What are the standards?

One more post on the general subject of the way the indecency laws can be abused. And on what visitors can learn about the standards expected of them.

First, a post on the forum of ExpatWoman (thanks to Trailing Spouse for sending it to me).

It says:

"today my 2 sons and my middle sons girlfriend went to MOE for the UFC signing at Virgin. After they went to the food court for pizza. My middle son went to fetch the order and as he sat down the security guard stormed over and agressively confronted him about kissing his girlfriend. He produced a leaflet and waved it in his face all the while shouting "not allowed, not allowed". Of course he had done no such thing with many witnesses to back him up. When they asked the security guard who had accused them he said " a lady over there".!!!!! Of course my son was very angry, but luckily he didnt swear!! Needless to say many other expats were around and were completely gobsmacked by the whole thing, The security guard was very agressive in his manner, but luckily another gaurd came over to defuse the situation, and he was also approached by another European to back my sons story. What a bad taste its left in our mouths. 17 years we have lived here, we know the law of the land!! What makes me so very cross is that a person can accuse you of something that you havent done, just because they can. What is this place coming to?"

It's another confirmation of what I've been ranting about for some time -any malicious person, someone in bad mood, someone in a temper, a rival, can have you arrested by simply claiming you committed an offence.

It happens, as several high-profile cases have confirmed.

And my bet is that we're going to see much more of it. Copycat stuff. People who're reading the recent high-profile cases deciding they'll do it too. As the poster said, simply because they can.

Then the second point, what tourists can learn about how they must behave.

Yesterday the Dubai Today programme on Dubai Eye radio had an extended segment on the British kissing couple case and its ramifications.

One thing that came up, as it has whenever the laws are discussed, is that visitors need to inform themselves about the way they must behave in countries they're visiting.

Very true, but visitors to Dubai get conflicting and confusing information all at the same time.

I did a quick bit of research on it, as someone coming here might.

I looked at it from a Brit's point of view, because they seem to be the ones falling foul of the law more than others.

The UK Foreign Office website says that proportionally, Britons are most likely to be arrested in the UAE than any other country in the world.

So what do they learn about Dubai before they come here?

From their media they get conflicting messages.

They see stories like these running at the same time:

"Kissing Dubai Brits to be jailed

TWO Britons convicted of kissing in public had their one-month prison sentence upheld by a Dubai court today."

"Danielle Lloyd shows off six-month bump as she embraces Jamie O'Hara on Dubai beach break

With just three months to go until the arrival of her first child, Danielle Lloyd's happiness is obvious. The glamour model wrapped her arms around her fiancé Jamie O'Hara as they embraced while preparing a barbecue in Dubai."

That's clear then.

Kissing is banned/is allowed. Unmarried couples are banned/allowed.

So they check the official Dubai Dept of Tourism & Commerce Marketing site.

Under 'Tips for Tourists' they find a caution - but only about prohibited medicines.

I couldn't find anything about unmarried couples or what is deemed indecent behaviour. I looked under 'Clothing' and found:

"Compared with certain parts of the Middle East, Dubai has a very relaxed dress code. However, care should be taken not to give offence by wearing clothing which may be considered revealing. At the pool or on the beaches, trunks, swim-suits and bikinis are quite acceptable."

Hmmm...

What about alcohol?

"Alcohol is available in hotel and club restaurants and bars. However, restaurants outside the hotels are not permitted to serve alcoholic beverages.

Nothing there to say that people have been charged with 'consuming alcohol'.

So I moved to another site Google had given me, Dubai-Tourism.net:

"Dubai Culture

Dubai is a cosmopolitan city and visitors can dress however they like. Still, a good amount of respect for local customs is appreciated. In deference to local customs and norms it is a good idea for visitors not to wear very short, tight clothing, at least until such time as they are comfortable with the city.

I went to another site, GoDubai:

"Dubai has managed to achieve what other Arab cities have failed to do, create the right balance western influence and eastern tradition. Its culture is rooted in Islamic traditions that penetrate the Arabian peninsula and beyond, but the city’s visionary development is evident proof of an open-minded and liberal outlook."

I've also seen on travel forums similar answers to the questions. One recently had answers from Dubai residents to a young single woman who asked what she should wear. They ranged from 'cover your arms & knees' to 'shorts & T-shirt can be worn anywhere'.

What I didn't find in this search were warnings about what is deemed to be indecent public behaviour.

What does the British Foreign office say?

"Women should dress modestly when in public areas, such as shopping malls. Clothes should cover the tops of the arms and legs, and underwear should not be visible.

Public displays of affection are frowned upon, and there have been several arrests for kissing in public. Sex outside of marriage is illegal and if any unmarried couples are brought to the attention of the UAE authorities they run the risk of prosecution, imprisonment and/or a fine and deportation.

Britons can find themselves facing charges relating to cultural differences, such as using bad language, rude gestures or public displays of affection. British nationals should also be aware of the UAE’s strict laws banning sex outside of marriage."

Well that's the most accurate but it conflicts with almost all the previous information I've been reading.

It's the only one I found that talks about unmarried couples - but compare that with the evidence of the Danielle Lloyd story.

The key phrase is hidden in there though. "...if any unmarried couples are brought to the attention of the UAE authorities..."

That's the reality of course. You can get away with just about anything as long as no-one calls the cops.

But then you don't need to be breaking any law to be arrested. You can just be unlucky enough to cross the path of someone in a bad mood or someone who's bored and needs to brighten up their day. That'll do it.

It needs sorting out.

For all of us living here, regardless of nationality, and for the millions of visitors.


I've quoted from these:

Kissing Dubai Brits.
Danielle Lloyd.
Expat Woman.
DTCM Tips for Tourists.
Dubai-Tourism.
GoDubai.
UK Travel Advisory.