February 5, 2008

Much needed coverage
I thank Gulf News for the heavy coverage of traffic accidents in the UAE. It is very appropriate and extremely necessary. It means a lot to me because my mother was killed in a road accident when I was two years old, and no one cared about it. I am very disappointed with my country's [America] lack of coverage of road accidents. We could and should learn some lessons from the UAE.
From Mr Jim Burtnett
USA

Expensive sport?
Golf with my friends once or twice a week soon permeated the fabric of my social life and became a constant source of relaxation and enjoyment, providing a balance to the sometimes hectic life here in Dubai ("Officials defend high green fees", Gulf News, February 1). Unfortunately over Dh500 green fees per round is just too much to allow me to play on a regular basis. There are long waiting lists for a membership at other clubs even if I could afford the high fees. The friends I used to play with, who were lucky enough to obtain mid-week memberships at other clubs, now complain that none of us can join them in a game as we used to, due to the cost. The departure of golf is a considerable loss and is keenly felt.
From Mr Anthony Ram
Dubai

Secular and informed
During a recent visit to Dubai, my colleague and I were positively surprised by the tolerance of the UAE. It is a very secular country. During our hotel stay, we received a complimentary copy of Gulf News. As investors, mostly in German stocks, we felt the paper provided apt information not only about the UAE, but also about the rest of the world. It helped to know what was happening in the overseas economies. To say the least, we felt adequately informed! It is with great astonishment that we realised the gigantic building boom in the UAE. We wish this country and its people all the very best!
From Mr Volker Westerborg
Frankfurt, Germany

Live the experience
There is a very simple solution to the ongoing taxi problem. Just have the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) officials dress up as civilians, hail a taxi and live the experience. If the taxi refuses to stop or go to a certain location, note down the number and fine the driver/company immediately. I include the companies, as they are equally responsible for the plight and condition of the taxi service today. This move might ensure that taxis provide the right level of service and instant results.
From Mr Anand Subramanian
Dubai

Not possible
With reference to Mr Shamsheer's letter of using Burj Dubai as a compass for Dubai and Sharjah, I wish to bring to everyone's kind notice that though it is a tower with awe-inspiring height, visible even from miles away, the base unfortunately is round in shape ("Sky-high compass", Gulf News, January 31). Thus, one can only use it as a landmark to show the general direction of Dubai or Shaikh Zayed Road or even Jumeirah beach. However, it s not possible, logically or practically, for someone to steer his/her way towards Karama, Bur Dubai or any other area within Dubai just by compassing his/her way around the 360?tower.
From Mr Jogayak Chatterjee
Sharjah

Paying for traffic
The traffic bound for Sharjah remains the same, so what is the use of paying/charging Salik? The traffic jam starts as soon as we cross the Salik tollgate. Additionally, there is no other exit that can help avoid traffic. This means that one has to pay in order to get stuck in a traffic jam and waste precious or otherwise productive time. I think the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) need to seriously note this issue.
From Mr Rakhee Ghosh
Sharjah

Operation Metro
I have been in Dubai since 1992 and have seen it change for the better and in some cases, for the worst. Traffic is one such example. As early as 2001, driving a car was a pleasurable experience. However, it is now a curse. I truly hope that the Dubai Metro, when completed, will bring about the much-needed traffic relief for commuters. Additionally, more tollgates should be installed only after the public transport such as buses and Metro is fully operational.
From Mr Parthasarathy Ramesh
Dubai

Astonished find
Considering the fact that Mr Kuldip Nayar is an ex-politician, I was astonished to read his column on Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf ("A lot at stake for Pervez Musharraf", Gulf News, February 2). How could he make such a wrong assessment about Pakistan and Musharraf? There are certain prerequisites for democracy. Among them are character and conviction, which under a mainly feudal system, is hard to find in Pakistan. That is what Musharraf is talking about, that we are not ready for democracy now. Most of the opposition leaders are results of a feudal system.
From Mr Nihal Seddiqi
Texas, US

Wrong number
We keep getting calls from various authorities and banks enquiring about an ex-tenant of our current apartment. Despite repeated declarations about not knowing the whereabouts of the said person, the calls continue to pour in, nowadays coupled with rude remarks. We suggested they check with the building owner/police/consulates/immigration department to sort the matter out but with no luck. Hope good sense prevails for all
From Mr Subhasis Mukherjee
Dubai
Gulf News Readers Club member

