Ramadan in UAE
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Ramadan in UAE
After spending many years in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia I now get to enjoy my first Ramadan in the UAE and what a difference.
Even the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques allowed us to eat in public and lead a somewhat normal life during Ramadan. I know normal is all relative in the middle east and Saudi is far from normal but it was not as harsh as it is in the UAE during Ramadan.
It was perceived in the Kingdom that if a Saudi saw an infidel eating during daylight hours and the local was not tempted to eat he got bonus points. Why is it in the land of pork, nightclubs, bikinis and booze we are not allowed to eat in public during daylight? Are they trying to make our lives as miserable as theirs?
No other Muslim country imposes these kinds of restrictions on its subjects as far as I know plus if the Kingdom does not do it why should any other Muslim country impose?
Kids are not even suppose to eat during Ramadan. I was at the Mall of the Emirates this week and a security guard told children around 8 years old to stop eating. Aren't kids (and pregnant ladies) exempt from these types of restrictions?
This is all rediculous and I should know by now how people in this part of the world operate but I was in the most restrictive part of the Arab world and didn't have as much problems as the UAE gives during Ramadan.
Tourist and pilots beware. You are entering the land of no return.
Even the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques allowed us to eat in public and lead a somewhat normal life during Ramadan. I know normal is all relative in the middle east and Saudi is far from normal but it was not as harsh as it is in the UAE during Ramadan.
It was perceived in the Kingdom that if a Saudi saw an infidel eating during daylight hours and the local was not tempted to eat he got bonus points. Why is it in the land of pork, nightclubs, bikinis and booze we are not allowed to eat in public during daylight? Are they trying to make our lives as miserable as theirs?
No other Muslim country imposes these kinds of restrictions on its subjects as far as I know plus if the Kingdom does not do it why should any other Muslim country impose?
Kids are not even suppose to eat during Ramadan. I was at the Mall of the Emirates this week and a security guard told children around 8 years old to stop eating. Aren't kids (and pregnant ladies) exempt from these types of restrictions?
This is all rediculous and I should know by now how people in this part of the world operate but I was in the most restrictive part of the Arab world and didn't have as much problems as the UAE gives during Ramadan.
Tourist and pilots beware. You are entering the land of no return.
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No other Muslim country imposes these kinds of restrictions on its subjects as far as I know
It's many years since I spent a Ramadan in Riyadh and it was definitely not as you describe. In fact even outside Ramadan shops and restaurants closed and evicted customers at Prayer times.
Ramadan in UAE is NOT unusually restrictive. And you can enjoy an Iftar Snifter if you wish - unlike in Qatar & Bahrain.
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Looking for something to nag, are you? 
Why is it that I'm not allowed to bring Cuban cigars into the USA, even though I'm not an American?
The answer is, because when you go abroad, the laws of your host apply. Whether it makes sense to you or whether you like it or not.
Why is it that I'm not allowed to bring Cuban cigars into the USA, even though I'm not an American?
The answer is, because when you go abroad, the laws of your host apply. Whether it makes sense to you or whether you like it or not.
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Swan Man, it would lead me to assume you were in both countries against your free will?
The Kingdom and UAE although neighbours are able to exercise their own laws. Why is assisted suicide allowed in Switzerland and not it's neighbouring countries. Why is Cannabis legal in Holland and criminalised in the UK. Why should the Kingdoms rule be the absolute standard?
Of course Muslims who are not eligible or discouraged from fasting are encouraged to consume foodstuff in private and not in the presence of fasting people. I suspect this is not Islamic law but law of the land as a mark of respect to it's majority Muslim population. You ought to respect it or perhaps not bother working or visiting the said countries.
The Kingdom and UAE although neighbours are able to exercise their own laws. Why is assisted suicide allowed in Switzerland and not it's neighbouring countries. Why is Cannabis legal in Holland and criminalised in the UK. Why should the Kingdoms rule be the absolute standard?
Of course Muslims who are not eligible or discouraged from fasting are encouraged to consume foodstuff in private and not in the presence of fasting people. I suspect this is not Islamic law but law of the land as a mark of respect to it's majority Muslim population. You ought to respect it or perhaps not bother working or visiting the said countries.
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Roll in the next whiner...
[QUOTE]
"Even the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques allowed us to eat in public...
[/QUOTE
Do you honestly think a custodian would challenge you if you're a western expat ? Bet you didn't try it in front of a Saudi official.
