Hats off to Dubai for rejecting "multiculturalism".

Steve Edwards, Edinburgh, Scotland

On holiday in Florida I purchased some beers from a liquor store (off licence for the UK) Put the beers in the back seat and was about to drive off.

A motorcycle cop came over and politely told me it was a crime and i should put the beer in the boot.

I did, rather than risk arrest.

Rupert Barrington Black, Cheltenham, UK

It's their country, their law. If you've chosen to live there, you've got to respect their way of living! it's just simple! Am going there soon! :P Am sure there's better things to do over there instead of kissing and hugging and bla bla bla ... lol! :P

karen, QBornes, Mauritius

I agree that they should be punished according to the laws of the country they are in.After all,if you come in to Britain,incite murder against the indigenous population you cant expect to get away with it can you?

mark, immingham, ENGLAND

3 months in prison for such an offence is honestly nothing as compared to other strict islamic countries. Certainly, that bloke will get on with his life as if nothing has happened but think about that gal who's career now hangs in balance.we learn somthing new every day; ladies be careful abroad!!!

Nabeel Hussain, Manchester, United Kingdom

Respect the country in which you are visiting or living in as an expat. Period. I will never believe they were just 'kissing & hugging' after a day that started with champagne brunch. As we say in the U.S. ... 'get a room.'

Betty, Santa Barbara, United States

This people should learn how to respect others. You can do whatever you want in your own country but not in others. How do you like it when other people go in your house, do whatever they like n ignore u? Thing are not same everywhere. Open up your mind, learn. Don't be so ignorant. Be respectful.

Noor, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The main issue is respect of law of the country where one is residing, irrespective of laws of his native country. If the law of residing country prohibits doing even kissing/hugging in public places, as the couple admitted themselves, they have violated the law and should be punished accordingly.

Azeem Naiyer, Karachi, Pakistan

Half of the entire US population has had sex on the beach. It's hot....we like to live our lives and be free...smile and be happy. If its late at night, maybe we'll order a drink called "sex on the beach" and sip it while we do it ;) You're a bunch of rediculous prudes who are afraid to live lol

John, Denver, Co, USA

This is not a crime and this things are common here. Dubai, they are wolves with sheep clothings and their rules change often. They want to conquer the world with their selfish laws. They make people cry. Many illegal activities are going in this country. It is a hell on earth.

vincy, colmorod, India

If they had sex in a public place, then they have got off lightly. Either way, they were really really stupid to do whatever they did in a country where they knew it would cause huge offence.

Sue, Bristol,

Tim Evangelist says:
"These two Bristish citizens have sinned by having sex outside marraige"
But they state that's not true.
How about innocent until proven guilty (and not by forced confession)

Angela, London, UK

>I doubt there are many in the civilised world who wouldnt or havent done just what this couple did.<

And that makes it OK then? Jeez, what is our world coming to. They should remove all our passports in this country, so that we can't embarrass ourselves abroad.

Dave, Aberdeen, Scotland

I can't believe the almost pathological hatred of this poor woman shown by Times readers. She's done no more than be caught snogging on a beach in the dark, hardly a crime that needs your whole career ruined, 3 months jail and public humiliation by the media. Sad prudes the lot of you.

sedgwick, London, UK

These two people had previously been warned by the police about their inappropriate behaviour, yet they still carried on. I , for one do not have a shred of sympathy for either of them. They crossed the bounds of decency in a country which is reknowned for its beliefs and strict moral codes.

Gilmartin, Bristol, England

"First of all Dubai is an Islamic state - it is not the West. If you dont appreciate the laws dont go there."

Why does it package itself as something different to this?
I live in Dubai and believe me, it does nothing to stop drinking, clubbing or prostitution!

Keef, dubai, uae

It was dark, the police needed a torch! I doubt there are many in the civilised world who wouldnt or havent done just what this couple did. This 'what if children had been there' is nonsense. They werent, just some repressed voyeur. And it does happen in UK but its not as much fun as in the warm!

