Essential goods, high prices
It is puzzling to look at the disparity in prices, when you consider the same products at different restaurants in the same city (“Dh3 or Dh30? It depends on where you buy bottled water”, Gulf News, October 18). Products like mineral water, soft drinks, dairy products and chocolates are sometimes found bearing different price tags. For instance, if you happen to visit the beach in Dubai and walk into any restaurant to quench your thirst, you better be prepared for a shocking revelation. The price of a small bottle of mineral water there might cost anywhere between Dh8 to Dh10. The prices tend to be absurdly high at newly opened venues. It feels like we are being cheated. Global Village is another place where the prices of food and water can be preposterous and unreasonable. If you are visiting the site with your family, it would make sense to carry more than triple the budgeted amount, when considering dining there. I believe there are plenty of contractors and suppliers out there who could provide good services with reasonable charges.
From Mr Esmail Mohammad
Dubai
A watery mess
Going to a restaurant is optional and we only go to restaurants that suit our budget. Food is prepared with a variety of ingredients, and the prices vary, too. The price of the same item differs among hotels, depending on the quality and quantity of food, as well as the comfort of the restaurant. But in the case of bottled water, it is a packed item, served as is. It is served in all restaurants. So why does the price of the same brand of bottled water vary between restaurants? Also, the amount and the number of food items ordered, varies according to one’s requirement and liking. But water is essential. So, the solution could be — either the price should be uniform irrespective of the grade of restaurants, or they could serve filtered tap water, or customers should be allowed to bring their own water bottles.
From Ms Yusufa Mohammmad
Abu Dhabi
Power and money
How does a section of society treat or consider the status of women to be the main concern in this matter (“Harvey Weinstein criminal probe growing”, Gulf News, October 19)? Some men consider women to be like toys to play with, spoil and even to be destroyed. People with such attitudes are there in every walk of life. When money and power are combined, there will be big and small Harvey Weinsteins everywhere. Many of the victims would be in a tight corner because they are naive and weak, and may not know how to react.
Ms Annie Rathi Samuel
USA
On the right track
Feeding the poor and needy is a sacred act (“Second food bank opens in Dubai”, Gulf News. October 17). On World Food Day, it is worth remembering that millions of people are starving, without even a single meal. In Dubai, we can see places with surplus food and scarcity of the same. Bridging the gap between these ups and downs will end social disparities considerably. The efforts of the UAE Food Bank are exemplary. World Food Day is being celebrated in UAE in a more meaningful way. Dubai sets standards for the rest of the world as to how surplus food is being channelised to the poor in a systematic way. The thousands who have benefitted will feel proud to be part of the nation, as they are being cared for by the government.
From Mr Girish R. Edathitta
UAE
Disrespectful behaviour
It is really ridiculous of Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) to humiliate legendary cricketer, Anil Kumble, on his birthday (“BCCI slammed over Kumble birthday post”, Gulf News, October 18). Would they tweet such messages for iconic players from other places? Another example is the filing of an affidavit against the Kerala High Court verdict in favour of cricketer Sreesanth, especially when they never took such action for similar verdicts, in favour of players from the north of the country. God save Indian cricket!
From Mr N. Viswanathan
India
New chances
There is absolutely no doubt that Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik’s consistent performances in domestic tournaments, especially in the Duleep Trophy, has earned him a recall in the Indian team. No doubt, right from his under-19 playing days, he has been a promising player. But unfortunately, except in one or two series, he was never consistent in playing and threw away his chances. Having got a recall, there is no harm in his aim to seal the number four batting position, which is still available. But for that, he should be in the playing eleventh, to once again prove his worth in the team. We wish him the best.
From Mr N. Mahadevan
India
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