Being a Woman in Dubai

Prior to coming here, I have heard much about how women are not meant to be seen and are lower in social status or even oppressed in middle eastern countries. Having been here for 2 months plus, I must say that Dubai is somewhat different.

Perhaps it's due to the opening up of Dubai to the world, women here are more 'free'. Women are allowed to drive here (there are even female taxi drivers!). Nevertheless, I do see the local women here dressed in black from head to toe, well, most of them. Have heard that how conservative they are dressed actually depends on their husbands! My housemate once told me that she had seen a local man, after talking to his wife, lifted up her veil. That left her face exposed (not just her eyes). And it seemed alright. No big racket about the more liberal difference in exposure. According to my housemate, it seemed that the husband was asking if the wife was feeling too hot, to which she replied yes... How sweet... Thus far, I have only seen for once, a local man holding the hand of his woman. That was in a shopping mall. Apart from that, it is usually a local man shopping with a few veiled women, usually his wives. Yes, all his wives. Up to 4, I was told...

Some local women here do not have their full faces covered, especially the younger ones. I supposed they are too young to be married, thus such laws do not apply to them? Not sure... I was kind of fascinated that some women, especially older ones, wear some sort of metal frame on their faces, then have the veil covered over it (I knew it cos' sometimes, they left their faces exposed while wearing the metal frame). Some women actually had their entire head covered. It's really quite a challenge to walk but I guess they have got used to it.

It's not uncommon to see local women shopping, even for clothing! I do wonder what the point was, to buy clothing from stores, when they seem to be wearing their traditional black dresses all the time! I was told that they wear the nicer clothing inside...... Well, perhaps it does matter to them... with the limited freedom they have, I guess even being able to wear it gives a good degree of personal satisfaction. Being a woman, I can empathise. Perhaps the local women do not need to cover themselves in black attire when they are indoors at home? That way, they can wear the nicer clothing? Hmm...... I really wonder......

Though I am not a local woman here, I was on the receiving end of privileged treatment today :) Yea, women here are quite 'protected' and priviliged. Buses have assigned seats for ladies. 2 incidents happened today to reinforce the privilege of being a woman here.

On my journey back to the villa, when the bus I have been waiting arrived, it did not stop as it was full. *Sigh* Peak hour traffic! I thought I would be stranded, cos the road I was waiting hardly have any taxis ride by. Even if so, it would be likely occupied due to the peak hours. When the next bus arrived, many swarmed to the door entrance. Here, the ratio of man to woman outdoors is almost like 15 to 1! As I was in a hurry to get back, I too hurried to the door entrance (remember: I have received pretty 'good grounding' as a Singaporean!). Then, I heard the driver shouted something which I could not make out of. Later, I heard a woman saying loudly "Excuse me!" as she wriggled herself through the sea of men towards the door exit. Aaahh!! The driver is going to take women only! Haha! That meant that there are still seats or standing space available for women! Up the bus I go! ;)

The bus was pretty packed. Though there are standard markings for seats assigned for women, it is not a rare sight to see men seated on them. What more it being a packed bus! I was a bit surprised though, that 2 men got up and gestured for me to sit. They were actually sitting on seats reseved for female passengers. Not knowing how to express my thanks verbally, I merely gave them a smile and nod. I got to sit! and have my shoulder rested from my bag! and have my arms rested from carrying my shopping bags! Yeah! =)

As the bus continued its journey, up some female passengers came. The driver actually told the men (who were seated at a view visible to the driver) in quite a rude manner to get up. I saw the men reluctantly got up and the women took the seats. Rightfully.

I recalled a past incident when a bus driver had threatened to report a male passenger to police, as that passenger had hurriedly board the bus, without letting the female passenger alight first. Not sure if there were any physical contact (be it accidental or intentional) but it was sure a big fuss that the driver kicked!

Well, whether it is the culture or religion warrants for it, I guess it's just a gentleman's way to give up his seat for a lady, regardless of whether the lady is well groomed or not as attractive-looking. I acknowledge that upbringing, education and culture all play a part in how a man will response. For me, perhaps I am just blessed that I am at the right place for now... Back in Singapore, whether you are woman or not, when you are at the MRT train entrance/exit doors, you squeeze in like every other tuna fish do! Where got privilege for women to board first? Body contact or not, everyone squeeze in! Everyone just can't afford to lose out to others who could board the train! Even if you are carrying heavy stuff or even pregnant, there is no guarantee that others will give up their seat for you...

Alright, I am not badmouthing my homeland. Am just not very proud of the kia-su and I-Me-Myself attitude of my own people. Guess at the end of the day, there are good things to learn from other cultures.