It was a good life
I have been a resident of Abu Dhabi for the past 15 years. This is the phase that I call the good life, as it was here that I got everything I ever wished for - my two children, a great job with a fantastic boss, my driving licence and a car. But as all good things must someday end, so does my stay. When I first set up house in Abu Dhabi, the annual rent was Dh18,000. Today, it is Dh55,000. The building I stay in is due to be demolished in April and with the current leasing scene, it is impossible to find a place that is less than Dh110,000 in rent. But this is not a complaint. Although I had a choice of sending my family away, I choose to go with them. Life goes on, and I would like to extend my gratitude to the friendliest citizens I have ever met. I can no longer afford the Abu Dhabi hospitality but will take with me all the wonderful memories I have had in this city.
From Mr Mansoor Jifry
Abu Dhabi
Praiseworthy
Been born and brought up in the UAE, I have seen the tremendous progress the country has made ("Indian maids' minimum wage set at Dh1,100", Gulf News, February 21). It is truly admirable that the government is taking measures to ensure a minimum wage for Indian housemaids. This step is worthy of praise, more so, because poor people who move to Dubai in search of a better job and standard of living deserve to earn a decent salary.
From Mr Rakesh Kumar
Ras Al Khaimah
Committed
Certain real estate agents create market hype and flog the same properties, albeit at different prices. They seem obsessed with outbidding each other in order to get the deal done, and in the process leave the tenants and buyers in a lurch. I come from a northwestern European country where the government is in the process of ratifying a law that deems resale of unfinished properties illegal. In the UAE, it should be made illegal for a property owner to use several agents for the sale/lease of the same property. Dubai needs longterm committed residents and buyers of properties, not just the ones out to make big money in a hurry.
From Mr Thomas Lindseth
Dubai
Reduce consumption
The recent article in Gulf News seems to ignore the environmental impact of burning huge amounts of diesel to generate power ("UAE gas supply is 20% below peak demand", Gulf News, February 21). Emphasis should also be put on reducing the consumption of electricity. In many countries in Europe, the government offers grants to building owners to retrofit efficient insulation in their buildings to reduce power consumption. This policy has dramatically reduced consumption and made huge savings to owners and tenants on power bills. Could a similar policy not be adopted?
From Mr Jeremy P. Weeks
Abu Dhabi
Flexibility
There should be some flexibility when dealing with the issue of parking spaces ("Traffic authority to launch 30 safety campaigns", Gulf News, February 21). The number of parking spaces has shrunk drastically due to road works and requisitioned areas wherein open spaces are converted into paid parking lots or lost due to buildings being under construction. However, the Roads and Transport Authority is super-efficient in issuing parking cards - it takes just five minutes!
From Mr Ivan Pais
Dubai
Depriving sanity
Boycotts in Kerala, in India, are making the life of the common man very hard to lead ("Focus on 'terror bases' in Kerala after suspect's arrest," Gulf News, February 23). Those supporting such strikes don't understand the gravity of the problem or its consequences. As a result of the strike, some people cannot reach the airport on time, important meetings are cancelled, emergency health patients must remain at home, and even cash machines are closed.
Strike supporters don't hesitate to damage property like public buses or private cars. It is totally unfair and ridiculous to pressurise innocent civilians and deprive them of a sane and peaceful existence.
From Ms Sameera Khan
Ajman
Step down
I would like to appeal to Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf to step down ("Ready to work with new House - president," Gulf News, February 23). The people of Pakistan have already given their verdict via the recent elections. All his allies and army of ministers have been badly defeated in the elections. It is the best time for him to resign with dignity and honour intact. Otherwise, there might come a time when he could be forced to leave the office.
From Mr Syed Habib O.
London, UK
Customer devalue
Customer service as far as a particular private bank in Sharjah goes, depends on the value of a customer. The closed counter forced me to use the cash machine to make a deposit of Dh100. The machine accepted the cash but did not generate a receipt. On calling the bank's help line, I was tossed back to the bank authorities, following which I received standard replies from the customer service staff. Though it was a matter of a Dh100, I couldn't help but think whether a similar treatment would have been meted out had I been a client with a bigger bank balance. I have lost complete faith in their services and closed my account. I work in customer service as well and for me every client deserves equal treatment and respect.
From Mr C. Sanchis
Sharjah
Equestrian cricket
February 20, 2007 will be remembered as the day when cricket turned into a commercial enterprise ("Gentleman's game goes under the hammer", Gulf News, February 23). Cricketers being auctioned off were similar to bidding auctions of cattle or commodities, wherein the highest bidder gets the best deal. No doubt, this move would bring out some electrifying performances in cricket. However, this would turn cricket into a commercial sport controlled by tycoons, whose only objective is to make money. Cricket matches might soon turn into wrestling shows, whereby all the moves and action are pre-planned. Probably, it's time to bid adieu to the gentlemen's game.
From Mr P. M. Irfan Ahmad
Dubai
