I have been in Abu Dhabi since 2004 (Facebook page focused on the 1980s and 1990s stirs nostalgia for Abu Dhabi residents, September 18). I have noticed maximum change in the past five to six years, and not always for the better. They affected beautiful beaches. Now there are only tall buildings, more cars and more people. I loved old Abu Dhabi.
Christina Murphy, Abu Dhabi
Power cables are safe for Al Barsha residents
Regarding Al Barsha residents' concern about the effects of overhead power cables (Al Barsha residents feel power lines a health risk, September 11), Dubai Electricity and Water Authority would like to clarify that it aspires to become a sustainable and innovative utility provider. Therefore, we at Dewa adopt the highest international standards and best practices. Our integrated management strategy and operations enable us to deliver electricity and water to consumers safely, reliably and efficiently.
All Dewa projects are reviewed and approved by concerned authorities in Dubai. The overhead power lines in particular have been constructed in Dewa-dedicated corridors that are meticulously designed, taking health and safety into account.
The distance between the overhead lines and the concerned buildings in Al Barsha area has been created according to the approved specifications and procedures. Therefore, they do not pose any risk to public health and safety.
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority
Cinemas must enforce rules
It's about time that cinemas enforce rules (Call for cinemas to screen out minors, September 22). Small children make noise, run round and disrupt the experience for everyone else. They should also ban mobile phones in cinemas.
Sandra Fraser-Venables, Abu Dhabi
Customer care a mixed result
I don't agree with your views on customer service in the UAE (Customer service excellence in UAE 'better than many countries, particularly European', September 22).
Decent levels of service here are few and far between. The stores train their staff to answer questions in a robotic manner (and to drop customers who are spending less), nobody seems to have any responsibility and the vast majority of people are agonisingly lazy (it’s easier to say you haven’t got something than to physically look for it). If you have a faulty product you have to pray that there’s someone on site who can deal with it there and then, otherwise it just gets lost and forgotten about.
However, I get decent levels of service from the border officers, RTA guys and the people I buy bread from in Satwa.
Paul Hitchcock, Dubai
Customer service in Al Ain is awesome – it’s five-star. Most of the people in the service industry are from the Philippines or India.
Emma Bryan, Al Ain
Dubai Government offices have phenomenal customer service. However others, especially the telecoms companies, banks, airlines and retail outlets are not up to the mark. I once bought a pair of gloves from a renowned retailer after confirming with the salesperson that it was one-size-fits-all. When I tried them after paying – they had a security tag punched through so I couldn’t try them earlier – I realised that they were too big for me. So I politely asked for a refund. They made me wait for 30 minutes before I got my money back. Banks are no better. You hardly get any solution when you have problems. Bank employees need to be empowered to take decisions on customers’ problems.
Abdul Jabbar, Dubai
It’s one thing being smiley and polite, and another thing if you can actually solve problems and help people (if it is within your power). I usually find customer service staff super friendly and nice, yet totally unable to do what I need most of the time without me making multiple visits.
Sam A Sam, Abu Dhabi
