Question about Dubai?

[maddygirl]

Ok, so my boyfriend is from Dubai but lives here in USA with me. He has to return for his visa and he wants me to visit him there. I know this is a strict country and I'm just uncertain about how they will view me as a transsexual? I'm post-op, but still I'm worried.. I don't want him to get in trouble, so is it best if I wait for him to return?

[fedbah]

I would wait. DUBAI is part of the kingdom of U.A.E. more modern than most middle east countries, but just recently a GG was arrested forhaving sex out of wedlock (when she was reporting a rape). Not to mention a well known TS escort had a very bad experience while she was there. Your BF may be nice, but his countries archaic laws are not alternative lifestyle friendly.

[bluesoul]

have you talked to your boyfriend about your worries and questions about visiting? what did he say? my suggestion to you is to have a long chat with him (on skype) or e-mail him detailing your concerns and questions.

[Prospero]

I would take his advice as he lives there. is he arab? Dubai can e very harsh on westerners on issues of sex and if you were going to visit to escort i would strongly advise against it. But as his girlfriend should be fine.

[runningdownthatdream]

I'm going to disagree with Prospero on this - don't take the advice of your boyfriend at all. In this case let research on Islamic law and Arab culture guide your decision. In a culture which seriously represses women, believes all Western women are whores, and does things like this:

http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/22/world/...pe-controversy

You might want to think twice about visiting there as a single woman.

[maddygirl]

have you talked to your boyfriend about your worries and questions about visiting? what did he say? my suggestion to you is to have a long chat with him (on skype) or e-mail him detailing your concerns and questions.

He thinks I should go. He said I'll be fine. But I'm worried. Honestly, more than anything I'd just be scared I'd break a law without even knowing or thinking about it and end up in jail. Lol. Also, I just don't want to cause problems for him.

[bluesoul]

don't take the advice of your boyfriend at all.

if you're going to say this, why not just tell her to break up with her boyfriend then? why should she ignore the advice of someone that she's in a relationship with and who has better knowledge of the laws of his home country, than anonymous members of an internet forum?

also, what if her boyfriend is best friends with the sheikh? most members of the royal family (and their friends who are juiced in) break their own laws on a weekly basis.

the one thing i can warn you about dubai (the middle east in general) is that it's REALLY hot. it's like 110F.

[Prospero]

And I am going to disagree with runningdownthatdream. I have been to Dubai often. It is a place where transexuals are treated badly but if you are 100 per cent passable and have a passport as a female and are with your man provided you don't act in any overt sexual way in public then you should be fine. However if he is Arab then there is also a prejudice against local men having foreign female partners. So you must weigh carefully what you do. If his visa issue can be resolved quickly then why not wait in the US for his swift return. But don't let media scare stories shape your decision. There are thousands of western women who live and work in Dubai.

[maddygirl]

I'm going to disagree with Prospero on this - don't take the advice of your boyfriend at all. In this case let research on Islamic law and Arab culture guide your decision. In a culture which seriously represses women, believes all Western women are whores, and does things like this:

http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/22/world/...pe-controversy

You might want to think twice about visiting there as a single woman.

Wow, that's scary. Reporting a rape and getting arrested..jeez.

[maddygirl]

And I am going to disagree with runningdownthatdream. I have been to Dubai often. It is a place where transexuals are treated badly but if you are 100 per cent passable and have a passport as a female and are with your man provided you don't act in any overt sexual way in public then you should be fine. However if he is Arab then there is also a prejudice against local men having foreign female partners. So you must weigh carefully what you do. If his visa issue can be resolved quickly then why not wait in the US for his swift return. But don't let media scare stories shape your decision. There are thousands of western women who live and work in Dubai.

Thanks for your input. Yeah, he's Arab, and I trust him because it's his home. I'll have to think about it. Yes, I could wait for him to return as well, but he doesn't seem worried about me coming or think I'll have problems, oh well, thanks for your opinion.