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What happens in Dubai stays in Dubai (Dubai's jails, that is)
Just read an interesting dispatch from Britain's The Observer on the recent jailings of expats in Dubai. We've covered Poppy-gate and other unfortunate brushes with the law in Dubai, but this article really gives you a clear picture of the two worlds in this emirate: the intolerant Islamic society backed by Sharia law and the Wild West of Britain (and plenty of other nations looking to capitalize on the Middle East).Surprisingly, what many of us do not hear about are the quintessential subdivisions and shopping malls that seem to be lifted straight out of Middle America. Granted, there are plenty of weird and awesome hotels down the block. I've been thinking about moving to Dubai for a year or two--seems like a good jumping off point to the Middle East--but given the unfortunate legal tangles recently, maybe I should reconsider?
Filed under: United Arab, Middle East
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Nick Hawkins Oct 6th 2008 3:22PM
You should be fine, provided you don't act like a jackass.
nzm Oct 6th 2008 3:32PM
Why does everyone get so hysterical about Dubai?
What happened with Michelle and Vince with their episode of supposed sex on the beach is still conjecture and yet to be decided by the Dubai courts - the trial has been delayed for various reasons.
However, ask yourself this question: how many countries in the world would be tolerant of a couple having sex on the beach if they were caught? Wouldn't it be regarded as indecent exposure in a lot of countries?
I lived in the UAE for 3 years and it's an amazing and awesome place to live in - we wish that we were still there and insh'allah, we'll have the opportunity to go there again when the time is right for us.
Yes, they have some wacky rules - but hey, it's their country. I can think of a few wacky rules that could have you locked up in certain US states too!
Jerry - like any country you want to consider moving to, do your homework on it first. Visit the place, talk to people already living there, do the maths to ensure that it's worth your while - and if it is, then go! But don't take your advice from newspaper articles (such as The Observer piece) which nowadays pass for serious news when all they really portray is sensationalism, half-baked truths and the same-old-same-old tripe which every hack seems to trot out about Dubai after they've visited the place for 5 days and think that they know it all.
Jerry Oct 7th 2008 2:07AM
Thanks for clearing up some of the misconceptions. Would love to go and in fact, I applied for a few jobs there!
nzm Oct 7th 2008 3:55AM
If you want some advice or info on the country, feel free to email me!
matdxb(at)freenet.de
cheers
nzm
thiefhunter Oct 6th 2008 7:21PM
I'm in Dubai often. Going again this Wednesday. Best thing about Dubai is the Indian food—better than in India, say the local Indians, because the ingredients are better quality. And the best thing about the Indian food in Dubai is the South Indian... the dosai. I could live on them.
I'll post about dosai soon in my own blog, Thiefhunters in Paradise, http://bobarno.com/thiefhunters
zip Oct 7th 2008 2:20AM
"However, ask yourself this question: how many countries in the world would be tolerant of a couple having sex on the beach if they were caught? Wouldn't it be regarded as indecent exposure in a lot of countries?"
I don't think they were having sex in broad daylight among sunbathers.
I cannot think of any civilized western country where having sex on an empty beach would get you jailed. Fined MAYBE, but in most places you would just be told to find a better place for your activities.
Besides, in this case one major issue is also the fact that this couple wasn't married to each other. Having sex outside marriage is a big no-no, especially for the women.
nzm Oct 7th 2008 8:11AM
Zip:
Dubai is civilised, but it is NOT a western country and that's where many people fall over when it comes to being in the UAE.
It is the most "western" of the Middle East countries, but it is still an Islamic country with Sharia law for muslim citizens as well as laws for all residents which are a mix of Sharia law derivatives and common western law. You cannot be tried in a Sharia court if you aren't muslim.
Not only did Vince and Michelle allegedly flaunt the rules about unmarried sex and in a public place, they were also drunk after a boozy brunch at a local hotel - another big no-no is to be drunk in public.
The beach on which they were caught is a VERY public beach which is busy at any time as it is one of the few remaining free beaches in Dubai. We lived right on this particular beach which is called Um Suqeim or Sunset Beach. It's THE beach from which to view the iconic Burj Al Arab Hotel. On the weekends it is packed out - no matter what time of the day or night. Families are picnicking and BBQ-ing on it all the time, and it is well policed with marked police vehicles parked on the sand most of the time.
I have to question the actions of people who believe that they can get away with this behaviour in public when they are in countries where it is not welcomed. Not only is it disrespectful but it also shows a lack of judgement and general intelligence. There is no excuse for ignorance when it comes to travelling to foreign countries and not being aware of the local laws - especially in these days when the internet readily supplies this info for those who seek it out.
As a gay couple, we lived there without any issues. We were discreet and respectful of the country in which we were living. We made no effort to bring attention to ourselves and we made many friends including muslims and Emiratis who didn't give a damn about us being gay and accepted us for who we are and welcomed us into their homes. We certainly didn't have sex on the beach and never were we drunk in public. It's people like Vince and Michelle publicly doing these things who get into trouble, as did the 2 lesbians who were caught making out on a beach in Abu Dhabi.
The UAE is an interesting study in what is a struggle between maintaining their Islamic values while catering to an increasing population of non-muslim residents. They don't always get it right. However, if you respect the country and its laws, you'll be ok, and that actually applies to all countries, doesn't it?
Justin Glow Oct 7th 2008 9:15AM
Strange.