Letters to the Editor
Thank you for publishing Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid: Time to reflect on 10 years' progress (October 15).
Sheikh Mohammed, the Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, is undoubtedly one of the greatest leaders in the world.
He has the charisma to improve anything with his heroic nature of making things happen.
Jazeer Jamal, Saudi Arabia
Sheikh Mohammed is a great leader and one who is loved by all – Emiratis and expatriates alike.
Junaid Malik, Dubai
The leadership is doing a good job. Let's keep looking forward. G Molteni, Dubai
Flow of traffic needs attention
I agree with your editorial about the new roadworks in Abu Dhabi (Infrastructure programmes are welcome, October 15).
The authorities should instal bollards to stop drivers turning left from the straight-ahead-only lanes at traffic lights.
Failing that, they should instal cameras and fine each offender a few hundred dirhams per offence.
Ela Jayne, Abu Dhabi
I only just heard about the plan to merge Khalifa University, Masdar and the Petroleum Institute.
I am very keen to see how this develops, especially since Khalifa University has just finished a massive campus expansion.
Samia Iftekhar, Abu Dhabi
Antibiotics are not all the same
I would like to add to Mitya Underwood's article, The urgent need 'to change the way we prescribe and use antibiotics' (October 16).
There is still a clear ingrained belief in the region that when patients visit a doctor they must leave with a prescription in hand, otherwise the doctor has not done his or her job properly. This leads to doctors coming under pressure to write unnecessary prescriptions of antibiotics for viral ailments that they will not resolve, just to keep patients happy.
I visited an outpatient clinic a few years back with an acute case of bacterial tonsillitis and was prescribed a popular antibiotic. I knew that this was the incorrect drug for the condition and would have no effect except to weaken my body further.
I pointed this out to the doctor, who told me I was wrong but agreed to check with the clinic pharmacist, who then confirmed that the doctor had prescribed the wrong antibiotic.
The doctor’s response was to admit she was wrong and add that she had “learnt something new that day”. For the record, I have no medical qualifications.
Sarah Bartlett, Dubai
Family man requires help
It is extremely sad to hear of Samiullah Mohammadin's plight (UAE Helping Hands: Numbers don't add up for working man in danger of losing his hearing, October 15).
With his expenses rising by the day, it is difficult to imagine how he provides for his family in Dubai and back home in Afghanistan. As you report, more than two dozen people depend on his meagre monthly income.
Despite all this, he is making ends meet.
It is unfortunate that he has been faced with a medical condition that, if left untreated, will lead him to lose his hearing permanently.
I sincerely hope some kind-hearted individuals come to his aid so he can get timely medical help, save his job and continue to provide for his large family.
Fatima Suhail, Sharjah
Weak pound a gift to expats
I refer to British expats in UAE ready to cash in on weak pound again as remittances surge (October 16).
This is great for exporters in the United Kingdom and could mean that more jobs are created.
It is also great for expatriates who can cash in and get more sterling for their American dollars.
The pound was overvalued for many years, so this is really a correction.
I dread to think what will happen in the European Union when the euro corrects after so many years of manipulation and bailouts.
Giles Heaton, Dubai
