I don't wish to offend anyone but .... [I don't like Qantas using Dubai]

[medhead]

5. During the month of Ramadan, between sunrise and sunset, it is illegal to publicly eat, drink (even water), or smoke. Exceptions are made for pregnant or nursing women, as well as children. This applies to non-Muslims as well as Muslims, and failure to comply may result in arrest.

Personally I strongly disagree morally with the above laws, which cover OP's topics of religion, law and culture, and I doubt many westerners would morally support the above 5 practices... having said that I also morally disagree with Russia and China's Human Rights record, some of USA's foreign policy, the death penalty/lengthy prison sentences in a lot of countries for certain crimes, the French nuclear testing in the pacific... the list goes on. But it doesn't stop me visiting those countries and it has no bearing on the beauty of the country, and hospitality of the people.
Even if I disagree with the local customs and laws, I don't have to respect them but have to abide by them..

I don't have a problem with point 5. It's not that different to me not eating meat 2 days ago. It is also only a prohibition for those things in public. No issue in private. We actually have a bit of a prohibition in our family against eating on display any day of the year. I'd also like to see how this works in practice, for example can I walk into the privacy of a restaurant and eat?

BTW I think the eating exemption also applies to the old and the ill.

 

[ozdunker]

I just got back from both Singapore and UAE. The only thing I didnt like about the UAE is that they took up a whole page in my passport as opposed to a small stamp from Singapore.

In terms of travelling and just being in transit it doesnt matter where you are. The UAE is one of the more racists countries in the world - difficult to get residency there, locals are getting ticked off with so many illegal arrivals/workers (sound familiar) the different ethnic groups seem to all hate each other, but reality is most places are like this, anyone who tags Australians as being racist in general show their lack of travelling. Probably half the population of Dubai are not locals, so there is huge mix of cultures. I was expecting it to be very strict about everything but it isnt really other than alcohol only available in hotels. Cricket is a very popular sport. There is a huge foreign population who are not muslims, so life goes on during ramadan, just windows are covered up.

Singapore is a really just a westernised Asian city so for people who dont like to move out of their comfort zone or open their minds to different things then I can see how they would feel more safe and comfortable in Singapore. Chewing gum is banned in Singapore.

I feel safer walking the streets of Dubai than I would Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne.

Flying into Dubai opens up a number of other travel destinations in that region.

 

[cmon0005]

I feel safer walking the streets of Dubai than I would Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne.

Me too, not to mention no sign of graffiti anywhere, no 'youths' hanging out in the middle of the night causing trouble, no cars doing burnouts at 3am... the list can go on.

 

[JohnK]

As with all commercial decisions that potentially affect millions of customers, some may disagree with it, some may agree with it, and most probably wouldn't care.

....

As for people not choosing to fly to QF via DXB, so be it for whatever reasons.

Exactly.

If someone disagrees with the destination don't jump down their throats calling them prejudiced, racists and bigots. There is no one on the face of this earth that can judge another human being as if they are free from judgement themselves.

Chewing gum is banned in Singapore.

Fantastic. Any chance we can get it banned in Australia as well?

 

[BoyZeus]

For example: lots of Greek people in Australia like to have concrete backyards and Hellenic columns on their house, for the record I love such style. That is not something that arises because of genetics but it is a stereotypical behaviour (yes characteristic is the wrong word) related to an ethnic group.

What an offensive thing to say - now let me get back to hosing down the concrete!

 

[Natalie_B]

Having transited through both Singapore and Dubai, I have to say that I've enjoyed transiting through Singapore more. However, this may have something to do with the fact that I had QP access in SIN!


I transited through Dubai in mid 2009 on my way to Athens, and I certainly enjoyed not having to go through London and having a short transit time and short flight from Dubai to Athens. However, on the return I was no so lucky, with I think 6 or so hours in transit. This time I found the airport crowded, and as a single woman travelling by myself, while I didn't feel unsafe, I was certainly very aware of my surroundings. I did manage to find somewhere to have a quick nap, and was not bothered by anyone. I think some people will find the airport a shock to their systems, in particular the hygiene standards of some people in the bathroom (I also vaguely recall squat toilets, but happy to be corrected), but you can find this kind of thing in public bathrooms wherever you are in the world!


I have no issues with travelling through Dubai, however, next time I will try and stay at the transit hotel, so I can rest and shower between flights.

 

[DC3]

I've seen some Dubai travel hints , including "Public displays of affection are considered offensive", "some travel sites even go as far as recommending unwed couples arrange to have separate hotel rooms", "Men should never walk around without a shirt", "Never take a photograph with a person not in your traveling party in it without asking for permission first", "As a tourist, you will not be able to purchase alcohol in a local liquor store", "Dress normally with no shorts", "avoid taking pictures of government buildings, airports, docks".

These comments may have been taken out of context, but if true, I wonder how many travellers are actually expecting this. And more?

 

[casanovawa]

Give it 3-6 months and i imagine most of these issues will have resolved themselves, change is often challenging to some...

I have already tranisted in Doha after flying Qatar, so have no real problem with the swap and at some point i wanted to spend a few days in Dubai anyway, i'm sure there will be somethings i like and somethings i don't...

But am really over the racist term being thrown around these days, always someone trying to label someone else with it or some other put down... There are however ways to put your views across and sound a little less uncouth or offensive, but some people are determined to be offended about anything and everything...

 

[DJVA]

Oh gosh! Those mean 'politically correct types' ruining it for everyone else! If not wanting to be rude about other cultures I may not know enough about, haven't experienced or don't agree with then I'm proud to be 'politically correct'. As gran says, if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it at all.

