Right place, right time
If Michael Phelps visited an aquarium, all aquatic life would forget their existence, crowd around and stare at him open mouthed ("Phelps creates history at Beijing Olympics," Gulf News, August 16)! What a sensation! Chinese mystics must definitely classify him as the right man, who was at the right place at the right time, as he has achieved a rare feat by defying all odds. Phelps is a perfect example and inspiration to youth all over the world that an equal mix of honesty, determination and dedication is the key to success.
From Mr Sampath Kumar
Dubai
Sedentary lifestyle
I have been in Dubai for four years and have gained eight kilogrammes of weight ("The Dubai kilo," Gulf News, August 15). I think one of the main reasons for putting on weight in the UAE is a sedentary lifestyle, coupled with a change in career. I work for a family as a medical representative, a job that does not involve a lot of work. I don't need to travel a lot and have everything provided for, including food. When I have nothing to do, all I can think of is eating. Additionally, I used to exercise on a regular basis, but stopped midway. Since then, I have just bloated up. I'm in my early 30's and am extremely inactive. I would be miserable if I continue this kind of a lifestyle or eating habits. I request anyone else in a similar situation to do something about it before it's too late.
From Ms Jeannie Tabor
Dubai
Don't impose
This is in response to Ms Maitha's letter ("Dress code," Gulf News, August 16). I appreciate her concern for modesty in an Islamic country, but why do we tell expatriates and tourists to dress modestly during Ramadan? Being a Muslim, I feel agitated when we impose our values on our guests. Dressing modestly is an individual choice and should be throughout the year. Instead, we should educate our guests to respect the culture and values of the UAE and not to impose a belief for just 30 days.
From Mr Adil Mohammad
Sharjah
Great job
Sharjah municipality is doing a great job in developing infrastructure to meet world-class standards ("Sharjah road closure 'will be a nightmare", Gulf News, August 16). It is the duty of all residents to cooperate in the long-term interest of the nation and stop cribbing about each and every minor or short-term inconvenience.
From Mr P. P. Rao
Dubai
Long drive home
I have been a victim of the Al Wahda road closure. After dropping off my friend in Al Ghusais at 9.30pm, I took Al Wahda Road, past the Sharjah City Centre and reached my house, which is behind Mega Mall at 11.45pm!
From Mr Vipin Y.
Sharjah
Losing its charm
After living in Dubai for nine years, I moved to London earlier this year. One of the main reasons was due to the fact that the city was becoming over crowded and in turn losing its old charm. I was back in Dubai earlier this week and was disappointed on seeing the attitude of most motorists. Almost all were victims or instigators of road rage and lacked traffic etiquette. Jaywalking, too, has taken a turn for the worse. Not being from the Middle East or from the UK, I am an un-biased reader when I say that traffic in Dubai can definitely improve.
From Mr Abhijeet Roy
Surrey, UK
Control traffic
The authorities should not approve any new building if there is no provision for a basement parking area that has a minimum of two levels. This should be made absolutely free for the public. If implemented, this could definitely help control the traffic flow in the city. Additionally, the authorities need to ensure they do not fine motorists who have no options but to park in no parking areas. No individual would want to park his or her car in a risky area that is prone to accidents.
From A Reader
Abu Dhabi
Name withheld by request
Help, please
Recently, I arrived from India and witnessed something quite disturbing at the Dubai international airport. In the baggage screening area, workers who are responsible for baggage handling do not bother to assist travellers with their luggage. They even refuse to help old people who are unable to carry their suitcases themselves. What is the use of such 'helpers' who simply throw their weight around? The airport authorities should take strict action against such people.
From Mr William Sequeira
Dubai
Ideal
I welcome the initiative to start Arabic classes for expatriates in Dubai. We would now be able to learn one more language. Such classes would help us understand Arab culture and history in a better manner. The classes should be held in all emirates and slotted on weekends, so that both adults and children could attend them.
From Mr Abdul Wahab Moopan
Dubai
Can be reduced
I was moved by the honesty of the doctor who refused to take a bribe ("Saudi health ministry exposes bribery attempt", Gulf News, August 14). I believe corruption can be 'reduced' by offering generous pay-offs to those who refuse bribes and report those who try to bribe them to the authority.
From Mr Mohammad M. A.
Abu Dhabi
Horrible conditions
Each time I visit Dubai, I take time out to visit the zoo. Though the animals are beautiful, they are kept in appalling conditions. It is unacceptable to cage animals of various sizes in terrible conditions. Worse, the fans in the animals' enclosures make loud noises. It drove me mad to be there for a couple of hours. I cannot even start to imagine what the animals must be going through. On a good note, I think zookeepers are doing a fantastic job of looking after the animals to the best of their abilities and as per facilities provided. I wouldn't mind paying more to visit the zoo, if I were ensured that the animals would be kept in better conditions.
