After having lived in Dubai since 1997 & having friends that have lived here twice as long, I have realised that life here really is a "protected bubble", with its censored media & society's own unspoken rules, and why the first thing everyone asks is: "Where are you from?" 1. Unspoken law: A UAE National (=Local) will get-away with many things that expatriates would be fined/jailed for. Example: speeding, reckless driving, parking tickets, bar-brauls, etc. And note this: a women, if molested, can defend herself & even hit the guy. The boyfriend/husband however, better keep his hands in his pockets. Generally, the hundreds of nationalities living together in Dubai reside in a relatively peaceful & accepting existence; just make sure you know the rules... 2. Unspoken law: (for women) If a man "hits"' on you, telling him you are married will usually not have much effect... many Arab/Muslim men seem to think that because Westerners are "allowed" to have sex before marriage, have boyfriends/girlfriends & because women are allowed to go out alone, we don't really care about marriage & will cheat whatever chance we get (some of them have been watching too much "Sex in the City"...) So Ladies, be painfully direct: "I am not interested in you. I don't like you. Leave me alone. 3. Dubai Police: The boys in green seem to implement the country's laws in accordance with what mood they are in. If they are in a bad mood, just shut up & don't argue. Also, it's a problem that many officers do not speak sufficient English. It always helps to know some Arabic or have a friend who does. (Strangely enough: if you speak Arabic they immedidately lighten-up and sometimes even let you off...) 4. Unspoken law: In the public, women do receive a huge amount of respect in the Middle East. You may notice this when queueing and being asked to step before all the men waiting...
5. City of Eternal Youth: One of the rarest sights in Dubai is old people. It is as if they barely exist. Old grannies & grandads - they are not part of this surreal, youth-obsessed world. Elderly expats don't exist here because work visas expire at age 60 (bar a few rare exceptions). The only senior citizens one ever sees are elderly parents visiting their expat-children for a week in the sun. It can be quite startling to see a couple of silver-haired seniors after months of seeing nobody past middle age... Elderly Locals are just as rare. There are some older emirati ladies around the shopping malls, but they tend to wear the traditional "bronze-effect" face mask, so any wrinkled faces are hidden away. Who can tell if they're fifty or ninety? As for old Emirati men - perhaps they prefer the quiet and privacy of their villas, away from the alien, modern world that has invaded theirs. 6. "Sophisticated Racism" Dubai society can be described as "sophisticated racism": Western expatriates are respected less (& paid less!) than Locals, but are generally treated better (& paid more) than Asian expatriates (Philipinos, Indians, Pakistanis). Brits (well, the English) are nowadays being regarded as "snobby" by many Locals - after all: they colonised this country once... If you are Scottish, Irish, German or Swiss, Arabs usually loooove you! Many Arabs holiday in Germany/Switzerland or send their children there for school. 7. Seeing & being Seen: Dubai is the Los Angeles of the Gulf. Dubai has its share of sad "trend setters". For them it's all about being seen in the right place, at the right time, with the right people. Also, Dubai is a "coffee culture": People always meet in cafes, and the city get's very crowded during lunch-hours and on Fridays. Dubai has many nice cafes, especially in Jumeirah along the Beach Road. Sorry if you think that this tip isn't "politically correct"... reality rarely is.
Hi guys! I found this thread with experiences from other expatriates on Gulfnews - this should answer some of your question
Clubbers in Dubai have claimed that they are often turned away from some nightspots because of their race.
Many Dubai residents have stories about being refused entry to various clubs in the city because it is 'couples and reservations only', and a recent Gulf News online poll revealed that 70 per cent of people thought they had been turned away from a club due to racism.
Club and bar owners in Dubai deny that they have racist policies - some saying that groups of men often cried racism after being denied entry, others said they were often too busy to let people in.
Do you think some clubs in Dubai have racist policies? Do you think you've been turned away from a bar because of your race? Are people using the race card simply because they've been refused entry? What can be done to alleviate any problem that may exist?
Thank you for your response. This topic is now closed. No more emails will be published on this page
Last night my friend and I were refused entry to a club for no apparent reason. First they said it was a private graduate party, but then they let some Europeans in. Little did the bouncer know that I was in fact a guest of the graduate party, however they did not care. I think the policy of the night club makes me sick; I’m an Indian who’s been in London, Australia and California for the past six years and I have never experienced such treatment.