Carol Asacret, Cambridge, England

Mohammed DUBAI uae,
I understand your point but surely this argument is valid for some, not all, but some of the muslims who come to Britain and demand to have their rights, ie the burkha, and complain about our "infidel" society. I agree wholeheartedly....if you don't like it don't come.

J. Morris, Cagliari,

If you go to another country you respect their values. Anyone who goes to the Middle East knows public displays of affection in any form are frowned upon. So I feel no pity for these individuals.

We need to be firm in the West on the practices of others living in our country. We r at present wimps

jason, London, UK

I find the comments here offensive. First of all Dubai is an Islamic state - it is not the West. If you dont appreciate the laws dont go there. Puritan/moralistic whatever name you call the sanction - show Respect. Like I said if you dont like the laws /customs do yourself a favour stay away please

Shahnaz, Ilford, UK

I mean what do they expect. That is a Muslim country and you are to abide by the rules just as you would in any country. I don't know if I believe the couple especially if they had been drinking and under the influence. I have been there twice and have seen something similar when I was there.

Felicia, Zurich, Switzerland

Hiring architects and designers to build a disneyland on dunes cant hide the drama of a religious medieval cult ruling a bunch of countries despite their modern appearance. Wasted beaches, pools, manicured outodoors where people is forced to live like modern mummys or punished for being free.

Frank, Barcelona, Spain

sex outside marraige is forbidden in Islam. Even Christianity propagates the same principle. These two Bristish citizens have sinned by having sex outside marraige and MOST CERTAINLY deserve a harsher penalty. Shame on the two.

Tim Evangelist, Ohio, USA

"..has pitted Dubai's Western expat majority against the conservative laws.."
Why so? Whats the problem? You should respect local laws. If the law says no bonking on the beach then don't bonk on the beach. Here, you bring drugs into Singapore its the death sentance no 2nd chance.

david, Singapore, Singapore

Great PR opportunity for Dubai.

Suggest worst case is a few days in jail then a well publicised early release in response to "the clamour".

We have our values and the courage to defend then but at the same are responsive to external input.

Chris Claridge, Singapore,

Why will you want to go or visit Dubai anyway ?

IOANA DUTA, Atlanta, USA

Give me a break people. I was in Orlando FL last weekend and a couple of female British Tourists went a-la european poolside! Nobody said squat. Admit it muslims need to get out of the dark ages. Living in America and seeing the way muslim women dress is oppressive. Muslim women rise up and unite!!!

Pete The Truth, Warner Robins, USA

This is really hypocritical of the Dubai authorities. I've been there many times. They knowingly allow prostitutes to operate and solicit westerners in many of the fine hotels and bars.

Json, OK, USA

I live and work in Dubai and I LIKE and abide by their laws.

It's safe to walk the streets at any time of the day or night (provided you don't meet a drunken expat).

A lot of the things we used to value in UK are part of the culture of the UAE and enshrined in their laws.

David, Dubai, UAE

My first visit to Dubai was in 1973, and I lived in Dubai and Abu Dhabi from 1978 to 1992 before Dubai became a tourist destination. Most expats were professionals, engineers, architects etc. And we all knew the rules. These guys should be whipped in the public square before being deported.

Alan Taylor, Wallington, UK

Having been through Dubai a few times, it seems to me that the Dubai authorities were pretty lenient with this couple. Can you imagine them being caught shagging on a Saudi beach? It would elicit the same govt response as a nuclear attack, as far as the grim Saudis were concerned. :)

Alex Bowerman, Norfolk, Virginia, USA

I hope that those from the Middle East will abide by Western Laws when in the UK and not enforce their sharia laws.

Martin, Bath, UK

i hope this stop the brits from coming to the arabian gulf -they are making our life misrable

othman, muscat, oman

if you come to the arab world and show no respect will jail you
if you don't like it don't come

mohammed, DUBAI, uae

They are lucky they did not have their genitals mutilated. At least there are standards in Dubai: I expect a blind eye would be turned to it in the UK

James, London,

It's very regrettable that they got away with such a lenient sentence. To Vene Vidi from Antwerp, Belgium: yes, that's what should happen in Teheran. Play by the rules, don't go there.

