The institutionalised deprivation & subjugation of individuals based on gender in Dubai as raised by the OP & succinctly detailed by Favor, is a serious one & impacts on all of us to some degree. As a lawyer in the Western world, I can assure you these 'values' travel with many Muslims and to a tolerated degree slip under western anti discrimination laws. It is true that many Muslim women assert a preference for subjugating lifestyles but they do so for 2 fundamental reasons. 1) it is normalised in their homes & communities from birth & 2) they are fearful of acting contrary to the 'rules' of Islam because of social consequences in this life & a condemned soul in the next. The women I have worked with really have no choice & sadly, are mostly unaware of it & therefore support it.

I stop in Dubai for a night shortly on route to Europe & have been warned not to drive and other such female prohibitions. I am NOT looking forward to my freedom being curtailed. I really resent it actually! However, the stop is useful to see the culture at grass roots & all knowledge is good, be it palatable or not. I agree with the comment by Lilla above.

What was the comment about a visa to leave? News to me & a bit disconcerting. Travel is good, but on condition one can LEAVE at will!

Will we tell Linblue that this post is three and a half years old?

Nah.

At least some are awake, if not moi