Both the UAE and Saudi Arabia have now agreed to a minimum wage for domestic work.
Somewhere along the way, journalistic portrayals of Dubai changed drastically. From regional success story to cautionary tale of the Middle East. And yet, Dubai has begun to develop a contemporary culture.
The Gulf countries are so frequently lumped together, in regional analysis and through their own GCC union. However, I am occasionally reminded about the vast differences between them.
The way to ‘respect’ Ramadan is not only to abide by rules on public eating during daylight hours, but also to partake in the occasion — swapping drinks at the bar for an Iftar buffet.
The revolution was the graveyard of the old way of doing business, which depended mainly on personal connections, corruption, and government inefficiency.
Residents are wondering why they so urgently need them. Parents are particularly questioning this, objecting that children under 15 are required to register, although they can’t drive, register vehicles, or pay water and electricity bills.
Behind the sabre rattling, analysts should not overlook growing relationships between the emirates and Asian countries.
Key to attracting tourists and business is Dubai’s cultivated perception as ‘westernised’, compared to other Middle Eastern cities. Yet this must sit alongside Emirati values
What never ceases to amaze me is Dubai’s resilience. Back in 2009, building projects had visibly ground to a halt. People were leaving. Debts were mounting.
