Ramadan, and the Law, in Sandland

Ramadan, of course, happened last year, but this information, taken from http://www.express4me.com/ is useful at anytime......

The holy month of Ramadan is a new religious and cultural experience for many expatriates in the country.
Conforming to the traditions and cultural norms may be confusing for some of the thousands of newcomers who have arrived in Dubai over the past two years.

Such was the case of an Australian manager and his Filipina girlfriend who were convicted of indecent behaviour during Ramadan last year. The 37-year-old manager and 35-year-old receptionist were convicted after they were arrested hugging and kissing during Ramadan inside a coffee shop on Shaikh Zayed Road.

Court records say a government employee saw the couple exchanging kisses in the coffee shop. The employee said he warned them against the "unacceptable behaviour, especially in public" but they continued and the employee called the police.

The man and his girlfriend stated before the court that "they were unaware that kissing in public is punishable by law".

The Dubai Criminal Court sentenced the couple to one month in jail and fined them 1,000 Dirham [about $250 US].

Religious Offences

According to Fatima Al Mousa, a Dubai lawyer, the laws do not change during the month of Ramadan. In other emirates more stringent punishments are observed during the holy month for indecent acts.

Saif Al Mutawa of Middle East Advocates and Legal Consultants said that crimes related to breaking of the fast or indecency fall under Doctrinal and Religious Offences statutes of the UAE Penal Code. These offences are classified as religious-contempt cases specific to Ramadan and are penalised by one month imprisonment and/or a 1,000 Dirham fine.

During Ramadan, all restaurants and food outlets remain closed during the day with the exception of hotels.

Restaurants are covered from the public eye with blinds or blacked-out windows. They are allowed to sell take-out food only and make deliveries. Eating, drinking and smoking are to be done away from the public eye during fasting hours.

In the event of breaking these rules the penalty is up to one month in jail and/or a fine not exceeding 2,000 Dirham.

Furthermore, forcing someone or even enticing them to eat, drink or break their fast is punishable under the same law.

Shops or restaurants which openly serve food and/or any enticing materials which may lead to breaking of the fast publicly will be closed for up to a month.

Nightlife

All clubs operate only after iftar time [usually 7:00 PM]. Clubs are open until 1:00 AM. However, no loud music or live entertainment is allowed during Ramadan. Non-conformance with these rules could cost the establishment a fine and closure for no more than a month.

"The UAE is a Muslim country, and the laws of the country are all based on the Sharia. Although people from other religions also live in the UAE everyone should conform to the laws and respect the culture of the country," said Al Mutawa.

The Laws

Kissing in public — one month in jail and 1,000 Dirham fine

Eating, drinking or smoking in public during fasting hours — one month jail and/or fine up to 2,000 Dirham

Public indecency with someone under the age of 15 — 6 months to one year in jail and up to 10,000 Dirham fine

Indecent acts towards women — six months to one year and up to 10,000 Dirham fine