I wish to post my opinion on Sultan Al Qassemi's article Nothing should be ambiguous about what's indecent (March 21). For those who are working and living in the UAE, I think people must be aware of the Arabic and Islamic values because they have chosen to come here. They should respect and follow the rules as would be expected in every different culture and society. For those who are visiting, I am sure they may consider their actions as normal. We are very tolerant of other cultures and beliefs. The immigration department across the UAE should conduct a campaign or provide warning leaflets upon arrival, making sure that visitors are well aware of our cultural constraints. Ghalib al Maskeri, Abu Dhabi
You are absolutely right, Sultan. I have lived in the UAE for 30 years so am fairly well versed in what one can and cannot do. I do find the sight of tourists walking around in shorts on the streets and in malls not exactly offensive, but inappropriate in a Muslim country. I also agree there should be clear guidelines as to what is considered inappropriate in terms of kissing or touching.
Will I, for example, be reported for kissing (in the Arab manner) a member of the opposite sex three times on the cheeks, when I am greeting someone in a restaurant? I would have said no, until this recent report of the couple in JBR. Clear guidelines can only be the right way forward for everyone who lives in or visits our country. Lizzie English, Dubai Such a public conversation for many expats would be welcomed. I consider myself as being respectful of Emirati values regarding public displays of affection, yet am unsure whether walking hand in hand with my wife is considered acceptable.
I have just welcomed back my daughter from university in the UK, but wonder whether in my excitement to see her, the hug and kiss would have overstepped the mark. In my opinion, Emiratis are pretty tolerant and in general would accept this behaviour as long as it is not overtly suggestive. Perhaps I am wrong. Tim Crowe, Dubai
It is interesting that all these so-called anti-Zionist comments are being made as the US tries to secure support for attack against Iran, US military moves towards a harder line against Israel (March 18). Until and unless the US shows with action that it is serious about dealing with Israel in the same way it deals with Iran, the world is not going to be convinced. Arab governments and people should not fall for the same old statements and instead rely on actual evidence and action. Until the US policy makers break away from the yolk of Zionist influence, people on the street are never going to see them as friends but rather as instruments of Zionism and imperialism in every form. JB, Britain
Immersed in India: The Kumbh Mela festival (March 20) painted a beautiful picture with its descriptions. Previously I didn't have much information about the festival. But the article lacked just one thing: photographs. The photographs did not explain the whole situation. Faisal Kamal Pasha, Pakistan
Finally something is happening, Hand-held radar snares 400 drivers in capital (March 20). The only other problem I see are the bus drivers. Every morning between 6am and 6.30am at Salam Street in the construction area, the bus drivers confuse the street with the racing circuit on Yas Island. They are racing against each other with speeds from 100 to 120kph. Where are the police with the radar? I never see anybody there to stop this dangerous behaviour. Every day you read about horrible accidents where busses are involved. It is time to stop them. Brigitte Peetz, Abu Dhabi 204kph! I certainly hope this person has been given some time to think about this - in a jail cell for three to four months. This person endangered the lives of hundreds no doubt. If a person can get jail time for threatening someone's life, why wouldn't they get it for this? Donald Glass, Abu Dhabi
In reference to Traffic 'Disneyland' to teach children (March 15), in Canada there are a lot of projects that involve fun and education to make a difference in the amount of accidents and deaths by vehicle. If you have not tried anything positive to change, then why criticise a project that might make a difference. Liv Schwenzner, Canada
