A hair raising experience of inflation
After a hair cut at my local barbershop, I casually handed over a Dh10 note to the barber, as is the norm. What happened next took me by surprise!
He asked for an extra Dh5, stating that the service charge had increased from January 1 - a steep 50 per cent increase. This clearly indicates just one of the effects of rising inflation, currently being experienced by the residents of the UAE.
Unless the authorities take some immediate anti-inflationary measures, one can see the effects on daily expenditure. I cannot help thinking that bald people are actually lucky.
From Mr Kiran Joy Varghese
Dubai
Why pay?
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) imply that Salik works and makes the traffic flow with less congestion. Recently, the traffic ground to a long halt on the Garhoud Bridge with the tailback as far as Shaikh Zayed Road.
If the RTA is so sure of Salik, why don't they refund the charge if they cannot maintain at least a 40km per hour traffic flow at the Salik toll points? If a service is not provided why should it be paid for?
From Mr James Hay
Dubai
Sole reason
While I appreciate the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) for their relentless efforts in easing traffic, I cannot help but wonder whether the sole reason to introduce Salik was to just reduce the traffic.
In such cases, the Salik timings should be limited to peak traffic hours and not the entire day, as is the case. It's hard to understand why I should pay Salik during Fridays or late night when there is hardly any traffic on the road.
From Mr Manu Mahdi
Dubai
Dangerous driving
I appeal to the traffic authorities in the UAE to punish drivers who allow children to sit on the front seat. I've noticed this problem, almost on a daily basis.
Additionally, these drivers are constantly on their mobile phones while driving. This poses a great danger not only to other road users, but to the drivers and passengers as well.
From Mr Jasser Salem
Abu Dhabi
Promoting habits
Why does the media promote healthy food habits and lifestyle only for the rich? It costs a huge amount of money to lead a better lifestyle. What about middle-income people - for us junk food is the only cheap alternative.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
K9 to the rescue
Recently, a friend called me about a pure breed dog that was abandoned and tied up near a residential building in Sharjah. People teased and taunted the hungry and thirsty abandoned dog that spent the entire night in the cold.
Few offered food and water. Thanks to my friend and the support of K9, a volunteer in Sharjah now fosters the dog. Hats off to K9 friends who managed to handle the situation with just a few phone calls.
From Ms Savitha V.J.
Sharjah
Immobilised by mobile talk
I had a bitter experience while commuting with a friend who was busy talking on the phone ("Talking on cell phone without hands-free device slows traffic", Gulf News, January 7).
I had to attend a function about 25 kilometres away from Dubai. From the very start of the journey, my friend started talking on his mobile phone.
After some time I intervened and asked whether we had reached our destination. It was then that he realised that he had taken the wrong route. I did not attend the function.
From Mr K. N. Vasudevan
Gulf News Readers Club Member
Dubai
Introduce good habits
Firstly, elsewhere in the world it has been proven without doubt that talking on mobiles without a hands-free kit is dangerous - it causes accidents and also slows down traffic, while impairing the driver's ability.
In the UAE, this problem is worsened because of extremely poor driving skills and bad habits. Let's stop paying lip service and ensure that we introduce good driving habits once and for all.
From Mr Werner R. Taylor
UAE
Not an excuse
It is a known fact that traffic is not just an excuse used by people in this part of the world. It's a big problem, and even worse, a big health disaster. Getting stuck in a traffic for as long as three to four hours is highly stressful, especially for those with diseases such as high blood pressure and back ailments.
This is, indeed, a grave situation as traffic is slowly turning into a life-threatening problem. I request the concerned authorities to implement more plans to reduce traffic, as well as bring down the negative impact of traffic on people's health.
From Mr Ashok Jain
Dubai
Reliable
Some readers state that buying the Tata Nano car would be a waste of money ("Tata launches cheapest car," Gulf News, January 10).
But the Tatas can always be relied upon. People like me, who earn only Dh5,000, can now afford a car in their home countries.
From Mr Ashwani
Dubai
Website comment
Rest assured
People from India are well aware of the quality, reliability and social responsibility of the Tata brand name and their contribution to the progress of the country.
People from other parts of the globe particularly from developing countries comprising middle class population, be rest assured of the worthiness of the car!
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
