Building management ignores tenants
Rents in Abu Dhabi are increasing every year, but there is no value for the extra money that the tenants shell out for the same. The only maintenance done is cleaning of the externals of the building, which seems to be just an eyewash to keep the municipal authorities at bay. Apart from that, the building management does not look into any other facilities that the tenants require. Tenants need to bear the cost of plumbing, painting or repair works. The situation worsens when the air-conditioning also fails, which is because the building management has not bothered to maintain or service the system. In this part of the world, air-conditioning is not a luxury but a necessity. Therefore, we as tenants expect these basic amenities to be provided, especially when the rents are hiked as per the whims and fancies of the owners.
From Mr Vijith V.
Abu Dhabi
A dedicated lane for buses
I request the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to consider making a separate track for buses only on all Dubai roads (“3D route maps in Dubai to help people plan bus trips”, Gulf News, August 20). It may be elevated or underground. When buses reach their destination on time, passengers will be satisfied.
From Mr Aqeel Siddiqi
UAE
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Innovative city
Dubai continues to innovate and surprise the entire region.
From Mr Syed Shams
UAE
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Parking meters and recharge machines
I request the authorities to install Nol card recharge machines at all bus stops. One suggestion would be to create parking meters that have the facility to recharge our Nol cards. That would make things much simpler as we’d be able to recharge the card in multiple locations.
From Mr Yas Karim Esmail
Dubai
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Worry free travel
Earlier the maximum allowance was Rs10,000 (Dh561) and now it has been increased to Rs25,000 (“Duty free allowance in India raised for expats, foreigners”, Gulf News, August 20). I think this is a good move for people travelling to India. It means we can now carry more cash without any worries, unlike before.
From Mr Aneesh Menon
Abu Dhabi
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Give priority to local products
The government of India has taken the right decision. As an Indian, I appreciate this move because it now allows us to first think of our local manufacturers and products and the economy of the country. If we want our country to be economically strong and a super power, then we need to give priority to local products rather than buying electronics, such as televisions, from other countries and then taking them home when we travel. India manufactures high quality electronics and many international brands are also sold in the shops there. So, there is no need for us to bring them in from other countries.
From Mr Anthony Rodrigues
Kuwait
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From bad to worse
I don’t agree with the new rule. It’s our hard earned money, which we work for away from our home country, India. We are remitting huge amounts of money to India and yet they are coming up with such frustrating laws. I think that things are getting from bad to worse now.
From Mr Aasif Moin
Dubai
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Good for the country
I disagree with Gulf News reader Aasif Moin. We as Indians should think about our country, not just ourselves all the time. This step is good for our country. And anyway, why would you want to carry large sums of money? Send it to your bank account in India before you travel. It would make things easier for you.
From Mr Vijay Vikranth
Dubai
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Cards are better
I don’t think the reason cash is still a leader in the market is a consumer choice (“Reasons why cash is still king in UAE”, Gulf News, August 19). Many food courts in shopping malls only accept cash. Many stores in older areas of Dubai, like Al Karama, Deira and Oud Metha also do not accept debit or credit cards. I have walked out of such stores so they know that they have lost business due to this reason. In my opinion, cards are far better. Cash can get ripped and easily stolen to be used again.
From Mr Chris Reid
Dubai
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Always have cash in my wallet
I find it easier to carry a credit card when I go shopping. Most of the stores, especially in malls, are well equipped and accept cards. But, I always have some cash in my wallet for emergency purposes. There are still some stores that do not accept cards and so it is better to be prepared than to face an awkward situation. Additionally, there could be a scenario where the card machine at a store, restaurant or pharmacy isn’t working and they are only accepting cash temporarily.
From Ms Asha Sundar
Sharjah
Lack of public restrooms
When it comes to infrastructure and development, the UAE certainly tops the rankings. The young country has everything to offer from world-class facilities to the largest malls, luxury hotels, magnificent mosques and tall towers that leave on-lookers in awe. Each of its seven emirates has its own charm and significance. However, there is one aspect that bothers me. Anybody who travels frequently between the cities would have observed that there are not many public restrooms along the way except at petrol stations or mosques. The country is witnessing a rapid growth in its population and the existing facilities are clearly not sufficient to accommodate the rising numbers. The issue of a lack of public restrooms is not just limited to inter-emirate commute, but also within the emirates. Travellers often have to drive down to the nearest mall or restaurant in case of an emergency while away from home or stop by at petrol stations and mosques to use the washrooms. Ideally, motorists should be provided with a proper area to rest with washrooms that can accommodate up to 30 people at a time. Also, it is important that proper cleanliness is maintained in these purpose-built facilities, unlike the misuse of restrooms in mosques and petrol stations that disappoints visitors. The authorities need to invest in developing facilities that benefit the public and provide them with a sense of relief and convenience.
From Ms Fatima Suhail
Sharjah
End of the line
It is really unfortunate that one of the world’s best batsman Kumar Sangakkara of Sri Lanka, will be hanging up his boots after the test match in Colombo, Sri Lanka (“Sri Lankan cricketer Kumar Sanggakkara heads to retirement”, Gulf News, August 20). He came to the limelight during the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in 2000, which they narrowly lost to India. Sangakkara was a regular for the Sri Lankan team in all formats of the game and has even been compared to Sir Don Bradman, former Australian cricketer. If you go by his statistics, I feel he is even ahead of the former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar. I think he could have played for another few years, but he thought it is time to call it a day. It is better to retire when you are on top! Sangakkara is amongst the best left-hand batsmen I have seen since 1969. Of course, Sourav Ganguly was the best for India, who could play the best spinners with ease. But, unlike our team, which is struggling to find a suitable successor to Ganguly, Sri Lanka has already found a worthy successor to Sangakara in Dinesh Chandimal. I wish Sangakkara the best, and I feel that he could be a successful coach to any team in the world.
From Mr N. Mahadevan
Chennai, India
Patience in his game
I respect Kumar Sangakkara and love his performances. He is a humble person and a good, technical cricketer. I have seen much patience by him while chasing the scoreboard and will miss his game.
From Mr Mudassir Nazar
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Enthralling cricket
Kumar Sangakkara has had a great career with grit and determination. I thank him for allowing us to watch some enthralling cricket.
From Mr Chakravarthi Seshadri Ayyappan
UAE
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