A fascinating journey
Taking a taxi in Dubai is always a moment of excitement, observation, dialogue and cultural exchange. I had the opportunity to join a driver for lunch, who insisted that I eat with him. I met drivers who timidly apologised for not knowing my destination and advised me to take another taxi. Others invited me to contact one of my friends to show him the way. Meanwhile, the best solution for the driver is to contact his employer to act as a navigator or GPS. Many of these men shared with me their stories and nostalgia for their homeland. One of them explained to me the history of the buildings in Dubai.
Content in Urdu or Arabic often emanate from their radios. Sometimes a driver hums a romantic Indian song. What particularly struck me was an encounter with a driver from Sudan. He told me that life is like a taxi — it brings you to your destination safely only if you trust it. When a taxi driver enters his car, he doesn't know about his destinations, customers and livelihood at the end of the day. What he knows is that trusting life will provide the best situation and a generous day. Live in the moment without remembering the past or worrying about the future. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow is another day.
Akel R., Dubai
Living dangerously
Cases of fire and material loss are increasing. In spite of all the warnings from the authorities, people don't listen to the security measures the government is advocating. In many old [communities], wooden [structures] are seen every where and gas cylinders are placed in nooks. People dare to live in dilapidated makeshift wooden compartments, while their roommates cook food nearby. The situation at some construction sites is mind-boggling — people sleep and cook food in the same room. Electricity connections are extended with a wire that is [exposed]. When asked, they say [they] cannot afford the high rent so they are adjusting. But, the fact is one spark will devour all their earnings, at worst even [their lives].
Dr Najath Manzil Ahmad, Dubai
Change is good
In any organisation, you always have a situation when there are far too many peers who would be in the race for a higher position ("Focus: The workplace", Gulf News, April 9). The matter goes to the extent that people feel marginalised and in some cases [are] counselled to continue. There are quotas allocated to bosses for providing a raise and they certainly cannot keep everyone happy. However, I have seen my husband grow, by changing jobs every three to four years, both in India and here. The reason for growth limitation in companies also has to do with the business environment, but the job change even helped overcome that. I also feel that change helps my husband face new challenges and keeps him more alive and active.
Arpita Jani, Dubai
Stability leads to satisfaction
Learning is a lifelong process. It takes time to accumulate information. If we start something else before we master an area, we mess everything up. Changing a job for a better position is always better if it doesn't happen often. We must always be thankful to the company which provides us an environment to grow and offers us a good quality life. If we keep shifting we will reach nowhere. Job providers must also keep their employees happy by sharing the profit. After all, without them the company cannot grow.
Vasanthi Samuel, Dubai
Rewarding employees
Organisations run by incapable hands do not understand how a workforce should be given due recognition and encouragement. At times, remuneration comes second, but a good leadership helps improve employee morale and develop a good working environment. A good leadership is the key to creating a better ambience at the workplace. Additionally, a professional career development plan is a must. There are several methods to make the work environment free from stress. However, employees must have the feel of getting suitable recognition and rewards for their long association. People look at immediate returns. Team increments should be considered as a good motivating factor, but to measure individual performance it needs to be looked [at] separately during the regular appraisal process.
Ramachandran Nair, Ruwi, Oman
Build more playgrounds
Today, everyone is talking about obesity. We should look at some of the reasons that contribute toward this factor, especially obesity in children. I think the biggest factor is that children are very lazy. They have various gadgets and fast food available [at their disposal]. Plus the lifestyle is such that they hardly get time to play. If they have free time they would [rather] go out with friends to some mall. The non-availability of parks for children in residential areas is a factor, too. Children don't have enough space to play. The rate of construction of new buildings is high. Instead of [constructing new] buildings, people should make some parks so that these young ones could get some fresh air while they play. I hope we can help them.
Sophy Aqeel, Sharjah
