November 24, 2008

Reduced to hapless bystanders
I am a housewife and decided to enrol for driving classes on my husband's insistence that I get a driving licence.

I joined a driving school in Al Ghusais, Dubai. After my classes one day, I decided to hire a taxi to go to Sharjah. It was 10.30am. I waited for over an hour and haplessly saw several empty taxis driving past.

When one cabbie finally did stop and I asked him to take me to a mall in Sharjah, he shot back whether anyone would want to go to Sharjah at that time.

Since I had to reach home before 12pm - the time when my three-year-old daughter returns from her nursery - I was left with no choice but to call my husband.

Why do taxi drivers refuse to take people from Dubai to Sharjah? That leaves people with no form of transport, given that public buses are too few and far in between.
From Ms Vidya Bipin
Dubai

Not lawless
I appreciate Gulf News's report on the Dutch couple that paid Rs10,000 (Dh741.23) for four samosas ("Samosas too hot for couple", Gulf News, November 18).

Bihar is not as developed as the other states in India, mostly due to the negligence of the central government and its leaders.

However, I completely disagree with the report when it represents Bihar as one of the most lawless states in India.

Recently, there was violence against innocent students in Mumbai in the presence of the state police.

Additionally, there have been other questionable events in other parts of India too.

The media should address such incidents in a more serious and honest manner.
From Mr Misbah Ahmad
Abu Dhabi

Where do we go?
I am a single woman working in Dubai and I heard on the radio that only family members could live together in an apartment.

How can I manage to afford the rent of a studio apartment by myself if my salary is not high enough? Where should single women go?

The authorities should understand the situation before implementing such rules.

Additionally, companies should increase the housing allowances or pay the rent for their employees' accommodation.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request

United we stand
There are many ways to achieve operational efficiency while protecting employees from any sort of global crisis ("Dubai sets up panel to assess crisis impact", Gulf News, November 19).

Before one solves an issue, it is necessary to evaluate the consequences of the solution.

An unsecured workforce might create more inconvenience. Additionally, a well-constructed plan can prevent organisations from all possible risks.

Let us protect our region from all threats by working together and putting in a joint effort.
From Ms Maram A. Al Zawaideh
Dubai

Adverse effects
The decision by banks to refuse loan applications could result in a deeper crisis ("Amlak puts temporary halt on new home loans", Gulf News, November 20).

Along with the banking industry, employees of contracting and consultancy firms would be adversely affected, too.

In the past, when major economies were in recession, the money lending and loans helped them stabilise at the end of the day.
From Mr John Paul
Dubai

No discrimination
I personally think that men are the worst traffic offenders ("Men are the worst traffic offenders in the capital", Gulf News, November 19).

Mr Riyaz Mohammad's belief that females are poor drivers and spend time either on the phone or while applying make-up is difficult to digest.

I would request him to look around and see what is happening on the roads. It is impossible to apply make-up in a moving vehicle.

Also, talking on the phone is very common and most men consider their car to be a second office. Please avoid gender discrimination!
From Ms Bindu Sathianesan
Dubai

Not worth it
My family has been here for the past five years and to see how all of us struggle to get to work every day is devastating.

Traffic issues have affected quality time that we need to spend together as a family. I guess this is the price we have to pay for working in a different city.

However, I am not sure if it is worth it all.
From A Reader
Name withheld by request
Sharjah

Thankful resident
I would like to thank the authorities for deciding to build a pedestrian bridge near the Ansar Mall ("Al Ittihad Road to get pedestrian footbridge", Gulf News, November 18).

However, I would like to request the authorities to consider a pedestrian bridge near Sahara Centre, too. This would help avoid accidents, since many people are seen crossing the road in the area.
From Mr Deepak K.
Dubai

Refreshing change
This is in reference to Adel Safty's report on the US elections, which reflects the contagious enthusiasm of Barack Obama's victory ("Promise of America is Still Alive", Gulf News, November 17).

Hope and change is the message put forward by US president-elect Obama. We often see news regarding the good role of individual soldiers.

However, Safty's column illustrates the need for a refreshing look at sources from the wider perspective.

I would like to thank him for such an approach.
From Mr Michael Copps
Ontario, Canada

On time
I think residents should be blamed for the sudden rush for ID cards ("No fines for expatriates who fail to register for ID cards", Gulf News, November 19).

It seems like people need to be forced to do things. When the authorities first introduced the cards, people did not take it seriously.

Finally, the authorities had to impose a deadline and now people are paying the price by waiting in endless queues in order to register.

I got my ID card in July and the entire process was well organised and prompt. People should do things on time, without any intervention by the authorities.
From Ms Jeny Michaels
Sharjah

Right of way
I recommend that all motorists be taught to stop at pedestrian crossings ("Pedestrians risk life and limb on Abu Dhabi's streets", Gulf News, November 21).

Often, drivers tend to race the pedestrian to the crossing. It should be made clear to motorists that pedestrians always have the right of way.
From Mr Dave
Abu Dhabi

Tempted
In Abu Dhabi, people are tempted to jaywalk because of certain open fences and railings on the sides of the roads.

Closing these fences would force pedestrians to use subways and therefore prevent fatal accidents from occurring.
From Mr Roy Allan
Abu Dhabi

Dismissed
I have often experienced near misses while crossing the road. It infuriates me that some people cross at the traffic signal with their children, when it is extremely unsafe.

