Dubai Questions

My friend Jenna asked some questions about Dubai; they are as follows with my answers. My time here hasn't been long yet so I will answer as best as I can! :)

1) Will you get random holidays off, like Dubai Day or Blind Camel Awareness Day?
So far, haven't seen "Blind Camel Awareness Day" listed anywhere for days off (darn!) but there probably is a "Dubai Day". Here are the days I do know about, however many of them fall on different days from year to year depending on the moon phase:
1 Jan New Year's Day.
7 Jan Ashoura.
9 Mar Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet).
20 Jul Leilat al-Meiraj (Ascension of the Prophet).
21 Sep Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).
28 Nov Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).
2 Dec National Day.
18 Dec Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year).
27 Dec Ashoura.
Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last anything from two to 10 days, depending on the region.

2) What kind of music do Dubian’s listen to? Do they like Lil Wayne?
I'm not really sure but I think most people tend to listen to what they're familiar with; or so it seems when the taxi driver has on the radio. Sometimes it seems like the oldies (80s--90s) are very popular... but who doesn't like some good oldies! I haven't taken a liking to the Arabic, Hindu, Urdu or any other weird sounds yet.

3) When you go to a bar, will you present your driver’s license, passport, or visa?
Well, I've only been to a couple bars so far and I don't recall showing any form of identification so I guess if you look old enough, you're good to go! I'm guessing a driver's license is probably sufficient though.

4) What kind of pet’s are popular? Do they have Labroador retrievers?
I've only seen 1 big dog here so far and he was all shaved except his tail; he looked kind of funny. I don't know the breed but usually would be a very furry dog. Mostly just see the small breeds which makes me sad since Rambo isn't here.

5) Are there any weird laws I should know about before I visit, specifically regarding public drunkenness and/or nudity?
Yeah, don't do either of those!!! If caught, you would definitely be locked up (scary)!! From what I hear there isn't any toleration. Here are a few things to not do:
Public displays of affection, including holding hands and kissing, are socially unacceptable and can lead to an arrest.

Prescription and over-the-counter medications are often considered illegal or a controlled substance.

If you are caught with any illegal drugs, or have the presence of illegal drugs in a blood or urine test, or even have a trace amount of drugs on your clothing, on your body, or in your luggage, you could be charged with drug possession.

Don’t drink and drive

Do not take pictures of the locals, especially women, without permission. And notice that many government buildings don’t allow photographs.

6) Is there a zoo in Dubai? How about a roller skating rink?
There is a zoo in Al Ain but I've not been yet. Marcus said it's nice because you can actually see all the animals but sad because the facilities are not as nice like we are used to (giant big green spaces to hide in). There are ice skating rinks; they are in the malls. There is a ski park, bowling, arcades with rides, movie theaters, aquarium, etc also located in the malls. Sadly, I can not locate any roller rinks.

7) What sports are popular? Rugby?
Yes, Rugby is popular; the Dubai Sevens is a huge event. Cricket, futball (or soccer) and horse racing are also very popular. I think there are some big car racing events as well.

8) Do youngsters compete in spelling bees? If so, please attend one and report back to me on how this works.
I figure so. There are many different kinds of schools here (American, British, Islamic, Indian, Japanese, etc) most of which are private schools. I would be interested in seeing a non-English spelling bee.
9) How do Dubians view Americans? Do they like us/not like us?
I think so; everyone here is very polite and nice except when driving.

10) Do they sing “happy birthday to you” on birthdays?
We were at TGI Fridays and they sang happy birthday there. Muslims don't celebrate birthdays which is a good way to stay 25! :)

11) Will you be able to go to the movies, or are they all in click clack?
Haha! I can go to the movies; there are several cinemas here but they are a little behind the states. "New in Town" just came in last week. There are several movies shown in other languages but most are in English with Arabic subtitles.

12) Will you be ten hours ahead of me, or will I be ten hours ahead of you? In other words, when we have martini/Skype sessions, which one of us will be drinking early in the morning?
Currently, we are 9 hours ahead because of day light savings time. When the time switches in the fall, we will be 10 hours ahead. Mimosas are always good for breakfast ;)

13) What side of the street do you drive on?
The right side. Unless passing, then the left. There are some people that like to pass on the shoulder though, impatient idiots.

14) What is your favorite Dubian restaurant?
There are so many American restaurants here so I've not tried anything new yet (I'm a picky eater). The KFC here doesn't serve mashed potatoes and biscuts though, so that makes me unahppy. So far my favorite is Wagamama.

15) Do they have a theater? If West Side Story were to play in Dubai, would they have to wear gangsta burkas?
There is theater but I think the concept is relatively new here like everything else. Annie is playing now and we saw Cirque du Soleil a couple weeks ago.
16) When is the Dubai Film Festival? I am asking because I would like to attend and stalk European movie stars popular in America (i.e. Orlando Bloom) and convince them to be my friend. December 9-16

17) Does the Britney Spears tour come to Dubai? If so, does she have to tone down her circus attire?
I've not heard if she's coming here but Rhianna is and they probably don't have to change anything they do.

18) Is there a Circus in Dubai? What are the requirements to become a trapeze artist? Do they offer training? Cirque du Soleil is the only one I know of. Probably many, many years of training.

19) Do you have to go on a special camel riding expedition, or can you just go out in the desert and jump on one?
I saw a lot of wild camels on the way to Al Ain; you could probably ride those if you want but it's probably safer to ride the ones on an expedition.

20) So is there really no ranch dressing in Dubai? WHY? Is it illegal? Do you think there is a secret underground society that ships ranch dressing in by the gallon and has secret meetings in which members indulge in various vegetables smothered in ranch?
Probably. I haven't looked yet but we may be able to find ranch at one of the markets since it's served in restaurants. However, I can't find the lotion I like to use. There aren't as many options available like at Wal-Mart but there still is plenty so I guess I'll just have to start trying new things.

Let us know if you have any others!