DH thinks we're going to get arrested in Dubai

[willyougobacktobed]

Going to Dubai next week for Easter on a mini break with DH. As a tactile couple who enjoys a couple of drinks with dinner he's getting really anxious that we're going to get arrested if we a) unthinkingly give each other a peck on the cheek or b) share a bottle of wine and have a giggle.

He has googled their strict laws and legal systems LOTS.

I think he's BU, his worries and mithering are making me not look as forward to a holiday I've saved hard for as much as I otherwise would.

Are we going to get arrested?!

@GummyGoddess Well I've been going there for years and wear shorts and dresses and vest tops as does my friend who lives there, and hundreds of other westerners, I've never been heckled or spat at and I don't know anyone who has. The only time you really must dress modestly in public is the holy month of Ramadan or if you're going to a holy place.
I've only ever found the men there to be polite and respectful.

Exploitation happens everywhere. There are companies in the UK forcing min wage workers to work illegal unpaid overtime confident they won’t be reported as people are scared of losing their jobs

breeze When human rights organisation after human rights organisation is saying the same thing, I know who I will believe.

I live near London and can’t recall any construction workers sleeping on a blanket under the Shard whilst it was being built

breeze Yes keep telling yourself that as a self justification for living there. As if there are no differences in human rights violations between different countries.

lilbaby You obviously think we are thick.

In terms of population, Dubai has an estimated population of 2,504,000 in 2016. This makes it the most populated emirate in the UAE, surpassing Abu Dhabi which, despite having a larger area, has the third largest population in the UAE that is estimated at just over 1.1 million.

Dubai’s ratio of males to females is skewed, with approximately 75% of the population being male.

The population is also composed of just 15% native residents, with the remaining 85% being composed of expatriates. About 85% of the expatriate population – or 71% of the total population -- is Asian, primarily from India (accounting for 51%). Other Asians in Dubai are originally from Pakistan (17%), Bangladesh (9%) and the Philippines (3%). The city also has a high number of Somalis, and British expatriates make up the largest population of Western expatriates.

But for most people the attraction of Dubai as tourists does seem to be sunbathing and shopping
You can go for these reasons, but there is so much to it. We did none of these. We visited in the exact same way we visit any place abroad, we learn about its history and culture and it was nothing like I'd read on the Internet.

Are you on any threads about India? Indonesia? Malaysia? The Maldives? Egypt? China? Just off the top of my head?

I honestly haven't seen any of those threads on here, saying would you holiday here and have a giggle/fondle/drink with my dh at any of those otherwise I would be yes!
Going to show my ignorance now, sorry, but are women to cover up in China for example? I didn't think they were but I could be wrong

Most of those Asian male expats are working there under shit conditions. No of course being an expat does not mean white and well off.
But in the lexicon of racist language expat is usually used to refer to white well off people, and economic migrant to black or asian people travelling for work.
That is why when someone say expat people think white and well-off.

Limekiwi No women do not need to cover up at all in China anywhere. Yes China has a poor human rights abuse record.

I didn't say anyone was thick! You are the one the keeps referring to rich western expats.

This thread is bloody crazy! OP asked if she should be worried about being arrested not if she should be holidaying there .

FYI OP my husband and I honeymooned in Dubai, we took 2.5yr old DS with us. We stayed in The Atlantis The Palm and had a fantastic time. Yes you have to be respectful & not be all over each other but holding hands or a hug was fine in public or even a little peck. You could also drink alcohol (not till you were in a drunken stupor obviously) But that was in resort. We only left the resort once to take DS to Legoland and once to visit the city, go up the burj Khalifa etc. Both times I wore summery clothes because it was fucking boiling and nothing was said and I didn't receive any 'funny looks' . Locals were more pissed off that my toddler had a tantrum lol. You will be fine!

Limekiwi No women do not need to cover up at all in China anywhere. Yes China has a poor human rights abuse record

Thanks, didn't think so - you're right about the human rights, I was thinking more along the lines of how women are treated sorry, so the abuse bit slipped me by
The reason I'd never want to go to anywhere like the UAE is because of how they treat women - I sure as hell wouldn't want to be sexually assaulted over there for example. Would anyone feel comfortable reporting it?

China is where millions and millions of girl babies were murdered for decades.

This thread is bloody crazy! OP asked if she should be worried about being arrested not if she should be holidaying there

And some are saying yes, that could be a problem if you're going over with the intention for a "giggle" (define giggle) , drinking, and public displays of affection

I honestly haven't seen any of those threads on here, saying would you holiday here and have a giggle/fondle/drink with my dh at any of those otherwise I would be yes!

