Ask Ali: On Muslim men's beards

M's advice columnist Ali Al Saloom offers tips on the length of Muslim men's beards, and single women visiting the UAE.

Dear Ali: Why do the majority of Emirati men have very trimmed beards or stubble as opposed to Muslim men from other countries who have much fuller beards? JH, Birmingham, UK

Dear JH: A lot of Emirati men, especially those in the larger cities and who are in business or work in governmental positions, prefer a short, trimmed beard as a fashion choice or are simply following an employer's grooming rule. There are such rules, for instance that Emirati employees of governmental institutions should wear local dress at work.

What kind of beard and hairstyle we wear is a personal choice. In the cities you will see mostly the "city boys" with trimmed beards, and also some long-bearded men. But in the villages and the more remote areas, you often will see men with long hair and natural beard growth.

Dear Ali: It's my dream to visit Dubai - I've loved it since childhood - but is a single young woman allowed? Also, I believe Dubai is safe. If I walk alone at midnight no one will disturb me, right? LL, Azerbaijan

Dear LL: The government decides who will be allowed to enter a country and it formulates its policy in visa rules. I can assure you there is no law in the UAE that says single women are not allowed in.

Still, it is an open secret that sometimes the authorities ardently scrutinise visa applications. If, for example, there had been repeated violations of UAE law by a specific group of people, they would try to prevent further disrespect of our law by denying entry permits to people in that group.

A suggestion: why not get a tour operator to arrange your stay, including the visa?

It is safe to walk alone at midnight in the UAE's cities. Dubai, like New York, is "the city that never sleeps". The transportation system is operating, the lights on the main roads are on 24/7, and people are always about. We are blessed with safety in our country and that includes being out and about at midnight.

Dear Ali: I lived in Dubai in 2002-2003 and worked for a production company in Media City. This company did not provide me with medical insurance. I became quite ill and required expensive medical care. I left Dubai abruptly, leaving behind a huge debt. I would like to return one day. What can I do about this situation? Shouldn't my employer have been responsible for ensuring that I had been provided with medical insurance? Could I sue for damages? RL, Toronto

Dear RL: You need legal assistance, but the bills are yours and you are responsible.

Even after 10 years there still could be an open claim against you, depending on to whom you owe the money, how much it is and if a case against you was formally reported. On the other hand, a statute of limitations may have been reached.

UAE labour law states that employers shall provide medical insurance to their employees, and no residence visas are issued without proof of such insurance.

Of course, an employment contract is a contract between two parties, who are supposed to agree on terms and conditions. For you to hold your former employer responsible for not providing you with insurance depends on the conditions agreed to in your contract.

Language lesson

Arabic: Mahrajan

English: Festival

Nothing says celebration more than the word "festival". If you are planning to go to one with a friend, you would say "Aba aseer al maharajan", which means "I want to go to the festival".