Nick, Bristol, England

It's very regrettable that they got away with such a lenient sentence indeed. As for Belgian Vene Vidi's remark, that's correct, that's what should happen in Teheran.

Nick, Bristol, England

I spent a night in Dubai some time ago. It was arranged by Emirates Airlines on a stop over. Half the people in the hotel were expats from the arabian countries close by. Saudis(!) and others, all drunk. The other half were prostitutes, mostly from Russia. This place is the same a mess as everywhere

Paddy, Bremen,

"I took a torch and went down to the beach and saw them." Picture our hero intently scanning the beach with a torch searching for snoggers.

Mazanet, Dublin,

While they were foolish, but they merely did what too many "visitors" from the mid-east get away with in the UK. Arrive here, and expect to live like they did at home, except in better economic conditions... e.g. sharia law overriding uk law....

Peter, London, UK

In the USA and Canada having sexual intercourse, being nude, or a woman being topless, anywhere in public will land you in jail for a few days.

Nude beaches are very rare, and public sex is not permitted. We are quite prudish, even in "progressive" places like California and British Columbia.

Keith S, Winnipeg, Canada

Here in Canada, our police have been known to apply the Taser death penalty European visitors for less cause.

Keith S, Winnipeg, Canada

I lived & worked in Dubai for 29 years - the police are good to UK expats as long as they keep near the laws of the country - any idiot doing things like this deserve being sent to jail - there are plenty of hotels where you can get a room for the night - they got off very lightly.

Cam, Manchester, England

Dubai have a govermnent that is voted in. They, backed by the public, create laws and punishment for breaches. We all have to respect the laws of countries we visit and if you get convicted of breaching them you must face the punishment they set.

Paul Adrian Hughes, Macclesfied,

When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
If you go to a foreign country, you should at least have the common sense to check on local laws & customs - especially with countries outside Europe, whose customs may be very different to the UK. Respect is the key.

Clive Britcher, Caracas, Venezuela

hi kenny,
where u come from, this may not be a crime, but the point is it happened where it is a crime. you should respect other peoples cultures, religions and laws. they got what they deserved.

joe, dubai, uae

Are all this comment serious? Bigotry? Medieval laws? Having sex on the beach is illegal in the UK too (and in almost every country of the world)! And if you are surprised by how harsh laws are in Arab countries, try having a beer on a beach in "liberal" California.

Fernando B., London, UK

These people did not have sex, they were necking. When do we respect our own culture and require foreigners to return in kind? I take offense to arranged marriages and burkas but there is no penalty for these affronts to western ideals in our homelands. Just say no to Dubai for a vacation.

Stephen, Nashville , USA

You play, you pay.
You don't just go into another country and "do as you please."
Plus, public decency laws are on the books in most places.
I think the punishment fits the crime.
They were given a warning - they were drunk and ignored it!
Have some respect!

Jen, Chicago, USA

I write this from India. Whatever happened to Britain's power?
If the DNA evidence says there was no intercourse, on what basis did the judge conclude they had errred.
The best solution is to deport such people. After all, they were not selling drugs. Stand up, Gordon Brown. Show your spine, UK!

ramesh, Madras , India

its ashame this cop went over board on what he saw
did he really see them having sex or just made it up
so he can keep his job. where i come from married or not
kissing in public is not a crime they were given a raw deal

kenny , brooklyn ny, usa

Yes, you should respect the laws but we need to be clear too: this is a case of false imprisonment on false, trumped up charges.

Dubai can try to look "welcoming" all it wants. It's another country with a corrupt legal system that poses too much risk for me to want to visit.

Julian Prichard, Redmond, WA, USA

"tell me what is so wrong witnessesing sex in public? what do people fear? " Dr Smith, London, UK Dr Smith, just imagine what the world would be like if everyone did this and people such as yourself just ignored them. Maybe like the stone ages when man used to grab woman by hair into the cave?

Mohammed, London, UK

this was having sex on a beach in the dark while some vouyeuristic snitching moralistic policeman decided to use his power, rather than go home. these people in authority should grow up and find something better to do. tell me what is so wrong witnessesing sex in public? what do people fear?

