YOU HAVE TO RESPECT OUR LAWS!

I also things laws shall be respected. By coming to Qatar, living in Qatar or growing up into it, you agree to abide by all the Qatari laws, irrespective of your personal opinion about their effectiveness, or suitability. If you don't like a particular law, you still shall abide by it, but you may proactively try to change it within the mediums allowed by law. That could be through writing articles, posting your ideas in forums like this, and other peaceful and lawful means.

Qatar's Online Store

Shop online for consumer electronics, gadgets, gift items and get them delivered to your door on the same day.

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but u know guys i think this is also a good signs. You see Cinderella at her aged knows their Law. If only other young Qataris are like Cinderella and be more responsible or have self discipline this only means that Qatar have a bright future.

"Even if  LOVE is full of thorns, embrace it. For in between those thorns there is a ROSE that's worth all the PAIN."

LAWS excused no one... but its so sad that this laws are disobeyed by its own local men.

They said right how can u expect others or expats to obey ur country rules if they see ur fellow countrymen not obeying it? 

"Even if  LOVE is full of thorns, embrace it. For in between those thorns there is a ROSE that's worth all the PAIN."

You ALL don't even see the point of Cinderellas post. You all seem to be MOST concerned with the fact that you believe that Qataris smoke more.

The point is to respect the law no matter where you are from.

If someone breaks it, it doesn't mean it's ok for someone else to!

Be BETTER than the smokers who ignore the law!

___________________________

Click here for LOADS of Qatar info I♥Q  <-- (Expat and Local Info)

I agree everyone should be punished equally otherwise how will we ever learn, but Qatari's do get the upper hand here because the country is simply there's, now i dont agree with it when it comes to law but it happens and it happens everywhere wether its against a nationality or a race even in the united states.

Its a fact that this country wouldn't be where it is without expats, hell no country would be where it is without expats, but when it comes to laws and whatnot Qatari's do have the upper hand because the country is simpley theirs, if we dont get leverage in our country then where will we get it? we do enjoy advantages here but  in other countries where we're foreigners we make sure we abide by the countries laws and we expect no less from foreigners here.

This topic was an old one, but to get short of it, why not just stop smoking if someone is near you specially if there are women and children, this is not just to respect or abide to the Law, but to give respect to the rights of women and kids and to any people not smoking.

 Maybe some doesn't know that the non-smokers will get cancer or other illness easilly than that smoking when inhaled the cigarette? Hope people smoking should consider the other people from taking their habit.

"There's nothing we can do to change the past, if it teaches  you a lesson profit from it then, forget it."

DON'T SMOKE ON PUBLIC PLACES!!!! 

***** I hope life isn't a big joke, because I don't get it. ******

police fined them 500 riyals for smoking... and you know what? after the police had left the premises, they smoke again....and they're Qataris

***** I hope life isn't a big joke, because I don't get it. ******

Cant we at QL just speak about the concern Cinderella raised who is just 15,,,,,,, instead of being concerned about smoking in public areas, seems most of the lot here are offended by her complain. I presume her recommendations are to "not let people smoke in public places and to complain the findings to the necessary people who can take action regardless of what national is doing it". Her complain in regards to foreigners smoking could be based on her personal experience, why not act responsible and prevent such things rather than finding her fault of not adding more to the list. Come on QL'ers giver her big hand she put forth a health related topic and seek one and all to join to eradicate such menace at public places.  rgdsidris  

Hi I am curious to know where can you smoke. Also can you bring in smokes from another country and how much can be brought in.

Thanks

Hey Cinderella, you are barking up the wrong tree. Firstly i agree (not with you) that it's mainly the local people who are smoking in public places not expats. Secondly have you lived anywhere else in the middle east? Try Abu Dhabi for one if you want to complain about smokers. Thirdly build a bridge and get over it or leave, you can't even smell the smoke in the malls and i would challenge you that there are more pressing issues on a global scale than that of a few locals smoking where they choose. And guess what, I don't even smoke!

I'd like to start of by praising dohagirl lo0ol youve been taking on the world proving your argument, you didn't need to go to this extent of proving it hehe:P i was convinced when reading your first few words. Anyways well done.

Hey Noor first of all honestly i didnt understnad a singal word you've said through the whole of this topic. Second thing Cinderella wake up, we are in Qatar honestly all of these comments are more racist then I would of expected I am a foreigner and I believe and i know for a fact that nationals of Qatar tend to break the Law more then any country ive ever ben to or know about. Something i think your confused about because as DOHAGIRL mentioned your only 15 something i think your seriously ocnfused about is that saying and commenting that Qatari's break the law and are role models to foreigners isnt saying we hate Qatari people, all we are saying is before you open up a topic accusing the world of bein disobedient and you as being superior you should think again. As the saying goes "Nobody is perfect"

In the newspaper last week, one of the government ministries(don't recall which one) was listing all the vilolations and fines for keeping Qatar clean. Everything from Littering, spitting on the ground and hanging clothes to dry out of windows. So the day I see them enforcing these fines as well as the fines for smoking in public places, I will know I have been in the Middle East too long.

Only Love & Respect of Others Makes Human.

------------------------------------------

This is no joke. This is no made up story. This is no nonsense.

Honest to God, this is a real fact of my life. This is my experience.

Event One:

Last year, I was with my 2 infant kids and my spouse on the 3rd floor in the kids playing area at the City Center.

Inside the playing area I was entertaining my 3 and 4 year old kids. Next to me I saw three Qatari young gentlemen standing and smoking inside the playing area as they had also brought some kids with them to entertain.

I went up to them and asked them in English "Good Evening, I would appreciate if you could stop smoking here as this exclusive children area"

Oh Man.....!!!!!

All three of them looked at me like they are going to at least slap me while kept on smoking. I got scared and told them, it’s a decree from the prime minister.

They looked at me again with real anger and one guy told the other guy something in Arabic and they moved from that spot. However, they did not stop smoking.

Event Two:

Almost a month later at KFC near Ramada I went with my spouse and kids to have some food and entertain our kids with some play.

While we were sitting near the playing area, two elderly western gentlemen came along with there food and sat next to us. Unfortunately they were drunk - really drunk as me and my spouse both could smell them from almost 5 feet away.

Though we were a little uncomfortable as we both do not drink, but we gave each other a smile (me and my spouse) and continued with our food.

Suddenly these two gentlemen (being drunk) start discussing some their home country politics between themselves and start using the “F” word again and again. It was not a fight, it was part of their discussion to highlight the importance of an issue 

They used the “F” word at least 15-20 times in less than 5 minutes. I got really upset as my kids knowing thing about the word start watching them with interest to understand them and their argument.

I almost shouted at them from our table “excuse me sir, I would appreciate if you do not use such words in front of kids. This is a family area”

Not with a second delay – these two junkies realize their mistake and got up from their table and said “We are really sorry, I am really sorry – I apologize” and moved to a table that was quite a bit away from us.

This apology suddenly reminded me of first event in the City Center and I thought no matter what age you are or in what state you are in, if you are thought respect of others, you will always know what your boundary is.

God Bless All of You.

For Qatari’s: you might think we are just to make some money. Trust me its not that simple.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"My profession is to be forever journeying, to travel about the universe so that I may know all its conditions."

Abu Ali ibn Sina (Avvicena), 980-1037,

physician, philosopher, mathematician and astronomer

I am not a smoker but I do not mind smokers. We cannot barricade ourselves from a smoke on the streets and roads, and it does more harm to health days and nights than a passive smoking once in a while.

NOT IN PAIN....right now. there you can smoke everywhere. in france and italy laws are strict. better you go there and see..........stop talking about somethink you dont know.

we need more people like you dohagirl...........we love pleasure (what pleasure by the way?)

PLS TELL THAT TO SHEEBU ALSO..ERR..SUSAN SHEEBU..nice day.

I'am an expat who is just been here almost 3 weeks.Just like you've said, i've seen that kind of situation in shopping malls, especially at coffee house.I don't understand how could this "culture" happened. My personal point of views is, there should be i.e: coffee house {open air condition) being set up at outside shopping mall.Thus,people can smoke instead of having coffee.

Good qustion, I wondered the same thing and I'm sure there are none left that allow smoking!

Sooo...you're taking time out of your day to point things out to security guards that they should be noticing in the first place?? Do security guards show up at your job and point out things for you to do?

Stop being an antagonist. If someone is "breaking the law" by smoking a cigarette then leave the enforcement of that law up to the people who get paid to enforce the law! Vigilante justice only raises your blood pressure and makes people dislike you.

Better question, what airline still permits smoking in flight?

Why were you sitting in the smoking section on the aircraft?

Your language leaves something to be desired Cinders!! Clean it up please, just for the forum.

Its a bit like having someone standing next to you smoking, having to read the p.....g word all over the place.

thanks sweetie,

Angel.

ps.

Just to add to that story: Once I was on an aircraft and the man next to me 'told' me "You don't mind if I smoke!" I said "OK, as long as you don't mind if I do my hair". He looked blank, but agreed with a shrug. As he lit up, I backcombed my hair and sprayed it in his direction with hairspray, at which point he jumped up from his seat coughing. Quits!

....by the way, I used to smoke 60 per day! I have no sympathy for those who want to waste others lives, especially children, due to passive smoke.

How do they expect people to respect their laws if they do not themselves i agree butterfly it is harder not to smoke if people are around you! :P

Horrible qataries and wonderful qataries. Horrible bahrainis and wonderful ones. Actually I've never met any horrible omani... But my point is that you cannot generalise.

Back to the smoking laws, I was yesterday in the City Center (again ) and saw a group of qataries smoking in a restaurant in the upper floor. I've started to smoke once again and seeing nationals smoking in the city center made me feel like lighting up a cigarrette myself. Too bad I didn't carry any cigarrettes with me.