Abhijeeth
By email
Bouncers are not only racist, but they are also rude. If the argument is don't blame the bouncers they are working under management orders, then I believe that they have also been told to treat any dark skinned men, i.e. Arab, Asian or African, like an animal, while they graciously open the door to any white clubbers. Not only do we get refused entry, but they stand 'in your face' with a disgusted look on their face. Once we were not allowed in and left outside the club for being an uneven ratio of males to females, five guys and three girls. They claimed it was couples entry only and during our argument three young, white lads walked right in and received a smile on their way. It's outrageous, just disgusting. Have we forgotten where we are? Last time I checked this wasn’t London or Berlin or Paris, but an Arab/Asian country.
Anonymous
By email
As an Indian born in Dubai and having lived in Dubai my entire life, but currently residing in Australia, I have seen both sides of the proverbial river. I can safely say that I have yet to face racism in Australia, but while in Dubai it was almost a daily occurrence. In Dubai racism is prevalent; it seems to be encouraged and segregation enforced, for example the discrimination that occurs when attending/entering night clubs and this it just the tip of the iceberg.
Anonymous
By email
I'm a black African and when I was in Dubai I was turned away from several nightclubs and it was obvious to me that it was because of my race. I was also almost in a fight for just trying to speak to a woman in Dubai. Some men did not take kindly to me speaking to an Arab woman and threatened me with violence. We must stick together to some degree or the Europeans will destroy us both.
James
By email
Clearly racism is part and parcel of life, as anybody living in the UAE should know. You just have to pick up the classifieds to know what I am talking about. Anyway, I would think that this is a much more serious issue for a progressive society than being barred from clubs. We all know what half of them are like anyway. Trust me, you are not missing much.
Jabber
By email
Racism exists in Dubai's nightclubs but I would not say to a large extent. I've frequented numerous clubs in the past but have been turned away only thrice from three different clubs. Quite obviously, the rejections were race-based. How else could one explain a no-stags policy when hoardes of White men are allowed in at the same time? What else would you understand when you are not let in since you have no reservations or you are not a guest while other nationalities are given entry without a whimper? But please don't blame the bouncers...they are under the management's orders. Racism is not only obvious at the entry point, some clubs have the serving staff instructed not to entertain certain race so that they don't stick in there for long. I guess, they are only trying to create a perfect world! On a positive note, there are so many wonderful nightclubs waiting with their arms wide open and they even entertain better.
Rizwan
Dubai
Racism does exist in clubs in Dubai. The bouncers often give a suspicious look to certain 'Dubai residents' from an Asian decent. I have myself faced this. I think its time tht the management of these places take a note of this and understand that these groups are large in numbers and may even contribute more to their bottom line numbers (if given a chance) than the other expats.
Anand
by email
Hello, I'm born Canadian of African/Arab roots who looks Indian and I'll vouch for the comments above there is huge racism in clubs here. If I go to the pub with my white friends they bend over backwards to welcome me in but if I'm meeting them inside or come on my own there are instances where they won't let me in. I was at a bar in Bur Dubai, was a regular there for a few months (no longer) went in with my girlfriend they asked for her ID after looking at it and seeing her nationality they said 'no I'm sorry reservations only' and then let the five white people behind us go in no questions asked. So I'm sorry there is blatant racism here, no question. Dubai has changed considerably and the colour of your skin is not indicative to your income or education level and it is about time that people realize this.
Fayz
Dubai
Every time. That's how many times we face racism in UAE's Nightclubs. Even though I am fair, and most of my friends are from India, we (mixed groups) are denied entry at Dubai and Abu Dhabi nightclubs. It's absolutely ridiculous. Sometimes we flash stacks of money to show these bouncers that we are monetarily eligible to be entertained at their nightclubs. Its embarrassing. My boyfriend personally tips the bouncers 100 bucks to remember his group of friends. How sad is that? DTCM needs to take severe action. We Indians have the money to buy you guys out and yet they treat us like trash. And if you ask any Indian, they will tell you the same thing, "Yeah! Only reservations or guests are allowed". But then you see flocks of white stags and couples walking in. It's frustrating and extremely embarrassing. Look at the nightclubs in Toronto or NYC. 100 times better than Dubai's nightscene and yet very gracious to every colour of human race that walks in.
Emilie
Dubai
I think this whole article is shameful and should not have been published. The racism in this country is probably the lowest in the world. And all I see this article doing is firing-up racism between people and encouraging it even further. From my point of view, nightclubs are private businesses and not some sort of public parks made to amuse the public. The owners have every right to let-in or stop people in whichever way they see serves the interest of the business. I hope not to see such articles in your newspaper in the future as it is only gives negative impressions about your newspaper and the country.
