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

[ozdunker]

I'm just trying to clarify that context. Basically the newspapers like to talk about people arriving on boats as illegal, when they aren't. Then there are people who illegally overstay in Australia. Just wondered which you mean.

.

In UAE it is most likely overstaying or they work fly home and then fly back and work again.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Not saying Australia is any better in this regard, just pointing out something I personally don't agree with.
Australia doesn't only test for HIV, they test for other conditions as well, including tb, even for some tourists, BUT it is illegal in Australia to discriminate based on someone's HIV status... could open a legal can of worms for someone knocked back for a visa.

an application for a permanent visa can (but not always) be declined if you are HIV positive or otherwise fail the medical requirements. this has nothing to do with discrimination based on HIV status, but rather the cost to the Australian community.

 

[JohnK]

I should have realised that if you take the moral high ground then you are right all the time.

 

[crm911]

It's been a long time since I have transited DXB but I heard a comment that it's a terrible airport when it comes from getting from one terminal to another and the staff are pretty unhelpful. Is that still the case?

 

[dot]

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.

Thiis is plain wrong. I was in Riyahd during Ramadan and this was the case there - in fact every restuarant was closed during daylight hours, however in Dubai (where I also stayed for 3 days on the same trip and therefore still during Ramadan) this was NOT the case. Resaurants were open and feeding people during the day - it was not problem eating or driniking in a restaurant at all. I did not try to take a drink outside, but frankly it's no big deal to eat/drink inside a restuarant durning Ramadan rather than taking it on the street with you.

 

[stewiejp]

Good to hear - I wouldn't have a problem "participating" in Ramadan whilst a guest in a muslim country, however I think many would struggle with the no water part of it... especially people like me who are not used to it, in a climate such as UAE's.
A lot of muslims I work with participate in Ramadan, to varying degrees. Most don't eat or smoke, but not many go without water. I take my hat off to them, I really do - to do it for a few days would be "a challenge" - a whole month and I think it would be a bit of a struggle, unless I was on night shifts.

 

[MTAB]

Fasting during Ramadan can indeed be a bit of a struggle. However it is one of the pillars of Islam and helps Muslims get closer to Allah and and an understanding and compassion for others. Unlike many "Christians" who struggle to even observe a token lent, the great majority of Muslims observe this temporary (albeit 30 day) abstinence.

I am Anglo-Celt and a devout atheist (to Muslims this ranks way below Christians and other monotheists), but living and working in the Middle East for seven years, I had no problem with observing Ramadan. It helped me better understand what my Arab colleagues and friends were going through -- and also why they went through it.

Really, once you get to experience a people and their culture their culture no matter how superficially (but with an open and enquiring mind) you will begin to experience the wonderful richness and diversity of our world and its people. For example, you will find many Arabs and Muslims amongst the most sincere, sweet and generous in the world (as well as some nasty ones; but I have a suspicion that there are even a few nasty non-Muslims).

Travel, take appropriate care, but soak up and learn from your experiences -- even in Dubai!!

 

[scaredeycat]

How do golfers (and other sporting types) survive Ramadan if they can't rehydrate during the game? Dubai promotes itself as a golfing destination, but this sounds like a ticket to the Emergency Department for intravenous fluids.

 

[dot]

How do golfers (and other sporting types) survive Ramadan if they can't rehydrate during the game? Dubai promotes itself as a golfing destination, but this sounds like a ticket to the Emergency Department for intravenous fluids.

Like I said - it's not a problem in Dubai - all of the golf courses (AFAIK) are private clubs and therefore taking some water with you would not be a problem.

You should not mix up the relative freedom of Dubai with the restrictions that are in place in Saudi Arabia (or in the other Emirates). In my experience, Ramadan in Dubai is no more difficult than it is in Kuala Lumpur or Jakarta.

 

[DC3]

Reducing water intake (to zero?) would be dangerous to health in such a hot and dry climate, religion or not. That sort of thing puts people in hospital. Or worse.

 

[medhead]

Reducing water intake (to zero?) would be dangerous to health in such a hot and dry climate, religion or not. That sort of thing puts people in hospital. Or worse.

Fasting is only during daylight hours. The normal tradition is to take meals early in the morning and at night.

 

[Deleted member]

Ramadan does not require you to place yourself in jeopardy where your health is concerned.
Those who are unable are urged to make up,for it in other ways.