I spent quite a bit of time flying in and out of Al Minhad Air Base.
The stories (good and bad) I could tell . . .
One thing we taught the young troops is “You’re NOT in Kansas anymore.”
One young airman flew in with me commercial to Abu Dhabi. While going through customs the guard flagged his green military “C” bag because his wife had put hot pink scarves on the handles for easy baggage identification. The guard thought the young airman had obviously stolen the “C” bag from a women because of the hot pink scarves. The airman got angry, belligerent and began to make a scene. I grabbed the airman and reminded him if he didn’t calm down and cooperate he would rot in an Emerati prison since we didn’t have a Status of Forces agreement with the UAE.
On January 1, 2003 a young Canadian medic was returning back to Dubai from Abu Dhabi where he had transported a Canadian soldier for emergency surgery the day before. The soldier received the surgery and was stable. Despite being absolutely exhausted from the entire ordeal the medic decided to return to Dubai at 3 am. Being physically exhausted and likely malnourished he weaved a little on the highway. An Emirati law enforcement official seeing this pulled him over for DUI. He had NOT been drinking and passed the field sobriety test (breathalyzer and the Walk and Turn test) with no problem. Unsatisfied with the result, the LEO returned him to the hospital where they drew blood to see his blood alcohol level. While they waited for the results he was put in jail. His blood alcohol level came back 0.0. Despite NOT being intoxicated they charged him with reckless driving, the trial was three days later where he was found guilty and sentenced to 9 months in jail. The Canadian Government was in a pickle because they needed access to the base they were using in Dubai to support operations in Afghanistan. After 3 months in the harshest of prison conditions the Emiratis agreed he would be released if he received 25 lashes. The soldier agreed, however, after the 18th lash he passed out from the pain and was unconscious for the remaining 7 lashes. The Emiratis decided since he was unconscious for the final 7 lashes he did not comply with the agreement and they returned him to prison to finish the remainder of his 9 month sentence. At this point the Canadian Government became more firm with the Emiratis and demanded the soldier’s release. After a month the Emiratis agreed and he was released. He developed scars all across his back from the lashes. I’ve got a photo I can dig out if anyone is interested.
These stories are not meant to in anyway demean or offend the Emiratis or their culture. Just remember, “You’re not in Kansas anymore.”
I can also tell you stories of how nice and accommodating the people are in the UAE, but keep in mind it is a crime to insult the Royal Family or speak ill of them.
Would I go back, Yes, but should you decide to go please learn a little about their culture. Don’t wave with your left hand. Don’t let them see the bottom of your shoes, dress modestly ,and if you drive, make sure your car is clean. It is illegal to have a dirty car there. You will get a ticket.
You’re not in Kansas anymore.
