Commendable job
I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Dubai Police, as they truly work hard to ensure that there is smooth traffic flow in the city.
I have seen police officers standing in the scorching summer heat at traffic signals, without any protection from the harmful rays of the sun. This was on a public holiday at 9am.
I applaud the sincerity of each individual working in the traffic control department, as they do a commendable job.
The only way we can perhaps repay them for their efforts is by showing our gratitude by obeying traffic rules.
Thank you Dubai Police, for helping us drive safely on the city's roads.
From Ms Mala Murli
Dubai
Interrupted theft
Recently, my wife's purse was stolen in a hypermarket's parking lot in Al Ghusais at around 3pm.
She was loading groceries in her car when the incident occurred. Immediately, she informed the security guard and within 15 minutes, they were able to apprehend the thief and return her belongings.
All the items in my wife's purse were very valuable and the supermarket's authorities saved us from the great mental torture of blocking and replacing bank and credit cards.
From Mr S. A. Khan
Dubai
Positive attitude
I am an architect by profession and live near National Paints roundabout, in Sharjah. I usually wash my car by myself, but during the process, several people have asked me whether I am a cleaner or the security guard of the building.
I urge Gulf News to conduct a survey to see how many people wash their own cars, and what their nationalities are.
I take pride in what I do and would like to know if others have the same attitude!
From Mr Hari Kumar
Dubai
Who is to blame?
I have been driving confidently in Pakistan for the past 21 years.
I spent almost Dh7,000 on driving classes and tests here, but have made no progress ("End unnecessary licence delays", Gulf News, August 2).
Who is to blame? I think it is essential for learners to have the confidence and capabilities. As a single parent, it has become very difficult for me to live in Sharjah and work in Al Quoz.
My son is five years old and he is deprived of quality time, as I cannot take him out much.
From Ms Naina Azad
Sharjah
Impossible mission
I am in the process of acquiring a driving licence. As an Indian expatriate holding a licence from the country for the past seven years, I am still waiting for the day when I will be a UAE licence holder.
I cleared my assessment tests in 14 classes and am still unable to crack the final road test.
Moreover, I have not received any justification from the examiner on why I failed my road test. I would like to wish learners the best of luck.
It may be easier to obtain a degree in business management, but it seems getting a driving licence is impossible.
From Mr Gagan Kumar
UAE
Taking control
I have been taking driving lessons for more than a year now. However, when I gave my road test, which was recently, the examiner failed the whole batch of learners.
I was forced to take another seven classes in order to retake the test. It is becoming very difficult, as I need to take control of my own transport.
Car lifts are dangerous for women and should be avoided as much as possible, while taxis are very expensive.
A private vehicle is a necessity in Dubai, and with the hot weather, it only gets worse.
From Ms Cery Calasicas
Dubai
Car-pool, bad news
Car-pooling is not just about some friends or co-workers driving together to work or elsewhere ("Life in UAE made easier by car-pooling", Gulf News, August 3).
There are two other aspects that are involved: insurance and safety.
In the future, I am sure we will see many cars on the road with at least four to five passengers in each vehicle.
However, every accident that occurs would be much more serious, as more people would be prone to injuries.
When I lived in Tunisia, the newspaper often had incidents of how it took just one collision to kill 12 people, as each car would hold six passengers.
From Ms Maritta Kaufmann
Dubai
Pay rise may be bad
I would like to thank Gulf News for the report on value added tax (VAT), as it sheds light on the current status of UAE's economy ("Facing economic meanings of VAT", Gulf News, August 2).
An argument could be made with regards to salary increase, once the VAT scheme is implemented.
For instance, if VAT is going to be set at two per cent, the income of individuals could increase by two per cent.
However, this would only lead to an increase in inflation.
From Mr Fadi George K.
Sharjah
Better than best
When I first came to the UAE in April 1980, I used to diligently read a specific newspaper.
A while later, I switched over to Gulf News as I liked the format and thought it was different as compared to other publications.
It was very nice to see a paper that was white and shiny. Additionally, it cost just Dh1 back then. I visited the Gulf News' office in 1999.
Over the years, Gulf News has grown to be better than the best.
I thank the newspaper for an online edition, too.
From Mr Sharma Om Prakash
Abu Dhabi
