Black African Woman

• Hello, I'm a Nigerian woman and i'm not just black, I am very very very dark-skinned and tall with very long afro hair, which is to say it would be clear from a mile away that i am african.i have lived in many places over the years and currently live in england but I have been coming to the emirates, particularly Dubai since childhood for holidays and business. in fact i am writing from dubai right now. though I have never really 'lived' here I know many Emiraitis as well as a variety of expats who have lived here for years and I have NEVER experienced any of what i'll describe as -ve racism, sum of my friends have xpeienced minor problems, usually from arrogant twats who probably discriminate against any1 they have a chance to; but still nothing as extreme as the discrimination faced by some of my 'non-white' friends in, for example, the usa.
  actually i have often received apparently preferential treatment. If anything I do sometimes feel a spectacle. i get stared at a lot even when I am out with a mixed group and regularly have my picture taken by strangers which can be very annoying.at the same time i feel that this is the reaction of less-exposed locals who don't see ppl who look like me often. i can't comment on working in dubai as a black 'alien' but i do feel obliged to share the positive experiences i have had from what i consider to be a warm and welcoming people.
  For those thinking of moving to dubai to work i would suggest growing a very thick skin, especially if u r a woman because it is never easy to LIVE in another mans land and you must always brace yourself for the worst.
  as far as marriage is concerned the uae is a very socially conservative nation and such cultures tend to be hostile towards inter-marrying. it is a rare thing to find conservative people who do not think this way. this story is as old as time and ppl who decide to marry out of the cultural 'comfort zone' must be prepared for the stresses this will most bring!

  Abby 17 Jan 2009, 01:16 - Report

Racism in dubai