Dubai/UAE - where did you think you were?

[WhyamIinahandcartandwherearewegoing]

I’ll preface this by saying I wish the best for anyone out there, working or holidaying. I hope you are and remain safe.

but do people go there with next to no concern for where in the world it’s located? Do they pay no attention to news or the general geopolitical situation, it’s hnot exactly a secret.

are we really that dense that most people don’t look past the bling, the weather, the tax perks, the bloody influencers?

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/tennessee-death-penalty-abortion-b2925988.html

it hasn’t made it through …..yet. The heart beat law failed the first times but guess’s what it got through in the end ….are you willing to bet this one won’t make it through? Based on what exactly?

Do you think our record is worse than those Muslim countries?

I'm not advocating bombing Iran, I don't think most people on this thread are.

Criticism is not colonialism. Remember, colonialism is not only a thing the West did, either.

That's a good video, I like the Lincoln Project.

And that nails it : if a horrible bill goes through in one state, a lot of other states will still offer the option. Hopefully people have money to travel . It's wrong to tar the whole US.

I've never suggested invading or bombing Muslim countries. On any level.

It was technically possible in 2024 (when it was made). Even more so now.

Just wait until the huge "AI" companies start trawling all their your data for things to object to.

I don’t think the majority of holiday makers give it much thought past considering it a pleasant holiday destination. I’ve never been, but I know people who go fairly regularly and they seem to love it. It’s a little bubble of luxury for however long they’re there and as others have said, it’s perceived as fairly safe (up until now).

I know many people feel very strongly about Dubai and in that case, vote with your feet.

Dubai is not equivalent though.

In Dubai marital rape is legal.

In Dubai selling sex is illegal, so the migrant women who report abuse can be jailed or deported if they are selling sex, often even if trafficked.

Emiratis there are governed by misogynistic sharia law.

In Dubai there's the kafala system for migrants, which makes it hard to report abuse.

Nobody is asking to be bombed, what a cruel post. Reported.

I know 2 people who lived there as children - not their choice, their parents.

🤣

Local women in the UAE are educated and they do work. They also drive. Saudi was more restrictive but things have changed now.

Great post. Even if people aren't able to avoid sweatshop clothes entirely, Shein and Temu are avoidable.

Good. Theres still a long way to go before equality though (I don't think we have it here either tbf).

Yes, I agreed with that post but those details don't apply to UAE.

Facts to back this claim up?

Yes!

I'd criticised Dubai and forgotten the worst thing they've done recently.

What do people on this thread think of Dubai's support for genocidal RSF?

The cunning Sheikh Makhtoum lures Westerners in with UAE's low crime rate. 🤣

It's true, it is low. That doesn't make it an ethical country.

I have often wondered the same, am glad it isn't just me.

I'm sure Dubai is fine most of the time, people do seem to like it there. However it is geographically challenged, neighbouring countries are far less stable politically.

Anyone stating that they are bored of the "how they treat women rhetoric" is an apologist for misogyny. Lots of countries are safe for holiday makers - that doesn't excuse the fact that women are treated like second class citizens in many of them

What? I thought Dubai allowed various religions to practice as they're 90% expat. Can I ask what your religion is?

I'm really sorry ...I do think this thread is wrong to berate anyone in Dubai. I can see why you went, and I really hope you can get home soon.

On the sunny place issue- I understand wanting a sunny holiday, but couldn't you have gone to France or Italy or Spain or Portugal? Those are nearer and surely there's sun there?

That poster's claim about abortion law was not accurate anyway.

Sure, Majorca for example.

How many of you travel there?

Oh, hang on - do you know what tourism does to this island? to living conditions of locals?

In fairness I think Dubai would probably be quite happy the US was bombing Iran were it not for the chaos caused by Iran's response. I think the West versus the Muslims is a bit simplistic whichever side of the colonialism argument you are (the clash of civilization right wing types are also wrong).
The UAE have been up to shenanigans in other countries as well. In terms of interfering in foreign countries for short term self interest at the expense of geopolitical chaos and huge civilian loss of life, the leaders of Dubai, SA, America etc are all quite aligned with each other.

Interesting post.

90% of Dubai are expats so maybe that's why it seems less religious? Or maybe the Emiratis there are also less religious than other Muslim countries?