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Two Questions on Dubai

137 replies

Peanutbutteryday · 01/03/2026 22:11

Sorry if this has been done to death I’ve had a busy day and not been on mumsnet. Also sorry for just focusing on Dubai in my post. It goes without saying that I feel for everyone involved in all countries including Iran

  1. I feel like the UK media is light on Dubai coverage given the number of British nationals there. Why? Is the Dubai media not releasing info? or am I just missing seeing coverage

  2. I know we don’t have a crystal ball but do we think there could be a mass exodus of Brit’s living there? Or a huge change in the number of people wanting to move there?

OP posts:
Carla786 · 06/03/2026 17:17

domenica1 · 02/03/2026 08:48

I suppose it depends who you know; it’s not all criminals and influencers. I know lawyers at big firms and finance professionals who’ve been out there for years. I know many people including doctors and other professionals who have holidayed there either en route to other places or as an easy sunny place to go with a family. I know people with family links in the Middle East or Asia for whom it’s a convenient base for work or vacation. Few are ill-informed, they just make a different judgment. You can find fault with the history and politics almost anywhere, depending on your perspective.

The problem with Dubai & other places is that it's not just history: the porta potties, slavery, lack of democracy and kafala system are ongoing.

Perspective - yes, that is a factor. But any decent person should disagree with sexual abuse, slavery, migrant exploitation and lack of democracy- don't you think?

Carla786 · 06/03/2026 17:21

Peanutbutteryday · 02/03/2026 14:48

Agree this is how I see it potentially panning out.

There is very little alternative to uae living in terms of weather, jobs, modern, proximity to uk (ie closer than Singapore). No alternative in Europe for certain and uae appears more favourable than other Middle East destinations with stricter rules.

There are quite a few European countries with jobs, modernity, safety etc : Nordic countries, Germany, Spain, Poland. The big thing is weather, though economic issues are another.

Of course, none of these countries are tax havens either.

Carla786 · 06/03/2026 17:21

Puppylucky · 02/03/2026 10:20

There absolutely are fines for posting on line!

This

Carla786 · 06/03/2026 17:33

smokingdogs · 02/03/2026 14:36

Speaking as someone who lives in the UAE, I don’t think there will be a mass exodus of Brits. I’ve certainly got no plans to go anywhere.

MN opinions on the country are often wildly out of line with the reality of what it’s actually like and this is no exception.

I DO think that the huge influx of Brits to the country will slow down for a while, due to what is happening.

When you say that MN opinions of Dubai are often 'wildly out of line with the reality of what it's actually like', could you maybe elaborate on this?

Mumsnet posts often mention stuff like the lack of democracy, exploitative porta potty stuff, the modern slavery, the kafala system, the continued criminalisation of gay sex etc

Now, is your argument that there's a lot more to Dubai than tacky influencers and the above human rights issues?

I agree that there's many well-intentioned people there, many with proper jobs not influencing etc,

But do you agree that the problems MN focuses on DO exist?

I do note that threads often overlook that several things are no longer illegal. Eg. People often forget that cohabitation and premarital sex is not illegal anymore

MauriceTheMussel · 06/03/2026 18:20

I’ve read “kafala system” so many times it’s lost all meaning

Peanutbutteryday · 06/03/2026 19:46

The trend on Instagram today is posts saying how safe Dubai is with a photo of passenger planes being flanked by fighter jets. I feel like locals have forgotten that it’s simply not typical safe behavior to need a passenger plane to be flanked by fighter jets

OP posts:
museumum · 06/03/2026 19:50

The person I know stuck on a stop over from Australia back to Europe is having a perfectly nice wee holiday. Nothing scary. Seeing the sights. Making the most of it.

MeaningfulProgress · 06/03/2026 21:03

museumum · 06/03/2026 19:50

The person I know stuck on a stop over from Australia back to Europe is having a perfectly nice wee holiday. Nothing scary. Seeing the sights. Making the most of it.

And yet our local news has a clip from a lady who can’t return from her holiday. Young family with her.
Hotel guests have been told to stay in or near the underground hotel car park. Clip showed them sleeping on the floor in corridors.
She said she cried at the latest alarm, she is worried about mounting costs, being passed between the travel company and airline (neither ready to agree financial support). No flight for at least another 6 days.

Donsyb · 07/03/2026 11:41

Silvertulips · 01/03/2026 22:47

I would never go there even as a married woman. It’s never been on my list.

I do wonder if there is a sudden exodus, where the UK will put them all? something like 1/4 million people have UK passports.

That’s a big influx!

They’ll all be relatively wealthy and be able
to home themselves (if they don’t already have homes here). My boss lives in Dubai but had a house here.

generally ex pats living in Dubai are not poor refugees.

Donsyb · 07/03/2026 11:41

thenightsky · 01/03/2026 22:49

I heard, but don't know how true it is, that you are not allowed to post on social media about the situation, pics of the disruption etc and, if caught doing so, will face a fine of up to £40k.