I had horrible encounters with Bahrainis so I wouldn't say they are all that great, but Omanis are wonderful and friendly people. I wish Qataris were a bit more like Omanis, but you are right, Qataris are simply too rich to be nice. Omani people rock :D

Fully agree with Super's comments, especially regarding Omani's. I couldn't believe it in Oman when drivers actually slow down or stop to let you out at a junction as I'd got so used to fighting my way round the roads of Doha with no one giving an inch

q love no we do not have to confess that. Bahrainis and Omanis are the most respectful and pleasant of the GCC nationalities.

Not sure if it is just a coincidence but they are also the least oil rich.

salam alaikum

hey buddies, calm down and lets discuss it effeciently..

what cindrella says is partially correct, everyone should respect rules, nationals and nons, yeasterday i glanced a qatai guy smoking, i felt bad, bu what to do, that phenomena should be dealt with by severe punishments...

Cinderella Qatar, your jealousty is appreciated, and it doesnt matter whether you are 15 or 150, but what somebody meant is that the perspective differs alittle bit,,

i know that my reply is not organized, but really I'm too much busy, one more thing...

we have to confiss that qatari people really respect others more than other GCC's, that what i have heared from lots of forign people working at petroleum industry...

see u later..

Mohammed

Peace

Good luck with that boys. :D

Easy peasy... when you find her let us know... she deserves to be worshipped (ill probably get done for blasphemy now... off with both my heads)

I think the one's from that company are the way forward AKS.

and I have every confidence of finding her here! I should also have mentioned she should be modest and not be too aware of things like her good looks. Shouldn't be too hard to find someone fitting that description in Qatar

Gee AKS.... you really are NOT fussy considering your in Qatar :P

Scrap that last comment. I am in fact very particular and only consider dating kind, funny, friendly, gorgeous women with lovely accents

her saffa accent very mild. However your quote above may not endear her to you!!

At this stage I'd pretty much take anyone/anything! That said, I've never been a fan of the saffa accent

She wasn't the only good looking one. YOu shouldn't just go for looks or nice, you should try and go for a little bit of both.

Yeah I sort of know that too. Crap

NO the best looking one was the Polish one.

Nicest as in person? Didn't think she was best looking.

No it isn't the reason you don't need setting up but the point I was making is that not many girls do in this country so I would assume that you didn't in the first place hence my original setting up reply wasn't serious.

That's not why I don't need setting up. ANd I just didn't think she was your type. Though she was the nicest one there.

Of course you don't. you are a girl in Qatar.

I'm too picky now? When I was saying about the short hair one you said "you can do better" and now you say "I'm too picky"!!

You are too picky. And I was kidding anyway. I don't need to be set up. :D

I meant don't think we are too picky

Not sure I do have superm DG. Nothing to show for it to date.

Hold on a sec DG. Sat was the first time you have said yes to one of my invites. Don't worry rugby season starts soon. I'll set you up in no time.

Also make sure you come to the Dubai sevens. You will thank me for persuading you if you go.

Why not? What's wrong with me?

Don't think so DG.

yup... this scrolling is driving me nuts

People! How about moving this off topic stuff to it's own thread....

Still haven't set me up Superm and I've been single all along.

Good point ;)

Guess so meant you guys are far too picky.

7:2....jaysus chraist... not even my most depraved dreams have that sort of ratio.

Because I'm not very good at the hooking up bit. Plus you were not fair game having only very recently become single

That just sounded bad with the so what bit. I just didn't know what you meant.

Giasi you would have been impressed. Ratio of seven to two.

Oi super how come you did not hook me up when i was single????????????????????????????????????

I was agreeing with you, Super. You don't need to be so sensitive. :P

Yup a bevvy of beauties GIASI, and I was the hottest one there. :D

A bevvy of beauties ?. Im having flashbacks of Benny Hill

I guess so what?

I mean other lads at rugby club who are hot. Plus she is a saffa and they normally like rugby lads. As a bonus there are lots of saffa rugby lads.

I guess so.

Just joking. Not sure she's sporty enough for AKS though. He is very particular.

Plenty of others around though.

Why watch out. She's a nice girl.

She's no me, but not all girls can be. :P

watch out AKS

yeah it was. But CAt only turns 40 once so it was important you went :)

Sounds like fun. I wish I could have stayed.

I'll tell her to go to Rugby Club on Thursday.

The secret to the boat DG is as follows

1 - You have to be there all day

2 - You have to drink lots of beer or beer alternative

3 - You have wakeboard/inflatable

We were on the island till 12. Big swim mid sea on way home in the phosphorescence (which is amazing this time of year)

Was very fun.

But rugby club it will have to be for friend.

Good

I don't think she wants to go on the boat again. So I guess it will have to be Rugby CLub.

And I know you meant say not see.

I meant say not see

if he's about later I'll ask him for more details

Point was DG I wasn't trying to pull any girl. I just got wasted.

Rugby club this weekend. Or boat again without your pink camera

YOu just weren't trying to pull the right girl Super.

Well I'll have to introduce him to her than.

DG didn't see the captain's because he got her day before. She is nice though and he seems pretty keen so it would be good.

Don't see that DG it makes my failure even more painful

Well AKS here is pretty fantastic.

No she wasn't Irish AKS. Polish (but British passport). There were 5 of them. 3 we hadn't met before. You are correct about the party. In fact you 're the only who came out of it well because you sent an apology text the next day.

Well there were plenty to choose from.

Did the captin really get one good for him he needed it bless him ;P

Shaken and not stired!!!

Really? Was she Irish?! Bahrain was great. Managed to visit 3 all you can drink places in 24 hours! To be fair I think there were others involved that night you're referring to and me sleeping in cars was possibly the most minor offence!

I don't know. Hot I guess. In the style of hot.

All my friends hot. How does she like em?

Gaby wants to know if you have any hot friends, by the way, Super.

Good for the Captain. :)

Sounds like you didn't see the ball in the first place, Super.

See ya guys, off home.

The captain of the boat got one. Actually I think she was on Friday.

Who?

what is it with you super7 and immigration huh?lol! sorry to hear bout ur argument but better no one be messing with my luggage which DG apparently says is quite huge!!...

"my nose is soo poking my screen now pinocchio style!*

No AKS I'm afraid not. These were all from that new company that used to invite us to parties and then stopped after you slept in someone's car all night.

How was Bahrain?

Well there were other pretty girls there who maybe don't argue so much. ?

If you were out on the boat with them does that mean I work with them? If so, I can always put a good word in for you. I'll tell them you're a really nice guy, heart in the right place, just looking for the right person and various other cliches. Happy to help!

No the one I argued with v pretty.

Thanks for that DG. Maybe not the fittest but very nice person. Polish one best though

bu to be fair we are in Qatar! Thought you said she was good looking super DG is making it sound like they were mingers!

Really? You could do better.

No she wasn't as blonde as you. Short hair.

oooh now this is getting interesting :D

The blonde one? I was the only blonde one.

Because I am stupid cat and take my eye off the ball.

All kind of same? Didn't like them then DG?

I think a couple were nice the polish one (who no longer likes me) and the blond one.

Don't think guted is the right word more gob smacked with yourself the next day when you turn back into a human instead of a sprout! Told you what to do! If she is worth it! i think fish is so just say sorry!

tee hee..now you're really going to get the spanish inquisition for that "i'm single for a reason" bit, super :p

Well, you could always go for one of the other girls. No offence, but they were all kind of the same anyway. :)

My birthday was awesome, Super. Not nearly as much fun as your 60th but hey I'm getting there.

:P

Plenty fish in the sea that Super doesn't fancy, apparently he's not into fish...

What's the reason you're single, Super?

She wasn't upset about it, I was. She was just being sweet and I went into hulk rage and then stropped off (I did spell that correctly by the way - it is english slang).

How was Cat's 40th birthday?

Oh well Super, there's plenty of fish in the sea. Maybe you should look for ones who don't get upset about UK immigration.

Don't even mention saturday DG. Had a ridiculous drunken argument about UK immigration that I don't even care about with a lovely girl who will now never speak to me again.

There is a good reason I'm single and it has nothing to do with fish fancying I'm afraid.

Gutted wasn't I sammie!!

Super's here :) Now we'll blackmail him into telling the truth :P :P

sorry. i don't care for green "luggage"..it clashes with my fishy complexion..lol

Could be interesting though go on give it a try!

i AM a cold fish. the exact same reason why i can't possibly be getting hot'n'heavy with the giant sprout :p

Yes... youre guiltier than a really guilty person who has just been told that the jury has found him guilty beyond any doubt and the courtroom erupts in cheers and screams "hangings too good for em".

A big sprout needs a fish that will help him unleash some of that anger also biting required!

DOn't be such a cold Fish, we know you and Super are getting wet n' wild Fishy. ;D

what?! i'm innocent! but now that i know an angry-looking green giant is up for grabs.....well...you never know ;p

I did. :P

I heard he liked it rough but biting well i supose no pain no game! :P

you did say sNapper right?

Yup, a boat full of pretty girls on Saturday and Super went after a snapper. He has exotic tastes.

We should rename him bigalow

He was, and I saw him eyeing a barracuda quite closely. I think we may have found out why he's still single. :P

Thats official then. Fish has helped Super pack his luggage and thats that :P

he did say he was on the boat the other day so we could be seeing green fish before long!!! lol:P

Well there you go. He likes things cold, wet and in the water.

think super is into fishes...after all he is a dolphin trainer...

Super is wetting Fish down.

i am here just popped out to get a healthy KFC! Whos wetting what down????

Nah GIASI, I'm the only one out of Cat and Fish and I who's met Super, and he hasn't offered to wet me down at all. :P Maybe I'm not his type though.

