives ultimatum to Saudi developer", Gulf News, August 5). I have no confidence in the management of Sokook.

If they are struggling to build the tower, our best hope is that another approved developer steps in, takes over and does a professional job of the building.

I have no doubt we will have a long and arduous road ahead if Sokook management, in their present state, stay in charge!
From A Reader
Name withheld by request
Sydney, Australia

Good report
I am impressed with the media for playing such a positive role. Property business is growing in Dubai and many investors internationally are keen to see how this is regulated.

These kinds of articles are read with great interest and the readers are keen to know the outcome.
From Ms Naila Malek
UK

Disappointed
I am a fellow investor and was very disappointed at the steps taken by Sokook. Firstly we are being punished for taking our business to Sokook.

They fail to understand that we chose to invest in their project and loyally paid our installments as per the contract, yet construction of the Ivory Tower did not even commence.

There is a great danger in the making should Sokook succeed in their tactics as this will encourage many other developers to follow suit.
From a reader
UAE
Name withheld by request

No choice
As an employee at a bank, it has become extremely difficult and frustrating for me to live in Dubai without a car.

I spend about Dh100 every day on transport, which includes going to and from my workplace, travelling to the driving institute for classes and commuting for business appointments.

I have appeared for my final road test three times and spent Dh5,500 so far, but have not yet succeeded. I do not understand what examiners look for during road tests.

They should understand that driving a car in this country is not a luxury, but a necessity, for 90 per cent of the residents.
From Mr Sundeep Chauhan
Dubai

Banning won't help
Having read Gulf News's reports on smoking bans over the past year, I was surprised by the upcoming ban in public parks ("Dubai to stub out smoking in public parks", Gulf News, August 5).

Banning smoking in certain areas and allowing smokers to do as they please in others will not solve anything.

Why isn't anyone going straight to the source of the problem? I think we should start with companies who produce and deliver tobacco and cigarettes to the market.
From Ms Catalina C.
Dubai

Lost enthusiasm
My husband and I stayed in Dubai for one night as part of our honeymoon. When we went out the next morning to look for a taxi to the airport, it was an impossible task.

Consequently, we were unable to catch our flight and lost Dh4,500 for the non-refundable tickets.

We lost one whole day of our trip, and more importantly, lost enthusiasm to visit the city some other time.
From Ms Aisha Taher
UAE

Extend the ban
I do not think a year's ban is appropriate punishment for Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Asif ("Tainted Asif faces stiff penalties", Gulf News, August 6).

The ban should be for at least three to five years or for a lifetime, so that newcomers can learn from his example. His action was an insult to the game and his team.
From Mr Qaiser Malek
Dubai

Understanding culture
I welcome the move by the authorities to start free Arabic classes for expatriates in Dubai.

Such classes are much needed in Abu Dhabi as well, as many expatriates are unable to learn the language due to high fees charged by Arabic teaching institutes.

I would request the authorities to kindly look into the matter, as this will facilitate in the understanding of culture in a better manner.
From Mr Mirza S. Baig
Abu Dhabi