"Why is it in the land of pork, nightclubs, bikinis and booze we are not allowed to eat in public during daylight? Are they trying to make our lives as miserable as theirs? "
No one can make your life miserable. Only you make yourself miserable. You have complete control of what you allow to bother you and what you don't. If all this makes you miserable, you're in the wrong part of the globe my friend.
"This is all rediculous and I should know by now how people in this part of the world operate "
As is your post.
Instead of thinking "they" are trying to make you miserable, perhaps you can take it in and learn something from it. I see no mention or any inclination from your post that suggest any respect the culture here or religion. Did it feel good that you were able to eat in front of a man who for the love of his God and his religion had not eaten or drank water since about 4:30 that morning?
While I am a Christian and not Muslim, I respect their religion and the laws set in place by it. For me, Ramadan is not just for Muslims, it is a time for all mankind to reflect on what it is like for those not as fortunate as we are. Especially those who build the infrastructures by which we live in, work in, buy pork in and even drink in. So while you're frustrated by the fact you can't sit at the mall and ingest a saturated fat filled hamburger, stop and think about those in the world who have nothing to eat.
Unless you're stuck here because you have outstanding debts, bad cheques or lost your passport, turn the lights off as you leave.
Don't let the door hit ya where the good lord split ya.
If you really have that much time on your hands, please tell us, Why is the sky blue ? Why are trees brown? Why is the earth round ?
A380.. yep it changes each year. I think because they are concerned that the lienency had slipped a bit. And others simply don't respect it at all. It would be great if it were same same each year but we know where are. We adapt and deal with it.
"Even the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques allowed us to eat in public...
[/QUOTE
Do you honestly think a custodian would challenge you if you're a western expat ? Bet you didn't try it in front of a Saudi official.
"Why is it in the land of pork, nightclubs, bikinis and booze we are not allowed to eat in public during daylight? Are they trying to make our lives as miserable as theirs? "
No one can make your life miserable. Only you make yourself miserable. You have complete control of what you allow to bother you and what you don't. If all this makes you miserable, you're in the wrong part of the globe my friend.
"This is all rediculous and I should know by now how people in this part of the world operate "
As is your post.
Instead of thinking "they" are trying to make you miserable, perhaps you can take it in and learn something from it. I see no mention or any inclination from your post that suggest any respect the culture here or religion. Did it feel good that you were able to eat in front of a man who for the love of his God and his religion had not eaten or drank water since about 4:30 that morning?
While I am a Christian and not Muslim, I respect their religion and the laws set in place by it. For me, Ramadan is not just for Muslims, it is a time for all mankind to reflect on what it is like for those not as fortunate as we are. Especially those who build the infrastructures by which we live in, work in, buy pork in and even drink in. So while you're frustrated by the fact you can't sit at the mall and ingest a saturated fat filled hamburger, stop and think about those in the world who have nothing to eat.
Unless you're stuck here because you have outstanding debts, bad cheques or lost your passport, turn the lights off as you leave.
Don't let the door hit ya where the good lord split ya.
If you really have that much time on your hands, please tell us, Why is the sky blue ? Why are trees brown? Why is the earth round ?
A380.. yep it changes each year. I think because they are concerned that the lienency had slipped a bit. And others simply don't respect it at all. It would be great if it were same same each year but we know where are. We adapt and deal with it.
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Yesterday at lunchtime (= in broad daylight, foresooth ! ), Mrs OKC & I dropped in at the University Village student cafeteria (an evident den of sedition, if ever there was one, in Dubai?!), with the intention of procuring some 'sweet meats' to take-away with us (neither of us wishing to be caught 'eating in Public', for the obvious ramadamadingdong reasons), but therein we were somewhat surprised to find the vendors within the food court doing a roaring trade, and the place packed with folk both munching & drinking away with apparent impunity.... way to go !! 
In any event, you've got to wonder about any 'religion' that requires 'legal enforcement' in order to coerce folk to comply with and / or 'respect' it... so go figure, eh?!... and for those of a curious mind (rather than a closed one) you might check out this link: An Atheist's Guide to Mohammedanism from which I'll leave you to draw your own conclusions.
In any event, you've got to wonder about any 'religion' that requires 'legal enforcement' in order to coerce folk to comply with and / or 'respect' it... so go figure, eh?!... and for those of a curious mind (rather than a closed one) you might check out this link: An Atheist's Guide to Mohammedanism from which I'll leave you to draw your own conclusions.
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hats off for SassyPilotsWife 
as Skylight Dome said :
The answer is, because when you go abroad, the laws of your host apply. Whether it makes sense to you or whether you like it or not.
as Skylight Dome said :
The answer is, because when you go abroad, the laws of your host apply. Whether it makes sense to you or whether you like it or not.
