OPINION: People Who Behave Indecently In Dubai Deserve Everything They Get
Another scandal in the international press, after a 27-year-old tourist was arrested for public indecency and drinking alcohol in the UAE.
Just a couple of weeks ago, a man was arrested for gesturing with his middle finger in Dubai.
Both incidents gained international media attention, and ‘warnings to tourists’ coming to the UAE.
These incidents often see the press blaming the UAE policy, calling it a ‘strict country’ with harsh laws.
But the laws haven’t changed?
They, we, come to the UAE to enjoy the spoils
To enjoy the lavish lifestyle and the good weather, the tax-free life.
Tourists flock to the UAE for its affordable location – an ideal stopover on the way to somewhere else, drinking in the sunshine, the beautiful scenery, the stunning resorts, and often – far too much alcohol.
And often residents and tourists alike, behave like absolute animals.
Grown men falling over into water fountains after brunch, swearing at service staff, getting into aggressive road-rage incidents and flagrantly assaulting people in bars.
If we don’t have these laws to regulate it – what’s to stop these people behaving badly, at the harm or demise of others?
People somehow neglect to investigate the country’s laws
It’s a Muslim country, and so with it come cultural sensitivities.
Pleading ignorance against straight-forward rules like no swearing, no assaulting people, no rude gestures – it can’t fly.
You are expected to behave according to a country’s cultural and religious stipulations – it’s standard.
And it’s common sense to educate yourself against the laws in foreign countries.
It’s internationally known that Singapore doesn’t allow chewing gum.
Being drunk and disorderly in public is punishable in many countries.
It’s also known in what countries drug muling carries capital punishment.
Knowing what is acceptable and not acceptable in foreign countries is your responsibility.
I am not saying these people deserve to be thrown in jail
However I am saying, a little decorum goes a long way here.
It’s not even asking a lot in the UAE – you’re being asked not to swear, not to get in fights, not to use inappropriate gestures while driving, and not to show overt displays of public affection.
How hard is it to treat people with respect, not swear, not assault people, and just be a generally decent person?
Have a bit of respect.
