City Talk: Tinted windows, tinted vision

Tinted windows have long been a bone of contention for expatriates, who until this week were denied this luxury afforded exclusively to UAE nationals.

The reasons behind the exclusionary policy included safeguarding the modesty of local women, shielding both driver and passenger against the searing hot sun, and of course, exuding an aura of mystery in the manner of movie stars or mafia dons.

Following complaints by expatriate drivers over the 'unfairness' of this policy, Dubai Police announced on Wednesday that all residents of the emirate may use 30 per cent tinting on the rear windscreen and rear side windows.

The move has been widely viewed as a step toward standardising laws so as to apply to nationals and non-nationals alike. Sceptics, however, are not convinced. Gulf News hit the streets to gather public reaction.