Dr Smith, London, UK

From the responses to this article, I can only hope that these people can be so careless if it was their family member in the same situation. A public apology is sufficient with an order to leave the country for a year. You dont deserve the justice system you have in the West.

Mike, NYC, USA

I completely disagree with most people here. Hugging and kissing should not be condemned anywhere. What a load of Puritans.

Inés, Oxford, UK

No one goes on vacation to dis-respect someone's laws and cultures. If you do not want people with known cultural differences in your home or country, do not invite them. Anyone who has seen an American or European movie, know that people are not locked up for kissing in public. This is wrong,

Bill Lemon, Charleston, SC 29492, america

What a disgrace - to be so blatantly disrespectful while in someone else's home. Maybe they should be sentenced to a manner's class as well, at the end of which they can write a thank you to Dubai for giving them such a light sentence. At 36, it is well past time to grow up.

Harry May, PDX OR, USA

"the conservative laws enforced by Emirati rulers"... I'm dismayed that this story should be portrayed in the manner in which it has been. This would be a criminal-offence anywhere in the World?!

Greg Nixon, Dubai, UAE

Just to clarify a few points.
1) They are not and were not a "couple" they met in a bar earlier that night and therefore probably could be described as a one night stand.. or "acquaintances". but not a couple.
2) They could have received a maximum sentence of 6 years.

Wheelo, Dubai, UAE

Serves them right, if you show a lack of respect for the laws and culture of the country in which you holiday/reside as an ex pat, then you have nobody to blame but yourself.

Mark, HW, ENGLAND

"a clash of cultures that has pitted Dubai's Western expat majority againts the conservative laws enforced by Emirati rulers"!!! It is not a conservative law, but a the bare minimum for maintaining an iota of morality in a society. Show me which "Western" country condones sex in public places!

Jafar, Dubai,

How exactly do ''we expect foreigners to respect our cultural and legal differences''? The UK now has no culture because it has been changed that many times to suit foreigners. They think we should worship their religions and if we dont change our laws to fit them then we are 'wrong'. is this fair??

CNL, Barrow in Furness,

You respect the home you"re visiting. No acts of "love" is allowed in public. Check on the laws of where you're visiting before you go. What we consider okay is not .

evelyn mccarthy, miami, usa

What's the betting that she gains "celebrity" status as soon as she returns to blighty? Guaranteed. Big Brother, I'm a Celeb get me out of here, or some other such tripe. In addition to the Heat, FHM, OK and Hello spreads. Her fame and fortune is assured. What a country.

Billy, lincoln, England

They can't complain - we expect foreigners to respect our cultural and legal differences, just the same we should be respecting other countries' laws and cultures. Good on Dubai for not backing down.

Sam, Fareham,

The Tmes uses a pejorative picture of the woman accused, to I presume, suggest guilt. These were trumped up charges for the "crime" of cuddling on a beach, they weren't having penetrative sex. Real crime does exist all over the world, but this was an act of love, punished by a repressive religion.

sedgwick, London, UK

Caught out and punished. Good! Western expats need to learn that when living in another country they must observe that countries laws. They are not exempt from the host culture simply because they are westerners.
Drunkeness, philistine values and loose behaviour seems to personify these people

James, Beckton, East London

To Vene. An interesting but not very well thought through suggestion - in your world, a man from Saudi who stoned his wife to death in Belgium for adultery would be protected against prosecution. Such a rule would cut both ways.

Charlotte, London,

Break a law in another country and you get punnished. Do it in this country and you have all the softies and lefties including sharia law to back you up so you can avoid our own national laws.

Geoff, Earlswood, England

When you go to another country, you should respect the culture and traditions of that country and abide by them! Only a fool will ignore this. These people should not have done what they did in a foreign country.

michelle, UK, United Kingdom

I think we all agree that sex in a public place is unacceptable, but the worry for most westerners is that they were charged with "sex outside of marriage".This is the clear conflict between cultures which would worry any westerner. How many other culturally laws are there which we would fall foul?

Carl, Jersey,

Re: comments, it angers me that we are expected to accept all cultural beliefs and behaviours (and do so), yet a visitor to the UAE receives a much more strict punishment than anyone resident there would get for far worse 'crimes'. My thought: Steer clear of Dubai. A poor drug and social attitude.

