Hello
I'm stopping in Dubai for a couple of nights en route to South Africa.

According to the Dubai Customs web site Films are a banned item ie DVDs CDs etc. I will be carrying a bunch of DVDs some of which may be too racy for Arab culture - so I'm wondering if this is a strict no-no? Are the Customs inspectors really thorough and strict about rules?

Plus I will be carrying two large suitcases plus hand luggage which may appear to be a lot of luggage for a single traveler and am wondering if I may be singled out for a thorough customs inspection?

All suggestions, comments, advice welcome. Thanks in advance!!!

If you are talking of standard Hollywood movies/tv etc etc., they have all those in Dubai..... check out their dvd store in the Dubai airport, all the same stuff as you will find in say, Circuit City or Best Buy...... so, if this is what you are referring to- no problems.

AFAI remember everything goes thru the xray machine on arrival.

You might get stopped. When I moved to Dubai, I brought a heap of CDs/DVDs and was questioned. I told them it was my personal collection, I was moving here and they ok'ed it.

If it has semi naked women or men on the cover, it might get classified as illegal pron and will get confiscated, plus you'll get a long questioning! If I were you, I would err on the side of caution as it really depends on the time of day you arrive, who you get at customs, whether they are having a bad day or not etc.

I guess carrying porn would get me into serious trouble

If anything might be considered "racy" leave it at home. If those in Dubai want such, be assured they can get it someway/somehow on their own. Likewise, if these CD/DVD are for friends in SA, let them find their own somehow. Don't you be the one caught up in an uncomfortable situation.

The other CD/DVDs if considered "general viewing" for your personal use, should be okay.

If you're female, try for a male customs inspector. Always works for me. And, smile! Not too much, just enough. If you're male... you're on your own.

too funny sandi!

When we lived in Cairo, anytime I was bringing back something that I thought might cause some trouble with customs (electronic stuff or booze) - I always packed a bunch of "feminine hygiene" products on the top. If the bag was opened - it was also immediately closed!!!!

... yeh, those feminine hygiene products will do it all the time!

Thanks all for the friendly advice. I guess I will err on the side of caution.