Praying for sense to prevail
I grieve with all the families and loved ones of the unfortunate victims involved in the recent blast, in Pakistan ("Expats call for war on extremists," Gulf News, September 22).
I pray and hope that all people responsible for the grotesque and shameless deaths are brought to task.
If only people in every conflict would bear in mind that violence can never be an effective means to an end, such incidents might be minimised.
Whatever our religion may be, we should all pray that sense prevails among such extremists.
From Ms Arlene Castillo
Dubai
Pay to talk
This is in response to the letter to Gulf News by Mr K. C. Unni wherein he states that the installation of the new tollgates has made his journeys much easier.
I would like to ask Mr Unni if he would continue to praise the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) were he to pay the money from his own pocket?
Since his employer reimburses the Dh16 spent each day, he can afford to talk in that manner.
Mr Unni, please pay from your own pocket and you would probably admit otherwise.
From Mr Anthony Pereira
Dubai
Unable to cope
The illegal practice of sharing accommodation is a common phenomenon and is not restricted to Abu Dhabi ("Rising rents force people to live illegally in capital", Gulf News, September 18).
This is mostly due to exorbitant rent rates. The authorities must consider constructing low-cost housing facilities, for expatriates earning average salaries to be able to afford a decent home.
However, even if one's employer is responsible for paying for the accommodation, some employees take advantage of the situation by sub-letting rooms in the apartment, to gain extra money.
Inflation is widespread and most people are unable to cope with the high cost of living, which is why they probably resort to such actions.
From Mr Miton Vergara
Abu Dhabi
Nowhere to stay
I agree with Abu Dhabi Municipality's decision to prevent people from residing in homes illegally.
However, is there a solution to this problem? I am engaged and so are three of my friends.
While we have been searching for housing for almost a year now, we have yet to find an affordable place to live.
Even if we move to the outskirts of the city, the living conditions there are intolerable. Why are the rents so high?
I urge the authorities to do something about the situation.
From Mr N. Iskandarani
Abu Dhabi
Greater effect
The rapid increase in rent rates seems to have had a more pronounced effect on new tenants, despite its impact on all buildings, whether new or old.
I have noticed that tenants who renew their rental contract usually have an annual rent increase of five per cent, whereas new tenants may end up paying an excess of 50 per cent.
For instance, residents who renew their contract would pay about Dh50,000 for a one-bedroom apartment in Dubai, while new tenants could pay up to Dh110,000.
This is why most expatriates with families are finding it very difficult to afford a home.
From Mr M. Dsouza
Dubai
Helpless tenants
We read about illegal tenants quite often. Who takes the blame for this? If rents were reasonable, no one would have to resort to illegal accommodation.
With the increasing rents, people will be forced to return to their homeland.
Landlords need to understand the situation of the common man and provide them with incentives to stay.
From Mr N. Hassan
Dubai
Complex situation
The issue of rising rents seems to be getting out of hand. Apartments are only affordable when tenants rent out the rooms and live in shared accommodations.
Additionally, it is extremely difficult for people to own a house. When I first came to the UAE, a year ago, a studio apartment would cost around Dh35,000 per year.
However, my colleague rented such an apartment recently. He is paying around Dh65,000 per year.
I believe the authorities should try and control the situation before things get worse.
From Mr Salunkhe
Dubai
Full name withheld per request
Overcharged
I have been charged around 75 per cent interest by American Express Middle East in two of my statements and have been following up for more than six months.
Later, it reversed the amount of one statement. However, I have only been receiving false promises for the other one.
I have all the statements required, and I think people should be warned to watch out for such practices.
From Mr Anas Arnaout
Dubai
The management of American Express, Middle East replies: Mr Arnaout has misunderstood the interest charge calculations. American Express Middle East has not charged him 75 per cent interest as he claims.
The monthly percentage rate of the Dubai Duty Free American Express Card is 2.49 per cent and this is the amount that Mr Arnaout has been charged for overdue payments for February and March 2008.
As per the Card Agreement Terms and Conditions, the interest charge is calculated on the full new balance as mentioned in the billing statement and not on the previous outstanding balance.
Four of our representatives have explained to him in detail the interest calculation, in line with the terms and conditions. As a goodwill gesture and based on Mr Arnaout's good credit history, we agreed to reverse Dh182.90 which was overdue in his statements of January and March 2008, after he requested for us to cancel his card on April 22, 2008.
However, Mr Arnaout was still liable to pay the accumulated interest charges as stated in his bill statement for March, which was made clear during the conversation.
Despite the misunderstandings on his part on both these occasions, American Express extended yet another goodwill gesture towards him and offered to waive his Card's annual fee for one year only.
This offer is based on the long-standing relationship we have with him, and with the intention that he continues to be a valued customer of ours.
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