When in Rome..................

Simon Oliver, Birmingham U.K.,

Dubai is a fantastic place and I recommend anyone to go there. If you want to get frisky with your loved one take her back to your 5 star hotel, no harm done. Public Displays of Affection are never welcome by other tourists I think you'll find, so no harm done.

John, Dublin, Ireland

With Iron Maiden just having announced a gig there (and all their '09 dates are long-haul so Dubai is looking like the easiest travel option), I wish I knew where to find out what the etiquette is for metalheads travelling to Dubai ...

Beth, London, Great Britain

As I understand it, the couple were not having sex on the beach, as proved by subsequent medical checks. If a so called "holiday resort" does not tolerate a couple showing affection for each other whilst on holiday; i.e. a kiss and a cuddle, then why on earth would anyone want to go there ?

Steve, Northampton, UK

they were no having sex on the beach, they were kissing or maybe petting.I believe every country has the right to make their own laws, and they must be obeyed by visitors-government of such countries should make certain that visitors are aware of those laws-.By the way,Dubai seems so unattractive!!!

tete, buenos aires, argentina

I am from a pakistani roots 1st generation I was born in the uk I agree with anyone that said that a person should learn the language and that is the same for my parents , but I don’t see how someone can justify breaking the laws of other countries and expect to get away with however petty it may be

Azam, Bristol,

When we ask why 'they' (I assume we are pigeon holing all Muslim cultures here?) don't follow our laws when they are in our contry, just to clarify, do we mean 'why don't they have sex on our beaches'? Because I don't think that is legal here either...

Sarah, Wigan, UK

Tayseer, I have to say your comment is the truth. Those people behave like this all the time on the east coast of spain, or the french alps or actually pretty much anywhere. And it is truely sheer provocation to me. More importantly it makes the UK look like big wastebag.

Will, Madrid, Spain

Dubai and Oman are both fantastic - wonderful and kind people too - though Dubai can be a little expat disneyland...

respect local customs - life is not all/only about you! :-)

justin, london, uk

Believing that your personal behavior does not affect others adversely is a sign of arrogance and ignorance. Life consciously so your choices do not affect others negatively.

Jennifer Kaye, Santa Barbara, America

Just thinking out loud, and I would want to visit a Muslim country why?
Red, Indiana, USA

Perhaps things would be better in the world and perhaps Americans would value dialogue more if fewer of them had your attitude and more of them travelled and discovered the rest of the world

Warwick, Tokyo, Japan

If you choose to go to a country then you will have to abide by their rules and customs. No one has forced you to go, if your not happy go somewhere else!

I would appreciate it more if Britain had more rules which would prevent unruly behaviour and find it disgusting what is now deemed acceptable.

Nicola, London, UK

"Well Jim from N. Dakota, I guess I won't be taking a holiday in the USA then..." Hahahhahaha!

Ellie, San Francisco, California

Reading this story reminds me of living in Atlanta in the mid-90s, where the Atlanta Journal-Constitution had a story almost every day instructing locals how to behave properly in accordance to the cultures of the tourists. I guess Americans seem to have it all backwards!

Sean, Sarasota, FL, USA

When will this religous bent ever get out of the stone ages?

Hint: Canary Islands!

Bob, Clifton, USA

If you know the rules how can you be so stupid. I f you want a scruffy sex on the beach holiday surely that's what Malaga or somewhere like that is for??

Dom Finn, Notitngham,

Breaking rules is a bad habit is and unappreciated!! This is true and valid in all times and places.
People may differ in traditions,yet,this should'nt be the issue.A behaviour which is accepted in one place ,could'nt be the case in another place

Tayseer Abu Qurs, Kuwait, Kuwait

Ironic that visitors are jailed for open signs of affection in hotels and buildings constructed by slaves in a country where deaths on construction sites are seen simply as a housekeeping issue. Where is the justice?

Colin Coghlan, Ramsey, NJ, USA

"There are so many great places in this world waiting to take your money in exchange for a great time without having to worry about social customs that condone torture and extreme punishment." Well Jim from N. Dakota, I guess I won't be taking a holiday in the USA then...

Nick, Cardiff,

kathy from chicago; I think you have made the assumption that "progressive" means becoming more like the west. However, I believe it is nice to have a place where such antisocial behaviour as public drunkenness and promiscuous behaviour is prohibited. Nevertheless, the punishments are a bit severe.

Rich, Cottingham, East Yorkshire, UK

Everyone seems to have missed the point that the couple didnt actually have sex on the beach, read the original story - she was in a bikini & french-kissed him. How ironic that the Arabic / muslim calender is 600 years behind the Western one...

michael, dunde, uk

I always thought I'd like to see Dubai. I've heard that it's very beautiful and sophisticated so I assumed it was progressive. Now I guess I'll pass.

