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?!

As I said, I wouldn't choose it for a holiday, mainly because of the sleazy brits, but its just a place. Where I work. Its just lazy to bitch about things you don't know about. Try looking at how women are treated in kenya for example. And if you care that much, go and do something about it. The Guardian only write it because you read it. They don't care either.

If that is true about the UK, then you need to whistleblow. I personally doubt it very much.

And what makes you think we are not doing anything about it ffs?

Because if you were, you wouldn't be so naive. If you think all housekeeping staff are legit and paid more than a few quid a day you really don't know anything

'I'm pretty sure it's possible to be well travelled and still not want to go to Dubai.'

No, you must be making it up. Only 'stupid saddos' have a bad opinion of Dubai so says our well travelled know it all Jasmine.

'and have no idea how the world works and who really traffiks and rapes, try west Africa for a start. '

I don't think West Africa is really sold as a luxury holiday destination in quite the same way as Dubai is it?

I am sure you are a bigshot construction work accommodation inspector, who is passionately concerned about the treatment of women in Kenya, Jasmine.

I don't work in construction. I am a Facilities Manager. So i deal with thibgs that are operational and I see the actual way things are. That's what FM means.

No I don't think all housekeeping staff are legit. But 99% in 6 big chain hotels - that I do not believe. If you want to find illegal immigrants in this country being exploited look at hand car washes and some restaurants. And no I never use a hand car wash, because I do not support exploitation.
And you are wrong. I have worked with many women in this country who were illegal immigrants and being exploited as a result.

But although this happens here, it is not anywhere approaching the scale of what happens in Dubai.

But I find this attitude again and again. You campaign or work against any injustice and someone says - what about those people over there, you are doing nothing to help them? As if it makes what you do invalid. The truth is one person can not do everything. So like everyone on earth I choose what I get involved in.

Oh dear

'And I don't really care about Kenya or anywhere else. But I don't pretend I do'

I think we've gathered you don't care. Good for you.

FFS the whole continent of Africa you can not go outside without fear of being raped!! What a load of racist bullshit.

Africa is a filthy place where you can't go outside alone without fear of rape. I lived there for a few years

I actually did a little slack jaw face at that - what? The entire continent? Isn't there like about 50 countries (disclaimer - I haven't counted lol)

Oh dear

Or this

'I actually did a little slack jaw face at that - what? The entire continent? Isn't there like about 50 countries'

It does seem a rather extraordinary generalisation. We mustn't say Dubai is full of dressed up deluded expats exploiting people yet jasmine can make sweeping statements about the whole of Africa. She doesn't care though so its ok

Yes Botswana is a hell hole where tourists dare not step outside their door.
And racism from some who defend Dubai does not exist.

I have had a really bad day but you just made me giggle!

I lived in Dubai for 9 years - if you are in your hotel, I'm sure you will be fine. You need more decorum when in the Malls or Taxis. Theoretically you could be arrested for kissing in public - but not for a peck on the cheek. A full on snog might cause offence - though probably nothing would happen. A married couple are fine holding hands - but not groping! If you are kind to the taxi drivers and you're tiddly, they don't care. If you are sick in their taxi - they will probably let you off if you give them money for cleaning up. If you are abusive or aggressive, they could drive you to the police station! Generally there is a lot more to the stories of people being arrested. I heard that the couple arrested on the beach were full on going for the 'rumpy pumpy' - even though they were given a warning. They chose to ignore it. Be polite, be nice - always apologise to a local if they look cross with you (!) and just be reasonable in what you do!!

Hello I have just got back from the gulf and had an amazing time. Dubai is very cosmopolitan And you are allowed to drink and holiday within your resort. I think the saying is like when in Rome do as the Romans do. So obey the laws of the land it will make it a lovely holiday for you two and make you two lovely guests for the locals.

If you're in any doubt change the holiday to somewhere else, you won't be comfortable there otherwise.I just honestly don't understand why anyone would go on holiday there with all the laws and women's and human rights abuses.

No you won’t. Just don’t be full on with the PDA’s ie ramming your tongue down each other’s throats and you’ll be fine !

@wofs that story you mention was at a Friday brunch at the ale Meridian. They were fully at it on the beach at 3 in the afternoon. Idiots!

A country where women get thrown in to jail (or worse) if they are raped, because they aren't married to the man they had sex with.

A country where if a taxi driver runs someone over, the person who hired the taxi gets thrown in to jail, because they hired the taxi.

A country where women can be throw in to jail if a man touches their arm.

A country that took workers passports away, so they could not escape.

A country where women have next to zero rights.

Yes, if you go there and get pissed and affectionate, you could be in trouble.

Why anyone would risk it, is beyond me.

Who'd have thought such a provocative title would have lead to another argument about..... oh no, wait.

I agree with Ellenborough that no other country with questionable human rights gets quite as much of a bashing, no matter the subject of the thread.

You could ask "What hotel should I stay in in Dubai?" and the thread will turn into a Dubai-bashing thread, but ask the same question on India or China and not a peep. Why is it only Dubai subject to this rhetoric?

I have no skin in this game really, but as a casual observer of these threads, the double standards really perplex me.

We have been to Dubai a number of times and never had any problems. In restaurants/hotels you’re fine to hold hands etc. In public places like malls I would be a bit more reserved. You won’t get arrested for holding hands etc but might get some looks. Same with the dress code. Enjoy, it’s an amazing place