Hani
by email
Once, a friend and I were walking in to a club on Shaikh Zayed Road. Prior to walking in, we were talking in Arabic, then to our surprise the bouncer wouldn't let us in! He said only couples are allowed (the oldest excuse in the book). To our amazement, two guys walk past and go in without hesitation, why? Well because they were blonde haired guys speaking in a heavy British accent. After yelling and screaming, we told him we are Lebanese and proud, but to make them feel stupid, I took out my Australian passport, and my friend took out his Canadian passport. That's right, I was born in Australia and my friend in Canada, even though this, i am not ashamed of my roots and heritage. To make things worse, he said that, "I didnt know you were foreign". They begged us to go in, but my pride was worth more than a glass of beer.
Elmo
Dubai
I do understand the reason for an enterprise to maintain the male to female ratio in a night club, but blatant discrimination is certainly not the remedy. If companies recruiting in the UAE can boldly state the nationality of the candidate they are seeking, then I don't see anything wrong for a nightclub to clearly state who their target audience is. It's high time they clean up their act. They welcome everyone on a weekday, when business is low and then keep the same client out during the weekends, when they wish to patronise a particular section of the people. Ridiculous.
Arjun
Dubai
DUBAI - Welcome to the ultimate sociopolitical model for the 21st century: a Blade Runner-esque melting pot of neo-liberalism and "subterranean" economy, Sunni Arab Islam and low taxes, souks and artificial islands, a giant warehouse and a tourist paradise, life in the fast lane and post-modern slavery. The model spells out an apolitical, consumer-mad, citizenship-free society.
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Only 25% of the multicultural 2.4 million people living in the UAE are citizens - or "nationals", as they are known in local lingo. In Dubai they represent only 15%. No wonder Dubai boasts no fewer than 85 foreign private schools.
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Racism in Dubai - as in the US south - is pervasive, but off-limits to discussion, even as the fragile social pact between citizens and foreign residents, which in essence means "shut up and do your job", is faltering. A 15% minority could not possibly impose either its language or religion on a cosmopolitan majority - especially when religion is the Wahhabi interpretation of Islam. Thus (Western and Arab) men can get drunk in licensed bars, pubs and restaurants and (Western only) women can wear bikinis on the beach.
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Unelected male elders of a single ruling family may control it with no opposition, Asians may be treated as no more than slaves, and Dubai remains in essence a protectorate
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The social pyramid in Dubai is unforgiving. At the base is the average construction worker, inevitably South Asian, either Pakistani or Indian. He's invisible. But he and his fellow workers now comprise an astonishing 80% of the UAE's population. Human Rights Watch has repeatedly complained that this archetypal construction worker is never treated like a human being. But the UAE power structure couldn't care less.
He has no rights. Trade unions are banned. If he speaks up, he's instantly deported.
Dubai is a racist country mainly to South Asians. If you are white than i doubt you will experience any! As a Pakistani I have experienced it on numerous occasions. I have had the couples only excuse many times, but then seen either an arab or a white person walk straight in! Protesting gets you nowhere if you are South Asian! I once got into a verbal argument with an Englishman in a night club, but the bouncers came rushing towards me and threw me out and they let the white Englishman in. I dont even think they questioned him, this was blatant racism. It is disgusting and needs to stop! They the arabs even look at south asians in a disgustfull way! On one occasion i was arrested and the policeman who looked like Saddam hussain gave me the most evil look, like I was scum. I worked in Dubai for two years but i will never go there again!
It is a big shame that these arabs are so racist, but they will not succeed if they continue to behave so badly. Pakistanis and Indians are technologically more advanced than any arab country. South Asians are not racist like the bloody arabs! I have returned to Pakistan in the Punjab region. Even as a minority Pakistani Sikh, I can say i havent once got any racism from my Pakistani muslim brothers. South asians are more hardworking than the lazy arabs! Once their oil runs out they will come crying to the south asians!
Hello i am from the Philipenes and I have lived in Dubai for three years now. I have to say that I havent experienced any racism. I find the local people kind and hospitable. Despite this I have witnessed on occasion some negative behaviour by some locals towards Indian and Pakistani people. What the reason is I cannot say, but in the most part people are very kind and helpfull. I would encourage anyone who wanted to work or live here to do so. Everything is is first class. I have lived in other major cities such as London and Madrid, and I can tell you there is more racism in those places than there ever has been in Dubai!
I think us English would do well to follow the lead of the Arabs of Dubai by the sound of things. We should take a leaf from their book and not tolerate the arrogance and deceitfullness shown by many people of Pakistan and India who live in this country! I have had many clashes with them due to their arrogance and unreasonableness, not to mention their slyness. So the fact that they are on the recieving end of some due punishment makes me smile. This is opposed to this leniant country which is in fear of anything that sounds anti ethnic. Which results in an ethnic population (specifically Asians) feeling they can do what they want when they want at other peoples expense and get away with it.
