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?!

Don't go, you never feel relaxed.

If you’re going to a tourist destination you’ll be ok.
Don’t go to the local market and get pissed and snog.
Nice stealth post.
Maybe try Majorca next year.

Oh Heidi
What a load of BS lol

@TulipsTulipsTulips She didn't go missing after she said she had no freedom. She tried to escape and was caught, bundled into a helicopter and brought back. She also said she had tried to escape at 16 years old but was caught and then tortured for 3 years. See here.

Dubai does not appeal to me ,or any of those backwards thinking countries where women are treated like second class citizens

@clairemcnam

Agree pengaly, but I suspect most on this thread don't care. As long as they can have a nice holiday, or can live in an expat enclave with domestic servants

Well said and i couldnt agree more. Its this "not in my backyard" attitude. As long as they dont see it then they dont care. Despicable.

Sorry to disappoint but I do not live in a gated expat community - can’t think of anything worse! I don’t live near any Brits - rather a huge mix of people in a central location - non as bigoted as on here. Sorry to disappoint!

Yes but what about women's rights?

Unless you count DH - I don’t have any ‘servants’ FFS!

And this is why I wouldn’t visit. An aunt of DHs was injured whilst out there and it was a whole insurance nightmare. His uncle had the cheek to say “it was terrible, women are treated like second class citizens over there” which is why, Uncle Knobhead, I won’t be supporting the country with my tourism.

you aren't taking any shorts or non-maxi
dresses are you? Or short sleeved tops? Those are generally a no no

Sorry, but that’s absolute piffle!

I saw plenty of women wearing short shorts and strappy tops, and no one blinked an eye. Apart from the obvious places where you are required to dress modestly (generally religious buildings and areas), the only place that requests women cover their knees and shoulders, are malls but the rules aren’t enforced.

It’s nowhere near as conservative as most people would believe. Just use your common sense and respect their culture, and you won’t have a problem.

And while I understand it’s not everyone’s dream holiday destination, I wonder if the majority of people saying what a dump it is, have actually been there? I’m betting at least 50% haven’t!

Fascinating to be told I don’t know how my life is!

@19lottie82 As per previous post I made after that one, my mum was stared at, followed and spat at for wearing shorts. It is not 'piffle'.

I will never understand why people holiday in Dubai

@heidivodca
So how exactly are you treated better in Dubai as a woman than in the UK then?
in what way? Honestly interested to know!

Me, personally, as one in the UK like the fact I could go out in short shorts and a crop top tomorrow and nobody would care
That I could hold hands/show affection in public without worrying
If (God forbid) I got sexually attacked tomorrow, I'd be safe in the knowledge I'd be taken seriously and it wouldn't be my fault in any way.

How is it better for you? Genuinely curious

Maybe I'm cynical, but I think that if a tourist is arrested 'for' something like drinking or public affection, the real reason is because a local with some clout took s dislike to that tourist.

Was in Dubai in october and Abu Dhabi in Feb. Both amazing holiday destinations, you’ll have a wonderful time.

Dubai is now like Disney for grown ups, and I think the locals are more tolerant of tourist behaviour (and much more tolerant that Abu Dhabi). According to friends who live there, it’s relaxed a lot in the past five or so years. I think a lot of the horror stories are expats, and generally when drunk - drinking excessively (and then being pissed) isn’t looked upon hugely favourably.

My husband and I met out friends at the central Burj square area for dinner and saw plenty of people wandering around holding hands etc. We weren’t, but people were. According to friends, people tend to turn a blind eye to obvious tourists holding hands in the city/shops/restaurants, but will raise an eyebrow at kissing. Likely to get a less favourable reaction on a Friday (holy day) too. Wouldn’t suggest serious snogging over the starters, but you won’t get bundled into jail for squeezing your husbands hand over the table.

Clothes-wise, when we were out and about, I wore skirts that covered my knees and T-shirt’s rather than vests, plenty of people weren’t but thought this was a bit of a piss-take, it’s not hard to cover up and still stay cool. Husband wore light trousers and linens shirt. Would suggest dressing with decorum and covering up is definitely to be advised.

Abu Dhabi is a completely different kettle of fish, despite only being an hour or so away. Much MUCH stricter - isn’t geared to the tourist trade as much, and it really shows. 100% prefer it though, heading back in October.

@heidivodca you're not telling us anything? You said women have more rights in Dubai than the UK - many of us asked what do you mean, all you have done is repeat yourself and talk shit

I just don’t see the attraction in going to a country where you can be arrested for perfectly natural and harmless behaviour. So many wonderful places to go on this world where youre not constantly checking the way you’re behaving

@heidivodca how are women's rights better? Why Dan you not answer that? You cannot expect anyone to believe one single thing you say when you can't substantiate your ridiculous comments!

Don't live in a commune - bet you do!
Don't have servants -bet you do
Don't mix with brits / don't believe that!

You clearly talk rubbish!

'(God forbid) I got sexually attacked tomorrow, I'd be safe in the knowledge I'd be taken seriously and it wouldn't be my fault in any way.'

Yes that's it isn't it. Great for sunbathing and shopping if you're holidaying or sticking your head in the sand if you're an expat.

I’ve been to Dubai 5 times and have never had any sort of negative experience. Ex’s family have lives there for 12 years. Tell him to chill out.

If you intend to be respectful then what are you worrying about.
There are better places to go then Dubai

People are just talking about hotel areas. Of course those are all lovely and nice and big shopping complexes all seem safe and lovely
I didn’t stay in a hotel once and it wasn’t what you see in the glossy brochures! If you go to the ‘normal’ parts and walk down normal streets it’s not the same at all

But saying that my Dsis went to Brazil and said it was terrifying

Yes that's it isn't it. Great for sunbathing and shopping if you're holidaying or sticking your head in the sand if you're an expat.

Yep, all fun and games, shiny shops and sunshine but if anything goes wrong - nope.