Beaches must remain domains of privacy

Dubai Police have rightfully clamped down on those who gather and gape at beachgoers

For those with Facebook accounts, it’s hard now to accept the concept of digital privacy, given the manner in which the social media behemoth has seemingly played fast and loose with our personal data. But for those of us who live in the UAE, there is an accepted principle that our personal privacy remains inviolate and our personal space respected. That, however, seems less than secure now with word from Dubai Police that 289 people were charged with taking photographs of women on beaches. These women had no idea and never gave permission for these snap-happy perverts to take their images.

This nation is built on the principles of respect and tolerance, and it is not unrealistic for all to accept that when women go to the beach to relax that they would simply be left alone. But as far as these 289 who were caught, it seems as if the women who go to beaches are simply there to be adorned in the cameras of those with too much time and imagination on their hands.

Dubai Police deserve our full praise for keeping a vigilant eye on those who simply want to relax and enjoy their rare moments of privacy — a concept which these oglers obviously have no regard for. Indeed, over the past year, Dubai Police charged 1,725 with various charges at Dubai beaches, and this number included 743 cases where individuals were disturbing others.

On any given Friday at many beaches, while people flock to unwind, some freaks gather to gape at beachgoers. Enough of this anti-social activity.