When this country was founded, it required outsiders (expatriates) to help build the infrastructure. Incentives to relocate here included being able to continue your child's western/Asian education in the UAE. I understand the need for this, but not at the expense of the locals losing out on ensuring their language survives (Dubai private schools must address Arabic teaching shortcomings, inspectors warn, June 3).
I have friends who relocated to other parts of Europe years ago and their children are now bilingual. They study in the language of the country they relocated to, but speak two languages at home. If Arabs who move to the UK are expected to enrol their children in English-speaking schools in order to increase a smooth integration into their community, then why aren’t expatriates here expected to do the same? When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
Name withheld by request
Rera’s intervention brings hope for home buyers
It was obvious when I bought my villa in 2009 that either the developer or bank shared my contact details with realtors and those selling financial products (Regulators warn property brokers to cease cold calling, June 3). I had to change my mobile number to escape the persistent cold calls. However, I receive at least 50 emails per week from property firms. Despite threatening them with legal action, some refuse to remove me from their mailing lists and these lists are sold on to others, creating a frustrating cycle of never-ending spam.
Developers claim their policies prohibit the release of owner details. But rogue staff absolutely share them. I obtained and provided proof to the developer, yet they refused to do anything about it. I, like many of my friends, are profoundly glad for Rera’s intervention.
I hope it will help stem this bad practice. When I do decide to sell my house, do they really think I’m going to use someone who has harassed me and operated illegally? A code of ethics for realtors is required and needs to be strictly enforced.
Elan Fabbri, Dubai
More patrols on roads necessary
This refers to the news report 18 female students injured in Ras Al Khaimah school bus crash (June 3). It is sad to hear of how carelessness on the part of a single driver resulted in injuries to dozens of people.
This unfortunately isn’t the first time a motorist has entered the road without ensuring that it was safe to do so. Motorists who park on the hard shoulder without a valid reason should be slapped with hefty fines to discourage them from doing so unless it is an emergency.
In this case, the fault lies with the driver of the SUV. He should have been more careful when coming onto the road. The students were fortunate to have survived the accident.
Fatima Suhail, Sharjah
Sadly, such driving seems to be a norm in Ras Al Khaimah. Every day we see examples of irresponsible road behaviour: using mobile phones while driving, driving on the wrong side of the road, tailgating, jumping red lights and so on.
Our children are so used to seeing accidents that they think that accidents are normal. This is the second school bus accident within a week. So sad. We need to see more police patrols on the roads and reckless drivers being fined and punished.
Eva Jay, Dubai
The driver of the SUV, who apparently caused this accident, should have his licence revoked for three years and should be made to pay the medical bills of the injured students. Until there are some real consequences enacted for dangerous, irresponsible driving, this will continue to happen in the UAE.
Teri Coley Adams, Abu Dhabi
Motorists pose risk on walkways
I refer to the article Paths to put you back on your feet (June 3). I have seen these walkways being paved in Khalifa City A and Shakhbout City. However, I have already seen people driving on the ones that have just opened in Khalifa City A.
At a minimum, there needs to be signs prohibiting vehicles. They will help to some extent, because they will fail to keep some offenders off the paths.
Strict enforcement and fines need to be instituted before others follow a bad example.
In five minutes, I watched three cars turn off the main road and drive on the walking path.
Worse, this was at night when it’s harder to see pedestrians.
I’ve also seen taxis on them, bypassing traffic on the main road, in daytime.
If this continues, people will not want to risk using these pathways as intended.
Thank you for your report.
Dave Williams, Abu Dhabi
