Religion

If too much skin is allowed, then you civilized westerners loose it and become headlines for newspapers around the world. Check out the article of British couple caught having sex on a public/family beach in Dubai in 2008.

As a tourist to any country you should expect to adhere to the local laws and religious restraints. I think much of the 'anti' feeling is the British doing what we do best, 'No one tells me what to do'. However, it would be nice to think that Muslims visiting/coming to live in this country would do the same.

Cautious, your statement shows how educated you are. First, I advise you to learn more about the word "terrorism". Islam teaches to respect all other religions, tradition and cultures. Linking Islam (or any other religion) with terrorism or terrorists is simply stupid. When visiting a country of different culture or religion than yours, it is always wise to respect local rules, laws, etc. and it is not the religion that makes people decide what is wrong, right, bad or good.
Marriage is not only sleeping with a partner legally, it is lot more. So lots of Europeans (not only Europeans) marry once, but keep sleeping with or loving others than their husband/wives. Marrying another woman when you already have a wife in Islam is not that simple, you have to get a permission from your wife to marry another woman. Show me a religion in which being jealous is good. Human does not belong to anybody.
Religion is NOT the thing to be discussed. But respect is. Somebody could go to metro station in Islamic city any blow up himself crying he is Buddhist or Christian or Muslim or any body else, so what. Respecting, learning, visiting different cultures can teach people love each other, no matter what he believes in.

I was there 2 years ago and people are so nice and I was able to dress a little less conservative than maybe I should have but no one arrested me! I feel like people are not fair when it comes to the fact that this is a different culture than US and we need to respect that. I will be so much more covered up this time because I do not want to offend anyone. I think the people on here that have nasty things to say are just ignorant and disrespectful. Go visit somewhere else that has beliefs that match yours and quit hating on the countries who simply want respect from you. Dubai is a great place to visit and I look forward to going back! Thank you to Dubai for being such a pure and safe place to be.

I was in Dubai with my boyfriend in February 2010. We were asked at the hotel front desk for our marriage certificate. I told them that we live in different countries and we don't carry it around and that if we knew we needed it, we would have brought it. They still wanted to see it but the man was Indian and not a practising Muslim so he let me go to our room. Although holding hands is a no-no there, I saw several men holding each others hands. I thought at first they were gay so I asked my boyfriend that don't Muslims not go for the gay thing? He said that it was normal for them to hold hands and didn't mean they were gay, just friends. He wouldn't even hold my hand! He was nervous about that. As far as the kissing, man, don't do it! They just put a married couple from the UK in jail for it! Since you don't know who is going to decide to be mad that day, just save yourself for the bedroom! We are going back as a married couple soon. We don't want to take any chances. We would not have broken their laws but we could not get another room on such short notice.

I respect other cultures and their laws. I will be going to Dubai for the first time soon but I have to admit I fear that my ignorance could work against me as it has others! It would be nice for airlines and and travel agents to issue you information about the main differences in the laws and religion that we would normally take for granted in western countries to allow us to be respectful. I think, especially in the tourist areas, that a stern warning, for example holding hands, would suffice. If I had not come on to this website I would of held my long term girlfriends hand without hesitation not knowing that it was offensive.

This is all very stupid. It depends where about in the country you visit. I went Dubai city and RAK last year with my boyfriend. We had absolutely no problems. We wore shorts, held hands and drank alcohol and there was no problem at all. I think some places may be more strict than others but as long as you are not being disrespectful then you will be fine. I am going again this year and cannot wait.

Wow a country that has the death penalty for loving somebody of the same sex sounds like the definition of tolerance to me.

They created a huge entertainment centre to attract tourists and then they want people to respect their religion by enforcing strict laws. This is a very thin line. Tourists consist of many different people and to expect all of them to know how to behave is just plain stupid. So the severe penalties stay intact. Police just randomly pick up people that are not obviously drunk in front of nightclubs etc. You call yourself a holiday destination. Dream on. You can't have the best of both worlds. Until you change your laws it is impossible to grow in the long term. In my opinion the only thing that will be busy in Dubai eventually will be the airport, because people will use it to fly somewhere else as a hub. Dubai itself will become a dream that never could be realised due to strict laws and large debts.

Just becuase Islam practices their religion like this then why is it so wrong? Jewish men and women are covered in Israel, Indians wear saris and cover their head, and if you go to an Amish town you should be expected to adhere to their cultures and rules. Why should you or anybody have any problems with covering your head and legs? If you do, don't come. Spend your money elsewhere.

This is in response to Bernie's post. The history of marrying up to four wives came during Prophet Muhammad's (pbuh) era. This came about because with all the wars, men (husbands) dead and left women without husbands and anyone to take care of them and/or their children. It was then a man assumed the reponsibility to aid those women with financial and emotional needs, not just to marry up to four women. There are certain criterias a man must adhere to prior to marrying more than one woman, e.g. can he support another wife, he must take care of his first wife first if not he cannot marry more than one. So there are certain criterias before marrying other women. And excuse me if I am wrong but isn't Oregon a polygamy state? Let's not be narrow minded and blast Islamic nations with false accusations.

