Dear Ali: Why doesn't Dubai have a "Good Samaritan" law? I have an advanced first-aid certificate, yet I am afraid that it would be illegal for me to respond to an emergency. SS, Dubai
Dear SS: I'm glad conscientious people such as yourself are out there in case anything goes wrong, La samaha Allah or "God forbid". Any tourism destination should equip their tourist guides with basic first-aid training, so I, too, appreciate your dilemma, and it makes me feel a lot better knowing I could help save a life in certain situations.
The reason the Good Samaritan law is not fully implemented in the UAE is to avoid legal complications. Despite our training, there are situations that require a medical expert. For instance, if people injure their neck or any part of their spinal cord, moving them, even an inch, can cause their death. Your training might have covered such accidents, but how is the government supposed to monitor every resident of the country? Instead, our government entrusts only qualified medical personnel in these situations.
That said, there is no law forbidding you from helping somebody in need as long as the situation requires immediate action, there is no one better qualified available and you act within the limits of your training. If this is the case, then use your skills to save a life.
Dear Ali: I've noticed women wearing different styles of abaya - not just with unique decorations but different cuts and lengths, too. Is there a "right" way to wear an abaya? SE, Al Ain
Dear SE: We humans are strange creatures, aren't we? You'd think if everyone wears the same black covering (or white robe), that fashion would be the last thing on people's minds. But, no, we judge each other on the way we wear that same garment. The same is true of school uniforms. Even if all children are given the same white shirt and grey trousers they will find a way to express themselves through a rolled-up sleeve or a tapered leg.
The UAE has grown quickly and with modernisation has come a fascination with fashion. Some Emiratis are uncomfortable with these new ideas while others look down at the conservative people as being out of touch. I understand how my sisters grew tired of expats assuming that we can't wear nice clothes. Emirati women are serious about fashion and decided to "own" the abaya by adding pleats, cuts, colours - the list is endless. Designers from around the world have developed their own take on the plain black garment, making it a proud symbol of the Middle East.
That said, I have heard many expats say something along the lines of: "What a beautiful abaya". These comments are meant as compliments, but a beautiful abaya is the opposite of the intention of the garment. Every time I go to the mall and see embellished abayas, it seems these women are screaming: "Look at me!" I don't want to be viewed a fuddy-duddy, but it just seems to go against our religion's message of modesty.
So yes, there is a "right" way to wear an abaya. There are differences among Gulf countries, but in general it shouldn't cling to the body or have jewels or bright-coloured flowers down the sleeves. Our sisters are expected to also wear concealing clothes underneath the abaya, in keeping with our values. Just like books, I know many Emirati women and men judge Emirati women based on their cover.
Language lesson
Arabic:
Allah ya'ateek
English:
May God give you
This is said to a beggar when he approaches you and you don't have any change or cash. (It's also a polite way of not wanting to give any money). So it means "I don't or can't give you but God will." This usually makes it easy for the beggars to understand and simply move on.