I don't wish to offend anyone but .... [I don't like Qantas using Dubai]

[under the radar]

Don't shift your 'problem/issue/insecurity' onto qantas (or anyone else for that matter) :d

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Actually, saying you don't like something is not racist. Treating people differently, to their disadvantage is racist. I don't like some stereotypical characteristics of certain races. But I do not discriminate against individuals of those races, I treat everyone as an equal. Hence I say my dislike is not racist.

For the record I also dislike some of the laws and attitudes towards women that seem to be prevalent in certain countries. But I'm not going to implement a travel ban because of that dislike, perhaps just exercise greater caution when I travel there.

you are confusing two issues here.

by very definition your statement that you don't like some stereotypical characteristics of certain races IS, without doubt, racist. Racism can be a view, action or practice reflecting a belief that members of a certain race display similar traits.

you are confusing that with whether or not you then go one step further and discriminate based on those views (which you say you don't)

you can be a racist but not fall foul of anti-discrimination laws.

 

[wandering_fred]

The next time I fly to Europe with QF I will transit DXB... Oh wait - QF don't fly to anywhere overseas from PER except SIN...:shock:

And besides ticket prices exAustralia would only be worthwhile if the AUD was about US$0.80...

Anyone else notice that the second PER-SIN flight has been / will be replaced with an early morning Jetstar flight?

Happy wandering

 

[burmans]

Hmmm... Good job you said you aren't a racist or a bigot or some people may have wondered. Actually I am still wondering. What if you swapped the word "Arab" for "Aborigine," "Gay" or "Jew." Would that make you a racist or bigot?

Im not a racist BUT would surely be regarded by many as a tell tale sign, do you really think saying it before you then say something that really sounds that way fools anyone but yourself?

 

[asg29e]

Im not a racist BUT would surely be regarded by many as a tell tale sign, do you really think saying it before you then say something that really sounds that way fools anyone but yourself?

Especially when combined with "I don't want to offend anyone but..." Double whammy in this case.

 

[medhead]

you are confusing two issues here.

by very definition your statement that you don't like some stereotypical characteristics of certain races IS, without doubt, racist. Racism can be a view, action or practice reflecting a belief that members of a certain race display similar traits.

You're right, I misspoke. I meant stereotypical behaviours/activities that some groups of people do. Definitely didn't mean characteristics of their race, arising because of their genetics.

For example: lots of Greek people in Australia like to have concrete backyards and Hellenic columns on their house, for the record I love such style. That is not something that arises because of genetics but it is a stereotypical behaviour (yes characteristic is the wrong word) related to an ethnic group.

Anyway the point remains it is not racist to dislike a law or behaviour of a group.

 

[JohnK]

For example: lots of Greek people in Australia like to have concrete backyards and Hellenic columns on their house, for the record I love such style. That is not something that arises because of genetics but it is a stereotypical behaviour (yes characteristic is the wrong word) related to an ethnic group.

Have you been to my house? Concrete everywhere and Corinthian columns!

This discussion on racism and prejudice has become extremely boring and the political correctness mob want it all their way and anyone who does not agree with their point of view is wrong.

By the way, no one can ever call me racist. I hate everyone equally, including Greeks....

 

[asg29e]

Anyway the point remains it is not racist to dislike a law or behaviour of a group.

Fair enough. The main problem with the OP is the disclaimer, it just raises red flags. If you aren't making a racist remark, no need for the disclaimer. If you are going to make a racist comment, the disclaimer will simply draw attention to it.

IMHO one should stop and think for a bit before posting material that is even potentially inflammatory. As a filter, try using "Could the prime minister get away with saying this?"

The answer in this case would be not in a million years.

 

[stewiejp]

Traveling to Europe from Perth, I liked the stopover in Singapore. I like Singapore it's clean, safe I know my way around. Now QF has jumped in bed with Emirates and I understand why but I have to go via Dubai. I don't want to go to Dubai. I am not a racist or a bigot but I don't like a lot about the Arab world, their laws, their religion or their culture. The Odyssey by our Mods might shed some more light on the situation, but from what I read, I just don't like it.

United Arab Emirates - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

From what I read, OP can still go to Europe via Singapore (exPerth) - have the stopover there, and look at other options.

I can't say I blame the OP for not wanting to stop in an Arab country - it's easy to jump down someone's throat and play the racist card, but having never been to UAE, and having read the link it would be easy for someone, especially a female to be hesitant to go there. 5 examples from the Wiki article, I'm sure someone will correct me if any of these points are wrong - I've never been there... yet:

1. In criminal matters a woman’s testimony is worth half of that of a man before a court.
2. Prospective foreign employees infected with hepatitis, tuberculosis, or HIV will not be given work visas and have to leave the country.
3. The issue of sexual abuse among female domestic servants is an area of concern
4. The Federal Supreme Court ruled that domestic violence is not illegal, as long as it leaves no physical marks on the victim.
5. During the month of Ramadan, between sunrise and sunset, it is illegal to publicly eat, drink (even water), or smoke. Exceptions are made for pregnant or nursing women, as well as children. This applies to non-Muslims as well as Muslims, and failure to comply may result in arrest.