Michael, Manchester, UK

Vene, just as your name fails to conquer, so your argument fails to win. One should always respect local laws and customs. And dual criminality is only relevant for extradition. Should we allow paedophiles here if it were legal in their country? Of course not. What nonsense!! Got off lightly I think

Tom, London,

They go out there to climb the ladder, earn good money and enjoy tax-free living. To respect the values and laws of the country they achieve this in isn't too much to ask is it?
Maybe this will teach them a bit of self-respect and respect for others!

Kate, Cornwall,

I have been seeing lots of comments on "how people should respect the laws of the country" (people who agree with the verdict) or "how mediaval" (people who dont agree) but my question is does their exist any country in the world where its legal to have sex in public? Why single out Dubai?

Prabuddha, Noida, India

This is all very good but these two 'people' are going to come back here once they've been deported. That's a shame.

Tim, London, England

Pity they didn't get a longer sentence. Have a look around you in the UK . Unacceptable behaviour is the norm. Don't cry if your usual unacceptable behaviour is frowned upon abroad. The Gov just look the other way - till it's too late and half of the population is alcoholic binge drinking fools.

Sue, London,

They said they were just hugging and kissing. A medical examination proved that they did not have sex. Public display of affection, such as touching, kissing or hugging, is illegal in Dubai. Being drunk in public is also illegal there. Thats why the sentence was only 3 months, not 2 years.

Edward, UK,

I thought naughty goings on are standard practice in these ex pat colonies. Feckless young women available for cash earn a living in such places. Bored business types confined in secure compounds consider these services as perks to cheer up a bleak life. The girls come and go, cash in the handbag.

Colin, Carmarthen, United Kingdom

Men suffered and died to make and keep Britain free. Men paid bribes and some died to make and keep Dubai independent. That is the difference in the two justice systems.

lee, Alexandria, VA, US

Act to do something like this in the public is unacceptable. It doesn’t matter in what country, culture or religion you are. They got lucky and they should be thankful with the sentence.
What they were trying to do? To be cool or something, so that people will pay attention to them? Unbelivable.

Benjamin, Harrisburg PA, USA

I think its quite right that the couple should be sentenced for this.

Many British people expect foreign people to act and adbide by British rules when in this country, so why can't we respect other laws when we enter their country?

Raaj, Huddersfield, UK

I think it is pretty offense for people to have sex openly on a public beach in any case - and in Dubai??? What were they expecting?

I think we have to respect the laws of the country.

Lotta, stockholm, Sweden

Actually these two have had very little support from the expat community. The strong feeling in Dubai is they should have known better and their irresponsible behaviour could have had a detremental effect on all other expats who are enjoying the Dubai lifestyle sensibly.

Roger Pettitt, Pontypool, Wales

Serve them right. I am fed up of Euro trash who do not know how to behave riding roughshod over the locals.

Well done the Dubai government. This well behaved expat approves.

jerry, Chiang Mai, Thailand

i think that going on holiday and having sex on the beach is a really romantic thing. However doing it in a country filled with Muslims and a legal system more strict than our own is not a good idea. However i believe the judge shud have just deported them and not sentenced them to 3 months in jail

John, Guisborough,

I do follow and respect the British Values and Laws if I'm living here and they both should so the same in Dubai otherwise the world will be a Jungle...

Mo, London, UK

Listen to your selves people!!! "you deserve it you idiots" is what you all seem to be saying. Even if she is "guilty" (of something which really isn't hurting ANYBODY) then does she deserve to have her life destroyed over it? I am shocked by the lack of empathy shown here. Hope you believe in karma

Thomas, Stavanger, Norway

When in Rome don't be a Christian! I agree with Jim the Palatic. I don't wan't to see couples fornicating in public either. The sentence should be longer and they should get the same when they come back for shaming the country and their passports should be confiscated!

Gavrilo Prinzip, Bromley, UK

Get out of here!! What a stupid, stupid law. These outdated laws enforced by the Emirati rulers have no place in modern society. Fine the couple for public indecency and send them along. If Dubai wants to be a modern vacation destination, then they need to loosen up. Its 2008 not 1808.