I believe this is true based on what I have heard from my boss who lives there

Donsyb · 07/03/2026 12:02

Carla786 · 06/03/2026 17:21

There are quite a few European countries with jobs, modernity, safety etc : Nordic countries, Germany, Spain, Poland. The big thing is weather, though economic issues are another.

Of course, none of these countries are tax havens either.

And people would have to learn another language other than English!

Donsyb · 07/03/2026 12:04

MeaningfulProgress · 06/03/2026 21:03

And yet our local news has a clip from a lady who can’t return from her holiday. Young family with her.
Hotel guests have been told to stay in or near the underground hotel car park. Clip showed them sleeping on the floor in corridors.
She said she cried at the latest alarm, she is worried about mounting costs, being passed between the travel company and airline (neither ready to agree financial support). No flight for at least another 6 days.

What mounting costs? Their accommodation and food is being paid for by the Dubai authorities

MeaningfulProgress · 07/03/2026 13:43

Donsyb · 07/03/2026 12:04

What mounting costs? Their accommodation and food is being paid for by the Dubai authorities

Uncertain at best and hotel having to be paid upfront by her. She didn’t mention any help with costs, other than nobody taking responsibility. .

Donsyb · 07/03/2026 17:33

MeaningfulProgress · 07/03/2026 13:43

Uncertain at best and hotel having to be paid upfront by her. She didn’t mention any help with costs, other than nobody taking responsibility. .

That’s just not the case though. I have friends stuck out there, and it’s all being paid. It’s been fairly well publicised.

www.msn.com/en-xl/africa/top-stories/uae-and-qatar-to-cover-hotel-and-meal-costs-for-those-stranded-in-country-during-iran-attacks/ar-AA1XlVN0?cvid=17512947ee7f4f90bcd0bb1780bcc5b8&ocid=MY02D8#:~:text=The%20General%20Civil%20Aviation%20Authority,for%20affected%20and%20stranded%20passengers%E2%80%9D.

Donsyb · 07/03/2026 19:07

MeaningfulProgress · 07/03/2026 18:56

And also well publicised that it isn’t as straightforward as the government standing the cost at source. This reflect what the lady on the news said.

https://liveandletsfly.com/uae-qatar-cover-hotel-costs-stranded-travelers/

Also
https://www.businessinsider.com/middle-east-travel-disruption-hotel-bills-expenses-vouchers-who-pays-2026-3

There are more.

Certainly easy enough in Abu Dhabi. My friend just had a letter delivered to his room saying his stay would be extended as long as necessary, and all food (buffet meals) and room was covered by the government.

ladykale · 07/03/2026 20:08

Does anyone have an issue with someone immigrating to the U.S. given that:

  1. the U.S. has been and continues to be directly responsible for the death of millions of people in the Middle East through wars claiming they are fighting for democracy but constantly stealing oil (and the UK regularly supports them
  2. U.S. police and ICE regularly kill their own citizens, particularly black and Hispanic people point blank and sooo many deaths in custody
  3. free speech is a myth given that the U.S. regularly deny entry to those with social media accounts disparaging Trump
  4. the billionaires and elites at the heart of the Epstein scandal which has revealed a global sex trafficking operation including children have not and likely will never be held accountable

The US & British government have played a huge part in the deaths and suffering of millions of people around the world in resource rich countries. They have funded may coups to remove countless strong and popular leaders who don’t let them steal resources & replaced them with corrupt and evil ones. All they care about generally is controlling oil and resources.

The whole situation in Iran is a result of the UK/US removing the democratically elected leader in the 1950s who took a stand and said that the Iranian people and not the British should own their oil. The dissatisfaction with the shah they put in place is what led to the extremist government it has today!

Does anyone have an issue if someone moves to the UK or US, when both countries contribute to the deaths and suffering of sooo many people worldwide, or is carpet bombing children in the Middle East not serious enough for you?!

Selective outrage as usual from Brits

MeaningfulProgress · 08/03/2026 10:32

Donsyb · 07/03/2026 19:07

Certainly easy enough in Abu Dhabi. My friend just had a letter delivered to his room saying his stay would be extended as long as necessary, and all food (buffet meals) and room was covered by the government.

Great that you have one example too. 😉

JellyBeanSpring25 · 08/03/2026 10:40

Donsyb · 07/03/2026 19:07

Certainly easy enough in Abu Dhabi. My friend just had a letter delivered to his room saying his stay would be extended as long as necessary, and all food (buffet meals) and room was covered by the government.

.