Personally I strongly disagree morally with the above laws, which cover OP's topics of religion, law and culture, and I doubt many westerners would morally support the above 5 practices... having said that I also morally disagree with Russia and China's Human Rights record, some of USA's foreign policy, the death penalty/lengthy prison sentences in a lot of countries for certain crimes, the French nuclear testing in the pacific... the list goes on. But it doesn't stop me visiting those countries and it has no bearing on the beauty of the country, and hospitality of the people.
Even if I disagree with the local customs and laws, I don't have to respect them but have to abide by them..

 

[Mal]

Point two would invalidate a visa application for Australia (afaik) ... then again, with the cough legal system in Australia I suggest that some other points would also apply within Australia.

 

[The Rok]

I had to undergo a HIV test before I was issued my australian visa, how is the UAE any different?

 

[Alanslegal]

Qantas has made their decision to be with Emirates and they think its better in the long term from a business POV. As with all commercial decisions that potentially affect millions of customers, some may disagree with it, some may agree with it, and most probably wouldn't care. I simply do not care however the good news it means I can now add Dubai as another country to visit and add to my been to list, a place to explore and "see" how the other side of the world lives. I have been to 40 or so different countries, so I am quite keen on exploring and seeing how other people live, go around their day to day business and seeing this global world of ours.

As for people not choosing to fly to QF via DXB, so be it for whatever reasons. There are a bunch of OW, and other competitor airlines that are more than happy to take you to LON or wherever. Besides QF has factored in some loss of passengers, they have then also crunched the numbers and think that this partnership is something of a winner.

 

[browski]

I'm looking forward to flying Qantas to DXB. It will be the only world flight which carries no bigots and uninformed fools. Maybe they will use that in the marketing?

 

[scaredeycat]

Does the ban on eating and drinking in public during daylight hours in Ramadan apply when you're in the terminal?

 

[Jurahn]

Does the ban on eating and drinking in public during daylight hours in Ramadan apply when you're in the terminal?

When we were there, it applied in shopping centres and all other public places, even in our hotel (screened off areas were provided in the restaurant and at the cafe by the pool so as non-Muslims could eat without being seen), so I assume it would apply in the airport as well?

We didn't eat anything on arrival, just went straight to the hotel - we were picked up by the hotel car and there were bottles of water available, but to avoid offending the driver, we didn't drink anything whilst we were in the car. Transiting through on the return journey, we were in the airport late at night, so all the food outlets were open.

 

[mella2007]

Does the ban on eating and drinking in public during daylight hours in Ramadan apply when you're in the terminal?

We were in the airport at night during Ramadan so obviously everything as per normal, however the guy at the transit desk did say that the airport was covered under transit law, so perhaps Ramadan during daylight for tourists at the airport it isn't applicable?

 

[Geegeela]

I'm looking forward to flying Qantas to DXB. It will be the only world flight which carries no bigots and uninformed fools. Maybe they will use that in the marketing?

Or maybe the self-righteous ignorant.

 

[MaggieM]

Hi everyone.
This is my very first post so bear with me.

I have always enjoyed Singapore ariport on the way to Europe from Perth. But I am excited to now go to Dubai as the new alliance opens up so many opportunities than previously. I was never thrilled in having to go to Heathrow before ending up where I really wanted to go. My husband has been flying in and out of Dubai with Emirates for the last 2 years and advised me that the Emirates lounge is superb.

My one bugbear is that I cannot use points to upgrade on the codeshare flights as only Emirates metal departs from Perth. Hopefully (fingers crossed) that may change in the future.

 

[KitKat]

Hi everyone.
This is my very first post so bear with me.

I have always enjoyed Singapore ariport on the way to Europe from Perth. But I am excited to now go to Dubai as the new alliance opens up so many opportunities than previously. I was never thrilled in having to go to Heathrow before ending up where I really wanted to go. My husband has been flying in and out of Dubai with Emirates for the last 2 years and advised me that the Emirates lounge is superb.

My one bugbear is that I cannot use points to upgrade on the codeshare flights as only Emirates metal departs from Perth. Hopefully (fingers crossed) that may change in the future.

Welcome to AFF
Good post to start with!

 

[Geegeela]

When we were there, it applied in shopping centres and all other public places, even in our hotel (screened off areas were provided in the restaurant and at the cafe by the pool so as non-Muslims could eat without being seen), so I assume it would apply in the airport as well?

We didn't eat anything on arrival, just went straight to the hotel - we were picked up by the hotel car and there were bottles of water available, but to avoid offending the driver, we didn't drink anything whilst we were in the car. Transiting through on the return journey, we were in the airport late at night, so all the food outlets were open.

When my friends and I were discussing the marketing ramifications of the alliance we did toss around the thought that for 29-30days of the year, owing to lack of demand, tickets and accommodation would be cheaper.

The climate factor played heavily on us when it came to the no drink part of the fast.

Although to be fair I don’t think it was water that was on our minds.

One thought was that you could play the exemption card of being a traveller but on reflection this was considered not very viable.

BTW as I was typing this post I just heard on the ABC news on the A380 fly-over that passengers were being advised that if they did not comply with Dubai cultural laws they would be prosecuted.

I don’t think that was the editorial comment Qantas was looking for in this publicity event,