McKaile, Dumbledorf,

I'm interested in the reference to a clash of cultures. Is it now legal to have sex on the beach at Whitley Bay? Why haven't we all been told?

John Lynch, Whittington, UK

"all this for allegedly making love on the beach? clash of cultures?" -- eebi britt, rome, italy

This has nothing to do with "culture".No country no matter what their culture, would accept adults behaving this way in public places where children could be around. Its called decency and respect.

Mohammed, London, UK

The fact remains, you must abide by the rules of the country you are in!
It doesn't matter how different the rules may be to the country you are from, and you cannot expect to be treated any differently because you are a tourist!

Harry, London, UK

Their case has become a symbol of a clash of cultures that has pitted Dubai's Western expat majority against the conservative laws enforced by Emirati rulers.

No clash here. This behaviour should not be tolerated in the UK either. A longer sentence would have been acceptable to me.

jim, newcastle , Uk

When in Rome do as the Romans do...should the "Britishness" of these two be taken into consideration when they flout local laws? Obviously not, how disgusting to even suggest that it should. In any case it does sound as though UAE authorities gave them every chance. let them serve their sentances.

becky, Truro, uk

I could see the appeal of sex on the beach but certainly poor choice of beach in this case - a muslim country with extremely rigid legal symptoms. I think the laws of the land should be up most in your mind, but then again with a drink or too this probably went to the wayside.

Scott, Dundee, Tayside

You were both stupid, take it on the chin consider yourself lucky, the Authorities could have taken a harder stance, appeal at your own peril.

Neil Worthington, Cheshire, UK

And now we can look forward to the "My Jail Hell" exclusive where it will be revealed that "our Michelle" is not in actual fact a drunken loud-mouthed slapper but a plucky young model citizen who was ruthlessly and unfairly victimised by some awful foreigners.

Esther, London,

Glenda from Wanstead, which planet are you from?Having sex in public in THIS country is an offence. It's typical of people who, probably like yourself, end up on other people's doorsteps, abuse their house and then demand to be let off scot free, that this country's tourist reputation is in tatters

Chendu, London,

It's not as if they could not have found a hotel Room !

simon , BIRMINGHAM , ENGLAND

Sex outside marriage!
What a joke Dubai is full of brothels with locals and expats visiting then in their thousands.If they dont want this behaviour in Dubai they should clean the place up first.
They probably cant afford to as the locals make fortunes on the back of these girls.

neil downing, Dubai, United Arab Emirates,

John, Palm Jumeirah. You couldn't be further from the mark if you tried to be awfully honest. And if you continue to read tabloid reports then that's the way it will remain. I happen to know the guy - maybe 30% of what the tabloids said is true ... the rest is pure fallacy.

Tony, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Their country, their laws ... where's the problem? Just like in the UK ... our country, their laws.

Geo, Glasgow,

Yes, but looking at her picture, you would, wouldn't you !

; o)

Keith Wilson, Beziers, France

People need to respect local laws. I'm not sure, but I think you can get locked up in the UK for this too, so I don't know why its such a big deal.

Paul , Leeds, UK

It is really important to know where you are travelling and the laws that rule certain countries. I do think that destinies like Fuerteventura ( Canary Islands) do offer a very attractive holidays at a reasonable price. It guarantees good whether between 20-30 degrees, security and you are in Europe

Daniel, London, spain

I spent a fantastic month in Dubai during Ramadan, most of it drunk. All the hotel bars were still open with live music.
You can do pretty much anything you like in Dubai, as long as you don't do it in a public place. That is the line you don't cross, and everyone knows it.

Richard, Leeds,

What a preposterous idea that those people should be jailed. If a homosexual couple from Europe visits Teheran, should they be publicly hanged? Only if the crime exists in the legal systems of both home and visiting country should the person be charged according to the more favourable legal system.

Vene Vidi, Antwerp, Belgium

Is it not illegal to have sex in public in the UK, only no one actually enforces it.

Of course it should be illegal no matter where one is, moslem country or not. It's not nice for others, specially children, to have to watch.

