An open letter to anyone who will listen

[Maz25]

Originally Posted by lissette

I think you absolutely did the right thing by not going to the police, it seems that there are three sets of laws here, on for locals, other arabic speaking countries and then expats and visitors. It most likely would have been turned around on you somehow.

I have been her for a few years now and have heard many stories like this and was the victim myself of a false accusation of 'insulting' a pet shop manager that was being cruel to her animals last week.
This resulted in my friend and i having to go down to the police station, held for several hours, having our passports confiscated indefinitely and all this without a charge being laid.
This woman had insulted us and told us that they did not want our kind here and go back to our own country!

Apparently insulting someone is a minor offence usually resulting in a fine, but they will hold onto our passports until it goes to trial! i have also been told this could take several months to go to court, especially with ramadan coming up , so i am literally stranded and unable to work or go home to see my young daughter (i need my passport to work).
All of this because a woman didnt feel that her shop animals needed to have water....

What is the world turning into?? It beggars belief that you can get hauled off to jail simply for pointing out that an animal needs water! I, for one, fail to see how this can amount to an insult - you were just pointing out the obvious! And here was I thinking that pet shop owners were also animal lovers!

I am getting seriously worried now about moving to Dubai. I have always been treated very well every time I've visited Dubai and I sincerely hope that these incidents are the actions of a few narrow-minded and ignorant people.

I hope that things are sorted out very quickly and that the court quickly realises that you have certainly not insulted anyone. To think that in the UK, for e.g, the RSPCA would have hauled the pet owner before the court for cruelty to animals! Please do not let these kind of people spoil your view of Dubai. Unfortunately, in this world, there are a few who just manage to spoil everything for the rest of us. I commend you for not sinking to her level.

[Techie]

You did the right thing not calling the police in that situation.

[Maz25]

Originally Posted by Techie

You did the right thing not calling the police in that situation.

Considering the latest incidents, is there a time when a foreigner would be in the right or will we all get hauled off to jail just because we stood up for what was right or made the costly mistake of calling the cops!!!

[hopeful]

It really grates me that people are saying that alli did the right thing for not calling the police, ok maybe it would of been more hassle than it was worth but seriously, why are we all moving to a place where someone can stamp on our foot and punch us in the face in the middle of the street, in front of others and we can't even call the police on them...I too am worried Maz.

So why do people agree it was right of her not to not involve the police? Because the other woman acted as if she was connected or just because they would of sided with her over alli because of her nationality? I'm by no means saying I would of called the police because I'm a least hassle possible kind of gal, but then again I'd of probably got the police called on me because I can't imagine someone punching me in the face and me not reacting....I must say I commend you on that one alli, full points!

[sgilli3]

Originally Posted by Maz25

I am getting seriously worried now about moving to Dubai. I have always been treated very well every time I've visited Dubai and I sincerely hope that these incidents are the actions of a few narrow-minded and ignorant people.

Please dont worry, as you are right- a few bad apples try and spoil it for the rest of the rest of those living here.
Every country has its share of narrow-minded ignorant people, and unfortunately, Alli has met one who happens to live here.

[dubai_friend_seeker]

Alli very sad to know that.

I m here in dubai for 30 yrs and i know that here the locals who are proudy are either having connections in the police or some in big places. but that doesnt mean they should all sort of things. How long will these people will survive in this world with this life. Infact theyforgot that this life is too short and there is a end for everything.

Oh God.... U know if u complain or file a case aginst her that she called u an english whore. i bet she will be behind bars for this. No matter what ever connections she got, what ever reason, Here in dubai any bad words or even bad action like finger if shown to some one that can bring them in to cells. and people like such unrespect should not to be left. If i were u i would really make a big noise about that. i have seen my self some locals being behind bars when they did something wrong thing like that and their families crying and begging to the expacts to take the case back. honestly.

I believe if u let these people go like this then they will continue doing same with others. no worries if u have left her now...... God will listen to your Plea and she will face some one who will teach her the lesson she couldnt imagine in her whole life.

Thanks for sharing this, Remember what ever happens could be for a good and God is with all of us.

[alli]

thanks for the support

I just wrote a letter to Jumeirah group but I am too scared to send it.

I don't want to have to follow ANYTHING up, part of me wants to forget it, the other part says that this should not go unpunished.

I do not want to risk having my passport confiscated and being involved with the law.

I'm just so upset

[dubai_friend_seeker]

well i understand your situation u cant either forget or let this go.

Forget it. dont think anymore about it.

( *____* )

[hopeful]

Alli, I'd love to say don't be frightened and go for your guns but that would be easy for me to say because it didn't happen to me. If its upsetting you that much I'd do exactly as dubi friend seeker has said.....forget all about it and move on. Although I'm not religious, I do believe there is something out there and I certainly believe that "god pays debts in more than money"...she'll get her come upence people always do, the only difference is you might not be there to see it, but believe me that could be a good thing. Take care, chin up. x x

[alli]

Sigh. Consider it let go.

(i want to go home )