UAE | General

UAE couple treated 'horribly' at London Eye for speaking in Arabic

A UAE national couple were singled out for "horrible" treatment by security guards when they visited one of London's top tourist attractions, it has been claimed.

  • By Daniel Bardsley, Staff Reporter
  • Published: 00:00 August 23, 2006
  • Gulf News

  • Image Credit: Asghar Khan/Gulf News
  • A UAE national couple accuse the staff of London Eye of racially discriminating against them.
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Dubai: A UAE national couple were singled out for "horrible" treatment by security guards when they visited one of London's top tourist attractions, it has been claimed.

Dubai couple Saida Hussain and her husband Dr Mahmoud Al Wathaifi were "humiliated" in front of other visitors to the London Eye because a guard overheard them speaking in Arabic.

Officials at the London Eye have described the claims as "ludicrous" and insisted that they never stop people from entering because of their racial origins.

Saida, 60, and her 74-year-old husband were on holiday visiting Saida's brother Syed Hussain, an Indian who has lived in the UK for 30 years, when they went to the London Eye.

The three, who had queued up for an hour to visit the attraction, said a security guard became hostile to the party after Saida began speaking to her husband, a medical doctor, in Arabic.

Syed's bag was searched and he was told he would not be allowed to take it on to the attraction.

Saida, who has four children and five grandchildren, told Gulf News, said: "I was speaking in Arabic because I was tired and it's my mother tongue. He heard it and didn't like it. He started screaming at us. He didn't respect us elderly people. We felt very bad. It was very, very horrible and we felt insulted."

Syed, 65, told Gulf News he was "very, very saddened by the incident", which happened earlier this summer.

"They tried to label us terrorists. We were not respected because my sister was speaking in Arabic.

"They humiliated them [Saida and Mahmoud] in front of hundreds and hundreds of tourists," he said.

Syed was led away and had to deposit his bag. After this, when the three were queuing again, Syed said they were subjected to further scrutiny.

"The security guard pushed his hand into my pocket looking for a knife. I cannot understand such humiliation," he said.

Syed made a complaint after the incident and British Airways, which runs the London Eye, offered him two free tickets.

Liz Edwards, public relations manager for the London Eye, told Gulf News "everyone is welcome" at the attraction, which has been visited by 24 million people "from all over the world".

"The London Eye will never refuse a guest entry based on nationality, but will refuse entry to customers carrying restricted items. Mr Hussain was asked to leave his restricted items prior to boarding the London Eye," she said.

She said Syed had to deposit his bag because it contained drinks that were not supplied by the attraction.

"All guests at the London Eye undergo security checks prior to boarding. We regret that Mr Hussain feels that his party were refused entry to them for speaking Arabic, as we find this claim ludicrous.

"The London Eye will not be changing any policies or procedures, as we believe we always act in the best interest of our guests," she said.

Your comments


The UK is on edge after the recent London bombings. As a muslim of Pakistani origin, my observation is that the UK is not nearly as tolerant as some other western countries, but far above the discrimintory practices in some areas of the muslim world.
Zeeshan
Toronto-Mississauga,Canada

This is cleary racism in the minds of Europeans and Americans. Asian sub continental countries must stand togother against this racial discrimination, escpeially the rulers of asian sub continent countries must be strong and try to avoid depending europe and america.
Nixon
Dubai,UAE

I would say that this is due to bad policies of Bush and Blair against Muslims.
Muhammad
Abu Dhabi,UAE

This is a very shocking incident, but less than what we experience here in the UAE everyday. We should all condemn these incidents of discrimination whether they are based on race, religion, colour or ethnic origin happening in UAE and UK alike.
Halid
Dubai,UAE

I personally had a similar experience a year back. I suggest to all Muslim peoples to not travel to Eurpeon countries. It's better to visit Dubai where you feel the same as in your country.
Umar
Dubai,UAE

When I was working in Dubai five years ago, they treated us (specially people from the far east) unfairly.
Tejapermana
London,England

Being from London myself I'm not at all surprised. The behaviour of some people based on hysteria and the current media can only lead to paranoia and hatred. London is a wonderful place, lets not judge 7 million people as being all the same. Having said that, there is far more discrimination right here in the UAE/ME.
Ibrahim
Dubai,UAE

This incident shows a general result of anger against terrorism and against its sponsor suspects.
John
California,USA

I don't know why people value England so much. It's atmosphere, prejudice behaviour, moraly ill attitude and cluttered environment is always over looked.
Mrs Tanveer
Sharjah,UAE

I am sure there has been some misunderstanding. It is the duty of a police officer to scrutinise/check every individual for items that are not allowed. And it is also the duty of every individual to abide and co-operate with the security. There is no reason for being humiliated. Anyone who is doubted, will be checked and we have to co-operate for our and other's welfare and safety. Security guards are not posted for humiliating people, they have their duties and let us co-operate with them.
Romi
Sharjah,UAE