In case you haven't noticed, Sammie's disappeared too?

The absence of those two, at the same time, is highly suspect. I think the Fish has fallen for Super's charms. He's probably wetting her down in the pool as we speak :-0

And isn't there anything fun to discuss? GIASI? Where is Fish? Where is Super? I'm bored people. :(

Who dug up this thread anyway? I though it died decades ago. :P

Who rattled your cage? :)

But i have to add something else too..... Some people were too ironic which i think it was wrong especially when it had to do with other people age. It is so stupid if you are not agree with someone to say "haha you are only 15 so nobody can take you seriously" I mean ...then you shouldnt comment Cinderella's post at all. What is happening? If you have arguments do dont need to be (in a silly way) rude.

Do you think is right for someone to go to jail because he is smoking in a non-smoking place?????????. I think you are overreacting a little bit sweety :)

yyzguy why don't you go and get a life this website was set up so people could talk to each other and share their views if you do not like it don't bother coming on again!

Sometimes i think people are so shallow and that was a prime example!

Meh, don't worry about me Bajesus and Angel face. What the guy says is true. If I can't take it, why would I dish it out?

since we're on the subject of being able to report abuse in the near future, would it also be plausible to throw out and ban (temporarily or pernamently) anyone who abuses their freedom of speech and expression, after they have been proven guilty of such disrespect? I for one do not want this site to be blocked by Qtel, nor do I wish to entertain such behavior as seen on this thread. while I'm at it, I would also like to apologize for using foul language, provoked or otherwise.

since we're on the subject of being able to report abuse in the near future, would it also be plausible to throw out and ban (temporarily or pernamently) anyone who abuses their freedom of speech and expression, after they have been proven guilty of such disrespect? I for one do not want this site to be blocked by Qtel, nor do I wish to entertain such behavior as seen on this thread. while I'm at it, I would also like to apologize for using foul language, provoked or otherwise.

Whatever contempt you have for DG that is in no way acceptable to address a lady. Never in all the threads that I have read and posted in on this site have I witnessed the kind of poor language and behavior or lack thereof that you have managed to display here all in one day. It really is a shame that you did it in such a public way as well because now the damage is done and people will only percieve you in a certain way. I hope once you fully asbsorb what you did you'd get around to making a heartfelt apology to DG.

I'm sorry ladies for all the abuse this guy has hurled around this thread. As we grow it seems we will pick up our fair share of people like this so in the coming week we'll be setting up a form where you can report abuse like this easily and also put in some filters that will block the kind of langauge I had to remove.

Doha girl, yes, the fact of the matter is that you have no life and are constantly on here on QL. You do indeed have no life, criticize others' English on here when you yourself cannot speak or write proper English. Don't insult other people here without expecting your insults to be fed back right to you.

If you're so much against Qatar, why are you in this country? Go back to your trashy Canada -- wait, sorry, you were rejected from there too, you sorry, pathetic woman.

You sorry and pathetic woman -- you make me laugh. You're nothing but a loser freeloader who still lives with her parents. You sorry leech. Without your parents you don't have an identity, you sorry woman. And yet you put others down here -- even girls as young as 15. Shows your class, you sorry pathetic loser.

LOL. This is great, I go away for a long weekend and I have to be called and told that I am being dissed on QL. Doesn't this guy have anything better to than write profanities on QL during the long weekend?

Wait, before you come back with yet another witty comeback such as that I am an ugly, stupid, sorry woman who can't type and doesn't know proper English, let me beat you to that. It's all true. I am ugly and fat and stupid and I can't type to save my life. And (shock and gasp) I don't have a husband!!!!!

Have a field day with that yyxg or whatever your name is, and go out and enjoy your weekend.

Signed:

Dohagirl

Mochafrap

Qatarcat

let him be, the more you pay attention to this guy and his behavior, the more he's going to act like so. let's just go on with our merry lives and leave him out of it. i'm sure everyone else in this forum have better things to do than deal with this guy.

is that all you have to say, ugly rejected woman? nobody is giving you attention in your sorry life? hahaha....bark on...like the sorry and rejected dog that you are.

lol..what a loser!

I just refuse to take any nonsense from people, men or women. I nurse grievances towards nobody, but if people insult me, I will not accept it.

Whats all this anger against women? Are you harboring some deep rooted bitterness and resentment? Do you want to share? im sure that cursing women on this forum was not part of your treatment programme.

As i said earlier, hurling childish profanities around wont win you many friends and certainly reflects the quality of person you are.

good for constipation.

mochafrap, it's called a typographical error, if you are aware what that is, you desperate woman. Hurt, are we? Cry! C'mon! You dirty and filthy woman.

wtf?! what in the world is wrong with you, man? bitter, are we not?

if i were you i wouldn't preach about English grammar or spelling, and especially if i wasn't able to spell non-existent correctly ("non-existend" huh? pretty impressive, bro).

Now unless you have anything constructive to add to this discussion other than grade-school-level profanities..I suggest you keep your dirty little trap shut.

yyzguy.

Doesnt matter who started. Your language was very abusive, plus you are threatening blockage of this site by the Qtel proxy filters.

Who insulted whom first? Please refresh your memory by reading who called me names first.

You're out of line.

Argue all you want in a civil manner. Keep your filth and insults out.

blah blah this comment was removed and this user is being banned

and what makes you think i'm single? and even if I was, what's so wrong about that? maybe you've got a screwed up idea that a person can only be happy when they're with somebody. if that's the case, then the only person i'd feel sorry for would be you. you must have a really pathetic life, and that's where all the anger is coming from. poor you, you turned out to be such an asshole.

Angel face, speak when you're spoken to, sorry woman. Why are you crying for attention? Your sorry and non-existend husband doesn't give you any? No wonder you're single and sorry.

what's with this guy? somebody sure got up from the wrong side of the bed today...no need for insults and profanity. gosh!

Dohagirl, you dumb idiot, criticizing others' English? Where is your English? "Wait till your 20)"? Where did you learn English, you stupid illiterate Canadian dumb woman? It is "wait till you're 20). Learn and speak proper English, you pathetic and illiterate woman.

Think twice before ever insulting anyone again, you pathetic and sorry loser.

Doha girl, you dumb idiot, don't insult other people when you yourself can't speak proper English, you stupid illiterate uneducated Canadian woman. Qatari's? Is that English? Perhaps look at your own sorry self you sad pathetic woman.

Dohagirl, perhaps you should shut your ugly mouth up you dumb idiotic woman. Why are you living in Qatar if you're so against the country, you dumb idiot Canadian? Go back to your stupid country of Canada. Why are you in Qatar you stupid woman?

Try making some sense. I know it's difficult for you, you idiot, but nonetheless do try.

Well, I think I made myself clear. All improvement efforts should be done in a medium of respect to and by both sides. And, yes, locals like any one DO mistakes.I already said in my first post here that they even tend to break laws even more than the expats.Though each should be treated as an individual no matter what his\her nationality is. And I don’t think that police treats Qataris differently in matter of laws. But to tell the truth,( this is so stupid and unfair) I’m not sure if they treat people of royal family the same(!)

We all agree that law should be enforced. Of course it’ll make this place a better one. And it'll happen eventualy.

this has been a fantastic weekend thread! ;)

And to top it off, I was at landmark in a resturant and there were two young Qatari girls (about 18) who lit up and started smoking in the resturant...!

(that being said, I then walked passed Starbucks where people from all over the world, male and female, sat and smoked.)

Yay Jassim! You're absolutely right. You go to a country and naturally "do as Romans do".

Why did this topic end up in us vs. them? Because two Qatari girls declared that while Qatari people should be excused from following laws, foreigners must stick to them. There is your reason. And just like you said, I think that locals first and foremost should follow the laws of their country, then the rest will follow.

DG everything you said is right. I only hope that people who got offended for no reason will see the logic of your argument. If we criticise - there is a reason for it. When there is a reason to praise - we do that, too. I believe Qatar is a great country with potential. If the law enforcement will become effective, it will be for the benefit of all, local and expatriate residents alike. After all, laws are there for a reason. Smoking in public, traffic laws, even simple things like queueing, being polite and the like - if people try to stick to the laws this country will become a much better place to live.

:^)

Oh and being overly sensitive doesn't help. Constructive and argumentative criticism is here to make things better, not to trigger anyone off. If we western girls say that locals are the ones who break the laws most, it's not because we are western girls and we don't like locals for some reason, it's because locals DO break the laws most, and the fact that we are western girls is irrelevant. Some people can't get over the fact that western girls may criticise locals. Yes we may, and we will, and it's not only locals that we criticise, but each other, and other countries, and we praise people and countries too.

Nah, I don't think the subject is about smoking, it was about respecting the laws n who should do it, even if the law exampled was smoking. But did anyone notice that any subject here starts nicely n always goes back to us n them?!!

Anyway, if u ask me who should be the first to follow any law, then I will have to say the locals, or Qataris in this regards. If we follow our rules right then no others will even dare to break them. U can see that in the subject of kissing in public or nudity among other things. We don't do it n as a result, foreigners, who used to do it in their own countries, will follow. In the same content, if we make a mess of our rules then they will also follow. So it's us to be blamed first :)

When I am in any country, I usually follow what the locals do. If I wanted to cross the street away from the pedestrian line then I will look around n if it is done by someone else then sure am crossing. I will have something to dump n if no one dumping on the street then I'll look for a trash basket else it goes on the street. So it is a copycat mostly n if I did something bad in any country then be assured I seen someone else doing it n 90% it will be a local from that country :)

I can believe what you wrote regarding about your indian cleaner. When we arrived 5 years ago, there was a news in the Gulf Times that stuck with us ever since, guess we were new and found it unbelievable.

