A rotten experience
I was on my way to Dubai International Airport at 10pm on a weekday. I had to pick a friend up from the Al Quoz area, so I parked my car in front of the main gate of an office at a proper place beside the road.
As I was waiting for my friend, four people on two motorcycles approached me from the back and stopped next to my car.
Suddenly, they started throwing rotten eggs directly on my face and then rode off from the spot. I was stunned and senseless for quite some time.
A while later, my friend arrived and helped me wash up. I could not go to the airport because it was impossible to clean the windshield without taking the car to the service station.
I appeal to the authorities to keep a strict eye on such culprits who try to spoil the image of the country.
From Mr Yaseen Shahid
UAE
Irresponsible
A recent article in Gulf News about mobsters was horribly worded.
In referencing Medecins sans Frontiers (MSF) in the opening paragraph as a wry comparison to the title, "Mobsters without borders", it is implying that the organisation is criminal.
Gulf News' journalists need a lesson not only in responsible journalism but grammar as well.
From Ms Sarita Mehra
London, UK
Child's play
Gulf News should introduce a product that caters to schoolchildren. The Funday supplement published every Saturday is not sufficient.
Children should be encouraged to provide articles, sketches and paintings, based on individual talent and creativity.
From Mr Sushil Srivastava
Dubai
Extreme problem
As residents of the area near Al Seef Street in Bur Dubai, we are facing an extreme problem with regards to parking space and the fines imposed by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) for illegal parking.
If the RTA really wants to help the residents, they should stop the round-the-clock fines for illegal parking, especially since they know that there are not enough parking spaces available.
I was fined Dh200 four times for parking on footpaths and walkways. We request the authorities to stop this system of fining.
Apart from this, we welcome plans to introduce special rate cards for zones close to homes.
From Mr Mirza Mahmoud
Dubai
Worst experience
I recently had my worst experience with parking. I began looking for parking at 6.45pm in and around Naif Road, in Deira.
It was horrible to drive, as the road was completely congested. At last, I managed to find a parking space in the distant Mushrif Bazaar, but by then, it was around 10pm.
I think the RTA should introduce some parking solutions for residents.
There is no point handing out fines for parking wrongly, when there is no provision for alternatives.
From Mr Mustafa S. Motiwala
Dubai
Fasten up
A recent reader's letter to Gulf News surprised me as he complained about being fined for not wearing a seat belt.
It is common sense for a motorist to fasten his seat belt in case of any eventuality. In fact, in almost all parts of the world, drivers and passengers are required to wear seat belts.
Studies have proved that it helps save lives. So I urge the reader to pay up, but also to please fasten up as well.
From Mr Srikanth Krishnamurthy
Victoria, Australia
Membership helps
Finding a parking spot near one's residence or workplace could be a problem faced by many.
My husband found a great alternative - acquiring memberships to municipal parking lots.
Parking your car at the underground parking facility provided by the municipality can really help.
It saves the time, money and energy spent in searching for a convenient parking space.
I request the municipality to reduce the prices for those who take annual memberships.
From Ms Laxmi Iyer
Abu Dhabi
Not their job
Car recovery companies should not be doing police work ("Spate of car thefts in UAE prompts recovery vehicle monitoring," Gulf News, April 29).
Perhaps special procedures are needed only for rented cars. My concern is that it may become difficult to get help from a car recovery company when it's urgently needed.
Providing a letter is not very practical and new procedures need more careful consideration.
From Ms Anita
Abu Dhabi
Stuck and lost
Most vehicle recoveries, I assume, are due to breakdowns. Where is someone supposed to get a letter written when he or she is stuck in the desert?
From Mr Manfred
Abu Dhabi
Full name withheld by request
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Significant
The role of a teacher in society is both significant and valuable. A good and visionary teacher can play a prominent role in shaping the future of children.
But the teachers in some reputed schools do not enjoy due respect in society. This is mainly because they earn a very low salary, in the range of Dh1,500 to Dh2,500 per month.
Their status is lower than that of doctors, engineers and lawyers. They are educationally well qualified but earn practically nothing. There should be an end to this situation.
Teachers should get a decent remuneration because they work for the development of the next generation.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
