The National

Investor visa is a future option

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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

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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

Moral education will help nation

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Moral education will help nation

I applaud the decision described in Pupils to be given moral education (July 28).

This is a great move. Children who are taught the essential values of life – including ethics, personal and community growth, culture and heritage, civic education, and rights and responsibilities – from a young age will become engaged and involved with the realities of daily life.

A sense of attachment and belonging will grow in them as these values are instilled and as they learn more about them on a regular basis.

I suggest that they also include an element of health, safety and environment education into the curriculum.

Discipline in these three areas will help produce a committed generation who will be a source of pride for their nation and make their leaders’ vision a reality.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

Letters on @TheNationalUAE :

Moral education to be introduced to UAE school curriculums

Solar Impulse flight was a big achievement

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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

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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

Motorbike riders require safety reminders – Letters to the editor – The National Dt 7th March 2016

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07-03-2016 - Motorbike riders require safety reminders - The National
I have noticed an increase in number of people violating safety rules, including but not limited to the non-use of helmets and poor maintenance of the vehicles.
I have seen delivery men riding without any respect for their own their safety let alone that of other road users. They often tailgate at high speed.
The authorities should contact the companies that employ motorcycle riders to ensure that these people get regular road-safety briefings.
Road safety should remain a priority for everyone.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
To read it in original, visit The National online.

Education key to taxi congestion – Letters to the editor – The National Dt 07 January 2016

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Mushrif mall taxi

Taxis wait near Mushrif Mall entrance on Al Dhafra Street blocking the flow of traffic leading to the car park. Ravindranath K / The National

Education key to taxi congestion

Your news item, Packed Mushrif Mall taxi rank a headache for drivers (January 4), was a real eye-opener.

I also see this regularly in front of Abu Dhabi Mall but in my view, Mushrif Mall is better placed than the other malls in terms of parking options.

There are two reasons causing this problem at Mushrif Mall. One is the lack of training and education for taxi drivers to not block traffic.

Even if they know that there is no space for them, they will often still squeeze in, ending up either blocking other vehicles entering the mall parking area or even creating the dangerous situation of placing them in the path of the speeding vehicles on the road.

If the taxi companies won’t train their drivers, the mall authorities should have security staff controlling the area.

The second and most important point is the lack of patience by all drivers. When a vehicle – whether it is a taxi or a private car – is trying to park, the drivers behind express their impatience rather than giving them a little bit of time.

We need to develop a culture of patience and harmony.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

The National Dt 06 January 2016

Abdul Kalam left a rich legacy – Letters to the Editor – The National Dt 30th July 2015

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Abdul Kalam left a rich legacy

Abdul Kalam left a rich legacy

Your editorial A humble man with big ideas (July 29) was poignant. With the death of Dr Abdul Kalam, India has not just lost a great scientist, but a great human being.

Two major incidents made this week particularly tragic for the country, as there was also a terrorist attack in Punjab.

Dr Abdul Kalam was a visionary, as he devoted his time to nurture young talent. He realised that the young generation is the backbone of the nation. He was also kind and compassionate. Dr Abdul Kalam strongly advocated an action plan to develop India into a “knowledge superpower”. His rich legacy will keep his memory alive. His books, particularly Wings of Fire and Ignited Minds, will carry his thoughts and ideas to millions of people. May his soul rest in peace.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

To read it in original, please visit The National Online

Lower the height of signboards – Letters to the editor – The National Dt 22 June 2015T

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Lower the height of signboards – Letters to the editor – The National Dt 22 June 2015

Sign boards

The new Onwani system will make it easier for people to access every location in Abu Dhabi. What we have to do now is get used to this change.

However, I would like to point out that the signboards with the building numbers and QR codes have been placed too high. This makes it difficult for short people or those of average height to access them to scan the QR codes.

Lowering the height of these boards will enable everyone to make use of the QR facility.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

To read it in original, visit The National online

Don’t delay the midday break – Letters to the editor – The National Dt 08 June 2015

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With the temperature consistently remaining high, I would suggest the midday break be implemented with immediate effect. If you visit a construction site, you will notice how exhausted the workers are. It’s also necessary to ensure they get an adequate supply of water.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

To read it in original, please visit The National online