DUBAI // Police have issued a list of the top legal blunders made by tourists who visit the country, warning them that ignorance of the law is no defence in court.
The Ministry of Interior's monthly English-language magazine, 999, has published the list of faux pas, often committed by foreign visitors.
It includes common, internationally recognised crimes like drink driving – but also UAE-specific offences like taking pictures of strangers and sunbathing in very skimpy clothing.
“There is no valid reason for tourists and visitors to not find out more about their destination country’s customs and laws before or even after arriving here,” said editor of the magazine, Lt Col Awadh Saleh Al Kindi.
“There are enough learning resources – and our cover story will make for a very good starting point for anyone considering visiting the UAE for work or play.”
He added: “The culture and laws in the UAE are designed in a way to safeguard personal freedom on the one hand and to ensure that everyone is respectful of each other regardless of their faith and nationality, on the other.
“Visitors and residents should avoid improper conduct or inappropriate behaviour that can otherwise lead to fines, imprisonment and deportation.”
The magazine also highlights how the UAE has established a "Law Respect Culture Bureau", which would encourage residents and visitors alike to "respect both the written laws [legislation] and unwritten laws [values and morals]", according to a statement.
Dr Jamal Hussein Al Sumaiti, the director general of Dubai Judicial Institute, said the UAE allowed freedom of expression, but that freedom comes with the obligation to respect others.
"It is my right to criticise the behaviour of a general person or an institution, but I have no right to swear or defame," he said.
"There is a difference between an objective and positive criticism and swearing. Swearing may be a form of expression, but the law does not protect the utterance of insults or curses and defamation or assaulting individuals or other institutions," he said.
mcroucher@thenational.ae
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Healthy tips to remember
Here, Dr Mohamed El Abiary, paediatric consultant at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, shares some advice for parents whose children are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:
Gradual fasting and golden points - For children under the age of 10, follow a step-by-step approach to fasting and don't push them beyond their limits. Start with a few hours fasting a day and increase it to a half fast and full fast when the child is ready. Every individual's ability varies as per the age and personal readiness. You could introduce a points system that awards the child and offers them encouragement when they make progress with the amount of hours they fast
Why fast? - Explain to your child why they are fasting. By shedding light on the importance of abstaining from food and drink, children may feel more encouraged to give it there all during the observance period. It is also a good opportunity to teach children about controlling urges, doing good for others and instilling healthy food habits
Sleep and suhoor - A child needs adequate sleep every night - at least eight hours. Make sure to set a routine early bedtime so he/she has sufficient time to wake up for suhoor, which is an essential meal at the beginning of the day
Good diet - Nutritious food is crucial to ensuring a healthy Ramadan for children. They must refrain from eating too much junk food as well as canned goods and snacks and drinks high in sugar. Foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and proteins, like fruits, fresh meats and vegetables, make for a good balanced diet
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