The front page story Police raise speed limits to make roads safer (October 25) was a very interesting article with some very well made points. However, one main element missing from the article is the severity of accidents based on speed. As speed increases the number of vehicle collisions may indeed be reduced (UK motorways have a very good safety record), however the injuries caused to pedestrians increases significantly as vehicle speed increases. This is a minor issue on rural roads that have few pedestrians, but in an urban location, like Abu Dhabi's central business district (CBD) , the number of pedestrians is significantly higher.
At speeds of 60kph and above, accidents involving pedestrians tend to result in fatality. In the article, John Hughes, regional manager for the Middle East at the Australian Road Research Board, mentioned that the main issue is the surrounding environment or context. A high density land use such as Abu Dhabi CBD generates an enormous number of pedestrians. Increasing speeds to higher than 60kph in these areas would expect to result in a corresponding increase in fatalities.
The article touched on two other issues that have the greatest impact on improving road safety. Speeding and education can both be addressed with policy and enforcement. City roads should not be designed to accommodate speeding vehicles, and enforcement is required to reduce the perceived benefit of speeding. Education should begin as soon as possible. This is best achieved by enforcement of child seats and seat belts. If parents educate children to be aware of danger and safety measures, they will soon become embedded as a cultural norm.
Colin Hill, Abu Dhabi
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Setting speed limits should be according to the standards of the Institute of Transportation Engineers: the 85th percentile method. The 85th percentile is the speed that 85 per cent of drivers travel below (under average, free-flow conditions). Weather, road and traffic conditions could be taken care of by installing variable speed limit signs. Such a range of speed limits are to be enforced and monitored both by the police and Department of Transport/Roads and Transport Authority.
Sumi Tiwari, Dubai
New traffic signal system needed
The headline Drive to maintain the 'green wave' (October 24) is totally misleading. The story is that a sophisticated traffic signal network system is available, but Abu Dhabi insists on keeping its 1960s US-style fixed-time corridor progression system.
Meanwhile, pedestrians have to wait even when there is no traffic for the clock.
The new systems should respond intelligently and continuously as traffic flow changes and fluctuates throughout the day. It should remove the dependence of less sophisticated systems – like that in Abu Dhabi – on signal plans, which have to be expensively updated. And the "green waves" would be far more productive than those under the Abu Dhabi system.
How long before the latest technology is actually used in Abu Dhabi and junctions are reconfigured to separate left turners and straight-ahead drivers, as on Yas Island? This would make the system even more flexible and efficient.
Traffic flows change all the time, and the system constantly refines itself to give the best flow. By separating left and straight traffic, the signals can be automatically adjusted throughout the day to minimise delay and maximise flow.
Ford Desmoineaux, Abu Dhabi
Hit the hip pocket for results
If the Abu Dhabi Distribution Company's imminent price rises truly are a tool to educate people about resource consumption as outlined in the article Utility bills could be all in the timing (October 24), then surely it is time that we are all charged the same, resident or citizen.
If someone is not paying for the resources they consume, no amount of education or promotion on water and electricity savings will work.
Consumer habits change when the hip pocket is affected as witnessed by fuel and cigarette consumption variances between countries with differing tariffs and prices.
Vanessa Scott, Abu Dhabi
Brando's 'American' bike was really British
I refer to Rehan Khan's business comment article Born to be wild, but a little bit of promotion helps (October 25) which described how the Harley Davidson motorcycle company managed to re-brand its product through effective advertising and public relations.
There was one error in the article, however. Marlon Brando did not ride a Harley in the film The Wild Ones. It was a Triumph Thunderbird 6T.
However, so strong is the Harley brand's power of suggestion that many would imagine Brando's bike would have to be a Harley.
David Robinson, Abu Dhabi
'Gold'
Director:Anthony Hayes
Stars:Zaf Efron, Anthony Hayes
Rating:3/5
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
The specs: McLaren 600LT
Price, base: Dh914,000
Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 600hp @ 7,500rpm
Torque: 620Nm @ 5,500rpm
Fuel economy 12.2.L / 100km
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
The specs
Price, base / as tested Dh12 million
Engine 8.0-litre quad-turbo, W16
Gearbox seven-speed dual clutch auto
Power 1479 @ 6,700rpm
Torque 1600Nm @ 2,000rpm 0-100kph: 2.6 seconds 0-200kph: 6.1 seconds
Top speed 420 kph (governed)
Fuel economy, combined 35.2L / 100km (est)
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
In The Heights
Directed by: Jon M. Chu
Stars: Anthony Ramos, Lin-Manual Miranda
Rating: ****
NBA Finals results
Game 1: Warriors 124, Cavaliers 114
Game 2: Warriors 122, Cavaliers 103
Game 3: Cavaliers 102, Warriors 110
Game 4: In Cleveland, Sunday (Monday morning UAE)
You may remember …
Robbie Keane (Atletico de Kolkata) The Irish striker is, along with his former Spurs teammate Dimitar Berbatov, the headline figure in this season’s ISL, having joined defending champions ATK. His grand entrance after arrival from Major League Soccer in the US will be delayed by three games, though, due to a knee injury.
Dimitar Berbatov (Kerala Blasters) Word has it that Rene Meulensteen, the Kerala manager, plans to deploy his Bulgarian star in central midfield. The idea of Berbatov as an all-action, box-to-box midfielder, might jar with Spurs and Manchester United supporters, who more likely recall an always-languid, often-lazy striker.
Wes Brown (Kerala Blasters) Revived his playing career last season to help out at Blackburn Rovers, where he was also a coach. Since then, the 23-cap England centre back, who is now 38, has been reunited with the former Manchester United assistant coach Meulensteen, after signing for Kerala.
Andre Bikey (Jamshedpur) The Cameroonian defender is onto the 17th club of a career has taken him to Spain, Portugal, Russia, the UK, Greece, and now India. He is still only 32, so there is plenty of time to add to that tally, too. Scored goals against Liverpool and Chelsea during his time with Reading in England.
Emiliano Alfaro (Pune City) The Uruguayan striker has played for Liverpool – the Montevideo one, rather than the better-known side in England – and Lazio in Italy. He was prolific for a season at Al Wasl in the Arabian Gulf League in 2012/13. He returned for one season with Fujairah, whom he left to join Pune.