I'm an American journalist and I would like to share my experience.
I agree racism exists in Dubai and so does in US. I am not sparing US, coz I dont want to look like a patriot.
What amazes me is that unlike US, racism in Dubai is ubiquitous. People are not afraid, it's a crime in US, but is part of life in Dubai. It's everywhere. Once I went to dubai trade center (during trading hours), my Arabs friends start bragging how good a broker they are, how charming and caring they are by kissing on my nose among other things.
Then I went to a coffee shop with a broker and was amazed to see how he treated a fillipino steward. It nearly shocked me, the place was full with Arab people with traditional white dress. Everyone ignored it, however, I couldn't. I asked him if he has problem with that gal. His reply: "Harbibi, Welcome to Dubai". He went on to tell me that Indians, Pakistani, Chinese and Fillipinos are coming to his country and their culture is diminishing.
I asked him, what difference will it make if he yell at her. With all innocence and pride he said this is his country and not hers. Even I'm NOT an emirati but he was treating me good.
I was with this guy for next 25days doing my research on capital market in dubai. Whenever I got spare time, I would go to pubs and hv a lot of fun, met good journalists from different parts of the world, did lot of activities. I tried to stay away from him as much as I can, and I'm glad. Dubai doesnt have anything new to offer, I have everything here in NYC. You definitely wont find a friend there.
I grew in Dubai and attended a foreign British school there, all the way from Primary till the of High School last year. Being Pakistani initially,I came across a lot of racism from my local classmates. This was mainly due to the prevailing environment in most local extended families. Almost all of them were from royal families or from very influential local families.
However as time went on I managed to befriend most of them as they learnt that we weren't at all that different, as I was Sunni and had an Arab last name. But this didn't hold for the few Indians and Sri Lankans in the school, who were regularly bullied.
From my experience, the locals have a unique ability to dislike any person at all due to his family, race, religion. This holds true for locals from Abu Dhabi being prejudiced against locals from Ras al Khaimah. Or locals from some families being made fun of because of their family name or locals bullying Lebanese, Egyptian or Palestinian people. Some of the locals I knew also had an intense dislike for "khal"s or black people and were particularly vocal about it.
I once came across a guy boasting about how he had run over an Indian and gotten away with it because of his 'wasta' or connections. This guy was about 16 and therefore driving without a license and I was made sure of that he wasn't lying about his claims.
My white male friends enjoyed taking part in this racism and it dominated most of the conversations the locals would have with each other and with the white guys. To their credit, most of the white girls in my school discouraged this racist attitude as much as they could.
A note to white girls AND guys, NEVER get into a car with arabs you have never met before, no matter how insitent they are.
To Tom Zrike
U said it mate.I too had a similiar experience,i have never come across this sort of a treatment to especially asians in our part of the world.When questioned they put it across like Habibi they are a bunch of craps n worth only this treatment,I wouldnt say all arabs are racist but a huge 85% are.Especially the youngsters,they are rich and arrogant,dont know wht human values are .I simply can put it that even world class education wouldnt reform them as it runs in their blood,They are bunch of shit!!!.Never would want to go back to tht place called Dubai anymore!!!
Have you ever thought that UAE belongs to arabs and Europeen are just guest here. They provide you with best job, opportunities and still you insult them. Shame on you. Back in your western country have you seen how you threat people or have you forgot it. Off course people from UAE has right to do what ever they whant in their country. You europeen junk are only guest here and accept it. In your country you look at all muslims and arabs as a terrorist. So you mean that they can even decide in their own country. If they have rasistic behaviuor, that's because they have see what you treat people in your country. So shut up and do your job like other nationalities, like indian, philipnes and... And if you don't like it here, please get the hell out of Dubai, nobody ask you to be here.
Well, i have a interview with a company to take a job as a civil engineer, and i want to know how is the work enviroment for latin guys. Especially on the construction area.
I was extremely stunned as it came to me as a shock this afternoon in a supermarket parking area when an educated Emirati lady stepped out of her car and started abusing with racist comments when I parked my car next to her car. I presume she wanted to take her car out first (however without proper indication) and felt for some odd reason had the first right to move out before someone could occupy the neighbouring parking space (not her's). Since there were cars in queue behind mine I couldn't stay for long so I moved into her neighbouring parking space to park mine. She was impatient and was extremely impolite and started abusing Indians in general. Some of her comments to which we (I, my family, few shoppers at the parking lot) were party to were extremely derogatory to the community
Despite my attempts to be polite she persisted on her abusive remarks. And since I condemned her racist comments she put up a stunt as if she was calling police or the supermarket security to resolve the issue. However, none turned up for about 15 minutes and as she realised that I was prepared to face the police with facts, she immediately moved out of parking lot but not before making a note of my car registration number and threatening me that she is a "big shot" and could ruin my life in Dubai if she wanted to but would spare me as I have a family.
