Stories about United Arab Emirates from March, 2009
UAE: Mystery installations
Samuraisam has spotted strange installations in the middle of the desert in the UAE after a closer look at Google Earth maps. Help him find out what they are.
UAE: Call for censorship feedback
A censorship watchdog is encouraging Internet users in the UAE to submit their feedback over the blocking of photo sharing site Flickr, reports the UAE Community Blog.
UAE: Will VAT be Introduced?
Will VAT be introduced in the UAE? Tune into the discussion at the UAE Community Blog.
UAE: Russian Photoblogs From Burj al-Arab
LJ user sergeydolya posts pictures and shares impressions (RUS) of his stay at Dubai's Burj al-Arab, one of the world's most expensive hotels.
UAE: Tweeting the Rain from Dubai
It's raining in Dubai and Twitter is abuzz with reactions about the unusual torrents for this time of year.
Dubai: Not a Melting Pot
Dubai, UAE, is not a melting pot, writes Tunisian blogger Subzero Blue. Click on the link to find why many expats never feel at ‘home’ in the cosmopolitan city.
UAE: YouTube Ban Possible, Goodbye Flickr
Bloggers in the UAE are worried that YouTube may be banned in the Emirates, after access to photography hosting site Flickr has been totally blocked. According to Press reports, YouTube is ranked among the top 10 most popular sites in the UAE and news about its possible censorship has sparked debate in the blogosphere.
Dubai: “Manly Women” Not Welcome
Awareness workshops are being organised to rid Dubai, UAE, from “manly women,” reports the grapeshisha blog, from the UAE.
Dubai: Dress Appropriately and Behave!
“Dubai Executive Council issued a new law prohibiting inappropriate behaviour in public places of the emirate. Such behaviour is nudity, kissing, wearing “disrespectful” clothes and even holding hands. I do respect and welcome Dubai's attempt to protecting its identity and cultural values from any western influence, but could something like...
UAE: Leaked Salaries Making the Rounds
“Salaries of journalists and employees of the popular UAE daily, The National, were leaked recently and are flowing around the web,” writes Mohammad Zaher, from Dubai, UAE, who adds: “I refuse to forward the list, or contribute to spreading it. I think we all should not forward it if we...
Arab World: Culture, Culture Everywhere
Across the Gulf various cultural festivals and literary events have been taking place in recent weeks, and in this post we hear from some of the region's bloggers who have attended them. However culture is not a politics-free zone; even a book fair or a cultural festival can be a source of tension...
Middle East: Women Looking for a Cause to Celebrate
Female bloggers from across the Middle East joined hands in marking the International Women's Day with posts reflecting on the occasion and celebrating the lives and achievements of women who have touched them. In Saudi Arabia, American Bedu admits that while many women in the kingdom may not even be...