I refer to the letter to the editor Iftar experience was rushed (July 28). I worked for a year as a waiter in Abu Dhabi before transferring to an office job.
During our training, we learnt what we call the "sequence of service". The goal is to achieve 100 per cent guest satisfaction from greeting the diners as they step into our restaurant, to waving them goodbye as they leave.
There are 10 to 15 steps, including ensuring that no dirty plates are left at the table when guests are done with them, and staying alert to the guests' needs at all times.
Any time a customer feels rushed or too closely watched, or has any other problem, he or she should speak to the manager.
Don't blame waiting staff for being too attentive; they are just trying to do what they've been taught.
Evi Puspasari, Abu Dhabi
Parking charges dictate choices
After reading the story Abu Dhabi travellers switch cars for buses (July 28), I did my own research and concluded that parking charges are the most crucial factors in choosing what mode of transport to take: car, taxi or public transport.
Availability of parking spaces within a walkable distance in Abu Dhabi's hot summer weather will also be a crucial variable.
An optimal bus fleet should be procured and operated to meet travel demand levels and expectations.
I hope the Department of Transport will develop suitable strategies to promote buses with the aim of alleviating congestion and other traffic problems.
Sumi Tiwari,Abu Dhabi
Oslo murderer's words are not fact
What is so disturbing about the article Breivik finds common cause with Zionists - and Al Qaeda (July 27) is that Tony Karon accepts the analysis of a murderer as correct.
Breivik says that anyone to the right of Karon is a Muslim hater and Karon agrees with the conclusion of this mad man.
Bob Smith,Abu Dhabi
Egypt turnaround needs more time
I feel sorry for Egyptians who expected pay rises and other improvements in their lives after Hosni Mubarak was chased from power, as described in your story Mubarak down but wages not up (July 28).
It certainly seems that there was a lot of corruption which could be stopped, but a modern economy, like an ocean liner, cannot be turned around instantly. There are lots of governance issues to be settled, bad old ways to be rooted out, efficiencies to be accomplished, and power to be redistributed before the benefits emerge.
And of course all of that depends on getting competent leaders with the legitimacy and support to govern.
Peter Burrell,Dubai
Deportation fears hamper AIDS fight
I was dismayed by your article Ten people with AIDS discovered and deported from Ajman (July 27).
People should have the opportunity to get a confidential AIDS test. This would help prevent the spread of the disease, because responsible people who know they are infected will not spread the virus.
The fear of deportation means people will not do voluntary tests and will test only when they must, (every three years when renewing residency visas). That's a long time during which they could be passing AIDS on to others without knowing it.
Ziad Qushair,Abu Dhabi
Getting my BMW back on track
I agree with the author of Run-flat tyres dampen the joy of BMW's handsome 550i saloon (July 22).
I have been driving these cars for five years, starting with model 2000 when they started these tyres.
They made me crazy. After a long search I came to a solution by fitting the same size of normal tyres and buying a spare kit. With that it's back to normal BMW.
Walid Elsayed,Dubai
Soros should give away his fortune
I was struck by the news that George Soros is closing his investment fund to outsiders (The public Soros goes private, July 28).
This man has contributed to a lot of charities and good causes, notably to building true honest democracy in Eastern Europe.
But we should not forget that the old buccaneer basically made his money by currency speculation which cost a lot of small savers a lot of money over the years.
He really should be giving his wealth away.
Michael Gyulai,Dubai