For once, I don't think she is a "Big Shot" as she doesn't behave like one and her attitude towards fellow residents and her ignorance about the expat community's contribution to UAE Economy only proves her illiterate. This incident came to me as a surprise as I never ever imagined being a victim of racism in a cosmopolitan city like Dubai.
I'm sure this is not an isolated incident and was pondering over how people deal with such situations? Are there any legal solutions as this is more a social problem? How are authorities dealing with such situations and what sort of education is happening to Locals and expats?
If this is a treatment to an educated polite person like me what would be the condition of those thousands of semi-skilled & unskilled expatriate human resources who are building up this nation.
I think this feeling of insecurity among select locals about other nationalities existence in their country need to be taken seriously and dealt with proper education to ensure an amicable social environment in this country considering the pace of developments which will only complicate situation.
I have read all those messages. And I have to say all are right. Definitely there is racism in Dubai as there is EVERYWHERE in the world. I am German, 20 years young and living for two years in Dubai. But I have to tell you that there is absolutely less racism than there is in Germany. I loved the post from Carl (2nd reply) because it is really 100% accurate. I have to say it depends where and with whom you are staying / spending your day / working / living with. There are snobbish Emiratis and snobbish British. But I have never seen a snobbish Phillipino. From all the nationalities in Dubai I prefer the Phillipino. They are so peaceful and they are very simple, also they are the "higher class workers" often very good educated. But I would suggest Tom to wait to go to Dubai. Dubai is still in progress (construction everywhere, chaos in the streets) And the infrastructure can barely stand on its feet. You can absolutely not rely on ANY bus in Dubai. Meetings are often postponed because of traffic congestions, rush-ours are horrible. But this all will change. Dubai once, will become the center of our planet. I am absolutely sure. Everything in Dubai is over-the-top and so modern, just imagine Dubai is barely 30 years old. HH Sheikh Mohammad, Ruler of Dubai said Dubai reached 7% of his vision he planed for Dubai. Imagine what more to come. I love Dubai.
i love dubai ive been ther many times and iam arabian. its thier country they do what they want when they want. you indiens can go back to bombay and go to ypur clubs thier they always let me in lollllllll,maybe your to ugly.
Hi, Dubai is racist, but the racism can be summarized by this menomic: If you're white, it's all right, if you're black stay back. Bottom line: White caucasians from Europe/USA will experience some racism, but the expatriate packages will make it worth while. Make sure you get as much money as you possibly can. You're not going to mix with the natives - you won't like them. To my fellow South Asians who work in the US, my advice is stay away. After living in a liberal and tolerant society like America we take equality and decency for granted. But the Arabs will treat us with contempt. As a Muslim, I would rather work for an Israeli company since they know how to treat one with respect (they are equally harsh to everyone) than in an Arab country. Salaam.
When people of a society are uncivlized or racist, money will only take them so far.
Arabs make me sick, they are responsible for most problems facing muslims on the planet today.
Arabs are terrorists as in Osama Bin Ladin and have created hatred for Muslims and the West, however Arabs are only 40% of Muslims.
Very soon, other Muslim countries will become strong and these shameful Arabs who bend over backwards for christian Europeans and the Western white skin will come to their senses.
Stupid Arabs, you should thank the oil in the ground, 30 years ago your grandfathers were petty pirates robbing seafarers.
Out of all nationalities on the planet, i think Arabs are the worst, they are rude, racist and stupid, if not for oil they would still be living in tents taking adump in the sands, very soon they will return to the sand.
To my fellow Pakistani brothers and sisters (and to fellow South Aisans as well) I want to give you a little bit of well intentioned advice. As with any nation or culture you should be ready to run into differences when away from home.
You should not and cannot reasonably expect to be treated fair when that is something that no one in their own nation can expect at all times, regardless of where you live on the planet and I have traveled to almost all the continents you will not find perfection. Come on be honest, is this not why you left your country? because your homeland could not give you what your host country is offering you?
My advice is to act like guests at all times, not sometimes, you must respect the host country, it is their country, their rules and their laws, leave your own rules behind if they clash with the local laws and rules, sure we as South Asians are very warm and hospitable, but that is no reason to expect or to demand reciprocity, that will come naturally if you behave nicely, during my travel to Dubai, Saudia I mostly met very hospitable people. I think people will react to the way you behave, if you walk around with a chip on your shoulder or act foolish, then obviously it is their country and they will reciprocate in a defensive/offensive manner. So suppress any feeling of anger, arrogance, hostility, overly unreasonable expectations and you will be fine.
