Thursday, July 26, 2012

Magazine apologizes for publishing Dubai bar guide in Ramadan

Alarabiya.net English

Thursday, 26 July 2012

The magazine, Time Out Dubai, apologized on Twitter for publishing an online article featuring top five bars to visit during the holy month of Ramadan in Dubai. (Photo courtesy of Time Out Dubai)
The magazine, Time Out Dubai, apologized on Twitter for publishing an online article featuring top five bars to visit during the holy month of Ramadan in Dubai. (Photo courtesy of Time Out Dubai)

By AL ARABIYA 
A Dubai franchise of the well-known Time Out magazine, whose publications are known to offer up to date information on nightlife, concerts, discounts, and best places for brunches, has apologized after publishing a bar guide in the emirate during the holy month of Ramadan. 

Time Out Dubai responded to Muslims fasting by posting an apology on its Twitter account on Monday, The National newspaper reported. 

“We would like to apologize for any offence caused by our recent article on the subject of nightlife during Ramadan,” it said. “We respect local culture and traditions and this was an error of judgment on our part.”

Time Out Dubai reported its chosen “top-five” bars that serve alcohol after sunset on its website before the start of Ramadan, the paper said. But the article was soon removed once Twitter users with the hashtag #StopTimeOutDubai expressed their fury. 

“How disrespectful is that? @TimeOutDubai guide to the Top 5 bars to try during Ramadan,” tweeted Khaled Al Fahim.

“@TimeOutDubai reflects a culture that has lost its common courtesy.”
After the magazine’s apology, some Twitter users were puzzled about the still continuing fuss. 

Ismail tweeted: “Culturally insensitive - agreed. Realized error in judgment, article taken down, mistake corrected. Move on.”

Hassan Galadari, an assistant professor in the department of medicine at UAE University, tweeted: “The magazine already retracted and apologized. We are a forgiving people. Our Prophet and our leaders have taught us that.

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