Repulsive people.

tris, dundee, scotland

Fully automatic weapons may be privately owned in the United States if the weapon is classified as a "Curio or Relic" and possesses historical or unique value. Yes, an individual can own a fully functional Thompson sub-machine gun. You just have to have a C&R federal firearms license which is $30.

Scott, Durham, NC, USA

Nothing quite like a bit of comic relief in the midst of the credit crunch. On a more serious note, Palmer and Acors are indeed lucky that their sentence isn't longer. The authorities have showed tolerance and good grace in only giving them a 3-month sentence for a serious cultural offence.

Matt, Edinburgh, UK

Buyer beware, Dubai may want to be a tourist destination but with this kind of justice and its attitude to drugs (medicinal) it's not going to be. In addition the justice is not dispensed fairly. Muslims regularly are excused (because of family connections and bribes) whilst other just aren't.

Richard, Harrogate,

We seem to be agreeing that people shoud obey the laws of any country they visit. Quite right. Can we now talk about charges of bigamy for anybody that brings more than one wife to this country?

Al, weybridge,

I think I've missed the point. Go to someone else's country, respect their cultural sensitivities and local laws? We live in britain. Here you can come in and ignore any of of our own national laws based on which ones you like and which ones you don't. Of course, unless, you actually were born here!

Jim, London,

i think they got the sympathy of the court so it made the verdict light .. anyway ..
Dubai airport must hand all new comers to Dubai a brouchor shows the headlines of our islamic culture and customes ...otherwis don't blame europians of doing things that may be allowed in their countries ...

fouad, dubai, UAE

I am a Brit living in the United States. If they had been caught having sex on a beach in the United States they would have probably got more than 3 months in jail so they got off lightly by American standards. Also if you throw a shoe at an American cop you might well get shot.

Mike, Florida, United States

Having been a British expat resident of Dubai since 1989, this sentence is extremely lenient. The couple deserve a harsher sentence than this - if you come to the country then you live by their rules. If you can't - then don't come. Simple.

anonymous, Dubai,

Agree with Alex, London. If everything we have heard is true (racial abuse, refusing to stop), they got off lightly.

But it is also possible that this is an attempt to make an example of them when they didn't deserve it. The couple claimed innocence, so someone isn't telling the truth!

tom, london,

Why is it a clash of cultures? Why is it difficult for people to respect the laws of the country that they choose to visit. It is also an offence for people in the US to have sex in public and people are warned against it. Is this a clash of cultures?

Chris, London, England

no one is forcing the epople to go and work in the middle east, if the do it is for finacial reasons hence you get financial compensation and you obey the country's rule.
This sentence is very light and will be served in the expatriate cell;
should it have been in saudi arabia, or algeria !

mark, london,

Robert Ward, London. A bit off topic but I must. As an American you have the wrong impression of us. Fully automatic weapons were banned from civilian ownership in the USA in 1938! Possession of a auto rifle component is a federal felony. The full sentence is served for federal felonies.

Richard, L.A., USA

There may be a huge ex-patriot community in Dubai and it may be very tolerant of certain aspects of 'European' behaviour, but this conduct was a step too far and showed a scant disrespect for the culture and sensitivity of what is, after all a Muslim country. They deserve everything they received!

Tim Short, Redhill, UK

They're lucky. If it was up the beach a few hundred miles in Saudi, heads would roll....

Armand Tamzarian, London,

Dubai, All glamour and wealth. But shariah law remains something that is underneath it all. People who are going to live in the middle east need to have a good introduction into the "basics" by the UK ambassador.

John, Aberdeen, Scotland

On Topic: In the USA, sex on a public beach would easily get you arrested and fined. It could be charged as an infraction or misdemeanor. In my state, California, a misdemeanor carries a maximum of $1,000 and/or 1 year in county jail.

Richard, L.A., USA

John, Palm Jumeira, Dubai

It's NOT widely known as you put it - it has been claimed by the arresting officer - police officers do lie sometimes you know. No one really knows what happened apart from the couple and the officer.

