I appreciate the ideas expressed by Fatima Al Shamsi in the opinion article Better to talk about UAE dress code than to rant and rave (May 15). The writer seems quite open minded.
Unfortunately the only way to get westerners dressed modestly is by enforcing strict laws on dress code. I am a westerner raised in the West and can tell you that western people often offend people when they go abroad. They think western culture must be global and so they behave in foreign countries like they do at home.
When I was in Dubai, I was shocked to see how women were allowed to dress in malls (mini skirts, tight jeans and even transparent clothes). Therefore, the only solution when dealing with these kind of people is to impose laws without any compromise, because any explanation or piece of advice would be a waste of time and effort.
Name withheld by request
I arrived in the UAE almost seven years ago and was completely ignorant of the dress code of this country. I wore short skirts and sleeveless tops. It never occurred to me that I should change my wardrobe, until I met a Muslim gentleman whom I eventually married. He explained to me why we need to dress appropriately. When I see women dressed immodestly, I think about my past. Yet I never judge anyone, as I understand that different people belong to different cultures.
Daisy, Dubai
Western clothes are sold everywhere in this country, which means they can be worn here. Moreover, the UAE did not enforce strict dress codes from the start. It’s not fair to allow something and then change it decades down the line. Even abayas are fashionable these days.
Christa Martine, Dubai
Story helped me save time
With reference to your story Now you can pay traffic fines while you shop in Sharjah (May 15), I got a fine in Sharjah this month. Since I also got black points, I was not allowed to pay the fine online. I tried to pay it at a Dubai Police office, but was told that I would have to go to Sharjah. Then I came across your article and thought of trying to pay it at Sahara Centre rather than visiting Sharjah Muroor, which is far away from my home. I was successful. It saved me a lot of time. Thank you for the information.
Sunil Dante, Sharjah
Football needs all-round boost
The editorial It's football that wins (May 11) has rightly mentioned that fans need more encouragement to go to stadiums rather than watch the game on TV. While marketing from the Arabian Gulf League needs to be more aggressive, more efforts should be made by clubs to engage with the community, so fans actually go to see the events. This applies to all games and sports in this country. Finally, it's important to bring quality commentators, both in English and Arabic.
Khalid Al M, Abu Dhabi
How about publishing schedules? The Al Wahda team souvenir booth at a shopping mall did not have copies of the team’s schedule. I had trouble finding ticket prices on the team website, too.
Owen Neale, Iraq
Women need time to exercise
The obesity statistics are alarming and highly disturbing (Half of women in UAE 'clinically obese', May 14). I am in my mid-twoenties and obese. My sister was diagnosed as morbidly obese, which is extremely worrisome. While in some cases it is the lack of exercise and sedentary lifestyle that contributes to the bulging waistline in women, some are so busy looking after their family that they have no time to spare for themselves. Eventually, these women give up on their health and appearance until they reach a life threatening stage.
Fatima Suhail, Sharjah
