Don't mind, won't matter
If one knows how to control his or her mind, there will be no issues ("Inflation takes a mental toll on UAE expatriates", Gulf News, September 15). We have to be very strong and firmly believe that everything and all problems have a solution. Nothing is impossible. If the inflation is going up so are the services and benefits offered in the UAE.
I am from India and started working here, four years ago. My first salary was just Dh2,000. Today, I earn triple the amount. Despite the fact that I am married, I stay alone. I, too, have commitments and debts to take care of. My situation could have been much worse had I chosen not to come to the UAE. My only advice for people troubled by inflation is to remember that we come in this world empty-handed and that's how we shall return.
So keep all worries aside and count your blessings.
From Mr Noel Balani
Dubai
No right to ruin
While travelling along the Dubai Creek, I realised how dirty it is, filled with filth and garbage. People throw plastic bottles, food and immerse idols in water and at any given point one can see stuff floating on top, especially dead fish. Even the waterbus stations have algae deposited on them, which makes them look pathetic. There are neither any fines nor security guards in the area, to discourage littering.
Please dump waste material in garbage bins and not in anyone's habitat. We have no right to ruin.
From Ms Sheetal G.
Dubai
Healthy teenagers
Trying to find a health club or gymnasium, that would allow teenagers to exercise, is a problem in the UAE. I am told that teenagers damage equipment by misbehaving or that exercises can harm body development. There is an age limit for the lap pool, too. Using an exercise bicycle, treadmill or very lightweights can help young adults lead a healthier lifestyle. I am willing to supervise my children or pay an instructor.
Otherwise, when it is too hot to exercise outdoors, where can they go? Hotels and health clubs should consider a supervised gymnasium for teenagers.
From A Reader
Al Ain
Name withheld by request
Commendable
I've been an avid reader of Gulf News since I first landed in the UAE. My day starts with reading the newspaper. The manner in which an effort is made to interact with readers is commendable. I feel as if I am a part of a large growing family.
From Ms Nanda Sharad
Sharjah
Differentiation
Surely there has to be a differentiation between adult cyclists and children's bicycles in parks ("Abu Dhabi bans bicycles from parks", Gulf News, September 15). Where are children meant to cycle in safety?
Parks must provide designated cycle paths. Just because a few inconsiderate individuals spoil grass, plants and disturb peace, must everyone pay?
From Ms C. Tapken
Dubai
Dedicated area
It is a good idea to ban bicycles from parks, since most children do not know how to behave in public places. Additionally, underpasses in Abu Dhabi roads can be extremely dangerous for children who tend to ride their bicycles on pavements.
I would suggest a dedicated area be built exclusively for bicycle riding. Additionally, no children, under the age of six, should be left unattended and without parental supervision.
From Ms Nafees Ahmad
Abu Dhabi
Not fair
Recently, du has announced a Dh30 rental charge for their outdated set-top boxes, without an option to buy them. In the fairness of transparency, why is there no regulatory ruling on this? We have been using the same set-top box for over four years. Why are we being forced to pay one dirham per day for this outdated box?
From Mr Clyde D'Souza
Dubai
The management of du replies: The complainant has been contacted and the issue has been resolved to his satisfaction.
True beauty
I was just surfing gulfnews.com and happened to view the gallery of the Abu Dhabi corniche from the past. My childhood memories were brought back. I remember how we used to take a stroll every weekend at the famous volcanic fountain. It was a true beauty. At that time there were no traffic chaos and parking woes and Abu Dhabi was a much more peaceful city.
From Mr S. Abdul Basit
Abu Dhabi
Creating trouble
This is a very good step ("Dubai Police plan 'smart' new radars to catch speed violators", Gulf News, September 16). However, despite stricter rules I still find many people speeding and creating trouble on the roads, especially on Emirates and Al Khail road.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Endangering lives
The number one factor for an increase in the number of smokers could be groceries that sell individual cigarettes to underage people ("Number of smokers increase in UAE: WHO", Gulf News, September 15).
It is unbelievable the lengths some people can go to, in order to make more money, even if it means endangering the lives of teenagers.
From Mr Nabeel Lazazi
Abu Dhabi
Priorities
It's frustrating to see the lack of progress being made on the interchange at the back of the Greens area, in Dubai. This is causing traffic congestion all the way up to Springs, on most mornings. However, if one drives down Springs, one can find hundreds of workers rushing to finish the area's road development that currently isn't causing any traffic issues. Who is setting the priorities?
From Mr Chris H.
Dubai
Affected
Authorities must implement stricter laws with regards to smoking. More and more people are being affected by passive smoking. Some colleagues at work tend to smoke inside the office, due to a ban on smoking outdoors. This leaves us, the non-smokers, feeling ill and suffocated.