JellyBeanSpring25 · 08/03/2026 10:41

MeaningfulProgress · 08/03/2026 10:32

Great that you have one example too. 😉

I also have a family member stuck out there who has said the same. All hotel expenses covered until they are able to leave safely (although the AI for the last week has been ‘reduced’ to full board from today!). The hotel is full of displaced travellers, with all biIlls paid for.

persephonia · 08/03/2026 11:33

ladykale · 07/03/2026 20:08

Does anyone have an issue with someone immigrating to the U.S. given that:

  1. the U.S. has been and continues to be directly responsible for the death of millions of people in the Middle East through wars claiming they are fighting for democracy but constantly stealing oil (and the UK regularly supports them
  2. U.S. police and ICE regularly kill their own citizens, particularly black and Hispanic people point blank and sooo many deaths in custody
  3. free speech is a myth given that the U.S. regularly deny entry to those with social media accounts disparaging Trump
  4. the billionaires and elites at the heart of the Epstein scandal which has revealed a global sex trafficking operation including children have not and likely will never be held accountable

The US & British government have played a huge part in the deaths and suffering of millions of people around the world in resource rich countries. They have funded may coups to remove countless strong and popular leaders who don’t let them steal resources & replaced them with corrupt and evil ones. All they care about generally is controlling oil and resources.

The whole situation in Iran is a result of the UK/US removing the democratically elected leader in the 1950s who took a stand and said that the Iranian people and not the British should own their oil. The dissatisfaction with the shah they put in place is what led to the extremist government it has today!

Does anyone have an issue if someone moves to the UK or US, when both countries contribute to the deaths and suffering of sooo many people worldwide, or is carpet bombing children in the Middle East not serious enough for you?!

Selective outrage as usual from Brits

I can remember the Iraq war and teenage me being so upset about it that I protested against it. As did over a million other people. (That this made no difference is a seperate discussion). I guess if I wasn't happy with something in the UK to the point it weighed heavily on my conscience I would deal with that by openly criticising it, campaigning against it etc. Journalists frequently expose terrible miscarriages of justice (the post office scandal) or awful things the armed forces have done (Kenya) and there is public outrage. Maybe not enough. Likewise there are British citizens or residents who originally came from places like Palestine (or their families did) who are vocal about British or American foreign policy or imperialism. There is push back "if you hate our country you should leave" but I think that's wrong and, crucially, they don't have to leave.

If I went on holiday or to live in Saudi Arabia I might want to criticise the genocide in Sudan, the Kafala system, women's rights etc. But Í wouldn't feel free too. In fact, one might very reasonably ask what right does a British person have to come to live in another country and tell them what they should be doing. That's a very reasonable position. And the solution then is surely for me not to go there.

Of course America has always had problems/dodgy foreign policy. But it's only in recent times that you have started to see journalists/ordinary members of the public without American citizenship being arrested and deported for criticising American foreign policy. As a result lots of people are rethinking living and working there.

It's not that I think a country allowing people to protest about the bad stuff it does automatically makes the bad stuff less bad. Especially when they are ignored anyway. It's more that if something really bothers me about one country I have the option to talk about it. If I don't have the option to talk about it it seems better just not to go as visiting or living in the country feels like tacit acceptance otherwise. I am not one of the people on this thread who was arguing influencers etc were always bad for being in Dubai etc. But I do think people like Oakshot who constantly campaign on free speech in the UK (and the rights of people to incite burning down hotels) but live in Dubai are hypocrites. Far more so than regular influencers etc who live in Dubai but have no interest in politics or human rights.

Also the UK/US foreign policy is terrible but domestically we don't have the Kafala system or legal restrictions on women's rights for example.

Donsyb · 08/03/2026 14:55

MeaningfulProgress · 08/03/2026 10:32

Great that you have one example too. 😉

Well i assume it’s more than one example seeing as presumably everyone in the hotel
got the same letter?

Do you actually know anyone stuck out there? Or is your experience based on one rando in the local
paper?

MeaningfulProgress · 08/03/2026 15:22

Donsyb · 08/03/2026 14:55

Well i assume it’s more than one example seeing as presumably everyone in the hotel
got the same letter?

Do you actually know anyone stuck out there? Or is your experience based on one rando in the local
paper?

Not the local paper, interviewed on the news, direct from the hotel - included filing of hotel guests sleeping in corridors.

Yes, I also have friends and family out there, both on holiday and living/working.

They are in a range of places across UAE.

Those holidaying confirm a very mixed bag, lack of clarity in who is paying, no details provided and huge concern about spending and it not being reimbursed afterwards.
They are desperate not to rack up debts.

One young couple are having to be supported by their parents here, they simply do not have access the £££ to fund their longer stay.

Donsyb · 08/03/2026 17:07

MeaningfulProgress · 08/03/2026 15:22

Not the local paper, interviewed on the news, direct from the hotel - included filing of hotel guests sleeping in corridors.

Yes, I also have friends and family out there, both on holiday and living/working.

They are in a range of places across UAE.

Those holidaying confirm a very mixed bag, lack of clarity in who is paying, no details provided and huge concern about spending and it not being reimbursed afterwards.
They are desperate not to rack up debts.

One young couple are having to be supported by their parents here, they simply do not have access the £££ to fund their longer stay.

Edited

Isn’t that what travel insurance is for?

mugglewump · 08/03/2026 17:11

Those that would feel safer coming back to the UK should be helped to do so, provided they pay their UK taxes.

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