Discrimination and Eating openly during Ramamdan in Mall of Emirates

simarm · #1 (**permalink**) 3rd August 2012, 09:58 AM

Dear all,

Yesterday I had held an interview in Mall of the Emirates. As I was waiting for my colleague around 1:00 pm afternoon, I saw 4 tables beside me, all wereeating, I was like shocked to see that they were eating in front of people. People passing by were all watching this scene as they too knew it was not allowed to eat openly in Ramadan.

They ate happily and went. Finally 3 Filipino girls were eating , then suddenly some one came and told them not to eat. But just opposite to them , there was this European couple and this guy did not even approach them. This is such a discrimination. I thought it was a law for everyone and not for some community.I see in newspapers and magazines about prohibition of people eating in open during Ramadan. This is really sad and shocking to see especially in Mall of the Emirates - Both discrimination and Eating Openly.

pamela0810 · #2 (**permalink**) 3rd August 2012, 10:59 AM

Welcome to Dubai! Hope you have a nice stay!

dizzyizzy · #3 (**permalink**) 3rd August 2012, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by simarm

Dear all,

Yesterday I had held an interview in Mall of the Emirates. As I was waiting for my colleague around 1:00 pm afternoon, I saw 4 tables beside me, all wereeating, I was like shocked to see that they were eating in front of people. People passing by were all watching this scene as they too knew it was not allowed to eat openly in Ramadan.

They ate happily and went. Finally 3 Filipino girls were eating , then suddenly some one came and told them not to eat. But just opposite to them , there was this European couple and this guy did not even approach them. This is such a discrimination. I thought it was a law for everyone and not for some community.I see in newspapers and magazines about prohibition of people eating in open during Ramadan. This is really sad and shocking to see especially in Mall of the Emirates - Both discrimination and Eating Openly.

Seriously, (sadly) this is nothing new. Just do a quick search in the forum and you'll realise that racism is discussed often.

Gavtek · #4 (**permalink**) 3rd August 2012, 07:47 PM

Who cares? Why would fasting muslims be in the food court to see them in the first place?

Last year at MoE, I saw some people eating Burger King in the upstairs food court. I was hungry, so did the same.

Better than sneaking it into a cubicle in the toilet like a junkie trying to score some smack.

Jynxgirl · #5 (**permalink**) 3rd August 2012, 07:57 PM

Sometimes I wonder if this rule is more for the locals themselves, as the rulers try to impose on their people the 'tradition' of ramadan in a community that has quickly evolved into a westernized blend that sees locals in the bars drunk as skunks, men having sex outside of marriage, and a bunch of other of the major sins.... and they are trying to save face rather then have the locals themselves eating and drinking in public.

That said, the first thing my local fasting friend does these days, when i walk in, is hand me water.....

simarm · #6 (**permalink**) 3rd August 2012, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gavtek

Who cares? Why would fasting muslims be in the food court to see them in the first place?

Last year at MoE, I saw some people eating Burger King in the upstairs food court. I was hungry, so did the same.

Better than sneaking it into a cubicle in the toilet like a junkie trying to score some smack.

We guys are fasting. If you guys are hungry, we are hungry too. So respect the culture. Like everyone we have business meetings here and there. That does not mean you have permission to break laws of the country. If you are here in Dubai, you are here to follow it. These rules and regulations is for everyone and not for some people.

Jynxgirl · #7 (**permalink**) 3rd August 2012, 08:02 PM

Sim, is a law so has to be respected.

But very curious... what do you do in india during ramadan????????

simarm · #8 (**permalink**) 3rd August 2012, 08:09 PM

I seriously dont care if anyone eats or drink. I know I can fast in all conditions.

In this thread what I meant.. is to tell was there is a great discrimination in this part of country looking at ones color. The security guard could have told everyone to stop eating instead of asians.

pamela0810 · #9 (**permalink**) 3rd August 2012, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by simarm

We guys are fasting. If you guys are hungry, we are hungry too. So respect the culture. Like everyone we have business meetings here and there. That does not mean you have permission to break laws of the country. If you are here in Dubai, you are here to follow it. These rules and regulations is for everyone and not for some people.

Did you never fast in India or did you just never step out of the house when you were fasting? As someone who has grown up in a predominantly Muslim neighbourhood back home, I have to say that never once did I ever meet a Muslim who was so sensitive about fasting. I only heard about this "no eating in public" rule when I moved to Dubai. Even now, my Pakistani colleague who is fasting doesn't say a word when the people around him take a sip of water.

Besides, I thought you posted because of discrimination. How did this suddenly become about YOU?

pamela0810 · #10 (**permalink**) 3rd August 2012, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by simarm

I seriously dont care if anyone eats or drink. I know I can fast in all conditions.

In this thread what I meant.. is to tell was there is a great discrimination in this part of country looking at ones color. The security guard could have told everyone to stop eating instead of asians.

But you DO care. Hence the overly emotional response to Gavtek.