Prostitution in the United Arab Emirates

Last updated

Prostitution in the United Arab Emirates is illegal. [1] [2] Punishments for engaging in prostitution include heavy fines and imprisonment, with foreign prostitutes typically being deported from the UAE. [3] In 2006 the UAE deported 4,300 foreign prostitutes. [4] Despite its illegality, prostitution is widespread, especially in Dubai [5] [6] and Abu Dhabi. [6] [7] The authorities generally turn a blind eye provided it is kept out of the public eye. [5]

Contents

UAE nationals are permitted a number of residence visas. These are mainly used for domestic staff, but any surplus are often sold through middlemen to prostitutes to enter and remain in the country for two years. Residence visas may change hands at upwards of £5,000. [5] And, "agents arrange for prostitutes to enter the country on a 30-day tourist visa. [5]

Although there is street prostitution, notably Hamdan Street in Abu Dhabi, [7] most prostitution takes place in the bars and nightclubs of hotels. [5] [6]

Dubai

Sex trade in Dubai has been prevalent for many years. In 1936, Sheikh Saeed's wali forced the prostitutes to get married or to leave. [8] During the 1950s and 1960s, two madams controlled the Persian prostitutes. One controlled the red-light district in Bur Dubai, the other around Nasser Square (now Baniyas Square). [8] Sheikh Rashid ordered that all the prostitutes were rounded up and deported. This caused a run on the local British bank when the women tried to draw out all their savings. [8]

Modern Dubai is one of the main centres of prostitution in the UAE and is dubbed "Sodom-sur-Mer". [5] Prostitutes frequent the bars and nightclubs in the hotels. [5] [6] Many prostitutes from poorer countries, such as Nigeria, [9] come to work in Dubai for a short while and then return home with their earnings.

Prostitution, although prohibited, is prevalent and easily accessible in Dubai. Women engaged in this business operate in brothels or massage establishments situated in the city's red-light areas. However, it is not only women, but also men who offer their services in the city. Typically, red-light districts are located in the city's more established areas, such as Deira and Bur Dubai. [10]

There are also brothels in Dubai. [8] The Cyclone, near the airport [5] was closed down in 2007 after it was featured in Vanity Fair magazine, [8] but the operation simply set up at another location. [5] Known by visitors as the "United Nations of prostitution", the club has as many as 500 prostitutes on the premises on an average night, many from China, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria and Taiwan. [11] [12]

The Cyclone appeared in the 2008 Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe film Body of Lies. [8]

Human trafficking is a problem in Dubai, [5] [6] often Chinese or other Asian criminal groups force women from India or Nepal into prostitution in UAE. [5] There are many Iranian prostitutes in Dubai and some of them stay in the city for a long time. [13] In 2014, Iranian Immigration & Passport Police Office announced that the number of Iranian prostitutes in the UAE is growing. [14]

Over the years, Dubai emerged as an influencer capital of the world, where the social media influencers used their popularity to depict the city’s extravagance. However, on the dark side of influencer marketing culture in Dubai were several influencers who had been funding their lifestyle by selling sex for thousands of pounds. Influencers get direct messages from men on Instagram, respond to them and agree to meet. Men pay them with flights, jewellery, bags and cash. Besides, interviews revealed that influencers with more followers are paid more. [15]

Sex tourism

The UAE attracts many foreign businessmen as it is gaining a reputation as the Middle East's top sex tourism destination. [16] [3] [6] [9] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] Many of them arrive regularly from the post-Soviet states, South America, Eastern Europe, East Asia, Africa, South Asia, and other states of the Middle East. [23]

Sex trafficking

In 2007, the United States State Department placed the United Arab Emirates as a "Tier 2" in its annual Trafficking in Persons reports, meaning that it does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so. [5] [24] The UAE is a destination and transit country for women subjected to sex trafficking. [25] [26] Some women, predominantly from Eastern Europe, Central Asia, South and Southeast Asia, East Africa, Iraq, Iran, and Morocco, are subjected to forced prostitution in the UAE. [25] In 2016, 22 cases related to sex trafficking were brought before the courts. [25]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Demographics of the United Arab Emirates</span>

