I live in Dubai, ask me anything

Well, @RedToothBrush, I am interested in OP's thread and her answers. I have been to Dubai multiple times and its quite clear to me she IS being honest in her responses.

The UAE is a Muslim country, why on earth would they support something that goes against their religion?

Do you ever think about these very similar problems occurring in the UK?

Great question.

Right now it feels no different to before it happened. The UAE are not directly in conflict with either country and have only acted in defence which gives me some level of confidence however it obviously plays on my mind and it’s still very volatile around us.

Safety measures are in place which has allowed businesses, schools, retail etc to continue as normal.

Hate to say it but it doesn’t sound much different to the UK

You are interested in a thread where it's going to say the same as the brochure and every other puff piece about how wonderful Dubai is? And just repeats everything you already think.

That's not being 'interested'. That's reinforcing the echo chamber.

Why don’t you want to pay tax?

For context, I consider it a privilege to be part of a society that cares for everyone within it, and am proud to contribute to that.

The UAE is a Muslim country, why on earth would they support something that goes against their religion?

Approximately 1.3% of people are living as slaves in the UAE and Dubai. Slightly higher with women and the many are forced into being raped daily in often in very violent ways.

The life expectancy of migrant labours from Asia is nearly half that of those from Europe due to dangerous working conditions and violence.

Mental health issues are very high due to workers frequently face illegal recruitment fees, debt bondage, passport confiscation, restricted movement, withheld or delayed wages, and threats of being reported for "absconding" if they try to leave poor conditions.
Do you ever think about how, by being there, you are supporting this?
Do you walk past people who have been slaves and think about their lives?
Would you help someone if they asked for help (say a friends "maid")?

I do. Part of my work is supporting people that have escaped modern slavery and I have reported several businesses to the authorities. Everyone should be on the look out. It is though at least 10 times worse in Dubai. Also, in the UK, generally speaking, the police will act upon it.Whereas in
Dubai they are often complicit.

Why don’t you want to pay tax?

For context, I consider it a privilege to be part of a society that cares for everyone within it, and am proud to contribute to that.

Ok so I struggle with this one a little, lots of conflict around construction workers and modern slavery being what Dubai is built on but these workers wouldn’t have this opportunity in their home country so they are better off so to speak. They are not shackled at the ankle and made to work all hours either, they have decent working conditions, with no work during intense heat during peak hours across the summer etc and make a good living versus what they could possibly only dream to make in their home country.

Domestic help such as nannies/housemaids - I personally don’t have any home help and from what I hear and have witnessed I would never want one. Again they are here for similar reasons as above however they are not qualified or trained to look after children, do house chores etc. But they serve a huge community of people out here, and it is very common to have help in countries out this way. What does make me laugh though is how many brits have them living in their homes (I get it because they work and have no village around them for help) but a complete stranger living in your home raising your children? Yet you have to spend hours/days/months training them how to do it all, most put cameras up in their homes to keep an eye on them because they are not trustworthy, a bit laughable really!

The UAE is a Muslim country, why on earth would they support something that goes against their religion?

I have also dipped into this area and I think an awful lot of it is ignored here as it suits people, despite it being right there on the High Street for all to see.

As a top rate tax payer and not seeing much back for what is put into the system I can hand on heart say I have no issue keeping 100% of it.

You are talking about the UK right? A society with a failing health system, immigration problems, cost of living crisis and lack of defence system - honestly tired of paying into that for now!

Ok so I struggle with this one a little, lots of conflict around construction workers and modern slavery being what Dubai is built on but these workers wouldn’t have this opportunity in their home country so they are better off so to speak. They are not shackled at the ankle and made to work all hours either, they have decent working conditions, with no work during intense heat during peak hours across the summer etc and make a good living versus what they could possibly only dream to make in their home country.

Domestic help such as nannies/housemaids - I personally don’t have any home help and from what I hear and have witnessed I would never want one. Again they are here for similar reasons as above however they are not qualified or trained to look after children, do house chores etc. But they serve a huge community of people out here, and it is very common to have help in countries out this way. What does make me laugh though is how many brits have them living in their homes (I get it because they work and have no village around them for help) but a complete stranger living in your home raising your children? Yet you have to spend hours/days/months training them how to do it all, most put cameras up in their homes to keep an eye on them because they are not trustworthy, a bit laughable really!