To not want to go to UAE

[VivienScott]

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?

I think the OP mentioned her fair looks to basically say that she’d stand out from the crowd and might attract more unwanted attention

@jimmyhill haha!!

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

Your friend is being ridiculous.

Btw OP you do know English is the main language? Arabs constitute a very small percentage of the population so I hate to burst your bubble but you will blend in with the many other expats.

Seems a valid concern for a woman not to want to go to a country that would imprison her for the supposed crime of being a rape victim if she were to be assaulted.

I definitely wouldn't go to Dubai, and I'm always surprised when others do - it's probably less to do with personal safety though, and more to do with the way women are treated overall.

Seems a valid concern for a woman not to want to go to a country that would imprison her for the supposed crime of being a rape victim if she were to be assaulted.

This would apply regardless of the OP's skin colour and relationship status. So... why does she mention these?

YABU. It's very safe and I think your friend doesn't know what he's talking about.

You’ll be fine. Your friend is being ridiculous. I feel a lot safer in Dubai / Abu Dhabi than most other holiday destinations.

I think the OP mentioned her fair looks to basically say that she’d stand out from the crowd

That's what everyone is telling her is a totally misinformed view. She won't stand out in the slightest.

I think the OP mentioned her fair looks to basically say that she’d stand out from the crowd and might attract more unwanted attention

She can be assured that she won't stand out in the slightest. Blonde women are hardly a rarity there.

I hope no-one parts with actual cash for her mate's hilariously inaccurate advice.

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.

Not sure what your friend is on about . I have visited the UAE many times and barely got a second glance - was blonde, slim and fairly attractive if I do say so myself also single. Dress modestly when out in public. No shorts, cover your shoulders and you'll be fine. I took pashminas wherever I went and always had them around my shoulders, occasionally over my hair. I actually felt very safe there. I'm not sure what you're imagining but it's all actually very modern and civilised.

How long do they want you to go for, OP?

Jesus Christ! You really don't deserve to be let out alone anywhere!! Educate yourself for heavens sake and STOP being so bloody melodramatic (and racist!) I do, seriously, wonder how some people get by in life!

Has your friend ever actually been to Dubai? I used to live and work there, and in Abu Dhabi, and while it was an unspeakably awful place — and I left and returned jobless to the UK rather than spend any further time there after a year and a half — this had nothing to do with my personal safety, as a very white-skinned redhead.

Were you imagining lascivious sheikhs chasing you in Lamborghinis and on camels, driven wild by your pallor?

Actually, if you're dim-witted enough to believe your friend rather than do basic research about the UAE off your own bat, then you’re unlikely to do your employer any favours there.

Ha ha 😆

Seriously?

You're not going to have made a very good impression with your bosses over this. They're going to think that you're incredibly ill-informed.

I would refuse to go the UAE myself, but it would be because of their horrific anti-gay laws and other human rights abuses.

@VivienScott

YANBU to not want to go. I wouldn't. If I was a single female travelling there. And that's my opinion and view. I have a right to that - as do you.

But you saying as a white, fair-skinned woman, you will be subjected to more hassle and harassment, is out of order, and will not go down well on here.

I'd report your own thread and ask for it to be removed if I were you.

I would refuse to go the UAE myself, but it would be because of their horrific anti-gay laws and other human rights abuses

That's entirely your choice if you're planning a holiday. But if your company does business in the UAE would you be prepared to resign? Or lose your job?

OP has taken a big risk in trying to refuse to go when it is a part of her job and is required of her. Especially when she's unwittingly made an idiot of herself, assuming she told them why she didn't want to go.

Another one who lived in Dubai. Not sure what you’re imagining, but as an expat, you’d be completely safe. Just don’t be the berk who goes to the mall in hotpants. Not that you’d get anything more than a horrified stare, but it’s embarrassing and rude.

This lady was just asking a question, okay it may sound ridiculous to some people, but not everyone is as widely travelled as some.
Why do some people on Mumsnet have to be so bloody rude and vindictive. Okay, her choice of words may not be to your liking but some of the comments are uncalled for. Get a fucking grip to those that have been horrid to her, okay call her out but some of you are just bullies

‘The lady’ was being spectacularly thick and implicitly racist.

The OP's friend reminds me of the friends of mine who, when I was about to travel to China independently ten years ago, suggested that I dye my hair black so that I didn't stand out (I'd be safer that way, apparently).