Of course this was completely unjustified and paranoid.
Jessica
Dubai,UAE

I think it is not unusual. Very few people are revealing their experiences.
Ali
Edappal,India

There definatly must have been some misunderstanding. I was at the London Eye just last year when my Algerian/American fiancee came to London. He was standing in the waiting line speaking Arabic to his friend and we were not stopped. I think these visitors may not have understood the security requests and that is why they were singled out. We saw many visitors ignoring the security requests for checking in bags etc and they were then searched before they boarded the London Eye.
Tahani
Brighton,UK

This should not be new to UAE nationals. This time they are at the receiving end. This is how we from the subcontinent are treated. The locals see us as downtrodden, poor, longing only for money. I can feel what the national couple might have felt, because I feel this daily, while driving, while in lifts, while in malls, even my five year old son knows about this, very tragic.
Nazeer
Dubai,UAE

The first thing we as muslims have to ask ourselves is whether you need to fund the country which is against the Muslim nations. There are better and cheaper destinations to go on a holiday. This should be a lesson to Muslims who are aware of the situations around them and still go to such countries.
Syed
Dubai,UAE

It is a disgrace for a city like London. It reflects their culture and how they host their guests. Even if it is in wake of terrorist attacks, two people who are at their second childhood have been suspected. They should have respected the age of the people. A tourist has the right to utter his own mother tongue as he wish and they should respct the nation.
Shameer
Dubai,India

I am not denying that this does not happen but they are stray incidents which are unfortunately highlighted. Can anybody tell me the name of a country where discrimination does not exist. What about UAE? It has got 3 tier colour system. Can anybody dispute that?
Nasser
London,UK

It is wrong to generalise all muslims as terrorists however it is also wrong to assume that a routine security check is racial discrimination. In the UAE people are given varied levels of respect based on nationality and skin color do these people complain?
Geoffrey
Dubai,UAE

I went to the London Eye this summer with my girlfriend. She too had her bag checked thoroughly and I was searched and had a magnetic wand waved around me. The capsuals were searched before and after each ride. This is called security. Not racism. We are both white and English speaking.
Howard
London,UK

Nowadays Muslims should avoid going to the UK.
Syed
Dubai,UAE

This has always been a problem in different countries. We have to let them know that even if we came from a country where terrorism happens, it doesn't mean that we are also terrorists. Just like our hand with different fingers. You will be very much welcome in our country. The Philippines! (I can be your tour guide.)
Olga
Dubai,UAE

I thought that a Dubai company owned the London Eye. Maybe they should start hiring a mix of nationals or a mix of origins at large tourist attractions. Especially since this particular attraction is owned by Dubai, it should be more international as to accept more internationals.
Faris
Manama,Bahrain

Racism is common everywhere. People of the UAE should first try to abolish racism in the UAE and then blame the other country. Although I do not justify whatever happend with the elderly UAE couple at the London Eye, we cannot do anything as it is a different country fighting terrorism in its courtyard. At least everyone who lives in the UAE including UAE citizens can rise their voices against discrimination at home. Then we can expect the whole world to behave in a fair way to everyone.
Name withheld by request
Abu Dhabi,UAE

Why to go outside the country for a holiday? The UAE has the best to offer like The Eye in Sharjah! There is nothing like your own country. It depends on you how to describe it. Yes for a change it's better to go to Islamic countries like Malaysia or the Far East. They have so many things to offer.
Abou
Dubai,UAE

Surely the British are now joining the others in being paranoid!
Ali
Dar es Salaam,Tanzania

The way the London Eye staff treated two or three elderly people was out of the world treatment indeed, in the hospitality industry. But the complainants have no right to co relate the issue to one of them talking in Arabic and the staffers getting annoyed with it. The simple reason is that they hail from a part of the world where people of different nationality and language come together only to be sidetracked for want of speaking ability in Arabic. Public offices seldom have sign board in English nor do the staff speak or understand English. It goes to prove the famous words of a great man "you receive what you give."
Bhaktavar Ali
sharjah,UAE

The question is not your policies the question is your treatments to people who look Middle Eastern. Just like anyone that has a long beard is Bin Laden or related to him. Not everyone who wears a cowboy hat is a cowboy. The couple should sue the London Eye for harassment and they will win.
Shoula
Abu Dhabi,UAE

I'm not an Arab. I am a Filipino but for me discriminating against people because of language, culture or nationality is completely unacceptable. This is a free world, no one can tell you what to do and what to say.
Sunny
Sharjah,UAE

I don't believe the people were treated unfairly. With what has been going on lately in London I'm sure everywhere has stepped up security. What is the harm in asking someone to check in their bags. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Fay
Ajman,UAE

It's nothing new. Generally in the UK it's a policy to always mistrust foriegners. And this is prevalent all over Europe. Sadly this is being practiced in the Middle East too as the South Asian tourists are not accorded the right welcome. I hope that the Dubai residents will be more tolerant towards the South Asians as they are the ones who have built the Dubai which today is a World Class City.
Paul
Chennai,India

