Very interesting country of contrasts - Very interesting country of contrasts. On one hand it's a dictatorship with the government having a tight grip. There are cameras everywhere. No one criticizes the leaders, partly because they are fair and have done most things right, and partly because it's dangerous to do so. Yet everyone is free in most other respects, freer than most G7 nations (less economic slavery). Some people criticize the religious practices for women but there is no apparent oppression, people are free to choose their religion. If they choose a strict Islamic denomination, then they choose to adopt outdated practice . It's not much different than Mormons or Hutterites. Plus factors are that the streets are safe, there is no crime; the prince and other wealthy citizens have made a great effort to make Dubai and Abu Dhabi tourist destinations, duplicating interesting attractions from around the world and putting them in one place, also investing in new ideas for attractions of which some are great; I like that Dubai is very cosmopolitan like a city that belongs to the world (somewhat skewed to Indian culture) while Abu Dhabi is more traditional giving a sense of modern Arab life; locals are generally happy and hence they are less stressed and more friendly (except on the Metro), most locals can speak English (primary language is Punjabi) it's a relatively cheap place to travel if you want it to be, or, if your made of money there are lots of opportunities to let your ego loose and flaunt your wealth (expensive hotels, cars, services, not my cup of tea). Cons are that Dubai is a little India, I got tired of the smell of currie everywhere, even half of the Chinese restaurant menu items are indian dishes, you will get hassled by hawkers just like in India or Mexico; it's overcrowded, streets, public transportation and sidewalks are jammed in the central area (rush hour starts at 8 am and ends at 7 pm); attractions are far apart, it takes time to get between them.