Don’t ever forget you are ambassadors of your nation, and how you act, speak and react with locals in foreign lands directly reflects on your nation. So I stress again and again, be very respectful to the local laws and traditions, do not break and local taboos, and please just because you are on vacation or away from home does not mean you can act silly, act the way you would in front of your family back home in your native country.
Any nation that is generous enough to allow you to stay in their country, to live, work and earn a decent living to support your families back home, deserves your highest respect. If you still don’t like it, don’t act stupid, just go back home or to some new country, Allah SWT has made this planet very big and there are many places where you could be a better fit. Dont be like some nationalities I know who have been refugees in Pakistan for over 30 years but still hate Pakistan and demand things that even poor Pakistanis dont get. Dont be like them, thankless....Always be thankful, they dont owe you anything, just remember that.
Finally, never forget to thank your hosts, invite them to dinners, or a cup of coffee, don’t remain segregated or it may also offend your hosts, make an effort to make friends with the locals, and do it with sincerity and not with any guile in mind.
Finally, before you leave or while you are there, remember to do something positive for the host nation, whether spending some free time with charity work, or donating to a needy cause, or helping make the host country strong in some way. Be loyal to the host country who trusted you and allowed you to their country, remember you are guests and only guests, act and behave like guests and you will be treated like guests. If you act like robbers or thieves or gangsters, then be prepapred to be dealt with as such. I pray our young Pakistani educated people would make a shining example in every country they live and work in.
Well said. From your post it's obvious that you are thoughtful and mature gentleman. I think the problem comes when people respect and act decently towards others but receive nothing but contempt in return. If more people had your attitude, we would not be having this discussion. Until then, these types of posts serves as a cathartic function for many of us. Best rgds. siddique
I have been living in Dubai for half year only. I think racism really exists in this country as any country of the world. But it depends to the person itself. If the person patient, educated, and has a good manner he or she will be treated according to his or her action.As most of the people in here came from other countries, in most cases you do not deal with Arabs, you don't even see them in some places. And I really appreciete Tariq's comments. We are guests in this country and we have to act like a guest.
From what I have read, Dubai doesn't seem to be a good place for black or non-Arab people to live. I am a black Muslim woman who wears a head scarf. I am also a divorced woman with a young daughter. Currently, I live in New York, USA. I was considering moving to Dubai to have a better life. I am a technical writer. I was wondering how I would be treated as a black African woman with US citizenship in an IT job in Dubai. Are there any other black women who can give me some information about how black women are treated in Dubai, especially black Muslim women who wear head scarves.?
YOU ALL ARE FOOLS AND DUMB THE ANSWER IS SIMPLY DONT LIKE THEN GO BACK TO YOUR DIRTY HOLE YOU WHITE AND DUMB SOUTH ASIANS WERE NOT LEAVING IN TENTS ANYMORE WE HAVE VILLAS MORONS THE PAST IS THE PAST, GET OVER IT. THE U.A.E GOVERMENT NEEDS TO EMPLOY MORE ARABS FROM THE MIDDLE EAST AND HAVE YOU PEOPLY CLEAN ARE CARS AND HOMES!!!!!! REALTY DOES HEART DOES'NT "DXB " HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
... I think your comment is priceless. Let me introduce:
Buying a computer and subscribe to high-speed internet connection .................... 50 $ a month
Setting up a web site for foreigners to get to known to different life styles and cultures .............. 20 $ a month
Talking about how primitive and racist the arabs are while sitting in the job .................... 15 $ / hour
Seeing one camel jockey coming onto that web site and just clearly underlining what people around the world are talking about and pulling down the whole arabic "educated"-world...............PRICELESS
Arabs are definitely primitive. But I have been around with christian arabs, they seem really more educated and more advanced than monkey-muslim-arabs. I think there is a connection between Islam and Education.
There is no racism in Dubai or the UAE. Ther are hundreds of nationalities who live in peace and tranquility in Dubai. If you don't like it go back to your country and stop making comments like these. You have god jobs here and you have comfortable life, which you cannot have either in the UK, US or any other place in he world. This is the best country in the world that is why americans british and europeans come here.
People from Europe do not come to Dubai because life is better. That is completely wrong. Of course life in Europe is better, especially in Germany, UK or even the US. The thing is, that Emiratis pay us a lotttttttttttttt of money to do them things they cannot do with their small brain. A Sales Executive is being paid almost tripple than in his / her home country. It is just the money and maybe the good weather. But to say that the UAE is the best country in the world sounds like a joke. Do you know how small UAE is? And how even smaller Dubai is? Dubai is like a shopping mall in the US. Best place to live is either in Germany or in the US. I would prefer the US. In the US you have EVERYTHING you want. Desert, High Rise, Snow, Countrty, or Superlative. Just everything. But still UAE has the best ruler in the world. On that I do agree.