From Ms Lachrosa Schuimack
Dubai
Change the system
Teachers salaries may be low compared to other professions, but how many teachers working today are real professionals, and capable of imparting reliable information ("Teachers across the UAE will now require licence", Gulf News, September 11)? I believe that most of them are housewives who just want to bring in additional income for the family, as the cost of living is very high. Today, schools are probably giving greater importance to the standard of education, as it affects the image and reputation of the school. But isn't it important to provide high quality education to pupils, starting at the kindergarten level, instead of pressurising them in high school? Parents either assist young children in studying or send them for tuitions to get extra help and understand the course material. The curriculum is extremely tough, and it is equally hard to score well. I believe professional teachers would never think of the remuneration that is being offered, but will instead make sure that their students excel in studies and extracurricular activities. When pupils studying in the Gulf visit India, they are always found to be lagging behind the pupils who are currently studying there. Most Indian-based schools find expatriate pupils not up to the mark, and request them to take tailored entrance examinations. This attitude needs to change.
From Mr Prasanna Narayan
Sharjah
New leader required
It was great to hear that South Indian actor Chiranjeevi is entering politics in Andhra Pradesh, in India ("Telegu film actor launches new political party", Gulf News, August 26). We are tired of seeing the same old leaders, who do not seem to be concerned about their people. We need a leader who does not consider the opposition parties as enemies, but rather focuses on the actual enemies of the nation — which is hunger, poverty and unemployment. The domination of higher castes in running the state has left others without any representation. If given a chance, Chiranjeevi could bring in a lot of positive changes. His blood and eye banks have already helped many poor patients.
From Mr Srihari Rajole
Ajman
An unfair act
I was really disappointed after reading about the nurses in Abu Dhabi ("Abu Dhabi nurses protest over sackings", Gulf News, August 18). The residents of Abu Dhabi need these nurses, and yet the existing ones were terminated. Is this fair? Such an act will only limit the recruitment process for nurses from outside the country. Nurses applying from abroad will reconsider coming to the UAE. What everybody needs is job security, more than just a routine job day after day. Moreover, this will affect the morality of the existing staff at Al Mafraq Hospital.
From Ms Raino Raju
Abu Dhabi
Acquired knowledge
The authorities should question the officials responsible for the termination of the nurses working in Al Mafraq Hospital ("Abu Dhabi nurses protest over sackings", Gulf News, August 18). They believed that the nurses were not in accordance or up to the standard of the hospital and the profession itself. I believe the nurses who were terminated have been in the service for a long time. Thus, over the years, they have acquired the skills, knowledge and a professional attitude.
From Ms Kiko Tan III
Abu Dhabi
Unfortunate events
Pakistan seems to be very unfortunate when it comes to good leadership. First, the prime minister was killed. Then many others went by, until Mohammad Ayub Khan took the reins and steered the country to a glorious decade of progress as president. But he silently disappeared, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was hanged, Mohammad Zia ul Haq vanished and Benazir Bhutto was assassinated. Now, Pervez Musharraf — the one person who managed to guide the country out of the quagmire of the 1990s — has been forced to resign. One feels ashamed. Those who are succeeding are free because of a law pardoning them of all their sins, but they may face the same music in the years to come.
From Mr Dawoodi Morkas
Sindh, Pakistan
Indian delight
I am delighted to see the report on Indian independence, which covered the various functions at the Indian Embassy ("Indians mark Independence Day", Gulf News, August 15). The guests were Indian expatriates, from different age groups, who represented a microcosm of India. The colourful photographs, and in particular a student raising the national flag, deserved to be published.
From Mr S. P. Ramachandran
Tamilnadu, India
Not satisfied
I do not mind filling my car's petrol tank, but I believe it is barbaric to not have pay stations at the pump ("Self-service a step too far for some UAE drivers", Gulf News, August 17). I wanted to fill my car’s tank, and went into the mart to give them a deposit, but I was asked to tell them the exact amount. They eventually allowed me to give a deposit, and later refunded my balance. They believe they will lose money, since people might not want to fill their own car’s petrol tanks. It is in fact too hot, and I would prefer to pay at the pump itself.
From Ms Jodie A.
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
Service made easy
It is difficult to understand how self-service petrol stations are supposed to help make things easier for motorists (“Self-service a step too far for some UAE drivers”, Gulf News, August 17). In my opinion, it would be better if motorists were charged according to the amount of gasoline in their car while exiting the pump. They should be able to pay at a pre-paid machine. The idea as a whole is excellent, but the execution is wrong.
From Mr Asif Khan
UAE
Solution required
The transportation service between Dubai and Sharjah is awful. Traffic congestions continue without any remedial action. The authorities should at least ask commuters to suggest solutions, and seriously consider them. I hope they manage to solve this problem in the immediate future.
From Mr Nanjundanathan Manoharan
Dubai
