Amazing triumph for Abu Dhabi and its people

• Last Updated: November 02. 2009 8:55PM UAE / November 2. 2009 4:55PM GMT

With reference to the article They came, they saw, they loved it (November 2), what to say about the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – an amazing triumph for the city, and kudos to all involved in design, construction and operation of the facilities on Yas Island. After a shaky start on Thursday, things improved greatly day by day, as police and security people in particular got the feel for the development.

The standard of the facilities on Yas should be applied throughout the city. Yas Island could be a model for the rest of the city’s regeneration, with its wide well-paved pedestrian-friendly boulevards, frequent crossings, plazas, picturesque landscaping, efficient and world-class public transport infrastructure.  

All resulted in the best relatively free-flowing traffic for an event of this size I have ever seen. Once again, a job not just well done, but vastly exceeding what a cynic like me thought would be achieved. And the icing on the cake for me were the Emirati volunteers. They were amazing – welcoming, friendly, helpful, simply exemplary ambassadors for the UAE.

After four years living in the UAE, I actually experienced the mythical Arabian hospitality from the local population. And they excelled themselves, turning the myth into a reality. If only more Emiratis worked in the hospitality industry, the UAE would instantly become a more attractive tourist destination.

All Abu Dhabians should be proud today.

Ford Desmoineaux, Abu Dhabi

Wow! Having just returned from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, we can only marvel at the achievement of the entire organisation.

The circuit itself and its surroundings are stunning, the facilities excellent, and for once the food was not grossly overpriced and did not require customers to queue endlessly.

The organisation from the car parking pickup points at the circuit to the park-and-ride back to the city (we used both), the police controlling the crossings, the event staff giving directions and sorting out the shuttle bus customers – everything worked with a minimum of hassle and delay.  It was an absolute pleasure to see the many young Emiratis working as volunteers, obviously so proud and such a great reflection on their society.

My husband made it back to Marina Mall within 45 minutes of the race’s end, and I was back in Dubai within one hour and 30 minutes. As Grand Prix visitors to tracks in Germany, Hungary, Belgium and the UK, we can say none even came close to Yas. Pity the race itself was not so spectacular, but the event overall was fabulous.

Lyn Soppelsa, Dubai

The best by far were the hundreds of volunteers who offered their assistance and really made everyone feel welcome. The whole event was well-organised and has shown the world what a great place Abu Dhabi is. The Emiratis should be very proud. Even as an expat, I felt very privileged to be part of it and proud to call Abu Dhabi my home.

Jacqueline Curran, Abu Dhabi

Asthmatic victim lacks medicine

With reference to Asthmatics shun prevention: report (October 31), as an asthmatic, I have been forced to resort to managing my asthma with Ventolin – a reliever – because the only preventive medicine that works for me is not available in Dubai. I’ve been through all of the other relievers with my doctors back home in the US. I’m not going to go through them all again here to prove that they don’t work for me. Likewise for my allergy medicines. Over the counter aids are not banned in the UAE, but simply not sold here.

My doctor has been trying to schedule a basic capsule endoscopy at the American Hospital for three months now, but their supplier can’t get a simple capsule – despite the fact that Abu Dhabi next week is hosting a two-day conference on capsule endoscopy. Medical services and access to proper medications and testing materials must be dramatically improved.

Elan Fabbri, Dubai

Simple SMS scams still work

With reference to RAK fears native SMS fraud (October 31), I find it sad and surprising that seemingly adult and mature people will fall for such scams. It doesn’t sound like a sophisticated scheme designed to fool even smart people; it’s a brash scam and comes across as a form of extortion, and yet people choose to fall for it.

Mohammad M, Abu Dhabi

The father of his country recalled

Sultan Al Qassemi’s opinion article He was our Washington and our Lincoln, rolled into one (November 2) provoked a feeling of loyalty and unconditional love for Sheikh Zayed and the United Arab Emirates. Just reading the article gave me goosebumps. I hope more people remember the importance of this unity relayed to us by Skeikh Zayed.

Mohammed Kazim, Abu Dhabi