Jonathan, exactly what part of the Uk are you from? did one indian/pakistani upset you and you ve decided that they re ALL sly and deserve punishment? or your ve had several experiences over your life?
Im white british and only last week had my house broken in and destroyed by a white man, a local murder of a teen- by a white man, fri night alcohol assaults in the town centre every week- all white folks....
funny overall if we look at britain's majority criminal "sly" chracters they re actually more white folks that any other enthnicity .... why arent we shouting out for worldwide punishment for us "white folks"
GROW UP- we are ALL human- hence be it white, black, brown etc we all make mistakes, we re all not perfect, we re all going to have bad experiences with each other as PEOPLE - hence dont go blaming a particular race or ethnicity.
Shame on you Jonathan- you give a bad name to our country
My dear mates....First to introduce myself...I have a proud Pakistani/Half Arab currently working in Dubai (The city of dreams) for a some months now.Well to be honest i haven't seen any racism since i got there.
And for all those Pakistanis and Indians...Stop complaning man....A dog also love its masters or some1 from whom they get butter ...Thanks to Dubai that it got us here and we have a sincere job and all...Btw if the arab girls don't see you then its not their problem or ego but its the problem with you yourself......I think Arabs are the best people i have ever seen....For people living in Pakistan...Imagine you living in PAK and you see dark Coloured African going in clubs etc...ofcourse you gonaa show them less respect ...i have seen that happening.......And for all indians...Are you guys talking abt racism huh......First check your country .....What you guys doing with other casts living there...i think i dont need to say more you know where we stand and for the western people....Are you guys talking about racism haha..Man comon...U know what your counrty did after sep 11 ...Need not to say more.......And for all the arabs....I am really thankfull for making us a part of Dubai.....Lets work together in Making Dubai not creating Differences....We are Guests........so let it be....
Bullshit Indians.......and you talk abt racism in dubai.......you should be ashamed of yourself.......Check your own country first .......Arabs rulesz....................... A proud pakistani
Well here are my thoughts. In Dubai you have two types of Racism, one is from some White people, now these people hate all people of colour but they dont have the balls to be openly racist to an Emirati, so they pick on the Indian and Paks as they know they can get away with it. The Emiratis are not really racist about colour, but the large numbers of Asians makes them fear that their culture could get lost, so for a long time they have discriminated against Asians. However, now Emiratis are seeing that the real threat to their culture is from the White people, this has happened as property and tourism has taken off. They see the blatant disregard by white expats and tourist for things to do with respect, Also many Emaritis are now aware of how white people act towards Islam and ARabs in the west, so the tide is turning, many Emiratis on whole are starting to despise white people, but they tolerate them for the time being as this is our nature, However dont be surprised when white people start receiving hostile comments and behaviour from Emiratis.
The other type of discrimination is from Asians to Asian, eg most of the bars that have racist door policies are indian owned. Remember india has the most discriminatory caste system, and a fetish for white skin, no doubt a result of colonialism. Emiratis are not racist to skin and any racism indians suffer is likely to be from other groups. Ps i was born in the UK, to foreign parents, in Arab countries people usually assume i am Arab, and when they find out i am not they are amazed that im a Muslim. I went to Oman and the Arabs treated me very honourably, so much so that i could tell it pissed of the white people. Only discrimination i got was from an Indian who served some whites before me, even thou i was in the restaurant first, an Omani who noticed this actually paid my bill and told the Indian that he should never put non Muslims over Muslims in Oman. Back to Dubai. Remember Emiratis judge by education and behaviour. In the past they judged Whites by the few educated Brits they saw, now mass tourism has struck they will are starting to see the less educated brits, and trust me their perception of Whites is changing. BTW, sense of Ummah is starting to overide arabs sense of nationalism, which can only be a good thing.
David, I have met many asians, and my opinion of them has not changed. Most stereotypes are in the main wrong, however stereotypes about Pakistanis applies to most. Are you really white David? I suspect not, your ashamed of me, I think you know what most of us English think about asians, I don't think it is much of a secret anymore! David your an idiot, what is a white guy breaking into your house got to do with anything?
hey stuck up assholes..... esp people like jonathan
..... stuck in a colonial time warp.... still keep the stiff upper lip...u c***....
ur a failure...and as for those who claim dubai's a paradise or something.... just remember 50 years back ur ancestors were riding camels...dont push us around much or u'll ride them again....in the f***ing desert ur so proud of.....
hi guys, im janet. i'm planning to work in the dubai as a nurse. and i read all those stuff about the racist in dubai.those stuff...it makes me nervous,it makes me thinking that do i really pick the right country to work in? what i want to do is to work, work, work.so that i can help my brother because he is taking several meds that is really expensive.and i think DUBAI is the best country to work in.as i read their customs and religion, i think they are kind and very conservative and hospitable.by the way, im from Philippines. i hope, i wont experience those stuff about racist.thank you.