A car, with what was stated by witnesses was being driven by 'Qatari youths' ran over a gardener on the Corniche, then, reversed back over his legs!!! Car and driver got away (according to the article) and it was never mentioned again in the paper.

I was under the impression this post was about laws, with the anti-smoking law as an example. TG I agree with what you said, with the exception of the whole kissing officers thing, I don't know what you were trying to say there? Oh and the rich and Wasta thing, I agree with scmasse, in the West the wealthy who commit crimes are charged with them, the only time they get off on them would be when they can afford smart enough lawyers. Still, by this point their reputation in the public has been ruined, look at OJ Simpson and Michael Jackson. They got off, but their lives are shot.

Here the rich (Qataris) aren't even charged with crimes, much less does it get to the court system. The rich aren't even given simple fines for smoking in public or speeding.

Expecting expats to stand up to Qataris and demand that they stop smoking in public places is ridiculous. The very least that will happen is deportation.

Aisha, I think if you are criticising you have to be smart. Not every criticism is an insult. You are asking us to do exactly what you are saying we shouldn't do. You want us to respect your laws and be nice and ignore your obvious flaws, yet you want us to stand up to you and point out what you are doing wrong. When we do that, you snap at us for being disrespectful. Make up your mind.

Law enforcement in our countries, while not perfect, is working better than yours (being that we actually enforce laws) so maybe you should stop being so defensive and listen to what we are saying to you, and instead of supporting 15 year old kids who say that Qataris are above the law, and that laws are only for foreigners. If you disagree with them stand up and say something, don't let this misconception continue amongst your youth. The law is for everybody, not just for some people.

Doc, I know you made that comment but then you proceded to make excuses for the locals who do it...saying it's the fault of the cafe not of the people doing it. I don't want to critize, but I have seen locals literally bullying the workers into giving them an Ashtray (water filled cup)...They have learned from experience not to stand in their way.

Making excuses for them when they are wrong sends the wrong message. They know the law and know they should not be doing it.

But here's the thing...all of us saying "these people are doing it and those people are doing it" doesn't help anything...I gurantee you that all nationalities have done it. The real question and dilema is what to do about it.

The only solution is enforcement and higher fines. And, honestly, "Wasta" should not get you off of these things, and really...if you have that kind of pull a little fine probably won't hurt you too much:)

Someone mentioned that even in the west important people get out of fines...Well, it's true in some cases, but I have seen quite a lot of celebrities etc. getting in trouble...doing prison time, probation, community service...etc.

Anyway, I know we have beaten this topic to death...lol... I'll bow out now.

I don’t know why you guys don’t just get it. Critisize, fine. Only “respect� is what we’re asking for. You can be critic AND smart at the same time,I don’t see any reason why anyone can’t.Unless some wanna criticize for other reasons that I don't know, then I have nothing to say . That’s is. And in either ways of course we benefit a lot from your feedbacks.It’s just we can’t be too grateful when it’s being sent the inappropriate way. After all, we’re facing this together.

Again, I’m not talking about this specific thread.

"Ciderella don't stop what you're doing BUT include the Qataris too, becoz lets face it, there are Qataris who are smoking too. and smoking is a bad thing wether it's done by foriegners or Qataris."i wrote this comment earleir and u can check it out, if u even bothered to read my previous comments on this matter

Yes..this thread is about smoking..lets stick to it..with one comment on the cyclist..lets not believe this kind of worst stereotyping of Qatar..With limited experience of interaction with loads of my Qatari colleagues..I would say that NO..Qataris are not likely to derive pleasure out of killing poor people...

Part II..I would add that Qatar is in a conflict zone..where various countries in the region and the West have a peaceful,professional Muslim population who have lost hope in those countries...They look at Qatar as a kind of Oasis with stable and properous quality of life...Its important not to be guided by their opinion alone...Many a people like QC are around for professional reasons and would go to their choosing...Their critique shall be valued because its detached of any self-interest and only with a desire to see improvements...

I have met loads of non-Qataris (Sorry Aisha for that term)around..who are willing to pout dishonest niceties...exactly like politicians in the democratic countries..Who say all the right things that people wish to hear but do exactly as they please..Thats why we see accountabilities at various levels in other countries..Enforcing of laws are done without fear or favour (The Super-rich and those with Wasta get away in EVERY country though..So lets not believe that its a Qatar Specific phenomenon)..

Last on this long post..Qatar is a peculiar country with total population of less that 0.9 million and it would be a nice reading to see how law is enforced in bigger countries...Most expats can't over-rule the decision of the local policemen on the decision he makes on the spot...So arbitrary and selective enforcement of law is a reality we can't deny....Which of you are honest enough to admit that you have PAID the full traffic fine that was enforced on you and have not gone and kissed a few officers to get it waived....

as i said i did not quite feel the former comment sounded quite right ... but from what i have experienced is that although some people may not try to harm them physically they may through dangerous driving try to scare them and have some 'harmless' fun ???

by the way just saw a little of qatar vs greece, they weren't too bad, by the way have many of the players are real qataris, most are sudanese right??

well the thread is about "laws" and their enforcement and obedience towards them, and that is why im aking if anybody has heard of such a circumstances and comment on accuarcy (if any)

and not ridiculous stories...if you want to discuss this please move it to a new topic.

This is a comment from our Indian cleaner who comes a couple times a week taken some time ago. I do not think it is as prevalent now but I am sure to some extent what he says happens.

He comes to our house in a bicycle and one day my mother saw that he had no light on it and she said that if there was a problem he'd buy one for him, however he said no ... its safer without a light!! Why? Because allegedly if he is dark Qataris will not see him and intentionally try to run him over whilst trying to have their fun for the night.

Another thing was to go around throwing stuff or poking labourers in bicycles; i have not seen the latter but maybe its been phased over the years.

Pls enlighten me :)

Exactly DG, these security guards are hired...they are not from here. They are just as afraid of losing their job in Qatar as all expats are. They know if they even look at the wrong person (a person with pull in the government) the wrong way they are back off to their home country.

They know what's up. That is the real reason no one enforces the law...they are too scared.

More excuses? Have any more good ones Doctora?

You, my friend, are part of the problem. Always making up excuses to let your dear locals off...Is it so hard to come out and say "Yes, my fellow locals who smoke in public places are WRONG"

let's just drop the argument at that dear, poor QatarCat is a having a headache :-) and i think i am too, but don't think all of this won't be heard, i read a bunch of nice suggestions on this forum and let's say that your worries and suggestions will be heard by those concerned in the NHA (national health authority).

Sadly this is true. I once had to call a security guard to shake off an annoying local who was following me around the mall, and the security guard advised me to leave (!)

Doctora a security guard would never dream of approaching a local and telling him or her that they are breaking the law. Your very naive about what goes on in this country if you think that they would.

Amen to that! I would be really happy to see the changes when locals and foreigners alike are lined up and fined for breaking the laws. We are arguing over something we both want to change, so lets hope that with our collective effort and responsibility the laws will be enforced. We can't really go around complaining that others break the laws, that is stupid. But doing our best (and as Qatari, there is a lot you can do) - I am sure we'll manage. Can we just stop arguing please? I've got a headache already.

:^)

"Unfortunately, Cafes ignore that. Although they don’t serve ashtrays, you’ll find some come up with handing them a plastic glass with water in the bottom ‘I wonder from where did they invented that’. No warning & no health inspector ever been called!"

QC this is what genesis (a local ) has writtien earlier, we don't live in a cocoon in this world, we know what is going on in our country's with its flaws and mistakes, and we are trying our best to implement these laws and i know that will change for the better.

The same security guards who walk past those same Qataris smoking in Starbucks. They don't even pretend they don't see each other.

yes he will take the side of the fillipino server against the Qatari if the qatari is breaking whatever law.

and if u don't have anything constructive to replay to me then don't post stupid comments.

we give a solution and u try to twist it and put million of obstacles on the way, it 's like saying these people (Qataris) will never change then i don't see why you are discussing their flaws here .

Yes I can see the security taking the side of the Fillipino server against the Qatari, that happens all the time here.

well QC it's Starbucks fault to encourage these kind of behaviour for the locals, and don't even tell me that they are affraid of these locals, they could call the security guys to deal with them..

ok you clarified your self, i didn't get you the first time.

Last week in Starbucks on the second floor of the City Centre I witnessed the following: two expat ladies in the queue, then 2 local guys, then me. Ladies asked the Starbucks employee whether smoking was allowed - got a "No" and put their cigarettes in their bags. After the ladies were served, the local guys approached, placed their order and asked for an ashtray. The Starbucks employee promptly served them with a small plastic cup half filled with water and advised them to go "round the corner".

Oh and genesis, the Paris poo issue has been going on for a long time. Sometimes they enforce the law and crack down on it, other times they don't. Right now they will probably start enforcing the law again and Parisian streets will be safe again.

And Frankly, having been there several times I think Paris is a disgusting city and will voice that freely, its dirty and the people are rude. Worst of all its filled with French people.

well they could do somethings simple for starters

police regularly pass through cafes etc especially in malls. So when they pass a starbucks for instance, 3/4 police go through and then go one by one and call them them all to come to them.

They give them a fine, tell them next time it will be 5X the size. What they can also do them is "name and shame" then, i believe this will have a large impact in Qatar where family matters.

Having them even with photos on the newspaper saying these "Individuals broke the anti-smoking law and damaged the health of our children", b4 you know it people will just stop and think twice.

Other option too is too increase cigarette prices, instead of 5/6 riyals make it 20 riyals, see what that will make!!!

Enforce the **cking law! If the cafes aren't listening then fine the cafes, start an annoynomous hotline for tips if the cops are too lazy to go around themselves. In Canada a couple of cafes tried to do the same thing, as soon as the authorities heard about it they fined the owner and shut the cafe.

laws are just stupid words if they aren't enforced.

