Guiding light
Gulf News's report on the visit by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to an elderly couple's home and his order that granted them a new house touched my heart ("Mohammad gives dream home to aged couple", Gulf News, June 28).
I thank Shaikh Mohammad for granting them their wish and for being an inspiration and guiding light to everyone.
No matter what challenges a man faces in his life, it is good to know that there is always someone who will come your way and help you to overcome them.
From Mr Amando Cabana
DubaiM.
Hallmark
The few minutes that Shaikh Mohammad spent visiting the aged couple in Wadi Qoor speak volumes about his big heart and generosity.
The way he sits with his elders and respects them is a hallmark of a leader that has genuine concern for his people. I wish Shaikh Mohammad a long life.
From Mr Mario Andrew Rodrigues
Dubai
Emergency contact
If someone is involved in an accident or taken ill, and a stranger rushes him or her to a hospital, the only way to contact the person's family is through a mobile phone.
If there were several numbers stored in the phone, paramedics would not know who to contact.
In such cases, the ICE (In Case of Emergency) number will definitely help them out. I urge residents to store their emergency contacts on their phones in the form of ICE, ICE1 and so on.
From Mr Haseeb Al Rahman
Dubai
Do not litter
While waiting for a friend inside an air-conditioned bus shelter, I was shocked to see used soft drink cans strewn on the floor.
I appreciate the efforts made by the authorities in providing bus shelters for passengers. Thereby, I was very upset with the behaviour of certain inconsiderate persons.
People should not behave in an uncivil manner and should always help in keeping the city clean.
From Mr K. Ragavan
Ajman
Inspiring persona
Bill Gates's decision to step down from Microsoft and devote his time to charitable work is highly appreciated. ("Bill Gates got out while the going is good", Gulf News, June 28).
Gates has revolutionised the way we work. The personal computers on our desks are testimony to the contribution that Gates and his team have made to simplify our work and lives. He has enabled us to become more organised and productive.
Clearly, he is a fantastic leader, entrepreneur and businessman. We need more men like him, who add value to the lives of common people across the globe.
From Mr Rajendra K. Aneja
Dubai
Irreplaceable
In all my years of living in Dubai, I have never failed to notice how flowers and trees in the city are so often replaced just when they are at the peak of their beauty.
When asked, gardeners usually reason that it is to remove flowers that are too old. Such plants should be nurtured. We should allow plants to grow into trees.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Small difference
The Modhesh Fun City is a huge disappointment this year. Even with the entry fee, we are forced to pay Dh10 for each ride, which would usually be available for half the price in shopping mall play areas.
The only difference is that in Modhesh Fun City, we would get to see a Modhesh dummy every few metres.
From Mr Mustafa H.
Abu Dhabi
Efficient
Recently, I visited the Pakistan Consulate, to renew my passport. It was worthwhile as all signages were clear and the departments were well organised.
It helped that the staff was polite and very efficient in their dealings. I liked the seating arrangements as well.
I would like to thank the management and hope they continue to maintain the consulate in this manner.
From Mr M. Tarek Khurshid
Dubai
The time has come
It is a cause for alarm when the prices of commodities are skyrocketing. Undoubtedly, our expenses have soared while our savings have tipped towards the negative scale.
This trend could seriously affect individual growth and the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The time has come for the authorities to think on these lines and build a barrier on expenses to improve the GDP.
They should strategise and develop concrete and attractive schemes in the form of a savings plan. This way, expenses will be lowered and savings encouraged.
From Mr Satish
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
Disrespect
I cannot believe that every time I take a taxi, I have to make a complaint. A few days ago, my mother, sister and I got into a taxi but the driver refused to take us to our destination because he had "just come from the same area".
I could not believe his excuse. When we refused to leave, he started to yell and insult us. I told him I would complain, as his behaviour was not acceptable.
He just laughed and told us to do whatever we wanted. I can't believe that as paying customers, we were treated so disrespectfully.
From Mr Eduardo Magro
UAE
The management of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) replies:
We regret the incident that has happened with Mr Magro and one of our drivers. When we contacted the driver, he said that he had quarrelled with Mr Magro because he was rude when the driver requested that he guide him to his destination in Sharjah.
As a result, he refused to take Mr Magro and his companions. However, this behaviour is not acceptable from any of our drivers and he has been given a final warning regarding his actions.
We apologise for any inconvenience this incident might have caused.
Overcharged
My wife purchased a Jazeera Airways ticket, priced at Dh983. We paid the amount through a credit card. The ticketing process was done through the Jazeera Airways website, as this is the only way to book the tickets.
A week later when we received the credit card statement, we were shocked to notice that Dh1,036 had been deducted.
We tried contacting Jazeera Airways on their customer care number in Kuwait but didn't receive any response.
We went to the airline's handling office on Shaikh Zayed Road but were told to speak to the customer care centre in Kuwait! I guess the airline does not really care for its customers.
Additionally, there's a law which states that people travelling from India on a visit visa have to get clearance from their sponsor in Dubai in order to board a flight.
The other airlines do it free of charge in Dubai, but Jazeera Airways charges Dh25 to do it.
From Mr Abhishek Mathur
Sharjah
Editor's note: The complaint was forwarded to Jazeera Airways for comments. However, despite repeated reminders, Jazeera Airways management failed to respond.
Travelling woes
There is no bus service to the industrial area in Mussafah, Abu Dhabi. Additionally, even though the company I work for has more than 3,000 employees, we do not have an adequate means of transport to Abu Dhabi city.
We are always forced to use taxis for travelling. With the introduction of meter taxis, we cannot afford to use them.
If the authorities started a bus service with new routes that run across industrial areas, it would be very economical for the passengers.
I urge them to conduct studies on the transport situation and help with our travelling woes.
From Mr Joby K. Kunjappu
Abu Dhabi
