July 28, 2008

Praise for protectors
The scorching summer heat is only getting worse and the rise in temperature is often associated with the increase in fire-related accidents. With residents unable to do without air-conditioners, there could be a considerable rise in the numbers of fires breaking out, especially within the city. What is commendable, however, is the speed and efficiency with which such situations are handled. One has to commend all those involved - the brave people in the fire engines, ambulances and police vehicles - for managing the situation so impressively, over and over again. I praise our protectors, who play such a great role in ensuring our lives are safe and secure.
From Ms Jisy Matthew
Dubai

A hole in the pocket
The recent hike in visit visa fees is a blow not only to citizens from international business communities that require a visa to enter the UAE, but also to expatriate residents wishing to sponsor their relatives ("New procedures for visit visas to start soon", Gulf News, July 23). Local businesses that perform assessment and hiring procedures on candidates would see a decrease in numbers, thus driving up recruitment costs. The hike will also deter residents who wish to bring their relatives to visit the country during the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF). In these times of high inflation, the new rule burns another hole in our pockets. From Mr Mohammad Sadique
Dubai

Place to pray
Nowadays, it is very difficult to find space in mosques, especially during the Friday prayers. Mosques get filled early and many people are forced to pray along the roadside. It is extremely difficult to stand and pray for so long on the road in this harsh weather. As a city, Dubai has grown immensely and its population has increased considerably. I request the authorities concerned to please build more mosques in Bur Dubai, as they are urgently needed.
From Mr Nizam Mydeen
Dubai

Great success
Congratulations to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for winning the trust vote in the Indian Parliament ("Singh silences foes winning biggest battle of his career", Gulf News, July 23). He is an able and honest politician. Truly, as the news channels now chant "Singh is king", Indian politicians are wise in agreeing to keep the existing government running until May 2009. A general election in India can cost millions of dollars and the country cannot afford to squander such money. The time has come for them to endorse the nuclear deal, as it would be to their advantage. From Mr Rajendra K. Aneja
Dubai

High expectations
I am delighted that the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) won the confidence vote. It has paved the way for the much-needed nuclear deal, which will ultimately help India meet its energy requirements. Additionally, this victory puts a stop to their power-hungry opponents, the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP). With this defeat, the BJP will now have to part ways with the Left, as it will not serve the purpose of fulfilling their hidden agenda. We now expect further economic reforms from the present Indian government, as their immediate hurdles have been overcome.
From Mr Benito Fernandez
Dubai

Irresponsible
While driving in Sharjah recently, I indicated to show my intention to move to the next lane. However, I immediately received a few warning blasts from the horn of a bright yellow car belonging to a driving institute. I saw the motorist in my rear view mirror and waited for him to pass. While following him, I noticed he changed lanes to overtake a number of times, without using his indicators. Furthermore, when I eventually passed by him, I noticed that the driver was talking on his mobile phone. Why should people pay such irresponsible instructors for driving lessons?
From Mr Martin Oliver
Sharjah

Integrated taxis
The Roads and Transport Authority's (RTA) decision to legalise car-pooling is definitely a positive move that will help reduce traffic congestion ("RTA legalises car-pooling", Gulf News, July 22). But what about the huge number of empty taxis running between Dubai and Sharjah? An effective integration of the two cities' taxi services would definitely make a considerable impact and would enable us to avoid unnecessary fuel consumption as well. Additionally, shared taxis could also have effective results on the traffic situation, if legalised.
From Mr Rafeek Kunduvalappil
Dubai

Better system
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) keeps repeating that it aims to reduce the number of cars on Dubai roads. This is good news, but unless a functional and comprehensive public transport system is in place, such initiatives would not serve any real purpose. One such disastrous move by the RTA was the introduction of Salik. Although the word Salik means "clear" or "smooth-running", it has only created greater chaos on the roads. The authorities could have waited until the completion of the Dubai Metro to introduce tollgates.
From Mr Glen Vitus
Dubai

Odd work hours
I would like to bring to the notice of Dubai Municipality that their garbage-collecting vehicles often operate during the night or at odd hours such as 11am. I experience this many times, as the vans and trucks block the roads early in the morning, causing traffic jams at peak rush hours. As a consequence, we tend to be late for our work and schools. I would really appreciate if the authorities did something about the issue.
From Ms Madhavi Prabha
Dubai

