I read the paper today and it left me with more questions than answers?

I read the paper today (Gulf News) and there where 2 articles I wanted some indepht information:
1. Article about Salmonella at public beaches
Is it now unsafe to go swimming in public beaches, especially for children. Or is it that they only found salmonella but it is still in a tolerable range. This would have been important info because my family and I (incl. 8 month old) go swimming every weekend and we don't want to become ill.
2. About the introduction of VAT in the UAE in 2009
How much VAT will we have to pay? And will it be on all goods and services or jsut on a few. For what will the VAT be spent, I mean if we are starting to pay taxes I would like to know what will happen with the money. Plus, if the VAT is too high it might not be feasable anymore to stay here. One big bonus of living here is after all that everything was taxfree.
Does anyone have some more insights on these topics?
Thanks for your answers

Dear H.:
Thank you for giving me some answers.
I do know that bacteria in water - be it lake or ocean - are normal. And I am not trying to implicate that UAE beaches are dirty. I just know from where I come from that authorities regularly test the waters of the lakes, and if a certain level of contamination is reached the lake will be declared unfit for bathing. So when I read: 'Salmolla found in water' I get a bit worried. Just a simple sentence in the article saying something like: 'although bacteria was found there is no danger for the public' would have been usefull. I do agree, that some employes handling meat don't do it in a way that I aprove of. And yes, believe it or not, I do wash my hands after changing diapers.
Thank you for informing also about the VAT.
5% - that is all I wanted to know. And I actualy was wondering how things were financed here that is why I am intereted in what the VAT earnings will be used for. And I don't see why this interest should be ofensive.

Please do not worry. The article mentioned by you is about a student of Zayed University who found some samples collected from Abu Dhabi beaches which tested positive for salmonella and vibrio bacteria.

Please name one beach worldwide where this can not be found! Please be sure that the UAE Authority is monitoring public health issues very close and strict.

About catching a salmonella infection I would be more worried about ice cream (incl. eggs) and failure of hygiene seeing butchers grabbing meat without wearing gloves. Do you know if they wasch their hands properly after using the bathroom? Are you doing this right after changing diapers?

If regarding catching a salmonella infection you are worried, visit the pools instead the beach.

VAT: IF Vat will be interduced, it will be 5% on all products. Tourists can claim a Vat repayment. Residents can not. I do not want to seem rude, but on what VAT will be spend for, will be only be left up to the UAE Government. Right know no expat is asking either how everything else got financed. When ever VAT will be inderduced, it's time to negotiage a new salary package. Your salary will remain tax free and your health care is taking care of, too.

Thanks for asking an interesting question. Take care.

Sorry for this misunderstanding. Thought you would be an Expat living in the UAE. I you want you can email me and I will more than glad to answer your questions.
H Report It

im goin on the 7th june. and the beaches are the cleanest around, and i no people that have bin and they said the beaches r fantastic. but the vat side. i really dont no

aha