The Arab Emirates: An Arabian fairy tale or a golden cage?

Arab Emirates - after reading these words, one immediately thinks of luxury and prosperity. It's a place where the smell of French perfume wafts from a passing Maybach, and flying to another country for dinner is just a normal day's routine. But there's another association, one that flies even faster than luxury living with cool cars, and that's the word: oil. A natural and, unfortunately, exhaustible resource that has given a second wind to more than one state.

And it seems to be the most classic economic success story, a state where one of the main sources of growth is a natural resource, at some point realized it is fabulously rich, why such a big introduction? Because that's the only thing the UAE has in common with other countries, otherwise it's a different reality.

In fact, for tourists, it is a jewel of a journey, another universe that is just longing for an adventure. Having seen a few videos or at least pictures of what the UAE has to offer, one wants to visit the Arabian fairytale at least once in their life, but is everything so rosy there, even for tourists?

Arriving in Abu Dhabi

Most likely it will be that city in which you start just to get acquainted with a new culture, usually those who are there for some time already notice that the ancient oriental traditions are maximally organically mixed with the newest technologies. I remember being in Abu Dhabi I was very impressed with the Louvre Museum in Abu Dhabi, first of all, the building itself (like you were in 3000 years), is fully saturated with all possible modern technology that exists, and at the same time - you see artifacts of the Persian Gulf, experience it live and you'll understand what I mean. By the way, to comfortably get to the same Louvre, you can take an Abu Dhabi airport transfer because there is always an English-speaking driver and reasonable prices.

So, you've arrived in Abu Dhabi, settled in hotels, or checked out the Louvre, now let's talk about the mentality and the inhibitions that apply even to tourists:

1) Less bare skin = better. So, this applies mostly to women (it's a common story in Arab countries), you put on a T-shirt with your cleavage showing and decide to walk to the mall. It's a very cool story but it is possible that you may be told to leave the mall because such attire may be misunderstood and considered offensive. Bottom line: tourists are expected to dress as close to modestly as possible.

2) Less affection and more seriousness. This applies to a man and a woman as a couple (some other couple option is not even considered in this country). Of course, there are some exceptional places and even with access to alcohol (this is mainly done for tourists) where you can show special attention to each other, but just in everyday places this situation can show you what a police station looks like.

3) Remove the camera. You should put your camera away 100% if an Arab woman might be in the shot, in fact, this is not the weirdest prohibition because even in European society you cannot photograph anyone you want if the person is against it. But it's a little stricter in the UAE, but if you get permission - this ban will not prevent you from taking pictures of some tourist spots.

4) Even on the internet, you won't hide. The internet is the same story as going out in some public place, but just doing it on a smartphone. And as a result, the rules are the same as in real life - you cannot write nasty things about a country, insult its inhabitants, and other relevant expressions. And one more piece of advice, even if there is some conflict in real life/online, just say how you like everything in the country and don't inflame the atmosphere. Don't speak ill of some tourist places and don't compare them in a bad way.

5) No respect for Islam = forbidden. If you have read to this point, thank you! Now for Islam, 96% of the UAE practice it, so if you consider all the prohibitions above and the punishment for them, it's not hard to guess what awaits you if you don't respect Islam. If you are a skeptic, atheist, agnostic, or whatever, that is your right, but in the UAE you have to keep those views to yourself and not even debate. Your arguments will alienate very much the local population and respect for you.

Remember that the name of Allah is sacred, be careful about using magazines or newspapers with his name on them (no need to wrap anything in them, etc.), and respect Ramadan. It is not necessary to take part in this holiday as Muslim, but being in the UAE during this time you should not drink, smoke or eat in public in the morning and at lunchtime (while it is still light), be modestly dressed, and preferably not wearing makeup. And special attention to dancing and loud music - it is forbidden.

If you have read straight to this point, thank you twice! The article gives the basics to help avoid problems. Naturally, there are more rules and life is different for locals. So based on the title of our article, the UAE has a tool for luxury living - but it's used differently.