I need to open my own PO Box, but when I spoke to staff at my local small post office they seemed as confused as I am. Can you please tell me how I go about this process? How much would it cost? DJ Abu Dhabi A) There are private post boxes in post offices, some postal agencies and certain commercial buildings across the country. Any individual or company that rents or owns either a home or premises can rent a private post box either from the owner of a building or from Emirates Post directly. Individuals will require an application form (available to download from the Emirates Post website at www.emiratespost.com), two copies of their passport with a residency visa and two passport-sized photographs. Companies require an application form and a copy of their trade licence, although a glance at the original is also usually required. All new subscriptions have an initial fee of Dh50 and there are annual fees. For new renters, the first year is divided into three, with individuals paying Dh200 for the first three months, Dh150 for the next three months and then Dh100 for the final third of the year. At each payment stage there is an additional fee of Dh10 per key. For commercial renters the costs are Dh500, Dh400 and Dh300. Applications for a PO Box at major post offices can be processed online, but for smaller offices you must apply in person.
How closely does Emirates Airline monitor customer service by its employees outside the UAE? I have always been impressed with the Emirates Airline cabin crew and the service at Dubai International Airport, but I had a bad experience in Morocco. I had a business-class ticket from Casablanca to Dubai and when I tried to check in, I was told my flight was cancelled. I was told that I was on a waiting list for the flight, and as a frequent flyer I was number one on the list. I called Skywards and their customer service representative informed me that there were at least six seats on the flight in business class. When I returned to the check-in desk, I said I was aware that there were seats available, but was told by a representative that I could not leave as both this flight and the one the following day were full. This turned out to untrue, as my rather embarrassed travel agent was able to book me onto the next day's Casablanca-Dubai flight in business class. I had to go to the Emirates Airline ticket sales office at Casablanca Airport to obtain the e-ticket, but as I arrived the door was shut in my face and I was told they were closing for lunch and that nobody could print the ticket until afterwards. When I returned in the afternoon the blinds were closed and the lights were off. I had to knock to get someone's attention, although they could not explain why they appeared closed when they were supposed to be open. Overall, I found the Emirates Airline staff at Casablanca Airport to be incredibly rude, unsympathetic and unwilling to help. I am very keen to revisit Morocco but after my experience with Emirates Airline, I will almost certainly choose another airline.
GL Abu Dhabi The issue was raised with Emirates and their spokesperson has replied as follows: "I regret to learn of the difficulties you experienced in Casablanca on March 19 2009. Please allow me to explain that flight EK752 from Casablanca to Dubai on the previous day was cancelled due to technical reasons. Most of the passengers from this flight were rerouted on flight EK752 to Dubai on March 19. Although you were placed on the "wait list" for flight EK752 on March 19, our ground staff were unable to accept you at flight closure, as the flight was booked to capacity in all three classes. I regret any miscommunication by Skywards staff regarding seat availability on this flight. I am also disappointed to learn of the behaviour displayed towards you by our ground staff at Casablanca airport and our reservations staff at the town office. May I assure you that poor service is not tolerated and that we take a serious view of such incidents. We expect our staff members to always deal with passengers in a friendly and professional manner, which you, as our customer, have every right to expect. The events you have detailed have been brought to the attention of the senior managers concerned for their review and remedial action. It is never our intention to leave our customers disappointed with the services provided. Therefore, as a gesture of goodwill, without prejudice or admission of liability, we are pleased to offer you a return upgrade to any destination of your choice on the Emirates Airline network. When you next purchase a business class ticket, you will be upgraded to first class. Although we cannot change what has occurred, I would like to take this opportunity to assure you that the events that you have detailed are isolated ones, and not indicative of the level of service that we strive to offer our customers."
My question is regarding access to bank accounts if something happens to your husband. We have saved a considerable amount of money since being in the UAE and have it in various accounts with a bank here. All our accounts are in joint names. Is it an "urban myth" that should anything happen to my husband, I will not be able to access our funds under Sharia law? MR Abu Dhabi No, this is not an urban myth. In the event of death while a resident in the UAE, the assets held in the country are subject to Sharia law. This means that any bank account with your husband's name on it, either single or jointly held, will be frozen until such time as the courts decide how assets should be distributed. My advice is to ensure that you have either an account in your sole name or monies offshore that you can access. Have a problem? If so, e-mail Keren Bobker at onyourside@thenational.ae Keren Bobker is an independent financial adviser with Holborn Assets in Dubai. She can be reached at keren@holbornassets.com
