Expat woman caught on beach fired from work

Dubai: A British woman was dismissed from her company on Wednesday, following allegations of illegal sexual activities on a beach.

The ITP Publishing Group confirmed to Gulf News that she was fired after an internal investigation.

Gulf News on Wednesday reported that the woman was caught engaging in sexual activities with a British tourist on a Jumeirah beach.

She allegedly assaulted a police officer, used abusive language and was arrested.

The unmarried couple were bailed and got married to try reduce any sentence that might be imposed, sources said.

The couple were apparently intoxicated after consuming alcohol at two Friday brunches in Dubai.

Gulf News is withholding the woman's name for privacy issues.

Laws

Engaging in sexual activities outside marriage is illegal in the UAE.

Couples caught engaging in sexual acts in public are likely to be given a six-month jail term under Article 358 of the Punitive Law No. 52 of 2006, regarding 'obscene public acts and violations of public decency'.

If the act is committed with a male or female below the age of 15, a sentence of at least a year's jail term and a fine of Dh10,000 will be imposed.

Harassment cases can result in one year's jail term and/or Dh10,000 in fines, followed by deportation for expatriates.

The British Embassy has said that it cannot "get people out of prison" in the UAE if they are arrested, and also cannot prevent deportation after any prison sentence is served.

Travel advice from the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK states: "Public displays of affection are frowned upon, and there have been several arrests for kissing in public. Sex outside of marriage is illegal."

For the human beings to study the rules and regulations of each country in the world it is a difficult task indeed. Expatriates must be protected by their respective embassies at least when a case is charged against their citizens.
Retheesh
Doha,Qatar
Posted: July 10, 2008, 09:58

Follow the land laws and no problem will come over you.
Ana
Lisbon,Portugal
Posted: July 10, 2008, 09:54

We all should realise one thing, The UAE respects all cultures and it is we expats who should be thankful to the rulers of this nation for hosting us here and allowing a fortune out of them in return of our services. It is truly and sensibly important for each expat to respect the law and code of conduct of this country and respect its culture as it returns the same to you.
Jacob
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 10, 2008, 09:08

It?s always to be very strict in laws like illegal sex, specially in public. I don?t think in any country such activities is permitted in public. Its a common sense to be used as a human rather than thinking any one can do anything.
Venu
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 10, 2008, 08:57

She is lucky that she will have only a prison term and deportation. Islamic law is much harsh and definitely more than this term and for unmarried couple involved
Hassan
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 10, 2008, 08:17

While I agree with the consensus that people from all walks of life should respect the culture and traditions of UAE, I still think that would not be an excuse to fire a person from his/her work place due to his/her personal choice in his/her personal life.
Wissam
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: July 10, 2008, 07:49

I am a firm believer of respecting the local culture. The expatriates should understand and accordingly should behave in public area.
Suresh
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 10, 2008, 06:52

I can only hope that the many Emaratis and expats living in the UAE do not tar as with this frankly pathetic uncultured pair. The woman ignored the officer and then proceeded to insult him. She deserves no sympathy and the general consensus here at home is the same. She brought it on herself and she must may the price
Paul
Sheffield,UK
Posted: July 10, 2008, 02:07

Good!!!! She deserves it, the way people disrespect the laws of the UAE and show not even a basic respect.
Yasmine
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 10, 2008, 01:19