Alex, London,

I agree with the comments, if the UK were to follow some of the laws & punishment that Dubai has then it would be a better and much much safer place. I wouldn't dare take my mum or daughter anywhere near a town center on a weekend night for fear of drunks/fights and swearing, which is shameful.

David, Portsmouth, UK

This is a wake up call for people who are tricked into buying property in Dubai. Dubai is not the West although it tries really hard to look like it.

Their punishment was lenient . They need to respect the laws of the country they are in. Most British in other countries don't.

Andreas Andreou, Cyprus,

Stupidity knows no bounds. After extremely well publicised precedent of people being locked up for unacceptable behaviour, you'd think they might have done a little research before coming to Dubai of all places to have sex on the beach.

Matei, London,

Since when is having a relationship, a crime :-) ?

Peter, Brussels,

Another case of "Brits Abroad"

Gavin, Birmingham, UK

it is widlely known that this couple had even been warned to stop once and carried on, they were then racially abusive to the arresting police officer, as residents here they should have known better, the people of Dubai are very tolerant of the western culture, we in turn should be respectful also

John, Palm Jumeira, Dubai

Everyone seems to be agreed. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. If only we could turn back the clock ten years and rid ourselves of the terrible culture foisted on us over that time - that is the culture of "my right to do as I want". It's about public decency.
BUT - did she really have sex??

Peter, York,

Such behaviour should not be tolerated in Britain either. This used to be a decent country with decent people. What happened to the happy medium? Now we have the future choice between the disgusting tolerated public orgy that defines Western liberty and the coming Sharia Law.

keith b, Wigan, uk

all this for allegedly making love on the beach? clash of cultures?what culture? when a government is taking away the liberties , it becomes culture? this is backwardness at its best.why go to these countries at all , they don´t deserve to have the tourist dollars and must be left alone to rot .

eebi britt, rome, italy

I would suggest if you ...........

<get drunk after an all day bender
<have sex on, say, Brighton beach
<get warned off by a policeman who then leaves
<ignore him and continue having sex
<assault the returning policeman both verbally and physically

.......you might be in trouble in UK as well!!

David, Dubai, UAE

What would we say if a German sped down the motorway at any speed or if an American had an automatic rifle in the back of his car in this country?

We would say; if you don't like our rules then either go away or take the punishment.

Robert Ward, London,

After living in the UAE for 8 years, I think the jail sentence is surprisingly short! Yes, Dubai is more tolerant of certain things but at the end of the day, it's a muslim country - respect it.

kate, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E

They deserved what they got if they were doing this in a public place and especially there in Dubai. Foreigners/visitors to foreign countries need to respect their host countries and their laws. Notwithstanding visitors to British shores should respect the laws as well.

Mark , Brussels,

A harsh, but fair result all in all - maybe they will learn not to be so obnoxious now. You have to respect the laws of the country you live in. That said, this country is not tough enough - too much bureacracy; another thing we can thank New Labour for.

arthur, London,

Sex in public would be frowned upon by the majority in this country let alone in a conservative muslim country.

If they are not prepared to respect the customs and norms of Dubai then they should not go there. It is/was their choice.

Chris, Ashford, Middx, England

Im sorry but as BRITISH citizens they should have been treated as such... What is inexcusable in Dubai is the norm in the Western world (bearing in mind that one of the crimes was sex outside marriage.)
On the other hand lewd behaviour is rightly not to be tolerated, a fine would have been just.

Glenda, Wanstead, England

sex outside marriage a crime? good on this couple for flouting such medieval laws. these laws aren't cultural, they are prejudice and bigotry masked as culture. its about time that people rejected such customs since many people who come here are quite happy to reject our customs when suits

James , London, UK

Most members of the expat community of long standing support the rulers of Dubai in trying to uphold standards of decent behaviour. The attitude of many of the more recent arrivals is embarrassing and shocking.

Janet, Sharjah, UAE

If they loose the appeal they may very well find the sentence increased.
If they can't do the time then don't do the crime. It's as simple as that.

James, France,

Dubai have their laws and good on them not giving in because two foreigners decide to break them. This country should be doing the same - live by our laws or jail.

Kate, Newcastle , England