Dear Janet. There are tremendous opportunities for Nurses in the west. Go there. Do not waste your time coming to the Arabian Gulf countries. Dubai may be better than Kuwait or Qatar but it is by no means ideal. Also it is getting extremely expensive and the nurse salaries have not increased much. This is my honest advice to you.I have lived in the UAE for 7 years and was born in Kuwait.I have also lived in the west for 5 years and would leave Dubai to go to the US in a heartbeat. You will be happier and have more rights in the US or Canada than the UAE.
One day you will need a specialist Doctor to pull your brain out of your your ass and back to your head. Chances are this procedure will save your life. There is an 85% chance that the doctor who performs this operation will be Indian. Choose your words carefully.
I live in Dubai but I stick to my own as most people do. There is nothing wrong with that, it is a choice most of us Europeans make because I have more in common with Europeans than other people. I don't socialise with Indians because the majority of them that I have met are aroogant and think they know it all. I'm here to have a good time with my people but I respect this is an Arab country as well, and I respect their laws.
The racism in Dubai is hugely exaggerated, I am from Turkey and the local Arabs have made me feel at home. They are very friendly, kind and generous. To the Indians complaining about racism I think the Indians who fly over from the UK are the most racist. Through my experiance they are very unruly and behave very badly.
Well, am planning to work in Dubai, but after reading this forum, am worried. Is it that bad? I agree with those saying that once should be a guest and will be treated like guest. Appreciate as we're being allowed to be there and guess there won't be any problem for anyone.
Adios!
Dear All,
Make the best of what you have there, and do not let negative thoughts get into you. Life is not perfect, but you can make it better.
All the best to you all,
I don't think any culture, race or nationality is free of racism. It's just a part of human nature and survival instinct to judge other beings based on their experience and perception. The difference is some are more outspoken than others, some are more judgemental than others. I am a Taiwanese female in early 30s and my job requires me to travel around the world. I would be lying if I say that I don't get nervous and intimidated when I conduct board meetings in countries that are reputed to be racist. But what keeps me going is to take it as an opportunity to prove it to correct my own perception. Fact is, once people get to know you as a person, and you treat everyone (including yourself) with respect, the steroetyping usually goes away. But like the other posts mentioned, when in a foriegn place, act like a guest and you will be treated like one. It's like being a guest in someone house - you follow the house rules and don't expect the family to like you if you act like it's your own house.
The other point I would like to make is the importance of self respect. I grew up in a part of the world (Asia) where subservience is a norm. What makes me sad is that in most non-english speaking countries, people patronize foreigners and treats them with more respect than their own people. I look 100% Asian and I get more respect and attention from my own fellow Asians if I converse with them in straight American English. How do we expect people different from us to treat us like their own if we don't treat our own people with the same kind of respect?
Listen, i am neither Pakistani or Indian, my surname is Al Quraish, and i would rather people like you leave the gulf. Dubai is not a colony of white fascist, you are a guess here and when your purpose is served you will leave. We have not forgotten the past and what the West did to us, and continue to do in other parts of Arabia.
Khattab, I live in the Emirates and I have always mixed amongst the traditional arabs, as I find them both kind and welcoming. I have subsequently learnt alot about the UAE history and culture. However, you should't show so much hatred towards westeners, some of us will indeed leave sonn while others wish to live in this lovely country for the rest of our lives. Judging from your name and from what I know you are not an emirati national either, and therefore a guest as well. Show less hatred to westeners and leave the politics of the country they are from out of it.
Good day
I was in Dubai back in Feb-08. I am a Canadian citizen and I heard a lot of Dubai and i was just curious to see this part of the world, i was just disappointed to visit there, its nothing like what the media portraits about Dubai, yes, it has huge sky scrappers and very attractive malls, But having all this i have noticed that the the local people the men and women who wears long robs or long dresses and covered head to toes like ninjas are so rude and ill mannered. Where ever people are standing in line and waiting for their turn these local people will always be cutting the lines and giving you that dirty look, i wanted to kick them on their shin, yes they do like white people more then the coloured, but here in Canada and USA no one likes them, they wont even hire them and i would say white people hate all the Arab and these Arabs i guess love kisses white ass. what an irony??
