Dubai - The Outward Facade Is Magnificent........

[ToraToraTora]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-56075528
....but it's underpinned by barbarity. Dunno how they have the cheek to keep telling us what a wonderful tourist destination it is! Ask this guy
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/oct/22/briton-jailed-for-three-months-in-dubai-for-touching-mans-hip

[Prudie]

I also have only spent a couple of nights there (on the Palm)as part of a stopover and on the surface it was jaw dropping - from the size and design of the airport to every building, each one almost more extreme than its neighbour in design, opulence and extravagance. However it felt unreal, almost like being on a stage, a complete facade hiding something grubby and uncivilised behind the set pieces. I would not want to go back - however if you were rich and like to have theme packed activity holidays I can see why you'd find it an amazing place to go, I think it would take weeks to see and experience all the tourist attractions it offers.

[woofgang]

I have got family members who were based there because of the job. They were there for around 16 years...not filthy rich but happy. They didn't live in a compound and had multi national friends and the kids went to a multinational school. Then in early 1999 his company suddenly said that they were closing their office there and that aspect of the business would be run from the UK with occasional visits to the Gulf. They flew home just after the march covid lockdown last year. Now I am wondering if they could see which way the wind was blowing and decided to get their staff and the families out.

[Apc2604]

Had a short stay there on the way to Brunei. Would never go back. Agree with Prudie.

[TrevorThePug]

Dubai is a fantastic place.

Like any place you visit, abide by the rules and don't pay the penalty. Or don't visit. It will still grow bigger and better without all of your revisits, and all the better for it!

[jno]

true, Trev, and the thought that you might see the Beckhams and might not see a lot of ABers is a big plus.

[Apc2604]

I wouldn't go back, like I wouldn't go to Los Vegas, Disneyland, Blackpool, etc. Nothing to do with obeying rules. Just not my cup of tea. I can honestly say that if I was offered a free holiday in Dubai, I would say no thank you.

[TrevorThePug]

"I can honestly say that if I was offered a free holiday in Dubai, I would say no thank you."

Yes indeed because any 'free' holiday to Dubai would be the equivalent of a hen do in Benidorm with extra karaoke and Irish pubs. Might as well go to Skegness.

[Apc2604]

I would rather go to Skegness! ;O).

[New Judge]

I think it depends very much on taste. Some of us have it, some of us don't.

[TrevorThePug]

I have the simplest tastes. I am always satisfied with the best.

[New Judge]

:-)

[237SJ]

The place is full of chavs and russians. The hotels are nice though.