Travel in the UAE

[Eclipse]

I know that this isn't specifically CAP related, so maybe we should go to PM, but I'll throw it out here first, if only to see who has an opinion.

My wife works for an international electronics manufacturer, and there is a fairly good chance she may get a trip to
Dubai early next year, and I could likely go along.

My suburban WASP brain looks at Google Earth, sees Dubai is less than 100 miles from Iran and thinks this is not someplace I want to be, especially as a 6'-4" white-boy American who's going to stick out like the Burj al-Arab.

My adventure brain says I'd kick myself for not going (or stamping my feet and keeping the wife home.

And the CIA factbook and Dept of State says to be careful but its ok. 

A smattering of civilian travel sites says Dubai is all about money and its one of the safest places in the Middle East.

So I was wondering about the opinions of some of you who have been there recently (or might be reading this from somewhere nearby).

[♠SARKID♠]

Dubai is neat place from what I hear.  Its like the New York of the middle east; lots of skyscrapers and big business.  If I was going to travel in the middle east, thats where I'd go.

If you're worried about your safety, just keep your head in the game when you're over there and you'll be okay.  I felt the same way when I went to Prague (post communism is outside my comfort zone) and I came back without incident.

Go for it - the only things you can regret in life are risks you never took.

[Stonewall]

Had a great time there.  Bought a Rolex watch.  Didn't have a single problem there except one time I had a lay-over on my way to Indonesia and they kept my gun for 24 hours, even though they knew well in advance that we were packing.  It's always the small countries that pull this crap...always trying to prove something.

[Pumbaa]

Let me check our security website and see what the status is. But if I remember the risk rating was fairly low. I remember a 2 as the rating.. US is rated 2 as well... 

I am schedule to go to Kuwait next year and UAE the following year.

[Pumbaa]

United Arab Emirates               
  2   - Low

United Kingdom               
  2   - Low

United States               
  2   - Low

Uruguay               
  2   - Low

US Virgin Islands               
  1   - Minimal


Now.... Just to give a comparison

Brisbane   
2     - Low

British Virgin Islands   
1     - Minimal

China   
3     - Moderate

Metro Manila   
4     - High

Mexico   
4     - High

Mexico City   
4     - High

Milan   
2     - Low

[Eclipse]

Wow, Mexico is higher than the UAE, that's interesting.

[Stonewall]

Wow, Mexico is higher than the UAE, that's interesting.

Lots of places higher than Mexico, and I've been to most of them.  Remember, there are very high (extreme) penalties for breaking laws in Arab countries, so the crime rate is very low for the most part.  It's the terrorist threats you have to worry about, and in UAE, that's generally not an issue.

[Captain Morgan]

I spent a month once traveling throughout the middle east for business and used Dubai as a home base.  It is absolutely the safest and most pleasant place in the region (relatively speaking).  As long as there is not any active unrest in the area, I would not hesitate to go.  Because of the different view of women in the area, I would be reluctant for my wife to go alone unless she was very well traveled (international) and very familiar with the local customs.

Take a little time to research the local customs before you go.  Be quiet, respectful, and courteous to the locals (no matter what is going through your head), and you will have no problems.  It is an interesting place. Go and have fun!

[SAR-EMT1]

In alot of ways Dubai can be considered the "Las Vegas" of the Middle East.
Skyscraper hotels, casinos, world class shops and resturants.
As far as terrorists are concerned with non-muslims in the UAE they pretty much treat it as a neutral area, much as the mob and FBI treated Las Vegas.
I will second the above and advise you to make sure the wife doesnt travel alone in any Arab nation.