Demographic features of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) include population density, vital statistics, immigration and emigration data, ethnicity, education levels, religions practiced, and languages spoken within the UAE.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United Arab Emirates</span> Country in West Asia

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), or simply the Emirates, is a country in West Asia, in the Middle East, at the eastern end of the Arabian Peninsula. It is a federal, elective monarchy composed of seven emirates, with Abu Dhabi as its capital. It shares land borders with Oman to the east and northwest, and with Saudi Arabia to the southwest; as well as maritime borders in the Persian Gulf with Qatar and Iran, and with Oman in the Gulf of Oman. As of 2024, the UAE has an estimated population of about 10 million, of which 11% are Emiratis; Dubai, is the most populous city, and is an international hub. Islam is the official religion and Arabic is the official language, while English is the most spoken language and the language of business.

Human Rights in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are substantially restricted. The UAE does not have democratically elected institutions and citizens don't have the right to change their government or form political parties. Activists and academics who criticize the government are detained and imprisoned, and their families are often harassed by the state security apparatus. There are reports of forced disappearances of foreign nationals and Emirati citizens, who have been abducted, detained and tortured in undisclosed locations, and denied the right to a speedy trial and access to counsel during investigations by the UAE government. Human Rights Watch states that Emirati laws maintain capital punishment and discriminate against women, migrants and LGBT individuals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBT rights in the United Arab Emirates</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in the United Arab Emirates face discrimination and legal challenges. Homosexuality is illegal in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and under the federal criminal provisions, consensual same-sex sexual activity is punishable by imprisonment; extra-marital sexual activity between persons of different sexes is also illegal. In both cases, prosecution will only be brought if a husband or male guardian of one of the participants makes a criminal complaint. The penalty is a minimum of six months imprisonment; no maximum penalty is prescribed, and the court has full discretion to impose any sentence in accordance with the country's constitution.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Prostitution in Asia</span>

The legality of prostitution in Asia varies by country. There is often a significant difference in Asia between prostitution laws and the practice of prostitution. In 2011, the Asian Commission on AIDS estimated there were 10 million sex workers in Asia and 75 million male customers.

Prostitution in Georgia is illegal but widespread, particularly in the capital, Tbilisi. Many NGO's attribute this to the harsh economic conditions according to the US State Department. Prostitution occurs on the streets, in bars, nightclubs, hotels and brothels. UNAIDS estimate there are 6,525 prostitutes in Georgia.

Prostitution in Kazakhstan is itself legal, but acts facilitating prostitution, such as operating a brothel or prostitution ring, are illegal. Forced prostitution and prostitution connected to organised crime are prohibited. Prostitution is a serious problem. NGOs reported that criminal prostitution rings often included local law enforcement officials.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Human rights in Dubai</span>

Human rights in Dubai are based on the Constitution and enacted law, which promise equitable treatment of all people, regardless of race, nationality or social status, per Article 25 of the Constitution of the United Arab Emirates. Despite this, Freedom House has stated: "Extreme forms of self-censorship are widely practiced, particularly regarding issues such as local politics, culture, religion, or any other subject the government deems politically or culturally sensitive. The Dubai Media Free Zone (DMFZ), an area in which foreign media outlets produce print and broadcast material intended for foreign audiences, is the only arena where the press operates with relative freedom."

According to Human Rights Watch, there is substantial discrimination against women in the United Arab Emirates. The status of women has improved over the years. UAE performs better on metrics of gender equality than many other states in the Gulf region, and it has been making reforms to protect women's rights and empower women in different sectors. Critics describe some of these reforms as window dressing.

