Ask Ali: Do self-service petrol stations in Abu Dhabi contradict cultural standards?

In this week's Ask Ali, we learn about whether self-service petrol stations in Abu Dhabi contradict cultural standards and why do Arab men sometimes wear eyeliner around their eyes?

Dear Ali: Do you think the trial of self-service petrol stations across Abu Dhabi contradicts cultural standards? I have read many unhappy comments on social media, especially from women. OL, Abu Dhabi

Dear OL: This is a hot topic at the moment. I can tell you that it has nothing to do with whether our culture accepts it or not. We all know that, back in the day, we didn't have petrol stations, and people used to work a lot to bring provisions to their homes. I still remember how our grandmothers had to walk long distances in the heat to get water. So the reality of us working and "self-helping" is embedded in our culture. It's only during the last 30 to 40 years, after oil was found here, that our lifestyles became so luxurious, and people have forgotten their roots.

But this issue isn’t about going back to our roots and helping ourselves. I think these discussions are happening right now more among the younger generation who are used to being fed with a silver spoon, and can’t imagine women getting out of the car to put petrol in while wearing an abaya. There are also those saying this might provoke flirting, but they probably don’t know how simple it is to fuel your car by yourself.

It could also be good for your health. Every time you get out of your car and move, that improves blood circulation, which helps counter our increasingly passive lifestyle. Our Government is encouraging better lifestyles by promoting walking, running, cycling and other health campaigns.

Yes, there are some that say this move won’t be convenient for the older generation, but younger people should be able to take care of their elders, and help refuel their cars.

The whole experience is expected to reduce the queues we see now. I was proud to see one of our ministers, Noura Al Kaabi, leading by example. She put on a glove to avoid contact with the petrol and refuelled her car – what a wonderful example for all ladies.

Dear Ali: I have noticed that some Arab men put eyeliner around their eyes. Why do they do this, and do they use normal eyeliner? YX, South Korea

Dear YX: Eyelining with a natural powder made from black rock, or kohl, is a very old tradition.

It’s not only for women, but men as well. To give you the background, back in the day, people in the UAE and throughout Arab society used kohl– or athmad, as it’s know here – mainly to protect their eyes from diseases and highlight their beauty. And in ancient times, seashells with kohl on them were put on graves, along with gold jewels, because it was believed it was needed in the afterlife.

A wooden or metallic stick is immersed in the powder, then applied to the inner lid with a single move, from the nose to the outer corner. Today, natural kohl is popular among Muslims all over the world – it was advised by the Prophet Mohammed to clean the eyes.

You can find it in stores that sell local, or what some call Islamic or Muslim, goods such as perfume without alcohol, natural toothbrushes (siwak) and black-seed oil. All these products are natural and useful to maintain good health. You can also find kohl in traditional drug stores that sell beauty products. Otherwise, there are a lot of websites supplying kohl worldwide. Just check its ingredients, because it should be 100 per cent natural.

Ali Al Saloom is a cultural adviser and public speaker from the UAE. Follow @AskAli on Twitter, and visit www.ask-ali.com to ask him a question.