Our website and social media readers reacted to the gulf news report of the topless butler service. Some were shocked as they believe that this service is against culture and tradition. They said it might corrupt young minds. But most readers don’t have an issue as the service is available only for private parties. They said that people who are against the service will never be exposed to it. We present a selection of views
Clarify the traditions
This service does not confine to the country’s traditions and customs (‘Residents in shock as topless butler service comes to Dubai,’ Gulf News, February 2). Can someone please let us know what is acceptable and what is not? I mean, if this is a conservative society, is it acceptable to have nightclubs and beach parties? Magazines that have pictures exposing female bodies are sold almost in most supermarkets. To be honest, I am extremely confused about the country’s traditions.
From Ms Jane
Dubai
Website comment
No connection with religion
This is an amazing idea. Why not? I have visited the UAE a couple of times and I have realised that it is an open-minded society. This service is purely business and nothing else. Why shouldn’t they let people earn with dignity?
Those who don’t like the idea can abstain from attending parties where such services are offered. There is no connection between religion and this service. It is a tourist-oriented country, and it should cater to all requirements of tourists. Congratulations for the wonderful idea and good luck to the waiters!
From Mr Marco
Rome, Italy
Website comment
Respect the UAE
I think it is inappropriate to have semi-nude butlers. The UAE respects other nationalities and cultures, but this is just too much. We have our own priorities. With respect to the UAE, I suggest it is not right to implement the idea of having topless butlers at private parties.
From Ms Nighat
Ajman
Website comment
Corrupting young minds
Many people have commented about how this service is okay as long as it is for private use and it does not bother others. People fail to understand the effect such services have on children who are exposed to them. I saw the advertisement of this service on Facebook and I was shocked. The photos of their services are available online for everyone, including children. I don’t know how the authorities could have possibly allowed such a service in Dubai. This will encourage others to open similar catering services. There’s a saying: ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do,’ which basically means that people should respect the traditions of the country they are in.
From Mr Sumit
Dubai
Website comment
Tacky and cheap
I’m a broad-minded English expatriate and have no problem with folks having a bit of jovial fun, but even I think that this is tacky and cheap. I bet the topless butlers don’t look like Brad Pitt either, which sort of defeats the point.
From Ms Sheena W.
Dubai
Facebook comment
What about the belly dancers?
This shows double standards. While we question the topless butlers, there are belly dancers wearing skimpy clothes and we do not mind watching them at desert safari camps.
From Ms Liza Santos
Dubai
Website comment
Commonsense
Well, I think it is fine. There is nothing inappropriate in this concept because the service is for private pool and beach side parties. Also it is commonsense that people by the pool or by the beach will not be dressed formally. If there is a shirtless butler in the same party, it is not a problem. It would be a problem at fine dining locations.
From Mr Khalid
Dubai
Website comment
Won’t hurt
It’s a service only for people who want it. It won’t affect those who are against it. They will never have to see these butlers. What you don’t see doesn’t hurt you.
From Ms Samantha Yvonne Davies
UAE
Facebook comment
Looking forward
Brilliant! What a great idea. I am having a party next month and I will hire the butlers for my party.
From Ms Martha James
Dubai
Website comment
Eye candy
While I will not make use of this service, I am sure there are some women who will not mind seeing a well-built man serving them and walking around in parties. It will serve as eye candy for them. While it will be inappropriate to have them in public, for private parties I think people have an option to decide for themselves whether they would want such a service or not.
From Ms Dee
Dubai
Facebook comment
Simply unacceptable
I am surprised by this. I don’t know where we are taking our new generation. There are a lot of things going on in Dubai that most people living here dislike, for example wearing of clothes that do not confine with the local culture, but they are acceptable. These things are a problem only when someone complains about them, but this new service of topless butlers is simply unacceptable. I think society must give it serious thought.
From Mr Masood
Dubai
Website comment
Adding spice
I love it! Finally adding some spice into Dubai’s nightlife. This sounds great for female bachelorette parties.
From Ms Jana
Dubai
Facebook comment
Cutting off our roots
Every country has its own traditions and culture, which needs respect. A half-naked butler to serve at parties is not a good idea. People who support this idea, have they thought about where they are taking their next generation? This is really a shameless act and they call it open minded.
From Mr Ariff
Dubai
Website comment
Bold move
It’s a bold move to approve this. I wonder why people are criticising it. There are other services being offered on the same lines. It is up to an individual to implement it or not. I just hope the public would know their limits when it comes to using such a service.
From Mr Kareem R
Dubai
Website comment
Massage centres
How hypocritical can you be? What about all these massage parlours that are popping up like mushrooms all over. I don’t know what kind of service they provide. It’s okay to have those, but not okay to have a bit of fun!!!!
From Ms Houda Naji
UAE
Facebook comment
Would you be aware?
I’m sorry but if it’s in someone’s own house then no one has any say as to what goes on in there. Nobody is forcing this service on anybody. If Gulf News hadn’t published this story, chances are that half the people complaining wouldn’t have ever known that such a service existed. I have lived here for more than 20 years.
From Ms Kim
Dubai
Focus on the positive
Yes, it’s happening in private homes and people can remove their clothes in their own homes. But I don’t understand why people who come to your house have to remove their clothes in your house? It’s not logical. And in my opinion this society should not encourage ideas of a Western society here. If they want to take something from that society, they should focus on the positives and refrain from such practices.
From Ms Cristina Faga
UAE
Website comment
No problem
What’s the problem? If you want to use these sorts of services, you give them a call and invite them to your party. If you don’t want to use them, you will never see them as they cater only to private functions.
From Mr Ali
Fujairah
Website comment
Go back home
Though I agree that no one has any say in what kind of dress code applies in people’s private homes or functions, but since these people are making money off it, doesn’t that require a work permit of some sort? I sincerely hope that the authorities take swift and severe action against these individuals and such event management companies. This is not acceptable under any circumstances. Our culture and society are under threat from some obnoxious people. I truly wish that they go back to where they came from.
From Ms Noor
Ajman
Website comment
Dangerous and shameless
It’s a very dangerous thing that is being introduced in the UAE. Slowly and steadily all these alien concepts are entering the country. They should be looked after before it is too late. There can be other ways of entertainment and service at private parties, instead of these cheap ideas. Due to such services, gradually but surely people in society start becoming heedless and shameless. Do not let this culture enter our Islamic society. No matter the service is for private events, but eventually people will become immune to it and that definitely won’t make the world a better place. It will only encourage shamelessness in society.
From Ms Rima
RAK, UAE
Website comment
Personal choice
I don’t see anything wrong with it as long as it doesn’t disturb anyone else. The service is available to everyone, but it is up to each person whether or not they want to use it. We are living in a society that is constantly developing and upgrading, and with that in mind, I don’t see anything wrong with it. It is part of globalization and as long as the service is a matter of personal liking, and not forced upon, there is no need to judge. Besides, there are far worse things happening around us that deserve being highlighted than a shirtless butler service.
From Ms Eva Rockford
Fujairah
Pointless
I don’t understand why people are offended by this service. If you are against it don;t go to parties that will hier these butlers and you won;t be exposed to it.
From Mr Karan
Ras Al Khaimah
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