Kathy, Chicago, USA

Keep sex indoors and in marriage folks! The Briton race is already in decline, taking desperate measures in a public place and ending up behind bars is not increasing britons chances of survival.

sakina, london,

Why do so many people spend money to go to Dubai without knowing the most basic elements of the culture there?!?! Hey I've got severl thousand pounds to spend, I could go anywhere in the world, I think I'll go where the food is great but I'll be thrown in jail if my wife shows too much skin.

joshua, Denver, USA

Compare Apartheid to Dubai!
I lived in SA during,in the M.E. fm 1980,you have no idea what you are talking about,pls research the subject more!
You break the rules, drink and drive or drink and fight in Dubai,you go to jail,nice and simple,streets are safe, locals courteous..UK knife crime 2008?

Sean , Dubai, UAE

Muhammad Atta, respecting Saudi rules, yet finding booze and women inspired his creativity, had to come to Florida to plot his deeds. But then, if Atta were free to have a drink and sex on the beach at home, who knows, he might have been a happier fellow and 3,000 people might still be alive.

Mike Morgan, Keyser, United States

The guide says "Drinking is not a part of Muslim culture and alcohol is not served openly", yet they serve unlimited quantities of alcohol all afternoon. Am I missing something here?

If they don't want to encourage drunken behaviour why on earth are they holding these unlimited alcohol brunches?

Caroline, London,

Santa, yes the Palestinians in Jordan (eight per cent of the population) are deprived of their homeland by the Hashemite Dictator King of Jordan. Say it more often. There might be a chance at peace with the tiny solitary Jewish state of Israel (that was there first).

Zen, London,

Shaffiq,

You won't be jailed for 3 months after midnight sex on a beach. In some places you might even get a crowd that would clap while the police would just laugh it off and send you on your way. I should know, I saw it happen like that in my town. Human body is nothin to be ashamed of.

Mike, Wadebridge, Cornwall, UK

Falling house prices, people losing their homes, the UKPound now at its lowest rate in 6 years, and currently poor little Baby P, "loosen up" commentors!
But try visiting Isla Vista - now there's decadence!

lyn, santa barbara, calif, usa

Adapt to their culture? Sure you should obey their customs if you choose to visit. But it is not "culture" to subjugate women. It is oppression. As free people it is our duty to speak out when we see it, and listen when others see it in us.

Kelly, gilbert, az, usa

Abide by the laws and customs of the country you are in, it is that simple. On the other hand, why in the would would anyone go to an Arab country for a vacation; work yes, but those that live there leave for vacation.

A. Adams, Biloxi,

If we have to change our behavior when we visit their country shouldn't we expect them to modify their behavior when they come to our country?

BOB X from Texas, Austin,Texas, USA

Can I just ask where having sex in public is OK? People are discussing this issue as though its some sort of foriegn culture, that applies in burkaland, I live in London and would not accept people having sex in public.

Inez, London, UK

Why should you "respect a culture" that doesn't respect human rights? Dubai may be less retrograde than Arabia or Afghanistan (or most other islamic countries) but they still act against common sense and human dignity.

Federico Kereki, Montevideo, Uruguay

I was approached by an asset management company for a position in the UAE. The money was good but not great (about £100k a year base tax-free plus bonus).

Frankly though, it would take a lot more than that to persuade me to live in some glorified shopping mall in the desert.

Ian, Edinburgh, Scotland

It doesn't surprise me that 2 young Britons were caught having sex on a beach in an Islamic host country.

Jack, New York City, USA

So sex in public is lawful in the the UK and USA ?

Shaffiq Mahmood, Halifax, UK

You know what you're getting into before you go there, and you know what they can and will do to you if you cross their boundaries. If that makes you uneasy, don't go. That said, why would anyone support the economy of a people who have such a restrictive mentality? Their success only emboldens them

Rob, New York, USA

Ah why don't we all be like brits: drunk and happy...kissing and touching whoever is close to you! whouldn't the world then be a much happier place: one big PUBLIC HOUSE! I,33 yo,grown up person,DO NOT like to see someone preforming sexual acctivities,let ealone if it is in my yard! Get a room!!!

Ana, Madrid, *

The problem we face in the UK is that "anything goes Britain" is not seen as being very desirable in other parts of the world. It is quite obvious that we are far too liberal over here and that a return to decent standards might be what is actually needed in the UK!

