June 3, 2008

My guardian angel
I recently met with an accident when the front tyre of my four-wheel-drive vehicle burst at a roundabout in Mussafah.

The vehicle was completely damaged, and I was in shock. I managed to get out of the car with much difficulty, and was surprised to see a police officer approaching me.

He seemed to be my guardian angel as he helped me sit by the roadside and called an ambulance. I was well taken care of by the doctors at the emergency ward as well.

I salute Abu Dhabi Police and the city's medical staff for their dedicated services.
From Mr Subhankar Ghosh
Abu Dhabi

A visit in vain
My recent visits to Dubai have been quite fruitless. I could neither shop nor see any of the tourist sites because there were no taxis willing to take me to my destination.

How are people expected to wait for hours for taxis to pick them up? Usually, vacant taxis drive right past us, with most giving priority to female passengers.

The unreliability of taxis is having a negative effect on the city as a tourist hub.
From Mr Mohammad Jeneby
UAE

Long journey
For a long time, we have been hearing about the Road and Transport Authority's (RTA) expansion of Emirates Road and how it has helped ease traffic.

But just where do they expect the vehicles to go once they reach the Arabian Ranches roundabout?

Travelling every day towards Arabian Ranches is a nightmare, especially since the traffic extends all the way to Jebel Ali.

It now takes me up to one hour to get back from the roundabout to Dubai Investment Park after dropping my children to school.

This is a shame, considering the fact that it is only a 15-kilometre-long journey.
From Ms Caroline Tapken
Dubai

Get the facts right
Gulf News readers are jumping to conclusions without understanding what the concept of face-controlled policies at nightclubs actually mean ("Prejudice", Gulf News, May 27).

The policy simply means that there is a dress code in place and selective entry at the door.

If a very important person were in line at the club, the policy would require him to be ushered in much quicker than others.

I think readers should get their facts right before accusing others of being racist!
From Mr Leon Mansi
Dubai

Great timing
I thank the UAE's authorities for helping me with my personal battle against smoking ("Increasing tobacco prices to discourage teen consumption", Gulf News, May 29).

I decided to quit smoking last year and fortunately for me, a smoking ban was initiated in the country's malls.

It felt like I was in the right place at the right time.

I wholeheartedly applaud the increase in the price of cigarettes, as the main reason for smoking among teenagers is the fact that it is cheap and easily available.
From A Reader
Ajman
Name withheld by request

Keep an eye on children
Banning smoking in public places is a great idea and so is increasing the price of cigarettes, but I think teenagers will find a way around this law ("Smoking banned in Sharjah", Gulf News, May 28).

Parents should have some control over how they spend their allowance. Nowadays, children have a lot of freedom, which is why it has become easier for them to get into bad habits.

I urge the authorities to take action so that we can all live longer, healthier lives.
From Mr Adel Al Attar
Dubai

Spiralling rent
We moved to our current residence in Al Nahda in order to avoid the terrible traffic we usually found on the way to work and back.

However, our rent has now increased by 50 per cent, for reasons the building owner cannot justify.

The landlord has not done any maintenance work in the building, tenants have not been provided with any facilities, and there is a minimum provision of parking space for residents.

While other emirates are implementing rent caps, why can't Sharjah maintain its cap, especially when a large number of expatriates reside in the emirate?
From A Reader
Sharjah
Name withheld by request

Impose a limit
The number of people living in Karama has shot up drastically. The area used to be a great place about a decade ago, but it now resembles a cluttered district.

With the passage of time, shared apartments have transformed into shared rooms.

Nowadays, with the arrival of bachelors and workers from various lands, many people are allowing beds to be shared over certain time periods.

I urge the authorities to impose a limit on the number of people allowed to share a room.
From Mr S. K. Mehta
Dubai

More transparency
Having been in Dubai for the past four years, I would like to commend the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (Rera) for proceeding to be a regulatory board with teeth and for keeping the public informed with their announcements ("Rent index could hurt Dubai tenants", Gulf News, May 26).

The concept of a rent index is very good. It will help new expatriates have an idea of the cost of living when they negotiate new contracts and will also help highlight the housing issue for companies that are hiring employees.

Additionally, there will be more transparency in the process.
From Ms Penny Fowler
Dubai