This has got to be a joke, right? Will someone please check an atlas or something!!! Dubai is in the heart of the Persian Gulf, 25 short miles across the Straight of Hormuz from Iran. 25% of the population claims Iranian-persian heritage, another 55% Arab. Dubai is the second largest emirate within the United Arab Emirates. Although it is considered the most progressive nation in the region, it still abides by fundemental Islamic law. It may be all wine and roses now, but I wouldn't travel there as an American or "Westerner".
Most human rights organizations list it negatively and extreme Islamic Fundamentalists complain about it.
Mark the day and time of this post. It won't be long, a year or maybe 18 months before this place is in the news for all the wrong reasons. I hope I'm wrong, but the information and facts are there.
Here is the posting from the U.S. Department of State;
SAFETY AND SECURITY: Americans in the United Arab Emirates should exercise a high level of security awareness. The Department of State remains concerned about the possibility of terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world. Americans should maintain a low profile, vary routes and times for all required travel, and treat mail and packages from unfamiliar sources with caution. In addition, U.S. citizens are urged to avoid contact with any suspicious, unfamiliar objects, and to report the presence of the objects to local authorities. U.S. Government personnel overseas have been advised to take the same precautions. In addition, U.S. Government facilities may temporarily close or suspend public services from time to time as necessary to review their security posture and ensure its adequacy.
Taking photographs of potentially-sensitive UAE military and civilian sites, or foreign diplomatic missions, including the U.S. Embassy, may result in arrest, detention and/or prosecution by local authorities. In addition, engaging in mapping activities, especially mapping which includes the use of GPS equipment, without coordination with UAE authorities, may have the same consequences.
On several occasions in the past three years, small groups of expatriate recreational boaters were detained by the Iranian Coast Guard for alleged violation of Iranian territorial waters while fishing near the island of Abu Musa, approximately 20 miles from Dubai. The UAE and Iran have had a long-standing dispute concerning jurisdiction of Abu Musa. Fishing or sailing in these waters may result in seizure of vessels and detention of passengers and crew in Iran. Obtaining consular assistance in Iran is difficult and can only be done through the Swiss Embassy in Tehran, which acts as a Protecting Power, providing limited U.S. consular services.