Hassle-free travel
I would like to make some suggestions to improve the bus service in Dubai (“A long and weary bus ride'', Gulf News, January 13). In some areas, passengers are forced to wander from one end of the road to the other to catch a bus and this has become really tiresome and absurd. As a solution, bus stops should be made at reasonable distances to stop people from walking too far. Also, I have observed some bad mannered passengers disturbing females on buses and in queues. As in India, there should be specific queues for different buses in order to avoid pushing and shoving. This will also be more convenient for ladies who are getting in and out of the vehicle. These are very easy solutions, which can be implemented immediately to offer passengers hassle-free travel in Dubai's public transport system.
From Mr Keshav Nair
Dubai

Nightmare ride
It is indeed a nightmare to rely on the bus service of Dubai (“A long and weary bus ride'', Gulf News, January 13). I have to take bus number 27 to my office every day. But although the schedule says buses arrive every 20 minutes at peak time, they usually show up after an hour. In most cases, two buses arrive simultaneously, which makes no sense. If someone misses the bus, they are left with no choice other than to wait for another hour (or more) to catch the next one. Also, the buses never adhere to their scheduled time and are unpredictable. I could catch a bus near the Dubai clock tower at 5.30pm one evening and the next day I could catch it at 6.10pm. We can't blame the traffic for the situation because at this time there is always less traffic from Maktoum Road to the Trade Centre. We are tired of complaining. The toll free number provided produces no response. I appreciate Gulf News for bringing up this issue and hope the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will consider this matter very seriously.
From Mr Mridul Nair
Dubai

Seats for females
Thank you for the editorial about bus journeys being long and tiresome (“A long and weary bus ride'', Gulf News, January 13). When I read the article, I could relate to it — such things are really happening and all commuters experience the same ordeals when taking the bus. I hope the authorities will take immediate action, with the introduction of a greater number of buses and more consideration toward women. In each bus, females have only 12 priority seats available, and since standing is not allowed anymore, this space is definitely not enough. I hope the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will make some revisions in their public transport system and improve their service.
From Ms Arcel Josef
Dubai

Washed clean
With three days of continuous rain, there have been direct effects — some bad, but some very good (“It is raining losses for the economy'', Gulf News, January 16). I noticed one of the most interesting results while on my way back from work. All the beautiful buildings on Shaikh Zayed Road looked squeaky clean and were sparkling in the late afternoon sun! It truly was a marvellous sight to behold.
From Mr Dennis Oommen
Dubai

Winter rain
I never imagined there could ever be such heavy rainfall in the UAE (“Downpour continues as Dubai received record rainfall'', Gulf News, January 16). The combination of rain, followed by the cold winter season, has made Dubai even more attractive and glamorous. Having been in the UAE for the past 15 years, I finally enjoyed the real aspects of winter.
From Mr Syed Khadime Rasul
Dubai

Consequences
Since US President George W. Bush's visit to this part of the world, at least 38 Gazans were killed and another 1,500 were injured as a result of Israeli military attacks (“Bush's UAE visit is significant'', Gulf News, January 15). This escalation of violence came right after Bush's trip to Israel and Ramallah, as Israel enjoyed the obvious green light from the US while the Arab and Islamic world sat by and watched. For anyone who might believe that Bush's visit would improve the lives of Palestinians in general and of Gazans in particular, let me assure you that the opposite has occurred.
From Mr Mohammad Ali
UAE

Music for malady
Patrick Seale's article brought tears to my eyes (“The fallout from the Gaza event'', Columns/Region, Gulf News, February 1). Israel closed the Gaza crossings, but this humanitarian crisis did not even feature on major Western news channels or websites. Where are the brave high-profile humanitarian musicians such as Bono and Bob Geldorf? Imagine a group of Palestinian children singing against a backdrop of Israel's barrier. Their words will be every bit as true as they were in the original apartheid setting. Please, peace-loving musicians, try to help, as one can only despair at the politicians' efforts.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request

Schools add to jam
I would like to bring to the attention of the authorities the fact that traffic in Dubai is growing in ridiculous proportions every day (“Ministry studies proposal to change school timing'', Gulf News, January 9). I suggest that school timings be changed and moved to at least 9am, as the peak rush hours coincide with their opening hours. This causes a delay to everyone, especially those who are travelling on Shaikh Zayed Road.
From Ms Janive C.
Dubai
Full name withheld by request

Tragedy
The tragedy of the D'Costa family was heart wrenching (“Man in coma dies after tragic road accident'', Gulf News, February 1). May God give strength to his loved ones. Nowadays, we never know what the next day will bring. When my kids are on the road, I always pray for their safe return.
From Mr Ashraf Mirza
Georgia, USA