Indians in the United Arab Emirates constitute the largest part of the population of the country. Over 3,860,000 Indian expats are estimated to be living in the United Arab Emirates, with over 38% of the country's total population and the fourth highest number of overseas Indians in the world, after the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia. Indian contact with the emirates that now constitute the UAE dates back several centuries, as a result of trade and commerce between the emirates and India. The UAE has experienced a tremendous increase in the population of resident Indians who initially migrated to the country as a result of opportunities in petroleum. Now, Indians are key to the UAE's construction, retail, financial services, healthcare, manufacturing and transport sectors. A sizeable minority of Indian migrants are involved in professional services and entrepreneurship. Relations between India and the UAE have traditionally been very friendly.

Prostitution is illegal in Iran, and incurs various punishments ranging from fines and jail terms to execution for repeat offenders.

Prostitution in Azerbaijan is illegal but common. Prostitution is an administrative offence and punishable by a fine. Keeping a brothel is a criminal offence and punishable by up to 6 years' imprisonment. In 2017 a draft law proposing to add heavy fines to the punishment for keeping a brothel was before the National Assembly. It has been estimated that there are 25,054 prostitutes in Azerbaijan, some of which are aged 15 to 18.

The United Arab Emirates ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol in January 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crime in the United Arab Emirates</span>

The crime rate in the United Arab Emirates is relatively low compared to more highly industrialized nations. Incidents of petty crime such as pickpocketing are low. The United States Department of State states: "Crime generally is not a problem for travelers in the UAE. However, the U.S. Embassy advises U.S. citizens to take normal precautions against theft, such as not leaving a wallet, purse, or credit card unattended. Although vehicle break-ins in the UAE are rare, U.S. citizens are encouraged to ensure that unattended vehicles are locked and that valuables are not left out in plain sight".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Israel–United Arab Emirates relations</span> Bilateral relations

Israel–United Arab Emirates relations had been jagged and fueled by mutual distrust and hatred for several decades, but in the 2010s, the countries' informal relations improved considerably and they began engaging in extensive unofficial cooperation based on their joint opposition to Iran's nuclear program and regional influence. In 2015, Israel opened an official diplomatic mission in Abu Dhabi to the International Renewable Energy Agency.

Prostitution in Bahrain is illegal but it has gained a reputation in the Middle East as major destination for sex tourism.

Migrant sex work is sex work done by migrant workers. It is significant because of its role as a dominant demographic of sex work internationally. It has common features across various contexts, such as migration from rural to urban areas and from developing to industrialized nations, and the economic factors that help to determine migrant status. Migrant sex workers have also been the subject of discussions concerning the legality of sex work, its connection to sex trafficking, and the views of national governments and non-governmental organizations about the regulation of sex work and the provision of services for victims of sex trafficking.

The legal system in the United Arab Emirates is based on civil law, and Sharia law in the personal status matters of Muslims and blood money compensation. Personal status matters of non-Muslims are based on civil law. The UAE constitution established a federal court system and allows all emirates to establish local courts systems. The emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah have local court systems, while other emirates follow the federal court system. Some financial free trade zones in Abu Dhabi and Dubai have their own legal and court systems based on English common law; local businesses in both emirates are allowed to opt-in to the jurisdiction of common law courts for business contracts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shia Islam in the United Arab Emirates</span> Islam in the United Arab Emirates

Shia Islam is practiced by a minority of Muslims in the United Arab Emirates. It is also practiced among expatriate Muslim communities living in the country, most notably Iranians, as well as some Arabs, Pakistanis, Indians, and other nationalities. Non-Twelver Shia branches such as Ismailis and the Dawoodi Bohras are also present in the UAE and account for less than 5% of the total population. Shia nationals are concentrated in the city of Dubai, belonging mostly to the latest (1920s) wave of migrants who managed to obtain citizenship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Poland–United Arab Emirates relations</span> Bilateral relations

Polish-Emirati relations are foreign relations between the Republic of Poland and the United Arab Emirates. Poland has an embassy in Abu Dhabi, and the United Arab Emirates has its counterpart in Warsaw.

