In the west this issue is a big deal , however, in the middle east generally breast feeding is looked upon in a sanctified context that of motherhood.
The burden of respecting that sanctity falls upon the males present to provide privacy by not looking.
use a handkerchief to cover for Modesty

Diab, california, USA

We have lots of "natural" behaviors that decorum suggests should be done in private. Surely not everyone is "isolated" by this. Cover up, get a breast pump, and/or use the facilities offered in almost all public spaces these days. Public breast feeders are simply out for the attention.

Jen, NY, USA

Muslim culture has no problem with breast feeding, discretion is required such as covering with a shawl and finding a quiet area.

Ms Ferozi, Yorkshire, uk

What ever happened to English reserve and formality...Have some decorum...

Haider, London, UK

I worked and lived in the MEast and never met any objections to breast feeding in public (children are highly valued in MEast societies and breast feeding considered natural). For Arab ladies, the veil solves issues of modesty and I've seen completely veiled ladies 'baring all' for a baby.

Simon Williams, Lincoln,

There's nothing smug about it. If your baby is hungry, you feed him/her. That's all there is to it. There's no other agenda. Why would a nursing mother worry about a stranger's perception of her when her baby is crying with hunger. Women don't advertise the fact, it just look cuddling usually anyway

Sandy, Cheltenham,

Hi,

Im a bit suprised by the comments. We have two young kids and they have both been breast fed.

Carry a shawl, cover up, and you will be fine.

Besides, its always cold in the shopping malls so a shawl will always come in handy.

Dont worry.

saad, Dubai, dubai

By coincidence I was in Dubai last week and one of my dinner companions breastfed her baby in the restaurant. This was in a cheap pakistani restaurant in the old section of town where mostly immigrants eat. Avoid any place with arabs in robes around=those are the ones who will be offended..

J North, New York, US

Sorry sisters, but I can't believe I'm the only woman who also finds this vaguely gross? Ok, I was breast fed (thanks Mum) and I know it's important, but all these smug mums popping their boobs out really puts me off my food now!

anna, kendal, uk

Yes expose a breast- even for breastfeeding and you'll have the local police tapping you on the shoulder and then it's the painful passage through a Sharia court and the expense and time spent explaining. Which will be a waste of your time as the judges will prosecute. Oh, I'm a lawyer, Dubai based.

Sean, Dubai, UAE

When my friend bought her baby to Dubai she breast fed her all the time by simply wrapping a big shawl/pashmina around her and the baby.

As long as you don't do it in full view of everyone you will have no problems.

Patrick, Dubai,

Jed you should definitely stop staring!

Most breastfeeding mothers show a lot less cleavage than the average fashion top or dress - so where should hungry babies go?

Katherine, Sweden,

Would you want to eat your dinner in a rest-room? I highly doubt it. If the mother is discreet, why should a baby be banished to some unsanitary toilet?
Should mothers of young infants just stay at home all the time? Good grief, Motherhood can be isolating enough, give us a break people.

caroline, scarborough,

Jed, Edinburgh - please do explain how the sight of a baby feeding is offensive? Or is the potential sight of the small area of female anatomy that might be exposed if you stare long enough too much for you?

Oliver, London,

Jed - enjoy your meal and stop staring!

Diana, derby, uk

What is it with public breast feeding? I'm not some conservative Arab, but I find public breast feeding offensive, particularly while I'm trying to enjoy a meal. I know babies need to be fed, but please ladies, plug the sprog in in private!

Jed, Edinburgh,

Not a terribly good plan in any restaurant really - there are few nowadays with screening for families/women, and most international restaurants are used by GCC nationals, who would be offended by public breastfeeding.

Most rest rooms have baby feeding facilities, particularly in hotels.

aimee, dubai, uae