Neil Makin, Ilkley, England

The 'It is their right to have the laws they want' brigade were presumably right behind segregation in the South (USA) and apartheid in South Africa as these were all backed by the rule of law.

Bigots and prejudice are wrong whatever religion they follow and however much oil and money they have.

Robin Pakenham, Berkhamsted, UK

Maybe the Times travel supplement should run a feature entitled, "Top 10 beaches where it's OK to shag'

Neil, Vancouver, Canada

There are people in palestine deprived of their homeland. Basic human rights like food, water, elctricity and educations.
Throw people behind the bar in Gauntamob without any ryme or reason.

Asking people not to expose themselves and avoid having sex outside in the public is no loss of hum right

Santa, London, UK

It shows, how weak and degenerate Western Culture has become. Christian values trampled, churches closed by the thousands, while mosques spring up by the thousands, Arab culture not just protected but promoted. The media and sell-out politicians fall over each other to push Muslim agendas !

Tom, York,

I agree, every country has the right to enforce its laws. But so has every tourist the choice to go wherever they feel welcome, comfortable and safe. Just don't go visit Dubai!

Romeo, Orlando, USA

What a shame Arab playboys don't follow this code of behaviour when they visit decadent western countries.

Gordon YOUNG, Chelmsford,

I know a Frenchwoman who was practically chased off a quiet stretch of beach for sunbathing topless with her family. She was lucky to avoid being arrested after someone threatened to call the police too. This was in America - a democratic country that simply has different rules. When in Rome...

Nick Mayhew, London, UK

A country has a right to enforce their own laws and ask for respect for their customs. Why is it though, that when Muslims come to the USA and Europe they feel no need to conform to ours. There are instances in Europe and US, where they are actually insisting on Sharia law for their own enclaves.

John, Shrewsbury, MA, USA

It is their culture and we have to resoect it. We go over there to work on a tax free basis ; so the slight countreparts of no street alcohol bad conduct and open affectionate relations are a very small price to pay.
if we dont like it, we get out.
you can't have your cake and eat it.

mark, london,

The scary part is the UAE particularly the city-state of Dubai is likely the most progressive regime in the Gulf. I agree public sex on a beach is definitely something that is inappropriate but they get very overzealous over there.

Brian, New York, USA

I refuse to visit a place where I could be thrown in jail for kissing in public, or stoned for being raped, or cant' walk around by myself because I am a woman. When traveling, people should know and recognize local customs, but every country should also adhere to basic human rights and liberties.

Laurie, Washington DC, USA

Anyone who thinks Dubai's beaches are "spectacular" has not traveled much. They are fine but have ordinary brownish sand and are way too hot in the summer (45C). Try most Carribean island and the Florida panhandle, not to mention Seychelles/Mauritous, Vietnam, and on and on....

Jason, San Diego, USA

So far all of the responces above are correct. Its time to take a stand and either not go or in the case of the US if you move here you MUST learn our language and accept our culture. You do not have to approve, just accept.

Jeff, Jax, USA

"You come to this country, you obey the rules" - isn't that what us Brits like to say? But apparently, I'm reading outrage that Dubai should not enjoy its own sovereignty and should tolerate public drunkeness and sex on the beach. Pity us Brits can't be a little more sober on Friday nights.

Rich, Cambridge,

The Arabs have a right to impose and reinforce rules in their own countries. Why don't the ridiculously uber-pc western governments follow suit in theirs then? When in Rome...

Waldek, Zielona Gora, Poland

Travelers should respect the culture of the host country.
But a *tourist destination* isn't really the same.

If a location wants to attract international tourists, it has to tolerate international tourist behavior. Surely kissing and alcohol is the main reason to take a vacation.

Avoid Dubai.

Glyn Williams, Sheffield, England

There is no moral difference between the muslim dictatorships of the Middle East and the apartheid South Africa that jailed Mandela. And no difference between those who would defend either regime.

Nick, Rotherham, UK

Or, maybe, we should just not go to Dubai anymore. Let all of the non-kissers have the place.

SarahTX2, Houston, USA

I agree with Peter. We have the same problem in the states people move here and refuse learn our language and adapt to our culture. I love other cultures and dont want people to ignore where they came from, but respect ours and follow it in public. I do the same when vist other countries.

Mark, Boise, USA

just more evidence that Islamic culture lags the Western world by about 300 years.

Freedom is a right, not a privilege.

phil, denver, co, USA

The lack of public outcry on stories like this amaze me. If a western country even hints at offending the Muslim faith (e.g. a cartoon) it becomes an International incident.

If Dubai is serious about becoming an international destination then it is they that will have to make decisions to adapt.

