In the past few years, the number of commuters in the UAE has roughly doubled, putting more strain on the public transport network.
However, at the end of the day, it is the responsibility of all commuters to make the journey for themselves and other people as comfortable as possible.
The least we can do on buses and the Metro is to be courteous and considerate towards fellow passengers.
However, I often see people hogging the poles that are there for the use of everybody who does not have a seat.
If some people were more conscious of their own actions, things would be a lot easier for everyone.
Fatima Suhail, Sharjah
Labourers must have insurance
It was painful to read about the labourer who was injured at work more than a year ago and remains bedridden (Paralysed Abu Dhabi construction worker seeks Dh1m compensation, May 4).
The incident highlights the importance of companies having insurance cover for their expatriate workforce.
Construction and maintenance can be challenging professions and it is sad that those who work in them don’t get as much support as needed when it comes to health and medical issues.
Safety-related issues are common in these sectors and companies must ensure that they take the best possible care of their workers.
The relevant authorities should also require regular verification of employers’ safety compliance.
Ramachandran Nair, Oman
Cinema should be preserved
I would like to comment on the editorial, The curtain falls on Dubai's Golden Cinema (May 2).
The Golden Cinema was “independent” in the sense that it was not attached to a hotel or a mall. Perhaps a better word to describe it would be “stand-alone”.
It did not screen independent, alternative or art house films, but popular mainstream fare churned out by southern India’s film industry.
As for independent/art house films in general, many galleries and other small venues already screen them. Is there a viable paying market for those genres that would justify a dedicated multiplex? I believe the answer is “not yet”.
All the same, I think the Golden Cinema should be preserved as a historical landmark, and should continue to serve the communities who live and work in creek-side Dubai.
Sohan Dsouza, Dubai
Credit theft is too common
I understand the situation described by Brett Debritz in the Your Money blog post, When your UAE bank is really there for you (May 3).
I have twice had my credit card details stolen. The first time was many years ago. It happened with my American Express card and the transactions took place at Singapore’s Changi Airport after my flight had departed. I received a quick refund.
The second time was in India in 2008. I was living and working near Delhi but my Standard Chartered Visa card showed 10 substantial top-ups for different mobile phone numbers – all made in Mumbai.
I got my money back but it took several months.
Rory Keelan, Dubai
I had the same experience with ENBD. All the false transactions were reversed within 48 hours of my filling out a form. There were no issues and it was all done via email and phone.
Adam H, Dubai
They stole Dh36,000 from me. It seems I bought some aluminium from China.
It took 60 or so days, but I got all the money back except some interest, which was later refunded.
It was nasty, I felt violated.
AN, Abu Dhabi
Window tinting rules are ignored
I refer to Playing it cool: through the looking glass of car window tinting (April 22).
I still struggle to understand how the police allow tinting in excess of 30 per cent.
In many countries it is illegal for the driver to conceal his or her identity from other road users. But in the Middle East, not just the UAE, many cars have a window tint in excess of the 30 per cent maximum.
This raises the question: why are window-tinting companies allowed to install these films – especially when it comes to the front windscreen?
J Millward, UK