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"THE Custodian"
[QUOTE]
"Even the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques allowed us to eat in public...
[/QUOTE
Do you honestly think a custodian would challenge you if you're a western expat ? Bet you didn't try it in front of a Saudi official.
...............
Swan Man, I believe, was referring to "THE Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques". ie King Abdulla
"Even the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques allowed us to eat in public...
[/QUOTE
Do you honestly think a custodian would challenge you if you're a western expat ? Bet you didn't try it in front of a Saudi official.
...............
Swan Man, I believe, was referring to "THE Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques". ie King Abdulla
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am inclined to add but then you guys have said it all
way to go sassypilotswife!
instead of looking for faults we should respect the laws of the land we chose to be in or better yet contribute to the community we chose to be in and in that regard i believe sassypilotswife is putting her money where her mouth is with her ramadan charity
the world i believe would be a much better place if we were to respect each other instead of picking out faults. the uae is not perfect nor is the kingdom but then none of us are and as two tone-7 and skylight dome pointed out other countries too have their own laws that others might find strange to say the least
way to go sassypilotswife!
instead of looking for faults we should respect the laws of the land we chose to be in or better yet contribute to the community we chose to be in and in that regard i believe sassypilotswife is putting her money where her mouth is with her ramadan charity
the world i believe would be a much better place if we were to respect each other instead of picking out faults. the uae is not perfect nor is the kingdom but then none of us are and as two tone-7 and skylight dome pointed out other countries too have their own laws that others might find strange to say the least
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SassyPilotsWife - wrote:
Well I find myself with time upon my hands, so let me endeavour to respond to Sassy's questions:
Q) Why is the sky blue ?
A) Well the sky is not always 'blue', and it's also not necessarily seen in the same colour by all living creatures (as what is 'seen' depends upon how ones eyes are attuned to react to the 'light' contained within the electromagnetic spectrum) but as to an explanation as to why the sky changes colour (as 'seen' by human eyes), that's due to the wavelength dependence of 'Rayleigh Scattering'.
Q) Why are trees brown?
A) Err, not all trees are brown?!
Q) Why is the earth round ?
A) That'd be due to Gravity! (albeit that most spinning orbs, ones that have mass, are not perfectly round, due to the Centripetal force of rotation acting upon the mass in the direction of rotation. Accordingly the Earth is in fact an 'Oblate Spheroid' wherein, when measured around the equator, the Earth is 43 km more than the diameter when measured via the poles).
If you really have that much time on your hands, please tell us, Why is the sky blue ? Why are trees brown? Why is the earth round ?
Q) Why is the sky blue ?
A) Well the sky is not always 'blue', and it's also not necessarily seen in the same colour by all living creatures (as what is 'seen' depends upon how ones eyes are attuned to react to the 'light' contained within the electromagnetic spectrum) but as to an explanation as to why the sky changes colour (as 'seen' by human eyes), that's due to the wavelength dependence of 'Rayleigh Scattering'.
Q) Why are trees brown?
A) Err, not all trees are brown?!
Q) Why is the earth round ?
A) That'd be due to Gravity! (albeit that most spinning orbs, ones that have mass, are not perfectly round, due to the Centripetal force of rotation acting upon the mass in the direction of rotation. Accordingly the Earth is in fact an 'Oblate Spheroid' wherein, when measured around the equator, the Earth is 43 km more than the diameter when measured via the poles).
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So why can't they seem to abide by our rules in our country then !!
Anjem Choudary and Islamic extremists set up Sharia law zones in UK cities | Mail Online
Anjem Choudary and Islamic extremists set up Sharia law zones in UK cities | Mail Online
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Nitro Rig Driver - Because in every society there seem to be those who disagree with the rules and some are extremists.
Swan Man is a mild example of the above.
Here is another:
British couple arrested in Dubai over sex on the beach - Telegraph
I just read your link regarding the UK and in the case of Anjem Choudary, it is shame that his extreme views are used as ammunition for people such as yourself. I am sure there are millions of Muslims in the UK that are law abiding and probably are just as annoyed by Anjem Choudary as you are.
Swan Man is a mild example of the above.
Here is another:
British couple arrested in Dubai over sex on the beach - Telegraph
I just read your link regarding the UK and in the case of Anjem Choudary, it is shame that his extreme views are used as ammunition for people such as yourself. I am sure there are millions of Muslims in the UK that are law abiding and probably are just as annoyed by Anjem Choudary as you are.
