Reply To: Subtle/understated UAE leisure hotels

[Cranzle]

@NorthernLass I think what makes the UAE so galling to visit is that you’re not there to learn about anything (because its history and culture is basically non-existent, and there is barely such thing as a true citizen of Dubai), you’re just there to consume. The slavery is palpable. I visited once to try and understand the appeal and just felt dirty – eg got friendly with the guy sailing our boat but when he revealed he shared his house with 13 other people, it just all felt too gross for comfort.

The anti-UAE virtue signalling brigade are rather like the Pro-BA gang. They love BA for no other reason other than it being the national carrier. They are blinded by love to all the shortcomings and heaven forbid anyone suggest improvements that should be easy for BA to implement. Instead, they choose to continually criticise a nation that is tough on crime, with no mention of the UK sending Facebook posters to prison and allowing others to roam around freely.

It’s clear that not everyone goes on holiday to learn anything. Perhaps I can inform you that there are houses being shared by more than 13 people in the capital of this country.

One could look at the UAE and be impressed by what they’ve managed to achieve and deliver in such a short space of time. They offer jobs to people who will earn more than they do in their home country. And as for slavery, I don’t think anyone is unaware about how this country got wealthy. It wasn’t by being ‘earning’ it in any clever way for commercialising any natural resource, or by making a a centre for tourism.

Successive Governments here continue to mismanage tax receipts. Major infrastructure projects are practically non-existent. How’s HS2 going? You can’t even find a clean toilet to go for a dump in ‘Great’ Britain. Personally, I admire a country that’s strict on crime and upholds basic standards like hygiene. BA hardly clean their planes, and that’s acceptable?

They are a very progressive nation. The UK & BA are a bloated, mismanaged mess.