Gay coming to live in Dubai

[ArtscultureUK]

I am a British gay man, living within a civil partnership and my partner has been headhunted to take up a senior position with a major multinational in Dubai. Obviously I would plan to live there with him, or there is little point. We wondered how acceptable life is in Dubai for a same sex couple? In the UK, where we live most of the time, we don't go out 'on the scene' so wouldn't be expecting any of that in Dubai, nor would we particularly wish it. However, we would expect to form a good mixed social circle with people interested in similar things to ourselves, and to be able to comfortably live togather. Our backgrounds are in finance, business and the arts. I am a producer (theatre, film, visual and live art), and wondered what sort of cultural scene there is in Dubai and what sort of work I might be able to become involved in?

[Penguins_Pet_Pumpkin]

Welcome to the forum, Artsculture. I see a lot of Dubai posts, so I'm sure someone will be able to answer your questions soon.

[newbee]

Hi,

Dubai is a strange little place. As a gay person, you should be ready for certain challenges.

1.socially most people's lives are confined to their communities. In this case the British expat community will be yours. Most people who live here long term are with kids and families, so you will have to figure out how you will fit in here with them. Bearing in mind that the Brit expat in Dubai is generally one who is willing to make a lot of compromises for a better standard of living/and are often middle /lower middle class origins. You decide!

2. Check out how you can sponsor your partner legally. You probably can not. But Brits can get a visa on arrival, go out come back every 6 months for renewal. He can also look for a job, find one and then apply for a residence visa.

3. If you live in one of the newer apartments in New Dubai or anywhere, you will be living a fairly anonymous life, though the huge amount of security and staff everywhere will mean , that eventually some people will figure it out. But no one will interfere if you are discreet. And a good tip to security and cleaners will ensure goodwill.

4. You will never be arrested for vice, unless you are caught cruising in sleazy places - pretty unlikely even then.

5. of course you can not come out at work.

BUt trade off for sunshine, tax free income, travel, great shopping etc. In the middle east, most people do their own things, but never rock the placid and traditional boat.

Good luck!

[newbee]

oops, I thought you were the one with the job offer, but no matter! Dubai is opening a major museum with Louvre as a partner. There are regular concerts of all types being organised. And there is a lot of oppurtunity , if you want to start a gallery or something.

[synthia]

A great informative post to start out with, newbee. Welcome to the expat forum, and thank you.

[bo_diesel]

Originally Posted by ArtscultureUK

I am a British gay man, living within a civil partnership and my partner has been headhunted to take up a senior position with a major multinational in Dubai. Obviously I would plan to live there with him, or there is little point. We wondered how acceptable life is in Dubai for a same sex couple? In the UK, where we live most of the time, we don't go out 'on the scene' so wouldn't be expecting any of that in Dubai, nor would we particularly wish it. However, we would expect to form a good mixed social circle with people interested in similar things to ourselves, and to be able to comfortably live togather. Our backgrounds are in finance, business and the arts. I am a producer (theatre, film, visual and live art), and wondered what sort of cultural scene there is in Dubai and what sort of work I might be able to become involved in?

Hi there,

It might be quite late, but nevertheless, I wanted to contribute to your request. I've just sent you a private message with some insights.

[dubaiscribe]

Hi there bo_diesel

Same-sex relationships are illegal in Dubai and are, officially, not tolerated. In fact, a couple of years ago, a gay party was raided by the police and everyone was arrested . . . there were even reports in the local press that those arrested would undergo 'treatment' for their 'illness'. I shudder to think what they had in mind . . . .

However, many gay people do live in Dubai and, as long as you're quiet and don't draw attention to yourselves, you should be fine. Finding other gay people is, however, a big challenge. There are, obviously, no gay bars and those in the past that have germinated have been swiftly closed down with deportations following with equal swiftness.

Hope this helps!

[buditau]

hie there. i will be moving soon 2 abu dhabi, and i valued your contribution.i was told uae censors the internet there,so im wondering how are the gays there accessing gay websites? are these the c.i.d people making traps? an example is manhunt,gaydar etc

[bo_diesel]

Originally Posted by buditau

hie there. i will be moving soon 2 abu dhabi, and i valued your contribution.i was told uae censors the internet there,so im wondering how are the gays there accessing gay websites? are these the c.i.d people making traps? an example is manhunt,gaydar etc

Hi

indeed almost all gay related sites are blocked therefore you will have to either use a free proxy or annually subscribe to one of the proxies. My partner and I we use a UK based one so you could get UK TV as well .. you would pay around 30 USD a year but it worth it.

Etisalat (the local internet provider) tend to block many sites .. even IVCs (internet voice call) such as Skype .


do feel free to send me a private email for further info .. will be happy to help.

cheers and .. good luck with the move.

[Mr Rossi]

There is an arts scene here, but it's certainly not London. There are quite a few small independant galleries around the city but the quality ranges drastically. There is no arthouse cinema so invest in a nice home system when you get here. After that either use Amazon or torrents depending on you views on copyright laws.

There is the Madinat Theatre - Madinat Theatre

Not seen anything in the way of installations video art etc. Time Out is available here but due to the size of the city, pads it's self out with restaurant reviews.