Game of politics
The communists in India have finally pulled out of the Indian government coalition, as expected ("Left slams Singh-Bush bravado", Gulf News, July 10). Communists in the country were insignificant in numbers and their party also rendered itself irrelevant. A general election in India will cost huge amounts of money that a developing country cannot afford. Other parties should also take it slow for a few months, and should try not to accelerate elections in their desire to get power.
From Mr Rajendra K. Aneja
Dubai

Long overdue
Hiking school fees is a commendable step by the authorities ("School can hike fees by 30 %", Gulf news, July 6). I hope it would ease the financial woes of underpaid teachers. Education is the cornerstone of a healthy nation and quality of education comes at a price. Teachers cannot deliver their best if their efforts are not duly rewarded or if they cannot make ends meet. The authorities should keep a tab on school affairs to ensure that schools fairly apportion revenues for the faculties, and good teachers are duly rewarded.
From Mr Subhasis Mukherjee
Dubai

Added burden
I think the hike in school fees would be a burden for the majority of expatriates ("School can hike fees by 30 %", Gulf news, July 6). The salaries of individuals are increasing by a maximum of 10 to 15 per cent, while rent prices and other costs of living are increasing at a much higher rate every day.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request

Nothing to watch
It is sad to note that the UAE, which holds the International Cricket Council (ICC) headquarters and tries its best to promote the game of cricket, did not telecast the matches on a popular local cable network. As many are aware, the majority of expatriates in the UAE are South Asians. Many of them are cricket lovers from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. I also think that cable providers in the region have a wide range of channels that are of no use to many, and I do not see why consumers have to pay for them as a package, especially at the cost of the channels they are actually interested in. I urge these companies to think of the consumers first.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request

Raise fines
Personally, I do not think the installation of mobile cameras will change the driving habits of motorists in the UAE ("More video camera will track down reckless Dubai drivers", Gulf News, July 7). While these cameras might catch drivers who are not paying attention or who are talking on their mobile phones, other drivers will probably notice the cameras and slow down, as they do when they see stationary cameras. I think it would be more effective if the penalties for violations were raised.
From Mr K. Nielsen
Dubai

Need a raise
The cost of living has become very high. If the private sector had increments in salaries, proportionate to the hike in rent prices, we would be able to keep up with our evolving lifestyles. Rent, water and electricity costs are the three main issues causing worry among residents.
From A Reader
UAE
Name withheld by request

Poor management
In my opinion, the efforts of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) are failing to gain value due to the poor management of affairs. Surprisingly, it has become normal for me to wait for a bus for two hours everyday. I feel that complaints are useless.
From Mr Nanjundanathan Manoharan
Dubai

Very disappointed
Local television channel providers failed to show the live coverage of Asia Cup, a cricket tournament that was recently held in Pakistan. Upon enquiry at their call centre, I received the response that the coverage was unavailable in the entire Middle East region. Claiming to be the one of the largest television software providers in the country, shouldn't they have somehow arranged for the feed?
From Mr Vinod Bhatia
Dubai

Unfair practice
I have been having a very hard time finding a suitable flat for rent in Abu Dhabi . The authorities should take strict action to stop unfair practices when it comes to rent. Additionally, I request landlords to keep a strict watch on their flats and assure that the person living there is the person who rented the place.
From A Reader
Abu Dhabi
Name withheld request

Strange rules
The recent rule introduced by the authorities banned short-run visit visa change, and allowed entry to visit visa holders only after 30 days from the date of exit ("Short visa runs set to end, says UAE official", Gulf News, June 27). I found this very strange, as I believe the new rule serves no real purpose. As a matter of fact, it may even hamper economic growth, mainly in the form of reduced visa processing revenues, lesser number of visitors to the country and reduced consumer spending.
From Mr Rajesh Aryajeet
Dubai

Political conflicts
Having read Gulf News's recent report, I am now convinced of the petty arguments put forward by the leftist party in India ("Boon or blow to India nuke policy", Gulf News, July 5). As always, the left opposes anything for the sake of political mileage and teaches its masses to be resistant and become prisoners of ideology. Its unwillingness to be part of the central government while extending outside support is an example of its unwillingness to take on responsibilities. It seems that their strategy is merely concentrated on keeping their cadres hopeful for the imaginary tomorrows. Additionally, they seem to be making sure that their economic conditions remain archaic, in order to use them for their agendas of resistance, strikes and violent activities.
From Ms Aatta Khaleel
Dubai