Dubai?

[Dixie]

I have this crazy notion to visit Dubai. Anyone been? What's it like? Is it saucy single female friendly, or tolerant? Do I have to wear a burka?

[911boost]

I’ve been a few times for work.

My sister has been and did not enjoy the experience from a woman’s perspective.

When I was there it was pretty worn down in places. There are many places I would rather go back too….

[Captain Ahab Jr]

Visited a couple of times in the mid-90's

Will be very different to back then

If you want a real taste of the Middle East, which Dubai isn't I can recommend Jordan or Oman

We did family driving tours around both, beautiful countries, very safe and extremely friendly too

[Magyar Kiwi]

Went there for a week in 2018, stayed with expat friends.
Interesting place:
Buses are segregated, women and children at the front, men at the back behind the little gate.
Metro has separate carriages for women and children.
Lots of building going; on new malls and apartment buildings.
Desert is barren as.
Super cheap petrol and diesel.
Malls are full of expensive designer boutique shops, brands I had never heard of.
Amazing buildings/modern architecture, including man made islands and the worlds tallest building.
Strict laws regarding expat purchase and consumption of alcohol.
Was told that any expat / foreigner problems with police they put you in jail and lawyer visits you in jail until problem is resolved.
Found it an interesting place to visit once.

[HardDrive]

Just spent the weekend with an Indian family that has lived there for 20 years. They like it, he’s an aircraft engineer for Emirates. My wife went recently and enjoyed herself. I’ve never heard much criticism other than it is a completely synthetic place.

[masraum]

I've never been, and I think it's the playground of the rich and famous. I would imagine that everything worth doing is probably expensive. I also personally, wouldn't want to provide any financial support (however meager mine contribution would be) to that sort of place.

[avi8torny]

I go there for work all the time. Meh… Save your money and go to another destination. It’s a financial center for the world and that’s it. You don’t have the freedoms like you do in the west. Overpriced and really nothing to do there.

As I travel a lot for work, a young couple asked if Egypt would be good for a honeymoon. Definitely not safe for the unknowing tourist, especially a young naive couple.

My pick would be a Med Cruise that hits Italy, Greece, Turkey and Spain. Or Ireland and Scotland. Couple days in Rome, Paris and London would do it also.

Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and Montana would be a good trip as well.

[Tishabet]

Meh, not a fave (though note it has been six years since my last visit). If you want to be a tourist in the Middle East visit Jordan, a much more interesting place IMHO.

[onewhippedpuppy]

My wife’s sister and her husband live in Qatar (oil and gas job) and have visited Dubai a couple of times. Her sister has said that outside of areas that are tailored to expats (like their condo complex) it’s best to go out with your husband. She doesn’t have to wear a burka but women are expected to dress conservatively. Drinking is allowed in your home or at western hotels if you aren’t Muslim. Overall she says it’s clean and safe but I think the experience is very dependent on where you go.

[stevej37]

Itchyboots has a couple episodes in season 1 from the UAE and Dubai.

[KFC911]

It's way too early to win crazy notion of the year .... but that's a good start

Next!

[RNajarian]

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.

[Bill Douglas]

GF said she got lots of comments like "Shouldn't your husband or your brother be escorting you around." She said she got a lot of filthy looks for being on her own.

She also said she wouldn't go back.

[Dixie]

Thanks guys. Things being segregated dampened my desire, but hearing it has a synthetic vibe dowsed any intrigue. It sounds Vegas-ish, and I don't particularly care for Vegas.

[Captain Ahab Jr]

Dixie, you're description of a Vegas by the sea is perfect, exactly how I described it to friends when they asked what was it like

I have been to Abu Dhabi too, on one trip, I won a limbo competition and was presented an award from the Crown Prince, both true stories true but no connection to each other

What sort of vibe are you looking for in a holiday destination, maybe we can throw some options for you to consider

[Rick Lee]

I was in Vegas a few weeks ago for the first time since before Covid. It is way more expensive than Switzerland was when I was there in July. The difference is, everything in CH felt like it was worth it. In LV, not so much.

[Captain Ahab Jr]

That's bad news, was planning on going to SEMA this year

[LakeCleElum]

I visited my friend who was there training Police. He was a retired Pollice from England. He told a story of a German couple that were jailed for kissing in public. Police are lazy and don't do much. Should up to work driving their Ferraris, etc.....Don't show up for work during Ramadan. As I was there during Ramadan, we had a difficult time going out to lunch. To go out, his wife had to change clothes that covered her arms and legs. Alcohol purchase is restricted and tracked. Hotel room had a camera in the TV to make sure I hadn't brought in alcohol. Weather hot and muggy. Crazy fast drivers. No need to go back.

[Aurel]

Try Qatar, our Indian friends told us it is much more worth it.

[speeder]

Why TF would anyone want to go there? I can't think of a single reason. I've heard of people going there to make money, can't they make a living in some better place? SMH...