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And here's another: Tourist fined for anti-Muslim Remarks
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TT
Whilst everyone is intitled to their views my point was more that they are allowed to preach it in the "borrowed country" that they move to,to try and change it into their own country and moving them out legally is even more fraught because of the PC brigade and so called human rights..
Whilst everyone is intitled to their views my point was more that they are allowed to preach it in the "borrowed country" that they move to,to try and change it into their own country and moving them out legally is even more fraught because of the PC brigade and so called human rights..
Last edited by nitro rig driver; 8th Aug 2011 at 18:09. Reason: spelling
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What I was trying to point out was since I am a law abiding man I adhere to the laws of the UAE as I did in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I was pointing out how the holiest of Muslim lands does not require me not to eat in public. I still obey the law just find it more than a little hypercritical.
As many people have pointed out it does seem like when Arabs come to the west they still want to live by the laws in the middle east.
I am most certainly not a mild extremest. I am perfectly willing to live by their rules no matter how arcaic they may seem. I am also allowed to make fun of their laws just not in public because of the lack of free speech.
As many people have pointed out it does seem like when Arabs come to the west they still want to live by the laws in the middle east.
I am most certainly not a mild extremest. I am perfectly willing to live by their rules no matter how arcaic they may seem. I am also allowed to make fun of their laws just not in public because of the lack of free speech.
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sassypilotwife
Sassy you are a human case.
Even more you are a perfect example of the kind of people that in an effort to control the world population we should get rid off.
The planet would be a much better place where to live without idiots like you.
Apparently you cannot smell the sweat of indian workers and you urge people to bring them among other things deodorants ( the only item in bold characters) but then you become an example of tolerance and adaptation to a religion that in its most conversative interpretations still condemns a women to be stoned in public for adultery. The Kuran unlike the Bible never had any kind of critical later review leaving to interpretation substantial parts of its content.
Interpreting at the letter what was written 1600 years ago is stupid to say the least but authoritarian regimes ( ( the like the Dubai Middle Age autocracy ) normally take the more restrictive interpretation to serve their goals : keeping the masses belly on the ground. I suggest you to visit places where Islam and democracy exists togheter to understand better what Islam is.
Muslim migrating to Europe or the US are not forced to celebrate Christmas or to follow any Christian tradition and they have the riight to go to court if someone tryes to force them not to dress like Fantomas and mingle around in european cities scaring kids.
Try to go to court as a catholic in Dubai...
Sassy go back to your tea party...and do us all a favor open your sassy pilot wives forum and leave us alone...or at least me.
Even more you are a perfect example of the kind of people that in an effort to control the world population we should get rid off.
The planet would be a much better place where to live without idiots like you.
Apparently you cannot smell the sweat of indian workers and you urge people to bring them among other things deodorants ( the only item in bold characters) but then you become an example of tolerance and adaptation to a religion that in its most conversative interpretations still condemns a women to be stoned in public for adultery. The Kuran unlike the Bible never had any kind of critical later review leaving to interpretation substantial parts of its content.
Interpreting at the letter what was written 1600 years ago is stupid to say the least but authoritarian regimes ( ( the like the Dubai Middle Age autocracy ) normally take the more restrictive interpretation to serve their goals : keeping the masses belly on the ground. I suggest you to visit places where Islam and democracy exists togheter to understand better what Islam is.
Muslim migrating to Europe or the US are not forced to celebrate Christmas or to follow any Christian tradition and they have the riight to go to court if someone tryes to force them not to dress like Fantomas and mingle around in european cities scaring kids.
Try to go to court as a catholic in Dubai...
Sassy go back to your tea party...and do us all a favor open your sassy pilot wives forum and leave us alone...or at least me.
Last edited by Jetaim; 9th Aug 2011 at 08:49.
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The following is an extract of Sassy appeal to have clean indian slaves in Dubai.
I do understand your sassy nostrils sensitivity...
"In the next month, I would like to ask that any and all crew members in the UAE, begin collecting any hotel soaps, shampoos, sew kits, tissues, toothpaste, deodorants, BOTTLED WATER etc. I want to create goody bags for the laborers in the area. I would like to collect, create the bags and distribute as many as humanly possible during Ramadan. This is our chance to give back to those who, without their work, none of us would be here"
I do understand your sassy nostrils sensitivity...
"In the next month, I would like to ask that any and all crew members in the UAE, begin collecting any hotel soaps, shampoos, sew kits, tissues, toothpaste, deodorants, BOTTLED WATER etc. I want to create goody bags for the laborers in the area. I would like to collect, create the bags and distribute as many as humanly possible during Ramadan. This is our chance to give back to those who, without their work, none of us would be here"
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