In England there are still laws on paper that say a man of a certain age must not appear in public without his short sword. The law is obviously not enforced anymore and therefore English men do not appear in public with swords. Ditto killing people for interrupting a mail man.

If a law is not enforced it becomes obsolete. People are pack animals when they see that some people are doing something and not getting in trouble for it, even though it is stated in a sign that it is against the law, they will usually follow the leader and commit the crime too.

did you not read my previous comment?!?! :\

smokers clinics are an example of a public health measure, they compliment anti-smoking laws NOT enforce them. Every public health practitioner/health professional knows so for a fact...?!

"And last time I checked smoker's clinics were being built to encourage smokers to quit smoking..it runs side-by-side with public smoking bans and anti-smoking programs, definitely not the most successful method to ENFORCE the ban"

enlighten me please of what we could do instead?????????????

well for starters genesis..the qatari government can ENFORCE the law rather than coyly pass new legislation and publish it in local press and then pretty much leave it at that. what you said of the governments actions is great..but it sounds more like gentle persuasion than law enforcement.

I stand by what everyone else is saying. NO the qatari government is not doing enough to stop public smoking. You can whine and ridicule other countries all you want (nice going by the way)..it still won't change the truth. Instead of hanging "no smoking" signs and other nicely-put-together anti-smoking posters they could actually start slamming heavy fines on whoever has the audacity to break the law (be it citizens, ex-pats, cafes, etc..). They could follow Doha municipality's example and regularly run inspections on local businesses (especially restaurants, and cafes) to ensure that business owners are strictly adhering to the law, and punish those who violate it with no leniency.

And last time I checked smoker's clinics were being built to encourage smokers to quit smoking..it runs side-by-side with public smoking bans and anti-smoking programs, definitely not the most successful method to ENFORCE the ban.

stop letting emotions interfere with your view of reality.

if some of their people are not health conscious.

It took the health authority (Hamad medical previously) nearly a decade, to come up with the smoking in public law.

The law states that violated persons, will pay a fine of 200QR as minimum, but no mention of charging the violated place.

All restaurants & cafes who submit to the law, have a health inspector contact number, and are instructed to:

1. State clearly that it’s a non-smoking area.

2. Serve no ashtrays.

3. Warn the violated person

4. Finally, contact the health inspector.

Unfortunately, Cafes ignore that. Although they don’t serve ashtrays, you’ll find some come up with handing them a plastic glass with water in the bottom ‘I wonder from where did they invented that’. No warning & no health inspector ever been called!

What do you want the authorities to do more?

There is no tobacco advertisement on media. Smoking clinic works 3days a week, conducting seminars, providing health information in all local media.

Recently there was an addition to the law that no more sheisha permits to be given. It meant to stop the flood of sheisha cafes in Qatar, which is a progress. Since Sheisha is becoming a trend nowadays in most Arab countries.

I don’t act patriotic & don’t jump on every one criticizing Qatar.

I agree that some Qataris are the lawbreakers. Yet I dislike that some states ‘with no actual figures or familiarity what’s so ever’ that authority is doing nothing about it.

In France there is a ‘dog poo’ crisis. Unfortunately, some are too ignorant to pick after their dogs. Authorities are trying there best. Yet no one is calling Paris a $$ity place!

And finally, enough with the stupid "OOOOO your generalizing about Qataris you all hate us!" We do not hate you. We are frustrated by the actions of some (actually what would appear to be a majority) of your people and frustration breeds generalizations and sterotypes.

Aisha if you look back through these forums you will find just as many examples of expats being generalized. Stop being so senstitive. There is no country or people in the world that is above criticism, and since you are Qatari you are too close to your own people and country to see the flaws. As expats we see them, they frustrate us, and we talk about it. Instead of becoming self defensive about it, why don't you listen and accept and try to change some of the more obvious frustrations, like the lack of law enforcement, or the neo-slave labour used here. We can't because we aren't citizens, you can.

Everyone is flawed, noone is perfect, no country is perfect, no religion is perfect, and if we stopped getting pissed off everytime someone pointed out a flaw and instead took in constructively and talked openly about it I sure the world would be a better place.

Another reason that the laws here don't work is that NOONE will respect a law that only applys to a certain percentage of people.

You cannot have laws that apply to foreigners and let the citizens be exempt, that is ridiculous, elitist, and frankly creates a caste system. (Which it has).

Westerners will especially laugh and scoff at your laws, because in the past we have had dual sets of laws for different classes of people and we know that it doesn't work. We find it quite naive that you think it does (When it obviously doesn't). And we tend to look down on you for your imposed class system here.

Wow, I missed a lot of discussion last night. There are so many different trains of thought going on right now that I'm not sure what to address first.

Perhaps the issues of my 15 year old Canadian beliefs: First of all, they were partly a joking example to show the 15 year olds that views change as you age.

In case you didn't notice though I said that the laws should be changed, not that I should be exempt from them.

And Qatari, Canadian children do break the law, children in every country break the law. The point is that when these kids are caught they are punished. The police do not only choose to punish the children who aren't citizens. In my country I used to speed, till I was caught, pulled over on the highway by a cop, yelled at for 10 minutes, given a hefty fine and sent on my way. I haven't sped since.

Can you imagine a cop here pulling over a Qatari and yelling at them for 10 minutes before giving them a fine? No, it would never happen. For that matter can you imagine a cop here doing that to anyone??? No that would require them getting out of the car.

Also, in regards to our smoking laws, NOONE is allowed to smoke in public places, when someone tries to the establishment tells them to put it out or get out, because they are afraid of being fined and shut down (it did happen in the early days of the law). So if you go to Canada now you will find noone smoking in a public place, regardless of whether they are citizens or expats. You would not go to the Starbucks at City Center and see people (mostly locals) smoking right next to the no smoking sign. Starbucks would tell them to put it out, so would just about every Canadian that passed by. And if they didn't the RCMP would be called and the person fined.

Here the law appears to be just for show. It isn't enforced by the establishment, the police or the locals. Why the Hell would anyone listen to it.

Laws are all about ENFORCEMENT. If you do not punish people for breaking them than people won't follow them, it would be the same anywhere. Some people will never respect the laws anywhere, regardless of punishment, but in Canada most people do respect the laws, because they are afraid of punishment.

Here noone respects the laws because noone is punished.

guys it's great that you love your country. but don't let your patriotism blind you from seeing the glaring truth. I don't think that QC was being over-critical, nor generalizing..and what i don't understand is why you all take it personally when someone makes an observation about Qatar?! I think some of the comments made here were unnecessarily harsh and seemed to have been made out of spite rather than logic.

- i agree with the author of this post that smoking when banned in public places, should really be banned. aside from it's a health risk, while it is overly enjoyed by others, it can really stink to some. on that note, i wish deodorants should be deemed mandatory as well esp with the temperatures there.

- a law is a law is a law. however, i understnd the confusion, as it's a place where two sets of laws are trying to guide the population. muslim law and the "western" ways. so it is indeed to some extent like "the house is a no smoking house, then local invite a guest and lights a ciggie infront of the foreign guest" --- is just like women's arms and hair should not be exposed, yet muslims are in their own country is "subjected" to such sights (not that i want that changed, please:). however, this is just a simple law of "smoking not allowed" and dedicated to everyone who has lungs with the possibility of dying from cancer, and should be a no brainer. u see walls, u dont feel the heat of the sun outside, not all the faces u see u recognize and are related to you by blood...so yeh maybe, just maybe this is an enclosed space or a public place and smoking is not allowed.

- i do not agree however that foreigners especially westerners (i am asian and is in lower imaginary hierarchy) are more decadent with breaking the laws just for the sake of breaking it. one, these are foreigners who mainly (as in by population and reason)go there to work and if they get in trouble they get deported. whereas qataris can live and die there according to their choice no matter what laws they break. so i agree when it is said that foreigners only break some laws which they think they can get away with because....*deep breaths*...*grabs a helmet*...*gets a mace*...theyv seen locals do it and got away with it. however, this does not make them look and seem higher than the laws nor the locals...i believe this just makes them chain smokers..and episodic dyslexic.

- i dont think qatarcat is overly critical. i think shes even kind of proud of your country and to be a part of it, however liking something does not take away one's eyes and ability to discern. and absolutely nothing that can be grasped by a human mind is perfect. utter it and it can and will be refuted. and this is a forum and just like any healthy discussions, bound to have differing points. while qatarcat sees the local's point, it does not necessarily mean she would agree with it...and we can only live with it and hopefully not dredge out old quotes. but it's a free forum, im just saying it's an alternative way of dealing.

- an opinion is an opinion whether it comes from one individual or substantiated by a census. when qatarcat says this is the future(1 or 2 individuals way way younger than me) i believe it is a possibility, and the keyword there is "the future", so is still presently hypothetical. a possibility --- just like how bin ladin was just one single voice back then as a teenager, just as how Bush, hitler, einstein, mao tse tung, nero were just one individual back then. and wasnt it demonstrating gradeschool kids who got killed added impetus to apartheid discussion? im just saying that while one shouldnt be overly paranoid, one shouldnt easily dismiss things either.

- so...getting back on the smokers, yeh it stinks to the nonsmokers. This law will keep nonsmokers n smokers from each others throats, as some smokers find it offensive when others cover their nose to keep from inhaling.

...and i still wish deodorants should be mandatory and i would volunteer my dog to be the first official sniffer since he just chewed my shoes anyway!!!

but i digress, everything has been said. everyones gone to bed. post killed. and yes, i must remember this is not my column.

err..qatari,maybe u should set a limit to number of words here. i cant stop typing..them keys wont let go of my fingers....help..............@#$%^&*?>!@#

“you are trying to say that everything I say about local people is negative�

I’m not trying to do that, dear. If you got that impression, again I’m sorry!! I meant to say that there is so many of criticizing in ways that aint the best in my opinion. Again, it’s a matter of opinions.

