Racism

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.

Best of luck.