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?

'Implicitly racist' is incorrect. Don't be a dick ffs

I really can't stand some people on Mumsnet for reasons stated before. Go and bury your heads back in the sand and find something better to do than slating people for the fun of it.

OP if you were going to Saudi or some of the less westernised ME countries you'd be justified in having concerns. Re DXB it's absolutely fine, you really have no concerns at all. It just takes a little adjustment to local customs and their ways of going about things, particularly in business. There's nothing to be majorly fearful of, the haters on Mumsnet are a whole different kettle of fish however!

I wouldn’t worry about kind

Do explain the non-racist thinking behind the OP’s fear that being a very light-skinned woman — not just a woman — was going to put her at particular risk in the UAE, @Hopingtobeamum.

@sorrowfulmystery that really depends on exactly where she was working in DXB and in particular what industry. We should be mindful of what people classify as being at risk.
I don't think you were being particularly helpful to the OP and were simply out to troll. If you have experience of working out in the ME then perhaps you could have been kinder and more helpful in your response. Such negativity isn't helpful or appreciated

@sorrowfulmystery. For example have you worked down at Jebel Ali port during the early hours of the morning? Please do share your experience, I'd love to know. Failing that please STFU and let this lady get some helpful advice

For example have you worked down at Jebel Ali port during the early hours of the morning?

Seems quite unlikely that OP was offered a job as a night-shift stevedore

@jimmy

@Hopingtobeamum, you seem very over-invested. The OP has had good advice, which is that her ‘security’ friend is talking out of his ass, and that she can go on her business trip to the UAE without her complexion putting her at risk.

I would not travel somewhere that women have so few rights. The western facade in tourist areas doesn’t protect you from being arrested for being raped. No company should be sending employees to a place like that.

I first went to Dubai in 1979 when it was a fishing village and regularly travelled there for Business meetings up until 2012. I never once had any kind of problem - went for meals alone in restaurants etc. Arrived at midnight and got taxi from airport to hotel and was never treated anything other than courteously. I definitely felt safer in Dubai than most big cities in UK.

@SorrowfulMystery on the contrary. I don't like people being persecuted for asking a question, however misinformed the tone of the question may have been.
I thought the purpose of Mumsnet is to be supportive and helpful.
I'll leave it there, some of us have more important things to do.
OP I hope you find the answer to your question. Good luck x

Another one who spent years in Oman and the UAE who thinks your security mate is talking out of his arse.

Absolutely hijacking this thread (sorry OP) but does anyone live/work in Kuwait? I am considering a job offer there - am in my late 20s, single and wondering what it is really like to live/work there? Thanks :)

Hopingtobeamum you dont get negative attention in Saudi either (in the big cities anyway) for being fair, and having your hair uncovered - or maybe I'm just to ugly to bother with.

tiutinkerbell start yourself a thread on the Living Overseas board. I'm sure you will find someone in Kuwait.

You are being ridiculous OP.

I’ve been to Dubai on business and few far safer there than in many parts of the UK.

If you were talking about going to sharjah then that would be different.

I would have a very poor opinion of you if I was your line manager and you used the above excuse for not wanting to go.

YABU - Dubai is fine. Having recently been to UAE I was also worried about going - Sharjah (no alcohol/conservative dress) is much more restrictive than Dubai and I still managed to enjoy it.

Just be sensible - with alcohol consumption/dress/how you greet people and other cultural issues, but Dubai is so full of western tourists/businesses that there should be no problem.

The rule at my work is that unless FO advise against travel we go.

www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/united-arab-emirates

Your appearance will be a benefit not a disadvantage. I live in the UAE and I can assure you, the whiter you are, the more respected. The UAE is not Saudi. Dubai has tourists running around in mini shorts (though I don't recommend that for respect reasons). You're safe there, trust me, I'd say your biggest concern would be not fitting in due to not being open minded.

You shouldn't have to go anywhere you don't want to. Personally is refuse to go anywhere that homosexuality is a crime.