By the way, I just came across a Qatari forum in which Cinderella translated the replies here to let some Qataris know they should follow rules as they’re setting a bad examble for the expats. I think she is doing a great job because she made both views clear to everybody. She enters this forum and get us some of their views and then she enter the other forum and translate our comments. And members there , most of them teens, are agreeing with US that Qataris should show more respect to the rules !

That is just brilliant of her.( Cinderella I'm sorry if you didn't want this to be known, just couldn't help it!)

Anddd,QC, of course Thank you for coming to my rescue :-) I’m grateful for that. But this is another story :-D

Time to sleep :-) good night. No hard feeling plz.

You said "It is my right as a resident of this country to voice my opinion"... I thought you were smarter than that.

Beast666

Aisha,

I came to your rescue often enough to know exactly how sensitive you are. In addition, you know exactly what I think and feel with regards to all things Qatari and you don't need QL for that. Just like Doctora here, for a reason known to yourself only you are trying to say that everything I say about local people is negative. Are you sure, Aisha?

Or maybe, just maybe, all this happened because I dared to disagree with two local girls who have no idea what they are even talking about? Yes, I will still say that these girls are your future. They got enough support on this forum, too. You say they care for their country and frankly I don't see how you can care for your country by demanding that foreigners follow laws from which locals should be excused just because they're locals and it's their country. If caring for your country means stopping people from smoking in the malls - I am all for it. I don't smoke in the malls but I do have to sit in the coffee shops next to smokers who are (oh my goodness, here comes the !GASP! generalization) mostly locals.

Well, no insults was meant to be. If you felt any, then I apologize.

And believe me, I can track the posts and quote so many phrases in which we are being disrespected. But I hate doing this as it’ll be a personal thing which aint my way at all. I got it general..just take it or leave it. I’m not gonna point to any specific incidence and I’m not gonna go through them again. I know I came across many. It’s ok, of course it’s your right no one is saying it’s not. Just letting you know how we feel sometimes.

Accusations which are not supported by facts do little good, Doctora. I am still waiting for someone to point me to a post written by me where I "jump on criticizing and generalizing" for no reason, if at all. May I point out that I am the one of the loudest long term Qatar residents (and on this site, and on my blog) in praising Qatar and life here, I wouldn't be here if I didn't like it. It is my right as a resident of this country to voice my opinion, at least I haven't seen any law that I couldn't. If you disagree with me saying that it is ridiculous to expect foreigners to stick to the laws from which locals should be excused - this is your right. After all you are local and you probably believe it yourself since I got attacked by you for saying that this is wrong. But when you say that I "jump on criticizing and generalizing" - please show me where I have done so, so that I could defend myself. What you are doing here is throwing insults at me with nothing to show for it. Saying that I only criticize is about as correct as saying that all Qataris break the laws. It's not unlike doing what Qatari did by cutting off half of my sentense to make it sound like I said kids in Canada don't break the law. I am not even going to take it seriously.

i know you were talking to aisha QatarCat, but i had to replay

most of the time when i come across a post for you in QatarLiving about Qatari, you jump on criticising and genelaizing about us, are we really that bad?? come on now....just tell me something u like about us.....i like it when i have a discussion with you (and i did on your blog under a different name :-) (guess who) ??

It’s not a matter of reasons being valid or not as opinions may differ in any issue... It’s a matter of being known by doing this so many times and sometimes in a way that aint too nice. Of course you can say anything you want but I’m just saying that as a Qatari person I sometimes get annoyed by what is said AND most of the time by how it’s said. I’m talking in general now..I mean not this specific thread. Anyway, maybe I’m just too sensitive. At least one of us is ;-)

Qatari,

You either do not read or you are not willing to understand what I was trying to say. I don't know how else to bring to your attention that I never said that kids in Canada don't break laws.

"u said that in Canada you wouldn't find 15 year olds say silly things and that the kids there know better than to break the law" - I said nothing of the kind, please don't twist my posts to sound the way you want them to.

The only ridiculous subject I was talking about is the belief by some people that the locals should be excused from following the laws whereas the foreigners should stick to them. And to be honest with you I see this happening every day in Qatar, smoking in public places is a great example.

Aisha, where exactly have I criticized Qataris for no valid reason?

My pleasure, doctoratna :-)

*Feel free to contact me via my profile.

QC, the thing I am taking issue with is when u said that in Canada you wouldn't find 15 year olds say silly things and that the kids there know better than to break the law. Seriously, I'm sure there are 15 year old Canadians who say much more crazy things and loads of 15 year olds who break Canadian law everyday. And as for saying crazy things, just look next door to the president who says stupid things everyday...

All that being said, I agree with you that it is ridiculous to say that the law only applies to a specific set of people (like Apartheid ridiculous). At the same time, it is also ridiculous to say that Canadian kids are some how less likely to say silly things (like Colonial ridiculous).

Now maybe we should start a thread about how to stop people smoking in public....fire extinguishers anyone?

mashkoora 7abebtey wainach men zeman?? :-)

QC, welll you keep criticizing Qataris like in everything. WOW really now you even have views on our future as if teens all over the world are angle like. And yes, 15 is too young. At least they care about their country. As long as their intentions are good, the means of expressing them and directing them the right way to the right path will come up eventually.

you're welcome qatarcat, if there is anything else i could do for you, just ask dear ;-)

Charlene, of course QatarCat is more than entitled to have her opinion or any one else for that matter.

Yes, thank you for educating me, Doctora, I am obviously wrong.

It's just the two girls who think this way, and not half of the country's local population.

Calm down already! Qatarcat is allowed to have her opinion as well.

QC it seems that you are the one who's not getting the point here, did u make a survey of the opinions of every 15 year old in the country, or did u get your picture from these 2 only ??

and qataris' point was that the west brake the law by committing crimes, there r people there who was taught not to follow the law, and there r those who were taught to follow the law.

did u get the point now?

Have I ever said there was no crime in the Western world? How does that have anything to do with the topic we discuss?? If you don't see how scary it is that 15 year olds in Qatar (and 15 is not 5, and it's not even 10) believe that they should not follow the laws of their own country while the foreigners should - then I have nothing else to add.

my point was that these girls are 15 only and their views will change when they get older, and we do teach our kids that laws should be obeyed, but generalizing these girls views on all of our kids and the future of our country is ridiculous.

And qatari, your comment was well said. :-)

qc, now that is ridiculous.....i suppose no one taught these guys about the law

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news%3Fpid%3D20601082%26sid%3DaGCZ8gk_Rzxk%26refer%3Dcanada&e=52019&sa=X&oi=news&ct=result&cd=1&sig=__PpC6LSoXuzh1PJeFKgBgzLg4xI8=

http://www.google.com/url?q=http://ca.today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx%3Ftype%3DtopNews%26storyID%3D2006-08-15T100003Z_01_L15348896_RTRIDST_0_NEWS-SWISS-CANADA-CRIME-COL.XML&e=52019&sa=X&oi=news&ct=result&cd=3&sig=__i_XMLIyJTFhmmlD34YkRLzsgXBU=

Doctora,

I didn't see anywhere in DG's 15 year old ramblings that laws should apply to foreigners and not to Canadians, that Canadians should be allowed to break the laws and that Canadians never broke any other country laws. I am pretty sure that Canadian 15 year old kids are not going around making such ridiculous statements. They're being taught from the early age that laws are there to be obeyed.

DohaGirl commented earlier when she was 15

"Let's see...when I was 15 I thought:

1) Smoking was cool and smoked myself.

2) The drinking age in Canada should be lowered to 15

3) The drivers age should be lowered to 15

4) Captial punishment was right

5) Canada was the best country in the world

6) The US was kind of cool and I wish we had a president

7) Hockey sucks

8) Nirvana and Green Day rule

I could go on. :)"

did this make Canada's future bad ?? i don't think so....

when you get older your views and opinions change, don't you think????

touche Qatarcat - you're spot on. That's ridiculous...laws should apply equally to all people...

I really enjoyed reading some juvenile comments here like: "Qatari laws are for foreigners to obey first, and Qataris should have it easy because it's their country" and "Qataris don't break other countries' laws". Someone give me a hanky. These kids are Qatar's future. Think about it.

Come on...I agree that if laws are enforced better they won't be broken. But it is really rich of you to blame the Emir. The Emir of Qatar has a better idea of what goes on in this country than any Western leader. Can you imagine Bush walking in the Bronx to see what really goes on? Or how about Tony Blair in some of the shadier areas of London? You'll never see that - they are the ones with a sugar-coated version of reality.

I've seen the Emir drive his own car around Qatar with his wife in it...I know that he often walks around the Souqs to meet with people and chat with them.

Yes, there should be better law enforcement but what you argued is like saying that there are murders in Britain and rape in the US because their leaders didn't get out of 10 Downing Street or the White House to see what was really going on...

P.S. I hate people who smoke in public...it drives me nuts. But hey, at least we have a law against it here unlike many European countries....

Qatari's will start respecting the Emir and his laws when they enforce them. If I drive with a small child standing in the front seat, I don't have to answer for the law breaking till my car has to be registered. That may be 11 months so I don't feel like I am being punished, it is just an extra cost to keep driving. I am talking on my Mobile, no problem, I will pay them later maybe.

If I throw a drink carton on the street from my car, next July I will pay a fine. The system is not working, Qataris and Expat's don't respect the law because no one is punished. If a smoker was taken from City Center to court for smoking, it would stop but as long as the Emir does not care what is happening to his people, it will not change.

I don't think the rulers really know what is happening in their country, they drive on blocked off roads, they should try regular traffic days, they don't have to shop in the mall with the smokers, somebody does it for them.

