Dubai Culture
Megacity's Not-So-Golden Culture
Talk about a culture shock. It’s after 12 AM, and I’m thinking about the nuance of the megacity of Dubai.
I decided to wear my bikini at the Armani Hotel pool when I stayed in Dubai last year. But I am not culturally naïve—the only reason I felt 100% comfortable doing something seen as a nonissue here in the United States but extremely sensitive in Arab countries, was the continuous presence of my boyfriend.
For any of those who do not know, the Armani Hotel is located on the 5th floor of the Burj Khalifa, famously known as the tallest skyscraper in the world.
In 2020, the United Arab Emirates overturned their oppressive so-called "purity laws," allowing women to wear whatever we pleased within the bounds of social context. However, overturning fifty plus years of cultural belief amid social views are vastly more difficult than simply overturning a simple discriminatory law.
In travel, we talk about 'Logistics' like it’s all about mathematics. But in the (entire) Middle East, it’s also about the intrinsic Cultural Barriers, showing that the cultural "laws" do not change, or at most, change very slowly. Having my boyfriend there wasn't just about the company; it was a smooth gliding move that streamlined our entire social experience.
What Is The Bonus? Because he was on my reservation, my United Quest card gave both of us 2 free bags, regardless of airline status (I have status but he doesn't, so we compromised) and a free $100 Armani hotel breakfast every day.
Conclusion and moral (no pun intended here) on the story:
Don't just travel with someone you love; travel with someone who helps you navigate the world's social codes. Use your status to shield them, and let their presence shield you.
