Dubai: Gulf News readers are furious at the recent travel advisory issued asking British citizens to avoid sunbathing topless, as it shows the country's women in a very poor light.
Before leaving for a vacation, people generally check for their passports, clothing and sunblock - but forget to familiarise themselves with the laws and customs of their destinations.
Hence, an advisory was issued by the British Government's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) detailing that 24 per cent British women sunbathe topless on holidays.
Abir Ahmad Ansari, a Pakistani expatriate, was appalled. She said: "Personally, I do not think it was fair for the advisory to focus on women. I assume there are similar facts when it comes to men."
Abir was strongly affected by the focus of the report published in Gulf News.
"Many people of other nationalities practice indecent behaviour. Why does the [Gulf News] report focus on British [tourists] alone? Additionally, the women should have been given a chance to defend themselves, as this seems like a one-sided perspective."
Ifrah Abdullah, a Canadian expatriate, agrees.
She said: "It is wrong that the British are being made an example out of. This is a multi-cultural country and the British should not be singled out."
Vineet Pabreja, an Indian expatriate, believes regardless of the advisory, the public has a right to speak up.
He said: "It is only an advisory and not a law. There is freedom of speech and people can still address the issue. Women should have had a say in the matter and the British government should focus on the public's point of view, too."
Several readers wrote in to gulfnews.com to express similar concerns.
Tauseef Rahman Khan, a resident of Abu Dhabi, wrote: "The advisory is nice, as it is best to be aware of cultural differences."
David Cole, a British expatriate, said: "I agree there have been several recent cases of indecent behaviour that may have put the British in a bad light. But, at the same time, it is important for all tourists coming to the UAE to be aware of local norms."
Samantha, a resident of Dubai, was disappointed by the FCO's approach.
She wrote: "I do not think all British act in an indecent manner when on holiday."
The FCO released a commercial in the UK, urging residents to be aware of foreign traditions before travelling.
Ifrah understood the need for the commercial as she believes it is necessary for any individual to understand a nation's background.
She said: "There is nothing wrong with that, as people do need to be aware of the traditions of the country they are travelling to."
Pabreja has lived in a multi-cultural society all his life and believes that everyone should respect a particular country's norms.
He said: "People should understand the culture of the country they are visiting and try to respect it while they are there."