If they wanted to know what Qatar was really like, they would find a way to get out of the palace and see the real Qatar.

DG yoe are wrong... England is the best!!

Oh and don't be a misery and ignore my texts. Boat trip will be awesome!!!

“It is said n even in Islam, do not preach what u don't follow, else u will look ridicules "The last part is from me n not Islam" :) “

Lol Jassim, well Islam does have a second part which is stating that God actually "hates" this.. So it’s really a big deal..Let me get the verses :

“O you who believe! why do you say that which you do not do? It is most hateful to Allah that you should say that which you do not do.� Surat Assaff

I know girls you didn’t say that it’s okay for Qataris to do this. I understand wallah. I just wanted to get the verse I enjoy this (elbent fa9'yah! )I like to remember which passage is which in Quran.. Hope it’s okay with ya’ll.. Ya Banat ya 7elweeeen :-D

First, it was better to state that “we should follow the rules� n not “non-Qataris should�, cause the we will include the non-Qataris. Also, even if the msg is right, it will not give the good results if it was pointed out in the wrong way. n starting by pointing the mistake of one group n ignoring the other, just cause it's our country n we can do all we like, is not right :)

About the subject of “we made the law n for the non-Qataris to follow it b4 we do as it is our law n country�, then it is like preaching religion n saying "We will follow it after all the others did as it is our religion".. Sorry to say that there is no logic here :P It is said n even in Islam, do not preach what u don't follow, else u will look ridicules "The last part is from me n not Islam" :)

As for Qataris not breaking rules when they r in other countries, then come on!! I don't think we got a bad reputation in other countries cause of our good behavior!! Please do not start me on the subject as I may never stop :P

N plz plz plz, lets stop this nonsense about my country n urs.. A country is the country of all who live in it. Yes, some may have different rights depending on many situations but in the end we all live on this land n we should do our best to stop this segregation :)I truly don't know what they teach our kids these days but whatever it is, it's not working :P

hello girls.. cinderella and noor :)

well as Aisha said u have good english mashalla..

about the smoking topic.. well its not that im taking sides or anything but honestly qataris smoke and brake the law!!

and as a qatari THAT ANNOYS ME.. seriously ive seen qataris smoking in alot of places that do not allow smoking..expats do not actually do that.. its rare to find an expat smoking where the is a no smoking sign..

i know u girls love qatar.. i also do.. but u have 2 accept that not all qataris really follow rules

:)

afterall nobody is perfect ;) right so u should think of things in a diffrent way .. its very nice that u care so much about qatar really.. and this is a qatari site that has people from every where so instead of pointing fingers, post some topics seeking advice, take others opinion how to handle these situations.. what would they do in their countries if some one was caught breaking the law..

plus u get 2 practice ur english :)

good luck girls..

All this talk of smoking. I am a smoker and lyrics of the song below kinda sums up how I feel about it.

Smoke, Smoke, Smoke That Cigarette

Now I'm a feller with a heart of gold

And the ways of a gentleman I've been told

The kind of guy that wouldn't even harm a flea

But if me and a certain character met

The guy that invented the cigarette

I'd murder that son-of-a-gun in the first degree

It ain't cuz I don't smoke myself

And I don't reckon that it'll harm your health

Smoked all my life and I ain't dead yet

But nicotine slaves are all the same

At a pettin' party or a poker game

Everything gotta stop while they have a cigarette

Smoke, smoke, smoke that cigarette

Puff, puff, puff and if you smoke yourself to death

Tell St. Peter at the Golden Gate

That you hate to make him wait

But you just gotta have another cigarette

Beast666 ---(puffing away)

Girlzzzzz!! I like your English mashallah. When I was at your age I had no English. I’m so impressed!!

You have a lot to learn..it’s okay, eventually you’ll know how to deal with people disagreeing with you :-P it seems that you’re learning the hard way. They’ll respect ya’ll if you respected them first :-D I know, I know, you do respect everybody ;-)

B.T.W, I never seen anyone smoking in public places LOL are they that many??? but I can imagine how it’ll be and It will definitely be the Qataris, more than the non-Qataris.. (Comparing it with the seat belt thing ;-) )

Oh by the way, I hate the word non-Qataris. It feels like we’re saying we’re better than them; like we’re something that they’re NOT..you know?.And this aint true to me.. I dislike it with non-Muslims too :-) I guess I’ll be using other words..

sooo many little minds...

little ages is not the problem , the problem is the little minds .. :)

being carefull 4 our country is not a game to have fun with .. it seems 4 us a big deal ..

comparing to the other countries in the world.. our country is clean..

and if you see some one throw.. that does not mean that everyone does it .. and if you see us throw..why dont you throw too..

just like what you did with smoking..

CQ and Noor,

Critique is not insult...If you truely love your country..you will welcome both praise and brickbats...Those who are ONLY praising are lying and focused on self-interest...

All countries where people make fun of themselves and accept their shortcomings are considered modern and democratic..

Qatar is a young and developing country which is trying hard for a place in the Sun..and it will get there...if people followed the law including locals and if it was enforced fairly, this rise will be even more applauded...

Comments about Sudan are in poor taste..You will be surprised to know that in several poor countries people have the right to Lampoon GW Bush and their own leaders on the street....

And while we're at it can we do something about people dumping rubbish from their cars?

Well you little girls have fun with that. :)

love of country is one thing. ignoring solid facts that everyone else could clearly see is another.

i rest my case!

u deserve it sis. .. :)

and i'll till u somthing .. we care about our country before our parents teach it to us , Qatar in our hearts ..

;) > being by yr side untill we reach our points ..

maybe ..

but i don't want to change the subject ..

..

my opinion in this point specially i don't think that it will b changed, becouse we love our country & we see that it's the best .. and by this topic we'd like to make it as good as possible :) ..

Doha girl

Ok.. we dont really care about you at the age of 15..=)

but we care about our country.. and what we are doing is trying to make our country as good as possible..and our generation is raised to do that..

and you said that the qataris should respect the law first.. and then the forgiens will.. so you mean that that they follow us even if we are doing something wrong.. thats wrong too!!!

Noor

i am really happy that there is some one standing by my side..and is 15 too.. and i think that everything you said is correct.. my parents have raised me to care about my country.. how about you??

I was saying Noor that your opinion change between 15 and 25. ANd I pointed out some of my opinions that have changed. I don't smoke anymore and I don't like it, And I'm more realistic about my country, it is not the best country in the world, no country is the best, they are all different.

YOu will be surprised how much your opinions change in the next 10 years.

it seems that our minds r so diffrent ..

let's see what am thinking about ..

1) smoking is a bad habbit & hate smokers .

2) didn't try to think about drinking at all ..

3) I wish to try "sheesha" someday ..

" do u get the meaning of sheesha ?"

4) I'm sure that Qatar is the best .. And being traditional always ..

5) trying to give the most perfect apearnce for Qatar and it's capital .. ;)

..

what do u think .. now ? ..

Let's see...when I was 15 I thought:

1) Smoking was cool and smoked myself.

2) The drinking age in Canada should be lowered to 15

3) The drivers age should be lowered to 15

4) Captial punishment was right

5) Canada was the best country in the world

6) The US was kind of cool and I wish we had a president

7) Hockey sucks

8) Nirvana and Green Day rule

I could go on. :)

well dohagirl 5 yers left .. LooL .. =D

..

i can answer yr quistion bro .. westren in everywher .. coffeeshops, food courts, malls... etc. .. !

and QATARIES do that too ..

again i suggest you re-read the topic of discussion and this time read it THOROUGHLY

i see the truth and i tell it like it is. if you -for whatever reason- see it as negativity towards Qataris then that is your own problem, certainly not mine.

once more i would like to ask and stress on the point that if you are not able to argue with intelligence then spare everyone your gibberish

Noor, there is a VERY big difference in your opinion at 15 and at 50. Wait till you are 50 and you will see what I mean.

Wait till your 20 :D

Qatar4Ever, thank's as well. I think a big part of the law in qatar problem could be simply solved by having policemen that actually enforced the laws. Go figure. :)

Noor, I usually only see Qataris or other GCC Arabs smoking in public places...where have you seen the westerners smoking?

Thank you for that, Qatar4Ever. The reason I have been trying to explain this is I believe that the western expats are doing a pretty good job obeying the laws and then this message gets written talking about how we are the worst offenders. I knew it not to be true:)

I hope things change...I cannot stand smoking in public places either but I accept it as something that will never change until it starts being enforced with HEAVY fines.

.

:

i don't think that if i'm 15 or 50 can change something ..

am just giving an opinio ..

wish that dosen't bother u .. :) ..

:

.

They aren't scmasse, and its unfair to say MOST Qataris are being raised with that attitude. The majority of the kids I taught had a very good understanding of right and wrong. But unfortunatly there are still a lot of children being raised to think the laws are below them.

They aren't scmasse, and its unfair to say MOST Qataris are being raised with that attitude. The majority of the kids I taught had a very good understanding of right and wrong. But unfortunatly there are still a lot of children being raised to think the laws are below them.

Yeah, DG, I understand..and i am trying to explain it as well. It does seem that a lot of Qataris are being raised with that "Laws are for the lesser people" attitude. I get the feeling a lot of the time that we are looked at as servants and the "How dare a servant come into our country and break the laws we gave them" mentality.

Maybe I should check up on the Law system here...I did not think the laws were only for expats:)

Noor, the reason other nationalites smoke in public is because they see Qataris doing it. If Qataris didn't smoke in public than expats wouldn't smoke in public. If the police fined people for smoking in public, than people wouldn't smoke in public. That simple.

Im Qatari and I have to admit that most ppl breaking traffic laws and the smoking ban are qatari first, second arab expats, and last if any are the western expats. Truth must be said.

first of all .. is yr opinion iz oppiste to mine ?!! ..

