Being gay in dubai

Before I came, I was mostly unsure of what it would be like, and how easy it would be in comparison to live in the Emirates as an openly gay man. UK expat lawyer Matthew has experienced first-hand life as a gay man in the United Arab Emirates for two years, spending six months in Dubai and 18 months in Abu Dhabi.

As many ways as there are to cultivate a thriving life as a gay person in the Emirates, it is always worth remembering that the consequences can be real and harsh. However, Matthew is quick to point out that there is a valid reason. Radiating glitz and glamour through every extravagant surface, luxury travelling hits a new peak in the United Arab Emirates.

From the dizzying heights of the ultramodern architecture to the lavish shopping throughout golden streets, there are a number of reasons to fall headfirst in love. As surprising and contradictory to what we think of the U. E that statement might be, the reality of the gay scene is even more uplifting to hear.

If there are no 'official' gay clubs, how do these nights become known? Homosexuality is illegal in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and under the federal criminal provisions, consensual same-sex sexual activity is punishable by imprisonment; extra-marital sexual activity between persons.

The Emirates crew make up many of the population, and lots of gay people come to the country this way. I have a mix of straight and gay friends here. For example, if a colleague or client asks me if I am married, I probably wouldn't jump to correct them that I'm gay.

With one club actively hosting a drag pop group and one local venue shut down, it may seem as though there is a divide. But how much is fact, and how much is fear? Social media is monitored here, so the club would be closed otherwise.

Local attitudes and laws for Gay people in Dubai Sion: So what are the local attitudes and laws towards gay people? Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people in the United Arab Emirates face discrimination and legal challenges.

Can You Be Gay : The UAE’s strict legal framework criminalises homosexuality, with punishments ranging from imprisonment and fines to deportation and, in extreme cases, the death penalty under federal laws

That closed a year ago, and since then there have been a few attempts to get somewhere else up and running but to no avail. It's not as easy to just be open here as it is in the UK. If someone were to ask then I would tell them, but as we have lots of local clients I wouldn't necessarily tell them otherwise.

However, it's not all perfect - its notoriously strict laws on homosexuality and relationships between unmarried couples make it a subject of controversy. The atmosphere is great - I don't think people are conscious of it being gay, and worried that the police may raid the venue.

Specifically, Dubai’s Penal Code, under Articleimposes imprisonment for consensual sodomy, with potential sentences of up to 10 years. The Federal Penal Code also contains provisions, such as Articlewhich criminalizes “voluntary debasement” or “indecent assault,” and can be applied to consensual same-sex sexual activity.

However, Matthew explains that this may be unnecessarily attributed to paranoia when it should simply be viewed as a respectful measure for a different culture. What is the reality of life there for someone who checks these boxes?

Some tips to stay safe can easily be found online for those in a gay or unwed couple looking to travel to countries that hold such strong laws as the United Arab Emirates, with most involving advice on how to avoid suspicion, such as booking rooms with separate beds at hotels.

LGBTQ rights in the : In , a British couple was sentenced to three months in prison for engaging in homosexual acts in public

Living as a gay man in Dubai or Abu Dhabi can be challenging. Is there a huge difference between being a gay expat in Dubai vs a tourist vs a gay local in Dubai (someone whose family has lived there for many generations). However, all of my friends here know that I am gay, and as most of them are fellow ex-pats there isn't an issue with it at all.

Personally, I don't worry about this or think it would be enforced, but you do need to be aware just to respect the culture," Matthew warns.