DUBAI // Heavy traffic and high property prices are the main issues that Emiratis in Umm Suqeim want addressed by the new Federal National Council.
Maitha Al Suwaidi, 33, said the road congestion in the mornings needed urgent attention, and hoped candidates in her area would make it a priority.
“Something needs to change, maybe the time when schools start,” she said. “The timings need to be more flexible so we don’t have to be stuck in traffic for long periods of time.
“There is also a lot of congestion when leaving work to head back home.”
Ms Al Suwaidi said the Salik road-toll fees were practically useless.
“They installed Salik so that traffic would flow better on Sheikh Zayed Road, but I really don’t see that it made any difference,” she said.
“If you drive on Sheikh Zayed Road, there’s traffic, and if you take Mohammed bin Zayed Road, it’s possibly worse traffic.”
› Ahead of the FNC election day on October 3, The National's reporters are travelling across the seven emirates to speak to Emiratis and find out the issues that affect them – and what they expect from members of a new Federal National Council. Read them here.
Ghada Al Khalsan, 30, was also keen to have the problem addressed.
“I drop off my children at school every day and then I head to work,” Ms Al Khalsan said. “The problem is not only is there traffic, but people sometimes drive very rudely and immorally. There needs to be more control over these issues.”
She was also concerned about prices at restaurants.
“A can of Pepsi at a restaurant can cost up to Dh14, when it actually costs Dh1.5,” Ms Al Khalsan said. “There needs to be more control over that.”
Mohammed Salam, 32, said he would like to see a decrease in the cost of living.
“I hope to see prices in general decrease,” said Mr Salam, who has three children. “Even though schools are for free, there are a lot more requirements.”
He said Emiratis with families had many financial commitments.
“It should not be assumed that just because a person is an Emirati citizen that he must be extremely wealthy,” Mr Salam said.
“Emiratis, like all other people, have commitments and must work to make a living.”
Sultan Mohammed, 42, said that once the new FNC was formed after next month’s election, property prices should top the agenda.
“Thank God, I own my house and I am comfortable, but there are many who struggle to buy or rent property,” Mr Mohammed said. “You have the price of property going up and then the salaries remaining the same.”
dmoukhallati@thenational.ae