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| -Short Attention Span Theater- |
| The other shoe drops: Dubai gets religion |
| 2009-03-20 |
| A peck on the cheek in public? Probably OK. Steamy embrace? Get a room. That's the message coming from Dubai authorities in their latest struggle to tame public behavior in this glitzy Gulf city state that sells itself as a place where the Middle East meets the wild West. Dubai revealed the new behavior guidelines last weekend in the local media, though it remains unclear if they will become law. The instructions -- touching on topics from miniskirts to angry outbursts -- could sharpen existing "suggestions" for modest dress and decorum and give police more leeway for fines or arrests in places such as beaches and malls. But the possible curbs also dig deeper into Dubai's bipolar personality, which caters heavily to Western tastes and lifestyles for its international allure, but is still governed by rulers with traditional and conservative Gulf sensibilities. |
| Posted by:Seafarious |
| #3 They are trying to get the euro trash under control there. Imagine sitting on the beach outside your hotel while your on vacation with your family and two drunk eurotrash fools start having sex. In every state in the US that would be a felony. You can see this behavior all over the world, they act and wear things they would never do in their home town. Sheikh Rashid is just trying to keep it a bit under control, just like any destination resort area. |
| Posted by: 49 Pan 2009-03-20 17:23 |
| #2 after a British couple was convicted for having sex on a beach, and later fined and deported after their prison sentence was suspended. I'm not keen on some of the rules, but this one I don't have a problem with. And given that so much is permitted at the hotels... |
| Posted by: trailing wife 2009-03-20 17:04 |
| #1 Bravo for Dubai! There is a real danger of "Las Vegas-izing" a really terrific country. They have a right to maintain their economic and cultural history and greatness, and these rules are a good way to go. Think I'm nuts? Nope. And the Socialist Dems who are actively ruining OUR economy and country should take some lessons from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, ruler of Dubai. But they won't. Read on-- just a few quotes from the the Sheikh: "The record of the UAEÂ’s economy bears testament to the wise vision of the countryÂ’s leadership and the sound legislation that guarantees the stability of all investments in various sectors." "Money is like water, block its flow and it will stagnate." " Â…We are proud of our past and our present and we face the future with unflagging determination." "Those who neglect the new will remain at the back of the line; those who wait for luck to make things happen will be disappointedÂ… " "The relationship between the leaders and the people of the UAE is one of the secrets behind the nation's successÂ…" "Unlike others, we are not content to settle for what was accomplished in the past, because life doesn't stop and it doesn't care about those who stop because they are content with what they have achieved." "We are very realistic, despite our big dreams, and we work hard to be the best, relying on God and our citizens." "We have succeeded because we have always believed that tomorrow is a new day, that yesterday's achievements are in the past and that history will record what we achieve in the future, not what we have achieved in the past." "The present and future generations of our country are the top priority of all development plans." "There are several elements of creativity. It is important to cultivate these elements and even more important to put them into practice. This creates distinctive leadership." "A mother remains a mother, in her sensitivity, emotions and love for her children, regardless of conditions, environment and age." "Stagnation means regression, therefore you should strive to develop.If you cannot, you should give up your place to others." "We have to make history and approach the future with steady steps, not wait for the future to come to us." Hmmm. I'd say TRUE HOPE & CHANGE, for a change. DUBAI link Still sceptical? Check out the "Tourism" link at top of the website, or the Shiekh's biography. Sheikh Mohammed is right up there with Rush Limbaugh in my book. |
| Posted by: ex-lib 2009-03-20 14:57 |