This is totally absurd. If somebody speaks in their mother tongue nobody has got right to label or scrutinise or abuse them. This shows the security personnels lack of common sense to handle such situation. Not all people from the Middle East or Asia are terrorists.
Sanjeev
Dubai,UAE

UAE Nationals talking about racial discrimination? When you land at Abu Dhabi Airport they seggregate passengers according to their race. All Pakistanis, Indians, South Asian countries on one counter for visa and other 'higher' races in another. When going for driving tests, they give preferences to westerners, then locals, then arabs and then Asian countries. If you want respect, give respect. Don't treat foreign expats like slaves.
Shaan
Abu Dhabi,U.A.E

Despite the horrible treatment Arabs get from the western world, when westerners visit Arab countries they are treated very favourably with lot of special privileges. This kind of humiliation will never happen to Arabs in an Asian country. I think the Arab world should step up and at least start treating all nationalities equally. The concept of give respect to get respect has to be taught to the western world.
Arshad
Dubai,UAE

Strong action must be taken against the British personnel. If someone speaks his mother tongue it does not mean he is terrorist.
Azimullah
Dubai,UAE

At times we understand that it becomes difficult to trust people, especially in the current scenario. But there is always a smooth and polite way of dealing with people without hurting their feelings. I don't see anything wrong in checking the baggage and not allowing it. But the treatment and the way the whole scenario is carried out is unacceptable.
Ali
Dubai,UAE

Racial discrimination has always happened in every country. But this matter should not be tolerated. This is inhumane and we should respect older people. They must try to educate their people on how to behave better with tourists.
Alna
Dubai,UAE

The customer is always right. By stating that the claim made by elderly people is ludicrous clearly indicates the disrespect and distrust shown to Muslims by Westerners. The management should have admitted and apologised for the ill-treatment by the security guard, and should have abstained from calling their claim ludicrous.
Noman
Abu Dhabi,UAE

I think it's not because of any racism but due to fear the western world is enduring these days. First it was traveling (Heathrow incident), then it was sports (Oval, Inzimam vs. Hair) and now leisure (this incident) none of these events have any correlation, neither as chain of events or the reason behind. But it all happened in couple of weeks and the only reason I can think of, is fear of something wrong happening around them.
Tanveer
Dubai,UAE

It's about time to review our holiday options. The far east has more to offer in terms of value for money and respect.
Khamis
Dubai,UAE

There must be some misunderstanding, or maybe this act was due to some personal issues of that particular guard only. The whole staff of London Eye cannot be blamed. This issue has to be handled by the authorities of both the countries to calm down the persons involved.
Sheharyaar
Dubai,UAE

It's unfortunate that muslims get labelled as "terrorists" because of the actions of a few ignorant ones. And even more unfortunate that such an elderly couple was subject to such disrespect. Shame.
Aishah
Winnipeg,Canada

First of all, I am of Pakistani origin. I was born and bred in London, England and throughout my life I have faced racism whether from the earliest institution of school to college to the work environment. No matter how much you mix with the indigenous population, one can never be accepted as their equal. In the work culture, you have to work twice as hard to look half as good as them. In my late twenties, I decided to move to Dubai, to reside in an Islamic country. It has been the best decision of my life. Once a year I do return to the UK for a few days to visit friends and I find that the indigenous have become more hostile to Asians. I can only suggest people from this part of the region avoid going to the UK where they are becoming nearly as paranoid as their distant cousins across the Atlantic.
Tanwir
Dubai,UAE

It's not fair to treat everyone, especially Muslims as terrorists. Simply we can say that it is a racial and partial rapprochement upon Islam.
Yousef
Abu Dhabi,UAE

You have to give respect to take respect.
Mohd
Auh,India

I personally had the same experience couple of times in England. I suggest traveling to countries in Asia rather than Europe.
Name withheld by request
Sydney,Australia

Nothing to be ashamed of, considering that this country is under threat of major terrorist attacks, sometimes making them paranoid of such situations. As long as you guys have proven that you are not the type of individual they think you may be.
Albert
Abu Dhabi,UAE

Well lately, Brits have gone overboard in their behaviour to impress the US.
Bush
Texas,US

I am very shocked to read the article about of a couple from the UEA treated unfairly by security guards at the London Eye. I come from a developing country and can't imagine that would happen in a developed country like the UK where some body is not able to talk in their mother tongue with no clear reason. In a country where most of the population are literate, it is odd for me to think that would happen. As a human being I only hope people in developed countries are able to respect others, including mother tongue languages. God taught us to respect each other.
Victor
Jakarta,Indonesia

The UAE couple have to check racial discrimination in the UAE itself. The discrimination is starting right from the airport.
Laloo
Waterloo,Canada

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