100%, I hated every minute of my layover wandering that shit-quality SimCity attempt, the bubble popped real fast once I talked to some locals.

I can't wait for the sand to bury that cruel slave labor shitberg.

Or why you'd even vacation there. How tf did they convince people to vacation in a desert?

If you are talking about social media it is likely that they aren't allowed to post something negative about the country or else you can be fined. If you are working as an influncer in Dubai you'll need to obtain an license which regulates what you can post but you basically pay no income taxes

For the Middle East, it's relatively progressive, from what I understand. That being said, that's a low low bar.

They have a pretty open love for western money. If you have the funds ($$$$$$$$), you can do pretty much whatever you want.

But if you aren't extremely wealthy, you get to experience the oppressive true nature of the place.

Guess which group goes to Dubai and tells people about their experiences.

Man I'd be interested to hear about that. Any interesting insights?

I even worry about transiting places like this.

Correct for adults, but this was the kid travelling with his parents. It's likely that the decision was the parents' - also, most kids are not very well-versed in politics.

You don't have to be rich to travel there. My brothers and their mother traveled there, not rich by any means. I'm probably more well off, but I haven't been there. 🤷‍♂️

But maybe that wasn't your point? Sorry if I assumed incorrectly!

Either

1. They're always watching. I'm in tech and was taught in my security training - when traveling to countries with extremely strong surveillance, assume you are bugged. Family could be high valued and they wanted something from the parents. Probably a bit too tinfoil hat.

2. Vengeance girl's parents could be assholes/racist. As a dude, Ive had my share of "mommy & daddy doesn't like me for taking their precious flower". Multiplier in effect if they have a problem that I'm a PoC.

Did you read the article?

The girls mother reported him to the Dubai police.

Hopefully her identity is revealed to the public and she faces some consequences for her actions. Maybe it's already been leaked or released elsewhere, but it wasn't in that article.

£20 says she's white and racist.

Mother of girl reported him after they had left and he was still there.

Teenagers in love are hardly subtle. Staff probably reported them.

Well, did you read it?

After returning to the UK and seeing pictures and chats, the girl’s mother reported the relationship to Dubai police, who then arrested Mr Fakana at his hotel, it is alleged.

Uh yeah fuck Islam. Fuck the Judaism and Christianity too. See? Easy.

When you travel to another country, just abide by its culture and customs.

WDYM? The prophet "married" a ~~13~~ 9 year old.

Edit: It's even worse.

Islamophobic? Nah. Naive, hell yeah. You should watch what you do like a hawk when you're going to places like Dubai. Have a good understanding of what is legal and what isn't, like eating outside during Ramadan - this can get you actual jailtime instead of a fine or a slap on the wrist like you'd expect.

The age difference is less than a year are you fucking insane, legality is not morality and we should always push back against unjust laws

The kid is 18. Were y'all assuming he was older for some reason?

It creates an few different odd possibilities though, in the UK you can be married before 18, let's say an 18 year old wife and her 17 year old husband went on their honeymoon to Dubai, would they legally be allowed to consummate their marriage?

Would Dubai recognise their marriage?

I too read every law of a foreign country before I visit them. /s