References

  1. ↑ "The Legal Status of Prostitution by Country". ChartsBin. Retrieved 14 December 2017.
  2. ↑ "100 Countries and Their Prostitution Policies". Procon. Retrieved 14 December 2017.
  3. 1 2 Agarib, Amira. "UAE has strict rules against prostitution – Khaleej Times" . Retrieved 21 March 2017.
  4. ↑ Presse, France (16 March 2007). "UAE Deports 4,300 Prostitutes". Arab News. Retrieved 14 December 2017.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Butler, William (16 May 2010). "Why Dubai's Islamic austerity is a sham – sex is for sale in every bar". The Guardian . London. Retrieved 13 April 2012.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Lageman, Thessa (20 January 2016). "Dubai in United Arab Emirates a centre of human trafficking and prostitution" . Retrieved 21 March 2017– via The Sydney Morning Herald.
  7. 1 2 Dajani, Haneen Dajani; Al Subaihi (22 August 2016). "Abu Dhabi residents complain of continued harassment from 'street escorts'". The National. Retrieved 14 December 2017.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Krane, Jim (1 December 2009). Dubai: The Story of the World's Fastest City. Atlantic Books. ISBN   978-1782397601.
  9. 1 2 Banjo, Temi (27 January 2014). "Revealed: Nigerian Ladies And Prostitution In United Arab Emirates (UAE), Dubai". Nigerian Monitor. Retrieved 15 December 2017.
  10. ↑ Bajwa, Muzaffar Ahmad Noori (27 January 2023). "Prostitution in Dubai: Understanding the Dark Side of the City". The Eastern Herald. The Eastern Herald. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
  11. ↑ Chirico, Annalisa. "Prostitution as a matter of freedom" (PDF). Libera Università Internazionale degli Studi Sociali Guido Carli . Retrieved 19 July 2018.
  12. ↑ Prostitution: Ukraine's Unstoppable Export
  13. ↑ "Iranian Women and Dubai's Sex Market". IranWire | خانه. Retrieved 24 August 2019.
  14. ↑ Hamedani, Ali (9 February 2014). "BBC قصه روسپیان ایرانی در هزار و یک شب دوبی" [The story of Iranian prostitutes in Dubai one night]. BBC News (in Arabic). Retrieved 24 August 2019.
  15. ↑ "The dark side of Dubai: Instagram stars sell sex to fund lavish lifestyle". The Times. Retrieved 29 October 2022.
  16. ↑ Ditmore, Melissa Hope, ed. (2006). Encyclopedia of prostitution and sex work. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press. ISBN   978-0313329685.
  17. ↑ "Sex tourism: A billion dollar industry (Part 1) – Weekly BLiTZ". 8 October 2016. Archived from the original on 9 October 2016. Retrieved 21 March 2017.
  18. ↑ "Sex tourism: A billion dollar industry (Part 2) – Weekly BLiTZ". 16 October 2016. Archived from the original on 27 October 2016. Retrieved 21 March 2017.
  19. ↑ Choudhury, Salah Uddin Shoaib (19 August 2011). "Removing curtains of Arab harems". Weekly Blitz. Archived from the original on 13 March 2013. Retrieved 7 July 2012.
  20. ↑ "FRONTLINE/WORLD . Rough Cut . Dubai: Night Secrets – PBS". PBS . Retrieved 21 March 2017.
  21. ↑ "U.A.E.: Muslim Federation of States Is Hub of International Prostitution" . Retrieved 21 March 2017.
  22. ↑ "Local laws and customs – United Arab Emirates travel advice – Government of the United Kingdom" . Retrieved 21 March 2017.
  23. ↑ United Arab Emirates, US Department of State: Diplomacy in Action
  24. ↑ Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000: Trafficking in Persons Report 2007, U.S. State Department, June 2007
  25. 1 2 3 "United Arab Emirates 2017 Trafficking in Persons Report". United States Department of State • Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking Persons. 2017. Archived from the original on 3 July 2017. Retrieved 15 December 2017.PD-icon.svg This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain .
  26. ↑ "Is Dubai all about sex life?". The Asian Mirror. Retrieved 30 April 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.