Stop ridiculing and lying about Islam. I am from the UAE and have been to Dubai many times. The place is a conservative Islamic state, if you have problems with that, then don't come.

I have been to Dubai and my family and I had a fantastic time (and even stayed in the Burj Al Arab for 1 night). ANNE: people were holding hands and had shorts on all over the place. People just say these things because they don't really know what they are talking about. In Dubai everyone is so kind and welcoming. It's an amazing place. I highly recommend.

I have just returned from Dubai, and it's the best country I have visited. I was also worried about visiting, and what clothes to wear, but most people wear what they like. At our hotel and water parks, ladies were wearing skimpy bikini's with thong bottoms, which really surprised me. Even though I am married, I never wore my rings but was never questioned when my husband held my hand or kissed me. The people in Dubai are wonderful and respect everyone. They can't do enough for you. I would happily move there tomorrow. As long as you are sensible you have nothing to worry about. I did go to the mall wearing a sleeveless top and shorts, and it wasn't until I got there I read a sign saying shoulders and knees should be kept covered. But I had no problems and was glad it wasn't just me. Go and enjoy Dubai. It's a wonderful experience.

Dear All,
I have been living in Dubai for 1.5 years now and to be quite honest, I am quite shocked to read the postings I have seen on this website about Dubai and Islam as a religion.
I am a 25 year old woman, with a successful career, and am single! All I can say is that all I have encountered in Dubai as a woman is respect (especially from Muslim men), many more benefits as a woman (police will protect you in case of a man bothering you in any way) and equal opportunities career wise as men. I must say that I feel safer living in Dubai than in any European city as the crime level has been maintained to a minimum.
Also,I have lived in a large variety of countries around the world and I must say that when it comes to nightlife, Dubai definitely offers more than any other city I have visited! You are free to drink alcohol should you wish to do so and wear what you want (all to a certain extent). Also, I have had relationships while being in Dubai and as long as you don't over express yourself in public towards each other, I have never encountered any problems when staying at hotels or walking on the streets, malls, beach, etc.
Obviously, I think it is important to remember that if you wish to visit/live in a Muslim country, you should be prepared to accept their culture, laws and religion out of respect for the country and the people living in it.
Yes it is true that Muslim men do have the option to marry 4 wives (if they treat them equally), but I must say most Muslim men I have met are married to 1 wife and intend to stay this way (they don't believe in marrying more than one woman).
Please do not comment negatively on Dubai, especially if you haven't visited it, as it is a beautiful city in an amazing country that has only shown welcoming signs and respect to all who have visited or, as me, have chosen to build a life here.
Thank you.

Anne. You'll be fine. The unmarried regulations in hotels aren't strictly enforced. They don't ask. Shorts and t-shirts are fine on the beach and wandering around. Just don't wear your bikini in the malls etc.

Dubai seems a very frightening place to visit and I'm considering cancelling my holiday. I am not married, but intend visiting with my partner. If this is not allowed then I don't understand the reason. We hold hands and enjoy sightseeing, and would expect to wear shorts and T-shirts when in a hot "holiday" destination. Am I totally wrong to think this is all unacceptable in Dubai?

For everybody: Nobody is forced to visit a place that doesn't want. As well as also, one to decide to visit a place, you should know its habits and laws and to respect them. If you decided to go for a place of rigid traditions, you should have in mind that to avoid to constrain yourself and the other ones you need to respect the local traditions . That means at least that you have some education and good sense, that I believe they have never done badly to anybody. Now if you don't like the traditions and habits of a place, then choose another to visit. Diversity doesn't lack in that world.

Hope: if that will be true Dubai would have no guests. Westerners do not jump into marriage when they meet the love of their life.

JT, I can't believe that any hotel in the UAE will turn a blind eye. It's the law and even when I go with my husband they insist to see the proof.
Tedra, I think what you are encouraging to is the most stupid thing.. think about it.
Cautious, if so, don't you ever think to visit our country. It's much better for us.

In answer to the comment about legs showing. Personally I think it is better to cover. It avoids sun rays getting to you that could possibly cause cancer! Also I wouldn't want my husband looking at some other woman's legs! He can look at mine indoors. women are not there for other men to look at, apart from their husband. We have brains too and we are not all about skin. Islam teaches us that women are strong and beautiful and trust me there are way many more benefits of covering and being different than being subjected to "worldly fashion" judgements. Women you carry on covering. There is a beneficial reason why we were permitted to.

Watch the movie Obsession before visiting this city. Your dollars will go to terrorists.

I think that it is stupid for someone to two people in love to have to sleep in different beds, not only that but to have to keep your legs covered at all times. If you are beautiful let it show!

People don't fully realise what is stated in Islam for polygomy- it is stated a man may only practice it "if they can treat each wife equally." The reason this is stated is because it is quite impossible to do!- it is meant for putting a true Muslim man off!

Islam should remain the main religion in Dubai.

Muslim law actually says that unmarried couples can't share the same room. However in practice Dubai's hotels turn a blind eye to this.

Polygomy is still practiced in Dubai. Under Islam a man is allowed to have up to 4 wives. If they want another, they must divorce one. It's not so common nowadays and generally practiced by older men.