Letters to the editor
Traffic fines at the airport
Your report, Forcing UAE expats to pay traffic fines before travelling could ‘change behaviour’ (August 1), shed light on an important issue.
I hope the recently implemented removal of discounts to speeding fines and the new suggestion to make it mandatory to pay the fine before exiting the country will bring a fear factor in the minds of those who violate traffic rules.
Generally, those who pay up diligently have a fear for themselves and other road users and comply with the rules.
What is yet to be experienced as a result of these new moves are behavioural changes from those who seldom travel outside and do not pay up.
I sincerely wish that this group of reckless drivers becomes a minority on our roads. Safe road sense must prevail if we are going to have fewer traffic accidents and avoid unnecessary deaths.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
Letters to the Editor/The National:
Forcing UAE expats to pay traffic fines before travelling could ‘change behaviour’
Changes to UAE Health Insurance Policy will reduce misuse
The facts provided by Dr Samih Tarabichi highlights the scenario that existed. With flexible insurance options medical users could be manipulated as detailed by him and unwarranted surgical and medical treatment conducted. However, this may not be the case in future, with the recent changes to health insurance policies for medical treatment, with some category patients may have to even pay up to 50 per cent of their insurance premiums. Whatever said and done, the facilities provided by authorities should not be misused.
Letters to Editor/The National:
Knee operations for UAE’s elderly ‘expensive and unnecessary’
Expatriates benefit country in many ways
The headline Expats using business loophole to stay in UAE after retirement (July 31) may convey a negative impression about the expatriate community, but this phenomenon is beneficial for the country.
Many expatriates who have been in this country for a long time consider it to be their home with their families and children wanting to settle here. They are ready to invest their lifetime of savings in this country. They feel that the UAE is a safe country to live.
This is the case in most developed countries that encourage expatriates to invest in return for residence visas.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
Letters to the Editorial/The National:
Expats using business loophole to stay in UAE after retirement
Stopping speeders
Stopping speeders
The move by Abu Dhabi Police to remove the discount on traffic tickets will give more strength to reinforce the traffic safety plan drawn up by the Abu Dhabi municipality and the Urban Planning Council (‘Abu Dhabi Police to stop discount on traffic fine’, Gulf News, July 25). It should also reduce accidents and traffic deaths. The method of giving a discount on traffic fines, especially speeding fines, was not welcomed by many as people remain relaxed even when fined. A system that could be introduced to gain more control on speeding may be to have a fine system that raises the fines with each ticket.
From Mr Ramesh Menon
Abu Dhabi
Letters to Editor / Gulf News on:
Abu Dhabi Police to stop discount on traffic fine
Investor visa is a future option
Although a quick look of the heading may give a negative outlook to the whole scenario, this phenomenon is productive and positive for the continued growth of the country. Expatriates who have been in this country for a long time consider it as their own home, with family and children willing to settle here. They are ready to invest their life time savings here. More than everything, all without fail regard UAE as a safe country to live and work. Then, why not, if they have valuable expertise to pass on to the next generation and finances to contribute to the growth of the country. This is the case with most of the developed countries as they too encourage investor visas.
Letters to the Editor/The National:
Expats using business loophole to stay in UAE after retirement
Petrol prices should flow
Petrol prices should flow
I am very happy that fuel prices will be reduced by 15 fils per litre in August (UAE petrol prices to fall for first time in five months, July 28).
As a consumer, it is refreshing to note that this critical item will be cheaper, especially at a time that many daily consumables are becoming more expensive.
My hope is that this discount is reflected in the cost of other products. Lower prices would be a great relief to many in society.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
Letters to the Editor/The National :
UAE petrol prices to fall for first time in five months
Solar Impulse flight was a big achievement
The touchdown of Solar Impulse 2 was a proud moment for Abu Dhabi, the UAE and the energy industry worldwide (Solar Impulse 2 lands in Abu Dhabi, completing first zero-fuel flight around the world, July 25).
Congratulations to Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg and the entire team for the success of this amazing journey of 40,000 kilometres without fuel.
The world has changed vastly since the beginning of this journey, in terms of energy outlook and utilisation.
Even if one takes a UAE-only perspective, there has been a lot of change. We have new ministries and departments to harmonise energy production and produce better outcomes. The UAE is setting a trend.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
On the news:
Solar Impulse 2 lands in Abu Dhabi completing first zero-fuel flight around the world
Letters to the Editor: The National Dt 27 July 2016 : Speed deterrent is not enough
The move by Abu Dhabi Police to remove the discount will give more strength to reinforce the traffic safety plan drawn up by Abu Dhabi Municipality and the Urban Planning Council. It should also tend to reduce accidents and traffic deaths. The method of giving a discount on traffic fines, specially speeding fines was not welcomed by many as it lead way to remain relaxed even when fined!. A system that could be introduced to gain more control speeding dangers may be to have a fine system based on the model of cars, the costlier the cars, the higher the fines. It has become normal to see some of these costly cars being driven fast around and most of the time the drivers not wearing seat belts or following road rules.
On the news:
Mixed reactions as Abu Dhabi Police scrap discount on traffic fines
Spread the cheer – Gulf Today – Short Take Dt 09 January 2016
Spread the cheer
It is my cultivated nature to keep smiling whatever situation I am in. The routine to office is almost the same pattern every day. Going down the building, I meet my watchman, then the car wash guy and then the municipality gardeners.
My day begins with a short conversation and hello to them and then off to my office in my car. May be as I travel daily at a particular time, I get to see familiar faces on the wheels in adjacent cars.
People rushing to office applying the last-minute touches to their tie or a final makeup touches by a woman lady driver, is almost regular to witness. At the parking in the office again, I meet the same faces, starting with the security staff at the basement and then at the entrance of the office, followed by the coffee boy. They reciprocate with a smile.
One day, I was really tense and somehow, I forgot the smile, all through my journey. At office too, I forgot to greet and smile. The day passed by somehow and by next morning, I had recouped and then carried the same smile and routine.
The coffee boy followed me and asked what happened the earlier day. “We get motivated by your smile and small wishes, but yesterday, it was not there and it affected us also.”
It was then I realised the value of that gesture. Knowingly or unknowingly, I was passing on something that was infectious to those whom I met and valued it.
Whatever be the financial or worldly situation around us, let there be no recession when it comes to spreading goodwill and a sweet smile.
Ramesh Menon
To read it in original, please visit Gulf Today online.
Financial planning – Gulf Today – Short Take Dt 05 September 2015
It was Onam, the harvest festival of Keralites on Friday. I attended a traditional Onam lunch. It is always a great feeling taking part in such cultural activities.
The main attraction of the celebration was the traditional Onam feast, ie. Sadhya. A sumptuous lunch with a long list of curries served on a plantain leaf. All in traditional style.
As we were having the lunch, one of the dignitaries was addressing the crowd. He mentioned the value of money. These days we are hearing of several people affected by huge financial problems. Rich and ordinary alike are suffering because of poor financial planning.
His speech reminded me of KV Shamsudheen’s untiring community effort to teach the general public about the perils of bad money management and the importance of systematic financial planning in life.
Money is precious. Handle it carefully. It is hard to earn and easy to lose.
Ramesh Menon
To read it in original, please visit Gulf Today Online
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