Originally Posted by Meow (Post 10116053)

Quite. And why would you want to offend other people? I know I am somewhat idealistic, but if we ALL considered other people a little more, all our lives would be a little nicer.


As someone pointed out earlier, I do think that a lot of the offenders are tourists, not residents. It's just easier for certain parties to point the finger at expats, by which they largely mean (white) Western expats. Maybe the hotels should have a word with them before they leave the premises for a trip to the mall?

Originally Posted by Meow (Post 10116058)

Really? The act of shoving into someone doesn't cause offence?

Double standards all round. :frown:

Originally Posted by Scamp (Post 10116065)

I'd quite like to walk around the mall with the attitude that I don't have to move out the way. I'm sure the first group of local women / men that have the divine right to spread all crowds before them would get upset.

Still, not worth the hassle is it.

Originally Posted by Meow (Post 10116071)

blank confusion.

Originally Posted by Meow (Post 10116071)

I have told numerous people off for not looking where they are going or shoving into me. Ditto with queue jumpers. No one has a divine right to be rude. I don't care where they are from and I am polite about it but very firm. Reaction is usually an apology or blank confusion.

Originally Posted by Debowing (Post 10115931)

It is THEIR country so they can and they do these things and that is a major reason why I chose to raise my son elsewhere.:thumbup:

Originally Posted by norsk (Post 10116164)

Why do we as expats say things like this? Why does the fact they are born here give them the right to behave as pricks? Saying it's their country to do what they like legitimises behaviour which would be considered unacceptable in any other country. It's nothing more than a bad excuse....

Originally Posted by mathematist (Post 10115716)

As insulting as my post is? You are a hypocrite as you insulted the women here and everywhere else by clearly stating that what they wear, the abaya, is hideous. THAT my dear is insulting.

Originally Posted by Meow (Post 10116024)

It seems to me that much of the argument about the dress code in the UAE is not really about clothing, it's about power and control. It's barely about religion either, being more cultural as no law states the a muslim woman has to cover her head or face.

It's really not hard to cover your shoulders and thighs when out in public. Most of us understand that and have no desire to offend anyone. Quite how you get it across to the minority I'm not entirely sure, but I don't think a heavy-handed law is the way to do it.

Originally Posted by Scamp (Post 10116102)

Yeah, some days I'll just deal with someone walking in front of me in the queue, other days I'll say something.

The one that I never fail to abuse someone for is not saying thank you for holding the door or lift or waiting for them to walk ahead of you etc.

Those are almost daily, although yesterday a Chinese woman bowed and said thank you when I held the door for her. That was awesome.

Originally Posted by britexpat76 (Post 10116293)

Most of Eastern Europe and here they are not trained in Please and Thank you.

Originally Posted by Meow (Post 10116115)

7days is running a poll on this topic with the question: Do you think the UAE needs a dress-code law?

Results to far

Abu Dhabi http://www.7daysinabudhabi.com/home

0% - Yes, people should respect the country’s culture and heritage.
0% - Perhaps, but it depends on what the law says.
100% - No, it is better to educate residents than impose a dress code

Dubai http://www.7daysindubai.com/home

Yes, people should respect the country’s culture and heritage.
13%Perhaps, but it depends on what the law says.
88% No, it is better to educate residents than impose a dress code