If other pedestrians try to correct them, they consider them rude and dismiss them, saying they should not interfere in their personal matters.
From Mr B. Peetz
Abu Dhabi

Keeping faith
I believe that Indian cricketer M. S. Dhoni is successful because he has faith in his players and confidence in his abilities and that of his team ("Is Dhoni riding on his luck?", Gulf News, November 12).
From Mr Mustafa Yousuf
Ajman

All matter
I don't think that the victory of the Indian team is only because of Dhoni's luck. We need to look at the performance of other players too.
From Mr Fazal
Sharjah

Riding on luck
I generally believe that Dhoni is riding on loads and loads of luck but he has also got some flair for captaincy.
From A Reader
London, UK

Luck factor
I don't think Dhoni is the finest captain but his success comes from good luck.
From Mr Mizamur Rahman
Sharjah

Brilliant skipper
Dhoni is a brilliant captain. Yes, he is lucky but his brilliance shows in most of his games.
From Mr Raju V. Poulose
Dubai

False claims
Complaints about BITS, Pilani - Dubai are completely false, in my opinion ("Students see bleak future at BITS campus", Gulf News, November 14).

The institution is one of the leading universities in the Gulf and enjoys a reputable status with its parent campus in India.

Moreover, the teachers are highly experienced and make learning an enjoyable and interactive process. All the faculty members hired are PhD holders with good communication skills.

Additionally, those who say the institution is a moneymaking machine are just incapable of following the highly disciplined atmosphere of the institute.

They fail to understand that one has to work hard to acquire something prestigious in the end.
From Mr Brajesh Monga
UAE

Two sides
My son is a student at BITS, Pilani - Dubai and I would like to discuss the issues highlighted by Gulf News about the university ("Students see bleak future at BITS campus", Gulf News, November 14).

Most of the teachers are PhD holders. There may be a few who are not up to the mark but then every college has this element.

Can anyone point out a college where all the faculty members are rated as excellent? Moreover, when it comes to penalties, are we sending our children to be late or to cut class? Why would students be outside campus after 10pm?

When it comes to power supply shortage, my son resides in the dormitory and has never complained to me about it.

All diesel generators require periodical shut down and maintenance. However, this can be scheduled for dormitories while the students are attending classes.

Moreover, as far as I know, the university has not increased fees for students who joined in 2005, 2006 and 2007. They are paying the fees that were agreed upon at the time of joining.

This applies to the hostel fees as well. I would request the college to accept only students who are sure they want to study in it.

They would not have problems and objections later.
From Ms Prema Nadhan
Abu Dhabi

Good deeds
I was impressed by the report on the woman who turned her own backyard into a mini zoo thanks to the animals she rescued ("With a big heart and open doors, rescuer Aisha shows the way", Gulf News, November 16).

I think the community should appreciate people like her because she is providing a service out of love for animals - irrespective of their size.

The authorities should provide her with the extra space she needs to carry on with this wonderful mission. After all, school children could benefit from this too.
From Ms Ivette Lopez
UAE

Time for peace
Tolerance is a state of mind and in my opinion, not every adult is mature enough to realise this perspective ("Bush touches on right to choose religion at UN meet", Gulf News, November 14).

The biggest issue that stands in the way of practicing tolerance on a large scale is dogmas specific to each culture or tradition.

However, if leaders decide that they must follow the path of peace and make concessions that benefit cohabitation, they can achieve this goal.

Most importantly, leaders should be an example and practice what they preach.

I think countries such as the UAE and Indonesia are doing a good job, in this regard.
From Ms Olga Ann
USA

Fairness to all
All Arab nations must endeavour to bring together dissident groups and encourage them to understand the role they play (" Reconciliation a must for all Palestinians", Gulf News, November 11).

In the past, antagonistic policies have made Palestine a divided state. Millions of homeless Palestinians are living outside its borders.

I think the views and opinions of such refugees must be incorporated into the solution that Palestine would place before Israel.

It is a well-known dictum that if a house is divided, it cannot stand. Let us not forget Ralph Waldo Emerson's words - 'Nothing can bring you peace but yourself'.
From A Reader
Abu Dhabi
Name withheld by request

Not fair
In Gulf News's recent report, construction accidents were said to be common in India ("Bridge under construction collapses in Kashmir", Gulf News, November 16).

Moreover, little regard is said to be paid to safety measures, with shoddy materials being used.

It is sad to hear general statements and comments on Indian construction quality, especially when it is a budding economic superpower with a considerably high growth rate!
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request

On time
Expatriates should be advised as to how to complete the registration process for the ID card in time (No fines for expats who fail to register for ID cards, Gulf News, November 19).

They are obviously more than willing to register, but are unable to do so due to website issues and the lack of appointments.

I request the authorities to suggest how we can successfully register for our ID cards.
From Ms Minda C. Berena
Abu Dhabi

Complicated process
I had to wait for four hours in queue to get information on how to register for the ID card (Software relief for ID card misery, Gulf News, November 20).

The Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA) should ask companies to organise stalls for all their employees in order to make the process easier.

This will save a lot of time and inform us of the various requirements. The online registration allows us to print a barcode from a regular printer.

However, I am not sure whether my application for the appointment will be accepted.
From Mr Mani Raguram
Dubai

Our rights
It is good news that expatriates will not be fined if they fail to register for the ID card before the December 31 deadline (No fines for expats who fail to register for ID cards, Gulf News, November 19).

However, it still leaves some doubts in our minds. Would expatriates without an ID card be denied medical care, even if they have a proper insurance card?

I think it is every human's right to expect medical attention in case of an emergency.

Additionally, hospitals should not differentiate between professionals and non-professionals.
From Mr Shabir Zain Al Deen
Abu Dhabi