Two common questions I got before I left the states and get now from friends and family back home is, " how are women treated in Dubai ?" "Are they treated like second class citizens?" There is the perception that women are treated poorly, disrespected in the Middle East and I believed it myself before I got here.
In Dubai, UAE, the Middle East, it is quite the contrary, women are treated very well and held with high regard, respected. No second class citizen here ! The structure of the society in Dubai, and the United Arab Emirate's in general are highly supportive of women.
In fact, women get special treatment in many different ways, such as:
* Many of the beaches or swimming areas are closed one day week for women and children only.
* There is a pink line Taxi service just for women, including the taxi driver. Isn't that cute - the "pink" line.
* Many of the business establishments have women only lines. You commonly see women only lines in the banks and some stores. Isn't that a nice concept ? If you are a woman, you can go straight to the front of the line, getting your business done quickly. It is almost like glorified butting, an express lane for women only.
* The metro rail line offers women only cars. They are a little nicer than the other cars and no men are allowed to ride inside. If men are caught inside the women cars they are asked to leave.
* The salons are women or men only, no mixing of gender, but wouldn't we prefer it that way?
All of the special treatment is not only done as a sign of respect but it is also in line with the traditional beliefs and culture of this country.
As a western woman, I have been treated very well. Arab hospitality has been top notch and welcoming. I was a little concerned, or should I admit, afraid, about coming to this country and being treated as an outsider and not being respected as woman, but I have quickly learned that is not the case. The nationals are as interested in us as we are in them, we fascinate them. They are warm people that are extremely social, which can mean sitting down to a drink or food, while doing business or just to get to know one another. And kissing ...everyone welcomes you with not one kiss but two or three kisses on your cheeks. I have always been a hugger, but it takes a little getting used to the kissing, especially when you don't know the person.
One thing I have learned in the short time being here ....women are all the same... no matter where we are from, color, race or nationality, covered or uncovered - we are all the same. We worry about our families, especially our children, appreciate a good hair stylist and just want to be appreciated and loved.
We as people think we are so different, from one country to another, but in reality we more similar than we would ever imagine. Astonishing isn't it !
In Dubai, UAE, the Middle East, it is quite the contrary, women are treated very well and held with high regard, respected. No second class citizen here ! The structure of the society in Dubai, and the United Arab Emirate's in general are highly supportive of women.
In fact, women get special treatment in many different ways, such as:
* Many of the beaches or swimming areas are closed one day week for women and children only.
* There is a pink line Taxi service just for women, including the taxi driver. Isn't that cute - the "pink" line.
* Many of the business establishments have women only lines. You commonly see women only lines in the banks and some stores. Isn't that a nice concept ? If you are a woman, you can go straight to the front of the line, getting your business done quickly. It is almost like glorified butting, an express lane for women only.
* The metro rail line offers women only cars. They are a little nicer than the other cars and no men are allowed to ride inside. If men are caught inside the women cars they are asked to leave.
* The salons are women or men only, no mixing of gender, but wouldn't we prefer it that way?
All of the special treatment is not only done as a sign of respect but it is also in line with the traditional beliefs and culture of this country.
As a western woman, I have been treated very well. Arab hospitality has been top notch and welcoming. I was a little concerned, or should I admit, afraid, about coming to this country and being treated as an outsider and not being respected as woman, but I have quickly learned that is not the case. The nationals are as interested in us as we are in them, we fascinate them. They are warm people that are extremely social, which can mean sitting down to a drink or food, while doing business or just to get to know one another. And kissing ...everyone welcomes you with not one kiss but two or three kisses on your cheeks. I have always been a hugger, but it takes a little getting used to the kissing, especially when you don't know the person.
One thing I have learned in the short time being here ....women are all the same... no matter where we are from, color, race or nationality, covered or uncovered - we are all the same. We worry about our families, especially our children, appreciate a good hair stylist and just want to be appreciated and loved.
We as people think we are so different, from one country to another, but in reality we more similar than we would ever imagine. Astonishing isn't it !
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