..

age doesn't make diffrence, and i don't say that smokers here doesn't smoke in public places .. and from different ages too ..

but incase they are seeing other nationalties doesn't respect law .. it seems 4 them that they should get there smoke time too ..

.

.

No, actually that does not make sense. This is your country...right? So, if you want people to act a certain way in your country you are supposed to act the same way.

Here is an example. You invite me into your house and say, "scmasse, are not allowed to smoke in my house"...then you, Noor, pull out a cigarette and smoke it while looking at me. Is that fair?

Qataris are subject to the law the same way any one else in the country is. Qataris should not have special priviledges...

In America, if I smoke in a restaurant I would get banned from the restaurant and fined. So would a Qatari, Brit, Pakistani...the same punishment for all.

Noor, in most other countries in the world the citizens do not get freedoms from their laws. Their laws are enforced on them first and foremost. The laws are not made with the idea of expats in mind. Expats are expected to follow the laws yes, but so are the citizens, even more so the citizens because they are expected to set an example to the immigrants.

In most countries laws are not something you can follow depending on whether or not you feel like it that day. You have to or you get in trouble.

Well I'd would have hated to see how intelligent and experienced my arguments were at 15. I can imagine I would be

"Like, dude, smoking is, like, bad."

Also they can't be blamed for only seeing the expats smoking, everyone at 15 is convinced that the people from their country can do no wrong. Here especailly where these kids are being raised to thing that their Qatari superiors can do no wrong. Can you imagine the example these kids are getting from their parents???

no no .. they're not above laws .. but they can have some freedom even if there z laws .. and i didn't say that it is right ..

but what i'm saying that Qataries are in the second part of blaming , visitors comes before ..

( wish it make sense ^^. )

Wow, no wonder. I'd like to discuss this with someone who has some experience in the matter...argh:)

Guys, Noor is 15 too.

So, you believe it is up to the visitors to your country to set the example and not smoke while all the Qatari smokers break the law around them?

You over criticize.

I have nothing personally against you.

But when all you have to write is negative about Qatar, then I must replay back.

If you want to do comparison. Compare Qatar to other GCC or Arab countries, not to the West.

I think that we are way more stable & less corrupted then any other country in the region.

I don’t trash talk. So I won’t replay 2 your last sentence

Take care & have a nice weekend ;)

scmasse

:

no .. this is not the point ..

the point is before balming Qataries .. we should blame the others .. cuz Qataries dosen't brake other countries laws ..

..

And as doctora said we should face it to Qataries too .. but after Qatar visitor ..

..

smoking stand for 2 bad things .. ( habbit + behavour )..

wish all smokers stop it .. ;)

One more simple question for you. Do you or do you not see Qataris, in public places, smoking...Despite the BAN on smoking in public places?

Noor, I mean that I can't read what you are writing. It doesn't make sense. If what you are saying is that Qataris are above the law and do not have to abide by there own laws here in Qatar, than you right, I agree with you, Qataris don't abide by there own laws. :P

"even Qataries are wrong -i don't think so- they can have there freedom n there country .. as well when we go to other country we respect there laws .."

So, Noor, are you saying that since this is Qatar then Qataris can do whatever they want, no matter what the law is?

OK guys and gals, even though ciderella is 15, she's way better than most of us here, she's trying to change a BAD thing.

Ciderella don't stop what you're doing BUT include the Qataris too, becoz lets face it, there are Qataris who are smoking too. and smoking is a bad thing wether it's done by foriegners or Qataris.

what do u mean sis ? ..

What was that? We speak English in this forum.

hey everyone ..

first of all we should act democrocy, if we can't do it .. cuz we r in a forum and we are hearing eahother .. !!!

about the topic .. well cindrella yr topic z absoulotly right .. as am Qatari , and i've toch every word in your topic ..

I think that the "vistors" sould B politer than this way !!!! .. and they should respect all our laws .

even Qataries are wrong -i don't think so- they can have there freedom n there country .. as well when we go to other country we respect there laws ..

last question 4 all .. is this a Qatari forum ? ..

if the answer yes .. u should respect the country who make this microfone for you voice .. :)

Noor ..

trying my very best to, dweller :D

Now now children, lets keep it civil :)

lol..talk about cluelessness!

did i say anything about my country or deny that it's infested with corruption?! genesis..truly..i seriously don't know what the hell you're talking about. Don't launch personal attacks on me..you'll only end up eating up your own words.

i suggest you stick to the the topic of discussion and argue with respectful logic, or otherwise just shut the hell up

cheers! :D

We aren't talking about Italy, France or Spain which do not have non-smoking laws to enforce. Qatar does, they are not enforced. Other countries, such as Canada, Scotland and Ireland that do have non-smoking laws strictly enforce them.

And where do you get off attacking Fish about her country, I recall that the reason we are talking about Qatar is because we all live in Qatar and Cinderella was talking about Qatar. Perhaps when we all move to Sudan we will talk about the issues there, until than I don't see how what is happening in Sudan effects us and the non-smoking laws in Doha. :(

"Wrong, cinderella. the difference between Qatar and western countries is that in the west governments take a "no nonsense" attitude when it comes to imposing laws"

Which western countries are you refering to?

have you ever been 2 italy, france or spain?

there are no smoking prohibiting law?if there is, no one follows.

non-smokers have to suffer everywhere.

At least government here are trying to enforce some laws.

and by the way...i think from where u come, there are way more corruption then here. in every standard

p.s: i think you should create a blog discussing your own country issues...

you want a hint...

goverment corruption, choas, terrorisim,genocide,....,shall i continue?

i too just noticed she is 15

AHHHH, I just noticed she is only 15. Explains the post.

are your serious in replaying back!

I live to please Super. :)

I lost my marbles long ago Fish, you are just figuring this out. It's all that cigarette smoke at Starbucks, I just hacked them out. :P

Thank you DG. That makes me feel much better

DG's lost her marbles..HURRAH! :p

Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qatrais, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris,

Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris,

Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qatrais, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris,

Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris,

Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qatrais, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris,

Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris,

Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qatrais, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris,

Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris,

Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qatrais, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris,

Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris, Qataris,

:P

Qataris Qataris dohagirl. Stop making me go crazy. I am an admitted apostrophe nazi and I can't bear it.

FFS, CQ - open your eyes.

You say "Every single time i go to a shopping mall i have to see someone smoking.. but that is not the problem.. the problem is that who are the people smoking..????? the non-qataris (westerns espcially)..!!!!.."

This is such bullcr@p, FAR more locals than any other nationality, flout the smoking laws in Qatar... sure, non-locals DO do it as well, and that sucks as well, but your statement above is just ridiculous.

Amazing what you can see when you want too.... You might want to try taking those blinkers off one day... *rolls eyes*

Have a lovely day. :)

Where the Hell are you hanging out Cinderella? The only people I see smoking in public places are Qatari's. If I have seen an ex-pat smoking than it is because there is a Qatari smoking right next to them. Perhaps if most Qatari's didn't ignore their own laws the expats wouldn't either. In fact I would have to say that most ex-pats, especially Western expats, have a greater respect for the laws of this country than Qatari's do.

And as for smoking in other countries, in Canada the no smoking law is strictly enforced against everyone. There is no smoking in public at all and if you are caught you and the establishment you are in will be fined. Regardless of who you are.

You see in most countries we do this crazy thing called ENFORCING the laws.

no what where ever we are we should abide by teh rule of that country,its not matter of being muslim or christian its the matter of folwoing rules of the place where u stay

You know, I don't know what places you are hanging out, but the majority of people that i see smoking in shopping malls, restaurants...etc are Qataris...by a huge margin. I was just at the Hyatt Plaza the other night, and at the 2 cafe's there were at least 20 qataris sitting around smoking. You want to complain about other nationalities smoking in your restaurants then I recommend you talk to your compatriots and have them set a better example!

and no, I don't smoke...

cinderella you must be joking. Surely you must be joking. I would say almost without exception in my experience the people braking the non smoking laws are qatari.

Throughout the city centre I was always surprised by the number of qataris openly flouting the law.

Now I have been here a bit I see that the laws here are made just to make the law makers feel good. They are never enforced.

Laws such as wearing the seatbelt in the front seats. How many qataris obey that? Not talking on mobile phone while driving?

Do the police ever do anything about it? NO

I completely agree....smokers seem to think that when they smoke they only harm themselves...there is nothing more selfish than a smoker who disgards no-smoking policies and signs!

My parents own a pub in Wales and 80% of the pub is already non-smoking due to our constant push for the no-smoking law to come into the UK. The smokers are the only ones complaining...and on the otherhand we all go to bed with clean-smelling clothes and rarely wake up with a repetitive cough anymore!

Just come back from Ireland and WOW!! How fab it is that all inside building are non-smoking..the only downfall is the stench of smoke on the street...

Count down the days smokers...before long it will be the middle east that gets hit with non-smoking policies...

When I arrive in Doha, the first think I intend doing is persuing a non-smoking agreement with my employers! Im very sure the government will back me up....or else I could go down the line of human rights!

"But what is really pissing me off.. is that i dont think any of you will be happy if one of the qataris does the samething in your country! most of you would normally say.."of course he won't respect the law .. he is MUSLIM"

Wrong, cinderella. the difference between Qatar and western countries is that in the west governments take a "no nonsense" attitude when it comes to imposing laws. The law is the law..full stop. no one has the right to break it..and should they ever do the consequences are almost always dire.

when was the last time you saw a new rule being imposed in Qatar without someone trying to get out of trouble through their high-profile contacts?

Oh and even though this in no way justifies breaking the law i find that most expats think that "if the locals don't respect their own country's laws. why should i?"

just my thoughts..