Religion

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.

Stop causing 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 poroblems 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.