UAE is a relatively peaceful place, courtesy of the country's strict judicial system and a few misleading statistics. It is also a very rich place. Most expats strive to come here to earn some money and go back home, so any misconduct resulting in imprisonment and followed by immediate deportation, is likely to ruin any plans for early retirement.
Not surprisingly, the rules are obscure. While everyone knows that kissing in public is punishable by a month in jail and deportation, as we learned from the recent incident in Dubai, no one really knows if holding hands or hugging is considered a crime. When I came to Abu Dhabi the Frenchie had already been here for over a month and I missed him dearly. I dreamed of squeezing him tightly and planting a big smooch the minute I saw him, but we were pretty sure that would get us in jail. So instead, we just waved each other "hello" at the airport, he took my luggage and I followed him to the car.
I had to practice this type of self-restraint for many months after my arrival. Unsure of what behavior is acceptable and what would get me in trouble, I stayed away from initiating hand shaking with men, wore only pants in public and kept distance from my beloved as we strolled the mall. Then we visited Dubai. We're now back to being ourselves. Okay, not entirely as we still don't kiss in public, but I certainly no longer shy away from wearing skirts.
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