Aussies landing in trouble in Dubai

Joining Qantas or Emirates on a flight through Dubai? Here's some of what you need to know to keep yourself out of trouble.

Unsuspecting Australians may find themselves in trouble in Dubai. Picture: AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili Source: National Features

• Number of Aussies travelling through Dubai set to soar
• Fears Aussies could end up landing in trouble
• Leering at women, drinking alcohol in public against the law

DON'T step off the plane and leer at the local women. Definitely don't crack a stubbie as you walk down the street. And whatever you do, don't get too cosy at night on the beach.

Qantas is about to route all of its Europe-bound flights through Dubai, and the tough laws of the United Arab Emirates could catch out many Australian travellers.

Two million Aussies already fly through Dubai each year, but that number is set to soar by the end of the month when Qantas abandons its longstanding Singapore hub because of a new partnership between Qantas and Emirates.

Non-profit group Detained in Dubai, which helps people in legal trouble in the UAE, is concerned the number of Australians inadvertently finding themselves behind bars could skyrocket.

Radha Stirling, founder of the organisation, said many Australians aren't aware of the vastly different laws in the UAE.

Drinking or being drunk in public is a no-no. So is swearing, carrying certain medicines, wearing skimpy clothes, sharing a hotel room with somebody you're not married to, holding hands and even eating in public during Ramadan.

By the way, Ramadan is from July 9 to August 7 this year...

Detained in Dubai raised several examples of Australians who had been jailed in controversial circumstances, including Alicia Gall who was jailed for eight months after complaining of having her drink spiked and being raped by four co-workers at a Dubai hotel in June.

Another example was 32-year-old Australian Sun McKay, who was arrested for swearing in Dubai Airport after being yelled at by a man who later revealed himself as an undercover officer.

"Sun was jailed for months. What guarantees are there that more Australians won't be caught in a similar situation inside the airport?" Ms Stirling said.

Meanwhile, a British couple was jailed for three months in 2008 after having drunken sex on a public beach.

With so many potential pitfalls for the unsuspecting, Detained in Dubai is calling for Qantas to raise awareness.

"We have serious concerns about the safety of Australian travellers," Ms Stirling said. "There are numerous dangers to westerners staying in or transiting through Dubai, and Qantas has yet to communicate how it intends to mitigate these.

"It's time Qantas was pressed to respond to these concerns to guarantee the safety of Australian citizens travelling on our national carrier."

Qantas is entering a partnership with Emirates that will see all flights to Europe go via Dubai. Picture: AFP Source: AFP

But is it really the responsibility of airlines to educate passengers on the laws of foreign countries?

Qantas spokesman Andrew McGinnes said it's up to the individual to research the laws of their destination.

"Different rules apply in many of the countries we fly to, which is the very nature of international travel," Mr McGinnes said.

"We encourage all our passengers – whether they are travelling to Asia or the United States or the UAE – to check the Australian Government's Smart Traveller website so that are fully informed of local laws and customs before they board our aircraft."

However, Ms Stirling said it's just not enough to ensure Australian travellers' safety.

"Information sheets should be handed out at the time of making a reservation and in flight. British nationals are more likely to be arrested in the UAE than in other country and I expect this to be the case for Australians with the new flight plan," she said.

Virgin Australia already has another UAE destination - Abu Dhabi - as a stopover destination via its partnership with Etihad. But the Qantas move will see a lot more Australians pass through the UAE.

Du not du the following in Dubai:

• Kissing: Public displays of affection, such as holding hands and kissing frequently lead to arrest and imprisonment.
• Sex: Sex outside marriage is illegal and can lead to severe criminal sanctions.
• Homosexuality: Homosexual acts are illegal and subject to severe punishment.
• Swearing: Swearing and making rude gestures (such as the middle finger) are criminal acts in the UAE.
• Clothing: Woman's clothing may be considered indecent if it is tight, transparent, above the knee or shows her stomach, shoulders or back.
• Conversation: It is illegal to "harass" women – this includes unwanted conversation and prolonged stares.
• Photos: Taking photographs of people, particularly women, without permission is illegal and can lead to arrest or fines.
• Ramadan: During Ramadan, it is illegal for non-Muslims to eat, drink or smoke in public in front of Muslims between sunrise and sunset.
• Medicines: Many medications available over the counter or by prescription in Australia are illegal in the Dubai.
• Drugs: The UAE laws on drugs are extremely strict, and include the death penalty or life in jail.
   

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