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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not want to go to UAE

69 replies

VivienScott · 21/10/2019 18:12

Work want me to go to Dubai for business on my own (single female, very fair colouring). Friend of mine who is a security consultant who’s worked in Middle East says it’s probably not a good idea for my security. I don’t want to go, but work are trying to insist. Can I refuse to go, am I being unreasonable?

OP posts:
PrimeraVez · 21/10/2019 18:14

If you don’t want to go, don’t.

But to not go because you are single and fair is bloody ridiculous. I say that as a blonde woman and mother of two blonde children who has lived in the UAE for ten years.

PS I don’t rate your security consultant mate.

Hopingtobeamum · 21/10/2019 18:15

Hi

I used to work in Oman and Dubai and I was very cautious about it to start with, but fast forward 3 months in and I was having the time of my life.
Everyone is different of course but Dubai is very western in many of it's ways, it's very different to Saudi for example.
Get yourself on some of the Dubai facebook groups and chat to people, you'd be surprised at all the good reports you'll hear.
Message me if you have any questions, always happy to support where I can x

Amanduh · 21/10/2019 18:16

I’d say Dubai is very safe. Sounds like your mate doesn’t know what he’s on about.
Female only spaces, females walk alone, it’s very secure and safe. I’d walk alone places there at night and wouldn’t in the UK.

CheshireDing · 21/10/2019 18:17

YABU.

I have spent a fair amount of time in Dubai and in the clubs there. I was slim, young, blonde (less so now) 😢.

No problem as long as you respect the country you are in.

LIZS · 21/10/2019 18:18

How long ago was your friend there? We visited 20 years ago and got gawped at but it is now very different.

mizu · 21/10/2019 19:33

I lived and worked in Oman for a couple of years in my early 30s. Would love to do it again. Go! How long would it be for?

JorisBonson · 21/10/2019 19:53

My dad lived in the UAE for 15 years. Your security consultant mate is chatting shit.

Zebraaa · 21/10/2019 20:05

I regularly holiday their alone... no issues whatsoever

jimmyhill · 21/10/2019 20:19

(single female, very fair colouring)

Hmm the natives will be unable to restrain themselves

MyDcAreMarvel · 21/10/2019 20:21

Yabu and racist.

Mephisto · 21/10/2019 20:46

hmm the natives will be unable to restrain themselves

Grin

OP, rest assured a sheikh won’t kidnap you at the airport to take you for a ride on his tower of power atop a camel.

mmgirish · 21/10/2019 20:49

YABU! I live and work in the Middle East. What do you think your skin colour has to do with your security?

Lifeisabeach09 · 21/10/2019 20:56

I'll happily go in your place, OP.Grin
I work in healthcare-a lot of British nurses get jobs in the UAE (along with nurses from other countries) through recruitment companies. I hear it's pretty safe.

Dorsetdolly39 · 21/10/2019 21:00

I have been working in and out of the UAE for years and as a fair \ Blonde I would say it’s not only safe......... it great.
I have no idea what you “security “ friend is thinking!

theWarOnPeace · 21/10/2019 21:07

Last time I was in Dubai, we noted all the joggers and cyclists everywhere in the evenings. Usually white western women alone. While there are many criticisms fairly aimed at the UAE, I don’t think the security of women of fair skin is any more of an issue there than in the U.K. or anywhere else.

percheron67 · 21/10/2019 21:14

I have been there and found people very helpful, polite and not at all threatening.

Itsjustmee · 21/10/2019 21:24

I’ve been loads as a single woman
I feel way safer in Dubai and Oman than I would do any of the uk cities

Omar1986 · 21/10/2019 21:25

Dubai is AMAZING!!

stucknoue · 21/10/2019 21:28

The only issue may be that some men do not respect women in business, it's a problem I have in the U.K. with men from certain cultures, security is probably safer than New York or Paris. Go, just be aware that many men will refuse to shake hands

Blueoasis · 21/10/2019 21:29

Your only problem is going to be the sun I'd imagine. Start investing in factor 50 suncream. Grin

Basketofkittens · 21/10/2019 21:32

I used to live in Dubai when I was cabin crew. I really enjoyed it. Always felt really safe. Much safer than I felt walking around north London after dark!

Peony99 · 21/10/2019 21:37

I'm not a fan of Dubai so YANBU to not want to go.

But being blonde and female is very very normal there - the place is basically all expats. You're not going to get swapped for a herd of camels.

Hadjab · 21/10/2019 21:38

White slavery really isn’t that rampant in Dubai Hmm

adaline · 21/10/2019 21:39

There are plenty of valid reasons to avoid Dubai and the UAE but I don't think your hair colour or relationship status really count!

WhenISnappedAndFarted · 21/10/2019 21:44

I know a few (very pretty, blonde, fair skinned) women go and live in Dubai. They all love it and nobody has mentioned even a hint of having a problem.