September 11, 2008

Desperate measures
Recently, in order to resolve a problem with my bank, I decided to speak to its customer service. I dialled the customer care centre from my mobile and was put on hold for a long time. Frustrated, I decided to drive to the bank, while my call was still on hold. Once I reached the bank, I gave the mobile to the manager and showed him how 'efficient' the service of his bank's toll free number was. I placed just one condition - he would have to wait just like I did, until someone actually attended to the call. Desperate times call for desperate measures!
From Mr Nasser Usmani
Dubai

Ready availability
People seem to be constantly complaining about high food prices in the UAE. However, if one observes the amount of food people buy and consume, one can only conclude the opposite. Food here is very cheap. It is the ready availability of cheap food that is leading to over-indulgence on the part of many. If food were really expensive, it would force people to eat only what their bodies required. It would do away with overeating and wastage.
From Mr Mumtaz Younus
Abu Dhabi

Time for change
Now that Asif Ali Zardari has become the president of Pakistan, he has to make some changes ("Now that he is elected, he should act'", Gulf News, September 8). Pakistan is badly in need of foreign exchange. Additionally, Zardari has wasted a lot of time on minor issues; he must focus on the country's economy, security, education, employment, and the rate of exports. The time has come for him to prove that he is capable of solving Pakistan's problems, instead of creating more trouble.
From Mr Javed Mustafa
Dubai

What about men?
I agree with Ms Gina Suico that non-Muslims should dress conservatively, out of respect for Muslims, during Ramadan ("Decent dress," Gulf News, September 7). However, I find it sexist that people always talk about how women should dress conservatively. What about men? They too should refrain from wearing shorts, sleeveless shirts, or revealing athletic wear, but nobody ever seems to mention this. Men can be just as guilty as women for dressing inappropriately.
From Ms Emily
Dubai
Full name withheld by request

Focus on praying
I agree with the reader that mobile phones must be banned in mosques, especially during prayers ("Ring tone menace upsets worshippers in UAE mosques," Gulf News, September 8). People should be considerate of other worshippers. Notices must be plastered visibly outside all mosques and worshippers reminded not to use their phones prior to the start of the prayer. This will discourage people from bringing their mobile phones to mosques. Besides, one should be concentrating while praying and not disturb others.
From Ms Miton Vergara
Abu Dhabi

Reform, please
I think all Gulf News readers are frustrated and infuriated by the random and capricious declarations by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). So far we have been treated to edicts on carpooling, removal of older cars, the Salik nonsense, I don't know where to stop. Is there anyone actually researching these policies beforehand? I would like some reform.
From Mr Kant Sakhir
USA

Frustrated visitors
While it is a good move to urge expatriates to register with embassies, I would like to request someone from Gulf News to visit the Indian consulate, in Dubai, as a general visitor and experience the service on a first hand basis. They offer the worst service and the behaviour of the staff is as if they are doing the visitors a huge favour by attending to them. Additionally, there is no facility to sit and wait, which results in a lot of frustrated visitors.
From Mr Naresh Kumar Devra
Dubai

The management at The Consulate General of India, Dubai replies: The Consulate General of India, Dubai, is the largest passport issuing authority outside India. We also issue 40,000 visas over and above, performing 50,000 attestations, conducting marriages, completing death related formalities with a provision of large number of miscellaneous services, each year. We constantly strive to provide the best of service and are engaged in improving facilities available at the consulate.

The sweeping charges made by Mr Devra, therefore, have no basis. However, we realise that the heavy rush of public at our counters often undermines the best of our efforts on various fronts. The consulate is, therefore, in the process of outsourcing its passport and visa services. New arrangements in this regard will commence shortly. It has already outsourced its attestation service and we have received the appreciation of the public in this regard.
From Mr Madhu Sethi, Consul and Head of Chancery, Consulate General of India.
Dubai

Stuck in reverse
My son and I were going to customise our car made in 1991. Now it's pointless because of the new rules that ban all old vehicles. If the purpose is to reduce accidents and pollution, just make sure the car passes a safety and emissions check. A well maintained car should have no problem. If the UAE wants to be green, then re-using and recycling is more sensible than scrapping a good car. I wonder what determine or qualifies as a classic vehicle. It may be subjective, and unfair to the unpopular.
From Mr Raymond DeMoor
Dubai