There's downsides to Singapore and Dubai, especially for women and gays (like myself) but Dubai opens up so much more of the world to me as a traveller and I'm fine with respecting other cultures. Especially when I'm there for only a couple of hours and in an airport.

For goodness sake.

 

[medhead]

What an offensive thing to say - now let me get back to hosing down the concrete!

Don't get me started on breaking water restrictions.

 

[TonyHancock]

Don't get me started on breaking water restrictions.

It may have been a euphemism!

 

[stewiejp]

I had to undergo a HIV test before I was issued my australian visa, how is the UAE any different?

Not saying Australia is any better in this regard, just pointing out something I personally don't agree with.
Australia doesn't only test for HIV, they test for other conditions as well, including tb, even for some tourists, BUT it is illegal in Australia to discriminate based on someone's HIV status... could open a legal can of worms for someone knocked back for a visa.

 

[The Rok]

Not saying Australia is any better in this regard, just pointing out something I personally don't agree with.
Australia doesn't only test for HIV, they test for other conditions as well, including tb, even for some tourists, BUT it is illegal in Australia to discriminate based on someone's HIV status... could open a legal can of worms for someone knocked back for a visa.

I happen to agree with Australia's stance on protecting our borders, i think everyone should be tested the way i was when i got my PR! I just don't like the lack of control of illegal immigrants.

 

[Julesmac]

My Ukrainian sister-in-law will not travel through UAE on her own. She is blonde and petite, and has a fear of the Arabs due to sexual slavery, which is a common problem for Eastern European women. I can understand her not wanting to fly.

Golly gosh. I've transited through Dubai maybe five times now, over about the last 15 years. Never had a problem (mind you I am definitely blonde but NOT petite!Or young.) I've never felt threatened or uncomfortable. Sure, in the Middle East airports are full of blokes wearing teatowels on their heads and women robed head to toe - but women wear scarves and robes in airports in many Asian countries too, and men wear caps and hats. So that's no biggie. You are generally only there a couple of hours, plenty to do and see without leaving the safety of the airport, and if you're that paranoid then go into one of the lounges, or stick in the gate lounge close to fellow travellers. The same rules apply anywhere you are travelling, particularly for women - be aware, be careful,and be respectful of the country you are in.

And on the other topic, not being keen on transiting Dubai, I can only echo the other comments. If it's that big of a deal, fly another airline using your points.

 

[IainF]

In the last three days I have been in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and have just arrived in Kuwait with my wife & MiL. I can assure the OP that there is nothing to be concerned about. We have had an outstanding time. We even visited the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi yesterday and they offered robes to both men & women who were under-dressed for this holy place.
To be honest, I think a visit here would be a wonderful eye opener to the first timer.
The biggest concern I have had so far is the absolutely insane speeds driven between Abu Dhabi & Dubai. I was doing the speed limit of 140kmh and was standing still compared to these in the fast lane. They must have been topping 200 kmh easily.
Our trip has been a great success so far & I am looking forward to spending more time here. My wife loves the shops, specially Dubai mall which is huge and has very luxury shop I have ever heard of.

 

[medhead]

I happen to agree with Australia's stance on protecting our borders, i think everyone should be tested the way i was when i got my PR! I just don't like the lack of control of illegal immigrants.

What illegal immigrants?

 

[The Rok]

What illegal immigrants?

Not relevant to this discussion and I'm not about to start a debate on that topic! The comment was made for clarity, in the context of the rest of my post! That's all.

 

[ashleyn]

Thanks very much to all posters. I think my OP was misconstrued a bit, I was hoping to tease out the sorts of responses that I did, many agreed, many disagreed and many like the last 2 posters offered excellent personal experiences. I am transiting through Dubai on my next European trip and I will go with an open mind.

 

[medhead]

Not relevant to this discussion and I'm not about to start a debate on that topic! The comment was made for clarity, in the context of the rest of my post! That's all.

I'm just trying to clarify that context. Basically the newspapers like to talk about people arriving on boats as illegal, when they aren't. Then there are people who illegally overstay in Australia. Just wondered which you mean.

Then if it is boat arrivals, I would have through the first task at the detention center was a blood test.

 

[ozdunker]

Yes I totally agree about it being an eye opener. Apparently the police are going to start cracking down on speeding drivers, it was reported that 15% of all drivers booked speeding are doing more than 200 kph. New laws if you are caught doing more than 200kph then you can be charged with dangerous driving and perhaps imprisoned. At the moment you get a small fine and car might be confiscated for a couple of months, giving time to run in the new ferarri.

Speed limit is 140 on hwy and Taxis are regulated but yes many more will be driving faster. If you like to look for expensive cars on the road this is the place to be. I wasnt that impressed with Abu Dhabi, however they are building some new major new museums.

I didnt feel unsafe on the roads but definately alert. fuel is about 40 cents a litre, so the style of driving is different. Red light ahead keep accelerating and then brake as required.

Australia has the most over-regulated and likely safest roads in the world so not really a far comparison.

In the last three days I have been in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and have just arrived in Kuwait with my wife & MiL. I can assure the OP that there is nothing to be concerned about. We have had an outstanding time. We even visited the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi yesterday and they offered robes to both men & women who were under-dressed for this holy place.
To be honest, I think a visit here would be a wonderful eye opener to the first timer.
The biggest concern I have had so far is the absolutely insane speeds driven between Abu Dhabi & Dubai. I was doing the speed limit of 140kmh and was standing still compared to these in the fast lane. They must have been topping 200 kmh easily.
Our trip has been a great success so far & I am looking forward to spending more time here. My wife loves the shops, specially Dubai mall which is huge and has very luxury shop I have ever heard of.