Max, Cleveland, USA

the main reason by far that folks want to be in the UAE is it is a tax free haven compared to the european socilaist tax swamps that exist now. Money moves where it can do its best work and the people who make these decisons have been out-voted in their home countries. It is really very simple.

William R. Smith, Marietta, GA, USA

amazing how westerners feel that all foreign nationals must adapt to our culture and speak our language, but the concept of adapting to another culture is "foreign." open your mind a bit and you may learn something.

and the sovereign funds aren't going to disappear in 2015, they are well managed.

Matthew W., West Virginia, USA

Having sex in public is lewd by Western Standards too. I'm not sure what the story is here. You go to a Muslim theocracy and then are suprised for them enforcing their morality laws? Once you get beyond the six star hotels, towers of Babel, and various other lavish curiosities, there's nothing new.

Gerry, Hunt., USA

It's funny the Arabs are preaching "higher standard of morality" and demand foreigners to conform with it when they refuse to acknowledge civil liberty and democracy when they settle in the West.

Indra, london, UK

I lived in Dubai for 8 years and have recently been back for a business trip (for the first time in 5 years). I really don't see why anyone would visit the place for a holiday now, it's a concrete jungle.

Yeah it has year-long good weather, but personally I'd choose somewhere friendlier...

Pete, London, UK

Just thinking out loud, and I would want to visit a Muslim country why?

Western beaches will be just fine, and I can read any publication I wish with a Bud Light at my side : ).

Red, Indiana, USA

Rex, hate to break it to you but they are building it all to cater for when the oil does run out so they have another source of income.

Deek, Edin,

So when is the book "The Ugly European" hitting the shelves of Barnes & Noble?

James, Hoboken, USA

Explain to me why anyone would want to visit a country where you might be thrown in jail for a kiss? There are so many great places in this world waiting to take your money in exchange for a great time without having to worry about social customs that condone torture and extreme punishment.

Jim, North Dakota, USA

Can someone explain how it is that when people from other cultures "with different or higher standards" come to the West , they refuse to adapt? And how is it that "The Western World has earned the disrespect or disdain...." from cultures that stone 13 year olds to death for saying they were raped?

Peter Bench, London,

I think it's just fair that they were punished for ignoring those rules, at the end of the day if you travel around you have to be aware of local customs.

luca, turin, italy

The place will last until 2015 when the oil runs out. Then it will become uninhabitable and everyone will wonder why it was built in the first place. This story is already tomorrow's cat litter.

Rex Lester, Surbiton, UK

Dubai is the height of hypocricy: full of bars and hookers but these are not for the Westerners - they are for Arabs from all over the region who go there to do what they prohibit in their own countries. They don't like what tourists do but seek to attract them: they want our money but not us.

Jon, madrid,

I grew up in Dubai from 1982 - 1989. It was such a different place then to how it appears to be now. I don't think I'd like to go back.

L Porter, London,

I have been there too and agree with John and Neil, charmless and overrated. I also found it very backwards (whereas most places in the world try to be more environmentally friendly Dubai seem to do everything to be the opposite). Suppose their strict rules on affection could count as their charm.

Brett, Leicester, UK

I am not aware of anywhere in the world where public sex would be allowed. Even in the UK people have been arrested for this kind of behaviour and have had to answer in court. The beach is not a private or personal place.

Ms Ferozi, Yorkshire, uk

As a 14 year resident of Dubai, it amuses me when I read negative comments about Dubai. We have a safe and valued society here, which has rules.
The 2 people concerned broke those rules. This is not the UK! They have paid the price for stupidity.
There is very little sympathy for them here.

Andrew, Dubai, UAE

Dubai is a uniquely soulless City, no character, no charm and no attractions except the exact same shops u can find in bluewater just with higher prices. A pointless ugly place avoid.

John Smith, Dubai, UAE

I have been to Dubai many times, as a matter of fact I was there from 8/10/08 till 9/1/08, stayed at the Mina Asalam Hotel. I had the time of my life. Very diverse and welcoming place. Oh yeah, not to mention the spectacular beaches.
Must visit Dubai.

Susan, Boston,

Don't believe the hype people. I've been and it's overated there and not a lot of fun either.

Neil, Birmingham, U.K

Why, if one cannot or will not, follow rules, go there? Choose alternate destinations. The Western World has earned the disrespect or distain from others with different or higher standards. Now face the consequences!

J, Jacklin, N. Vancouver,

Oh dear, - I've been, I've seen and I won't be going back. A nauseating mix of Las Vegas and the 12th Century...

Jimmy, London, UK