From Mr John Quinn
UAE
Refunds
It is unfair that certain airlines are stopping people from boarding flights ("Airline passengers taken off plane", Gulf News, June 7). Passengers have just found out about this rule, and there should be a system of refunds if they cannot fly using tickets purchased by someone else’s credit card.
From Ms Rachna Goel
Dubai
Unjust
Last year, I booked a ticket using my credit card ("Airline passengers taken off plane", Gulf News, June 7). I was not aware that I needed to show my credit card when the boarding pass was being issued. I had my credit card on me so I did not face any problem at that time. Still, it is unfair for airlines to set such rules. Why shouldn’t I be allowed to use my credit card to book a ticket for a family member or friend?
From Mr R. N.
UAE
Full name withheld by request
Inform people
This new credit card booking policy is just an excuse to charge higher fares by cancelling bookings made earlier at lower fares ("Airline passengers taken off plane", Gulf News, June 7). How can someone posses a credit card for every family member? I made bookings before the new rule was released and the airline did not inform me that my family would not be allowed to travel. After reading Gulf News's report, I contacted the airline and was told that passengers with early bookings would be offloaded as well. I think it is the moral responsibility of airlines to inform people and give them ample time.
From Ms Sanjeev Arora
UAE
Another victim
I have been a victim of this situation ("Airline passengers taken off plane", Gulf News, June 7). Recently, I booked a ticket for my friend and this was long before I found out about the new rule. Even though the booking was made before the rule was issued, the airline staff told me that my friend would not be able to travel. I think it is just another way of exploiting passengers while they are in a helpless situation.
From Mr Sharoon Ballal
UAE
Ridiculous
I read Gulf News recent report about the policy of some airlines and the purchase of air tickets ("Airline passengers taken off plane", Gulf News, June 7). It is a ridiculous rule. I can agree with their side of the issue to some extent. Some people illegally use others’ credit cards to purchase tickets over the internet, but they will have to find another solution, apart from stopping the process altogether. This practice would preclude many people from travelling to see their loved ones. And what about companies who use credit cards to purchase online tickets for their employees? I feel that these companies really need to rethink their new policy, or I am certain that their customers will be displeased at being inconvenienced.
From Ms Tracey Chong
Dubai
Surprises
My father booked me a ticket three months ago, using his credit card ("Airline passengers taken off plane", Gulf News, June 7). When I got to the counter in the airport, the ground staff surprised me with the new rule for booking tickets online. They refunded my ticket and told me that I had to buy another one, which cost much more than the original ticket. I think the airline company should have informed me about this new rule earlier.
From Mr Vanshul Arora
UAE
Making it difficult
The new rule by airlines is ridiculous ("Airline passengers taken off plane", Gulf News, June 7). What is wrong with booking though credit cards for your own family? I can understand that some questions could be raised when such bookings are made for relatives and friends, but this should not be the case for one’s own family. Airlines should make life easy for their passengers. Ideally, I would not follow such a practice, but this is happening across the world and I have not heard of something more ridiculous.
From A Reader
UAE
Name withheld by request
Airline fraud
I have not yet faced such a situation, but I believe airline companies are excessively charging passengers when they cancel bookings after taking money ("Airline passengers taken off plane", Gulf News, June 7). I would agree if the credit card holders name is completely different from the family name of the passenger, but if the family name is the same, there should not be a problem.
From Mr Fayez Chaoul
Dubai
Shocked
I was shocked to read about the new airline rule ("Airline passengers taken off plane", Gulf News, June 7). I think these companies should establish rules that protect customers, not cause them more trouble. It is very common for fathers to provide tickets for the entire family, including housemaids. What happens in those situations?
From Ms Anila Ann Mathew
UAE
Alternative please
I think the new rule is justified, especially when keeping in mind the fraud that might take place in such situations ("Airline passengers taken off plane", Gulf News, June 7). However, an alternative could be provided to passengers. The travelling passenger could carry an original letter written or signed by the credit card holder (similar to the signature on the credit card), declaring that he or she has purchased the ticket for a particular traveller. Additionally, a copy of the credit card could also be attached.
From Mr Stanley Varghese
Dubai
Obligations
I made online reservations on an airline for my family, which consists of five members. Regretfully, the airline has cancelled their flights without any notification to the passengers. I believe when such things happen, the airline should come out with an official statement that they have cancelled the flight.
From Mr P.T. Joseph
Abu Dhabi
Grace period
I request airlines to provide a grace period for tickets booked until a certain date ("Airline passengers taken off plane", Gulf News, June 7). They could also issue clarifications on tickets that have been issued in the past and allow spouses to book for each other.
From Mr Vivek Vigh
Dubai
