Recently, I went to the Saudi German Hospital for a blood test and within minutes of arriving at the lab the nurse took my blood sample (Dubai to draw half a million medical tourists five years ahead of schedule, October 8). I assumed it would take at least 24 hours for the results, so I asked if I could come back the next day. The nurse said that the results would be available in three hours. I was pleasantly surprised. As I was walking out, I received a text message confirming my appointment with a doctor. The availability of free Wi-Fi allowed me to catch up on emails.
This is my definition of a hassle-free service. It helped me spend less time on non-core activities, making my day more productive.
Dubai has set a vision to become a medical tourism hub for the region, which is part of its diversification strategy.
With oil and gas prices trending downwards, the economies such as the UAE’s that have invested in developing non-hydrocarbon sectors over the past decades will weather the storm. Health tourism is just one of the sectors that could add economic value, contributing to employment and GDP growth.
Randall Mohammed, Dubai
Drivers need better training
In reference to the article Abu Dhabi Police unveils plan to fight fog (October 6), if motorists drive carefully and responsibly, there won't be a need to increase police patrols or impose bans on heavy vehicles. At the end of the day, it is not the weather but our driving practices that are to blame for the majority of accidents.
Drivers should remain patient at all times and should be considerate towards fellow motorists.
Name withheld by request
The most effective measure would be to train drivers better. I am sure the driving conditions will get better soon, thanks to the efforts of Abu Dhabi Police.
Jan-Peter Mohwinkel, Abu Dhabi
Many views on working hours
In reference to your editorial Is the six-hour workday the solution? (October 3), six hours a day would prove counterproductive as many people will take up a second job because they will have more time in hand.
Ameer Ali Al Mahmoud, Abu Dhabi
As for me, hours don’t matter. I just need better pay and I am ready to work 12 hours a day, six days a week.
If I earn a decent salary, my productivity will automatically increase.
Gere George Kuruvilla, Dubai
A six-hour shift would definitely help. The happier the employees, the more productive they are.
Z Ahmed Sheikh, Abu Dubai
A six-hour work day would be amazing. I put in six days of work and a lot more than six hours on weekdays.
Karen Minkkinen Page, US
I’m not sure whether fewer hours would be helpful. I believe there should be more flexibility in terms of working hours.
Nicole Reischl Hughes, Abu Dhabi
Would this be extended to construction workers and taxi drivers without damaging their salaries? I think not.
Sam A Sam, Abu Dhabi
There is nothing like Tim Hortons
In reference to the article Tim Hortons chief says Middle East success a recipe for international expansion (October 7), Tim Hortons has become the preferred cafe in the region since its launch.
Their freshly-baked doughnuts and grilled sandwiches cannot be matched.
My personal favourite is the Canadian maple doughnut. I am glad that the chain is expanding its operations worldwide.
Fatima Suhail, Sharjah
Most people don’t even know the story behind Tim Hortons. So it’s being treated as some other global conglomerate for coffee and doughnuts.
This is the problem with globalisation – Tim Hortons just becomes another huge chain, like Burger King or McDonald’s. Burger King took over Tim Hortons and this is the result.
Jennifer Hasenknopf, Abu Dhabi
