Tradition versus convenience
I agree that malls have replaced traditional family gatherings ("'Malling' away the hours", Gulf News, August 25). I am a Filipino and grew up in a very big family. When I was young, our family would go together to attend church and then gather in our ancestral home for a Sunday barbecue. But now it's replaced by attending a mass in a theatre hall located in a mall, paying bills and having fast food as lunch. Some people prefer spending their time in the mall. I can't blame them, after a week of hard work, shopping can be very rewarding. Everything is available in the mall. A mall for some people, including me, is a place to unwind, but there are still times when I just want to stay at home and spend time with family.
From Ms Rejean Aplicador
UAE
Thankful experience
There are still many honest people in the world today. I experienced this while on a visit to a mall in Dubai, recently. It was a great day to start with since I enjoyed all the beautiful themes inside the mall. While taking pictures, I noticed my wallet went missing. I was shocked since it contained important documents, including my passport and credit cards. The only money I had on me was Dh50. I asked around, but had no luck. In the end a security guard referred me to the customer service desk where I met another guard who returned my wallet.
He said he had found it in the food court and was on his way to the service desk when he had heard that somebody was looking for it. I was very thankful for what he did. I am very thankful for this rich experience that I can narrate to friends and family back home.
From Mr John Smith
Australia
Heartfelt appreciation
I would like to show my appreciation to the security guards at a mall in Dubai who assisted my cousin, recently. We had stopped by a money exchange outlet, when my cousin suddenly fainted. She has a history of heart problem, which is why I was so nervous when she collapsed. I didn't know what to do so I asked for help. One security guard who introduced himself as mall security came to help. Another came and called for ambulance. I was so amazed by the professionalism of these guards as they were able to handle the situation very well. In a few minutes my cousin was okay and we didn't require the ambulance anymore. I thanked the guards who assisted us all the way to the taxi stand.
From Ms Flaire McDermont
UAE
Not true
This is in reference to the letter "Within city limits" (Gulf News, August 25). I disagree with its presumption. People work in Dubai and live in Sharjah because they cannot afford to pay the high rents in Dubai. Some people even move countries because of high costs of living.
From Ms Edith Hammoud
New York, USA
What basis?
Ms Ritu S. forgot to mention on what basis she arrived at the conclusion that most doctors in the UAE are inefficient and incompetent ("Good doctors needed", Gulf News, August 24.). Ms Ritu is perhaps unaware that doctors practising here have to pass stringent examinations conducted by the licencing bodies every year. All our licences are renewed only after fulfilling certain professional criteria. The regulatory authorities that ensure quality healthcare is delivered to the population here, in compliance with the highest international standards, closely monitor the doctors, clinics and hospitals.
From Dr A. S. Shehab Al Deen
Abu Dhabi
Designated lanes
Introducing a designated bus lane would be beneficial for both the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and commuters. People could get from point A to B much faster, thereby encouraging more people to use the service. Additionally, the buses won't waste a lot of petrol, as they would no longer be stuck in clogged traffic. This can be especially helpful on the Sharjah to Dubai route and to major routes inside Dubai. I hope someone form the RTA reads this letter and implements this idea.
From Mr Mir Faraz Al Deen
Ajman
Traffic flow in Dubai
The density of traffic and the amount of time wasted while waiting on roads, for hours, continues to worsen. One of the features of the traffic-light pattern in developed countries is a long cycle time. I strongly believe that this should be adapted in Dubai, reducing the number of starts and stops in the time of traffic, and significantly diminishing the amount of time that the intersections at traffic lights take. This would certainly be very easy to implement, and should significantly help reduce the traffic flow.
From Dr Mousa Kazim
Dubai
