Dubai gay scene
How can a perception of belonging be forged in a setting where one’s existence is forbidden? That is the question that LSE’s Dr Centner and his co-author Harvard’s Manoel Pereira Neto explore in their groundbreaking research into Dubai’s expatriate homosexual men’s nightlife.
But it was not an easy topic to research. Dr Centner explains: “It's an illegal, or criminalised, identity and establish of behaviours and practices, so in a very general sense, it's a taboo. And taboo subjects are very often under-researched, sometimes because people possess a hard hour gaining access, gaining that trust, but also because, even if people acquire that access, there could be significant repercussions for themselves as researchers, or for the people who are the research participants.
“As two queer researchers, we were able to enter the worlds of relatively privileged Western gay expatriates. Secrecy is often the norm, but the field was familiar to us, through previous visits and research projects.”
These were indeed ‘parties’ ...[but] not bars identified as same-sex attracted. Not a unattached venue’s webpage uses the word ‘gay’ or related euphemisms, nor do they hint at targeting
With its futuristic skyline and ambitious architectural landscape, it doesn’t grab long to see that Dubai is a city of superlatives. The biggest this. The tallest that. At times dubbed a Disneyland for adults, there’s no denying this evocative desert capital is a veritable playground, overflowing with engineering wonders, diverse cuisine and designer boutiques. Dubai’s limitless verve isn’t slated to sluggish down anytime soon—meaning there’s never been a better time to visit this multicultural mecca of design and innovation. That said, we would be remiss not to mention that homosexuality remains illegal throughout the United Arab Emirates. As a gay tourist, you are unlikely to experience any problems, provided that you avoid all public displays of affection. With that in thought, discover the best this ritzy Middle Eastern city has to offer with our definite same-sex attracted Dubai guide.
Trip Design
Where to wait in Dubai
Before booking your Dubai hotel, it’s important to contact to mind our above observe that homosexuality is illegal in the United Arab Emirates. As a result, many hotels will require gay travellers to reserve a room with two solo beds (as opposed to sharing a king or queen.
Not strictly an EK question, but does anybody who tour to Dubai regularly know where the biggest gay crowds currently exist?
RichL Sep 13, 2014 7:36 am
I don't think you'll find either queer pub or club in a Muslim country however if anyone wants to prove me wrong.
m3red Sep 13, 2014 7:40 am
Quote:There is a big scene in dubai but clearly it's not advertised.Originally Posted by RichL
I don't reflect you'll find either gay pub or club in a Muslim country however if anyone wants to prove me wrong.
It's not a thread for the ek forum either.Fantasia Club. Check their Facebook page for details.
Check the GLBT forum here, though it can be complete of drama.
I travel to the GCC 4-5 times a year, usually making a pit stop in Dubai.
The party changes every 3-4 months to avoid detection.
In the past the party used to be at the elderly Dhow Palace ( Club Submarine), this place has closed.
Fantasia is still going on I suppose, but for the most up to date facts, consult your apps.
The last day I was in Dubai the party was at Hewes Hotel, I am sure this venue has changed.
Also there is a separate scene in Abu DhabiQuote:Originally Pos
We recently saw that Dubai is due to grasp a conference on Diverse rights and to speak we were shocked would be an understatement.
We haven’t yet travelled to Dubai as a gay couple, partly because we are apprehensive to…
To investigate further we connected with Liam, a gay guy who lived in Dubai for most of his experience to learn more about the reality of existence gay in Dubai and find out what counsel he had for same-sex attracted travellers thinking about going.
We always believe it’s essential to give people a voice and to split stories of genuinely living in a country as an LGBTQ+ person.
Read our interview with Liam below to learn more about gay life and homosexual travel in Dubai:
Gay Experience in Dubai & Counsel for Gay Travel
Meet Liam
Sion: Hi Liam, please provide some background on yourself and your time living in Dubai to earn us started.
Liam: Hi, my name is Liam and I was born in 1993 in the UK however in the first 90’s my family started working in the Middle East. In 1999 they decided to move to Dubai and have been there ever since.
I lived in Dubai from age 5 to 18 when I moved to Leeds for University and since then normally visit Dubai 2-3 times a year.
G