Yes but any thread where people ask about going to Dubai AT ALL, get the same responses as this thread has got. The place is a shit hole built on slavery and the women have no rights etc etc, even if the OP wasn't asking for an opinion on the socio-politics of the place, just on hotel recommendations or something.

That categorically goes not happen on threads about other holiday destinations to places with questionable human rights records/oppressively patriarchal societal set-ups.

You can have a little search if you don't believe me.

Don't act like a dick and you won't run foul of the law.

Unless you report a rape, or get into a car crash with an Emirati. Or, notoriously, get into debt to a high-ranking Abu Dhabi royal, who will be acquitted of torturing you, despite the fact that there is conclusive video evidence of him beating you with a stick full of nails, electrocuting you, pouring salt on your wounds, and finally running you over in a car.

In fact, the torturer, Sheikh Issa bin Zayed al-Nahyan (half brother of the ruler of Abu Dhabi) was acquitted in an Al Ain court, and the American man who made the video was tried in absentia and given five years for apparently drugging the Sheikh and forcing him to torture the other man in order to use the video for blackmail.

www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jan/17/torture-tape-acquittal-abu-dhabi

It's a lovely, transparent, legal system.

Some of these comments are unnecessary rude! Do you know the OP and her husband to say Dubai isn't a destination for them? What gives you the right to say what destination is for what people.
OP wanted to go to Dubai so she is going to Dubai. All she asked was a very simple question and advise.
IMO you will be fine as long as you respect their laws and restrictions. Also, alcohol in Dubai is quite expensive. In fact, it is a country with the most expensive wine and beer (at some places a pint of beer costs £15!) and not all places even offer alcohol.
Enjoy your holiday OP, don't stress about it too much.

Follow Government advice. When I am going abroad to a country that I do not know much about, I always read that plus Lonely Planet advice.

So Lonely Planet say:

Dress Both men and women should dress modestly. Swimwear is acceptable on the beach and by the pool only.
Public affection Holding hands is OK, long kisses or hugs are not.
Drinking Don't indulge in excessive public drinking, and never drink and drive.
Greetings Use your right hand to greet someone or take or give something. Don't offer to shake hands unless it is extended to you first.
Sitting Pointing the soles of your shoes at anyone or crossing your legs is considered rude.
Language Swearing and using rude hand gestures could lead to fines.
Photos Always ask before taking a photo of locals.
Conversation Don't bring up controversial topics, such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Homosexual acts are illegal under UAE law and can incur a jail term and fines. If you see Arab men walking hand in hand, it's a sign of friendship and not an indication of sexual orientation.

Public displays of affection between LGBT+ partners are taboo.

Many LGBTIQ-related websites, including Grindr and other dating apps, are blocked and not officially accessible from inside the UAE.

Sex outside marriage is against the law. Sharing a room is likely to be construed as companionable or cost-cutting, but being discreet about your true relationship is advisable.

Absolutely loving how people who have never been to Dubai, only read about it, are claiming to know better than those who live there.

There are some very defensive and surprisingly deluded posts here.
Btw, references to reading the Daily Mail don't count as comebacks when the said shitrag was never quoted nor mentioned in the first place.

Most people putting down Dubai have never even been there (paraphrased)

Correct. I wouldn't step foot in the place. I have an excellent grasp on legal systems without needing to visit every country and know a bit about culture. I would never visit because: I like people, I like Human Rights, I like relative freedom, I like equality, I like progressive laws, I hate misogyny. I wouldn't enjoy abiding by a Gilead-like regime, it's not my idea of fun. I would respect anywhere I go in the world but wouldn't be able to relax knowing any bloke in the street could have me arrested on a whim. At least we have due process in the UK.

I'd respect anyone here recognising their privilege and owning that they love the lifestyle over there as they aren't affected by the draconian way of life/support it. But to angrily deny tee truth is just laughable.

No women do not need to cover up at all in China anywhere

This isn't true. Temples in China are sacred and people visiting must be modestly dressed.

Okay sorry, you are right. But every country in the world has some place of worship where women are expected to cover up. Including Britain.

Ah you’ll be fine, it’s great there- have an awesome time!

I had friends living in the UAE and know couples who have honeymooned there- be respectful (I generally slightly overdressed rather than underdressed) there were always some not dressed as appropriately as they should be. Of course you can have a drink and a giggle! At the all you can eat and drink brunches people get smashed! You’ll see for yourself when you get there. It doesn’t have a party reputation by accident (not hugely my thing but it is very popular).